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.

From a press release issued by KTM:

990 SUPERDUKE (SERIES MODEL):

Lighter, more agile and aggressive than everything else being on two wheels ever before. The KTM 990 Superduke is not less than a radical advance in building motorcycles and a redefinition of the category “naked bike”. The 990 Superduke is a motorcycle without compromise, defined through extremely agile handling, innovative technology and an independent, brand-characteristic design.
Primarily she is the absolute and offensively demonstrated commitment to the passion motorcycle.

950 SUPERMOTO (PRE-SERIES MODEL):

As the first manufacturer of motorcycles KTM launches a large-displacement 2-cylinder Supermoto. Therewith KTM demonstrates again its leading position in the Supermoto segment and points up the theme leadership for the brand.

990 RC8 (DEVELOPMENT LEVEL P1):

For the RC8, we brought our riders to the design table as well as the best technicians and designers. Our aim: The ultimate weapon for am-bitious street-fighters. That means: A radical concentration of its mass around the compact 75° V2. Innovative details are everywhere: The seat is the tank, keeping fuel at the machine’s centre of gravity. Dry sump lubrication allows the entire exhaust system to sit precisely where it has the least influence on dynamics. Directly under the engine. The fairing is designed to produce: The least possible crosswind drag. The result: No crosswind oscillation, spell-binding agility, and aggres-sive steering ability.
(Planned start of production 2007)

990 RC8 VENOM (CONCEPT BIKE):

The RC8 Venom is a study based on the revolutionary concept of the RC8. She is definitely and clearly designed as a naked bike and thus a specific interpretation of the RC8 form language, whereas also technically widely based on the RC8.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA CHEVROLET SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP, AMA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS POSTPONED

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 14, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing today announced the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship event at Virginia International Raceway and AMA Supermoto Championship event at South Boston Speedway scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to complications related to Hurricane Ivan.

AMA Pro Racing is continuing discussions with both Virginia International Raceway and South Boston Speedway regarding possible make-up dates.

The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship race at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, currently remains scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19.

From a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin:

LANZI AND BUSSEI TEAM UP FOR AMA FINALE AT VIR

Alton (Virginia) – September 14, 2004: Italians Lorenzo Lanzi and Giovanni Bussei will team up with Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin for the season finale at the AMA Superbike race at Virginia International Raceway this weekend. The two races at the 2.25 mile (3.62 km) road course will wrap up the 2004 season, which saw the return of a full factory-supported Ducati team to the American series.

Eric Bostrom suffered shoulder and rib injuries from a high-speed crash at Road Atlanta that will force him to miss the final round. “It’s really disappointing to miss this race, but after visiting with Dr. Ting, it became clear that it wouldn’t be safe to ride so soon,” explained the 27-year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada. “We’ll be visiting him again next week to see which direction we need to go to quickly get the shoulder up to full strength. And I’m still going to be in Virginia to meet with fans and support the team, Ducati, and all of our partners.”

Ducati Corse’s factory World Supersport rider Lorenzo Lanzi has visited the Virginia track once before during a test session in August. The 22-year-old from Cesena, Italy, currently sixth in the World Supersport points table, is excited about his AMA debut.

“I’m feeling really good about the AMA race – hopefully we can get a good result,” declared Lanzi. “I like the VIR track a lot. It’s a beautiful place, full of ups and downs and very safe. The bike is going well and in the couple of tests I’ve done, I’ve gone well with the Michelins. My rivals out on the track will be different, but this race is a new stimulus for me as I will be up against some really strong riders.”

World Superbike veteran Giovanni Bussei is no stranger to the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team, having raced with them in the latter half of the 2003 season. Bussei was poised for a podium finish last year at VIR when he mistook the penultimate lap’s waving white flag (not used in European racing) combined with a checkered flag in the background, as signaling the end of the race. The Turin-born Italian rider, who will celebrate his 32nd birthday on Wednesday, is looking forward to working again with some familiar faces.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to Ducati for giving me the chance to race the AMA season finale. It’s really great to be going back for this race as part of the factory Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team,” commented Bussei, who returned to World Superbike at Brands Hatch with a private Ducati 998RS after racing the first half of the season in World Supersport.

“Last year I had some good races with the 998, including this one at Virginia, but this will be a new experience for me with the 999. I rode the bike for the first time last week at Mugello and I feel pretty sure I can get a good result for the team at VIR.”

The Circuit

One of the earlier permanent American road racing courses built, Virginia International Raceway held its first event in 1957, hosting an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) race. Although it was well-received by racers, the track eventually fell on hard times during the 70’s fuel crisis and was closed down in 1974. The track was reopened in 2000 after extensive changes, with professional auto and motorcycle racing now adding the challenging track to their schedules.


POINTS: 1. Mladin 532; 2. Zemke 490; 3. Duhamel 477; 4. B Bostrom 364; 5. May 344; 6. E Bostrom 336; etc.

From a press release issued by Dorna:

MotoGP heads east for the Camel Grand Prix of Japan

The MotoGP World Championship heads into its crucial final stage this weekend with the first of four ‘flyaway’ races in five weeks, the Camel Grand Prix of Japan at Motegi. The elite of motorcycle racing and their prototype machines will head from Japan to Qatar, Malaysia and Australia before returning to European shores at the end of October for the sixteenth and final round of the season at Valencia. It is a decisive spell for the fate of the title, which currently looks destined to remain in the hands of its current proprietor, Valentino Rossi.

Rossi’s sixth victory of the season at the last round in Portugal swings his winning record to over 50% from the first eleven races, a ratio which shows no sign of relenting as the Yamaha factory make their final push for a title they haven’t won since 1992. During a day of tests at the Estoril circuit after the race, Rossi reported positive results from a new exhaust system imported from Japan, a weapon they look certain to use this weekend as they battle for superiority at the home of their great rivals Honda.

Honda also provided their main title hope, Sete Gibernau, with a new exhaust system recently but the Spaniard chose not to use it, preferring to approach the crucial final few races of the season on a machine he has already taken three victories with this season. Having also stayed on for tests at Estoril, Gibernau heads to Japan on the back of key set-up improvements to his Honda RC211V as he looks to cut back a 29-point gap to Rossi at the top of the standings.

The main rivals to Gibernau’s chances this weekend, however, could come from his own factory colleagues. Makoto Tamada and Alex Barros both took potential points from Gibernau in Portugal, relegating him to fourth place as they took the final two podium positions behind Rossi, and both have strong records at this circuit. Tamada was disqualified from last year’s race and was denied what would have been his maiden podium after clashing with Gibernau in third place, whilst Barros took victory on his first ever ride aboard the RC211V at this track in 2002.

Tamada, in particular, will be looking to avenge last year’s decision and arrives at his home Grand Prix on the back of a great run of form. Since his win at Rio in round seven, Tamada has been second only to Rossi in terms of points scored and will look to consolidate his growing reputation with a second victory of the season in front of a passionate local crowd.

Fellow Honda rider Nicky Hayden, who was handed his first ever podium thanks to Tamada’s disqualification last year, is back after missing the action in Portugal with a broken collarbone, whilst Shane Byrne has also confirmed he will return to the Aprilia fold after recovering from a broken wrist sustained in a practice crash at Brno four weeks ago. There is no such good news for Proton Team KR, however, with Kurtis Roberts expected to miss the next two races after undergoing an operation on his own broken wrist.

Meanwhile, Tohru Ukawa will return to MotoGP action for the first time since the end of the 2003 season, riding an updated version of the RC211V as a wildcard entry for Honda. Ukawa will be joined on track by former 250cc World Champion Olivier Jacque, who also departed the MotoGP scene at the end of last season, riding the Moriwaki.

Max Biaggi’s aspirations of winning the title virtually ended when he crashed out on the first lap at Portugal. However, the Italian escaped uninjured and is scheduled to make a record 180th consecutive Grand Prix start at Motegi, where he went from pole to victory one year ago. Biaggi’s compatriot Marco Melandri also makes a milestone appearance this weekend, clocking up 100 Grand Prix starts since his debut in 1997. The Yamaha rider recorded his best MotoGP finish of last season at Motegi, charging from nineteenth on the first lap to fifth by the end of the race.

Dani Pedrosa won the 125cc race from pole position in 2002 and was set for a repeat last year before suffering mechanical problems on the 16th lap. The Spanish youngster will be hoping for a smooth ride this time around after problems with wet weather and a punctured tyre in the last two races have seen his lead at the top of the 250cc World Championship shrink to 27 points over Randy de Puniet.

Pedrosa’s plight to impress Honda bosses and take another step towards the quarter-litre title will be under threat by factory colleagues this weekend. Toni Elias returned to form with the seventh 250cc victory of his career at Estoril, two of his previous success coming in the past two seasons at Motegi, meaning only Ralf Waldmann has taken more victories in the class without having won the title. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Aoyama will be looking to challenge for his first victory of the season having impressed as a wildcard rider at Motegi last year, when he finished fifth ahead of Yuki Takahashi, who also races this weekend.

Andrea Dovizioso finished third at Motegi last year, just three tenths of a second behind the victorious Hector Barberá, but is coming under pressure from the Spaniard for the title this time around after failing to finish a race for the first time all season at Portugal. With Barberá taking his third win of the season in the same race, the Italian’s lead at the top of the championship now stands at just 20 points.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING STATEMENT REGARDING HURRICANE IVAN

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 14, 2004) — Due to Hurricane Ivan and its anticipated effects on the mainland United States, AMA Pro Racing is in conversation with various event promoters regarding the possibility of postponing this weekend’s AMA Pro Racing events.

Events potentially affected by the category five storm include the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., the AMA Supermoto Championship at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va., and the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship race at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio.

A final determination of this weekend’s scheduled events could be announced as early as Tuesday evening.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racers Samantha Cotter and Mark Johnson were married in Spring Lake, New Jersey on September 11, 2004.

From a press release issued by Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:

ROSSI AND CHECA BEGIN THEIR GRAND TOUR OF THE EAST

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Carlos Checa, leading forces in the ever-growing MotoGP circus, now leave the European arena behind in their quest for their next haul of championship points, starting at Motegi in Japan. The Japanese Grand Prix, the lone event in Yamaha’s home country this season due to safety modifications being carried out at Suzuka, kicks off an Asian and Middle Eastern run of MotoGP events over the next few weeks. Formerly known as the Pacific GP, Motegi has taken over Suzuka’s formal title as the Japanese Grand Prix.

After Rossi’s sixth win of the year at the recent Estoril round and a positive post-race test in readiness for the end of season intercontinental races, the whole Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team approaches the Motegi event with high expectations. Rossi, winner of the last three World Championships in the MotoGP class, has adapted to the Yamaha YZR-M1 in a spectacularly successful manner, winning the season opener at Welkom, and following it up with additional victories at Mugello, Barcelona, Assen, Donington and now Estoril. His most recent triumph gave him an impressive and significant 29 point lead, as his main championship rival Sete Gibernau could only finish fourth overall in Portugal.

After a positive Estoril result for Rossi’s team-mate Carlos Checa, in both race and post-event test sessions, the 31-year-old London resident approaches the final flyaway races with genuine prospects for improving his championship position of sixth, before the season concludes in his native Spain in Valencia on 31 October.

Rossi’s win at Estoril was his 39th in the premier class and his 65th Grand Prix victory overall, a remarkable achievement for a 25-year-old rider who took both the 125cc and 250cc World Championship crowns before his move to the premier class in the 2000 season.




ROSSI STRONGER THAN EVER

Having improved his win average for the season to over 50% of all races, Rossi has every reason to feel confident in his and his team’s abilities as Motegi approaches. London-resident Rossi, born in the Marche region of Italy, fully realises the importance of this race, held in front of all the Japanese factory personnel. He is nonetheless encouraged by the results of the recent Estoril test, where small changes to his YZR-M1 gave him slightly more fulsome and smoother bottom range power.

“Each remaining race is really important now we’re heading towards the end of the season,” said Rossi. “Motegi will be really important and may be the hardest race for us. It’s a Honda track and they will have an extra wildcard rider there. It will be quite difficult to beat everyone but I will try. Acceleration is the big requirement at Motegi; there are three 5th gear straights and one 6th gear. Hopefully we will find the horsepower we need.”

Motegi, although impressive in scale and build quality, is not a classic circuit in Rossi’s eyes. “It’s not one of my favourite tracks but I will give it my best go,” stated Valentino. “The flyaways are more difficult anyway because Europe feels more like you’re at home, you have your motorhome there, also I have the Yamaha truck where I get changed, and you have all your own equipment. The flyaways are less homely; you feel a bit more alone.”

Rossi’s ultimate aim is still to be isolated at the very top of the championship table come late October, but knows it may take that long for the title to be decided. “I still think it’s possible that the championship could be decided at the last race, but for sure it would be better if not!”

Rossi’s pre-race thoughts once more turn to how to overcome his competitors in Motegi and especially extend his lead over his main championship competitor. “The Estoril victory was really important because Gibernau seemed to be so strong at the Czech Grand Prix,” affirmed Rossi. “There were five Honda bikes in the first five places at the Motegi race last year, so it will be quite hard for us there. But everyone in the team wants that victory so we’ll go for it!”




CHECA ANTICIPATES A NEW DAWN
Motegi appears to suit the riding style of Carlos Checa, a fact that he himself brings to the fore. “I like Motegi a lot, especially when I’m in front!” stated Carlos. “It’s a good track and I prefer it to many of the other flyaway races. Many people don’t like it, but I think it’s well organised, very safe and with good accommodation and facilities. I enjoy the flyaway races because they are calmer than European ones. I will be able to catch up with some reading on the plane and try to prepare myself for the time difference so I won’t suffer too badly from jet lag.”

Of the track layout itself, Checa explained the nuances. “There are some good braking sections on the circuit and I think that this is where we will have the advantage with the M1,” he said. “The bike has been good there in the past. We may need more acceleration but we might have something extra by then. The track has good grip, so this will help me and give me confidence. Front traction is important at this circuit.”

“Our mid-level range is quite good,” said Checa of his YZR-M1. “Tyre consistency should not be a problem there. We’re quite good on braking, and all in all I find it a reasonable track. Because there’s only one Japanese race this year, I think there is going to be a bit of extra pressure on everyone to perform well. I’m quite confident however that we can stay up front and fight for a podium there.”


DAVIDE BRIVIO – GAULOISES FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM DIRECTOR
With his riders both improving their points scores, and seeing Checa jump a place in the championship ranking at Estoril, Davide Brivio has many reasons to be satisfied with the Factory team’s push on all fronts. After a positive test at Estoril after the race, Brivio had time to reflect on the championship positions on the eve of an expansive overseas trek.

“I don’t think we ever imagined we would be ahead in the championship as we are now, we have just tried to approach it step by step,” he stated. “Now we’re at a crucial moment. We’re 29 points ahead but there could be some tracks coming up that we have difficulties at, it’s easy to make mistakes and lose points.”

The first hurdle, Motegi, is just one of a number of challenges to be overcome during the countdown to the end of the season. “We know Motegi can be very hard, Qatar is an unknown, we’ve had some good experience in Sepang and Phillip Island earlier this year, Valencia could be a tough one. It’s too early to know how we’ll do.”



Of the two-day test after the Estoril round Brivio commented, “The test was again a good use of time as Yamaha brought some new parts for both riders which made a small positive difference, and both Valentino and Carlos move on to the flyaways with confidence. Valentino tested a new prototype exhaust which everyone agreed worked well, improving the engine characteristic at bottom range. He will not use it in Motegi but Yamaha will try to reintroduce it before the end of the season. We definitely made progress at that test which might help us where acceleration is especially important, for example at Motegi.”



TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
Now in its fifth year of inclusion in the MotoGP calendar, Motegi has matured into a challenging fixture. It has outstanding quality of build and facilities, although the tremendous paddock is not quite matched by the intricacies and character of a somewhat geometric circuit layout.

A bump-free surface offers good levels of grip without being particularly abrasive, but the proliferation of second gear turns, linked for the most part by mini-drag strips, means braking and acceleration are the main prerequisite to a fast lap time, and consistency the key to a good race.

With many opportunities to accelerate from relatively slow speed at Motegi, the recent Estoril tests concentrated the Yamaha engineers’ efforts on improvements in throttle response from low revs and boosting mid-range power, a combination to allow the best possible corner exits.

A similar set-up to the hard-braking and hard accelerating required at Le Mans will be needed at Motegi, tailored to the particular nature of the Japanese track, which does enjoy some changes of elevation. The fast approach to the 90° Corner, followed by hard downhill braking and then a mini complex of corners, is often the final arbiter on who wins any Motegi race.

Balance and stability under braking are the keys at Motegi and with both Yamaha Factory riders inside the top four at the similar Le Mans track this year, Motegi could offer the prospect of improvements over recent Yamaha results at Honda’s home track.


VALENTINO ROSSI: INFORMATION
Age: 25
Lives: London, UK
Bike: Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1
GP victories: 65 (26 X MotoGP, 13 X 500cc, 14 X 250cc, 12 X 125cc)
First GP victory: Czech Republic, 1996 (125cc)
First GP: Malaysia, 1996 (125cc)
GP starts: 135 (43 x MotoGP, 32 x 500cc, 30 x 250cc, 30 x 125cc)
Pole positions: 34
2003 results (Honda): Grid: 3rd, Motegi Race: 2nd

CARLOS CHECA: INFORMATION
Age: 31
Lives: London, UK
Bike: Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1
GP victories: 2 (500cc)
First GP victory: Catalunya, 1996 (500cc)
First GP: Europe, 1993 (125cc)
GP starts: 163 (43 x MotoGP, 92 x 500cc, 27 x 250cc, 1 x 125cc)
Pole positions: 2 (1 x MotoGP, 1 x 500cc)
First pole: Spain, 1998 (500cc)
Motegi 2003 results (Yamaha): Grid: 7th, Race: DNF

Motegi MotoGP lap record –
Valentino Rossi (Honda): 1:48.885 (2003)

Circuit best lap –
Max Biaggi (Honda): 1:47.696 (2003)