From a press release:

Great Lakes Mini-Motard Racing Series Set to Launch This Weekend

With the winter still ever present, the Great Lakes Mini-Motard Racing Series’ (GLMMRS) inaugural season begins February 6th at Kart 2 Kart (www.kart2kart.com), located in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Kart 2 Kart, an indoor karting facility began hosting motorcycles in the form of pocketbikes not long ago. Within a few short weeks, a motard class began and quickly grew to over 20 guys and girls banging bars and having a blast while doing it. This prompted the beginning of GLMMRS; a race series focusing on one of the latest, most unique, and incredibly fun forms of racing; mini-motard racing. Based on the heavily popular CRF/XR-50, GLMMRS will be running 3 spec-classes featuring these bikes in a 6-round, 22-race series for bragging rights and big championship trophies.

What makes this form of racing great is that it’s for everybody. Road racers, dirt trackers, motocrossers, street riders, trail riders, young, old; everyone. People from every background of motorcyles can come and either drag a knee or their foot in an incredibly affordable adrenaline fix.

Honda East (www.hondaeasttoledo.com) headlines the sponsor list of GLMMRS; and the 88-Extreme class, along with Classic Honda (www.hondaminitrail.com) supporting the GLMMRS 50cc Superstock class. Ice Nine Choppers (www.iceninechoppers.com) will be sponsoring the GLMMRS Unlimited class, featuring heavily modified CRF/XR-50s along with the increasingly popular SDG, Xtreme 107, and Icon bikes.

With members from Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, GLMMRS looks to attract riders all over the Midwest. Make sure and have your bike ready for the first event. Medals, championship trophies, 3-4 races per event, endurance racing, random prize giveaways, along with clean racing at Kart 2 Kart’s top-notch indoor racing facility will make for a great time.

Additional information can be found at www.glmmrs.com.

GLMMRS 2005 Winter Schedule

Round One February 6th, 2005
Round Two February 20th, 2005
Round Three March 6th, 2005
Round Four March 20th, 2005
Round Five April 3rd, 2005
Round Six April 17th, 2005

Chase for the Championship. 22 races and 550 points up for grabs!

From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding:

NEW APPOINTMENTS AND RESTRUCTURING IN DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING

Bologna- Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), today defined a new organization structure in view of an internal reorganization of the company’s technical area.

Claudio Domenicali, in addition to his consolidated role of Ducati Corse Managing Director, is appointed to the position of Product Director. Domenicali will manage all the resources involved in strategic planning, development, marketing, design and product quality.

Gigi Mengoli is appointed Assistant Product Manager, a position that will see him involved in specific projects as well as giving precious support for Domenicali in his new job, advising him in the growth of the structure and the processes that will guide Ducati product development in the years to come. This is a significant role which will enable the company to maintain at Ducati’s disposal the vast experience and the passion of a historical figure like Mengoli, who will assist Domenicali in this exciting and difficult new challenge.

Mengoli will also take on the role of President of the Ducati Foundation, which will be formed with the aim of collecting, evaluating and spreading the history of Ducati: from the Museum to the technical archives; from restoration projects to theme exhibitions.

Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse Technical Director, takes on the new position of Ducati Corse Director General with the responsibility of managing all Ducati Corse operating activities, and will continue to report to Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing Director.

These are major modifications that represent an important restructuring of the organization of Ducati and which will radically affect the company, employees, working processes and which change a series of consolidated working balances and methods.

“I am convinced that our new organization structure”, commented Federico Minoli, Chairman and Managing Director of Ducati Motor Holding, “will combine the wisdom and the unique nature of the technical solutions developed over the course of our history with the potential and the efficiency of a method today successfully applied within Ducati Corse and which I would like to become the future standard for the entire company.”

This restructuring is completed with the appointment of Cristiano Silei, who after two years spent as Director of Strategic Planning and Product Development, returns to the position of Commercial Director of Ducati Motor Holding, a role he successfully held from 1997 to 1998.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com

From a press release issued by Gauloises Yamaha:

Santa Caterina, Italy

Wednesday 2 February, 2005

GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM TAKES TO THE SNOW IN BORMIO



Gauloises Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards swapped the racetrack for the snow today as they took to the slopes of Santa Caterina in the Italian Alps on Yamaha RX1 snowmobiles. The villages of Santa Caterina and Bormio are currently hosting the 2005 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, and Yamaha took the opportunity to bring the two sports together in spectacular style. After three days of testing in the heat of Sepang last week, the sub-zero temperatures on the slopes were something of a shock to the World Champion and his new team-mate, but both enjoyed the chance to show off for the press and the many fans who had gathered.

The press conference that preceded the on-slope activities was officially opened by the president of the Lombardia region of Italy, Roberto Formigoni, and the mayor of Valfurva, Idilia Antonioli.



Six-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, who will celebrate his 26th birthday this month, talked about his hopes for the 2005 Championship. “We are looking forward to another great season, last year was unforgettable for me and the entire team. It’s going to be really hard, but of course we will try to win again! The bike last year was good, but we came to the limit with its development and now Yamaha has made us a bike that is almost completely new. It’s already fast but of course there is more work to do on it. I think this will be a very exciting Championship; it’s clear Ducati have made some improvements and of course Biaggi and Gibernau will be competitive, so there is a big challenge for us!”

Rossi’s Texan team-mate Colin Edwards returns to Yamaha this year, having previously raced for the Japanese manufacturer in the World Superbike Championship. “I’m really glad to be back and it was an easy decision to make. It’s all going good so far and Valentino and the team already had the bike pointing in the right direction when I joined! This is my third different manufacturer in three years and of course any change to a new bike is always a challenge. But I’ve been searching for a bike that suits my style and I think that the Yamaha is it.”

Edwards is looking forward to the new addition to the MotoGP calendar in Laguna Seca this year and finally having the chance to ride in front of his home fans on a MotoGP bike. “I’m really excited about Laguna Seca; it should be a fantastic race with great fans, plus I get to spend more time at home!”

Gauloises Yamaha Team Director Davide Brivio spoke about the recent changes to Yamaha’s managerial structure, commenting, “There are big changes this year; Yamaha Motor Racing has moved from its previous home in the Netherlands to Yamaha Italia’s headquarters here in the Lombardia region of Italy. So now the administration and management of the Factory Team is all in one place.”

Brivio, who worked with Edwards in his World Superbike days, was enthusiastic about the American’s return. “We’re very pleased to welcome Colin back; he started with Superbikes in 1995 when he was very young and it was his first time away from the US! Now I think he’s ready to achieve the best possible results with us and we have a great team with him and Valentino.”

Going on to speak about the new bike and the task facing his team to have it ready for the first race in April, he said, “The 2005 version of the YZR-M1 is very different, it has had an engine redesign, although we still have an in-line four according to Yamaha’s philosophy. Yamaha has also changed the chassis and cowling and there are many other new details. Already we have made progress in the development of this new bike and we have five more tests to continue to improve, so we hope we will be ready.”

Rossi and Edwards, both keen snowboarders, were pressed to reveal their predictions for Sunday’s Men’s Downhill event, the finale of the World Ski Championships. Edwards stayed loyal to fellow countryman and top championship contender Bode Miller, and Rossi agreed with Edwards, joking, “Bode is very fast and I think, just this time, the Americans will beat the Italians!”

From a press release issued by AHRMA:

American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA)
2005 Florida Bike Week
Schedule of Events

Wednesday, March 2

* AHRMA roadrace practice day, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.


Thursday, March 3

* AHRMA / Progressive Suspension Historic Cup Series roadrace, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC. Classic machines from the 1930s to the early ’80s, along with modern Sound of Singles and Battle of Twins racers and the exciting new Triumph Thruxton Cup Challenge. Registration opens, 7 a.m. Practice, 8. Racing, 10:30.


Friday, March 4

* AHRMA / AMS Racing National Cross Country Series, Gatorback Cycle Park, Gainesville, FL. Separate hour-long off-road races for pre-1975 vintage machines and post-vintage motorcycles from the late ’70s and early ’80s. Sign-up, 7:30 a.m. Sighting lap, 8:30. Vintage race, 9. Post-vintage race, 11.

* AHRMA / Speed & Sport National Vintage Trials Series, Gatorback Cycle Park, Gainesville, FL. Observed trials competition for motorcycles built through the 1970s. Sign-up, 10 a.m. Start, 1 p.m.

* AHRMA / The Classic MotorCycle / Metro Racing Dirt Track Series short track, Mid-Carolina Speedway, Neeses, SC. Featuring everything from the brakeless, hand-shift Dinosaurs up to dirt track racers from the early 1980s. Sign-up, 8 a.m. Practice, 10. Racing, 1 p.m.


Saturday, March 5

* AHRMA / Northwest Maico & CZ Post-Vintage Motocross Series and Works Performance Premier/Classic MX, Gatorback Cycle Park, Gainesville, FL. The post-vintage action on the famous Gatorback circuit includes bikes from 1975 up to the early 1980s. The Premier/Classic event is for motorcycles of the 1950s and ’60s on a special natural-terrain track. Sign-up, 7:30. Practice, 9. Racing, 10.

* AHRMA / The Classic MotorCycle / Metro Racing Dirt Track Series half-mile, Oglethorpe Speedway Park, Pooler, GA. Featuring everything from the brakeless, hand-shift Dinosaurs up to dirt track racers from the early 1980s. Sign-up opens, noon. Practice, 5:30. Racing, 6:30.


Sunday, March 6

* AHRMA / AMS Racing National Vintage Motocross Series, Gatorback Cycle Park, Gainesville, FL. This event caters to motorcycles from the “Golden Age” of motocross, up through the 1974 model year. Sign-up, 7:30. Practice, 9. Racing, 10.

* AHRMA roadrace registration & tech inspection, Route 92 & Flight Line Boulevard, DeLand, FL. This event is open to the public and offers fans and opportunity to get an up-close look at the hundreds of gorgeous vintage racers that will compete the following two days at Daytona International Speedway. Various racing legends will be on hand, along with vendors and food. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

* AHRMA / The Classic MotorCycle / Metro Racing Dirt Track Series short track, Cross Roads Motorplex, Jasper, FL. Featuring everything from the brakeless, hand-shift Dinosaurs up to dirt track racers from the early 1980s. Sign-up, 2 p.m. Practice, 4. Racing, 6.


Monday & Tuesday, March 7 & 8

* Classics Days: AHRMA / Progressive Suspension Historic Cup Series roadraces, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL. Classic machines from the 1930s to the early ’80s, along with modern Sound of Singles and Battle of Twins racers and the exciting new Triumph Thruxton Cup Challenge. Tuesday will feature a Great Men, Great Machines parade before the racing gets under way. Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon will serve as grand marshal, and joining him will be racing legends such as former AMA and World Superbike Champion Doug Polen, famed chassis builder Rob North, and 1972 Daytona 200 winner Don Emde. Practice, 8-11. Racing, noon.


More information: www.ahrma.org, 615-851-3674.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

In regards to the “No Muffler Shoot Out”…Is this a joke? Seriously, is this a joke? It’s February 1st, not April 1st – you guys are a little ahead on your April-Fools routine.

Chris Meklein
10bomb Motorsports
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

If there is going to be harm done to mosquitos’ eardrums I want to be part of it.

I guess someone forgot to mention said noise problems to MotoGP. I see their fans have left them.

Henry D has forgotten more about racing motorcycles then most of us will ever know. I’m behind him 100 percent.

Jim McConnell
Wizard Racing
Orlando, Florida



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I have an idea, have everyone in south Florida ride their unmuffled motorcycles around Henry’s house.

How does Sunday around 2:00 a.m. sound to you guys?

John France
West Melbourne, Florida



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Bravo, Mr. DeGouw!

At tracks where the dB levels won’t be a problem this idea is way past due! Is there any sound more glorious than a racing engine at full song without mufflers? I think NOT!

For all you quiet spankers, it’s a racetrack, not a library! Screaming engines, race fuel, bean oil–sights, sounds and smells–that’s what it’s all about! Who goes to a racetrack without earplugs anyway?

Dave Tyler
Omaha, Nebraska



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

What is all the fuss about? Are all the complainers going to picket the MotoGP in July? Do they run mufflers in NASCAR? All the promoters are trying to do is create some additional excitement around the most visual form of motorsport racing. Take a pill. Let the paying public decide if it’s a good idea or not.

Frank Hershman
Vancouver,British Columbia, Canada



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Sounds like a good idea. Nobody seems to give a sh-t when NASCARs or open dragsters race. I say go for it as long as it does not hurt the performance of the motorcycles. Might even pick up an extra spectator or two.

Only people against it are snowbirds and 250cc racers–sorry, John France.

Damian Weber
West Palm Beach, Florida



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

“Who goes to a racetrack without earplugs anyway?”

You can’t get 99% of the riding public to wear even the simplest form of personal protection–gloves. And you think spectators and pit personnel are going to wear earplugs? I think you’d have better luck getting pro baseball players to quit chewing tobacco.

D. Hatch
Tampa, Florida



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Huh?

Ken Fischer
Webster, New York



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Who wants to go to these modern races to hear a bunch of streetbikes go by with mufflers on them? Sound like a bunch of chain saws tied together.

As in Top Fuel, Funny Car, F1, Indy, CART, NASCAR…..we don’t need no stinkin’ mufflers.

Go to an AHRMA event and find out why the racers and fans love them.

Mark McGrew
M3 Racing
Hawley, Minnesota



See related posts:

2/1/2005
Updated: CCS/Florida To Pay Racers To Make More Noise

7/31/2004
More On The Danger Of Noise…

7/31/2004
Yet More Viewpoints Regarding Open Mufflers And Noise…

7/30/2004
The Danger Posed By Experiments With Unmuffled Racebikes…

7/28/2004
CCS Florida Experimenting With Unmuffled Racebikes

From a press release issued by SMRRC:

Nor-Cal Mini Bike Racing Club Announces New Classes and More Races for 2005

Stockton California’s Stockton Mini Road
Racing Club (SMRRC) announces its series plans for 2005. Going into its second season of this newly formed club, the SMRRC has added two more dates for a total of nine races including a two-hour enduro.

“We’re looking forward to another great season with great racing action for competitors and fans alike,” says Matt Myers, Director of Racing for the club. “Our first year was a fantastic success which culminated into a club record 165 entries for our series finale last year. We’ve added several new classes including a new Formula Xtreme class in which air-cooled 4-strokes up to 200cc can run, two more classes for our ever growing pocketbike entries, a new Modified
Thunder class for slightly-modded 4-strokes, and back again, our Junior Stars where kids 5-to-9 years old compete on XR50s, bringing the total for the series class roster to 19.

“There is a class for just about everyone of every age and skill level on just about any bike, as long as it’s a minibike,” says Myers.

For more info, including a series schedule, call (209) 914-3697.

From a press release issued by Dorna:

BMW renew sponsorship of MotoGP Best Qualifier Award

MotoGP’s official safety car supplier BMW have renewed their support to the Best Qualifier of the Year award, which will be won at the end of the season by the rider with the lowest accumulated qualifying times over the course of the 17 races of the 2005 World Championship, including their effort from the upcoming MotoGP Official Test.

The BMW Award enters its third edition, having been won for the previous two years by World Champion Valentino Rossi. For 2005 the prize will be a BMW M5 model, one of the top of the range cars from the German manufacturer.

Additionally, an extra prize is to be presented to the fastest man in the MotoGP Official Test, the prologue to the season, that will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona on March 20th. Rossi is also a past winner of this award, which this season will be a new BMW 1 series, having set the quickest time last season, whilst Loris Capirossi won the inaugural edition in 2003.

BMW’s partnership with MotoGP as the Official Safety Car to the series started at the beginning of the 2000 season. As well as supplying all the vehicles for this purpose to race direction, marshals and doctors, BMW cars are also used for the VIP Village and the media services.

From a press release issued by Rich Oliver Racing, Inc.:

In the matter of Rich Oliver v. Sprecher Brewing Co., Inc., the case has been settled and we have all reached a satisfactory agreement with the terms remaining confidential. The case was concerning Sprecher Brewing Co., Inc.’s reproduction of Rich Oliver’s image on their product sold during the 2003 Elkhart Lake AMA Superbike event.


See related post: 4/27/2004 “Racetrack Claims AMA License Release Allowed It To Transfer Racer’s Image Rights To Local Brewery For Use On Bottle”