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Charpentier On Provisional World Supersport Pole Position Friday At Phillip Island

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Charpentier On Provisional World Supersport Pole Position Friday At Phillip Island

Supersport World Championship Round 2 Phillip Island, Australia March 3, 2006 First Qualifying: 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER, Honda CBR600RR, 1:35.869 2. Broc PARKES, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:36.758 3. Kevin CURTAIN, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:36.772 4. Kenan SOFUOGLU, Honda CBR600RR, 1:37.586 5. Yoann TIBERIO, Honda CBR600RR, 1:37.691 6. Mauro SANCHINI, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:37.865 7. Robin HARMS, Honda CBR600RR, 1:37.997 8. Dean THOMAS, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:38.241 9. Javier FORES, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.380 10. Christian ZAISER, Ducati 749R, 1:38.428 11. Barry VENEMAN, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:38.452 12. Anthony GOBERT, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.499 13. Didier VAN KEYMEULEN, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.559 14. Maxime BERGER, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:38.730 15. Tatu LAUSLEHTO, Honda CBR600RR, 1:38.779 16. William DE ANGELIS, Honda CBR600RR, 1:38.836 17. Gregory LEBLANC, Honda CBR600RR, 1:38.884 18. Josh BROOKES, Ducati 749R, 1:39.010 19. Sebastien LE GRELLE, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.039 20. Gianluca NANNELLI, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:39.239 26. Chris PERIS, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:40.276 More, from a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: CHARPENTIER LEADS QUALIFYING ON FIRST DAY AT PHILLIP ISLAND Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) needed only 12 laps to set the fastest time in the first qualifying session at Phillip Island, his 1’35.869 almost one second ahead of his nearest challenger after two session on the classic Australian circuit. Charpentier experimented with two different chassis configurations in the morning’s unofficial session, before concentrating on setting a fast time this afternoon, with one more chance to improve on Saturday. In temperatures of 36°C, and with track temperatures of 50°C in today’s qualifying session, Charpentier was fully 0.889 seconds up on his closest challenger, Broc Parkes. Charpentier’s team-mate, Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) belied his rookie status in the team by securing fourth spot on the provisional grid, an immense achievement for any first-timer at this fast and challenging circuit. With more work to do in his set-up, to better handle the faster corners, Sofuoglu predicts that he should go even faster on the second day of qualifying. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “A very good start again for our weekend. We expected things to be a bit harder because the Yamaha guys, Curtain and Parkes, had already tested here in January, clocking fast times. Sebastien worked very well and we had two very different bike set-ups for him to test today, in the morning. Now he is very clear which set-up he wants, so we will build two identical bikes tomorrow and see if he can get the times down even more. We should be able to do low 1’35s to get pole. Big compliments to Kenan again, as he is the only rider in the top four who has never been to Phillip Island before and he is eating away at his times lap by lap. His riding will be even better when he learns the track even better. We are looking forward to tomorrow and there is definitely a little bit more to come from us.” Sébastien Charpentier WSS Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (1st position 1’35.869) “I think that times can come down some more. Tomorrow I will try a new engine and I have many tyres left to use to stay at the front. The bike is OK, the grip in some corners is not perfect but we are OK because the Yamaha guys tested at this track one month ago. Considering that, out pace today is not too bad. I am ready for tomorrow and the race, for sure. I only did 12 laps today, keeping my energy, as I only had a few hours sleep last night.” Kenan Sofuoglu WSS Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (4th position 1’37.586) “It’s the first time at this circuit for me and it is a very special circuit for corner speed. At the moment I do not quite have the speed I need on the faster corners but today I learned a lot and tomorrow we will try something else. I had some problems in some corners so if we can find even more for the set-up tomorrow, we can go even faster. To come here for the first time in the world championship has not been easy but we are working hard.” More, from a press release issued by SC Scuderia Caracchi: Problems In Supersport For Josh Brookes And Luka Nedog Luka Nedog made a great jump of performance here in Australia compared to Qatar’s debut. The young Slovenian’s bike, very powerful, is not still ready as suspensions, a difficult work for a small experienced rider on WSBK circuits. Despite that, with a bike hardly sliding on the rear in the fast corners, Luka improved in the afternoon his morning’s lap time, and for tomorrow he’s confident to ride better and better. “I spent the morning free practice session to find a better relationship with the track.” has been the Luka’s comment at the end of first qualifying “This is a very demanding circuit, which doesn’t forget any mistake. My greatest difficulties are most of all in the final part of the circuit as well in the hairpin, but actually I feel more comfortable riding here as in Qatar. The engine is very fast, now we have to look at the general package and for tomorrow I’m confident I’ll be able to get a better result and gain some position.” On his home track Joshua Brookes was looking for a very good result from the first practice day. The morning’s session has been totally spent for the best set up of the package, to avoid the problems found during Qatar round, but the improvement have been too slow for the impatient Brookes, that at the end of qualifying session recorded only the 18th fastest. “A cannot absolutely be happy of this result on this track that I know perfectly.” said a disappointed Brookes at the end of today’s qualifying “We worked all the day on the suspensions, but I’m not been able to find a good set up to manage the corners as I like to do. I’m just able to gain something in the straight, because as used, the engine made by Franco Farné is one of the fastest as top speed. During the afternoon the bike had some improvement, but not enough and my rivals are more and more competitive as me. I believe we are following the right way, but we are proceeding too slow. Now we’ll see, after the practice me and the team we’ll made an evaluation of the job to do and I hope that for tomorrow we’ll be able to find some good solution.” More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: Yamaha Motor Germany riders Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain go into tomorrow’s final qualifying session on the provisional front row after ending today’s opening session second and third respectively. The Australian pair have been consistently at the top of the timesheets during the day’s two 45-minute practice sessions, bested only by qualifying king Sebastien Charpentier (Honda) in the afternoon’s qualifying practice. Having tested at the circuit in January, the Yamaha Motor Germany squad came to Phillip Island with a good base setting for their new-for-2006 R6s. Having found a set-up that they believe can help them challenge for honours on Sunday, the team will try to further improve their race set-up and maintain the crucial front row starts during tomorrow’s grid-deciding qualifying session. In a good day for Yamaha runners, Italian privateer Mauro Sanchini finished sixth, with Spaniard Xavi Fores ninth. Local hero Anthony Gobert, a winner here in the superbike class, came 12th in his second ride for the Yamaha GMT94 team, while FIM Superstock 1000 champion Didier van Keymeulen ended the day 13th on his R6. Massimo Roccoli and Gianluca Vizziello of the Yamaha Team Italia squad ended 21st and 23rd respectively as they looked to find a good set-up for their machines.

Daytona 200 Viewing Party Scheduled In Northern California

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Daytona 200 Viewing Party Scheduled In Northern California

American SportBike Night announces our annual Daytona 200 RaceWatch gathering on Saturday, March 11, at the East Bay’s premier sports bar Ricky’s. Ricky’s is an outstanding sports bar, where many large-screen TVs will present complete AMA racing coverage, beginning 8am with live Superbike race; continuing 9:30am with tape of Thursday’s Flat Track event; and concluding with 10:30am live 65th running of the Daytona 200 F/X race. American SportBike Night, founded in late 1998 by a trio of committed Buell riders, is a very informal assortment of Northern California Buell and Sportbike enthusiasts [all makes/models are represented] who get together monthly to swap stories, exchange tech-tips, find out what is new in racing and streetbike technology, and engage overall in family-friendly behavior. American Sport Bike Night isn’t a club. There are no membership dues or meeting fees – nothing to sign or fill-out. All riders and their guests are welcome. Ricky’s chefs’ full breakfast menu will be served – lunch items become available 10am, in time for the pre-200 Mile warmup. Directions to Ricky’s can prove demanding, so visit his website for particulars from your direction: ~http://www.rickys.com/about/contact.cfm~ A post-race 2-lane twisties ride departs Ricky’s 1pm destination will be determined by participants during Victory Circle coverage. For additional information, visit ~http://americansportbikenight.com/~

Another Phillip Island World Superbike Preview

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Another Phillip Island World Superbike Preview

Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone To confirm the tests During the tests at Phillip Island on January 17 to 20, the Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone riders were quicker than last year. Using race tyres, Norick Abe’s best lap was 1:35.5 in 2005 and 1:34.6 this year. Sebastien Gimbert progressed from 1:36.7 to 1:34.2 still using 2005 tyres. If the Qatar race was not easy for the team, without previous testing and a lack of experience of the 2006 Pirelli tyres, the Phillip Island race looks more promising. The Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone participated to the January tests with good results. The development went well and therefore there is a reasonable amount of confidence for the Australian race. After Qatar, the most important technical problems to be looked after were the chattering and Gimbert’s front brakes. For the chattering, there was already some progress for race 2 in Qatar. During the January tests in Phillip Island, there was no chattering. But the bikes were fitted then with 2005 tyres, so one has to be careful about predicting the results too early. The 2006 tyres have a better grip, so there are more chances of chattering. About Gimbert’s brakes, new discs have been fitted to gain more efficiency. This technical evolution was not easy between Qatar and Australia, and it was only possible thanks to the help between teams and quick transportation systems. A very high level The actual level of the Superbike World Championship is exceptional. In the race 2 in Qatar for instance, Sebastien Gimbert finished 35 seconds behind the winner. He was in 15th position. By comparison, Javi Fores is 38 seconds behind the winner of the Supersport race with the 4th position. In the MotoGP class last year, Shinya Nakano finished 32 seconds behind the winner in 7th position. This shows the intensity of the fight and the quality of the show in World Superbike. Who can beat Corser’s mythical lap record? Troy Corser established in 1999 the unofficial lap record with a time of 1:32.193 (average speed 173.530 kph). The track had just being resurfaced and the grip was very good. Also there was this incredible fight between the two Ducati factory riders, Carl Fogarty being World Champion and Troy Corser wishing to be the fastest in his home country. He was using then Michelin bi-compound tyres (hard on the left, soft on right) when the riders use now Pirelli single compound tyres at Phillip Island. Phillip Island Back in the twenties, the roads around Philip Island were very popular with local speed freaks. In 1928, the first Australian car Grand Prix was held at the Island on a 6.5 miles/10.4585 km course. 1931 was the year motorcycles first raced at the Island, for an event that was a lot like the Isle of Man TT on a 12 mile/19.308 km course. The permanent racing facility was opened in 1956. Philip Island is a varied and demanding 4.445 kms with everything from hairpins (minimum radius 23 m) to fast turns (maximum radius 207 m). Right-hand turns are scarce with only two such corners, Honda and Turn 10. In the fastest of left-handers, like turn 12 (the last turn before the start/finish straight), tyre temperatures go above normal. Standard running temperature for a rear slick is between 80 and 110°C but at Phillip Island, they often go beyond 130°C. January 17 to 20, 2006 tests Unofficial times: 1-Troy Corser (Suzuki): 1:33.0 (2006 race tyre), 2-Steve Martin (Petronas): 1:33.3 (2006 race tyre) 1:34 3 (2005 race tyre), 3-Yukio Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki): 1:34.1 (2006 race tyre), 4-Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France – Ipone): 1:34.6 (2005 race tyre), 5-Sebastien Gimbert (Yamaha Motor France – Ipone): 1:34.6 (2005 race tyre), 6-Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha Motor France – Ipone): 1:35.0, 7-Craig Jones (Petronas): 1:35.6 World Championship standings: 1- Bayliss (40 points), 2-Corser et Toseland (38), 4-Pitt (27), 5-Fabrizio et Barros (19) – 10-Abe (10), 17-Gimbert (3) Phillip Island stats Practice record (1999): 1:32.193 Troy Corser (Ducati) 173.570 kph 2005 Yamaha Motor France practice times: Norifumi Abe: 1:34.742 / 12th and Sebastien Gimbert: 1:35.178 / 21st Race 1 results 2005: 1-Corser (Suzuki), 2-Kagayama (Suzuki) 3- Vermeulen (Honda) 4- Neukirchner (Honda) 5-Pitt (Yamaha) 2005 Yamaha Motor France race 1 results: Norifumi Abe: 6th and Sebastien Gimbert: 11th Race 2 results 2005: 1-Corser (Suzuki), 2-Kagayama (Suzuki) 3- Neukirchner (Honda) 4- Vermeulen (Honda) 5-Nieto (Ducati) 2005 Yamaha Motor France race 2 results: Norifumi Abe: 8th and Sebastien Gimbert: DNF (retired lap 9) Lap record (best race time 1999): 1:33.019 Troy Corser (Ducati) 172.030 kph 3rd round of the Supersport World Championship: April 30th at Valencia (Spain)

AMA/FIM’s 2006 Women & Motorcycling Conference To Offer ‘Motorcycle Skills’ Day With Schwantz At Road Atlanta

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AMA/FIM’s 2006 Women & Motorcycling Conference To Offer ‘Motorcycle Skills’ Day With Schwantz At Road Atlanta

AMA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE TO FEATURE MOTORCYCLE-SKILLS DAY AT ROAD ATLANTA — Nationwide becomes Platinum Sponsor — PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell will feature its first-ever motorcycle-skills day, conducted by the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at Road Atlanta Raceway. The conference will be held June 30 through July 3, 2006 in Athens, Georgia. The optional motorcycle-skills day, scheduled for July 3, will be limited to the first 100 pre-registered participants, for an additional fee of $150. With the guidance of professional instructors, riders can learn the secrets of smoother, safer street riding, in the controlled environment of a closed road circuit, from a former world champion motorcycle racer. Participants in the motorcycle-skills day also may rent a motorcycle and riding gear from the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School. Availability is limited. For more information, call 1-800-849-7223 or visit www.schwantzschool.com. The AMA also has announced that Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which offers motorcycle insurance through its Rev & Ride coverage, will be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is the title sponsor of the conference, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell is the event’s presenting sponsor. Also contributing support as primary sponsors are American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; American Suzuki Motor Corporation; Biker Ally Magazine; BMW Motorrad USA; Cycle World of Athens; Ducati North America; FrictionZone Magazine (East and West editions); G-Line; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School; Memphis Shades; Motorcycle Mechanics Institute; Open Road Magazine; Road Atlanta; RoadRUNNER magazine; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. The 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell will feature a slate of guest speakers and seminars; demo rides, free to conference participants, from BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha; and array of new-product vendors; guided and self-guided tours of the Athens region; live entertainment, and a motorcycle-skills day with the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at Road Atlanta. Athens was chosen as the site of the 2006 event for its excellent facilities, and for its proximity to great motorcycle riding. The AMA is working closely with its conference partners — Motor Maids, Women in the Wind, Women on Wheels, Women’s International Motorcycle Association-USA, Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation, Femmoto, Ebony Angels, and MXGirls.com — to plan the conference. The first three AMA Women & Motorcycling Conferences were held in 1997, 2000, and 2002. Nearly 700 women and men attended the 2002 conference, from nearly every U.S. state and several foreign countries. The 2006 conference is expected to draw 1,000 enthusiasts. For more information about the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell, or to download a registration form, visit www.womenandmotorcycling.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

Hooters Helpmeride.com Suzuki To Field Eric Wood, Fania In AMA Superbike

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Hooters Helpmeride.com Suzuki To Field Eric Wood, Fania In AMA Superbike

Helpmeride.com, a finance company that specializes in the powersports industry, will once again be the title sponsor of the Hooters Helpmeride.com Suzuki AMA Superbike team, according to a press release. The team will field Eric Wood in Superbike and select Superstock events and Anthony Fania, Jr. in select East Coast AMA events. Wood participated in the Team Hammer Advanced Riding Schools & Track Rides practice day Thursday at Daytona International Speedway.

McWilliams Tests Buell XB-RR Firebolt During Team Hammer Practice Day At Daytona

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McWilliams Tests Buell XB-RR Firebolt During Team Hammer Practice Day At Daytona

McWilliams Prepares For Daytona 200 By Honda Irish Rider Shakes Down Buell At Daytona International Speedway DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 2, 2006) — Jeremy McWilliams took his first laps around the historic Daytona International Speedway 2.95-mile road course on Thursday during the Team Hammer riding school as the Irishman prepares for next week’s Daytona 200 By Honda motorcycle classic. McWilliams, a three-time Irish Champion and 250 GP and Moto GP veteran, participated in the riding school as he learns the ins and outs of the “World Center of Racing” as well as shaking down the new Buell XBRR. “It’s my first time ever on a banking so it’s quite daunting,” said McWilliams, who along with Pascal Picotte, Mike Ciccotto and Steve Crevier will race in the 65th Daytona 200 By Honda on Saturday, March 11 aboard Buells. “It’s quite different than what I’m use to.” The 41-year-old McWilliams, who’ll compete for Warr’s London Harley-Davidson/Buell of London, is one of the biggest international riders to compete at Daytona in a number of years and interest is high among American racing fans to watch such a highly respected rider race against many of the leading AMA stars. McWilliams’s participation in Thursday’s Team Hammer day at DIS is two-fold as he tries to learn both the track and the bike. “It’s just trying to get to know the track,” said McWilliams, who was joined by Picotte during Thursday’s Team Hammer day. “That’s one big thing to overcome. You’re coming to race at Daytona, it’s a plus if you know where you’re going. Because I’ve never ridden banking, getting use to hitting the banking as hard as I need to hit it. “This bike is also very different than what I’m use to. The maximum RPM is about 8,500. So I’ve got to change my style quite a bit. Jumping on this bike from what I know is quite a big step all around. The guys are working as hard as they can to make the changes that I need to make it easier for me.” Running in the prestigious Daytona 200 By Honda is something that McWilliams has always wanted to attempt. He has watched the prestigious race plenty of times on television hoping one day he would get the opportunity to compete at DIS. “It’s one of those races that you can’t really ignore,” said McWilliams, a native of Carmoney, Northern Ireland. “You see it all around the world and it is one thing I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to take part in the 200. “(The track) actually looks a little bit different on TV than it does when you’re out on the motorcycle. It’s a little tight and twisty in the infield. I believe they’ve changed it a little bit from what I remember. The surface is in good condition. It’s just quite tricky. I’m sure it’s going to make for interesting racing during a long race like Daytona because there’s a lot of track to get by. The fast sections are awesome. I really enjoy the fast sections.” As far as expectations for the four Buell dealer teams entered in next Saturday’s Daytona 200 By Honda, McWilliams says it’s too early to tell how strong the motorcycle will be. “The first thing is we would like to go 200 miles. Secondly, I’d like to be up there somewhere,” McWilliams said. One of the major issues McWilliams will have to overcome is all the travel in the next few days. He’ll fly back to Italy on Friday as he is developing a different motorcycle and then plans to return to Daytona by Monday. “Trying to avoid the jet lag is the difficultly,” McWilliams said. Tickets for the 65th Daytona 200 By Honda are available at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Editorial Notes: McWilliams, along with over one hundred other licensed racers, particpated in practice sessions organized by the Team Hammer Advanced Riding Schools & Track Rides. Practice session took place in between regularly-scheduled school sessions. McWilliams did not take part in the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School, as implied by the press release above. Further, McWilliams’s first laps of Daytona International Speedway did not happen Thursday, as reported above. McWilliams tested a Buell XB-RR at Daytona in early-December. Also contrary to the press release above, Pascal Picotte did not ride a Buell Thursday and will not race a Buell XB-RR in the Daytona 200. Picotte’s team, Picotte Performance, is supporting Deeley Harley-Davidson/Buell Canada of Vancouver’s rider Steve Crevier in the Daytona 200. In addition to McWilliams, Crevier and Ciccotto, Rico Penzkofer will race a XB-RR Firebolt in the Daytona 200 for Buell Hannover of Hannover, Germany.

Duhamel Could Win Record Sixth Daytona 200 Next Weekend

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Duhamel Could Win Record Sixth Daytona 200 Next Weekend

DUHAMEL LOOKS TO SET NEW DAYTONA 200 BY HONDA RECORD PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Miguel Duhamel comes to the 65th running of the Daytona 200 by Honda, the opening round of the AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Saturday, March 11, with a major milestone in his grasp. If the 37-year-old Montreal native, who now calls Las Vegas home, wins the prestigious 200-mile motorcycle road race he will become the first six-time winner in the storied history of the race, which first ran in 1937. Duhamel heads up an impressive list of talented racers who will take to Daytona International Speedway’s motorcycle road course. Duhamel tied the legendary Scott Russell with his fifth victory in the 200 last March. He again has the powerful Honda factory team behind him, but is set to face a deeper field than he conquered a year ago. In addition to Honda’s strong effort, both Yamaha and Buell will field factory or factory-supported squads in this year’s 200. Duhamel has an amazing record in the Daytona 200. He won the race in his first attempt in 1991 as a replacement rider on the Commonwealth Honda squad. He was victorious again in 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2005. He is just happy to have the opportunity to break the record for most Daytona 200 wins. “I was really honored to tie Scott’s record last year,” said Duhamel, the two-time and defending champion of the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. “It would be great for sure to be the first to win the sixth. Honda has really stepped up with the new CBR600RR and I have the best team in racing so I have a lot of things going in my favor.” Duhamel will not only have to overcome serious efforts from Yamaha and Buell in this year’s 200 miler, he’ll also have his own Honda teammates to worry about. Jake Zemke will join Duhamel on the other factory Honda machine, while Josh Hayes and Aaron Gobert will race factory-backed Erion Hondas. On facing the tough competition this season Duhamel joked, “I’ve got to be honest if they would let me be the only one in the race that would be sweet,” he said. “But there’s no doubt that this year’s 200 is going to be a terrific one for the fans. It’s going to be a really closely contested and tough race.” Yamaha is bringing in the big guns back to the 200 this year in the form of Eric Bostrom and Jason DiSalvo. Yamaha has won more Daytona 200s than any other manufacturer, but the maker’s last victory in the race came in 1998. With Bostrom and DiSalvo Yamaha has a strong pair of contenders. Four Buell dealer teams are entered in this year’s Daytona 200. Buell is hoping to put an American-made motorcycle atop the Daytona 200 podium for the first time since Cal Rayborn won on a Harley-Davidson in 1969. Perhaps as surprising as Buell’s entry in this year’s 200 is the fact that former MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams is slated to ride with the Warr’s London Harley-Davidson/Buell of London team. The 41-year-old Irishman is one of the biggest international riders to compete at Daytona for a number of years and interest is high among American racing fans to watch such a highly respected rider such as McWilliams racing against many of the leading AMA stars. Buell’s other big name rider is former AMA Supersport and reigning Canadian Pro 600 Sport Bike champion Steve Crevier. He will ride a Deeley Harley-Davidson/Buell Canada of Vancouver entry. Floridian Mike Ciccotto will race the 200 on a Hal’s Harley-Davidson/Buell. Suzuki’s brightest hopes to win the 200 this year will be on the shoulders of Floridian racing veteran Michael Barnes, of Boca Raton and Oklahoman flat tracker turned road racer Danny Eslick. Barnes will race on a M4/EMGO Suzuki. He scored two podium finishes for the team in last year’s Formula Xtreme Series. Eslick, who rides for Matsushima Performance Suzuki, came out of nowhere to finish a surprising fourth in last year’s 200. The Daytona 200 will again feature a number of international entries. In addition to the aforementioned McWilliams, fellow Northern Ireland native Alastair Seeley will race a Team Celtic Yamaha. Rob Frost riding for Chris Dowd Racing Kawasaki and Stu Wilson of the Crewe Van Centre Yamaha team are coming over from the United Kingdom. Slovenia is represented by Bostjan Pintar, Bostjan Skubic and Dejan Senk riding for Inotherm Honda and German Rico Penzkofer is entered for Buell Hannover. SPEED’s live coverage of the 65th Daytona 200 by Honda featuring the AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series will take the green flag starting at 1:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 11. For tickets visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Poncharal Replaces Pons As President Of IRTA

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Poncharal Replaces Pons As President Of IRTA

IRTA Annual General Meeting Catalunya March 1, 2006. The International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The Association was formed to attend to the interests of all teams, riders and service companies participating in MotoGP racing. IRTA employs several staff members to administer and perform a vast range of duties for the membership. The Committee of IRTA, comprised of team members directly elected by the entire membership, defines the Associations policy. The membership also elects the President of IRTA. Both the President and the Committee have a two-year mandate. Catalunya was the chosen venue for the IRTA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the membership discussed and agreed upon several matters. The Committee presented the 2005 accounts for inspection and the proposed 2006 budget. Team selection was confirmed and ratified and details of the new regulations for 2006 were given to the membership. IRTA Presidential elections were scheduled for the AGM and, for the first time since the foundation of the Association, two candidates for the post were originally proposed; current President Sito Pons and Herve Poncharal, principle of the Tech 3 Yamaha team. However, the election proved to be an unnecessary exercise as Sito Pons announced he felt that after ten years in the role of IRTA Chairman or President it was the appropriate time to step down and allow another qualified member assume the role. In withdrawing his candidature Sito pledge his full support to Herve who was duly elected. Herve Poncharal was elected to the Committee of IRTA in 1997 and has retained his position ever since. A motorcycle road racing stalwart Herve is the team owner of the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP team. He also has a solid 250cc grand prix pedigree having contested the quarter litre championship with Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha machinery. The highlight of his 250c career was a World Championship title with Olivier Jacque in 2000. The Committee members paid tribute to departing President Pons thanking the former double 250cc World Champion for his tireless, and fruitful work on behalf of the Association dating back to the 1980s. Despite his success on track as both rider and winning team owner Pons was always on hand to defend and promote the best interests of the IRTA teams and riders. He was elected to the Committee of IRTA in 1986, shortly after the Association was founded. Sito was elected as Chairman of the Committee in 1997 and three years later his candidature for role of President was successful. Sito has been influential in all major developments in world championship racing over recent years representing the interest of the teams in negotiations with Dorna, and as the IRTA delegate to the Grand Prix Commission.

AFM Needs Volunteers To Help Assemble Its New Air Fence

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AFM Needs Volunteers To Help Assemble Its New Air Fence

AFM AIRFENCE ASSEMBLY Help your favorite rider by donating time to an important cause. Thanks to all who have signed up to help assemble the newly purchased sections of airfencing. Your stepping up to the challenge is MUCH appreciated. However, we are in need of more volunteers for this large undertaking. We are critically short-staffed for the following dates: March 6th through March 10th. This project benefits the entire riding community, which includes everyone from your favorite factory rider to the first time trackday participant. This will have a profound effect for many years to come and help make the track a safer place to play. Any and all help is welcome. Work one day or several days. Bring out the family and make a day of it! We would also like a few people to be trainers that can help for multiple days. Once again we are looking for help on the following dates: Dates: March 6th through the 10th Place: Infineon Raceway Starting: 9:00 a.m. Lunch provided Additional items needed: 10 gallon or larger air-compressors 40 ft or longer extension cords If you can help out please contact: [email protected]

Daytona 200 Viewing Party Scheduled In Salt Lake City, Utah

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Daytona 200 Viewing Party Scheduled In Salt Lake City, Utah

The Utah Sportbike Association, Utah’s largest sport riding club, and sanctioning body of the new Plaza Cycle Masters of the Mountains Championship Race Series at Miller Motorsports Park, will be holding its annual Daytona Viewing and Kickoff Party at the Bohemian Brewery, located at 94 E 7200 S (Fort Union Blvd) in Salt Lake City, Saturday March 11. Doors will open at 10 a.m. and there will be a buffet available for lunch for a very fair price. Get to know your fellow Utah Sport Riders and have a blast watching the events. Spring is coming so kick things off the right way.

Charpentier On Provisional World Supersport Pole Position Friday At Phillip Island

Supersport World Championship Round 2 Phillip Island, Australia March 3, 2006 First Qualifying: 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER, Honda CBR600RR, 1:35.869 2. Broc PARKES, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:36.758 3. Kevin CURTAIN, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:36.772 4. Kenan SOFUOGLU, Honda CBR600RR, 1:37.586 5. Yoann TIBERIO, Honda CBR600RR, 1:37.691 6. Mauro SANCHINI, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:37.865 7. Robin HARMS, Honda CBR600RR, 1:37.997 8. Dean THOMAS, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:38.241 9. Javier FORES, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.380 10. Christian ZAISER, Ducati 749R, 1:38.428 11. Barry VENEMAN, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:38.452 12. Anthony GOBERT, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.499 13. Didier VAN KEYMEULEN, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.559 14. Maxime BERGER, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:38.730 15. Tatu LAUSLEHTO, Honda CBR600RR, 1:38.779 16. William DE ANGELIS, Honda CBR600RR, 1:38.836 17. Gregory LEBLANC, Honda CBR600RR, 1:38.884 18. Josh BROOKES, Ducati 749R, 1:39.010 19. Sebastien LE GRELLE, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.039 20. Gianluca NANNELLI, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:39.239 26. Chris PERIS, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:40.276 More, from a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: CHARPENTIER LEADS QUALIFYING ON FIRST DAY AT PHILLIP ISLAND Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) needed only 12 laps to set the fastest time in the first qualifying session at Phillip Island, his 1’35.869 almost one second ahead of his nearest challenger after two session on the classic Australian circuit. Charpentier experimented with two different chassis configurations in the morning’s unofficial session, before concentrating on setting a fast time this afternoon, with one more chance to improve on Saturday. In temperatures of 36°C, and with track temperatures of 50°C in today’s qualifying session, Charpentier was fully 0.889 seconds up on his closest challenger, Broc Parkes. Charpentier’s team-mate, Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) belied his rookie status in the team by securing fourth spot on the provisional grid, an immense achievement for any first-timer at this fast and challenging circuit. With more work to do in his set-up, to better handle the faster corners, Sofuoglu predicts that he should go even faster on the second day of qualifying. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “A very good start again for our weekend. We expected things to be a bit harder because the Yamaha guys, Curtain and Parkes, had already tested here in January, clocking fast times. Sebastien worked very well and we had two very different bike set-ups for him to test today, in the morning. Now he is very clear which set-up he wants, so we will build two identical bikes tomorrow and see if he can get the times down even more. We should be able to do low 1’35s to get pole. Big compliments to Kenan again, as he is the only rider in the top four who has never been to Phillip Island before and he is eating away at his times lap by lap. His riding will be even better when he learns the track even better. We are looking forward to tomorrow and there is definitely a little bit more to come from us.” Sébastien Charpentier WSS Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (1st position 1’35.869) “I think that times can come down some more. Tomorrow I will try a new engine and I have many tyres left to use to stay at the front. The bike is OK, the grip in some corners is not perfect but we are OK because the Yamaha guys tested at this track one month ago. Considering that, out pace today is not too bad. I am ready for tomorrow and the race, for sure. I only did 12 laps today, keeping my energy, as I only had a few hours sleep last night.” Kenan Sofuoglu WSS Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (4th position 1’37.586) “It’s the first time at this circuit for me and it is a very special circuit for corner speed. At the moment I do not quite have the speed I need on the faster corners but today I learned a lot and tomorrow we will try something else. I had some problems in some corners so if we can find even more for the set-up tomorrow, we can go even faster. To come here for the first time in the world championship has not been easy but we are working hard.” More, from a press release issued by SC Scuderia Caracchi: Problems In Supersport For Josh Brookes And Luka Nedog Luka Nedog made a great jump of performance here in Australia compared to Qatar’s debut. The young Slovenian’s bike, very powerful, is not still ready as suspensions, a difficult work for a small experienced rider on WSBK circuits. Despite that, with a bike hardly sliding on the rear in the fast corners, Luka improved in the afternoon his morning’s lap time, and for tomorrow he’s confident to ride better and better. “I spent the morning free practice session to find a better relationship with the track.” has been the Luka’s comment at the end of first qualifying “This is a very demanding circuit, which doesn’t forget any mistake. My greatest difficulties are most of all in the final part of the circuit as well in the hairpin, but actually I feel more comfortable riding here as in Qatar. The engine is very fast, now we have to look at the general package and for tomorrow I’m confident I’ll be able to get a better result and gain some position.” On his home track Joshua Brookes was looking for a very good result from the first practice day. The morning’s session has been totally spent for the best set up of the package, to avoid the problems found during Qatar round, but the improvement have been too slow for the impatient Brookes, that at the end of qualifying session recorded only the 18th fastest. “A cannot absolutely be happy of this result on this track that I know perfectly.” said a disappointed Brookes at the end of today’s qualifying “We worked all the day on the suspensions, but I’m not been able to find a good set up to manage the corners as I like to do. I’m just able to gain something in the straight, because as used, the engine made by Franco Farné is one of the fastest as top speed. During the afternoon the bike had some improvement, but not enough and my rivals are more and more competitive as me. I believe we are following the right way, but we are proceeding too slow. Now we’ll see, after the practice me and the team we’ll made an evaluation of the job to do and I hope that for tomorrow we’ll be able to find some good solution.” More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: Yamaha Motor Germany riders Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain go into tomorrow’s final qualifying session on the provisional front row after ending today’s opening session second and third respectively. The Australian pair have been consistently at the top of the timesheets during the day’s two 45-minute practice sessions, bested only by qualifying king Sebastien Charpentier (Honda) in the afternoon’s qualifying practice. Having tested at the circuit in January, the Yamaha Motor Germany squad came to Phillip Island with a good base setting for their new-for-2006 R6s. Having found a set-up that they believe can help them challenge for honours on Sunday, the team will try to further improve their race set-up and maintain the crucial front row starts during tomorrow’s grid-deciding qualifying session. In a good day for Yamaha runners, Italian privateer Mauro Sanchini finished sixth, with Spaniard Xavi Fores ninth. Local hero Anthony Gobert, a winner here in the superbike class, came 12th in his second ride for the Yamaha GMT94 team, while FIM Superstock 1000 champion Didier van Keymeulen ended the day 13th on his R6. Massimo Roccoli and Gianluca Vizziello of the Yamaha Team Italia squad ended 21st and 23rd respectively as they looked to find a good set-up for their machines.

Daytona 200 Viewing Party Scheduled In Northern California

American SportBike Night announces our annual Daytona 200 RaceWatch gathering on Saturday, March 11, at the East Bay’s premier sports bar Ricky’s. Ricky’s is an outstanding sports bar, where many large-screen TVs will present complete AMA racing coverage, beginning 8am with live Superbike race; continuing 9:30am with tape of Thursday’s Flat Track event; and concluding with 10:30am live 65th running of the Daytona 200 F/X race. American SportBike Night, founded in late 1998 by a trio of committed Buell riders, is a very informal assortment of Northern California Buell and Sportbike enthusiasts [all makes/models are represented] who get together monthly to swap stories, exchange tech-tips, find out what is new in racing and streetbike technology, and engage overall in family-friendly behavior. American Sport Bike Night isn’t a club. There are no membership dues or meeting fees – nothing to sign or fill-out. All riders and their guests are welcome. Ricky’s chefs’ full breakfast menu will be served – lunch items become available 10am, in time for the pre-200 Mile warmup. Directions to Ricky’s can prove demanding, so visit his website for particulars from your direction: ~http://www.rickys.com/about/contact.cfm~ A post-race 2-lane twisties ride departs Ricky’s 1pm destination will be determined by participants during Victory Circle coverage. For additional information, visit ~http://americansportbikenight.com/~

Another Phillip Island World Superbike Preview

Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone To confirm the tests During the tests at Phillip Island on January 17 to 20, the Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone riders were quicker than last year. Using race tyres, Norick Abe’s best lap was 1:35.5 in 2005 and 1:34.6 this year. Sebastien Gimbert progressed from 1:36.7 to 1:34.2 still using 2005 tyres. If the Qatar race was not easy for the team, without previous testing and a lack of experience of the 2006 Pirelli tyres, the Phillip Island race looks more promising. The Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone participated to the January tests with good results. The development went well and therefore there is a reasonable amount of confidence for the Australian race. After Qatar, the most important technical problems to be looked after were the chattering and Gimbert’s front brakes. For the chattering, there was already some progress for race 2 in Qatar. During the January tests in Phillip Island, there was no chattering. But the bikes were fitted then with 2005 tyres, so one has to be careful about predicting the results too early. The 2006 tyres have a better grip, so there are more chances of chattering. About Gimbert’s brakes, new discs have been fitted to gain more efficiency. This technical evolution was not easy between Qatar and Australia, and it was only possible thanks to the help between teams and quick transportation systems. A very high level The actual level of the Superbike World Championship is exceptional. In the race 2 in Qatar for instance, Sebastien Gimbert finished 35 seconds behind the winner. He was in 15th position. By comparison, Javi Fores is 38 seconds behind the winner of the Supersport race with the 4th position. In the MotoGP class last year, Shinya Nakano finished 32 seconds behind the winner in 7th position. This shows the intensity of the fight and the quality of the show in World Superbike. Who can beat Corser’s mythical lap record? Troy Corser established in 1999 the unofficial lap record with a time of 1:32.193 (average speed 173.530 kph). The track had just being resurfaced and the grip was very good. Also there was this incredible fight between the two Ducati factory riders, Carl Fogarty being World Champion and Troy Corser wishing to be the fastest in his home country. He was using then Michelin bi-compound tyres (hard on the left, soft on right) when the riders use now Pirelli single compound tyres at Phillip Island. Phillip Island Back in the twenties, the roads around Philip Island were very popular with local speed freaks. In 1928, the first Australian car Grand Prix was held at the Island on a 6.5 miles/10.4585 km course. 1931 was the year motorcycles first raced at the Island, for an event that was a lot like the Isle of Man TT on a 12 mile/19.308 km course. The permanent racing facility was opened in 1956. Philip Island is a varied and demanding 4.445 kms with everything from hairpins (minimum radius 23 m) to fast turns (maximum radius 207 m). Right-hand turns are scarce with only two such corners, Honda and Turn 10. In the fastest of left-handers, like turn 12 (the last turn before the start/finish straight), tyre temperatures go above normal. Standard running temperature for a rear slick is between 80 and 110°C but at Phillip Island, they often go beyond 130°C. January 17 to 20, 2006 tests Unofficial times: 1-Troy Corser (Suzuki): 1:33.0 (2006 race tyre), 2-Steve Martin (Petronas): 1:33.3 (2006 race tyre) 1:34 3 (2005 race tyre), 3-Yukio Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki): 1:34.1 (2006 race tyre), 4-Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France – Ipone): 1:34.6 (2005 race tyre), 5-Sebastien Gimbert (Yamaha Motor France – Ipone): 1:34.6 (2005 race tyre), 6-Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha Motor France – Ipone): 1:35.0, 7-Craig Jones (Petronas): 1:35.6 World Championship standings: 1- Bayliss (40 points), 2-Corser et Toseland (38), 4-Pitt (27), 5-Fabrizio et Barros (19) – 10-Abe (10), 17-Gimbert (3) Phillip Island stats Practice record (1999): 1:32.193 Troy Corser (Ducati) 173.570 kph 2005 Yamaha Motor France practice times: Norifumi Abe: 1:34.742 / 12th and Sebastien Gimbert: 1:35.178 / 21st Race 1 results 2005: 1-Corser (Suzuki), 2-Kagayama (Suzuki) 3- Vermeulen (Honda) 4- Neukirchner (Honda) 5-Pitt (Yamaha) 2005 Yamaha Motor France race 1 results: Norifumi Abe: 6th and Sebastien Gimbert: 11th Race 2 results 2005: 1-Corser (Suzuki), 2-Kagayama (Suzuki) 3- Neukirchner (Honda) 4- Vermeulen (Honda) 5-Nieto (Ducati) 2005 Yamaha Motor France race 2 results: Norifumi Abe: 8th and Sebastien Gimbert: DNF (retired lap 9) Lap record (best race time 1999): 1:33.019 Troy Corser (Ducati) 172.030 kph 3rd round of the Supersport World Championship: April 30th at Valencia (Spain)

AMA/FIM’s 2006 Women & Motorcycling Conference To Offer ‘Motorcycle Skills’ Day With Schwantz At Road Atlanta

AMA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE TO FEATURE MOTORCYCLE-SKILLS DAY AT ROAD ATLANTA — Nationwide becomes Platinum Sponsor — PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell will feature its first-ever motorcycle-skills day, conducted by the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at Road Atlanta Raceway. The conference will be held June 30 through July 3, 2006 in Athens, Georgia. The optional motorcycle-skills day, scheduled for July 3, will be limited to the first 100 pre-registered participants, for an additional fee of $150. With the guidance of professional instructors, riders can learn the secrets of smoother, safer street riding, in the controlled environment of a closed road circuit, from a former world champion motorcycle racer. Participants in the motorcycle-skills day also may rent a motorcycle and riding gear from the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School. Availability is limited. For more information, call 1-800-849-7223 or visit www.schwantzschool.com. The AMA also has announced that Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which offers motorcycle insurance through its Rev & Ride coverage, will be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is the title sponsor of the conference, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell is the event’s presenting sponsor. Also contributing support as primary sponsors are American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; American Suzuki Motor Corporation; Biker Ally Magazine; BMW Motorrad USA; Cycle World of Athens; Ducati North America; FrictionZone Magazine (East and West editions); G-Line; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School; Memphis Shades; Motorcycle Mechanics Institute; Open Road Magazine; Road Atlanta; RoadRUNNER magazine; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. The 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell will feature a slate of guest speakers and seminars; demo rides, free to conference participants, from BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha; and array of new-product vendors; guided and self-guided tours of the Athens region; live entertainment, and a motorcycle-skills day with the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at Road Atlanta. Athens was chosen as the site of the 2006 event for its excellent facilities, and for its proximity to great motorcycle riding. The AMA is working closely with its conference partners — Motor Maids, Women in the Wind, Women on Wheels, Women’s International Motorcycle Association-USA, Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation, Femmoto, Ebony Angels, and MXGirls.com — to plan the conference. The first three AMA Women & Motorcycling Conferences were held in 1997, 2000, and 2002. Nearly 700 women and men attended the 2002 conference, from nearly every U.S. state and several foreign countries. The 2006 conference is expected to draw 1,000 enthusiasts. For more information about the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell, or to download a registration form, visit www.womenandmotorcycling.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

Hooters Helpmeride.com Suzuki To Field Eric Wood, Fania In AMA Superbike

Helpmeride.com, a finance company that specializes in the powersports industry, will once again be the title sponsor of the Hooters Helpmeride.com Suzuki AMA Superbike team, according to a press release. The team will field Eric Wood in Superbike and select Superstock events and Anthony Fania, Jr. in select East Coast AMA events. Wood participated in the Team Hammer Advanced Riding Schools & Track Rides practice day Thursday at Daytona International Speedway.

McWilliams Tests Buell XB-RR Firebolt During Team Hammer Practice Day At Daytona

McWilliams Prepares For Daytona 200 By Honda Irish Rider Shakes Down Buell At Daytona International Speedway DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 2, 2006) — Jeremy McWilliams took his first laps around the historic Daytona International Speedway 2.95-mile road course on Thursday during the Team Hammer riding school as the Irishman prepares for next week’s Daytona 200 By Honda motorcycle classic. McWilliams, a three-time Irish Champion and 250 GP and Moto GP veteran, participated in the riding school as he learns the ins and outs of the “World Center of Racing” as well as shaking down the new Buell XBRR. “It’s my first time ever on a banking so it’s quite daunting,” said McWilliams, who along with Pascal Picotte, Mike Ciccotto and Steve Crevier will race in the 65th Daytona 200 By Honda on Saturday, March 11 aboard Buells. “It’s quite different than what I’m use to.” The 41-year-old McWilliams, who’ll compete for Warr’s London Harley-Davidson/Buell of London, is one of the biggest international riders to compete at Daytona in a number of years and interest is high among American racing fans to watch such a highly respected rider race against many of the leading AMA stars. McWilliams’s participation in Thursday’s Team Hammer day at DIS is two-fold as he tries to learn both the track and the bike. “It’s just trying to get to know the track,” said McWilliams, who was joined by Picotte during Thursday’s Team Hammer day. “That’s one big thing to overcome. You’re coming to race at Daytona, it’s a plus if you know where you’re going. Because I’ve never ridden banking, getting use to hitting the banking as hard as I need to hit it. “This bike is also very different than what I’m use to. The maximum RPM is about 8,500. So I’ve got to change my style quite a bit. Jumping on this bike from what I know is quite a big step all around. The guys are working as hard as they can to make the changes that I need to make it easier for me.” Running in the prestigious Daytona 200 By Honda is something that McWilliams has always wanted to attempt. He has watched the prestigious race plenty of times on television hoping one day he would get the opportunity to compete at DIS. “It’s one of those races that you can’t really ignore,” said McWilliams, a native of Carmoney, Northern Ireland. “You see it all around the world and it is one thing I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to take part in the 200. “(The track) actually looks a little bit different on TV than it does when you’re out on the motorcycle. It’s a little tight and twisty in the infield. I believe they’ve changed it a little bit from what I remember. The surface is in good condition. It’s just quite tricky. I’m sure it’s going to make for interesting racing during a long race like Daytona because there’s a lot of track to get by. The fast sections are awesome. I really enjoy the fast sections.” As far as expectations for the four Buell dealer teams entered in next Saturday’s Daytona 200 By Honda, McWilliams says it’s too early to tell how strong the motorcycle will be. “The first thing is we would like to go 200 miles. Secondly, I’d like to be up there somewhere,” McWilliams said. One of the major issues McWilliams will have to overcome is all the travel in the next few days. He’ll fly back to Italy on Friday as he is developing a different motorcycle and then plans to return to Daytona by Monday. “Trying to avoid the jet lag is the difficultly,” McWilliams said. Tickets for the 65th Daytona 200 By Honda are available at www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Editorial Notes: McWilliams, along with over one hundred other licensed racers, particpated in practice sessions organized by the Team Hammer Advanced Riding Schools & Track Rides. Practice session took place in between regularly-scheduled school sessions. McWilliams did not take part in the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School, as implied by the press release above. Further, McWilliams’s first laps of Daytona International Speedway did not happen Thursday, as reported above. McWilliams tested a Buell XB-RR at Daytona in early-December. Also contrary to the press release above, Pascal Picotte did not ride a Buell Thursday and will not race a Buell XB-RR in the Daytona 200. Picotte’s team, Picotte Performance, is supporting Deeley Harley-Davidson/Buell Canada of Vancouver’s rider Steve Crevier in the Daytona 200. In addition to McWilliams, Crevier and Ciccotto, Rico Penzkofer will race a XB-RR Firebolt in the Daytona 200 for Buell Hannover of Hannover, Germany.

Duhamel Could Win Record Sixth Daytona 200 Next Weekend

DUHAMEL LOOKS TO SET NEW DAYTONA 200 BY HONDA RECORD PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Miguel Duhamel comes to the 65th running of the Daytona 200 by Honda, the opening round of the AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Saturday, March 11, with a major milestone in his grasp. If the 37-year-old Montreal native, who now calls Las Vegas home, wins the prestigious 200-mile motorcycle road race he will become the first six-time winner in the storied history of the race, which first ran in 1937. Duhamel heads up an impressive list of talented racers who will take to Daytona International Speedway’s motorcycle road course. Duhamel tied the legendary Scott Russell with his fifth victory in the 200 last March. He again has the powerful Honda factory team behind him, but is set to face a deeper field than he conquered a year ago. In addition to Honda’s strong effort, both Yamaha and Buell will field factory or factory-supported squads in this year’s 200. Duhamel has an amazing record in the Daytona 200. He won the race in his first attempt in 1991 as a replacement rider on the Commonwealth Honda squad. He was victorious again in 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2005. He is just happy to have the opportunity to break the record for most Daytona 200 wins. “I was really honored to tie Scott’s record last year,” said Duhamel, the two-time and defending champion of the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. “It would be great for sure to be the first to win the sixth. Honda has really stepped up with the new CBR600RR and I have the best team in racing so I have a lot of things going in my favor.” Duhamel will not only have to overcome serious efforts from Yamaha and Buell in this year’s 200 miler, he’ll also have his own Honda teammates to worry about. Jake Zemke will join Duhamel on the other factory Honda machine, while Josh Hayes and Aaron Gobert will race factory-backed Erion Hondas. On facing the tough competition this season Duhamel joked, “I’ve got to be honest if they would let me be the only one in the race that would be sweet,” he said. “But there’s no doubt that this year’s 200 is going to be a terrific one for the fans. It’s going to be a really closely contested and tough race.” Yamaha is bringing in the big guns back to the 200 this year in the form of Eric Bostrom and Jason DiSalvo. Yamaha has won more Daytona 200s than any other manufacturer, but the maker’s last victory in the race came in 1998. With Bostrom and DiSalvo Yamaha has a strong pair of contenders. Four Buell dealer teams are entered in this year’s Daytona 200. Buell is hoping to put an American-made motorcycle atop the Daytona 200 podium for the first time since Cal Rayborn won on a Harley-Davidson in 1969. Perhaps as surprising as Buell’s entry in this year’s 200 is the fact that former MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams is slated to ride with the Warr’s London Harley-Davidson/Buell of London team. The 41-year-old Irishman is one of the biggest international riders to compete at Daytona for a number of years and interest is high among American racing fans to watch such a highly respected rider such as McWilliams racing against many of the leading AMA stars. Buell’s other big name rider is former AMA Supersport and reigning Canadian Pro 600 Sport Bike champion Steve Crevier. He will ride a Deeley Harley-Davidson/Buell Canada of Vancouver entry. Floridian Mike Ciccotto will race the 200 on a Hal’s Harley-Davidson/Buell. Suzuki’s brightest hopes to win the 200 this year will be on the shoulders of Floridian racing veteran Michael Barnes, of Boca Raton and Oklahoman flat tracker turned road racer Danny Eslick. Barnes will race on a M4/EMGO Suzuki. He scored two podium finishes for the team in last year’s Formula Xtreme Series. Eslick, who rides for Matsushima Performance Suzuki, came out of nowhere to finish a surprising fourth in last year’s 200. The Daytona 200 will again feature a number of international entries. In addition to the aforementioned McWilliams, fellow Northern Ireland native Alastair Seeley will race a Team Celtic Yamaha. Rob Frost riding for Chris Dowd Racing Kawasaki and Stu Wilson of the Crewe Van Centre Yamaha team are coming over from the United Kingdom. Slovenia is represented by Bostjan Pintar, Bostjan Skubic and Dejan Senk riding for Inotherm Honda and German Rico Penzkofer is entered for Buell Hannover. SPEED’s live coverage of the 65th Daytona 200 by Honda featuring the AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series will take the green flag starting at 1:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 11. For tickets visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Poncharal Replaces Pons As President Of IRTA

IRTA Annual General Meeting Catalunya March 1, 2006. The International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The Association was formed to attend to the interests of all teams, riders and service companies participating in MotoGP racing. IRTA employs several staff members to administer and perform a vast range of duties for the membership. The Committee of IRTA, comprised of team members directly elected by the entire membership, defines the Associations policy. The membership also elects the President of IRTA. Both the President and the Committee have a two-year mandate. Catalunya was the chosen venue for the IRTA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the membership discussed and agreed upon several matters. The Committee presented the 2005 accounts for inspection and the proposed 2006 budget. Team selection was confirmed and ratified and details of the new regulations for 2006 were given to the membership. IRTA Presidential elections were scheduled for the AGM and, for the first time since the foundation of the Association, two candidates for the post were originally proposed; current President Sito Pons and Herve Poncharal, principle of the Tech 3 Yamaha team. However, the election proved to be an unnecessary exercise as Sito Pons announced he felt that after ten years in the role of IRTA Chairman or President it was the appropriate time to step down and allow another qualified member assume the role. In withdrawing his candidature Sito pledge his full support to Herve who was duly elected. Herve Poncharal was elected to the Committee of IRTA in 1997 and has retained his position ever since. A motorcycle road racing stalwart Herve is the team owner of the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP team. He also has a solid 250cc grand prix pedigree having contested the quarter litre championship with Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha machinery. The highlight of his 250c career was a World Championship title with Olivier Jacque in 2000. The Committee members paid tribute to departing President Pons thanking the former double 250cc World Champion for his tireless, and fruitful work on behalf of the Association dating back to the 1980s. Despite his success on track as both rider and winning team owner Pons was always on hand to defend and promote the best interests of the IRTA teams and riders. He was elected to the Committee of IRTA in 1986, shortly after the Association was founded. Sito was elected as Chairman of the Committee in 1997 and three years later his candidature for role of President was successful. Sito has been influential in all major developments in world championship racing over recent years representing the interest of the teams in negotiations with Dorna, and as the IRTA delegate to the Grand Prix Commission.

AFM Needs Volunteers To Help Assemble Its New Air Fence

AFM AIRFENCE ASSEMBLY Help your favorite rider by donating time to an important cause. Thanks to all who have signed up to help assemble the newly purchased sections of airfencing. Your stepping up to the challenge is MUCH appreciated. However, we are in need of more volunteers for this large undertaking. We are critically short-staffed for the following dates: March 6th through March 10th. This project benefits the entire riding community, which includes everyone from your favorite factory rider to the first time trackday participant. This will have a profound effect for many years to come and help make the track a safer place to play. Any and all help is welcome. Work one day or several days. Bring out the family and make a day of it! We would also like a few people to be trainers that can help for multiple days. Once again we are looking for help on the following dates: Dates: March 6th through the 10th Place: Infineon Raceway Starting: 9:00 a.m. Lunch provided Additional items needed: 10 gallon or larger air-compressors 40 ft or longer extension cords If you can help out please contact: [email protected]

Daytona 200 Viewing Party Scheduled In Salt Lake City, Utah

The Utah Sportbike Association, Utah’s largest sport riding club, and sanctioning body of the new Plaza Cycle Masters of the Mountains Championship Race Series at Miller Motorsports Park, will be holding its annual Daytona Viewing and Kickoff Party at the Bohemian Brewery, located at 94 E 7200 S (Fort Union Blvd) in Salt Lake City, Saturday March 11. Doors will open at 10 a.m. and there will be a buffet available for lunch for a very fair price. Get to know your fellow Utah Sport Riders and have a blast watching the events. Spring is coming so kick things off the right way.

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