SHANGHAI RACE OPENS NEW CHAPTER IN MotoGP The astonishing new Shanghai circuit is an unknown quantity for every rider in every class this weekend and it represents an early-season opportunity for the sharper riders and teams to exploit their advantage if they can get to grips with the imposing 5.281km track quicker than their rivals. The inaugural Grand Prix of China begins an exciting period of expansion for Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Honda’s close industrial partnerships with China are growing at pace, and this race represents a fruitful union between the two countries fostered through exciting technologies. But successful business ventures take a back foot this weekend pure motorcycle racing of the highest standard at an awe-inspiring facility is what China’s first ever motorcycle Grand Prix is about and the riders are understandably eager to see what demands the track makes on man and machine. Alex Barros (Camel Honda RC211V) is likely to be the man taking the fight to reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) this weekend. Brazilian Barros won in difficult conditions in Portugal two weeks ago and after a solid first race result of fourth in Spain, Barros currently sits only seven points behind Rossi. Marco Melandri (Team Movistar Honda RC211V) is the surprise of the season so far. Sete Gibernau’s team-mate lies third in the points standings after a third place in Spain and a fourth in Portugal. The young Italian former 250cc World Champion is now showing the best of his abilities on the Honda RC211V after two disappointing seasons with Yamaha in the premier class. It seems Max Biaggi (Repsol Honda RC211V) is racing back into contention too after a torrid first race in Spain where he could only qualify 16th and finish seventh. The Roman star was third in Portugal and this race represents a perfect chance to master set-up and reap rewards if rivals fail to get their machines to perform on this unknown quantity of a track. The Shanghai circuit was built for a 2004 Formula One Grand Prix at cost of $250 million US dollars and it is the most imposing track yet conceived in motorsport. Two enormous ‘wings’ cover part of the 1202m long start/finish straight and the track also features two demanding 360-degree turns. These turns are expected to place huge demands on tyre grip, especially on front tyres. And that long straight the longest of all the tracks on the calendar will impose its own demands on both rubber and machinery. And with seven left and seven right turns both sides of the tyres will get a thorough workout too. The track is 14m wide and so overtaking is expected to be easy, providing the cut and thrust that makes MotoGP racing such compelling viewing. The Formula One race in 2004 attracted a crowd of 150,000 and the MotoGP crowd is expected to be of a similar size. World Championship runner-up in 2004, title contender Sete Gibernau (Team Movistar Honda RC211V) said, “This Shanghai track will be a real challenge for both the teams and the riders. We all begin from scratch and we only have four practice sessions that is three hours of free practice sessions, and a one-hour qualifying session. These hours will be decisive for the starting grid, learning to interpret the track, finding the right set-up and being as competitive as possible. And I’m curious about racing in China, an interesting country with a lot of tradition.” His team-mate Marco is equally intrigued over what this weekend might bring. “I saw the design of the track for the first time only a week ago,” he said. “It’s very innovative for sure. There are two particularly long corners, which will be hard on the front end of the bike, as it will be put under a lot of strain. Whoever adapts to the track quickest will logically have the advantage.” As his 200th Grand Prix start nears, Max said, “We are going to discover an amazing country, to experience a new circuit and to take our chances at winning. The track seems very good, with different characteristics, fast and technical. The Estoril podium gave us good energy to look forward. But still that’s not enough for me. I’m sure my team understands how to remain competitive for for my 200th Grand Prix.” Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) said, “I’m looking forward to China. It’ll be a new country, a new track for us all and I’m sure it’ll be a really interesting experience like Qatar last year. Everyone starts from zero, but at this level it doesn’t take long before everyone’s going pretty quick. After the last race, which wasn’t the best, I just want to get back mixing with the boys up front.” Nicky finished seventh in Portugal. Barros is raring to ride in China. “I know the track from a video game, which is really realistic, and it seems quite technical and varied. There are all sorts of bends, with slow corner entries and quick exits, and vice versa. Then long straights and hard-braking areas. It looks like one of the modern style of tracks, like Sepang but obviously, that’s just a ‘virtual’ feeling for the time being. Without a doubt it’s a great challenge and an unknown for everybody.” Barros team-mate Troy Bayliss (Camel Honda RC211V) is equally keen to race, “I know that at the end of the main straight the first corner goes to the right”¦ and that’s it!” he said. “Joking aside, I don’t know the circuit, but I think that we will learn it straight away. Apart from the crash in Estoril we were running a good race, and in Shanghai we’ll try to do the same. My confidence on the bike is improving all the time and I’m working really well with the team.” Makoto Tamada (Konica Minolta Honda RC211V), who did not ride in Portugal after injuring his right wrist, will not ride in China either. His scaphoid bone is broken. Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh will take his place, while Tamada aims to be fit to ride in France in just over two weeks time. “I’ve tried to wait until the last moment to decide,” said Tamada. “But when you have such pain there is nothing you can do about it. I wish good luck to Jurgen and the team for this weekend.” The 250cc riders face the same tough challenge and World Championship leader Dani Pedrosa (Team Movistar Honda RS250RW) will need all his considerable resources to stay ahead of his pursuers in China. Andrea Dovizioso (Scot Racing Team Honda RS250RW) lies just five points behind Pedrosa after notching up a fourth place and a third in the opening two races so far. “It’s a new track and it’s the same for everybody,” said Dovi. “Whoever finds the right set-up early on will have an advantage over the weekend, so every session will be vital in understanding how to get the most from the bike in a new environment.” Yuki Takahashi (Scot Racing Team Honda RS250RW), Dovi’s team-mate, expects it to be tough. “We know what to expect, but we don’t know exactly what Shanghai will demand until we ride the track for the first time,” he said. “It will be a real test of a rider’s ability to adapt to new demands.” In the 125cc World Championship Fabrizio Lai (Kopron Racing World Honda RS125RW) is the man closest to series points leader Mika Kallio (KTM) as the class heads into unknown territory. And the experienced Italian will draw encouragement from his strong start to the year. “We’ll all have to work very hard here,” said Lai. “No one can afford to miss any track time through crashing and with such a long straight top speed and acceleration out of the turns will be crucial.” Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R) looks to be back on form after a lacklustre 2004 season and the Swiss rider scored a valuable podium in Portugal after an electrical fault robbed him of points in Spain. Luthi is currently seventh in the standings.

Z1 Racing regretfully must inform you that we will not be participating in the Canadian National Superbike Series for 2005. This has been a very difficult decision for us but one that had to be made. Due to several circumstances out of the control of our team we would not be able to be ready for the opening round and did not feel we would be competitive in the series. We would not be able to do our sponsor or ourselves justice. Several sponsors to date have not been able to finalise their involvement with our team and this has caused tremendous financial and planning difficulties. We realise that this will put a strain on the relationships with those sponsors and to those sponsors who have committed to help us in 2005. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused everyone. We are committed to racing and supporting the racing scene in Canada. We will be supporting several amateur racers this year and will be supporting our sponsors as well in that capacity. We will be preparing for the 2006 season in the second half of 2005 and hope that we will be hitting the 2006 series with a bang. Look for some positive news to come in the following months. Editorial Note: Z1 Cycletech had previously announced (March 16, 2005) that it would compete in the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike series with Jeff Williams riding a Ducati 999R.

Stobart Honda rider JEREMY McWILLIAMS will miss round four of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park this weekend due to injury. The 41 year old Ulsterman suffered an injury to his right shoulder in a crash at Thruxton in round two and the former GP winner struggled throughout the Mallory Park meeting last weekend which led to him retiring in both races. McWilliams has since sought medical advice and has been advised to rest the injury so as a result, he will not be taking his place on the grid at Oulton as team owner Paul Bird explained: “Jeremy’s injured so the sensible thing to do is for him to rest this weekend. We’ve taken this decision so that he has time to recuperate and hopefully bounce back to the kind of form that that we know he is capable of when the series visits his home circuit at Mondello Park in two weeks time, providing he is fit enough. His absence will also allow us to concentrate more time and effort into ensuring that both Gary Mason and Michael Laverty continue the progress we made at Mallory and we are hoping for some good results this weekend.” McWilliams commented: “Paul and I are 100% in agreement that the best thing to do is to rest as I need some time to recuperate. The injury was preventing me from being in total control of the bike at Mallory and that’s not an ideal situation for me or the other riders. I have a scan on Friday to determine the extent of the injury which is to do with the soft tissue and nerves in the shoulder and that will determine the next step. Hopefully, the results will be positive and I can be back for Mondello which I’m thoroughly looking forward to”

Joey Dunlop Foundation (formerly the Joey Dunlop Injured riders Fund) acquire land to build a Travel Lodge in memory of Joey Dunlop TT Aces assist with demolition of the property In late 2000 a group of Joey Dunlop fans held a meeting at “The Cat with No Tail” a public house frequented by TT fans on the Clypse course near to Cronk Ny Mona on the TT Course From speaking to ex-racers during Manx Grand Prix, it became apparent that there were no facilities at the TT Grandstand where disabled people could watch the races or practices from, and, more importantly there was virtually no accommodation available to cater for the needs of people with a disability. After discussions with David Cretney, the islands Minister of Tourism, also a former Manx Grand Prix rider, it was agreed that the Joey Dunlop Foundation should raise money to build a Travel Lodge. This would provide much needed accommodation and if possible be located near to the TT Grandstand area, with former racers having priority during TT, MGP and Southern 100 race meetings. It was decided that a registered Charity should be formed and a lasting memorial constructed to recognise the achievements of Joey Dunlop but also provide a facility that would be to the benefit of the community as well as visitors to the Island. The newly formed Charity began the important task of raising sufficient funds to build a complex. It will consist of five units, three of which will be for families and there will also be a community room with on site parking With the support of Linda Dunlop (Patron), John Harris (friend and sponsor of Joey), Jason Griffiths (Founder President), fund raising commenced in 2001, initially this centred around the TT and Manx Grand Prix. Now our band of supporters has grown and although we still have our stall at the TT Grandstand, we also attend race meetings in Northern Ireland, Eire and England In 2004, Jason Griffiths was unable to continue as president due to work commitments and having previously assisted at various events we were pleased to announce that TT and Manx Grand Prix winner, Richard Milky Quayle has accepted the position of President. With our special tombola prize of a Joey Dunlop replica SP1 , Milky attended several race events and sold the winning ticket at the Kells meeting to Jimmy Meeres of Eire Now to 2005, it had been our intention to erect the lodge next to the Manx Police Headquarters, and discussions were held with various Manx Charities and Government Departments to discuss this. However, in January the Foundation had an opportunity to acquire land next to the Manx Prison, Victoria Road, Douglas, which is less than a mile from the TT Grandstand and paddock area. It is envisaged that construction work will start this summer with completion by TT 2006, however it is essential our fund raising continue in order to ensure that this Lodge is constructed and equipped to the highest standards The Foundation had an excellent years fund raising in 2004, we will be visiting the North West 200 for three days this year where you will have an opportunity to buy Foundation clothing, badges, plus purchase tickets to win a fabulous Honda RR600 in HM Plant replica colours with the famous Joey Dunlop Number 3. Please visit our stand at the North West, TT or Manx Grand Prix and if you would like to organise a fund raising event or a make donation then please contact Kevin Quirk (Treasurer), 12 First Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man IM26BA (email [email protected] or Barbara Wood (Chairman), 71 Snaefell Road, Douglas, Isle of Man (email [email protected])

DUHAMEL SEEKING LOCKHART PHILLLIPS USA FORMULA XTREME RECORD IN FONTANA Yates leading Repsol Lubricants Superstock for the first time in nine years PICKERINGTON, Ohio (April 27, 2005) — Miguel Duhamel is seeking yet another AMA record and Aaron Yates is up to old tricks as Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme and Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series races come to California Speedway in Fontana as part of the Suzuki Superbike Challenge on April 29 through May 1. Duhamel is on the verge of putting another mark in the AMA record books if he can repeat as Fontana Formula Xtreme winner. Duhamel is tied for first on the all-time Formula Xtreme wins list with Kurtis Roberts and Eric Bostrom. Duhamel could take sole possession of the all-time record with a victory this weekend. “I’d be foolish if I thought I could just show up and walk away with this series,” said Duhamel, who also owns the all-time wins record in AMA Supersport. “I didn’t win it easily last year and it’s going to be tough again this year. At Fontana we’re really strong and hopefully I can get in there and break away. It would be great to earn the all-time wins list in two classes. It shows the kind of work that I’ve put in and that Honda’s put in to get us to this point.” Duhamel will again face tough competition from his own teammate. Fellow factory Honda rider Jake Zemke took the Formula Xtreme victory this past weekend in Alabama and moved to within five points of Duhamel in the standings. The win moved Zemke up to fifth on the Formula Xtreme all-time wins list. He could jump to a tie for third on the list with a victory at California Speedway. Vincent Haskovec is again a contender for Formula Xtreme this season. A DNF at Daytona hurt his chances for the title, but the M4 EMGO Suzuki rider roared back with a podium finish in Birmingham and enjoys racing at Fontana, which he considers his home track. Canadian Chris Peris, of Topline Printing Yamaha, has parlayed a pair of fifth-place finishes into third in the standings. Peris hopes to earn his first Formula Xtreme podium finish at Fontana. Aaron Yates last led the Repsol Superstock Series in 1996. That was when the class was called AMA 750 Supersport and Yates won the championship that year. The Georgian racing veteran is back in the class on his factory Yoshimura Suzuki and finds himself leading the series after two rounds. “Everything’s been going pretty good so far,” said Yates, who won the AMA Supersport race at California Speedway in 2002. “I’m leading Superstock, but I haven’t got a win yet and that’s something I want to do soon. The competition is tough and it’s going to be a major challenge to hang on to this lead.” Vincent Haskovec is second in Superstock, just a point out of the lead on his M4 EMGO Suzuki and Tommy Hayden is coming on strong after winning Sunday in Birmingham, which moved him within three points of Yates. Suzuki is the defending Superstock winner at Fontana. Ben Spies rode a GSX-R1000 to victory in the race last year. Spies is concentrating on Superbike this year and is not competing in the Fontana Superstock race. Bring the whole family out for a great weekend of racing. Kids under 12 and free with a paid adult general admission. For ticket information call California Speedway at (800) 944-7223 or visit the website www.californiaspeedway.com Both Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series and Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series races will be nationally televised on SPEED Channel May 3 beginning at 2 p.m. EST.

Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was moved to a private room Monday night from the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama following surgery to remove a ruptured spleen. He had his first meal yesterday and a short walk around. His doctor said he is healing well ahead of schedule and should be released as early as Thursday of this week. Jason suffered the injury in a crash during the Sunday morning Superstock warm-up at round two of the AMA Superbike Championship at Barber Motorsports Park on April 24th. Cards and messages can be sent to: STAR Motorcycle School 4587 Telephone Road, #206 Ventura, CA 93003 E-Mail – [email protected]

The MotoGP World Championship now makes its way to Shanghai, China for the first time in the championship’s illustrious 56-year history. The new circuit, billed as the “the venue for the new millennium” was completed last year and was used for the first time during an international event when the F1 circus made its debut in China. Now it’s the turn of the MotoGP boys and the racing promises to be just as intense as the first two rounds. The circuit was designed by architects Hermann Tilke and Peter Wahl and its layout was inspired by the shape of the Chinese character ‘shang’, which stands for ‘high’ or ‘above’. Other symbols represented in the architecture of the circuit facilities originate from Chinese history, such as the team buildings, which are arranged like pavilions on a lake to resemble the ancient Yuyan-Garden in Shanghai. One of the circuit’s most impressive features is the extraordinary main grandstand, which hosts some 29,000 seats and provides a spectacular view of almost 80 percent of the circuit. Whilst none of the MotoGP riders will have previously been able to test at the Shanghai circuit until free practice gets underway on Friday morning, its winding turns and high-speed straights promise plenty of opportunities for overtaking and are sure to provide more close MotoGP racing in Sunday’s inaugural Chinese Grand Prix. In Valentino Rossi’s own words: “I think the circuit will be very good; it is wide, fast and technical.” The 5,451m track also promises to provide an interesting challenge for the engineers. With a virtually equal ratio of nine left and seven right-hand corners, as well as two long straights followed by hard braking zones, the emphasis will again be on finding a balanced base setting for the Yamaha YZR-M1. The longest straight runs parallel to the Dragster track between turns 13 and 14 and has a length of 1,175m, which should permit top speeds in excess of 320km/h, whilst technical corners such as a snail-like narrowing section between turn one and turn three are unlike any other corner in the championship calendar. Rossi and his Gauloises Yamaha Team-mate Colin Edwards spent last week’s test at Estoril working specifically on their set-up for Shanghai, making further progress with the general setting of the 2005 version YZR-M1 and finding a comfortable base which they will now take to China. Whilst initial gearbox settings have already been calculated on the circuit layout, both riders will use Friday morning’s free practice session to gather data about the peculiarities of the track, such as bumps and grip levels, before making specific adjustments in the build-up to Sunday’s race. The true nature of Shanghai will only reveal itself during the first practice sessions, but the relatively fast corners that abound around the track will clearly require stability from chassis and suspension set-up. The track will demand an almost constant agility at the same time as offering stability driving off the sides of the tyres – no easy feat without factoring in the many unknown variables. The main target will be a good stable turn-in characteristic and a set-up that offers easy changes in direction; supported by a high level of feel from both the front and rear. Weight bias will start of as neutral as possible to prevent the front overloading in the midpoint of the turn, while also ensuring good drive off the sides of the rear. Despite 240 plus horsepower power delivery will need to be funneled to provide the best midrange torque and predictability to drive off the countless turns, while still factoring in the one kilometer straight. But all else aside, to finish first, first one must finish – and tyre endurance will be the key.

Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was released from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital last night. Pridmore had to have emergency surgery to have his spleen removed on Sunday. Pridmore highsided coming out of the final corner during the Sunday-morning Superstock practice session at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, suffering concussion symptoms and abdominal pains. Pridmore is said to be recovering ahead of schedule and may be released as soon as Friday. More details will be reported as they become available.