Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Steve Rapp, Jason Pridmore and Montez Stewart will test Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R1000s for Michael Jordan Motorsports at the AMA team test at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida, January 3-5, 2005.

“We’ll be there to test, is what I’ve been told,” Rapp told Roadracingworld.com Thursday. “We’ll be riding Suzuki GSX-R1000s on Dunlops.”

When asked if he had signed a contract to ride with Michael Jordan Motorsports in 2005 and, if so, which classes would he be racing in, Rapp said he could not comment.

Rapp did say an official press release regarding the team would be issued at the Daytona test. He also said the machines would be prepared by Gemini Racing, which operated the Michael Jordan Motorsports team in 2004 and the Harley-Davidson VR1000 factory Superbike team in the 1990s.

Attempts to reach Jason Pridmore were unsuccessful at post time.

From a press release issued by FIM:

Superbike & Supersport World Championships, Superstock FIM Cup
Amendments to the 2005 Regulations

The Superbike Commission, composed of Messrs. Claude Danis (FIM), Paolo Alberto Flammini (FGSport) and Giulio Bardi (Team representative), in a meeting held in Rome on December 7, unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Regulations for Superbike & Supersport, and Superstock FIM Cup, for immediate application (see also Press Release of April 13 – and FIM website www.fim.ch ).

1. SPORTING REGULATIONS

1.9 CLASSES
1.9.1 Classes will be for the following categories:
Superbike 4 stroke 2, 3 or 4 cylinders
Supersport 4 stroke 2 or 4 cylinders
Superstock 4 stroke 2, 3 or 4 cylinders

1.10 ELIGIBLE COMPETITORS
Licenses for Superstock riders are issued to riders born between 1st January 1981 and 15th April 1988.

1.11 ENTRIES
1.11.5 Each Event host Federation (FMNR) may nominate 4 wild card entries for the Superbike class and 2 wild card entries for the Supersport and Superstock classes, in their own event only.
1.11.6 The FIM may nominate at each event 2 wild card entries for the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes.

1.13 SCHEDULE
Thursday
timing category program
15.00-18.00 Superbike & Supersport Technical / sporting checks
18.00-19.00 Superstock Technical / sporting checks
Friday
timing category program
09.00-09.25 (25 mins) Superstock free practice
09.35-10.20 (45 mins) Supersport free practice
10.30-11.30 (60 mins) Superbike free practice
13.15-14.00 (45 mins) Supersport qualifying practice
14.15-15.15 (60 mins) Superbike qualifying practice
15.30-16.15 (45 mins) Superstock qualifying practice
Saturday
timing category program
09.15-09.45 (30 mins) Superstock free practice
10.00-10.45 (45 mins) Supersport free practice
11.00-12.00 (60 mins) Superbike qualifying practice
13.45-14.30 (45 mins) Supersport qualifying practice
14.45-15.45 (60 mins) Superbike free practice
16.00 Superbike superpole
16.50 – 17.15 (25 mins) Superstock qualifying practice
Sunday
timing Category program
09.00-09.10 (10 mins) Superstock warm up
09.20-09.40 (20 mins) Superbike warm up
09.50-10.10 (20 mins) Supersport warm up
10.40 Superstock race
12.00 Superbike race 1
13.20 Supersport race
15.30 Superbike race 2

1.15.2 Practice Sessions
vi) 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.

1.17 GRID POSITIONS
1.17.3 Grid positions will be based:
2) For the Supersport and for the Superstock, on the qualifying practice results.

1.18 RACE LENGTH
Superstock: minimum 40 km maximum 70 km

1.19 STARTING PROCEDURE
14) 2 Minutes Before the Start of the Race – Start of the 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.
16) 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.
19) 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 5 minutes board stage, the riders will complete an additional warm up lap and the race distance will be reduced by one lap.

1.22 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 INTERRUPTION OF A RACE
1.26.1 If the Race Director decides to interrupt a race due to climatic conditions or some other reason, then red flags will be displayed at the finish line and at all marshals’ posts and he will switch on the red lights around the circuit. Riders must immediately slow down. The Race Direction will decide if the riders have to return to the pit lane or to the starting grid.

1.27 RE-STARTING A RACE THAT HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED
1.27.1 If a race has to be re-started, then it will be done as quickly as possible, consistent with track conditions allowing. As soon as the riders have returned to the pits or to the starting grid the Clerk of the Course will announce a time for the new start procedure to begin which, conditions permitting, should not be later than 10 minutes (if riders are on the starting grid), 20 minutes (if riders are in the pits) after the initial display of the red flag. 1.27.3 If riders are in the pits, the start procedure will be identical to a normal start with a sighting lap, warm up lap etc. If riders are on the starting grid, the start procedure will recommence at the 5 minutes board before the start of the warm up lap. 1.27.4 Conditions for the re-started race will be as follows:
A) Riders are in the pit lane
i) In the case of situation described in 1.26.2 (less than 3 laps completed) above: a. All riders may re-start. b. Motorcycles may be repaired or changed. Refuelling is permitted. c. 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 1.26.3 (3 laps or more completed) 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. The number of laps of the second race will be the number of laps required to complete the original race distance. d. The grid position will be based on the finishing order of the first race. e. The final result of the race will be based on the results of each rider classified in the two races added together. Riders who have completed an identical number of laps will be placed according to the combined time for the two races.
B) Riders are on the starting grid
i) In the case of situation described in 1.26.2 (less than 3 laps completed) above: a. All riders may re-start. b. Motorcycles may be changed. Refuelling is not permitted. c. The number of laps will be the same as the original race distance, reduced by two or three laps. The Race Direction will announce the number of laps. d. The grid positions will be as for the original race.
ii) In the case of situation described in 1.26.3 (3 laps or more completed) above: a. Only riders who are classified as finishers in the first race may re-start. b. Motorcycles may be changed. Refuelling is not permitted. c. The number of laps will be the number of laps required to complete the original race distance, reduced by two or three laps. The Race Direction will announce the number of laps. d. The grid position will be based on the finishing order of the first race. e. The final result of the race will be based on the results of each rider classified in the two races added together. Riders who have completed an identical number of laps will be placed according to the combined time for the two races.

2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

If a motorcycle is found not to be in conformity with the technical regulations during or after the practices, his rider will be given a ‘ride-through’ penalty for the next race. Further penalties (such as a fine – a suspension – a withdrawal of Championship or Cup points) may also be imposed. If a motorcycle is found not to be in conformity with the technical regulations after a race, his rider will be disqualified. Further penalties (such as a fine – a suspension – a withdrawal of Championship or Cup points) may also be imposed.

2.3.3 Handlebars
Whatever the position of the handlebars, the front wheel, tyre and the mudguard must respect the gap with the motorcycle.

2.3.5 Wheel and rims
3) The maximum wheel rim widths are:
Superstock: according to the homologated size

2.3.6 Tyres
Tyres may be replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.
1) With the exception of slick tyres and tyres marked not for highway use (NHS), the manufacturer must identify the tyre with a mark indicating:
1 The DOT mark and/or the E mark (used for “homologated tyres” or tyres marked for highway use only)
2 The manufacturer’s brand name
3 The year of manufacture (in code)
4 The tyre dimension
5 The speed category (permitted max. speed) : (W)
6 Any other features necessary for correct use of tyre
2) Interior – fixture – width of tyre
The tyre must be mounted on a corresponding rim. The rim interior (fixture) must not be deformed or damaged.
3) Permitted maximum speed
The minimum speed categories for use in Supersport and Superstock is (W).
4) Tyre surface tread pattern
The tread pattern is unrestricted. Minimum profile requirements are set for Supersport and Superstock. The tread pattern must be made exclusively by the manufacturer when producing the tyre. The choice of a certain type of tread pattern is left entirely up to the individual rider.
The choice of slick tyres (where applicable) will also be at the discretion of the rider. If conditions should become problematic however, he must take into account the recommendations of the appropriate representative of the tyre manufacturer. As a safe minimum, the depth of the tyre tread over the whole pattern at pre-race control must be at least 2.5 mm.
Tyres which at the preliminary examination have a tread depth of less than 1.5 mm are considered as non-treaded tyres and the restrictions applying to slick tyres will then apply to them. The surface of a slick tyre must contain three or more hollows at 120° intervals or less, indicating the limit of wear on the centre and shoulder areas of the tyre. The rider shall not enter the track if at least 2 of these indicator hollows are worn on different parts of the periphery.

2.3.10 Use of Tyres
The competitors shall only use tyres distributed by the Official Supplier during the event. For each event, all tyres must be made of the same quality of compound and shall be strictly identical. All these tyres must be marked in agreement with the instruction of the Technical Director. All tyres to be used must be easily identifiable with a colour marking or a numerical system, to be applied by the Official Supplier at the time of manufacturing.
When the Official Supplier delivers the samples of the tyres to the FIM Technical Director, he must also give a written explanation of the marking and the general characteristics of the different types of tyres. After the samples have been delivered to the Technical Director at the beginning of the event, any modification of the tread pattern (with the exception of normal wear) is not permitted. During free practices, qualifying practices, warm up session and the race, no motorcycle may enter the track without the front and rear tyres being marked. The FIM Technical Director may, at his discretion, require the exchange of one (1) or more competitors’ tyres for a tyre sample under his control. The tyres exchanged remain under his control and he can exchange them for the ones of another competitor. Only during free practices and warm up, riders will be allowed to use tyres from previous event, thus being compelled to use the marked tyres during official practices and race. An appropriate identification will be applied on the left side of each tyre. All tyres to be used must be easily identifiable with a colour marking or a numerical system to be applied by the Official Supplier at the time of manufacturing. No tyres marked for one event may be used during timed practices and in races at another event. During all practice sessions and the race, no unmarked dry-weather tyres are allowed in the pits.

2.4 SUPERBIKE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The appearance from both front, rear and the profile of Superbike motorcycles must (except when otherwise stated) conform in principle to the homologated shape (as originally produced by the manufacturer). The appearance of the exhaust system is excluded from this rule.

2.4.1 Displacement capacities
The displacement capacities must remain at the homologated size. Modifying the bore and stroke to reach class limits is not allowed.

2.4.6.5 Wheels
Wheels may be replaced (see Art. 2.3.5.2) and associated parts may be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle.

2.4.6.7 Tyres
At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices, Superpole and warm up session, a maximum of thirteen (13) rear and eleven (11) front tyres may be used. There is no limitation on the number of tyres for the race. All WET weather and intermediate tyres will be included in the total quantity count. If the riders are given a red flag during the Superpole session for reasons beyond rider’s control the FIM Technical Director may allow an additional set of tyres to be used.

2.4.6.11 Fuel Tank
Fuel tanks made of metallic material (steel, aluminium, etc.) must be filled with fire retardant material, or be fitted with a fuel cell bladder. Fuel tanks made of composite materials (carbon fibre, aramid fibre, fibreglass, etc.) must have passed the FIM Standards for fuel tanks or be lined with a fuel cell bladder. Tanks made of composite material must bear the label certifying conformity with FIM Fuel Tank Test Standards. 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 its 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

2.4.6.34 Exhaust System
The number of exhaust final exit(s) must remain as homologated. The exit(s) must be on the same side(s) of the homologated model. For safety reasons, the exposed edge(s) of the exhaust pipe(s) outlet(s) must be rounded to avoid any sharp edges.

2.4.9 The Following Items MUST BE Removed
Headlamp, rear lamp and turn signal indicators (when not incorporated in the fairing). Openings must be covered by suitable materials. Rear-view mirrors. Horn. License plate bracket. Tool box. Helmet hooks and luggage carrier hooks Passenger foot rests. Passenger grab rails. Safety bars, centre and side stands must be removed (fixed brackets must remain).

2.4.10 The following items MUST BE altered
…Electric fuel pumps must be wired through a circuit cut-out, which will operate automatically when the motorcycle is stopped on its side. This circuit cut-out must de-activate the fuel pump and the ignition system within two seconds. The de-activation of the fuel pump and the ignition system may be checked at the instruction of the Technical Director.

2.5 SUPERSPORT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.5.1 Displacement capacities
The displacement capacities must remain at the homologated size. Modifying the bore and stroke to reach class limits is not allowed.

2.5.6.3 Rear Fork (Swing arm)
Rear wheel stand brackets may be added to the rear fork by welding or by bolts. Brackets must have rounded edges (with a large radius). Fastening screws must be recessed. An anchorage system or point(s) to keep the original rear brake calliper in place may be added to the rear fork.

2.5.6.6 Brakes
Front and rear hydraulic brake lines may be changed. The brake fluid reservoir may be replaced and/or repositioned. Quick connectors may be used. The split of the front brake lines for both front brake callipers must be made above the lower fork bridge (lower triple clamp).

2.5.6.7 Tyres
Tyres must be a fully molded type carrying all size and sidewall marking of the tyres for commercial sale to the public. Tyres of (W) rating must be used. The depth of the tyre treads must be at least 2.5 mm over the entire tyre pattern width at a pre-race control. The tyres must have a positive and negative tread of 96% positive and minimum 4% negative (land and sea ratio). The maximum distance from the external edge of the tyre to 50% of the tread elements is 35 mm.
One (1) size for the front and two (2) sizes for the rear are allowed. Each size, front and rear, must be available with the same tread pattern as the commercial tyres for the road use. The manufacturers may only submit one front and rear pattern for approval. The previously approved tyre pattern will remain valid until one year after the introduction of a new approved tyre pattern. The FIM/CCR will grant the approval. The manufacturers must submit the tyre for approval 30 days prior to its first use. Templates proving the land and sea ratio must be included. At the discretion of the rider, intermediate or WET weather tyres may be used. WET weather tyres must be a fully molded tyre. The use of hand cut tyres is not allowed. Wet weather tyres must be marked “Not for Highway Use” or “NHS”. At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices and warm up, a maximum of ten (10) rear and eight (8) front tyres may be used. There is no limitation on the number of tyres for the race. All tyres to be used must be easily identifiable with a colour marking or a numerical system to be applied by the Official Supplier at the time of manufacturing.
At the beginning of the event, the Official Supplier must deliver to the FIM Technical Director four (4) samples of each type of tyre which will be used at the event.
Any modification or treatment (cutting, grooving) is forbidden.

2.5.6.35 Exhaust System
For safety reasons, the exposed edge(s) of the exhaust pipe(s) outlet(s) must be rounded to avoid any sharp edges.

2.5.9 The Following Items MUST BE Removed
Headlamp, rear lamp and turn signal indicators (when not incorporated in the fairing). Openings must be covered by suitable materials. Rear-view mirrors. Horn. License plate bracket. Tool box. Helmet hooks and luggage carrier hooks Passenger foot rests. Passenger grab rails. Safety bars, centre and side stands must be removed (fixed brackets must remain).

2.5.10 The following items MUST BE altered
…Electric fuel pumps must be wired through a circuit cut-out, which will operate automatically when the motorcycle is stopped on its side. This circuit cut-out must de-activate the fuel pump and the ignition system within two seconds. The de-activation of the fuel pump and the ignition system may be checked at the instruction of the Technical Director.

2.7 SUPERSTOCK TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.7.1 Displacement capacities
The displacement capacities must remain at the homologated size. Modifying the bore and stroke to reach class limits is not allowed.

2.7.6.2 Front Forks
The fork caps can be modified or changed to add spring preload/compression adjusters

2.7.6.3 Rear Fork (Swing arm)
Rear wheel stand positioning (support) brackets may be added to the rear fork by welding or by bolts. Brackets must have rounded edges (with a large radius) viewed from all sides. Fastening screws must be recessed.

2.7.6.4 Rear Suspension Unit
Rear suspension unit (shock absorber) may be modified or replaced, but the original attachments to the frame and rear fork (swing arm) must be used and the rear suspension linkage must remain as originally produced by the manufacturer for the homologated machine.

2.7.6.6 Brakes
The rear brake caliper bracket may be mounted ‘fixed’ on the swingarm, but the bracket must maintain the same mounting (fixing) points for the caliper as used on the homologated machine. A modification of these parts is authorized. The swingarm may be modified for this reason to aid the location of the rear brake caliper bracket, by welding, drilling or by using a helicoil.

2.7.6.7 Tyres
The rider can use a maximum of three (3) front and three (3) rear DRY weather tyres to each entrant for each event. DRY weather tyres shall be marked by the manufacturer. Their distribution to all the competitors must be carried out by the Supplier under the supervision of personnel appointed by the Technical Director, on Thursday from 3.30 pm to 7.00 pm. The number of WET weather tyres must be provided by the Official Supplier, but their number is free. WET weather tyres may only be used after the race or practice has been declared ‘wet’ by the Race Direction. At discretion of the rider, WET weather tyres can be used. Any modification or treatment (cutting, grooving) is forbidden.

2.7.6.10 Fairing/Body Work
g) The original air ducts running between the fairing and the air box must be as originally produced by the manufacturer on the homologated machine. Carbon fibre composites and other exotic materials are forbidden. ‘Particle grills or ‘wire-meshes’, originally installed in the openings for the air-ducts, may be taken away.
j) Front mudguards may be replaced with a cosmetic duplicate of the original parts and may be spaced upward for increased tyre clearance.

2.7.6.11 Fuel Tank
Fuel tank filler caps must be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle, by a ‘screw-on’ type fuel cap (SAFETY).

2.7.6.12 Seat
The seat/rear cowl replacement must allow for proper number display.

2.7.6.14 Battery
The size and type of battery must be as originally produced by the manufacturer for the homologated machine.

2.7.6.32 Clutch
Clutch springs may be changed.

2.7.6.35 Exhaust System
For safety reasons, the exposed edges of the exhausts pipe(s) outlet must be rounded to avoid any sharp edges. The noise limit for Superstock be 107 dB/A (with a 3 dB/A tolerance after the race).

2.7.9 The Following Items MUST BE Removed
Headlamp, rear lamp and turn signal indicators (when not incorporated in the fairing). Openings must be covered by suitable materials. Rear-view mirrors. Horn. License plate bracket. Tool box. Helmet hooks and luggage carrier hooks Passenger foot rests. Passenger grab rails. Safety bars, centre and side stands must be removed (fixed brackets must remain).

2.7.10 The Following Items MUST BE Altered
…Electric fuel pumps must be wired through a circuit cut out which will operate automatically when the motorcycle is stopped on its side. This circuit cut-out must de-activate the fuel pump and the ignition system within two (2) seconds. The de-activation of the fuel pump and the ignition system may be checked at the instruction of the Technical Director.

2.9 FIM HOMOLOGATION PROCEDURE FOR SUPERSTOCK, SUPERSPORT AND SUPERBIKE

2.9.2 Minimum production quantities
1) Superstock
Proof of production quantities must be provided by certified documentation.
All manufacturers must produce a minimum quantity of 1000 units before the date of homologation. These motorcycles must be identical to the homologated model with the same specifications and available worldwide. The minimum number must have been reached prior to the homologation inspection. The homologated motorcycle must be for sale to the public within 90 days of the homologation inspection A minimum quantity of 25 units must be shown at the time of homologation inspection. The FIM will withdraw the homologation if these rules are not respected.

3) Superbike
A motorcycle with a valid Superstock homologation may, having received formal request and payment from the original manufacturer, be homologated at any time for the Superbike class (Such homologation will not require new documentation or a factory visit).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Final class points as supplied by WSMC:

1. Pete Ellis, 148 points
2. Mark Watts, 117
3. John Ulrich, 101
4. Joel Manes, 89
5. Michael Pastore, 59
6. Patrick Tracey, 56
7. John Dalton, 56
8. Joji Tokumoto, 53
9. Ruben Archilla, 53
10. Robin Clark, 40
11. Roger Baker, 35
12. Vincent Rolleri, 33
13. Michael Montoya, 30
14. Wes Totsubo, 28
15. Mike Lytle, 27
16. Robert Gosney, 24
17. Gordon Wood, 22
18. Mark Wilson, 22
19. Leslie Roe, 20
20. Alex White, 20
21. John Melich, 16
22. Jamie Lenore, 16
23. Anthony Digati, 16
24. Clinton Whitehouse III, 12
25. James Wilberger, 12
26. Keith Giglio, 10
27. Andy Edwards, 9
28. Gene Redmon, 9
29. Jerrod Monaghan, 9
30. Quentin Wilson, 8
31. John Lee, 8
32. Kris Provost, 6
33. Craig Smith, 5
34. Bruce Lind, 5
35. Susanna Schick, 4
36. Richard Sadler, 2
37. Axel Alvarez, 2
38. David Steinhoff, 2
39. Derek Dutt, 2
40. Michael Janzen, 1
41. Patrick Dowd, 0
42. Rocky Aiello, 0
43. Kory Gill, 0
44. David Moss, 0
45. Randy Miller, 0
46. David Matthews, 0

From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki:

Win one of five signed BSB Championship Seeing Red 2004 books

YOU could win one of five copies of the stunning Seeing Red book that charts Rizla Suzuki’s Championship winning 2004 race season and has been signed by triple Champion John Reynolds himself.

This fantastic book gives readers the chance to look behind the scenes at some of the ups and downs of the 2004 season and contains almost 700 full colour images telling the story of the Championship. These books are priceless to the true fan and each one has a cover value of £25 before being autographed.

The competition is free to enter, all you have to do is answer a simple team related question when you visit:

http://www.rizla.co.uk/bike_book/

Good luck, you have until January 31st 2005 to enter.

From a press release issued by Dorna:

Some changes of dates were made to the 2005 Grand Prix calendar. The Italian and Catalunya Grand Prix will both be scheduled a week later, respectively on June 5 and June 12. The British Grand Prix will be held on July 24, and the German Grand Prix a week later, on July 31. The Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang will be held on September 25, between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Qatar Grand Prix.

Grand Prix Circuit

4/10 Jerez, Spain
4/17 Jacarepagua, Rio ***
5/1 Shanghai, China
5/15 Le Mans, France
6/5 Mugello, Italy
6/12 Catalunya, Spain
6/25 Assen, Netherlands **
7/10 Laguna Seca, United States *
7/24 Donington Park, Great Britain
7/31 Sachsenring, Germany
8/28 Brno, Czech Republic
9/18 Motegi, Japan
9/25 Sepang, Malaysia
10/1 Doha, Qatar **
10/16 Phillip Island, Australia
10/30 Estoril, Portugal
11/6 Valencia, Spain

*: Only MotoGP class
**: Saturday
***: Subject to contract

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

FROM THE 24th TO THE 28th MAY 2005 MOTOGIRO RETURNS TO THE ROADS OF TRADITION

After the very enjoyable 2004 get-a-way in Sicily, the historic revival of Italy’s oldest timed motorcycle road race has chosen central Italy as its stage for 2005. Ducati Motor once again is the main sponsor of the event organized by Dream Engine.

Bologna – From May 24th – 28th 2005, the Motogiro d’Italia, the historic Italian motorbike competition, returns to the legendary roads of Emilia Romagna, Umbria, Tuscany and Marche. Dream Engine is organizing the event for its fifth consecutive year and Ducati Motor is the event’s main sponsor – as it has been since 2001 – helping to celebrate the golden years of Italian motorcycling.

The first four editions of the Motogiro have seen a constant rise in interest and enthusiasm from motorcyclists everywhere. From the first edition’s 20 passionate riders, the event has grown to include over 400 participants from all over the world. Each year, champions of the 1950’s Motogiro like, Giuliano Maoggi, Remo Venturi and Leopoldo Tartarini, have returned to the event as guests of honor. The beautifully diverse Italian peninsula has proven time and again the perfect stage to showcase the most renowned Italian motorcycle makes – names like: Ducati, Morini, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Bianchi, Gilera and Motobi.

After an awe-inspiring escape to Sicily, which took the 2004 Motogiro through unexplored curves and bends, the 2005 edition returns to more ‘traditional’ roads in central Italy. The itinerary begins with departure from Cattolica (Rimini) and ends in Gradara (Pesaro-Urbino). In between await five legs of approximately 250 km each on some of the most panoramic and enjoyable roads Italy’s coastline and inland has to offer. Like in previous editions, Touring Class participants will have the opportunity to visit and enjoy the cultural treasures along the way. Numerous rest stops will be organized along each day’s route. And at the end of each leg, participants will be greeted by the travelling Motogiro Village. Prize giving will be accompanied by a gala dinner on the event’s last day. The finalized itinerary will be published as the event nears.

Sponsored by Ducati Motor – the event’s main sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, Motogiro is also made possible by the support of: Regione Emilia Romagna, Motociclismo d’Epoca, Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, Shell, Marzocchi, Iveco, Comune di Gradara, Comune di Perugia, Comune di Cattolica, Acquario di Cattolica-Le Navi. Dream Engine, the event organizer is assisted by Federazione Motociclistica Italiana, and the technical support provided by Motoclub Terni “L. Liberati”. The Curve&Tornanti team will guide the Touring Class.

The Motogiro is open to motorcycles authorized for road use of all marques and is divided into three classes: The Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class, and Taglioni Memorial Class.

Vintage Racing Class
With an overall limit of 120 participants, this class features motorbikes of up to 175cc manufactured prior to 1957. Competitors in the Vintage Racing Class will be subject to timed, competitive ability tests en-route. Motorbikes are selected on a case-by-case basis, judged based on the receipt of photographs of the bike. Motorbikes inspired by original Motogiro bikes yet manufactured subsequent to 1957 may also apply.

Taglioni Memorial Class
In its third consecutive year, the Taglioni Memorial Class highlights the decade in which Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni created his legendary 2 cylinder motorbikes. This class is open to street legal and insured motorbikes and sidecars of all marques, 250 cc or higher, produced between 1968 and 1978. Competitors in this class take part in ability trials.

Touring Class
For riders of newer bikes, this class is designed for those who wish to participate in the excitement of the Motogiro on a non-competitive basis. The Touring class follows the same itinerary as the Vintage Racing and Taglioni Memorial Class but at a more relaxed pace. The touring class is open to all street legal and insured motorbikes of all marques and cc.

For further information and registration, please contact:

Dream Engine
Via Saffi 4
40131 Bologna
Italia
tel. +39 051 6494472
fax +39 051 5286378
email: [email protected]
www.motogiroditalia.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A two-day test at California Speedway, involving four AMA teams, ended early Wednesday due to high winds in the Fontana, California area.

“It wasn’t that great out there,” American Honda’s Jake Zemke told Roadracingworld.com. “We’ve been here when it’s been worse, but it was hard to get any valid information out there today.

“That moveable barrier (outside of turn nine) blew over, and they (track workers) said they needed half-an-hour to fix it. Then it blew over again. I think they (the teams) decided to call it a day early so they didn’t get charged for a full day’s rental.”

Zemke said he didn’t get to ride his Formula Xtreme CBR600RR at all Wednesday, but he completed his test program on his CBR1000RR Superbike. Teammate Miguel Duhamel completed his Formula Xtreme test program, but didn’t finish his Superbike agenda. American Honda plans to combine data from both riders in preparation for the next off-season test.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies said he only did “three or four” laps on his new 2005 GSX-R1000 Superbike, lapping in the mid-1:27 range, before stopping early, but said he was happy with his first test since off-season surgery to his knee and forearms (to relieve arm pump symptoms).

Tommy Hayden’s Crew Chief Joey Lombardo said the team got nothing accomplished on Hayden’s Kawasakis due to the 40 mph winds Wednesday, but teammate Roger Lee Hayden’s Crew Chief Dan Fahie said the younger Hayden brother evaluated some new Dunlop DOT-labeled front tires with positive results.

Attack Kawasaki’s Jerry Daggett said Josh Hayes continued testing a new specification Superbike engine, new suspension linkages and chassis geometry before the test was shut down Wednesday. Hayes’ new teammate Ben Attard, however, did not get a chance to try out his new ZX-6RR Formula Xtreme bike.

The test at California Speedway is the last for most teams before they test again at Daytona International Speedway January 3-5, 2005.

From a press release issued by Supermoto Canada:

A Supermoto Christmas on TSN

Supermoto fans get ready for an extra Christmas treat this year! Supermoto Canada is pleased to announce that TSN will air Round 3 of the Canadian National Supermoto Championship on Christmas Day at 11:30am. Repeat airings are slated for Tuesday, December 28th at 4:30pm; Thursday, December 30th at 12:30am and Sunday, January 2nd at 3:30am. See the “A Supermoto Christmas on TSN” for more details.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

“We’ve never fielded a factory effort,” said Erik Buell, who called roadracingworld.com to comment on our earlier post regarding Michael Barnes and Buell Motor Company’s racing program for 2005.

Buell said that the company hooked its support teams up with sponsors in 2004.

“We did help them, working on the bikes and working on the engines. But our dealers raced them. We got outside sponsorship money that helped those teams.

“We thought we were going to be able to field more dealer teams (in 2005), but we thought we’d be able to do it with outside sponsorship money, and we didn’t even get what we got last year.

“When they got the Daytona 200 involved, I thought we’d have leverage for more sponsorship, and it really blew me away. We’ll keep looking. I thought we’d succeed.

“We’re going to still have contingency money in F-USA Thunderbike, and Henry Duga will still be around at the races.”