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

(Denver, CO) As the worldwide racing community learns of the degree of Vincent Haskovec’s injuries sustained during a crash at Infineon, the well wishes have been pouring in. On racing-related forums and message boards across the Internet, postings have sprung forth with everything from “get well” notes, to links asking for donations to the Roadracing World Action Fund on Vincent’s behalf. This demonstrates the true nature of this sport — that despite our competitive nature crashes like these affects us all, and brings out the good nature the people in this sport have to offer. On behalf of the entire Motorcycle Roadracing Association and its racers, members, volunteers, and spectators, we would like to extend our thoughts and hopes for a speedy recovery to Vincent, and applaud the racing community for its support and generosity towards a fallen rider.

PICOTTE GOES FOR THREE TORONTO, ON As the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship kicks off at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend Pascal Picotte will begin his quest to join rival Steve Crevier in elite company by winning his third straight national title. In the 25-year history of the Canadian national Superbike series only Crevier has won the Canada Cup three years in a row. He claimed the 1991, ’92 and ’93 championships. Picotte became only the third racer to earn back-to-back Canadian crowns when he won last year’s title chase. Riding the Yamaha Motor Canada / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 the 35-year-old from Granby, QC won five of the eight series races. He is now third on the all-time national Superbike win list with 13 victories. Picotte comes to Shannonville’s ‘Pro’ circuit this weekend with his two-time title winning team relatively intact. But he once again faces a tremendously deep field of challengers. Crevier has won the past two season openers at Shannonville and the 39-year-old Maple Ridge, BC resident is aiming for a record-extending seventh Parts Canada Superbike crown this year. Crevier will ride a Honda CBR1000RR for the Montreal-based Diablo Performance team. Also Honda-mounted will be Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON. The two-time winner of the Canada Cup placed second behind Picotte in the final standings last year and is back with the Honda Canada-backed Fast Company squad of Scott Miller. Picotte will also face a stern test from fellow Yamaha rider Frank Trombino. The Kleinburg, ON racer is running his own team this year and continues to be supported by Yamaha Motor Canada. Suzuki has introduced a brand new GSX-R1000 Superbike for 2005 and the manufacturer has a strong stable of riders on the Superbike entry list. Popular Calgary veteran Clint McBain is back with the Blackfoot Suzuki squad after finishing fourth in points last year. Still searching for his first career national Superbike win, McBain was second in two races in 2004. McBain’s teammate will be Granby, QC rider Kevin Lacombe, who won a race and placed third in points last season riding for his family-run Yamaha team. Former national champion Francis Martin returns to Suzuki after a year on the Kawasaki factory team. The Rock Forest, QC native will join Crevier in the Diablo Performance squad. Canadian Kawasaki has lured Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp out of retirement to lead its assault on the Parts Canada Superbike series with the ZX-10R. Kipp won a race for the team in 2003. Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride is back for his third season with the Kawasaki program. This weekend’s action at Shannonville sees the debut of two new national support classes. The Suzuki SV650 Cup and Thunder series will join the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship on the national race card. Picotte is chasing down a third straight Pro 600 Sport Bike title while last year’s Amateur 600 championship fight came down to the final race before Dominic Lavoie of Levis, QC prevailed. Qualifying for national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races on Sunday. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com All Time Shannonville Motorsport Park Superbike Win Leaders Steve Crevier (Maple Ridge, BC) 10; Michel Mercier (Thetford Mines, QC) 5; Rueben McMurter (London, ON) 3; Pascal Picotte (Granby, QC) 3; Miguel Duhamel (Repentigny, QC) 2; Jeff Gaynor (Toronto, ON) 2; Michael Taylor (Toronto, ON) 2; Don Munroe (Halifax, NS) 2; Francis Martin (Rock Forest, QC) 2 Shannonville Motorsport Park Fast Facts “¦The Parts Canada Superbike season will kick off minus a significant member of the Canadian racing family. John Nelson, who built and managed the original Shannonville Motorsport Park died in early April after a battle with cancer. Nelson International Raceway, as it was initially known staged its first event on Thanksgiving Weekend, 1976 and grew into one of Canada’s most prominent race tracks. “¦Six-time Canadian national Superbike champion Steve Crevier has won the season opener at Shannonville the past two years, but on each occasion has been beaten to the overall title by Pascal Picotte. In fact, Crevier has won three of the last four opening rounds, as he also took the win in 2001. He missed the 2002 race after injuring his knee in a practice crash. “¦Crevier’s 10 victories at Shannonville are the most by any racer at any venue currently on the Parts Canada Superbike schedule. Of course, Shannonville has hosted more races than any other facility in the history of the national championship. This weekend’s event will be the 39th. 2004 Final Point Standings Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 384; 2. Jordan Szoke (Honda) 298; 3. Kevin Lacombe (Yamaha) 276; 4. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 241; 5. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 216 Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 408; 2. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 303; 3. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 273 International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike: 1. Dominic Lavoie (Kawasaki) 203; 2. Darren James (Yamaha) 200; 3. Thomas Macsanszky (Yamaha) 186 Provisional Weekend Schedule Saturday May 21 1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 2:05 p.m. Thunder Qualifying Heat (8 laps) 2:20 p.m.-3:15 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 3:35 p.m.-4:20 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Qualifying 4:30 p.m.-4:50 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Qualifying Sunday May 22 12:20 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 1:30 p.m. Thunder Race 12 laps 2:05 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 3:15 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Championship Race 16 laps 4:35 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Race 12 laps

PICOTTE GOES FOR THREE TORONTO, ON As the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship kicks off at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend Pascal Picotte will begin his quest to join rival Steve Crevier in elite company by winning his third straight national title. In the 25-year history of the Canadian national Superbike series only Crevier has won the Canada Cup three years in a row. He claimed the 1991, ’92 and ’93 championships. Picotte became only the third racer to earn back-to-back Canadian crowns when he won last year’s title chase. Riding the Yamaha Motor Canada / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 the 35-year-old from Granby, QC won five of the eight series races. He is now third on the all-time national Superbike win list with 13 victories. Picotte comes to Shannonville’s ‘Pro’ circuit this weekend with his two-time title winning team relatively intact. But he once again faces a tremendously deep field of challengers. Crevier has won the past two season openers at Shannonville and the 39-year-old Maple Ridge, BC resident is aiming for a record-extending seventh Parts Canada Superbike crown this year. Crevier will ride a Honda CBR1000RR for the Montreal-based Diablo Performance team. Also Honda-mounted will be Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON. The two-time winner of the Canada Cup placed second behind Picotte in the final standings last year and is back with the Honda Canada-backed Fast Company squad of Scott Miller. Picotte will also face a stern test from fellow Yamaha rider Frank Trombino. The Kleinburg, ON racer is running his own team this year and continues to be supported by Yamaha Motor Canada. Suzuki has introduced a brand new GSX-R1000 Superbike for 2005 and the manufacturer has a strong stable of riders on the Superbike entry list. Popular Calgary veteran Clint McBain is back with the Blackfoot Suzuki squad after finishing fourth in points last year. Still searching for his first career national Superbike win, McBain was second in two races in 2004. McBain’s teammate will be Granby, QC rider Kevin Lacombe, who won a race and placed third in points last season riding for his family-run Yamaha team. Former national champion Francis Martin returns to Suzuki after a year on the Kawasaki factory team. The Rock Forest, QC native will join Crevier in the Diablo Performance squad. Canadian Kawasaki has lured Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp out of retirement to lead its assault on the Parts Canada Superbike series with the ZX-10R. Kipp won a race for the team in 2003. Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride is back for his third season with the Kawasaki program. This weekend’s action at Shannonville sees the debut of two new national support classes. The Suzuki SV650 Cup and Thunder series will join the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship on the national race card. Picotte is chasing down a third straight Pro 600 Sport Bike title while last year’s Amateur 600 championship fight came down to the final race before Dominic Lavoie of Levis, QC prevailed. Qualifying for national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races on Sunday. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com All Time Shannonville Motorsport Park Superbike Win Leaders Steve Crevier (Maple Ridge, BC) 10; Michel Mercier (Thetford Mines, QC) 5; Rueben McMurter (London, ON) 3; Pascal Picotte (Granby, QC) 3; Miguel Duhamel (Repentigny, QC) 2; Jeff Gaynor (Toronto, ON) 2; Michael Taylor (Toronto, ON) 2; Don Munroe (Halifax, NS) 2; Francis Martin (Rock Forest, QC) 2 Shannonville Motorsport Park Fast Facts “¦The Parts Canada Superbike season will kick off minus a significant member of the Canadian racing family. John Nelson, who built and managed the original Shannonville Motorsport Park died in early April after a battle with cancer. Nelson International Raceway, as it was initially known staged its first event on Thanksgiving Weekend, 1976 and grew into one of Canada’s most prominent race tracks. “¦Six-time Canadian national Superbike champion Steve Crevier has won the season opener at Shannonville the past two years, but on each occasion has been beaten to the overall title by Pascal Picotte. In fact, Crevier has won three of the last four opening rounds, as he also took the win in 2001. He missed the 2002 race after injuring his knee in a practice crash. “¦Crevier’s 10 victories at Shannonville are the most by any racer at any venue currently on the Parts Canada Superbike schedule. Of course, Shannonville has hosted more races than any other facility in the history of the national championship. This weekend’s event will be the 39th. 2004 Final Point Standings Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 384; 2. Jordan Szoke (Honda) 298; 3. Kevin Lacombe (Yamaha) 276; 4. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 241; 5. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 216 Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 408; 2. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 303; 3. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 273 International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike: 1. Dominic Lavoie (Kawasaki) 203; 2. Darren James (Yamaha) 200; 3. Thomas Macsanszky (Yamaha) 186 Provisional Weekend Schedule Saturday May 21 1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 2:05 p.m. Thunder Qualifying Heat (8 laps) 2:20 p.m.-3:15 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Qualifying 3:35 p.m.-4:20 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Qualifying 4:30 p.m.-4:50 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Qualifying Sunday May 22 12:20 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 1:30 p.m. Thunder Race 12 laps 2:05 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Race 14 laps 3:15 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Championship Race 16 laps 4:35 p.m. Suzuki SV650 Cup Race 12 laps

GET WELL SOON WISHES FROM GPR STABILIZER TO VINCENT HASKOVEC GPR Stabilizer would like to wish Vincent Haskovec a speedy recovery from the injuries he suffered at Infineon Raceway on May 14th. Vincent has been a part of the GPR Stabilizer family for several years, and we have always enjoyed his friendship and enthusiasm. Please keep Vincent in your thoughts and prayers as he begins his recovery, and feel free to e-mail a get well message to him at [email protected].