Racer Tom Kipp married Catherine Galfidi Saturday, May 14 in Mentor, Ohio.
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Infineon Raceway Medical Update: Katona, Ferrer
Armando Ferrer crashed in turn 11 on the last lap of Sunday’s AMA Supersport race at Infineon Raceway. Ferrer was taken by ambulance to the track’s infield care center but declined treatment and was released. Norbert Katona crashed during AMA Superstock qualifying at the exit of Infineon Raceway’s turn six Saturday. Katona’s helmet came off in the crash. He was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a “mild concussion” and held overnight for observation, according to Infineon Raceway. More, on Katona’s condition from an e-mail: I just wanted to give you all an update on Norbert’s (aka Norm’s) condition after his big crash during Saturday’s Superstock qualifying. He had a pretty bad head injury but the CT scan came back normal, Thank God. He was released late last night with lots of bruises and stitches to his forehead. I also wanted to thank all those racers and friends who helped pack up Norm’s bikes and belongings. It’s a really great feeling to know Norm has so many caring friends out there. Thank you all! Norm’s wife, Edith Csepely
AMA Publishes “Sound Advice,” Recommendations Of National Summit On Motorcycle Sound
AMA HOSTS 2ND SUMMIT ON MOTORCYCLE SOUND; GROUP PUBLISHES RECOMMENDATIONS PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that the second National Summit on Motorcycle Sound was held on Saturday, May 14 in Columbus, Ohio, and that the group has published its recommendations for addressing the issue. The recommendations, released as a document called “Sound Advice,” is the product of two years of effort by the Motorcycle Sound Working Group, which was formed after the first summit conference in May of 2003. Contributors included representatives of the street and off-road motorcycling communities, as well as motorcycle manufacturers, aftermarket companies, event organizers, law enforcement, municipal government, and research institutions and regulatory agencies. “We’re grateful to all those who contributed to these recommendations, helping American motorcyclists address a difficult and important issue,” said Robert Rasor, AMA President. “Now, for the motorcycling community and the powersports industry, the real work begins, and the AMA will continue to participate in creating solutions.” “‘Sound Advice’ speaks with virtually every voice in American motorcycling, and it speaks to everyone who has a stake in American motorcycling’s future,” said Ed Moreland, AMA Vice President for Government Relations and facilitator of the Motorcycle Sound Working Group. “We encourage motorcyclists, businesses, and communities to work together to support the working group’s recommendations.” “Sound Advice” is available on the AMA’s website, AMADirectlink.com, at ~http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/soundbook.pdf~
Kopecky Won Four WSMC Races Sunday At Willow Springs
WSMC Round 5 / May 15, 2005 / Willow Springs International Raceway Kenny Kopecly. WSMC #27 On Sunday’s fifth round of the WSMC roadrace series Kenny Kopecky had a career best day with 4 race wins and his fastest laps ever at Willow Springs Raceway. Kenny posted the fastest race lap of the meet for all classes in winning his first 750 Superbike race of the year, posting a 1:22.473 on the club’s new for 2005 electronic timing and scoring system. Conditions were near ideal at the time, and later in the day the top WSMC racers would be slowed by the often present desert winds, with their best lap times held to the 1:23 range. “After last month’s great racing we were well prepared to ride harder this month, and with the new triple-compound Dunlop rear tire as our only change on the Ducati 999R we were able to run faster then ever before!” stated a grinning Kopecky at the end of the day. He last won a 750 Superbike club event at Willow in 1993. In all, Kenny rode his Ducati Oceanside 749R and 999R racebikes to seven top 4 finishes, with additional wins coming in the BOTT Middleweight, BOTT Heavyweight and Formula Twins classes. He added “The twins class competition stepped it up to the 1:23 range this weekend, but with our combination of Ducati and Dunlop we were able to come out on top again.” Kopecky finished a season best to date 2nd in 650 Superbike racing on his stock-motored 749R, trailing the returning Jason Perez by over 3 seconds at the finish. Kopeckys’ fast start and staying close to Perez for the first several laps was critical to the placing, as youngsters Mickey Lane and Michael Beck closed in late in the 8 lap sprint. “The guys at Ducati Oceanside are still working to get a race-kitted 749R together, and we hope to have it soon for even more fun winning with Ducati. They’ve done a great job and these twins are so great to ride on the track…the results and lap times show it all.” The next WSMC roadrace meet is June 17-19, 2005.
WERA Previews This Weekend’s “Cycle Jam” At VIR
WERA’s Cycle Jam at Virginia International Raceway Combines National, Regional Series
ALTON, Va. WERA’s Cycle Jam at Virginia International Raceway has become one of the most anticipated races of the season, with over 500 riders competing in 55 divisions.
From May 20-22, the WERA Dunlop National Endurance Series and the WERA Michelin National Challenge Series will team up with the WERA Sportsman Series for three full days of racing on Virginia International Raceway’s 2.25-mile North Course.
Riders will have a full day of practice on the Thursday preceding the event, and the racing gets underway on Friday, May 20 with round three of the Endurance Series. The four-hour race begins at 12:30 p.m. ET. The 50-bike grid will be full, as Sportsman Series racers join the regular competitors to try their hand at endurance racing.
Vesrah Suzuki has won both rounds this season, and they will be a team to watch, as usual. Red Star, a team new to the series this year, continues to improve their performance and finished second overall during round two. Team Eclipse is another newcomer that promises to be a front-runner this weekend.
Saturday is dedicated to the Sportsman Series races, featuring five of WERA’s six regions. After practice in the morning, the racing will begin at noon. There will be 16 six-lap races, comprising 33 different divisions.
Round three of the National Challenge Series begins at noon on Sunday. There will be 11 eight-lap sprint races. With both novice and expert divisions racing, there will be 17 first-place trophies up for grabs.
Contingency is available this weekend from Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki, and the grids will be filled with the series’ top competitors throughout the weekend.
Tickets for the weekend cost $30, Saturday/Sunday tickets are $25 and Sunday-only admission is $20. Camping is also available. Directions to and information about Virginia International Raceway can be found at www.virclub.com or by calling 434-822-7700.
More information about WERA, including a full schedule for Cycle Jam, can be found at www.WERA.com.
Suzuki MotoGP Team Tested New Chassis, New Bridgestones Monday At Le Mans
Encouraging test for Team SUZUKI MotoGP Team SUZUKI MotoGP has completed today’s test at Le Mans with encouraging results in all areas. Putting the disappointment of Sunday’s race firmly behind them, Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins set about testing a new Bridgestone rear tyre and a new chassis for the Suzuki GSV-R prototype race-bike. The latest generation Bridgestone tyre has been developed using new construction and technology techniques as well as different use of compounds. Both of the riders and Bridgestone’s technicians were very pleased with the results. The tyre showed good consistency during a thorough examination in which both Roberts Jr and Hopkins completed over 20 laps each of the 4.1km Le Mans track in France. The new compound construction showed an improvement over the current tyre in some areas of the demanding circuit. Roberts Jr tested the new chassis – that Hopkins had preferred throughout race weekend – and reported an improvement in directional change and braking stability. Both riders also used a new geometry setting which both Chief Technicians – Tom O’Kane and Stuart Shenton have worked together on to further enhance the handling characteristics of the GSV-R. Again both riders reported an improvement in this new set-up. Team SUZUKI MotoGP will next be in action at round five of the MotoGP World Championship from Mugello in Italy on June 5th.
Melandri Fastest Monday At Le Mans Post-race Test
DAY OF TESTING FOR THE MOVISTAR HONDA TEAM AT LE MANS Marco is the fastest rider of the day while Sete continues to work at the development of the bike. Le Mans, the motogp teams are back to work for a two day test session at Le Mans. After a race weekend characterised by bad weather conditions, today Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri could test on a dry track. Sete Gibernau worked on the electronics and setting trying some new parts while his team mate Marco Melandri concentrated on the set up of the bike. Marco worked together with his suspension technician and made some tyre testing with Michelin, improving constantly his feeling with the bike, Marco tested also a new helmet that Nolan is studying to improve the ventilation. At the end of the testing session Marco tried for the first time a communication system via radio between the rider and the garage. MARCO MELANDRI (1’33″707, 70 laps):”My feeling with the bike improves every time and i’m sure that this test represents an important step forward. Today we worked together with Showa and tested a new fork. We also made some tyre testing that made me understand important things. I lapped fast and consistent every lap and this makes me look positively to the next race, that will be held in Mugello.” SETE GIBERNAU (1’34″074, 51 laps):”We need to test on dry and finally today we could make an important work. We are testing some new stuff and together with HRC and Michelin we are doing a very good job. I look forward to race at Mugello and I am confident for the next races.” Testing session continues tomorrow for Sete Gibernau, while Melandri has finished the program scheduled form this test session and tomorrow will flight to Derby. Unofficial lap times 1. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda) 1’33″707 2. Carlo Checa (Spa/Ducati) 1’33″785 3. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 1’33″945 4. Sete Gibernau (Esp/Honda) 1’34″074 5. Colin Edwards (USA/Yamaha) 1’34″113 6. Toni Elias (! Spa/Yamaha) 1’34″355 7. Capirossi (Ita/Ducati) 1’34″547 8. Nicky Hayden (Usa/Honda) 1’34.586 9. Troy Bayliss (Australia/Honda) 1’34″688 10. Shinya Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki) 1’34″785 11. Olivier Jacques (FR/ Kawasaki) 1’34″887 12. John Hopkins (Usa/suzuki) 1’35″016 13. Kenny Roberts (Usa/suzuki)1’35″324 14. Xaus (Sp/Yamaha) 1’35″345
Rossi, Edwards Successfully Test New Engine Parts Monday At Le Mans
GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM FINISH THEIR WORK IN FRANCE AFTER PROMISING TEST Following their double podium in the French Grand Prix yesterday, Gauloises Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards rounded off their successful weekend with a one-day test at the Le Mans circuit today. Despite threatening-looking dark clouds hanging overhead for most of the day, the rain stayed away and the team was able to do some valuable work on a dry track. Current series-leader and yesterday’s winner Rossi and his team-mate Edwards, who took his debut MotoGP podium for Yamaha on Sunday, continued to develop their 2005-spec YZR-M1s, testing some new engine parts from Japan and working on engine mapping and settings as well as testing tyres for Michelin. Almost the entire MotoGP line-up stayed on to test today, as well as some 250cc teams. The fastest lap of the day was in a time of 1’33.70, set by Honda rider Marco Melandri, who finished fourth yesterday. Carlos Checa (Ducati) was second fastest with a lap of 1’33.78 and Rossi was third with a best lap of 1’33.97 after 54 laps. Yesterday’s runner-up Sete Gibernau (Honda) was fourth with a time of 1’34.07 and Edwards, who completed 52 laps, was fifth with a best time of 1’34.10. The team will now enjoy a well-deserved two week break, before reconvening in Mugello in just over two week’s time for the Italian Grand Prix, round five of the MotoGP World Championship. VALENTINO ROSSI 1’33.97, 54 laps “I think today’s test was okay and quite useful. We tried some new parts for the engine to give us some more power and although the difference is not big, I think it is good. We worked a lot on engine mapping in order to try to have better acceleration and we made some improvements in this area, which is very important. Of course we continued to work on the general set-up and also tested some new tyres with Michelin, from which we found some good options to use in Mugello. Overall we’ve got some positive things to take to Mugello, so it has been a good finish to the weekend.” COLIN EDWARDS 5th, 1’34.10, 52 laps “Today we’ve made more steps forward in the right direction. We’ve been playing with the suspension and continuing to experiment with the mapping to try to find ways to make the bike easier to ride and more forgiving. It’s definitely getting better. We tested some tyres and found a new front that we’re happy with. We spent a lot of time on the settings, going over what we learned during the weekend so that we can hopefully just fire away when we go to Mugello. I’m 100% positive that we’ve found a good setting to enable us to get there and be quick from the start.” DAVIDE BRIVIO GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR “Of course it’s hard to work for one more day after a busy weekend, but we had a great result yesterday and we want to keep winning! Our race department work continually to find ways to improve the bike and as soon as they have something new they bring it to the track for us to test. We received some small engine parts from Japan and Valentino tried them today. He liked them so we will try to prepare them in time for Mugello. We also worked on the electronics and mapping with both riders an important part of MotoGP. We tried some tyres, Michelin are constantly making developments this year so there are always new things to test! It’s a positive end to the weekend but we’ve got a long way to go until the end of the season so we will keep working hard!” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES Marco Melandri (ITA) Movistar Honda MotoGP 1’33.70 Carlos Checa (SPA) Ducati Marlboro Team 1’33.78 VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team 1’33.97 Sete Gibernau (SPA) Movistar Honda MotoGP 1’34.07 COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team 1’34.10 Toni Elias (SPA) Fortuna Yamaha Team 1’34.35 Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati Marlboro Team 1’34.54 Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda Team 1’34.58 Troy Bayliss (AUS) Camel Honda 1’34.68 Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team 1’34.78 Olivier Jacque (FRA) Kawasaki Racing Team 1’34.88 John Hopkins (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP 1’35.01 Kenny Roberts (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP 1’35.32 Ruben Xaus (SPA) Fortuna Yamaha Team 1’35.39
Jacque’s Commitment To Kawasaki Ends With Test At Le Mans, May Become Development Rider, Wild Card Racer
KAWASAKI CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT AT LE MANS TEST Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano and Olivier Jacque today returned to Le Mans, scene of yesterday’s French Grand Prix, to continue development work on the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine. Nakano, who finished eighth in yesterday’s race, started his test schedule working with Kawasaki’s tyre partner Bridgestone. The 27-year-old Japanese rider tried two new generation rear tyres, with positive results. In the afternoon session Nakano worked with his crew to refine the set up of his Ninja ZX-RR, modifying engine brake settings and front suspension to increase stability under braking in preparation for the demanding Mugello circuit, which plays host to the next round of the MotoGP World Championship in two weeks time. Inclement weather in Shanghai and Le Mans means that Jacque has had more experience riding in the wet than in the dry since being drafted into the Kawasaki Racing Team as a temporary replacement for the injured Alex Hofmann. This left the 31-year-old Frenchman with little time to optimise the dry set up of his Ninja ZX-RR for yesterday’s French Grand Prix, in which he finished in a creditable eleventh place. Changes to the chassis and suspension settings today made it easier for Jacque to change direction on the bike, while tweaks to the electronics package led to improvements on corner entry and exit. Together, the changes allowed Jacque to circulate the Le Mans circuit a full second faster than he managed in yesterday’s race. Today’s test marks the end of Jacque’s official commitment to Kawasaki, although there is a chance that the former 250cc World Champion could continue in a development role with the factory, and the possibility of a wild card ride in the future cannot be ruled out. Shinya Nakano: #56 (58 laps – 1’34.74) “This morning we tested a new rear tyre from Bridgestone, which improved the overall handling of the bike and will probably be our choice for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, where it’s important to have a bike which is easy to hustle through the chicanes. We also tried some different settings on the engine management system, which together with some changes to the front forks led to an increase in stability under braking. This is also important for Mugello. Overall, it’s been a successful test.” Olivier Jacque: #19 (50 laps – 1’34.89) “For me this was really my first opportunity to ride the bike for a full day in the dry without the pressure of having to chase a fast lap all the time. If you like, this was the pre-season testing I didn’t get the chance to do before I raced in China and France. We set the plan for today’s test after the race and we’ve made some significant improvements to the set up of the chassis, the engine brake settings and also the engine management system. I may not get the chance to try these improvements on the Ninja ZX-RR in another race, but the information from today will be useful to me in the future, and I hope it has helped the factory with their development programme.”
Small, Howard Split CMRA Race Wins At Hallett
2005 CMRA Championship Road Racing Series Round 4 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit Hallett, OK May 21-22, 2005 Ty Howard and Heath Small gave the crowds plenty to cheer about as the two Texas riders locked horns at round four of the CMRA Championship Roadracing Series held at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, near Hallett, Oklahoma. And when all was said and done, each rider claimed two wins out of the four head-to-head match ups they were involved in. In all, Small took four wins on the day and pocketed over $5000 in CMRA purse and manufacturer’s contingency money, while Howard claimed three wins and over $2000. Small’s wins came in the Motorcycles Unlimited A Superbike Expert race, which features a $150 purse, the Sum of all Parts A Superstock Expert race, which features a $150 purse, the RaceworX C Superbike Expert race, which features a $150 purse and the Komodo Racing B Superbike Expert race, which features a $250 purse. Howard claimed his cash by taking wins in the Pace American Trailers Formula 1 Expert race, which features a $1000 purse, Racing Performance Services B Superstock Expert race, which features a $150 purse and the C Superstock Expert race, which features a $500 purse. Howard also took home an additional $150 for winning the Mr. Coder Racing Fast Lap Award after he posted the fastest time of the day, a 1:17.917, which was a new track record for the counter-clockwise direction. Over 560 entries took to the 1.8 mile, 10-turn course which is situated in the rolling Osage Hills of North Eastern Oklahoma for Sunday’s sprint race action, experiencing perfect conditions for fast action – sunny skies and cool temperatures. In other sprint-race action, Will Gruy, Alan Tan and Tyler McDonald put on a great show in the Super Motard race, exchanging the lead several times before McDonald finally went down. Gruy went on to post the win over Tan and claim the lion’s share of the $250 purse. Gruy also took wins in the Lightweight Twins Expert event, which pays a $500 purse, the 125 GP, which pays a $250 purse and the Unlimited Super Motard race. Dane Westby took top money in the South Central Race Center D Superbike Expert race, which featured a $150 purse, topping Dustin Dominguez and Tyler McDonald in the process. Westby returned later to add a win in the Formula CMRA Heavyweight race. Jon Francis passed early leader Ronnie Lunsford at the halfway mark to claim the win in the AF1 Racing Heavyweight Twins Expert event. Lunsford held on for second with Eric Falt finishing third. In the Novice ranks, Cory Burleson once again had a good day, claiming four wins in all. In Saturday’s Shogun Motorsports Endurance event, which featured an $1125 purse, Northwest Honda Racing took their second-straight endurance victory and extended their lead in the series standings with a dominant win over a 59-team field. The Houston-based team topped KNMotorcycles.com in the 6 hour event by a 3-lap margin, while 2Wheelz.com came home in third, another lap back. Class winners included Northwest Honda Racing (Formula 1); KNMotorcycles.com (C Superstock); Team O’Donnell (C Superbike); Lawdawg Racing (C Superstock) and Mofo’s Racing (Formula 2). In Saturday’s Mini Sprint races, Tyler McDonald claimed his four-straight Formula 4 win, topping Zac Chapman and Will Hendrick in the process. Dennis Dudley won the Formula 6 division, with Richard Desmond and Conner Blevins in second and third, while Dirk Anderson claimed the Formula 7 win over Rob Rundell and Conner Blevins. In the Formula 5 race, Derek Wagnon took a runaway win, topping Dennis Dudley and Johnny Lee Clark. The CMRA Championship series continues with round five on June 4-5 at MotorSport Ranch near Cresson, Texas. That event will feature a 5 hour Big Bike endurance as well as a 2 hour Mini Endurance and a full slate of sprint action.
Infineon Raceway Medical Update: Katona, Ferrer
Armando Ferrer crashed in turn 11 on the last lap of Sunday’s AMA Supersport race at Infineon Raceway. Ferrer was taken by ambulance to the track’s infield care center but declined treatment and was released. Norbert Katona crashed during AMA Superstock qualifying at the exit of Infineon Raceway’s turn six Saturday. Katona’s helmet came off in the crash. He was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a “mild concussion” and held overnight for observation, according to Infineon Raceway. More, on Katona’s condition from an e-mail: I just wanted to give you all an update on Norbert’s (aka Norm’s) condition after his big crash during Saturday’s Superstock qualifying. He had a pretty bad head injury but the CT scan came back normal, Thank God. He was released late last night with lots of bruises and stitches to his forehead. I also wanted to thank all those racers and friends who helped pack up Norm’s bikes and belongings. It’s a really great feeling to know Norm has so many caring friends out there. Thank you all! Norm’s wife, Edith Csepely
AMA Publishes “Sound Advice,” Recommendations Of National Summit On Motorcycle Sound
AMA HOSTS 2ND SUMMIT ON MOTORCYCLE SOUND; GROUP PUBLISHES RECOMMENDATIONS PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that the second National Summit on Motorcycle Sound was held on Saturday, May 14 in Columbus, Ohio, and that the group has published its recommendations for addressing the issue. The recommendations, released as a document called “Sound Advice,” is the product of two years of effort by the Motorcycle Sound Working Group, which was formed after the first summit conference in May of 2003. Contributors included representatives of the street and off-road motorcycling communities, as well as motorcycle manufacturers, aftermarket companies, event organizers, law enforcement, municipal government, and research institutions and regulatory agencies. “We’re grateful to all those who contributed to these recommendations, helping American motorcyclists address a difficult and important issue,” said Robert Rasor, AMA President. “Now, for the motorcycling community and the powersports industry, the real work begins, and the AMA will continue to participate in creating solutions.” “‘Sound Advice’ speaks with virtually every voice in American motorcycling, and it speaks to everyone who has a stake in American motorcycling’s future,” said Ed Moreland, AMA Vice President for Government Relations and facilitator of the Motorcycle Sound Working Group. “We encourage motorcyclists, businesses, and communities to work together to support the working group’s recommendations.” “Sound Advice” is available on the AMA’s website, AMADirectlink.com, at ~http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/soundbook.pdf~
Kopecky Won Four WSMC Races Sunday At Willow Springs
WSMC Round 5 / May 15, 2005 / Willow Springs International Raceway Kenny Kopecly. WSMC #27 On Sunday’s fifth round of the WSMC roadrace series Kenny Kopecky had a career best day with 4 race wins and his fastest laps ever at Willow Springs Raceway. Kenny posted the fastest race lap of the meet for all classes in winning his first 750 Superbike race of the year, posting a 1:22.473 on the club’s new for 2005 electronic timing and scoring system. Conditions were near ideal at the time, and later in the day the top WSMC racers would be slowed by the often present desert winds, with their best lap times held to the 1:23 range. “After last month’s great racing we were well prepared to ride harder this month, and with the new triple-compound Dunlop rear tire as our only change on the Ducati 999R we were able to run faster then ever before!” stated a grinning Kopecky at the end of the day. He last won a 750 Superbike club event at Willow in 1993. In all, Kenny rode his Ducati Oceanside 749R and 999R racebikes to seven top 4 finishes, with additional wins coming in the BOTT Middleweight, BOTT Heavyweight and Formula Twins classes. He added “The twins class competition stepped it up to the 1:23 range this weekend, but with our combination of Ducati and Dunlop we were able to come out on top again.” Kopecky finished a season best to date 2nd in 650 Superbike racing on his stock-motored 749R, trailing the returning Jason Perez by over 3 seconds at the finish. Kopeckys’ fast start and staying close to Perez for the first several laps was critical to the placing, as youngsters Mickey Lane and Michael Beck closed in late in the 8 lap sprint. “The guys at Ducati Oceanside are still working to get a race-kitted 749R together, and we hope to have it soon for even more fun winning with Ducati. They’ve done a great job and these twins are so great to ride on the track…the results and lap times show it all.” The next WSMC roadrace meet is June 17-19, 2005.
WERA Previews This Weekend’s “Cycle Jam” At VIR
WERA’s Cycle Jam at Virginia International Raceway Combines National, Regional Series
ALTON, Va. WERA’s Cycle Jam at Virginia International Raceway has become one of the most anticipated races of the season, with over 500 riders competing in 55 divisions.
From May 20-22, the WERA Dunlop National Endurance Series and the WERA Michelin National Challenge Series will team up with the WERA Sportsman Series for three full days of racing on Virginia International Raceway’s 2.25-mile North Course.
Riders will have a full day of practice on the Thursday preceding the event, and the racing gets underway on Friday, May 20 with round three of the Endurance Series. The four-hour race begins at 12:30 p.m. ET. The 50-bike grid will be full, as Sportsman Series racers join the regular competitors to try their hand at endurance racing.
Vesrah Suzuki has won both rounds this season, and they will be a team to watch, as usual. Red Star, a team new to the series this year, continues to improve their performance and finished second overall during round two. Team Eclipse is another newcomer that promises to be a front-runner this weekend.
Saturday is dedicated to the Sportsman Series races, featuring five of WERA’s six regions. After practice in the morning, the racing will begin at noon. There will be 16 six-lap races, comprising 33 different divisions.
Round three of the National Challenge Series begins at noon on Sunday. There will be 11 eight-lap sprint races. With both novice and expert divisions racing, there will be 17 first-place trophies up for grabs.
Contingency is available this weekend from Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki, and the grids will be filled with the series’ top competitors throughout the weekend.
Tickets for the weekend cost $30, Saturday/Sunday tickets are $25 and Sunday-only admission is $20. Camping is also available. Directions to and information about Virginia International Raceway can be found at www.virclub.com or by calling 434-822-7700.
More information about WERA, including a full schedule for Cycle Jam, can be found at www.WERA.com.
Suzuki MotoGP Team Tested New Chassis, New Bridgestones Monday At Le Mans
Encouraging test for Team SUZUKI MotoGP Team SUZUKI MotoGP has completed today’s test at Le Mans with encouraging results in all areas. Putting the disappointment of Sunday’s race firmly behind them, Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins set about testing a new Bridgestone rear tyre and a new chassis for the Suzuki GSV-R prototype race-bike. The latest generation Bridgestone tyre has been developed using new construction and technology techniques as well as different use of compounds. Both of the riders and Bridgestone’s technicians were very pleased with the results. The tyre showed good consistency during a thorough examination in which both Roberts Jr and Hopkins completed over 20 laps each of the 4.1km Le Mans track in France. The new compound construction showed an improvement over the current tyre in some areas of the demanding circuit. Roberts Jr tested the new chassis – that Hopkins had preferred throughout race weekend – and reported an improvement in directional change and braking stability. Both riders also used a new geometry setting which both Chief Technicians – Tom O’Kane and Stuart Shenton have worked together on to further enhance the handling characteristics of the GSV-R. Again both riders reported an improvement in this new set-up. Team SUZUKI MotoGP will next be in action at round five of the MotoGP World Championship from Mugello in Italy on June 5th.
Melandri Fastest Monday At Le Mans Post-race Test
DAY OF TESTING FOR THE MOVISTAR HONDA TEAM AT LE MANS Marco is the fastest rider of the day while Sete continues to work at the development of the bike. Le Mans, the motogp teams are back to work for a two day test session at Le Mans. After a race weekend characterised by bad weather conditions, today Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri could test on a dry track. Sete Gibernau worked on the electronics and setting trying some new parts while his team mate Marco Melandri concentrated on the set up of the bike. Marco worked together with his suspension technician and made some tyre testing with Michelin, improving constantly his feeling with the bike, Marco tested also a new helmet that Nolan is studying to improve the ventilation. At the end of the testing session Marco tried for the first time a communication system via radio between the rider and the garage. MARCO MELANDRI (1’33″707, 70 laps):”My feeling with the bike improves every time and i’m sure that this test represents an important step forward. Today we worked together with Showa and tested a new fork. We also made some tyre testing that made me understand important things. I lapped fast and consistent every lap and this makes me look positively to the next race, that will be held in Mugello.” SETE GIBERNAU (1’34″074, 51 laps):”We need to test on dry and finally today we could make an important work. We are testing some new stuff and together with HRC and Michelin we are doing a very good job. I look forward to race at Mugello and I am confident for the next races.” Testing session continues tomorrow for Sete Gibernau, while Melandri has finished the program scheduled form this test session and tomorrow will flight to Derby. Unofficial lap times 1. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda) 1’33″707 2. Carlo Checa (Spa/Ducati) 1’33″785 3. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 1’33″945 4. Sete Gibernau (Esp/Honda) 1’34″074 5. Colin Edwards (USA/Yamaha) 1’34″113 6. Toni Elias (! Spa/Yamaha) 1’34″355 7. Capirossi (Ita/Ducati) 1’34″547 8. Nicky Hayden (Usa/Honda) 1’34.586 9. Troy Bayliss (Australia/Honda) 1’34″688 10. Shinya Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki) 1’34″785 11. Olivier Jacques (FR/ Kawasaki) 1’34″887 12. John Hopkins (Usa/suzuki) 1’35″016 13. Kenny Roberts (Usa/suzuki)1’35″324 14. Xaus (Sp/Yamaha) 1’35″345
Rossi, Edwards Successfully Test New Engine Parts Monday At Le Mans
GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM FINISH THEIR WORK IN FRANCE AFTER PROMISING TEST Following their double podium in the French Grand Prix yesterday, Gauloises Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards rounded off their successful weekend with a one-day test at the Le Mans circuit today. Despite threatening-looking dark clouds hanging overhead for most of the day, the rain stayed away and the team was able to do some valuable work on a dry track. Current series-leader and yesterday’s winner Rossi and his team-mate Edwards, who took his debut MotoGP podium for Yamaha on Sunday, continued to develop their 2005-spec YZR-M1s, testing some new engine parts from Japan and working on engine mapping and settings as well as testing tyres for Michelin. Almost the entire MotoGP line-up stayed on to test today, as well as some 250cc teams. The fastest lap of the day was in a time of 1’33.70, set by Honda rider Marco Melandri, who finished fourth yesterday. Carlos Checa (Ducati) was second fastest with a lap of 1’33.78 and Rossi was third with a best lap of 1’33.97 after 54 laps. Yesterday’s runner-up Sete Gibernau (Honda) was fourth with a time of 1’34.07 and Edwards, who completed 52 laps, was fifth with a best time of 1’34.10. The team will now enjoy a well-deserved two week break, before reconvening in Mugello in just over two week’s time for the Italian Grand Prix, round five of the MotoGP World Championship. VALENTINO ROSSI 1’33.97, 54 laps “I think today’s test was okay and quite useful. We tried some new parts for the engine to give us some more power and although the difference is not big, I think it is good. We worked a lot on engine mapping in order to try to have better acceleration and we made some improvements in this area, which is very important. Of course we continued to work on the general set-up and also tested some new tyres with Michelin, from which we found some good options to use in Mugello. Overall we’ve got some positive things to take to Mugello, so it has been a good finish to the weekend.” COLIN EDWARDS 5th, 1’34.10, 52 laps “Today we’ve made more steps forward in the right direction. We’ve been playing with the suspension and continuing to experiment with the mapping to try to find ways to make the bike easier to ride and more forgiving. It’s definitely getting better. We tested some tyres and found a new front that we’re happy with. We spent a lot of time on the settings, going over what we learned during the weekend so that we can hopefully just fire away when we go to Mugello. I’m 100% positive that we’ve found a good setting to enable us to get there and be quick from the start.” DAVIDE BRIVIO GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR “Of course it’s hard to work for one more day after a busy weekend, but we had a great result yesterday and we want to keep winning! Our race department work continually to find ways to improve the bike and as soon as they have something new they bring it to the track for us to test. We received some small engine parts from Japan and Valentino tried them today. He liked them so we will try to prepare them in time for Mugello. We also worked on the electronics and mapping with both riders an important part of MotoGP. We tried some tyres, Michelin are constantly making developments this year so there are always new things to test! It’s a positive end to the weekend but we’ve got a long way to go until the end of the season so we will keep working hard!” UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES Marco Melandri (ITA) Movistar Honda MotoGP 1’33.70 Carlos Checa (SPA) Ducati Marlboro Team 1’33.78 VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Yamaha Team 1’33.97 Sete Gibernau (SPA) Movistar Honda MotoGP 1’34.07 COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Gauloises Yamaha Team 1’34.10 Toni Elias (SPA) Fortuna Yamaha Team 1’34.35 Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati Marlboro Team 1’34.54 Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda Team 1’34.58 Troy Bayliss (AUS) Camel Honda 1’34.68 Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team 1’34.78 Olivier Jacque (FRA) Kawasaki Racing Team 1’34.88 John Hopkins (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP 1’35.01 Kenny Roberts (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP 1’35.32 Ruben Xaus (SPA) Fortuna Yamaha Team 1’35.39
Jacque’s Commitment To Kawasaki Ends With Test At Le Mans, May Become Development Rider, Wild Card Racer
KAWASAKI CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT AT LE MANS TEST Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano and Olivier Jacque today returned to Le Mans, scene of yesterday’s French Grand Prix, to continue development work on the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine. Nakano, who finished eighth in yesterday’s race, started his test schedule working with Kawasaki’s tyre partner Bridgestone. The 27-year-old Japanese rider tried two new generation rear tyres, with positive results. In the afternoon session Nakano worked with his crew to refine the set up of his Ninja ZX-RR, modifying engine brake settings and front suspension to increase stability under braking in preparation for the demanding Mugello circuit, which plays host to the next round of the MotoGP World Championship in two weeks time. Inclement weather in Shanghai and Le Mans means that Jacque has had more experience riding in the wet than in the dry since being drafted into the Kawasaki Racing Team as a temporary replacement for the injured Alex Hofmann. This left the 31-year-old Frenchman with little time to optimise the dry set up of his Ninja ZX-RR for yesterday’s French Grand Prix, in which he finished in a creditable eleventh place. Changes to the chassis and suspension settings today made it easier for Jacque to change direction on the bike, while tweaks to the electronics package led to improvements on corner entry and exit. Together, the changes allowed Jacque to circulate the Le Mans circuit a full second faster than he managed in yesterday’s race. Today’s test marks the end of Jacque’s official commitment to Kawasaki, although there is a chance that the former 250cc World Champion could continue in a development role with the factory, and the possibility of a wild card ride in the future cannot be ruled out. Shinya Nakano: #56 (58 laps – 1’34.74) “This morning we tested a new rear tyre from Bridgestone, which improved the overall handling of the bike and will probably be our choice for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, where it’s important to have a bike which is easy to hustle through the chicanes. We also tried some different settings on the engine management system, which together with some changes to the front forks led to an increase in stability under braking. This is also important for Mugello. Overall, it’s been a successful test.” Olivier Jacque: #19 (50 laps – 1’34.89) “For me this was really my first opportunity to ride the bike for a full day in the dry without the pressure of having to chase a fast lap all the time. If you like, this was the pre-season testing I didn’t get the chance to do before I raced in China and France. We set the plan for today’s test after the race and we’ve made some significant improvements to the set up of the chassis, the engine brake settings and also the engine management system. I may not get the chance to try these improvements on the Ninja ZX-RR in another race, but the information from today will be useful to me in the future, and I hope it has helped the factory with their development programme.”
Small, Howard Split CMRA Race Wins At Hallett
2005 CMRA Championship Road Racing Series Round 4 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit Hallett, OK May 21-22, 2005 Ty Howard and Heath Small gave the crowds plenty to cheer about as the two Texas riders locked horns at round four of the CMRA Championship Roadracing Series held at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, near Hallett, Oklahoma. And when all was said and done, each rider claimed two wins out of the four head-to-head match ups they were involved in. In all, Small took four wins on the day and pocketed over $5000 in CMRA purse and manufacturer’s contingency money, while Howard claimed three wins and over $2000. Small’s wins came in the Motorcycles Unlimited A Superbike Expert race, which features a $150 purse, the Sum of all Parts A Superstock Expert race, which features a $150 purse, the RaceworX C Superbike Expert race, which features a $150 purse and the Komodo Racing B Superbike Expert race, which features a $250 purse. Howard claimed his cash by taking wins in the Pace American Trailers Formula 1 Expert race, which features a $1000 purse, Racing Performance Services B Superstock Expert race, which features a $150 purse and the C Superstock Expert race, which features a $500 purse. Howard also took home an additional $150 for winning the Mr. Coder Racing Fast Lap Award after he posted the fastest time of the day, a 1:17.917, which was a new track record for the counter-clockwise direction. Over 560 entries took to the 1.8 mile, 10-turn course which is situated in the rolling Osage Hills of North Eastern Oklahoma for Sunday’s sprint race action, experiencing perfect conditions for fast action – sunny skies and cool temperatures. In other sprint-race action, Will Gruy, Alan Tan and Tyler McDonald put on a great show in the Super Motard race, exchanging the lead several times before McDonald finally went down. Gruy went on to post the win over Tan and claim the lion’s share of the $250 purse. Gruy also took wins in the Lightweight Twins Expert event, which pays a $500 purse, the 125 GP, which pays a $250 purse and the Unlimited Super Motard race. Dane Westby took top money in the South Central Race Center D Superbike Expert race, which featured a $150 purse, topping Dustin Dominguez and Tyler McDonald in the process. Westby returned later to add a win in the Formula CMRA Heavyweight race. Jon Francis passed early leader Ronnie Lunsford at the halfway mark to claim the win in the AF1 Racing Heavyweight Twins Expert event. Lunsford held on for second with Eric Falt finishing third. In the Novice ranks, Cory Burleson once again had a good day, claiming four wins in all. In Saturday’s Shogun Motorsports Endurance event, which featured an $1125 purse, Northwest Honda Racing took their second-straight endurance victory and extended their lead in the series standings with a dominant win over a 59-team field. The Houston-based team topped KNMotorcycles.com in the 6 hour event by a 3-lap margin, while 2Wheelz.com came home in third, another lap back. Class winners included Northwest Honda Racing (Formula 1); KNMotorcycles.com (C Superstock); Team O’Donnell (C Superbike); Lawdawg Racing (C Superstock) and Mofo’s Racing (Formula 2). In Saturday’s Mini Sprint races, Tyler McDonald claimed his four-straight Formula 4 win, topping Zac Chapman and Will Hendrick in the process. Dennis Dudley won the Formula 6 division, with Richard Desmond and Conner Blevins in second and third, while Dirk Anderson claimed the Formula 7 win over Rob Rundell and Conner Blevins. In the Formula 5 race, Derek Wagnon took a runaway win, topping Dennis Dudley and Johnny Lee Clark. The CMRA Championship series continues with round five on June 4-5 at MotorSport Ranch near Cresson, Texas. That event will feature a 5 hour Big Bike endurance as well as a 2 hour Mini Endurance and a full slate of sprint action.