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Mladin Survives High-speed Crash At Phillip Island Test

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Mladin Survives High-speed Crash At Phillip Island Test

By Trevor Hedge At Phillip Island today World Superbike teams Alstare Corona Suzuki (Corser – Kagayama), Yamaha France (Abe – Gimbert – Nakatomi) and Foggy Petronas (Martin – Jones) were joined on track by the dominant American Superbike team, Yoshimura Suzuki, with #1 rider Mat Mladin. Mladin and Corser were immediately the pacesetters and were putting down 1:34 laps within minutes of hitting the track. Both also entered the 1:33 bracket during the day with Corser on Pirellis unofficially the quickest at around 1:33.6 with Mladin a couple of 10ths from that mark on Dunlops. Mladin’s day ended early in the afternoon, however, after the Sydneysider had a high-speed tumble around the back of the circuit while on an out lap. The Yoshimura squad only had one of its 2005 bikes fitted with some 2006 kit parts for testing as the team’s 2006 full factory bikes are still on their way from Japan to America. Thus this afternoon Mladin’s pit crew went about the task of starting with a bare frame and building him another motorcycle out of bits salvaged from the crashed bike along with new parts where needed. Mladin scored some bruises and a gash in his arm that required a few stitches but expects to be fine to ride tomorrow. If Yamaha is going to be a threat in World Superbike this year then it must be said that on today’s performance that challenge will not come from the Yamaha France team, which fielded Abe, Gimbert and Nakatomi. Gimbert had an off this morning but walked away fine and was quickly back on track. From what we could ascertain none of the Yamaha men even cracked the 1:34 bracket, let alone the 1:33s recorded by Corser and Mladin. Fans of the tuning fork brand better hope Yamaha Italy with Noriyuki Haga and Andrew Pitt can give them something to cheer about when the season starts next month. Norick Abe looked the best of the Yamaha men present today but his R1 was wheel-spinning and then climbing at the rear off the rebound and at times it looked downright ugly to be aboard. The Yamahas did sound nice though… The Foggy Petronas squad was also in attendance with newcomer Craig Jones being given a few tips on Phillip Island’s finer points by lead rider Steve Martin. Making the Yamaha France efforts look even poorer was the fact that on a bike with a 100cc capacity deficit Steve Martin was able to better all the Yamaha riders to join Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) in the 1:34 bracket today. Turning up with such a capacity deficit has to be hard to swallow but until another run of Foggy Petronas bikes can be produced for the road with full 1000cc engines then the machine has to run the 900cc engine fitted to the production machines. 900cc was the upper capacity limit for three-cylinder engines under the previous World Superbike rule structure and that is why the production machines had 900cc engines. And with no sign of a new 1000cc production bike in sight the chances of that happening any time soon look extremely remote. However the team continues to display good form and often shows up many teams with factory backed race machines from the biggest manufacturers in the world. And anyway you look at it, that has to be seen as an impressive effort. Teams will continue testing this week and we will bring you a further update on completion of Wednesday’s on track activities.

Giles Tightens New Zealand Superbike Championship With Win At Timaru Raceway

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Giles Tightens New Zealand Superbike Championship With Win At Timaru Raceway

Australian Shawn Giles won the penultimate round of the New Zealand Superbike Championship at Timaru Raceway at the weekend and closed to within striking distance of the series victory. The three-time Aussie Superbike Champion is now just 10 points behind fellow GSX-R1000-mounted Andrew Stroud with one round remaining next weekend at Ruapuna. In the opening race, Giles rocketed off the line and delivered nine laps of impeccable riding that left his competitors trailing all the way to the chequered flag. And in the second, he pulled away from his pursuers and set a new lap record of 1:05.251m around the 2.4km circuit, smashing the previous record by 1.5 seconds. Towards the end of the second race, a slight error at high speed allowed fellow Suzuki riders Ray Clee and Australian Scott Charlton to close in on the back of Giles. Charlton pushed Giles wide at the third-last corner allowing Clee to follow through which relegated Giles to third as Stroud retired with electrical problems. In the final race, Giles passed Stroud and Clee in the opening laps and took off into the distance to win the race with a 3.5-second margin, demoralising his opponents and clinching the overall victory. He said: “The Suzuki was handling so well this weekend and I got some really good starts. Combine that with Andrew Stroud’s DNF in race two and we’re back within striking distance for the series lead. “Apparently the track at Ruapuna is quite similar to here at Timaru, so hopefully we can get a good set up again and have real shot at the title next week.” With a perfect record across the season’s opening four rounds, Suzuki scored yet another event one-two-three with the GSX-R1000 filling the top four spots in the New Zealand Superbike Championship standings. New Zealand Superbike Points (after 4 rounds): 1. Andrew Stroud (Suzuki) 217, 2. Shawn Giles (Suzuki) 207, 3. Scott Charlton (Suzuki) 173, 4. Ray Clee (Suzuki) 171, 5. Jared Love 113, 6. Dean Fulton 106, 7. Chris Haldane 94, 8. Jon Lowther 82, 9. Brendon Marshall, 71, 10. Jason McEwen 62.

Four-day Superbike Test Opens At Phillip Island

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Four-day Superbike Test Opens At Phillip Island

FPR Riders On Form At Phillip Island Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s Steve Martin and Craig Jones showed good pre-season form today for the first of a four day test at Phillip Island in Australia. With both riders’ performance at the team’s previous test in Qatar last December being affected by injury and illness – with Steve recovering from surgery and Craig struck with a viral bug – they were eager to return to their PETRONAS FP1 seats in full health and fitness. With the day’s forecast rain not materialising, Craig’s first visit to the circuit saw him complete almost 50 laps as he familiarised himself with the track layout and its unique nature. Although hampered by a few technical difficulties, the young Brit was able to steadily improve his lap times to finish the day with a time of 1:37.83. Steve was immediately on the pace around his native circuit, lapping consistently in the 1:34s. He worked solidly through his testing schedule, completing over 70 laps, to further evaluate development parts and suspension settings in preparation for testing new tyre compounds tomorrow. Craig said, “I feel 75 per cent there with learning the track and I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s been a bit of an eye opener riding here for the first time as the circuit is like no other I’ve ever ridden at before. It’s fast, bumpy and undulating, with lots of blind corners and, it’s so windy! I’m happy with what I’ve achieved today although a few minor technical issues hindered my track time, so now I’m looking forward to tomorrow to start my testing programme now that I have a feel for the track.” Steve commented, “I’m happy with how the day has gone and we’ve made positive steps forward each time I’ve gone out. My lap times have also been good and consistent from the outset, so it’s good to be on the pace and feeling back at full health and fitness to really ‘ride’ the bike.”

Gibernau: I Know Exactly What Was Missing Last Year And What I Need To Do This Season To Get Good Results

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Gibernau: I Know Exactly What Was Missing Last Year And What I Need To Do This Season To Get Good Results

FIRST DAY ON THE SNOWS OF MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO FOR THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM Wrooom 2006, Madonna di Campiglio (Tn), Italy, January 17 – The Wrooom – MotoGP Press Ski Meeting 2006, the annual appointment on the mountains of Madonna di Campiglio in Trento, got underway today with the Ducati Marlboro Team riders spending several days of training and relaxation before the start of the coming MotoGP season. The formula of the event revolves around skiing in the mountains together with a round of press meetings and conferences. Today the first two scheduled press conferences saw Federico Minoli, President and Managing-Director of Ducati Motor Holding, and Sete Gibernau, the Borgo Panigale team’s new rider, give some early news on the Ducati Marlboro Team’s 2006 season. “We race to win and in our fourth year of participation in MotoGP we expect to win more than we did in 2005. We are sure that the team is stronger this year and we are ready for this fourth season with all the right cards to get some good results and to capitalize on our investment, also in view of the development of new technology aimed at our production sector” declared Federico Minoli in his speech to the press. “Racing is in Ducati’s DNA, we feel that we are responsible for taking and communicating Italian technology all over the world, and we are proud to be able to do so.” “Right from the start of the project we have had a positive collaboration with Phillip Morris” added the President of Ducati Motor Holding, “and I am extremely pleased to announce here today that Ducati Corse has extended the sponsorship agreement with Phillip Morris International until 2011. It is a unique partnership, one that since 2003 has linked together two of the most prestigious names in the world with the positive results that are visible for everyone to see. Together we can look forward to the future and the victories to come”. Then it was the turn of Sete Gibernau, on his first official appointment as Ducati Marlboro Team rider. The Spaniard, who has already had an opportunity to test the Desmosedici GP6, last November at Valencia and Jerez, said he was delighted with his decision and is looking to the future with optimism, confident in the potential of the Ducati-Bridgestone pairing. “Being in a team which is 100% behind me, with the ambitions, the means and the enthusiasm to produce good results, is like realizing a dream” declared Gibernau on greeting the press at Wroom 2006. “Every day that goes by I feel better in the team and I am sure that it will be an entertaining season, full of satisfaction and that I will be capable of repaying the trust that has been put in me”. “It’s going to be a difficult year, because every year MotoGP becomes more and more difficult and competitive, but I’m not afraid of the job ahead as I know exactly what was missing last year and what I need to do this season to get good results. The potential is there, day after day I’m more and more convinced of that, and I can only look ahead with optimism. In a few days time we’ll be leaving for the tests but after the first laps I completed in November on the Desmosedici, I could see that it was a great bike, albeit completely different to what I had ridden before. Add to this a great team and a company that has always made racing its philosophy and I am sure that I have made the right decision.” Tomorrow it will be the turn of Loris Capirossi and Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing-Director, who will present the new bike. The Desmosedici GP06 will therefore make its first official appearance tomorrow on the snows of Madonna di Campiglio. Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau will unveil the new machine from the Italian manufacturer, a bike that will soon be taking part in a season that promises to be exciting and hard-fought, and in which the Ducati Marlboro Team will surely play a leading role.

Ducati North America Names New Business Development Manager, Hires Racer As Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager, Plans Riding School

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Ducati North America Names New Business Development Manager, Hires Racer As Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager, Plans Riding School

DUCATI APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AND AREA SALES MANAGER Successful 2005 spurs growth of North American team Cupertino, CA On the heels of the most successful year in the history of Ducati North America, Nick McCabe is promoted to Business Development Manager and Aaron Barry will replace him as Area Sales Manager for the Mid-Atlantic region. These two new appointments demonstrate Ducati’s commitment to the North American market where they currently lead the industry in the traditional motorcycle segment market share. McCabe is relocating to DNA’s Cupertino Headquarters where he will be responsible for overseeing Business Development, new projects and serving as the main point of contact for external relationships and partners. “I am very excited about this new position because it gives me the opportunity to really make some positive changes throughout our nationwide dealer network as well as get started on some new projects like a Ducati Riding School in the US,” commented McCabe. Barry, who will take over Nick’s old territory, is currently touring the Mid-Atlantic region and meeting his new dealers. An avid motorcyclist and WERA racer, he is now responsible for managing the business relationships with approximately 25 Ducati dealers. This includes responsibility for all aspects of wholesale motorcycle sales and related products as well as assistance with dealership promotions, events and regional marketing. Barry previously worked as an independent sales representative for companies including AXO America, Fairchild Sports and Vega helmets. Barry said upon acceptance of his offer, “This is great. I’ve always wanted to work for an OEM and certainly if you are going to work for a manufacturer you might as well shoot for the top. Everything just seemed to fall into place and I’m already feeling right at home here at Ducati.” Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and the new SportClassic. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducatiusa.com.

ASMA Goes Independent, And Launches Ninja 650R Spec Class

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ASMA Goes Independent, And Launches Ninja 650R Spec Class

ASMA Announces Ninja 650 Spec. Class, Other Changes for 2006 The Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association (ASMA) has broken its year-long affiliation ties with the Championship Cup Series (CCS) and will again be an independent organization in 2006. Leading the list of changes for the 2006 season is the creation of a specification class based on the new Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle. Modifications will be very limited, retaining even the stock exhaust system, to try and create a truly level playing field. The class will run two separate races at each race meeting, with second-race grids reversed from the first-race results. Also new for 2006 is the creation of a New Mexico State Championship in conjunction with Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Incorporated (SMRI). The championship will be based on four rounds: two at Arroyo Seco Raceway, and two at Sandia Motorsports Park in Albuquerque, NM. The premier championship will be based on the Unlimited GP class, with two additional championships awarded in lightweight and middleweight classes. About ASMA: ASMA is based out of Arroyo Seco Raceway, located near Deming, NM, serving a rider base from across New Mexico, as well as Arizona and Western Texas. For more information on racing with ASMA, full rules for the Ninja 650 Spec. class, or more information on the New Mexico State Championship, please visit www.ASMARacing.com, or contact Roger Heemsbergen at (505) 494-4794. 2006 ASMA race season: March 12* (ccw) April 9 (cw) May 7 (ccw) June 11 (cw) September 10 (ccw) October 8 (cw) November 12* (ccw) All races held at Arroyo Seco Raceway, cw indicates clockwise and ccw counter clockwise. All races are held on Sunday, a track day is held Saturday preceding each race. * New Mexico State Championship rounds.

Hotel Rooms Still Available For Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

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Hotel Rooms Still Available For Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

TRAVELCRAFT STILL HAS HOTEL ROOMS FOR LAGUNA SECA Travelcraft has obtained additional hotel rooms for the MotoGP at Laguna Seca. The rooms are at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, for 3 nights or longer. These could well be the last decent hotel rooms available anywhere for the race weekend. For information or reservations call 800-258-0755 or visit www.motogp-laguna.com.

Apex Track Days Releases 2006 Schedule

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Apex Track Days Releases 2006 Schedule

ApexTrackDays, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be hosting trackday events at Miller Motorsports Park (MMP), Reno Fernley Raceway (RFR), and Spring Mtn Motorsports Ranch (SMMR). The highlight of our schedule will be our two MMP Full Track events (4.5 mile), one on June 19th, the day after the AMA races, and the other on Labor Day. Our trackdays are either no session or two session events; never three sessions. We also offer a free New Track Rider Orientation Class at our MMP & RFR events for those without any track experience. Weekend February 11-12 at SMMR North/South Track Saturday April 1 at MMP West Track, (MMP’s debut event) Weekend May 6-7 at RFR Full Track Memorial Day May 29 at MMP East Track AMA Monday June 19 at MMP Full Track (the day after the AMA races) Monday July 24 at MMP West Track Weekend August 5-6 at RFR Full Track Labor Day- September 4 at MMP Full Track www.ApexTrackDays.com [email protected] Travis 801-710-6766

Hale To Race Buell In 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship

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Hale To Race Buell In 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship

CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON/BUELL, MILLVILLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON/BUELL AND INNOVATIVE MOTORCYCLE RESEARCH SIGN MIKE HALE TO RACE AMA FORMULA XTREME Millville Harley-Davidson/Buell, Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell, and Innovative Motorcycle Research have announced that Mike Hale will join their factory supported team as it aims its sights high, with plans to compete in the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme class. Mike’s return to AMA national competition in 2005 was a welcome sight. The likeable Texan posting a string of solid top ten results while running a limited schedule was enough to catch the eye of Richard Cronrath of Innovative Motorcycle Research. Add to that Mike’s racing background from humble beginnings racing XR750 Harley’s on dirt tracks, to the experience and accomplishments Mike achieved in AMA, World Superbike and GP road racing, and you have the makings of a successful pairing. Richard Cronrath – Team Manager, Innovative Motorcycle Research Inc., Salem, NJ (www.racingmotorcycles.com) “We are happy to have signed one of the best talents in road racing for the 2006 season. While we’ve been working with this bike for several years now, with numerous podium finishes and 3 National Championships, Mike will be new to the Buell. His racing background is so diverse we are confident in his potential to be successful in the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Series and to bring the Buell to the next level.” Mike Hale – Professional Rider “I am looking forward to getting my first taste of the Buell! I had the opportunity to compete against them in the past and witness the torque of the V-twins first hand. This is an exciting opportunity for me. I spent years with my father both building and competing on the American twins, so they have always had a special place with me. I have heard a lot of good things about the Buell roadracer and the competitiveness of their racing package. I am ready to get on the bike, start testing and get on with the job!” Kevin Kodz – Owner Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell, Reading PA (www.classicharley.com) “I’m really excited that Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell of Reading can be a part of this effort. We’ve worked on our own over the last few years to support Buell’s road racing efforts regionally. With this team, and with Mike Hale on board, I think we have a winning combination. This should be a great year for Buell road racing.” Sam Macrino – Owner Millville Harley-Davidson/Buell, Millville NJ (www.millvilleharley.com), and Harley-Davidson/Buell Shop of Wildwood, Wildwood NJ (www.wildwoodharley.com) “We were thrilled to win the Thunderbike National Championship in 2005. Now that Mike Hale is joining our team and Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell has come on-board as a co- sponsor with Millville Harley-Davidson/Buell, we have the perfect lineup in place to really make an impact for Buell and road racing. This will be a very exciting year and I look forward to working with our team to make Buell racing a huge success.”

Jones Celebrates 21st Birthday As Foggy Petronas Prepares For Multi-team Test At Phillip Island

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Jones Celebrates 21st Birthday As Foggy Petronas Prepares For Multi-team Test At Phillip Island

The threat of bad weather hung over Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s final preparations for the first test of 2006 which starts tomorrow in Phillip Island. But tomorrow’s forecast rain was unable to dampen the enthusiasm of new rider Craig Jones, who today celebrates his 21st birthday. The test sees three World Superbike teams and one American Superbike team take to the track for four days at the coastal circuit. More ideal testing and warm weather are forecast from Wednesday onwards. The comprehensive test schedule planned is an extension of the progress made during the team’s last test at Doha, Qatar, in December and includes braking systems, temperature management packages, suspension, wheels and electrical system modifications, alongside continued engine development. Young British star, Craig Jones, commented: “I’m having a really good time and have enjoyed the last few days having some down time with the team and looking around Phillip Island. But being at the track today with the team while they’ve been setting up has really got me fired up, and now I can’t wait to get out on the track tomorrow. I obviously want to get as much out of this test as possible and if we achieve as much as we did in Qatar then I’ll be very happy. Initially my aim will be to learn the circuit and then I can concentrate on putting in some good lap times. This is also the first time I’ve experienced jet lag so I can now tell my fitness trainer what I’ve felt so that he can put a regime together for me to help when we come back here for the race.” Coming to one of his ‘home’ circuits and feeling back on form following kidney surgery last October, Steve Martin said: “I feel really good – much better and stronger in myself than I was at Qatar, so I’m looking forward to putting in lots of laps here and really pushing myself. My superpole lap here last March during the race weekend was pretty special so I’m not sure I can better that in the next few days, but I would like to try and improve on my lap time from the race as that will give me a really good indication of where we’re at.” Team Manager, Jack Valentine, commented: “This test is really a continuation of our last test in Qatar, so we’re looking to make even further progress in order to put us in a really solid position for the start of the season.”

Mladin Survives High-speed Crash At Phillip Island Test

By Trevor Hedge At Phillip Island today World Superbike teams Alstare Corona Suzuki (Corser – Kagayama), Yamaha France (Abe – Gimbert – Nakatomi) and Foggy Petronas (Martin – Jones) were joined on track by the dominant American Superbike team, Yoshimura Suzuki, with #1 rider Mat Mladin. Mladin and Corser were immediately the pacesetters and were putting down 1:34 laps within minutes of hitting the track. Both also entered the 1:33 bracket during the day with Corser on Pirellis unofficially the quickest at around 1:33.6 with Mladin a couple of 10ths from that mark on Dunlops. Mladin’s day ended early in the afternoon, however, after the Sydneysider had a high-speed tumble around the back of the circuit while on an out lap. The Yoshimura squad only had one of its 2005 bikes fitted with some 2006 kit parts for testing as the team’s 2006 full factory bikes are still on their way from Japan to America. Thus this afternoon Mladin’s pit crew went about the task of starting with a bare frame and building him another motorcycle out of bits salvaged from the crashed bike along with new parts where needed. Mladin scored some bruises and a gash in his arm that required a few stitches but expects to be fine to ride tomorrow. If Yamaha is going to be a threat in World Superbike this year then it must be said that on today’s performance that challenge will not come from the Yamaha France team, which fielded Abe, Gimbert and Nakatomi. Gimbert had an off this morning but walked away fine and was quickly back on track. From what we could ascertain none of the Yamaha men even cracked the 1:34 bracket, let alone the 1:33s recorded by Corser and Mladin. Fans of the tuning fork brand better hope Yamaha Italy with Noriyuki Haga and Andrew Pitt can give them something to cheer about when the season starts next month. Norick Abe looked the best of the Yamaha men present today but his R1 was wheel-spinning and then climbing at the rear off the rebound and at times it looked downright ugly to be aboard. The Yamahas did sound nice though… The Foggy Petronas squad was also in attendance with newcomer Craig Jones being given a few tips on Phillip Island’s finer points by lead rider Steve Martin. Making the Yamaha France efforts look even poorer was the fact that on a bike with a 100cc capacity deficit Steve Martin was able to better all the Yamaha riders to join Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) in the 1:34 bracket today. Turning up with such a capacity deficit has to be hard to swallow but until another run of Foggy Petronas bikes can be produced for the road with full 1000cc engines then the machine has to run the 900cc engine fitted to the production machines. 900cc was the upper capacity limit for three-cylinder engines under the previous World Superbike rule structure and that is why the production machines had 900cc engines. And with no sign of a new 1000cc production bike in sight the chances of that happening any time soon look extremely remote. However the team continues to display good form and often shows up many teams with factory backed race machines from the biggest manufacturers in the world. And anyway you look at it, that has to be seen as an impressive effort. Teams will continue testing this week and we will bring you a further update on completion of Wednesday’s on track activities.

Giles Tightens New Zealand Superbike Championship With Win At Timaru Raceway

Australian Shawn Giles won the penultimate round of the New Zealand Superbike Championship at Timaru Raceway at the weekend and closed to within striking distance of the series victory. The three-time Aussie Superbike Champion is now just 10 points behind fellow GSX-R1000-mounted Andrew Stroud with one round remaining next weekend at Ruapuna. In the opening race, Giles rocketed off the line and delivered nine laps of impeccable riding that left his competitors trailing all the way to the chequered flag. And in the second, he pulled away from his pursuers and set a new lap record of 1:05.251m around the 2.4km circuit, smashing the previous record by 1.5 seconds. Towards the end of the second race, a slight error at high speed allowed fellow Suzuki riders Ray Clee and Australian Scott Charlton to close in on the back of Giles. Charlton pushed Giles wide at the third-last corner allowing Clee to follow through which relegated Giles to third as Stroud retired with electrical problems. In the final race, Giles passed Stroud and Clee in the opening laps and took off into the distance to win the race with a 3.5-second margin, demoralising his opponents and clinching the overall victory. He said: “The Suzuki was handling so well this weekend and I got some really good starts. Combine that with Andrew Stroud’s DNF in race two and we’re back within striking distance for the series lead. “Apparently the track at Ruapuna is quite similar to here at Timaru, so hopefully we can get a good set up again and have real shot at the title next week.” With a perfect record across the season’s opening four rounds, Suzuki scored yet another event one-two-three with the GSX-R1000 filling the top four spots in the New Zealand Superbike Championship standings. New Zealand Superbike Points (after 4 rounds): 1. Andrew Stroud (Suzuki) 217, 2. Shawn Giles (Suzuki) 207, 3. Scott Charlton (Suzuki) 173, 4. Ray Clee (Suzuki) 171, 5. Jared Love 113, 6. Dean Fulton 106, 7. Chris Haldane 94, 8. Jon Lowther 82, 9. Brendon Marshall, 71, 10. Jason McEwen 62.

Four-day Superbike Test Opens At Phillip Island

FPR Riders On Form At Phillip Island Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s Steve Martin and Craig Jones showed good pre-season form today for the first of a four day test at Phillip Island in Australia. With both riders’ performance at the team’s previous test in Qatar last December being affected by injury and illness – with Steve recovering from surgery and Craig struck with a viral bug – they were eager to return to their PETRONAS FP1 seats in full health and fitness. With the day’s forecast rain not materialising, Craig’s first visit to the circuit saw him complete almost 50 laps as he familiarised himself with the track layout and its unique nature. Although hampered by a few technical difficulties, the young Brit was able to steadily improve his lap times to finish the day with a time of 1:37.83. Steve was immediately on the pace around his native circuit, lapping consistently in the 1:34s. He worked solidly through his testing schedule, completing over 70 laps, to further evaluate development parts and suspension settings in preparation for testing new tyre compounds tomorrow. Craig said, “I feel 75 per cent there with learning the track and I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s been a bit of an eye opener riding here for the first time as the circuit is like no other I’ve ever ridden at before. It’s fast, bumpy and undulating, with lots of blind corners and, it’s so windy! I’m happy with what I’ve achieved today although a few minor technical issues hindered my track time, so now I’m looking forward to tomorrow to start my testing programme now that I have a feel for the track.” Steve commented, “I’m happy with how the day has gone and we’ve made positive steps forward each time I’ve gone out. My lap times have also been good and consistent from the outset, so it’s good to be on the pace and feeling back at full health and fitness to really ‘ride’ the bike.”

Gibernau: I Know Exactly What Was Missing Last Year And What I Need To Do This Season To Get Good Results

FIRST DAY ON THE SNOWS OF MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO FOR THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM Wrooom 2006, Madonna di Campiglio (Tn), Italy, January 17 – The Wrooom – MotoGP Press Ski Meeting 2006, the annual appointment on the mountains of Madonna di Campiglio in Trento, got underway today with the Ducati Marlboro Team riders spending several days of training and relaxation before the start of the coming MotoGP season. The formula of the event revolves around skiing in the mountains together with a round of press meetings and conferences. Today the first two scheduled press conferences saw Federico Minoli, President and Managing-Director of Ducati Motor Holding, and Sete Gibernau, the Borgo Panigale team’s new rider, give some early news on the Ducati Marlboro Team’s 2006 season. “We race to win and in our fourth year of participation in MotoGP we expect to win more than we did in 2005. We are sure that the team is stronger this year and we are ready for this fourth season with all the right cards to get some good results and to capitalize on our investment, also in view of the development of new technology aimed at our production sector” declared Federico Minoli in his speech to the press. “Racing is in Ducati’s DNA, we feel that we are responsible for taking and communicating Italian technology all over the world, and we are proud to be able to do so.” “Right from the start of the project we have had a positive collaboration with Phillip Morris” added the President of Ducati Motor Holding, “and I am extremely pleased to announce here today that Ducati Corse has extended the sponsorship agreement with Phillip Morris International until 2011. It is a unique partnership, one that since 2003 has linked together two of the most prestigious names in the world with the positive results that are visible for everyone to see. Together we can look forward to the future and the victories to come”. Then it was the turn of Sete Gibernau, on his first official appointment as Ducati Marlboro Team rider. The Spaniard, who has already had an opportunity to test the Desmosedici GP6, last November at Valencia and Jerez, said he was delighted with his decision and is looking to the future with optimism, confident in the potential of the Ducati-Bridgestone pairing. “Being in a team which is 100% behind me, with the ambitions, the means and the enthusiasm to produce good results, is like realizing a dream” declared Gibernau on greeting the press at Wroom 2006. “Every day that goes by I feel better in the team and I am sure that it will be an entertaining season, full of satisfaction and that I will be capable of repaying the trust that has been put in me”. “It’s going to be a difficult year, because every year MotoGP becomes more and more difficult and competitive, but I’m not afraid of the job ahead as I know exactly what was missing last year and what I need to do this season to get good results. The potential is there, day after day I’m more and more convinced of that, and I can only look ahead with optimism. In a few days time we’ll be leaving for the tests but after the first laps I completed in November on the Desmosedici, I could see that it was a great bike, albeit completely different to what I had ridden before. Add to this a great team and a company that has always made racing its philosophy and I am sure that I have made the right decision.” Tomorrow it will be the turn of Loris Capirossi and Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing-Director, who will present the new bike. The Desmosedici GP06 will therefore make its first official appearance tomorrow on the snows of Madonna di Campiglio. Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau will unveil the new machine from the Italian manufacturer, a bike that will soon be taking part in a season that promises to be exciting and hard-fought, and in which the Ducati Marlboro Team will surely play a leading role.

Ducati North America Names New Business Development Manager, Hires Racer As Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager, Plans Riding School

DUCATI APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AND AREA SALES MANAGER Successful 2005 spurs growth of North American team Cupertino, CA On the heels of the most successful year in the history of Ducati North America, Nick McCabe is promoted to Business Development Manager and Aaron Barry will replace him as Area Sales Manager for the Mid-Atlantic region. These two new appointments demonstrate Ducati’s commitment to the North American market where they currently lead the industry in the traditional motorcycle segment market share. McCabe is relocating to DNA’s Cupertino Headquarters where he will be responsible for overseeing Business Development, new projects and serving as the main point of contact for external relationships and partners. “I am very excited about this new position because it gives me the opportunity to really make some positive changes throughout our nationwide dealer network as well as get started on some new projects like a Ducati Riding School in the US,” commented McCabe. Barry, who will take over Nick’s old territory, is currently touring the Mid-Atlantic region and meeting his new dealers. An avid motorcyclist and WERA racer, he is now responsible for managing the business relationships with approximately 25 Ducati dealers. This includes responsibility for all aspects of wholesale motorcycle sales and related products as well as assistance with dealership promotions, events and regional marketing. Barry previously worked as an independent sales representative for companies including AXO America, Fairchild Sports and Vega helmets. Barry said upon acceptance of his offer, “This is great. I’ve always wanted to work for an OEM and certainly if you are going to work for a manufacturer you might as well shoot for the top. Everything just seemed to fall into place and I’m already feeling right at home here at Ducati.” Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and the new SportClassic. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducatiusa.com.

ASMA Goes Independent, And Launches Ninja 650R Spec Class

ASMA Announces Ninja 650 Spec. Class, Other Changes for 2006 The Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association (ASMA) has broken its year-long affiliation ties with the Championship Cup Series (CCS) and will again be an independent organization in 2006. Leading the list of changes for the 2006 season is the creation of a specification class based on the new Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle. Modifications will be very limited, retaining even the stock exhaust system, to try and create a truly level playing field. The class will run two separate races at each race meeting, with second-race grids reversed from the first-race results. Also new for 2006 is the creation of a New Mexico State Championship in conjunction with Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Incorporated (SMRI). The championship will be based on four rounds: two at Arroyo Seco Raceway, and two at Sandia Motorsports Park in Albuquerque, NM. The premier championship will be based on the Unlimited GP class, with two additional championships awarded in lightweight and middleweight classes. About ASMA: ASMA is based out of Arroyo Seco Raceway, located near Deming, NM, serving a rider base from across New Mexico, as well as Arizona and Western Texas. For more information on racing with ASMA, full rules for the Ninja 650 Spec. class, or more information on the New Mexico State Championship, please visit www.ASMARacing.com, or contact Roger Heemsbergen at (505) 494-4794. 2006 ASMA race season: March 12* (ccw) April 9 (cw) May 7 (ccw) June 11 (cw) September 10 (ccw) October 8 (cw) November 12* (ccw) All races held at Arroyo Seco Raceway, cw indicates clockwise and ccw counter clockwise. All races are held on Sunday, a track day is held Saturday preceding each race. * New Mexico State Championship rounds.

Hotel Rooms Still Available For Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix At Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

TRAVELCRAFT STILL HAS HOTEL ROOMS FOR LAGUNA SECA Travelcraft has obtained additional hotel rooms for the MotoGP at Laguna Seca. The rooms are at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, for 3 nights or longer. These could well be the last decent hotel rooms available anywhere for the race weekend. For information or reservations call 800-258-0755 or visit www.motogp-laguna.com.

Apex Track Days Releases 2006 Schedule

ApexTrackDays, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be hosting trackday events at Miller Motorsports Park (MMP), Reno Fernley Raceway (RFR), and Spring Mtn Motorsports Ranch (SMMR). The highlight of our schedule will be our two MMP Full Track events (4.5 mile), one on June 19th, the day after the AMA races, and the other on Labor Day. Our trackdays are either no session or two session events; never three sessions. We also offer a free New Track Rider Orientation Class at our MMP & RFR events for those without any track experience. Weekend February 11-12 at SMMR North/South Track Saturday April 1 at MMP West Track, (MMP’s debut event) Weekend May 6-7 at RFR Full Track Memorial Day May 29 at MMP East Track AMA Monday June 19 at MMP Full Track (the day after the AMA races) Monday July 24 at MMP West Track Weekend August 5-6 at RFR Full Track Labor Day- September 4 at MMP Full Track www.ApexTrackDays.com [email protected] Travis 801-710-6766

Hale To Race Buell In 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship

CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON/BUELL, MILLVILLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON/BUELL AND INNOVATIVE MOTORCYCLE RESEARCH SIGN MIKE HALE TO RACE AMA FORMULA XTREME Millville Harley-Davidson/Buell, Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell, and Innovative Motorcycle Research have announced that Mike Hale will join their factory supported team as it aims its sights high, with plans to compete in the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme class. Mike’s return to AMA national competition in 2005 was a welcome sight. The likeable Texan posting a string of solid top ten results while running a limited schedule was enough to catch the eye of Richard Cronrath of Innovative Motorcycle Research. Add to that Mike’s racing background from humble beginnings racing XR750 Harley’s on dirt tracks, to the experience and accomplishments Mike achieved in AMA, World Superbike and GP road racing, and you have the makings of a successful pairing. Richard Cronrath – Team Manager, Innovative Motorcycle Research Inc., Salem, NJ (www.racingmotorcycles.com) “We are happy to have signed one of the best talents in road racing for the 2006 season. While we’ve been working with this bike for several years now, with numerous podium finishes and 3 National Championships, Mike will be new to the Buell. His racing background is so diverse we are confident in his potential to be successful in the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Series and to bring the Buell to the next level.” Mike Hale – Professional Rider “I am looking forward to getting my first taste of the Buell! I had the opportunity to compete against them in the past and witness the torque of the V-twins first hand. This is an exciting opportunity for me. I spent years with my father both building and competing on the American twins, so they have always had a special place with me. I have heard a lot of good things about the Buell roadracer and the competitiveness of their racing package. I am ready to get on the bike, start testing and get on with the job!” Kevin Kodz – Owner Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell, Reading PA (www.classicharley.com) “I’m really excited that Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell of Reading can be a part of this effort. We’ve worked on our own over the last few years to support Buell’s road racing efforts regionally. With this team, and with Mike Hale on board, I think we have a winning combination. This should be a great year for Buell road racing.” Sam Macrino – Owner Millville Harley-Davidson/Buell, Millville NJ (www.millvilleharley.com), and Harley-Davidson/Buell Shop of Wildwood, Wildwood NJ (www.wildwoodharley.com) “We were thrilled to win the Thunderbike National Championship in 2005. Now that Mike Hale is joining our team and Classic Harley-Davidson/Buell has come on-board as a co- sponsor with Millville Harley-Davidson/Buell, we have the perfect lineup in place to really make an impact for Buell and road racing. This will be a very exciting year and I look forward to working with our team to make Buell racing a huge success.”

Jones Celebrates 21st Birthday As Foggy Petronas Prepares For Multi-team Test At Phillip Island

The threat of bad weather hung over Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s final preparations for the first test of 2006 which starts tomorrow in Phillip Island. But tomorrow’s forecast rain was unable to dampen the enthusiasm of new rider Craig Jones, who today celebrates his 21st birthday. The test sees three World Superbike teams and one American Superbike team take to the track for four days at the coastal circuit. More ideal testing and warm weather are forecast from Wednesday onwards. The comprehensive test schedule planned is an extension of the progress made during the team’s last test at Doha, Qatar, in December and includes braking systems, temperature management packages, suspension, wheels and electrical system modifications, alongside continued engine development. Young British star, Craig Jones, commented: “I’m having a really good time and have enjoyed the last few days having some down time with the team and looking around Phillip Island. But being at the track today with the team while they’ve been setting up has really got me fired up, and now I can’t wait to get out on the track tomorrow. I obviously want to get as much out of this test as possible and if we achieve as much as we did in Qatar then I’ll be very happy. Initially my aim will be to learn the circuit and then I can concentrate on putting in some good lap times. This is also the first time I’ve experienced jet lag so I can now tell my fitness trainer what I’ve felt so that he can put a regime together for me to help when we come back here for the race.” Coming to one of his ‘home’ circuits and feeling back on form following kidney surgery last October, Steve Martin said: “I feel really good – much better and stronger in myself than I was at Qatar, so I’m looking forward to putting in lots of laps here and really pushing myself. My superpole lap here last March during the race weekend was pretty special so I’m not sure I can better that in the next few days, but I would like to try and improve on my lap time from the race as that will give me a really good indication of where we’re at.” Team Manager, Jack Valentine, commented: “This test is really a continuation of our last test in Qatar, so we’re looking to make even further progress in order to put us in a really solid position for the start of the season.”

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