From a press release issued by Traxxion Dynamics:

Racing Performance Services Honored as Top Traxxion Dynamics Dealer.

Traxxion Dynamics has named Racing Performance Services as their 2004 Top Authorized Dealer in the United States. “RPS owner Marcus McBain has gone from ground zero to Number One in a little over a year. His efforts are sincerely appreciated by everyone here at Traxxion” according to the company’s President, Max McAllister.

RPS owner Marcus McBain commented “I am extremely proud of earning this distinction and look forward to expanding my working relationship with Traxxion Dynamics in 2005. Max and the staff at Traxxion have been an awesome help this year, and critical to the success of RPS. Traxxion’s tremendous product line and Max’s industry knowledge have helped keep my company pointed in a positive direction.”

Racing Performance Services is a leading provider of trackside suspension support in the Texas and Colorado regions. For more information about RPS visit www.roadracinghelp.com or call 713 304 5509.

From a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi-NCR:

SATISFATION IN THE TEAM FOR ALMERIA’S TEST

(Bologna, 2004 December 24)


Back from the two-day test in the South of Spain, on the track of Almeria, marked by a polar cold weather, Stefano Caracchi looks to be quite satisfied about the work done on the 749R Ducati, which has been rode either by Gianluca Nannelli, for comparison test with the absorbers, as by Fonsi Nieto for a first contact with a 4 stroke machine to evaluate the possibility by the Spanish rider to contest the World Superbike.

“The only negative point of view of those test days has been the cold, proper for a polar expedition.” – jokes the team owner Stefano Caracchi – “Our aim was to allow Fonsi Nieto to get confidence on a 4 stroke bike, to evaluate the possibility for a co-operation during next season and after this test an agreement looks to be very close. Fonsi, during the final day with dry but very very cold track, made 33 laps and did appreciate the bike’s handling, spending also words of praise for the whole team saying “I’d be proud to work with them for the harmony reigning in the team”. The contact with Fonsi goes on incessantly and we hope to come early to a positive conclusion. The presence of a fast Spanish rider in the Superbike series should be a great success from which all the championship could get a great benefit. Gianluca too, hardly engaged in shock absorber test, is satisfied for this test. Despite the frozen track we found an excellent grip solution and all the team is gratified. The happiest is of course Gianluca, who has a more and more better feeling with the 749R..”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Samuel Tilley, the 20-year-old Stillwater, Minnesota man charged with going 205 mph on his Honda RC51 September 18, pled guilty to speeding December 23 in Wabasha County (Minnesota) District Court.

According to www.startribune.com, Tilley entered into a plea bargain with the Wabasha County attorney’s office. In exchange for pleading guilty to speeding and not having a motorcycle license, a reckless-driving charge was dropped.

Tilley was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, one year of probation and $125 in fees. He will not have to serve any time in jail.

From a press release issued by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca:

TURN 9 BRIDGE RELOCATED AS PART OF IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR 2005 RED BULL U.S. GRAND PRIX

Yamaha Funds Kick in as Renovation Project Gets Underway For Return of MotoGP World Championship

MONTEREY, Calif. – As part of preparations for next year’s return of the MotoGP World Championship to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 8-10, the Turn 9 bridge was relocated approximately 440 feet up the track toward the signature Corkscrew turn today in order to increase the Turn 9 run-off area.

Moving the bridge allows for the excavation of 35,000 cubic yards of dirt from the hillside on the right side of Turn 9 to create up to an additional 175 feet of run-off room in the impact area on the outside of the turn, also known as Rainey Curve in honor of three-time motorcycle world champion and Monterey resident Wayne Rainey who was present for today’s relocation.





The Turn 9 project is the first of several changes mandated by the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM), the worldwide governing body for motorcycle racing, including the MotoGP World Championship. Those changes include improving run-off areas, replacing curbing and widening a portion of the front straight. The track will shut down between May 2 and June 15 to complete the changes. The improvements, funded by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, will not affect the configuration of the world-renowned 11-turn, 2.238-mile permanent road course.

Wednesday (Dec. 22), the 150-foot bridge was lifted from its previous location and rotated clockwise 90 degrees. One end of the bridge was placed on a purpose-built “rear” trailer and the other end was placed on a separate trailer that was attached to a normal road-going semi-type truck. The special rig transported the bridge near its new location.

Today, the two cranes hoisted and placed the bridge in its new location, between its previous home at Turn 9 and the exit of Turn 8A (the right-hand portion of the left-right Corkscrew turn).

“Today is a significant milestone on the road to bringing the MotoGP World Championship back to the USA,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “I’d like to thank our track operations staff, supporting engineers and contractors, Monterey County Parks Dept., our friends at Dorna and Yamaha, and, of course, our fans for making today a reality. It will only be a matter of months before we’ll get to see Valentino Rossi (reigning MotoGP World Champion) and our American riders Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins and Kenny Roberts Jr. plunging down the Corkscrew at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix.”

“We are thrilled to see the work beginning and this event coming closer to reality. The anticipation and enthusiasm from each and every employee at Yamaha, our customers, and American fans has been building since the announcement,” said Bob Starr, Corporate Communications Manager at Yamaha Motor Corp. “Plus, with our 50th anniversary celebration beginning in just a few days, we’ve got one very exciting year ahead of us.”

“Moving the Turn 9 bridge will have a huge visual impact for both the riders and the fans,” Rainey said. “Rainey Curve, which I’ve always considered the most demanding corner on the circuit, just got more challenging for the racers. With the bridge moved and additional run-off area being created, riders will have nothing to distract them and will be totally focused on maximizing their speed through the corner. And for the fans, the bridge will no longer obstruct their view as the bikes go through the turn.”

Support events for next season’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, round nine of 17 in the 2005 MotoGP World Championship, include the AMA U.S. Superbike Championship, BMW Motorrad Cup and Super Stars of Super Karts. Additional AMA support events will be announced in the near future.

Tickets for the 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix are on sale now via the track’s ticket office – 1-800-327-SECA (7322) – during normal business hours or online at www.laguna-seca.com/Tickets.

More information, including digital images of the current bridge relocation project, is available online at www.laguna-seca.com

To see a photo of the bridge move, go to: www.laguna-seca.com/gallery/bridgerelocationandmedicalbuilding

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI.COM WINS WWW 2004 AWARD

Ducati website receives prestigious first place honours in the automotive category of awards presented by the renowned Italian publishing group “Il Sole 24 ORE”

The strong support of its fan community helped Ducati lift the coveted WWW 2004 award in the ‘Automotive’ category, assigned by Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 ORE to the best and most popular websites in the country. Ducati’s website not only crossed the line ahead of stiff opposition from the likes of Ferrari, Aprilia, BMW Italia, Alfa Romeo and Toyota Motor Italia but was so far ahead of its adversaries that it actually reached 10th position in the overall competition.

The WWW award has been presented since 1998 as nationwide recognition for the creativity and functionality of Italian websites and is sponsored by the Italian Minister for Innovation and Technology. The Il Sole 24 ORE, which publishes the most important financial paper in Italy and one of the most relevant in Europe, is a vital source of information in the economic and financial world with more than 50 publications, a huge network of international reporters, 13 offices in Italy and 8 worldwide.

Websites were voted for by the general public online on www.ilsole24ore.com or by SMS and a jury composed of well-known Italian press, finance and technology personalities chose the winners from the five highest voted websites in each of the nine categories. A special award was reserved to the best voted website overall, and several other awards were presented for graphics and usability. Nielsen//NetRatings, a Nielsen company specialising in Internet and digital media measurement and analysis, certified the voting.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement,” commented Ducati.com’s General Manager Patrizia Cianetti. “It really shows the support that we receive from our passionate fan community and, at the same time, the award is a tribute to Ducati’s bravery and wisdom in creating such a powerful Internet presence.”

Relaunched in 2000, the Ducati website currently attracts more than 1.2 million unique visitors every month, downloading over 10 million pages. Boasting 15 gigabytes of data, texts and images, the website offers complete information on the current Ducati motorcycle range, 24/7 coverage on its racing activities in both national and world championships and news on events within the Ducati community and clubs worldwide.

The website also offers information on the company and its remarkable heritage, on its dealer network and subsidiaries via several localised websites, and general information and services aimed at motorcyclists or “would-be bikers”. The catalogue in its online shop details over 2,000 Ducati-branded products such as apparel, accessories and merchandise, available for online or offline purchase. The site’s visitors come from the US (40%), Europe (35% – with Italy highest) and Japan and Australia leading all other online nations.

Ducati.com partners that have contributed to its success are E-TREE, Etnoteam, I.Net, Miguel Sal&C., Almaweb and Studio Zac.

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
http://www.ducati.com

From a press release issued by Dorna:

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Sito Pons (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Mr Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held in Barcelona on December 14, unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the MotoGP World Championship Regulations. (for immediate application – see also Press Releases issued on March 27, April 15, May 1st, June 26 and September 10, 2004 – www.fim.ch):

SPORTING REGULATIONS

For the 125cc class, the maximum age is 28 years (25 years for new contracted riders participating in the 125cc Grand Prix for the first time and for wild-cards) at the 1stof January of the corresponding Championship year.

1.11 Entries
…Teams must make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified substitute rider to fulfil their entry obligations. However no substitution or replacement of the entered rider may be made after 17h00 on the first day of the event except in the Motogp class when the limit is at 12.00 hrs. on the final day of qualifying.

1.13 Schedule
Friday : Free practice Qualifying practice
125cc 09h00 – 09h45, 13h15 – 13h45
Motogp 10h00 – 11h00, 14h00 – 15h00
250cc 11h15 – 12h15, 15h15 – 16h00


Saturday : Free practice Qualifying practice
125cc 09h00 – 09h45, 13h15 – 13h45
Motogp 10h00 – 11h00, 14h00 – 15h00
250cc 11h15 – 12h15, 15h15 – 16h00


Sunday : Warm up Races
125cc 08h45 – 09h05, 11h00
250cc 09h15 – 09h35, 12h15
Motogp 09h45 – 10h05, 14h00

1.15.1 Practice Restrictions
iv) The following exceptions will apply to iii) a) above:
a) Free practice or qualifying practice at the event.
b) Practice at any circuit after the event at that circuit except during a break as defined above.
c) Official practice sessions organised by IRTA.
d) Practice by contracted Teams who benefit from a Participation Agreement to take part in the 125cc and the 250cc classes of the Championship and their designated riders in those classes, at the two testing circuits designated by each team (see 1.11.1) which may take place up to 14 days before the race scheduled for the circuit, but not during a break as defined above.
e) Any activity allowed by the Race Direction.

1.15.2 Practice Sessions
v) After practice has started, the condition of the racing surface of the circuit should not be altered except on instruction from the Race Director and the FIM Safety Officer in response to a localised change in conditions.

1.18 Start Procedure
6) For 125 and 250cc, the Race Director will, at this stage, declares the race as “wet” or “dry” and will indicate this to the riders on the grid and those who may still be in the pit lane by the display of a board. If no board is displayed the race will automatically be “dry”.
10) 3 Minutes Before the Start of the Warm Up Lap – Display of 3 Minute Board on the grid:
Removal of tyre warmers from machines on the grid or in the pit lane and from spare machines.
13) 2 Minutes Before the Start of the Race – Green flag waved to start warm up lap.
In the interest of safety, should a rider stall his machine, he may be assisted to restart. If, after a reasonable period, the engine does not start, then the rider will be pushed into the pit lane where his mechanics may provide assistance or where the rider may change machine.
15) If, after the start of the race, a rider stalls his machine, then he may be assisted by being pushed along the track until the engine starts.
If, after a reasonable period, the engine does not start, then the rider will be pushed into the pit lane, where his mechanics may provide assistance or where the rider may change machine.
18) Should there be a problem that might prejudice safety, then a marshal will wave a yellow flag at each row of the starting grid from the signalling platform, and the Starter will display a flashing yellow light and the board “Start Delayed”. The start procedure will be re-commenced at the 1 minute board stage, the riders will complete an additional warm up lap and the race distance will be reduced by one lap.

1.20.2 Motogp race
A race will not be interrupted for climatic reasons and riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments must enter the pits and do so during the actual race.

1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race
4) Any repairs or adjustments along the race track must be made by the rider working alone with absolutely no outside assistance. The marshals may assist the rider to the extent of helping him to lift the machine and holding it whilst any repairs or adjustments are made. The marshal may then assist him to re-start the machine
10) Riders are not allowed to transport another person on their machine or to be transported by another rider on his machine (exception: Another rider or by another rider after the chequered flag).

1.26.4 Conditions for the re-started race will be as follows:
i) In the case of situation described in 1.25.2 (less than 3 laps completed) above:
a. All riders may re-start.
b. Motorcycles may be repaired or changed. Refuelling is permitted.
c. For 125 and 250cc, the number of laps will be two-thirds of the original race distance rounded down to the nearest whole number of laps.
For Motogp, the number of laps will be the same as the original race distance.
d. The grid positions will be as for the original race.
ii) In the case of situation described in 1.25.3 (3 laps or more and less than two-thirds completed) and 1.25.4 (two-thirds completed for Motogp only) above:
a. Only riders who are classified as finishers in the first race may re-start.
b. Motorcycles may be repaired or changed. Refuelling is permitted.
c. For 125 and 250cc, the number of laps of the second race will be the number of laps required to complete two-thirds of the original race distance rounded down to the nearest whole number of laps with a minimum of 5 laps.
For Motogp, the number of laps of the second race will be the number of laps required to complete the original race distance with a minimum of 5 laps.

1.30 Team personnel in the pit lane
For safety reasons, the following rules must be strictly respected.
Team personnel will not be permitted in the pit lane during practices, warm-up and race of another class unless they are making adjustments to their motorcycle.
The maximum number of team personnel per rider in the working area in front of the pits is limited to 8 for Motogp and 6 for 125 and 250cc.
The maximum number of team personnel per rider on the signalling platform is limited to 3 for all the classes.



TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.5.3 Weight may be checked at the initial technical control, but the main control of weight will be made at the end of practice sessions or at the end of the race. The weight of the motorcycle will be that measured in the form that the motorcycle participated, with fuel tank on and including normal levels of oil and water and all additional equipment attached to the motorcycle, for example timekeeping senders, camera equipment, electronic telemetry equipment etc.

2.6 Fuel Tanks
2.6.3 Fuel tanks of all construction types must be filled with fire retardant material or be lined with a fuel cell bladder.
In the MotoGP class, fuel tanks made of non-metallic composite materials (carbon fibre, aramid fibre, fiberglass, etc.) must be fitted with a fuel cell bladder, or have passed the FIM test standards for composite material fuel tanks as described in the FIM Fuel Tank Test Procedure for fuel tank homologation.
Such composite fuel tanks without a fuel cell bladder must bear a label certifying conformity with FIM Fuel Tank Test Standards. Such labels must include the fuel tank manufacturer’s name, date of tank manufacture, and name of testing laboratory.
Each manufacturer is requested to inform the FIM/CCR Secretariat of it’s fuel tank model(s) which have passed the FIM test standards, together with a copy of the fuel tank label.
Full details of the FIM Fuel Tank Test Standards and Procedures are available from the FIM.
Fuel cell bladders must conform to or exceed the specification FIM/FCB-2005. Full details of this standard are available from the FIM.
2.6.5 In defining fuel tank capacity all containers of the motorcycle capable of supplying fuel to the carburettors/injectors may be taking into account.
2.6.6 Refuelling many only be carried out from an unpressurised container, and the motorcycle fuel tank may not be pressurised above atmospheric pressure at any time, other than the small pressure increase due to normal tank ventilation to the atmosphere on the moving motorcycle.

2.10 Fuel, Oil and Coolants
2.10.5 No fuel on the motorcycle may be more than fifteen degrees C (15◦C) below ambient temperature. The use of any device on the motorcycle to artificially decrease the temperature of the fuel below ambient temperature is forbidden.

3.4.2 Right of appeal
No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Race Direction to inflict a change of position.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI HONORED AS THE “FEATURED MARQUE” AT 2005 AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS

Ducati is proud to be involved with the most important vintage motorcycle
event in North America.

Cupertino, CA – December 23rd, 2004 – Ducati announced that they will be the
“Featured Marque” at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2005, an annual event held
on July 15-17 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Ducati’s long history of building exciting motorcycles makes this a perfect match and another occasion to bring Ducatisti together in the celebration of motorcycling. The event will benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and feature a complete exhibit of classic motorcycles and memorabilia.

Paul Smart, winner of the 200 miles of Imola race aboard a Ducati 750SS in 1972, will be honored as the “Grand Marshall” of this year’s AMA Vintage Days. Ducati is also honoring Mr. Smart’s achievements with the production of the Paul Smart 1000 motorcycle, part of the new SportClassics family of Ducatis. Additionally, special guest and World Stunt Riding Champion Christian Pfeiffer will perform for the audience on his Ducati Monster.

The legendary Mid-Ohio circuit will again host American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHRMA) road racing throughout the weekend; two days of AHRMA motocross, plus observed trials and dirt-track racing, also will be on the schedule.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2005 boasts three vintage bike shows; the traditional all-brands AMA Swapmeet, guest speakers, Ducati demo rides, an array of vendors featuring new products from top manufacturers and dealers in addition to the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Auction of motorcycles and memorabilia.

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 http://www.ducati.com.

From a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi-NCR:

FONSI NIETO: DUCATI TEST UNDER THE RAIN

Almeria, December 22, 2004


The bad weather doesn’t give any pause to the Team SC Caracchi-NCR, arrived in Almeria for a two-day test on the track in the South of Spain. Together with some test on the 749R Ducati Supersport for Gianluca Nannelli this occasion has also the purpose to close the contacts with Alfonso Gonzales Nieto, best know as Fonsi Nieto by sport motorcycle fans, to have the young Spanish rider on a 999RS Ducati to contest the next 2005 World Superbike Series.

Fonsi, just 26 last December 2, has never rode a 4 stroke bike and today has done about ten laps on the bike of Nannelli, showing to be at his own comfort and having good words for the general balance of the 749R. Tomorrow Thursday 23, hoping in better weather conditions, Fonsi Nieto will repeat the test looking for closing the final agreement with the team based in Bologna.

Stefano Caracchi, team owner, is quite satisfied: “Unfortunately we found terrible weather condition, rain and polar cold. Fonsi tested the 749R, the only bike available in this moment, and said to be quite satisfied. We are confident that we’ll be able to find a good agreement with him. Our goal in Superbike should be to recover completely a great rider like Fonsi after a grey racing season in 250GP, as we made with some other rider in the past, riding alongside to Lorenzo Lanzi, one of the best talent of the Superbike arena in a stimulating internal comparison.”

Today, despite the rain and the cold, Nannelli went on with his test until a good laptime of 1:45.7, actually to remark for the atrocious weather conditions where it has been scored.

The test will end tomorrow and the team we’ll return to Bologna.