Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WSMC
Willow Springs International Raceway
Rosamond, California
February 20
Provisional Race Results:

Graves Motorsports Open Superstock:

1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1)
2. Robbie Dowie (Suz GSX-R1000)
3. Brad Puetz (Suz)
4. Robert Rockafellow (Suz)
5. Kenny Kopecky (Duc), DNF

750cc Modified Production:

1. Jacob West (Suz)
2. Ritchie Thorup (Suz)
3. David Littlebrook (Suz)
4. Brant Wiwi (Kaw)
5. Jason Caldwell (Suz)
6. David Siminski (Suz)

500cc Superstock:

1. J.C. Gibbs (Kaw)
2. Clinton Whitehouse, III (Suz)
3. Chris Shadoan (Kaw)
4. Mark Guzman (Yam)

500cc Singles:

1. Larry Cochran (Hon)
2. Dean Chin (Yam), DNF

Line X Racing.com Formula 40 Lightweight:

1. Mark Watts (Yam)
2. Stan Bates (Yam)
3. Tom Sera (Yam)
4. Joel Manes (Hon)
5. Stephen Hewitt (Suz)
6. Gene Redmon (Yam)

Formula 50:

1. Howard Lynggard (Yam)
2. Jeff Rheaume (Suz)
3. David Molitor (Suz)
4. Steve Slaughter (Buell)

2 Stroke Production:

1. Patrick Tracey (Apr)
2. Michael Pastore (Apr)
3. Kris Provost (Apr)
4. Jamie Lenore (Apr)
5. Robert Gosney (Apr)
6. David Steinhoff (Apr)

Vintage Heavyweight:

1. Russ Lomanto (Hon)

Lightweight Twins:

1. Chris Shadoan (Kaw)
2. Larry Cochran (Hon)

Track Daz 650cc Superbike:

1. Damon Buckmaster (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-6RR)
4. Mickey Lane (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R6)

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Glendale Middleweight Twins:

1. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 749R)
2. Michael Sirolli (Duc)
3. Steve Slaughter (Buell)
4. Tim Martinez (Suz)
5. Jonathan Lowery (Duc)
6. Andy Palmer (Suz)

Sport Tire Services 600cc Superstock:

1. Damon Buckmaster (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Mickey Lane (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-6RR)
6. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6)

Motorcycle Riders, Inc. Open Superbike:

1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1)
2. Jeremy Toye (Suz GSX-R1000)
3. Jack Pfeifer (Suz GSX-R1000)
4. Robbie Dowie (Suz GSX-R1000)
5. Howard Lynggard (Yam YZF-R1)
6. Robert Rockafellow (Suz)

Racers Edge 750cc Superstock:

1. Ritchie Thorup (Suz)
2. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-6RR)
3. Jason Caldwell (Suz)
4. David Littlebrook (Suz)
5. David Siminski (Suz)
6. Brant Wiwi (Kaw)

Heavyweight Twins:

1. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 999R)
2. Jack Pfeifer (Apr)
3. Michael Sirolli (Duc)
4. Simon Williams (Duc)
5. Michael Luciano (Hon)
6. Steve Slaughter (Buell)

550cc Superbike:

1. Clinton Whitehouse, III (Suz)
2. Kris Provost (Apr)
3. J.C. Gibbs (Kaw)
4. Tim Martinez (Suz)
5. Andy Palmer (Suz)
6. Robert Gosney (Apr)

L&L Motorsports 750cc Superbike:

1. Ritchie Thorup (Suz)
2. Jacob West (Suz)
3. Kenny Kopecky (Duc)
4. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R750)
5. David Littlebrook (Suz)
6. David Siminski (Suz)

Golden Cantina Open Modified Production:

1. Robbie Dowie (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Stephen Hewitt (Suz GSX-R1000)
3. Robert Rockafellow (Suz)
4. Brad Puetz (Suz)
5. Dan Tanger (Yam)
6. Randall Montes (Yam)

Roadracingworld.com/Redline Motorsports 250cc GP:

1. Mark Watts (Yam)
2. Bradley Adams (Yam)
3. Wincent Rolleri, II (Yam)
4. Gene Redmon (Yam)
5. Mike Lytle (Yam)
6. Michael Pastore (Apr)

Toyota Cup Unlimited Formula One:

1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1)
2. Damon Buckmaster (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Jack Pfeifer (Suz GSX-R1000)
4. Jacob West (Suz)
5. Ben Attard (Kaw)
6. Mickey Lane (Yam)
7. Ritchie Thorup (Suz)
8. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R750)
9. Stephen Hewitt (Suz GSX-R1000)
10. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R6)

DNF. Robbie Dowie (Suz)
DNF. Jeremy Toye (Suz)

Golden West Trailers Formula Two:

1. Michael Beck (Yam)
2. Ryan Hoffman (Kaw)
3. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 749R)
4. Mark Allen (Yam)
5. Chad Lewin (Suz)
6. Robbes Stieglitz (Yam)

125cc GP:

1. Kevin Murray (Yam)
2. Brit Bohannan-Arechig (Yam)
3. Clint Solomon (Hon)
4. Joel Manes (Hon)

Middleweight Novice:

1. Jsaon Schnieder (Yam)
2. James Gominsky (Yam)
3. Lloyd Magruder (Yam)
4. Kevin Johnson (Suz)
5. Aaron Torres (Kaw)
6. Daniel Shaffner (Kaw)

Heavyweight Novice:

1. Christopher Gibbs (Yam)
2. Kirkland Fordham (Hon)
3. Scott Tillery (Suz)
4. Joshua Convy (Yam)
5. Norman Roy (Duc)
6. Mike Kinoshita (Yam)

600cc Modified Production:

1. Mickey Lane (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Robbes Stieglitz (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Mateo Herreros (Yam YZF-R6)
6. David Siminski (Suz)

Lightweight Novice:

1. Lloyd Magruder (Yam)
2. Nicote Johnson (Hon)
3. Eric Angel (Yam)
4. Ryan Struz (Yam)
5. Amy Hronek (Yam)
6. Jonny Mack (Kaw)

Wheel Two Wheel Formula Twins:

1. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 999R)
2. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc)
3. Jonathan Lowery (Duc)
4. Charles Baird (Duc)

500cc Modified Production:

1. J.C. Gibbs (Kaw)
2. Clinton Whitehouse, III (Suz)
3. Mark Guzman (Yam)
4. Chris Shadoan (Kaw)

Formula Singles:

1. Jason Caldwell (Suz)

More, from a press release issued by Kenny Kopecky:

Ducati Oceanside road racer Kenny Kopecky repeated his January performance by winning three Twins based classes at the second round of the twelve race WSMC series in Rosamond, CA. on Sunday.

“This month we skipped the practice days on Friday and Saturday due to the bad weather, and just ran the same set-ups we used in January”.

The wins came in BOTT Middleweight (Duc 749R-04), BOTT Heavyweight and Formula Twins (Duc 999R-05). The Formula Twins race had to be re-started due to rain finally arrving at the track late in the day. The riders completed the final two laps during the strongest downpour of the day. Earlier, Kenny finished a very close third to Richie Thorup and Jacob West in 750 Superbike after leading twice during the contest. Additional top finishes were recorded in F-40 Heavyweight (2nd) and Formula Two (3rd).

“We’re hoping to improve the bikes at the upcoming meets, but all in all they are working really well. The race in the rain was a surprise…I think it was maybe my second rain race in the last 10 or 12 years out at Willow. The Dunlop rain tires were superb, and as I gained confidence I ran my fastest wet weather time ever on the last lap to secure the win”.

The next WSMC meet is March 18-20, 2005 at Willow Springs.

From a press release issued by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation:

As the morning sun began its ascent into the sky, washing a path of warmth across the palm trees of south Florida, over 600 motorcyclists rolled into the staging area for the start of the 22nd season of the Ride for Kids® program. This inaugural south Florida event for 2005 launched into the history books as being recorded as one of the most successful first time Ride for Kids events in history with $59,491 in donations turned in for the day.

Virtually every brand of motorcycle was present with riders from all walks of life and numerous divergent motorcycle organizations. This was truly a day of “coming together” by representative riders from the entire motorcycle community!

Not only was the day blessed with incredibly sunny, 80º weather, but the riders were also escorted by an outstanding team of police officers from the Broward County Sheriff’s Department and Coral Springs PD. Once under the Big Top tent for closing ceremonies the riders were treated to a day of emotional and uplifting comments made during the “Celebration of Life” by young brain tumor survivors who enjoyed a regal day as the Stars of the event.

While each motorcyclist present contributed to the days total, Rick and Rita Case were warmly recognized as the Top Individual Fund Raisers with $5,000 in donations, the HRCA Florida Sports Red Riders were the Top Chapter with an amazing first year total of $19,683 in contributions and Florida Sports Cycles was the Top dealership with a tremendous $20,253 collected, all destined to support the work of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in its search to find the cause and cure of brain tumors and to provide support to the patient families. The Honda motorcycle was won by an ecstatic Maree Moscati of Pompano Beach, FL. Thanks also goes to Allstate Insurance Company and numerous south Florida companies for their support of the event.

When the day’s activities were completed, a tired but overjoyed Rhonda Friedenberg volunteer Task Force Leader for the event said, “to see the joy on the kids faces and how very proud the motorcyclists were for their efforts, makes all the time we spent getting ready well worth the work of all of our volunteers”.

The next Ride for Kids event will be on May 1st in Houston, TX. For more information about the Ride for Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation please visit www.rideforkids.org or www.pbtfus.org or call 1-800-253-6530

From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki:

JR pays tribute to friends and fans of Rizla Suzuki

BRITISH Superbike Champion John Reynolds says `thank you’ to the friends of Rizla Suzuki who helped him to return to the UK over the weekend and also to his legions of fans that have inundated the team HQ with well wishes.

JR broke his right leg in a testing accident at Valencia in Spain on Friday. He was flown to England by private jet yesterday and is now undergoing treatment at the Queens Medical Facility in his hometown of Nottingham.

“All I can say is a big thank you to everyone,” explained JR. “I wouldn’t have got home to England as quickly as I did if it wasn’t for Rizla Suzuki’s team friends. Jonathan Palmer from Motor Sport Vision arranged a private aircraft to collect me in Valencia and Stuart Higgs from the MCRCB liased with the hospital and sorted an ambulance once we landed.

“As a result of these efforts and the hard work of the team, I’m now home and in a position to get the best treatment possible. My thanks also go to the two pilots John Scurr and John Daly for their smooth landing!

“I am humbled by the messages of support and well wishes from the Superbike race fans. Thank you to everyone for their kind words and support, they have and will continue to help me more than you can imagine.”

JR will undergo surgery to repair his broken right leg today. The team will consult with the specialists after this operation to determine the likely recovery time required.

Stuart Higgs, MCRCB’s Race Director for the British Superbike series said: “Our first concern is for JR’s health and we assisted the team in making the necessary ground arrangements to take him directly to the Queens Medical Facility from the airport. I am delighted we could help and wish him the speediest of recoveries.”

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Robert Wicks said: “Thank you to Jonathan Palmer, Stuart Higgs, the Rizla Suzuki team staff – in particular Niall Mackenzie who flew back to the UK with John yesterday – and everyone who has helped us to get JR back to the UK so expediently. It means JR is receiving specialist treatment and that gives him the best chance to return to racing as early as possible.”

Rizla Suzuki Team Owner Paul Denning said: “Despite the less than ideal circumstances, Rizla Suzuki is very grateful to its friends and the broader Superbike family for coming together to help at this difficult time. That includes the many generous offers of assistance from fans of the team – thank you all. My particular thanks to Jonathan Palmer who accepted our calls at 11pm on a Friday night and got the job done with no questions asked. We can’t say exactly what John’s recovery time will be at this stage, but we’ve come back fighting in the past and intend to do so again.”

From a press release issued by CMRA:

Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association Championship Series
Round 1
Oak Hill Raceway
Henderson, TX
Feb. 19-20, 2005

Ty Howard claimed over $4500 in CMRA purse and Kawasaki contingency money at round one of the 2005 CMRA Championship Roadracing Series held at Oak Hill Raceway near Henderson, Texas this weekend. The opening round of the series was well attended with 552 sprint entries, 45 mini sprint entries and 31 mini endurance teams gracing the grids over the two days of action, despite off-and-on rain, which kept track conditions constantly changing.

The Kawasaki-mounted Howard won four of the five sprint events he entered on Sunday, after crashing out while leading the A Superstock Expert race, and was pushed hard by Heath Small and Craig Montgomery throughout Sunday’s sprint action. Howard claimed wins in the Racing Performance Services B Superstock Expert race, which paid a $150 purse, the C Superstock Expert race, which paid a $500 purse, the Raceworx C Superbike Expert race, which paid a $150 purse and the Pace American Trailers Formula One Expert race, which paid a $1000 purse.

Small claimed the $175 Fast Lap bounty sponsored by Mr. Corder Racing for the fastest Sunday lap time when he turned a 1.23.378 in the C Superbike Expert race, a race that was won by Howard. The lap record is 1:22.565, set last year by Michael Sanchez. Small also added wins in the Motorcycles Unlimited-sponsored A Superbike Expert race and the B Superbike Expert race.

Other money winners included Will Gruy, who also won four Expert events, including the South Central Race Center D Superbike Expert, Unlimited Super Motard, Super Motard and Lightweight Twins Expert classes.

Ronnie Lunsford took top prize money in the AF1 Racing Heavyweight Twins Expert race then later added a win in the Formula 40 Expert race.

Craig Montgomery won the Sum Of All Parts-sponsored A Superstock Expert race, featuring a $150 purse, while Tyler McDonald grabbed a win in the 125cc GP race ($250 purse).

Cory Burleson was the class of the Novice divisions, taking wins in the A Superstock, B Superstock, B Superbike, C Superstock, C Superbike, D Superbike and D Superstock Novice races.

Additional Expert winners include Chase Vivion (Formula 2 Expert), Chris Vinson (Classic Unlimited), Zac Chapman (Formula CMRA Lightweight), Dustin Dominguez (D Superstock Expert), Scott Levine (Formula 40 LW), David Petitpas (Classic Superbike), Chris Vinson (Formula CMRA HW) and Michael Humphries (Formula CMRA MW).

On Saturday, the Mini Sprints hit the track with Tyler McDonald winning first place money in the $250 Formula 4 race, while Kelly Tompkins was top rider in the Formula 6 division. Derrick Wagnon took the win in the Formula 5 race and Dirk Anderson won the Formula 7 race.

After the Mini Sprint action, the Shogun Motorsports Mini Endurance Series, which featured a $500 purse got underway in a light rain. Team K&N #1 won the overall and the Formula 4 class during the 4-hour event, while Team Extreme Powers won the AF1 Racing Formula Mini Endurance Formula 5 class, which featured a $250 purse. The Formula 6 division was won by Team Crossroads Honda and the Formula 7 class was topped by Team Excel.

The CMRA returns to action on March 19-20 at Motorsport Ranch near Cresson, Texas.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

CONFIDENCE HIGH IN WINSTON TEN KATE SUPERSPORT TEAM

Winston Ten Kate Honda’s two World Supersport championship riders, Sébastien Charpentier and Katsuaki Fujiwara, declared themselves confident for next weekend’s (26 Feb) first round after completing a two-day test in Doha, Qatar today.

Charpentier was able to improve his time from yesterday’s first day by half a second to stay on top of the official timing sheets, while Fujiwara climbed to 5th place as he continues to become accustomed to his new Honda machinery.

“I’m very happy today,” said Charpentier, “as we were able to do some longer distance runs in order to simulate the race conditions that we expect next Saturday. I tried two possible set-ups today and think that I can improve my lap time even more with the best one.”

As well, as learning about his new CBR600RR, Fujiwara is, like all his fellow competitors, still learning his way around the 5.38km Losail circuit on the outskirts of Doha. He is also confident about the championship’s first round.

“What gives me the most confidence,” he said, “is that I was able to maintain similar lap times right the way through an extended 12-lap run. I tried to put in a fast lap but made a small mistake, which shows me I still have things to learn about the bike and the track!”

Losail Circuit – Doha, Qatar, day two times (World Supersport):
1.Sébastien Charpentier, FRA (Winston Ten Kate Honda) – 86 laps, 2m 04.259s
2.Fabien Foret, FRA (Honda) – 89 laps, 2:05.083
3.Kevin Curtain, AUS (Yamaha) – 57 laps, 2:05.194
4.Michel Fabrizio, ITA (Honda) – 83 laps, 2:05.295
5.Katsuaki Fujiwara, JAP (Winston Ten Kate Honda) – 88 laps, 2m 05.662s
6.Gianluca Nannelli, ITA (Ducati) – 67 laps, 2:05.917
7.Stephane Chambon, FRA (Honda) – 71 laps, 2:06.271
8.Broc Parkes, AUS (Yamaha) – 78 laps, 2:06.436
9.Xavi Fores, SPA (Suzuki) – 97 laps, 2:06.582
10.Christophe Cogan (FRA (Suzuki) – 75 laps, 2:06.777


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

WORLD SUPERSPORT
Winston Ten Kate Honda rider Sebastien Charpentier set his fastest time of the test in the first session on Sunday morning, and it proved the fastest one of all, at 2’04.259. His countryman, and 2002 World Champion Fabien Foret (Team Megabike), scored a second place overall, improving his best to a 2’05.083. Top Yamaha runner was the officially supported Aussie Kevin Curtain (Yamaha Motor Germany) despite him falling and twisting his knee on the previous day. Michel Fabrizio (Team Italia Megabike Honda) slotted in fourth, putting his Team Megabike machine on what would be a front row grid position in normal qualifying. Top Ducati man was tireless charger Gianluca Nannelli, who finished his two days on an SC Caracchi Ducati sixth. Young Spaniard Javier Fores scored a top ten time riding an Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

World Superbike
Test
Losail Circuit, Qatar
Official Best Overall Lap Times:

1. Yukio Kagayama, Suz GSX-R1000, 102 laps, 2:01.480
2. Troy Corser, Suz GSX-R1000, 101 laps, 2:01.554
3. Jose Luis Cardoso, Yam YZF-R1, 86 laps, 2:01.797
4. Regis Laconi, Duc 999F05, 118 laps, 2:01.827
5. Sebastien Gimbert, Yam YZF-R1, 113 laps, 2:01.956
6. Alberola Ivan Silva, Yam YZF-R1, 127 laps, 2:02.194
7. Chris Walker, Kaw ZX-10R, 91 laps, 2:02.442
8. Marco Borciani, Yam YZF-R1, 96 laps, 2:02.548
9. Noriyuki Haga, Yam YZF-R1, 98 laps, 2:02.591
10. James Toseland, Duc 999F05, 85 laps, 2:02.639
11. Norick Abe, Yam YZF-R1, 147 laps, 2:02.652
12. Andrew Pitt, Yam YZF-R1, 114 laps, 2:02.713
13. Lorenzo Lanzi, Duc 999RS, 108 laps, 2:02.923
14. Pierfrancesco Chilil, Hon CBR1000RR, 83 laps, 2:03.008
15. Chris Vermeulen, Hon CBR1000RR, 39 laps, 2:03.072
16. Gianluca Vizziello, Yam YZF-R1, 120 laps, 2:03.095
17. Karl Muggeridge, Hon CBR1000RR, 68 laps, 2:03.391
18. Mauro Sanchini, Kaw ZX-10R, 109 laps, 2:03.398
19. Giovanni Bussei, Kaw ZX-10R, 96 laps, 2:03.602
20. Fonsi Nieto, Duc 999RS, 128 laps, 2:03.659
21. Max Neukirchner, Hon CBR1000RR, 122 laps, 2:03.874
22. Lucio Pedercini, Duc 999RS, 92 laps, 2:04.048
23. Ben Bostrom, Hon CBR1000RR, 83 laps, 2:04.285
24. Steve Martin, Foggy Petronas FP1, 107 laps, 2:04.483
25. Alessio Velini, Duc 999RS, 103 laps, 2:04.864
26. Ivan Clementi, Kaw ZX-10R, 65 laps, 2:05.047
27. Garry McCoy, Foggy Petronas FP1, 87 laps, 2:05.455
28. Miguel Praia, Yam YZF-R1, 103 laps, 2:05.472
29. Talal Al Nuami, Yam YZF-R1, 106 laps, 2:10.263


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

MORE TO COME FROM SUPERBIKE DUO

The flu that dogged Chris Vermeulen on yesterday’s first day of the official World Superbike test at Doha, Qatar spread to his team-mate Karl Muggeridge today, as Japanese rider Yukio Kagayama set the pace prior to next Saturday’s opening championship round.

The Winston Ten Kate Honda pair struggled for fitness on their Honda CBR1000RRs on the 5.38km Losail circuit and Vermeulen was able to add only 22 laps to the 17 he completed yesterday. Muggeridge, meanwhile, succumbed to the virus himself and sat out today’s morning session.

“Some riders have done well over 100 laps, but I’ve barely done 40,” said Vermeulen, “and I’ve struggled to do those. I know there’s more to come but only when I’m feeling better. The circuit’s good and the bike has had a lot more to offer than I’ve had over the last two days. It’ll be different when we’re back here on Thursday.”

Team-mate Muggeridge agreed, saying: “It’s frustrating – we’ve basically lost today because I’ve been feeling so rough and that’s not what you need when you’re getting used to a new bike and a new circuit. But it’s next weekend that matters and that’s what we’ll be working towards after I spend the next couple of days in bed.”

Winston Ten Kate Honda team manager, Ronald ten Kate, was philosophical about the lack of track time for his two superbike riders. “We may be two days behind the rest here,” he said, “but we only need to be a tenth of a second ahead at the end of next Saturday’s two races. The bikes are capable of quicker times than we’ve achieved so far, but so are the riders when they’re fully fit.”

Losail Circuit – Doha, Qatar, day two combined times (World Superbike):
1.Yukio Kagayama, JAP (Suzuki) – total 102 laps, 2m01.480s
2.Troy Corser, AUS (Suzuki) – 101 laps, 2:01.554
3.Jose Luis Cardoso, ESP (Yamaha)– 86 laps, 2:01.797
4.Regis Laconi, FRA (Ducati) – 118 laps, 2:01.827
5.Sébastien Gimbert, FRA (Yamaha) – 113 laps, 201.951
6.Ivan Silva Alberola, ESP (Yamaha) – 127 laps, 2:02.194
7.Chris Walker, GBR (Kawasaki) – 91 laps, 2:02.442
8. Marco Borciani, ITA (Yamaha) – 96 laps, 2:02.548
9.Noriyuki Haga, JAP (Yamaha) – 98 laps, 2:02.591
10.James Toseland, GBR (Ducati) – 85 laps, 2:02.639
15.Chris Vermeulen, AUS (Winston Ten Kate Honda) – 39 laps, 2:03.072
17.Karl Muggeridge, AUS (Winston Ten Kate Honda) – 68 laps, 2:03.391


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

FGSport OFFICIAL PRE-SEASON TESTING – LOSAIL CIRCUIT, QATAR 19-20 FEBRUARY 2005

Final Day: The last day of testing before the World Superbike Championship kicks off at Losail in Qatar provided better track conditions for all 29 Superbike riders, and most made good use of their opportunities to set much improved lap times overall. The Suzuki pairing of SBK rookie Yukio Kagayama and his Alstare Corona Extra team-mate Troy Corser (suffering from the flu somewhat) went 1-2 in the timing sheets overall, with Kagayama setting an excellent best of 2’01.480 on his GSX-R1000, posted late in the final session.

Close Competition: With so many bikes gathering on the Superbike grid come the start of practice on Thursday 24th February, a good morale-boosting performance was a keen desire for all comers. With the top two Suzukis not just fast but consistently fast, the figure of Jose Luis Cardoso (Yamaha DFX Extreme) proved the closest challenger, going third quickest, with a 2’01.797 lap. The factory Xerox Ducati 999F05 of Regis Laconi recovered from some early setbacks to post fourth best time. World Champion James Toseland experienced a fast highside crash at turn 13 his Xerox Ducati, causing his team some concern, until a visit to the medical centre proved him cleared of any fractures. He was seen later walking around pitlane at close of play, ready to make a quick recovery for the first rounds of his title defence, having dropped to tenth fastest.

Almost There: Sebastien Gimbert (Yamaha Motor France) secured a magnificent fifth place, having led the ranking with only minutes of the final 2 hours and 20 minute session remaining. Gimbert is a full time SBK rookie, but a veteran of some excellent performances at Brands Hatch and Magny Cours last year. On a good day for riders new to the championship, wildcard Spaniard Ivan Silva Albertola (La Glisse Yamaha) went sixth fastest, another SBK star in the making.

Top Kwak: Chris Walker (PSG-1 Kawasaki ZX-10) ran out a promising seventh, no mean feat in what is proving to be a closely contested series for all riders. He was within one second of Kagayama’s leading time, with a 2’02.442. To underline the fact that the Qatar race and the 2005 Superbike series in general will be an unpredictable affair, Marco Borciani (DFX Yamaha) made a big jump from 25th on day one to eighth on day two, one place ahead of Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia) and two up on the luckless Toseland. Two more big names, Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France) and Andrew Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia) found the pace tough and had to settle for 11th and 12th respectively. Lorenzo Lanzi (Scuderia Caracchi Ducati) fought hard for his 13th place in the run-up to his rookie SBK race.

Honda Riders Struggle: A flu virus, rampant in the pit garages at Losail, claimed the best efforts of Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) and his team-mate Chris Vermeulen. With their heavily modified bikes unable to show their best due to their riders’ illness, Pierfrancesco Chili

(Klaffi Honda) took his hastily prepared machine, without a full race spec as yet, to 14th, the top Honda slot over the two days. Vermeulen was 15th, Muggeridge 17th, after posting a very small lap count. Ben Bostrom (Renegade Honda Koji) ended 23rd overall.

Fonsi Drops Down: Fonsi Nieto (Scuderia Ducati 999RS) slipped down the order after a bright showing on day one, ending his two days in 20th place. Rookie of the year max Neukirchner, on a roadbike engined Klaffi Honda, was 21st overall, happy with his induction into the bigger class.

Tough Time For Aussie Pair: Foggy Petronas FP-1 three-cylinder riders Steve Martin and Garry McCoy had torrid times against the more powerful 1000cc machines, taking their 900cc machines to only 24th and 27th places.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI XEROX TEAM IN ACTION AT QATAR: LACONI FOURTH QUICKEST – TOSELAND ON THE PACE BUT CRASHES

Losail (Qatar), Sunday 20 February: Régis Laconi and James Toseland (Ducati Xerox Team) wrapped up their preparations for the 2005 World Superbike Championship with fourth and tenth quickest times respectively as the FGSport-organised pre-season tests at the Losail circuit in Qatar drew to a close.

All the WSBK contenders were again able to lap in perfect conditions today and accumulate a further five hours of valuable practice time prior to the race next Saturday. Both Laconi and Toseland were among the front-runners as the Suzuki pairing of Yukio Kagayama and Troy Corser ended up first and second fastest.

Day 2 saw Toseland suffer a nasty highside right after the British rider had set a quick lap of 2:02.639 early in the afternoon session. The world champion was going through the fast right-hander turn 13 when he lost the rear of his Ducati 999F05 and was catapulted into the air. Toseland landed heavily and suffered bruising to his left elbow and right upper backside.

“I was going into the second of the three successive fast right-handers and the rear let go,” explained Toseland. “I just looped over and landed on my side. I’ve never been up that high before!. Everything’s OK, I just need a couple of days rest, that’s all and then I’ll be back. It’s a pity really, because the bike felt a lot better this afternoon and it was unlucky to cancel out the progress we had made”.

Régis Laconi made a major improvement today during his long-run to move into fourth. He then consolidated his position in the afternoon with a lap of 2:01.827, a time he set on the one Pirelli qualifying tyre available for each rider.

“We worked very hard, the most important thing today was to have the durability in the front tyre and I am very happy with that after setting a good time on lap 17 of the long-run in the afternoon. We have to find a bit more speed now that we have durability, but the feeling is coming good and we made good progress from yesterday. Like everyone else we put a soft tyre on in the end and the lap time was good. We did a lot of testing but it’s very nice to be fast at the finish. Now we have to wait and see what will happen on Saturday”, declared Laconi.

The opening round of the 2005 world championship at the Losail circuit gets underway later this week, with free practice and qualifying taking place on Thursday and Friday and the two 18-lap races scheduled for Saturday.

OFFICIAL TIMES: 1. Kagayama (Suzuki) 2:01.480; 2. Corser (Suzuki) 2:01.554; 3. Cardoso (Yamaha) 2:01.797; 4. Laconi (Ducati Xerox) 2:01.827; 5. Gimbert (Yamaha) 2:01.956; 6. Silva Alberola (Yamaha) 2:02.194; 7. Walker (Kawasaki) 2:02.442; 8. Borciani (Yamaha) 2:02.584; 9. Haga (Yamaha) 2:02.591; 10. Toseland (Ducati Xerox) 2:02.639; etc.


More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

FPR’s Aussie Pairing Complete Valuable Qatar Test

The Australian pair of Steve Martin and Garry McCoy completed a valuable second day of testing at Losail circuit in Doha, Qatar, with significant improvements on their fastest laps of yesterday with times of 2:04.483 and 2:05.455 respectively.

Yukio Kagayama was the fastest of the expanded World Superbike grid with a lap of 2:01.480 around the 5.380km circuit in the desert.

The eight hours of testing over the two days provided invaluable set-up data for the team’s Australian pair, who have been short of experience on the PETRONAS FP1, in advance of the first round of the season at the same circuit later this week.

Jack said: “We’ve had another positive day of testing and what we’ve achieved in just eight hours is really useful. Our main concentration was to get the optimum set up for this track and the riders’ preferences. A lot of data has been collected and we’re at a point where the over all package is working well and the set up we’ve achieved today we’ll use for the race weekend, which for us has been far more important than chasing lap times. Now we’ll only have fine tuning adjustments to make at the race which will provide us with more track time for running longer sets of laps.”

Steve said: “We continued our set up work from yesterday and particularly this morning, made some really good changes, to a point where I’m happy we’ve tested everything we possibly could have and found a good base setting for the race here. This afternoon’s progress was a bit slower as although we made some good moves, I wasn’t on the roll I had been on and also had a full tank of fuel on board. There’s still a bit more work I want to do on braking but other than that I’m feeling confident on the bike. Due to an incident on track I wasn’t able to make full use of my qualifying tyre which is really annoying, as I know I could have been in the 2:03s if I’d have had a clear lap on that.”

Garry said: “We continued this morning where we left off yesterday, trying to get a good base setting for this track and also my riding style. I’m happy that we’re pretty close now which is where I wanted to be at the end of this test, as for me, this is my first full test on the FP1. We’ve got a bit of work left to do to make both my bikes feel exactly the same but I know we can get this right in time for the race. I think this track will be a bit tough for us as we’re just that little bit down on power, although the bike’s handling is good so that gives us an advantage.”

The first round of the Superbike World Championship starts on Thursday 24 February, with race day on Saturday, 26 February.


More, from a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi Ducati:

FIRST DIRECT CHALLENGE IN QATAR TESTS

On the 5380 meters of Losail circuit, close to the capital Doha in Qatar’s desert, the World Superbike and Supersport teams have had the first direct confrontation of the 2005 racing season.

A two-day test on this track, almost new for everybody, apart from a few riders moved in this season from GPs championship to Superbike arena which have the possibility to contest Qatar GP next fall. Big job for all the teams for setting the suspension and to select the tyre looking at the first round of the championship next week end. The sable flying from the desert onto the track, as well the surface has continuously cleaned, is a tyre-killer and the tyres go on just a few laps when the suspensions don’t work pefectly.

In Supersport Gianluca Nannelli, after the troubles with the front during the morning session, scored in the afternoon session a very good fifth fastest. The team and the rider made a big setting job and now the rear of the 749r Ducati is perfect. Go on some uncertainty in the front and the team will focus to solve tomorrow, in the final test day.

“We must believe this test the first ever on the 749R”. – said Gianluca Nannelli at the end of the test today. “We had never been able to test on dry conditions and it was important to verify all the work still made by the team. The bike scored the fastest top speed of all the group, thank the work made by Franco Farnè. The set up is quite good too, I’m the fastest in the first intermediate, then in the second I have not feeling with the front and I lose time from my rivals. I’m however quite satisfied for the result we got today, if we’ll be able to solve the front problem I’m confident we’ll earn a better position.”

In Superbike more as positive the debut of Fonsi Nieto, who on the 999RS made only some lap in wet condition during the Valencia test. The Spanish rider grabbed the fifth fastest, just a second behind the leader and ending before several factory bikes, carrying out a big work and running 61 laps to look the best feeling with a bike so different the machines he’s used before. Among other things Fonsi doesn’r ride street bikes, so the four stroke engine is totally new for him.

A bit behind Lorenzo Lanzi on the second 999RS. Despite the very good top speed (Lanzi was the fastest in the morning and the second fastest overall) the Italian rider has not been able to find a satisfying set up, which will try to find in the final day tomorrow.

Despite that Stefano Caracchi, SC Caracchi team owner della squadra, looks satisfied: “Lorenzo found more difficulties as he was expecting on this track very difficult for the tyres”. – commented the test day Caracchi. “But he’s a rider with great potential and I’m confident that, thank his crew work, he’ll be able to solve the today’s trouble and reach the position he deserves. Fonsi has been fantastic! We must remember that he made just a couple of day test under the rain in Valencia on the999RS and he rode just a second slower as the leader. We have a great trust in him, Fonsi is a great rider and just he’ll find the necessary feeling with the bike he’ll be one of the heroes of the racing season.”

Superbike – Saturday Test

1st Cardoso (Yamaha) 2’02.618; 2nd Corser (Suzuki) 2’03.044; 3rd Kagayama (Suzuki) 2’03.309; 4th Toseland (Ducati) 2’03.347; 5th Fonsi Nieto (Ducati SC Caracchi) 2’03.759; 6th Muggeridge (Honda) 2’03.870; 7th Walker (Kawasaki) 2’03.927; 8th Gimbert (Yamaha) 2’03.999; 9th Laconi (Ducati) 2’04.011; 10th Silva 2’04.077;…19th Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati SC Caracchi GA) 2’05.004

Supersport – Saturday Test

1st Charpentier (Honda) 2’04.716; 2nd Fabrizio (Honda) 2’05.982; 3rd Curtain (Yamaha) 2’06.397; 4th Parkes (Honda) 2’06.758; 5th Gianluca Nannelli (Ducati SC Caracchi) 2’06.960; 6th Chambon (Honda) 2’07.348; 7th Foret (Honda) 2’07.531; 8th Fujiwara (Honda) 2’07.812; 9th Cogan (Suzuki) 2’08.147; 10th Fores (Suzuki) 2’08.717


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

KAGAYAMA TOPS QATAR TESTS

Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra riders Yukio Kagayama and Troy Corser topped the World Superbike tests in Qatar today with Kagayama deposing his team mate with 10 minutes to go.

The Japanese rider had been second quickest to Corser all day on his new GSX-R1000 Suzuki, but just as the sun was setting over the desert behind the grandstand, he blasted round the 5.380 kilometre circuit a tenth of a second faster.

At the end of the two days, both Yukio and Troy were happy about how the tests had gone and were feeling positive about the season-opening race next weekend at the Losail circuit.

The only note of caution, according to the Alstare team, is the varying condition of the track: Over the past two days, the World Superbike and Supersport riders had put down quite a bit of rubber and grip level has improved considerably. But now there are three days of inaction and so the first day of practice on Thursday this week may once again see the teams back to stage one.

However, Yukio and Troy’s performances over the two days have been impressive and has also fired an early-warning shot to their competitors.

YUKIO KAGAYAMA – Best lap, 2:01.480:

“I am very happy with everything we have done over these two days and I want to thank my team for all the good work they have done and all the help they have given me. We have tried many different things and many different tyres and now I hope that the condition of the track will be as good, if not better. If conditions improve, it may be possible for me to go quicker, but we will have to wait and see. At the moment, I am still learning about the Pirellis and the limit so I know there is more to come from me. For the race, my plan is the same as always: Head down, full gas and ride my maximum. It is the only way I know!”

TROY CORSER – Best lap, 2:01.554:

“I’m happy that we finished 1-2 because it is a good reward to the team for all the work and effort we have all done. I had a sneaky feeling that Yukio might go a bit quicker at the end and I might have had a chance to go a bit quicker, but Cardoso was waiting for me and looking for a tow, so I eased-off at the end. We’ve done a lot of work with altering the mapping and improved it considerably, though there’s more to do. We also made chassis and suspension changes – not big changes – and we’ve improved in that area as well.

“There are still a couple of sections on the track where I know I can go quicker, so Yukio had better watch out! Each day the track has felt different, so it’s been really good to have some understanding about how it behaves. If it changes next week, hopefully we’ll have the info to respond quickly and keep ahead of the rest. Here’s to it!”

Overall best times (2 days):

1 Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 2:01.480, 2 Troy Corser (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 2:01.554, 3 Cardoso (E-Yamaha) 2:01.797, 4 Laconi (F-Ducati) 2:01.827, 5 Gimbert (F-Yamaha) 2:01.956, 6 Silva Aberola (E-Yamaha) 2:02.194, 7 Walker (GB-Kawasaki) 2:02.442, 8 Borciani (I-Yamaha) 2:02.548, 9 Haga (J-Yamaha) 2:02.591, 10 Toseland (GB-Ducati) 2:02.639,


FORES ON THE PACE:

Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Xavier Fores finished the Qatar tests with the ninth fastest time, but was happy about the prospects ahead.

He and the team worked hard during the two days and gathered a lot of useful information, whilst learning the track and getting used to Pirelli tyres.

XAVI FORES – Best lap, 2:06.582:

“We came here to learn the bike, track and the tyres and I feel happy because we have made a lot of progress in just these two days. The track definitely got better today and the grip improved s o I began to feel a bit more confident about it.

“Over the two days, we changed the balance of the bike to try and improve my feeling and I’m happy because we made some steps forward. Today the bike was easier to change direction and at the end, I was happy enough with my lap times, all things considered.”

Overall best laps:

1 Charpentier (F-Honda) 2:04.259, 2 Foret (F-Honda) 2:05.083, 3 Curtain (Aus-Yamaha) 2:05.194, 4 Fabrizio (I-Honda) 2:05.295, 5 Fujiwara (J-Honda) 2:05.662. 9 Xavier Fores (E-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 2:06.582.

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Dave Mason to Join John Kay in Double Headline Show


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., — Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason will join John Kay and Steppenwolf to play Kickstand City in the infield of historic Daytona International Speedway, Wednesday, March 9 during Daytona Bike Week.

Mason was added to the show to give the Daytona Bike Week crowd a double dose of classic Rock and Roll at the height of Bike Week.

At age 18, Mason teamed with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form Traffic. At 19, he penned the song “Feelin’ Alright” which has since become a rock anthem, having been recorded by more than 50 artists, the best known version being Joe Cocker. Traffic’s profound influence over rock music is unquestioned even today.

In 1969, Mason took a solo career to the United States and scored a gold album with “Alone Together,” which is widely considered to be a rock classic.

Four of his next five albums went gold and “Let It Flow,” exceeded platinum standing with the top-ten single “We Just Disagree.”

Mason has performed on other bands’ albums including The Rolling Stones’ “Beggar’s Banquet,” George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,” Paul McCartney’s “Listen To What The Man Said” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland.”

Mason joined Fleetwood Mac in 1993 and toured extensively with them. His lead vocals are featured on the songs “Blow By Blow” and “I Wonder Why” on Fleetwood Mac’s “Time” album.

Kickstand City at Daytona will provide overnight parking and nightly concerts each day of Bike Week in the infield at Daytona International Speedway. Woodruff said more concert announcements will be coming soon. More information is available at www.kickstandcity.com.

From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki:

Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000K5 lives up to the hype

RIZLA SUZUKI finished its test at Valencia in Spain today and is confident the all-new GSX-R1000K5 can live up to its pre-season media hype.

Rizla Suzuki racer Scott Smart put the GSX-R1000K5 through its paces for more than 150-laps of the 4.005km Valencia circuit during the two-day test. Despite high winds today, he finished the test and told the team that the bike was every bit as good as the hype that has surrounded it since its launch late last year.

Smart spent the day testing various engine and chassis components and further refining his riding position. He lost the front end of his Rizla Suzuki and crashed at the same corner that caught his team mate John Reynolds out yesterday but walked away unscathed. He finished the test happy with his base setting and is eager to ride again.

After crashing at turn six yesterday, British Superbike Champion JR is now in Valencia General Hospital with his right leg in a cast after breaking his tibia and fibula. He will be flown by private plane to England tomorrow and will then be transferred to Queens Medical Facility in his hometown of Nottingham. He will meet a team of specialists on Monday to determine the best treatment for as quick a recovery as possible.

Team Rizla Suzuki will now return to the UK to continue its test schedule and further development of the GSX-R1000K5. The British Superbike Championship starts on Bank Holiday Monday, March 28th, at the popular Brands Hatch circuit in Kent.

Scott Smart:
“That was a very busy day on track and I don’t mind admitting that I am absolutely shattered. We had so many things to test that it was always going to be hard work, but the guys kept me working to a schedule and we finished with plenty of useable data.

“Once that information is analysed back at the workshop we will have plenty of direction on what is working and what isn’t and will start our next test from a very strong baseline. That is exactly what the team wanted to achieve from this Valencia test.

“I can tell everyone the GSX-R1000K5 is every bit as good as the hype that has surrounded it. We have only scratched the surface at this test but it already has the feel of an accomplished race bike and once we get it dialed in and go for lap times, I think it is going to be awesome.”

Robert Wicks, team manager:
“We leave this test with confirmation that the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000K5 is as good as we dared hope and absolutely delighted in how well Scott has taken to the team as well as his consistently fast lap times despite the windy conditions.

“As Scott has completed more and more laps we have watched him grow increasingly comfortable on his Rizla Suzuki. We are leaving the test in a strong position with him and once his technicians make the changes he has requested, it will be important to have him testing again to further develop the GSX-R1000.

“We have made a plan with JR to get him back to England from Spain and in front of a team of top fracture specialists as early as possible. One thing is for sure, JR’s determination to get back to fitness is second to none and he will have the best medical treatment to support him.”

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

FPR Boys Back On Track At Losail

New Foggy PETRONAS Racing pair Steve Martin and Garry McCoy made use of the first day of the official Superbike World Championship winter test at Qatar to become re-acquainted with the PETRONAS FP1.

Completing 55 and 41 laps respectively, Steve set a fastest time of 2:05.984 while Garry was within three hundredth of a second of his team-mate with a time of 2:06.015. Jose Luis Cardosa was the surprise front runner with a lap time of 2:02.628.

The FPR men, riding the FP1 for the first time since their initial outing at Valencia in November, took advantage of warm and sunny conditions to learn the fast and flowing Losail circuit, 25km from the Qatar capital, Doha.

Steve said: “I am happy with today because, after three months, it is like riding a completely different bike again. But I think we are starting to make steps forward. We know what the problems are and we are fixing them, so every time I get on we make an improvement. I think this is the sort of track where, when the bike is right, you can find a lot of time. I think I know the circuit pretty well now as I did quite a few laps today. And I think the circuit is going to make for an interesting race – it’s just a pity it’s so slippery off line as people aren’t going to want to go off line to pass. We have been making changes to the general run of the mill stuff, not only to suit the circuit but also to find the setting I like. I was going consistently two seconds a lap quicker in the afternoon, so the times indicate that we are going in the right direction.”

Garry said: “The bike needed a little bit of work for this track and I didn’t really get a chance to get a feeling or set-up when I was last on it at Valencia in November. So we have pretty much come here as though this is day one for me. We have made a lot of changes and found out what’s good and what’s bad, mainly working with the suspension at the front and rear, clutch settings and mapping. I did have a good feeling for the circuit but because we have been trying so many things it’s hard to go into the corners with confidence. So I haven’t been able to just ride round. But the race is next week! We have still a bit of a way to go but I definitely feel we are going in the right direction.”

Day one times, WSBK test, Qatar: 1 Cardosa (DFX) 2:02.618; 2 Corser (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 2:03.044; 3 Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki) 2:03.309; 4 Toseland (Ducati Xerox) 2:03.759; 5 Nieto (Ducati Carrachi) 2:03.870; 6 Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 2:03.870; 7 Walker (PSG-1 Kawasaki) 2:03.927; 8 Gimbert (Yamaha France) 2:03.999; 9 Laconi (Ducati Xerox) 2:04.011; 10 Silva Alberosa (La Glisse) 2:04.077; 21 Martin (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 2:06.015; 22 McCoy (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 2:06.015


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Pre Season Test – Losail Circuit, Qatar 19 – 20 February 2004


Day One: The magnificent facility that is the Losail International Circuit in Qatar hosted its first sessions of World Superbike Championship testing action today, in the warm and dry conditions that typify this promontory of land jutting into the Arabian Gulf.


Big Turn Out: a large field of World Superbike and World Supersport competitors enjoyed Qatar’s first SBK experience, each making their final preparations for raceday itself, which takes place on Saturday 26th February. Twenty-nine Superbikes and eighteen Supersport machines were in attendance on day one.


Quick Quixote: Fastest on day one proved to be Jose Luis Cardoso (DFX Yamaha), overcoming the tricky early conditions, in which lack of use had left the track covered in a film of dust and reduced in ultimate grip. As the track improved the times tumbled, with whole seconds taken from most rider’s best times between the morning and afternoon sessions.


Six Of The Best: Of great importance in the run up to the start of the season is the fact that all the volume motorcycle manufacturers in World Superbike this year – Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha – have bikes well capable of winning at the first 2005 attempt. In large part this is due to the close technical regulations and Pirelli spec tyres, designed to allow universal participation at a high level. Arguably the 900cc three-cylinder Petronas machine is the most technologically interesting of all the entries in World Superbike, and this year two such machines will be omnipresent again, bringing the total of manufacturers in the series to six.


Yamaha Top, Suzuki Chasing: Yamaha has not only the most numerous entries in the championship, but at this first attempt, the fastest rider on show as well – Iberian wizard Jose Luis Cardoso, the reigning Spanish Formula Extreme champion. A veteran of the R1 from his winning 2004 season, Cardoso set a best lap time of 2:02.618, holding off the attentions of Troy Corser (Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki) and his team mate and SBK season rookie, Yukio Kagayama, by over 0.4 and 0.7 seconds respectively. Kagayama has been a leading light in the British series for the past two years, and is the highest-placed rider to have had previous experience of racing at the unique Losail circuit. Despite this, he fell from his Suzuki in the early morning, without injury.


Ducati Demons: The Xerox Ducati 999F05 machines of reigning champion James Toseland and vice-champion Regis Laconi took Englishman Toseland to fourth and Frenchman Laconi ninth on the time sheets. Toseland, out to defend his crown against possibly the most competitive field in the championship’s history, had a small moment in the early morning, crashed in the afternoon, but praised both the track layout and way that its grip improved as the testing traffic increased, cleaning the surface with each lap that passed.


New Nieto: Fonsi Nieto (Ducati SC Caracchi) showed his intentions from the start, ending his day with a best time of 2:03.759, good enough for fifth fastest overall. The Spanish superstar has been a welcome addition to the Superbike field this off-season, and with previous experience of the Losail circuit, he should be on the pace from the very first race of 2005.


Honda Effort Led By Rookie: The early showings of 2004 World Supersport Champion Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) were a positive first step for one of Ten Kate’s Aussie fliers, especially as race eve approaches. Despite falling he was sixth fastest overall, from 29 riders on track, Muggeridge fared better than his team-mate Chris Vermeulen. The latter, a four-time race winner in 2004, was struck down by a flu infection, setting 18th fastest time in only 17 laps. Pierfrancesco Chili (Klaffi Honda) was getting used to his new bike once more, finishing 16th fastest and suffering a fall, while Ben Bostrom’s return to the Superbike fray on the Renegade Honda saw him only 28th overall, currently six seconds from the best pace.


K-Band Rider: Kawasaki rider Chris Walker showed that even some imperfect chassis settings on his ZX-10 were not enough to hold him back, setting seventh best time and completing the roll of honour for the major manufacturers in the top positions. His time of 2:03.947 was a boost fore the entire PSG-1 team, which has not had the chance to measure itself against its main rivals on many occasions this winter. The top ten was completed by Sebastien Gimbert (Yamaha Motor France IOPNE), Laconi, and wild card rider Ivan Silva Alberola (La Glisse Yamaha).


Other Top Riders: The Yamaha Motor Italia squad, featuring Andrew Pitt and Noriyuki Haga, slotted in a surprisingly lowly 11th and 12th respectively. Mauro Sanchini (Walker’s PSG-1 Kawasaki team-mate) went 13th fastest on the lurid yellow PSG-1 Kawasaki. Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France-IPONE), whom many expected to be one of the outright quickest riders in the opening sessions, given his previous experience of the Qatar circuit, was only 14th fastest, albeit only 1.5 seconds down on Cardoso. The top 14 riders all finished within two seconds of Cardoso.


Petronas Pairing: The Foggy Petronas FP-1 three cylinder machine scored two podiums in 2004, but on first showing the 2005 season will be a very tough one for the Aussie pairing of Garry McCoy and Steve Martin. The latter scored the best Petronas time of day, 2:05.984, for 21st fastest, with McCoy one place behind.


One Day: With one complete day of testing remaining to run, the current first day times may mean little come tomorrow evening. As Sunday 20th is the last chance each team will have before qualifying begins for real on Thursday 24th February, Sunday will be the final guide to just how the inaugural Qatar World Superbike race will turn out.


In the World Supersport championship, Ten Kate Honda rider Sebastien Charpentier took the top spot, with a 2:04.716 lap, almost 1.2 seconds better than second place rider Michel Fabrizio (Team Italia Megabike Honda). Just outside the 2:05 minute laps, Kevin Curtain was the third quickest rider on display, the leading light in the factory Yamaha Motor Germany team. His team-mate Broc Parkes was 0.4 seconds down, with Ducati rider Gianluca Nannelli (SC Caracchi Ducati) fifth. Two former World Champions, both from France, slotted in sixth and seventh fastest, with Stephane Chambon (Gi Motorsport Honda) heading up Fabien Foret (Team Megabike Honda).


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

TOSELAND AND LACONI (DUCATI XEROX TEAM) IN DESERT ACTION IN QATAR WORLD SUPERBIKE TEST

Losail (Qatar), Saturday 19 February: James Toseland and Régis Laconi (Ducati Xerox Team) warmed up for the 2005 World Superbike Championship by setting fourth and ninth quickest times respectively on the first day of the final pre-season test session in Qatar. The two-day test, organized by WSBK promoters FGSport at the Losail circuit in the Arabian peninsula state, is the last opportunity for this year’s contenders to prepare for next Saturday’s opening round at the brand-new track built in the desert on the outskirts of the capital Doha.

Almost five hours of testing in warm conditions (air 24°C/track 44°C) on a slippery and sandy track surface left the two Ducati Xerox Team riders in a positive mood for the Losail race as they faced up against all of their main opponents for the first time this year. Toseland was one of three riders, together with Corser (Suzuki) and Cardoso (Yamaha), who constantly lapped quicker than the rest today. Despite losing almost one hour with a technical problem on one 999F05 and a low-speed crash when he lost the front of his other machine, the world champion was feeling good about today’s performance.

“I’m a bit disappointed to be in fourth but I’m sure I would have done Cardoso’s lap time if I hadn’t lost a lot of time in the second session”, declared Toseland. “The balance of the bike feels good and the rear tyre is fine, but we still need to work on the front because it’s chewing the tyre up after 10 laps. Since last year the changes have made a massive improvement, especially the front forks and the weight transfer so I’m feeling a lot more confident now. Tomorrow I’m sure will be better than today once the track gets a bit more grip and I believe we’ll be down to 2 minutes flat”, he concluded.

Laconi preferred to have a cautious approach while he learnt the track and tried to perfect his set-up for the race. “We haven’t done so many laps in the dry this year and this track is very slippery and very difficult to learn immediately so I just took it steadily”, said Régis. “I’m not entirely happy with the feeling but we are working step by step to make the right settings. In the morning we sorted out the rear tyre but then in the afternoon we had a bit of difficulty with the durability of the front and we still have to get the right feeling. The track is nice, but you don’t have much line and if you go off, you can lose it. I am not surprised to see a lot of riders go fast today but the hardest thing is to go fast lap after lap and I hope to be in a position to do that in the race next week”.

OFFICIAL TIMES: 1. Cardoso (Yamaha) 2:02.618; 2. Corser (Suzuki) 2:03.044; 3. Kagayama (Suzuki) 2:03.309; 4. Toseland (Ducati Xerox) 2:03.347; 5. Nieto (Ducati SC) 2:03.759; 6. Muggeridge (Honda) 2:03.870; 7. Walker (Kawasaki) 2:03.927; 8. Gimbert (Yamaha) 2:03.999; 9. Laconi (Ducati Xerox) 2:04.011; 10. Silva (Yamaha) 2:04.077; etc.


More, from a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi:

FIRST DIRECT CHALLENGE IN QATAR TESTS

On the 5380 meters of Losail circuit, close to the capital Doha in Qatar’s desert, the World Superbike and Supersport teams have had the first direct confrontation of the 2005 racing season.

A two-day test on this track, almost new for everybody, apart from a few riders moved in this season from GPs championship to Superbike arena which have the possibility to contest Qatar GP next fall. Big job for all the teams for setting the suspension and to select the tyre looking at the first round of the championship next week end. The sable flying from the desert onto the track, as well the surface has continuously cleaned, is a tyre-killer and the tyres go on just a few laps when the suspensions don’t work pefectly.

In Supersport Gianluca Nannelli, after the troubles with the front during the morning session, scored in the afternoon session a very good fifth fastest. The team and the rider made a big setting job and now the rear of the 749r Ducati is perfect. Go on some uncertainty in the front and the team will focus to solve tomorrow, in the final test day.

“We must believe this test the first ever on the 749R”. – said Gianluca Nannelli at the end of the test today. “We had never been able to test on dry conditions and it was important to verify all the work still made by the team. The bike scored the fastest top speed of all the group, thank the work made by Franco Farnè. The set up is quite good too, I’m the fastest in the first intermediate, then in the second I have not feeling with the front and I lose time from my rivals. I’m however quite satisfied for the result we got today, if we’ll be able to solve the front problem I’m confident we’ll earn a better position.”

In Superbike more as positive the debut of Fonsi Nieto, who on the 999RS made only some lap in wet condition during the Valencia test. The Spanish rider grabbed the fifth fastest, just a second behind the leader and ending before several factory bikes, carrying out a big work and running 61 laps to look the best feeling with a bike so different the machines he’s used before. Among other things Fonsi doesn’r ride street bikes, so the four stroke engine is totally new for him.

A bit behind Lorenzo Lanzi on the second 999RS. Despite the very good top speed (Lanzi was the fastest in the morning and the second fastest overall) the Italian rider has not been able to find a satisfying set up, which will try to find in the final day tomorrow.

Despite that Stefano Caracchi, SC Caracchi team owner della squadra, looks satisfied: “Lorenzo found more difficulties as he was expecting on this track very difficult for the tyres”. – commented the test day Caracchi. “But he’s a rider with great potential and I’m confident that, thank his crew work, he’ll be able to solve the today’s trouble and reach the position he deserves. Fonsi has been fantastic! We must remember that he made just a couple of day test under the rain in Valencia on the999RS and he rode just a second slower as the leader. We have a great trust in him, Fonsi is a great rider and just he’ll find the necessary feeling with the bike he’ll be one of the heroes of the racing season.”

Superbike – Saturday Test

1st Cardoso (Yamaha) 2:02.618; 2nd Corser (Suzuki) 2:03.044; 3rd Kagayama (Suzuki) 2:03.309; 4th Toseland (Ducati) 2:03.347; 5th Fonsi Nieto (Ducati SC Caracchi) 2:03.759; 6th Muggeridge (Honda) 2:03.870; 7th Walker (Kawasaki) 2:03.927; 8th Gimbert (Yamaha) 2:03.999; 9th Laconi (Ducati) 2:04.011; 10th Silva 2:04.077;…19th Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati SC Caracchi GA) 2:05.004

Supersport – Saturday Test

1st Charpentier (Honda) 2:04.716; 2nd Fabrizio (Honda) 2:05.982; 3rd Curtain (Yamaha) 2:06.397; 4th Parkes (Honda) 2:06.758; 5th Gianluca Nannelli (Ducati SC Caracchi) 2:06.960; 6th Chambon (Honda) 2:07.348; 7th Foret (Honda) 2:07.531; 8th Fujiwara (Honda) 2:07.812; 9th Cogan (Suzuki) 2:08.147; 10th Fores (Suzuki) 2:08.717

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A story appearing in the February 3 online edition of the “Modesto (California) Bee” newspaper (http://www.modbee.com), reported that racer Nicky Moore, 18, was arrested February 2 by the Modesto Police Department “for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators believe he stabbed the victim twice in the leg and beat him with a baseball bat…” The alleged incident occurred January 28.

The report went on to state that Moore was being held in the Stanislaus County Jail in lieu of $20,000.

“It’s complicated. It’s not true,” Moore told Roadracingworld.com in a telephone interview February 18. “I just talked to the cops about it.

“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Me and my girlfriend were on our way home from the movies, and we saw some of our buddies getting into a big fight, like with bats and stuff. I never got out of my truck, but my truck is real noticeable. It’s lifted like seven inches and has flames through the windows.

“They (Modesto Police) had me go down there (to the station) to give a statement. I was never arrested, never charged.

“The guy who got beat up is almost dating my sister. They’re talking and stuff. He knows I didn’t do it.”

Moore said he was never contacted by the Modesto Bee.

Roadracingworld.com then called the Modesto Police Department to clear up the conflicting stories and reached officer Rick Applegate in the MPD’s Media Relations department.

“He (Moore) was booked. I have a booking register that shows he was booked into the jail for assault with a deadly weapon and he posted $20,000 bail,” said Applegate, who was listed as a source in the Modesto Bee article.

Further attempts to reach Moore were unsuccessful.