Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Think AMA Pro Racing would never end a season prematurely by canceling the final race of a Championship? Think again, because it’s been done before–last year, in fact.

The 2003 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship ended prematurely with the cancellation of the final round at Kenworthy’s Motocross Park in Troy, Ohio due to rain and flooding.

The race at Kenworthy’s was originally scheduled to take place in the middle of the season, July 12-13, but rain and flooding forced that event to be postponed until September 12-13. More rain and flooding plus other commitments for the AMA motocross riders and teams, however, led AMA Pro Racing to cancel the event and end the season one round short.

Grant Langston was awarded the 125cc AMA Championship even though he would have had to defend a seven-point lead over Ryan Hughes at the final round.

If the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike series were to end without the race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), Mat Mladin would win his fifth AMA Superbike Championship by 42 points over Jake Zemke, Tommy Hayden would take the AMA Supersport Championship by 11 points over teammate and brother Roger Lee Hayden and Aaron Gobert would gain the AMA Superstock Championship by five points over teammate Jamie Hacking and Tommy Hayden. Miguel Duhamel has already clinched the AMA Formula Xtreme title.

The last AMA Superbike series event AMA Pro Racing cancelled was the September 14-16, 2001 event at Willow Springs International Raceway, the penultimate round of that season, following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the resultant grounding of all civilian aircraft.

From a media advisory issued by Willow Springs International Raceway:

MOTORCYCLE ROADRACERS GATHER FOR TOYOTA 200
QUALIFICATIONS/WARM-UPS THIS WEEKEND AT WILLOW SPRINGS

Who: Top motorcycle racers from throughout the west

What: Qualifying for 3rd Annual Toyota 200
9th Round of Toyota Cup Formula One Motorcycle Series

When: Friday, Sept 17 – Toyota 200 Qualifying & Practice 8am
Saturday, Sept 18 – Practice & New Racers from 8am
Sunday, Sept 19 – RACE DAY from 8am
Toyota Cup Formula One Race approximately 2pm.

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

Why: In a prelude to October’s big Toyota 200 race, you’ll
find many top riders on hand this month to secure their
slot in the starting grid of roadracing’s richest
weekend. Anyone who starts the race is guaranteed at
least a $1,000 payday and to the one rider who travels
200 miles the fastest and smartest, that paycheck will
total $50,000!

Last month’s Toyota Cup action saw Jeremy Toye lose
his points lead after mechanical problems cut his race
day short. 2003 Toyota 200 winner, Josh Hayes got the win,
while 2nd place finisher, Robbie Dowie, assumed the overall
lead by the narrowest of margins . a single point.

Expect an adrenalin driven weekend of excitement only
at Willow Springs!

Prices: $10/person includes pit pass, parking and camping for all
three days. Children 8 and under are free with paid adult.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

FINAL FIVE RACES WILL DECIDE PREMIER TITLE DESTINY

This MotoGP season always looked like it would be the tightest of contests. The three main protagonists believe the fight will not be resolved until the very last of this 16-round season at Valencia in Spain. But there will be plenty of action to come before that.

Motegi marks the start of the five-race title run-in with a series of ‘flyaway’ races where the predominantly European-based teams embark on a month-long stay in the middle and far-east in late September and October with four races in five weeks. Then the last round at Valencia – back in Europe.

Apart from the logistical nightmare of transporting the hundreds of tons and machines, spares and tools, the teams and riders hardly have a let-up between races – and whichever rider gains early momentum in these vital races, is likely to gain an advantage in morale as tiredness and jet-lag take their toll.

The current MotoGP series leader is Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) who heads Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) by 29 points. Max Biaggi (Camel Honda RC211V) lies 22 behind Gibernau. One of these three will win the title. Colin Edwards (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) on 111 points is the only man to have scored points at all races so far – and despite a mathematical chance of overall honours, he cannot properly be considered a title contender.

Naturally, the man on top starts the run-in at an advantage, but Motegi, north west of Tokyo, is a track that will suit the Honda RC211Vs of Gibernau and Biaggi. The 4.801km Twin Ring Motegi track built in 1998 is made largely of constant-radius second and third gear turns – precisely where the RC211V excels with its smooth drive and seamless power.

With eight right-hand corners and six left, Motegi has an exceptionally smooth surface and there is no camber. Set-up requires a bike stable both under fierce acceleration and equally severe braking. Front/rear balance and suspension settings are key.

But the track also features gradient and a spectacular tunnel. The back straight is downhill into a tight right-hand bend. And although the main straight is only 0.762km long, the tunnel between turn five and the 130R turn more than makes up for a long main chute in terms of spectacle – and rarity value. No other MotoGP track boasts a subway section.

There are still 125 points to be won in the remaining races. And although Biaggi fell on the first lap of the Portuguese Grand Prix two weeks ago, the Italian could not be further from abandoning his World Championship aspirations.

“Racing at Motegi is something that will help me get over what happened in Portugal,” said Max. “Not only because I like the track, but also because I like being in Japan, I have a lot of friends there and an exceptional fan club. As regards the GP itself, I aim to do a good race like I did last year. I have worked very hard with the team on the bike, none of us have rested for a second.”

His team-mate Makoto Tamada (Camel Honda RC211V) riding on Bridgestone tyres said, “I can’t wait to ride in Japan. I love Suzuka and this year there was no race, but at last the Motegi race has come around. I left straight from the Portuguese GP to spend a bit of time at home but now I’m eager to get out onto the track. The bike is going well and the tyres have improved considerably. My aim is to get a fantastic result in Japan.” He was cruelly disqualified from last year’s event after tangling with Gibernau.

Sete said, “I am staying focused on myself and am thinking about each race as an independent one. I cannot think about what track I like or which one is better for my RC211V because each race will be determined from the speed with which we are able to get the bike set up correctly. It will be important to know how to cope with the pressure and Valentino is very good at this. Until now he has been world champion, I have never before found myself in this situation, and with each day I learn to be a better rider and with me my team betters itself also.”

His team-mate Colin Edwards is fond of Motegi, “The atmosphere is good, and this year it will be the only MotoGP race in Japan so I think it will be a huge event. My favourite part of the track is the tunnel exit, you come our of it and you meet a series of 4 corners: right, left, right, left… It’s fun! And it’s a nice atmosphere here too. Some people don’t like to race in Japan, but I’ve raced at Suzuka many times and I love coming to Japan.”

Alex Barros (Repsol Honda RC211V) comes here after a podium finish in Portugal. “I like the track and I have very happy memories of the first time I rode a Honda RC211V there back in 2002 and won the race,” he said. “We arrive in Japan in good spirits after the race in Portugal. It was a very important race for me, and the end to a good weekend. There are now five races left and I approach every one the same as I have done all season. I want to do the best I can in every race. I’ve ridden for Honda for many years and I’ve won for them in 8-hour races and in Grands Prix and I know how important it is to win a home race for a manufacturer.”

Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) returns to racing after missing Portugal with a broken collarbone. “I’m really looking forward to getting back into action this weekend,” he said. “Portugal was so painful really. Not because of my collarbone, which now feels pretty good, but because it was so hard to see the guys out there, and me not being able to mix it. I like Motegi – the tunnels are cool – and want to look at the race as being the first race of the next part of the season. There have been some good parts to this year but it hasn’t gone totally to plan. I so want to finish the year on a high and I’ll be doing everything I can to make that happen.”

In the 250cc title fight Dani Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) leads with 209 points from Randy de Puniet on 182 and Sebastian Porto (Aprilia) with 173. Consistency is the key this year.

Pedrosa has finished every race but one, with four wins among those finishes. De Puniet has finished every race with one win, and four valuable second places. Porto has failed to finish twice. This title run-in could easily prove to be as tight and exhilarating as the premier class finale.

Dani said, “Motegi is one of my favourite circuits and the one I am most looking forward to out of all the remaining rounds this season. I like it because the track surface is perfect, there are no bumps, and it’s is a circuit with plenty of hard braking and acceleration. And I think Hiro on his home turf will be able to help me to get my references at the start.”

Hiroshi Aoyama (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team said, “Ever since I left home to start the season I’ve been looking forward to the Grand Prix of Japan. I will have all my family and friends there, it is a Honda circuit, where I have spent a lot of my career racing, and it won’t be a case of learning the circuit as it is at every other Grand Prix. It is also the most important race of the year for me.”

Tony Elias (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) currently lies fourth overall and is now back to form after winning in Portugal. “Motegi is one of my favourite race tracks – it suits my style – lots of tight corners where you brake hard going in and then get on the gas quickly coming out. Now I’m feeling more comfortable with the new chassis I know it will help me at Motegi. I can’t wait for the race. I have a good feeling about it and I have had success at Motegi before.” He won here last year.

Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) needs a strong result here. “Motegi is a strange place, the track has two parts. I really like the fast uphill corner and the chicane but many parts are not as technical and it’s a little difficult to pass in places. I had a good race here last year and if we get a reasonable set up I will make up for my bad day at Estoril.” Robby was tenth at Estoril and second to Elias here last year.

In the 125cc category Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) is the points leader, as he has been all season. He is the only Honda rider in the top ten of the World Championship standings. Julian Simon (Angaia Racing Honda RS125R) and Simone Corsi (Team Scot Honda RS125R) are 13th and 14th.

Dovizioso was cruelly robbed of a result in Portugal by a puncture from a screw on the track. “What happened to me at Estoril cannot be changed,” he said. “So I have to get the most out of Motegi. I’m very confident going to Japan it will be a good race for me. Our bike is very good now and particularly at a stop-go track like Motegi it has really good acceleration. That will be important on Sunday.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

While rain during this weekend’s AMA Superbike event at Virginia International Raceway, in Danville, Virginia, looks to be a certainty, according to weather forecasts for the area, remnants of Hurricane Ivan could cause serious problems for the event.

“Oh, yeah. I think we can count on some rain,” VIR spokesman John Gardner told Roadracingworld.com Tuesday. “According to the weather people, by the time it gets here it will be down to tropical depression size, so there won’t be that much wind. The question is going to be how much rain we get and how big the storm is and how much it will deteriorate once it gets over land.”

According to meteorologist Jeff Haniewich, in the Tuesday, September 14, online edition of the Danville Register Bee daily newspaper, “The current track from the National Hurriance Center has (Hurricane Ivan) making landfall Thursday morning near the Mobile (Alabama) or Biloxi (Mississippi) area and then coming towards southwest Virginia by Saturday. If this track comes true, then we should see lots of heavy rain, but there are still computer models that have the remnants pushing a little further west and that would take the torrential downpours towards Kentucky and Tennessee.”

Traditionally, hurricanes gradually lose their strength, dropping to “Tropical Storm,” “Tropical Depression” and finally thunderstorm strengths, according to measured wind speeds, after making landfall. These storms are still dangerous, however, producing extraordinary amounts of rain, which can cause flooding, the most dangerous part of a hurricane.

Tropical Storm Allison made landfall near Houston, Texas in 2001, skirted the Gulf Coast and traveled up the Eastern Seaboard, causing heavy flooding which killed 41 people over the 12-day life of the storm after it made landfall, according to the National Hurricane Center.

VIR is located within a few hundred yards of the Dan River, which, according to the National Weather Service’s Significant River Flood Outlook, is currently categorized in “occurring/imminent” flood status.

“We’re watching it close. Every weather report we get seems to be a little bit better. It has it arriving a little bit later and further west. But even so, you know how these things work,” said Gardner.

Asked if the track had any contingency plans, Gardner said, “I’m not sure. We have another race scheduled two weeks after that, a big race (VIR 400 Grand Am auto race), and I imagine the track is booked the weekend in between (CCS Regional event). I really don’t know. That’s between the track and the AMA. I haven’t been privy to any such conversations.”

Phone calls to VIR General Manager Cal Frye and AMA Pro Racing Superbike Series Manager Ron Barrick had not been returned at post time.

Of all of the racetracks on the AMA Superbike series, VIR is one of the most compatible with racing motorcycles in the rain. Heavy rain, however, could cause standing water in the corners too deep to ride through or visibility problems for riders and safety workers.

From a press release:

Hayes Diversified Technologies (HDTUSA) Sets Two Land Speed Records for Diesel Motorcycles at International Speed Trials

The World’s First Purpose-Built Production Diesel Motorcycles Win Big at Henry Ford’s Speed Course at Bonneville Speedway

HESPERIA, CA – Hayes Diversified Technologies (HDTUSA), the world’s first purpose-built production diesel motorcycle engine manufacturer, set two land speed records at the International Motorcycle Speed Trails, held at Bonneville, September 6-10, 2004. One motorcycle with a normally aspirated, production military spec diesel engine set a record at 85.466 miles per hour, while the second motorcycle, using an identical engine fitted with a turbocharger established an average record speed of 91.286 miles per hour.

This was the first annual International Motorcycle Speed Trials sponsored by BUB. Sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM), bikes participating were eligible for World records (FIM) or National records (AMA), the first time such an FIM-affiliated event has been held in Bonneville since the 1990s.

“We cannot be more pleased with the performance of our diesel motorcycles,” exclaims Fred Hayes, CEO/President of HDTUSA who also rode the bikes. “It’s been a long, hard road, with many detractors saying it couldn’t be done. But, with the help of a few, dedicated individuals that believed in the project, we made it happen.”

Immediately following the record setting runs on the diesel motorcycles, both bikes were torn down for AMA official’s inspection. Both passed with room to spare. Now the 30-day waiting period begins as the “unofficial” scores are reviewed and given the “official” stamp of approval.

The conditions at Bonneville Speedway, located in western Utah, were tough—the salt was wet and running slow. Average speeds were down significantly according to AMA officials. The first two days of the Speed Trials were nothing more than hurry up and wait for the sun to dry approximately a sixteenth of an inch of water that glazed the track.

HDTUSA has been focused on the off-road performance of their military motorcycles and the chance to run the new diesel fueled motorcycles at Bonneville has offered an opportunity for additional R&D.

“I believe that both of these diesel motorcycles can achieve much higher speeds,” says Hayes. “We were able to run them in conditions not normally associated with our military requirements, and have a much better idea of what is needed to go fast at Bonneville”

Bonneville’s history is quite interesting and the speedway is known for its gremlins. In fact, it’s been said by riders that “Murphy” (as in Murphy’s Law) lives in the hills on the western side of the course. For the HDTUSA team’s Bonneville experience, Murphy was on vacation this week as the bikes performed flawlessly and the only maintenance required was the removal of accumulated salt from the bike and rider. HDTUSA is currently under contract from the United States Marine Corps to supply up to 500 combat diesel motorcycles.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Wesley Good wrapped up the 2004 Central Roadracing Association (CRA) overall Championship September 11 at Brainerd International Raceway, in Brainerd, Minnesota, according to a press release.

Good accumulated 248 points more than his closest Championship challenger.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., USA:



The 2005 R6 is available in Team Yamaha Blue/White, Rapid Red, and Raven (pictured).

NEW FOR 2005

• Engine upgrades in the form of 40mm throttle bodies, revised fuel injection and ignition maps, new camshafts and intake funnels, etc., all result in a 3-horsepower increase at the same rpm as before with more power across the board.
• New, fully adjustable inverted fork with 41mm tubes further reinforces R6’s main strength: precise handling. New, cast top triple clamp and forged lower clamp also increase rigidity, and work with revised handlebar positioning.
• To complement the new fork, the rear section of the Deltabox III main frame was revised internally to work with revised swingarm linkage and mounts for improved handling.
• Lighter, 310mm front brake discs replace 298mm units. New radial-mount four-piston calipers and radial master cylinder provide greater braking power and feel.
• 120/70-ZR17 front tire replaces previous 120/60-ZR17 for improved handling.
• Twin, ring-type radiator fans are now used to ensure optimal engine cooling.
• Revised headlight lens and revised under-cowl for even better style.

2005 Model Features

ENGINE

• Ultra-compact, lightweight, 600cc DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder puts out 123 horsepower.
• Competition-bred suction-piston-type fuel injection features short intake ports and a special vacuum-controlled intake system to ensure instant throttle response all the way up to the 15,500-rpm redline.
• Compact slant-block engine design uses stacked gearbox shafts to create a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution.
• Ram-Air Induction System delivers cool, high-pressure air for optimal combustion and greater horsepower at high speed.
• Lightweight forged pistons on carburized connecting rods for superb strength and reduced reciprocating mass.
• Linerless, ceramic-composite cylinder bores mean greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced friction.
• Close-ratio 6-speed transmission delivers seamless power and maximum acceleration.
• Special three-axis gearbox design stacks input/output shafts to keep overall engine size to super-compact dimensions.
• Curved radiator follows the contour of the frame and bodywork for an ultra-sleek look and excellent cooling performance.
• Specially designed, one-piece cylinder and crankcase assembly provides superior engine rigidity and light weight.
• Engine is a fully stressed chassis member to allow for a super-light frame design.
• Compact, large-capacity clutch ensures consistent, fade-free performance.
• Rifle-bored camshafts with specially designed valve lifters and computer-perfected timing for reduced spinning mass and quicker acceleration.
• Large-capacity internal water pump and separate liquid-cooled oil cooler ensure optimal engine cooling efficiency.
• 4-into-2-into-1 aluminum exhaust optimizes engine performance, reduces overall weight and is tucked in high for maximum lean angle.
• Direct ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and high-output magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION:

• Radical Deltabox IlI aluminum chassis is light, stiff and extremely compact for razor-sharp handling.
• Controlled Fill die casting produces an incredibly sleek swingarm that is remarkably strong and light by pinpointing exactly where material needs to be. Pivot position and swingarm length (576mm) are optimized for great traction feel.
• Fully adjustable (preload, compression and rebound damping) piggyback rear shock with 4.7″ of travel delivers exceptional rear wheel tracking and stability.
• Removable CF die cast rear subframe is light and strong.
• Super-light five-spoke 17″ wheels reduce unsprung weight; the casting technique makes the rim section light, not to mention wickedly cool-looking.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

• Durable, lightweight, aluminum clip-on bars provide optimal vibration damping.
• Narrow 4.5-gallon fuel tank provides excellent rider ergonomics and aggressive seating position.
• Multi-function digital and analog instrumentation features: programmable shift light, digital speedometer, analog tachometer, dual tripmeters with miles-on-reserve function, odometer, water temp gauge and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals.
• Dual Gatling beam 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlight features a sleek profile for superb aerodynamics and visibility.
• Dual LED taillight design reduces both weight and size while providing excellent visibility and a sleek profile.
• Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.

AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

• Please see accessory literature for availability of GYTR products and apparel or go to yamaha-motor.com.

From a press release issued by Mat Mladin Imports:

FERGUSSON CONFIRMS SUPERBIKE & SUPERSPORT TITLES AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Joe Rocket’s Adam ‘Krusty’ Fergusson confirmed his position as Australia’s best in 2004 becoming the first rider to win both the Australian Superbike and Supersport Championships in the one season.

The results came at the seventh and final round of this years Australian Superbike Championship, held at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, amid some of the worst weather conditions that south east Victoria had suffered in many months.

It caps off a sensational year not only for the likeable Victorian but for sponsors Joe Rocket and Jardine, both of which were making their debut in the Australian racing scene.

Joe Rocket launched into the Australian market, supporting five of Australia’s foremost riders – Adam Fergusson, Josh Brookes, Jason O’Halloran, Damien Cudlin and Brendan Clarke and have celebrated many successes along the way.

While Fergusson celebrates his Superbike and Supersport triumphs, his Castrol Honda teammate Josh Brookes will also be remembered for his stunning World Supersport race win at Phillip Island in March, gaining global recognition for himself, his team and his sponsors.

The pair were a formidable combination in the opening half of the season, but unfortunately Brookes’ run at the front ended prematurely when he suffered season ending injuries to his pelvis in a crash at the West Australian round of the championship

The year has also been equally successful for Performance Exhaust manufacturer Jardine who as a team sponsor of Castrol Honda have been pleased to be involved in every aspect of the team’s success in 2004.

The weekend at Phillip Island proved to be more of a handful than many would have liked or expected. Weather conditions threatened to cause turmoil throughout the weekend, but the event organisers were able to get through their packed program.

Fergusson’s chances of celebrating on a high note, were taken a step back after he was highsided from his Superbike at ‘The Hayshed’ section of the circuit, a flat out in fourth gear right hand sweeper. He suffered a fractured heel in the fall, but hopes to be fully fit to parade his #1 plate at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix support races in October.

“It was a pretty big fall and I was happy in a way that it did happen in race two and not race one for the sake of the championship,” said Fergusson. “It ended up being one of those weekend’s where you wanted to get in there and then get out unfortunately. It was good to go in and wrap up the championship finally. It was a disappointing. After wrapping up the championship in race one, I made a point in my head that I was going to do what we had done earlier in the year and go out and win. The first part of the second Superbike race I did just that and started to pull away when it was red flagged. And then in the restart I crashed, so they stopped that and declared the race after the opening stint, so I still got the race win which was good. It wasn’t the way I wanted to finish the season, but we’ve got the number one plates on each bike, so all is good.”

Fergusson announced that he will carry the #1 plates in 2005 and that he will remain with the official Honda team for the next three years.


More, from a press release issued by Nikon Yamaha:

Victorious Season Finale For

Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team


The Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team finished the final round of the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championships at Phillip Island (September 10-12) in the best possible way as Shannon Johnson took out the overall victory on the day.

Scoring a win, and a pair of second places, Shannon consolidated his second overall in the title, an extremely impressive result for the year considering that after his first meeting on the dynamic Yamaha YZF-R1 at Eastern Creek back in March he was in ninth position overall.

It was a remarkable achievement considering the atrocious conditions that the meeting was conducted in, as freezing gale force winds, rain and even hail lashed the picturesque southern Victorian circuit for three days sending the meeting into total confusion, the weather at one stage threatening to ruin the entire event.

“It has certainly been an up and down year,” explained Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager, Steve Trinder, ” but overall it has been very successful with Shannon securing second in the championship and Daniel maintaining his fourth place although he didn’t compete on the weekend.”

In recent rounds Shannon has been at the head of the leader board from the opening moments of practice and the situation on the weekend was no different, as he was the one to catch in the early lap times.

Shannon also had the added responsibility of being the only representative for the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team in the Superbike class as his teammate Daniel Stauffer was unable to compete, still recovering from another operation to the shoulder that he originally damaged back in May.

Weather conditions deteriorated so much on Saturday that four hours of the timetable were lost as the flooded track was drained and resulted in the Superbike qualifying sessions being cancelled. Grid positions were taken from Friday’s practice with Shannon on pole but he was not awarded the customary championship point for recording the fastest time.

The opening Superbike race of the day started just after a downpour with tyre selection a bigger gamble than picking a Melbourne Cup winner. Some went for full wets, others for dry or intermediate tyres while the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team took the unusual step of selecting – and putting immense faith – in the Dunlop D208 treaded production tyre.



Having never ridden on the tyres before Shannon took a couple of laps to gain full confidence as he settled into second place by which time Shawn Giles (Suzuki) set up a winning lead. Incidentally Giles used the same tyre selection, proving the excellent performance of the production Dunlop tyres.

“The tyre choices were my decision, ” explained Trinder. “It was a very critical time and the choice of the treaded tyres was calculated as slicks would not be up to it and wet weather tyres would not have lasted.

“It was an exceptional result for Shannon who quickly gained confidence on what are basically road tyres as the handling characteristics are drastically different and Shannon had never ridden on them before whereas Giles had.”

The second race was decided under controversy. After four laps the red flag was brought out when the heavens opened yet again with Johnson in second battling for the lead.

By the time the race was restarted the sun reappeared briefly but after two laps the red flag was brought out again after the recently crowned champion Adam Fergusson crashed at the Hayshed while Johnson was in the lead. The officials then decided to classify results after the first stoppage and award half points with Fergusson being awarded the win, Johnson third and the team very bemused at the result as in the past aggregate times of both legs have decided the result.

Variable conditions still prevailed for the final race for the year and what an entertaining stoush it was as Johnson battled Daniel’s brother, Jamie Stauffer (Kawasaki) with the lead swapping numerous times until the final couple of laps where Johnson’s determination and the superiority of the Yamaha shone through to enable the 24-year-old Victorian to secure the day’s proceedings.

“The Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team has become stronger at every meeting as Shannon has become more in tune with the bike and the team,” Trinder said in his summing up of the season. “His results have improved and now he is considered one of the best Superbike riders in the country after he had been discarded and overlooked by many others at the end of last year. Shannon has repaid the faith that Yamaha and I showed in him and is now ready to take the next step in becoming an Australian Superbike champion.

“Sadly for Daniel he missed two rounds due to the injury and we can only think of what might have been had he been fit the entire year as he demonstrated at the opening round and in Queensland, when he was far from fit, what a class act he is as well.”

2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championships final pointscore after seven rounds:

1 A Fergusson (Honda) 344.5pts; 2 Shannon Johnson (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 306; 3 S Giles (Suzuki) 291; 4 Daniel Stauffer (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 215. 5 J Stauffer (Kawasaki) 212.5.

The next appearance for the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team is at the Express Post Australian Superbike support races at the Australian Grand Prix at Philip Island October 16-18


More, from a press release issued by John Pearson:

American Pearson grabs sixth place at Phillip Island’s Australian
Superbike Series Finale

American road racer John Pearson finished sixth overall in the Pro-Twins class during the final round of the Australian Superbike Series held September 10th-12th at Phillip Island Grand Prix Raceway in Southern Australia.

In characteristic Phillip Island fashion, the weather played a huge role during the three-day event. Cold temperatures, hail, heavy rain, and a temporarily flooded racetrack made it a very challenging weekend for everyone.

Riding the Doin’ Bikes Honda RC-51 at the track for the first time, John commented, “The weekend ended up great, but started terrible! I only got 5 laps during my practice session because of an exhaust canister that came loose and then I only managed 2 laps in qualifying when the rear cylinder cam-timing sensor broke. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy about starting last on the grid, but I was determined to make the best of it.” Because of the problems in qualifying, John was forced to start from the fourth and final row of the grid for all three, six-lap Pro-Twins races.

Race one lined up late Saturday afternoon in wet conditions, and after a great start and some determined riding, John charged through the field to finish a very respectable fifth place. “The track was really wet, but there was plenty of grip, so I just put my head down and tried to make up as many places as possible before the finish. I wished the race was longer because my last lap was my fastest and I was closing in on the leaders.”

Sunday brought bright sunshine and patchy rain, making quick tire changes the order of the day. “I swapped back and forth between wets and slicks four times on Sunday. It wouldn’t have been so bad if the track stayed wet, but it was drying so fast that leaving the wets on would have been a big mistake.” John said.

All the weather predictions went out of the window during race two. The race started dry, but rain began to fall on parts of the track on lap 4 of 6, with John, and most of the other riders caught out on slicks. Displaying excellent wet riding skills, John was able to overtake three additional riders in the final two laps to finish in fifth place once again.

Race three was ran in full dry conditions and after recovering from a less than perfect start, John worked his way up to a respectable seventh on the final lap, but was outrun on the dash to the checkered flag by another rider and relegated to eighth. “I ran medium compound slicks front and rear, but they never really felt like they came in during the race, so I probably should have chosen a softer tire for the cool conditions. Overall though, I am really happy with my performances for the weekend.”

With his temporary ride on the Doin’ Bikes RC-51 coming to a close, John is looking for support for the Australian National Series in 2005. “I really liked racing in the Pro-Twins class, so to get something to ride in that class next year would really be great, but I’m keeping all of my options open right now.”

From a press release issued by CCS:

StarNet’s VoiceEclipse to Sponsor (another) CCS Race in Mid-West Region

Palatine, IL — StarNet, Inc., one of the largest wholesale dialup and VoIP providers in the United States is proud to be a sponsor of Championship Cup Series, providing additional purse money incentives for several of the Championship Cup Series Sanctioned races at Blackhawk Farms throughout the weekend of September 18-19. On behalf of the Wegman Benefit Fund, StarNet’s VoiceEclipse will add $1000 each to the prize purses of the CCS Expert Middleweight Grand Prix, the Expert Thunderbike, the Expert Heavyweight Supersport, and the Expert Middleweight Superbike races.


In addition StarNet’s VoiceEclipse will pay another $1000 for the following: $200 to the 1st Lap Leader in Expert Middleweight Grand Prix, $200 to the top Expert Unlimited Grand Prix qualifier, $100 to 10th place in Expert Middleweight Supersport, a $250 top-three purse split in Amateur Lightweight Superbike and Amateur Middleweight Superbike. There will also be a $250 “Hat-Trick” bonus for any Expert rider that wins all three Unlimited Grand Prix, Middleweight Grand Prix, and Middleweight Supersport main events.

With these contributions, StarNet continues it’s 10-year record of support through its association with the Wegman Benefit Fund and contributions to the Air Fence Fund. StarNet CEO Russ Intravartolo has been racing competitively for many years and is excited to expand StarNet’s commitment to the race community.

Company representatives will be on hand at the CCS events September 18-19 to discuss VoiceEclipse, a new service offering which made its debut in Chicago and several other US markets over the summer. VoiceEclipse uses the power of the internet to route local and long distance phone calls through any broadband connection, and offers consumers the chance to enjoy tremendous savings over traditional phone services.

StarNet has drawn upon their years of experience managing an IP network to launch this service, which allows anyone with a broadband internet connection to make and receive all their phone calls no matter where they travel, and bring advanced features and top-notch support with them. Features include Call Forwarding, Call Blocking, fax-over-internet, and a versatile voice mail system, to name just a few.

About StarNet
With one of the largest wholesale 56K V.90 and ISDN networks in the United States, StarNet, Inc. is one of the most prominent ISPs of its time. Since 1995, StarNet, Inc. has been building MegaPOP: a reliable, cutting-edge network for Internet access aggregation throughout the U.S. with more than 2,800 access locations, covering over 90% of the US population.

VoiceEclipse is StarNet’s newest service: a broadband telephone service which bypasses the traditional phone company and uses StarNet’s internet infrastructure to deliver voice and fax services. For more information, visit the VoiceEclipse table at the event, call toll-free to 1-866-444-0794, or sign up online at www.voiceeclipse.