From a press release issued by WERA:

Here is the schedule for the 2005 Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series and WERA National Challenge Series. We’ll assign race lengths for the Dunlop/WERA Endurance rounds at a later date.

3/25-27 Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

5/6-8 Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, IL

5/19-22 2005 Cycle Jam, VIR, Alton, VA

6/3-5 Willow Springs Raceway, Rosamond, CA

6/24-26 Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV

7/15-17 Grattan Raceway, Grattan, MI

8/5-7 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV

8/19-21 Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

9/9-11 Nelson Ledges Road Course, Garrettsville, OH

9/23-25 Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, AL

10/12-16 Grand National Finals & Suzuki Cup Finals, Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TO RACE WITH BRIDGESTONE

Bologna (Italy), 15 November 2004: The Ducati Marlboro Team has agreed with Bridgestone, one of the world’s largest tyre-producing companies, to take part in the 2005 MotoGP World Championship.

The excellent results obtained by the Japanese tyre manufacturer in just three years of participation in MotoGP, culminating in two race wins during the 2004 championship, and the opportunity to differentiate from Ducati’s chief rivals in such a fundamental component as tyre supply were the underlying reasons behind this choice.

“We are very satisfied to have reached an agreement with Bridgestone” declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse CEO. “Like us, the Japanese company has been present in MotoGP for not many seasons, but it has already proved that it is capable of producing successful tyres, while simultaneously demonstrating a notable capacity for development. For our part, we ended the 2004 season on an upward trend and we are convinced that the collaboration with Bridgestone will represent a further step forward in our attempt to gain a competitive advantage in a championship that is becoming increasingly demanding and exciting”.

The Ducati Marlboro Team will appear with Bridgestone in the next tests at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, from 23-25 November, and will continue development work with the new tyres the following week, November 29-30, at Valencia.

“I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Michelin, and in particular Pierre Dupasquier and Nicolas Goubert, for the support they have given us in many years of collaboration” concluded Domenicali. “Together with Michelin, we won 8 World Superbike Riders’ titles and made our debut in MotoGP last year, winning our first race and finishing on the podium ten times. The relationship has been excellent both on a technical and personal level. A big thanks also for allowing us to start to work with our new partner from the next test onwards. This is a truly sporting gesture that is much appreciated and it shows that the rapport between our two companies continues to be excellent”.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Under US laws you [sanctioning body, event organizer, tire supplier, etc.] can not protect yourself from negligence by having someone sign a release or wavier of liability. If any tire manufacturer supplied tires that they reasonably knew were prone to defects that could cause a catastrophic failure, then that would be considered negligence on the part of the tire manufacturer. The real issue is was it known in May of 2003 that there were serious defects in tires that were being supplied at the time or was the problem discovered after the failures. Anyone that races a motorcycle in any form of closed course competition assumes the risk of injury or death by placing themselves in the competition. The competitor and the event organizer must take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of all persons involved in the event. Negligence as it relates to tires used for racing only is an issue that has been in the courts in the past for open wheel cars, and others forms of auto racing.

William Staab
Canton, Georgia


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

I won’t comment on the validity, if any, of the potential Livingood case. I don’t have the specific facts in the case and I am not an attorney. But, my understanding of liability law (from 25+ years in the corporate manufacturing world) would suggest that waiver of no waiver, there still is potential liability for clearly defective design or manufacture.

A waiver certainly does not provide blanket immunity from liability, nor should it. It probably does serve as a shelter from those risks which one reasonably expects to be a part of the activity, but not necessarily from grossly negligent actions or inactions.

Every ski area in North America requires a waiver when you buy a lift pass, and if I fall and break my leg, I probably don’t have a leg to stand on (pun intended) to sue, but if the resort fails to mark a hidden hazard, or if a lift collapses and I am hurt, you know for sure that they will be held liable.

In this case, one might surmise that that pattern of tire failures for Dunlop tires at high speed tracks should have alerted Dunlop to the possibility that there was a design or manufacturing defect.

Robert Sheidler
Lordsburg, New Mexico


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

In response to the reader reaction posted thus far on the site, I feel the need to add my two cents.

Motorsports, at least in North America, I’ve always felt was a bit like a house of cards that could easily be blown down by a frivolous or unnecessary lawsuit.

I find myself surprised then, that at least in principle, I feel the need to support the threat of lawsuit by Brian Livengood against Dunlop.

Sometimes parts fail, and by and large that’s an accepted part of racing. However, I think the SEVERAL similar failures of Dunlop slicks (2 in Canada, 4? in the U.S) demonstrates, at least to the casual observer like me, a reckless indifference to rider safety. To this point, the only rider to outwardly criticize Dunlop has been Mat Mladin, and even he’s been quiet on this issue lately.

Do I want Brian Livengood to be rewarded some ridiculous sum of money and risk motorsports as we know them? Of course not but hopefully, the threat of a lawsuit will Change Dunlop’s seemingly arrogant and cavalier attitude.

Jeremy Kinzl
Burlington, Ontario, Canada


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

You’ve posted e-mails from people concerning a lawyer who may file a lawsuit concerning the Dunlop tire problem. As you pointed out, he is still researching the issue. This doesn’t make filing the lawsuit a certainty. Also, filing a lawsuit means you have a good-faith belief in the merits of your case. This doesn’t mean you are sure to win.

Most importantly, once the lawsuit is filed, the parties can conduct discovery and obtain copies of all relevant material. This is when the facts come out. Livengood might find a smoking gun, or he might not. If so, they will ask the court to dismiss their complaint. The point is, without the lawsuit and the discovery permitted by it, nobody would ever know “the truth” except for Dunlop.

Given the press generated by the Dunlop failures, I would think most readers would want to know “the truth”.

Aaron Woell
Dekalb, Illinois


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Though I am in the minority (possibly an army of one), I agree with Mr. Livengood’s efforts to bring a lawsuit against Dunlop. I have read reports of Dunlop tire failures for years now, many in the pages of RW. In my opinion, Dunlop has a design and/or manufacturing problem with their race tires. The problem(s) only affects a small percentage of the tires they produce. Given that only a few incidents will occur, most of which not resulting in serious injury and that Dunlop can hide behind release waivers when injuries do occur; Dunlop has no financial incentive to ever fix the problem(s). I don’t know what Mr. Livengood’s motives are but I see the potential result of eliminating unnecessary injuries. I find sadness in the fact that a lawsuit is required to get a company to do the right thing but if that’s what it takes then so be it.

Aaron Loyd
Fort Collins, Colorado


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Although I agree that lawyers wreck most of the issues they become involved in, I actually agree with the fact that Brian may have a possible lawsuit. This one does not mean the sky is falling and it is the end of the sport, it is simply a lawsuit to hold Dunlop responsible, for not having one or two blowouts and serious injuries from those blowouts but multiple blowouts. Does racing allow manufacturers a huge berth of safety because it’s racing which then can allow them to manufacture faulty equipment? I don’t think so, I think racing should hold them to a higher standard simply because of the danger. I don’t recall any privateers on Michelins or Pirellis having blowouts like this, there are way more of them out there than what we see in the AMA series. Let’s not bag on Brian or the lawyer simply because we feel racing is dangerous, let’s look at it because it is racing and a manufacture needs to be absolutely sure it is putting the best product out there, which in my opinion Dunlop did not at that time.

Sean Edgett
Minneapolis, Minneapolis


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

I was shocked when reading about the reaction people took regarding Brian Livengood’s possible lawsuit against Dunlop. I do believe a manufacture has a level of responsibility when manufacturing a product. Especially when it’s for racing. When you purchase a $350-$400 set of tires you expect a certain level of development went into the tires and they are safe to ride on. The exploding tires have been an ongoing issue and to my knowledge there’s been no explanation to the public from the Dunlop in response to the issue. I’m sure Dunlop has been investigating why tires explode and have tried to prevent such occurrences. However, if the issues isn’t resolved then I agree with Livengood’s reaction. I’m guessing he has over 1/2-million dollars in medical expenses (hopefully paid by his insurance) due to a product that has a “known” and reoccurring problem. For those of you who oppose Livengood’s reaction, under the same level of thinking you must also think Firestone is not responsible for trucks rolling over and killing families. Perhaps you’re also opposed to workman’s compensation for employees who at risk. The waivers we sign when entering a racetrack doesn’t mean a manufacture or race organization can turn their head and put people at risk. If you have a problem, fix it! It would be a nice gesture if Dunlop offered to cover the medical expenses. However, that would only make Dunlop look guilty. I believe Dunlop has a responsibility and should do the right thing. If it takes a lawsuit then I support Livengood’s decision and hope he is compensated.

Chris Scott
Laguna Niguel, California

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

What next?

We sign waivers up the wazzoo and think they don’t mean anything. We live with conditions for years (especially racers who have moved up to AMA Pro Superbike competition) yet pretend there is some new danger.

Bullshit.

Brian Livengood got caught out … some percentage of people get tagged every year — it’s a tough world … and now he’s looking to pass the costs on to all of us. ME.

I’ve some empathy for Brian: my 68 y.o. father has titanium locking 5 vertebrae in place, daily reminder of an accident 4 years ago unloading goods from a trailer. It was an accident, plain and simple. No lawsuits needed, though he was entitled to workman’s comp.

I use the bathroom analogy often because it’s easy to relate to: If you’ve been using a tub for years and years, but one day you finally slip on the slick, wet surface and break your nose and chip a tooth, how on earth is the manufacturer at fault?

True, that’s not an apples to apples comparison because tires are a constantly developing product. But however rare tire explosions are, (isn’t it telling that they’re actually called something like “catastrophic delaminations” in industry-speak?) they are a *constant* risk.

It could happen on my 52-HP EX500. It is MUCH more likely to happen on 170+ mph Superbike that can squirm the tires out of pretty much every corner despite the continuing advances in available grip.

When you push the limits, you don’t know where all the soft spots are. Some places are hard — right now it’s tires. I’m just surprised no one has wizened up and sued a deep-pocketed manufacturer because the chatter on their bike was a known defect? How about steering dampeners … “Good heavens, the manufacturers KNOW their bikes are unstable, and they give us THIS Band-Aid? Call the lawyers!!!”

Believe me, I’m not heartless, nor do I dislike Brian Livengood in any way. (The only AMA riders I’ve ever personally met are LRRS privateers.) But I truly hope the case is thrown out before going to trial.

B.J. Worsham
LRRS/CCS #31
Old Westbury, New York


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

When will it end?

I am thinking that driving a vehicle of any type at speeds close to 200mph is dangerous?

Are the releases signed by the racer(s) not valid?

While it is unfortunate that the racer in question crashed and is now injured, I would say that he and every racer knows the risks the first time they decide to push the envelope. Is there anybody who can tell me that racing vehicles of any type is somehow without risk?

Should Mr. Kato sue HRC for not providing stability control and air bags on his 211? How about the concrete company for making product that is too hard? Maybe the track operator for knowing that racers might exceed safe speed on the track?

If this lawsuit proceeds what will follow?

One possible result, a reduction in places to race, ride fast, do track days etc. Anybody recall places like Indian Dunes?

Curt Alexander
Santa Monica, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Re: Brian Livengood filing suit over “defective product design” in superbike Dunlop.

I don’t want to appear insensitive to Brian’s situation – any career ending crash is a tough thing for a racer to stomach – but suing a racing vendor is exactly the thing our beloved and struggling sport of road racing does NOT need here in the ever-so-litigous USA.

Steve Breen
Allen, Texas


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Wow. Unbelievable. What will people think up next.

I really hope that this is some vain attempt by an ambulance chaser to stir up some business. And I emphasize the word VAIN.

Last time I checked, Mr. Livengood was “racing”. And in the course of racing, things tend to fail. Especially when piloting a 1000cc superbike. It’s not like going to Mickey D’s and getting burned by a malicious cup of coffee – which I think has more of a basis for a lawsuit than Brian’s does. And I think that was a bullpuckey lawsuit, to say the very least.

I understand the frustration, believe me. I have had parts fail that caused me to crash during a race. I have had people take me out during a race. Was there ever an inkling to file a lawsuit? Hell NO!!!

In reality what caused the injury? Not the tire, the tire was just a preceding factor. Him hitting the wall that didn’t have an Airfence and was too close to the track was the more likely culprit. But, even in this regard, he knew the risk before he even took to the track.

If you want absolute safety in racing, sit in the stands. Better yet, watch it on TV. But then what happens when someone makes an incredible pass, you as a spectator jump in the air in excitement, spill your beverage and land in the slippery stuff and break a leg? Does that mean I get to sue the channel showing the race because they put me in jeopardy? Yeah, that has about as much credence as Mr. Livengood’s case.

Come on Brian, show some respect for the sport that you supposedly love. Or did at one point.

Gimme a break….

Steve Sturm
Glendora, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Oh my God, if this isn’t the thin edge of the wedge, I don’t know what is. Assumption of risk is an integral part of motorsport competition (or any sport, really). What about the racer that is t-boned by another rider? That’s racing. What about highsiding and getting unavoidably run over by a following rider? That’s racing. What about suffering such a massive impact that your top-of-the-line Arai or Shoei splits in two and you’re brain-damaged? Sorry to say it again, but that’s racing.

We all agree, by signing waivers, that we could be seriously injured or even killed, despite the best efforts of bike manufacturers, tire makers, race marshals, event organizers and even of fellow racers to mitigate those risks. We wear the best protection we can, we impose technical standards to prevent our bikes from leaking or losing parts while on the track, we sanction dangerous riding, we raise money – via things like the Roadracingworld.com Action Fund – to purchase and install soft barriers and we try to improve track designs to better insure rider safety. These are all things we can do. What we cannot do – as much as lawyers may wish to argue to the contrary – is achieve total control over our racing environment.

Dunlop and every other tire maker should make every effort to reduce the risks faced by racers who trust in their products, but If this lawsuit isn’t thrown out of court, we’re looking at the beginning of the end of our sport as we know it.

Mel Gantly
WMRC # 793
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

From a press release issued by www.guzzitech.com:

Motorcycle Dynamics Guru Tony Foale To Give Free Lecture and Book Signing at Willow Springs Raceway, Saturday 11/20/04

Engineer, author, and lecturer Tony Foale will speak to WSMC members and other motorcycle enthusiasts Saturday, November 20, 2004, 5:00pm at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA. Following the lecture, Foale will sign copies of his latest book Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design, the Art and Science, and be available to speak personally with lecture attendees. This engagement is free with a paid Willow Springs Raceway entry fee and is open to the public.

In addition, Mr. Foale will be presenting an in-depth two-day motorcycle handling seminar at Keith Code’s California Superbike School November 22-23.2004. Registration for the much acclaimed two-day seminar will be available at the Saturday WSMC lecture.

Author Tony Foale’s book Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design, the Art and Science has set the standard for technical motorcycle engineering texts, offering insight into frame, swingarm, suspension and similar motorcycle design issues. This illuminating book is a valuable reference for racers, constructors, engineers, and technically minded riders. Foale’s lecture series is designed to complement his written work by elaborating on the details of motorcycle designs and their influence on handling. Topics of discussion in the lecture will include: telescopic forks and alternative front suspension designs using four bar linkages or hub center steering; rake, trail, wheelbase, center of gravity, and their influence on handling; and weave, wobble, and capsize handling modes and their real world manipulation.

Tony Foale began his distinguished career in the field of motorcycle engineering with formal training as an engineer at university in the 1960’s. He went on to perform professional duties as a structural engineer, nuclear engineer, and Formula One team manager. He later deviated from the typical engineering career path and dedicated his professional efforts to designing and constructing street and racing motorcycles using his own frame and component designs. Mr. Foale is an expert in the field of motorcycle dynamics and his seminars provide invaluable information to motorcycle racers, tuners and enthusiasts.

This free lecture is made possible through special arrangement with Willow Springs Raceway, Keith Code’s California Superbike School and GuzziTech.com.

For more information on the upcoming two day Tony Foale seminar visit the California Superbike School’s website: www.cornering.com.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Last Chance to Trade Food for AMA Tickets at Thanksgiving Food Drive

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Race fans and community members only have one week left to trade non-perishable food items for tickets to the 2005 AMA Superbike event at Infineon Raceway.

The 2004 Thanksgiving Food Drive will come to a close on Friday, Nov. 19, and all collected food items will be donated to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) to help feed needy families. Donations of four or more non-perishable food items will be rewarded with a FREE ticket to qualifying during the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown on Friday, May 13, 2005. Only two vouchers are allowed per household.

Infineon Raceway has again partnered with Mary’s Pizza Shack, Froggy 92.9 FM (Santa Rosa) and Destination RKA on the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The drive has raised more than 3,300 pounds of non-perishable food items since 2000, and the goal for 2004 is 1,500 pounds.

The public is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the raceway during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) until Friday, Nov. 19. Items can be dropped in bins located in the main office. The raceway is located at 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476 (800-870-RACE).

Those who cannot make the trip to Infineon Raceway can still participate in the food drive. Satellite food drop-off locations are located at:

* Destination RKA in Healdsburg at 1423A Grove St. RKA is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For directions, please call (707) 433-3727.

* Froggy 92.9 FM located at 1410 Neotomas Ave., Suite #200 in Santa Rosa. Call (707) 543-0100 for directions.

* Ten Mary’s Pizza Shack locations in Sonoma County and Novato. Please visit www.maryspizzashack.com for restaurant locations.

* Food items can also mailed to: Diana Rose, Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 and 121, Sonoma, CA, 95476.

Those who donate food at any of the satellite locations, or by mail, will receive their ticket vouchers by mail.

FISH, the beneficiary of the food drive, has been helping Sonoma Valley residents in times of need since 1970. In addition to food, FISH also aids families in need of clothes and rental assistance. For more information on FISH, call (707) 996-0111. For more information on the food drive, please contact Diana Rose at (707) 933-3918 or by e-mail at [email protected].

From a press release issued by www.1888fastlap.com:

1-888-FASTLAP has posted their new Racer Support Program at www.1888fastlap.com. The new Racer Support Program gives racers deeply discounted pricing online at 1888fastlap.com, through a password protected online store. Racers that register online for the support program each have a password to allow them to view their discounted racer prices and also purchase online at the discounted rates.

Paul Wright explains “This is the biggest racer support program we have ever offered, and it can easily save racers $1000 or more on their pre-season racing needs, and potentially many thousands of dollars during the course of the racing season. We have always had good prices for racers, but nothing like this new program offers!”

So far over 300 racers have registered for the new 1888FASTLAP.com racer support program since it was posted about six weeks ago, and there are several “amazing” and “top secret” pre-season racer specials planned. Over 80 racers have registered this week alone, since the announcement that information on the first of the much anticipated pre-season racer specials will be emailed to registered racers on 11/14/04

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Georgia lawyer Greg McMenamy is researching a possible lawsuit against Dunlop Tire Co. on behalf of former motorcycle racer Brian Livengood, whose AMA career ended when a Dunlop slick on the rear of his GSX-R1000 racebike exploded and sent Livengood into a concrete wall during an AMA Superbike event at Road Atlanta in May, 2003.

Livengood suffered back injuries, resulting in a partially fused spine.

McMenamy is likely to claim the crash was caused by a design that proved defective for the tire’s intended use.

Livengood’s crash was caused by the first in a string of catastrophic Dunlop rear tire failures and resultant high-speed crashes at various U.S. and Canadian racetracks. The failures involved both 16.5-inch and 17-inch slicks; Livengood crashed when a 16.5-inch tire failed, and Dunlop eventually recalled potentially faulty 17-inch rear tires.

McMenamy must overcome the liability release signed by racers when they obtain an AMA Pro license. He may be able to do that under Georgia law regarding defective product designs.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

HODGSON FACES AMERICAN CHALLENGE IN 2005

Bologna (Italy), 12 November 2004: The 2003 World SBK champion Neil Hodgson will be returning to Superbikes next year, lining up alongside Eric Bostrom in the two-rider Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team for a totally new challenge – the Ducati Corse attack on the AMA Superbike championship.

The 30-year-old from Burnley, England (born November 20, 1973) comes off the back of a difficult season in MotoGP but is relishing the thought of this new challenge, where he will come up against riders of the calibre of multiple AMA title winner Mat Mladin, the legendary Miguel Duhamel and ex-Ducati L&M factory WSBK rider Ben Bostrom as well as brother Eric, on unfamiliar circuits like Daytona, Brainerd and Road Atlanta.

We caught up with Neil to ask him for his thoughts on next season:

NEIL, ARE YOU HAPPY TO BE BACK WITH DUCATI CORSE?

I felt like I never left actually because my contract ran through, but it’s great to be back anyway. I’m definitely happy to be racing Superbikes again. I enjoyed my experience of riding MotoGP bikes but I’m not going to miss them. In that championship, you only have a chance of winning if you are in the right team on the right bike.

AND I WOULD IMAGINE YOU’RE HAPPY TO BE BACK ON A 999?

Yes, really happy. It’s the bike I made my name on last year. I know a lot of people think the Ducati 999 was the best bike in the world when I rode it and then everyone got on it and started criticising it. I think it’s an absolute winner, it suits my style and I can’t wait to get back on and burn some laps.

WHAT SORT OF A CHALLENGE WILL AMA SUPERBIKE BE?

A huge challenge and a lot of people are underestimating how difficult it’s going to be. I’m not, I know what lies ahead but I’m also aware that Ducati are making a major effort to win this title. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, it looks like it’s going to be the toughest year in my career and I’m going there to fight and enjoy my racing. If all goes according to plan, then hopefully I can win the title, but I know it’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

YOU’LL BE RACING AT SEVERAL UNFAMILIAR TRACKS LIKE MID-OHIO, BRAINERD AND PIKES PEAK – ANY THOUGHTS ON THAT?

Yes, I’ve never even heard of half of them! All I know is that I’ve watched a lot of AMA races this year and the tracks look fantastic, a few dodgy ones, but the general layout of most of the circuits looks really imaginative, similar to English tracks, a bit old, undulating but with a lot of character. People say they are dangerous but motorcycle racing is dangerous anyway. I’m not a crasher so it should suit my style.

AND OF COURSE YOU’LL HAVE ERIC BOSTROM AS TEAM-MATE NEXT YEAR…

I don’t know Eric too well, but I feel that we are very similar: both easy-going and pretty normal guys. Although we raced together a couple of times in World Superbike, I never got the chance to battle on the track with him, but now I will, even though he’s my team-mate! I’m sure we will work well together in the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team and can help each other to get the best possible results.

WHAT’S THE OPPOSITION GOING TO BE LIKE? YOU KNOW SOME OF THESE AMA GUYS?

I’ve raced against all of them some time in my career and I know how talented they are. There are probably 4 or 5 very good riders. Even though the depth of field isn’t too great, to beat the top 4 or 5 is as hard as anything.

IN A WAY YOU’RE A BIT LIKE ANOTHER BRITISH CHAMPION, NIGEL MANSELL, WHO WENT TO THE USA TO DO INDYCAR AFTER WINNING IN FORMULA 1…

Exactly, I’m looking forward to the rivalries as well. To me that’s part of the sport, part of the racing. If everything is rosy and everyone says nice things, that’s OK but you need the rivalry, the ‘needle’, the ‘You hate me…great, I’m gonna beat you, bring it on’ sort of thing. I enjoy all that intensity.

ARE YOU GOING TO BE BASED IN THE STATES OR COMMUTE BACK AND FORTH?

In the next couple of weeks I’m going to make a decision on that. It might be easier to base myself there.

FOR DUCATI IN GENERAL AND DUCATI NORTH AMERICA, THE AMA CHAMPIONSHIP IS VERY IMPORTANT. THERE’S GOING TO BE A LOT OF FOCUS ON YOU AND YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A HIGH PROFILE OVER THERE.

That’s probably why it’s better to live there. If I’m constantly rushing back home, then that’s not good for Ducati and I understand that aspect, the PR side of things, I know the way Ducati work, I’ve worked with them before.

WHAT WAS THE WORST THING ABOUT YOUR MOTOGP YEAR?

Not being what I thought it would be. I thought the package I would have was more competitive and it wasn’t. It’s just that realization. It’s all ifs, buts and maybes… and now I’m moving on. I’ve no bitter feelings about it, but now it’s important to come back and do something else.

WHERE DOES NEIL HODGSON SEE HIS FUTURE FROM HERE?

A year in AMA and we’ll see how it goes. If I can win in AMA I’ll be the happiest man in the world. Then I’ll have a rethink. I’m at a bit of a crossroads but I can’t really predict what will happen after. Even last year was a crossroads, but I’ve always fancied America and now it’s the right timing for me. We’ll see how it goes. If you win you can pick and choose to stay or move on, it’s as simple as that. The AMA Championship poses a great challenge both to me personally and to Ducati as they haven’t won it for many years. I would like to make history and be the first rider ever to win the British and World Superbike Championships and the AMA Championship. The main thing that I have discovered this year is that I cannot race just to make up the numbers. I need to win!

Neil Hodgson’s first appearance for the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin AMA Superbike team is scheduled for January 3-5, 2005 in testing at the legendary Daytona circuit in Florida.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

FIRST DUCATI MONSTER CHALLENGE WINNERS CHOSEN AT SAN FRANCISCO IMS SHOW

The search for the coolest Monster has begun, and the coolest Monster in Northern California was determined this weekend.

Cupertino, CA – November 11, 2004 – Ducati’s search for the coolest Monster in North America started with a bang this past weekend at the San Mateo IMS Motorcycle show. The Monsters entered were each unique creations making the judges’ job difficult to choose a clear winner. Judges chose Stuart Baker from Burbank, California as 1st place for his 1999 Retro inspired Monster 750. The trek to Northern California was well worth it since he won a trip to Daytona, Florida during bike week for the final round of the Monster Challenge.



“Well, I was unable to enter the Long Beach show as I’m getting married that weekend, so it had to be Northern California, or not at all. And without my future wife Patricia’s support I couldn’t have made this possible. I had just completed the bike about a month prior, and was just picking off the list of things to do when I heard of the Monster Challenge. I knew I had to enter. I had NO IDEA I would win, heck, I didn’t even know if I would get any awards at all! After seeing the competition, I didn’t really think that I had a shot at anything,” said Stuart.

Not only was Stuart’s bike visually different, he had done all of the work himself including the conversion to a dry clutch. He converted the bike to fuel injection, made a custom rear frame and tail bodywork, and made a custom box to house all of the electrical components out-of-sight. This last bit of attention to detail allows a clear view through the front part of the frame and really sets the bike apart from anything else.

2nd place went to Martin Wong from Sacramento, CA for his completely carbon creation 1996 M900. He went home with a $250 Ducati Performance gift certificate. Finally, 3rd place winner, James Martin received a $100 Ducati Performance gift certificate for his marble 2002 Monster S4.

The People’s Choice winner, “Tigre” as Steve Metz calls it, was a favorite among the young and old IMS patrons. The outrageous tiger paint job, tiger tail, and even tiger colored leathers brought everyone’s attention to his 2000 Monster 900. Steve was instantly identified around the show with his tiger jacket.



Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO, said “How are we going to choose a winner? Daytona is going to be difficult for the judges. If this first show is any indication of what’s to come, the Ducatisti have really raised the bar for what’s considered a ‘cool’ Monster in my book.”

The next event will be at Dallas, Texas, November 19-21, where Ducati will continue their search for the coolest Monster in North America. To enter, visit www.ducatiusa.com for details or send an email with your contact information and photos to [email protected]. There is no cost to enter and chosen entrants receive a free t-shirt, dinner Friday night with Iron Butt record holder Gary Eagan, and a free ticket to the IMS show.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. 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, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.