From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

POSITIVE TEST FOR THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Phillip Island (Australia), Tuesday 19 October 2004 – The Ducati Marlboro Team completed a successful two-day testing session today Tuesday at Phillip Island, the venue for Sunday’s Australian GP, a race which finished with the first podium of the season for the Italian manufacturer.

The Italian team used the fast Australian circuit to test a new version of its distinctive tubular frame, which has been designed to improve the stability of the Desmosedici and its reactivity, in particular in fast changes of direction. New swing-arms with different levels of stiffness were also tested with the same purpose in mind.

Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss expressed their satisfaction with the changes, both riders recording interesting times right from the start and both improving the quickest time (in race trim) set by Capirossi during Sunday’s race (1:31.102). During the two-day test, Loris and Troy also lapped in an excellent pace, often under 1:31, and both ended the test with a quickest time of 1:30.6.

The commitment and the work being done by the Ducati Marlboro Team and by Ducati Corse have led to the much hoped-for results: development work is continuing and the team is preparing for 2005 with renewed enthusiasm.

“We are really satisfied with the test. We were able to work for two days in superb weather, accumulating interesting data and setting some excellent times” declared Livio Suppo, director of the Ducati Marlboro Team. “A big thanks to everyone, both within the company and in the team. Putting us in a position to test such a large number of components has involved a major effort from our designers, our suppliers and the entire team, who were really tired after three successive race weekends, but who worked enthusiastically for an extra two days. This is a demonstration of how much we want to have more days like Sunday! Despite the good results, we won’t use the new components in the race because they didn’t do enough kilometres during the tests to guarantee the necessary reliability. We will continue to test these new parts immediately after the last GP of the season in the week after Valencia”.

Apart from a few gusts of wind which disturbed Monday’s activities, testing was carried out in excellent weather conditions (air 20°/track 32°).

From a press release issued by Lockhart Phillips:

Lockhart Phillips’ Team Privateer Ramping up for 2005 Roadrace Season

Lockhart Phillips USA is now accepting sponsorship applications for its innovative, multi-tier Team Privateer program, which is open to all licensed racers. An application and more program details can be found at www.teamprivateer.com or by calling (949) 498-9090, ext. 243.

From a press release issued by Motonation:

Spidi Sport, one of the worldwide market leaders in the street and roadrace motorcycle apparel segment, is proud to announce the selection of Motonation as its new exclusive importer for the American market effective immediately.

Simone Fin, Spidi Export Sales Director, states: “Spidi products have been available for a number of years in the USA in a somewhat limited fashion. With Motonation’s focused sales and distribution system we are quite excited, and looking forward to seeing the Spidi brand grow in sales as well as name recognition in the years to come.”

Bill Berroth, President of Motonation commented: “The street apparel market is one that Motonation has always felt would be a good match to our company, our existing brands, and our dealer exclusivity sales style for some time now. We did not want to make this step with just any brand but with a market leader. When we learned this summer that the Spidi brand was available we jumped at the chance and established a partnership that will see Motonation and Spidi working together towards the growth of the USA market for the brand for years to come. We are very honored and excited to have this opportunity.”

Retailers interested in acquiring an exclusive Spidi sales territory for their market area should contact Motonation at 877-789-4940 or write to [email protected] or [email protected]


More, from a press release issued by CCS:

California CCS Riders

SBRtrackday.com is hosting a track day at Willow Springs’ Streets of Willow race track this weekend on Wed. Oct. 20th. They would like to offer a discount to CCS riders in an effort to fill empty spaces for their event. Regular price is $130 dollars, however CCS riders can take advantage of a special promotion for this event only with a $30 discount.

When registering on-line, just enter “CCS 30 dollar discount” in the “motorcycle experience” box on our registration page @ www.sbrtrackday.com

For further questions, feel free to contact SBR Track Days Director Ken at 949-751-8368.


More, from a press release issued by the Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship:

Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship ­ Round 10

DOUBLE RACE WIN, CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND NEW LAP RECORD EARNS WEBSTER AND WOODHEAD WRANGLER FOOTWEAR TEAM AWARD

The Castrol Suzuki pairing of Steve Webster and Paul Woodhead have won the Wrangler Footwear Team of the Meeting award for Sunday¹s 10th round of the Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship at Mallory Park.

The pairing won both races of the final round to clinch the title in breathtaking fashion and also smashed the lap record at the Leicestershire track.

Webster concluded one of his busiest seasons ever with wins 10 and 11 from 18 races in the Eastern Airways Championship, all after securing World and European titles.

“It really has been an incredible year, one of my best,” said Webster. “I’m really pleased to collect the Wrangler Footwear Team award after a perfect day for us at Mallory Park on Sunday.”

He continued: “The chase for the Eastern Airways title went down to the final round – anything could have happened on Sunday. And we’ve had four different race winners this year so it all looks promising for the future.”


More, from a press release issued by Proforma:

HOTBODIES RACING TEAM RESULTS FROM WERA GRAND NATIONAL FINAL AT ROAD ATLANTA

The Hotbodies Racing Team participated at the 2004 Parts Unlimited WERA Grand National Final and Suzuki GSX-R Cup Finals at Road Atlanta. Riders under the red and white Hotbodies Racing tent at Road Atlanta included Geoff May, Giovanni Rojas and Blake Young.

Geoff May
Geoff raced in the Suzuki GSX-R600 and GSX-R1000 Cup Final races as well as the WERA National Challenge Formula 1 event on Sunday, with a sixth in the 600 race and wins in the other two finals. “The 600 race, realistically I knew I wasn’t gonna be able to run with those guys,” said Geoff. “I figured I’d just stick it up there and hope for a podium or something. This was only the fifth time I rode the bike, and we just put a shock on it. I rode it as hard as I could, and that’s where I ended up. With the 1000, I knew I had faster times than everyone else all weekend, I figured I just had to do my best and get a good start. Brent (George) got an awesome holeshot, he went flying up into one, and went a little wide. I squared it up and fired it up the hill and put my head down. My pit crew was giving me signals, so I didn’t even look back until after the halfway point. I saw a huge gap so I just put it on cruise control. I didn’t wat to be the idiot of the day and throw it down winning the race. My main goal for the weekend was to win the 1000 Cup.”

“I won the WERA Formula 1 race as well, came from the fourth row,” added Geoff. “Tray Batey got a flyer, I got held up behind (David) Weber and (John) Jacobi and a few other guys. It took me about half a lap to get by each guy. I was just stronger in a few spots. Batey put a big gap, and I knew Mike Smith was probably right on my heels the whole time. I never looked back at him. I didn’t care, I was trying to catch Batey. Unfortunately for him, he was on a 750, or it might have been a different story.”

Giovanni Rojas
Giovanni won the WERA National Challenge 600 Superbike race at Road Atlanta after a race-long battle with Tristan Schoenewald. “At the start, this guy in front of me went sideways and Tristan got in front of me,” said Gio. “I went through the pack and passed him on the second lap. I made a mistake back in turn five. I ran off the track a little bit, and I think that’s where he gained on me. He was right there, I could feel somebody in the draft behind me. On the lap before the last lap, he got me in turn 10, so I just followed him through there. When we went down to turn twelve, he was really weak through there. I made a lot of ground through there, and I passed him going into (turn) one. On the last lap, he passed me back in turn 10 on the brakes again. So I followed him through there. I had a great drive out of there, he went to the outside, I just stuck it in the inside, and went down turn 12 down the hill to the checkers. It was great!”

Blake Young
Blake had an eventful first visit to the Suzuki Cup Finals at Road Atlanta. He finished ninth in the hotly contested GSX-R600 Cup Final, dicing throughout the race with Nicky Moore, David Weber, Mark Junge and Matt Furtek. In the GSX-R750 Cup Final, he finished fourth on the track, but was disqualified when it was discovered that his GSX-R750 had a 600 swingarm mounted instead. Blake ran as high as fourth in the GSX-R1000 Cup Final, but ended up finishing ninth after his front brake lever started coming into the handlebar at about the halfway point. He continued on during the remainder of the race, using his rear brake and downshifting to slow the bike for the corners. “All in all, it was a good weekend,” said Blake. “It was my first time at the Cup Finals, and I had a few problems, but I had some good races with a bunch of guys. Mark Junge really helped me out, especially on my 1000.”

Stay tuned for the Hotbodies Racing Team plans for 2005.

For more information, please contact Hotbodies Racing at 1-800-555-2805 or visit www.hotbodiesracing.com


More, from a press release issued by Garrett Carter Racing

16 year old Honda 125 GP racer, Garrett Carter, won the WERA National 125 GP Sportsman Title after a 6 week lay off from breaking his collar bone. He took the title away from former champion Brian Kcratget in a race that had 3 red flags of which Garrett and Brian both crashed in the same oil soaked corner causing the third red flag. The frustrated WERA officials decided to restart the race at the end of the day with time permiting. This allowed both riders to repair their bikes for the restart. The shortened 6 lap race saw Kcratget take the lead followed by Carter and Aprilia mounted teenage rider, Ryan Clay, in third. Both Garrett and Ryan soon pasted the leader and raced wheel to wheel to the finish line with Garrett pulling out the victory by half a bike length. Aprilia Super Tuner Rocky Stargel worked on both teenager’s bikes to great success. Rocky also put Garrett on his former AMA 2002 Championship bike, the Aprilia 250 of Chuck Sorenson fame, for the Formula 2 race. This was Garrett’s first time on a 250 GP bike and he finished fourth in a large field of starters. Garrett’s final race of the season will be in the Spanish National GP series in Jerez in November.


More, a press release issued by Mystery School:

Rich Oliver and Robert Ward had another successful race at Willow Springs, coming home first some 22 seconds ahead of hard chargers Michael Montoya, Mark Watts, Nobi Iso, Ed Marchini, and the rest of the huge 48 rider field.

The Roadracingworld.com event was special this time to Rich and Robert, as they were able to work together again after a year break. The two veterans got right back in the groove the first day, tuning and tweaking the bike until it was turning sharp and running sizzling fast like it should.

Rich comments, “I was interested to see how I would do, after not racing for a year. I guess it’s a good test of the Mystery School training as I participated in my own 5 Day Pro Camp along with my four students the week before this race. I did all the drills and exercises that we teach and to tell you the truth I felt great at Willow. I even missed practice Sunday morning and had to go out cold in the race, but we actually have a drill for that situation in our Pro Camp, so it was no big deal.

“My timing came in after I rode Friday practice, I noticed that I could hit my exact marks on the track starting Saturday, and by Sunday I was feeling just like last year.

“We improved the bike quite a bit during the weekend, and it’s a shame it was so windy that the conditions wouldn’t let us really go for the track record of 1.21.6. We got close on Saturday, with a 1.22.1, but Sunday everyone was just happy that the rain let up and we could race in the dry.

“I have many people to thank, so let’s start with John Ulrich from Roadracingworld.com, Stephanie and Ashley Huth from Willow Springs Raceway, Keith McCarty, Tom Halverson, Jeff Jones, Bob Starr and Jennifer Davie from Yamaha, Les, Jim, Dennis and the crew from Dunlop, Jeff Gehrs from Ferodo, Doug Cameron from Micron, Jim Lindemann from LE Suspension, Dennis Zickrick from Supertech, Brett Milan from Shoei, June Kushitani from Kushitani leathers, Greg Sabatini from Paint by Sabatini, Steve Whitelock from Drive Systems USA, Robert and Cindy Ward, Wilson’s, Paul from AST Sports Science, Eric from Cytosport, and all my friends fans and fellow competitors that cheered or jeered us on!

“Last but not least my Mom was relieved that I was somewhat forced to retire last year, so I only told her that I was racing again a few days before this race, which happened to be on her Birthday! So, Happy Birthday Mom, I’m now retired again, at least till next October!”

http://www.richoliver.net/MysteryImageOfTheWeek6.html


More, from a press release issued by Proforma:

BLAKE YOUNG HAS SUCCESSFUL FIRST SUZUKI CUP FINALS

Blake Young, armed with Young America Suzuki GSX-R600, GSX-R750 and GSX-R1000 race bikes, had an eventful first visit to the Suzuki Cup Finals during the 2004 Parts Unlimited WERA Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta today. A Junior in high school, sixteen-year-old Blake has had a successful first year of professional racing.

Blake finished ninth in the hotly-contested GSX-R600 Cup Final, dicing throughout the race with Nicky Moore, David Weber, Mark Junge and Matt Furtek. “I had a good race,” said Young. “Nicky came with me from behind. We caught Furtek and Mark, and I was able to go with Nicky around them, but I wasn’t able to get past Weber before the end of the race.”

In the GSX-R750 Cup Final, he finished fourth on the track, but was disqualified when it was discovered that his GSX-R750 had a 600 swingarm mounted instead. “I ran third in the first part of the race, then there was the red flag,” Blake said. “On the restart I slotted into fourth, then started running with Jeff Wood. I got past him on the white flag lap going into ten, and was able to hold him off on the last lap.”

In only his second ride on the bike, Blake ran as high as fourth in the GSX-R1000 Cup Final, but ended up finishing ninth after his front brake lever started coming into the handlebar at the halfway point. He continued on during the remainder of the race, using his rear brake and downshifting to slow the bike for the corners. “I got a really, really good start,” Blake said. “I was running fourth, and (Russell) Holland came past me into ten, and I tried to get the thing stopped, but the brake lever came into the bar. Holland went inside me, and I tried to stay with him, but the brakes didn’t get any better. I figured I’d finish the race and see where I ended up.”


More, from a press release issued by Proforma:

LEE ACREE RACES TO THIRD IN SUZUKI GSX-R600 CUP FINAL

Lee Acree raced to a fine third place in today’s Suzuki GSX-R600 Cup Final at the 2004 WERA Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta. Acree ran as high as second until a last lap incident with another rider pushed him nearly into the grass and he held on for third.

“The start was pretty poor,” said Lee, who had set the third fastest time during Saturday’s qualifying session. “I got to turn one a ways back, but was able to make a good number of spots up around the outside of one, and then a couple more spots at the top going into the new section. I didn’t anticipate Jeff (Wood) getting such a jump, and so he got a big gap early. Once I got clear, I started working on that. I found another remnant from my spill the other morning, having fallen on the left side. I had the shifter stick a couple of times and not return, so I made a couple of trips from turn five to turn six just in third (gear), because I couldn’t get it to return so I could upshift it. Those happend while I was chasing Jeff, and that was where Mike really closed up on me dramatically. Then Mike got by, and he was weaving a bit to break the draft, seemed a little hazardous at points. He even had contact with Brent George, they made contact and it locked up George’s front wheel in the middle of the back straightaway. The second to last lap, I was able to get down into the braking zone in 10, was able to go from fourth to second. Had I wanted to force the issue, I probably could have taken first, but it would have been a little over the top. So I held second the rest of the lap around, but wasn’t quite close enough to make a run at Smith in the braking zone for 10. George came up and had basically the same situation I had had the lap before on Smith, George had on me, and his choice was different. He took both of us to the edge of the track, and we would have hit and both probably fallen had I not relented when I got out to the edge. Either that, or my other option was to keep it pinned and go straight through the gravel. So I picked the option that seemed the most feasible at the time, and it resulted in a third place.”


From a press release issued by Team Velocity Racing:

Team Velocity Racing Wins Heavyweight Superstock Race and Championship at Road Atlanta

BRASELTON, Ga. – Team Velocity Racing rode to a finish of second overall during the four-hour season finale of the WERA National Endurance Series, held at Road Atlanta on Friday, October 15, winning the Heavyweight Superstock race and the class championship.

This is the first championship for Team Velocity Racing, who moved up to the Heavyweight Superstock class for 2004 in only their second year as an endurance team.

Chuck Ivey, Bradley Champion, Reuben Frankenfield and Steven Breckenridge rode the team’s Yamaha YZF-R1 during the tenth and final round of the season.

Champion started the race from the front row, and he pitted shortly before the end of the first hour while running second overall and first in class. Ivey took the bike back onto the track, and despite losing several positions during the stop the team was soon back in second.

Breckenridge rode the third stint, followed by Champion again. Frankenfield climbed on the Yamaha for the final minutes of the race, just one month after breaking his foot and scapula during round eight at Nelson Ledges. Frankenfield had to hold off a charge from Ben Spies on the Team Schwantz School bike, managing to stay ahead of the factory Suzuki racer until the checkered flag.

Team Velocity Racing finished the season with a 90-point lead in the Heavyweight Superstock class, and their strong result at Road Atlanta helped move them into second in the overall championship.

Ivey said that, “on race day we were all pretty excited. We knew what we had to do and definitely wanted to make it a clean race and come out of it with what we knew we could get. To come out and win the championship in just our second year, I think it shows just how much we can pull together and accomplish as a team. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve still pulled together and come through with it.”

“It was mentally and physically challenging for my first stint,” said Champion, who mentioned that strong winds were a factor on the track. “I went out again, and I felt better. I was able to get right into the groove, and worked around the wind better. We couldn’t have done any better. We put forth an effort and got a good return out of it.

“The crew put new tires on the bike for me, and they did the pit stop in just over a minute on a Superstock bike,” enthused Breckenridge. “I turned my fastest laps at the end of my stint. It’s so easy to go fast on the R1. It’s been an awesome year.”

“I just went out for the last 15 minutes,” explained Frankenfield, who had not ridden since his crash. “I pretty much wanted to bring the bike home in one piece. It was good to get the checkered flag in the last race of the year to close this chapter.”

More information about Team Velocity Racing can be found at www.TeamVelocityRacing.com.


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

AMERICANS TAKE HOME ADVANTAGE
Team Suzuki Press Office

Team America used the home advantage to take the top two spots in the World Suzuki Cup finals at Road Atlanta in Georgia.

Scott Jenson beat teammate Jake Holden for overall honors, Jenson topping Holden by less than a tenth of a second for the race one win and finishing half a bikelength behind Spaniard Javier Fores in race two. Holden was a shadow third in race two.

“I had to beat Jake (Holden) to get the overall,” Jenson said. “If Jake finished second, I could get third, but who wants to settle for second or third. I wanted to win.”

Fores wanted it just a little more. The Spaniard was making his first trip outside of Spain and proved a quick study. The 19-year-old from Valencia led most of the second race, giving up the lead briefly on the ninth of 12 laps, then taking it back and holding off Jenson at the line by 0.037 secs. Holden was a tenth of a second back in third.

Fores had no shot at the overall after the fuel line on his George Vukmanovich-prepared GSX-R750 came off on the first lap of the first race. “I almost cried because of all the work the team put into it,” Flores said through a translator.

Third overall on the day went to South African Hudson Kennaugh through a pair of fourth place finishes.

RACE ONE:
1. Robert Jenson (USA)
2. Jake Holden (USA)
3. Martin Bauer (Germany)
4. Hudson Kennaugh (South Africa)
5. Tristan Palmer (UK)
6. Thomas Metro (France)
7. Ilario Dionisi (Italy)
8. Roman Stamm (Switzerland)
9. Zeiser Christian (Austria)
10. Robert Ulm (Germany)

RACE TWO:
1. Javier Flores (Spain)
2. Robert Jenson (USA)
3. Jake Holden (USA)
4. Hudson Kennaugh (South Africa)
5. Martin Bauer (Germany)
6. Brian Stokes (USA)
7. Tristan Palmer (UK)
8. Ben Wilson (UK)
9. Zaiser Christian (Austria)
10. Antonio Mancuso (Italy)

OVERALL

1. Robert Jenson. USA. 37pts
2. Jake Holden. USA. 32pts
3. Hudson Kennaugh. South Africa. 26pts
4. Martin Bauer. Germany 26pts
5. Javier Fores. Spain. 20pts
6. Tristian Palmer. UK. 20pts
7. Zeuser Christian. Austria. 14pts
8. Ilario Dionisi. Italy. 14pts
9. Roman Stamm. Switzerland. 12pts
10. Antonio Mancuso. Italy 11pts
11. Brian Stokes. USA. 10pts
12. Thomas Metro. France. 10pts
13. Robert Ulm. Germany. 9pts
14. Ben Wilson. UK. 8pts
15. Scott Chalrton. Australia. 4pts
16. Bruce Rulfo. France. 4pts
17. Yoshihiro Konno. Japan. 3pts
18. Akira Tamitsuji. Japan. 2pts
19. Zonon Nelson. Canada. 0pts
20. Frank Heidger. Germany. 0pts
21. Chris Perris. Cnaada. 0pts
22. Sebastien Lager. France. 0pts
23. Alessandro Melone. Italy. 0pts

From a press release issued by the PR Group:

UNDERSTANDING SUSPENSION WORKSHOP

The simplified theory and practical application of 21st Century suspensions.

On November 22, 23 and 24th, 2004 in the Los Angeles area the most complete suspension workshop ever will host two of the most suspension savvy people in the world: Author and world lecturer, Tony Foale and David Hodges of GP Suspensions.

MONDAY and TUESDAY, November 22 and 23, in Los Angeles is the Tony Foale Two Day Seminar. Tony Foale has called on his 40+ years of experience, riding, racing, building and studying motorcycle behavior to design a series of seminars on motorcycle dynamics. Foale says, “These seminars explain how tyres work, how we balance and corner, what stops us cornering faster, suspension, steering geometry, squat, braking, stability and much more.” Even factory racing teams have provided their staff members with Tony’s crystal clear understanding of suspension.

A small portion of subjects covered (first half of first day) are:
Type characteristics, suspension and offshoots
* Basic construction.
* Differences between radial and cross ply.
* Why radials have lower profiles
* Some reasons why we need tyres.
* Tyre is NOT a gas spring. Force/deflection curve is basically linear.
* Suspension action of pneumatic tyres.
* Weight support. – how?.
* Optimum conditions for maximum traction.
* Tyre hop and damping.
* Suspension settings and differences between optimum for comfort and performance
* Contact area – variation with load.
* Some geometric effects of tyre width.
* Sidebar on basic bike geometry – rake and trail, as a lead-in to:* Pneumatic trail.
* Mechanisms of tyre friction.
* General shape of force vs. slip curve.
* Driving and braking slip.
* Steering slip – slip angle.
* Camber force.
* Concept of steering and camber stiffness.
* Combinations of steering and camber forces.
* Required steering angles at given cornering speeds.
* Friction ellipse.
* Drifting and throttle steering.
* How tyre characteristics provide limit feel.
* Variation of grip with vertical load.
* Under/over-steering from tyre view point.
* Under/over-steering from steering and stability view point.

DAY 3 at the track with Dave Hodges – November 24th.

Under the guidance of master suspension tuner Dave Hodges of GP Suspensions, the California Superbike School staff will be on hand to help riders sort out their bikes at Willow Springs, in Rosamond, California. Dave will have his suspension shop on wheels, trailer and all the tricks and all the technology on what to do and how to make it work.

Dave says, “We will use the Horsethief Mile track on that day. The ‘Mile’ provides short but busy laps on a new and excellent track surface with a good blend of braking and elevation changes and 13 corners, all in one mile.”

The day will be limited to only two groups of 15 riders. Keith Code, Founder of the California Superbike School says, “That’s way too much track time and certainly more than enough to achieve a thorough understanding of suspension changes that will last a lifetime of riding.
It’s going to be awesome.”

To find out more – readers may call the California Superbike School at: 323-224-2734 or visit: www.superbikeschool.com

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SMART SIGNS FOR RIZLA SUZUKI
Team Suzuki Press Office – October 19, 2004.

Scott Smart will join reigning British Superbike Champion John Reynolds in the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team in 2005.

Smart takes the vacant seat left by fans favourite Yukio Kagayama (pictured) who has dazzled the British crowds on his Rizla blue GSX-R1000 for the last two-years. Yuki ingrained himself in the hearts of the British public with his dramatic sideways racing style, quick-witted humour and determination to race again after a life-threatening crash at Cadwell Park in 2003. Yuki remains a Suzuki Factory rider and close friend of the Crescent Rizla Suzuki squad and is looking forward to 2005 and new challenges.

Smart (28) from York was the revelation of the 2004 British Superbike Championship, taking three wins and fourth place overall on a development Kawasaki race bike.

An ex-British Super Teen and 250cc Champion as well as GP racer, Scott has the riding experience to match his determination to win and is only starting to realise his full potential on a Superbike.

Scott and triple BSB Champion JR will be a formidable team in BSB, with both racers eager to start developing the new lighter, more powerful and aerodynamically efficient GSX-R1000 that will go on sale in 2005.

He will make his debut appearance for Rizla Suzuki at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s NEC on November 4th and 5th when he joins JR on the Suzuki stand.

Scott Smart:

“Getting the ride with Rizla Suzuki was like Christmas coming early for me and I haven’t stopped smiling. Rizla Suzuki is a fantastic team and the most professional in the paddock. It thoroughly deserved to take the Championship in 2004 – and now I am part of that and will take this opportunity with both hands and go for it!

“I left Kawasaki on the very best of terms. I enjoyed my time there and now I am focussed 110 per cent on learning from JR the Champion and helping Rizla Suzuki to develop the new GSX-R1000 into a race winner.

“Like everyone else in BSB, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Yuki and know I have big boots to fill, but with his and Rizla Suzuki’s support, I am sure I will be up for the job.”

Paul Denning, team owner:

“It is a real boost to the team to secure the services of one of the best upcoming Superbike riders in the world and I am looking forward to seeing what Scott can achieve on our Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000.

“Yuki is moving on to other business with the Suzuki Factory but in our hearts he remains a part of the Crescent and Rizla Suzuki team and always will be. He has plans to visit us in the UK next year and maintain the friendships he has forged with the whole team and its supporters.”

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

THE DUCATI MONSTER CHALLENGE – THE SEARCH
FOR THE COOLEST MONSTER IN NORTH AMERICA

Ducati is looking for the coolest, baddest, most customized and unique Monster in all of America.

October 19th , 2004 – Cupertino, CA – Ducati is looking for the coolest, baddest, most customized and unique Monster in all of America. If you’ve got a Ducati Monster that you feel is up for the challenge, then enter the Ducati Monster Challenge! The grand prize winner will take home a new 2005 Ducati Monster S4R.

The Ducati Monster Challenge will take place at selected Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows across the country. The Monster Challenge will be featured at these shows: San Francisco, Dallas, Long Beach, Seattle, Atlanta, New York,
Montreal, Detroit, and the grand finale will be held in Daytona, Florida during Bike Week. If you want to be considered for one of these shows, please submit your entry form and photos for pre-screening (details at www.ducatiusa.com). The bikes selected for each local event will be displayed in a special area at the IMS Show where they will be judged for 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes as well as a “People’s Choice” winner chosen by the votes of show visitors.

National Prizes:
1st Prize 2005 Ducati Monster S4R
2nd Prize Roundtrip airfare, hotel, and ticket to a MotoGP race
3rd Prize $1000 Ducati Performance Gift Certificate

Local Prizes:
1st Prize Roundtrip airfare and hotel for Daytona’s Bike Week
2nd Prize $250 Ducati Performance Gift Certificate
3rd Prize $100 Ducati Performance Gift Certificate

For details about how to enter The Monster Challenge, please visit www.ducatiusa.com or send an email to [email protected].

From a press release issued by the Hall of Fame Museum:

MOTORCYCLE HALLS OF FAME COMPLETE UNIFICATION AGREEMENT

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located near Columbus, Ohio, and the National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, in Anamosa, Iowa, have completed plans to consolidate their respective halls-of-fame, inductees and procedures under the banner of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

As part of the agreement, the Iowa museum will change its name to the National Motorcycle Museum, and all members of that museum’s hall of fame will be added to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Ohio. The two museums will continue their own independent operations and management as they have in the past, and continue to cooperate sharing motorcycles, memorabilia, art, archived and exhibit material.

The joint announcement was made prior to the 2004 induction ceremony at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, in Ohio.

“This consolidation shows what can be accomplished when two organizations share an inclusive perspective and a love for the heritage of motorcycling,” said Mark Mendell, Chairman of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s Board of Directors.

John Parham, President of the National Motorcycle Museum’s Board of Directors, agreed, adding, “We believe it’s a win-win for the entire motorcycling community, and we’re very enthusiastic about our potential for the future.”

As part of the unification agreement, Parham will join the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s Board of Directors, and be a member of the Board’s Hall of Fame Committee.

For more information, contact Mark Mederski, Executive Director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, at (614) 856-2222; or Nancy Keedy of the
National Motorcycle Museum at (319) 462-3925.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Fans Trade Food for Motorcycle Tickets at Thanksgiving Food Drive

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Starting this week, race fans and community members will not only help feed the needy, but they will also help themselves to free race tickets at Infineon Raceway’s 4th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Infineon Raceway will partner with Mary’s Pizza Shack, Froggy 92.9 FM (Santa Rosa) and Destination RKA to help feed needy families throughout Sonoma County this winter. All food raised from the drive will benefit Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH). The drive has raised more than 3,300 pounds of non-perishable food items since 2000, with 1,300 pounds of food generated in 2003. The goal for the 2004 drive is 1,500 pounds.

There will be some two-wheel excitement in store for those who donate four or more non-perishable food items. They will be rewarded with a FREE ticket to qualifying during the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown in 2005. Qualifying will take place on Friday, May 13. To receive your ticket voucher, simply present a photo ID with your non-perishable food items to the employee at the front desk at Infineon Raceway. Only two tickets are allowed per family. Those who donate food at any of the satellite locations, or by mail, will receive their ticket vouchers by mail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS Southeast racer Adrian “Sanee” Ooi married Nicole Baribeau, October 10th in Brunswick, Georgia.