From a press release issued by Ali Khani of AK Composite:

AK Composite High Performance Race Bodywork

Congratulations to Josh Hayes and Attack Performance for a Successful 2004 Season

Rancho Dominguez, CA -This year marked the first year of what will hopefully continue to be a successful business relationship between AK Composite bodywork and Attack Performance Racing.

Our heartiest congratulations to Josh Hayes and the Attack Kawaski team campaigning the ZX10R in the Superbike series. Josh scored some great results and showed the might of the ZX10 in a non-factory effort. Not to mention harassing the heck out of the factory boys, finishing in front of factory riders in a few events. Josh finished a very respectable 8th place in the Superbike final points tally, the highest scoring non-factory finisher!

Josh also soldiered on mightily in the fledgling Superstock class, also finishing 8th, including podium finishes at Brainerd and Elkhart Lake. Way to go Josh!

To cap off the US season, Josh won the 2nd Annual Toyota 200 at Willow Springs, cashing a heft $50,000 paycheck for his efforts!!! And last, but definitely not least, Josh tested the streets of Asia at the Macau GP, scoring a fifth against a talented international racing field.

AK Composite realizes that this is also the result of hard and dedicated teamwork, provided by Richard Stanboli and the Attack Kawasaki racing crew. Definitely the hardest working bunch of guys in the AMA paddock!!

We look forward to working with Attack Racing in 2005, and continuing our great relationship in the future. Cheers!! And….we know it is going to be a good year. The boys are hard at work getting the equipment ready for next year. So be forewarned — watch out for the Attack Kawasaki team in 2005!!

You can visit AK Composite on the web at
www.akcomposite.com

You can visit Attack Racing on the web at
www.attackperformance.com



And now, some reader reaction to the above press release:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Just read the AK Composites review of Josh Hayes. It mentions that Josh Hayes was the highest placing “non-factory” rider in AMA Superbike, finishing in 8th place. What factory is Geoff May riding for now since he was a more privateer effort than Hayes and finished 5th?

Canaan M. Manley
Readyville, Tennessee



More, from another reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

AK Composite is correct saying Josh Hayes had a great year. I saw him in person ride at many rounds this year. But, does AK Composite know who really was the top finishing non-factory supported rider, with zero factory support, full privateer effort, and just a handful of sponsors, and truly the hardest working duo in the paddock, Geoff May(rider), Tim Anderson(mechanic). The duo finished the season 5th in Superbike points ahead of factory-supported standouts Aaron Yates (Suzuki) and Eric Bostrom (Ducati). Maybe someday a factory team will see the light and reward Geoff and Tim a chance to show what they are capable of doing with a little factory backing.

Eric Douglass
Franklin, North Carolina



More, from yet another reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I know it’s not your job to correct/edit press releases, but somebody has to let these people know that their claim of Josh being the highest scoring non-factory finisher is incorrect. Nothing against Josh as he’s a great guy and had a very good season, but Geoff May finished 5th in points and it’s my understanding that he gets a little less help than Josh.

Do you normally let people know when you receive stuff like this or just shake your head and walk away laughing? You could have at least added a little humor to the release with an editorial comment about Geoff being the invisible privateer or something like that. 😉

Don’t work too hard and have a great weekend.

Tom Fetsko
Charlotte, North Carolina



More, from a press release issued by Track Daz:

DON’T MISS THIS — For a limited time we’re
offering a season pass as well as a Willow only season pass.

Be sure to see us at the CycleWorld Motorcycle Show in Long Beach to take advantage of our show only deal — buy a set of AK Composite bodywork and receive a complimentary trackday. Stop by our booth and chat with us and our staff riders!
See you then!

1/7 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

2/4 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

3/4 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/25 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

4/4 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

5/23 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

7/30-31 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

8/13-14 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

8/26-27 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

9/16 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

9/26 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

11/7 Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA

11/26-27 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA


For additional information, call (909) 234-4713 or e-mail [email protected], www.trackdaz.com

From a press release issued by Hyperclub:


Hypercycle-Hyperclub 2005 Track Day Dates

January 17th- Monday – Streets of Willow -MLK

February 21st- Monday – Streets of Willow- Pres. Day

March 7th -Monday – 2.5 Mile Willow Springs Road Course

April 18th- Monday – Streets of Willow

May 30th – Monday – 2.5 Mile Willow Springs Road Course – Memorial

June 27th- Monday – Streets of Willow

July 25th – Monday – 2.5 Mile Willow Springs Road Course

September 5th- Monday – Streets of Willow

Oct 24th – Monday – 2.5 Mile Willow Springs Road Course

December 5th – Monday- 2.5 Mile Willow Springs Road Course

More info and Online Signups at www.Hypercycle.com

From a press release issued by the CMRA:

Two-time World Superbike Champion Doug Polen was recently inducted into the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association’s Hall of Fame at their end of year awards banquet held in Fort Worth, Texas. Polen, who was also the 1993 US Superbike Champ and 1997 and 1998 FIM World Endurance Champion, started racing with the Texas-based club in 1997, when it was still known as the CRRC.

“This was great to be inducted by the CMRA,” said Polen. “I have been able to reminisce and see a lot of people here that I haven’t seen in a long time. This club allowed me to do something early on that I loved to do, and that was to race motorcycles. One of the things that I benefitted from is all of the people in this club that gave me support over the years and that is something I will always remember.”

Also inducted was Houston racer Ronnie Lunsford, who has been a driving force behind the CMRA and Texas road racing since he was introduced to the sport in 1979.

Over 400 guests attended the banquet, which culminated with a drawing for an highly modified and race-ready Yamaha R6 valued at $18,000 which was donated by Sum of all Parts of Austin. Everyone who entered a CMRA race during the season was eligible (the more races you entered, the more times your name went into the hat) and the big winner was Jeff Robinson of Grossett, Arkansas.

A pre-banquet silent auction and raffle raised over $10,000 which will go into the CMRA’s injured riders fund.

From a press release issued by Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Inc.:

KAWASAKI RACING TEAM: SETTING THE SIGHTS ON 2005

Canadian Kawasaki Racing is looking for a big payoff in 2005. Much has changed in the past five years with this year’s team looking stronger than ever. With a new race shop that was finalized in the spring of 2004, an experienced team of technicians and two new exciting race bikes, the team has great momentum coming into the 2005 Canadian Superbike Series.

In addition to a solid foundation and strong resources, Canadian Kawasaki has re-signed Tom Kipp for the 2005 season. The Ohio native raced for Kawasaki during the 2003 season and was expected to race in 2004 but made a last minute decision to retire and concentrate on his post secondary education. With graduation on the horizon, Kipp has made the decision to return to the Kawasaki team.

“It is very important for me to do my job well”, said Kipp reflecting on his retirement. “Both my education, which is preparing me for pastoral ministry, and racing. They require a huge commitment and it was in my best interest to back off at the end of 2003 and get refocused. Taking the time off enabled me to step up my course load as well as my graduation date. I graduate this May and plan to enroll into a Chicago based seminary in the fall. The way I see it, my summer is now open, giving me the opportunity to again team up with my friends at Kawasaki to pursue a 2005 Canadian championship. I would love to help Canadian Kawasaki enjoy another winning season.”

Tom Kipp is an outstanding individual, with a keen insight and proven knowledge of road racing. “I have kept in close contact with the team throughout this past season,” explained Kipp. “I feel the team is stronger than ever and 2005 will be a great opportunity to campaign the new bikes at full potential. I missed working with these guys and I’m happy to be back.”

Tom Kipp’s return is very timely now that Kawasaki’s rookie Matt McBride is on the rise. Kipp is known for his generous attitude towards fellow racers and his ability to coach should prove invaluable to young McBride.

“Tom is a great guy,” says twenty-year-old McBride. “I’m really happy he’s back on the team. He’s got so much racing knowledge and he really wants to pass it on. It’s going to be a great year with Tom.”

The Kawasaki team will also see a change in management during the 2005 season. Karl Steyrer will move up from suspension technician to crew chief.

“Karl was working with the team last year as our suspension technician,” said team manager Jeff Comello. “This year we have moved him into a management position overseeing the team at the shop and at trackside locations. He will also be overseeing the suspension development for the Canadian Kawasaki Motors race team.”

“It’s a challenge–that is the main reason I took it on,” said Steyrer of his new position. “I think the Kawasaki bikes have great potential under the Canadian rules. We’re looking to have a good year next year and I think we have the riders and the people to do it.”

The Kawasaki team has testing planned all winter and will venture south of the border to perfect the setup of the new ZX-6RR and ZX-10R in anticipation of the first race on May 20, 2005 in Shannonville.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

The 2005 WSBK/WSS Official Winter Tests will take place in the following dates:

LOSAIL (QATAR)
Saturday 19 February 2005
Sunday 20 February
(instead of 20/21 February 2005)


VALENCIA (ESPANA)
Saturday 12 March 2005
Sunday 13 March

From a press release issued by Super Dave Rosno:

Super Dave Items In Childhood Cancer Sports Auction

“Super” Dave Rosno has donated a couple of items to the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Sports Auction.

The auction will be broadcast live on Milwaukee’s WTMJ Channel 4 and will include items from Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Brett Favre, Milwaukee Brewers’ Hall of Famer Robin Yount, and Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

Dave Rosno has donated an autographed Suomy helmet that he used in 2004. Additionally, Sliderphoto.com donated a photograph of “Super” Dave in action which was also signed by Dave.

Dave Rosno raced under the “Super Dave’s Race Against Childhood Cancer” banner during 2004 to raise funds for Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (the MACC Fund) and awareness about pediatric cancer. He will continue under that banner in 2005.

The MACC Fund Sports Auction will be held on Saturday December 11, 2004 from 1:30PM to 3:30PM.

More information is available at:
http://www.maccfund.org/news/story.cfm?ID=158

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Repsol Honda MotoGP racer and former AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden is scheduled to appear in-studio on “Greg’s Garage” during SPEED Channel’s “Two-wheel Tuesday” December 7 at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), according to the network’s website.

From a press release issued by the Wegman Benefit Fund:

The latest and recurring contributors to the Wegman Benefit Fund are Scuderia West in San Francisco, CA , Corse Superbikes in Saukville, WI, and SportbikeTrackTime.com.

Scuderia West held a raffle at a bike night promotion at their shop raising $1,617. Corse Superbikes makes a quarterly donation based on bike sales, this time $2,020 and SportbikeTrackTime.com donated their proceeds of $2,625 from a track day held at Grattan Raceway in Michigan. Their total contribution of $6,262 is a great boost for us to help injured road racers.

The latest rider to receive assistance from the Wegman Fund is Jimmy Moore of the Corona Extra Suzuki team who was injured at Brainerd, MN during AMA competition in 2003.

To date the Wegman Fund has paid out over $154,000 to help seriously injured road racers and their families.

For more information about the fund please check our web site at www.wegmanfund.org and while there check our current online auctions.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Bill Janklow, the former U.S. Representative and Governor of South Dakota who was found to have killed motorcyclist Randolph Scott as a result of his reckless driving, will not have to pay any damages out of his own pocket to the victim’s family, according to an article appearing on www.startribune.com November 30.

Instead, federal taxpayers will pay any damages awarded to Scott’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit because, a federal judge ruled this week, Janklow was “on duty” the day of the accident. Janklow is therefore “covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which protects federal employees from negligence claims when they’re on duty,” read the article.

The civil lawsuit against Janklow was dismissed by the federal court. Lawyers for Scott’s family are expected to file a new wrongful death lawsuit against the United States Government.

Janklow, 65, was convicted of speeding, running a stop sign, reckless driving and second-degree manslaughter after he collided with a motorcycle ridden by Scott, 55, who was killed instantly.

Janklow, who was the Governor of South Dakota for 16 years and served in the House of Representatives since 2002, resigned from Congress in January of 2004, served 100 days in county jail and paid a fine.

Janklow has appealed his conviction to the South Dakota Supreme Court, according to the Washington Times.