From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Chevrolet ends motorcycle racing sponsorships

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Oct. 14, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing announced today that Chevrolet will not return as title sponsor of the AMA Motocross Championship or the AMA Superbike Championship in 2005.

Chevrolet has been title sponsor of both championship series since 2000. The strategy originally was to support Chevy’s truck division then was expanded at the beginning of the 2004 racing season to include Chevrolet’s entire model line-up.

“Chevrolet has been a tremendous partner with us for the last five years and we sincerely appreciate that support,” said John Farris, AMA Pro Racing Vice President of Commercial Development. “Obviously we’d prefer that they were staying but we respect the business decision they have made. We are already proactively working on developing new sponsorship packages with other companies. Additionally, the door remains open for Chevrolet to return to AMA racing.”

Farris added that the relationship has been beneficial for Chevrolet, also. “Chevy’s focus has shifted away from sponsorships, also known as ‘affinity marketing’ and more towards a traditional advertising and promotional effort. We, along with a number of other companies, have been affected by that change in marketing direction. Based on their prior approach, sponsorship of our championships met their objectives.”

Farris also said that AMA Pro Racing was prepared for Chevrolet’s decision. “Chevrolet informed us of their plans approximately 30 days in advance of their contractual obligation to do so which has been helpful to us,” said Farris. “Also, recognizing that their contracts expired at the end of the 2004 racing season — and the possibility existed that they wouldn’t return — we had begun preliminary conversations with other companies that have expressed interest in supporting AMA racing in some fashion. Those conversations are continuing and we’re optimistic about the outcome.”

AMA Pro Racing maintains a commercial development staff specifically tasked with developing and maintaining sponsor relationships.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

ITALIAN WRITING MACHINES

The ultimate Italian design collaboration between Ducati and The Aquila Group creates Ducati writing instruments exhibited exclusively in Harrods as part of Made In Italy

On 6th October, as part of the Made In Italy promotion at Harrods, Ducati will exclusively introduce their High Performance Sports Pens to the UK. The exhibition will launch with an evening event in the stationery department where visitors will be able to view not only the full pen collection but see the first prototypes from Ducati’s new Sports Classic motorbike collection, which was the source of inspiration for these writing instruments.

The SportClassics – motorcycles capture the essential beauty, timeless style and emotion of the original Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s. Even though they reflect the best of the past, they incorporate the latest Ducati technology and engineering, creating a thoroughly modern motorcycle that lives-up to today’s standards of road-going performance.

To attain the timeless beauty of the bikes that were the inspiration for the SportClassics, the key visual design, style and technical features of the originals were studied and targeted for modern interpretation in the PaulSmart, GT and Sport.

Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s were typically long and low in stature, with fairings and tanks with curving lines that forced the eye to sweep from front to back and side to side. The shapes of the body combined with colors ranging from bold, monochromatic yellows and blacks to subtle silver, blue and green hues giving the bikes a sophisticated yet muscular look. The bikes made a powerful visual statement whether parked or in motion. Above all, these were essential, purposeful-looking motorcycles, harmonized by
quality components.

This exciting partnership between Ducati and The Aquila Group has enabled the creation of an outstanding and stylish collection of pens and small leather goods that represent a combined passion for workmanship and quality. Ducati is the embodiment of high performance engineering, commitment to championship racing and total dedication to Italian design. Since the appearance of the “Cucciolo”, a small 4-stroke engine known as the puppy in 1946, Ducati has come to dominate the world of motorcycle racing. From the first 250cc motorbike in the 1950’s, to the iconic 916 Superbike and the Monster, the Ducati family name has become synonymous with style, speed and accuracy.

The Aquila Group, founded in Naples by Leopoldo Aquila, has over 60 years of pen making experience, producing and exporting the finest pens worldwide. Like Ducati, the Aquila family has in its genes a passion for design excellence, which is the basis for ongoing development. Leopoldo realised that in addition to being a writing instrument, the pen could also be an expression of artistry and enduring value. His philosophy has continued to influence the company, which to this day creates writing instruments and small leather goods of the highest quality.

The Ducati pen collection draws inspiration from the historic Ducati models of the 1960′ s and 1970’s built at the Borgo Panigale. Key styling details have been taken from Ducati fuel tanks, spoked wheels and the iconic scrambler eagle logo. All the models (fountain-pen, ballpoint, roller ball and pencil) come in vintage style packaging, which reinforces the history of Ducati. The Ducati pen is smooth and well balanced yet with a weight that signifies quality. Available in yellow, orange, black or silver with brushed and polished aluminium detailing; Ducati pens are as attractive as they are efficient. Every pen is lacquered and marked by a coloured band that runs along the centre line reminiscent of the much-loved Ducati Spaggiari motorcycle.

As part of the Ducati collection The Aquila Group has also created a range of top quality small leather goods. The manufacture is entirely artisanal and exclusive. The central coloured band with scrambler eagle logo from the pens is recreated as the recurring theme for the accessories collection, this time fashioned in the finest Italian calfskin. The accessories range includes pen holders with removable interiors for holding eyeglasses, three types of key holders, one of which is in the shape of a Ducati petrol tank for holding coins, an attractive money clip, a handy credit card holder and a wristband with concealed zip to hold bank notes and coins. Aquila has created two Ducati wallets with innovative characteristics: a motorcycle document holder provided with a useful pen and notepad and a wristband with concealed zip holding bank-notes, coins and small objects- the perfect and stylish way to keep motorcycle documents safe during leisurely activities.

“We’re enthusiasts about the new collection of Ducati high performance pens which carries forward the great tradition of Italian design excellence and race-track bred performance to the exacting world of fine writing instruments”, said David Gross, Ducati’s Creative Director. “The design values — the style and attention to detail, the focus on quality and high performance — that marks the new family of Ducati Sportclassic motorcycles has inspired our new collection of pens and small leather goods. These products are modern and high performing, but also full of tradition and respect for a glorious past, the Golden Age of Italian sport motorcycling”.

This important partnership come alongside some others already constituted, like the one with the famous brand Oakley, which for the second year has introduced its Oakley/Ducati Corse sunglasses collection. This partnership testify the value and prestige of Ducati brand worldwide. Ducati/Aquila collection pens will be available all over Ducati net sales, as well as in the most important pen stores worldwide, starting from next October.

From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

After having left behind the hot temperatures of Malaysia, the MotoGP circus is ready for a new challenge at Phillip Island.

Despite a difficult weekend at Sepang, Sete Gibernau arrives in Australia with the same determination to score a good result on a track that is one of the favourites of both riders of Telefonica Movistar Honda Team.

Phillip Island is a technical track which offers tight corners (with a minimum radius of 23 meters) fast corners (with a radius of 207meters), it has strong accelerating and braking points, change of direction and inclination. A fast and spectacular track which exalts the qualities of the rider. You can overtake in many points, one of the best is the right hand downhill corner.

The big question mark is the weather: Today it is raining but, because the circuit is situated near the sea, it’s possible that tomorrow the sun will shine. Weather conditions in fact are very changeable here on the island.!

SETE GIBERNAU DOESN’T GIVE UP
Having left behind the bad result of Malaysian GP, Sete Gibernau is focused on the next race. Strong of his skill as a rider and the work of his team, the Spaniard doesn’t give up and is ready for the 15th round of the championship.

“This is one of my favourite tracks. It is a circuit I know very well as, like Sepang, we do a lot of winter testing here. It is a circuit that is ideal for an excellent bike set up. Here the bike must be perfect. It will surely be a hard fought race as Rossi particularly likes this tack but I also like this track so I’m sure it will be an exciting weekend.”

COLIN EDWARDS – ” A HOME GRAND PRIX”
After the podium in Qatar and the difficult weekend in Malesia, the Texan is looking forward to the Australian race, a track that he knows well.

“To me Phillip Island is like a home grand prix. My family lives here, in particular my dad. I have aunts and uncles who live in Australia and they come to see me at the race. When I arrive here I feel the same sensation I felt when I raced in SBK and arrived to Laguna Seca. I feel a lot of pressure. This is my favourite track. There are no better or worse parts because it is a fantastic combination of slow and fast corners and change of directions. There is a bit of everything!

“On this track it is fundamental to have an excellent set up. If you have it then there shouldn’t be any problems to do a fast lap. A non aggressive ride is needed at Philip Island, it is important to follow your line.”

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Aaron Gobert: 2004 AMA Superstock Champion

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Aaron Gobert’s triumphant victory in the 2004 AMA Repsol Superstock Series completed one of the most determined comebacks in the history of AMA racing.

Two years after suffering what were then thought to be career-ending injuries in a Daytona crash, the middle brother of the famous Australian motorcycle racing family made a complete recovery to earn his first AMA championship. In doing so he lays claim as the first of the Gobert brothers to win a racing title in America.

“It feels really good to win this championship after all I’ve been through in the last couple of years,” said Gobert, who won the Superstock title in his fourth season of AMA Pro Racing. “In a way the accident at Daytona in 2002 gave me a tremendous amount of motivation. Every day I’d go into therapy hoping to accomplish just one more thing. I carried that focus into my return to racing and I believe it helped me to win a very competitive championship.”

He added that many of the doctors who treated him during his recovery stay in touch and follow his racing career.

Gobert began the year with an emotional victory at Daytona on the Graves Yamaha R1. Even though Daytona marked his sole win on the year he followed that up with five additional podium finishes. He finished outside the top five only once in a series that saw three different points leaders.

Five riders, Gobert, Ben Spies, Jamie Hacking, Tommy Hayden and Jason DiSalvo won Repsol Superstock races in 2004 on three different brands of motorcycles.

Gobert looks back at his Daytona victory as the most important of his career. “I actually told my team what my strategy was before the race and I went out and did it,” Gobert explained. “A lot of people said you can’t strategize Daytona, but winning that race meant so much to me that I visualized how I was going to win, I told my team how I was going to do it and we went out and put it all together. If there was one race to win that was the one.”

Gobert had to delay his wedding plans due to the Hurricane Ivan-rescheduled VIR series finale. Gobert and girlfriend Melanie Riley were to be married in Australia on Oct. 6, but opted to delay the ceremony so he could compete at VIR.

Gobert went on to explain that he’s been trying establish a name for himself and come out of the shadow of his more famous brother Anthony. “I still say that Anthony was the fastest rider ever to walk the paddock,” Aaron said of his older brother. “I’m sure if he would have won this championship he would have done it by dominating, but I’m happy that I’ve been able to let people find out that I’m more than just Anthony’s little brother.”

Gobert now looks forward to defending his No. 1 plate in Superstock next year and looks to a new goal of winning the AMA Supersport title. “It would be great to win two titles in one year,” he added.

The victory marks the second AMA Superstock championship for Yamaha and its first since Tom Kipp’s victory in the class (then called 750 Supersport) in 1995. Gobert also becomes the first foreign rider to win the series.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

GIBERNAU FIGHTS TO KEEP SLIM TITLE CHANCE ALIVE

Already, rising star Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) has grabbed the 125cc World Championship, quarter-litre phenomenon Dani Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) is inches away from the 250cc crown, while Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) battles to stay in contention for the MotoGP title.

The Spanish rider struggled with rear chatter problems a week ago in Malaysia while World Championship leader Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) won. As the cavalcade of raw power and sheer speed rolls into Australia this weekend Gibernau needs nothing less then a resounding win to stay in contention.

Even if he wins and Rossi comes second – the title will be Rossi’s. If Rossi wins – the game is up for Gibernau. All Rossi needs over the next two races is two sixth places, or higher, to clinch the title at the final round in Valencia two weeks after this upcoming race. Rossi has won here for the last three years. But there are perhaps twists and turns yet to come in this increasingly intense title race.

The Phillip Island race is the last of three gruelling back-to-back ‘flyaway’ races. This rollercoaster of a circuit lies 130km south east of Melbourne and is home to this compelling penultimate race of a 16-race season.

Real talent is needed here, perhaps more than at any other circuit. Australia hosted its first Grand Prix race here in 1989. The racing is almost always spectacular, the crowd is vocal and provides a spine-tingling atmosphere as two World Championships stand to gel.

Tyre wear, as it has been all season, will be an issue here. The two long left-hand turns onto the main straight are particularly hard on rubber, so machine set-up will be aimed at conserving tyres.

There are many sections of the track where fast changes of direction are required, and sustained periods of high lean-angle test riders to the maximum. Riders need to be good on worn tyres towards the end of the race, while wind and trouble with wandering wildlife are also determining factors.

Sete is ready for the challenge, “This is one of my favourite tracks. It is a circuit I know very well, like Sepang, because we do a lot of winter testing here. It is a circuit where you need excellent bike set-up. Here the bike must be perfect. It will be a hard-fought race as Rossi particularly likes this tack but I also like it too, so I’m sure it will be an exciting weekend.”


Alex Barros (Repsol Honda RC211V) has had a second place here in the premier class. “I remember very well the race in 2002 when I had a great battle with Valentino,” said the Brazilian. “We have been getting stronger and stronger over the last few races – the team is working very hard and it has been good to get higher qualifying positions at the last two GPs and the podium in Sepang was welcome – we will try everything to go one better in Australia. The fans there love their racing and it is a pleasure to race in front of such a great crowd.”

His team-mate Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) said, “I’m really looking forward to getting to Phillip Island. Everything about the place is pretty special – the atmosphere, the track, the people. I’ve tested there a few times and raced there once and I love it. This season is just clicking away so fast I really want to get some sort of result for the team and me. The last two races last year were pretty good (first podium and first front row) and I’ll be working all out to go one better.”

Max Biaggi (Camel Honda RC211V) moves on with vigour, “We come to one of my favourite circuits feeling a range of emotions and sensations. Satisfaction for having returned to the podium after three races to forget about, a great motivation to continue at this level, and to go on to get on the top step, and perhaps more than anything, regret at not being able to fight for the title with my rivals. However, seeing as it is useless to look back, we’ll be focusing.”

Makoto Tamada (Camel Honda RC211V), riding on Bridgestone tyres, said, “Phillip Island isn’t exactly a metropolis. Perhaps I will dedicate my time before Thursday to one of my favourite hobbies, fishing… At least there will be fish there! Joking aside, the Australian race will be very tough, above all because it will be very cold. We have to check how our tyres react to such a diverse temperature change from the last two races.”

Colin Edwards (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) said, “This is my favourite track. There are no better or worse parts because it is a fantastic combination of slow and fast corners and change of directions. On this track it is fundamental to have an excellent set up. If you have it then there shouldn’t be any problems to do a fast lap. A non-aggressive ride is needed at Philip Island, it is important to follow your line.”

In the 250cc class Dani Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) won in unassailable style in Malaysia last weekend, but was denied the World Championship title that still lies tantalisingly out of reach. Sebastian Porto (Yamaha) finished second and kept his slim chance alive.

Pedrosa has scored six victories so far this season, Porto four. Pedrosa currently sits 48 points ahead of Porto in the standings. With two races to go Pedrosa needs three points (a 13th place finish this weekend would be enough).

But, if Porto were to win the next two races and Dani fail to score, the Argentine would prevail. The Way Dani has been riding this season, it’s a very long shot for Porto. It will be test for 19-year-old Dani here in Australia though. He was badly injured here last year after securing the 2003 World 125cc crown a week before at Sepang.

Dani said, “Things couldn’t have gone better in Malaysia – I did what I had to do and I can’t ask for any more. We were really focused all weekend and that is how I want to continue this weekend in Australia because we all saw what happened last year. Even though you’ve just won the title, if you take your eye off the game for a second you can end up in a bad way.”

Alex Debon (Würth Honda BQR RS250R) is snatched some useful points this season and lies just four points behind reigning World Champion Manuel Poggiali (Aprilia) in the overall standings. It would be a feather in his cap if he could overhaul the San Marinese title holder.

Hiroshi Aoyama (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) said, “Phillip Island is a fast circuit and it is quite long, so I’ll really have to concentrate hard in practice to get some reference points. I know that I can do that like I did at Sepang, although hopefully the result in the race will be different. The one thing I am worried about is the weather because I’ve been told that it’s windy, cold and can rain every day. In my case, it will be really important to make the most of the four hours of practice.”

Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) won the 125cc World Championship, his first, last week at Sepang. The emerging Italian star finished second to Casey Stoner (KTM) last week to clinch the title. This weekend will enable the genial Italian to enjoy himself with the title safely in the bag. “Not so much pressure this weekend,” said the Italian. “I look forward to having some fun on the track.”

From a press release issued by FG Sport Group:

EUROSPORT EXTENDS TV RIGHTS AGREEMENT TO BROADCAST SUPERBIKE & SUPERSPORT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Eurosport today announced that it has reached a 5-year agreement (2005-2009) with FG SPORT to broadcast the Superbike & the Supersport World Championships.

In accordance with this long-term agreement, Eurosport will continue to be the exclusive cable & satellite LIVE broadcaster and will propose extensive coverage on its pan-European channel and on its multimedia platform with Eurosportnews and eurosport.com.


” We welcome this significant agreement renewal for the broadcasting of Superbike and Supersport through our entire mutlimedia platform” said Laurent-Eric Le Lay, Eurosport Managing Director of Broadcast. “Superbike and Supersport are two of the most exciting motorcycling events worlwide and this new extended deal will allow our viewers to watch their favourite sport” he added.

Paolo Flammini, FG Sport CEO, commented: “The wide coverage guaranteed by the Eurosport channels represents one of the key assets of the Superbike and Supersport World Championships. With this extended agreement, manufacturers, sponsors, teams and fans will continue to enjoy a highly qualified distribution of our Championships which are moving from strength to strength with increasing audiences both on TV and on the tracks”.

From a press release issued by Willow Springs International Raceway:

3RD ANNUAL TOYOTA 200, ROADRACING’S RICHEST WEEKEND
OCTOBER 15-17 AT WILLOW SPRINGS

Who: Top motorcycle racers from throughout North America

What: 3rd Annual Toyota 200
2nd Annual Roadracing World 250/50
plus Round 10 of WSMC Club racing

When: Friday, Oct 15 – Toyota 200 Qualifying & Practice from 8am
Saturday, Oct 16 – 32 classes of WSMC club racing from 8am
Sunday, Oct 17 – RACE DAY from 8am
Roadracing World 250/50 approximately 12 noon
Toyota 200 approximately 2pm.

Where: Willow Springs International Motorsports Park
3500 75th Street West, Rosamond, CA
Antelope Valley Freeway (SR14) to Rosamond Blvd. Exit
West approx. 6 miles to track.

Why: With motorcycle roadracing’s most lucrative purse, the
Toyota 200 attracts America’s best riders for 200 miles
of high-speed unlimited class racing around the famed
nine turn circuit at Willow Springs. The rider who manages
to handle the course the fastest and smartest takes home a
paycheck of $50,000!

Roadracing World’s 250/50 returns for its 2nd year bringing
with it the nation’s best small bore bike riders who will
battle it out for $50,000 in prize money over 50 miles of
excitement.

Saturday night, join in the fun as the 1st Annual
Roadracer’s Rendezvous is held at the Budweiser Balcony. Meet current and past racing legends, enjoy great food, music and libation.

Prices: $30/person includes pit pass, parking and camping for all
three days. Children 8 and under are free with paid adult.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I was looking forward to working with my whole crew for my first Superbike season. That just isn’t going to happen. Mitch Leonard will not be part of my crew.

This decision was made over my head. It’s a decision that is out of my control. He is awesome and I did not want to lose him. Whoever gets Mitch is really lucky. I am not happy about it.

Ben Spies
Longview, Texas

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

WICKS HEADS UP RIZLA SUZUKI


World Superbike Marketing Manager Robert Wicks is to take over the reigns of Rizla Suzuki’s British Superbike Team next year from Paul Denning, who has been appointed Team Manager of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s MotoGP squad.

Wicks, who has spent the past five year’s in his role, said: “I love motorcycle racing. It is in my blood and I’m very fortunate to have been part of the organisation of the World Superbike Championship and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. But now I am realising my own personal dream to be part of a top team thanks to this opportunity with Crescent and Rizla Suzuki.

“I will be taking over most of the day-to-day tasks from Paul Denning within Rizla Suzuki, letting him concentrate on his new position managing the Factory Suzuki MotoGP team. Of course, Paul will continue to have an active interest in the Rizla Suzuki BSB team and his Crescent Racing business.

“Rizla Suzuki is already one of the highest profile and most professional teams in BSB – or any Championship for that matter – and with the team staff staying largely unchanged for 2005, I will be hitting the ground running with a proven team of winners to work with. We all share the same aims to win on track; win off track by returning even more value to our partners and sponsors; defend our title in 2005; and make the whole trackside presentation even better,” added the 35 year old.

He will take the helm of Rizla Suzuki on November 1st 2004 and will be based out of the Crescent Performance Centre in Verwood, Dorset, ably supported by triple BSB Champion Niall Mackenzie, team co-ordinator Simon Green and an experienced technical crew.

Apart from the appointment of Denning to the MotoGP effort, the staff at both Rizla Suzuki and the Suzuki Factory MotoGP team will remain largely unchanged: The Suzuki Factory MotoGP team will continue to be based at Edenbridge in Kent with the BSB team based at the Crescent Performance Centre.

Said Denning: “The appointment of Robert is a massive boost to an already-strong team. He brings a wealth of experience and commercial acumen to a demanding job and I am sure he will help Rizla Suzuki re-write the rule books both on and off the track in all areas of performance. I have every confidence in Robert’s ability to deliver, especially with the support of Niall Mackenzie and an extremely strong team.

“I am naturally delighted to have been appointed to operate the Suzuki Factory MotoGP team. I will be starting to work on the MotoGP team in January 2005, but plenty is happening behind the scenes already. I only accepted the MotoGP appointment on the understanding that the Rizla Suzuki BSB team would remain a high priority for me and our commitment to win will be as strong as ever.

“I remain committed to Rizla Suzuki in BSB and will be keeping a close eye on all developments next season. The staff members are some of the best in the world and they are relishing the opportunity to get on and do an even better job.

“The MotoGP team has some of the most experienced and hardest working staff on its books and I look forward to helping them realise their full potential in 2005,” he added.

From a press release issued by AMA:

AMA ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the results of its recent nomination process for the AMA Board
of Directors.

In the Southeast Region, the candidate will be Carl Reynolds (incumbent, unopposed).

In the South Central Region, the candidate will be Stan Simpson (unopposed).

In the Southwest Region, the candidates will be Dana Bell and Arthur More.

These four nominees will appear on the ballot appearing in the January, 2005 issue of American Motorcyclist magazine. Each AMA member in the
Southwest region will then have the opportunity to vote on the candidates in that region. The three successful candidates will be seated at the February, 2005 meeting of the AMA Board of Directors.

A minimum of 25 nominations was required to appear on the ballot. Nominations closed on October 8, 2004, and were independently tabulated and the results certified by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, which also verified eligibility. Ernst & Young also will tabulate the ballots cast in the election.

The AMA Board of Directors consists of twelve members. Six individual Directors are elected by the general membership in their respective
regions and serve three-year terms. Six corporate Directors are elected by the corporate membership and serve two-year terms. The AMA Board of Directors meets four times a year.