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Peris To Ride For Diablo Racing Full-time In Canada, Non-conflicting AMA Rounds

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Peris To Ride For Diablo Racing Full-time In Canada, Non-conflicting AMA Rounds

Montreal’s Diablo Racing is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Peris to their 2006 team line-up. Having competed in forty-two races in 2005, Chris earned his place with the double championship winning team through his obvious perseverance and incredible enthusiasm. This past season was very successful for Peris Racing. In Canada, Chris participated in only six of the eight Hindle Pro 600 Sport Bike races, yet was able to secure a strong 3rd place finish, including two wins and podiums 100% of the time. In the AMA, Chris showed what he was made of by competing head-to-head with the fastest factory riders in the world placing in the top ten every race with a personal best of 4th in Formula Extreme and a 6th in Supersport. For the 2006 season, Chris will join veteran number one plate holder Steve Crevier to compete in both 600 Sport Bike and Parts Canada Superbike Championship races. Peris will be on the track at each Canadian round as well as all non-conflicting AMA Superbike and Supersport races throughout the US. “Knowing that he had other offers on the table, I was delighted to have Chris join our team,” said team manager Eddy Brunet. “Our recent success by capturing both number one plates in 2005 demonstrated Diablo’s dedication to the sport and it was undoubtedly a factor is Chris’ decision to play with the devil.” Engine builder Willie Vass will once again be in charge of building and tuning Chris’ sportbikes. Having built the bikes that Chris rode in 2005 will inspire the young rider with confidence. Suspension guru & engineer Dale Rathwell said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Chris; he’s a talented rider who can really push the bikes to their limit. With his feedback I’m confident we can tune the chassis and suspension for whatever the Championship demands.”

Fergusson Fastest In Australian Superbike Practice Friday At Phillip Island

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Fergusson Fastest In Australian Superbike Practice Friday At Phillip Island

Friday’s Overall Best Australian Superbike Practice Times: 1. Adam Fergusson (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:35.500 2. Anthony Gobert (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:35.554 3. Shawn Giles (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.631 4. Josh Brookes (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:35.741 5. Jamie Stauffer (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:36.014 6. Shannon Johnson (Yam YZF-R1), 1:36.423 7. Daniel Stauffer (Yam YZF-R1), 1:36.867 8. Robert Bugden (Yam YZF-R1), 1:36.881 9. Scott Charlton (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:36.893 10. Wayne Maxwell (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:36.996

Carmichael Receives Sixth AMA Pro Racing/SPEED Channel Athlete Of The Year Nomination

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Carmichael Receives Sixth AMA Pro Racing/SPEED Channel Athlete Of The Year Nomination

PICKERINGTON, Ohio Ricky Carmichael added yet another accolade to his remarkable 2005 season by earning his sixth nomination for AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year. The 25-year-old from Havana, Fla., has the opportunity to become the first four-time recipient of the award. Carmichael moved to Suzuki for 2005, breathing new life into a team that had been in the doldrums the last few years. Suzuki’s faith in Carmichael was immediately rewarded when he won his fourth AMA Supercross title in May. It was a remarkable comeback for Carmichael, who missed the 2004 Supercross season recovering from knee surgery. It marked just the second AMA Supercross title for Suzuki, its first since 1981. “They (Suzuki) hadn’t won in a while and there’s no Suzuki curse,” said Carmichael, who previously won the series with Kawasaki and Honda. “Not to discredit any of the other riders that they’ve had on the team. Pastrana, he won the outdoor title and a supercross 125 title, so they have what it takes. But their riders just didn’t get it done. They have a great team, and they get all of the credit. It changed things around. I think they’re confident in themselves and their work, and that’s important.” The “curse” to which Carmichael was referring was an industry myth that said Suzuki’s motocross/supercross effort was doomed to failure. Carmichael then turned his attention to the AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF and turned in another gem of a season. He simply dominated, going undefeated for the third time in the AMA 250 Motocross and winning the championship for the sixth straight year. “I had a great season,” said Carmichael, the all-time wins leader in AMA Motocross. “Makita Suzuki stepped up to the plate and delivered. We came into the year with an unproven motorcycle and we were able to be successful. Helping this team come back to prominence makes me feel like I really accomplished something.” This year’s titles marked his 12th and 13th AMA national championships, a record unmatched in the history of AMA Motocross and Supercross racing. The world then had the opportunity to witness Carmichael’s greatness as he led Team USA to victory, along with teammates Kevin Windham and Ivan Tedesco, in the prestigious Motocross of Nations, held this September in France. Carmichael won both motos in the event over the world’s leading motocross racers. The icing on Carmichael’s 2005 cake came when he dominated both nights of the U.S. Open of Supercross in Las Vegas taking home the first-place prize of $100,000. The AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year Award is the highest honor an AMA racer can receive. Past recipients include such legendary names as Bob Hannah, Scott Parker and Kenny Roberts, among others. Generally speaking, the award goes to the rider judged to have had the most successful racing year. A “lifetime achievement” approach can also be considered if the season complements a remarkable career. A selection panel made up of AMA and AMA Pro Racing staff, field staff and volunteer leadership is named by the AMA Pro Racing CEO and that panel evaluates nominations and determines the final winner. The 2005 AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year will be named at the AMA Pro Racing Championship Awards Banquet, on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Paris Las Vegas. Along with Ricky Carmichael, Chris Carr, Tommy Hayden, Mat Mladin and Ivan Tedesco are all nominees this year. About AMA Pro Racing AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

Haskovec Comes Home From The Hospital, Restarts Long Recovery

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Haskovec Comes Home From The Hospital, Restarts Long Recovery

Road racer Vincent Haskovec has checked out of Long Beach Memorial Hospital and returned to his home in Lake Elsinore, California. Haskovec was hospitalized October 7 due to an infection setting in around hardware installed to stabilize his spine following a crash during an AMA Formula Xtreme race at Infineon Raceway May 14. The hardware and infected bone and tissue were removed during surgery October 11, and bone grafts installed. In the place of the hardware, Haskovec has been fitted with an external brace. He is receiving antibiotics intravenously. “I’m happy to be out of the hospital and home, but I miss my team, I miss the people at the racetrack and I miss racing so much,” said Vincent. “I really look forward to getting email at [email protected] and I appreciate everybody’s support. I will be back at the track when I can. Because they had to take out the hardware in my back I have to wear an external brace and I can’t really move right now. It’s going to be at least five months before I can out of the brace and start rehab again. After that I want to get back out to the track to see everybody.” Haskovec rode for Team Hammer, Inc. during the 2004 and 2005 AMA seasons and won the 2005 AMA Superstock race at Daytona International Speedway. Team Hammer, Inc. currently races as Team M4 EMGO Suzuki.

Eric Bostrom Thinks Yamaha Will Suit His Riding Style Better Than Ducati

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Eric Bostrom Thinks Yamaha Will Suit His Riding Style Better Than Ducati

After two seasons riding a V-twin powered Ducati 999F05 for the factory Ducati AMA Superbike team, Eric Bostrom will race a Yamaha YZF-R1 LE in AMA Superstock and a Yamaha YZF-R6 in Formula Xtreme in 2006, and Bostrom thinks the change in machinery will better suit his riding style. “I remember when I jumped on the V-twin, and everyone said, ‘Hey, these things are hard to get used to. How is it coming?'” recalled Bostrom. “The first time I rode the (Ducati) I was pretty much there on the thing. I mean, I felt pretty good and I felt like I could ride it pretty hard. But after a couple of years I’ve come to realize the bikes are different, more different than I thought. “On the twin, you really seem to have to be on the throttle so much earlier, because the bike loves to be almost full throttle at the apex. It’s really bizarre that it will take all of that, because if you were to try that on a four-cylinder it wouldn’t be pretty, you know? “That being said, on the four-cylinder, you get the turn finished, pick the bike up and drive off the (tutn) with the bike straight up and down. And I think that is what I prefer to do, for whatever reason. It’s just the way I like to ride.” “Leaving Ducati was difficult and they treated me really well, but I think my style will suit the Yamaha better. I think it will be a little better match for my riding style.” Bostrom is also excited about working with his new teams, the in-house factory Yamaha Formula Xtreme team and the Graves Motorsports Yamaha Superstock team. “The prospects for everything are really excited,” Bostrom told Roadracingworld.com. “I’m pretty pumped on the team and the personnel and how things keep going forward. It’s nice to have a team in the backyard and close to home again, so I can get down there and spend some time with them. That part’s been really nice, too. A lot of things have been really good.” As for his thoughts on which classes he will be and will not be racing in during the 2006 season, Bostrom expressed a somewhat unique viewpoint. “I think there’s definitely no premier class in the AMA at the moment, much to everyone’s dismay,” said Bostrom. “So we’re going racing. I’m going to go out and have a good time doing the best I can. I think there’s going to be some great racing in the classes I’m in. I’m sure there’s going to be some great races in classes I’m not in, and it’s unfortunate. “I’d love to see some (class) structure change where you have classes that are to bring up the talent and classes for the premier riders of the series. Until that happens, until there’s some vision, the problem that we have may continue. “Certainly Yamaha is motivated to win the Daytona 200 (Formula Xtreme race), and I’m going to go down there and try to do that for them.” Bostrom will make his debut for Yamaha during a two-day test just prior to Thanksgiving at California Speedway. That test, which may also include the factory Kawasaki and Attack Kawasaki teams, will be closed to the media. Yoshimura Suzuki will also hold a closed test session at California Speedway in November.

Updated Post: Nicky Hayden Tests Michelin Intermediate, Rain Tires On Rainy Day At Valencia

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Updated Post: Nicky Hayden Tests Michelin Intermediate, Rain Tires On Rainy Day At Valencia

Wet day at Valencia for Hayden HRC and Michelin Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden spent a cold wet second, and final day of the HRC test at Valencia evaluating Michelin tyres for the Honda RC211V. American Hayden covered a total of 42 laps at the 4.005 km Spanish circuit trying a variety of full wet an intermediate tyres for the French manufacturer. Weather conditions ranged from a few brief showers to one hard downpour allowing the young American to gauge the performance of full wet rubber and a range of intermediate tyres under development at Michelin. The wet track temperature never rose above 14 degrees restricting the lap time to 1m 45.74s. With two successful and productive days of testing completed the team return to Japan to prepare the RCVs for the final MotoGP test of the year at Sepang, Malaysia, on November 28, 29, 30 next. The Fortuna Honda team of Marco Melandri and Toni Elias attended the opening day of the test only while the younger inexperienced RCV riders elected not to test in the harzardous half wet half dry track conditions. Lap time and quote: Nicky Hayden: 1m 45.74s 42 laps. “The weather is what it is, not ideal but we gained a little experience with the Michelin wet tyres and a couple of intermediates. It would have been nice to have hard rain today because I definitely didn’t set the world on fire in wet races this year. We tried a couple of suspension changes for damp conditions and a little different geometry on the bike. It feels fast when you are out there on your own but you don’t really have anybody to compare it with. We go to Malaysia next where the weather will be a bit warmer than its been here, that’s for sure.” More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse: VALENCIA TESTING CALLED OFF DUE TO BAD WEATHER Bad weather conditions bring about the cancellation of the second day of scheduled testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team. Valencia (Spain), Thursday 10 November 2005 – Dreadful weather conditions forced the Ducati Marlboro Team to abandon the second and final day of testing scheduled at the Spanish circuit. Temperatures hovering around 10°C and intermittent rain meant that the track was totally unsuitable for normal testing. Loris Capirossi and his new team-mate Sete Gibernau therefore wrapped up their first winter testing session early. The Ducati Marlboro Team riders will next be seen on the track at the end of the month (November 28-30) at the Jerez circuit, where they will debut the Ducati Desmosedici GP6. More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki: Weather ruins the day for Suzuki Team SUZUKI MotoGP had to abandon hopes of a full day’s testing at Valencia today due to bad weather. Both riders were forced to sit and wait as strong winds and frequent rain showers made track conditions inappropriate for the nature of testing that the team wanted to do. Even when the circuit did begin to dry out it was still too slippery for John Hopkins to continue with his Ohlins suspension test or to try out the latest tyre constructions from Bridgestone. Chris Vermeulen managed to briefly get out on the circuit and was able to do a short test on Bridgestone’s wet weather tyres to get himself acquainted with the feel of them. Team SUZUKI MotoGP has one final test in 2005, at Sepang in Malaysia later this month. Then the team and factory have a gruelling winter schedule of developing and designing more new parts for the prototype Suzuki GSV-R race bike, before Hopkins and Vermeulen return to track action again at a Sepang test in January. The provisional date for the start of the 2006 MotoGP World Championship is Sunday 26th March at Jerez in Spain.

Maxxis Constructs New Research & Development Centers In Asia, America

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Maxxis Constructs New Research & Development Centers In Asia, America

In an ambitious expansion of its research and development capabilities, Maxxis will finish construction of three new technical centers in Asia and the United States during the next eight months. Construction is complete on the first new center, near Shanghai, China. Workers are currently putting the finishing touches on the six-story, 143,182-square-foot facility, which will employ 200 engineers. Plans are also underway for construction of a nearby world-class proving ground, expected to open in 2008. The three-story, 56,694-square-foot Taiwan facility is scheduled for completion in June 2006. Like the Shanghai center, the Taiwan operation will employ 200 engineers. A new 25,600-square-foot, one-story center in Suwanee, Georgia, near Maxxis’ North American headquarters, will also open in June 2006. The Suwanee facility will replace a smaller Maxxis tech center located in Norcross, Georgia. The new centers will allow Maxxis to continue to improve its product offerings, with cutting edge research and groundbreaking technology. About Maxxis International Maxxis International is a producer of high quality automotive, light truck, motorcycle, ATV, bicycle, lawn & garden and industrial tires. Maxxis has delivered quality tires to original equipment and aftermarket customers for over 38 years. For more information on Maxxis and Maxxis products, please visit maxxis.com.

Road America Announces Plans To Expand Paddock, Repave Several Corners, Reconfigure Turn 13 Bridge

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Road America Announces Plans To Expand Paddock, Repave Several Corners, Reconfigure Turn 13 Bridge

Elkhart Lake, Wis., November 10, 2005 – The Road America board of directors and staff is proud to announce a three-year, five million dollar facility enhancement plan. Road America continuously makes improvements to meet racer and fan expectations. Significant in scope and investment, the new three-year plan will allow for additional track and facility opportunities, and dramatically affect paddock operations. Expanded in 1990, the main paddock is being enlarged by 3.5 paved acres. The increase will provide additional space for race teams, transporters, vendors, and two new skid pad areas. The hill behind the current medical center will be excavated and graded to the west to gain paddock space. A larger medical center will be constructed in a new paddock location that will allow better access for racers, spectators and emergency medical personnel. Every season, racecars and motorcycles reach new levels of performance. A thorough review by Road America reveals areas where track utility can be altered to meet these levels and provide the best possible safety features. Several track alterations will be made to the track without changing the original track design. Turns 3, 5, 6, 8 and 12 will be resurfaced with a high-wearing asphalt compound to improve wear and maintain the track’s smooth, consistent asphalt surface. Modifications will also be made to the run-off area at turn 5 to make recovery faster and easier. Another notable safety change will be a reconfiguration of the Bill Mitchell bridge at turn 13 to accommodate a greater run-off area. Road America’s growth will also build on its potential as a year-round, multi-purpose facility. The expansion plans also include the development of Paddock Village, a 35-acre garage/workshop business park targeted toward small business owners and motorsports enthusiasts. The 2700 square foot units have an open, clear span and are expandable to 16,000 square feet. Tall entry clearance is accessed through 14-foot garage doors. Paddock Village membership will include Road America track and facility privileges. Road America is a 628-acre, year-round motorsports facility which celebrated its 50th year in 2005. In addition to major world-class race events, Road America offers the Suzuki Supermoto School, corporate ATV and karting programs, and top-of-the-line hospitality. Special promotions are held throughout the year and can be found on-line. For more information visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800/365-7223.

Tickets To 2006 Infineon Raceway Events Go On Sale December 1, Lifetime Pass To Be Given Away

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Tickets To 2006 Infineon Raceway Events Go On Sale December 1, Lifetime Pass To Be Given Away

Lifetime Pass to Infineon Raceway At Stake When Tickets Go On-Sale Dec. 1 SONOMA, Calif. “” A lifetime pass to Infineon Raceway will be on the line when the Sonoma Valley facility opens its doors for business on Thursday, Dec. 1. That’s the day tickets for all 2006 major events go on-sale at Infineon Raceway, and officials will celebrate by rewarding the first person who purchases a ticket with a lifetime pass to the raceway. The purchase must be made in-person at the Infineon Raceway ticket sales office. It’s anyone’s guess as to when race fans will start camping at Infineon Raceway for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but one thing is certain: this lucky fan will receive a front-row seat to every major event at Infineon Raceway for as long as he/she lives. The winner will also be treated to a hot lap at speed around the world famous road course that morning. A second race fan will be rewarded with a lifetime pass, as well, for showing up at the raceway and entering a free drawing. It’s all part of a celebration as Infineon Raceway ushers in the 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season by opening up ticket sales to the general public. That day, you’ll get first crack at securing the best seats possible for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, IRL IndyCar® Series and all other events on the 2006 main-event calendar. “Since we announced our schedule, the anticipation has been growing among all of our fans to line-up their 2006 tickets,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “This will be a fun way to kick things off, and a couple of people will be setting themselves up with race tickets for life.” Infineon Raceway will officially open its doors for ticket sales at 8 a.m. (PST) on Thursday, Dec. 1. All race fans who purchase a ticket to any event in-person will receive a free gift, and coffee/donuts will be available for all those early-risers. Show-cars will be on display, including Rusty Wallace’s familiar No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, and track tours will be free-of-charge. The 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season schedule is as follows: 2006 MAJOR-EVENT SCHEDULE: · Ferrari Challenge: May 12-14. · Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts: May 19-21. · Wine Country Classic Vintage Car Races: June 3-4. · Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup: June 23-25. · Goodguys Nitro Nationals Nostalgia Drag Races: July 1-2. · Infineon Technologies Cougar Mountain Classic (cycling): July 14-16. · FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, presented by Supercuts: July 28-30. · NHRA Summernationals Division 7 Drag Races: Aug. 4-6. · IRL IndyCar® Series: Aug. 25-27. For directions to Infineon Raceway from various points of the Bay Area/Sacramento or for more information, visit www.infineonraceway.com. You can also purchase tickets beginning Dec. 1 on the Web at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-870-RACE.

Motorcycling Australia Recruiting Officials For 2006 World Superbike At Phillip Island

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Motorcycling Australia Recruiting Officials For 2006 World Superbike At Phillip Island

Want to be an official at the 2006 Phillip Island World Superbike round? The Superbike World Championship will return to Phillip Island for the 13th consecutive year in 2006, with all the action penciled in for March 3-5 an earlier date than usual to work around the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Once more, volunteer officials are being sought for the event, which will feature at least three Aussies in world Superbike (Troy Corser, Karl Muggeridge and Steve Martin), and two in Supersport Kevin Curtain and Broc Parkes. Moreover, there will be a full complement of national support classes for Superbike, Supersport and Superstock competitors. Free camping is again available for all volunteer officials and a guest, as well as the chance to experience all the on-track action at close quarters. To register as an official, please complete the attached form. Applications close on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. For more information, contact PI SBK Pty Ltd, tel (03) 5952 2710, or email [email protected]

Peris To Ride For Diablo Racing Full-time In Canada, Non-conflicting AMA Rounds

Montreal’s Diablo Racing is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Peris to their 2006 team line-up. Having competed in forty-two races in 2005, Chris earned his place with the double championship winning team through his obvious perseverance and incredible enthusiasm. This past season was very successful for Peris Racing. In Canada, Chris participated in only six of the eight Hindle Pro 600 Sport Bike races, yet was able to secure a strong 3rd place finish, including two wins and podiums 100% of the time. In the AMA, Chris showed what he was made of by competing head-to-head with the fastest factory riders in the world placing in the top ten every race with a personal best of 4th in Formula Extreme and a 6th in Supersport. For the 2006 season, Chris will join veteran number one plate holder Steve Crevier to compete in both 600 Sport Bike and Parts Canada Superbike Championship races. Peris will be on the track at each Canadian round as well as all non-conflicting AMA Superbike and Supersport races throughout the US. “Knowing that he had other offers on the table, I was delighted to have Chris join our team,” said team manager Eddy Brunet. “Our recent success by capturing both number one plates in 2005 demonstrated Diablo’s dedication to the sport and it was undoubtedly a factor is Chris’ decision to play with the devil.” Engine builder Willie Vass will once again be in charge of building and tuning Chris’ sportbikes. Having built the bikes that Chris rode in 2005 will inspire the young rider with confidence. Suspension guru & engineer Dale Rathwell said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Chris; he’s a talented rider who can really push the bikes to their limit. With his feedback I’m confident we can tune the chassis and suspension for whatever the Championship demands.”

Fergusson Fastest In Australian Superbike Practice Friday At Phillip Island

Friday’s Overall Best Australian Superbike Practice Times: 1. Adam Fergusson (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:35.500 2. Anthony Gobert (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:35.554 3. Shawn Giles (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.631 4. Josh Brookes (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:35.741 5. Jamie Stauffer (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:36.014 6. Shannon Johnson (Yam YZF-R1), 1:36.423 7. Daniel Stauffer (Yam YZF-R1), 1:36.867 8. Robert Bugden (Yam YZF-R1), 1:36.881 9. Scott Charlton (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:36.893 10. Wayne Maxwell (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:36.996

Carmichael Receives Sixth AMA Pro Racing/SPEED Channel Athlete Of The Year Nomination

PICKERINGTON, Ohio Ricky Carmichael added yet another accolade to his remarkable 2005 season by earning his sixth nomination for AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year. The 25-year-old from Havana, Fla., has the opportunity to become the first four-time recipient of the award. Carmichael moved to Suzuki for 2005, breathing new life into a team that had been in the doldrums the last few years. Suzuki’s faith in Carmichael was immediately rewarded when he won his fourth AMA Supercross title in May. It was a remarkable comeback for Carmichael, who missed the 2004 Supercross season recovering from knee surgery. It marked just the second AMA Supercross title for Suzuki, its first since 1981. “They (Suzuki) hadn’t won in a while and there’s no Suzuki curse,” said Carmichael, who previously won the series with Kawasaki and Honda. “Not to discredit any of the other riders that they’ve had on the team. Pastrana, he won the outdoor title and a supercross 125 title, so they have what it takes. But their riders just didn’t get it done. They have a great team, and they get all of the credit. It changed things around. I think they’re confident in themselves and their work, and that’s important.” The “curse” to which Carmichael was referring was an industry myth that said Suzuki’s motocross/supercross effort was doomed to failure. Carmichael then turned his attention to the AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF and turned in another gem of a season. He simply dominated, going undefeated for the third time in the AMA 250 Motocross and winning the championship for the sixth straight year. “I had a great season,” said Carmichael, the all-time wins leader in AMA Motocross. “Makita Suzuki stepped up to the plate and delivered. We came into the year with an unproven motorcycle and we were able to be successful. Helping this team come back to prominence makes me feel like I really accomplished something.” This year’s titles marked his 12th and 13th AMA national championships, a record unmatched in the history of AMA Motocross and Supercross racing. The world then had the opportunity to witness Carmichael’s greatness as he led Team USA to victory, along with teammates Kevin Windham and Ivan Tedesco, in the prestigious Motocross of Nations, held this September in France. Carmichael won both motos in the event over the world’s leading motocross racers. The icing on Carmichael’s 2005 cake came when he dominated both nights of the U.S. Open of Supercross in Las Vegas taking home the first-place prize of $100,000. The AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year Award is the highest honor an AMA racer can receive. Past recipients include such legendary names as Bob Hannah, Scott Parker and Kenny Roberts, among others. Generally speaking, the award goes to the rider judged to have had the most successful racing year. A “lifetime achievement” approach can also be considered if the season complements a remarkable career. A selection panel made up of AMA and AMA Pro Racing staff, field staff and volunteer leadership is named by the AMA Pro Racing CEO and that panel evaluates nominations and determines the final winner. The 2005 AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year will be named at the AMA Pro Racing Championship Awards Banquet, on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Paris Las Vegas. Along with Ricky Carmichael, Chris Carr, Tommy Hayden, Mat Mladin and Ivan Tedesco are all nominees this year. About AMA Pro Racing AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

Haskovec Comes Home From The Hospital, Restarts Long Recovery

Road racer Vincent Haskovec has checked out of Long Beach Memorial Hospital and returned to his home in Lake Elsinore, California. Haskovec was hospitalized October 7 due to an infection setting in around hardware installed to stabilize his spine following a crash during an AMA Formula Xtreme race at Infineon Raceway May 14. The hardware and infected bone and tissue were removed during surgery October 11, and bone grafts installed. In the place of the hardware, Haskovec has been fitted with an external brace. He is receiving antibiotics intravenously. “I’m happy to be out of the hospital and home, but I miss my team, I miss the people at the racetrack and I miss racing so much,” said Vincent. “I really look forward to getting email at [email protected] and I appreciate everybody’s support. I will be back at the track when I can. Because they had to take out the hardware in my back I have to wear an external brace and I can’t really move right now. It’s going to be at least five months before I can out of the brace and start rehab again. After that I want to get back out to the track to see everybody.” Haskovec rode for Team Hammer, Inc. during the 2004 and 2005 AMA seasons and won the 2005 AMA Superstock race at Daytona International Speedway. Team Hammer, Inc. currently races as Team M4 EMGO Suzuki.

Eric Bostrom Thinks Yamaha Will Suit His Riding Style Better Than Ducati

After two seasons riding a V-twin powered Ducati 999F05 for the factory Ducati AMA Superbike team, Eric Bostrom will race a Yamaha YZF-R1 LE in AMA Superstock and a Yamaha YZF-R6 in Formula Xtreme in 2006, and Bostrom thinks the change in machinery will better suit his riding style. “I remember when I jumped on the V-twin, and everyone said, ‘Hey, these things are hard to get used to. How is it coming?'” recalled Bostrom. “The first time I rode the (Ducati) I was pretty much there on the thing. I mean, I felt pretty good and I felt like I could ride it pretty hard. But after a couple of years I’ve come to realize the bikes are different, more different than I thought. “On the twin, you really seem to have to be on the throttle so much earlier, because the bike loves to be almost full throttle at the apex. It’s really bizarre that it will take all of that, because if you were to try that on a four-cylinder it wouldn’t be pretty, you know? “That being said, on the four-cylinder, you get the turn finished, pick the bike up and drive off the (tutn) with the bike straight up and down. And I think that is what I prefer to do, for whatever reason. It’s just the way I like to ride.” “Leaving Ducati was difficult and they treated me really well, but I think my style will suit the Yamaha better. I think it will be a little better match for my riding style.” Bostrom is also excited about working with his new teams, the in-house factory Yamaha Formula Xtreme team and the Graves Motorsports Yamaha Superstock team. “The prospects for everything are really excited,” Bostrom told Roadracingworld.com. “I’m pretty pumped on the team and the personnel and how things keep going forward. It’s nice to have a team in the backyard and close to home again, so I can get down there and spend some time with them. That part’s been really nice, too. A lot of things have been really good.” As for his thoughts on which classes he will be and will not be racing in during the 2006 season, Bostrom expressed a somewhat unique viewpoint. “I think there’s definitely no premier class in the AMA at the moment, much to everyone’s dismay,” said Bostrom. “So we’re going racing. I’m going to go out and have a good time doing the best I can. I think there’s going to be some great racing in the classes I’m in. I’m sure there’s going to be some great races in classes I’m not in, and it’s unfortunate. “I’d love to see some (class) structure change where you have classes that are to bring up the talent and classes for the premier riders of the series. Until that happens, until there’s some vision, the problem that we have may continue. “Certainly Yamaha is motivated to win the Daytona 200 (Formula Xtreme race), and I’m going to go down there and try to do that for them.” Bostrom will make his debut for Yamaha during a two-day test just prior to Thanksgiving at California Speedway. That test, which may also include the factory Kawasaki and Attack Kawasaki teams, will be closed to the media. Yoshimura Suzuki will also hold a closed test session at California Speedway in November.

Updated Post: Nicky Hayden Tests Michelin Intermediate, Rain Tires On Rainy Day At Valencia

Wet day at Valencia for Hayden HRC and Michelin Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden spent a cold wet second, and final day of the HRC test at Valencia evaluating Michelin tyres for the Honda RC211V. American Hayden covered a total of 42 laps at the 4.005 km Spanish circuit trying a variety of full wet an intermediate tyres for the French manufacturer. Weather conditions ranged from a few brief showers to one hard downpour allowing the young American to gauge the performance of full wet rubber and a range of intermediate tyres under development at Michelin. The wet track temperature never rose above 14 degrees restricting the lap time to 1m 45.74s. With two successful and productive days of testing completed the team return to Japan to prepare the RCVs for the final MotoGP test of the year at Sepang, Malaysia, on November 28, 29, 30 next. The Fortuna Honda team of Marco Melandri and Toni Elias attended the opening day of the test only while the younger inexperienced RCV riders elected not to test in the harzardous half wet half dry track conditions. Lap time and quote: Nicky Hayden: 1m 45.74s 42 laps. “The weather is what it is, not ideal but we gained a little experience with the Michelin wet tyres and a couple of intermediates. It would have been nice to have hard rain today because I definitely didn’t set the world on fire in wet races this year. We tried a couple of suspension changes for damp conditions and a little different geometry on the bike. It feels fast when you are out there on your own but you don’t really have anybody to compare it with. We go to Malaysia next where the weather will be a bit warmer than its been here, that’s for sure.” More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse: VALENCIA TESTING CALLED OFF DUE TO BAD WEATHER Bad weather conditions bring about the cancellation of the second day of scheduled testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team. Valencia (Spain), Thursday 10 November 2005 – Dreadful weather conditions forced the Ducati Marlboro Team to abandon the second and final day of testing scheduled at the Spanish circuit. Temperatures hovering around 10°C and intermittent rain meant that the track was totally unsuitable for normal testing. Loris Capirossi and his new team-mate Sete Gibernau therefore wrapped up their first winter testing session early. The Ducati Marlboro Team riders will next be seen on the track at the end of the month (November 28-30) at the Jerez circuit, where they will debut the Ducati Desmosedici GP6. More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki: Weather ruins the day for Suzuki Team SUZUKI MotoGP had to abandon hopes of a full day’s testing at Valencia today due to bad weather. Both riders were forced to sit and wait as strong winds and frequent rain showers made track conditions inappropriate for the nature of testing that the team wanted to do. Even when the circuit did begin to dry out it was still too slippery for John Hopkins to continue with his Ohlins suspension test or to try out the latest tyre constructions from Bridgestone. Chris Vermeulen managed to briefly get out on the circuit and was able to do a short test on Bridgestone’s wet weather tyres to get himself acquainted with the feel of them. Team SUZUKI MotoGP has one final test in 2005, at Sepang in Malaysia later this month. Then the team and factory have a gruelling winter schedule of developing and designing more new parts for the prototype Suzuki GSV-R race bike, before Hopkins and Vermeulen return to track action again at a Sepang test in January. The provisional date for the start of the 2006 MotoGP World Championship is Sunday 26th March at Jerez in Spain.

Maxxis Constructs New Research & Development Centers In Asia, America

In an ambitious expansion of its research and development capabilities, Maxxis will finish construction of three new technical centers in Asia and the United States during the next eight months. Construction is complete on the first new center, near Shanghai, China. Workers are currently putting the finishing touches on the six-story, 143,182-square-foot facility, which will employ 200 engineers. Plans are also underway for construction of a nearby world-class proving ground, expected to open in 2008. The three-story, 56,694-square-foot Taiwan facility is scheduled for completion in June 2006. Like the Shanghai center, the Taiwan operation will employ 200 engineers. A new 25,600-square-foot, one-story center in Suwanee, Georgia, near Maxxis’ North American headquarters, will also open in June 2006. The Suwanee facility will replace a smaller Maxxis tech center located in Norcross, Georgia. The new centers will allow Maxxis to continue to improve its product offerings, with cutting edge research and groundbreaking technology. About Maxxis International Maxxis International is a producer of high quality automotive, light truck, motorcycle, ATV, bicycle, lawn & garden and industrial tires. Maxxis has delivered quality tires to original equipment and aftermarket customers for over 38 years. For more information on Maxxis and Maxxis products, please visit maxxis.com.

Road America Announces Plans To Expand Paddock, Repave Several Corners, Reconfigure Turn 13 Bridge

Elkhart Lake, Wis., November 10, 2005 – The Road America board of directors and staff is proud to announce a three-year, five million dollar facility enhancement plan. Road America continuously makes improvements to meet racer and fan expectations. Significant in scope and investment, the new three-year plan will allow for additional track and facility opportunities, and dramatically affect paddock operations. Expanded in 1990, the main paddock is being enlarged by 3.5 paved acres. The increase will provide additional space for race teams, transporters, vendors, and two new skid pad areas. The hill behind the current medical center will be excavated and graded to the west to gain paddock space. A larger medical center will be constructed in a new paddock location that will allow better access for racers, spectators and emergency medical personnel. Every season, racecars and motorcycles reach new levels of performance. A thorough review by Road America reveals areas where track utility can be altered to meet these levels and provide the best possible safety features. Several track alterations will be made to the track without changing the original track design. Turns 3, 5, 6, 8 and 12 will be resurfaced with a high-wearing asphalt compound to improve wear and maintain the track’s smooth, consistent asphalt surface. Modifications will also be made to the run-off area at turn 5 to make recovery faster and easier. Another notable safety change will be a reconfiguration of the Bill Mitchell bridge at turn 13 to accommodate a greater run-off area. Road America’s growth will also build on its potential as a year-round, multi-purpose facility. The expansion plans also include the development of Paddock Village, a 35-acre garage/workshop business park targeted toward small business owners and motorsports enthusiasts. The 2700 square foot units have an open, clear span and are expandable to 16,000 square feet. Tall entry clearance is accessed through 14-foot garage doors. Paddock Village membership will include Road America track and facility privileges. Road America is a 628-acre, year-round motorsports facility which celebrated its 50th year in 2005. In addition to major world-class race events, Road America offers the Suzuki Supermoto School, corporate ATV and karting programs, and top-of-the-line hospitality. Special promotions are held throughout the year and can be found on-line. For more information visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800/365-7223.

Tickets To 2006 Infineon Raceway Events Go On Sale December 1, Lifetime Pass To Be Given Away

Lifetime Pass to Infineon Raceway At Stake When Tickets Go On-Sale Dec. 1 SONOMA, Calif. “” A lifetime pass to Infineon Raceway will be on the line when the Sonoma Valley facility opens its doors for business on Thursday, Dec. 1. That’s the day tickets for all 2006 major events go on-sale at Infineon Raceway, and officials will celebrate by rewarding the first person who purchases a ticket with a lifetime pass to the raceway. The purchase must be made in-person at the Infineon Raceway ticket sales office. It’s anyone’s guess as to when race fans will start camping at Infineon Raceway for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but one thing is certain: this lucky fan will receive a front-row seat to every major event at Infineon Raceway for as long as he/she lives. The winner will also be treated to a hot lap at speed around the world famous road course that morning. A second race fan will be rewarded with a lifetime pass, as well, for showing up at the raceway and entering a free drawing. It’s all part of a celebration as Infineon Raceway ushers in the 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season by opening up ticket sales to the general public. That day, you’ll get first crack at securing the best seats possible for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, IRL IndyCar® Series and all other events on the 2006 main-event calendar. “Since we announced our schedule, the anticipation has been growing among all of our fans to line-up their 2006 tickets,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. “This will be a fun way to kick things off, and a couple of people will be setting themselves up with race tickets for life.” Infineon Raceway will officially open its doors for ticket sales at 8 a.m. (PST) on Thursday, Dec. 1. All race fans who purchase a ticket to any event in-person will receive a free gift, and coffee/donuts will be available for all those early-risers. Show-cars will be on display, including Rusty Wallace’s familiar No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, and track tours will be free-of-charge. The 2006 Big O Tires Racing Season schedule is as follows: 2006 MAJOR-EVENT SCHEDULE: · Ferrari Challenge: May 12-14. · Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts: May 19-21. · Wine Country Classic Vintage Car Races: June 3-4. · Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup: June 23-25. · Goodguys Nitro Nationals Nostalgia Drag Races: July 1-2. · Infineon Technologies Cougar Mountain Classic (cycling): July 14-16. · FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, presented by Supercuts: July 28-30. · NHRA Summernationals Division 7 Drag Races: Aug. 4-6. · IRL IndyCar® Series: Aug. 25-27. For directions to Infineon Raceway from various points of the Bay Area/Sacramento or for more information, visit www.infineonraceway.com. You can also purchase tickets beginning Dec. 1 on the Web at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-870-RACE.

Motorcycling Australia Recruiting Officials For 2006 World Superbike At Phillip Island

Want to be an official at the 2006 Phillip Island World Superbike round? The Superbike World Championship will return to Phillip Island for the 13th consecutive year in 2006, with all the action penciled in for March 3-5 an earlier date than usual to work around the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Once more, volunteer officials are being sought for the event, which will feature at least three Aussies in world Superbike (Troy Corser, Karl Muggeridge and Steve Martin), and two in Supersport Kevin Curtain and Broc Parkes. Moreover, there will be a full complement of national support classes for Superbike, Supersport and Superstock competitors. Free camping is again available for all volunteer officials and a guest, as well as the chance to experience all the on-track action at close quarters. To register as an official, please complete the attached form. Applications close on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. For more information, contact PI SBK Pty Ltd, tel (03) 5952 2710, or email [email protected]

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