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Checa: I Wouldn’t Rule Out Anything With Respect To The Future.

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Just when I was preparing for the first test of the year at Sepang I was given the unfortunate news that the Honda Pons team, with whom I was supposed to be contesting the next edition of the MotoGP World Championship, has ended its competitive involvement in the series due to a lack of sponsorship. This decision, so close to the start of the 2006 preseason, leaves me in a very complicated situation with regard to the future because I find myself with no remaining alternatives that would allow me to challenge for decent results. It is particularly ironic that, after looking towards the future with utter confidence in a project that would see me riding a Honda with a team that know me well and in which I have complete faith, things have swung around so dramatically and left me out in the cold. This is clearly not the time to start feeling sorry for myself or try to find somebody to blame for this regrettable situation I have never done that because it is not my style. The only thing I can say is that all the hope I had placed in the 2006 season, based on the confidence I had in what had been offered to me, has disappeared in a single moment. In the face of this disappointing situation I am determined not to let my guard down because I am, and always have been, a fighter. Circumstances have left me out of the championship against my will but I still consider myself as an active rider and I wouldn’t rule out anything with respect to the future.

STAR Motorcycle School Announces 2006 Schedule

Ventura, CA – Two-time AMA Champion and current Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki rider Jason Pridmore’s STAR Motorcycle School has released its 2006 schedule. “I’m looking forward to another great STAR season,” said Pridmore. “My guys have been working really hard this winter on our program. We’re going to try something on a limited basis and see how it goes; In addition to our successful Suzuki SV650 rental program, the guys are building two ’06 GSX-R600s in Supersport trim, complete with data acquisition. That, combined with the video library we’ve assembled, takes the classroom up a notch. They’ve also got something going on with the two-up bike that is a secret; I guess I’ll have to wait for our first school at Pahrump in February to see for myself.” “We’re at Laguna Seca in March the day after a two-day AMA team test, and that is always good for the students. We have added new tracks like Pueblo and Topeka to the schedule, and are really excited about visiting the new Miller Motorsports facility in April. Eleven different racetracks in total. It should be a great year.” Feb 25-26 Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Pahrump, NV March 22 Laguna Seca Raceway Monterey, CA March 27-28 Streets of Willow Rosamond, CA April 4-5 Thunder Hill Raceway Willows, CA April 17-18 Miller Motorsports Park Salt Lake City, UT May 15-16 Pueblo Motorsports Park Pueblo, CO May 29-30 Hallet Raceway Jennings, OK June 12-13 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI June 26-27 Autobahn Country Club Joliet, IL July 10-11 Heartland Park Topeka Topeka, KS August 14-15 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway Loudon, NH Sept 21-22 Streets of Willow Rosamond, CA Oct 3-4 Thunder Hill Raceway Willows, CA Oct 28-29 Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Pahrump, NV Nov 18-19 Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Pahrump, NV The Skills and Techniques for Advanced Riding Motorcycle School was founded in 1998 to help you become a more proficient, more confident rider. For additional information, call (805) 658-6333 or visit www.starmotorcycle.com

Visionsports Riding School Releases Tentative 2006 Schedule

Visionsports, Inc. is releasing tentative dates for it’s school programs at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockton, IL and Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, KS. “Super” Dave Rosno, owner of Visionsports Riding Schools, continues, “At each track we’ll begin the season with more of an entry level program aimed at new track day riders, new racers, and newer riders trying to take a step forward in the preparation and riding through our Visionsports’ Skills & Thrills program. Successful completion of that program will get a rider a certificate that one can use to obtain a road racing license. Following those events at each track, we’ll have an advanced program for licensed road racers only that we call the Visionsports’ Racer University.” Tentative Early Season Dates: April 19th – Blackhawk Farms Raceway – Skills & Thrills May 8th – Heartland Park Topeka – Skills & Thrills May 24th – Blackhawk Farms Raceway – Visionsports Racer University June 12th – Heartland Park Topeka – Visionsports Racer University Early information will be available at ~http://www.visionsportsridingschools.com~ and through both race tracks’ respective websites.

Long-time Texas Racing Official Connie Brothers Dies

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Connie Brothers passed away Monday, January 2nd in Houston, Texas. Connie was the secretary/registrar of CRRC (Central Road Racing Club) and CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) for over 25 years. Connie was the driving force that made CMRA the premier regional road race organization that it is today. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 7th at 3:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall, 700 Fairgrounds Road, Rosenberg, Texas. Cards and flowers may be sent to Charles Brothers, 1308 Yorktown Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

Former Road Racer Mike Kidd Buys Advanstar Arenacross Series

Mike Kidd Entertainment Acquires Arenacross from Advanstar Santa Ana, CA Advanstar Communications, Inc. a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries announced the sale of the BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series to Mike Kidd Entertainment Group. Mike Kidd, owner of Mike Kidd Entertainment Group, has been an Advanstar employee for the past two years and most recently Race Director for Advanstar’s Arenacross Championship Series. “Mike has an aggressive agenda in place to change the face of motorcycle racing in America. Advanstar has played a leading role in reinventing Arenacross to provide real value to those that participate, contribute and enjoy motorcycle racing. This new ownership structure will provide a platform to create other forms of motorcycle racing. We support Mike’s efforts and look forward to continuing a working relationship between the BooKoo Arenacross Championships events and Advanstar’s Cycle World International Motorcycles shows in the future,” said, Skip Johnson, VP Advanstar Powersports Consumer Events. “Advanstar has been a great asset in developing a new brand of motorcycle racing”, said Kidd. “Their support, connection and credibility in the market, combined with our racing team’s experience and expertise along with a successful track record has helped us successfully reinvent Arenacross. We appreciate Advanstar’s support in establishing an opportunity to move forward with a variety of new racing projects in the very near future.” Mike Kidd Entertainment Group 7429 Airport Freeway Fort Worth, Texas 76118 817/595-5844 www.racearenacross.com

Daytona Ducati Day Scheduled For March 10

DUCATI DAY PARTY HIGHLIGHTS DAYTONA BIKE WEEK The 2006 edition of Daytona’s biggest Ducati party ramps up to kick off the AMA racing season. Cupertino, CA January 4th, 2006 The Ducati.Net Ducati Owners Club and Ducati North America present Ducati Day at Speedpark Motorsports on Friday, March 10th, 2006. This party kicks off the 2006 AMA racing season in Daytona Beach, Florida across from the world famous Daytona International Speedway. The event includes Ducati race team appearances, tech talk classroom sessions, a Ducati only bike show, umbrella girls, the American Ducati Idol motor sound contest, a vendor row and more. Those attending DDD will be able to soak up the sun while admiring Ducatis on display, race go-carts or test their skills aboard Speedpark’s 22-foot dragsters. Long known for its prestigious Ducati bike show, the 2006 DDD celebrates the famous Italian marquee’s history with a special award for the best entry built prior to 1985. The “Best Special” class, introduced in 2005 as a salute to Daytona’s long tradition of custom built “specials,” has now become a standard show call for 2006. The entry fee to participate in the bike show is $10. CycleCat Motorcycle Performance products, a long time sponsor of Ducati.Net and Ducati Day, will provide trophies for this special event. Returning this year is the popular American Ducati Idol “Let Your Ducati Sing” contest, where the Ducati with the best exhaust note is chosen. The visiting members of the Desmodromiclub of Rome, Italy will again judge this event. Celebrities expected to attend and sign autographs include renowned racer Ben Bostrom, returning to Ducati this year on the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin AMA 999 Superbike, as well as popular former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, runner up in last years Daytona Superbike event. Also expected to attend is world famous long distance record holder Gary Eagan, who will be giving a seminar on his travels aboard a Ducati ST4s and Multistrada. General questions about DDD and the featured activities should be directed to Ms. Vicki Smith by calling on 954-764-3847 or emailing to [email protected]. Full details are on the website at www.DucatiDayDaytona.com. Directions: Speedpark is located across from the Daytona Speedway’s highest grandstand, the Winston Tower, just behind the Hooters on Intl. Speedway Blvd. For further information on Speedpark and this event visit www.speedparkdaytona.com. Party hours are 10:30am 3:30 pm. 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.

Pirelli Investigating West Coast Race Tire Distributor Wheel 2 Wheel

Pirelli Tire North America would like to respond directly to the concerns of California based roadracers. Wheel to Wheel Support has had some difficulties in the past and promised us to take the necessary steps to resolve their supply problems. It has been brought to our attention very recently that racers who have paid for Pirelli tires from Wheel to Wheel Support, a Pirelli road racing tire vendor, have not received their complete orders. Racers have also indicated to Pirelli that Wheel to Wheel has not attended many of the races and their product selection has been unsatisfactory on the occasions they have been there (although we do have a wide range in our US warehouses). Pirelli urges all racers who have had difficulty obtaining tires purchased from Wheel to Wheel Support to take all necessary steps to obtain their tires promptly and if they have purchased tires to seek refunds. Pirelli has begun investigating past and current complaints received and will, as a consequence, evaluate the performance of Wheel to Wheel Support and take such action as may be necessary. Thank you for your patience and please be assured that Pirelli Tire North America is committed to having a respectable and reliable race tire vendor in California. A resolution will be found in the next 30 days. Best regards, Richard Moore (Roadracing Manager)

Team Sheriff To Appear At Greater Los Angeles Auto Show January 6-15

Team Sheriff Racing is pleased to announce that we will once again be starting off the New Year at the 2006 Greater LA Auto Show, with both our Automotive and Motorcycle Divisions on display. We will also be joining forces with our Recruitment Unit from the Los Angeles Co. Sheriff’s Department as part of our increased efforts to assist the department in our current recruitment drive. Team Members and Deputies will be on hand to answer any questions regarding a career with the sheriff’s department. This will mark our 8th year participating in the LA Auto Show, which hosts over 4 million visitors each year. The LA Auto Show is the premier West Coast auto show, with over 1,000 of the newest vehicles and concept cars on display, more than 30 of which will be making their North American debut. The show also hosts the largest collection of aftermarket tuners and manufacturers. Team Sheriff Racing will be on display in Kentia Hall, Booth 742, so be sure to stop by, say hello, and see what’s new! For more information, go to www.laautoshow.com or www.sheriffsracing.com.

British Superbike’s Airwaves Ducati To Hold Four Pre-season Tests Outside of England

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Airwaves Ducati’s Gregorio Lavilla, the 2005 British Superbike Champion, and teammate Leon Haslam will test their 2006 Ducati 999s four times outside of England prior to the start of the 2006 British Superbike season March 26 at Brands Hatch. According to Airwaves Ducati’s website, it will test at Valencia, Spain February 6-7; at Kyalami, South Africa February 20-23; at Almeria, Spain March 11-12; and at Albacete, Spain March 15-17.

Klaffi Honda World Superbike Team Says It Has A Deal With MotoGP Refugee Barros

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A Striking Hit: Grand Prix Star Alex Barros joins Team Klaffi Honda Klaus Klaffenböck’s latest sensational deal is the engagement of Alex Barros for his Team Klaffi Honda. After 15 years in the top class of motorcycle racing Alex Barros is easily one of the most successful and experienced riders in MotoGP. During the last two years the Brazilian was a Honda rider in MotoGP. In 2004 Alex finished 4th. 2005 he joined Team Camel Honda. He was winner of one race and 8th in the standings at the end of the season. Team Manager Klaus Klaffenböck: “žAlex was always on the top of my wish list for 2006. He has a lot of experience and aggressiveness to cheer up his competitors in World’s Superbike Championship. The deal is nearly done and I’m sure we will close it soon. By the way: With the engagement of Alex we are just ahead. The MotoGP looses a lot of its attractiveness. Compared to this the Superbike World Championship becomes more and more interesting and our Team is a part of it! Other climbers from MotoGP are Troy Bayliss, Roberto Rolfo, Fonsi Nieto, Norik Abe, Franco Battaini, Rubens Xaus and probably Max Biaggi.” Max Neukirchner will bet he team mate of Alex Barros. In 2004 Max finished the Supersport Championship as Rookie of the Year. In 2005 he made an impressive debut in World’s Superbike Championship with a podium at Phillip Island and position 12 in the standings. End of February the Championship 2006 starts at Doha/Qatar. First test rides for Alex Barros and Max Neukirchner are scheduled in January.

Checa: I Wouldn’t Rule Out Anything With Respect To The Future.

Just when I was preparing for the first test of the year at Sepang I was given the unfortunate news that the Honda Pons team, with whom I was supposed to be contesting the next edition of the MotoGP World Championship, has ended its competitive involvement in the series due to a lack of sponsorship. This decision, so close to the start of the 2006 preseason, leaves me in a very complicated situation with regard to the future because I find myself with no remaining alternatives that would allow me to challenge for decent results. It is particularly ironic that, after looking towards the future with utter confidence in a project that would see me riding a Honda with a team that know me well and in which I have complete faith, things have swung around so dramatically and left me out in the cold. This is clearly not the time to start feeling sorry for myself or try to find somebody to blame for this regrettable situation I have never done that because it is not my style. The only thing I can say is that all the hope I had placed in the 2006 season, based on the confidence I had in what had been offered to me, has disappeared in a single moment. In the face of this disappointing situation I am determined not to let my guard down because I am, and always have been, a fighter. Circumstances have left me out of the championship against my will but I still consider myself as an active rider and I wouldn’t rule out anything with respect to the future.

STAR Motorcycle School Announces 2006 Schedule

Ventura, CA – Two-time AMA Champion and current Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki rider Jason Pridmore’s STAR Motorcycle School has released its 2006 schedule. “I’m looking forward to another great STAR season,” said Pridmore. “My guys have been working really hard this winter on our program. We’re going to try something on a limited basis and see how it goes; In addition to our successful Suzuki SV650 rental program, the guys are building two ’06 GSX-R600s in Supersport trim, complete with data acquisition. That, combined with the video library we’ve assembled, takes the classroom up a notch. They’ve also got something going on with the two-up bike that is a secret; I guess I’ll have to wait for our first school at Pahrump in February to see for myself.” “We’re at Laguna Seca in March the day after a two-day AMA team test, and that is always good for the students. We have added new tracks like Pueblo and Topeka to the schedule, and are really excited about visiting the new Miller Motorsports facility in April. Eleven different racetracks in total. It should be a great year.” Feb 25-26 Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Pahrump, NV March 22 Laguna Seca Raceway Monterey, CA March 27-28 Streets of Willow Rosamond, CA April 4-5 Thunder Hill Raceway Willows, CA April 17-18 Miller Motorsports Park Salt Lake City, UT May 15-16 Pueblo Motorsports Park Pueblo, CO May 29-30 Hallet Raceway Jennings, OK June 12-13 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI June 26-27 Autobahn Country Club Joliet, IL July 10-11 Heartland Park Topeka Topeka, KS August 14-15 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway Loudon, NH Sept 21-22 Streets of Willow Rosamond, CA Oct 3-4 Thunder Hill Raceway Willows, CA Oct 28-29 Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Pahrump, NV Nov 18-19 Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch Pahrump, NV The Skills and Techniques for Advanced Riding Motorcycle School was founded in 1998 to help you become a more proficient, more confident rider. For additional information, call (805) 658-6333 or visit www.starmotorcycle.com

Visionsports Riding School Releases Tentative 2006 Schedule

Visionsports, Inc. is releasing tentative dates for it’s school programs at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockton, IL and Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, KS. “Super” Dave Rosno, owner of Visionsports Riding Schools, continues, “At each track we’ll begin the season with more of an entry level program aimed at new track day riders, new racers, and newer riders trying to take a step forward in the preparation and riding through our Visionsports’ Skills & Thrills program. Successful completion of that program will get a rider a certificate that one can use to obtain a road racing license. Following those events at each track, we’ll have an advanced program for licensed road racers only that we call the Visionsports’ Racer University.” Tentative Early Season Dates: April 19th – Blackhawk Farms Raceway – Skills & Thrills May 8th – Heartland Park Topeka – Skills & Thrills May 24th – Blackhawk Farms Raceway – Visionsports Racer University June 12th – Heartland Park Topeka – Visionsports Racer University Early information will be available at ~http://www.visionsportsridingschools.com~ and through both race tracks’ respective websites.

Long-time Texas Racing Official Connie Brothers Dies

Connie Brothers passed away Monday, January 2nd in Houston, Texas. Connie was the secretary/registrar of CRRC (Central Road Racing Club) and CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) for over 25 years. Connie was the driving force that made CMRA the premier regional road race organization that it is today. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 7th at 3:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall, 700 Fairgrounds Road, Rosenberg, Texas. Cards and flowers may be sent to Charles Brothers, 1308 Yorktown Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

Former Road Racer Mike Kidd Buys Advanstar Arenacross Series

Mike Kidd Entertainment Acquires Arenacross from Advanstar Santa Ana, CA Advanstar Communications, Inc. a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries announced the sale of the BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series to Mike Kidd Entertainment Group. Mike Kidd, owner of Mike Kidd Entertainment Group, has been an Advanstar employee for the past two years and most recently Race Director for Advanstar’s Arenacross Championship Series. “Mike has an aggressive agenda in place to change the face of motorcycle racing in America. Advanstar has played a leading role in reinventing Arenacross to provide real value to those that participate, contribute and enjoy motorcycle racing. This new ownership structure will provide a platform to create other forms of motorcycle racing. We support Mike’s efforts and look forward to continuing a working relationship between the BooKoo Arenacross Championships events and Advanstar’s Cycle World International Motorcycles shows in the future,” said, Skip Johnson, VP Advanstar Powersports Consumer Events. “Advanstar has been a great asset in developing a new brand of motorcycle racing”, said Kidd. “Their support, connection and credibility in the market, combined with our racing team’s experience and expertise along with a successful track record has helped us successfully reinvent Arenacross. We appreciate Advanstar’s support in establishing an opportunity to move forward with a variety of new racing projects in the very near future.” Mike Kidd Entertainment Group 7429 Airport Freeway Fort Worth, Texas 76118 817/595-5844 www.racearenacross.com

Daytona Ducati Day Scheduled For March 10

DUCATI DAY PARTY HIGHLIGHTS DAYTONA BIKE WEEK The 2006 edition of Daytona’s biggest Ducati party ramps up to kick off the AMA racing season. Cupertino, CA January 4th, 2006 The Ducati.Net Ducati Owners Club and Ducati North America present Ducati Day at Speedpark Motorsports on Friday, March 10th, 2006. This party kicks off the 2006 AMA racing season in Daytona Beach, Florida across from the world famous Daytona International Speedway. The event includes Ducati race team appearances, tech talk classroom sessions, a Ducati only bike show, umbrella girls, the American Ducati Idol motor sound contest, a vendor row and more. Those attending DDD will be able to soak up the sun while admiring Ducatis on display, race go-carts or test their skills aboard Speedpark’s 22-foot dragsters. Long known for its prestigious Ducati bike show, the 2006 DDD celebrates the famous Italian marquee’s history with a special award for the best entry built prior to 1985. The “Best Special” class, introduced in 2005 as a salute to Daytona’s long tradition of custom built “specials,” has now become a standard show call for 2006. The entry fee to participate in the bike show is $10. CycleCat Motorcycle Performance products, a long time sponsor of Ducati.Net and Ducati Day, will provide trophies for this special event. Returning this year is the popular American Ducati Idol “Let Your Ducati Sing” contest, where the Ducati with the best exhaust note is chosen. The visiting members of the Desmodromiclub of Rome, Italy will again judge this event. Celebrities expected to attend and sign autographs include renowned racer Ben Bostrom, returning to Ducati this year on the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin AMA 999 Superbike, as well as popular former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, runner up in last years Daytona Superbike event. Also expected to attend is world famous long distance record holder Gary Eagan, who will be giving a seminar on his travels aboard a Ducati ST4s and Multistrada. General questions about DDD and the featured activities should be directed to Ms. Vicki Smith by calling on 954-764-3847 or emailing to [email protected]. Full details are on the website at www.DucatiDayDaytona.com. Directions: Speedpark is located across from the Daytona Speedway’s highest grandstand, the Winston Tower, just behind the Hooters on Intl. Speedway Blvd. For further information on Speedpark and this event visit www.speedparkdaytona.com. Party hours are 10:30am 3:30 pm. 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.

Pirelli Investigating West Coast Race Tire Distributor Wheel 2 Wheel

Pirelli Tire North America would like to respond directly to the concerns of California based roadracers. Wheel to Wheel Support has had some difficulties in the past and promised us to take the necessary steps to resolve their supply problems. It has been brought to our attention very recently that racers who have paid for Pirelli tires from Wheel to Wheel Support, a Pirelli road racing tire vendor, have not received their complete orders. Racers have also indicated to Pirelli that Wheel to Wheel has not attended many of the races and their product selection has been unsatisfactory on the occasions they have been there (although we do have a wide range in our US warehouses). Pirelli urges all racers who have had difficulty obtaining tires purchased from Wheel to Wheel Support to take all necessary steps to obtain their tires promptly and if they have purchased tires to seek refunds. Pirelli has begun investigating past and current complaints received and will, as a consequence, evaluate the performance of Wheel to Wheel Support and take such action as may be necessary. Thank you for your patience and please be assured that Pirelli Tire North America is committed to having a respectable and reliable race tire vendor in California. A resolution will be found in the next 30 days. Best regards, Richard Moore (Roadracing Manager)

Team Sheriff To Appear At Greater Los Angeles Auto Show January 6-15

Team Sheriff Racing is pleased to announce that we will once again be starting off the New Year at the 2006 Greater LA Auto Show, with both our Automotive and Motorcycle Divisions on display. We will also be joining forces with our Recruitment Unit from the Los Angeles Co. Sheriff’s Department as part of our increased efforts to assist the department in our current recruitment drive. Team Members and Deputies will be on hand to answer any questions regarding a career with the sheriff’s department. This will mark our 8th year participating in the LA Auto Show, which hosts over 4 million visitors each year. The LA Auto Show is the premier West Coast auto show, with over 1,000 of the newest vehicles and concept cars on display, more than 30 of which will be making their North American debut. The show also hosts the largest collection of aftermarket tuners and manufacturers. Team Sheriff Racing will be on display in Kentia Hall, Booth 742, so be sure to stop by, say hello, and see what’s new! For more information, go to www.laautoshow.com or www.sheriffsracing.com.

British Superbike’s Airwaves Ducati To Hold Four Pre-season Tests Outside of England

Airwaves Ducati’s Gregorio Lavilla, the 2005 British Superbike Champion, and teammate Leon Haslam will test their 2006 Ducati 999s four times outside of England prior to the start of the 2006 British Superbike season March 26 at Brands Hatch. According to Airwaves Ducati’s website, it will test at Valencia, Spain February 6-7; at Kyalami, South Africa February 20-23; at Almeria, Spain March 11-12; and at Albacete, Spain March 15-17.

Klaffi Honda World Superbike Team Says It Has A Deal With MotoGP Refugee Barros

A Striking Hit: Grand Prix Star Alex Barros joins Team Klaffi Honda Klaus Klaffenböck’s latest sensational deal is the engagement of Alex Barros for his Team Klaffi Honda. After 15 years in the top class of motorcycle racing Alex Barros is easily one of the most successful and experienced riders in MotoGP. During the last two years the Brazilian was a Honda rider in MotoGP. In 2004 Alex finished 4th. 2005 he joined Team Camel Honda. He was winner of one race and 8th in the standings at the end of the season. Team Manager Klaus Klaffenböck: “žAlex was always on the top of my wish list for 2006. He has a lot of experience and aggressiveness to cheer up his competitors in World’s Superbike Championship. The deal is nearly done and I’m sure we will close it soon. By the way: With the engagement of Alex we are just ahead. The MotoGP looses a lot of its attractiveness. Compared to this the Superbike World Championship becomes more and more interesting and our Team is a part of it! Other climbers from MotoGP are Troy Bayliss, Roberto Rolfo, Fonsi Nieto, Norik Abe, Franco Battaini, Rubens Xaus and probably Max Biaggi.” Max Neukirchner will bet he team mate of Alex Barros. In 2004 Max finished the Supersport Championship as Rookie of the Year. In 2005 he made an impressive debut in World’s Superbike Championship with a podium at Phillip Island and position 12 in the standings. End of February the Championship 2006 starts at Doha/Qatar. First test rides for Alex Barros and Max Neukirchner are scheduled in January.