FIM 125cc GP World Championship Losail International Circuit, Qatar April 6 Thursday Morning Practice Times: 1. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Aprilia, 2:09.646 2. Sergio GADEA, Aprilia, 2:09.746 3. Lukas PESEK, Derbi, 2:09.845 4. Gabor TALMACSI, Honda, 2:09.886 5. Mattia PASINI, Aprilia, 2:10.093 6. Hector FAUBEL, Aprilia, 2:10.151 7. Julian SIMON, KTM, 2:10.290 8. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 2:10.796 9. Federico SANDI, Aprilia, 2:10.968 10. Thomas LUTHI, Honda, 2:11.111
Racer Darren Danilowicz married CCS official Jennifer Synder February 14, in Dillon, South Carolina. The couple met at VIR three years ago.
KAWASAKI FACE TOUGH TEST IN QATAR HEAT After the thrills and spills of the opening race in Jerez, the Kawasaki Racing Team arrive in the blistering heat of the Middle East this week for the first of three consecutive overseas races, starting with the Grand Prix of Qatar on Saturday 8th April. Last year’s race at the Losail International circuit saw temperatures rise to over 40 degrees C on race day. This year the MotoGP riders won’t face the same extremes of heat, as the date of the race has been moved from October to April, when temperatures are predicted to be ten degrees cooler. Shinya Nakano arrives in Qatar determined to build upon his strong seventh place finish in the season opener at Jerez two weeks ago. The 28-year-old Kawasaki rider finished seventh in the Grand Prix of Qatar last season, but is confident that the combination of the new Ninja ZX-RR and the cooler track conditions mean a top five finish is a realistic target this time around. Nakano will make good use this weekend of data collected by Kawasaki’s test and development rider, Olivier Jacque, who has already completed two development tests at the Losail International circuit this year. Nakano’s Kawasaki teammate, Randy de Puniet, arrives in Qatar aiming to finish in Saturday’s 22-lap race, after being forced to retire from the opening race of the season due to an injury sustained when he highsided his Ninja ZX-RR during morning warm up at Jerez. Despite treatment to the injury at home in France, de Puniet has not yet recovered full strength in his hand, but is confident that it will not prove a handicap this weekend. The 25-year-old Frenchman has shown promising form during pre-season testing, and with his eighth place qualifying position for the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago, but de Puniet knows that these performances count for nothing if they are not converted into results come race day. The 5.38 km Losail circuit presents some unique problems for the MotoGP riders during free practice, when sand blown across the track from the surrounding desert makes grip unpredictable. As practice continues, and more rubber is laid on the circuit, lap times invariably improve, but the slightest wind can quickly cover the track with a new layer of sand, catching riders unaware. With its many twists and turns the Losail circuit demands a well-balanced bike that is capable of quick changes of direction. Based on feedback from Nakano and de Puniet during pre-season testing, the all-new Ninja ZX-RR should suit very well the characteristics of the Losail circuit. Shinya Nakano: “Because we are racing here earlier than last year, the conditions are definitely a little bit cooler, and that should benefit everyone. I like this track and we arrive in Qatar well prepared for the weekend. We have the data from Olivier Jacque’s two tests here earlier in the year, and we have already tested potential race tyres for this circuit during our post race test in Jerez. Tyres are critical here, and I think our Bridgestone tyres may offer something of an advantage this weekend. This is also a good circuit for our Ninja ZX-RR, as you need a bike that handles well. For sure the straight is long, but we’ve had good speed here in the past, so I don’t think it will be an issue. I feel confident that we can end up with a strong finish in Saturday’s race.” Randy de Puniet: “For me, the most important thing this weekend is to finish the race. I like this track; it’s very technical and I think that this suits the characteristics of the Ninja ZX-RR. I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead, and I hope that we can carry on the momentum we had before my crash during morning warm-up at Jerez. While the hand I injured in the crash has not recovered completely, it is a lot better now. I guess I won’t know how much better until I get on the bike tomorrow, but I’m confident it won’t cause me any problems this weekend.” More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications: After a thrilling season-opener in Jerez, the MotoGP teams arrived at the Losail Circuit today for this weekend’s Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, the second race of the MotoGP World Championship 2006. With the race taking place on Saturday, the usual schedule for a race weekend has been moved forward by a day. This means that free practice sessions start as of tomorrow (Thursday), and that the customary pre-race events and press conference were brought forward to today. Several riders took part in activities around the Losail Circuit today. Suzuki’s John Hopkins and Ducati d’Antin’s Alex Hofmann took to four wheels as they rode on quad bikes across the desert, with both riders enjoying the chance to show their skills. Meanwhile, riders from 250 and 125 also got to experience some of the local culture first hand, heading to an event on the outskirts of the circuit. Japan’s Aoyama brothers Hiroshi and Shuhei were joined by 250cc championship leader Jorge Lorenzo and last year’s 125c race winner Gabor Talmacsi as they attended a display of local customs in which they received henna tattoos, rode camels and sampled local cuisine. The press conference saw just four facing the media, with Australian rookie Casey Stoner still to arrive at the track after being delayed in Vienna. It is hoped the LCR Honda rider will finally turn up in Qatar in the early hours of tomorrow morning after his plane had suffered technical problems, but having had a shoulder operation just before Jerez, Stoner’s early season is being hampered by unforeseen problems. Meanwhile in the conference Loris Capirossi, winner in Jerez, sat alongside Dani Pedrosa, Toni Elias and Kawasaki team boss Harald Eckl answering questions ahead of this week’s Grand Prix. Capirossi, who yesterday celebrated his 33rd birthday, was in positive spirits. With both him and his Ducati team sitting pretty at the top of the classification for the first time, the Italian rider gave his thoughts on the coming race at a circuit where he didn’t test during the preseason. The sensation of the previous race, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa will be experiencing his first MotoGP race away from his home country, which will be a very different occasion for the young rookie, although how the comparative lack of pressure will affect his riding remains to be seen. Another young Spaniard who impressed in Jerez, Toni Elias comes to Qatar on the back of a fourth place at the Andalusian track. A first corner collision with Valentino Rossi is something the Honda rider will want to erase from his mind as he looks to continue in the manner of his positive performance after the incident. Practice begins at the Losail Circuit at 9am on Thursday. Loris Capirossi: It’s not a difficult track, and temperatures are much better for us than before. We haven’t tested here during the winter, but we sent people here and worked with Bridgestone. You need good tyres for every race, and we will be testing some more out tomorrow. I’m quite confident. Dani Pedrosa: Here will be quite different from Jerez. We didn’t test here, so it’ll be the first time setting up the machine for this circuit. Definitely more complicated than in Jerez. I think we just have to continue going step by step. Toni Elias: I felt a bit nervous in Jerez, and I made two mistakes. First with Valentino on the first corner, then on the last turn I hit the grass. I don’t like the Losail Circuit, it’s a difficult set-up. Harald Eckl: We expected better results for the first race of the season, having been surprised by our preseason performances. It’s a pressure for us, but a pleasant kind. We like this kind of competition. This circuit wasn’t one that Shinya or Randy tested on, but we sent Olivier Jacque here to test and learnt a lot from that.
Guzzitech.com Announces The MG Cup Moto Guzzi Racing Contingency Awards Beginning April 1, 2006, Guzzitech.com, along with a coalition of U.S Moto Guzzi Dealers led by MG Cycle (www.mgcycle.com) and Detroit Eurocycles (www.detroiteurocycles.com) will offer The MG Cup contingency support to racers of Moto Guzzi Motorcycles with American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) and Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC). This program is a grass roots effort to support the racers who ride Guzzis by the dealers and fans who, service, sell, and live and breathe Moto Guzzi! The cash contingency prizes will be the following: $100 first place, $50 second place, $25 third place, with a maximum of $150 in contingency money per racer per weekend event. Contingencies will be paid across all racing classes and will support all years and models of Moto Guzzi racing motorcycles. Racers, this is your opportunity to get your Moto Guzzi on the track and get your motor running! This support is intended to communicate to racers, spectators and the motorcycling media that Moto Guzzis can and do win races! [FYI, Moto Guzzi riders Andrew Cowell and Will Harding currently hold AHRMA national #1 plates in Battle of the Twins F2 and Vintage Superbike Heavyweight respectively]. Racers are required to fill out and submit a contingency sponsorship form, which is available at Guzzitech.com, before they race. Racers will also need to provide Guzzitech.com with official results and verification in order to receive their contingency winnings. See www.Guzzitech.com for details. Participating licensed racers are also eligible for discounts on all Guzzi racing parts orders from participating dealers including MG Cycle (www.mgcycle.com ), Detroit Eurocycles (www.detroiteurocycles.com) MPH Cycles (www.mphcycles.com) and Moto Guzzi Classics (www.motoguzziclassics.com). Participating racers should contact these dealers for more information. Racers should be prepared to provide documentation such as a copy of their current racing license to participating dealers in order to obtain any discounts. This contingency program is sponsored by the following U.S. Moto Guzzi Dealers: MG Cycle (Albany, WI), Detroit Eurocycles (Detroit, MI), MPH Cycles (Houston, TX), Interstate Motorcycles (Rolla, MS), Moto Guzzi Classics(Long Beach, CA), and Stan’s BMW Service (Gainesville, FL).
Parts Unlimited by SBS Announces Contingency with WERA Parts Unlimited by SBS is proud to announce a new contingency program coming to WERA for the 2006 season. The payout will include all National and Regional events including the National Endurance Series totaling $87,000 in contingency money. In 2005, SBS won the World Superbike Championship with Troy Corser and Alstare Corona Suzuki in the World Supersport Championship with Sebastian Charpientier and Ten Kate Honda. Parts Unlimited by SBS is determined to achieve more championships in the 2006 season in both WERA and AMA series. With teams such as ARNCHU Racing and Duponte & Lipton Racing in the WERA series and Erion Honda, M4 EMGO Suzuki and Stargel Castrol Yamaha in the AMA series, the goal is very attainable. SBS was founded in 1964 and headquartered in Svendborg, Denmark. Since 1989; the company has been listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. SBS prides itself as being one of the leading innovators in friction technology and developing products that meet the markets growing demands of brake performance and durability. For more information regarding WERA and SBS, please visit www.wera.com and www.sbs.dk.
CALLING ALL WOMEN RIDERS! DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN RACING 2 SAVE LIVES! Denver, CO April 5, 2006 – Racing 2 Save Lives is extending a special invitation to all women riders and racers to take part in the third annual Eric Bostrom Racing 2 Save Lives event at the new Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on April 13-16. R2SL, a four-day festival of track days and other activities to raise funds for children’s charities, is open to riders of all skill levels, even to those who have never participated in a track-day event. Experienced staff from ApexTrackDays and Madison Racing will be on hand to provide riding and safety instruction to riders who are new to the track environment, at no charge. Professional road racer Jessica Zalusky of Kawasaki Team Green will also take part in R2SL, and will host a “Calling All Women Riders” Q&A session for female participants during the lunch break on Friday, April 14, 2006. “I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with women who share my passion for motorcycles,” said Zalusky. “I’ll be there to answer questions and offer advice on riding the Miller track, getting started in racing, landing sponsors and related topics.” To learn more about R2SL or to register to ride at Miller Motorsports Park during the event, visit www.racing2savelives.org.
AMA & NATIONWIDE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company have announced a new partnership that makes Nationwide the AMA’s “Motorcycle Insurer of Choice” and brings new benefits to the AMA’s 270,000-plus members. Under the terms of the three-year agreement, Nationwide will offer AMA members its Rev & Ride(SM) motorcycle coverage at discounted rates. In addition, new Nationwide motorcycle policyholders that aren’t members of the AMA will receive a one-year AMA membership. The partnership also offers Nationwide opportunities to sponsor major AMA events. “We’ve been looking for a partnership like this for a long time, and we’re thrilled to be working with Nationwide,” said AMA Chief Executive Officer Patricia DiPietro. “The insurance discounts will be a great benefit for AMA members, and Nationwide’s commitment to helping the AMA grow is a testament to the power of this program.” “Our exclusive partnership with the AMA is one way we’re promoting our Rev & Ride coverage,” said Steve Rasmussen, President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty Operations. “We’ve teamed up with the AMA because it’s the country’s largest association of true motorcycle enthusiasts, and that gives Nationwide a clear advantage in a very competitive marketplace.” Nationwide is the only company that offers an “all-on-one” policy through Rev & Ride. A single standard policy contract covers up to 12 motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, trikes, sidecars, scooters, snowmobiles, trailers, and more — making it easier for customers to understand what’s covered. In addition, Nationwide has special service and claim centers dedicated only to these vehicles, staffed by experts with specific knowledge about motorcycles. Already available in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Nationwide’s Rev & Ride coverage will be available in most states by the end of the year. The coverage is being sold through Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance, Titan Auto Insurance and Victoria Insurance. For more information about the AMA, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. For more information about Nationwide’s motorcycle coverage, visit www.nationwide.com or contact your local agent. The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 270,000 members. The Association’s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. AMA Sports, its amateur and pro-am competition division, is the world’s largest motorsports-sanctioning body. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 98th on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, boat, motorcycle, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side and Rev & Ride are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Sidecar World Championship 2006 team entry list Start no. Rider Passenger Team Chassis Engine 77 Reeves, Tim (GBR) Reeves, Tristan (GBR) Eastern Airways (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 3 Gällros, Billy (SWE) Briggs, John (GBR) Eastern Airways (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 88 Manninen, Tero (FIN) Kuismanen, Pekka (FIN) Suzuki Finland (FIN) L.C.R. Suzuki 44 Päivarinta, Pekka (FIN) Aalto, Aki (FIN) Suzuki Finland (FIN) L.C.R. Suzuki 55 Roscher, Mike (GER) Hänni, Adolf (SUI) Hänni Racing Team (SUI) L.C.R. Suzuki 5 Hanks, Tom (GBR) Biggs, Phil (GBR) Hänni Racing Team (SUI) L.C.R. Suzuki 11 Moser, Josef (AUT) Wäffler, Ueli (SUI) Team Tirol-Delta (AUT) L.C.R. Honda 97 Grabmüller, Michael (AUT) Grabmüller, Bernd (AUT) Team Tirol-Delta (AUT) L.C.R. Honda 84 Laidlow, Andy (GBR) Farrance, Patrick (GBR) Team LFR (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 37 Knight, Gary (GBR) Knight, Dan (GBR) Redline Superbike (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 66 Muldoon, Stuart (GBR) Knapton, Paul (GBR) SM Racing (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 22 Van Gils, Martien (NED) Van Gils, Tonnie (NED) Maton Racing Team (NED) L.C.R. Suzuki 36 Norbury, Steve (GBR) Parnell, Scott (GBR) Lockside Racing (GBR) Windle Suzuki 99 Morrissey, Daniel (GBR) Biggs, Robert (GBR) Team Advan Excalibur (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 9 Fukal, Tomas (CZE) Pertlicek, Jirà (CZE) Fuki Racing Team (CZE) L.C.R. Yamaha 8 Gatt, Richard John (GBR) Randall, Paul A. (GBR) GRS Racing (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 10 Cluze, Jean (FRA) Cluze, Gregory (FRA) Team BARSA (FRA) L.C.R. Suzuki 91 Delannoy, Sebastien (FRA) Bidault, Nicolas ( FRA) Sand-Seb-72 (FRA) L.C.R. Suzuki 25 Hanquet, Patrick (BEL) Godin, Jonathan (BEL) Moto Patrick (BEL) L.C.R. Yamaha 24 Spendal, Milan (SLO) Hill, Peter (GBH) AMD Kranj (SLO) L.C.R. Suzuki 46 Woodard, Stuart (GBR) Stevens, Wayne (GBR) Woodard-Racing.com (GBR) Windle Yamaha 16 Birchall, Ben (GBR) Birchall, Tom (GBR) Birchallracing (GBR) Windle Suzuki 45 Percy, Andy (GBR) Scarffe, Jamie (GBR) Reliance Racing (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 26 Shand, Gordon (GBR) Graham, Stuart (GBR) Shand-Graham-Sidecar-Team (GBR) L.C.R. Kawasaki 2006 calendar Dates Country Circuit May 28 Germany, Schleiz June 11 Great Britain, Castle Combe June 24 Netherlands, Assen July 16 Germany, Sachsenring August 6 Austria, Salzburgring August 13 Croatia, Grobnik September 3 Netherlands, Assen September 10 Sweden,Karlskoga
HIT-AIR RIDING JACKETS–FROM STYLE TO LIFESAVING DEVICE IN A SPLIT SECOND The Atlanta Georgia-based PEDCO distribution company and its subordinate company, Bikebone, have announced that they are the exclusive North America distributor of the leading-edge series of Hit-Air Riding Jackets. The stylish jackets also function as a safety and life-protection device for equestrian riders, motorcyclists, and sport cyclists. The “Hit Air” jacket uses CE certified armor to protect the shoulders, elbows, and the spine. And most importantly, the “Hit Air” jacket also incorporates an air cushion system. In the event of an accident and the rider is thrown from the seat, the air cushion instantly inflates (within 1/2 second) to protect the rider’s body. Activation is simple and automatic. A coiled wire is attached to both the seat and the jacket. Once the rider and the seat are separated, the coiled wire pulls a “key” out of a gas release system and inert gas inflates the air cushion. The inflated jacket provides the necessary impact protection. After a few seconds the gas is automatically released through the gas release valve. Rueben Jackson, PEDCO’s President, notes, “The market for innovative safety apparel is exhibiting rapid growth in the powersports industry and has equal value for the equestrian industry. We examined several airbag safety jackets and decided to select Airprotek as our preferred supplier because the company offers consumers the best value in terms of product quality, ease of use, and attractive styling.” Based in Union City, Georgia, PEDCO, LLC creates and distributes Motorcycle, ATV and Trailer Security products and other powersports accessories. PEDCO’s product line includes leading high tech GPS Tracking Systems, high tech Safety Apparel, and much more. PEDCO, LLC also operates Bikebone.com, the oldest and largest Motorcycle ATV and Trailer Security e-commerce site on the Web. More information for both end users and potential resellers is located at ~http://www.bikebone.com/page/BBSC/CTGY/AT~ . You can find more information about PEDCO at ~http://www.pedcoidea.com~ .
Team Yamaha’s Daytona Superstock winner JAMIE HACKING will be the featured special guest at SPORT BIKE NIGHT on MONDAY NIGHT, APRIL 10TH from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Jamie will be on hand at MANDANGO’S SPORTS GRILL, 8238 LAGUNA BLVD. ELK GROVE, just south of Sacramento, California (Laguna Blvd west off Hwy 99). Jamie will be bench racing with fans and signing posters during the evening as well as signing a ARAI HACKING REPLICA helmet that will be raffled off. Polish up your bike for the BEST SPORT BIKE award. Movies, great food and drink, prizes, racing movies, new bikes on display. For info call Mike at (916) 600-3742 and ask to be added to our email list. [email protected]
FIM 125cc GP World Championship Losail International Circuit, Qatar April 6 Thursday Morning Practice Times: 1. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Aprilia, 2:09.646 2. Sergio GADEA, Aprilia, 2:09.746 3. Lukas PESEK, Derbi, 2:09.845 4. Gabor TALMACSI, Honda, 2:09.886 5. Mattia PASINI, Aprilia, 2:10.093 6. Hector FAUBEL, Aprilia, 2:10.151 7. Julian SIMON, KTM, 2:10.290 8. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 2:10.796 9. Federico SANDI, Aprilia, 2:10.968 10. Thomas LUTHI, Honda, 2:11.111
Racer Darren Danilowicz married CCS official Jennifer Synder February 14, in Dillon, South Carolina. The couple met at VIR three years ago.
KAWASAKI FACE TOUGH TEST IN QATAR HEAT After the thrills and spills of the opening race in Jerez, the Kawasaki Racing Team arrive in the blistering heat of the Middle East this week for the first of three consecutive overseas races, starting with the Grand Prix of Qatar on Saturday 8th April. Last year’s race at the Losail International circuit saw temperatures rise to over 40 degrees C on race day. This year the MotoGP riders won’t face the same extremes of heat, as the date of the race has been moved from October to April, when temperatures are predicted to be ten degrees cooler. Shinya Nakano arrives in Qatar determined to build upon his strong seventh place finish in the season opener at Jerez two weeks ago. The 28-year-old Kawasaki rider finished seventh in the Grand Prix of Qatar last season, but is confident that the combination of the new Ninja ZX-RR and the cooler track conditions mean a top five finish is a realistic target this time around. Nakano will make good use this weekend of data collected by Kawasaki’s test and development rider, Olivier Jacque, who has already completed two development tests at the Losail International circuit this year. Nakano’s Kawasaki teammate, Randy de Puniet, arrives in Qatar aiming to finish in Saturday’s 22-lap race, after being forced to retire from the opening race of the season due to an injury sustained when he highsided his Ninja ZX-RR during morning warm up at Jerez. Despite treatment to the injury at home in France, de Puniet has not yet recovered full strength in his hand, but is confident that it will not prove a handicap this weekend. The 25-year-old Frenchman has shown promising form during pre-season testing, and with his eighth place qualifying position for the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago, but de Puniet knows that these performances count for nothing if they are not converted into results come race day. The 5.38 km Losail circuit presents some unique problems for the MotoGP riders during free practice, when sand blown across the track from the surrounding desert makes grip unpredictable. As practice continues, and more rubber is laid on the circuit, lap times invariably improve, but the slightest wind can quickly cover the track with a new layer of sand, catching riders unaware. With its many twists and turns the Losail circuit demands a well-balanced bike that is capable of quick changes of direction. Based on feedback from Nakano and de Puniet during pre-season testing, the all-new Ninja ZX-RR should suit very well the characteristics of the Losail circuit. Shinya Nakano: “Because we are racing here earlier than last year, the conditions are definitely a little bit cooler, and that should benefit everyone. I like this track and we arrive in Qatar well prepared for the weekend. We have the data from Olivier Jacque’s two tests here earlier in the year, and we have already tested potential race tyres for this circuit during our post race test in Jerez. Tyres are critical here, and I think our Bridgestone tyres may offer something of an advantage this weekend. This is also a good circuit for our Ninja ZX-RR, as you need a bike that handles well. For sure the straight is long, but we’ve had good speed here in the past, so I don’t think it will be an issue. I feel confident that we can end up with a strong finish in Saturday’s race.” Randy de Puniet: “For me, the most important thing this weekend is to finish the race. I like this track; it’s very technical and I think that this suits the characteristics of the Ninja ZX-RR. I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead, and I hope that we can carry on the momentum we had before my crash during morning warm-up at Jerez. While the hand I injured in the crash has not recovered completely, it is a lot better now. I guess I won’t know how much better until I get on the bike tomorrow, but I’m confident it won’t cause me any problems this weekend.” More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications: After a thrilling season-opener in Jerez, the MotoGP teams arrived at the Losail Circuit today for this weekend’s Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, the second race of the MotoGP World Championship 2006. With the race taking place on Saturday, the usual schedule for a race weekend has been moved forward by a day. This means that free practice sessions start as of tomorrow (Thursday), and that the customary pre-race events and press conference were brought forward to today. Several riders took part in activities around the Losail Circuit today. Suzuki’s John Hopkins and Ducati d’Antin’s Alex Hofmann took to four wheels as they rode on quad bikes across the desert, with both riders enjoying the chance to show their skills. Meanwhile, riders from 250 and 125 also got to experience some of the local culture first hand, heading to an event on the outskirts of the circuit. Japan’s Aoyama brothers Hiroshi and Shuhei were joined by 250cc championship leader Jorge Lorenzo and last year’s 125c race winner Gabor Talmacsi as they attended a display of local customs in which they received henna tattoos, rode camels and sampled local cuisine. The press conference saw just four facing the media, with Australian rookie Casey Stoner still to arrive at the track after being delayed in Vienna. It is hoped the LCR Honda rider will finally turn up in Qatar in the early hours of tomorrow morning after his plane had suffered technical problems, but having had a shoulder operation just before Jerez, Stoner’s early season is being hampered by unforeseen problems. Meanwhile in the conference Loris Capirossi, winner in Jerez, sat alongside Dani Pedrosa, Toni Elias and Kawasaki team boss Harald Eckl answering questions ahead of this week’s Grand Prix. Capirossi, who yesterday celebrated his 33rd birthday, was in positive spirits. With both him and his Ducati team sitting pretty at the top of the classification for the first time, the Italian rider gave his thoughts on the coming race at a circuit where he didn’t test during the preseason. The sensation of the previous race, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa will be experiencing his first MotoGP race away from his home country, which will be a very different occasion for the young rookie, although how the comparative lack of pressure will affect his riding remains to be seen. Another young Spaniard who impressed in Jerez, Toni Elias comes to Qatar on the back of a fourth place at the Andalusian track. A first corner collision with Valentino Rossi is something the Honda rider will want to erase from his mind as he looks to continue in the manner of his positive performance after the incident. Practice begins at the Losail Circuit at 9am on Thursday. Loris Capirossi: It’s not a difficult track, and temperatures are much better for us than before. We haven’t tested here during the winter, but we sent people here and worked with Bridgestone. You need good tyres for every race, and we will be testing some more out tomorrow. I’m quite confident. Dani Pedrosa: Here will be quite different from Jerez. We didn’t test here, so it’ll be the first time setting up the machine for this circuit. Definitely more complicated than in Jerez. I think we just have to continue going step by step. Toni Elias: I felt a bit nervous in Jerez, and I made two mistakes. First with Valentino on the first corner, then on the last turn I hit the grass. I don’t like the Losail Circuit, it’s a difficult set-up. Harald Eckl: We expected better results for the first race of the season, having been surprised by our preseason performances. It’s a pressure for us, but a pleasant kind. We like this kind of competition. This circuit wasn’t one that Shinya or Randy tested on, but we sent Olivier Jacque here to test and learnt a lot from that.
Guzzitech.com Announces The MG Cup Moto Guzzi Racing Contingency Awards Beginning April 1, 2006, Guzzitech.com, along with a coalition of U.S Moto Guzzi Dealers led by MG Cycle (www.mgcycle.com) and Detroit Eurocycles (www.detroiteurocycles.com) will offer The MG Cup contingency support to racers of Moto Guzzi Motorcycles with American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) and Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC). This program is a grass roots effort to support the racers who ride Guzzis by the dealers and fans who, service, sell, and live and breathe Moto Guzzi! The cash contingency prizes will be the following: $100 first place, $50 second place, $25 third place, with a maximum of $150 in contingency money per racer per weekend event. Contingencies will be paid across all racing classes and will support all years and models of Moto Guzzi racing motorcycles. Racers, this is your opportunity to get your Moto Guzzi on the track and get your motor running! This support is intended to communicate to racers, spectators and the motorcycling media that Moto Guzzis can and do win races! [FYI, Moto Guzzi riders Andrew Cowell and Will Harding currently hold AHRMA national #1 plates in Battle of the Twins F2 and Vintage Superbike Heavyweight respectively]. Racers are required to fill out and submit a contingency sponsorship form, which is available at Guzzitech.com, before they race. Racers will also need to provide Guzzitech.com with official results and verification in order to receive their contingency winnings. See www.Guzzitech.com for details. Participating licensed racers are also eligible for discounts on all Guzzi racing parts orders from participating dealers including MG Cycle (www.mgcycle.com ), Detroit Eurocycles (www.detroiteurocycles.com) MPH Cycles (www.mphcycles.com) and Moto Guzzi Classics (www.motoguzziclassics.com). Participating racers should contact these dealers for more information. Racers should be prepared to provide documentation such as a copy of their current racing license to participating dealers in order to obtain any discounts. This contingency program is sponsored by the following U.S. Moto Guzzi Dealers: MG Cycle (Albany, WI), Detroit Eurocycles (Detroit, MI), MPH Cycles (Houston, TX), Interstate Motorcycles (Rolla, MS), Moto Guzzi Classics(Long Beach, CA), and Stan’s BMW Service (Gainesville, FL).
Parts Unlimited by SBS Announces Contingency with WERA Parts Unlimited by SBS is proud to announce a new contingency program coming to WERA for the 2006 season. The payout will include all National and Regional events including the National Endurance Series totaling $87,000 in contingency money. In 2005, SBS won the World Superbike Championship with Troy Corser and Alstare Corona Suzuki in the World Supersport Championship with Sebastian Charpientier and Ten Kate Honda. Parts Unlimited by SBS is determined to achieve more championships in the 2006 season in both WERA and AMA series. With teams such as ARNCHU Racing and Duponte & Lipton Racing in the WERA series and Erion Honda, M4 EMGO Suzuki and Stargel Castrol Yamaha in the AMA series, the goal is very attainable. SBS was founded in 1964 and headquartered in Svendborg, Denmark. Since 1989; the company has been listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. SBS prides itself as being one of the leading innovators in friction technology and developing products that meet the markets growing demands of brake performance and durability. For more information regarding WERA and SBS, please visit www.wera.com and www.sbs.dk.
CALLING ALL WOMEN RIDERS! DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN RACING 2 SAVE LIVES! Denver, CO April 5, 2006 – Racing 2 Save Lives is extending a special invitation to all women riders and racers to take part in the third annual Eric Bostrom Racing 2 Save Lives event at the new Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on April 13-16. R2SL, a four-day festival of track days and other activities to raise funds for children’s charities, is open to riders of all skill levels, even to those who have never participated in a track-day event. Experienced staff from ApexTrackDays and Madison Racing will be on hand to provide riding and safety instruction to riders who are new to the track environment, at no charge. Professional road racer Jessica Zalusky of Kawasaki Team Green will also take part in R2SL, and will host a “Calling All Women Riders” Q&A session for female participants during the lunch break on Friday, April 14, 2006. “I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with women who share my passion for motorcycles,” said Zalusky. “I’ll be there to answer questions and offer advice on riding the Miller track, getting started in racing, landing sponsors and related topics.” To learn more about R2SL or to register to ride at Miller Motorsports Park during the event, visit www.racing2savelives.org.
AMA & NATIONWIDE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company have announced a new partnership that makes Nationwide the AMA’s “Motorcycle Insurer of Choice” and brings new benefits to the AMA’s 270,000-plus members. Under the terms of the three-year agreement, Nationwide will offer AMA members its Rev & Ride(SM) motorcycle coverage at discounted rates. In addition, new Nationwide motorcycle policyholders that aren’t members of the AMA will receive a one-year AMA membership. The partnership also offers Nationwide opportunities to sponsor major AMA events. “We’ve been looking for a partnership like this for a long time, and we’re thrilled to be working with Nationwide,” said AMA Chief Executive Officer Patricia DiPietro. “The insurance discounts will be a great benefit for AMA members, and Nationwide’s commitment to helping the AMA grow is a testament to the power of this program.” “Our exclusive partnership with the AMA is one way we’re promoting our Rev & Ride coverage,” said Steve Rasmussen, President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty Operations. “We’ve teamed up with the AMA because it’s the country’s largest association of true motorcycle enthusiasts, and that gives Nationwide a clear advantage in a very competitive marketplace.” Nationwide is the only company that offers an “all-on-one” policy through Rev & Ride. A single standard policy contract covers up to 12 motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, trikes, sidecars, scooters, snowmobiles, trailers, and more — making it easier for customers to understand what’s covered. In addition, Nationwide has special service and claim centers dedicated only to these vehicles, staffed by experts with specific knowledge about motorcycles. Already available in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Nationwide’s Rev & Ride coverage will be available in most states by the end of the year. The coverage is being sold through Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance, Titan Auto Insurance and Victoria Insurance. For more information about the AMA, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. For more information about Nationwide’s motorcycle coverage, visit www.nationwide.com or contact your local agent. The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 270,000 members. The Association’s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. AMA Sports, its amateur and pro-am competition division, is the world’s largest motorsports-sanctioning body. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 98th on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, boat, motorcycle, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side and Rev & Ride are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Sidecar World Championship 2006 team entry list Start no. Rider Passenger Team Chassis Engine 77 Reeves, Tim (GBR) Reeves, Tristan (GBR) Eastern Airways (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 3 Gällros, Billy (SWE) Briggs, John (GBR) Eastern Airways (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 88 Manninen, Tero (FIN) Kuismanen, Pekka (FIN) Suzuki Finland (FIN) L.C.R. Suzuki 44 Päivarinta, Pekka (FIN) Aalto, Aki (FIN) Suzuki Finland (FIN) L.C.R. Suzuki 55 Roscher, Mike (GER) Hänni, Adolf (SUI) Hänni Racing Team (SUI) L.C.R. Suzuki 5 Hanks, Tom (GBR) Biggs, Phil (GBR) Hänni Racing Team (SUI) L.C.R. Suzuki 11 Moser, Josef (AUT) Wäffler, Ueli (SUI) Team Tirol-Delta (AUT) L.C.R. Honda 97 Grabmüller, Michael (AUT) Grabmüller, Bernd (AUT) Team Tirol-Delta (AUT) L.C.R. Honda 84 Laidlow, Andy (GBR) Farrance, Patrick (GBR) Team LFR (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 37 Knight, Gary (GBR) Knight, Dan (GBR) Redline Superbike (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 66 Muldoon, Stuart (GBR) Knapton, Paul (GBR) SM Racing (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 22 Van Gils, Martien (NED) Van Gils, Tonnie (NED) Maton Racing Team (NED) L.C.R. Suzuki 36 Norbury, Steve (GBR) Parnell, Scott (GBR) Lockside Racing (GBR) Windle Suzuki 99 Morrissey, Daniel (GBR) Biggs, Robert (GBR) Team Advan Excalibur (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 9 Fukal, Tomas (CZE) Pertlicek, Jirà (CZE) Fuki Racing Team (CZE) L.C.R. Yamaha 8 Gatt, Richard John (GBR) Randall, Paul A. (GBR) GRS Racing (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 10 Cluze, Jean (FRA) Cluze, Gregory (FRA) Team BARSA (FRA) L.C.R. Suzuki 91 Delannoy, Sebastien (FRA) Bidault, Nicolas ( FRA) Sand-Seb-72 (FRA) L.C.R. Suzuki 25 Hanquet, Patrick (BEL) Godin, Jonathan (BEL) Moto Patrick (BEL) L.C.R. Yamaha 24 Spendal, Milan (SLO) Hill, Peter (GBH) AMD Kranj (SLO) L.C.R. Suzuki 46 Woodard, Stuart (GBR) Stevens, Wayne (GBR) Woodard-Racing.com (GBR) Windle Yamaha 16 Birchall, Ben (GBR) Birchall, Tom (GBR) Birchallracing (GBR) Windle Suzuki 45 Percy, Andy (GBR) Scarffe, Jamie (GBR) Reliance Racing (GBR) L.C.R. Suzuki 26 Shand, Gordon (GBR) Graham, Stuart (GBR) Shand-Graham-Sidecar-Team (GBR) L.C.R. Kawasaki 2006 calendar Dates Country Circuit May 28 Germany, Schleiz June 11 Great Britain, Castle Combe June 24 Netherlands, Assen July 16 Germany, Sachsenring August 6 Austria, Salzburgring August 13 Croatia, Grobnik September 3 Netherlands, Assen September 10 Sweden,Karlskoga
HIT-AIR RIDING JACKETS–FROM STYLE TO LIFESAVING DEVICE IN A SPLIT SECOND The Atlanta Georgia-based PEDCO distribution company and its subordinate company, Bikebone, have announced that they are the exclusive North America distributor of the leading-edge series of Hit-Air Riding Jackets. The stylish jackets also function as a safety and life-protection device for equestrian riders, motorcyclists, and sport cyclists. The “Hit Air” jacket uses CE certified armor to protect the shoulders, elbows, and the spine. And most importantly, the “Hit Air” jacket also incorporates an air cushion system. In the event of an accident and the rider is thrown from the seat, the air cushion instantly inflates (within 1/2 second) to protect the rider’s body. Activation is simple and automatic. A coiled wire is attached to both the seat and the jacket. Once the rider and the seat are separated, the coiled wire pulls a “key” out of a gas release system and inert gas inflates the air cushion. The inflated jacket provides the necessary impact protection. After a few seconds the gas is automatically released through the gas release valve. Rueben Jackson, PEDCO’s President, notes, “The market for innovative safety apparel is exhibiting rapid growth in the powersports industry and has equal value for the equestrian industry. We examined several airbag safety jackets and decided to select Airprotek as our preferred supplier because the company offers consumers the best value in terms of product quality, ease of use, and attractive styling.” Based in Union City, Georgia, PEDCO, LLC creates and distributes Motorcycle, ATV and Trailer Security products and other powersports accessories. PEDCO’s product line includes leading high tech GPS Tracking Systems, high tech Safety Apparel, and much more. PEDCO, LLC also operates Bikebone.com, the oldest and largest Motorcycle ATV and Trailer Security e-commerce site on the Web. More information for both end users and potential resellers is located at ~http://www.bikebone.com/page/BBSC/CTGY/AT~ . You can find more information about PEDCO at ~http://www.pedcoidea.com~ .
Team Yamaha’s Daytona Superstock winner JAMIE HACKING will be the featured special guest at SPORT BIKE NIGHT on MONDAY NIGHT, APRIL 10TH from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Jamie will be on hand at MANDANGO’S SPORTS GRILL, 8238 LAGUNA BLVD. ELK GROVE, just south of Sacramento, California (Laguna Blvd west off Hwy 99). Jamie will be bench racing with fans and signing posters during the evening as well as signing a ARAI HACKING REPLICA helmet that will be raffled off. Polish up your bike for the BEST SPORT BIKE award. Movies, great food and drink, prizes, racing movies, new bikes on display. For info call Mike at (916) 600-3742 and ask to be added to our email list. [email protected]
