Home Blog Page 6345

Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Back On Canadian Superbike Schedule In 2006

newspaper
-
0
Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Back On Canadian Superbike Schedule In 2006

SUPERBIKES RETURN TO QUEBEC TORONTO, ON A return to Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant highlights the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship schedule, which was released today. After a one-year absence the classic Quebec venue will play host to the second round of the series June 2-4. The track previously hosted rounds of the national tour in 2003 and 2004. The 2006 season will play out over seven rounds on six weekends. The series will have its traditional kick-off at Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville, ON, on the May 18-21 Victoria Day Long Weekend. It will conclude back at Shannonville on the Labour Day Weekend, Sept. 1-3. “Bringing the Parts Canada Superbike Championship back to the fans of Quebec was always a priority for us,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which organizes the Canadian series. “We are thrilled to be heading back to Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, a challenging race track with a rich history in Canadian motorsport.” Following the Mont-Tremblant round of the series the tour will head west to Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park for round 3 on the June 30-July 2 Canada Day Weekend. From there the national championship visits another of Canada’s storied race tracks, Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, ON for its traditional July 14-16 doubleheader. The series then moves to Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS Aug. 11-13 before closing out at Shannonville three weeks later. Each round of the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship will include races for the Parts Canada Superbike feature class, in addition to the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike, International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike, Suzuki SV650 National Cup and Canadian Thunder national support classes. The Mosport doubleheader will consist of two points races for the Superbike and Pro 600 Sport Bike classes, one each on Saturday and Sunday. PMP is also looking into adding a round of the Suzuki SV650 Cup at Edmonton’s Stratotech Park the weekend before the full Race City national. Posters featuring the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike schedule will be available at this weekend’s Toronto Motorcycle Show and will be inserted in an upcoming issue of Inside Motorcycles magazine. The series will be announcing updates to its technical regulations soon. These will include horsepower adjustments for the Dynojet dyno regulated classes. 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule Round 1 May 18-21 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Pro Track) Shannonville, ON Round 2 June 2-4 Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Mont-Tremblant, QC Round 3 June 30-July 2 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, AB Round 4 July 14-15 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON Round 5 July 14-16 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON Round 6 Aug. 11-13 Atlantic Motorsport Park Shubenacadie, NS Round 7 Sept. 1-3 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Long Track) Shannonville, ON For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com

Edwards Rides 2006 Yamaha YZR-M1 On Rain-interrupted Final Day Of MotoGP Testing At Sepang

newspaper
-
0
Edwards Rides 2006 Yamaha YZR-M1 On Rain-interrupted Final Day Of MotoGP Testing At Sepang

RAIN AFFECTS THIRD DAY OF TESTING FOR YAMAHA IN MALAYSIA The final day of Yamaha’s three-day Sepang Test was interrupted today, when rain throughout the morning meant that Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards were not able to get out on track until mid-afternoon. Despite the delay, Edwards had his first ride on the prototype 2006-spec YZR-M1 and both riders completed some important tyre testing for Michelin. Temperatures were much lower after the rain and the character and conditions of the track were quite different to the past two days, causing a shake-up in the unofficial times. Fastest man on the track today was MotoGP rookie Dani Pedrosa (Honda), who set a best lap of 2’02.77. This was still short of the 2’02.61 set by Rossi yesterday, which remains the fastest time over the three days of the test. The Yamaha riders were further down the order in seventh and ninth places today; Edwards completing 43 laps with a best time of 2’03.61, whilst Rossi set a fastest lap of 2’03.85 after just 22 laps. Both riders now fly to Japan for a short promotional visit, before heading back to their respective homes in the UK and America for the holiday season. The Team will reconvene in Sepang on 23rd January for the first test of the 2006 MotoGP season. COLIN EDWARDS 7th, 2’03.61, 43 LAPS “After it had finally dried up I did one run on the old bike to check a few things and then I got onto the new bike pretty quickly. It took a bit of time to work things out and find my settings, but once I got going it felt great. The track conditions had really altered after the rain; it wasn’t as easy out there as it has been and we encountered a few problems, but we managed to find the right tyres and iron things out. At the end of the day I feel really positive and quite excited about the new bike, especially considering that it’s such early days. The stability is definitely improved and the overall feedback is really good. With a new bike, it’s always a case of sacrificing some things to improve in other areas, but everything combined together on this bike feels great. Anyway, it’s been a pretty good test all round and it’s a good feeling to sign off the year on a high note.” VALENTINO ROSSI 9th, 2’03.85, 22 LAPS “We had planned to do a longer run on the new bike this morning but unfortunately the weather didn’t allow it and we had to wait to get started. We only had time to do a few things before we changed back onto the old bike. After that we tested some more tyres and still managed to complete some good work, even though we didn’t do so many laps. I am happy about this test because overall it’s been positive. We made some good improvements with the old bike, made a strong start with the new one and gathered some important data. Now Yamaha have some feedback about the new prototype and they can work on it over the winter, before we come back here in January after the winter break to continue our development.” DAVIDE BRIVIO GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR “This has been an important test for us. Yamaha had the new bike ready for us early and we have been able to give them some information about it. Now they can begin to fine-tune it. It’s shown a good level of performance from the start and both riders are positive about it, but we know that there is a lot of work to do yet. Anyway, the information from this test will be very useful for Yamaha over the winter. Now we wait to come back here in January with a more final version of the bike. The rain made the conditions of the track quite difficult today and it was harder for Colin to feel the benefits of the new bike, but despite this he was quite happy. Anyway, it’s good to experience this, as we could find ourselves with these conditions at a race and so the information from Colin is very useful for our engineers. It’s been a good test and now we’re all glad to have a rest before the hard work starts again!” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Honda, 2’02.77 2. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda, 2’02.79 3. Marco Melandri (ITA) Honda, 2’02.86 4. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki, 2’02.93 5. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki, 2’03.10 6. Carlos Checa (SPA) Honda, 2’03.39 7. COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’03.61 8. Casey Stoner (AUS) Honda, 2’03.70 9. VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’03.85 10. Toni Elias (SPA) Honda, 2’03.95 11. Randy du Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki, 2’04.27 12. Chris Vermuelen (AUS) Suzuki, 2’04.50 13. James Ellison (GBR) Yamaha, 2’05.00 Sepang Lap Record: Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2005 2’02.993 Sepang Best Lap: Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2005 2’01.731

Pedrosa Fastest Honda Rider On Third Day Of MotoGP Testing In Malaysia

newspaper
-
0
Pedrosa Fastest Honda Rider On Third Day Of MotoGP Testing In Malaysia

HRC MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia November 30, 2005 Final day of the three-day test. Pedrosa fastest Honda on final day of Sepang MotoGP test Rapidly changing weather conditions hindered the Honda MotoGP riders on the final day of the three-day MotoGP test held at Sepang, Malaysia. The morning session was virtually abandoned by most riders due to the half wet – half dry track conditions but a heavy down pour at lunchtime saw several riders take to the track testing Michelin wet weather tyres. Repsol Honda Nicky Hayden was quick to take advantage of the conditions and ran over 20 laps of the wet track testing the latest RC211V chassis in combination with full wet tyres. When the track dried out Hayden began testing a range of slick tyres for Michelin. Dani Pedrosa, on the second Repsol Honda, ran his first ever wet weather test aboard an RCV. The 20-year old Spaniard was surprised by how easy the RCV was to handle in the wet in comparison to the RS250R-W he raced to his second 250cc World Championship. Pedrosa set the fastest time of the day at 2m 02.770s with Hayden a whisker behind just two/tenths of a second slower. The weather forced Fortuna Honda rider Marco Melandri to abandon his planned race simulation test Michelin had planned for the day but the young Italian was satisfied with the work he managed to do. Teammate Toni Elias went out in both wet and dry conditions and found a good direction to work in at the next HRC MotoGP test, here at Sepang in late January. The Honda Pons riders were not as active as their fellow Honda riders in the wet conditions. Carlos Checa decided to sit out the wet session but put in 45 dry laps after lunch. Casey Stoner did some wet laps but rested his cramped arms on a few occasions eventually covering 48 laps of the 5.548km grand prix circuit. Honda rider lap times and quotes. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: 2m 02.790s – 89 laps. “You know the weather wasn’t the best today but I needed to get in a lot of laps in the wet. We focused on my old bike and put in some decent laps with the wets on. We also tried an intermediate tyre that I really liked. When it dried out we tried out some rear tyres that were a little different from the ones we used at GP here and they were a little better, which was really good. The three-day’s were really useful for the team and I set my best time of the week today but you always want to be faster. I will leave here with a positive spirit. Go home regroup and wait for the New Year. All the guys on the tam have worked so hard, nobody was afraid to get their hands dirty, mechanics, HRC and the Michelin guys. Sure we want more but we will go away from here positive. Not on top of the world but not at the bottom either.” Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 2m 02.770s – 57 laps. “I surprised myself this week I was riding this track sliding with the tyre they gave me. I tried three different tyres today and at the end I began to feel the difference with each tyre. I could understand where the limit of the slide was. Also how the tyres work when they are new and when they have done many laps. It was much different riding this bike on wet tyres. I was surprised by how much grip they have in the corners but I was sliding on the straights when accelerating. Even under braking the rear end of the bike weaves from side to side and you feel it in the handlebars. But I didn’t do too many laps but I was really happy with the feeling in the wet. It was a very positive experience but I’m tired, very, very tired. I think I will have to rest for five days when I get home to get over it.” Marco Melandri, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.80s – 56 laps “Not so bad, even if we could not test much in the wet, or dry conditions either. I was supposed to run a race simulation and try four different tyres but the rain prevented that. It was the same with the wet tyres. I had two tyres to test but only managed to test one because the track dried out too quickly. I didn’t really like this track before but I found a good rhythm all week and I improved my performance over that in the race here. The test was very positive for me and the team and I will now wait for the new bike to arrive in January.” Toni Elias, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.865s – 50 laps. “Not so bad with the wet tyres today but we have to have more experience with this bike before I can be really fast in the wet. I didn’t try to hard when the track was drying the half wet – half dry track is not good for testing. Really all we did was test tyres today but it was good because we have found the direction we have to work in at the next tests. The test was positive, the bike is very good and I’m gaining confidence but I’m not where I need to be yet.” Carlos Checa, Team Honda Pons: 2m 03.395s – 45 laps. “Speaking with my chief mechanic (Santi Mulero) we considered it would not be helpful too test in the conditions. Half wet – half dry track surfaces are not ideal for testing a new bike. We could not learn anything positive today in the wet. I have a good feeling with a motorcycle in wet conditions but only when I have a good base line to work from. When the track dried out we tried some different Michelin rear tyres with good results. This test has been very positive for me. I believe in the combination of Honda, Michelin and my team, we have learned many different things here at Sepang. Next year we will arrive here and start again. The feeling and understanding I have with this bike now at this moment tells me this is a very strong combination.” Casey Stoner, Team Honda Pons: 2m 3.700s – 48 laps. “I’m pretty pleased with the way things have gone for me this week. I like the bike you don’t have to muscle the bike around but you do have to move your body weight around the bike and keep your weight forward at certain places on this track The team have been great and I enjoy working with them. I had cramps at times but so I will go home and relax, get fit and come back in January much better shape.” More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Honda: RAIN SPOILS THE LAST DAY OF TESTING AT SEPANG The final day of the three-day MotoGP test held at Sepang, Malaysia was characterized by rapidly changing weather conditions that hindered the Honda MotoGP riders to carry out their programme of work scheduled for today. The morning session was virtually abandoned by most riders due to the half wet – half dry track conditions but a heavy down pour at lunchtime saw several riders take to the track testing Michelin wet weather tyres. The test was positive for Marco Melandri who tested some wet tyres for Michelin. The changing weather conditions hindered Tonis Elias to improve his lap time but he was happy of his debut with the RC211V on wet. All in all, the test was very positive for him: he has grown consistently, showing that he is adapting well to the new bike. MARCO MELANDRI (56 laps, 2’02″82): “Not so bad, even if we could not test much in the wet, or dry conditions either. I was supposed to run a race simulation and try four different tyres but the rain prevented that. It was the same with the wet tyres. I had two tyres to test but only managed to test one because the track dried out too quickly. These three days of testing were very important: I found a good rhythm all week and I improved my performance over that in the race here. The test was very positive for me and the team and I will now wait for the new bike to arrive in January.” TONI ELIAS ( 50 laps, 2’03″98 ): “Not so bad with the wet tyres today but I need to have more experience with this bike before I can be really fast in the wet. I didn’t try too hard when the track was drying. The half wet – half dry track is not good for testing. Really all we did was test tyres today but it was good because we have found the direction we have to work in at the next tests. The test was positive, the bike is very good and I’m gaining confidence but I’m not where I need to be yet.” According to the Regulations, testing is forbidden till the 20th of January. The FORTUNA HONDA Team Riders will be back to action on the 23rd of January on the Malaysian track of Sepang. UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. Dani Pedrosa (Sp/Honda) 2’02″76 2. Nicky Hayden (Usa/Honda) 2’02″79 3. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda) 2’02″82 4. Shinya Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki) 2’02″93 5. John Hopkins (Usa/Suzuki) 2’03″10 6. Carlos Checa (Sp/Honda) 2’03″39 7. Colin Edwards (Usa/Yamaha) 2’03″61 8. Casey Stoner (Aus/Honda) 2’03″70 9. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 2’03″85 10. Toni Elias (Sp/Honda) 2’03″98 11. Randy De Puniet (Fra/Kawasaki) 2’04″27 12. Chris Vermeulen (Aus/Suzuki) 2’04″50 13. James Ellison (GB/Yamaha) 2’05″00

SPEED TV’s Coverage Of Supercross Starts This Coming Sunday

newspaper
-
0
SPEED TV’s Coverage Of Supercross Starts This Coming Sunday

SPEED Channel DEBUTS AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES Network PROVIDING A MULTITUDE OF VIEWING OPTIONS FOR FANS SPEED Channel heads to Toronto, Canada this week to cover the season’s first Amp’d Mobil World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series event. SPEED’s one hour coverage, Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. ET, will contain action from all the weekend’s heat races, finishing with the 20-lap feature. SPEED will carry 12 of the 18 Amp’d Mobil World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series events this season, beginning with this week’s debut in Toronto and ending with the finale in Las Vegas. Each broadcast will be aired one day following the actual event. SPEED also will carry all 18 Supercross Lite races, in one-hour formats a week after each event is run. The Series events will also be available via SPEED On Demand, which reaches more than 11 million homes in North America throughout the year. Those who want to catch the action via the Internet can go to www.speedondemand.com seven days post-race for $1.99 each event for up to 90 days. “The one missing jewel in SPEED’s motorcycle racing programming was Supercross,” commented Rick Miner Senior V.P. Production / Programming and Executive Producer for SPEED Channel. “It is great to add the Amp’d Mobil World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series to an already outstanding lineup of the world’s great motorcycle racing.” SPEED’s Ralph Sheehan will head up the booth, teaming with former racer Denny Stephenson. Motor racing reporter, Krista Voda, will cover all the action in the pits. “SPEED fits in with what Supercross is about,” said Stephenson 1990 Supercross Lite East Coast champion. “SPEED has areas already in place where they can promote the series and with SPEED, it will reach the Supercross fan. I am a huge fan of the sport and it is an honor to do this.” 2005-06 Amp’d Mobil World Supercross Grand Prix Broadcast Schedule Toronto Sunday, Dec. 4 6:00 p.m. ET Vancouver, B.C. Sunday, Dec. 11 6:00 p.m. ET Phoenix Sunday, Jan. 15 6:00 p.m. ET Anaheim, Ca. Sunday, Feb. 5 5:00 p.m. ET Atlanta Sunday, Feb. 26 4:30 p.m. ET Indianapolis Sunday, March 5 6:00 p.m. ET Daytona, Fla. Saturday, March 11 1:00 p.m. ET Orlando, Fla. Sunday, March 19 6:00 p.m. ET Detroit Sunday, March 26 6:00 p.m. ET Houston Sunday, April 2 6:00 p.m. ET Dallas Sunday, April 23 6:00 p.m. ET Las Vegas Sunday, May 7 6:00 p.m. ET SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 70 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on-demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

CCS Florida Finale This Coming Weekend At Homestead

newspaper
-
0
CCS Florida Finale This Coming Weekend At Homestead

Season Finale at Homestead This Weekend The Championship Cup Series of Florida returns to the Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. A huge field of up to 800 entries is expected to compete in the 19 race program. Of the 40 class championships, 27 will be determined at this event. Gustavo Laya of Miami, Florida has won the Amateur Overall Championship. While Darren Luck of Bonita Springs, Florida has won the Expert Overall Championship and will carry the #1 plate for 2006.

Ducati Continues MotoGP Testing At Jerez

newspaper
-
0
Ducati Continues MotoGP Testing At Jerez

POSITIVE DAY 2 AT JEREZ FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM Ducati Desmosedici GP6 testing debut continued today with Loris Capirossi concentrating on engine management and new tyres while Sete Gibernau continued to get used to the Italian bike and the Bridgestone tyres. Jerez (Spain), Tuesday 29 November 2005 – Weather conditions improved at Jerez today, enabling the Ducati Marlboro Team to make the most of the second day of testing scheduled at the Spanish circuit. Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau first took to the track at 11.40 am due to the cold morning temperatures, but lapped until 5 pm exclusively with the new Desmosedici GP6. Loris Capirossi, who continued engine management work aimed at improving the bike’s ‘rideability’, was satisfied with the GP6’s immediate feeling. The Italian rider was also able to take advantage of the improved track conditions to test several new Bridgestone tyres as well as new the Ohlins suspensions. Capirossi completed a total of 60 laps, setting a quickest time of 1m41.489s. “We were lucky with the weather!” declared a smiling Capirossi. “Despite the fact that it was cold, the track was in a pretty decent condition. We were able to work better than yesterday and the positive impressions of the first day were confirmed. Today we also tested several tyres and new front and rear suspensions and the feeling was good right away. Everything is going well. Hopefully if the weather stays good tomorrow, I’ll do a few back-to-back tests with the GP5 but I can honestly say that our new bike has got off to a good start.” It was a positive day also for his new team-mate Sete Gibernau, who is becoming more and more familiar with his new Desmosedici machine. Today the Spanish rider concentrated mainly on suspension and set-up work. Sete totalled 66 laps around the Jerez track, with a best time of 1m41.466s “Today we focussed on set-up and suspension work” declared Sete. “It was useful to get to know exactly what I need to find the right feeling with the new bike. We made progress and managed to find a path that seemed right. With this set-up tomorrow we can concentrate more on the engine mapping. We are making small steps forward to avoid going in the wrong direction. I also tested the new tyres and started to give a few indications to the Bridgestone guys. I’m pleased with what we did today and hope to continue like this tomorrow.” Tomorrow will be the third and final day of testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team at the Spanish circuit before the winter break. The team will next be seen in action at Sepang, Malaysia from 23-25 January 2006. Temperatures: air 15° – 17° C, track 16° – 24° C

A Press Release With A Headline That Explains A Lot About SPEED TV…

newspaper
-
0
A Press Release With A Headline That Explains A Lot About SPEED TV…

SPEED EXPANDS BRAND, BUILDING ON DECADE AS LEADER IN AUTOMOTIVE TELEVISION BROADBAND, VOD, INTERACTIVE TELEVISION FRONT AND CENTER AS NETWORK EXPLORES EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES Preparing to celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2006, SPEED Channel spent much of 2005 establishing a definitive path to the future. Setting a standard balancing excellence in motor sports television with a growing selection of original automotive lifestyle programming, SPEED already is testing the waters with multiple emerging platforms, offering the traditional television viewer more access to network content and brand-specific products. A network retrospective, entitled Ten Years at Speed: A Decade of Excellence, is tentatively scheduled for March 5 at 8 p.m. ET. “SPEED is committed to bringing a ‘big event’ focus to its entire lineup,” said Hunter Nickell, SPEED Executive VP & General Manager. “Over the last 10 weeks, we have elevated the coverage of NASCAR’s Chase for the NEXTEL Cup, and this weekend, we have increased our presence all over South Florida in support of the NASCAR finale in Homestead. “We will be in New York for Champions Week, and then we will move right into preparations for NASCAR testing in Daytona in January,” Nickell added. “Whether it is NASCAR TV, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions or the 24 Hours of Le Mans, SPEED will put an exclamation point on the biggest events in automotive television.” The standard in motor sports television, SPEED will roll into 2006 as the growing home of NASCAR TV and the exclusive cable outlet for the Champ Car World Series, Grand American Road Racing, the American Le Mans Series, IROC, ARCA, IHRA drag racing, the SPEED World Challenge, as well as world class events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Knoxville Nationals. On the motorcycle front, SPEED recently signed a five-year deal with Clear Channel Motorsports, adding coverage of the high-flying AMA Supercross series to a full lineup of two-wheel racing, including the MotoGP World Championship and the AMA Superbike Championship. “SPEED has been, and will continue to be, the home for motor racing in North America,” said Rick Miner, SPEED SVP of Programming/Production. “The roots laid down over the past 10 years firmly established SPEED in the world of motor sports, and the next 10 will see continued growth and evolution in that coverage. SPEED will be the home for the highest level of racing in each of motor racing’s major disciplines. America “¦start your engines.” Renewing its commitment to the auto enthusiast, SPEED moved lifestyle programming to Prime Time in a big way in 2005, delivering popular originals like PINKS, Unique Whips, Build or Bust and the ambitious Texas Hardtails. Live coverage of the annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction opens the 2006 programming season in January with a record 32 hours of coverage over several days. “The automotive lifestyle category has exploded within the last several years and SPEED’s commitment to this sector of the market continues to increase along with it,” said Robert Ecker, SPEED VP of Programming. “We have been gratified by viewer response to our non-racing initiatives to date, and there is much yet to come. From Barrett-Jackson to SEMA, Pinks to Unique Whips, we eagerly look forward to further expansion into the lifestyle and enthusiast arena. As the network enters its tenth anniversary year and beyond, we continue to develop an ambitious slate of new programs and original series catering to this growing audience.” The programming path set, SPEED heads into the next 10 years exploring different vehicles of content delivery: VOD: In the summer of 2005, SPEED reached an agreement with NASCAR, giving subscribers of Comcast ON DEMAND, Time Warner Cable On Demand and other regional operators access to SPEED NASCAR TV On Demand. The fast-turn products included SPEED’s NASCAR Race Rewind, NASCAR Victory Lane and NASCAR Beyond the Wheel. The NASCAR selections were added to an already established list of enthusiast programs, including the popular Test Drive series. Moving forward, SPEED Channel is developing content exclusively available through VOD. Broadband: SPEED, in partnership with Global Media Services, rolled out a new service for race fans, when the network debuted its new interactive On-board SPEED Pass live from the AMA Superbike race at Mid-Ohio in July. Accessed through www.SPEEDTV.com, SPEED Pass gives viewers of SPEED’s television race coverage the Internet option of toggling among as many as six live channels of streaming race video from multiple on-board cameras. Planning already is underway to bring pay-per-view, broadband racing to SPEEDTV.com, with exclusive content, including coverage of AMA Supercross, AMA Superbike, SCCA racing and the Isle of Man TT. Interactive Television: In 2005, SPEED teamed with Proteus Inc., to offer viewers of the annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction an opportunity to place “fantasy bids” via cell phone or Internet. Nearly 70,000 online bids were cast, indicating a tremendous interactive audience. Internet: SPEED’s parent company News Corp developed Fox Interactive Media in 2005, spending $1.5 billion on major sports, gaming and community sites. The goal is to position SPEEDTV.com as the motor sports and auto enthusiast hub of a News Corp Internet universe that now reaches 70 million unique users through 12 billion monthly page views fourth largest behind Yahoo!, MSN and Time Warner. SPEED already is initiating a push in four major Web arenas design, content, community and commerce. Mobile initiatives: A mobile product partnership with Airborne Entertainment, offering ring tones and wallpaper is just the beginning. SPEED already is exploring content developed specifically for phone broadcasts. “Our vision is to embrace new technologies as they evolve, aggressively exploit and utilize them with the goal to continually enhance our customers viewing experience,” said Kevin Annison, SPEED VP of Business Development & Operations. “We look to position SPEED as an industry leader in emerging technologies and distribute our content “on-demand” through the internet, broadband and wireless mediums and allow them to interact with our brand anytime, anywhere. “Our objective is to increase non-linear usage by creating dynamic racing, automotive & motorcycle content, provide multiple points of entry and allow our viewers and users to customize and personalize information to their liking,” Annison added. “The opportunities that lay ahead in the next ten years are unlimited and will make for very exciting times for SPEED Channel and our viewers.” Further extending the brand, SPEED recently signed a deal with Unimax Toys to produce and distribute SPEED-branded diecast cars in multiple retail outlets. Deals for SPEED merchandise and SPEED-branded books were completed in 2005. “We get licensing offers all the time,” said Bill Osborn, SPEED SVP Marketing and On-Air Promotion. “But it has to be something that fits the SPEED brand. We are a network for big boys, so a line of multigenerational die-cast toys is perfect for us.” SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 70 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on-demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

American Kenny Noyes Fifth In Spanish FX Final At Jerez

newspaper
-
0
American Kenny Noyes Fifth In Spanish FX Final At Jerez

American Kenny Noyes (Folch Yamaha R1) qualified third and finished fifth in the final round of the Spanish 1000cc Formula Extreme Championship Sunday, his best result to date in Spain’s top national series. He ran second for the first two laps behind eventual winner Javier del Amor (Laglisse Yamaha) and hung on in the lead group composed of del Amor, Ivan Silva (Laglisse Yamaha), Dani Ribalta (Pontgrup Suzuki) and David Tomas (BQR Honda) until a couple of mistakes late in the race dropped him to fifth. Folch Yamaha’s second rider, Bernat Martinez, finished tenth. “This was really the first time we’ve had the bike working this well and the first time I’ve been on the front row in Formula Extreme. Today we had the pace to run with the leaders until I made two mistakes on the same lap when I was running with Ribalta and that let Tomas by too. We made a big step forward in the last couple of races, especially with suspension, thanks to a top Ohlins technician who really taught me a lot about how to set the Yamaha up. I learned a lot running with the fast guys at the front today. I can’t wait to start testing the new 2006 R1 with the new swingarm in a couple of weeks. I think we can be at the front next year,” said Noyes, who has signed with Folch Endurance to ride the Spanish Formula Extreme Championship, the Spanish Endurance series and to make wild card rides in World Endurance and World Superbike in 2006. Results Spanish Formula Extreme 1. Javier del Amor (Laglisse Yamaha R1) 30’23.230 2. Ivan Silva (Laglisse Yamaha R1) 30´24.152 3. Dani Ribalta (Pontgrup Suzuki GSX-R) 30´25.808 4. David Tomas (BQR Honda CBR1000RR) 30´30.228 5. Kenny Noyes (Folch Yamaha R1) 30´33.214 6. Josep Sarda (D´Antin Yamaha R1) 30´39.292 7. Sergio Fuertes (Reynolds Suzuki GSX-R) 30´40.183 8. Julian Mazuecos(Motoracing Yamaha R1)30´48.158 9. Enrique Rocamora (Reynolds Suzuki) 30´49.431 10. Bernat Martinez (Folch Yamaha R1) 30´59.304 Fastest lap: Tomas 1’46.052 32 bikes started, 29 finished, 6 were lapped

Rossi Fastest On Second Day Of MotoGP Tests At Sepang

newspaper
-
0
Rossi Fastest On Second Day Of MotoGP Tests At Sepang

Gauloises Yamaha Team Test Sepang, Malaysia Tuesday 29th November 2005 Ambient temperature: 30.7 degrees Track temperature: 40 degrees Humidity: 62% ROSSI AND EDWARDS SPEED UP IN SEPANG Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards completed a positive second day of testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia today, both making marked improvements to their lap times from yesterday. Rossi topped the unofficial time sheets at the close of play and Edwards was also over eight-tenths of a second faster than on day one. Rossi spent most of the day testing Michelin tyres and getting to grips with Yamaha’s new prototype 2006-spec YZR-M1, which he rode for the first time yesterday, before switching back onto the 2005 bike towards the end of the day to continue working with Michelin. Edwards also tested several tyres, the American continuing to work exclusively on the 2005-spec bike before he tries the new prototype tomorrow afternoon. Rossi set a best time of 2’02.61, inside the lap record and over a second faster than his best lap of yesterday. He was followed by Melandri and Elias (both Honda) with Edwards in fourth with a time of 2’02.94. VALENTINO ROSSI 1st, 2’02.61, 60 LAPS “I am really happy with what we did today on the new bike and I am feeling quite positive about it. I have a good feeling on it and more stability than with the old M1, so this is very encouraging considering that it’s just the first day of work. Today we did a lot of work with Michelin while trying to understand and gather data for the new bike. At the end of the day I changed back to the old bike and continued testing tyres. Yesterday the feeling was not perfect with the 2005 bike but we changed some settings and today it began to feel much better. We had some problems here in the race and so it’s good to make these improvements. Tomorrow we have some more things to try with the new bike before we fly home for the holidays!” COLIN EDWARDS 4th, 2’02.94, 67 LAPS “During my first run this morning I went over half a second quicker than yesterday and then went even faster later, so it was a good day. We mostly concentrated on testing tyres in the morning and then the afternoon was spent trying out some other stuff for Yamaha. This new style is not so much about my position on the bike there are small changes to that but I think only a serious ‘Edwards fan’ could notice its more about my style of controlling the bike before and during a corner. My technique has definitely changed and it’s feeling better each day as I get more used to it. Tomorrow I think I need to do a long run and then I hope to get on the new bike in the afternoon. I am really excited about trying it out; Valentino seems very positive about it so I can’t wait to have a go myself!” DAVIDE BRIVIO GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR “Both riders worked a lot for Michelin today and it was a positive day all round. Valentino made a good start with the 2006-spec bike and Colin also continued to make improvements to his performance, so it was another good day of testing. Tomorrow Valentino has a few more things to do on the new bike and then we hope to be able to give it to Colin for the afternoon to give him a chance to make his own evaluation.” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’02.61 2. Marco Melandri (ITA) Honda, 2’02.65 3. Toni Elias (SPA) Honda, 2’02.78 4. COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’02.94 5. Carlos Checa (SPA) Honda, 2’02.96 6. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda, 2’03.05 7. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki, 2’03.10 8. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Honda, 2’03.15 9. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki, 2’03.52 10. Casey Stoner (AUS) Honda, 2’03.56 11. Chris Vermuelen (AUS) Suzuki, 2’04.50 12. Randy du Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki, 2’04.50 13. James Ellison (GBR) Yamaha, 2’05.52 Sepang Lap Record: Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2005 2’02.993 Sepang Best Lap: Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2005 2’01.731 More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Honda: MARCO AND TONI CONTINUE THEIR TESTING PROGRAMME AT SEPANG Sepang, the Fortuna Honda team riders continued their testing programme today at Sepang and enjoyed improved conditions compared to yestarday, allowing the riders to enter the track early on in the morning. Although Marco was not in perfect physical conditions, he continued to be one of the fastest riders on track: after having scored the best lap time yesterday, today the Italian posted the second fastest time. Alongside Marco, his team mate Toni Elias who, entering his second MotoGP season but his first for Honda, is building up experience on the RC211V. Toni completed 80 laps improving lap by laphis feeling with the bike. The Spaniard signed today’s third fastest time. MARCO MELANDRI (63 laps, 2’02″63 ): “Today we tested a range of front and rear tyres. I’m very satisfied of the work done today and I’m very happy to work with the Michelin technicians at the development of the tyres. I complet! ely 63 laps and made an endurance test covering half of the race distance. Tomorrow we have scheduled a race simulation. I’m very happy, the bike is working very well and I feel a bit better compared to yesterday.” TONI ELIAS (80 laps, 2’02″76): “Today we continued working on the setting of the bike, focusing especially on forks and the feeling with the bike has improved. I’m feeling more comfortable even though at the moment I’m not riding as I would like to ride. All in all, I’m very happy, we have adopted a step-by-step approach and I’m gaining confidence with the RC211V. Unfortunately today I was not feeling well but thanks to the doctors of the circuit, I could finish work programme scheduled for today.” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 2’02″62 2. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda)2’02″63 3. Toni Elias (Sp/Honda) 2’02″76 4. Carlos Chec! a (Sp/Honda) 2’02″90 5. Colin Edwards (Usa/Yamaha) 2’02″98 6. Nicky Hayden (Usa/Honda) 2’03″04 7. John Hopkins (Usa/Suzuki) 2’03″24 8. Dani Pedrosa (Sp/Honda) 2’03″35 9. Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki) 2’03″49 10. Casey Stoner (Aus/Honda) 2’03″53 More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing: HONDA RACING INFORMATION HRC MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia November 29, 2005. Second day of three-day test. Marco Melandri fastest Honda RC211V rider on day two of Sepang MotoGP test session The second day of the HRC MotoGP test at Sepang Malaysia saw the Honda supported teams and riders get down to serious work testing various chassis settings and a range of Michelin tyres. The RC211V riders took to the track in the same energy sapping hot and humid conditions they experienced on the opening day of the three-day test, 30 degrees of intense heat and humidity of over 70% and all set faster times than they managed on the opening day of the test. Fortuna Honda riders Marco Melandri and Toni Elias were the fastest Honda men on track with Melandri setting the best lap time of the six RCV riders testing today. Melandri, who won the final two MotoGP races of the 2005 season, was in sparkling form as he tested a range of Michelin tyres for the French manufacturer. The young Italian set consistently fast times as he confirmed his brilliant end of season form His best time of 2m 02.6s was almost four tenths of a second inside the lap record for the circuit, set by Nicky Hayden at 2m 02.993s at the 2005 grand prix. Elias was the surprise man of the day with a best lap time of 2m 02.74s, well over a second faster than his best lap time on the opening day of the three day test. The young Spaniard, making his debut on a Honda RCV, put together a string of 2m 03s laps that impressed his new team and the HRC engineers. Repsol Honda team riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa worked hard all day with American Hayden spending his time evaluating the latest version of the RCV chassis that HRC introduced late in the 2005 season. Pedrosa experimented with the suspension settings and the ride height of his RCV in a bid to find the machine set up most suitable to his style and size. Once he felt more at home on the machine Pedrosa improved his lap time by 0.5 seconds and pronounced himself satisfied with his day’s work. Teammate Hayden has yet to be convinced the latest chassis is a major improvement on the one he raced to fourth place at the Malaysian GP, held in September last. Team Honda Pons riders Carlos Checa and Casey Stoner both recorded faster lap times than they managed on the opening day. Both riders are testing the RCV for the second time with the vastly experienced Checa the faster of the two men. Checa covered 67 laps of the 5.548km GP circuit, his younger, inexperienced teammate only managed to get in 48 laps due to severe cramp in his forearms and thighs. Honda rider lap times and quotes. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: 2m 03.00s – 69 laps. “Honestly I didn’t have the greatest of days and I didn’t improve much on my lap time of yesterday. We tested chassis stuff all day. I was using the chassis that Max (Biaggi) and Sete (Gibernau) used at some races after Donington Park. It has some good points but I felt the old chassis was a little better because I know it so well. This chassis turns in good but in the fast corners I was not so comfortable. We used the same tyre we had used at the GP back in September but tomorrow we will test for Michelin and look for a tyre to use with this chassis then smooth out and get consistent. Today was good in some ways but I’m not satisfied with my own performance, I could have been better.” Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 2m 03.28s – 59 laps. “It was a difficult day, hard work in this heat and humidity. Today we tried several suspension settings and the ride height of the bike to try and make it more comfortable for me to ride. We did not change the type of tyre we were using because we don’t want to change too much at one time while we are trying to get the information we need for me to get the best out of the bike. I found the basic direction that I need to be working in but it is still too early for me to say if the front end is really good for me. The engine settings we used were basically the same as we used yesterday. I am happy with the test so far and we have definitely made some progress and that is the most important thing. MotoGP testing is so intense and we have quite a stiff programme of tests ahead of us, it’s much different to what I have been used to.” Marco Melandri, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.60s – 63 laps. “Today was good for me we did a lot of laps and I’m pretty happy with the results. We tested for Michelin, just rear tyres. I tried five different tyres running about half race distance with each tyre. I found one that I really liked. We changed the geometry slightly and that was very interesting and I found I could run very fast with the set up and the good rear tyre. I am happy because I found a good rhythm with the bike in that condition and ran consistently fast times. The front end is still pushing a little but it has improved a lot from the GP race here. I’m satisfied with the work we did and, I hope, Michelin also. Tonight Michelin will analyse the results of the tyre test and if they are satisfied then tomorrow we will be looking to find more traction and drive ability.” Toni Elias, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.74s – 80 laps. “I’m happy. We improved the front end a little and it’s better than yesterday but not enough. I’m not so comfortable with the front because I can feel it pushing in the corners but I like the way the rear of the bike behaves. But overall I am more comfortable on the bike than I was yesterday. I did some work for Michelin with both front and rear tyres, also trying the tyres on different width rims. But I don’t really have a clear indication of what is the best size to use. My rhythm was good I did a few laps at 2m 03s and that is good progress. We have more work to do if I am to be really consistent. We have not finished our work with Michelin so we will carry on testing tyres tomorrow.” Carlos Checa, Team Honda Pons: 2m 02.932s – 67 laps. “Today we spent our time making the bike more comfortable for me to ride. Basically we tested tyres and at the same time tried to get rid of the front-end vibration and wheel chatter we have. We tried about six or seven different tyres, profiles, compounds, etc and had improved a little by the end of the day. We tested different suspension parts and machine settings trying to clear up the problem I was having with the front end. If we fix this I can make some real progress with this bike. We are at the starting point and I have heard that the new chassis HRC is preparing is better than the one I used today so I am already looking forward to testing the new bike in January.” Casey Stoner, Team Honda Pons: 2m 03.56s – 48 laps. “Basically we improved but we are still trying to get rid of front wheel chatter. We tried to set the bike up and tried to improve my understanding of what I am capable of doing on this machine. So we just ran through the options we have here. We didn’t try anything on geometry just suspension settings, ride height and the riding position. We don’t have a big selection of tyres from Michelin, which is probably best because I have to get used to the bike. Unfortunately my arms were cramping up and we had to stop, I have to get fitter before the next test. So far the test has been very good for me and I’m really beginning to get a good feel for the bike. If I don’t get the cramps tomorrow we will carry on testing the general bike settings.”

Mid-Ohio Being Repaved, Improved For 2006 Season

newspaper
-
0
Mid-Ohio Being Repaved, Improved For 2006 Season

COMPLETE TRACK RESURFACING AMONG CONTINUING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE DUBLIN, Ohio (November 28, 2005) – In keeping with its reputation as America’s most competitive road course, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is currently undergoing extensive capital improvements in preparation for its seven-event 2006 season. Among the improvements will be a complete track and pit lane resurfacing, and the creation of a connector in the track’s famed Keyhole section. Also included in the project will be the removal of concrete patches from the track, the relocation of the wall and guardrail at turn one, the expansion of gravel traps at the exits of turn one and the Keyhole, the replacement of all remaining old-style catch-fencing, and the standardization of curbing throughout the circuit. TrueSports, Inc., has made continuous improvements to the renowned 2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio circuit over its 44-year history, including recent surface repairs, wall relocations and gravel trap upgrades. In addition to enhancing performance and safety, these newest improvements will give the track three road course configurations, new timing loops, additional capacity and flexibility for its track and driving school operations, a complete amateur motocross venue, and a wider range of events and activities for fans. “Continuous improvement has been a hallmark of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course since its founding,” said Michelle Trueman Gajoch, president of TrueSports, Inc., the owner and operator of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School. “As always, our goal with these improvements is a better, safer environment for our competitors and students, and a more complete and exciting facility for fans. We look forward to unveiling the changes in 2006.” The resurfacing portion of the project already has begun, and will include the milling of the entire road course and pit lane, subgrade and base reinforcement in certain areas, and drainage enhancements. Ohio’s largest privately held general contractor, Fredericktown-based Kokosing Construction, is the project manager. Dublin, Ohio, firm Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates is the architect. “As with most of the design work we’ve overseen at Mid-Ohio, there were a lot of variables to consider,” said Ron Gajoch, principal of Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates. “Maintaining the track’s character, increasing its capabilities, and providing a surface that enhances safety for competitors and spectators alike were all imperative, and we’ve accounted for each with creative solutions.” “It’s a privilege to manage this project for Mid-Ohio,” said Kokosing Vice President Wayne Brassell. “They’ve approached it with a great deal of diligence and a long-term view, and that’s the same way we look at our projects. We’re looking forward to working together and creating a track surface that’s second to none.” Columbus-based Resource International is creating the asphalt mix for the track with help from Kokosing Materials’ asphalt design division. “A race track is a unique roadway, and the demands that modern racing machines place on it require a unique asphalt mix,” said Kokosing Materials President Bob Bailey. “We’ll be doing a great deal of testing as we proceed to ensure that the Mid-Ohio track is not only fast, but also safe, consistent and easy to maintain.” Among the other off-season improvements taking place at Mid-Ohio is the completion of an on-site motocross facility. The existing motocross venue will receive a number of upgrades in order to host American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and manufacturer events. The projects are slated to be completed in advance of the track’s first spectator event of 2006, the American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio (May 19-21). Other events on next year’s calendar include the EMCO Gears Classic, featuring the Rolex Sports Car Series, and Unlimited Audio Accessories Triple Crown Tuner Challenge (June 23-25), AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 28-30), Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (Aug. 4-6), Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio (Aug. 18-20), National Auto Sport Association Championships (Sept. 15-17), and AMA Superbike Shootout (Sept. 29-Oct. 1). Season passes and individual event tickets are available now by calling 1-800-MID-OHIO or logging on to www.midohio.com. Enrollment for more than 100 class days in 14 courses at The Mid-Ohio School also is open, and available by visiting www.midohio.com/school or calling 1-877-973-8667. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road racing circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the track has been called the most competitive in the U.S. and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional riders and drivers. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, TrueSports, Inc., is a privately held motorsports entertainment enterprise. The company owns and operates Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, and promotes a wide variety of motor racing, driver instruction, corporate, and family entertainment events throughout the year.

Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Back On Canadian Superbike Schedule In 2006

SUPERBIKES RETURN TO QUEBEC TORONTO, ON A return to Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant highlights the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship schedule, which was released today. After a one-year absence the classic Quebec venue will play host to the second round of the series June 2-4. The track previously hosted rounds of the national tour in 2003 and 2004. The 2006 season will play out over seven rounds on six weekends. The series will have its traditional kick-off at Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville, ON, on the May 18-21 Victoria Day Long Weekend. It will conclude back at Shannonville on the Labour Day Weekend, Sept. 1-3. “Bringing the Parts Canada Superbike Championship back to the fans of Quebec was always a priority for us,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which organizes the Canadian series. “We are thrilled to be heading back to Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, a challenging race track with a rich history in Canadian motorsport.” Following the Mont-Tremblant round of the series the tour will head west to Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park for round 3 on the June 30-July 2 Canada Day Weekend. From there the national championship visits another of Canada’s storied race tracks, Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, ON for its traditional July 14-16 doubleheader. The series then moves to Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS Aug. 11-13 before closing out at Shannonville three weeks later. Each round of the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship will include races for the Parts Canada Superbike feature class, in addition to the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike, International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike, Suzuki SV650 National Cup and Canadian Thunder national support classes. The Mosport doubleheader will consist of two points races for the Superbike and Pro 600 Sport Bike classes, one each on Saturday and Sunday. PMP is also looking into adding a round of the Suzuki SV650 Cup at Edmonton’s Stratotech Park the weekend before the full Race City national. Posters featuring the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike schedule will be available at this weekend’s Toronto Motorcycle Show and will be inserted in an upcoming issue of Inside Motorcycles magazine. The series will be announcing updates to its technical regulations soon. These will include horsepower adjustments for the Dynojet dyno regulated classes. 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule Round 1 May 18-21 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Pro Track) Shannonville, ON Round 2 June 2-4 Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Mont-Tremblant, QC Round 3 June 30-July 2 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, AB Round 4 July 14-15 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON Round 5 July 14-16 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON Round 6 Aug. 11-13 Atlantic Motorsport Park Shubenacadie, NS Round 7 Sept. 1-3 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Long Track) Shannonville, ON For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com

Edwards Rides 2006 Yamaha YZR-M1 On Rain-interrupted Final Day Of MotoGP Testing At Sepang

RAIN AFFECTS THIRD DAY OF TESTING FOR YAMAHA IN MALAYSIA The final day of Yamaha’s three-day Sepang Test was interrupted today, when rain throughout the morning meant that Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards were not able to get out on track until mid-afternoon. Despite the delay, Edwards had his first ride on the prototype 2006-spec YZR-M1 and both riders completed some important tyre testing for Michelin. Temperatures were much lower after the rain and the character and conditions of the track were quite different to the past two days, causing a shake-up in the unofficial times. Fastest man on the track today was MotoGP rookie Dani Pedrosa (Honda), who set a best lap of 2’02.77. This was still short of the 2’02.61 set by Rossi yesterday, which remains the fastest time over the three days of the test. The Yamaha riders were further down the order in seventh and ninth places today; Edwards completing 43 laps with a best time of 2’03.61, whilst Rossi set a fastest lap of 2’03.85 after just 22 laps. Both riders now fly to Japan for a short promotional visit, before heading back to their respective homes in the UK and America for the holiday season. The Team will reconvene in Sepang on 23rd January for the first test of the 2006 MotoGP season. COLIN EDWARDS 7th, 2’03.61, 43 LAPS “After it had finally dried up I did one run on the old bike to check a few things and then I got onto the new bike pretty quickly. It took a bit of time to work things out and find my settings, but once I got going it felt great. The track conditions had really altered after the rain; it wasn’t as easy out there as it has been and we encountered a few problems, but we managed to find the right tyres and iron things out. At the end of the day I feel really positive and quite excited about the new bike, especially considering that it’s such early days. The stability is definitely improved and the overall feedback is really good. With a new bike, it’s always a case of sacrificing some things to improve in other areas, but everything combined together on this bike feels great. Anyway, it’s been a pretty good test all round and it’s a good feeling to sign off the year on a high note.” VALENTINO ROSSI 9th, 2’03.85, 22 LAPS “We had planned to do a longer run on the new bike this morning but unfortunately the weather didn’t allow it and we had to wait to get started. We only had time to do a few things before we changed back onto the old bike. After that we tested some more tyres and still managed to complete some good work, even though we didn’t do so many laps. I am happy about this test because overall it’s been positive. We made some good improvements with the old bike, made a strong start with the new one and gathered some important data. Now Yamaha have some feedback about the new prototype and they can work on it over the winter, before we come back here in January after the winter break to continue our development.” DAVIDE BRIVIO GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR “This has been an important test for us. Yamaha had the new bike ready for us early and we have been able to give them some information about it. Now they can begin to fine-tune it. It’s shown a good level of performance from the start and both riders are positive about it, but we know that there is a lot of work to do yet. Anyway, the information from this test will be very useful for Yamaha over the winter. Now we wait to come back here in January with a more final version of the bike. The rain made the conditions of the track quite difficult today and it was harder for Colin to feel the benefits of the new bike, but despite this he was quite happy. Anyway, it’s good to experience this, as we could find ourselves with these conditions at a race and so the information from Colin is very useful for our engineers. It’s been a good test and now we’re all glad to have a rest before the hard work starts again!” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Honda, 2’02.77 2. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda, 2’02.79 3. Marco Melandri (ITA) Honda, 2’02.86 4. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki, 2’02.93 5. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki, 2’03.10 6. Carlos Checa (SPA) Honda, 2’03.39 7. COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’03.61 8. Casey Stoner (AUS) Honda, 2’03.70 9. VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’03.85 10. Toni Elias (SPA) Honda, 2’03.95 11. Randy du Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki, 2’04.27 12. Chris Vermuelen (AUS) Suzuki, 2’04.50 13. James Ellison (GBR) Yamaha, 2’05.00 Sepang Lap Record: Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2005 2’02.993 Sepang Best Lap: Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2005 2’01.731

Pedrosa Fastest Honda Rider On Third Day Of MotoGP Testing In Malaysia

HRC MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia November 30, 2005 Final day of the three-day test. Pedrosa fastest Honda on final day of Sepang MotoGP test Rapidly changing weather conditions hindered the Honda MotoGP riders on the final day of the three-day MotoGP test held at Sepang, Malaysia. The morning session was virtually abandoned by most riders due to the half wet – half dry track conditions but a heavy down pour at lunchtime saw several riders take to the track testing Michelin wet weather tyres. Repsol Honda Nicky Hayden was quick to take advantage of the conditions and ran over 20 laps of the wet track testing the latest RC211V chassis in combination with full wet tyres. When the track dried out Hayden began testing a range of slick tyres for Michelin. Dani Pedrosa, on the second Repsol Honda, ran his first ever wet weather test aboard an RCV. The 20-year old Spaniard was surprised by how easy the RCV was to handle in the wet in comparison to the RS250R-W he raced to his second 250cc World Championship. Pedrosa set the fastest time of the day at 2m 02.770s with Hayden a whisker behind just two/tenths of a second slower. The weather forced Fortuna Honda rider Marco Melandri to abandon his planned race simulation test Michelin had planned for the day but the young Italian was satisfied with the work he managed to do. Teammate Toni Elias went out in both wet and dry conditions and found a good direction to work in at the next HRC MotoGP test, here at Sepang in late January. The Honda Pons riders were not as active as their fellow Honda riders in the wet conditions. Carlos Checa decided to sit out the wet session but put in 45 dry laps after lunch. Casey Stoner did some wet laps but rested his cramped arms on a few occasions eventually covering 48 laps of the 5.548km grand prix circuit. Honda rider lap times and quotes. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: 2m 02.790s – 89 laps. “You know the weather wasn’t the best today but I needed to get in a lot of laps in the wet. We focused on my old bike and put in some decent laps with the wets on. We also tried an intermediate tyre that I really liked. When it dried out we tried out some rear tyres that were a little different from the ones we used at GP here and they were a little better, which was really good. The three-day’s were really useful for the team and I set my best time of the week today but you always want to be faster. I will leave here with a positive spirit. Go home regroup and wait for the New Year. All the guys on the tam have worked so hard, nobody was afraid to get their hands dirty, mechanics, HRC and the Michelin guys. Sure we want more but we will go away from here positive. Not on top of the world but not at the bottom either.” Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 2m 02.770s – 57 laps. “I surprised myself this week I was riding this track sliding with the tyre they gave me. I tried three different tyres today and at the end I began to feel the difference with each tyre. I could understand where the limit of the slide was. Also how the tyres work when they are new and when they have done many laps. It was much different riding this bike on wet tyres. I was surprised by how much grip they have in the corners but I was sliding on the straights when accelerating. Even under braking the rear end of the bike weaves from side to side and you feel it in the handlebars. But I didn’t do too many laps but I was really happy with the feeling in the wet. It was a very positive experience but I’m tired, very, very tired. I think I will have to rest for five days when I get home to get over it.” Marco Melandri, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.80s – 56 laps “Not so bad, even if we could not test much in the wet, or dry conditions either. I was supposed to run a race simulation and try four different tyres but the rain prevented that. It was the same with the wet tyres. I had two tyres to test but only managed to test one because the track dried out too quickly. I didn’t really like this track before but I found a good rhythm all week and I improved my performance over that in the race here. The test was very positive for me and the team and I will now wait for the new bike to arrive in January.” Toni Elias, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.865s – 50 laps. “Not so bad with the wet tyres today but we have to have more experience with this bike before I can be really fast in the wet. I didn’t try to hard when the track was drying the half wet – half dry track is not good for testing. Really all we did was test tyres today but it was good because we have found the direction we have to work in at the next tests. The test was positive, the bike is very good and I’m gaining confidence but I’m not where I need to be yet.” Carlos Checa, Team Honda Pons: 2m 03.395s – 45 laps. “Speaking with my chief mechanic (Santi Mulero) we considered it would not be helpful too test in the conditions. Half wet – half dry track surfaces are not ideal for testing a new bike. We could not learn anything positive today in the wet. I have a good feeling with a motorcycle in wet conditions but only when I have a good base line to work from. When the track dried out we tried some different Michelin rear tyres with good results. This test has been very positive for me. I believe in the combination of Honda, Michelin and my team, we have learned many different things here at Sepang. Next year we will arrive here and start again. The feeling and understanding I have with this bike now at this moment tells me this is a very strong combination.” Casey Stoner, Team Honda Pons: 2m 3.700s – 48 laps. “I’m pretty pleased with the way things have gone for me this week. I like the bike you don’t have to muscle the bike around but you do have to move your body weight around the bike and keep your weight forward at certain places on this track The team have been great and I enjoy working with them. I had cramps at times but so I will go home and relax, get fit and come back in January much better shape.” More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Honda: RAIN SPOILS THE LAST DAY OF TESTING AT SEPANG The final day of the three-day MotoGP test held at Sepang, Malaysia was characterized by rapidly changing weather conditions that hindered the Honda MotoGP riders to carry out their programme of work scheduled for today. The morning session was virtually abandoned by most riders due to the half wet – half dry track conditions but a heavy down pour at lunchtime saw several riders take to the track testing Michelin wet weather tyres. The test was positive for Marco Melandri who tested some wet tyres for Michelin. The changing weather conditions hindered Tonis Elias to improve his lap time but he was happy of his debut with the RC211V on wet. All in all, the test was very positive for him: he has grown consistently, showing that he is adapting well to the new bike. MARCO MELANDRI (56 laps, 2’02″82): “Not so bad, even if we could not test much in the wet, or dry conditions either. I was supposed to run a race simulation and try four different tyres but the rain prevented that. It was the same with the wet tyres. I had two tyres to test but only managed to test one because the track dried out too quickly. These three days of testing were very important: I found a good rhythm all week and I improved my performance over that in the race here. The test was very positive for me and the team and I will now wait for the new bike to arrive in January.” TONI ELIAS ( 50 laps, 2’03″98 ): “Not so bad with the wet tyres today but I need to have more experience with this bike before I can be really fast in the wet. I didn’t try too hard when the track was drying. The half wet – half dry track is not good for testing. Really all we did was test tyres today but it was good because we have found the direction we have to work in at the next tests. The test was positive, the bike is very good and I’m gaining confidence but I’m not where I need to be yet.” According to the Regulations, testing is forbidden till the 20th of January. The FORTUNA HONDA Team Riders will be back to action on the 23rd of January on the Malaysian track of Sepang. UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. Dani Pedrosa (Sp/Honda) 2’02″76 2. Nicky Hayden (Usa/Honda) 2’02″79 3. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda) 2’02″82 4. Shinya Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki) 2’02″93 5. John Hopkins (Usa/Suzuki) 2’03″10 6. Carlos Checa (Sp/Honda) 2’03″39 7. Colin Edwards (Usa/Yamaha) 2’03″61 8. Casey Stoner (Aus/Honda) 2’03″70 9. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 2’03″85 10. Toni Elias (Sp/Honda) 2’03″98 11. Randy De Puniet (Fra/Kawasaki) 2’04″27 12. Chris Vermeulen (Aus/Suzuki) 2’04″50 13. James Ellison (GB/Yamaha) 2’05″00

SPEED TV’s Coverage Of Supercross Starts This Coming Sunday

SPEED Channel DEBUTS AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES Network PROVIDING A MULTITUDE OF VIEWING OPTIONS FOR FANS SPEED Channel heads to Toronto, Canada this week to cover the season’s first Amp’d Mobil World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series event. SPEED’s one hour coverage, Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. ET, will contain action from all the weekend’s heat races, finishing with the 20-lap feature. SPEED will carry 12 of the 18 Amp’d Mobil World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series events this season, beginning with this week’s debut in Toronto and ending with the finale in Las Vegas. Each broadcast will be aired one day following the actual event. SPEED also will carry all 18 Supercross Lite races, in one-hour formats a week after each event is run. The Series events will also be available via SPEED On Demand, which reaches more than 11 million homes in North America throughout the year. Those who want to catch the action via the Internet can go to www.speedondemand.com seven days post-race for $1.99 each event for up to 90 days. “The one missing jewel in SPEED’s motorcycle racing programming was Supercross,” commented Rick Miner Senior V.P. Production / Programming and Executive Producer for SPEED Channel. “It is great to add the Amp’d Mobil World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series to an already outstanding lineup of the world’s great motorcycle racing.” SPEED’s Ralph Sheehan will head up the booth, teaming with former racer Denny Stephenson. Motor racing reporter, Krista Voda, will cover all the action in the pits. “SPEED fits in with what Supercross is about,” said Stephenson 1990 Supercross Lite East Coast champion. “SPEED has areas already in place where they can promote the series and with SPEED, it will reach the Supercross fan. I am a huge fan of the sport and it is an honor to do this.” 2005-06 Amp’d Mobil World Supercross Grand Prix Broadcast Schedule Toronto Sunday, Dec. 4 6:00 p.m. ET Vancouver, B.C. Sunday, Dec. 11 6:00 p.m. ET Phoenix Sunday, Jan. 15 6:00 p.m. ET Anaheim, Ca. Sunday, Feb. 5 5:00 p.m. ET Atlanta Sunday, Feb. 26 4:30 p.m. ET Indianapolis Sunday, March 5 6:00 p.m. ET Daytona, Fla. Saturday, March 11 1:00 p.m. ET Orlando, Fla. Sunday, March 19 6:00 p.m. ET Detroit Sunday, March 26 6:00 p.m. ET Houston Sunday, April 2 6:00 p.m. ET Dallas Sunday, April 23 6:00 p.m. ET Las Vegas Sunday, May 7 6:00 p.m. ET SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 70 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on-demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

CCS Florida Finale This Coming Weekend At Homestead

Season Finale at Homestead This Weekend The Championship Cup Series of Florida returns to the Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. A huge field of up to 800 entries is expected to compete in the 19 race program. Of the 40 class championships, 27 will be determined at this event. Gustavo Laya of Miami, Florida has won the Amateur Overall Championship. While Darren Luck of Bonita Springs, Florida has won the Expert Overall Championship and will carry the #1 plate for 2006.

Ducati Continues MotoGP Testing At Jerez

POSITIVE DAY 2 AT JEREZ FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM Ducati Desmosedici GP6 testing debut continued today with Loris Capirossi concentrating on engine management and new tyres while Sete Gibernau continued to get used to the Italian bike and the Bridgestone tyres. Jerez (Spain), Tuesday 29 November 2005 – Weather conditions improved at Jerez today, enabling the Ducati Marlboro Team to make the most of the second day of testing scheduled at the Spanish circuit. Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau first took to the track at 11.40 am due to the cold morning temperatures, but lapped until 5 pm exclusively with the new Desmosedici GP6. Loris Capirossi, who continued engine management work aimed at improving the bike’s ‘rideability’, was satisfied with the GP6’s immediate feeling. The Italian rider was also able to take advantage of the improved track conditions to test several new Bridgestone tyres as well as new the Ohlins suspensions. Capirossi completed a total of 60 laps, setting a quickest time of 1m41.489s. “We were lucky with the weather!” declared a smiling Capirossi. “Despite the fact that it was cold, the track was in a pretty decent condition. We were able to work better than yesterday and the positive impressions of the first day were confirmed. Today we also tested several tyres and new front and rear suspensions and the feeling was good right away. Everything is going well. Hopefully if the weather stays good tomorrow, I’ll do a few back-to-back tests with the GP5 but I can honestly say that our new bike has got off to a good start.” It was a positive day also for his new team-mate Sete Gibernau, who is becoming more and more familiar with his new Desmosedici machine. Today the Spanish rider concentrated mainly on suspension and set-up work. Sete totalled 66 laps around the Jerez track, with a best time of 1m41.466s “Today we focussed on set-up and suspension work” declared Sete. “It was useful to get to know exactly what I need to find the right feeling with the new bike. We made progress and managed to find a path that seemed right. With this set-up tomorrow we can concentrate more on the engine mapping. We are making small steps forward to avoid going in the wrong direction. I also tested the new tyres and started to give a few indications to the Bridgestone guys. I’m pleased with what we did today and hope to continue like this tomorrow.” Tomorrow will be the third and final day of testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team at the Spanish circuit before the winter break. The team will next be seen in action at Sepang, Malaysia from 23-25 January 2006. Temperatures: air 15° – 17° C, track 16° – 24° C

A Press Release With A Headline That Explains A Lot About SPEED TV…

SPEED EXPANDS BRAND, BUILDING ON DECADE AS LEADER IN AUTOMOTIVE TELEVISION BROADBAND, VOD, INTERACTIVE TELEVISION FRONT AND CENTER AS NETWORK EXPLORES EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES Preparing to celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2006, SPEED Channel spent much of 2005 establishing a definitive path to the future. Setting a standard balancing excellence in motor sports television with a growing selection of original automotive lifestyle programming, SPEED already is testing the waters with multiple emerging platforms, offering the traditional television viewer more access to network content and brand-specific products. A network retrospective, entitled Ten Years at Speed: A Decade of Excellence, is tentatively scheduled for March 5 at 8 p.m. ET. “SPEED is committed to bringing a ‘big event’ focus to its entire lineup,” said Hunter Nickell, SPEED Executive VP & General Manager. “Over the last 10 weeks, we have elevated the coverage of NASCAR’s Chase for the NEXTEL Cup, and this weekend, we have increased our presence all over South Florida in support of the NASCAR finale in Homestead. “We will be in New York for Champions Week, and then we will move right into preparations for NASCAR testing in Daytona in January,” Nickell added. “Whether it is NASCAR TV, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions or the 24 Hours of Le Mans, SPEED will put an exclamation point on the biggest events in automotive television.” The standard in motor sports television, SPEED will roll into 2006 as the growing home of NASCAR TV and the exclusive cable outlet for the Champ Car World Series, Grand American Road Racing, the American Le Mans Series, IROC, ARCA, IHRA drag racing, the SPEED World Challenge, as well as world class events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Knoxville Nationals. On the motorcycle front, SPEED recently signed a five-year deal with Clear Channel Motorsports, adding coverage of the high-flying AMA Supercross series to a full lineup of two-wheel racing, including the MotoGP World Championship and the AMA Superbike Championship. “SPEED has been, and will continue to be, the home for motor racing in North America,” said Rick Miner, SPEED SVP of Programming/Production. “The roots laid down over the past 10 years firmly established SPEED in the world of motor sports, and the next 10 will see continued growth and evolution in that coverage. SPEED will be the home for the highest level of racing in each of motor racing’s major disciplines. America “¦start your engines.” Renewing its commitment to the auto enthusiast, SPEED moved lifestyle programming to Prime Time in a big way in 2005, delivering popular originals like PINKS, Unique Whips, Build or Bust and the ambitious Texas Hardtails. Live coverage of the annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction opens the 2006 programming season in January with a record 32 hours of coverage over several days. “The automotive lifestyle category has exploded within the last several years and SPEED’s commitment to this sector of the market continues to increase along with it,” said Robert Ecker, SPEED VP of Programming. “We have been gratified by viewer response to our non-racing initiatives to date, and there is much yet to come. From Barrett-Jackson to SEMA, Pinks to Unique Whips, we eagerly look forward to further expansion into the lifestyle and enthusiast arena. As the network enters its tenth anniversary year and beyond, we continue to develop an ambitious slate of new programs and original series catering to this growing audience.” The programming path set, SPEED heads into the next 10 years exploring different vehicles of content delivery: VOD: In the summer of 2005, SPEED reached an agreement with NASCAR, giving subscribers of Comcast ON DEMAND, Time Warner Cable On Demand and other regional operators access to SPEED NASCAR TV On Demand. The fast-turn products included SPEED’s NASCAR Race Rewind, NASCAR Victory Lane and NASCAR Beyond the Wheel. The NASCAR selections were added to an already established list of enthusiast programs, including the popular Test Drive series. Moving forward, SPEED Channel is developing content exclusively available through VOD. Broadband: SPEED, in partnership with Global Media Services, rolled out a new service for race fans, when the network debuted its new interactive On-board SPEED Pass live from the AMA Superbike race at Mid-Ohio in July. Accessed through www.SPEEDTV.com, SPEED Pass gives viewers of SPEED’s television race coverage the Internet option of toggling among as many as six live channels of streaming race video from multiple on-board cameras. Planning already is underway to bring pay-per-view, broadband racing to SPEEDTV.com, with exclusive content, including coverage of AMA Supercross, AMA Superbike, SCCA racing and the Isle of Man TT. Interactive Television: In 2005, SPEED teamed with Proteus Inc., to offer viewers of the annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction an opportunity to place “fantasy bids” via cell phone or Internet. Nearly 70,000 online bids were cast, indicating a tremendous interactive audience. Internet: SPEED’s parent company News Corp developed Fox Interactive Media in 2005, spending $1.5 billion on major sports, gaming and community sites. The goal is to position SPEEDTV.com as the motor sports and auto enthusiast hub of a News Corp Internet universe that now reaches 70 million unique users through 12 billion monthly page views fourth largest behind Yahoo!, MSN and Time Warner. SPEED already is initiating a push in four major Web arenas design, content, community and commerce. Mobile initiatives: A mobile product partnership with Airborne Entertainment, offering ring tones and wallpaper is just the beginning. SPEED already is exploring content developed specifically for phone broadcasts. “Our vision is to embrace new technologies as they evolve, aggressively exploit and utilize them with the goal to continually enhance our customers viewing experience,” said Kevin Annison, SPEED VP of Business Development & Operations. “We look to position SPEED as an industry leader in emerging technologies and distribute our content “on-demand” through the internet, broadband and wireless mediums and allow them to interact with our brand anytime, anywhere. “Our objective is to increase non-linear usage by creating dynamic racing, automotive & motorcycle content, provide multiple points of entry and allow our viewers and users to customize and personalize information to their liking,” Annison added. “The opportunities that lay ahead in the next ten years are unlimited and will make for very exciting times for SPEED Channel and our viewers.” Further extending the brand, SPEED recently signed a deal with Unimax Toys to produce and distribute SPEED-branded diecast cars in multiple retail outlets. Deals for SPEED merchandise and SPEED-branded books were completed in 2005. “We get licensing offers all the time,” said Bill Osborn, SPEED SVP Marketing and On-Air Promotion. “But it has to be something that fits the SPEED brand. We are a network for big boys, so a line of multigenerational die-cast toys is perfect for us.” SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 70 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on-demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

American Kenny Noyes Fifth In Spanish FX Final At Jerez

American Kenny Noyes (Folch Yamaha R1) qualified third and finished fifth in the final round of the Spanish 1000cc Formula Extreme Championship Sunday, his best result to date in Spain’s top national series. He ran second for the first two laps behind eventual winner Javier del Amor (Laglisse Yamaha) and hung on in the lead group composed of del Amor, Ivan Silva (Laglisse Yamaha), Dani Ribalta (Pontgrup Suzuki) and David Tomas (BQR Honda) until a couple of mistakes late in the race dropped him to fifth. Folch Yamaha’s second rider, Bernat Martinez, finished tenth. “This was really the first time we’ve had the bike working this well and the first time I’ve been on the front row in Formula Extreme. Today we had the pace to run with the leaders until I made two mistakes on the same lap when I was running with Ribalta and that let Tomas by too. We made a big step forward in the last couple of races, especially with suspension, thanks to a top Ohlins technician who really taught me a lot about how to set the Yamaha up. I learned a lot running with the fast guys at the front today. I can’t wait to start testing the new 2006 R1 with the new swingarm in a couple of weeks. I think we can be at the front next year,” said Noyes, who has signed with Folch Endurance to ride the Spanish Formula Extreme Championship, the Spanish Endurance series and to make wild card rides in World Endurance and World Superbike in 2006. Results Spanish Formula Extreme 1. Javier del Amor (Laglisse Yamaha R1) 30’23.230 2. Ivan Silva (Laglisse Yamaha R1) 30´24.152 3. Dani Ribalta (Pontgrup Suzuki GSX-R) 30´25.808 4. David Tomas (BQR Honda CBR1000RR) 30´30.228 5. Kenny Noyes (Folch Yamaha R1) 30´33.214 6. Josep Sarda (D´Antin Yamaha R1) 30´39.292 7. Sergio Fuertes (Reynolds Suzuki GSX-R) 30´40.183 8. Julian Mazuecos(Motoracing Yamaha R1)30´48.158 9. Enrique Rocamora (Reynolds Suzuki) 30´49.431 10. Bernat Martinez (Folch Yamaha R1) 30´59.304 Fastest lap: Tomas 1’46.052 32 bikes started, 29 finished, 6 were lapped

Rossi Fastest On Second Day Of MotoGP Tests At Sepang

Gauloises Yamaha Team Test Sepang, Malaysia Tuesday 29th November 2005 Ambient temperature: 30.7 degrees Track temperature: 40 degrees Humidity: 62% ROSSI AND EDWARDS SPEED UP IN SEPANG Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards completed a positive second day of testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia today, both making marked improvements to their lap times from yesterday. Rossi topped the unofficial time sheets at the close of play and Edwards was also over eight-tenths of a second faster than on day one. Rossi spent most of the day testing Michelin tyres and getting to grips with Yamaha’s new prototype 2006-spec YZR-M1, which he rode for the first time yesterday, before switching back onto the 2005 bike towards the end of the day to continue working with Michelin. Edwards also tested several tyres, the American continuing to work exclusively on the 2005-spec bike before he tries the new prototype tomorrow afternoon. Rossi set a best time of 2’02.61, inside the lap record and over a second faster than his best lap of yesterday. He was followed by Melandri and Elias (both Honda) with Edwards in fourth with a time of 2’02.94. VALENTINO ROSSI 1st, 2’02.61, 60 LAPS “I am really happy with what we did today on the new bike and I am feeling quite positive about it. I have a good feeling on it and more stability than with the old M1, so this is very encouraging considering that it’s just the first day of work. Today we did a lot of work with Michelin while trying to understand and gather data for the new bike. At the end of the day I changed back to the old bike and continued testing tyres. Yesterday the feeling was not perfect with the 2005 bike but we changed some settings and today it began to feel much better. We had some problems here in the race and so it’s good to make these improvements. Tomorrow we have some more things to try with the new bike before we fly home for the holidays!” COLIN EDWARDS 4th, 2’02.94, 67 LAPS “During my first run this morning I went over half a second quicker than yesterday and then went even faster later, so it was a good day. We mostly concentrated on testing tyres in the morning and then the afternoon was spent trying out some other stuff for Yamaha. This new style is not so much about my position on the bike there are small changes to that but I think only a serious ‘Edwards fan’ could notice its more about my style of controlling the bike before and during a corner. My technique has definitely changed and it’s feeling better each day as I get more used to it. Tomorrow I think I need to do a long run and then I hope to get on the new bike in the afternoon. I am really excited about trying it out; Valentino seems very positive about it so I can’t wait to have a go myself!” DAVIDE BRIVIO GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR “Both riders worked a lot for Michelin today and it was a positive day all round. Valentino made a good start with the 2006-spec bike and Colin also continued to make improvements to his performance, so it was another good day of testing. Tomorrow Valentino has a few more things to do on the new bike and then we hope to be able to give it to Colin for the afternoon to give him a chance to make his own evaluation.” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’02.61 2. Marco Melandri (ITA) Honda, 2’02.65 3. Toni Elias (SPA) Honda, 2’02.78 4. COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team, 2’02.94 5. Carlos Checa (SPA) Honda, 2’02.96 6. Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda, 2’03.05 7. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki, 2’03.10 8. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Honda, 2’03.15 9. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki, 2’03.52 10. Casey Stoner (AUS) Honda, 2’03.56 11. Chris Vermuelen (AUS) Suzuki, 2’04.50 12. Randy du Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki, 2’04.50 13. James Ellison (GBR) Yamaha, 2’05.52 Sepang Lap Record: Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2005 2’02.993 Sepang Best Lap: Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2005 2’01.731 More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Honda: MARCO AND TONI CONTINUE THEIR TESTING PROGRAMME AT SEPANG Sepang, the Fortuna Honda team riders continued their testing programme today at Sepang and enjoyed improved conditions compared to yestarday, allowing the riders to enter the track early on in the morning. Although Marco was not in perfect physical conditions, he continued to be one of the fastest riders on track: after having scored the best lap time yesterday, today the Italian posted the second fastest time. Alongside Marco, his team mate Toni Elias who, entering his second MotoGP season but his first for Honda, is building up experience on the RC211V. Toni completed 80 laps improving lap by laphis feeling with the bike. The Spaniard signed today’s third fastest time. MARCO MELANDRI (63 laps, 2’02″63 ): “Today we tested a range of front and rear tyres. I’m very satisfied of the work done today and I’m very happy to work with the Michelin technicians at the development of the tyres. I complet! ely 63 laps and made an endurance test covering half of the race distance. Tomorrow we have scheduled a race simulation. I’m very happy, the bike is working very well and I feel a bit better compared to yesterday.” TONI ELIAS (80 laps, 2’02″76): “Today we continued working on the setting of the bike, focusing especially on forks and the feeling with the bike has improved. I’m feeling more comfortable even though at the moment I’m not riding as I would like to ride. All in all, I’m very happy, we have adopted a step-by-step approach and I’m gaining confidence with the RC211V. Unfortunately today I was not feeling well but thanks to the doctors of the circuit, I could finish work programme scheduled for today.” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES 1. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 2’02″62 2. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda)2’02″63 3. Toni Elias (Sp/Honda) 2’02″76 4. Carlos Chec! a (Sp/Honda) 2’02″90 5. Colin Edwards (Usa/Yamaha) 2’02″98 6. Nicky Hayden (Usa/Honda) 2’03″04 7. John Hopkins (Usa/Suzuki) 2’03″24 8. Dani Pedrosa (Sp/Honda) 2’03″35 9. Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki) 2’03″49 10. Casey Stoner (Aus/Honda) 2’03″53 More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing: HONDA RACING INFORMATION HRC MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia November 29, 2005. Second day of three-day test. Marco Melandri fastest Honda RC211V rider on day two of Sepang MotoGP test session The second day of the HRC MotoGP test at Sepang Malaysia saw the Honda supported teams and riders get down to serious work testing various chassis settings and a range of Michelin tyres. The RC211V riders took to the track in the same energy sapping hot and humid conditions they experienced on the opening day of the three-day test, 30 degrees of intense heat and humidity of over 70% and all set faster times than they managed on the opening day of the test. Fortuna Honda riders Marco Melandri and Toni Elias were the fastest Honda men on track with Melandri setting the best lap time of the six RCV riders testing today. Melandri, who won the final two MotoGP races of the 2005 season, was in sparkling form as he tested a range of Michelin tyres for the French manufacturer. The young Italian set consistently fast times as he confirmed his brilliant end of season form His best time of 2m 02.6s was almost four tenths of a second inside the lap record for the circuit, set by Nicky Hayden at 2m 02.993s at the 2005 grand prix. Elias was the surprise man of the day with a best lap time of 2m 02.74s, well over a second faster than his best lap time on the opening day of the three day test. The young Spaniard, making his debut on a Honda RCV, put together a string of 2m 03s laps that impressed his new team and the HRC engineers. Repsol Honda team riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa worked hard all day with American Hayden spending his time evaluating the latest version of the RCV chassis that HRC introduced late in the 2005 season. Pedrosa experimented with the suspension settings and the ride height of his RCV in a bid to find the machine set up most suitable to his style and size. Once he felt more at home on the machine Pedrosa improved his lap time by 0.5 seconds and pronounced himself satisfied with his day’s work. Teammate Hayden has yet to be convinced the latest chassis is a major improvement on the one he raced to fourth place at the Malaysian GP, held in September last. Team Honda Pons riders Carlos Checa and Casey Stoner both recorded faster lap times than they managed on the opening day. Both riders are testing the RCV for the second time with the vastly experienced Checa the faster of the two men. Checa covered 67 laps of the 5.548km GP circuit, his younger, inexperienced teammate only managed to get in 48 laps due to severe cramp in his forearms and thighs. Honda rider lap times and quotes. Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: 2m 03.00s – 69 laps. “Honestly I didn’t have the greatest of days and I didn’t improve much on my lap time of yesterday. We tested chassis stuff all day. I was using the chassis that Max (Biaggi) and Sete (Gibernau) used at some races after Donington Park. It has some good points but I felt the old chassis was a little better because I know it so well. This chassis turns in good but in the fast corners I was not so comfortable. We used the same tyre we had used at the GP back in September but tomorrow we will test for Michelin and look for a tyre to use with this chassis then smooth out and get consistent. Today was good in some ways but I’m not satisfied with my own performance, I could have been better.” Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 2m 03.28s – 59 laps. “It was a difficult day, hard work in this heat and humidity. Today we tried several suspension settings and the ride height of the bike to try and make it more comfortable for me to ride. We did not change the type of tyre we were using because we don’t want to change too much at one time while we are trying to get the information we need for me to get the best out of the bike. I found the basic direction that I need to be working in but it is still too early for me to say if the front end is really good for me. The engine settings we used were basically the same as we used yesterday. I am happy with the test so far and we have definitely made some progress and that is the most important thing. MotoGP testing is so intense and we have quite a stiff programme of tests ahead of us, it’s much different to what I have been used to.” Marco Melandri, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.60s – 63 laps. “Today was good for me we did a lot of laps and I’m pretty happy with the results. We tested for Michelin, just rear tyres. I tried five different tyres running about half race distance with each tyre. I found one that I really liked. We changed the geometry slightly and that was very interesting and I found I could run very fast with the set up and the good rear tyre. I am happy because I found a good rhythm with the bike in that condition and ran consistently fast times. The front end is still pushing a little but it has improved a lot from the GP race here. I’m satisfied with the work we did and, I hope, Michelin also. Tonight Michelin will analyse the results of the tyre test and if they are satisfied then tomorrow we will be looking to find more traction and drive ability.” Toni Elias, Fortuna Honda: 2m 02.74s – 80 laps. “I’m happy. We improved the front end a little and it’s better than yesterday but not enough. I’m not so comfortable with the front because I can feel it pushing in the corners but I like the way the rear of the bike behaves. But overall I am more comfortable on the bike than I was yesterday. I did some work for Michelin with both front and rear tyres, also trying the tyres on different width rims. But I don’t really have a clear indication of what is the best size to use. My rhythm was good I did a few laps at 2m 03s and that is good progress. We have more work to do if I am to be really consistent. We have not finished our work with Michelin so we will carry on testing tyres tomorrow.” Carlos Checa, Team Honda Pons: 2m 02.932s – 67 laps. “Today we spent our time making the bike more comfortable for me to ride. Basically we tested tyres and at the same time tried to get rid of the front-end vibration and wheel chatter we have. We tried about six or seven different tyres, profiles, compounds, etc and had improved a little by the end of the day. We tested different suspension parts and machine settings trying to clear up the problem I was having with the front end. If we fix this I can make some real progress with this bike. We are at the starting point and I have heard that the new chassis HRC is preparing is better than the one I used today so I am already looking forward to testing the new bike in January.” Casey Stoner, Team Honda Pons: 2m 03.56s – 48 laps. “Basically we improved but we are still trying to get rid of front wheel chatter. We tried to set the bike up and tried to improve my understanding of what I am capable of doing on this machine. So we just ran through the options we have here. We didn’t try anything on geometry just suspension settings, ride height and the riding position. We don’t have a big selection of tyres from Michelin, which is probably best because I have to get used to the bike. Unfortunately my arms were cramping up and we had to stop, I have to get fitter before the next test. So far the test has been very good for me and I’m really beginning to get a good feel for the bike. If I don’t get the cramps tomorrow we will carry on testing the general bike settings.”

Mid-Ohio Being Repaved, Improved For 2006 Season

COMPLETE TRACK RESURFACING AMONG CONTINUING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE DUBLIN, Ohio (November 28, 2005) – In keeping with its reputation as America’s most competitive road course, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is currently undergoing extensive capital improvements in preparation for its seven-event 2006 season. Among the improvements will be a complete track and pit lane resurfacing, and the creation of a connector in the track’s famed Keyhole section. Also included in the project will be the removal of concrete patches from the track, the relocation of the wall and guardrail at turn one, the expansion of gravel traps at the exits of turn one and the Keyhole, the replacement of all remaining old-style catch-fencing, and the standardization of curbing throughout the circuit. TrueSports, Inc., has made continuous improvements to the renowned 2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio circuit over its 44-year history, including recent surface repairs, wall relocations and gravel trap upgrades. In addition to enhancing performance and safety, these newest improvements will give the track three road course configurations, new timing loops, additional capacity and flexibility for its track and driving school operations, a complete amateur motocross venue, and a wider range of events and activities for fans. “Continuous improvement has been a hallmark of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course since its founding,” said Michelle Trueman Gajoch, president of TrueSports, Inc., the owner and operator of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School. “As always, our goal with these improvements is a better, safer environment for our competitors and students, and a more complete and exciting facility for fans. We look forward to unveiling the changes in 2006.” The resurfacing portion of the project already has begun, and will include the milling of the entire road course and pit lane, subgrade and base reinforcement in certain areas, and drainage enhancements. Ohio’s largest privately held general contractor, Fredericktown-based Kokosing Construction, is the project manager. Dublin, Ohio, firm Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates is the architect. “As with most of the design work we’ve overseen at Mid-Ohio, there were a lot of variables to consider,” said Ron Gajoch, principal of Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates. “Maintaining the track’s character, increasing its capabilities, and providing a surface that enhances safety for competitors and spectators alike were all imperative, and we’ve accounted for each with creative solutions.” “It’s a privilege to manage this project for Mid-Ohio,” said Kokosing Vice President Wayne Brassell. “They’ve approached it with a great deal of diligence and a long-term view, and that’s the same way we look at our projects. We’re looking forward to working together and creating a track surface that’s second to none.” Columbus-based Resource International is creating the asphalt mix for the track with help from Kokosing Materials’ asphalt design division. “A race track is a unique roadway, and the demands that modern racing machines place on it require a unique asphalt mix,” said Kokosing Materials President Bob Bailey. “We’ll be doing a great deal of testing as we proceed to ensure that the Mid-Ohio track is not only fast, but also safe, consistent and easy to maintain.” Among the other off-season improvements taking place at Mid-Ohio is the completion of an on-site motocross facility. The existing motocross venue will receive a number of upgrades in order to host American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and manufacturer events. The projects are slated to be completed in advance of the track’s first spectator event of 2006, the American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio (May 19-21). Other events on next year’s calendar include the EMCO Gears Classic, featuring the Rolex Sports Car Series, and Unlimited Audio Accessories Triple Crown Tuner Challenge (June 23-25), AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 28-30), Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (Aug. 4-6), Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio (Aug. 18-20), National Auto Sport Association Championships (Sept. 15-17), and AMA Superbike Shootout (Sept. 29-Oct. 1). Season passes and individual event tickets are available now by calling 1-800-MID-OHIO or logging on to www.midohio.com. Enrollment for more than 100 class days in 14 courses at The Mid-Ohio School also is open, and available by visiting www.midohio.com/school or calling 1-877-973-8667. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road racing circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the track has been called the most competitive in the U.S. and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional riders and drivers. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, TrueSports, Inc., is a privately held motorsports entertainment enterprise. The company owns and operates Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, and promotes a wide variety of motor racing, driver instruction, corporate, and family entertainment events throughout the year.

1...6,3446,3456,346...7,720Page 6,345 of 7,720

Follow us

43,094FansLike
19,223FollowersFollow
16,430FollowersFollow
1,200SubscribersSubscribe

Menu

Information

© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AUTHOR LOGIN