Rizla Suzuki’s British Superbike Champion John Reynolds is aiming for the top step of the podium when he returns to racing his GSX-R1000 in the sixth round of the British Superbike Championship at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire this Sunday. He missed the last two rounds of the series as he continued his recovery from a broken right leg and rode his Rizla Suzuki at an official test at the 2.1-mile long Croft Circuit last week where was fourth quickest and bubbling with enthusiasm at the end of the day. Croft Circuit is close to Rizla Suzuki racer Scott Smart’s hometown of York and he is hoping that the support of his home fans will give him a boost as he continues to get to grips with his GSX-R1000. It is one of the most popular events on the BSB calendar and a bumper crowd is expected. Superbike racing starts at 1:20pm on Sunday, June 5th. John Reynolds: “I am so hungry to race that I can hardly sleep thinking about this weekend at Croft. If people are expecting me to make a half-hearted return to racing then they are sadly mistaken. I am going to Croft and aiming for the top step of the podium and nothing less. My Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000’s good enough and I want to do it justice.” Scott Smart: “Croft is almost on my doorstep and is very much my home track. I’ll be looking for support from the local fans on Sunday and want to repeat my podium performance from last year at the same track. “I like Croft; it is fast and flowing and I am coming to it with more confidence and experience on my Rizla Suzuki than at any time previously this season. I so want this to be the weekend it all comes good for my team as they deserve silverware for the efforts they have put in.”

THIS YEAR’S MOTOGIRO D’ITALIA FOLLOWED SOME OF ITALY’S MOST SCENIC ROUTES, THROUGH THE REGIONS OF ROMAGNA, MARCHE, UMBRIA AND TUSCANY. OVERALL WINNER WAS ENZO COPPOLECCHIA, RIDING A MOTO MORINI 175. Once again following historic race routes, this year’s re-evocation of Italy’s oldest long distance motorcycle race, now in its fifth edition, was another great success. Ducati Motor was once again the main sponsor of the event, organised by Dream Engine. It was a historic revival, a genuine road race, and above all a great festival of motorcycling that terminated in Cattolica on the 28th May 2005. We are talking, of course, about the 2005 edition of the Motogiro d’Italia, Italy’s classic five-day road race, now in its fifth revival edition. The race took place from the 24th to the 28th May, and animated some of the most beautiful roads in central Italy, bringing back to life the legendary motorcycling event trials that, between 1914 and 1957, wrote some of the most unforgettable chapters in the history of international motorcycle racing. This year’s was the fifth edition of the re-evocation event so impeccably organised by Dream Engine. Over 400 motorcyclists took part, not only from Italy but from another 13 nations, including the UK (55 entries), Germany (3 entries), France (10 entries), Ireland (2 entries), Switzerland (20 entries), Holland (21 entries), Belgium (3 entries), Spain (5 entries), USA (30 entries), Canada (8 entries), Australia (2 entries), South Africa (4 entries) and even Japan (4 entries). Competitors covered a total of nearly 1,200 kilometres (1,189 according to the official road-book). The event’s incredible success was confirmed by the fact that so very few entries withdrew (only 35 bikes failing to cross the finishing line in Gradara) and by the warm and enthusiastic welcome given to riders by the public, who packed the start and finish lines of every leg to wave competitors off and welcome them home. This year’s formula was slightly different from that of the previous editions. Rather than follow a straight line course, the route for the 2005 race resembled a virtual ‘daisy’, made up of fascinating, spectacular loops covering some of the most picturesque roads in the whole of Italy, starting from Cattolica and finishing at Gradara castle nearby, after five days of intense and extremely competitive racing. This year’s re-evocation was made up of five daily legs, all along routes followed by the original Motogiro d’Italia in the period 1953-1957. Starting from Piazzale I Maggio in Cattolica, the first day’s racing (230 Km) took riders through Morciano, Pennabilli, Sogliano al Rubicone, Gambettola, Santarcangelo, Coriano, and back to Cattolica. The start was animated by the presence of two new Ducati Sport Classics, the brand new machines that Borgo Panigale is about to launch on the international market, characterised by 1970’s styling but packed with the latest technology. Two “pre-series” machines, a Paul Smart 1000 and a Sport 1000, ridden by Federico Minoli, Chairman and Managing Director of Ducati Motor Holding, and Gianluigi Mengoli, Chairman of Ducati Foundation respectively, set the pace for the first leg. Both the general public and the media demonstrated tremendous interest in the two new bikes, which Ducati fans the world over have been eagerly awaiting, and which are due to hit the official dealer network in October this year. The second leg (182 Km) took the riders to Perugia, through Città di Castello and past the Magione circuit. From Perugia, the third day’s racing and the longest of the individual legs (297 Km), passed through Assisi, Spello, Terni, Collescipoli and Todi before finally returning to Perugia. The fourth leg (266 Km) took the caravan of bikes to Tuscany, as far as Castiglion Fiorentino before turning them back to Acqualagna and San Giovanni in Marignano, to finish the day back in Piazzale 1 Maggio in Cattolica. It was therefore once more from Cattolica that the fifth and decisive leg (214 Km) set off, routing riders through Fano, Mondavio, Jesi and Pesaro before crossing the finish line at Gradara castle. Entrants were divided into three classes. The “Historical Re-evocation” class was reserved for motorcycles manufactured before 1957. The “Taglioni Memorial” class was dedicated to bikes made between 1968 and 1978, and the “Tourist Class” encompassed all modern machines in a single non-competitive category. Overall victory in the “Historical Re-evocation” class of the Motogiro d’Italia 2005, gained only after a series of exciting position switches at the top of the table, went to Enzo Coppolecchia on a Moto Morini 175 cc. The lucky winner walks away with a special Motogiro 2005 version of the Ducati 900 SS as first prize. Overall second was Tullio Passerini, on a Gilera 175 cc, followed by Paolo Mattioli, overall third, on another Moto Morini 175. The “Taglioni Memorial” class was dominated, right from the first leg, by Dutchman Math Koevoet, on a BMW 900, who beat Frenchman Pierre Hertrich (Norton 750) and another Dutchman, Lucas Schols (Guzzi 750) into second and third place respectively. The competition included a total of fifteen special tests including timed regularity and gymkhana trials, held against the backdrop of the wonderfully attractive squares in the towns visited by this fifth edition of the revived event. Past champions had the opportunity to challenge the participants over a route that pushed both men and machines to the limit. The public were able to admire motorcycles like Ducati, Morini, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Bianchi, Gilera, Rumi, Motobi. The presence of riders of the calibre of Maoggi, winner of the Motogiro in 1956, and Venturi, who took the trophy at the last edition of the original event in 1957, also made a major contribution to the success and prestige of the 2005 edition. Emilio Mendogni, overall winner exactly 50 years ago in the legendary 1955 race, also graced the final prize giving ceremony and dinner with his presence. For the fifth year in succession, the event was able to count on the support of Ducati Motor as main sponsor, in conjunction with the Emilia Romagna region, Motociclismo d’Epoca, Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, Shell, Marzocchi, Iveco, the Municipality of Gradara, the Municipality of Cattolica, the Municipality of Perugia, and the Cattolica-Le Navi Aquarium. This year’s event was organised under the auspices of the Italian Motorcycling Federation by Dream Engine, who received technical support from the “Libero Liberati” Motorcycle Club of Terni and from Team Curve & Tornanti in the Tourist Class. OVERALL POSITIONS, MOTOGIRO D’ITALIA 2005 “Historical Re-evocation” Class 1 Enzo Coppolecchia (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 5’02″ 2 Tullio Masserini (Gilera 175): Total penalty 5’26″ 3 Paolo Mattioli (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 5’35″ 4 Alfio Sorgato (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 6’18″ 5 Massimo D’Alessio (Moto Morini 175): Total penalty 6’76″ “Taglioni Memorial” Class 1 Math Koevoet (BMW 900): Total penalty 6’36″ 2 Pierre Hertrich (Norton 750): Total penalty 10’20” 3 Lucas Schols (Guzzi 750): Total penalty 12’95” 4 Siebert Thibaut (Norton 850): Total penalty 19’99” 5 Kees Van De Ven (Ducati 860): Total penalty 34’88”

Alex and Troy back on favourable ground in Mugello Three of the four grands prix to have taken place up to now have been affected in some way by bad weather. It could well be that the precedent is set to change at the Italian Grand Prix this coming June 5th, with current forecasts predicting sunshine, and temperatures rising above the 30º mark. For the teams it means they can make the most out of every practice session to get the bike in shape for the race, an objective which is safe in the capable hands of the Camel Honda riders and technicians who are something of experts at the Italian track. In four of the last five years the squad have had at least one rider on the podium in Mugello, including a Barros and Capirossi one-two in 2001, and two third places for Biaggi in the past two seasons. Troy Bayliss also has a good track record in Italy, just missing out on the podium last year, coming home fourth by under three-tenths of a second. Sito Pons Camel Honda “Mugello is a track where our team has taken some good results; a win in 2000 with Capirossi and then the following year’s double, with Barros on the top step of the podium. Alex hasn’t had too much luck in the last two races, with the penalty in Shanghai and the crash in Le Mans, but he has constantly shown that he has good pace and is in form. The team knows the Tuscan track well and they know how to get the best out it from a technical point of view, so there is a good chance we can return to the kind of form showed in Portugal. I’m also confident about Troy’s chances, after he found various tyre and set-up solutions at Le Mans in the test we ran after the GP. He was satisfied with the work and is feeling more confident now. I hope for a great day of sport on Sunday, in front of the fantastic Italian crowd.” Alex Barros #4: “After Le Mans I went to Brazil for a couple of weeks, where I have undergone lots of physiotherapy to recover from the back pain I’ve been suffering from after the crash in France. I still haven’t got rid of it completely, so I’m not moving freely, but I’ll only find out whether I can ride at 100% or not once I get on the bike. I am obviously hoping that I can be in decent shape, because I love the track; it’s fast and technical, and one of the best in the world. I know that I’ve ridden in worse physical conditions than this though, so I’m intending to be up there with the Italians on Sunday, because they are always highly motivated to go well there.” Troy Bayliss #12: “The tests we did in Le Mans after the race went well, and I left France more happy with the answers we found. On Sunday we’ll ride at Mugello, a track I really like and where I have lots of experience. The race was great there last year, I enjoyed myself and even though I haven’t ridden the Honda there before, I’m sure I can put in a good race on Sunday.”

Reigning World Endurance Champion David Checa will compete in the Italian Grand Prix next weekend with the Fortuna Yamaha Team. The Spanish rider will replace Toni Elías, who is still recovering from an injury sustained during a day of tests following the French Grand Prix at Le Mans. Elías underwent an operation in Barcelona after fracturing the radius and scaphoid of his left wrist and rupturing the ligaments that link the triquetral bone and the radius. The rider also fractured the outside of his left fibula and his leg was put in a cast. According to Doctor Xavier Mir from the Instituto Dexeus in Barcelona, who has been responsible for the treatment issued to Elías, the Fortuna Yamaha rider requires a five-week recovery period from the time of the crash, assuming the injuries recover in a favorable manner. Elias’ misfortune gives Checa the opportunity to make his debut in MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycle racing series, with a factory he already knows well. This season Checa and Yamaha already enjoyed a spectacular victory at the 24 Hours race at Le Mans. Checa, 25, competed in the 250cc World Championship from 2000 until 2002, firstly with Honda and then later with Aprilia, taking a best ever finish of sixth place in his final appearance at the 2002 Valencian Grand Prix. The rider from Sant Fruitós de Bages (Barcelona, Spain) has been racing since 1996 and regularly competes in four-stroke categories such as the World Endurance, Supersport and Superbike championships. David will travel to Mugello, Italy on Tuesday and will link up with the rest of the team directed by Hervé Poncharal. Antonio Jiménez, Chief Mechanic to Elías and previously to David’s elder brother Carlos Checa, will be using all his MotoGP experience as he presides over David Checa’s debut. Checa will also meet up with his new team-mate Ruben Xaus, who has only recently completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The pair are already great friends and often train together riding Supermoto. This year, as well as his participation and victory in the Le Mans 24 hours, Checa was planning to compete in the Bol d’Or, which will take place at the Magny Cours circuit in France. David Checa – 20-04-1980: 2005: Pirelli test rider for World Superbike – 1st at Le Mans 24 Hours 2004: World Endurance Champion with GMT-94 Yamaha Racing France Impone, alongside Christophe Guyot, William Costes and Sebastien Gimbert 2003: Debut en in World Endurance Championship – 1st in Oschersleben 24 Hours 2002: 13th in 250cc World Championship 2001: 17th in 250cc World Championship 2000: 19th in 250cc World Championship 1999: Test rider for Ducati and Pirelli in World Supersport 1998: 4th in Supersport European Championship – 1st in Catalunya 24 Hours 1997: Supersport Spanish and Catalonian Championships 1996: 125cc Spanish Championship

BOSTROM AND HODGSON WANT REPEAT VICTORY FOR PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN AT ROAD AMERICA Eric Bostrom and Neil Hodgson of the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team will try to keep up the team’s momentum this weekend as they race their Ducati 999 Superbikes at the Road America AMA Superbike doubleheader in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Bostrom, the winner at the last event at Pikes Peak International Raceway, took his first victory of the season with a final lap pass after a race that saw him in the lead much of the event on his Ducati 999. “We’ve improved how the bike works for me all season long, and it was fantastic to win a race,” said Bostrom, also the winner of a 2003 Superbike race at Road America. “The 999 has always been a great bike but we’ve really come a long way over the course of the year. It would be naive to think we’re finally finished or done because we have to continue to work hard and make things even better. The series is very competitive and you can never rest, even if you win. That said, it will feel really good at Road America if we can run strong again.” Neil Hodgson is an unusual AMA Superbike rookie, having won the World and British Superbike championships as well as being an experienced Grand Prix racer. Neil, however, has never raced at the 4.0-mile circuit and did not get to test at the track. “I must say the circuit looks like it would be really nice, but having never been there before, I can’t really say anything about it,” said Neil. “I am looking forward to racing the 999 there, and looking forward to a good weekend.” “We’re still on a bit of an emotional high since Eric’s victory at Pikes Peak,” said team manager Tom Bodenbach. “Everyone’s been working hard at the shop as usual, but after a win, you seem to have a little extra. We’re looking to continue or progress at Road America. Hopefully, we’ll have better luck with both bikes this weekend so Neil and Eric can both run near the front.” The green flag will drop on Saturday for the first Superbike race of the weekend, with the second being held Sunday afternoon. The Circuit: Located in the Wisconsin countryside, the 4.0-mile (6.43 kilometer), 14-turn Road America circuit is in many ways a European-style track. There are three long straights for the powerful Superbikes to reach top speeds, each with a 90 degree turn at the end that prove to be great passing zones. Road America also features turns like The Carousel and The Kink, which was altered for last year’s race to improve safety. Road America is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005. Superbike Points (after 8 of 18 races): 1. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 255, Ben Spies (Suzuki) 240, 3. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 239, 4. ERIC BOSTROM (PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN 999) 204, 5. NEIL HODGSON (PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN 999) 201, 6. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 171

ROUND FIVE PROMISES TOUGH TUSCAN SHOWDOWN At a quarter way through the season, this race at the splendidly picturesque Mugello track will determine if anyone can significantly dent reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi’s 37 point lead in the World Championship points table. Main challengers Sete Gibernau (Team Movistar Honda RC211V) and his team-mate Marco Melandri have posed the biggest threat to the Italian champion and are most likely to be Rossi’s biggest concerns this weekend too. Gibernau finished second to Rossi here last year and the Spanish hope knows nothing less than a win in this challenging arena will do if he is to wrest the World Championship initiative from his fierce rival Rossi. Melandri won here on a 250 in his 2002 World Championship winning season and with his impressive form on the RC211V this season, he cannot be ruled out for a maiden MotoGP class victory here this weekend. At least 70,000 Italian fans will flock to the Tuscan hills to cheer on their ‘home’ riders. In a sea of colour, various troupes of fans camp out in specific areas to cheer on their riders. Rossi, Melandri, Max Biaggi (Repsol Honda RC211V) and Loris Capirossi (Ducati) can all be sure of fanatical support from at least one section of the crowd. Nestling in the hills, Mugello is a high-speed carousel of a track, with rolling, cambered turns and a 210mph 1141m main straight. At 5.245km it’s among the longer tracks too. Racing here tends to be close with spectacular slipstreaming action along the main chute and epic close-quarter fight in the turns, nine of which are right-handers, six left. Rhythm is the key to a fast lap here and a race rhythm over the 23-laps of the MotoGP contest will be crucial. It is also a ‘power’ circuit and so the Honda riders need have no worries about being short in that department here. Sete Gibernau has his work cut out for him here and knows it. “Last season the Mugello race was one of the best of the year,” he said. “We were quickest on both Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions. I hope to do the same good work this year too. The Italian riders are extremely competitive on their home track, but they’re also under a lot more pressure. On our side, we have to take advantage of that tension. It’ll be a very challenging weekend, but at the end of the day, it really isn’t very different from any other race.” Sete’s stable-mate Marco Melandri is more concerned with the technicalities of the track than any pressure: “The secret of a good lap here at Mugello is to get into a rhythm, to be fluid while taking the corners but without being too aggressive. The part that makes the biggest difference is the downhill ‘S’ and the Arrabbiata corners. It’s vital to ride these sectors well to make a quick lap. The only negative thing about this track is the tarmac it’s really uneven in parts.” Max has to get his season started here with a win. The Roman factory Honda rider has been out of sorts so far and the pressure is on him to perform. “At Mugello I have always ridden great races and I really hope that next Sunday the positive result my team and I are looking for will come. We’ve been working hard and we deserve much more than what we have picked up so far. I’m also looking forward to seeing my fans as always at the Casanova Savelli hill. I would really like to give my team and my fans something to smile about and myself too.” His team-mate Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) has only accumulated 26 points from four races and he too is under pressure here. “Although the last race was not too good we had a good test right after and I’m hopeful we found some things that should work well here. We qualified here OK last year but I crashed out in the race so we didn’t make the finish. The schedule is pretty mad in June with three races so it’ll be important to start the month well and get a good momentum.” Alex Barros (Camel Honda RC211V) won here in 2001, and is more than capable of another win this weekend and said, “After Le Mans I went to Brazil for a couple of weeks, where I did a lot of physiotherapy to recover from the back pain I’ve been suffering after the crash in France. I still haven’t got rid of it completely, so I’m not moving freely, but I’ll only find out whether I can ride at 100% or not once I get on the bike. I hope I’ll be in decent shape, because I love the track; it’s fast and technical one of the best in the world. I’ve ridden in worse physical condition than this, so I’m planning to be up there with the Italians on Sunday.” His team-mate Troy Bayliss (Camel Honda RC211V) has not quite got to grips with his machine yet, but the Aussie will be more than capable of getting back to form here. “The tests we did in Le Mans after the race went well,” he said. “I left France much happier with the answers we found. On Sunday we’re at Mugello; it’s a track I really like and I’ve lots of experience there. The race was great last year. I really enjoyed myself and even though I haven’t ridden the Honda there before, I’m sure I can put in a good race on Sunday.” The hard-charging Makoto Tamada (Konica Minolta Honda RC211V) has been sidelined for much of the early season with injury, but will be a force to be reckoned with. He said, “Too much time has passed from the last time I stepped onto my RC211V to compete in a Grand Prix. This is the fifth round of the season, but I was unfortunate in the first Grand Prix of the year in Jerez. I hope my right hand won’t trouble me because I want to compete with the best and get some points. It’s clear that from now on I have to go on the attack. This is a key moment of my career and the team will be back even stronger than before.” In the 250cc class reigning World Champion Dani Pedrosa (Team Movistar Honda RS250RW) has regained the series points lead from the astonishing Andrea Dovizioso (Scot Racing Team Honda RS250RW) who only trails him by four points in his rookie season. “These past two weeks have been a good chance to relax and recover strength,” said Dani. “It’s going to be a hard race in Italy and Dovizioso won’t be the only rider out there with plenty of motivation I’m sure Porto, De Puniet and Stoner will all be at the front too. At Mugello it’s difficult to get away because there is a long straight where the Aprilias could have an advantage, and a lot of fast corners. I don’t know why but I’ve always found it difficult here.” Dani’s team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama (Team Movistar Honda RS250RW) finished ninth here in his debut season last year and knows things will only be slightly easier for him this year. “This weekend is going to be a very tough race, he said. “Mugello is one of the most difficult circuits in the world and it’s very fast. I want to do well in practice and qualify at least on the second row of the grid, otherwise it’s going to be very difficult to go with the lead group.” Dovi believes there is more to come for him in terms of machine set-up and said, “I like this Circuit and with the 125cc I was very fast, but the problem is that Aprilias are very fast here too and riders like Stoner or Porto can make the difference. For me it’s the first time with a 250cc on all the tracks and I feel that my Honda is very fast but feeling from it is not perfect yet: I’m trying to keep in touch waiting for more feeling in the second part of the season. Pedrosa is not only fast but he’s got a lot of confidence in his bike and this is what I need more of now.” Hector Barbera (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) and his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) have not quite made the impact in 250s that Dovi has yet, but both have nonetheless impressed in their rookie years. Barbera said, “Mugello is a really nice track and I like racing there. I’m improving my riding style on the 250 and getting used to the machine. There will be a lot of fast riders at Mugello but I believe I can run at the front with the fastest on Sunday.” “Mugello is in a nice environment,” said Lorenzo. “And it’s a beautiful track but not one of my favourites. I have never been able to take a good result at Mugello, but now I’m getting better on the bike with every race I’m sure I will continue to progress and have a good chance of taking a good result this time.” In the 125cc class the return to form of Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R) has seen the young Swiss win his first race and he is now challenging series leader Mika Kallio (KTM) for the overall advantage. He lies just eight points behind him with Fabrizio Lai (Kopron Racing World Honda RS125RW) in fourth, 17 behind the points leader. Lai said, “I like this circuit because it’s really technical and I like difficult things. I hope to find a good setting for my Honda but, sure, we’ll have some problems on the straight because the Aprilias are very fast here while the Hondas are not quite as quick.” Mike Di Meglio (Kopron Racing World Honda RS125R), who finished fourth in France, said, “After the good race in Le Mans I need another good result…. and it’s possible because I very much like Mugello. The Honda is very different from the Aprilia and I’ve spent four races trying to learn how to get the best from the bike. Now I’ve increased my confidence and I can stay with the strongest riders in the races.”

Rizla Suzuki puts GSX-R ace Kennaugh to the test RIZLA SUZUKI will put Hudson Kennaugh – the current leader of the Suzuki GSX-R European Cup – to the test when he rides John Reynolds’ race bike in a private track session at Donington Park later this month. The 24-year-old is the reigning South African Superbike Champion and wants to step his career up a gear by moving to Europe and securing a ride in either British or World Superbikes with a top team. His test ride on JR’s Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 gives him a big opportunity to show his talent. Hudson said: “I won the Superbike Championship in South Africa for Suzuki in 2004 and now I want to progress to a bigger stage. That means coming to Europe and trying to secure a ride in either BSB or WSB – that is my main focus this year. “Riding JR’s GSX-R1000 is brilliant as Rizla Suzuki is one of the top teams in the world. I will do the best job I can during the test. It’s pretty simple really – if I do well then hopefully doors will open up and if I don’t then they remain closed.” Hudson will join Rizla Suzuki at Donington Park in Leicestershire on June 14th and 16th to ride the GSX-R1000. The team will be testing at the circuit and JR will be on hand to offer advice to the eager South African. Triple BSB Champion Niall Mackenzie will also be in attendance to offer Hudson guidance. “The Suzuki GSX-R European Cup is a great way for me to show what I can do in front of big crowds and on television. It has also brought me to the attention of Rizla Suzuki – so thank you to Suzuki and the Rizla team for this opportunity,” explained Hudson. “Thanks also to Jonny Towers at MotoDirect, importers of AGV and RST to the UK, for helping to arrange this test.” Rizla Suzuki team manager Robert Wicks, originally from South Africa but now resident in the UK, said: “I have kept an eye on Hudson’s career for the past few years and I firmly believe he is a talent and future champion. “I first met Hudson at the GSX-R Cup event at Magny Cours in 2003 where he put in a great performance on a track he’d not raced at before. He’s built on that result back in South Africa by winning the national championship and leading the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R European Cup. Now Rizla Suzuki is happy to provide this test for Hudson to prove his ability on a factory-backed GSX-R1000. He’s part of the Suzuki family and we are always happy to bring new talent to the fore.” You can follow Hudson’s test on the Rizla Suzuki on www.rizla-suzuki.co.uk. You can find out more about the Suzuki GSX-R European Cup by visiting www.gsxrcup.com.

AMA PRO RACING APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 1, 2005) — AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States, has appointed Rod J. Lopusnak as Director of Sales. Lopusnak will be based in AMA Pro Racing’s newly relocated West Coast office and will be responsible for managing existing sponsor relationships and the continued development of new commercial opportunities. Lopusnak leaves American Suzuki Motor Corporation where he was ATV and Motorcycle Marketing Manager. Lopusnak will report directly to AMA Pro Racing Vice President of Commercial Development, John Farris, and assumes his new responsibilities immediately. “Rod brings a strong industry background and we’re pleased that he’s joined us,” said AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth. “Rod’s experience will enable him to play a vital role in the important area of commercial development within AMA Pro Racing.” Hollingsworth noted that the hiring of Lopusnak is consistent with AMA Pro Racing’s ongoing personnel strategy. “Our goal has been to hire high-level industry talent for key positions. Additionally, we want to continue to expand our West Coast office and California presence. The addition of Rod accomplishes both of those objectives. His background at the retail, regional and OEM level of sales and marketing has given him a keen insight into the commercial aspects of the motorcycle and racing industries.” After several year’s experience in retail motorcycle sales Lopusnak joined Suzuki in 1997 and has held positions in both the marketing and sales departments. His first position was as District Sales Manager which quickly lead to a promotion to Assistant Regional Sales Manager. In April of 2000 Lopusnak moved to Suzuki’s corporate headquarters in Southern California to become ATV Marketing Manager. Motorcycles were added to his area of responsibility in January of 2004. “I’m excited about this new opportunity,” said Lopusnak. “AMA Pro Racing properties have a great deal to offer and I’m looking forward to getting out in the marketplace and showing how commercially viable motorcycle racing can be. I’ll be looking to partner our racing sponsorship packages with companies eager to reach a targeted, core demographic. Motorcycle racing, the original ‘action sport’ is hot right now and I’ll be aggressively targeting companies wanting to tap into this category.”

Hale And Pridmore Set To Make Comebacks At Road America PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 31, 2005) — Comebacks will be the theme in the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme and Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series races at Road America during the Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader, June 2-5 in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. In Formula Xtreme Texan Mike Hale returns to the series for the first time in three years riding an Erion Honda prepped CBR600RR backed by RockwallHonda.com. The other big news is the return of Michael Jordan Motorsports lead rider Jason Pridmore after suffering the most serious injury of his racing career in Birmingham, Ala., in April. Hale’s return to Formula Xtreme will add another big name to the series. The former AMA Flat Track Rookie of the Year made a successful move to road racing in the mid-1990s and was the up-and-coming rider of that era after winning two AMA Superbike nationals in 1995. He now comes back to the series a veteran and is eagerly anticipating getting back to being a regular on the circuit. “I’ve done some private testing and was able to turn in lap record times,” said Hale, who finished second in the Road America Formula Xtreme race in 2002. “I even surprised myself at how comfortable I was on the bike. I’m coming to Road America to do my best and see where that puts me. There are a lot of talented riders in the series and I’m looking forward to getting in there and mixing it up with those guys.” Honda’s Jake Zemke comes into Road America riding the longest Formula Xtreme winning streak in five years. His victory at Pikes Peak International Raceway two weeks ago was his 10th-career win in Formula Xtreme and made him the all-time wins leader in the class. Zemke is hoping to earn his first Formula Xtreme title after being a leading contender in the series for five years. “Honda has given me a bike this year that is ready to go right out of the truck,” Zemke explained. “We make a few adjustments and I’m up to speed right away. I think that’s given me a lot of confidence.” This will mark Zemke’s sixth Formula Xtreme appearance at Road America. The Californian has scored two podium finishes in past appearances but is seeking his first victory at the high-speed circuit. Zemke’s teammate Miguel Duhamel is the defending winner of the Road America Formula Xtreme race. With just four rounds remaining No. 1 rider of 2004 needs another win to close the 13-point deficit to Zemke in the series standings. MPTracing.com Suzuki’s Danny Eslick will be making his second appearance at Road America. He finished 12th in the Formula Xtreme race last year, but is expecting a much higher finish in this year’s event. The young Oklahoman is ranked a surprising third in the series coming into this weekend’s race. Jason Pridmore is making his comeback just in time to compete at what is considered the Chicago-based Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s home race. Pridmore underwent emergency surgery in Birmingham, Ala., after a serious crash during Repsol Lubricants Superstock qualifying at Barber Motorsports Park on April 24. Less than a week later he was released from the hospital after making a rapid recovery. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the track,” said Pridmore, an AMA and World Endurance road racing champion. “I’ve been trying to get healthy doing as much training as I can. I’ve been cleared by my doctor and I’m going to do a riding school so I’ll have some track time before coming back to Road America.” Pridmore is a former Superstock and Formula Xtreme winner at Road America. He won his first race in Elkhart Lake in 1992. Graves Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking leads by a scant two points in the Repsol Lubricants Superstock standings at mid-season, but he suffered a bicycling accident while training for Road America and will miss the race. Hacking’s misfortune opens the door for Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates and Hacking’s teammate Jason DiSalvo who are tied for second in the standings. Yates is back in the Superstock class for the first time since winning the title in his first year as a factory Suzuki rider in 1996. DiSalvo is looking to earn his first AMA championship. Tommy Hayden is not far back in fourth and is looking to repeat his Elkhart Lake victory of last year. “We have a good base set up for the Superstock machine,” said Hayden, who rides a factory Kawasaki ZX-10RR. “A win would put us right up there in the battle for the championship. We’ve been consistent all season, but we need a few firsts to put us in the hunt.” Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Steve Rapp stands fifth in the series and hopes to make a good showing for the team this weekend. The Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader at Road America Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme and Repsol Lubricants Superstock races will be televised on SPEED Channel on Tuesday, June 7 beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern. For additional information on the race call 1-800-365-7223 or visit the website www.roadamerica.com.

Team SUZUKI MotoGP looking for improved results Team SUZUKI MotoGP will be competing in the fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship at Mugello in Italy this weekend, with a clear target to translate promising test and qualifying performances into better race results. The Gran Premio Alice D’Italia will be run over 23 laps of the 5.2km circuit set in beautiful Tuscan countryside just north of Florence. Famous for its fantastic scenery and fanatical spectators, Mugello also features some of the fastest top-speeds of the year. Added to this are high-speed chicanes and some tricky and bumpy corners, making this a tough test for the Suzuki GSV-R and riders Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins. Both racers are heading to Italy following an encouraging post-race test at Le Mans last month. New chassis developments and a successful Bridgestone tyre test helped Roberts Jr and Hopkins put the disappointment of the French GP behind them and look forward to the rest of the season. Team Manager Paul Denning is hoping for improvements this weekend. He said: “We have showed that we can do well in test and qualifying sessions but we must make sure that these results repeat themselves in the race – something that has not happened so far. “We have made some positive developments to the GSV-R since the start of the year and the whole package is improving. We just hope that the results will soon start to reflect the hard work that has been put in by the Factory and the team this season. “We have certainly had our share of bad luck, such as Kenny suffering troubles while leading in Shanghai and John having to start from the pit-lane at Le Mans. But we need to move on, leave the bad luck behind us and push for the best possible results.” Team SUZUKI MotoGP will be racing in the Gran Premio Alice D’Italia at 14.00CET on Sunday 5th June.