Veteran racer Michael Barnes lapped near AMA race pace during promoter’s practice Friday at Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) in Fountain, Colorado, in preparation for this weekend’s AMA Superbike round at the 1.3-mile infield road course. Barnes spent the majority of Friday riding a Pirelli-shod GSX-R600 Formula Xtreme bike and turned consistent low 57-second laps by the end of the day. For reference, Jake Zemke won the 2004 AMA Formula Xtreme race at Pikes Peak with a pace of low 56-second laps. The Floridian then tried one of the team’s GSX-R1000 Superstock machines, and in his first and only session, Barnes turned 56-second laps. Jamie Hacking’s pace that won the 2004 AMA Superstock race at PPIR was 56.0-second laps. But instead of comparing his Friday lap times to last year’s times, Barnes was more concerned with comparing himself to the man he is filling in for, Vincent Haskovec, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s regular rider, who suffered serious injuries during the AMA Formula Xtreme race May 15 at Infineon Raceway. “I’ve got a heavy heart right now, just thinking about him all of the time,” Barnes told Roadracingworld.com. “These are some pretty big shoes to fill. Vincent is the most popular guy in the paddock, which is evident by the reaction from everybody. “Nobody says to me, ‘glad to see you here,’ without making mention of Vincent, every single person. But we have to continue working. The team has a responsibility to have two bikes out there, and that’s why I’m here. It’s truly an honor to receive a call from John (Ulrich, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki owner) asking me to ride for him. I just wish it wasn’t under these circumstances.” Asked what he thought of riding the team’s FX racebike, Barnes said, “It’s fun, light, but I don’t think there’s a lap that went by today when I didn’t think about Vincent and how he rode it. Again, living up to what he was doing on the bike. That’s all I’m trying to do is fill those shoes as best I can and thinking about Vincent every second of the way.” Having not ridden at all since Daytona and not ridden a big-bore bike regularly since 2003, Barnes was hesitant, at first, to commit to running the Formula Xtreme and Superstock races at PPIR, which were originally scheduled back-to-back. After a modification to Sunday’s race schedule separated the FX and Superstock finals and one ride on the 2005 GSX-R1000 Friday, however, Barnes’ mind was changed. “I was a little worried about how the big bike was going to be, but Suzuki has done such a heck of a job with this new bike,” said Barnes. “It’s a light, nimble bike with plenty of power. I just rode it in only one session today and surprisingly went faster than I was going on the FX bike on a tight track. So it’s promising. It didn’t wear me out, and I’m in better shape than I thought.” Another new-for-2005 face was in the AMA paddock and on the track Friday during promoter’s practice, that of former Formula USA Sportbike and Superbike Champion Scott Greenwood. Greenwood rode the Corona Extra Suzuki GSX-R1000 formerly ridden by Tony Meiring, who has been temporarily suspended from the team. Greenwood rode for Corona Extra Suzuki in 2004, replacing Christian Pistoni mid-season.

MARTIN LEADS FIRST DAY SHANNONVILLE, ON Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC was the pacesetter in practice Friday for the opening round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park. Riding the DXS Diablo Performance Suzuki GSX-R1000 Martin recorded a lap of one minute, 5.001 seconds around the 2.45km (1.53-mile) Shannonville ‘Pro’ circuit. Two-time defending series champion Pascal Picotte of Granby, QC was a close second with a time of 1:05.040 on his Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1. Kleinburg, ON’s Frank Trombino was third fastest with a time of 1:05.194 aboard the Vaughn Cycle Yamaha YZF-R1. “I’m happy right now but I can’t sit on it,” said Martin, the 1999 Canadian national champion. “Picotte is right there. He always seems to have something in qualifying.” Qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship competitors is scheduled for Saturday afternoon with the race set for Sunday. “It looks good for the race,” Martin said. “I know I can keep that pace. We’ve found a good set-up right now. There’s still some work to do but it looks good.” Martin set his time in the second of two, 40-minute practice sessions Friday, as did Picotte. Trombino had been the fastest in Friday’s morning period but was unable to improve in the afternoon. Calgary’s Clint McBain placed fourth overall on Friday with a time of 1:05.316 on his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp was fifth with a 1:05.924 on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R and Brantford, ON racer Jordan Szoke was sixth on the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR running a 1:05.933. Picotte holds the track lap record with a 1:05.032 set in qualifying for last year’s race. He won five of eight races on the way to his second straight Parts Canada Superbike title. “Every year, every team picks it up,” Picotte said. “We’ll do the best we can, we always do. We don’t need to win them all. I’m chasing a championship but I like to win.” In other action at Shannonville, McBain was quickest in practice for Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike competitors with a time of 1:06.343 on his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R600. Teammate Matt Binns of Uxbridge, ON placed second at 1:06.617 and defending class champion Picotte was third aboard the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R6 with a time of 1:06.671. Oshawa, ON’s Craig Archer led the field in practice for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class with a time of 1:09.930 on his Honda CBR600RR. Woodstock, ON’s James Collins placed second on a Yamaha YZF-R6 at 1:09.945 and Warkworth, ON racer Mark Douglas was third for the day at 1:10.360 on another Yamaha YZF-R6. Alain Lefebvre of Rouyn-Noranda, QC led Suzuki SV650 Cup practice with a time of 1:12.953. Racing at Shannonville resumes Saturday with qualifying for the national classes, including an eight-lap heat race for the Canadian Thunder competitors. Feature races will go Sunday.

AMA PRO RACING ON TV THIS WEEK All programs on SPEED Channel (All times Eastern) AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Sunday, May 22, 4-5 p.m. EST AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Sunday, May 22, 5-6 p.m. EST AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Sunday, May 22, 6-7 p.m. EST AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif., Monday, May 23, 4-5 a.m. EST AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Tuesday, May 24, 4-5 a.m. EST AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Tuesday, May 24, 12-1 p.m. EST AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Tuesday, May 24, 1-2 p.m. EST AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Tuesday, May 24, 2-3 p.m. EST AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Wednesday, May 25, 4-5 a.m. EST AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Fountain, Colo., Thursday, May 26, 4-5 a.m. EST All times subject to change. Check local listings

MOTOGP STAR NICKY HAYDEN VISITS NEW YORK CITY TO PROMOTE RED BULL U.S. GRAND PRIX Hayden Talks MotoGP in the USA with NYC Media NEW YORK, NY (May 20, 2005) One of America’s brightest motorcycle stars returned home this week, as MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden took part in a whirlwind media tour of Manhattan on Wednesday and Thursday to promote the return of the MotoGP World Championship to the United States at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 8-10 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. While the 2002 AMA U.S. Superbike Champion was only in the Big Apple for a little over 24 hours he put his time to good use meeting with several major U.S. media outlets, attending a New York City media screening of the acclaimed MotoGP documentary film “Faster” and even managing to keep to his fitness regimen with a run along the Hudson River near his Tribeca hotel. “I’ve been to New York before, but I had never gotten to see this much of the city,” said the Owensboro, Ky. native who glimpsed the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero, as well as a quick visit to world famous Times Square. But most of Hayden’s time was spent talking MotoGP to major national media outlets, giving them a first-hand account of the world’s fastest two-wheel sport and his enthusiasm for racing at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix this July. “I’m just happy to help out,” said a modest Hayden. “The people at Dorna (promoters of the MotoGP World Championship), Laguna Seca, Red Bull and the other sponsors have put a lot of effort into doing all the things it takes to bring MotoGP to the U.S. for the American fans. I’m doing the easy part. “I can’t wait for July’s race. MotoGP is an awesome series, I love racing at Laguna, and my brothers (Tommy and Roger) will also be racing that weekend (in the AMA races).” Hayden arrived in New York via Paris, France, following five straight days on his Repsol-sponsored Honda RC211V MotoGP machine three days at the French Grand Prix followed by another two days at the Le Mans circuit testing for the remaining 13 races in the 2005 championship. He left New York bound for his Kentucky family home and rare time off in the midst of a season. But things get busy again soon, as Hayden heads back to Europe on Memorial Day (May 30) for back-to-back races at the Italian and Catalunyan Grands Prix, followed by yet another two days of testing. The 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix marks the return of the MotoGP World Championship to the United States for the first time since 1994. Support events include AMA Pro Racing Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races, as well as the Superstars of Super Karts featuring Grand Prix motorcycle legends Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson and Kevin Schwantz competing in racing karts powered with 250 cc Yamaha engines with semi-enclosed bodywork and rear wings. Tickets are available for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix by calling (800) 327-SECA or logging onto www.laguna-seca.com or www.ticketmaster.com. More information on the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, including the weekend’s schedule of events, is available at www.laguna-seca.com. More information on the MotoGP World Championship is available at www.motogp.com. More, from a press release issued by Ducati North America: DUCATI BIKES TAKE OVER THE STREETS OF NEW YORK Ducati New York Grand Opening heats up with Italian Speed and Style Cupertino, CA (May 20, 2005) As the sun went down over New York City and people traveled home from their day at work, Manhattan echoed with the magnetic roar of Italian L-twin power. Pedestrians stopped mid-step to check out the colorful string of Ducati motorcycles revving their way through the skyscrapers as they gathered on 34th Street and 11th Avenue for a one-of-a-kind ride through the Big Apple. The group of Ducatisti lined up in front of the Javits Center, decked out in the finest Italian riding gear and leathers. The cavalcade included throngs of vintage bikes from Paul Smart’s era to brand new superbikes like the 749 and 999R. Anxious to get the party started, the Ducatisti were joined by the New York City Police Department and given a special motorcycle escort down Washington Street to the grand opening festivities. New Yorkers hurried out of their cabs and parked their cars along Avenue of the Americas to catch the arrival of this unparalleled parade of Italian superbike finery that could be heard nearly three blocks away. A massive crowd surrounded the Ducati New York dealer and you could hear the buzz radiating as each spectator inquired about the activities. Everyone from businessmen, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle II star Justin Theroux, and hard- core motorcycle enthusiasts joined the pack of new and vintage Ducati bikes as they rode in and welcomed Ducati back to the Big Apple. Inside the pristine new showroom, you could feel the enthusiasm of guests, some still wearing their helmets from the ride, eager to catch a first glimpse of Ducati’s three SportClassic prototypes the highly anticipated newest Ducati vintage-inspired models. AMA Championship riders Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom were swarmed by fans as they signed posters, took pictures and autographed local Ducati owners’ bikes. “Based on the amazing turnout, I’m convinced this was the perfect opportunity to introduce our SportClassics to the North American market,” says Ducati North America CEO Michael Lock. “New York is an exciting place, fast-paced and rich with history. Our SportClassics have similar traits in that they combine a modern, cutting-edge, performance-driven motorcycle with the timeless style, beautiful lines and powerful emotion fundamental to the great Ducatis of the 1970s.” To complete the evening, celebrated New York Chef David Bouley pulled out all the stops to create a dynamic, Italian-themed event at Ducati New York, bringing the ambience of Northern Italy into the heart of America’s largest city. In addition to traditional Italian fare, Chef Bouley capped the event with the introduction of specialty drinks he created especially for the festivities including the “Ducatini” martini and the “Monster.”

Report on Day one Round Two of the World Endurance Championship at Albacete, Spain, May 20 Folch Endurance Fast but Unlucky on First Day in Albacete In the opening free practice session American Kenny Noyes put up the third fastest time among World Endurance Championship entries at Albacete, Spain, in preparation for the Spanish round of the 8 Hours of Albacete, but a big crash by one of his team mates meant that the team was unable take part in the first qualifying session and will have to qualify tomorrow on the morning of race day. Noyes’ time of 1’35.2 was achieved quite easily on and without trying to turn a quick time on the Folch R1. Team mate Dani Ribalta also ran times in the 1’35s. Both Kenny and Dani said that the bike was working well at the front but with a tendency to break loose at the rear. Third man out for the Folch team, Salvador Cabana, then high-sided at high speed on his second lap. He was uninjured but the front forks were destroyed as were the triple clamps. The frame will also have to be changed and the work could not be completed in time for the first official qualifying session on Friday evening. With Folch Endurance sidelined and mechanics working to ready the R1 for tomorrow’s final qualifying session, today’s fastest qualifier was Frenchman Vincent Philippe with a time of 1’33.548 for the Castrol Suzuki team, ahead of Damian Cudlin (Yamaha Phase One). Folch´s second bike was taken to eighth in qualifying by Alex Hervás in a time of 1’36.899. Noyes said, “We can’t afford to make any mistakes tomorrow. I think we have a bike and team capable of winning. Both Dani and I have lapped in the 33´s here and Salvador can run around that level. The bike just needed a little adjustment at the rear to keep the shock from going hard too fast when the rear gets traction back after spinning up. It was frustrating to have to watch qualifying and night practice, but I guess we just saved about five hours of wear and tear on the engine. This will be a sprint race”¦eight hours is a sprint”¦and I think we can run 33’s and 34s and maybe qualify in the low 33s, but it really doesn’t matter if we start first or not. The track is lighted like a first division soccer field, and there’s a full moon, so it will be like daytime at night.” Final qualifying starts at 9:30 Spanish time on Saturday morning (3:30 AM Eastern Time on Sunday). The race starts at 6:00 PM on Saturday and ends at 2:00 AM Sunday (8:00 PM Eastern time Sunday). Top Ten Qualifiers 8 Horas Nocturnas de Albacete 1. Suzuki Castrol Team-France (GSX-R1000) Philippe 1´33.548 2. Yamaha Phase One Endurance-Great Britain (Yamaha YZF R1) Cudlin 1’34.128 3. Yamaha Austria-Austria (Yamaha YZF R1) Giabanni 1’34.153 4. Shell Endurance Academy-Great Britain (Yamaha YZF R1) Rohtlaan 1’35.988 5. Bollinger Team Switzerland-Switzerland (Kawasaki ZX10-R) Muff 1’36.128 6. No Limits & RT Motor Team-Italy (Suzuki GSX-R1000) Ruozzi 1´36.142 7. Suzuki Fagersjo-el.se-Switzerland (Suzuki GSX-R1000) Young 1’36.435 8. Folch Endurance Yamaha Team 2-Spain (Yamaha YZF R1) Hervás 1’36.899 9. Yamaha X-One-Italy (Yamaha YZF R1) Tessari 1’36.945 10. Ducati Spring Team-Italy (Ducati 999) Colombo 1’37.157 More, from a press release issued by FGSport: Suzuki Castrol Provisional Pole Position Yamaha Phase One and Yamaha Austria Close In Suzuki Castrol rider Vincent Philippe has taken provisional pole position for tomorrow’s Albacete 8 Horas Nocturnas round of the FIM World Endurance Championship. However, both Yamaha Phase One Endurance and Yamaha Austria are close behind the usually dominant French rider. Philippe’s best time for Suzuki Castrol was 1:33.548, set on qualifying tyres during the first of this afternoon’s group sessions. Both Cudlin for Phase One (1/34.128) and Giabbani for Yamaha Austria (1:34.153) rode in the third groups session, when the track temperature was higher, grip was reduced, and lap times were slower. Suzuki’s Philippe expects to improve his times tomorrow: “There is more to come, for sure; we will go faster tomorrow. We have some new chassis parts that we are still adjusting, and the weather will be cooler.” The Yamaha Shell Endurance Academy junior team were 4th, just ahead of Assen podium finishers Bolliger Kawasaki and Italian Suzuki team No Limits. Aussie Paul Young has joined the Swedish Fagersjo-el.se squad for this race, lifting them to 7th and ahead of local wildcard team Folch Endurance. Two more Italian teams round out the top ten, with Yamaha X-One ninth and Ducati Spring Team no.10 in tenth place. Final qualifying takes place tomorrow morning when temperatures will be lower, but the race will start at six in the evening, when track conditions will be similar to those we have just experienced. Provisional Qualifying Positions 1st 2 – Suzuki Castrol Team FRA Suzuki GSX-R1000 V. Philippe 1:33.548 2nd 3 – Yamaha Phase One Endurance GBR Yamaha YZF-R1 D.Cudlin 1:34.128 3rd 7 – Yamaha Austria 7 AUT Yamaha YZF-R1 G. Giabanni 1:34.153 4th 6 Shell Endurance Academy GBR Yamaha YZF-R1 M.Rohtlaann 1:35.988 5th 8 – Bolliger Team Switzerland SUI Kawasaki ZX10R P. Muff 1:36.128 6th 44 No Limits & RT Motor Team ITA Suzuki GSX-R1000 R.Ruozi 1:36.142 7th 12 Suzuki Fagersjo-el.se SWE Suzuki GSX-R1000 P Young 1:36.435 8th 24 Yamaha Folch Endurance (2) SPA Yamaha YZF-R1 A.Hervas 1:36.899 9th 4 Yamaha X-One ITA Yamaha YZF-R1 P.Tessari 1:36.945 10th 10 Ducati Spring Team ITA Ducati 999 M.Colombo 1:37.157

Team MPTracing.Com/JC Baldwin Suzuki is preparing for the next round of the AMA Formula Xtreme and Supersport Championships at Pikes Peak International Raceway on May 21-22. The team is continuing motor development on the Formula Xtreme bikes with a new configuration, and new parts from EFI Power, that should help with the high altitude at PPIR. Team MPTracing.Com/JC Baldwin Suzuki is looking for more great results from rider Danny Eslick on the short left handed course. PPIR suits Danny’s riding style which is based on his grooming on the flat track cuircut. Eslick is looking to solidify his 3rd place standing in the Formula Xtreme Championship and improve his 11th place standing in the Supersport Championship. Team MPTracing.Com/JC Baldwin Suzuki’s second rider, Jeremiah Johnson, is still recovering from surgery on his left shoulder and hand from injuries sustaind at last California Speedway round. After an initial surgery performed at Loma Linda medical center on his hand, Jeremiah was seen by Dr. Art Ting, who plated his scapula and clavicle. Dr. Ting then fixed the original surgery on the hand. Team MPTracing.Com/JC Baldwin Suzuki would like to thank Kevin Schwantz and everyone at Dr. Tings offices for making sure that Jeremiah received the best possible medical care. The team would also like to send out our best wishes to Vincent Haskovec to make a full recovery after his crash at Infineon Raceway.

via e-mail: I don’t know if can post this or not. I was wondering if you could post for your readers in Florida to be on the look out for a 2000 Suzuki GSXR 750; this is my motorcycle which was stolen this evening at sometime between 10:30 PM and 12:00 AM in Altamonte Springs, FL. This bikes distinguishing features would be the black paint job on the Sharkskinz bodywork with an R6 LED tail light kit, white rims, solo seat, front Wave rotors, Michelin tires, Yoshimura high mount exhaust, Zero Gravity tinted windscreen, carbon fiber front fender, and carbon fiber rear hugger. If anyone comes across seeing this vehicle or has information about it’s location they can contact me Grant R. at 407.862.7755

Mission accomplished! Well, for one week at least. I caught up with Eric in Denver CO as he was on his way to a media event with some members of his team. I knew that time was short, so I jumped in and pressed eBoz about his thoughts on the beginning of the AMA Superbike Season. Eric responded with his usual laid back but honest approach. “We have been improving every round since Daytona. The results don’t always show it, but I’m really getting the feel for the Ducati 999. At this point, I’m approaching this season one race at time, I want to work hard, and do what it takes to get a win for the team.” Eric was very straight forward about last weekend’s race at Infineon. “Sonoma was a big disappointment. The Ducati felt the best that it ever has. I was really feeling the bike and feeling the grip like never before, but we kept running into gremlins all weekend! There were a few of us that had some big struggles with the tires, but that’s racing. I’m really looking forward for the chance to show everybody that we can run with the Suzuki’s, that’s why I can’t wait until this weekend, when we go to my racetrack!” Of course all of Boss Hogg’s fans know that when he says “My Racetrack” Eric means Pikes Peak International Raceway, where EB has won at least one race for 5 years in a row. Eric is headed to PPIR determined to keep his streak alive. “I’m going to Pikes Peak looking for redemption. The Ducati 999 is a great motorcycle and it is really starting to come my way. I know what the bike is doing underneath me and I’m having fun riding it. I love this track and it’s always easy for me to get around here, I can’t wait for that green flag to drop.” Eric was also quick to give credit to his fans. “I mean, I have the greatest fans, but in Colorado they’re so enthusiastic and cheer me on like you wouldn’t believe. I want the chance to show them and my team what the Ducati 999 can do!” I asked Eric if he had been doing any extra training to get ready for the physical demands of PPIR and he surprised me by announcing that in additon to his regime of cycling and motocross that he’s been testing a Red Bull Supermoto bike. “We’re hoping to be able to ride in this year’s X-games so we’ve been testing the bike and working on the setup, and it’s been a blast! We want to work hard and be competitive right out of the gate, I’m really looking forward to it.” Wow, I don’t know how the Boss keeps up with everything. But I, for one, am looking forward to it too. Until next time, Matt “Pooch” Repucci