Mission accomplished! Well, for one week at least. I caught up with Eric in Denver CO as he was on his way to a media event with some members of his team. I knew that time was short, so I jumped in and pressed eBoz about his thoughts on the beginning of the AMA Superbike Season. Eric responded with his usual laid back but honest approach. “We have been improving every round since Daytona. The results don’t always show it, but I’m really getting the feel for the Ducati 999. At this point, I’m approaching this season one race at time, I want to work hard, and do what it takes to get a win for the team.” Eric was very straight forward about last weekend’s race at Infineon. “Sonoma was a big disappointment. The Ducati felt the best that it ever has. I was really feeling the bike and feeling the grip like never before, but we kept running into gremlins all weekend! There were a few of us that had some big struggles with the tires, but that’s racing. I’m really looking forward for the chance to show everybody that we can run with the Suzuki’s, that’s why I can’t wait until this weekend, when we go to my racetrack!” Of course all of Boss Hogg’s fans know that when he says “My Racetrack” Eric means Pikes Peak International Raceway, where EB has won at least one race for 5 years in a row. Eric is headed to PPIR determined to keep his streak alive. “I’m going to Pikes Peak looking for redemption. The Ducati 999 is a great motorcycle and it is really starting to come my way. I know what the bike is doing underneath me and I’m having fun riding it. I love this track and it’s always easy for me to get around here, I can’t wait for that green flag to drop.” Eric was also quick to give credit to his fans. “I mean, I have the greatest fans, but in Colorado they’re so enthusiastic and cheer me on like you wouldn’t believe. I want the chance to show them and my team what the Ducati 999 can do!” I asked Eric if he had been doing any extra training to get ready for the physical demands of PPIR and he surprised me by announcing that in additon to his regime of cycling and motocross that he’s been testing a Red Bull Supermoto bike. “We’re hoping to be able to ride in this year’s X-games so we’ve been testing the bike and working on the setup, and it’s been a blast! We want to work hard and be competitive right out of the gate, I’m really looking forward to it.” Wow, I don’t know how the Boss keeps up with everything. But I, for one, am looking forward to it too. Until next time, Matt “Pooch” Repucci

(Denver, CO) As the worldwide racing community learns of the degree of Vincent Haskovec’s injuries sustained during a crash at Infineon, the well wishes have been pouring in. On racing-related forums and message boards across the Internet, postings have sprung forth with everything from “get well” notes, to links asking for donations to the Roadracing World Action Fund on Vincent’s behalf. This demonstrates the true nature of this sport — that despite our competitive nature crashes like these affects us all, and brings out the good nature the people in this sport have to offer. On behalf of the entire Motorcycle Roadracing Association and its racers, members, volunteers, and spectators, we would like to extend our thoughts and hopes for a speedy recovery to Vincent, and applaud the racing community for its support and generosity towards a fallen rider.

PICOTTE GOES FOR THREE TORONTO, ON As the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship kicks off at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend Pascal Picotte will begin his quest to join rival Steve Crevier in elite company by winning his third straight national title. In the 25-year history of the Canadian national Superbike series only Crevier has won the Canada Cup three years in a row. He claimed the 1991, ’92 and ’93 championships. Picotte became only the third racer to earn back-to-back Canadian crowns when he won last year’s title chase. Riding the Yamaha Motor Canada / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 the 35-year-old from Granby, QC won five of the eight series races. He is now third on the all-time national Superbike win list with 13 victories. Picotte comes to Shannonville’s ‘Pro’ circuit this weekend with his two-time title winning team relatively intact. But he once again faces a tremendously deep field of challengers. Crevier has won the past two season openers at Shannonville and the 39-year-old Maple Ridge, BC resident is aiming for a record-extending seventh Parts Canada Superbike crown this year. Crevier will ride a Honda CBR1000RR for the Montreal-based Diablo Performance team. Also Honda-mounted will be Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON. The two-time winner of the Canada Cup placed second behind Picotte in the final standings last year and is back with the Honda Canada-backed Fast Company squad of Scott Miller. Picotte will also face a stern test from fellow Yamaha rider Frank Trombino. The Kleinburg, ON racer is running his own team this year and continues to be supported by Yamaha Motor Canada. Suzuki has introduced a brand new GSX-R1000 Superbike for 2005 and the manufacturer has a strong stable of riders on the Superbike entry list. Popular Calgary veteran Clint McBain is back with the Blackfoot Suzuki squad after finishing fourth in points last year. Still searching for his first career national Superbike win, McBain was second in two races in 2004. McBain’s teammate will be Granby, QC rider Kevin Lacombe, who won a race and placed third in points last season riding for his family-run Yamaha team. Former national champion Francis Martin returns to Suzuki after a year on the Kawasaki factory team. The Rock Forest, QC native will join Crevier in the Diablo Performance squad. Canadian Kawasaki has lured Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp out of retirement to lead its assault on the Parts Canada Superbike series with the ZX-10R. Kipp won a race for the team in 2003. Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride is back for his third season with the Kawasaki program. This weekend’s action at Shannonville sees the debut of two new national support classes. The Suzuki SV650 Cup and Thunder series will join the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship on the national race card. Picotte is chasing down a third straight Pro 600 Sport Bike title while last year’s Amateur 600 championship fight came down to the final race before Dominic Lavoie of Levis, QC prevailed. Qualifying for national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races on Sunday. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com All Time Shannonville Motorsport Park Superbike Win Leaders Steve Crevier (Maple Ridge, BC) 10; Michel Mercier (Thetford Mines, QC) 5; Rueben McMurter (London, ON) 3; Pascal Picotte (Granby, QC) 3; Miguel Duhamel (Repentigny, QC) 2; Jeff Gaynor (Toronto, ON) 2; Michael Taylor (Toronto, ON) 2; Don Munroe (Halifax, NS) 2; Francis Martin (Rock Forest, QC) 2 Shannonville Motorsport Park Fast Facts “¦The Parts Canada Superbike season will kick off minus a significant member of the Canadian racing family. John Nelson, who built and managed the original Shannonville Motorsport Park died in early April after a battle with cancer. Nelson International Raceway, as it was initially known staged its first event on Thanksgiving Weekend, 1976 and grew into one of Canada’s most prominent race tracks. “¦Six-time Canadian national Superbike champion Steve Crevier has won the season opener at Shannonville the past two years, but on each occasion has been beaten to the overall title by Pascal Picotte. In fact, Crevier has won three of the last four opening rounds, as he also took the win in 2001. He missed the 2002 race after injuring his knee in a practice crash. “¦Crevier’s 10 victories at Shannonville are the most by any racer at any venue currently on the Parts Canada Superbike schedule. Of course, Shannonville has hosted more races than any other facility in the history of the national championship. This weekend’s event will be the 39th. 2004 Final Point Standings Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 384; 2. Jordan Szoke (Honda) 298; 3. Kevin Lacombe (Yamaha) 276; 4. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 241; 5. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 216 Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 408; 2. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 303; 3. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 273 International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike: 1. Dominic Lavoie (Kawasaki) 203; 2. Darren James (Yamaha) 200; 3. Thomas Macsanszky (Yamaha) 186 Provisional Weekend Schedule Saturday May 21 1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 2:05 p.m. Thunder Qualifying Heat (8 laps) 2:20 p.m.-3:15 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 3:35 p.m.-4:20 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Qualifying 4:30 p.m.-4:50 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Qualifying Sunday May 22 12:20 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 1:30 p.m. Thunder Race 12 laps 2:05 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 3:15 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Championship Race 16 laps 4:35 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Race 12 laps

PICOTTE GOES FOR THREE TORONTO, ON As the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship kicks off at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend Pascal Picotte will begin his quest to join rival Steve Crevier in elite company by winning his third straight national title. In the 25-year history of the Canadian national Superbike series only Crevier has won the Canada Cup three years in a row. He claimed the 1991, ’92 and ’93 championships. Picotte became only the third racer to earn back-to-back Canadian crowns when he won last year’s title chase. Riding the Yamaha Motor Canada / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 the 35-year-old from Granby, QC won five of the eight series races. He is now third on the all-time national Superbike win list with 13 victories. Picotte comes to Shannonville’s ‘Pro’ circuit this weekend with his two-time title winning team relatively intact. But he once again faces a tremendously deep field of challengers. Crevier has won the past two season openers at Shannonville and the 39-year-old Maple Ridge, BC resident is aiming for a record-extending seventh Parts Canada Superbike crown this year. Crevier will ride a Honda CBR1000RR for the Montreal-based Diablo Performance team. Also Honda-mounted will be Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON. The two-time winner of the Canada Cup placed second behind Picotte in the final standings last year and is back with the Honda Canada-backed Fast Company squad of Scott Miller. Picotte will also face a stern test from fellow Yamaha rider Frank Trombino. The Kleinburg, ON racer is running his own team this year and continues to be supported by Yamaha Motor Canada. Suzuki has introduced a brand new GSX-R1000 Superbike for 2005 and the manufacturer has a strong stable of riders on the Superbike entry list. Popular Calgary veteran Clint McBain is back with the Blackfoot Suzuki squad after finishing fourth in points last year. Still searching for his first career national Superbike win, McBain was second in two races in 2004. McBain’s teammate will be Granby, QC rider Kevin Lacombe, who won a race and placed third in points last season riding for his family-run Yamaha team. Former national champion Francis Martin returns to Suzuki after a year on the Kawasaki factory team. The Rock Forest, QC native will join Crevier in the Diablo Performance squad. Canadian Kawasaki has lured Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp out of retirement to lead its assault on the Parts Canada Superbike series with the ZX-10R. Kipp won a race for the team in 2003. Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride is back for his third season with the Kawasaki program. This weekend’s action at Shannonville sees the debut of two new national support classes. The Suzuki SV650 Cup and Thunder series will join the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship on the national race card. Picotte is chasing down a third straight Pro 600 Sport Bike title while last year’s Amateur 600 championship fight came down to the final race before Dominic Lavoie of Levis, QC prevailed. Qualifying for national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races on Sunday. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com All Time Shannonville Motorsport Park Superbike Win Leaders Steve Crevier (Maple Ridge, BC) 10; Michel Mercier (Thetford Mines, QC) 5; Rueben McMurter (London, ON) 3; Pascal Picotte (Granby, QC) 3; Miguel Duhamel (Repentigny, QC) 2; Jeff Gaynor (Toronto, ON) 2; Michael Taylor (Toronto, ON) 2; Don Munroe (Halifax, NS) 2; Francis Martin (Rock Forest, QC) 2 Shannonville Motorsport Park Fast Facts “¦The Parts Canada Superbike season will kick off minus a significant member of the Canadian racing family. John Nelson, who built and managed the original Shannonville Motorsport Park died in early April after a battle with cancer. Nelson International Raceway, as it was initially known staged its first event on Thanksgiving Weekend, 1976 and grew into one of Canada’s most prominent race tracks. “¦Six-time Canadian national Superbike champion Steve Crevier has won the season opener at Shannonville the past two years, but on each occasion has been beaten to the overall title by Pascal Picotte. In fact, Crevier has won three of the last four opening rounds, as he also took the win in 2001. He missed the 2002 race after injuring his knee in a practice crash. “¦Crevier’s 10 victories at Shannonville are the most by any racer at any venue currently on the Parts Canada Superbike schedule. Of course, Shannonville has hosted more races than any other facility in the history of the national championship. This weekend’s event will be the 39th. 2004 Final Point Standings Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 384; 2. Jordan Szoke (Honda) 298; 3. Kevin Lacombe (Yamaha) 276; 4. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 241; 5. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 216 Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 408; 2. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 303; 3. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 273 International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike: 1. Dominic Lavoie (Kawasaki) 203; 2. Darren James (Yamaha) 200; 3. Thomas Macsanszky (Yamaha) 186 Provisional Weekend Schedule Saturday May 21 1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 2:05 p.m. Thunder Qualifying Heat (8 laps) 2:20 p.m.-3:15 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 3:35 p.m.-4:20 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Qualifying 4:30 p.m.-4:50 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Qualifying Sunday May 22 12:20 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 1:30 p.m. Thunder Race 12 laps 2:05 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 3:15 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Championship Race 16 laps 4:35 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Race 12 laps

GET WELL SOON WISHES FROM GPR STABILIZER TO VINCENT HASKOVEC GPR Stabilizer would like to wish Vincent Haskovec a speedy recovery from the injuries he suffered at Infineon Raceway on May 14th. Vincent has been a part of the GPR Stabilizer family for several years, and we have always enjoyed his friendship and enthusiasm. Please keep Vincent in your thoughts and prayers as he begins his recovery, and feel free to e-mail a get well message to him at [email protected].

Higbee Racing will attend Pikes Peak Colorado Springs, CO After missing the first part of the season due to an injury Shawn Higbee will field a Buell at the Pike Peak round in the AMA Formula Xtreme class with rider Dave Ebben. Higbee plans to get back on the Buell once his external finger fixture is removed, and said “It has been frustrating just sitting idle, unable to represent the several companies that signed on to sponsor my race team in 2005.” Higbee Racing brings two prominent dealerships, Bartels Harley-Davidson/ Buell and New Castle Harley-Davidson/Buell, to the AMA FX series. Higbee Racing is also working closely with Revolution Performance on Buell Performance parts, a division of Millennium Technologies. Shawn comments, “I was introduced to Dave Ebben by one of my sponsors, Brian Baker of BRG. Dave is a great choice for Higbee Racing because he has been a Dunlop Rider for the past 4 years. Dave also has the credentials of a proven champion. Dave was part of a team effort that resulted in the 2003 and 2004 FUSA GTO and Team Challenge championships.”

World Endurance Championship leaders Suzuki Castrol will start this weekend’s second-round Albacete 8 Horas in Spain with a five-point lead in the five-round series. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team riders Vincent Phillipe, Keiichi Kitagawa (pictured) and Matthieu Lagrive and their GSX-R1000K5 head Kawasaki-mounted Bolliger Team Switzerland and Diablo 666 Bolliger into the eight-hour night race that starts on Saturday at 18.00 local time. Former World Champions Suzuki, who won the opening round at Assen in Holland on March 28th, will field Phillipe – who broke his leg in a testing accident last month – although they are unsure how the Frenchman’s stamina will hold up in the tough event at the 3.5 kilometre circuit. Event Schedule: Friday: Free Practice (10.45-13.45). First Qualifying (16.30-18.20). Night Practice (21.30-23.10). Saturday: Final Qualifying (09.30-11.20). Warm Up (14.30-15.15). Albacete 8 Horas Race (18.00 – 02.00). Current Championship Points: Suzuki Castrol (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 25, 2 Bolliger Team Switzerland (Kawasaki ZX10R) 20, 3 Diablo 666 Bolliger (Kawasaki ZX10R) 16, 4 Yamaha Phase One Endurance (Yamaha YZF-R1) 13, 5 Yamaha Austria Racing Team (Yamaha YZF-R1) 11, 6 Team Fagersjo-el.se (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 10, 7 Shell Endurance Academy (Yamaha YZF-R1) 9, 8 Team X-One (Yamaha YZF-R1) 8, 9 Team RMT 21 (Kawasaki ZX10R) 7, 10 Team Suzuki Nederland (Suzuki GSX-R1000).

Caylor has a good reason to miss Pikes Peak MARIETTA, GA (19 May, 05) – There are very few circumstances that would make Chris “Opie” Caylor and Team EMGO Taiwan miss a race. This weekend, when the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme class will be at Pikes Peak International Raceway, Opie will be experiencing one of those circumstances: the birth of his and wife Tracy’s first child. “The due date is right around the corner,” Opie said at his home in Marietta, “and she’s already having some pains and there would simply be no excuse if I wasn’t here when the baby comes. We were going to wait to make this announcement after the baby was born but we feel we owe an explanation of our absence to our sponsors and fans. Racing is one of the biggest, most important areas of my life, but anyone that knows me understands that my family will always take precedence. Luckily, I’ve surrounded myself with a team, friends and sponsors that completely understand and support that decision. I’d like especially thank my wife and our families for their support this far. It’s hard to travel through 1/2 a season with a pregnant wife at home but they’ve more than gone the extra mile to support my career.” While waiting, Caylor will use this time wisely to continue his training and prepare for the formidable Road America.