From a press release issued by WERA:

WERA MINI CLASSES GET SOME SUPPORT FOR 2005

In an effort to help grow motorcycle road racers WERA Motorcycle Roadracing has had a 50cc and 80cc mini class at some of the races in 2004 and will do so again in 2005. The minis run once on Saturday and then they have another race on Sunday. For the 2005 Sunday races Pauleez Custom Cycle Repair has posted a purse of $50.00 for 1st; $30.00 for 2nd and $20.00 for 3rd to the first three competitors under age 16 in the 80cc Class. They will also provide trophies for these three finishers on Sunday.

King Awards will sponsor the 50cc Class with trophies for the Sunday race finishers – 1st; 2nd and 3rd.

Saturday results will still award 1st/2nd and 3rd place medals in both the 50cc and 80cc classes.

We hope that this encourages more young road racers to come out. The future of the sport relies on getting talented road racers and this is a great avenue to showcase that talent. Racers need to be 10 years of age or older and must have parental consent on file to participate in the 50cc and 80cc Classes.

For further information contact WERA at (770) 720-5010.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

McCoy Looks To Future in Superbikes

FPR rider Garry McCoy has turned his back on MotoGP and is instead focused on spending his remaining years in the sport in Superbikes, he declared at the recent launch of the of the Australian round of the 2005 World Supberbike calendar.

“I was asking myself at the end of last season if I would go back to MotoGP, but unless you get the interest of the really top teams, there’s no real point in going there,” exlained the 32 year old Aussie.

“FPR is a very professional outfit, which is one of the main reasons why I made the decision to sign with them.

“I’m happier racing in the World Superbike Championship as it’s a racing class more in touch with most motorcycling fans.

“It’s a lot more easy going, everybody’s looking for a rider more so than money and there’s just more of a racing atmosphere, whereas GP – it just doesn’t seem like that. MotoGP is a bigger line of everything. There’s more money….the teams need big money and they look for European riders and bring European sponsors. I don’t know – it’s just not good old racing anymore. You’ve got guys running up front on machinery that people can’t even dream of owning.”

Australia is the second most represented nation on the 2005 World Superbike grid, with six riders including FPR’s Garry McCoy and Steve Martin, behind Italy on ten.

The return of factory support by the big Japanese manufacturers after they left Superbikes in 2001 has given the series a real boost, as well as boosted the hopes for an Australian victory.

“There’s quite a few Aussies in the class and I think a lot of people underestimate the ability the Australian riders have got because we usually don’t get the good machinery. But this year there’s an Australian on a PETRONAS, a Honda, a Yamaha and a Suzuki, which almost covers all the top makes.

“Troy Corser is on the Suzuki and I think he as a former World Champion and his bike will be one of the most competitive combinations out there.

“I’ve got a bike that’s mostly equal to everyone else as well. We’ll be a little bit down on power in the first couple as races as the PETRONAS engine development team are still working on further developments, but I’m very confident of the FP1’s potential.

“I haven’t won a championship even after all those years in MotoGP, but I haven’t thought about retiring for a second. While I get good rides and I’m enjoying it I reckon I’ll just keep going.”

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI XEROX TEAM LAUNCH – LIVE!

Ducati are proud to announce live video coverage from the launch of the 2005 Ducati Xerox Team.

From 11:15am (CET) on Thursday 3rd February, the presentation of the official factory World Superbike team will be broadcast live via the internet as Ducati.com teams up with Telecom Italia which, thanks to its technological infrastructure, will show the event worldwide via video streaming.

Watch the proceedings directly from the Auditorium in the Ducati Factory as 2004 World Superbike Champion James Toseland and team-mate Régis Laconi unveil the Ducati 999 bike in its new team colours.

Set your web browser to www.ducati.com/racing or www.xerox.com to watch the show!

Launch Times:

Bologna, Italy 11:15 a.m.
London, England 10:15 a.m.
Los Angeles, California 2:15 a.m.
New York, New York 5:15 a.m.
Sydney, Australia 9:15 p.m.
Tokyo, Japan 7:15 pm

From a press release issued by the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Announces David Bailey, Motocross Legend, as Keynote Speaker for Daytona Bike Week Breakfast

Pickerington, OH – Motocross icon David Bailey, one of the true legends of the sport, will share his recollections and enthusiasm for America’s original action sport at the 17th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum “Friend-Raising” Breakfast, scheduled for Friday, March 11 at 8:00 am during Daytona Bike Week. Bailey will be interviewed by Davey Coombs, founder and publisher of RacerX Magazine. The Breakfast, an annual tradition, is one of the many ways the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum spotlights its national exhibits, educational events and preservation programs.

In addition to serving as keynote speaker, Bailey will also be one of the champions showcased in the Museum’s next major exhibit, “Motocross America,” the first-ever exhibit to chronicle the colorful history of American motocross. “Motocross America” opens in the spring of 2005. As part of the grand opening celebration, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will host a “MotoX Reunion” of the legendary racers, tuners and factory stars featured in the exhibit. The event will be held at the Museum on July 14, just before the July 15-17 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

David Bailey has dedicated most of his life to America’s fastest-growing action sport. And, while his professional racing career spanned just eight short years, Bailey made the most of every season. He dominated the competition, scoring 30 AMA national race victories and four National Championship titles, including the AMA 250cc Motocross National Championship and AMA Supercross Championship titles in 1983 and AMA 500cc National Motocross Championships in 1984 and 1986. He was named the AMA Pro Athlete of the Year in 1983. Bailey also represented the United States on five winning US Motocross des Nations teams. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

While a paralyzing practice crash sidelined him in 1987, Bailey’s competitive spirit and passion for the sport couldn’t be contained for long. He applied his absolute command of winning racing techniques at ESPN, where he was an expert commentator for the AMA Supercross Series. He also pushed his athletic abilities to new limits at the ultra-challenging Ironman Triathlon, winning the World Championship in 2000. Today, Bailey is never far from a race track. He is inspiring and training tomorrow’s champions, including his own son, and his Elite Training Division business coaches a new generation of racers about the principles of winning. He also continues to comment on the state of racing through his “Icon” column in RacerX Illustrated. For the complete David Bailey biography, visit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame section of www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

To join David Bailey and friends, early reservations are recommended. The event takes place at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in De Land, FL. Doors open at 8:00 AM. Admission is only $20 and all proceeds benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. To RSVP or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Museum at 614.856.2222 by February 22, 2005.

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; Seniors $8.00; Students ages 12 – 17, $3; Children ages 11 and under are admitted free; AMA members $5. Members of national motorcycle organizations are eligible for a $1 discount off regular admission. A $25.00 family rate and group rates are also available. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

EBC Brakes’ U.S. technical and racing service representative Garry Gallagher was seriously injured January 23 when he was hit by a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) while riding his streetbike in his hometown of Woodinville, Washington.

“I was on two wheels, riding at a reasonable speed with my lights on and everything,” half-joked Gallagher, who was riding his street-legal Yamaha YZ426F to the video rental store. “There were two cars ahead of me that waited for the light to turn green then went through the intersection. There was enough space between the cars and me for this lady to turn, but she waited and turned right into me – not in front of me, not behind me, right into me. It was a 1993 Jeep Cherokee with a tubular steel bumper. Typical inattentive driver, she said she didn’t see me.”

Gallagher was taken to a local hospital before being transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, where he underwent five and a half hours of surgery January 24 to have his broken left femur reassembled with a metal rod, screws and “sheet steel.”

Gallagher was released from the hospital January 28 but will go back in February 4 to have athroscopic surgery to diagnosis and repair tendon and ligament damage to his right knee, which he landed on.

Thankful he was wearing top-quality protective gear, Gallagher said this was his first streetbike accident during his 30-plus-year career in the motorcycle industry.

The injuries will force Gallagher to miss the annual Dealer Powersports Expo, scheduled for February 19-21 in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the first time in 24 years, but Gallagher said he will be at Daytona Beach, Florida, for Bike Week.

In the meantime, Gallagher is “taking it easy” at home and trying to answer the hundreds of e-mails and telephone messages he received while he was in the hospital.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

NBC TO FEATURE AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO A-GO-GO

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 31, 2005) – NBC Jeep World of Adventure Sports will feature the 2004 AMA Red Bull Supermoto A-Go-Go on Saturday, February 5 at 3:30 pm EST.

Jeep World of Adventure Sports is an action-adventure sports series entering its second season and airing on the NBC Sports network. Hosted by Pat Parnell, the show features an array of adrenaline-inspired feats and adventure sports events from around the world. “

“We’re delighted that the AMA Red Bull Supermoto A-Go-Go will be featured on NBC,”” said Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications. “”The fact that Jeep World of Adventure Sports is kicking off its second season by featuring this form of motorcycle racing is a great indication of the appeal and potential mainstream popularity of AMA Supermoto.””

The AMA Supermoto Championship completed its second season in 2004. Top riders from all disciplines of motorcycle racing competed in the series that ran on tracks that featured elements of road racing, supercross and dirt track racing. Former AMA Motocross and Supercross champ Jeff Ward, 43, of Newport Beach, Calif., returned from a successful stint in Indy Car racing to win the 2004 AMA Supermoto title on a Troy Lee Designs Honda. As a result of his excellent comeback to motorcycle racing Ward was nominated for the 2004 AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year, becoming the oldest rider ever to earn a nomination for the award.

The NBC Jeep World of Adventure Sports broadcast marks the return of supermoto racing to network television. The roots of supermoto racing can be traced back to the ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers made-for-television race held from 1979 to 1985.

For additional information on the NBC program visit www.worldofadventuresports.com.

About AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the THQ AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Motocross Championship, the AMA Superbike Championship, the AMA Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

Team SUZUKI MotoGP unveils new look GSV-R

Team SUZUKI MotoGP unveiled a striking new paint-scheme for its 2005 version of the Suzuki GSV-R at Bridgestone’s New Year Reception in Tokyo today.



The launch was held in partnership with Bridgestone to showcase the Japanese tyre-manufacturer’s motor-sport plans for 2005. Team SUZUKI MotoGP is committed to Bridgestone as a long-term technical partner and was honoured to launch its new cutting edge design at the reception.

The new GSV-R livery is designed to reflect the excitement, determination and passion that Suzuki is investing into its flagship race bike and team.

The GSV-R showcases all of Suzuki’s corporate racing colours in the design with a strong emphasis on white to make sure that it stands out from the crowd. The inspiration for the design has come from Suzuki’s historical racing heritage with a bloodline that can be traced to the World Championship winning RGV of Kevin Schwantz in 1993.

The fresh-faced GSV-R will make its racing debut at the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship at Jerez in Spain on April 10th, where Factory riders Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins will be going for glory.

Paul Denning-Team Manager

“This is an important step forward for Suzuki Motor Corporation and especially the MotoGP team. We are competing both to win and to promote Suzuki’s global image, and the GSV-R now has the design and aggressive styling the firm’s performance pedigree demands. It looks fantastic, in my opinion, and I am proud to be associated with such a great looking motorcycle.

“It is also very significant that the new design was revealed at Bridgestone’s headquarters in Japan. This openly demonstrates the close links between Bridgestone and Suzuki and our determination to work together successfully in MotoGP.”

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2005 British Superbike Series has gained a new title sponsor, Bennetts Insurance Services.

Bennetts Insurance Services is England’s “number one” motorcycle insurance provider, according to Dorna.

The 13-round, 26-race series will be known as the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

From a press release:

Bike World Kawasaki/Suzuki of Sunnyvale California is extremely pleased to announce their in-house addition of Australia’s renowned suspension expert Ray Perez of RJP Racing.

Ray’s work as a suspension set-up engineer is locally unmatched as his results with AFM/AMA champions can attest. This past year he worked with now AFM #3 and past Horizon Award winner Chris Siglin, AFM 600 Production champion Grant Riggs and former AMA Superbike top ten runner and AFM #1 James Randolph.

As part of the “New” Bike World’s (ownership change this past June for the first time in over 30 years) ongoing involvement in the motorsports community we’re excited to be able to bring the expert skills of RJP Racing to our facility for our racing endeavors as well as being able to offer the same services to the general public for everything from performance suspension setup to lowering.

For Information please call us toll-free at (866) 680-3989 or visit us online at www.bikeworldmotorsports.com

From a press release issued by BMW Motorrad USA:

BMW MOTORRAD USA POSTS SECOND BEST YEAR IN COMPANY HISTORY

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW Motorrad USA posted its second best year of motorcycle sales in the company’s history. Total new retail sales of 13,316 units were reported for 2004.

BMW’s motorcycle sales performance was largely due to increased sales of its R 1150 RT model, despite the fact that it was in its final production year and will be replaced with an all-new model in March. BMW’s GS models accounted for the second highest volume, reflecting the popularity of the R 1200 GS, which has garnered several prestigious awards from the motorcycle press since its introduction in early 2004 – Cycle World’s Best Open-Class Streetbike for 2004, and Motorcyclist’s Motorcycle of the Year. The updated K 1200 LT models finished the year with the third highest volume and received further accolades including Cycle World’s Best Touring Bike of the Year. The motorcycle’s innovative electrohydraulic centerstand has received kudos from both consumers and the motorcycle press.

Collectively, sales of RT, GS and LT models accounted for 51% of BMW motorcycle sales in 2004. Several model BMW motorcycles reached the final phase of their production life cycle in 2004, including the R 1200 C, R 1200 Montauk, the R 1200 CLC, the K 1200 RS, the R 1150 RS and the R 1150 RT.

BMW Motorcycle Aftersales posted a record year with parts and accessories sales up 4 percent over 2003.

Always on the forefront of bringing new technologies to motorcycling, BMW Motorrad USA announced that several innovative technological features will be introduced on its models in the near future, including a wireless communication system between rider and passenger, as well as other motorcycles and a satellite radio that will be integrated into the current communication systems on models such as the K 1200 LT.