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)

From a press release issued by FG Sport Group:

Open Paddock and Minimotard challenge

Great fun on Thursday 23rd September at the Imola Circuit. A great opportunity for all the fans to meet the riders and visit the Paddock and the garages free of charge.

The riders from Superbike, Supersport, and Superstock will be available for an autograph session that will take place in the SBK Paddock Show, located in the centre of the paddock. All Teams will also be available in either their Hospitality Unit and/or Pit Garages to meet/greet the public.

At the end of the Autograph Session Superbike Italia and FGSPORT have organised a Minimotard challenge: riders, TV journalists, team managers and SBK fans (drawn during the Open Paddock) will ride minimotard in an exciting competition.

Autograph Session Schedule

Thursday, September 23rd from 3.00pm to 6.00pm

3.00pm – 3.15pm
(STK)Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni: Lorenzo Alfonsi/ Gianluca Vizziello
(STK)Suzuki Alstare Corono Extra: Riccardo Chiarello
(STK)Celani Team – Suzuki Italia: Ilario Dionisi
(STK)MNR Racing: Fabrizio De Noni

3.15pm – 3.30pm
(STK)Rox Racing Team: Alessandro Polita/ William De Angelis
(STK) Team PSG-1 Corse: Christian Dal Corso
(STK) EVR Corse Biassono Racing Team: Ayrton Badovini
(STK) Team Ormeni Racing: Luca Scassa
(STK) FbC Racing – Spamoto: Alessandro Brannetti

3.30pm – 3.40pm
(SBK) Team PSG-1 Corse: Pier Francesco Chili

3.40pm – 3.55pm
(SBK) Ducati Fila: Regis Laconi/James Toseland
(WSS)Team Ducati Breil: Lorenzo Lanzi
(SBK)Team Pedercini: Lucio Pedercini/ Gianluca Nannelli

3.55pm – 4.10pm
(SBK) Ten Kate Honda: Chris Vermeulen
(WSS)Ten Kate Honda: Karl Muggeridge/Broc Parkes
(SBK)Team XEROX Ducati: Garry McCoy/Miguel Praia

From a press release issued by Hobbs Racing:

HOBBS UNDERGOES SURGERY

British Superbike Cup rider Dennis Hobbs has today undergone surgery in a bid to rectify broken vertebrae in his neck that he injured during testing just over five weeks ago.

The 22 year old from Guisborough, Cleveland endured a six and a half hour operation in order to stabilise the damage to his C7 and C8 neck vertebrae and his father John reported that the initial surgery had gone to plan.

“Dennis came out of the operating theatre just after 8pm tonight and as you would expect after such a major operation, he’s not quite with it. His neck is very swollen but he has feeling and movement in all of his limbs and he’s going to remain in the High Dependency Unit at Leeds General Infirmary for the next two days at least. Hopefully then we can ascertain as to whether everything is OK before we decide what the next step is.”

It is expected that Hobbs will be in hospital in Leeds for around two weeks although the Hobbs Racing Team will be at DoningtonPark this weekend to fulfil obligations to sponsors with hospitality etc.

“Before the operation, Dennis was asking if he could get a day pass for Donington so he could come along and see people but the doctors have assured him he’ll be staying put in Leeds!” said John who will be at Donington to report on progress.

The Hobbs Racing Team would like to thank everyone who has sent messages and cards and Dennis will be replying to them all as soon as he can.

From a press release issued by American Suzuki:

New Engine:

·Larger displacement 998.6cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine for increased power, torque and acceleration – includes several features to reduce friction and reciprocating mass
·Improved electronic fuel injection system features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) – maintains optimum air velocity in the intake tract for smooth low-to-mid rpm throttle response and high torque output – includes Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS)
·Compact double-barrel throttle body design with larger 52mm bores for improved power, plus narrower pitch between outer and inner bores – allows use of narrower airbox, fuel tank and bodywork to provide more room for rider’s knees/elbows
·Twin injectors per throttle body for improved throttle response and acceleration – primary injector operates under all conditions while secondary injector operates under high rpm/heavy load conditions to further increase engine output
·New cylinder head features larger 30mm intake and 24mm exhaust ports, plus smaller combustion chamber and higher 12.5 :1 compression ratio for high power output
·New Titanium intake and exhaust valves with larger 4.5mm stems for increased strength – valves are lighter overall permitting a 1000 rpm higher engine redline
·Lighter weight forged pistons featuring chrome-nitride coated upper compression and oil control rings to reduce friction and improve sealing
·New reinforced crankshaft and chrome-moly connecting rods, plus recalibrated balancer shaft for dependable high rpm operation
·Back-torque limiting clutch allows smoother downshifts, plus new rack and pinion operating system provides more positive clutch feel
·Closer transmission gear ratios for improved acceleration, plus redesigned shift forks for smoother shifting
·Larger trapezoidal-shaped radiator improves cooling capacity 17% without increasing frontal area, plus new compact cooling fan design further improves efficiency – system includes high-capacity radiator-type oil cooler
·New Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) – all titanium system designed and positioned to keep mass low and close to the centerline of the machine, plus decrease drag and increase cornering bank angle
·Suzuki Exhaust Tuning System (SET) regulates exhaust pressure waves to suit running conditions and maintain optimum engine torque
·ECM-controlled PAIR (Pulsed-AIR) system – operation based on throttle position and engine rpm to reduce HC, CO and NOx emissions
·New-design generator is more compact and supplies power to a lighter and shorter maintenance-free battery – ECM is also narrower and shorter for weight reduction

NEW CHASSIS:

·More compact overall chassis dimensions including shorter reach from seat to handlebars, lower footpegs, shorter/narrower fuel tank, 20mm lower seat height – all designed for improved rider comfort and mobility
·New wind-tunnel-developed bodywork with reshaped vertical headlights, repositioned ram-air ducts, plus turn signals integrated with mirrors and tail-section – reduces frontal area by 4% and drag by 5%
·Bright 55/65W headlight and reshaped taillight with new clear external lens
·Redesigned instrument cluster features an analog tach with rpm indicator, digital speedometer and new gear indicator – also includes LCD odometer-tripmeters, coolant temp., clock and EFI diagnostics
·All-new lightweight aluminum frame with combination cast and extruded spar construction for precisely calculated rigidity – frame design concentrates engine mass more toward the center of the machine for improved handling
·Braced aluminum swingarm is lighter weight with improved rigidity – right side arm is shaped to tuck in the exhaust for improved cornering clearance
·Fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork features Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coated stanchion tubes to reduce friction and improve response – includes cross-mounted steering damper
·Fully adjustable piggy-back shock absorber with more linear rate linkage system for improved suspension response and feedback
·Radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers with larger 310mm rotors and new radial-mount master cylinder for improved lever feel and feedback
·Bridgestone radial tires mounted on new cast aluminum wheels featuring redesigned, thinner spokes with optimized wall thickness to reduce unsprung weight

SPECIFICATIONS:

MSRP: $10,849.00
Engine: 998.6cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC
Warranty: 12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty.
Bore & Stroke: 73.4 x 59.0mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/transistorized
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Final Drive: #530 chain
Overall Length: 2030mm (80.0 in.)
Overall Width: 710mm (28.0 in.)
Overall Height: 1130mm (44.5 in.)
Seat Height: 810mm (31.9 in.)
Ground Clearance: 130mm (5.1 in.)
Wheelbase: 1405mm (55.3 in.)
Dry Weight: 166 kg (365 lbs.)
Suspension:
FRONT: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
REAR: Link-type, gas/oil-damped, fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Brakes:
FRONT: Dual hydraulic disc
REAR: Single hydraulic disc
Tires:
FRONT: 120/70-ZR-17
REAR: 190/50-ZR-17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 liter (4.8 gal.)
Color: Blue/White, Black/Gray, Black/Yellow

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy event in Nottingham

Carl Fogarty is to make a special one-off appearance at the Cabaret club in Nottingham.

The evening – An Audience with Carl Fogarty – will take place on Thursday, 7th October, 2004, with doors opening at 8pm.

Carl will be answering questions on all aspects of his life and career, as well as taking questions from the audience.

A competition will also be held on the night to win two free Club FPR membership packages, as well as FPR team shirts signed by the four-times World Superbike champ.

Tickets, costing £23.50, can be booked online at www.cabaret-nottingham.com or by telephone on 0115 941 3111.

The Cabaret club is situated at 22 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2FZ. Please note that this is not a FPR event.

From a press release issued by Pro Italia:

Glendale, CA – – Pro Italia, one of the nation’s top dealers of exotic Italian motorcycles such as Ducati and Aprilia, congratulates film star Eric Bana on his recent purchase of a Ducati 748RS from our Glendale showroom.

The 748RS was a no-nonsense factory replica race bike produced by the Bologna manufacturer. Produced in a very, very limited number and aimed at track use, it featured carbon bodywork, weight saving aluminum wheels and other hi-performance modifications. It was a highly developed branch of the legendary 916 family of sporting machines.

Eric Bana, on the other hand, is a highly successful actor who has had starring roles in “The Incredible Hulk” (2003), “Finding Nemo” (2003) and the epic “Troy” (2004) where he portrayed the warrior Hector. Recently rumors have appeared that link Mr. Bana as being considered to star as the next James Bond. In addition to all this, Eric Bana is also a motorcycle enthusiast as well as a competitor. The Ducati 748RS that he has purchased is ear-marked to be raced by him in Bana’s native Australia.

The tradition of motorcycle racing runs deep at Ducati and the 748RS is a symbol of this. Pro Italia congratulates Eric Bana on the purchase of his bike and wishes him “Buona fortuna!” in his upcoming race season.

From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

SETE GIBERNAU, CHASING FOR THE TITLE

With the Estoril race behind us the championship is now ready to move onto the next 4 overseas races: the circus will be doing quite a tour in the next five weeks. It’s stops will include Japan, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia and finally will return to Europe for the grand finale in Valencia, Spain on the 31st of October.


4 races in 5 weeks, between flights and jet lags riders, techs and mechanics stress tolerance will be put to the test. The goal is to not make mistakes because there is no chance to recuperate between these races. For those riders chasing the title each race needs to be taken on as if it were the final one, “every race will be important but not decisive” says the Spaniard. “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 velocity 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.”

5 races until the end mean 125 points to give; no one has ever been so close to catching Valentino Rossi as Sete Gibernau is. He holds a solid second place with 29 points separating him from the leader. The Spaniard, and the entire team with him, still believes in the title and will do everything possible to win, giving 100% in every race as they have been doing since race one.

SETE COMMENTS ABOUT THE MOTEGI TRACK
“The track of the Twin Ring doesn’t really have any peculiarities, and for this reason it can actually be complicated to find the correct bike set up. On this track it is very important to find a good compromise between braking and acceleration. Motegi is in fact a braking and accelerating circuit; it has 90 degree corners which need to be taken on quite aggressively. It is a circuit that adapts well to our Honda motorcycle characteristics and it is a track where I have done some nice races even if I have been a bit unlucky. In 2003 I rode with a fever and the race ended before I hoped as I touched with Tamada.”


COLIN EDWARDS, 4TH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP

COLIN EDWARDS IS THE ONLY RIDER IN THE MOTOGP CLASS WHO HAS SCORED POINTS IN EVERY GP and thanks to his consistent riding he maintains the fourth position in the championship.
Consistency is a quality that the Texan has since he was riding in the SBK championship. Nevertheless, the results of this year do not satisfy the two times World SBK Champion, who hasn’t shown his real talent so far. He is still suffering from chattering that prevents him from fighting in front for the podium.

The Honda track of the Twin Ring Motegi can be a chance of redemption. During the last session at Estoril on Monday after the GP of Portugal, Colin Edwards concentrated on the setting and tyres. Thanks to the support given by Michelin, the rider of the Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda has tested a new tyre with which he immediately had a good feeling as proven by his best lap time of 1’38″08.

Now the Texan arrives to Japan full of determination and ready to prove his potential, which shone through at Donington Park where, together with the team, he was able to solve his chattering problem and scored his first MotoGP podium.

COLIN EDWARDS AND THE MOTEGI TRACK

What are your memories about the track?
During my career I have only ridden once in Motegi. The atmosphere is good, this year it will be the only race in Japan so I think it will be very followed.

Which is the best part of the track?
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! Each corner is a bit slower than the previous one.

The best point to overtake:
There isn’t a particular point where it is best to overtake, there are many, for example the final part where there is a violent braking followed by a chicane.

The slowest part?
The last part of the track, in particular the last three corners are very slow.

The secret to a perfect lap?
Here it is important to find a good feeling with the front fork. There are two points where the front braking is very violent.

Describe the atmosphere
It is a nice atmosphere. Many people don’t like to race in Japan, I have raced in Suzuka many times and I like coming to Japan.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI TAKES BSB CHAMPIONSHIP!


John Reynolds crushed the opposition to win both races at the penultimate round of the 2004 Think! British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park today and take his first double victory of the season, as Suzuki clinched the Manufacturers Championship with one round to go.

Reynolds commanded both races from the front and never looked as though he would be headed as he brought his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 home well ahead of the competition.

With seven wins to his name, he now leads the Championship by 43 points from Honda’s Michael Rutter with only 50 points left to score at the final round of the series at Donington Park next weekend.

But Suzuki is the champion on 503 points and cannot be beaten by Honda, who trail on 416 points.

Reynolds’ team mate Yukio Kagayama battled bravely in both races to take a pair of podium thirds and cement himself firmly in third place in the overall standings: Kagayama rode both races with the aim of helping his team mate as his priority and was the first person ‘JR’ thanked when he got off his bike.

John Reynolds:

“We needed that today! I don’t want to win this Championship by finishing fifth or sixth and hanging on to a slender lead. I want to win it from the front like a true Champion. Well done to Rizla Suzuki and my team for taking the Manufacturers Championship, I hope I can add another title to that next weekend!

“Thanks to my entire Rizla Suzuki team for all the hard work that has been put in. Yuki was brilliant defending my lead in the second race and I owe him a beer. Special thanks go to Dunlop for providing me with two brilliant race tyres and finally, thank you to all the fans who cheered me round the circuit – I heard you!”

Yuko Kagayama:

“This was the best result possible today for me. My Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 is very well set-up and I have much confidence in my bike. In race one I had a poor start and third am a good result. In race two I was second for most of the time and only just got edged to third on the last lap.

“Well done to John-san; he has made big points gap today with not many points left to score. It is a very happy day for Rizla Suzuki as we are Manufacturer Champions in 2004. This makes me smile. I am Suzuki Factory rider and I am proud.”

Paul Denning – Team Manager:

“We have pulled through a few difficult rounds and come out the other side with a fantastic result. The first double of the year by ‘JR’ shows he is back to the top of his game. Knowing John, he won’t be turning up looking for just enough points at Donington to secure the title, he’ll be looking to win the Championship with victory in the races and we’ll be giving him our full backing to achieve that.

“What a ride by Yuki! His grit and determination in the first race brought him from 10th on the first lap to third by the end. In the second race he did a sterling job holding off Michael Rutter and letting ‘JR’ build up a lead before just losing out on second place at the line. Regardless, he is now a strong third in the series and on the Championship podium where he belongs.

“We have been to the final round at Donington and only laps away from winning the Championship before – and that time we missed out. We will be doing everything in our ability and power to take the Championship next weekend and bring the number one plate home for ‘JR’. Rizla Suzuki is the deserved winner of the Manufacturers title and we hope to add to that…Thanks to all our partners and fans for their continued support… we hope to see you at Donington.”

Race One Result: 1: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) 29:36.353, 2: Michael Rutter (Honda) +4.458, 3: YUKIO KAGAYAMA (RIZLA SUZUKI) +9.998, 4: Sean Emmett (Ducati) +10.093, 5: Steve Plater (Yamaha) +19.964, 6: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +20.098, 7: Dean Thomas (Ducati) +21.188, 8: Scott Smart (Kawasaki) +25.612, 9: Tommy Hi ll ( Yamaha) +29.555, 10: Paul Brown (Ducati) +33.398.

Race Two Result: 1: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) 29:33.529, 2: Rutter +2.873, 3: YUKIO KAGAYAMA (RIZLA SUZUKI) +3.184, 4: Emmett +10.163, 5: Thomas +10.180, 6: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +19.951, 7: Plater +31.243, 8: James Haydon (Yamaha) +31.288, 9: Richards +31.856, 10: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +37.095.

Championship Positions: 1: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) 420, 2: Rutter 377, 3: YUKIO KAGAYAMA (RIZLA SUZUKI) 322, 4: Smart 304, 5: Emmett 288, 6: Kiyonari 184, 7: Thomas 175, 8: Haydon 165, 9: Hill 129, 10: Richards 115.


More, from a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

DNF COSTS SMART THIRD PLACE IN POINTS STANDINGS

The twelfth round of the THINK! British Superbike Championship, at Oulton Park, proved to be one of the toughest meetings of the year for the Hawk Kawasaki team. A DNF and two crashes – one in qualifying and one in this morning’s warm-up – cost Scott Smart his third place in the championship standings, as well as several layers of skin.

Smarty was left battered and bruised after a collision with Honda-mounted Kiyonari at Shell Oils chicane during morning warm-up. “Kiyo’s bike suddenly slowed due to a technical problem and I was left nowhere to go,” he explained. “My front wheel clipped his back wheel and I went over the highside, landing on my left arm and shoulder. I was bruised, but my bike came off worse.”

His number one bike was too badly damaged to be used in the opening race, so Smart was forced to use his number two machine. Worse still, he had to start from the back of the grid after failing to make it out onto the formation lap in time.

Despite the set-back, Smart charged through the field and into ninth place in just eight laps. His charge was halted on lap 11, however, when the race was stopped due to deteriorating weather conditions. Starting from ninth on the grid in the restart Smart once again made a bid for the front, leap-frogging to sixth on the road in just one lap. After battling with his Hawk team-mate, Glen Richards, Smart crossed the line in sixth, a place behind Richards and eighth on corrected time.

The second 18 lap race looked more promising for the former British 250 champion when he slotted into fourth at the first turn. But as he settled in with the front runners Smart ran on at Hizzy’s chicane, dropping back to tenth place in the process. Despite battling on and once again moving through the field, the Hawk rider’s injuries finally got the better of him on lap 13 and he was forced to retire.

“I was doing quite well after running on at the chicane and I made my way back up to the second group, but I lost the front going into Foulston’s chicane and ran straight on again,” he explained. “I felt really weird after that and was hurting quite badly so I pulled in. If I hadn’t had that off in qualifying I would have qualified higher, run better in the races and could have got a result, but that’s racing I guess.”

John McGuinness’ day was equally testing. The TT winner suffered arm-pump in the first 18-lapper, in which he finished thirteenth, and was then taken out at Hizzy’s chicane on the first lap of the second race.

“Well, it’s not been the best of days,” he said. “I was just settling into the group on the opening lap of the second race, lining myself up for the chicane, and then I felt a smack from behind. The next thing I know I’m flying through the air and my race is over. I saw Kieran Clarke as I was rolling, so I knew it was him who ran into me. It’s really annoying because you can’t win a race on the first lap so there’s no need for people to ride like that. Hopefully we’ll have better luck at Donington.”

Glen Richards proved to be Hawk’s highest points scorer of the day, taking a fine sixth in the first race and ninth in the second. The Aussie had hoped to improve on his first race performance in the second outing, but a harder rear tyre robbed him of vital grip and the chance of a top five finish.

“Having an aggregate race in the first was probably better for me because it gave my arm a rest, but it was a shame to miss out on fifth,” he said. “I must have slowed down too much on the last lap, and that let Steve Plater pip me, but sixth is a pretty good result. In the second the rear tyre was no good and I ended up having a good look at the front wheel a few times, I can tell you. I was lucky to bring it home really, it was just too hard.”

Hawk Kawasaki Team Principal commented: “You need luck in racing and good luck is like bad luck – it runs out. We’ve got to take positives away from the weekend, such as the bikes are a lot quicker than they were earlier in the year. Scott’s knocked himself about this weekend and that made it hard work. He had a good first race, Glen’s worked really hard and gone quicker than he’s ever been around here before, and that’s a positive. It’s a pity he changed to a different tyre in the second race because he had no grip. If he’d stuck with the one he had in the first I think he’d have been fifth. Sometimes you have bad luck, but for sure we’ll be back and up for it next week.”

BSB RACE 1

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki. 4) Sean Emmett, Ducati. 5) Steve Plater, Yamaha. 6) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati. 8) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha. 10) Paul Brown, Ducati. 11) Gary Mason, Yamaha. 12) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda. 13) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki. 14) James Haydon, Yamaha. 15) James Ellison, Yamaha (P)

(P)= Privateer

Fastest lap: Sean Emmett, Ducati, 1:37.200, 99.70mph

BSB RACE 2

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki. 4) Sean Emmett, Ducati. 5) Dean Thomas, Ducati. 6) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda. 7) Steve Plater, Yamaha. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha. 9) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki. 10) Tommy Hill, Yamaha. 11) Kieran Clarke, Yamaha. 12) Craig Coxhell, Honda. 13) James Ellison, Yamaha (P). 14) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki (P). 15) James Buckingham, Suzuki (P)

Fastest lap: Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 1:37.471, 99.42mph

BSB CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 11 ROUNDS

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 420. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda, 377. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 322. 4) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 304. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 288. 6) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 184. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 175. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha, 165. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 129. 10) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 115. 11) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 105. 12) James Ellison, Yamaha, 99. 13) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 91. 14) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki, 81. 15) Kieran Clarke, Yamaha, 76


MANUFACTURERS CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 11 ROUNDS

1) Suzuki, 503. 2) Honda, 416. 3) Kawasaki, 338. 4) Ducati, 327. 5) Yamaha, 263


More, from a press release issued by MSS Discovery Kawasaki:

MSS DISCOVERY’S RIBA NINTH IN SUPERSPORT AS ALLAN TAKES 11TH IN SUPERSTOCK

MSS Discovery’s Pere Riba took ninth place in the penultimate round of the British Supersport Championship despite holding fourth place at the halfway stage of a thrilling battle at Oulton Park on Sunday.

Six riders were locked in the challenge, all chasing fourth place in one of the most frantic races of the year.

“The early part of the race was excellent for me before the rear tyre started causing me problems,” explained Riba. “I was feeling comfortable despite the race being very, very close and having five other riders around me.

“Then, from the halfway point, the rear tyre started letting go, I was losing grip with no warning and it was all very, very strange. We’ve had a similar problem earlier in the year but never as severe or inconsistent as today.”

Riba added: “It’s a real shame for the team after we worked so hard in practice to get a front row grid position. We’ll try and figure out what was going on and concentrate on going for a win at Donington Park next week.”

MSS Discovery’s Steve Allan grabbed 11th place in the two-part National Superstock Championship race aboard the ZX-10R to maintain sixth place in the championship point standings.

The original race was stopped after six laps due to rain and Allan battled through to a strong point-scoring position despite troubles in each race.

“Before the original race was stopped I was struggling with set-up,” said Allan. “With the rain on Friday we didn’t get enough track time. Then I went too hard from the start of the second part and wrecked my rear tyre.

“All in all it’s been far from the best of rounds for me but I’m really up for Donington Park next week and a double-header to finish the year with.”


British Supersport Championship, round 12 result (16 laps ­ 43.07 miles):

1 Karl Harris, Honda, 27m 04.288s ­ 95.46mph
2 Tom Sykes, Suzuki, 27m 06.136s
3 Jay Vincent, Honda, 27m 10.460s
4 Leon Camier, Honda, 27m 11.562s
5 Craig Jones, Triumph, 27m 13.731s
6 Stuart Easton, Ducati, 27m 14.054s
7 Cal Crutchlow, Honda, 27m 16.520s
8 Adrian Coates, Suzuki, 27m 16.918s
9 Pere Riba, MSS Discovery Kawasaki, 27m 18.940s
10 Kieran Murphy, Honda, 27m 19.144s

Championship points after 12 of 13 rounds: 1 Harris 222, 2 Vincent 183, 3 Michael Laverty (Ducati) 158, 4 Riba 117, 5 Sykes 107, 6 Camier 98, 7 Luke Quigley (Suzuki) 95, 8 Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 83, 9 Jones 68, 10 Crutchlow 66.
Final round: Donington Park, Leics ­ September 19.


National Superstock Championship, round 11 result (12 laps ­ 32.28 miles).

1 Danny Beaumont, Yamaha, 21m 04.850s
2 Ben Wilson, Suzuki, 21m 06.478s
3 Lee Jackson, Yamaha, 21m 12.584s
4 Andy Tinsley, Suzuki, 21m 18.919s
5 John Laverty, Yamaha, 21m 22.955s
6 Marshall Neill, Suzuki, 21m 27.937s
7 Ian Hutchinson, Suzuki, 21m 32.440s
8 Aaron Zanotti, Suzuki, 21m 34.038s
9 Mark Davies, Yamaha, 21m 34.348s
10 Ryan Rainey, Yamaha, 21m 35.845s
11 Steve Allan, MSS Discovery Kawasaki, 21m 39.334s

Championship points after 11 of 13 rounds: 1 Beaumont 173, 2 Tinsley 162, 3 Wilson 159, 4 Tristan Palmer (Suzuki) 157, 5 Les Shand (Yamaha) 100, 6 Allan 77, 7 Neill 63, 8 Howie Mainwaring (Yamaha) 54, 9 Julian da Costa (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) and Laverty 50.
Final rounds: Donington Park, Leics ­ September 19.


More, from a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

EMMETT MISSES OUT ON PODIUM AT OULTONPARK

MonsterMob Ducati rider Sean Emmett scored two solid fourth places in the penultimate round of the Think! British Superbike Championship at a windswept OultonParktoday.

The 34 year old Londoner qualified on the front row of the grid and was feeling confident for the day’s two races. He was handily placed in race one when the red flag came out as rain fell at the Cheshire circuit and in the combined restart ended up missing out on the podium by a fraction of a second as he had to settle for fourth.

In race two Emmett diced with fellow Ducati rider Dean Thomas before claiming fourth place in the race.

“That was much better than we expected as we had a disaster here last time, but the improvements to the rear suspension have really improved the bike and we were able to run up there with the leaders. I just missed out on the rostrum in the first race but got the new lap record, so its been a pretty encouraging weekend and we have closed in to just 16 points from fourth place in the Championship which we will have to aim for at Donington next weekend. It’s really good to be back up at the sharp end” said Emmett.

Meanwhile it was a day to forget for MonsterMob Supersport rider Michael Laverty when an electrical problem forced the young Ulsterman out on the opening lap. As a result Laverty remains in third position in the Championship standings going into the final round next weekend at DoningtonPark.

“I went on the rumble strips and the bike just cut out on me and I couldn’t get it re-started. I was up with the leaders in about fifth place but didn’t even make it to the first corner. It’s so disappointing but it’s just one of those things” said Laverty.

Team owner Paul Bird had the following to say about the weekend:

“That was a much better day, better than we expected with two good strong results. It’s been a disappointing day for Supersport with our first mechanical breakdown all year with a mysterious electrical problem. We’re looking forward to Donington next weekend.”

Superbike Race One Result

1, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 29m36.353s, 2, Michael Rutter (Honda) +4.458s, 3, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) +9.998s, 4, Sean Emmett (MonsterMob Ducati) +10.093s, 5, Steve Plater (Yamaha) +19.964s, 6, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +20.098s, 7, Dean Thomas (Ducati) +21.188, 8, Scott Smart (Kawasaki) +25.612s, 9, Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +29.555, 10, Paul Brown (Ducati) +33.398s.

Superbike Race Two Result

1, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 29m33.529s, 2, Michael Rutter (Honda) +2.873s, 3, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) +3.184s, 4, Sean Emmett (MonsterMob Ducati) +10.163s, 5, Dean Thomas (Ducati) +10.180s, 6, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +19.951s, 7, Steve Plater (Yamaha) +31.243s, 8, James Haydon (Yamaha) +31.288s, 9, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +31.856s, 10, Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +37.095s.

Supersport Race Result

1, Karl Harris (Honda) 27m04.288s, 2, Tom Sykes (Suzuki) +1.848s, 3, Jay Vincent (Honda) +6.172s, 4, Leon Camier (Honda) +7.274s, 5, Craig Jones (Triumph) +9.443s, 6, Stuart Easton (Ducati) +9.766s, 7, Cal Crutchlow (Honda) +12.232s, 8, Adrian Coates (Suzuki) +12.630s, 9, Pere Riba (Kawasaki) +14.652s, 10, Kieran Murphy (Honda) +14.856s.

THINK! Superbike Championship Standings (after Round 24)

1, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 420 pts

2, Michael Rutter (Honda) 377 pts

3, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 322 pts

4, Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 304 pts

5, Sean Emmett (MonsterMob Ducati) 288 pts

6, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 184 pts

7, Dean Thomas (Ducati) 175 pts

8, James Haydon (Yamaha) 165 pts

9, Tommy Hill (Yamaha) 129 pts

10, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 115 pts



Supersport Championship Standings (after Round 12)

1, Karl Harris (Honda) 222 pts

2, Jay Vincent (Honda) 183 pts

3, Michael Laverty (MonsterMob Ducati) 158 pts

4, Pere Riba (Kawasaki) 117 pts

5, Tom Sykes (Suzuki) 107 pts

6, Leon Camier (Honda) 98 pts

7, Luke Quigley (Suzuki) 95 pts

8, Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 83 pts

9, Craig Jones (Triumph) 68 pts

10, Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 66 pts


More, from a press release issued by Glynn Racing:

ANOTHER PODIUM PLACING FOR GLYNN AT OULTON

Following on from runner up placings at Thruxton, Mallory Park and Cadwell Park already this season, Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup rider Gareth Glynn added another second placing to his tally in today’s penultimate round at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

Despite the changeable weather which plagued the weekend at his local circuit, the 22 year old Motor Vehicle Technician from Lowton, Greater Manchester recorded his seventh successive front row start during Saturday’s qualifying session
and was looking strong in the early stages of the race before getting embroiled in a dice with the leading bunch. Glynn dropped behind the two leading riders but when Richard Wren and Adam Jenkinson crashed out, he was left to battle
it out for the lead once more. ‘

Glynn was well placed going into the last lap but any hopes he had of clinching his inaugural win in the series went when he nearly crashed exiting the Hizzy’s Chicane which meant he was unable to challenge eventual winner Guy Sanders.

“I was looking down at my bike on the last lap as I had a problem with the rear end and I wasn’t sure what it was. It was a hard race and I’m really pleased to be on the podium again but I desperately want that win at Donington. I’m
getting fed up with collecting second place trophies, now I want a winner’s one also” said Glynn who moved up to third place in the standings as a result.

The final round takes place at Donington on Sunday September 19th.

Virgin MobileYamaha R6 Cup Championship standings (after 11 rounds)

1 Richard Wren, 171pts

2 Ollie Bridewell, 137pts

3 Gareth Glynn, 119pts

4 James Hillier, 115pts

5 Guy Sanders 114pts

6 Adam Jenkinson 106pts



Virgin MobileYamaha R6 Cup 2004 Dates

Mar 28: Silverstone, Northamptonshire.

Apr 12: Brands Hatch Indy, Kent.

Apr 25: Snetterton, Norfolk.

May 3: OultonPark, Cheshire.

Jun 6: Thruxton, Hampshire.

Jun 20: Brands Hatch, Kent.

Jul 4: Knockhill, Fife, Scotland.

Jul 18: MalloryPark, Leicestershire.

July 25: Moto GP Support, DoningtonPark

Aug 15: Croft, North Yorkshire

Aug 30: CadwellPark, Lincolnshire.

Sep 12: OultonPark, Cheshire.

Sep 19: DoningtonPark, Leicestershire


More, from a press release issued by JR MOtorsport:

ROBINSON IN THE POINTS AGAIN AT OULTON

JR Motosport rider Jamie Robinson made it four points scoring rides in the last four races with another battling performance at the penultimate round of the British Supersport Championship which took place at Oulton Park in Cheshire yesterday.

Yorkshireman Robinson had to overcome the wet conditions during Friday’s testing and the changeable weather throughout the remainder of the weekend but following on from his recent good performances at Mallory, Croft and Cadwell, the Yamaha R6 rider was confident going into the 16 lap race.

Robinson got a great start but as has been typical of his luck this season, two riders fell in front of him on the opening lap forcing him to take evasive action which dropped him a number of places. The former 250cc British Champion battled back up the leaderboard when a similar incident involving Aussie Paul Young stopped him in his tracks again and meant he had to settle for another 13th place finish at the flag.

“That was so frustrating as every time I’d worked my way up to the pack in front of me, something happened meaning all the hard work I’d done was for nothing. I was riding OK but again we were losing out on the straights to the bikes with quicker acceleration. I really hope we can put all the bad luck behind us and go out with a bang at Donington next weekend” said the 28 year old from Holmfirth.

Meanwhile 17 year old team mate Paul Veazey left OultonPark disappointed following from his 21st place finish after again being the victim of an incident not of his making. The Middlesbrough teenager got a great start from row six of the grid but as they exited the first corner, one of the leading riders had a machine problem meaning Veazey had to slow to avoid a collision:

“OultonPark is a circuit I’ve always struggled at and it didn’t help when I had to shut off to avoid crashing on the opening lap. I tried to get my head down after that and in the end I just wanted to bring the bike home as there was no point in crashing. I hope we can get a good result at Donington next weekend as I really like that track and all I need is a little bit of luck” said Veazey who will be hoping for his first points of the season at the DoningtonPark finale.

Robinson echoed Veazey’s comments: “We had high hopes for Paul after his great ride at Cadwell but it wasn’t to be. He should go well at Donington and we can both round the season off in style.”

From a press release issued by MSS Discovery Kawasaki:

MSS DISCOVERY KAWASAKI TEAM HEAD FOR BRITISH SUPERBIKE IN 2005

The MSS Discovery Kawasaki team will race in the 2005 British Superbike Championship with exciting young Frenchman Julien da Costa.

After a successful Supersport and Superstock campaign in 2004, the MSS Discovery squad will race a ZX-10R with new recruit da Costa.

Joint team owners Stuart Simmonds and Nick Morgan will field riders in all three classes with Supersport and Superstock details to be announced soon.

“A Superbike programme is something we’ve been considering for a long time,” said Simmonds. “We’ve now put together a plan which is aimed firmly at MSS Discovery being competitive immediately.”

Morgan commented: “The ZX-10R has proven itself this year in both Superbike and Superstock classes and we have every confidence of being competitive. In Julien da Costa I think everyone has witnessed a great young, new talent to British racing.”

Da Costa joined the MSS Discovery team for the Croft and Cadwell Park National Superstock rounds, winning both races. He misses the Oulton Park round but will contest next week’s Donington Park Superstock double-header.

Simmonds concluded: “MSS and Discovery joining forces this year has proven successful and, in an effort to continue our progress, we will be looking to retain Pere Riba for the 2005 British Supersport Championship on the ZX-6RR.”