Former race John Wehrli married former Umbrella Girls USA umbrella girl and Speed’s Miss Two-wheel Tuesday Amber Berry August 10 in San Diego, California. LRRS racer Ted Meyer (#242) married girlfriend Cathy New August 20 in The Bronx, New York.
Tommy Hayden’s broken right hand is not 100% healed but is much better than it was when he rode to a second-place finish at Mid-Ohio, when the fracture was only two weeks old, and may be good enough for him to clinch his second straight AMA Supersport Championship at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Hayden suffered a displaced fracture to the third metacarpal in his right hand when he crashed during the AMA Superstock race at Laguna Seca July 10. Thanks to modifications his crew made to his hand controls, Hayden was able to ride in the Supersport race later that day and, after surgery to plate the fracture, in the Supersport race at Mid-Ohio, two weeks later. In fact, Hayden finished second at Mid-Ohio and left the track holding a 36-point lead in the Championship over his teammate, and brother, Roger Hayden. If Tommy Hayden can score two points more than his brother at VIR, he would wrap up his second consecutive AMA Supersport title, becoming only the third rider to ever do so. “There’s still some unknown,” said the eldest of the three racing Hayden brothers. “I’m definitely way better than I was at Mid-Ohio, but we tested at Atlanta last week and I’m still not 100%. “But (VIR) should definitely be a lot easier than it was at Atlanta. Atlanta was a lot harder than I expected, because my fingers are all still kind of weak and there’s a lot of hard braking at Atlanta. VIR, I don’t think, has quite as much hard braking, so I don’t think VIR will be a problem.” Tommy Hayden said he was unsure if he would attempt to ride his ZX-10R Superstock bike at VIR. He did not ride the bigger, more powerful bike at Mid-Ohio.
USGPRU Lowers Age Minimum Odenton, MD. The USGPRU powered by AlwaysOnline.net has announced the minimum age limit at select events this year will be lowered to 12 years old. The 12 year old age limit will apply for both the East Coast Regional Final at Autobahn Raceway on Sept 11th and the $10,000 National Championship Final race at Texas World Speedway on Oct 2nd. Select events will also be identified where kids age 12 and older will be allowed to participate in the 2006 season. According to series President, Stewart Aitken-Cade, “By lowering the age minimum, we’re giving these rising superstars the opportunity to further develop their racing skills that much sooner. There are lots of kids that are ready to move to the next level now. We welcome them to our race series as a place to continue developing their skills on their way to the top!” Kids wishing to participate in these events will need to provide proof of former racing experience in other racing disciplines as supermoto, dirt track, or mini-motos before they will be allowed to enter. Each rider’s abilities will be scrutinized on a case by case basis. For complete details, please visit www.USGPRU.net. About USGPRU The USGPRU, Powered by AlwaysOnline.net, is the officially recognized Motorcycle 125 Grand Prix National Championship ® and 250 Grand Prix National Championship (TM) series. The USGPRU emulates true World MotoGP racing experience and serves to attract young riders to gain experience in a professional environment and provide a path to world-class motorcycle racing. The USGPRU structures events with extended length grand prix racing exclusive to the GP machines, timed qualifying and strong contingency and sponsor support. For additional details, visit www.USGPRU.net The 2005 USGPRU National Series sponsors include AlwaysOnline.net, Dialitintracktime.com, Acid Cigars, Roadracingworld.com, Revit Leathers, Bridgestone, Dunlop, EBC Brakes, GPC Moto, Hjelm Motorsports, Ian Emberton Engineering, Motion Pro Cables and Tools, Redline Cycle Imports, Repsol YPF, Rising Sun Cycles, Silkolene, Zambrana Performance, and VP Fuel.
CAN-AM CHALLENGE SERIES RACE REPORT ROUND 5 MOSPORT, AUGUST 19-21 2005.
Round 5 of the Can-Am Challenge Series took place this past weekend at Mosport International Speedway, just outside of Bowmanville, Ontario. The Can-Am was invited to hold a round there by the Vintage Road Racing Association to participate in their main event held annually at one of Canada’s best race tracks. The 250 class was being sponsored by Infinity GP Racing as the 125’s was sponsored when they were there in July for the Parts Canada Superbike weekend.
John Dempsey, the series’ point’s leader in the 125 class, went into the weekend looking to secure the championship, his goal to finish at least one position ahead of Alex Welsh in the final. John Crook, the point’s leader among the 250s, sought to stretch his lead over Nick Colley and Gord MacKay, who were both in fine position to challenge Crook’s attempt to get the Can-Am’s first 250 championship under his belt.
Mosport and Mother Nature were again at odds with each other this weekend; low lying clouds and winds just strong enough to be bothersome threatened most of the day. Top practice times among the 250s belonged to Alain Brault, back from a mechanical seizure suffered at Shannonville three weeks ago. Gord MacKay was second behind Brault’s 1:34.419 with a 1:35.363, and American Joe Melchionda finished off the top three of the session with 1:37.475.
Matt Cooper topped the 125 practice with a 1:36.826, followed by John-Ross MacRae at 1:37.184, and Dempsey followed with 1:38.761. A second session for the G.P. bikes was cancelled as reports of steady rain in corner five came in as the bikes were ready to be sent out in the afternoon. Can-Am officials sent the riders, all on slicks, back to the pits as rain covered the entire track in minutes, ending the day on a somewhat disappointing note. As everyone batten down the hatches in time for a se thunder and lightening storm settled in around the track.
The Can-Am welcomed a few new members this weekend, including 20 year old Adam Roberts from Nova Scotia riding an RS 125, and 14 year old Brett McCormick from Saskatoon mounted on a TZ 125. McCormick is fresh from winning the 2004 Canadian Mini Road Racing Championship; the Can-Am was more then delighted to have the presence of these young riders in the paddock, along with regulars such as 17 year old Welsh and 16 year old J.R. MacRae. As well as a few returning to the Can-Am for the first time this year, Dave Wright, Dave Monahan, and Adam Roberts
Dempsey, Cooper and Mark White topped the Saturday morning session in the 125 group, as Brault, MacKay and Melchionda once again were the top three among the 250s. The afternoon’s thirty minute qualifier was combined, and ran without incident.
Cooper took the 125 pole position for the second time at Mosport this year with 1:34.330, and Brault grabbed pole for the 250s with a 1:30.611. Dave Monahan was chasing gremlins in his 125 all weekend, Mark Jeackle was busy fixing his seized motor along with Marc St.Amand chasing electrical on their 250’s
125 Qualifying Results 1. Matt Cooper 1:34.330 2. Dave Wright 1:34.954 3. John Dempsey 1:35.288 4. Adam Roberts 1:35.451 5. J.R.MacRae 1:36.670 6. Alex Welsh 1:36.696 7. Mark White 1:37.703 8.J.Melchionda 1:38.897 9.Brett McCormick 1:39.891 10.Adam Bennett 1:41.891 11.Jim Bergey 1:42.787 12.Don Murfin 1:45.512
250 Qualifying Results 1. Alain Brault 1:30.611 2. Gord MacKay 1:32.887 3. John Crook 1:34.447 4. J. Melchionda 1:35.777 5. Nick Colley 1:37.821 6. Al Cane 1:40.863 7. Jerry Sadler 1:41.830 8.Patrick Chartrand 1:42.150 9.Laird Shingleton 1:49.909 10.Paul Rostic 1:58.764
Sunday’s morning practice session had late entry rider Mark Rabo back on the track with the four stroke 250F creation; Cooper had an incident at Moss’s but was unhurt; the rest of the session ran without any further problems.
Ambulance delays muddled the schedule somewhat after lunch, and as things were finally set in place to continue, the clouds pulled through on their threat and finally started to drop water over Mosport. The 125s were sent back to the pits to decide which tires to put on their bikes; approximately 20 minutes were available to make the tire-choice gamble, and with the wind pushing the clouds away and the sun straining to breakthrough, the decision was a tough one to make. Series leader Dempsey opted for rain tires, as well as Melchionda and Bergey. White decided to run his intermediates, and the rest of the field stayed with their slicks.
Dempsey led the first two laps with young Adam Roberts pushing on his slicks on the very damp track to pass him, getting by Dempsey at the top of corner four to take the lead in the third lap. Cooper worked to keep veteran rider Dave Wright behind him, and Welsh went to work while in fifth to keep in touch with Wright in front of him. J.R. MacRae crashed in corner nine on the first lap, and was unable to continue. McCormick chased Rabo for five laps, eventually getting by the four stroke. The group of White, Murfin, Bergey, Melchionda and Bennett changed positions a few times, and Dave Monahan brought up the back of the field.
Roberts continued to maintain a safe distance from Dempsey, and Cooper began to creep up behind Dempsey as Dempsey’s rain tires began their protest against the fast drying track. Welsh also gained on Wright, as the group behind them started to slowly spread out slightly. The Nova Scotian would take the checkered flag, as Cooper managed to slip by Dempsey to take second spot on the last lap, and leave Dempsey to settle for third. Wright edged out the hard charging Welsh by mere inches at the finish line.
125 FINAL RESULTS
1. Adam Roberts 2. Matt Cooper 3. John Dempsey 4. Dave Wright 5. Alex Welsh 6. Brett McCormick 7. Mark Rabo 8. Mark White 9. Adam Bennett 10. Don Murfin 11. Joe Melchionda 12. Jim Bergey 13. Dave Monahan DNF-J.R. MacRae
The 250s had a fantastic race; late entry rider Jeff Lowe brought the field up to 13 riders, who all put on a great show to watch. Crook grabbed the lead for the first lap, followed closely by MacKay, Brault, Lowe and Colley. MacKay snatched away Crook’s lead in the second lap, as Lowe made his move on Brault in the third. Brault made his way into the lead on the fourth, moving MacKay into second, and Crook into third. Lowe busied himself with keeping Colley behind him. Behind the leaders, Melchionda put in a great effort to keep in contact with them, but retired in the sixth lap with a mechanical. Marc St.Amand, an SV rider new to G.P. two strokes, struggled with an ailing 250 all weekend, but was able to have a decent ride with Al Cane. Mark Jaeckle, Patrick Chartrand, Jerry Sadler, Laird Shingleton and Paul Rostic would bring up the rest of the field. The battle at the front would result in Brault taking the checkered, followed by Crook and MacKay; Colley passed Lowe for fourth.
250 FINAL RESULTS 1. Alain Brault 2. John Crook 3. Gord MacKay 4. Nick Colley 5. Jeff Lowe 6. Al Cane 7. Marc St.Amand 8. Mark Jaeckle 9. Patrick Chartrand 10. Jerry Sadler 11. Laird Shingleton 12. Paul Rostic DNF-Joe Melchionda
The Can-Am Challenge Series will have its final in two weeks at the Parts Canada SuperBike Labour Day weekend round, at Shannonville Motorsports Park. Sponsored by Infinity GP Racing, our final will have some excitement with Cooper, White and Melchionda, all 1 point apart for 3rd in the 125 Championship, and Crook 39 points ahead of Colley and MacKay who are 2 points apart for second for the 250 Championship
The Can-Am Challenge Series would like to thank their 2005 sponsors Infinity GP Racing, Race Superseries, Hjelm Motorsports, Highside Health Services, Diablo Energy Drink, Bickle Racing, boB, and Flair Photo. The Can-Am Challenge Series would like to add a special thanks to Chris Chapelle, who donated his time to help make our weekend a huge success.
CMRA racer Eric Kancir married Shannon Markham, July 23 in Dallas, Texas.
Ten Lucky Fans Set to Race Karts with Superbike Stars at VIR’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Alton, Va. Ten lucky fans will enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime at VIRginia International Raceway on Thursday, August 25, as they will be competing with and against some of the world’s top motorcycle racers in karts. As part of this weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR, new race promoters Race Promotion Management (RPM) created a promotion in which fans who purchased advance tickets by August 12 were entered into a lottery from which 10 names would be drawn to compete in the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge, a karting enduro to be held at VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track. The event will feature 10 teams with four drivers per team. Each team will be comprised of one Superbike racer, one media celebrity, one staff member from VIR, AMA, RPM or a sponsor, and one fan. Each driver will get 10 laps of the 5/8-mile, 24-foot-wide road racing kart circuit, and then pit for a driver change to one of their teammates. At the end of 40 laps, the team with the lowest cumulative time is declared the winner. Following the race there will be a reception for all the participants, where trophies will be presented and fan participants will receive a CD of photographs taken during the race. The Superbike stars committed to compete include Miguel Duhamel, Eric Bostrom, Roger Lee Hayden, Aaron Yates, Neil Hodgson, Ben Spies, Aaron Gobert, Kevin Schwantz and Larry Pegram. Jamie Hacking was originally scheduled to race, but had to withdraw for medical reasons. A replacement will be named on Thursday. Media celebrities competing include Greg White, Speed Channel pit-lane reporter and host of the popular “2 Wheel Tuesday” program; television producer Chet Burks, whose company will produce the weekend’s races for Speed Channel; David Swarts, associate editor of Roadracing World magazine; Paul Carruthers, editor of Cycle News; Chris Jonnum, editor of Road Racer X; Mark Mitchell, editor of speedtv.com; Rebecca Bowling, of WAKG-FM radio in Danville, Va.; and David Jones, of WBRG-AM radio in Lynchburg, Va.. The lucky fans who will get to compete are: Lincoln Hurd, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Mike Hummel, of Greensboro, N.C.; Dale McFaddin, of Callands, Va.; Tom Krysiak, of Madison, N.C.; Tom Wynn, of Pearisburg, Va.; Paul Guiomor, of Long Branch, N.J.; Cathy Lardieri, of Wayne, N.J.; Jason Pelcman, of Brick, N.J.; Matt Boike, of Charlotte, N.C.; and Paul Thorpe, of Sicklerville, N.J. “We’re really excited about the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge,” said RPM vice president Cameron Gray. “This is the best possible kind of promotion, when you can offer a race fan something that is unobtainable at any price. In this case, 10 average race fans are going to not only be able to meet and hang out with some of their Superbike heroes, they’re actually going to be able to race with and against them. We think this is unprecedented, and look forward to making it an annual event.” The deadline for advance ticket sales has passed, but there are still tickets available at designated ticket outlets throughout Virginia and the Carolinas. Tickets available through the ticket outlets will be limited to three-day passes priced at $55 and single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday priced at $45 each. For a list of ticket outlets, visit www.virclub.com, click on the “Ticket Info” button, scroll down to the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals section and then click on the link that says “Ticket Outlets.” At the gate, ticket availability will be limited to three-day passes for $60, single-day tickets (Friday only) for $10 and pit walk passes for $40. The event schedule for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will include three days of racing action, including 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.
2003 AMA Supersport Champion Jamie Hacking will not race in the final two events of the 2005 AMA Season, at Virginia International Raceway or Road Atlanta, due to elbow injuries he suffered in a training accident in May. Instead, he will continue re-habilitation work to regain full fitness in preparation for racing for Yamaha in 2006. Hacking suffered fractures, soft tissue damage and dislocations of both his elbows when he crashed his road bicycle while training in Colorado in May. He had surgery performed by Dr. Arthur Ting soon after and immediately began an aggressive re-hab program. Hacking, who was second in AMA Supersport points and leading in the Superstock Championship at the time of his accident, originally hoped to come back at Laguna Seca or Mid-Ohio but could not. And after testing (on his YZF-R6 only) at Road Atlanta last week, it appears that Hacking will not race again in 2005. “I rode at the (Road) Atlanta test (last week),” Hacking told Roadracingworld.com in a telephone interview Tuesday. “Coming back from all this re-hab, I told Yamaha that if I was 100% for these last two races that I would do them. After riding and evaluating everything, I was nowhere near 100%. In re-hab, I thought I was good to go, but it’s always different on a bike. “(Yamaha) just want me to get 100% for next year. So the both of us just decided it’s not the best for us to go out there (because) we’ve got nothing to accomplish.” Because he is out of Championship contention, only winning at VIR or Road Atlanta would have benefited Yamaha or Hacking, who said winning one of the races would have been “a good booster going into the off-season, but I don’t need that. I didn’t get hurt on my bike, I got injured on my pedal bike. I don’t need to come back to get my confidence back up.” Hacking said he would much rather finish his re-habilitation and be ready physically for the aggressive testing program Yamaha has scheduled for the off-season, which may begin as early as October. Does that mean Hacking will be with Yamaha in 2006? “Hell, yeah!” said Hacking. “We should have the deal finalized either tomorrow or Thursday.”
ZEMKE AND DUHAMEL BRING BATTLE FOR AMA FORMULA XTREME TITLE AT VIR It’s Yates and DiSalvo to the wire in AMA Superstock PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 23, 2005) — For the second year in a row the battle for the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series title is coming down to the last few races and at Virginia International Raceway on Aug. 26-28, Honda teammates Jake Zemke and Miguel Duhamel will write another chapter of their great 2005 season-long battle. While the Honda mates go toe-to-toe in Xtreme, it’s a battle between experience and youth in the Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series. There veteran Aaron Yates is trying to win back the championship he vacated in 1996 and young Jason DiSalvo is trying to chase down his older rival to score his first AMA title. Zemke and Duhamel have been trading wins all season long on their factory Hondas. Last year it was Duhamel taking the victory at VIR and going on to win the Formula Xtreme No. 1 plate. This year the tables have turned and it’s Zemke leading and Duhamel chasing. Zemke leads by 11 points with just two rounds remaining and is trying to reach the finish line and for the first time take home the top prize. Zemke has been agonizingly close to championships five times in his career and the former flat tracker isn’t breathing easy yet. “Anytime you have someone of Miguel’s stature chasing you for the championship it’s going to be tough,” said Zemke, who has been runner up in Formula Xtreme three times before. “Even though we’re teammates he’s not going to give me an inch and I’ll have to earn this championship one lap at a time.” Duhamel will go down in the record books as one of the best road racers in the history of AMA racing he already has seven AMA road racing titles to his name, but the 37-year-old Montreal native is not ready to rest on his laurels just yet. “Obviously the pressure is on,” Duhamel said. “For both of us it’s going to be tight, right down to the last lap. Jake has ridden really well this season, but I don’t want to go down without really making him earn it. VIR will not lack for excitement, that’s for sure.” While Zemke and Duhamel are focusing on the championship, a few other riders would like to break the Honda stranglehold on the series. The two most likely candidates to break the monopoly at VIR are Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard and Michael Barnes, of M4 EMGO Suzuki. Attard has scored two podium finishes in the series and seems to be coming into his own in recent rounds. Barnes joined his team as a mid-season replacement rider and the veteran has been impressive. Barnes would love to add a Formula Xtreme win trophy to his trophy case. Aaron Yates is heading up the Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series coming into VIR. The Yoshimura Suzuki rider has found a home in the series and a string of three consecutive wins has given the Georgian racing veteran a 14-point lead over Jason DiSalvo. If Yates makes it four in a row at VIR he would become the first to run up a streak like that in the series since Tom Kipp clicked off five straight in the former 750 Supersport Series in 1999. “It’s good to be on a winning streak,” Yates said. “but the championship is still too close for comfort. With just two races to go there’s not a lot of strategy left. I’m going out there to try to keep winning. That’s about it.” Former race winner Lee Acree will also be in the lineup for the VIR Superstock race. Acree’s win here in 2001 was one of the biggest upset wins in the history of the series. The AMA Lockhart Phillips USA formula Xtreme Series race will be televised nationally on SPEED Channel at 1 p.m. (Eastern), Tuesday, Aug. 30. You can also follow the race via live timing and scoring on www.amasuperbike.com. For additional information on the race call (434) 822-7700 or visit www.virclub.com.
Bridgestone Refocuses Road Racing Efforts Nashville, Tenn. – Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) has announced that its motorcycle division will refocus its road racing efforts beginning in 2006. The company plans to redirect its resources toward amateur competition, stepping up its involvement with Championship Cup Series, Formula USA, WERA and other similar organizations. “Our products work very well in amateur road racing,” said Bob Graham, motorcycle and kart product manager for BFNT. “This year we have seen an incredible demand for our products at the amateur level. As a result of this demand, supply was adversely affected. Therefore, we must refocus, and correct supply and inventory levels for 2006. In 2006 additionally, Bridgestone will discontinue service operations at the AMA Nationals, focusing on the amateur level programs. Bridgestone will maintain the current motorcycle race tire distribution system, which works extremely well. The off-road motorcycle racing programs will remain unchanged.” The Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC, is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural, motorcycle and other tires to its customers in North America.
Jensen and Smith Shake Things Up in WERA National at Talladega OXFORD, Ala. Round eight of the WERA National Series featured some of the toughest battles of the season during last weekend’s racing at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway. Team Velocity Racing took their third overall and seventh Heavyweight Superstock class win of the year during Saturday’s four-hour WERA Dunlop National Endurance Series race. Chuck Ivey, Reuben Frankenfield and Mark Crozier have now taken over the championship points lead. Red Star’s William Lindsay, Brett Champagne and Ben Thompson finished second, earning the Mediumweight Superbike win. Army of Darkness took third with Ben Walters, Scott Fisher and Scott Brown riding. Mark Edwards and Billy Etheridge finished fourth overall, giving Team Xtreme/Maxxis the Heavyweight Superbike win. Dalke Motorsports was victorious in Mediumweight Superstock with Josh Smith-Moore, Giovanni Rojas, Keith Marshall and Wrenn Smith at the helm. Blue Ridge Performance riders Martin Musil and Chris Stevenson rode to the Lightweight Superbike class win. Mike Smith and kneedraggers.com’s Robert Jensen dominated the expert ranks during the WERA Michelin National Challenge Series sprint races on Sunday, battling each other and the series regulars in temperatures that soared over 100 degrees. Smith won 750 Superstock and Formula 1, setting the quickest lap time of the day in the latter race with a 0:58.177. Jensen won 600 Superstock and Open Superstock, taking the lead into turn one each time despite having to start from mid-pack on the grid. Team Herrin’s Josh Herrin won 600 Superbike by over 13 seconds, and Keith Marshall took off from the 750 Superbike field to win that race. Ross Ryals won Heavyweight Twins Superstock, and Kris Wall won a red-flag shortened Lightweight Twins Superstock. Roadracingworld.com’s John Ulrich came from fourth to first in the closest Formula 2 race of the season. In the novice division, three riders came away with two wins each. Tony Palarie won 750 Superstock and Superbike, while the 600 Superstock and Superbike wins went to Larry Dulaney. James Johnson dominated Heavyweight Twins Superstock and Lightweight Twins Superstock. In the other novice divisions, J.B. Layman won Open Superstock and Paul Stevens won Formula 2. The WERA National Series has a three-week break before heading north to Nelson Ledges for round nine from September 10-11. More information about WERA, including updated championship points, can be found at www.WERA.com.
Former race John Wehrli married former Umbrella Girls USA umbrella girl and Speed’s Miss Two-wheel Tuesday Amber Berry August 10 in San Diego, California. LRRS racer Ted Meyer (#242) married girlfriend Cathy New August 20 in The Bronx, New York.
Tommy Hayden’s broken right hand is not 100% healed but is much better than it was when he rode to a second-place finish at Mid-Ohio, when the fracture was only two weeks old, and may be good enough for him to clinch his second straight AMA Supersport Championship at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Hayden suffered a displaced fracture to the third metacarpal in his right hand when he crashed during the AMA Superstock race at Laguna Seca July 10. Thanks to modifications his crew made to his hand controls, Hayden was able to ride in the Supersport race later that day and, after surgery to plate the fracture, in the Supersport race at Mid-Ohio, two weeks later. In fact, Hayden finished second at Mid-Ohio and left the track holding a 36-point lead in the Championship over his teammate, and brother, Roger Hayden. If Tommy Hayden can score two points more than his brother at VIR, he would wrap up his second consecutive AMA Supersport title, becoming only the third rider to ever do so. “There’s still some unknown,” said the eldest of the three racing Hayden brothers. “I’m definitely way better than I was at Mid-Ohio, but we tested at Atlanta last week and I’m still not 100%. “But (VIR) should definitely be a lot easier than it was at Atlanta. Atlanta was a lot harder than I expected, because my fingers are all still kind of weak and there’s a lot of hard braking at Atlanta. VIR, I don’t think, has quite as much hard braking, so I don’t think VIR will be a problem.” Tommy Hayden said he was unsure if he would attempt to ride his ZX-10R Superstock bike at VIR. He did not ride the bigger, more powerful bike at Mid-Ohio.
USGPRU Lowers Age Minimum Odenton, MD. The USGPRU powered by AlwaysOnline.net has announced the minimum age limit at select events this year will be lowered to 12 years old. The 12 year old age limit will apply for both the East Coast Regional Final at Autobahn Raceway on Sept 11th and the $10,000 National Championship Final race at Texas World Speedway on Oct 2nd. Select events will also be identified where kids age 12 and older will be allowed to participate in the 2006 season. According to series President, Stewart Aitken-Cade, “By lowering the age minimum, we’re giving these rising superstars the opportunity to further develop their racing skills that much sooner. There are lots of kids that are ready to move to the next level now. We welcome them to our race series as a place to continue developing their skills on their way to the top!” Kids wishing to participate in these events will need to provide proof of former racing experience in other racing disciplines as supermoto, dirt track, or mini-motos before they will be allowed to enter. Each rider’s abilities will be scrutinized on a case by case basis. For complete details, please visit www.USGPRU.net. About USGPRU The USGPRU, Powered by AlwaysOnline.net, is the officially recognized Motorcycle 125 Grand Prix National Championship ® and 250 Grand Prix National Championship (TM) series. The USGPRU emulates true World MotoGP racing experience and serves to attract young riders to gain experience in a professional environment and provide a path to world-class motorcycle racing. The USGPRU structures events with extended length grand prix racing exclusive to the GP machines, timed qualifying and strong contingency and sponsor support. For additional details, visit www.USGPRU.net The 2005 USGPRU National Series sponsors include AlwaysOnline.net, Dialitintracktime.com, Acid Cigars, Roadracingworld.com, Revit Leathers, Bridgestone, Dunlop, EBC Brakes, GPC Moto, Hjelm Motorsports, Ian Emberton Engineering, Motion Pro Cables and Tools, Redline Cycle Imports, Repsol YPF, Rising Sun Cycles, Silkolene, Zambrana Performance, and VP Fuel.
CAN-AM CHALLENGE SERIES RACE REPORT ROUND 5 MOSPORT, AUGUST 19-21 2005.
Round 5 of the Can-Am Challenge Series took place this past weekend at Mosport International Speedway, just outside of Bowmanville, Ontario. The Can-Am was invited to hold a round there by the Vintage Road Racing Association to participate in their main event held annually at one of Canada’s best race tracks. The 250 class was being sponsored by Infinity GP Racing as the 125’s was sponsored when they were there in July for the Parts Canada Superbike weekend.
John Dempsey, the series’ point’s leader in the 125 class, went into the weekend looking to secure the championship, his goal to finish at least one position ahead of Alex Welsh in the final. John Crook, the point’s leader among the 250s, sought to stretch his lead over Nick Colley and Gord MacKay, who were both in fine position to challenge Crook’s attempt to get the Can-Am’s first 250 championship under his belt.
Mosport and Mother Nature were again at odds with each other this weekend; low lying clouds and winds just strong enough to be bothersome threatened most of the day. Top practice times among the 250s belonged to Alain Brault, back from a mechanical seizure suffered at Shannonville three weeks ago. Gord MacKay was second behind Brault’s 1:34.419 with a 1:35.363, and American Joe Melchionda finished off the top three of the session with 1:37.475.
Matt Cooper topped the 125 practice with a 1:36.826, followed by John-Ross MacRae at 1:37.184, and Dempsey followed with 1:38.761. A second session for the G.P. bikes was cancelled as reports of steady rain in corner five came in as the bikes were ready to be sent out in the afternoon. Can-Am officials sent the riders, all on slicks, back to the pits as rain covered the entire track in minutes, ending the day on a somewhat disappointing note. As everyone batten down the hatches in time for a se thunder and lightening storm settled in around the track.
The Can-Am welcomed a few new members this weekend, including 20 year old Adam Roberts from Nova Scotia riding an RS 125, and 14 year old Brett McCormick from Saskatoon mounted on a TZ 125. McCormick is fresh from winning the 2004 Canadian Mini Road Racing Championship; the Can-Am was more then delighted to have the presence of these young riders in the paddock, along with regulars such as 17 year old Welsh and 16 year old J.R. MacRae. As well as a few returning to the Can-Am for the first time this year, Dave Wright, Dave Monahan, and Adam Roberts
Dempsey, Cooper and Mark White topped the Saturday morning session in the 125 group, as Brault, MacKay and Melchionda once again were the top three among the 250s. The afternoon’s thirty minute qualifier was combined, and ran without incident.
Cooper took the 125 pole position for the second time at Mosport this year with 1:34.330, and Brault grabbed pole for the 250s with a 1:30.611. Dave Monahan was chasing gremlins in his 125 all weekend, Mark Jeackle was busy fixing his seized motor along with Marc St.Amand chasing electrical on their 250’s
125 Qualifying Results 1. Matt Cooper 1:34.330 2. Dave Wright 1:34.954 3. John Dempsey 1:35.288 4. Adam Roberts 1:35.451 5. J.R.MacRae 1:36.670 6. Alex Welsh 1:36.696 7. Mark White 1:37.703 8.J.Melchionda 1:38.897 9.Brett McCormick 1:39.891 10.Adam Bennett 1:41.891 11.Jim Bergey 1:42.787 12.Don Murfin 1:45.512
250 Qualifying Results 1. Alain Brault 1:30.611 2. Gord MacKay 1:32.887 3. John Crook 1:34.447 4. J. Melchionda 1:35.777 5. Nick Colley 1:37.821 6. Al Cane 1:40.863 7. Jerry Sadler 1:41.830 8.Patrick Chartrand 1:42.150 9.Laird Shingleton 1:49.909 10.Paul Rostic 1:58.764
Sunday’s morning practice session had late entry rider Mark Rabo back on the track with the four stroke 250F creation; Cooper had an incident at Moss’s but was unhurt; the rest of the session ran without any further problems.
Ambulance delays muddled the schedule somewhat after lunch, and as things were finally set in place to continue, the clouds pulled through on their threat and finally started to drop water over Mosport. The 125s were sent back to the pits to decide which tires to put on their bikes; approximately 20 minutes were available to make the tire-choice gamble, and with the wind pushing the clouds away and the sun straining to breakthrough, the decision was a tough one to make. Series leader Dempsey opted for rain tires, as well as Melchionda and Bergey. White decided to run his intermediates, and the rest of the field stayed with their slicks.
Dempsey led the first two laps with young Adam Roberts pushing on his slicks on the very damp track to pass him, getting by Dempsey at the top of corner four to take the lead in the third lap. Cooper worked to keep veteran rider Dave Wright behind him, and Welsh went to work while in fifth to keep in touch with Wright in front of him. J.R. MacRae crashed in corner nine on the first lap, and was unable to continue. McCormick chased Rabo for five laps, eventually getting by the four stroke. The group of White, Murfin, Bergey, Melchionda and Bennett changed positions a few times, and Dave Monahan brought up the back of the field.
Roberts continued to maintain a safe distance from Dempsey, and Cooper began to creep up behind Dempsey as Dempsey’s rain tires began their protest against the fast drying track. Welsh also gained on Wright, as the group behind them started to slowly spread out slightly. The Nova Scotian would take the checkered flag, as Cooper managed to slip by Dempsey to take second spot on the last lap, and leave Dempsey to settle for third. Wright edged out the hard charging Welsh by mere inches at the finish line.
125 FINAL RESULTS
1. Adam Roberts 2. Matt Cooper 3. John Dempsey 4. Dave Wright 5. Alex Welsh 6. Brett McCormick 7. Mark Rabo 8. Mark White 9. Adam Bennett 10. Don Murfin 11. Joe Melchionda 12. Jim Bergey 13. Dave Monahan DNF-J.R. MacRae
The 250s had a fantastic race; late entry rider Jeff Lowe brought the field up to 13 riders, who all put on a great show to watch. Crook grabbed the lead for the first lap, followed closely by MacKay, Brault, Lowe and Colley. MacKay snatched away Crook’s lead in the second lap, as Lowe made his move on Brault in the third. Brault made his way into the lead on the fourth, moving MacKay into second, and Crook into third. Lowe busied himself with keeping Colley behind him. Behind the leaders, Melchionda put in a great effort to keep in contact with them, but retired in the sixth lap with a mechanical. Marc St.Amand, an SV rider new to G.P. two strokes, struggled with an ailing 250 all weekend, but was able to have a decent ride with Al Cane. Mark Jaeckle, Patrick Chartrand, Jerry Sadler, Laird Shingleton and Paul Rostic would bring up the rest of the field. The battle at the front would result in Brault taking the checkered, followed by Crook and MacKay; Colley passed Lowe for fourth.
250 FINAL RESULTS 1. Alain Brault 2. John Crook 3. Gord MacKay 4. Nick Colley 5. Jeff Lowe 6. Al Cane 7. Marc St.Amand 8. Mark Jaeckle 9. Patrick Chartrand 10. Jerry Sadler 11. Laird Shingleton 12. Paul Rostic DNF-Joe Melchionda
The Can-Am Challenge Series will have its final in two weeks at the Parts Canada SuperBike Labour Day weekend round, at Shannonville Motorsports Park. Sponsored by Infinity GP Racing, our final will have some excitement with Cooper, White and Melchionda, all 1 point apart for 3rd in the 125 Championship, and Crook 39 points ahead of Colley and MacKay who are 2 points apart for second for the 250 Championship
The Can-Am Challenge Series would like to thank their 2005 sponsors Infinity GP Racing, Race Superseries, Hjelm Motorsports, Highside Health Services, Diablo Energy Drink, Bickle Racing, boB, and Flair Photo. The Can-Am Challenge Series would like to add a special thanks to Chris Chapelle, who donated his time to help make our weekend a huge success.
CMRA racer Eric Kancir married Shannon Markham, July 23 in Dallas, Texas.
Ten Lucky Fans Set to Race Karts with Superbike Stars at VIR’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Alton, Va. Ten lucky fans will enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime at VIRginia International Raceway on Thursday, August 25, as they will be competing with and against some of the world’s top motorcycle racers in karts. As part of this weekend’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR, new race promoters Race Promotion Management (RPM) created a promotion in which fans who purchased advance tickets by August 12 were entered into a lottery from which 10 names would be drawn to compete in the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge, a karting enduro to be held at VIR’s Plantation Valley Kart Track. The event will feature 10 teams with four drivers per team. Each team will be comprised of one Superbike racer, one media celebrity, one staff member from VIR, AMA, RPM or a sponsor, and one fan. Each driver will get 10 laps of the 5/8-mile, 24-foot-wide road racing kart circuit, and then pit for a driver change to one of their teammates. At the end of 40 laps, the team with the lowest cumulative time is declared the winner. Following the race there will be a reception for all the participants, where trophies will be presented and fan participants will receive a CD of photographs taken during the race. The Superbike stars committed to compete include Miguel Duhamel, Eric Bostrom, Roger Lee Hayden, Aaron Yates, Neil Hodgson, Ben Spies, Aaron Gobert, Kevin Schwantz and Larry Pegram. Jamie Hacking was originally scheduled to race, but had to withdraw for medical reasons. A replacement will be named on Thursday. Media celebrities competing include Greg White, Speed Channel pit-lane reporter and host of the popular “2 Wheel Tuesday” program; television producer Chet Burks, whose company will produce the weekend’s races for Speed Channel; David Swarts, associate editor of Roadracing World magazine; Paul Carruthers, editor of Cycle News; Chris Jonnum, editor of Road Racer X; Mark Mitchell, editor of speedtv.com; Rebecca Bowling, of WAKG-FM radio in Danville, Va.; and David Jones, of WBRG-AM radio in Lynchburg, Va.. The lucky fans who will get to compete are: Lincoln Hurd, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Mike Hummel, of Greensboro, N.C.; Dale McFaddin, of Callands, Va.; Tom Krysiak, of Madison, N.C.; Tom Wynn, of Pearisburg, Va.; Paul Guiomor, of Long Branch, N.J.; Cathy Lardieri, of Wayne, N.J.; Jason Pelcman, of Brick, N.J.; Matt Boike, of Charlotte, N.C.; and Paul Thorpe, of Sicklerville, N.J. “We’re really excited about the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge,” said RPM vice president Cameron Gray. “This is the best possible kind of promotion, when you can offer a race fan something that is unobtainable at any price. In this case, 10 average race fans are going to not only be able to meet and hang out with some of their Superbike heroes, they’re actually going to be able to race with and against them. We think this is unprecedented, and look forward to making it an annual event.” The deadline for advance ticket sales has passed, but there are still tickets available at designated ticket outlets throughout Virginia and the Carolinas. Tickets available through the ticket outlets will be limited to three-day passes priced at $55 and single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday priced at $45 each. For a list of ticket outlets, visit www.virclub.com, click on the “Ticket Info” button, scroll down to the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals section and then click on the link that says “Ticket Outlets.” At the gate, ticket availability will be limited to three-day passes for $60, single-day tickets (Friday only) for $10 and pit walk passes for $40. The event schedule for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will include three days of racing action, including 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.
2003 AMA Supersport Champion Jamie Hacking will not race in the final two events of the 2005 AMA Season, at Virginia International Raceway or Road Atlanta, due to elbow injuries he suffered in a training accident in May. Instead, he will continue re-habilitation work to regain full fitness in preparation for racing for Yamaha in 2006. Hacking suffered fractures, soft tissue damage and dislocations of both his elbows when he crashed his road bicycle while training in Colorado in May. He had surgery performed by Dr. Arthur Ting soon after and immediately began an aggressive re-hab program. Hacking, who was second in AMA Supersport points and leading in the Superstock Championship at the time of his accident, originally hoped to come back at Laguna Seca or Mid-Ohio but could not. And after testing (on his YZF-R6 only) at Road Atlanta last week, it appears that Hacking will not race again in 2005. “I rode at the (Road) Atlanta test (last week),” Hacking told Roadracingworld.com in a telephone interview Tuesday. “Coming back from all this re-hab, I told Yamaha that if I was 100% for these last two races that I would do them. After riding and evaluating everything, I was nowhere near 100%. In re-hab, I thought I was good to go, but it’s always different on a bike. “(Yamaha) just want me to get 100% for next year. So the both of us just decided it’s not the best for us to go out there (because) we’ve got nothing to accomplish.” Because he is out of Championship contention, only winning at VIR or Road Atlanta would have benefited Yamaha or Hacking, who said winning one of the races would have been “a good booster going into the off-season, but I don’t need that. I didn’t get hurt on my bike, I got injured on my pedal bike. I don’t need to come back to get my confidence back up.” Hacking said he would much rather finish his re-habilitation and be ready physically for the aggressive testing program Yamaha has scheduled for the off-season, which may begin as early as October. Does that mean Hacking will be with Yamaha in 2006? “Hell, yeah!” said Hacking. “We should have the deal finalized either tomorrow or Thursday.”
ZEMKE AND DUHAMEL BRING BATTLE FOR AMA FORMULA XTREME TITLE AT VIR It’s Yates and DiSalvo to the wire in AMA Superstock PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 23, 2005) — For the second year in a row the battle for the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series title is coming down to the last few races and at Virginia International Raceway on Aug. 26-28, Honda teammates Jake Zemke and Miguel Duhamel will write another chapter of their great 2005 season-long battle. While the Honda mates go toe-to-toe in Xtreme, it’s a battle between experience and youth in the Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series. There veteran Aaron Yates is trying to win back the championship he vacated in 1996 and young Jason DiSalvo is trying to chase down his older rival to score his first AMA title. Zemke and Duhamel have been trading wins all season long on their factory Hondas. Last year it was Duhamel taking the victory at VIR and going on to win the Formula Xtreme No. 1 plate. This year the tables have turned and it’s Zemke leading and Duhamel chasing. Zemke leads by 11 points with just two rounds remaining and is trying to reach the finish line and for the first time take home the top prize. Zemke has been agonizingly close to championships five times in his career and the former flat tracker isn’t breathing easy yet. “Anytime you have someone of Miguel’s stature chasing you for the championship it’s going to be tough,” said Zemke, who has been runner up in Formula Xtreme three times before. “Even though we’re teammates he’s not going to give me an inch and I’ll have to earn this championship one lap at a time.” Duhamel will go down in the record books as one of the best road racers in the history of AMA racing he already has seven AMA road racing titles to his name, but the 37-year-old Montreal native is not ready to rest on his laurels just yet. “Obviously the pressure is on,” Duhamel said. “For both of us it’s going to be tight, right down to the last lap. Jake has ridden really well this season, but I don’t want to go down without really making him earn it. VIR will not lack for excitement, that’s for sure.” While Zemke and Duhamel are focusing on the championship, a few other riders would like to break the Honda stranglehold on the series. The two most likely candidates to break the monopoly at VIR are Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard and Michael Barnes, of M4 EMGO Suzuki. Attard has scored two podium finishes in the series and seems to be coming into his own in recent rounds. Barnes joined his team as a mid-season replacement rider and the veteran has been impressive. Barnes would love to add a Formula Xtreme win trophy to his trophy case. Aaron Yates is heading up the Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series coming into VIR. The Yoshimura Suzuki rider has found a home in the series and a string of three consecutive wins has given the Georgian racing veteran a 14-point lead over Jason DiSalvo. If Yates makes it four in a row at VIR he would become the first to run up a streak like that in the series since Tom Kipp clicked off five straight in the former 750 Supersport Series in 1999. “It’s good to be on a winning streak,” Yates said. “but the championship is still too close for comfort. With just two races to go there’s not a lot of strategy left. I’m going out there to try to keep winning. That’s about it.” Former race winner Lee Acree will also be in the lineup for the VIR Superstock race. Acree’s win here in 2001 was one of the biggest upset wins in the history of the series. The AMA Lockhart Phillips USA formula Xtreme Series race will be televised nationally on SPEED Channel at 1 p.m. (Eastern), Tuesday, Aug. 30. You can also follow the race via live timing and scoring on www.amasuperbike.com. For additional information on the race call (434) 822-7700 or visit www.virclub.com.
Bridgestone Refocuses Road Racing Efforts Nashville, Tenn. – Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) has announced that its motorcycle division will refocus its road racing efforts beginning in 2006. The company plans to redirect its resources toward amateur competition, stepping up its involvement with Championship Cup Series, Formula USA, WERA and other similar organizations. “Our products work very well in amateur road racing,” said Bob Graham, motorcycle and kart product manager for BFNT. “This year we have seen an incredible demand for our products at the amateur level. As a result of this demand, supply was adversely affected. Therefore, we must refocus, and correct supply and inventory levels for 2006. In 2006 additionally, Bridgestone will discontinue service operations at the AMA Nationals, focusing on the amateur level programs. Bridgestone will maintain the current motorcycle race tire distribution system, which works extremely well. The off-road motorcycle racing programs will remain unchanged.” The Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC, is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural, motorcycle and other tires to its customers in North America.
Jensen and Smith Shake Things Up in WERA National at Talladega OXFORD, Ala. Round eight of the WERA National Series featured some of the toughest battles of the season during last weekend’s racing at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway. Team Velocity Racing took their third overall and seventh Heavyweight Superstock class win of the year during Saturday’s four-hour WERA Dunlop National Endurance Series race. Chuck Ivey, Reuben Frankenfield and Mark Crozier have now taken over the championship points lead. Red Star’s William Lindsay, Brett Champagne and Ben Thompson finished second, earning the Mediumweight Superbike win. Army of Darkness took third with Ben Walters, Scott Fisher and Scott Brown riding. Mark Edwards and Billy Etheridge finished fourth overall, giving Team Xtreme/Maxxis the Heavyweight Superbike win. Dalke Motorsports was victorious in Mediumweight Superstock with Josh Smith-Moore, Giovanni Rojas, Keith Marshall and Wrenn Smith at the helm. Blue Ridge Performance riders Martin Musil and Chris Stevenson rode to the Lightweight Superbike class win. Mike Smith and kneedraggers.com’s Robert Jensen dominated the expert ranks during the WERA Michelin National Challenge Series sprint races on Sunday, battling each other and the series regulars in temperatures that soared over 100 degrees. Smith won 750 Superstock and Formula 1, setting the quickest lap time of the day in the latter race with a 0:58.177. Jensen won 600 Superstock and Open Superstock, taking the lead into turn one each time despite having to start from mid-pack on the grid. Team Herrin’s Josh Herrin won 600 Superbike by over 13 seconds, and Keith Marshall took off from the 750 Superbike field to win that race. Ross Ryals won Heavyweight Twins Superstock, and Kris Wall won a red-flag shortened Lightweight Twins Superstock. Roadracingworld.com’s John Ulrich came from fourth to first in the closest Formula 2 race of the season. In the novice division, three riders came away with two wins each. Tony Palarie won 750 Superstock and Superbike, while the 600 Superstock and Superbike wins went to Larry Dulaney. James Johnson dominated Heavyweight Twins Superstock and Lightweight Twins Superstock. In the other novice divisions, J.B. Layman won Open Superstock and Paul Stevens won Formula 2. The WERA National Series has a three-week break before heading north to Nelson Ledges for round nine from September 10-11. More information about WERA, including updated championship points, can be found at www.WERA.com.
