Special Advance-Ticket Offers for Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR Alton, Va. (June 22) – When the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited returns to VIRginia International Raceway this year, a lot will be different. The event will have a new name, the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, a new date, August 26-28, a new promoter in RPM Promotions and lots of added features including trackside jumbotron screens, an expanded vendor village, stunt shows, a fan party and more. Another new feature will be the Tiki Man Promotion offered to fans who purchase their tickets early. While supplies last, each fan who purchases an admission ticket prior to July 8 can choose from one of four free items: free parking (cars only), a free official event t-shirt, a free official event program or a free parade lap of the VIR circuit. “We’re really excited about promoting the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR,” said RPM Promotions vice-president Cameron Gray. “We plan to make this the premier event on the AMA Superbike circuit, and we’re making this offer to our fans to let them know that we mean business. We have the best motorcycle road racing in America at one of the world’s most beautiful racing facilities. We have the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans in all of motorsport, and this offer is just the first step in showing our appreciation to them. “We will have more announcements in the weeks to come regarding extra features that we will be providing to our fans, and they will be spectacular, so stay tuned!” There are a number of advance ticket packages available for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR. Advance packages include the Flag Room (three-day admission, paddock access, car parking pass, official event program and hospitality on Saturday and Sunday), for $140; Youth Flag Room (5-12 years of age) for $50; the Big Kahuna Super Ticket (three-day admission, paddock and pit walk pass, lap of track, car parking pass and official 2005 Big Kahuna t-shirt) for $99; three-day general admission with paddock access for $55; and pit walk passes (limited availability, good for all practice and qualifying sessions, requires closed-toe shoes) for $30. At the gate, ticket availability will be limited to three-day passes for $60, single-day tickets (Friday only) for $10 and pit walk passes for $40. To purchase advance tickets, visit www.virclub.com or www.rpmcolorado.com. The event schedule will include three days of racing action, including two feature races for the headlining AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as feature races for the supporting classes including the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, AMA Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The 2.25-mile VIR North Course circuit on which the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will take place has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information on VIRginia International Raceway, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on RPM Promotions, visit their website at www.rpmcolorado.com or contact them via telephone at 303-377-3278. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.ussuperbike.com.

JR focused on the podium at Knockhill RIZLA SUZUKI’S John Reynolds knows exactly what he needs to do to get on the podium when he races in the seventh round of the British Superbike Championship at Knockhill in Scotland this Sunday, June 26th. The reigning British Superbike Champion completed a productive test day at Donington Park last week and plans to use the second half of the racing season to prove he is a force to be reckoned with. “I am now completely focused on fighting for podium places at Knockhill and for the rest of the season,” explained JR. “And I know where I can find a lot of performance straight away – from within myself. “I have not really raced all season because of my leg injury and now it is healed and it is not a factor any more. I have the ability, I have my Rizla Suzuki and now I need to dig very, very deep and make that extra commitment that is required to be a Champion. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again and Knockhill is the race meeting where I am coming out more determined than ever before.” Alongside a revitalized JR is new Rizla Suzuki rider James Haydon. He has stepped into the team for the rest of the season to replace Scott Smart and is keen to see what he can achieve with his GSX-R1000 after setting competitive lap times in last week’s Donington test. James said: “This for me is the start of my season. I now belong to the best team, have a bike that is mine and mine alone and I have an opportunity to prove myself. I absolutely cannot wait to get racing at Knockhill. “Last year I won and finished second in the races at Knockhill and I like the circuit, it’s just ace. I’m going to do my talking on track and would advise the fans to come and watch the racing – it’s going to be worth it.” Superbike racing starts at 1:15pm on Sunday, June 26th, at Knockhill, near Edinburgh in Scotland. It will be shown on Sky Sports 3 at 18:30 on the same day. A highlights package will be broadcast by Channel 4 one week later.

AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – July 8-10, 2005 Friday, July 8 8:00am-8:30am Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Practice 9:00am-11:00am Moto GP Free Practice 1 11:10am-11:40am Superstars of Super Karts Practice 11:55am-12:45pm AMA Superbike presented by Parts Unlimited Practice 12:45pm-1:30pm Lunch Break 1:00pm Mandatory Rider Briefing at Tech Inspection 1:30pm-3:00pm Moto GP Free Practice 2 3:15pm-3:50pm Superstars of Super Karts Practice 4:00pm-5:00pm Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice Saturday, July 9 8:30am-8:50am Superstars of Super Karts Warm-up 9:00am-9:30am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Qualifying 10:00am-11:00am Moto GP Free Practice 3 11:15am-11:40am Superstars of Super Karts Qualifying 11:50am-12:30pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying 12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch Break 2:00pm-3:00pm Moto GP Qualifying 3:10pm-3:35pm Superstars of Super Karts Race 3:45pm-4:20pm Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Practice 4:35pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race (28 laps, 100k) Sunday, July 10 9:00am-9:30am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice 10:00am-10:20am Moto GP Warm-up 10:40am-11:10am Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Qualifying 11:30am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Race (17 laps, 60k) Noon-12:30pm Track Entertainment 12:35pm-1:30pm Lunch Break 2:00pm Moto GP Race (28 laps) 3:30pm Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Race (17 laps, 60k)

Virginia Festival of Speed Returns to VIR This Weekend Alton, Va. (June 22) Two-wheeled enthusiasts in the Southside Virginia area have a treat in store this weekend, June 24-26, as Formula USA and the Championship Cup Series return to beautiful VIRginia International Raceway for the fifth annual Virginia Festival of Speed. Formula USA is a premier motorcycle road racing organization for professional riders. The Championship Cup Series has been the leader in Sportsman level motorcycle road racing since 1984. The Virginia Festival of Speed will provide a combination of the best sportsman and professional motorcycle road racers going handlebar-to-handlebar at up to 160mph over the 2.25-mile VIR North Course for their share of more than $190,000 in purse and prizes. “VIR is truly one of the favorite venues for the competitors in the Championship Cup Series and Formula USA,” said series promotions manager Ryan Hoyler. “The facility is just beautiful, and the track layout demands that our riders have both finesse and horsepower if they hope for a win. Formula USA events always provide the highest level of competition as pros dash for cash and prizes, and the fans are in for a great weekend of racing.” Jeff Wood has dominated Formula USA this season, as he seems to break lap records and climb to the top of the podium at every track. Wood had to squeeze a little more from his Suzuki last weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway when Robert Jensen’s Yamaha shadowed him almost every race. Jensen, the 2004 Formula USA Champion, stole the checkered flag in the Formula Sportbike event. Fans can expect fierce competition between these two at VIR. The action will get underway on Friday morning with practice sessions for all groups. Racing will start at noon with a 250km race for the FUSA Team Challenge competitors, followed by sprint races for the CCS groups. Saturday’s schedule includes warm-ups in the morning, with seven-lap CCS feature races starting at noon. The day will conclude with 15-minute qualifying sessions for the Formula USA groups. Sunday morning will have warm-ups followed by another group of seven-lap CCS sprint races, with the Formula USA feature races commencing at noon. Tickets for the Virginia Festival of Speed will be available at the gate, priced at $35 for a three-day ticket, $25 for a two-day (Saturday and Sunday) ticket and $15 for a single-day (Sunday) ticket. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult. Ticket prices include onsite parking and pedestrian paddock access. Camping fees are $25 for the weekend. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The renovated original circuit has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on Formula USA and the Championship Cup Series, visit their website at www.formulausa.com.

Early summer sunshine welcomes MotoGP to Holland The MotoGP World Championship paddock has filtered into the Assen circuit on the crest of a Dutch heat wave this week as summer arrived uncharacteristically early to Northern Europe. More accustomed to swiftly bolting their hospitality awnings and tents to the ground in wet and windy conditions at the historic TT Circuit, the Grand Prix team members and organisational staff have seemingly brought the Mediterranean weather with them from the last two rounds in Italy and Spain as temperatures touched 30ºC. A group of riders made the most of the conditions yesterday afternoon to take a traditional barge trip along the canals of Amsterdam, taking in the sights of one of Europe’s most colourful cities. Nicky Hayden, Alex Hofmann and Marco Melandri were joined by Dutch 125cc youngster Raymond Schouten for the excursion, although all four will be forgiven for being too preoccupied with thoughts of this weekend’s racing to take in the architectural details of Holland’s capital. For Melandri in particular the 75th anniversary Gauloises TT Assen holds a special significance as he looks to improve on his impressive start to the season and targets a first MotoGP victory at the scene of his maiden 125cc triumph back in 1998. “Up to now we have been consistent, we’re constantly growing, so now is the time to take the next step forward,” said Melandri, who has taken three podium finishes and three fourth places from the opening six rounds. “I know it is a difficult step and I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I feel more and more comfortable every time. Hopefully it can be this weekend at Assen, one of my favourite circuits.” The Italian’s biggest challenge will be overturning a sensational run of form for the series leader Valentino Rossi, himself a regular visitor to the top step of the podium at Assen. The World Champion made his first visit there in the arms of his father Graziano, who won the 500cc race in 1979, and has since taken victory himself in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP categories. So far this season he has taken five victories and one second place. “I was only four months old when Graziano won here so it is a special circuit for me, but I think it is also a special circuit for everybody,” reflected Rossi today. “It the oldest track in the World Championship, it’s an old style circuit and it is always a pleasure to ride here. You need to be very brave and ride at 100%, but it is a great feeling when you get it right.” One rider who won’t be experiencing that feeling this weekend is Yamaha rookie Toni Elías, who has stayed at home in Barcelona to continue his recovery from wrist and leg fractures. Fellow Spaniard David Checa will again deputise for Elías, who took his first Grand Prix victory in the 125cc race here in 2001. Whilst it would have taken a superman performance from Elías to race at Assen this weekend, the fans that flock to the circuit for tomorrow’s free practice sessions will be forgiven for rubbing their eyes at the sight of another action hero on track. Makoto Tamada’s helmet, leathers, boots and motorcycle have all been specially designed around the Batman theme as part of a promotion for the movie Batman Begins, and will be auctioned off for the MotoGP charity Riders for Health at the Donington Park Day of Champions next month. Like Melandri and Elías, Dani Pedrosa also took his first victory at this circuit and the 250cc World Champion is hoping for a timely repeat this Saturday. The Spaniard leads the series by 27 points from Casey Stoner and is counting on vast travelling support to help extend his winning run to four races. “It will always be a very special Grand Prix for me because I won my first race at Assen in 2002 on the 125,” said Pedrosa. “Fans from all over Europe gather in Holland and the Spanish always make themselves heard, which I like. Apart from that, it’s a bit of a strange weekend because of the fact that we race on a Saturday.” A host of local wildcards will be looking forward to measuring themselves against Pedrosa in the 250cc class this weekend, with no fewer than four Dutch riders facing the intense media spotlight today. A further four home hopefuls were also on hand to pose for photographs as they prepare to compete alongside Schouten in the 125cc series, which is currently led by Mattia Pasini. The Italian is the only rider to win two races so far this season although Thomas Lüthi and Mika Kallio will be looking to follow in his footsteps as they aim to overturn a deficit of one and two points respectively.

Ford Quality Checked-backed Chris Carr Wins Prestigious Syracuse Mile; Next Up Is Lima (Ohio) For AMA Flat Track Series Points Leader ‘Emotional’ victory for Carr a tribute to the late Aaron Creamer FLEETWOOD, Pa., (June 22, 2005) Defending AMA/Ford Quality Checked Certfied Pre-owned Flat Track Championship series champion Chris Carr and the Ford Quality Checked Team won the inaugural Aaron Creamer Memorial Syracuse Mile on Sunday by a mere four inches over Rich King at the New York State Fairgrounds. “I’ve won by that close of a margin, and lost by that close a margin many times,” said Carr of the exciting sport of flat track racing. “And even before we had photo finishes, I’ve lost when I thought I won and won when I thought I lost. That’s just how close flat track can be.” Carr’s weekend, as did all of the racers, started off slowly as heavy rains made for some sketchy conditions. “They called the race on Saturday and postponed it until Sunday which was a good decision,” said Carr. “The promoters did a real good job getting the track prepped for Sunday’s racing.” On Sunday Carr got things rolling well early, putting up some of the day’s fastest practice times, then won his scratch race and followed that up with a qualifier heat win including the fastest overall time which gave him first pick on the front line of the main event. Carr’s teammate, Willy McCoy, finished in second place in the heat and started on the first row next to Carr. Carr on the race: “I got a good start, moved up front and settled in to save the tires. In year’s past this track’s been a tire-eater. Took it easy after leading a couple laps early, but never fell below fourth or fifth. (Jay) Springsteen and King were the only two guys I saw for the last 15 laps. On lap 19 I took the lead and went on a mini break, led each of the last six laps through the checkers.” Note: With the win Carr extended his series points lead to 24 points over second place Kenny Coolbeth. The win for Carr, his second of the year, was a special one in that it was the first memorial contest honoring fallen racer Aaron Creamer. “It was a great end to a long weekend and it was really special to win at Aaron’s home. Having a race there in his honor reminds us all what a great person and great racer he was.” ‘Two-for-two’ on Father’s Day, according to Carr, the eldest of the Carr clan eight-year-old Cale took a victory lap with Chris in honor of his win. This weekend Carr, McCoy and the Ford Quality Checked Team travel to Lima, Ohio, for the Lima Half Mile – aka “The Lima National.” The longstanding course is one of the more difficult on the tour, according to Carr especially when you consider the unique surface the racers have to battle on. “They’ve run for 25 years there on a pea gravel-cushioned half mile,” said Carr, who’s won Lima four times and finished third there last year. “It’s a unique track, not a whole lot of them left on the schedule. A different style of riding where your really let it hang out and steer with the rear wheel.” With the broad sliding technique and loose surface, roost becomes a definite problem at Lima. “You definitely want to get a good start and get out front early,” said Carr. “That allows you to be hosing the other guys down with dirt instead of visa-versa.” The current AMA Flat Track champion, winningest active racer in the sport with 70 wins and six AMA Flat Track championship titles, the Chris Carr legend continues. For more information on Chris Carr, visit his website at www.chriscarr.com

Team Morse Racing *wins* in the sweltering heat of the Colorado summer! Team Morse Racing took home more wins in the Colorado-based MRA this past weekend at Continental Divide Raceway in Mead Colorado. With temperatures well into the mid-nineties, it was a true test of endurance for both man and machine. Regular spectators of the MRA’s Saturday endurance races now expect to see a good battle between Dave Gallant and Mike Applehans aboard their SV650s, and this weekend the two Team Morse racers did not let them down. Right from the drop of the green flag, both racers were trading positions while working their way through the first wave of the middleweight endurance class running at the same time. The fans were treated to multiple passes per lap in some cases with both Dave and Mike leading a good number of laps. When the checkered flag was thrown, it was Mike Applehans in the lead to take home the CDR Lightweight Endurance class win. “As usual, I had a great time out there. I put on a new set of Pirelli’s for this race and they really did the trick. When racing these little bikes we both have to be perfect lap after lap – if we make one mistake the other will take advantage of it and slip by! I can’t say enough about the bike as a total package – the EBC Brakes, the Suspension Solutions suspension, the Pirelli tires – they really make it easy to concentrate on winning.” said Mike Applehans of his LW Endurance win. Sunday greeted the team with more high temperatures and more stiff competition. Dave’s RacerSupply.com GSXR 600 suffered what turned out to be an ECU failure in the morning warm-up, so he was relegated to racing his Suzuki SV650 in all the classes of the day. He made the best of it however, winning the first race of the day, Lightweight Grand Prix. “Mike and I got out to a good start, but by lap two his bike didn’t sound quite right and I tried to break away and not allow any of the rest of the grid to lock onto my tail section. A TZ250 however was able to make up quite a bit of time on my Supersport SV650 in a straight line at this horsepower track, so I knew I had a race on my hands by halfway distance. After racing TZ’s for so long I knew the line he would have to take – so I did my best to make sure I was always just slightly slower at the points on the track he wanted to be slightly faster. I am sure it was frustrating for him, but I have been on that end of the deal many times on my TZ and it made me a better racer because of it. I tried the new Pirelli slick for the first time this weekend and it was phenomenal. The profile of the front is perfect for these bikes, and the rear-end grip basically let me hold it wide-open on every exit. Shane & Joe there at The Racer Supply Company really take care of us with these tires and I can’t thank them enough.” The heat wore on the racers as the day went on, and both Dave and Mike put in solid top-ten finishes in many of their classes. Most notably, Mike Applehans put in a fantastic performance in Heavyweight Supersport spending a few laps showing last season’s class champion the fast way around the circuit, finishing in a strong 5th place. When asked about the weekend, Scott Morse of Morse Racing Products/GP Composites commented, “These conditions are hard on everyone. It is hard work finding the right tire, finding the right suspension setup, and making sure the riders and machinery keep as cool as they can. We tend to forget we don’t have much experience with any of our new bikes so finding a good baseline setting is still the hardest part of the weekend, and the conditions like we had this weekend do not help the situation. The one thing this weekend has reminded the team however is that testing at our tracks well in advance is a necessity. I am amazed at how fast both Mike and Dave adapt to their machines as they change from track to track, so with some more testing before the next round I am confident we will be well prepared for almost anything thrown at us” Team Morse Racing will compete next in round five of the MRA series at La Junta Raceway on July 16th & 17th.