Rizla Suzuki to inspire University students

RIZLA SUZUKI will hold a lecture at Kingston University for its Motorcycle Design Engineering students on Wednesday 8th of December.

The British Superbike Championship winning team will hold a one-hour talk followed by a question and answer session at the Surrey based University to give the eager students some inside information on top level competition.

The students, who study Motorcycle Design as an engineering degree at the University, can expect to hear Team Coordinator Simon Green’s insights into many topics including the differences between a road and race bike, the importance of advances in electronics to machine development and the benefits of racing to motorcycle development and marketing.

Simon will also be taking along John Reynolds’ 2004 Championship winning bike in order that the students can have a closer look at the technology detailed in the lecture.

The degree course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to design cutting-edge motorcycle technology, a speciality field for the Verwood based Rizla Suzuki team, which over the past years of racing has developed many high specification racing components for the highest level of Superbike competition.

“We see it as a very high priority indeed to support the up-and-coming members of the British Motorcycle industry,” said Jason McClean, a Rizla Suzuki spokesperson. “By giving the students of Kingston University a greater insight into racing technology we aim to inspire them to pursue a career in the racing world as this is where a great deal of modern motorcycle development takes place.”

There are also a select number of places for members of the general public to attend the talk, anyone interested should contact [email protected] for more information.

From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

MotoGP signs seven-year deal for Grand Prix of China in Shanghai

In Shanghai earlier today, the official signing ceremony for the Grand Prix of China took place between the television and commericial rights holders for the FIM MotoGP World Championship, Dorna Sports, and the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC). The deal will run from 2005 until 2011, and seals a collaboration between the two parties which will see the thrilling event of MotoGP spread its influence even further across the globe, as it enters the exciting market that is China.

The agreement also confirmed next season’s first visit of the MotoGP World Championship to China, which will take place at the SIC on May 1st 2005.

Present at today’s prestigious ceremony were the Vice-Mayor of Shanghai – Yang Xiao Du, the General Manager of SIC – Mao Xiao Han, the Chairman of the Chinese Motorsports Federation – Shi Tian Shu, and the CEO of Dorna Sports – Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Mr. Ezpeleta welcomed the landmark ceremony as further proof of MotoGP’s growth, “This joint venture between ourselves and the Shanghai International Circuit is crucial to the expansion of our sport, and shows just how far MotoGP has come in recent years, as it progresses into the most populated country on the planet. It is a great coincidence that the FIM MotoGP World Championship was founded in 1949, the same year as the People’s Republic of China, and we hope that together our future will offer many more opportunities to celebrate and many fantastic memories.”

Continuing, Mr. Ezpeleta also offered his thanks to the Chinese government, “I would like to extend my thanks to the Chinese authorities who have helped make this agreement possible. The Grand Prix of China promises not only to be an incredible event for the country, but also for everybody involved in the sport itself, as well as those who will watch it at the circuit and across the world on television. The SIC is an outstanding facility, with all the necessary amenities expected from a twenty-first century circuit, and with the capacity to welcome around 250,000 spectators, we are sure to see some incredible racing here over the next few years.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

MotoGP4, the fourth edition of Namco’s very realistic motorcycle video game designed for the Sony Playstation2 game system and based on the riders, machines and tracks of the FIM MotoGP World Championship, is due for a Spring 2005 release, according to Dorna.

The latest version of the game will included updated teams, riders, racebikes and tracks and will also add online play capabilities, a new rider training system and 125cc and 250cc machines for the first time.

From a press release issued by On One Wheel:

Here is the latest version of the On One Wheel 04/05 schedule with new West Coast dates added.

Dec 10, 11, 12 – Texas Motor Speedway(Dallas/Ft. Worth area)

Jan 6, 7, 8 – Lakeland, FL (30 minutes north of Tampa)

Jan 7, 8, 9 – Solano County Fair (Northern Calif.)

Feb 18, 19, 20 – Solano County Fair

March 11, 12, 13 – Pomona Raceway, CA (Los Angeles area)

April 1, 2, 3 – Solano County Fair

May 20, 21, 22 – Orange County Airport, NY (80 miles north of New York City)

June 3, 4, 5 – Solano County Fair

June 10, 11, 12 – Orange County Airport, NY

June 11, 12, 13 – Pomona Raceway

July 22, 23, 24 – Orange County Airport, NY

July 22, 23, 24 – Pomona Raceway, CA

August 12, 13, 14 – Solano County Fair

August 26, 27, 28 – Orange County Airport, NY

Sept 9, 10, 11 – Solano County Fair

Oct 7, 8, 9 – Orange County Airport, NY

Oct 28, 29, 30 – Solano County Fair

October 7, 8, 9 – Pomona Raceway, CA

November 18,19, 20 – Pomona Raceway, CA

December 16, 17, 18 – Pomona Raceway, CA


(The above are all one-day classes for you to choose from, though you can sign up for multiple days to really master the art!)

Cost: $495 for the one day school

Damage Deposit: $500 only taken on the day of the school if you damage the bike

Bike: Triumph Speed Triple

Session: Arrive at 8:00am sharp, day ends around 5:00pm

Class size is limited. Pre-registration is a must with first come, first served.

For more info:

Phone (818) 957-7104, FAX (818) 957-8108

www.ononewheel.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WSMC has announced that money-paying classes that did not run in November will pay double purse at the WSMC season finale, December 17-19 at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California.

The December Toyota Cup Unlimited F1 race, for example, will pay $2000 to win with $1000 for second, $600 for third, $400 for fourth, $300 for fifth, $200 for sixth, $150 for seventh, $140 for eighth, $100 for ninth and $100 for 10th.

The November 2004 edition of the WSMC newsletter–two copies of which arrived at Roadracing World carrying postmarks of November 30 and December 2, respectively–also confirmed that WSMC will use transponders in 2005 with the additional information that racers will be required to either buy an AMB TranX260 Rechargeable Transponder Kit for $280 or rent one each weekend for $40 in January and $60 after January.

WSMC will offer 90-day financing on transponder purchases, and plans call for lap times to be available at the track during race weekends and for results to be posted on the WSMC website as soon as they are declared official.

The December 2004 race will see Larry Cochran serve as Race Director while Thad Wolff will teach the WSMC New Racers School.

Entering the season finale, Marc Palazzo leads Will Eikenberry in overall WSMC points, 560 to 532. Defending WSMC Champion Jeff Stern is third in points with 503, followed by Clinton Whitehouse III at 443 and Robbie Dowie at 439.

WSMC’s annual awards banquet has been scheduled for January 15, 2005.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

2004 All-Japan Road Race Series Superbike Champion Hitoyasu Izutsu, 33, has announced his retirement from professional motorcycle road racing, according to sources in Japan.

In addition to winning the 2004 Japanese Superbike Championship on a Team Sakurai Honda CBR1000RR, with one win and five podium finishes in seven rounds, Izutsu also won the Suzuki 8 Hours this year, on a factory Honda entry; the 2000 Japanese Superbike Championship, on a Kawasaki; and won both of the World Superbike races at Sugo on his Kawasaki in 2000.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jamie Bartle, 31, Assistant Editor of England’s Performance Bikes magazine, died November 29 from injuries he sustained in a collision with a car while riding to work on a major highway in England, according to an article appearing at www.peterboroughet.co.uk.

Police are investigating the incident.

In the article, a co-worker described Bartle as “probably one of the safest riders in this office.”

Links to the articles:

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/viewarticle2.aspx?ArticleID=896960&SectionID=845

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/viewarticle2.aspx?ArticleID=897498&SectionID=845

From a press release issued by Ali Khani of AK Composite:

AK Composite High Performance Race Bodywork

Congratulations to Josh Hayes and Attack Performance for a Successful 2004 Season

Rancho Dominguez, CA -This year marked the first year of what will hopefully continue to be a successful business relationship between AK Composite bodywork and Attack Performance Racing.

Our heartiest congratulations to Josh Hayes and the Attack Kawaski team campaigning the ZX10R in the Superbike series. Josh scored some great results and showed the might of the ZX10 in a non-factory effort. Not to mention harassing the heck out of the factory boys, finishing in front of factory riders in a few events. Josh finished a very respectable 8th place in the Superbike final points tally, the highest scoring non-factory finisher!

Josh also soldiered on mightily in the fledgling Superstock class, also finishing 8th, including podium finishes at Brainerd and Elkhart Lake. Way to go Josh!

To cap off the US season, Josh won the 2nd Annual Toyota 200 at Willow Springs, cashing a heft $50,000 paycheck for his efforts!!! And last, but definitely not least, Josh tested the streets of Asia at the Macau GP, scoring a fifth against a talented international racing field.

AK Composite realizes that this is also the result of hard and dedicated teamwork, provided by Richard Stanboli and the Attack Kawasaki racing crew. Definitely the hardest working bunch of guys in the AMA paddock!!

We look forward to working with Attack Racing in 2005, and continuing our great relationship in the future. Cheers!! And….we know it is going to be a good year. The boys are hard at work getting the equipment ready for next year. So be forewarned — watch out for the Attack Kawasaki team in 2005!!

You can visit AK Composite on the web at
www.akcomposite.com

You can visit Attack Racing on the web at
www.attackperformance.com



And now, some reader reaction to the above press release:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Just read the AK Composites review of Josh Hayes. It mentions that Josh Hayes was the highest placing “non-factory” rider in AMA Superbike, finishing in 8th place. What factory is Geoff May riding for now since he was a more privateer effort than Hayes and finished 5th?

Canaan M. Manley
Readyville, Tennessee



More, from another reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

AK Composite is correct saying Josh Hayes had a great year. I saw him in person ride at many rounds this year. But, does AK Composite know who really was the top finishing non-factory supported rider, with zero factory support, full privateer effort, and just a handful of sponsors, and truly the hardest working duo in the paddock, Geoff May(rider), Tim Anderson(mechanic). The duo finished the season 5th in Superbike points ahead of factory-supported standouts Aaron Yates (Suzuki) and Eric Bostrom (Ducati). Maybe someday a factory team will see the light and reward Geoff and Tim a chance to show what they are capable of doing with a little factory backing.

Eric Douglass
Franklin, North Carolina



More, from yet another reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I know it’s not your job to correct/edit press releases, but somebody has to let these people know that their claim of Josh being the highest scoring non-factory finisher is incorrect. Nothing against Josh as he’s a great guy and had a very good season, but Geoff May finished 5th in points and it’s my understanding that he gets a little less help than Josh.

Do you normally let people know when you receive stuff like this or just shake your head and walk away laughing? You could have at least added a little humor to the release with an editorial comment about Geoff being the invisible privateer or something like that. 😉

Don’t work too hard and have a great weekend.

Tom Fetsko
Charlotte, North Carolina



More, from a press release issued by Track Daz:

DON’T MISS THIS — For a limited time we’re
offering a season pass as well as a Willow only season pass.

Be sure to see us at the CycleWorld Motorcycle Show in Long Beach to take advantage of our show only deal — buy a set of AK Composite bodywork and receive a complimentary trackday. Stop by our booth and chat with us and our staff riders!
See you then!

1/7 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

2/4 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

3/4 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/25 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

4/4 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

5/23 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

7/30-31 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

8/13-14 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

8/26-27 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

9/16 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

9/26 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

11/7 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

11/26-27 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA


For additional information, call (909) 234-4713 or e-mail [email protected], www.trackdaz.com