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Results Of The Inaugural Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge At VIR

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Alton, Va. (August 26) Former extreme snowboarding champion-turned-motorcycle racer Jessica Zalusky anchored the winning team in the inaugural Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge at VIRginia International Raceway on Thursday. The race was a promotional event in advance of this weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR featuring the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, and gave 10 race fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race with some of the world’s top motorcycle races. Ten teams, each comprised of a Superbike racer, a media celebrity, a staff member from VIR, AMA or race promoters Race Promotion Management (RPM) and a fan, raced in an enduro format on VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track. Each driver got eight laps of the 5/8-mile circuit in identically-prepared 200cc Zip karts, and the fastest laps of each team’s four drivers were added together to create cumulative scores. The winning team consisted of Kawasaki Formula Xtreme competitor Zalusky, speedtv.com director Mark Mitchell, AMA Superbike Championship series manager Ron Barrick and fan Matt Boike of Charlotte, N.C. Their combined total time was 208.38sec, with Zalusky turning the fastest lap of the race at 48.10. “What an awesome event,” Zalusky said. “VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track is almost as much fun as the regular racetrack, and we had a ball. It was great to beat all the big guys, and I’m looking forward to defending my title next year. My teammates all did a great job, and the other teams put up a fierce battle. They may argue the point, but we are confident that the best team won. Plus, we have the trophies!” The second-place team consisted of Ducati Superbike star Neil Hodgson, Speed TV personality Greg White, RPM staff announcer Danny Walker and fan Paul Thorpe of Sicklerville, N.J. Their total cumulative time was 210.13sec. Hodgson was not pleased with the outcome. “I was completely robbed!” he said, with just the slightest hint of a smile. “I’m still waiting for a steward’s inquiry about Miguel Duhamel’s pass on me into the first corner. It was clearly a crazy and dangerous move. Someone could have been injured, so I’m really disappointed. You know, from an experienced, really old guy like him, you would expect a lot more maturity.” Hodgson also took exception to Zalusky’s claim of victory. “It’s still debatable,” he noted. “You know, our kart was not the fastest out there, but I think, based on driving performance, we far outshone the rest of the field. Next year, I’ll be tuning the kart like everybody else did. You learn from your mistakes, so I’ll be faster next year.” Finishing third was the team of Honda Superbike and Formula Xtreme veteran Duhamel, former Superbike champ Jamie James (serving as temporary correspondent for Cycle News), Speed TV event marketing supervisor Donato Bonaquisto and fan Mike Hummel of Greensboro, N.C. The team’s total cumulative time was 210.97sec. Duhamel took particular exception to Hodgson’s characterization of him. “Well, I might be old,” he said with mock indignation, “but the No. 2 plate is in my truck, so I don’t know where he finished! You know, I’m an old guy, and I don’t have time to go for the long lines like he does. I go for the short, tight lines. “And he ran into me! He was trying to turn into me. I was clearly in the right. I’m very pleased for the team. I just don’t understand what happened. I think, for sure, though, with Ron Barrick being in the picture there, something must have been done. There’s no way that guy could be part of any winning team in kart racing. Actually, he should have been docked 10 second for taking Josh Hayes out and bragging about it! That just doesn’t seem right to me. “In my heart, though, I know that I won. Not the team, me! You know, that’s the way I keep myself happy when I wake up. It’s always a beautiful day. “But it was a fun, fun event. I really liked it. The racing was great. I did bump Neil, and I’ll do it again if it’s for the win. So we’ll be back next year for the rematch.” Fourth place went to the team of Kawasaki Supersport star Roger Hayden, Speed TV announcer Brian Drebber, AMA tech official Kevin Crowther and fan Paul Guiomor of Long Branch, N.J., with a cumulative time of 211.16sec. Taking fifth place was the team of Suzuki Superbike title contender Ben Spies, Road Racer X editor Chris Jonnum, VIR staffer Burt Howerton and fan Dale McFaddin of Callands, Va., posting a time of 211.48sec. The sixth-place team of Ducati Superbike star Eric Bostrom, AMA Superbike media director Donnie Clark, RPM staffer Isan Hung and fan Lincoln Hurd of Knoxville, Tenn., would have finished second, but Bostrom was penalized three seconds for taking what the race stewards deemed a “creative” line through one of the corners that included much curb and grass, not to mention about .4sec less lap time than everybody else. A semi-recalcitrant Bostrom said later, ” I wasn’t really up front where I wanted to be, so, you know, a little cuttin’ the track,.. We deserved every bit of the penalty we got. I apologize to my team for cheating. I feel like I let them down, but I had more fun that way, and that was what the race was all about. I’ll be back next year, and hopefully I can do it legit!” The lucky fans got to compete with the racing superstars by purchasing advance tickets by August 12 and being entered into a lottery from which 10 names were drawn to compete in the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge. Following the race trophies were presented to the drivers of the top three teams, and fan participants received a CD of photographs taken during the race. RPM vice president Cameron Gray said the event was a huge success. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the way the inaugural Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge turned out,” he said, “Except, of course, for the fact that the kart I was driving was a dog and I was completely cheated out of what was certain victory. Other than that, though, we were thrilled with the way everything went. Speed Channel even showed up to tape the race for their ‘2 Wheel Tuesday’ show, and everybody is already talking about next year. I can guarantee you that I’ll be driving a faster kart next time around, and then we’ll see who’s bragging about a first-place trophy!” Gray also said that Matt Boike, the fan participant on the winning team, will be given a three-day pass to next year’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals so that he can come back to defend his title. Tickets for this weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals can be purchased at the gate, with availability limited to three-day passes for $60 and pit walk passes for $40. The event schedule for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals includes two feature races for the headlining AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as feature races for the supporting classes including the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, AMA Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The 2.25-mile VIR North Course circuit on which the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will take place has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information on VIRginia International Raceway, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on Race Promotion Management, visit their website at www.rpmcolorado.com or contact them via telephone at 303-377-3278. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.amasuperbike.com.

Former Isle Of Man TT Winner Harris To Race At Road Atlanta AMA Event

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The Augusta Triumph/Ducati Racing Team would like to welcome Shawn Harris, our rider for the 2005 Suzuki Superbike Showdown at Road Atlanta, September 2 -4. Shawn, from New Plymouth, New Zealand, is the 2003 Isle of Man TT winner in both the 1000cc and 600cc production races. He has held several championships in New Zealand and debuted at the TT winning the best newcomer award. We invite our friends and supporters to stop by to say hello and welcome Shawn to the U.S. Editorial Note: Harris will ride a Triumph Daytona 600 in Formula Xtreme.

Updated Post: Duhamel On AMA Formula Xtreme Pole At VIR

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American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel pulled closer in the AMA Formula Xtreme Championship standings by earning his fourth pole position of the season during qualifying Friday at Virginia International Raceway — and the bonus Championship point that comes with it. Duhamel, who is the defending class Champion and currently second in the standings, succeeded Friday afternoon by turning a lap of 1:26.581 a new class lap record — on his Dunlop-qualifier-shod American Honda CBR600RR. Duhamel may have gone even faster had he not experienced a mechanical problem while on a fast lap with his second qualifying tire. Earning the bonus Championship point keeps Duhamel in a position where he can win the AMA Formula Xtreme Championship by taking the maximum points available in the final two race events. Duhamel’s teammate and the current Championship leader Jake Zemke (1:27.182) was satisfied with qualifying second, considering he missed a mid-season test at VIR while recovering from a minor injury, and the progress he made with his CBR600RR’s set-up Friday. Third-fastest Michael Barnes (1:27.270) just missed out qualifying Zemke on his Pirelli-qualifier-equipped Team M4 EMGO Suzuki GSX-R600. Young Australian Ben Attard earned the final spot on the Formula Xtreme front row with a time of 1:27.961 on his Dunlop-fitted Attack Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results: 1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:26.581 2. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:27.182 3. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 1:27.270 4. Ben Attard, Kawasaki, 1:27.961 5. Chris Peris, Yamaha, 1:28.558 6. Robert Jensen, Yamaha, 1:28.686 7. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki, 1:28.707 8. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:29.008 9. Mike Hale, Honda, 1:29.945 10. Ryan Andrews, Ducati, 1:30.409 11. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:30.764 12. Mike Ciccotto, Buell, 1:31.012 13. Trey Yonce, Yamaha, 1:31.464 14. Taylor Knapp, Yamaha, 1:31.618 15. Nathan Hester, Yamaha, 1:31.720 16. Robertino Pietri, Yamaha, 1:31.763 17. Shea Fouchek, Suzuki, 1:31.808 18. Armando Ferrer, Yamaha, 1:32.136 19. Nick Moore, Yamaha, 1:32.176 20. Victor Chirinos, Yamaha, 1:32.759 21. Tim Rinaldi, Yamaha, 1:33.103 22. Justin Filice, Honda, 1:33.482 23. Scott Harwood, Honda, 1:34.777 24. Jeff Johnson, Buell, 1:35.080 25. Lance Yeager, Kawasaki, 1:35.594 26. Mark Kittel, Honda, 1:35.987 27. Charles Sipp, Buell, 1:36.498 28. Jessica Zalusky, Kawasaki, 1:36.530 112% of fast time qualifying limit = 1:36.970 More, from a press release issued by M4 EMGO Suzuki: BARNES THIRD IN FX QUALIFYING AT VIR Team M4 EMGO Suzuki kicked off the second to last round of the 2005 AMA road racing season with a strong showing on Friday at Virginia International Raceway. By the conclusion of the day, the squad had locked up a front-row grid position and put in several other impressive performances. Michael Barnes continued to challenge the front-running factory riders in Formula Xtreme, qualifying his trick GSX-R600-based FX machine on the front row. The Floridian’s best lap of 1:27.270 was good enough to claim the third spot on the grid and less than a tenth of a second off the time set by his factory-backed rival who qualified second. Afterwards, Barnes said, “I feel pretty good. We were on race tires for at least the first half of the session and we were nice and comfortable in the ’27s on the race tires. So we accomplished one of our tasks for qualifying and that was to be comfortable on race tires. Then we went for something a little bit softer for a fast lap and they kept on coming and coming. I feel like if I just kept on throwing tires at it, I was going to keep on taking tenths off. The Pirellis worked awesome and my Suzuki just worked flawlessly the whole time. The competition is very tough and they’re making work hard, but I couldn’t be more pleased.” Teammate Geoff May qualified for tomorrow’s Superbike final aboard his Superstock-spec GSX-R1000. May outpaced all but the riders armed with dedicated Superbikes, putting his big-bore Suzuki ninth on the provisional order with a fast lap of 1:26.768. May was also in the top ten in the morning’s Superstock and Supersport free practices. The Georgian was a stellar fourth quick aboard his 1000cc GSX-R in Superstock with a best lap of 1:27.551. He backed that up by running tenth overall in Supersport aboard his GSX-R600 at 1:29.247. Barnes also got in the top ten in the Superstock practice, laying down the tenth fastest lap at 1:28.162. Team Crew Chief Keith Perry said of the day, “It went pretty well, actually. I think coming here a month or so back helped us to get things sorted out quickly, and things went smoothly. Geoff looks good in Superbike. We’re using that class to help work on a few things for Superstock, but we’re going to race Superbike as well and see how we do. Formula Xtreme qualifying went well too. Barney was third but really close to second. It’s always a big challenge to go up against the factory guys, whether it’s practice, qualifying, or the races.” On Saturday, Barnes will look to claim his second Formula Xtreme podium of the year, while May will contest the 28-lap Superbike race following final qualifying for the class in the morning. Superstock and Supersport qualifying will be completed as well in preparation of Sunday’s 17-lap races.

Robertino Pietri, Son Of 1980s Superbike Racer Roberto Pietri, Racing At VIR

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Robertino Pietri, the son of 1970s and 1980s Superbike racer Roberto Pietri, is racing a Venemotos Yamaha in Formula Xtreme at the VIR AMA National this weekend and will also compete at Road Atlanta next weekend. He was 19th-fastest in Formula Xtreme practice this morning. The young Pietri made his U.S. racing debut with Formula USA at Barber Motorsports Park two weekends ago, with a best finish of fifth. Pietri races a YZF-R1 in Venezuela and has also raced in Italy.

British Superbike Races On Monday At Cadwell

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RIZLA SUZUKI LOOK FOR CADWELL BOOST Rizla Suzuki’s John Reynolds and James Haydon are calling on their fans to give them a boost when they race at Cadwell Park in the 10th round of the British Superbike Championship this Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th. Traditionally one of the most popular races of the year with crowds in excess of 40,000 making the trip to the picturesque Lincolnshire circuit, Cadwell Park is an amphitheatre of action and a circuit where the riders get closer to the fans than anywhere else on the calendar. Reynolds said: “At Cadwell you are so close to the fans that you can actually hear them cheering you on. I swear that you can see the whites of their eyes and as fast as you are riding, they help lift you over the mountain section of the circuit. This is one venue where the support of the fans can make a difference to the race – they can really motivate you. “I finished Silverstone last weekend with another podium and probably the best race bike I have ever ridden. I’m back to fitness and want to get further up the podium at Cadwell Park. It’s about time Rizla Suzuki was mixing it at the front and I hope it is this weekend.” The 2.18-mile long Cadwell Park track features numerous changes in elevation combined with fast sweeping turns and hairpins that all combine to make it one of the most exciting circuits on the BSB calendar. It takes a fearless rider to master Cadwell Park. “Cadwell Park is a racers circuit and like most racers, I ride on emotion and enjoyment,” enthused Haydon. “I know for sure the fans will give me support this weekend and that will fire me up. “My Rizla Suzuki is pretty close to the way I want it to perform and we are not far off finding a pace that will have me threatening at the front every weekend. Cadwell Park is another opportunity for us to make more progress and, as it’s a Bank Holiday, I think a touch of champagne on Monday would be very fitting.” RIZLA SUZUKI GETS READY FOR ASSEN WSB Dutch racer Jurgen van den Goorbergh sampled the performance of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 that he will campaign at the Assen round of World Superbikes during a private test at Silverstone in Northamptonshire yesterday evening. The 35-year-old who has raced in MotoGP and World Supersport this year will make his Superbike debut at his home Assen track on September 4th using the same Rizla Suzuki bikes raced by British Superbike Champion John Reynolds and his team mate James Haydon. With just 90-minutes of track time at Silverstone it was a busy session as he acquainted himself with both bike and team. After a few minor adjustments of riding position to suit his style, he got down to the job of finding the limits of the Rizla Suzuki in the glorious sunshine. WSB rules state that all competitors must use a control tyre. Rizla Suzuki and Jurgen tested several control tyres and set the GSX-R1000 up to find maximum performance over a race distance. Using the Silverstone GP circuit, Jurgen ended the session less than two-seconds behind the lap record and in positive mood. Rizla Suzuki Team Co-ordinator Simon Green said: “We had an excellent test with Jurgen and he is very complimentary about our Superbike. “He likes the power delivery and we have found a comfortable base setting for him that we will use as our starting point when we go to Assen, which is a very different circuit to Silverstone. We will have our work cut out for us against the WSB regulars while using a control tyre that is new to us, but with Jurgen we have a rider with intimate circuit knowledge and we hope to acquit ourselves well.”

Vmoto Vintage Finale Set For Reno-Fernley Raceway September 10-11

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Vmoto’s Reno Vintage Motorcycle Road Races set for September 10th and 11th The Vintage Motorcycle Racing Association’s (Vmoto) final road race of the 2005 season will take place at the new Reno-Fernley Raceway on September 10th and 11th 2005. Reno-Fernley is the newest track on the west coast and is perfectly suited to vintage motorcycle road racing. Inexpensive lodging and its proximity to Reno’s Casinos makes for a fun weekend for all vintage racers. AHRMA and FIM vintage road racers are welcome at this event. New riders to the sport are also welcome and can participate in the races or if they choose the less competitive Vmoto Regularity ride. Regularity riders do not need a competition license to participate. In an effort to bring new riders into the sport, Vmoto is offering discounts entry fees for this event. If an current racer brings one new racer their entry will be 50% off, two racers 75% off and three new racers their entry will be FREE!. This offer is good for racers and regularity riders, members or non members. In addition to the great racing, Vmoto will have a party and Wine Tasting on Saturday evening at the track (4:00 to 6:00). Vmoto’s wine sponsor Villa Italia will providing a great selection of their wines for participants to sample in addition to appetizers and o’dourves. For more information on the event go to: ~http://www.vintagemoto.com/events/05_events/Reno-sept.html~ To enter on line go to: ~http://www.vintagemoto.com/secure/events/reno-priority.html~ Or call the Vmoto office, 650-903-4880

Updated Post: Mladin Fastest In First AMA Superbike Qualifying Session At VIR

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Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin claimed provisional pole position for the Suzuki Big Kahuna AMA Superbike event during qualifying Friday afternoon at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), near Danville, Virginia. Riding a Dunlop-shod GSX-R1000, Mladin turned a fastest time of 1:24.933, 0.3 second faster than his nearest rival but 0.3 seconds slower than he went in Friday morning practice. Mladin used race-compound tires during both sessions and explained that the track got slower in the heat of the afternoon. Mladin’s junior teammate and main Championship threat Ben Spies was the second-fastest man Friday, lowering his time (1:25.633) from practice to a 1:25.293 (which he did on a race-compound tire) in qualifying. Jake Zemke, who unlike most of the factory Superbike men did not test at VIR this season, was third-quickest with a time of 1:26.038 on his American Honda CBR1000RR and followed by fourth-fastest Neil Hodgson, who turned a 1:26.076 (one second slower than his best test time) on his Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin 999. Zemke’s teammate Miguel Duhamel, Yoshimura Suzuki rider Aaron Yates, Hodgson’s teammate Eric Bostrom (who hasn’t raced at VIR since 2002, when he won a Superbike race on the 750cc Kawasaki ZX-7RR) and Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes earned spots on the provisional second row. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Geoff May was the highest non-Dunlop qualifier, ninth on his Pirelli-shod, Superstock-spec GSX-R1000, ahead of Lion Racing Suzuki’s Jake Holden (who is riding on developmental Pirelli slicks for the second weekend), Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts (who is using a new swingarm and shock linkage custom fabricated for his CBR1000RR by the Team Roberts raceshop in England) and Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore on the provisional third row. Final qualifying positions for both of this weekend’s Superbike races will be decided during a 30-minute qualifying session Saturday morning. Friday Afternoon’s Provisional AMA Superbike Qualifying Results: 1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki, 1:24.933 2. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:25.294 3. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:26.039 4. Neil Hodgson, Ducati, 1:26.076 5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:26.092 6. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 1:26.115 7. Eric Bostrom, Ducati, 1:26.600 8. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki, 1:26.656 9. Geoff May, Suzuki, 1:26.768 10. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:27.001 11. Kurtis Roberts, Honda, 1:27.019 12. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 1:27.151 13. Larry Pegram, Honda, 1:27.694 14. Marty Craggill, Suzuki, 1:27.698 15. John Haner, Suzuki, 1:27.847 16. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:27.848 17. Eric Wood, Suzuki, 1:28.083 18. Jeremy Toye, Honda, 1:28.274 19. Brent George, Suzuki, 1:28.821 20. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:28.841 21. Brian Stokes, Yamaha, 1:28.878 22. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:29.059 23. Cory West, Suzuki, 1:29.213 24. Scott Jensen, Suzuki, 1:29.292 25. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 1:29.526 26. Tony Meiring, Suzuki, 1:29.541 27. Matt Lynn, Suzuki, 1:29.883 28. Jason Curtis, Suzuki, 1:30.178 29. Akira Tamitsuji, Suzuki, 1:30.509 30. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki, 1:30.651 31. David Bell, Suzuki, 1:30.654 32. James Kerker, Honda, 1:31.076 33. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki, 1:31.183 34. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:31.223 35. Marco Martinez, Suzuki, 1:31.658 36. Anthony Fania, Suzuki, 1:31.706 37. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki, 1:31.920 38. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 1:34.272 39. Adam Vella, Suzuki, 1:37.325 40. Reno Karimian, Suzuki, 1:49.762 More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki: Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin has set provisional pole position for this weekend’s ‘Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals’ double-header AMA Superbike Championship round at Virginia International Raceway at Alton. The reigning AMA Champion recorded a time of 1:24.933 on his GSX-R1000 around the 2.25-mile Virginia circuit to beat team mate Ben Spies (1:25.293) and Honda’s Jake Zemke (1:26.038) as Aaron Yates grabbed sixth position on the grid with a time of 1:26.115. Said Mladin: “The session went pretty good. We were consistently right there in the low 25s.” Two rounds and four races remain in the Championship and only nine points separate leader Mladin and team mate Spies. Mladin leads on 397 points with Spies on 388 and Yates in fourth place on 316. More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin: HODGSON ON THE PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW IN VIRGINIA Alton, VA (August 26) – Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin riders Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom qualified provisionally at Virginia International Raceway on Friday. Neil put his Ducati 999 Superbike in fourth position and Eric Bostrom was seventh in the first qualifying session of the weekend. “We were on the front row with today’s lap time,” said Hodgson, whose best time was 1:26.076. Neil added he thought the track wasn’t quite the same as when he rode his Ducati at VIR the first time. “It didn’t seem quite as grippy as it was during the test here. The track’s quite greasy. We’ve been playing around with the settings a bit but I’m still not happy with it. There will be more for tomorrow.” “It wasn’t too bad today,” said Hodgson, who had several laps in the 1:26 range in the session held in warm and sunny conditions. “I’m not disappointed or anything, I’m just wondering why all of the top racers seem like they are about a second slower than what we should be.” After having the second quickest time at the test and winning three races this year, former VIR winner Eric Bostrom expected a better result on Friday but still was timed at a respectable 1:26.599. “Everything seemed a bit vague and I didn’t have a good feel for the racetrack,” said Eric. “To be quick in testing and to come back and struggle, I’m not happy with it. We’ll look at all the data and come up with something tomorrow. ” Bostrom and Hodgson will qualify again tomorrow before the first of two 28-lap races of the weekend. “As far as the lap times go, it was one of those days where we might have struggled a little bit compared to what we think we can do,” said team owner Terry Gregoricka, “We have some good ideas to get the guys comfortable and we’re not discouraged at all.”

Yates Leads Friday AMA Superstock Practice At Virginia

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Provisional Friday Morning AMA Superstock Practice Times: 1. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 1:26.479 2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:27.224 3. Roger Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:27.483 4. Geoff May, Suzuki, 1:27.551 5. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:27.643 6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 1:27.847 7. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:27.876 8. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:27.959 9. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:28.041 10. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 1:28.162 11. Eric Wood, Suzuki, 1:28.312 12. John Haner, Suzuki, 1:28.645 13. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:29.050 14. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:29.170 15. Brent George, Suzuki, 1:29.295 16. Tony Meiring, Suzuki, 1:29.432 17. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.588 18. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki, 1:29.579 19. Akira Tamitsuji, Suzuki, 1:29.933 20. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 1:30.003 21. Blake Young, Suzuki, 1:30.392 22. Matt Lynn, Suzuki, 1:30.418 23. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki, 1:31.609 24. Tim Rinaldi, Suzuki, 1:32.316 25. Montez Stewart, Suzuki, 1:32.442 26. Kenny Rodriguez, Honda, 1:32.832 27. Reno Karimian, Suzuki, 1:33.748 28. Jeremy Haiduk, Yamaha, 1:34.242 29. Cory Call, Suzuki, 1:34.420 30. David Loikits, Suzuki, 1:34.889 31. Adrian Jones, Suzuki, 1:35.008 32. Brad Puetz, Suzuki, 1:37.779 33. Adam Vella, Suzuki, 1:38.072 34. Ivan Garza, Suzuki, 1:38.401 35. David Littlebrook, Suzuki, 1:42.970

DuHamel Fastest In First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice At VIR

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1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:26.869 2. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:27.315 3. Ben Attard, Kawasaki, 1:28.380 4. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 1:28.580 5. Robert Jensen, Yamaha, 1:28.723 6. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki, 1:29.117 7. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:29.612 8. Chris Peris, Yamaha, 1:29.735 9. Mike Hale, Honda, 1:29.779 10. Ryan Andrews, Ducati, 1:30.623 11. Shea Fouchek, Suzuki, 1:31.228 12. Mike Ciccotto, Buell, 1:31.305 13. Nathan Hester, Yamaha, 1:31.864 14. Taylor Knapp, Yamaha, 1:31.894 15. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:31.946 16. Nick Moore, Yamaha, 1:32.173 17. Trey Yonce, Yamaha, 1:32.694 18. Armando Ferrer, Yamaha, 1:32.805 19. Robertino Pietri, Yamaha, 1:33.100 20. Victor Chirinos, Yamaha, 1:33.307 21. Tim Rinaldi, Yamaha, 1:33.759 22. Justin Filice, Honda, 1:34.241 23. Jeff Johnson, Buell, 1:34.905 24. Lance Yeager, Kawasaki, 1:35.325 25. Jessica Zalusky, Kawasaki, 1:37.496 26. Ivan Garza, Suzuki, 1:38.402 27. Charles Sipp, Buell, 1:38.920 28. Mark Kittel, Honda, 1:41.563

Provisional 250cc GP Pole Position At Brno Goes To Pedrosa

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Friday Afternoon’s 250cc GP Qualifying Results: 1. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 2:03.184 2. Jorge LORENZO, Honda, 2:03.332 3. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 2:03.471 4. Casey STONER, Aprilia, 2:03.520 5. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 2:03.577 6. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 2:03.611 7. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 2:03.635 8. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 2:04.291 9. Hector BARBERA, Honda, 2:04.564 10. Simone CORSI, Aprilia, 2:04.682 11. Yuki TAKAHASHI, Honda, 2:04.748 12. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 2:04.928 13. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 2:05.023 14. Jakub SMRZ, Honda, 2:05.431 15. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 2:05.590

Results Of The Inaugural Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge At VIR

Alton, Va. (August 26) Former extreme snowboarding champion-turned-motorcycle racer Jessica Zalusky anchored the winning team in the inaugural Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge at VIRginia International Raceway on Thursday. The race was a promotional event in advance of this weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR featuring the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, and gave 10 race fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race with some of the world’s top motorcycle races. Ten teams, each comprised of a Superbike racer, a media celebrity, a staff member from VIR, AMA or race promoters Race Promotion Management (RPM) and a fan, raced in an enduro format on VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track. Each driver got eight laps of the 5/8-mile circuit in identically-prepared 200cc Zip karts, and the fastest laps of each team’s four drivers were added together to create cumulative scores. The winning team consisted of Kawasaki Formula Xtreme competitor Zalusky, speedtv.com director Mark Mitchell, AMA Superbike Championship series manager Ron Barrick and fan Matt Boike of Charlotte, N.C. Their combined total time was 208.38sec, with Zalusky turning the fastest lap of the race at 48.10. “What an awesome event,” Zalusky said. “VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track is almost as much fun as the regular racetrack, and we had a ball. It was great to beat all the big guys, and I’m looking forward to defending my title next year. My teammates all did a great job, and the other teams put up a fierce battle. They may argue the point, but we are confident that the best team won. Plus, we have the trophies!” The second-place team consisted of Ducati Superbike star Neil Hodgson, Speed TV personality Greg White, RPM staff announcer Danny Walker and fan Paul Thorpe of Sicklerville, N.J. Their total cumulative time was 210.13sec. Hodgson was not pleased with the outcome. “I was completely robbed!” he said, with just the slightest hint of a smile. “I’m still waiting for a steward’s inquiry about Miguel Duhamel’s pass on me into the first corner. It was clearly a crazy and dangerous move. Someone could have been injured, so I’m really disappointed. You know, from an experienced, really old guy like him, you would expect a lot more maturity.” Hodgson also took exception to Zalusky’s claim of victory. “It’s still debatable,” he noted. “You know, our kart was not the fastest out there, but I think, based on driving performance, we far outshone the rest of the field. Next year, I’ll be tuning the kart like everybody else did. You learn from your mistakes, so I’ll be faster next year.” Finishing third was the team of Honda Superbike and Formula Xtreme veteran Duhamel, former Superbike champ Jamie James (serving as temporary correspondent for Cycle News), Speed TV event marketing supervisor Donato Bonaquisto and fan Mike Hummel of Greensboro, N.C. The team’s total cumulative time was 210.97sec. Duhamel took particular exception to Hodgson’s characterization of him. “Well, I might be old,” he said with mock indignation, “but the No. 2 plate is in my truck, so I don’t know where he finished! You know, I’m an old guy, and I don’t have time to go for the long lines like he does. I go for the short, tight lines. “And he ran into me! He was trying to turn into me. I was clearly in the right. I’m very pleased for the team. I just don’t understand what happened. I think, for sure, though, with Ron Barrick being in the picture there, something must have been done. There’s no way that guy could be part of any winning team in kart racing. Actually, he should have been docked 10 second for taking Josh Hayes out and bragging about it! That just doesn’t seem right to me. “In my heart, though, I know that I won. Not the team, me! You know, that’s the way I keep myself happy when I wake up. It’s always a beautiful day. “But it was a fun, fun event. I really liked it. The racing was great. I did bump Neil, and I’ll do it again if it’s for the win. So we’ll be back next year for the rematch.” Fourth place went to the team of Kawasaki Supersport star Roger Hayden, Speed TV announcer Brian Drebber, AMA tech official Kevin Crowther and fan Paul Guiomor of Long Branch, N.J., with a cumulative time of 211.16sec. Taking fifth place was the team of Suzuki Superbike title contender Ben Spies, Road Racer X editor Chris Jonnum, VIR staffer Burt Howerton and fan Dale McFaddin of Callands, Va., posting a time of 211.48sec. The sixth-place team of Ducati Superbike star Eric Bostrom, AMA Superbike media director Donnie Clark, RPM staffer Isan Hung and fan Lincoln Hurd of Knoxville, Tenn., would have finished second, but Bostrom was penalized three seconds for taking what the race stewards deemed a “creative” line through one of the corners that included much curb and grass, not to mention about .4sec less lap time than everybody else. A semi-recalcitrant Bostrom said later, ” I wasn’t really up front where I wanted to be, so, you know, a little cuttin’ the track,.. We deserved every bit of the penalty we got. I apologize to my team for cheating. I feel like I let them down, but I had more fun that way, and that was what the race was all about. I’ll be back next year, and hopefully I can do it legit!” The lucky fans got to compete with the racing superstars by purchasing advance tickets by August 12 and being entered into a lottery from which 10 names were drawn to compete in the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge. Following the race trophies were presented to the drivers of the top three teams, and fan participants received a CD of photographs taken during the race. RPM vice president Cameron Gray said the event was a huge success. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the way the inaugural Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge turned out,” he said, “Except, of course, for the fact that the kart I was driving was a dog and I was completely cheated out of what was certain victory. Other than that, though, we were thrilled with the way everything went. Speed Channel even showed up to tape the race for their ‘2 Wheel Tuesday’ show, and everybody is already talking about next year. I can guarantee you that I’ll be driving a faster kart next time around, and then we’ll see who’s bragging about a first-place trophy!” Gray also said that Matt Boike, the fan participant on the winning team, will be given a three-day pass to next year’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals so that he can come back to defend his title. Tickets for this weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals can be purchased at the gate, with availability limited to three-day passes for $60 and pit walk passes for $40. The event schedule for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals includes two feature races for the headlining AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as feature races for the supporting classes including the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, AMA Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The 2.25-mile VIR North Course circuit on which the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will take place has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information on VIRginia International Raceway, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on Race Promotion Management, visit their website at www.rpmcolorado.com or contact them via telephone at 303-377-3278. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.amasuperbike.com.

Former Isle Of Man TT Winner Harris To Race At Road Atlanta AMA Event

The Augusta Triumph/Ducati Racing Team would like to welcome Shawn Harris, our rider for the 2005 Suzuki Superbike Showdown at Road Atlanta, September 2 -4. Shawn, from New Plymouth, New Zealand, is the 2003 Isle of Man TT winner in both the 1000cc and 600cc production races. He has held several championships in New Zealand and debuted at the TT winning the best newcomer award. We invite our friends and supporters to stop by to say hello and welcome Shawn to the U.S. Editorial Note: Harris will ride a Triumph Daytona 600 in Formula Xtreme.

Updated Post: Duhamel On AMA Formula Xtreme Pole At VIR

American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel pulled closer in the AMA Formula Xtreme Championship standings by earning his fourth pole position of the season during qualifying Friday at Virginia International Raceway — and the bonus Championship point that comes with it. Duhamel, who is the defending class Champion and currently second in the standings, succeeded Friday afternoon by turning a lap of 1:26.581 a new class lap record — on his Dunlop-qualifier-shod American Honda CBR600RR. Duhamel may have gone even faster had he not experienced a mechanical problem while on a fast lap with his second qualifying tire. Earning the bonus Championship point keeps Duhamel in a position where he can win the AMA Formula Xtreme Championship by taking the maximum points available in the final two race events. Duhamel’s teammate and the current Championship leader Jake Zemke (1:27.182) was satisfied with qualifying second, considering he missed a mid-season test at VIR while recovering from a minor injury, and the progress he made with his CBR600RR’s set-up Friday. Third-fastest Michael Barnes (1:27.270) just missed out qualifying Zemke on his Pirelli-qualifier-equipped Team M4 EMGO Suzuki GSX-R600. Young Australian Ben Attard earned the final spot on the Formula Xtreme front row with a time of 1:27.961 on his Dunlop-fitted Attack Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results: 1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:26.581 2. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:27.182 3. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 1:27.270 4. Ben Attard, Kawasaki, 1:27.961 5. Chris Peris, Yamaha, 1:28.558 6. Robert Jensen, Yamaha, 1:28.686 7. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki, 1:28.707 8. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:29.008 9. Mike Hale, Honda, 1:29.945 10. Ryan Andrews, Ducati, 1:30.409 11. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:30.764 12. Mike Ciccotto, Buell, 1:31.012 13. Trey Yonce, Yamaha, 1:31.464 14. Taylor Knapp, Yamaha, 1:31.618 15. Nathan Hester, Yamaha, 1:31.720 16. Robertino Pietri, Yamaha, 1:31.763 17. Shea Fouchek, Suzuki, 1:31.808 18. Armando Ferrer, Yamaha, 1:32.136 19. Nick Moore, Yamaha, 1:32.176 20. Victor Chirinos, Yamaha, 1:32.759 21. Tim Rinaldi, Yamaha, 1:33.103 22. Justin Filice, Honda, 1:33.482 23. Scott Harwood, Honda, 1:34.777 24. Jeff Johnson, Buell, 1:35.080 25. Lance Yeager, Kawasaki, 1:35.594 26. Mark Kittel, Honda, 1:35.987 27. Charles Sipp, Buell, 1:36.498 28. Jessica Zalusky, Kawasaki, 1:36.530 112% of fast time qualifying limit = 1:36.970 More, from a press release issued by M4 EMGO Suzuki: BARNES THIRD IN FX QUALIFYING AT VIR Team M4 EMGO Suzuki kicked off the second to last round of the 2005 AMA road racing season with a strong showing on Friday at Virginia International Raceway. By the conclusion of the day, the squad had locked up a front-row grid position and put in several other impressive performances. Michael Barnes continued to challenge the front-running factory riders in Formula Xtreme, qualifying his trick GSX-R600-based FX machine on the front row. The Floridian’s best lap of 1:27.270 was good enough to claim the third spot on the grid and less than a tenth of a second off the time set by his factory-backed rival who qualified second. Afterwards, Barnes said, “I feel pretty good. We were on race tires for at least the first half of the session and we were nice and comfortable in the ’27s on the race tires. So we accomplished one of our tasks for qualifying and that was to be comfortable on race tires. Then we went for something a little bit softer for a fast lap and they kept on coming and coming. I feel like if I just kept on throwing tires at it, I was going to keep on taking tenths off. The Pirellis worked awesome and my Suzuki just worked flawlessly the whole time. The competition is very tough and they’re making work hard, but I couldn’t be more pleased.” Teammate Geoff May qualified for tomorrow’s Superbike final aboard his Superstock-spec GSX-R1000. May outpaced all but the riders armed with dedicated Superbikes, putting his big-bore Suzuki ninth on the provisional order with a fast lap of 1:26.768. May was also in the top ten in the morning’s Superstock and Supersport free practices. The Georgian was a stellar fourth quick aboard his 1000cc GSX-R in Superstock with a best lap of 1:27.551. He backed that up by running tenth overall in Supersport aboard his GSX-R600 at 1:29.247. Barnes also got in the top ten in the Superstock practice, laying down the tenth fastest lap at 1:28.162. Team Crew Chief Keith Perry said of the day, “It went pretty well, actually. I think coming here a month or so back helped us to get things sorted out quickly, and things went smoothly. Geoff looks good in Superbike. We’re using that class to help work on a few things for Superstock, but we’re going to race Superbike as well and see how we do. Formula Xtreme qualifying went well too. Barney was third but really close to second. It’s always a big challenge to go up against the factory guys, whether it’s practice, qualifying, or the races.” On Saturday, Barnes will look to claim his second Formula Xtreme podium of the year, while May will contest the 28-lap Superbike race following final qualifying for the class in the morning. Superstock and Supersport qualifying will be completed as well in preparation of Sunday’s 17-lap races.

Robertino Pietri, Son Of 1980s Superbike Racer Roberto Pietri, Racing At VIR

Robertino Pietri, the son of 1970s and 1980s Superbike racer Roberto Pietri, is racing a Venemotos Yamaha in Formula Xtreme at the VIR AMA National this weekend and will also compete at Road Atlanta next weekend. He was 19th-fastest in Formula Xtreme practice this morning. The young Pietri made his U.S. racing debut with Formula USA at Barber Motorsports Park two weekends ago, with a best finish of fifth. Pietri races a YZF-R1 in Venezuela and has also raced in Italy.

British Superbike Races On Monday At Cadwell

RIZLA SUZUKI LOOK FOR CADWELL BOOST Rizla Suzuki’s John Reynolds and James Haydon are calling on their fans to give them a boost when they race at Cadwell Park in the 10th round of the British Superbike Championship this Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th. Traditionally one of the most popular races of the year with crowds in excess of 40,000 making the trip to the picturesque Lincolnshire circuit, Cadwell Park is an amphitheatre of action and a circuit where the riders get closer to the fans than anywhere else on the calendar. Reynolds said: “At Cadwell you are so close to the fans that you can actually hear them cheering you on. I swear that you can see the whites of their eyes and as fast as you are riding, they help lift you over the mountain section of the circuit. This is one venue where the support of the fans can make a difference to the race – they can really motivate you. “I finished Silverstone last weekend with another podium and probably the best race bike I have ever ridden. I’m back to fitness and want to get further up the podium at Cadwell Park. It’s about time Rizla Suzuki was mixing it at the front and I hope it is this weekend.” The 2.18-mile long Cadwell Park track features numerous changes in elevation combined with fast sweeping turns and hairpins that all combine to make it one of the most exciting circuits on the BSB calendar. It takes a fearless rider to master Cadwell Park. “Cadwell Park is a racers circuit and like most racers, I ride on emotion and enjoyment,” enthused Haydon. “I know for sure the fans will give me support this weekend and that will fire me up. “My Rizla Suzuki is pretty close to the way I want it to perform and we are not far off finding a pace that will have me threatening at the front every weekend. Cadwell Park is another opportunity for us to make more progress and, as it’s a Bank Holiday, I think a touch of champagne on Monday would be very fitting.” RIZLA SUZUKI GETS READY FOR ASSEN WSB Dutch racer Jurgen van den Goorbergh sampled the performance of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 that he will campaign at the Assen round of World Superbikes during a private test at Silverstone in Northamptonshire yesterday evening. The 35-year-old who has raced in MotoGP and World Supersport this year will make his Superbike debut at his home Assen track on September 4th using the same Rizla Suzuki bikes raced by British Superbike Champion John Reynolds and his team mate James Haydon. With just 90-minutes of track time at Silverstone it was a busy session as he acquainted himself with both bike and team. After a few minor adjustments of riding position to suit his style, he got down to the job of finding the limits of the Rizla Suzuki in the glorious sunshine. WSB rules state that all competitors must use a control tyre. Rizla Suzuki and Jurgen tested several control tyres and set the GSX-R1000 up to find maximum performance over a race distance. Using the Silverstone GP circuit, Jurgen ended the session less than two-seconds behind the lap record and in positive mood. Rizla Suzuki Team Co-ordinator Simon Green said: “We had an excellent test with Jurgen and he is very complimentary about our Superbike. “He likes the power delivery and we have found a comfortable base setting for him that we will use as our starting point when we go to Assen, which is a very different circuit to Silverstone. We will have our work cut out for us against the WSB regulars while using a control tyre that is new to us, but with Jurgen we have a rider with intimate circuit knowledge and we hope to acquit ourselves well.”

Vmoto Vintage Finale Set For Reno-Fernley Raceway September 10-11

Vmoto’s Reno Vintage Motorcycle Road Races set for September 10th and 11th The Vintage Motorcycle Racing Association’s (Vmoto) final road race of the 2005 season will take place at the new Reno-Fernley Raceway on September 10th and 11th 2005. Reno-Fernley is the newest track on the west coast and is perfectly suited to vintage motorcycle road racing. Inexpensive lodging and its proximity to Reno’s Casinos makes for a fun weekend for all vintage racers. AHRMA and FIM vintage road racers are welcome at this event. New riders to the sport are also welcome and can participate in the races or if they choose the less competitive Vmoto Regularity ride. Regularity riders do not need a competition license to participate. In an effort to bring new riders into the sport, Vmoto is offering discounts entry fees for this event. If an current racer brings one new racer their entry will be 50% off, two racers 75% off and three new racers their entry will be FREE!. This offer is good for racers and regularity riders, members or non members. In addition to the great racing, Vmoto will have a party and Wine Tasting on Saturday evening at the track (4:00 to 6:00). Vmoto’s wine sponsor Villa Italia will providing a great selection of their wines for participants to sample in addition to appetizers and o’dourves. For more information on the event go to: ~http://www.vintagemoto.com/events/05_events/Reno-sept.html~ To enter on line go to: ~http://www.vintagemoto.com/secure/events/reno-priority.html~ Or call the Vmoto office, 650-903-4880

Updated Post: Mladin Fastest In First AMA Superbike Qualifying Session At VIR

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin claimed provisional pole position for the Suzuki Big Kahuna AMA Superbike event during qualifying Friday afternoon at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), near Danville, Virginia. Riding a Dunlop-shod GSX-R1000, Mladin turned a fastest time of 1:24.933, 0.3 second faster than his nearest rival but 0.3 seconds slower than he went in Friday morning practice. Mladin used race-compound tires during both sessions and explained that the track got slower in the heat of the afternoon. Mladin’s junior teammate and main Championship threat Ben Spies was the second-fastest man Friday, lowering his time (1:25.633) from practice to a 1:25.293 (which he did on a race-compound tire) in qualifying. Jake Zemke, who unlike most of the factory Superbike men did not test at VIR this season, was third-quickest with a time of 1:26.038 on his American Honda CBR1000RR and followed by fourth-fastest Neil Hodgson, who turned a 1:26.076 (one second slower than his best test time) on his Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin 999. Zemke’s teammate Miguel Duhamel, Yoshimura Suzuki rider Aaron Yates, Hodgson’s teammate Eric Bostrom (who hasn’t raced at VIR since 2002, when he won a Superbike race on the 750cc Kawasaki ZX-7RR) and Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes earned spots on the provisional second row. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Geoff May was the highest non-Dunlop qualifier, ninth on his Pirelli-shod, Superstock-spec GSX-R1000, ahead of Lion Racing Suzuki’s Jake Holden (who is riding on developmental Pirelli slicks for the second weekend), Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts (who is using a new swingarm and shock linkage custom fabricated for his CBR1000RR by the Team Roberts raceshop in England) and Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore on the provisional third row. Final qualifying positions for both of this weekend’s Superbike races will be decided during a 30-minute qualifying session Saturday morning. Friday Afternoon’s Provisional AMA Superbike Qualifying Results: 1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki, 1:24.933 2. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:25.294 3. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:26.039 4. Neil Hodgson, Ducati, 1:26.076 5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:26.092 6. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 1:26.115 7. Eric Bostrom, Ducati, 1:26.600 8. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki, 1:26.656 9. Geoff May, Suzuki, 1:26.768 10. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:27.001 11. Kurtis Roberts, Honda, 1:27.019 12. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 1:27.151 13. Larry Pegram, Honda, 1:27.694 14. Marty Craggill, Suzuki, 1:27.698 15. John Haner, Suzuki, 1:27.847 16. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:27.848 17. Eric Wood, Suzuki, 1:28.083 18. Jeremy Toye, Honda, 1:28.274 19. Brent George, Suzuki, 1:28.821 20. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:28.841 21. Brian Stokes, Yamaha, 1:28.878 22. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:29.059 23. Cory West, Suzuki, 1:29.213 24. Scott Jensen, Suzuki, 1:29.292 25. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 1:29.526 26. Tony Meiring, Suzuki, 1:29.541 27. Matt Lynn, Suzuki, 1:29.883 28. Jason Curtis, Suzuki, 1:30.178 29. Akira Tamitsuji, Suzuki, 1:30.509 30. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki, 1:30.651 31. David Bell, Suzuki, 1:30.654 32. James Kerker, Honda, 1:31.076 33. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki, 1:31.183 34. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:31.223 35. Marco Martinez, Suzuki, 1:31.658 36. Anthony Fania, Suzuki, 1:31.706 37. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki, 1:31.920 38. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 1:34.272 39. Adam Vella, Suzuki, 1:37.325 40. Reno Karimian, Suzuki, 1:49.762 More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki: Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin has set provisional pole position for this weekend’s ‘Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals’ double-header AMA Superbike Championship round at Virginia International Raceway at Alton. The reigning AMA Champion recorded a time of 1:24.933 on his GSX-R1000 around the 2.25-mile Virginia circuit to beat team mate Ben Spies (1:25.293) and Honda’s Jake Zemke (1:26.038) as Aaron Yates grabbed sixth position on the grid with a time of 1:26.115. Said Mladin: “The session went pretty good. We were consistently right there in the low 25s.” Two rounds and four races remain in the Championship and only nine points separate leader Mladin and team mate Spies. Mladin leads on 397 points with Spies on 388 and Yates in fourth place on 316. More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin: HODGSON ON THE PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW IN VIRGINIA Alton, VA (August 26) – Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin riders Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom qualified provisionally at Virginia International Raceway on Friday. Neil put his Ducati 999 Superbike in fourth position and Eric Bostrom was seventh in the first qualifying session of the weekend. “We were on the front row with today’s lap time,” said Hodgson, whose best time was 1:26.076. Neil added he thought the track wasn’t quite the same as when he rode his Ducati at VIR the first time. “It didn’t seem quite as grippy as it was during the test here. The track’s quite greasy. We’ve been playing around with the settings a bit but I’m still not happy with it. There will be more for tomorrow.” “It wasn’t too bad today,” said Hodgson, who had several laps in the 1:26 range in the session held in warm and sunny conditions. “I’m not disappointed or anything, I’m just wondering why all of the top racers seem like they are about a second slower than what we should be.” After having the second quickest time at the test and winning three races this year, former VIR winner Eric Bostrom expected a better result on Friday but still was timed at a respectable 1:26.599. “Everything seemed a bit vague and I didn’t have a good feel for the racetrack,” said Eric. “To be quick in testing and to come back and struggle, I’m not happy with it. We’ll look at all the data and come up with something tomorrow. ” Bostrom and Hodgson will qualify again tomorrow before the first of two 28-lap races of the weekend. “As far as the lap times go, it was one of those days where we might have struggled a little bit compared to what we think we can do,” said team owner Terry Gregoricka, “We have some good ideas to get the guys comfortable and we’re not discouraged at all.”

Yates Leads Friday AMA Superstock Practice At Virginia

Provisional Friday Morning AMA Superstock Practice Times: 1. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, 1:26.479 2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:27.224 3. Roger Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:27.483 4. Geoff May, Suzuki, 1:27.551 5. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:27.643 6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 1:27.847 7. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:27.876 8. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:27.959 9. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:28.041 10. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 1:28.162 11. Eric Wood, Suzuki, 1:28.312 12. John Haner, Suzuki, 1:28.645 13. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:29.050 14. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:29.170 15. Brent George, Suzuki, 1:29.295 16. Tony Meiring, Suzuki, 1:29.432 17. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.588 18. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki, 1:29.579 19. Akira Tamitsuji, Suzuki, 1:29.933 20. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki, 1:30.003 21. Blake Young, Suzuki, 1:30.392 22. Matt Lynn, Suzuki, 1:30.418 23. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki, 1:31.609 24. Tim Rinaldi, Suzuki, 1:32.316 25. Montez Stewart, Suzuki, 1:32.442 26. Kenny Rodriguez, Honda, 1:32.832 27. Reno Karimian, Suzuki, 1:33.748 28. Jeremy Haiduk, Yamaha, 1:34.242 29. Cory Call, Suzuki, 1:34.420 30. David Loikits, Suzuki, 1:34.889 31. Adrian Jones, Suzuki, 1:35.008 32. Brad Puetz, Suzuki, 1:37.779 33. Adam Vella, Suzuki, 1:38.072 34. Ivan Garza, Suzuki, 1:38.401 35. David Littlebrook, Suzuki, 1:42.970

DuHamel Fastest In First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice At VIR

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:26.869 2. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:27.315 3. Ben Attard, Kawasaki, 1:28.380 4. Michael Barnes, Suzuki, 1:28.580 5. Robert Jensen, Yamaha, 1:28.723 6. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki, 1:29.117 7. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:29.612 8. Chris Peris, Yamaha, 1:29.735 9. Mike Hale, Honda, 1:29.779 10. Ryan Andrews, Ducati, 1:30.623 11. Shea Fouchek, Suzuki, 1:31.228 12. Mike Ciccotto, Buell, 1:31.305 13. Nathan Hester, Yamaha, 1:31.864 14. Taylor Knapp, Yamaha, 1:31.894 15. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:31.946 16. Nick Moore, Yamaha, 1:32.173 17. Trey Yonce, Yamaha, 1:32.694 18. Armando Ferrer, Yamaha, 1:32.805 19. Robertino Pietri, Yamaha, 1:33.100 20. Victor Chirinos, Yamaha, 1:33.307 21. Tim Rinaldi, Yamaha, 1:33.759 22. Justin Filice, Honda, 1:34.241 23. Jeff Johnson, Buell, 1:34.905 24. Lance Yeager, Kawasaki, 1:35.325 25. Jessica Zalusky, Kawasaki, 1:37.496 26. Ivan Garza, Suzuki, 1:38.402 27. Charles Sipp, Buell, 1:38.920 28. Mark Kittel, Honda, 1:41.563

Provisional 250cc GP Pole Position At Brno Goes To Pedrosa

Friday Afternoon’s 250cc GP Qualifying Results: 1. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 2:03.184 2. Jorge LORENZO, Honda, 2:03.332 3. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 2:03.471 4. Casey STONER, Aprilia, 2:03.520 5. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 2:03.577 6. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 2:03.611 7. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 2:03.635 8. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 2:04.291 9. Hector BARBERA, Honda, 2:04.564 10. Simone CORSI, Aprilia, 2:04.682 11. Yuki TAKAHASHI, Honda, 2:04.748 12. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 2:04.928 13. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 2:05.023 14. Jakub SMRZ, Honda, 2:05.431 15. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 2:05.590