FIM MotoGP World Championship Istanbul, Turkey April 30 Practice Times: 1. Sete GIBERNAU, Ducati, 1:54.816 2. Casey STONER, Honda, 1:55.273 3. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, 1:55.496 4. John HOPKINS, Suzuki, 1:55.553 5. Dani PEDROSA, Honda, 1:55.592 6. Marco MELANDRI, Honda, 1:55.730 7. Valentino ROSSI, Yamaha, 1:56.185 8. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, 1:56.239 9. Kenny Lee ROBERTS, Roberts/Honda, 1:56.421 10. Randy DE PUNIET, Kawasaki, 1:56.616 11. Colin EDWARDS, Yamaha, 1:56.684 12. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 1:56.930 13. Nicky HAYDEN, Honda, 1:56.977 14. Shinya NAKANO, Kawasaki, 1:57.031 15. James ELLISON, Yamaha, 1:58.195 16. Chris VERMEULEN, Suzuki, 1:58.332 17. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, 1:58.343 18. Alex HOFMANN, Ducati, 1:58.438 19. Jose Luis CARDOSO, Ducati, 1:58.626

James Haydon starts tomorrow’s Bank Holiday Monday double header fourth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship from fourth on the front row of the grid with his Rizla Suzuki team mate Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne heading up the second row in fifth. Consistently in the top four throughout practice, James kept his cool during qualification and earned Rizla Suzuki its first front row start of the 2006 season. Byrne posted the fastest lap times in the previous two practice sessions but missed out in qualification when he crashed out at high speed at Cascades with nine minutes to go. He was unable to rejoin and his best lap time placed him fifth on the grid. Superbike racing starts at 14:00 tomorrow at the picturesque 2.69-mile long Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire. James Haydon: “A big thank you to my Rizla Suzuki technicians for improving my bike so much over the course of the weekend. They have worked wonders and I am happier now than ever before on the GSX-R1000. “I recorded my fastest ever laps of Oulton Park on race and qualifying tyres today. I now have to go out and get results tomorrow.” Shakey Byrne: “I am disappointed to end up fifth in qualification but today has been a trying day for me. I woke up this morning feeling terrible with the flu and have been visiting the medical centre to take a saline drip to keep hydrated. I then crashed in qualification and I’m sure I’ll be stiff later on. “Overall my feeling on the bike is real positive and I like Oulton Park. There are no points awarded today but tomorrow is when it counts and hopefully I’ll be feeling better for the races.” Niall Mackenzie – Race Operations Manager: “It has been Rizla Suzuki’s best qualification session of the year so far and it’s brilliant to be fighting for the front row positions. It’s exactly where the team deserves to be. “James has put in a lot of hard graft on his bike and got his just rewards. He is comfortable on his GSX-R1000 and looking every bit a podium contender. “Shakey on race rubber is lightning quick and on form should have been going for pole position but his challenge was cut short by a crash. Fifth is a strong second row start and if he can shift the flu bug then we can expect him to be fighting at the front tomorrow.” Qualification: 1: Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:35.120, 2: Karl Harris (Honda) +0.349, 3: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.370, 4: James Haydon (Rizla Suzuki) +0.521, 5: Shane Byrne (Rizla Suzuki) +0.903, 6: Michael Rutter (Honda) +1.046, 7: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +1.059, 8: Dean Thomas (Kawasaki) +1.559, 9: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +1.568, 10: Glen Richards (Honda) +1.588.

AMA Supersport Championship leader Roger Hayden will not attempt to race this weekend at California Speedway. Hayden broke his right tibia and fibula and dislocated his right foot in a crash during the AMA Superbike race April 23 at Barber Motorsports Park, after he won the second AMA Supersport race of the season and extended his Championship points lead. He had surgery at the hands of Dr. Arthur Ting to screw and plate the fractures back together April 24 and immediately began working toward racing at California Speedway with a goal of at least riding around to salvage some Championship points from the event. In the end, however, Hayden chose not to try and race. “I’m done,” Hayden told Roadracingworld.com Saturday evening in the paddock of California Speedway. “I knew it was going to be a long shot to ride this week, but I just wanted to keep trying and not give up until the last minute. Now, we’ve reached the last minute, and it just can’t be done. “Safety, that’s the main reason. The breaks aren’t my problem, because they’re screwed together, but the ligaments are messed up. The doctor said I risked never being able to move my ankle again, which would mean I wouldn’t be able to get my knee down. So it’s just not worth that risk at 22 years old. So I have to sit this one out. “It’s really unfortunate for me and my guys, especially because we were making a big run at Supersport. It would’ve been a lot of fun racing Jamie (Hacking). It was gonna be a good series, but now it’s going to be a lot harder, if not impossible (to win the Championship). But you can never give up, and hopefully I can ride at Sears Point (Infineon Raceway), that’s what I’m going to try and get ready for now. “It’s just a bummer for it to happen the second race of the season, but that’s racing. I can’t sit around and piss and moan. All I can do is work to get better and stronger and come back ready to go and see what happens. It could always be worse, that’s the way I look at it.”

Yamaha’s Eric Bostrom took his first race win of the season in Saturday’s 17-lap AMA Formula Xtreme final at California Speedway, in Fontana, California. Bostrom narrowly avoided a collision with Erion Honda’s Josh Hayes going into the first corner and from there had clear sailing to the checkered flag. Turning lap times faster than his qualifying time, Bostrom rode his YZF-R6 to a 7.991-second margin of victory. As they did at Barber Motorsports Park last week, Hayes and Bostrom’s teammate Jason DiSalvo, the pole-sitter, had an entertaining back-and-forth battle for position. The battling, however, helped Bostrom get away. DiSalvo was finally able to get away from Hayes when Hayes got into a massive tank slapper on the infield straightaway mid-race. DiSalvo, however, was unable to make up any ground on Bostrom and finished second. Hayes held on for a lonely third. Hayes’ teammate Aaron Gobert fought off Danny Eslick all race to finish fourth. Matsushima Performance Suzuki’s Eslick placed fifth. Rockwall Honda’s Ryan Andrews and Ty Howard, Eslick’s teammate Blake Young, Moore Power Racing’s Nicky Moore and Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Kurtis Roberts filled the rest of the top 10 places. Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 29 Provisional Race Results: 1. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 17 laps 2. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), -7.991 seconds 3. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), -12.161 seconds 4. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), -16.855 seconds 5. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), -17.466 seconds 6. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), -31.253 seconds 7. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), -36.967 seconds 8. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), -39.370 seconds 9. Nicky Moore (Yam YZF-R6), -50.394 seconds 10. Kurtis Roberts (Suz GSX-R600), -52.745 seconds 11. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), -64.412 seconds 12. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR), -64.547 seconds 13. Chris “Opie” Caylor (Suz GSX-R600), -78.687 seconds 14. Grant Riggs (Suz GSX-R600), -79.071 seconds 15. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), -81.117 seconds 16. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-6RR), -88.986 seconds 17. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), -1 lap 18. M. Ivan Garza (Kaw ZX-6RR), -1 lap, 27.244 seconds 19. James Kerker (Hon CBR600RR), -4 laps 20. Kenny Carlotta (Suz GSX-R600), -14 laps Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Point Standings (after 3 of 12 events): 1. DiSalvo, 100 points 2. Hayes, 93 points 3. Gobert, 79 points 4. Bostrom, 73 points 5. Young, 67 points 6. Elleby, 60 points 7. Meiring, 55 points 8. Eslick, 52 points 9. Roberts, 50 points 10. Andrews, 49 points More, from a press release issued by M4 EMGO Suzuki: BARNES ON SUPERSPORT FRONT ROW AT FONTANA Team M4 EMGO Suzuki picked up a front row grid position and a top-ten race result on Saturday at California Speedway. Carrying in the momentum of last weekend’s double podium performance in Alabama, the squad has continued to regularly challenge at the top of the charts. Michael Barnes impressed once again aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600 Supersport machine on Saturday. After posting the fastest time in the class during Friday’s free practice, the Floridian proved that he could post hot laps in qualifying as well, claiming a spot on the front row for Sunday’s 17-lap final. Barnes clocked the third best time of the session with a fast lap of 1: 26.959. Geoff May shot out of the blocks on Saturday morning. The Georgian battled for the top spot on the timing sheets in the Superstock and Supersport practice sessions, posting the second best time (1:25.438) in the big-bore class and the third best time (1: 27.227) in the middleweight class. May went on to post solid times in the afternoon qualifying sessions as well, despite a spike in the track surface temperature. Geoff will look to rejoin the fight for first place in tomorrow’s finals. He’ll start the Supersport race from the second row, qualifying sixth fastest with a lap of 1: 27.357. He’ll open the Superstock final from the third row, qualifying in tenth at 1:26.183. May said, “We’re trying to run down these factory guys and they’re going so fast. It’s hard work but we keep inching up on them every weekend and we continue to make progress. A lot of that has to do with Pirelli’s tire development because of all the work we did at the beginning of last year, sorting out a lot of stuff: the profile, the shape, the carcass, the compounds. Everything is different this year because of what we figured out last year. We’re really reaping the benefits from last year now.” After picking up a podium result in his first ride aboard the team’s FX machine, two-time class champion Kurtis Roberts put in a hard day’s work in Saturday’s 17-lap affair. Despite a small technical problem, Roberts still managed to finish in the tenth position even though an abrupt change in weather conditions left the team with a less than ideal tire situation. Developmental rider Shea Fouchek qualified in 18th for the Supersport race with a quick time of 1:31.120. The former motocrosser hopes to fare better in the race after lapping considerably quicker during the free practice. During the morning session he ranked 14th overall with a lap time of 1: 30.510. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki has big expectations for Sunday’s Superstock and Supersport finals where the squad should be in contention to add to their 2006 trophy haul.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies won his third consecutive AMA Superbike race and extended his Championship points lead at California Speedway, in Fontana, California, Saturday. Spies took the holeshot and the early lead only to drop back to fourth when he ran off track on the opening lap. The young Texan recovered well and quickly moved back up to second place behind Mat Mladin, who led the first 14 laps. At the halfway point, Mladin slowed on the front straightaway and purposely allowed Spies to take the lead. Some slower riders helped Spies gain a 0.7-second advantage immediately, but on the next lap Mladin suffered a big front tire slide that resulted in Spies gaining a 2.7-second lead. Mladin continued to struggle with front tire grip, and Spies pulled away to win the race by nearly seven seconds. Mladin held on to place second. American Honda’s Jake Zemke passed Aaron Yates early in the race and went on to take his second podium in as many weeks. Yates, the third Yoshimura Suzuki rider lost rear side grip as the race went on but held on to fourth, just in front a charging Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Neil Hodgson, who was 12th on the first lap. Zemke’s teammate Miguel Duhamel (sixth), Hodgson’s teammate Ben Bostrom (seventh), Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden (eighth), Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore (ninth) and Leo Vince/Pegram Racing Honda’s Larry Pegram (10th) rounded out the top 10 finshers. AMA Superbike Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 29 Provisional Results: 1. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 28 laps 2. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), -6.973 seconds 3. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), -11.193 seconds 4. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), -19.793 seconds 5. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), -20.806 seconds 6. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), -22.751 seconds 7. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), -23.355 seconds 8. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), -29.305 seconds 9. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), -51.759 seconds 10. Larry Pegram (Hon CBR1000RR), -51.800 seconds 11. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), -57.947 seconds 12. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), -67.860 seconds 13. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), -80.623 seconds 14. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), -81.297 seconds 15. Doug Chandler (Kaw ZX-10R), -82.131 seconds 16. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1), -1 lap 17. Mark Ledesma (Hon CBR1000RR), -1 lap, -15.854 seconds 18. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), -1 lap, -20.178 seconds 19. Martin Szwarc (Suz GSX-R1000), -1 lap, -53.862 seconds 20. David Bell (Suz GSX-R1000), -1 lap, -64.862 seconds 21. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R), -1 lap, -64.942 seconds 22. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), -3 laps, crash 23. Corey Eaton (Suz GSX-R1000), -13 laps 24. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), -17 laps AMA Superbike Championship Point Standings (after 4 of 19 races): 1. Spies, 145 points 2. Mladin, 131 points 3. Duhamel, 113 points 4. Hodgson, 104 points 5. Yates, 103 points 6. Tommy Hayden, 99 points 7. Ben Bostrom, 95 points 8. Pridmore, 86 points 9. Zemke, 81 points 10. Pegram, 72 points 11. Wood, 67 points 12. Holden, 65 points 13. Rapp, 58 points 14. Curtis, 46 points 15. Hendry, 44 points More, from a press release issued on behalf of Yoshimura Suzuki: Yoshimura Suzuki First & Second at California Speedway’s Saturday Superbike Race –Next round, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., May 19 -21, 2006– Round 3 – AMA Superbike Series Fontana, CA California Speedway April 28 – 30, 2006 Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies won his third consecutive AMA Superbike race in the first of the weekend’s two Superbike races at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., on Saturday afternoon. Teammates Mat Mladin and Aaron Yates finished a close second and fourth, respectively. “I really want to thank my Yoshimura Suzuki crew because they’ve got my Suzuki GSX-R1000 running great,” said Spies. “I’d also like to thank all the Southern California fans for coming out today and I hope to see everyone again tomorrow.” Earlier in the afternoon, Spies captured his second career AMA Superbike pole position by posting a track record-breaking lap time of 1:22.939. “We did a 23.3 (lap time) yesterday and I felt like we could do a 22.9,” said Spies afterward. “We knew the race pace was going to be quick at the beginning and we’ve found a race set-up that we like on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000.” Teammate Mladin, who set the pole position at the Fontana race last year, qualified in the second spot on the grid with a 1:23.287. Yates joined his teammates on the front row in fourth position with a fastest lap of 1:24.118. In the 28-lap race, Spies got out front immediately but then made a mistake and moved back to fourth place on lap one. Even so, the young Texan quickly worked his way up into second place for several laps before taking the lead. “I got a really good start, but then I ran wide,” said Spies. “I don’t know what happened. I lost my rear going into the last corner and came out fourth. I worked my way up and ran back up on Mat. I was ready for a big duel at the end of the race but I could tell that he was having some sort of problems. I’m sure he’ll get that ironed out. I have to thank my crew for putting a good bike like the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 under me.” Mladin, meanwhile, had taken advantage of Spies’ running wide at the start and took the lead for the first half of the race. When Spies passed him, however, he settled into second position until the checkers. “We had a couple of problems today,” acknowledged Mladin. “We probably chose the wrong tire and we went backward halfway through the race, but that’s the way it goes. We’ll come back tomorrow, pick something different and go from there.” At the start, Yates got out with Spies and Mladin but had a few problems and faded back to fourth by the end of the race. “We got fourth place today and so we got some points in the championship,” said Yates. “But we’re going to make a few changes to the bike tonight and we’ll be better tomorrow.” Mat Mladin, Team Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000, #1 2nd Place – AMA Superbike 2nd Place — Overall Aaron Yates, Team Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000, #20 4th Place – AMA Superbike 5th Place — Overall Ben Spies, Team Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000, #11 1st Place – AMA Superbike 1st Place — Overall AMA Superbike Top 10 Finishers: 1. Ben Spies, Team Yoshimura Suzuki 2. Mat Mladin, Team Yoshimura Suzuki 3. Jake Zemke, Honda 4. Aaron Yates, Team Yoshimura Suzuki 5. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 6. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 7. Ben Bostrom, Ducati 8. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 9. Jason Pridmore, Jordan Suzuki 10. Larry Pegram, Honda More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati: Saturday Apr 29 2006 Fontana – Race HODGSON EARNS TOP FIVE FINISH WITH FONTANA CHARGE Fontana (California) 29 April 2006: Parts Unlimited Ducati pilot Neil Hodgson finished fifth in Saturday’s AMA Superbike race at California Speedway. Hodgson had difficulties on the start and dropped back to 12th place, but made a spectacular charge through the field on his Ducati 999, climbing to fifth place and turning some impressive lap times in the process. Hodgson caught and passed several factory bikes that were locked in a battle for the last spot in the top five for the entire race. “It was quite a good race, really, coming through the field,” said Neil. “On the start, everything went wrong for the first three or four corners. I got wide and three or four privateers came past me. When you’re well back, you take a deep breath and get some laps in. You put your head down. It was a quick race for me, really.” Hodgson took fifth place and made a bid to get fourth position, closing in before the checkered flag ended the race and his spirited charge. “It was difficult to get past Ben and Miguel Duhamel. They were both riding well and braking very deep in the corners. Late in the race when I was able to get past them was the only time I really had some clear track all day. Tomorrow, we’ll fine tune the settings and hope for a better start.” Ben Bostrom finished seventh after running fifth much of the day. Late in the race, he had a grip issue which hindered his result. “The bike is a lot of fun to ride. There aren’t many motorcycles you can back into a corner at 180 miles an hour and be really comfortable. This is one of them. The bike’s amazing. We just lacked some grip. We’ve got some changes for tomorrow that should be able to make a difference.” Tomorrow’s 28-lap race begins at 3 PM local time. Results: 1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 3. Jake Zemke, Honda 4. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 5. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 6. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 7. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 8. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki 10. Larry Pegram, Honda Points (after four races): 1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 145 2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 131 3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 113 4. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 104 5. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 103 6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 99 7. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 95 8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki 86 9. Jake Zemke, Honda 81 10. Larry Pegram, Honda 72

Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking rode his Dunlop-equipped YZF-R6 to his first AMA Supersport pole position of the season today at California Speedway with a new lap record time of 1:26.362, bettering Tommy Hayden’s 2005 lap record of 1:26.672. Riding a Dunlop-sponsored Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R600, Ben Spies turned the second-fastest time, 1:26.833, with about seven minutes left in the session, before pulling into the pits to prepare for Saturday’s AMA Superbike race, which was scheduled to start immediately after Supersport qualifying. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Michael Barnes displayed what he called “desire” by recording the third-fastest time, 1:26.958, on his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600. The California Speedway event is only Barnes’ second outing since suffering a serious knee injury in a crash at Daytona in March. The fourth-spot on the front row went to Canadian rider Chris Peris, who turned a 1:27.029 on his Topline Printing Yamaha Canada YZF-R6. A regular on the FIM Supersport World Championship series, Peris is making his first AMA appearance of 2006. He started the weekend on Pirelli tires, which he uses in the Supersport World Championship, but switched to Dunlop tires Saturday morning due to a “communication problem,” he said. AMA Supersport Championship leader Roger Hayden, who suffered a double fracture and dislocation of his lower right leg a week ago at Barber Motorsports Park and had surgery to repair the damage earlier this week, did not ride during practice or qualifying at California Speedway. Hayden told Roadracingworld.com that he will start Sunday’s Supersport race because he doesn’t want to risk a long-term disability or putting other riders in danger. Pro Honda Oils AMA Supersport Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 29 Qualifying Results: 1. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R6), 1:26.362 2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R600), 1:26.833 3. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:26.959 4. Chris Peris (Yam YZF-R6), 1:27.028 5. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:27.264 6. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.357 7. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.493 8. Damon Buckmaster (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:27.508 9. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.549 10. Chris Siglin (Suz GSX-R600), 1:29.223 11. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.369 12. Jeff Tigert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:29.500 13. Chris “Opie” Caylor (Suz GSX-R600), 1:29.543 14. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR), 1:29.756 15. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), 1:29.905 16. Nicky Moore (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.250 17. Tristan Schoenewald (Suz GSX-R600), 1:30.465 18. Shea Fouchek (suz GSX-R600), 1:31.120 19. Barrett Long (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.157 20. Grant Riggs (uz GSX-R600), 1:31.356 21. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.362 22. Jon Blaylock (Hon CBR600RR), 1:31.430 23. Jimmy Wood (Kaw Z-6RR), 1:31.633 24. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:32.252 25. Kenny Carlotta (Suz GSX-R600), 1:32.568 26. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:32.715 27. Jeremiah Johnson (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.108 28. Ryan Teixeira (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:33.264 29. Andrew Brown (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.724 30. David Glenn (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.787 31. Chris Siebenhaar (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.836 32. Spencer Stuart (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.869 33. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.988 34. Ivan Garza (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:34.064 35. Morgan Murphy (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.191 36. Matt Eccleston (Yam YZF-R6), 1:34.773 110% of Fast Time: 1:34.998 Did Not Qualify: 37. Craig Mason (Yam YZF-R6), 1:39.030 38. J.C. Gibbs (Yam YZF-R6), 1:40.516 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: BARNES ON SUPERSPORT FRONT ROW AT FONTANA Team M4 EMGO Suzuki picked up a front row grid position and a top-ten race result on Saturday at California Speedway. Carrying in the momentum of last weekend’s double podium performance in Alabama, the squad has continued to regularly challenge at the top of the charts. Michael Barnes impressed once again aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600 Supersport machine on Saturday. After posting the fastest time in the class during Friday’s free practice, the Floridian proved that he could post hot laps in qualifying as well, claiming a spot on the front row for Sunday’s 17-lap final. Barnes clocked the third best time of the session with a fast lap of 1:26.959. Geoff May shot out of the blocks on Saturday morning. The Georgian battled for the top spot on the timing sheets in the Superstock and Supersport practice sessions, posting the second best time (1:25.438) in the big-bore class and the third best time (1:27.227) in the middleweight class. May went on to post solid times in the afternoon qualifying sessions as well, despite a spike in the track surface temperature. Geoff will look to rejoin the fight for first place in tomorrow’s finals. He’ll start the Supersport race from the second row, qualifying sixth fastest with a lap of 1:27.357. He’ll open the Superstock final from the third row, qualifying in tenth at 1:26.183. May said, “We’re trying to run down these factory guys and they’re going so fast. It’s hard work but we keep inching up on them every weekend and we continue to make progress. A lot of that has to do with Pirelli’s tire development because of all the work we did at the beginning of last year, sorting out a lot of stuff: the profile, the shape, the carcass, the compounds. Everything is different this year because of what we figured out last year. We’re really reaping the benefits from last year now.” After picking up a podium result in his first ride aboard the team’s FX machine, two-time class champion Kurtis Roberts put in a hard day’s work in Saturday’s 17-lap affair. Despite a small technical problem, Roberts still managed to finish in the tenth position even though an abrupt change in weather conditions left the team with a less than ideal tire situation. Developmental rider Shea Fouchek qualified in 18th for the Supersport race with a quick time of 1:31.120. The former motocrosser hopes to fare better in the race after lapping considerably quicker during the free practice. During the morning session he ranked 14th overall with a lap time of 1:30.510. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki has big expectations for Sunday’s Superstock and Supersport finals where the squad should be in contention to add to their 2006 trophy haul.

Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo took his 11th consecutive AMA Superstock pole position Saturday at California Speedway, in Fontana, California. Riding his YZF-R1 LE with a rear Dunlop qualifying tire, DiSalvo carved the 2.3-mile, 21-turn infield road course in 1:24.028, beating his own lap record of 1:24.688 from 2005. The fastest qualifier until DiSalvo’s late quick lap, defending AMA Superstock Champion Aaron Yates, ended up second-fastest with a time of 1:24.470 on his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. The surprise of the session was the third-fastest lap of young Jake Holden, the junior member of the three-rider Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki team. Holden, who said he is starting to get used to riding on Dunlop tires and working with his Crew Chief James Compton, turned a lap of 1:24.874 with help from his Dunlop qualifying tire. The final spot on the front row was taken by DiSalvo’s teammate Jamie Hacking, who, in spite of an injury-free lowside crash on his second of two Dunlop qualifying tires, turned a fourth-fastest 1:25.091. Row two starters for Sunday’s 17-lap Superstock final will be: Attack Kawasaki’s Damon Buckmaster (1:25.319), Holden’s teammate Steve Rapp (1:25.748), Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Aaron Gobert (1:25.937) and Eric Bostrom (1:26.035), the third Graves Motorsports Yamaha rider. Repsol Lubricants AMA Superstock Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 29 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R1 LE) 1:24.028 2. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:24.470 3. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:24.874 4. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R1 LE) 1:25.091 5. Damon Buckmaster (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:25.319 6. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:25.748 7. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:25.937 8. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R1 LE) 1:26.035 9. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.061 10. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.183 11. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:26.363 12. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.445 13. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:26.621 14. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.636 15. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.809 16. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:27.336 17. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 1:27.378 18. Ben Thompson (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:27.462 19. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:27.608 20. Martin Szwarc (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:28.816 21. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:28.882 22. Jay Tanner (Yam YZF-R1) 1:29.610 23. Corey Eaton (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:29.665 24. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:29.903 25. Ricardo Sune Falcon (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:30.830 26. Premek Glinz (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:30.895 27. Reno Karimian (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.007 28. Lance Willliams (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.458 29. Mark Simon (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.778 30. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:31.888 31. Chris Weiss (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.908 32. C.R. Gittere (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.915 33. Tim Knutson (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:32.144 Required qualifying time 1:32.431 (110% of pole time) Did Not Qualify 34. Brad Puetz (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:32.433 35. Sahar Zvik (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:32.861 36. Johnny Rock Page (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:33.245 37. Marcel Graeber (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:34.311

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies earned his second consecutive AMA Superbike pole position during final qualifying Saturday morning at California Speedway, in Fontana, California. Riding his Tom Houseworth-tuned GSX-R1000 with a rear Dunlop qualifying tire, Spies’ lapped the 2.3-mile, 21-turn infield road course in 1:22.939, faster than the 1:23.374 he did during qualifying Friday and another new lap record. Spies’ teammate Mat Mladin, the six-time and defending AMA Superbike Champion, improved on his qualifying time Saturday, 1:23.287 versus 1:23.613 on Friday, but was unable to go faster than Spies due in part to a mistake he said he made on his fastest lap. The 1:23.956 Jake Zemke turned on his American Honda CBR1000RR during Friday afternoon’s qualifying session held up for the third-fastest time and Zemke’s first front row qualifying effort since 2005. Aaron Yates, the third Yoshimura Suzuki rider, earned the final spot on the front row with a 1:24.118 in Saturday’s qualifying session. Row two of the grid for both Superbike races at California Speedway will include: Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Neil Hodgson (1:24.321), Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden (1:24.417), Zemke’s teammate Miguel Duhamel (1:24.430) and Hodgson’s teammate Ben Bostrom (1:24.514). The highest non-factory and non-Dunlop qualifier was Leo Vince/Pegram Racing Honda’s Larry Pegram, who turned a ninth-fastest 1:25.118 on his Michelin-shod CBR1000RR. Of the 33 riders who attempted to qualify for the AMA Superbike races at California Speedway, only 25 turned a lap time within 108% of Spies’ pole position time, the qualifying cut-off. AMA Superbike Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 29 Final Qualifying Results: 1. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:22.939 2. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:23.287 3. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:23.957 4. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:24.118 5. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06) 1:24.321 6. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:24.417 7. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:24.430 8. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06) 1:24.514 9. Larry Pegram (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:25.118 10. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:25.270 11. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:25.421 12. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:25.477 13. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:25.600 14. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.064 15. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.250 16. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:26.845 17. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 1:27.052 18. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:27.079 19. Doug Chandler (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:27.170 20. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:27.239 21. Mark Ledesma (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:27.780 22. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:28.856 23. David Bell (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:29.138 24. Martin Szwarc (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:29.319 25. Corey Eaton (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:29.536 108% of Fast Time: 1:29.574 Did Not Qualify: 26. Mark Simon (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:30.535 27. Marco Martinez (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:30.601 28. Reno Karimian (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.137 29. C.R. Gittere (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:31.556 30. James Kerker (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:32.065 31. Ricardo Sune Falcon (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:32.376 32. David Lambert (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:32.455 33. Johnny Rock Page (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:33.441

Pro Honda Oils AMA Supersport Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 29 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R6) 1:26.773 2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R600) 1:26.984 3. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R600) 1:27.227 4. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600) 1:27.285 5. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:27.537 6. Chris Peris (Yam YZF-R6) 1:28.063 7. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600) 1:28.333 8. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6) 1:29.201 9. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600) 1:29.601 10. Chris Siglin (Suz GSX-R600) 1:29.893 11. Nicky Moore (Yam YZF-R6) 1:29.912 12. Damon Buckmaster (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:30.208 13. Chris “Opie” Caylor (Suz GSX-R600) 1:30.425 14. Shea Fouchek (Suz GSX-R600) 1:30.510 15. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR) 1:30.511 16. Jim Wood (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:30.801 17. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600) 1:30.894 18. Barrett Long (Yam YZF-R6) 1:30.934 19. Tristan Shoenewald (Hon CBR600RR) 1:30.953 20. Jeffrey Tigert (Hon CBR600RR) 1:31.313 21. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 1:31.676 22. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:31.763 23. Grant Riggs (Suz GSX-R600) 1:31.957 24. Jon Blaylock (Hon CBR600RR) 1:32.142 25. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:32.497 26. Kenny Carlotta (Suz GSX-R600) 1:32.867 27. Andrew Brown (Yam YZF-R6) 1:33.754 28. M. Ivan Garza (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:33.824 29. Ryan Teixeira (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:34.055 30. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6) 1:34.413 31. David Glenn (Suz GSX-R600) 1:34.624 32. Spencer Stuart (Yam YZF-R6) 1:34.690 33. Chris Siebenharr (Hon CBR600RR) 1:34.704 34. Jeremiah Johnson (Suz GSX-R600) 1:35.018 35. Morgan Murphy (Suz GSX-R600) 1:35.044 36. Matt Eccleston (Yam YZF-R6) 1:35.354 37. Craig Mason (Yam YZF-R6) 1:38.048 38. J.C. Gibbs (Yam YZF-R6) 1:41.479

Rizla Suzuki’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne was fastest in today’s practice sessions for the fourth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park with team mate James Haydon close behind in fourth place. Coming off the back of a successful test at the 2.69-mile-long Cheshire track last week when Shakey led the way, the 29-year-old started where he left off and was not going to be beaten today. In bright sunshine Haydon built up his pace in both 50-minute long practice sessions and ended up fourth just a quarter of a second behind his team mate. Superbike racing starts at 14:00 on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1st at Oulton Park in Cheshire. Shakey Byrne: “It’s great to be at the sharp end of the timesheets we are still learning more about the Rizla Suzuki and getting quicker with every session. “I made a change to the rear suspension on my bike with only a few minutes to go and I thought it made another improvement. That will be my starting point for practice and qualifying tomorrow. With a bit of luck we can keep this momentum going through the races on Monday.” James Haydon: “After two tough race meetings it feels really good to be so close to the top of the time sheets. Our test here last week has given us a lot to work with and that, combined with all the work the team has been doing, is showing some promising results. “I am comfortable on the bike and made some minor changes through the day. I then sat down with my crew and we discussed a plan we think will cut the lap times further tomorrow. It’s been a good first day for me and the team.” Niall Mackenzie – Race Operations Manager: “The improvement in performance started at the last round at Thruxton when Shakey had two dry races where he had to try hard and fight through the traffic. He was able to push the GSX-R1000 further than ever before and has given valuable feedback to his mechanics to help further develop the bike. “We enjoyed a successful test here a week ago with both riders. We have come here with a clear plan of action and so far it’s working. “Dunlop supplied the team with some new tyres this weekend and both riders found them to be an advantage. They recorded their fastest lap times on tyres that will last race distance, so all-in-all we are in good shape at the end of practice day.” Practice Times: 1: Shane Byrne (Rizla Suzuki) 1:36.543, 2: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.008, 3: Karl Harris (Honda) +0.046, 4: James Haydon (Rizla Suzuki) +0.253, 5: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.717, 6: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +0.810, 7: Michael Rutter (Honda) +0.920, 8: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.974, 9: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +1.069, 10: Dean Thomas (Kawasaki) +1.328.