From a press release:

At the beginning of 2004, BARFracing and Vision Wells On-Track Video Productions, in cooperation with the AFM, set out to film and document the AFM’s 2004 Racing Season. We attended each race weekend, filmed each individual race, mounted on-bike cams for many of the races, conducted in-depth interviews with the race winners, and became an integral part of the AFM Racing Community in the process.

This first-of-a-kind venture is something we feel will give the AFM Racing Community the much deserved exposure it deserves, as well as, serve as piece of racing history for years to come.

We would like to extend to you a brief outline of the format of this film:

AFM 2004 Racing Review DVD Outline

* Opening Introduction
* Welcome to the AFM
* Race Round 1
* Race Round 2
* Race Round 3
* Race Round 4
* Who makes it happen?
* Race Round 5
* Race Round 6
* Race Round 7
* Race Round 8
* Special Sections/Features
* Credits

The Special Features on the DVD will include:

* 50th Anniversary Celebration
* 4 Hour Endurance Race
* Interviews shot during the racing season

Here is the link to a small demo: http://www.visionwells.com/afmracing/

We firmly believe this will a superior effort to anything done about the AFM before.

The film will be released in the early part of January.

For additional information please contact:

Denny “Budman” Kobza Jr.
General Menace/Race Director
BARFracing
P: 650-961-6103 xt:3
[email protected]

From a press release:

The Penguin Racing School has just added a new date to the 2005 schedule. The school will run both full basic and advanced courses on Friday, February 11th. This school is a perfect warm up for the CCS opening round at Homestead-Miami Speedway on February 12-13.

New racers will be eligible for their CCS license upon completion of the course. The basic course covers not only all of the essentials for a racing license but also a number of riding strategies and techniques that will help both racers and street riders alike. The Penguin Racing School advanced course will be taught by AMA superbike rider Eric Wood and features a curriculum 100% dedicated to helping riders of all skill levels understand the keys to faster lap times.

All riding equipment and a number of Ducati Supersport motorcycles are available to rent for both the school and the CCS race weekend. Class size is limited, so if you would like to attend please register in advance. For more information please visit www.penguinracing.comor call the Penguin Racing School at (508)339-4673.

From a press release:

The 2005 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® Presented By Toyota Trucks Revs Up Seattle

Largest U.S. Motorcycle Show Continues 12-City Tour

Santa Ana, CA – December 8, 2004 – This weekend, motorcycle fans from the Seattle area will come together for the most highly anticipated motorcycle show of the year. Only at the 24th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks will enthusiasts and families be able to see the not-yet released Honda CRF 450X and the Victory Hammer. Other unique features include: The Toyota Tacoma Demo Drive, one of Valentino Rossi’s M1 GP bikes, Ducati Monster Challenge, the Ball of Steel Stunt show and the Kid’s Cycle Center. Special appearances will also be made by 2004 17-time Baja Champion Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. All this and more will be at the Quest Event Center on December 10-12, 2004.

Tickets for the event are $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-11 and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available in advance at www.motorcycleshows.com and on-site at the box office or call the InfoLine at (800)-331-5706 and (218)-723-9130 for more information.

“Last year we had a great turnout in Seattle, and we’re looking forward to another exciting year,” said Show Director Jeff D’Entremont, of the popular consumer show Series. “Families and enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of the new features like the Kid’s Cycle Center, the Toyota Tacoma Off-Road Demo Drive with Ivan Stewart and the Ducati Monster Challenge. We’re also happy to offer our new web based e-ticket program which makes it more convenient for attendees to get tickets on line from home and skip the lines at the show.”

The Kid’s Cycle Center offers an entire “universe” of vehicles, gear and fun. The center offers small-displacement bikes and ATVs from major manufacturers, and right-sized apparel and safety equipment. Parents and kids can also get more information on local rides, events and clubs.

The Ball of Steel Stunt show features three motorcycle riders performing high energy, synchronized stunts inside a giant steel globe. The fast-paced excitement keeps up throughout the show until the end, when the riders offer up gravity-defying freestyle tricks and back flips as their grand finale.

Looking for a hands-on experience? Check out Toyota’s Tacoma Demo Drive where enthusiasts can get behind the wheel of a rugged, all-new 2005 Tacoma and test it against extreme hills, ditches and deep mud. While you’re there, be sure to catch a ride around the track with 17-time Baja 500 winner Ivan “Iron Man” Stewart. Ivan will be making exclusive appearances on Saturday at the Toyota Truck Zone and the Tacoma Demo Drive course, to share driving secrets, sign autographs and demonstrate techniques.

Ducati is looking for the coolest, most customized and unique Monster in all of America. To be considered for one of the Ducati Monster Challenge in Seattle, please submit your entry form and photos for pre-screening. The bikes selected for each local event will be displayed in a special area at the shows 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. For details about entering, please visit www.ducatiusa.com .

The Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts and Soundrider! will show their beautifully restored vintage, classic and antique motorcycles in the vintage displays.

Traveling to 12 major cities across the country, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks is an unparalleled opportunity for bike buffs along with casual enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge of powersports vehicles, products, and services. Expected to be among the 2004 line-up include Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. Representatives from local dealerships will be available to answer questions and help enthusiasts determine the perfect ride for their size and experience level.

Show attendees looking for in-depth information on motorcycle parts and accessories can visit expert staff in “The Factory,” a showcase of the latest aftermarket products and essential riding gear where motorheads can compare and discuss everything from performance parts to the latest communications hardware with manufacturer representatives. We are pleased to have the following companies participating in the Factory: Arai Helmets, Autocom, Avon Tyres, Baehr, Bell Powersports, Bub Enterprises, Chatterbox!, Cobra, Dowco, Dunlop, European Motorcycle Accessories, HJC, K&N, Kendon, Metzeler, Odyssey, Ozbike, Pirelli, Pro Circuit, Progressive Suspension, Repsol, River Road, Saddlemen, Shoei, T-Bags, Tomahawk, Travelcade, Troy Lee Designs, Tucker Rocky and Ventura.

Progressive Insurance has recently signed on as official product sponsor of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks. Progressive’s sponsorship includes the Series’ new web based e-ticketing program where attendees can purchase tickets on the web site, print them from home and avoid waiting in line at the show. This gives enthusiasts and families less wait-time and more time to enjoy the show. Visit: www.motorcycleshows.com to purchase your e-tickets and skip the lines.

The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks kicked off in San Francisco, with later stops including Dallas and Southern California. The show will continue with stops in Seattle, Denver, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Ohio, Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit.

Tickets are available in advance at www.motorcycleshows.com and on-site at the box office. Members of the American Motorcyclist Association who show their membership cards when purchasing tickets at the box office on-site are eligible for a $1 rebate coupon redeemable at the AMA booth inside the show. Discount coupons are also available at participating local dealers. Visit www.motorcycleshows.com for a complete list of participating dealerships. Only one discount will be granted per ticket; no discount offers may be combined.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® offer an unparalleled opportunity for bike buffs along with casual enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge of powersports vehicles, products, and services. The show boasts long-term relationships with both its title sponsor, Cycle World (12 years), the world’s foremost motorcycling magazine, and with its presenting sponsor Toyota Trucks (7 years), the world’s leading manufacturer of light trucks.

2005 SERIES SCHEDULE
San Francisco, November 5-7, 2004; Dallas, November 19-21, 2004; Southern California, December 3-5, 2004; Seattle, December 10-12, 2004; Denver, December 17-19, 2004; Atlanta, January 7-9, 2005; Washington D.C., January 14-16, 2005; New York, January 21-23, 2005; Ohio, January 28-30, 2005; Minneapolis, February 4-6, 2005; Chicago, February 11-13, 2005; Detroit, February 25-27, 2005.

ABOUT THE POWERSPORTS GROUP
The Powersports Group is the largest producer worldwide for trade and consumer shows in the powersports industry, including the single largest aftermarket trade-only event: the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo. In addition to Dealer Expo, our powersports shows encompass nearly every product in all segments of the industry. Our Big Twin East and West shows represent the passion of Big Twin, bringing together the manufacturers, builders, and buyers who power the marketplace. Dirt Expo is the premier event for the off-road powersports industry, which runs alongside the Maxxis U.S. Open of Supercross in Las Vegas. Targeting key motorcycle markets across the country, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks draws more than 600,000 eager powersports consumers of all levels.

ABOUT ADVANSTAR COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Based in New York, NY, Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 77 business magazines, 19 directories, 7 electronic publications, 54 tradeshows and 40 conferences, numerous Web sites, and a wide range of print and electronic direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors including the automotive, beauty, e-learning, call center, digital media, entertainment/ marketing, healthcare, fashion & apparel, pharmaceuticals, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/ hospitality industries. The Company has roughly 1,500 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

For more information, call the InfoLine at (800)-331-5706 CST and (218)-723-9130 CST or to www.motorcycleshows.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Insiders claim that Ben Bostrom will ride for Erion Honda in 2005, with Alex Gobert as his teammate.

Stay tuned for the standard official confirmation or denial by authorities at American Honda and/or Erion Racing.

From a press release issued by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca:

WORLD SUPER KARTS TO APPEAR ON MOTOGP CARD AT
MAZDA RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA JULY 8-10, 2005

Past World and AMA Motorcycle Champions to Be Feted at January 12 Media Day

MONTEREY, Calif. (December 8, 2004) – World Super Karts will be a part of the incredible lineup when MotoGP makes its return to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca July 8-10, 2005, Gill Campbell, CEO/General Manager of the world-renowned circuit announced today.

Included on the preliminary entry list is a quartet of past World and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) two-wheel champions who are scheduled to compete in the “Super Stars of Super Karts” event, as well as a practice session and Media Day Wednesday, January 12 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Super Kart event will be run on Saturday, July 9.

Wayne Rainey, who won three consecutive 500cc Grand Prix World Championship titles from 1990-1992, four-time world champion Eddie Lawson (1984, ’86, ’88 and ’89) and 1993 world champ Kevin Schwantz will be joined by three-time AMA Superbike champion Doug Chandler (1990, ’96 and ’97) at the test session and will be available for photos and interviews.

“World Super Karts have been immensely popular as they have competed at several of our events over the past couple of years,” Campbell said. “To have them join the MotoGP lineup only enhances an already incredible weekend. The entry list includes a number of European and Australia/New Zealand champions, as well as former World Grand Prix and AMA motorcycle champs.”

The 500cc Grand Prix World Championship (now MotoGP) raced at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca from 1988 to 1994. There are once again a number of Americans competing in MotoGP, including Kenny Roberts Jr., who won the 2000 championship, Nicky Hayden, Colin Edwards, John Hopkins and Kurtis Roberts. The July 8-10, 2005 event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will mark the first time the series has been on American soil since the last year at Laguna Seca in 1994.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI ISLAND RETURNS TO LAGUNA SECA FOR MOTOGP

MotoGP is coming to the U.S. and Ducatisti have a front row seat for all the racing action.

Cupertino, CA – December 8th, 2004 – Mark your calendars, buy your tickets and get your Duc ready because Ducati Island is back and ready to celebrate the US return of MotoGP to Laguna Seca Raceway the weekend of July 8th, 2005. If you thought the Island was a blast last year, imagine hanging out with fellow Ducatisti as Capirossi and Checa come roaring around Turn 2. In addition, come cheer on Bostrom and Hodgson in the battle for the AMA Superbike Championship. It’s never been a better time to be a Ducati owner.

“Historic will be the best word to describe the experience on Ducati Island during this race – Just think about it – we will witness the finest collection of racing talent, champions and exotic machinery in one place at one time,” said John Porter, Director of Marketing at Ducati North America. “We hope that as many Ducati owners as possible will come to the Island share the experience.”

Show your Ducati key and enjoy complimentary perks such as prime motorcycle parking, gear check, bottled water, espresso, hospitality, vendors, giveaways and grandstand seating. Catch up with local D.O.C. members and snag a shaded seat to watch Ducati tear up the Laguna Seca circuit. Take a seat on some of the exciting, new 2005 models. Grab the autograph of your favorite MotoGP and AMA Superbike riders. Kick back and be entertained by the Garage Challenge, Ducati Concours d’Elegance and all the other non-stop action on the Island. Stay tuned for the addition of new and exciting Island activities for 2005. Updates will be posted on www.ducatiusa.com.

Don’t miss out on all the trackside benefits of being a Ducati owner! Bring your friends and show them what being a Ducatista is all about. We look forward to celebrating Ducati, AMA and MotoGP with you at Laguna Seca Raceway in 2005.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin AMA Superbike team will use Dunlop tires in 2005, according to a highly-placed source within Ducati who responded to a Roadracingworld.com inquiry.

Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin raced with Eric Bostrom on Michelin tires in 2004.

Bostrom, and new teammate Neil Hodgson, will now theoretically be on the same tires as the rest of the factory Superbike teams in the 2005 AMA Series.

An official press release announcing the move is expected Thursday.

Ducati recently switched from Michelin to Bridgestone in MotoGP.

It remains to be seen if the changes will be reflected in Ducati OE tire fitment; Ducati has installed Michelin tires on a large percentage of its production in recent years.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Second Creek Raceway Gets Another Year of Life

By Mark Newby

In a session lasting until 1:00 a.m. on December 6, the Commerce City, Colorado City Council approved a conditional use permit that give the Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) another year of AMA-sanctioned road racing at Second Creek Raceway.

Encroaching housing development has closed many racing venues in Colorado in the past few years: Aspen, Steamboat Springs, and Stapleton have all been lost to the racing community due to opposition from developers and the new residents in these areas. The chief complaints are always the same: Noise, lights, and traffic. A strong showing of a crowd of several hundred racing supporters and sympathetic City Council members sensitive to both the needs of the community and the wishes of the racing enthusiasts resulted in a surprising reversal of the recommendations of the City Planning Commission and the granting of extension of the conditional use permit for the facility until November 1, 2005.

Sadly, this racetrack will still be lost permanently to the racing community, as the conditions for granting the permit hinged on agreement by the property owner and track management not to seek any further extensions for operation of the facility.

An important lesson for all of us is contained in this development. To preserve our racetracks in the future, we must work within the community often and with high visibility; recognize and plan for changes of this nature in time to have a positive effect; mobilize your organization’s members and show up in force when actions are needed; minimize the factors that are always going to be used as an excuse to eliminate your facility (noise, lights, and traffic); and perhaps most importantly, be a good neighbor and build up good will in the community at all times – you will someday need it.

It might be your racetrack that is next on the chopping block as massive growth and development create permanent communities right up to the property line. Thanks to the calculus of politics and community involvement, we have another year to find a new home for the sport we love and cherish. A Merry Christmas to everyone, indeed.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Clive Strugnell

A team of British riders flew out to South Africa last week to compete in an end-of-the-season 3-hour Superbike Endurance race. Billed as the South Africa TT, this race was held at the historic Zwartkops Racetrack on the outskirts of the capital City, Pretoria. It seeks to revive the invitational races of the 1960s and 1970s, where the likes of Agostini, Read, Grant, Barry Sheene and many others thrilled South African enthusiasts with plenty of no-holds barred racing.

The visiting team, brought to South Africa by circuit owner and former GP rider and TT star Mick Grant, revelled in the sunny and hot
conditions.

Teamed with new South African Champion Hudson Kennaugh, TAS Suzuki Supersport rider Tom Sykes ran a flawless race, winning by three laps on a Suzuki GSX-R1000. Fellow Brit Steve Plater, who has had a dismal season through injury, impressed enormously riding a BMW Boxer special, built in the workshop of Pretoria BMW dealer, Bavarian Motorcycles. Super smooth, and incredibly fast, Plater and his teammates, club racer Braam Smit and Novice Grant Scott, beat official entries from Ducati and Aprilia and brought the booming Beemer home in 6th place overall.

In the 600cc class Englishman Craig Jones and local club riders Gareth De Rapper and Grant Maidment finished second, giving Triumph its first podium finish in South Africa in over 30 years.

Despite falling twice (once in qualifying ) the team of Paul Shoesmith and Dean Ellison finished in the top 10 on another Suzuki GSX-R1000. Ellison was originally teamed up with Suzuki South Africa’s Trevor Crookes on the official Team Suzuki SA bike. When it stopped after an hour he was drafted onto the Paul Shoesmith bike, entered by South Africa’s largest motorcycle magazine, Bike SA. The lead Bike SA rider, Donovan Fourie, concussed himself when he fell during qualifying, after having slotted onto the front row of the grid.

The British team now heads down to Cape Town for a 2-hour race next weekend.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Italian Max Biaggi had stitches removed from his left leg/ankle last week by Dr. Claudio Costa in Imola, Italy, according to a posting on Biaggi’s official website.

Biaggi wrote that he was happy with the movement he already has in his foot and with Dr. Costa’s reassurance that everything looked to be healing well.

The four-time 250cc World Champion (who broke his lower left leg and ankle while riding his Supermoto bike near Rome, Italy in early November and had surgery to repair the damage soon after) is aiming to be fit enough to ride when the annual MotoGP testing ban ends January 20, 2005.

No official announcement has been made, but Biaggi is expected to be named teammate to Nicky Hayden on the Repsol Honda factory team.