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The Official Word On The 2005 AMA National At VIR

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The Official Word On The 2005 AMA National At VIR

AMA Superbikes Return to VIR With New Date, New Promoter, New Title Alton, Va. VIRginia International Raceway is pleased to announce that the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited will return to the historic Southside Virginia circuit in 2005. While the event will have a new name, a new date and a new promoter, the wheel-to-wheel excitement that has been the hallmark of the AMA Superbikes at VIR will not change at all. The event, which will now be known as the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, will take place over the weekend of August 26-28. The event schedule will include three days of racing action, including two feature races for the headlining AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as feature races for the supporting classes including the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, AMA Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. The event will now be promoted by RPM Productions, a company with a long history of promoting successful motorcycle racing events throughout the United States. A long-term agreement between RPM Productions and VIR will ensure the success of the event for the foreseeable future. Originally, the event was tentatively scheduled on the AMA’s 2005 calendar for its traditional mid-September date, and as a two-day event, the format that was employed in 2004 after the event was postponed to October 9-10 as a result of Hurricane Ivan. “The VIR date has been listed as tentative on our calendar since the schedule was originally released,” said John Farris, AMA Vice President, Commercial Development. “In finalizing the championship schedule we felt an earlier date, along with making the event a Superbike doubleheader, was a positive step for the series. Also, the addition of RPM Productions as a promotional partner should help ensure continued growth of the event.” VIR co-owner Connie Lee Nyholm said that the return of the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited was a welcome development. “We couldn’t be more pleased that we were able to put together an agreement with the AMA and RPM Productions to bring the Superbikes back to VIR,” she said. “The Superbikes have delivered some of the best racing ever seen at VIR over the years, and the fans who turn out to support them have been fantastic. We can’t wait to welcome them back, and we’re looking forward to making the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals the best event on the circuit for years to come.” RPM Productions’ Cameron Gray said that his company is thrilled with the opportunity to promote the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR, and the prospect of growing the event into the future. “This is a great joint venture among ourselves, the AMA and VIR,” Gray said. “AMA worked very hard to coordinate this effort, and Connie Nyholm and the VIR staff couldn’t have been more gracious and flexible in working with us to establish the date we wanted. We’re proud to be able to revive the Big Kahuna name, which we previously used when we promoted AMA Superbikes for five years at Road Atlanta, where we first introduced the concept of the Superbike double-header. “VIR is an awesome facility, and we have big plans to make this the best and most fan-friendly event on the circuit,” he added. “We are looking at Jumbotron screens, stunt shows, a ‘Fan Night’ and other amenities that will take the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals to the next level. In the future, we want to build on that and improve the experience for the fans so that it will be a permanent ‘can’t-miss’ fixture on their annual calendars. We’re really excited, and can’t wait for August.” Tickets for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will go on sale April 1. VIR is a family-friendly facility, where children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Spectator camping is available. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The renovated original circuit has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.ussuperbike.com.

Updated: Assorted Press Releases, Some Weird, Some Not

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Updated: Assorted Press Releases, Some Weird, Some Not

This Saturday, March 12, 2005, is Milwaukee’s annual Frozen Snot Ride, sponsored by Fuel Cafe and The Shop. All bikes (including scooters) are welcome and encouraged to join in. The group leaves Fuel Cafe, 818 E Center St, at 9:00am, and does a tour with stops at various pubs and cafes around greater Milwaukee. Riders can join in from stops along the route. The final destination is the Palomino, where riders can take in the Daytona 200 and warm up. More information, including stops and times, is available at www.dieseljo.com/. Tom Short CCS Midwest EX #128 Milwaukee, Wisconsin More, from a press release issued by Makita: EXPERIENCE MORE WITH MAKITA’S FIRST MOBILE MARKETING TOUR La Mirada, CA – Makita USA, Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, is excited to announce the kick off of its new Experience More.T mobile marketing tour. This 53′ interactive mobile event and training trailer is geared to professional tradesmen, those who use power tools to make their living. This trailer will allow our PRO users to interact with and use Makita’s industrial power tools in an authentic work environment. It will also be a great avenue for strengthening relationships between Makita and its dealers by leveraging their brand and driving traffic to their stores. “The Experience More Tour is going to be extremely impressive and will engage the professional’s five senses to completely immerse them in Makita,” said Brent Withey, Brand Manager for Makita. “We are excited to be able to bring this tour to our PRO users and offer such a valuable experience to them.” Not just a tool display on wheels, The Experience More Tour will provide hands-on testing of Makita’s innovative tools as well as proper tool applications and safety training. The focus of this tour will be on Makita’s Best in Class Engineering with Performance, Precision and Durability. This tour will showcase over 125 focused trade tools that will be displayed on real-life display pods. In addition, the tour will include interactive experience demo stations, engineering exhibits to show Makita’s engineering advantages, touch screen displays with interactive video, and plasma screens will be placed throughout the trailer with compelling video and audio footage to engage the audience. Knowledgeable and friendly Experience More Brand Ambassadors will be on board to educate visitors and to tell the Makita story. Their mission will be to put Makita at the forefront of the professional’s mind when purchasing tools, and reinforce the superior quality of the Makita brand. As Makita strives to focus on the Hispanic market, the tour will integrate exclusive initiatives tailored towards Hispanic tradesmen to expand the reach to this growing demographic. Future initiatives include attendance at sponsored MLS and FMF soccer games, Hispanic festivals, construction job-sites, and store demonstrations. “The Hispanic population has had rapid growth in the USA — nearly 60% since 1990 — and these professionals are vital to the construction industry,” stated Xavier Turpin, Makita’s Marketing Manager, Emerging Markets. “Our mobile marketing initiative will allow us to move closer to the Hispanic end-users in an effort to comprehend them better and for them to recognize our passion, pride, and commitment to be relevant in their life.” The Experience More Tour will also support Makita’s sponsorship initiatives such as Team Makita Suzuki Racing and MLS and FMF soccer. The interactive trailer will be on the road across the United States continuously, making appearances at our sponsored Supercross races and soccer matches, as well as dealer events and much more. To generate further excitement, there will be guest appearances and other entertainment scheduled at these events. The Makita Experience More trailer was designed, manufactured and operated by Craftsmen Industries of Saint Louis, Missouri. They are experts in creating a compelling and interactive brand experience in the mobile marketing industry. Makita USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 320 professional, industrial quality power tools. All Makita tools are covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship and may be serviced at any of our 26 factory service centers or by more than 1000 authorized service centers nationwide. Makita USA, Inc.’s home office is located in La Mirada, California and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-4-MAKITA (1-800-462-5482) or visit the website at www.makitatools.com. More, from a press release issued by the AMA: AMA REGRETS TRAGIC DEATH OF MOTORCYCLE ACTIVIST AND HUMANITARIAN PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has learned of the tragic death of Simon Milward, a leading motorcycle rights advocate who traveled the world to raise funds for charity. Milward, a native of the United Kingdom, died as a result of a motorcycle crash in the west African country of Mali on March 4. A former secretary general of the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Association (FEMA), Milward helped organize European motorcyclists in the 1990s. “Simon was one of the men most responsible for taking the motorcycle rights movement international,” said AMA President Robert Rasor. “He brought motorcyclist rights organizations from various countries together and improved their lot in the European Union.” But Milward’s advocacy work was just a prelude to a bigger adventure. On January 1, 2000, he set off on a homemade motorcycle for an around-the-world trip. He initially raised donations for Riders For Health, a charity that uses motorcycles to bring health care to residents of remote regions, and Doctors Without Borders. In the United States, Milward joined with Rasor and other concerned motorcyclists to form Motorcycle Outreach, which funneled donations to motorcycle-related charities in other countries. Through Milward’s influence, organizations aimed at using motorcycles to provide health care to poor populations in remote areas have been formed in countries ranging from Indonesia to South Africa to Argentina. “Simon had an enormous impact on the motorcycling community,” said Rasor. “He will be missed by motorcyclists everywhere.” On behalf of the AMA and American motorcyclists, Rasor offered condolences to Milward’s family and the many friends he made around the world. For more information, visit Simon Milward’s website, www.millennium-ride.com. The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 260,000 members. Its purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. More, from a press release issued by Lucky Devil Cycle Sports: Jeremy Haiduk is in his 3rd season of contesting the AMA series and will be running the full schedule this year in AMA Supersport on a Yamaha R-6 and for the first time Superbike on a Yamaha R-1. Jeremy used the combined CCS/F-USA round at Daytona this past weekend to learn the new track and get the R-1 dialed in for the opening round of the AMA series. Jeremy ran well and was pleased with the progress made. Jeremy is actively looking for additional companies to form a partnership with and can be contacted at [email protected] . Lucky Devil Cycle Sports is a motorcycle oriented clothing company that focuses on “Cool Clothes for Cool People”. Owners Cody and Cindy Cheves are proud to sponsor Jeremy as a way to give back to the sport they enjoy. Information or questions on Lucky Devil Cycle Sports can be found at www.getluckydevil.com . More, from a press release issued by the Isle of Man TT: Aussie Ace To Make TT Debut! Two time Macau Grand Prix winner, Australian Cameron Donald will make his TT debut this June, riding in the two Supersport events and the Senior Race on board a CBR RR Honda machine. The 27 year old from Melbourne has a glittering CV achieved during his eight year career in road racing. In four starts at the Macau Grand Prix street race, he has finished on the podium each time, winning twice and beating riders of the calibre of Bruce Anstey and Steve Plater along the way. A regular front runner on the competitive Australian domestic scene, Cameron is one of the few riders to have won an Australian Superbike round outright whilst competing as a privateer. He is also a regular race winner in the Asian Pacific Supersport Championship where he has finished second overall for the past two seasons, and last year he took part in the British Superbike Championship Privateer’s Cup scoring points in all four of the races he took part in. Having spent time on the Island during last year’s TT, Cameron is fully prepared for the task ahead, and will be travelling to the Isle of Man in early May to spend more time learning the circuit ahead of his debut. He will be backed by RAF Engineer Mick Charnock, himself a leading Manx Grand Prix rider, along with the team infrastructure that has supported Gordon Blackley successfully for many years at the TT. The news that Cameron Donald will make his debut at the 2005 TT Races comes on top of the news that several other highly regarded riders will debut on the Mountain Circuit this year including German Markus Barth, Scot Les Shand and English duo Gus Scott and Paul Shoesmith. Speaking about making his TT debut Cameron said: “I lapped the Mountain Circuit over and over last June in a car, and knew straight away that I wanted to race at the TT. I didn’t think that I would get the chance though, coming from Australia, as the logistics are so hard to overcome, so I must say how thankful I am that Mick Charnock and the TT Organisers have made so much effort to give me the chance to race this year. I intend to spend this year learning the circuit, but I hope to keep on going back, and one day be in with a chance of winning a race around there. That would be a dream come true.” TT Team and Rider Liaison Officer Paul Phillips added: “I am delighted that Cameron has agreed to come and race at the TT. From the outset he has been one of the riders that I have been trying hard to bring to the TT, as he has proven ability not only on the short circuits, but also on the roads, as he has proved with his excellent record at Macau. I was delighted that when we made contact with him, he was already desperate to take part, and just needed some help with the logistics of racing in an event held on the other side of the world to where he lives. We have been able to make it possible for him to race here this year, and thanks to Mick Charnock he has a competitive machine and experienced team to help him.” David Cretney MHK, Minister for the Department of Tourism and Leisure and Chairman of the TT Co-ordinating Committee said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Cameron Donald to the Isle of Man for TT 2005. Having his name on the entry list is a big boost for the event, and along with the other newcomers who had already shown an interest in this year’s meeting, things are looking very positive for the future of the TT. It looks as though the entry for this year’s races could be the best we have had for many years and the work that our Riders Liaison Officers have been undertaking bodes well for the future of this historic event.” More, from a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports: MGM Grand Serves as Host Hotel for THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross in Las Vegas AURORA, III. – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that the MGM Grand is the host hotel for the THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series finals at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, May 7. A block of rooms have just been released for fans to purchase at a discount rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the low rate on the rooms, when fans purchase rooms through supercross.cc.com, they will receive free transportation from Sam Boyd Stadium via Charter Buses after the race. Click this for the fastest line to a great deal: . The supercross finals in Las Vegas will be a great opportunity for fans to see the top riders showcase their talent in pursuing the Championships, not to mention a great destination for a vacation! What better way to make your supercross experience even more memorable than to stay where the stars of supercross at the MGM Grand? The MGM Grand not only hosts the rooms for the supercross finals, but they will also host the 2005 THQ World Supercross GP/ THQ AMA Supercross Series Awards Banquet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 8. Supercross LIVE!, the only place on the planet to catch THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series live at home, is available for fans at every race, starting at 7:00 p.m. local time at supercross.cc.com. Listen as Supercross LIVE! hosts Jim Holley and Jason Wiegandt capture the live race call, a pre-race show, a post-race show, post-race press conference, on-air industry guests and celebrities, in-depth interviews, promotions, call-ins and more. In 2003-2004, more than a half-million listeners logged on to Supercross LIVE! For more information, please log on to www.supercross.cc.com . For tickets log onto www.supercross.cc.com , www.ticketmaster.com , or www.unlvtickets.com (Las Vegas only). Media requests please contact Denny Hartwig at 630-566-6305 or email at [email protected] . About THQ World Supercross GP(tm)/THQ AMA Supercross Series THQ World Supercross GP is a 17-round global series that is produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Off Road S.L. Riders must compete in the international rounds to be eligible to win the world championship. In 2004-2005, the 17-event THQ World Supercross GP will be comprised of two international events and 15 of the 16 events that are conducted in major cities throughout the United States as a part of the THQ AMA Supercross Series. The other THQ AMA Supercross Series event held in Daytona Beach, Fla., is independently produced by the International Speedway Corporation and is not a part of the THQ World Supercross GP. A THQ AMA Supercross Series rider will be crowned as the national champion for the series of events conducted in the United States only. Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books approximately 130 live entertainment venues, including nearly 100 in North America and more than 30 in Europe. In 2003, 69 million people attended approximately 32,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; museum exhibitions, and specialized sports and motor sports events. In addition, the company’s independently operated athlete representation business, SFX, provides management, marketing and financial consulting services to many of the world’s top professional athletes. Clear Channel Entertainment operates throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. More information may be found by visiting www.cc.com and www.clearchannel.com. More, from a press release issued by MotoTread Inc.: We are pleased to announce that MotoTread has joined with Desser Tire and Rubber Company, Inc., over this fall. Beginning this 2005 race season, we will be offering track site support for Tomahawk Superbike Tires. Initially, MotoTread will focus on Western Regional Road Racing Club events (AFM and WERA West). We will add more clubs to our schedule as time progresses. MotoTread will also provide support at Dialitintracktime.com events. We are currently accepting racer resumes. For more inside info go to www.mototreadinc.com, or call 916-412-7727.

Rizla Suzuki Signs Sponsorship Deal With MAC Tools

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Rizla Suzuki Signs Sponsorship Deal With MAC Tools

Rizla Suzuki has the right tools for the job RIZLA SUZUKI British Superbike technicians have the right tools to get their jobs done quicker and faster than ever before thanks to a new partnership with Mac Tools, one of the world’s leading automotive tool and equipment companies. Mac Tools’ state-of-the-art equipment will give the Rizla Suzuki technicians an edge on the competition when it comes to fast work in the pits in 2005. The high performance tools will allow swift alterations to the set-up of the all-new GSX-R1000K5 race bikes of British Superbike Champion John Reynolds and Scott Smart, ensuring the riders can get back on track as quickly as possible. Mac Tools boasts more than 11,000 products and will be adding to this during the 2005 British Superbike season with a `Limited Edition Toolbox’ to mark its partnership with Rizla Suzuki. These toolboxes will be available exclusively through the fleet of Mac Tools franchised distributors. Mac Tools supports many race teams around the world, including the Formula One BAR team and many drivers within American NASCAR. The Mac Tools brand has become famous on racetracks worldwide due to its pride in providing these teams with the best tools in the industry. Mac Tools has been a supplier of quality hand and power tools in the UK since 1990. Its customers work in all areas of automotive, repair, motorsport and light industrial businesses. They are supplied in the UK through over 150 franchised van-based distributors, each of whom enjoys an exclusive territory and a protected sole distribution rights arrangement. A lifetime warranty also supports the majority of Mac branded products. Mac Tools (www.mactools.com) is part of the Stanleyworks Corporation (www.stanleyworks.com), a $3 bn turnover organisation quoted on the New York Stock Exchange. Mac Tools is one of its trading divisions, with a global turnover of $300m – $19m of which comes from Europe. Adrian O’Nion, Managing Director, Mac Tools Europe: “Mac Tools is delighted to be joining Rizla Suzuki. This new partnership provides us with further endorsement of the high quality of our professional hand and power tools. It brings to three the number of major motorsport partnership arrangements that the Northampton-based tools specialist now has in place. “To be associated with the British Championship winning team is of major importance for Mac. This is the most competitive Superbike Championship in the world and this agreement shows our commitment to racing and puts us at the forefront of tool technology by meeting the needs of a premier race team. We look forward to working with the team and a highly successful and rewarding season.” Simon Green, Rizla Suzuki Team Co-ordinator: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Rizla Suzuki to be allied with a world leading brand such as Mac Tools. Its product range and quality are second to none and all of the technicians are already praising the tools for making their jobs easier. We now have the best tools for the job!”

Yamaha Concludes Three-day MotoGP Test At Phillip Island

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Yamaha Concludes Three-day MotoGP Test At Phillip Island

GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM TEST Phillip Island, Australia Friday, March 11, 2005 Ambient temperature: 25 degrees Track temperature: 34 degrees Humidity: 66% ROSSI AND EDWARDS COMPLETE OVERSEAS PHASE OF TESTING Gauloises Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards completed the last day of a three-day test in Phillip Island, Australia today, both improving slightly on their times from yesterday. They took advantage of an improvement in the weather with some sunny, if windy, conditions today. But the rain that the team has had to cope with for the last two days left a legacy of poor grip at the picturesque track south of Melbourne. Sharing the circuit again with fellow Yamaha riders Ruben Xaus and Toni Elias, Rossi and his new team-mate Edwards worked hard throughout the day on settings and tyre testing and were able to complete 83 and 79 laps respectively. Rossi set the fastest time of the day with a lap of 1:30.44; two-tenths faster than his time from yesterday but still slower than the 1:29.68 he recorded at the last test in Phillip Island when conditions were better. Edwards set a best lap of 1:30.50, one-tenth of a second faster than his best time from the last test and a half-second improvement on his time from yesterday. Spaniard and MotoGP rookie Toni Elias completed 73 laps with a best of 1:31.85 and his fellow countryman and last year’s MotoGP Rookie of the Year, Ruben Xaus, finished the day with a best lap of 1:32.61 from 118 laps. The Gauloises Yamaha Team now returns to Europe for the first time since the Valencia Grand Prix last November for two official IRTA Tests in Barcelona from 18th to 20th March and Jerez from 25th to 27th March. This will be the first time the bikes will run in their new 2005 livery, which was unveiled by the riders and Yamaha senior management on Monday at a press conference in Tokyo.. Valentino Rossi (1:30.44, 83 laps) “Today the weather was better but the track conditions were still not very good. The track has been so affected by all the rain before on the previous days that it was still quite difficult and this is why we didn’t improve the lap times much. We were able to do some good work however, and continue working on the bike settings and testing tyres for Michelin, so it was a worthwhile day. Now I’m really looking forward to moving on to Barcelona with everyone else and continuing to develop the new bike as we move closer to the first race.” Colin Edwards (1:30.50, 79 laps) “The sun shone today but the track still wasn’t great. With all the rain and just four bikes on the track for only a couple of days, there wasn’t enough rubber laid down to have a really good surface to test on today. Despite that I’m really happy with my progress and we’ve had some really good stuff to work with from both Yamaha and Michelin; I feel I’m going totally in the right direction. This is the last ‘quiet’ test and from here on out it’s getting serious! It’s now on to Barcelona with everyone else; I just need to buckle down and start getting some consistently good lap times.” Davide Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha Team Director “Unfortunately the weather has not been on our side during these three days, but it’s always good to test anyway and gather more information. Both riders have definitely made some progress at this test despite the bad weather; we’ve continued to improve the settings on the new bike and learn more about it. Now we’ve completed 15 days in total of overseas testing since the end of last season and it’s time to move back to Europe and start the new season properly.” Unofficial Lap Times: 1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:30.44 2. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1:30.50 3. Toni Elias (Yamaha) 1:31.85 4. Ruben Xaus (Yamaha) 1:32.61 More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha: FORTUNA YAMAHA COMPLETE TESTS AT PHILLIP ISLAND Fortuna Yamaha completed their testing programme in satisfactory fashion at Phillip Island today despite the tough weather conditions which the riders had contended with on the first two days. Sunshine and high temperatures today meant that Fortuna Yamaha riders Toni Elías and Ruben Xaus were able to continue working on the set-up of their YZR-M1 machines throughout the majority of the day. Toni Elías completed 73 laps of the Australian circuit with a best time of 1:31.85, making him the third fastest rider at the test overall. Toni concentrated mainly on suspension settings and the set-up of the bike in general. His Fortuna Yamaha team-mate Rubén Xaus completed 118 laps aboard his YZR M1, clocking a best time of 1:32.61 at one of the most demanding circuits on the World Championship calendar. Gauloises Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi set the best time of the day with a lap of 1:30.44 after completing 83 circulations of the Australian circuit. His team-mate Colin Edwards, meanwhile, set a best time of 1:30.50 after 79 laps. Toni Elías (1:31.85, 73 laps) “We have to keep going like this because we’re doing a good job. Phillip Island is one of the toughest circuits in this championship and I think that, despite the weather, we’ve worked really well. Today we worked on the configuration of the suspension and the set-up of the bike in general. I feel much more comfortable on the bike although we’ve still got a lot of work to do. I am happy.” Ruben Xaus (1:32.61, 118 laps) “The weather improved substantially today. We were able to ride much more comfortably and we followed the testing programme we had for today. I’m adapting more and more to the YZR M1. We have to improve the set-up of the bike and the basic secret to that is to work hard every day to keep evolving.” Hervé Poncharal Fortuna Yamaha Team Director “The weather on the first two days makes it difficult to compare the results from this session to when we were here a couple of weeks ago. We know Toni Elías has made a lot of progress, though, because he’s knocking almost a second per lap off his times every day. I think the most important thing right now is the communication that exists within the team and the job we are all doing, along with the potential shown by our riders, means we can look ahead to the IRTA tests in good shape”.

Updated Post: More From Daytona

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Updated Post: More From Daytona

T. Hayden, Haskovec Captured Daytona Wins DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 10, 2005) — Tommy Hayden, of Owensboro, Ky., put on a dominating performance aboard his No. 1 factory Kawasaki to claim victory Thursday’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport final at historic Daytona International Speedway. Hayden’s margin of victory over second-place rider Jamie Hacking was 3.723 seconds, the largest margin of victory in the Daytona Supersport race since 1998. “Since we got here we made very few changes,” Hayden said. “The bike was really good. I definitely couldn’t ask more out of my bike, I mean the thing was unbelievable, easy to ride and super fast. I got the pole and I think I led every lap so I couldn’t ask for anything better. “You come in with a new track and a new bike and you never know what to expect. Obviously this is how I wanted it to turn out. I’ve been here many times on slow bikes so it felt really good when I got out there and had the fastest bike.” This year’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport marked another heartbreaker for second-place finisher Hacking, who has now finished runner up at Daytona in major events three times. Jason DiSalvo nosed out Suzuki’s Ben Spies for third place. Repsol Superstock: Vincent Haskovec, a native of the Czech Republic, earned his first Daytona International Speedway victory in the Repsol Superstock final. Haskovec moved his M4 EMGO Suzuki into the lead with three laps to go and held off Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates. It marked Haskovec’s second-career AMA victory and the third Daytona Superstock win for the M4 EMGO Suzuki squad. “I was really pleased when I saw them 10-15 bike lengths behind,” Haskovec said. “I just put my head down and just rolled. The motorcycle was amazing, and the tires were working real well with the setup we got – the change we made right after the qualifying made the difference.” Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was third giving Suzuki its first Daytona Superstock podium sweep in three years. More, from a press release issued on behalf of Dunlop by Vreeke & Associates: AMA Superbike series kickoff at Daytona launches successful debut of Dunlop Sportmax GP Daytona, FL – March 10, 2005 – The legendary tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) was the setting for the first competition of the 2005 AMA Superbike series. To the delight of the thousands of road racing fans that trek to this sunny locale every year, the series’ four racing classes showcase some of the best teams and motorcycle racers in the world. Dunlop chose the occasion to unveil the company’s newest racing tire, the ~http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_news_article.asp?id=133~ Sportmax GP. The multi-compound DOT-approved tire made its racing debut during the Supersport contest on Thursday, March 10. Proof of the Sportmax GP’s performance was demonstrated here earlier this year at the AMA tire testing session in January, when Sportmax GP-equipped Supersport machines chopped nearly a full second off of their laps times compared to Dunlop’s venerable D208 GP tires. Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has long supported the prestigious AMA Superbike series. Along with their engineers and tire technicians, Dunlop brought more than 2500 tires to support the Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Formula Xtreme factory teams and support riders. DIS underwent extensive changes to the track after the 2004 season. The redesign added more infield turns, eliminated the west banking, and shortened the overall course to approximately three miles. Compared to the previous layout, the new asphalt surface and the added number of infield turns increased tire wear on the left portion of the tread, while the elimination of NASCAR turns One and Two resulted in reduced tire temperatures. Thursday’s first race featured the 1000cc nearly-stock machines of the Superstock class. Suzuki’s all-new GSX-R1000 swept the podium as M4 Emgo Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec put on an impressive charge from sixth position to win the 13-lap event by .302 seconds over Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates. Jordon Motorsport’s Jason Pridmore was third, .332-seconds behind Yates. Yates, who took the pole position earlier in the day with a hot 1:39.667 lap on a Dunlop qualifying tire, took the early race lead on lap two and held that position until he was overtaken on lap 10. “I’m real happy to finish second and get real good points,” said Yates. “We led the most laps and got that point. It’s a long championship, and it’s great that Suzuki swept the podium, that’s the important thing.” Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking was fourth on a YZF-R1, followed by teammate Jason Disalvo. Kawasaki Road Racing’s Tommy Hayden was seventh on a ZX-10RR, Pridmore’s teammate Steve Rapp was eighth and Brent George was ninth on a GSX-R1000 as Dunlop-shod riders took seven of the top ten finishing positions. The 600cc Supersport was next. Tommy Hayden, who topped qualifying with a time of 1:43.510, took the win with a convincing victory margin of 3.723 seconds on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR over Jamie Hacking aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6. Yamaha’s Jason Disalvo was third, followed by Suzuki’s Ben Spies on a GSX-R600 in fourth. Fifth and ninth went to Yamaha-mounted Aaron Gobert and Pascal Picotte, respectively as Dunlop riders took six of the top ten positions. “I couldn’t ask more out of my bike,” said Hayden. “The thing was unbelievable, easy to ride and super fast. Qualifying was good, I got the pole, and I think I led every lap. It felt really good when I went out there and knew that I had the fastest bike.” Thursday’s action also included qualifying sessions for the Superbike and Formula Xtreme competitors. Five-time AMA Superbike champ Mat Mladin snagged the pole position on his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 with an impressive time of 1:38.232 on a race tire. He is joined by teammates Ben Spies and Aaron Yates in the second and fourth grid positions while Ducati Austin’s Neal Hodgson qualified third. All four were fitted with Dunlop tires. “I would say the new tires that we’re using are amazing compared to anything we’ve used before,” said Mladin. “We tested them at the test (at DIS in January) the first time. They make the motorcycle so much nicer on the banking. They’d got to a stage last year where, on the banking, it was scary. This year, it certainly gets your attention, but things are a lot more under control. Dunlop are 100 percent to thank for that. They’ve got some good stuff, and the lap times on the tires and the grip on the tires is better than we’ve had, so it’s been a very, very good development for the future, for racing at Daytona.” Honda Racing’s Miguel Duhamel captured his first-ever Daytona 200 pole position with a time of 1:42.593 aboard the CBR600RR. Two more Hondas made the front row as Duhamel’s teammate Jake Zemke qualified second and Erion Racing’s Kurtis Roberts was fourth. Third position went to Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes on a ZX-6RR. “I’ve been close (before),” said Duhamel of his quest for a 200-pole. “It feels great to get the Daytona Rolex. I’ve been coming here for a long time. I always try hard here. I just really enjoy the 200, it means a lot to me.” The series takes a break on Friday while the AMA Supercross series takes center stage for a day. Then the road racing resumes Saturday as Mladin guns for his 33rd record AMA Superbike victory and Duhamel seeks a record-tying fifth Daytona 200 win. About Dunlop Tires Dunlop Tires is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S. and the only manufacturer of motorcycle tires in North America. With North American operations headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Dunlop has been making and selling high-quality tires in the U.S. since 1923. For more information, please visit www.dunlopmotorcycle.com. More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: VINCENT HASKOVEC WINS DAYTONA SUPERSTOCK It would be difficult to imagine a much better way for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki to open their 25th anniversary season than the fashion they did on Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. In the very first AMA Superstock race of 2005, Vincent Haskovec piloted his GSX-R1000 to a stunning victory. Over the 13-lap contest’s final half, the Czech-born racer tracked down and overhauled the class’ top factory riders to position himself for the win. Working his way up from sixth following the opening lap into the lead by lap 10, Haskovec built up just enough of a gap over the final laps to prevent any of his rivals from counterattacking with a last-gasp drafting maneuver. Utilizing a clever race strategy, he settled in during the first five laps so that he could readjust to his fire-breathing 1000 after immediately coming from his Formula Xtreme qualifying session. After doing so, his Pirelli tires offered him more grip than his opponents could muster in the race’s late stages. Haskovec raved about the all-new GSX-R1000, which took a clean sweep of the podium, and marveled over how quickly the team was making improvements in the bike’s set-up with the help of new suspension partner Öhlins. “As soon as I got up to the leaders, I sat behind them for five or six laps,” he explained. “I told myself, ‘everything feels good, I should start to roll forward.’ The Suzuki is unbelievable — it’s like they made it for me. I didn’t have the best time in practice — I struggled a lot — but everything came together for the race. I knew three or four laps from the end that I was going to have some rubber on them. I could drive off the corners much better. The motorcycle was amazing and the tires worked real well with the set-up we found. The team gave me the perfect motorcycle today.” While Haskovec’s win was undoubtedly the highlight of Thursday, it was a strong day for both racers on Team M4 EMGO Suzuki. Haskovec’s teammate Geoff May diced with the leaders in the early stages of the Superstock race as well before claiming a clear sixth place in his AMA racing debut as a member of the squad. The Georgian then went straight back out onto the 2.95-mile circuit and picked up his second top-ten finish of the day, taking eighth in the 22-lap Supersport final. But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment of the day was his showing during qualifying for Saturday’s Superbike final. May ripped off a 1:40.608 aboard his GSX-R1000 to set the fifth best time — outpacing several full-factory and factory-supported Superbike stars. Haskovec will also be back in action on Saturday, racing in the prestigious Daytona 200. He put his Formula Xtreme-spec GSX-R600 on the second row of the grid for the 64th running of the grueling 68-lap contest, qualifying in sixth at 1:44.191 just before taking his Superstock victory. More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse: HODGSON ON FRONT ROW FOR DAYTONA SUPERBIKE Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Neil Hodgson qualified on the front row for Saturday’s opening round of the AMA Superbike championship at Daytona, taking third position in his first qualifying session as an AMA regular. Just one day after rain ended the racing action at Daytona early, Hodgson and teammate Eric Bostrom put in their qualifying runs on board their factory Ducati 999s in clear and sunny conditions. Bostrom will start the prestigious opening event of the AMA season from ninth position. Hodgson, a former British and World Superbike Champion, impressed as he improved his lap times on the 2.95 mile (4.7 kilometer) track, home of the historic American motorcycle race. Despite relatively little track time due to the weather, Neil showed his professionalism by working up to speed quickly on the difficult banked oval. Neil said he didn’t use a tow from another rider, a common tactic at the Speedway, to set his fast qualifying time of 1:39.884. “My strategy was to go as fast as I could. I didn’t really want to even follow anyone. I was just trying to do my own thing,” said Neil. “I was working on the settings a little bit, so I needed to just concentrate on me and my bike, and just get the feeling and understand it.” Hodgson said the intricacies of Daytona make things difficult as riders fight for victory. The 31 degree banked section of the track has walls just inches away from the racing line. “We’re professional motorcycle racers, and then you come to Daytona and it’s almost a different skill. It feels so alien to us,” said Neil. “I don’t think you get used to the feeling of it, because there’s no grip on the infield, and the banking is the banking. So I’m pleased to be on the front row. Hopefully there’s a little bit more to come in the front end direction, based on that session.” Eric Bostrom will start the race from ninth position after a 1:41.654 lap. “We didn’t make as much progress as we would have liked. I felt like I was riding hard, sliding the front and sliding the rear in spots. I’ve been around long enough to know where the limits are and I was pretty close to them. The lap times just weren’t there for us today. We’ll keep our heads down and try to come up with a solution for the race on Saturday.” “We’re impressed and proud of Neil for doing so well in his first AMA qualifying session against some very good competition,” said Team Manager Tom Bodenbach. “We’ll see how the race goes, pace-wise. We’re in pretty good shape for the race. Eric has some things to sort out, but the guys are working on it. We’re going to do our best to get him in position so when he gets his normal good start, he can fight for a podium.” Saturday’s Superbike race, which gets underway at 11:15 a.m. local time, will be over 15 laps. STARTING-GRID: 1. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 1:38.232; 2. Ben Spies (Suzuki) 1:38.963; 3. NEIL HODGSON (Ducati 999) 1:39.884; 4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 1:39.894; 5. Geoff May (Suzuki) 1:40.608; 6. Miguel DuHamel (Honda) 1:40.875 ; … 9. ERIC BOSTROM (Ducati 999) 1:41.654

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden Wins AMA Supersport Race At Daytona

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Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden Wins AMA Supersport Race At Daytona

Provisional AMA Supersport Race Results: 1. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, 22 laps 2. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R6, -3.723 seconds 3. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R6, -14.307 seconds 4. Ben Spies, Suz GSX-R600, -14.390 seconds 5. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R6, -22.712 seconds 6. Robert Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, -38.419 seconds 7. Michael Barnes, Yam YZF-R6, -39.820 seconds 8. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R600, -41.709 seconds 9. Pascal Picotte, Yam YZF-R6, -46.800 seconds 10. Danny Eslick, Suz GSX-R600, -47.142 seconds 11. Chris Peris, Yam YZF-R6, -47.227 seconds 12. Ben Attard, Kaw ZX-6RR, -52.896 seconds 13. Scott Greenwood, Kaw ZX-6RR, -57.263 seconds 14. Mike Smith, Yam YZF-R6, -57.748 seconds 15. Nicky Moore, Yam YZF-R6, -83.341 seconds 16. Blake Young, Suz GSX-R600, -87.251 seconds 17. Alan Schmidt, Yam YZF-R6, -87.308 seconds 18. Taylor Knapp, Yam YZF-R6, -88.425 seconds 19. Trey Yonce, Yam YZF-R6, -107.178 seconds 20. Giovanni Rojas, Yam YZF-R6, -107.307 seconds 21. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, -1 lap, mechanical

Haskovec Wins AMA Superstock Race At Daytona

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Haskovec Wins AMA Superstock Race At Daytona

Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec took the victory in the AMA Superstock race Thursday at Daytona International Speedway on a 2005-model GSX-R1000 shod with Pirelli tires. Haskovec was sixth during the early laps, caught the lead group on lap five and first took the lead on lap 10 of 13. From there, Haskovec was never headed again and took his second career AMA race win. Pole-sitter Aaron Yates finished second on his Dunlop-equipped Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was third on another one of the new GSX-R1000s shod with Dunlop tires. Graves Yamaha riders Jamie Hacking, fourth, and Jason DiSalvo, fifth, ran with the lead Suzukis but ran off track and lost ground in the late going. Haskovec’s teammate Geoff May finished sixth on another Pirelli-sponsored GSX-R1000, ahead of Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden, Pridmore’s teammate Steve Rapp (who picked up his crashed bike and continued in the race), Corona Extra Suzuki’s Brent George and Lion Racing’s Jake Holden, who rounded out the top 10. Provisional AMA Superstock Race Results: 1. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R1000, 13 laps 2. Aaron Yates, Suz GSX-R1000, -0.302 second 3. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R1000, -0.634 second 4. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R1, -3.349 seconds 5. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R1, -3.359 seconds 6. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R1000, -7.545 seconds 7. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-10R, -12.577 seconds 8. Steve Rapp, Suz GSX-R1000, -24.361 seconds, crash 9. Brent George, Suz GSX-R1000, -25.481 seconds 10. Jake Holden, Suz GSX-R1000, -33.343 seconds 11. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-10R, -34.818 seconds 12. Jason Perez, Yam YZF-R1, -40.537 seconds 13. Lee Acree, Suz GSX-R1000, -40.529 seconds 14. John Haner, Suz GSX-R1000, -40.915 seconds 15. Blake Young, Suz GSX-R1000, -41.357 seconds 16. Eric Wood, Suz GSX-R1000, -41.841 seconds 17. J.J. Roetlin, Suz GSX-R1000, -43.411 seconds 18. Tony Meiring, Suz GSX-R1000, -45.845 seconds 19. Matt Lynn, Suz GSX-R1000, -54.558 seconds 20. Jimmy Moore, Suz GSX-R1000, -54.776 seconds 21. James Kerker, Hon CBR1000RR, -90.588 seconds 22. Eric Haugo, Suz GSX-R1000, -93.040 seconds 23. Johnny Rock Page, Yam YZF-R1, -105.324 seconds 24. David Loikits, Suz GSX-R1000, -105.787 seconds 25. Brian Boyd, Suz GSX-R1000, -106.030 seconds 26. Reno Karimian, Suz GSX-R1000, -1 lap 27. Mark Vandal, Hon CBR1000RR, -1 lap 28. Sean Wray, Yam YZF-R1, -1 lap 29. Jeremy Haiduk, Yam YZF-R1, -4 laps, DNF 30. Montez Stewart, Suz GSX-R1000, -7 laps, DNF 31. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R1, -12 laps, DNF, mechanical Provisional AMA Superstock Championship Standings: 1. Haskovec, 36 points 2. Yates, 34 points 3. Pridmore, 29 points 4. Hacking, 27 points 5. DiSalvo, 26 points 6. May, 25 points 7. Tommy Hayden, 24 points 8. Rapp, 23 points 9. George, 22 points 10. Holden, 21 points

Duhamel Snags Daytona 200 Pole In Closing Moments Of Qualifying

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Duhamel Snags Daytona 200 Pole In Closing Moments Of Qualifying

American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel took pole for Saturday’s Daytona 200, leapfrogging teammate Jake Zemke in the closing moments of Thursday’s qualifying session. Josh Hayes put an Attack Kawasaki in third place and Kurtis Roberts put his Erion Honda in the final position on the front row. Michael Barnes heads the second row of the grid on his Venemotos Yamaha. More results will be listed as they become available. 1. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR600RR, 1:42.593 2. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR600RR, 1:42.599 3. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:43.012 4. Kurtis Roberts, Hon CBR600RR, 1:43.551 5. Michael Barnes, Yam YZF-R6, 1:43.384 6. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R600, 1:44.191 7. Robert Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, 1:44.330 8. Danny Eslick, Suz GSX-R600, 1:44.623 9. Pascal Picotte, Yam YZF-R6, 1:44.937 10. Chris Peris, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.178 11. Jason Perez, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.999 12. Ben Attard, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:46.367 13. Simon Turner, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.405 14. Alex Gobert, Hon CBR600RR, 1:46.406 15. Ty Howard, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.585 16. Michael Smith, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.811 17. Alan Schmidt, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.844 18. Armando Ferrer, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.021 19. Matt Furtek, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:47.084 20. Scott Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.183 More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway: Miguel Duhamel Wins First Daytona 200 By Honda Pole DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 10, 2005) — Canadian Miguel Duhamel captured his first Daytona 200 By Honda pole on Thursday touring the new 2.95-mile road course at Daytona International Speedway in one minute, 42.593 seconds, 103.516 mph aboard his No. 1 Honda CBR600RR. Duhamel, who is chasing his fifth Daytona 200 By Honda victory which would tie him for the all-time lead with Scott Russell, will be awarded with a Rolex watch for his pole winning effort during Saturday’s pre-race ceremonies. “I’ve been close,” Duhamel said. “91, I had the pole and Doug Polen comes around on a Ducati and steals it away. I thought I’ll get it next year but it took a little bit longer. It feels great to get the Daytona Rolex. It was something that was missing from souvenir tray. Finally, I’m able to get it.” Rounding out the front row for the 64th edition of the motorcycle classic will be factory Honda rider Jake Zemke (103.510), Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes (103.095) and Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts (102.558). Duhamel waited until late in the 50-minute qualifying session to have the stickiest qualifying tires mounted on his Honda. The pole lap was set on his very last circuit of the new course. Duhamel saw his name go to the top of the leader board, but he decided not to celebrate until he rode back into the pits for confirmation. “On the cool off lap, I wasn’t going to be celebrating too hard because I knew Jake went out almost the same time as me,” Duhamel said. “I was thinking he probably timed it better. I still thought there was a really good chance he was going to beat my time. I kept looking at the board and looking at the board. I was first but I was just fearing the 98 was going to get back on the 1 because he went out with new tires too. I didn’t want to celebrate but it turned out it was alright.” For Duhamel, winning a record Daytona 200 By Honda would special. “I’m not going to celebrate or think too much about something I haven’t accomplished yet,” Duhamel said. “I’m going to drop the clutch for the 200. I’ve got a great team. We did some great pit stops. Hopefully at the end if we win it we’re probably going to tear one up pretty good.” AMA Superbike Qualifying — Mladin Leads Suzuki Parade In Superbike Qualifying: Aussie Mat Mladin ripped a fast lap of one minute, 38.232 seconds, 108.111 mph on Daytona International Speedway’s new 2.95-mile motorcycle road course to win the pole for Saturday’s AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited. Mladin, a five-time AMA Superbike champion who earned his second Superbike pole at the legendary facility and the 38th of his AMA career, wasn’t the only rider that was fast on a Suzuki during the qualifying session. Yoshimura Suzuki teammates Ben Spies and Aaron Yates also cracked the front row for Saturday’s 15-lap event. Spies qualified second with a lap of 107.313 mph while Yates qualified fourth with a speed of 106.313. “We have a great motorcycle this year and to have three Suzuki’s on the front row is amazing,” Mladin said. “It just goes to show the strength of the Suzuki and what Suzuki has given us for this year’s race season. I couldn’t have done a better lap.” England’s Neil Hodgson was the only non-Suzuki rider to qualify on the front row with a lap of 106.323 on his Ducati. Hodgson, who has made only one previous trip to Daytona International Speedway in 1995, was delighted with his third-place qualifying effort. “My strategy was to go fast as fast as I could,” Hodgson said. “I didn’t really want to even follow anybody. I tired to do my own thing. I was working on the setting a little bit. I needed to concentrate on me and my bike and sort of get the feeling and understand it.” Tickets for any of the motorcycle events at Daytona International Speedway are available online at ~http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com~ or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Mladin On AMA Superbike Pole At Daytona

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Mladin On AMA Superbike Pole At Daytona

1. Mat Mladin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.232 2. Ben Spies, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.962 3. Neil Hodgson, Duc 999R, 1:38.884 4. Aaron Yates, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:39.894 5. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:40.608* 6. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:40.875 7. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:40.891 8. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:41.429 9. Eric Bostrom, Duc 999R, 1:41.654 10. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:41.691 11. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R1, 1:41.846 12. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:41.925* 13. Kurtis Roberts, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:42.110 14. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R1, 1:42.171* 15. Steve Rapp, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:42.216* 16. John McGuinness, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:42.529 17. Larry Pegram, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:42.712 18. Jake Holden, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:42.999* 19. Marty Craggill, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.060 20. Brent George, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.552* 21. Eric Wood, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.670* 22. Cory West, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.121* 23. Lee Acree, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.366* 24. John Haner, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.392* 25. Steve Crevier, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.510* 26. Scott Jensen, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.921* 27. Brian Stokes, Yam YZF-R1, 1:45.026 28. Tony Meiring, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:45.032* 29. Roger Bell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:45.422 30. Michael Smith, Yam YZF-R1, 1:45.739 31. Francis Martin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.188 32. Dean Mizdal, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.277 33. Jeremy Toye, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:46.328 34. J.J. Roetlin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.386 35. Jimmy Moore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.393 36. Anthony Fania, Jr., Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.482 37. Scott Carpenter, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.139 38. Brian Boyd, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.576 39. C.R. Gittere, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.775 110 percent of fastest time: 1:48.055 40. Byron Barbour, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:48.222 41. James Kerker, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:48.362 42. Rick Shaw, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:49.036 43. Eric Haugo, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:49.556 44. Marco Martinez, Duc 999R, 1:49.696 45. Sean Wray, Yam YZF-R1, 1:49.832 46. Reno Karimian, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:50.089 47. Adam Vella, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:50.741 48. Rick Narup, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:51.408 49. Roberto Concepcion, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:52.776 50. Steve Scott, Yam YZF-R1, 1:54.963 *Superstock-spec racebike More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki: Team Suzuki’s AMA Superbike Champion, Mat Mladin took the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 to the fastest ever lap of the 2.95-mile Daytona International Speedway to qualify for pole position for Saturday morning’s AMA Superbike National. In fact, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 dominated the top places in qualifying, with Team Yoshimura’s Ben Spies taking second place on the grid, teammate Aaron Yates, taking fourth place and Team M4 Emgo Suzuki’s Geoff may taking fifth place. DAYTONA SUPERBIKE QUALIFYING 1. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 1:38.232 2. Ben Spies (Suzuki) 1:38.962 3. Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 1:39.884 4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 1:39.894 5. Geoff May (Suzuki) 1:40.608 6. Miguel Duhamel (Honda) 1:40.875 7. Jake Zemke (Honda) 1:1:40.891 8. Josh Hayes (Kawasaki) 1:41.429 9. Eric Bostrom (Ducati) 1:41.654 10. Jason Pridmore (Suzuki) 1:41.691

Thursday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times From Daytona

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Thursday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times From Daytona

Provisional Thursday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times: 1. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR600RR, 1:41.683 2. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R6, 1:43.405 3. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:43.529 4. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:43.820 5. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R6, 1:43.929 6. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR600RR, 1:44.215 7. Michael Barnes, Yam YZF-R6, 1:44.741 8. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R600, 1:44.954 9. Robert Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.102 10. Kurtis Roberts, Hon CBR600RR, 1:45.248 11. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.671 12. Danny Eslick, Suz GSX-R600, 1:46.101 13. Jason Perez, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.396 14. Chris Peris, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.482 15. Pascal Picotte, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.664 16. Ben Attard, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:46.750 17. Armando Ferrer, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.930 18. Nicky Moore, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.092 19. Ty Howard, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.303 20. Ryan Andrews, Duc 749R, 1:47.635 21. Nate Hester, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.777 22. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:47.781 23. Simon Turner, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.811 24. Jason Farrell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.892 25. Matt Lynn, Suz GSX-R600, 1:47.932 26. Gio Rojas, Suz GSX-R600, 1:47.947 27. William Meyers, Yam YZF-R6, 1:48.168 28. Alan Schmidt, Yam YZF-R6, 1:48.213 29. Tony Fania, Yam YZF-R6, 1:48.284 30. Alex Gobert, Hon CBR600RR, 1:48.367

The Official Word On The 2005 AMA National At VIR

AMA Superbikes Return to VIR With New Date, New Promoter, New Title Alton, Va. VIRginia International Raceway is pleased to announce that the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited will return to the historic Southside Virginia circuit in 2005. While the event will have a new name, a new date and a new promoter, the wheel-to-wheel excitement that has been the hallmark of the AMA Superbikes at VIR will not change at all. The event, which will now be known as the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, will take place over the weekend of August 26-28. The event schedule will include three days of racing action, including two feature races for the headlining AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as feature races for the supporting classes including the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, AMA Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. The event will now be promoted by RPM Productions, a company with a long history of promoting successful motorcycle racing events throughout the United States. A long-term agreement between RPM Productions and VIR will ensure the success of the event for the foreseeable future. Originally, the event was tentatively scheduled on the AMA’s 2005 calendar for its traditional mid-September date, and as a two-day event, the format that was employed in 2004 after the event was postponed to October 9-10 as a result of Hurricane Ivan. “The VIR date has been listed as tentative on our calendar since the schedule was originally released,” said John Farris, AMA Vice President, Commercial Development. “In finalizing the championship schedule we felt an earlier date, along with making the event a Superbike doubleheader, was a positive step for the series. Also, the addition of RPM Productions as a promotional partner should help ensure continued growth of the event.” VIR co-owner Connie Lee Nyholm said that the return of the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited was a welcome development. “We couldn’t be more pleased that we were able to put together an agreement with the AMA and RPM Productions to bring the Superbikes back to VIR,” she said. “The Superbikes have delivered some of the best racing ever seen at VIR over the years, and the fans who turn out to support them have been fantastic. We can’t wait to welcome them back, and we’re looking forward to making the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals the best event on the circuit for years to come.” RPM Productions’ Cameron Gray said that his company is thrilled with the opportunity to promote the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIR, and the prospect of growing the event into the future. “This is a great joint venture among ourselves, the AMA and VIR,” Gray said. “AMA worked very hard to coordinate this effort, and Connie Nyholm and the VIR staff couldn’t have been more gracious and flexible in working with us to establish the date we wanted. We’re proud to be able to revive the Big Kahuna name, which we previously used when we promoted AMA Superbikes for five years at Road Atlanta, where we first introduced the concept of the Superbike double-header. “VIR is an awesome facility, and we have big plans to make this the best and most fan-friendly event on the circuit,” he added. “We are looking at Jumbotron screens, stunt shows, a ‘Fan Night’ and other amenities that will take the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals to the next level. In the future, we want to build on that and improve the experience for the fans so that it will be a permanent ‘can’t-miss’ fixture on their annual calendars. We’re really excited, and can’t wait for August.” Tickets for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals will go on sale April 1. VIR is a family-friendly facility, where children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Spectator camping is available. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The renovated original circuit has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days. For more information, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR at 434-822-7700. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.ussuperbike.com.

Updated: Assorted Press Releases, Some Weird, Some Not

This Saturday, March 12, 2005, is Milwaukee’s annual Frozen Snot Ride, sponsored by Fuel Cafe and The Shop. All bikes (including scooters) are welcome and encouraged to join in. The group leaves Fuel Cafe, 818 E Center St, at 9:00am, and does a tour with stops at various pubs and cafes around greater Milwaukee. Riders can join in from stops along the route. The final destination is the Palomino, where riders can take in the Daytona 200 and warm up. More information, including stops and times, is available at www.dieseljo.com/. Tom Short CCS Midwest EX #128 Milwaukee, Wisconsin More, from a press release issued by Makita: EXPERIENCE MORE WITH MAKITA’S FIRST MOBILE MARKETING TOUR La Mirada, CA – Makita USA, Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, is excited to announce the kick off of its new Experience More.T mobile marketing tour. This 53′ interactive mobile event and training trailer is geared to professional tradesmen, those who use power tools to make their living. This trailer will allow our PRO users to interact with and use Makita’s industrial power tools in an authentic work environment. It will also be a great avenue for strengthening relationships between Makita and its dealers by leveraging their brand and driving traffic to their stores. “The Experience More Tour is going to be extremely impressive and will engage the professional’s five senses to completely immerse them in Makita,” said Brent Withey, Brand Manager for Makita. “We are excited to be able to bring this tour to our PRO users and offer such a valuable experience to them.” Not just a tool display on wheels, The Experience More Tour will provide hands-on testing of Makita’s innovative tools as well as proper tool applications and safety training. The focus of this tour will be on Makita’s Best in Class Engineering with Performance, Precision and Durability. This tour will showcase over 125 focused trade tools that will be displayed on real-life display pods. In addition, the tour will include interactive experience demo stations, engineering exhibits to show Makita’s engineering advantages, touch screen displays with interactive video, and plasma screens will be placed throughout the trailer with compelling video and audio footage to engage the audience. Knowledgeable and friendly Experience More Brand Ambassadors will be on board to educate visitors and to tell the Makita story. Their mission will be to put Makita at the forefront of the professional’s mind when purchasing tools, and reinforce the superior quality of the Makita brand. As Makita strives to focus on the Hispanic market, the tour will integrate exclusive initiatives tailored towards Hispanic tradesmen to expand the reach to this growing demographic. Future initiatives include attendance at sponsored MLS and FMF soccer games, Hispanic festivals, construction job-sites, and store demonstrations. “The Hispanic population has had rapid growth in the USA — nearly 60% since 1990 — and these professionals are vital to the construction industry,” stated Xavier Turpin, Makita’s Marketing Manager, Emerging Markets. “Our mobile marketing initiative will allow us to move closer to the Hispanic end-users in an effort to comprehend them better and for them to recognize our passion, pride, and commitment to be relevant in their life.” The Experience More Tour will also support Makita’s sponsorship initiatives such as Team Makita Suzuki Racing and MLS and FMF soccer. The interactive trailer will be on the road across the United States continuously, making appearances at our sponsored Supercross races and soccer matches, as well as dealer events and much more. To generate further excitement, there will be guest appearances and other entertainment scheduled at these events. The Makita Experience More trailer was designed, manufactured and operated by Craftsmen Industries of Saint Louis, Missouri. They are experts in creating a compelling and interactive brand experience in the mobile marketing industry. Makita USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 320 professional, industrial quality power tools. All Makita tools are covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship and may be serviced at any of our 26 factory service centers or by more than 1000 authorized service centers nationwide. Makita USA, Inc.’s home office is located in La Mirada, California and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-4-MAKITA (1-800-462-5482) or visit the website at www.makitatools.com. More, from a press release issued by the AMA: AMA REGRETS TRAGIC DEATH OF MOTORCYCLE ACTIVIST AND HUMANITARIAN PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has learned of the tragic death of Simon Milward, a leading motorcycle rights advocate who traveled the world to raise funds for charity. Milward, a native of the United Kingdom, died as a result of a motorcycle crash in the west African country of Mali on March 4. A former secretary general of the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Association (FEMA), Milward helped organize European motorcyclists in the 1990s. “Simon was one of the men most responsible for taking the motorcycle rights movement international,” said AMA President Robert Rasor. “He brought motorcyclist rights organizations from various countries together and improved their lot in the European Union.” But Milward’s advocacy work was just a prelude to a bigger adventure. On January 1, 2000, he set off on a homemade motorcycle for an around-the-world trip. He initially raised donations for Riders For Health, a charity that uses motorcycles to bring health care to residents of remote regions, and Doctors Without Borders. In the United States, Milward joined with Rasor and other concerned motorcyclists to form Motorcycle Outreach, which funneled donations to motorcycle-related charities in other countries. Through Milward’s influence, organizations aimed at using motorcycles to provide health care to poor populations in remote areas have been formed in countries ranging from Indonesia to South Africa to Argentina. “Simon had an enormous impact on the motorcycling community,” said Rasor. “He will be missed by motorcyclists everywhere.” On behalf of the AMA and American motorcyclists, Rasor offered condolences to Milward’s family and the many friends he made around the world. For more information, visit Simon Milward’s website, www.millennium-ride.com. The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 260,000 members. Its purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. More, from a press release issued by Lucky Devil Cycle Sports: Jeremy Haiduk is in his 3rd season of contesting the AMA series and will be running the full schedule this year in AMA Supersport on a Yamaha R-6 and for the first time Superbike on a Yamaha R-1. Jeremy used the combined CCS/F-USA round at Daytona this past weekend to learn the new track and get the R-1 dialed in for the opening round of the AMA series. Jeremy ran well and was pleased with the progress made. Jeremy is actively looking for additional companies to form a partnership with and can be contacted at [email protected] . Lucky Devil Cycle Sports is a motorcycle oriented clothing company that focuses on “Cool Clothes for Cool People”. Owners Cody and Cindy Cheves are proud to sponsor Jeremy as a way to give back to the sport they enjoy. Information or questions on Lucky Devil Cycle Sports can be found at www.getluckydevil.com . More, from a press release issued by the Isle of Man TT: Aussie Ace To Make TT Debut! Two time Macau Grand Prix winner, Australian Cameron Donald will make his TT debut this June, riding in the two Supersport events and the Senior Race on board a CBR RR Honda machine. The 27 year old from Melbourne has a glittering CV achieved during his eight year career in road racing. In four starts at the Macau Grand Prix street race, he has finished on the podium each time, winning twice and beating riders of the calibre of Bruce Anstey and Steve Plater along the way. A regular front runner on the competitive Australian domestic scene, Cameron is one of the few riders to have won an Australian Superbike round outright whilst competing as a privateer. He is also a regular race winner in the Asian Pacific Supersport Championship where he has finished second overall for the past two seasons, and last year he took part in the British Superbike Championship Privateer’s Cup scoring points in all four of the races he took part in. Having spent time on the Island during last year’s TT, Cameron is fully prepared for the task ahead, and will be travelling to the Isle of Man in early May to spend more time learning the circuit ahead of his debut. He will be backed by RAF Engineer Mick Charnock, himself a leading Manx Grand Prix rider, along with the team infrastructure that has supported Gordon Blackley successfully for many years at the TT. The news that Cameron Donald will make his debut at the 2005 TT Races comes on top of the news that several other highly regarded riders will debut on the Mountain Circuit this year including German Markus Barth, Scot Les Shand and English duo Gus Scott and Paul Shoesmith. Speaking about making his TT debut Cameron said: “I lapped the Mountain Circuit over and over last June in a car, and knew straight away that I wanted to race at the TT. I didn’t think that I would get the chance though, coming from Australia, as the logistics are so hard to overcome, so I must say how thankful I am that Mick Charnock and the TT Organisers have made so much effort to give me the chance to race this year. I intend to spend this year learning the circuit, but I hope to keep on going back, and one day be in with a chance of winning a race around there. That would be a dream come true.” TT Team and Rider Liaison Officer Paul Phillips added: “I am delighted that Cameron has agreed to come and race at the TT. From the outset he has been one of the riders that I have been trying hard to bring to the TT, as he has proven ability not only on the short circuits, but also on the roads, as he has proved with his excellent record at Macau. I was delighted that when we made contact with him, he was already desperate to take part, and just needed some help with the logistics of racing in an event held on the other side of the world to where he lives. We have been able to make it possible for him to race here this year, and thanks to Mick Charnock he has a competitive machine and experienced team to help him.” David Cretney MHK, Minister for the Department of Tourism and Leisure and Chairman of the TT Co-ordinating Committee said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Cameron Donald to the Isle of Man for TT 2005. Having his name on the entry list is a big boost for the event, and along with the other newcomers who had already shown an interest in this year’s meeting, things are looking very positive for the future of the TT. It looks as though the entry for this year’s races could be the best we have had for many years and the work that our Riders Liaison Officers have been undertaking bodes well for the future of this historic event.” More, from a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports: MGM Grand Serves as Host Hotel for THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross in Las Vegas AURORA, III. – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that the MGM Grand is the host hotel for the THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series finals at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, May 7. A block of rooms have just been released for fans to purchase at a discount rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the low rate on the rooms, when fans purchase rooms through supercross.cc.com, they will receive free transportation from Sam Boyd Stadium via Charter Buses after the race. Click this for the fastest line to a great deal: . The supercross finals in Las Vegas will be a great opportunity for fans to see the top riders showcase their talent in pursuing the Championships, not to mention a great destination for a vacation! What better way to make your supercross experience even more memorable than to stay where the stars of supercross at the MGM Grand? The MGM Grand not only hosts the rooms for the supercross finals, but they will also host the 2005 THQ World Supercross GP/ THQ AMA Supercross Series Awards Banquet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 8. Supercross LIVE!, the only place on the planet to catch THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series live at home, is available for fans at every race, starting at 7:00 p.m. local time at supercross.cc.com. Listen as Supercross LIVE! hosts Jim Holley and Jason Wiegandt capture the live race call, a pre-race show, a post-race show, post-race press conference, on-air industry guests and celebrities, in-depth interviews, promotions, call-ins and more. In 2003-2004, more than a half-million listeners logged on to Supercross LIVE! For more information, please log on to www.supercross.cc.com . For tickets log onto www.supercross.cc.com , www.ticketmaster.com , or www.unlvtickets.com (Las Vegas only). Media requests please contact Denny Hartwig at 630-566-6305 or email at [email protected] . About THQ World Supercross GP(tm)/THQ AMA Supercross Series THQ World Supercross GP is a 17-round global series that is produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Off Road S.L. Riders must compete in the international rounds to be eligible to win the world championship. In 2004-2005, the 17-event THQ World Supercross GP will be comprised of two international events and 15 of the 16 events that are conducted in major cities throughout the United States as a part of the THQ AMA Supercross Series. The other THQ AMA Supercross Series event held in Daytona Beach, Fla., is independently produced by the International Speedway Corporation and is not a part of the THQ World Supercross GP. A THQ AMA Supercross Series rider will be crowned as the national champion for the series of events conducted in the United States only. Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books approximately 130 live entertainment venues, including nearly 100 in North America and more than 30 in Europe. In 2003, 69 million people attended approximately 32,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; museum exhibitions, and specialized sports and motor sports events. In addition, the company’s independently operated athlete representation business, SFX, provides management, marketing and financial consulting services to many of the world’s top professional athletes. Clear Channel Entertainment operates throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. More information may be found by visiting www.cc.com and www.clearchannel.com. More, from a press release issued by MotoTread Inc.: We are pleased to announce that MotoTread has joined with Desser Tire and Rubber Company, Inc., over this fall. Beginning this 2005 race season, we will be offering track site support for Tomahawk Superbike Tires. Initially, MotoTread will focus on Western Regional Road Racing Club events (AFM and WERA West). We will add more clubs to our schedule as time progresses. MotoTread will also provide support at Dialitintracktime.com events. We are currently accepting racer resumes. For more inside info go to www.mototreadinc.com, or call 916-412-7727.

Rizla Suzuki Signs Sponsorship Deal With MAC Tools

Rizla Suzuki has the right tools for the job RIZLA SUZUKI British Superbike technicians have the right tools to get their jobs done quicker and faster than ever before thanks to a new partnership with Mac Tools, one of the world’s leading automotive tool and equipment companies. Mac Tools’ state-of-the-art equipment will give the Rizla Suzuki technicians an edge on the competition when it comes to fast work in the pits in 2005. The high performance tools will allow swift alterations to the set-up of the all-new GSX-R1000K5 race bikes of British Superbike Champion John Reynolds and Scott Smart, ensuring the riders can get back on track as quickly as possible. Mac Tools boasts more than 11,000 products and will be adding to this during the 2005 British Superbike season with a `Limited Edition Toolbox’ to mark its partnership with Rizla Suzuki. These toolboxes will be available exclusively through the fleet of Mac Tools franchised distributors. Mac Tools supports many race teams around the world, including the Formula One BAR team and many drivers within American NASCAR. The Mac Tools brand has become famous on racetracks worldwide due to its pride in providing these teams with the best tools in the industry. Mac Tools has been a supplier of quality hand and power tools in the UK since 1990. Its customers work in all areas of automotive, repair, motorsport and light industrial businesses. They are supplied in the UK through over 150 franchised van-based distributors, each of whom enjoys an exclusive territory and a protected sole distribution rights arrangement. A lifetime warranty also supports the majority of Mac branded products. Mac Tools (www.mactools.com) is part of the Stanleyworks Corporation (www.stanleyworks.com), a $3 bn turnover organisation quoted on the New York Stock Exchange. Mac Tools is one of its trading divisions, with a global turnover of $300m – $19m of which comes from Europe. Adrian O’Nion, Managing Director, Mac Tools Europe: “Mac Tools is delighted to be joining Rizla Suzuki. This new partnership provides us with further endorsement of the high quality of our professional hand and power tools. It brings to three the number of major motorsport partnership arrangements that the Northampton-based tools specialist now has in place. “To be associated with the British Championship winning team is of major importance for Mac. This is the most competitive Superbike Championship in the world and this agreement shows our commitment to racing and puts us at the forefront of tool technology by meeting the needs of a premier race team. We look forward to working with the team and a highly successful and rewarding season.” Simon Green, Rizla Suzuki Team Co-ordinator: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Rizla Suzuki to be allied with a world leading brand such as Mac Tools. Its product range and quality are second to none and all of the technicians are already praising the tools for making their jobs easier. We now have the best tools for the job!”

Yamaha Concludes Three-day MotoGP Test At Phillip Island

GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM TEST Phillip Island, Australia Friday, March 11, 2005 Ambient temperature: 25 degrees Track temperature: 34 degrees Humidity: 66% ROSSI AND EDWARDS COMPLETE OVERSEAS PHASE OF TESTING Gauloises Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards completed the last day of a three-day test in Phillip Island, Australia today, both improving slightly on their times from yesterday. They took advantage of an improvement in the weather with some sunny, if windy, conditions today. But the rain that the team has had to cope with for the last two days left a legacy of poor grip at the picturesque track south of Melbourne. Sharing the circuit again with fellow Yamaha riders Ruben Xaus and Toni Elias, Rossi and his new team-mate Edwards worked hard throughout the day on settings and tyre testing and were able to complete 83 and 79 laps respectively. Rossi set the fastest time of the day with a lap of 1:30.44; two-tenths faster than his time from yesterday but still slower than the 1:29.68 he recorded at the last test in Phillip Island when conditions were better. Edwards set a best lap of 1:30.50, one-tenth of a second faster than his best time from the last test and a half-second improvement on his time from yesterday. Spaniard and MotoGP rookie Toni Elias completed 73 laps with a best of 1:31.85 and his fellow countryman and last year’s MotoGP Rookie of the Year, Ruben Xaus, finished the day with a best lap of 1:32.61 from 118 laps. The Gauloises Yamaha Team now returns to Europe for the first time since the Valencia Grand Prix last November for two official IRTA Tests in Barcelona from 18th to 20th March and Jerez from 25th to 27th March. This will be the first time the bikes will run in their new 2005 livery, which was unveiled by the riders and Yamaha senior management on Monday at a press conference in Tokyo.. Valentino Rossi (1:30.44, 83 laps) “Today the weather was better but the track conditions were still not very good. The track has been so affected by all the rain before on the previous days that it was still quite difficult and this is why we didn’t improve the lap times much. We were able to do some good work however, and continue working on the bike settings and testing tyres for Michelin, so it was a worthwhile day. Now I’m really looking forward to moving on to Barcelona with everyone else and continuing to develop the new bike as we move closer to the first race.” Colin Edwards (1:30.50, 79 laps) “The sun shone today but the track still wasn’t great. With all the rain and just four bikes on the track for only a couple of days, there wasn’t enough rubber laid down to have a really good surface to test on today. Despite that I’m really happy with my progress and we’ve had some really good stuff to work with from both Yamaha and Michelin; I feel I’m going totally in the right direction. This is the last ‘quiet’ test and from here on out it’s getting serious! It’s now on to Barcelona with everyone else; I just need to buckle down and start getting some consistently good lap times.” Davide Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha Team Director “Unfortunately the weather has not been on our side during these three days, but it’s always good to test anyway and gather more information. Both riders have definitely made some progress at this test despite the bad weather; we’ve continued to improve the settings on the new bike and learn more about it. Now we’ve completed 15 days in total of overseas testing since the end of last season and it’s time to move back to Europe and start the new season properly.” Unofficial Lap Times: 1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:30.44 2. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1:30.50 3. Toni Elias (Yamaha) 1:31.85 4. Ruben Xaus (Yamaha) 1:32.61 More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha: FORTUNA YAMAHA COMPLETE TESTS AT PHILLIP ISLAND Fortuna Yamaha completed their testing programme in satisfactory fashion at Phillip Island today despite the tough weather conditions which the riders had contended with on the first two days. Sunshine and high temperatures today meant that Fortuna Yamaha riders Toni Elías and Ruben Xaus were able to continue working on the set-up of their YZR-M1 machines throughout the majority of the day. Toni Elías completed 73 laps of the Australian circuit with a best time of 1:31.85, making him the third fastest rider at the test overall. Toni concentrated mainly on suspension settings and the set-up of the bike in general. His Fortuna Yamaha team-mate Rubén Xaus completed 118 laps aboard his YZR M1, clocking a best time of 1:32.61 at one of the most demanding circuits on the World Championship calendar. Gauloises Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi set the best time of the day with a lap of 1:30.44 after completing 83 circulations of the Australian circuit. His team-mate Colin Edwards, meanwhile, set a best time of 1:30.50 after 79 laps. Toni Elías (1:31.85, 73 laps) “We have to keep going like this because we’re doing a good job. Phillip Island is one of the toughest circuits in this championship and I think that, despite the weather, we’ve worked really well. Today we worked on the configuration of the suspension and the set-up of the bike in general. I feel much more comfortable on the bike although we’ve still got a lot of work to do. I am happy.” Ruben Xaus (1:32.61, 118 laps) “The weather improved substantially today. We were able to ride much more comfortably and we followed the testing programme we had for today. I’m adapting more and more to the YZR M1. We have to improve the set-up of the bike and the basic secret to that is to work hard every day to keep evolving.” Hervé Poncharal Fortuna Yamaha Team Director “The weather on the first two days makes it difficult to compare the results from this session to when we were here a couple of weeks ago. We know Toni Elías has made a lot of progress, though, because he’s knocking almost a second per lap off his times every day. I think the most important thing right now is the communication that exists within the team and the job we are all doing, along with the potential shown by our riders, means we can look ahead to the IRTA tests in good shape”.

Updated Post: More From Daytona

T. Hayden, Haskovec Captured Daytona Wins DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 10, 2005) — Tommy Hayden, of Owensboro, Ky., put on a dominating performance aboard his No. 1 factory Kawasaki to claim victory Thursday’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport final at historic Daytona International Speedway. Hayden’s margin of victory over second-place rider Jamie Hacking was 3.723 seconds, the largest margin of victory in the Daytona Supersport race since 1998. “Since we got here we made very few changes,” Hayden said. “The bike was really good. I definitely couldn’t ask more out of my bike, I mean the thing was unbelievable, easy to ride and super fast. I got the pole and I think I led every lap so I couldn’t ask for anything better. “You come in with a new track and a new bike and you never know what to expect. Obviously this is how I wanted it to turn out. I’ve been here many times on slow bikes so it felt really good when I got out there and had the fastest bike.” This year’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport marked another heartbreaker for second-place finisher Hacking, who has now finished runner up at Daytona in major events three times. Jason DiSalvo nosed out Suzuki’s Ben Spies for third place. Repsol Superstock: Vincent Haskovec, a native of the Czech Republic, earned his first Daytona International Speedway victory in the Repsol Superstock final. Haskovec moved his M4 EMGO Suzuki into the lead with three laps to go and held off Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates. It marked Haskovec’s second-career AMA victory and the third Daytona Superstock win for the M4 EMGO Suzuki squad. “I was really pleased when I saw them 10-15 bike lengths behind,” Haskovec said. “I just put my head down and just rolled. The motorcycle was amazing, and the tires were working real well with the setup we got – the change we made right after the qualifying made the difference.” Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was third giving Suzuki its first Daytona Superstock podium sweep in three years. More, from a press release issued on behalf of Dunlop by Vreeke & Associates: AMA Superbike series kickoff at Daytona launches successful debut of Dunlop Sportmax GP Daytona, FL – March 10, 2005 – The legendary tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) was the setting for the first competition of the 2005 AMA Superbike series. To the delight of the thousands of road racing fans that trek to this sunny locale every year, the series’ four racing classes showcase some of the best teams and motorcycle racers in the world. Dunlop chose the occasion to unveil the company’s newest racing tire, the ~http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_news_article.asp?id=133~ Sportmax GP. The multi-compound DOT-approved tire made its racing debut during the Supersport contest on Thursday, March 10. Proof of the Sportmax GP’s performance was demonstrated here earlier this year at the AMA tire testing session in January, when Sportmax GP-equipped Supersport machines chopped nearly a full second off of their laps times compared to Dunlop’s venerable D208 GP tires. Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has long supported the prestigious AMA Superbike series. Along with their engineers and tire technicians, Dunlop brought more than 2500 tires to support the Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Formula Xtreme factory teams and support riders. DIS underwent extensive changes to the track after the 2004 season. The redesign added more infield turns, eliminated the west banking, and shortened the overall course to approximately three miles. Compared to the previous layout, the new asphalt surface and the added number of infield turns increased tire wear on the left portion of the tread, while the elimination of NASCAR turns One and Two resulted in reduced tire temperatures. Thursday’s first race featured the 1000cc nearly-stock machines of the Superstock class. Suzuki’s all-new GSX-R1000 swept the podium as M4 Emgo Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec put on an impressive charge from sixth position to win the 13-lap event by .302 seconds over Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates. Jordon Motorsport’s Jason Pridmore was third, .332-seconds behind Yates. Yates, who took the pole position earlier in the day with a hot 1:39.667 lap on a Dunlop qualifying tire, took the early race lead on lap two and held that position until he was overtaken on lap 10. “I’m real happy to finish second and get real good points,” said Yates. “We led the most laps and got that point. It’s a long championship, and it’s great that Suzuki swept the podium, that’s the important thing.” Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking was fourth on a YZF-R1, followed by teammate Jason Disalvo. Kawasaki Road Racing’s Tommy Hayden was seventh on a ZX-10RR, Pridmore’s teammate Steve Rapp was eighth and Brent George was ninth on a GSX-R1000 as Dunlop-shod riders took seven of the top ten finishing positions. The 600cc Supersport was next. Tommy Hayden, who topped qualifying with a time of 1:43.510, took the win with a convincing victory margin of 3.723 seconds on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR over Jamie Hacking aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6. Yamaha’s Jason Disalvo was third, followed by Suzuki’s Ben Spies on a GSX-R600 in fourth. Fifth and ninth went to Yamaha-mounted Aaron Gobert and Pascal Picotte, respectively as Dunlop riders took six of the top ten positions. “I couldn’t ask more out of my bike,” said Hayden. “The thing was unbelievable, easy to ride and super fast. Qualifying was good, I got the pole, and I think I led every lap. It felt really good when I went out there and knew that I had the fastest bike.” Thursday’s action also included qualifying sessions for the Superbike and Formula Xtreme competitors. Five-time AMA Superbike champ Mat Mladin snagged the pole position on his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 with an impressive time of 1:38.232 on a race tire. He is joined by teammates Ben Spies and Aaron Yates in the second and fourth grid positions while Ducati Austin’s Neal Hodgson qualified third. All four were fitted with Dunlop tires. “I would say the new tires that we’re using are amazing compared to anything we’ve used before,” said Mladin. “We tested them at the test (at DIS in January) the first time. They make the motorcycle so much nicer on the banking. They’d got to a stage last year where, on the banking, it was scary. This year, it certainly gets your attention, but things are a lot more under control. Dunlop are 100 percent to thank for that. They’ve got some good stuff, and the lap times on the tires and the grip on the tires is better than we’ve had, so it’s been a very, very good development for the future, for racing at Daytona.” Honda Racing’s Miguel Duhamel captured his first-ever Daytona 200 pole position with a time of 1:42.593 aboard the CBR600RR. Two more Hondas made the front row as Duhamel’s teammate Jake Zemke qualified second and Erion Racing’s Kurtis Roberts was fourth. Third position went to Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes on a ZX-6RR. “I’ve been close (before),” said Duhamel of his quest for a 200-pole. “It feels great to get the Daytona Rolex. I’ve been coming here for a long time. I always try hard here. I just really enjoy the 200, it means a lot to me.” The series takes a break on Friday while the AMA Supercross series takes center stage for a day. Then the road racing resumes Saturday as Mladin guns for his 33rd record AMA Superbike victory and Duhamel seeks a record-tying fifth Daytona 200 win. About Dunlop Tires Dunlop Tires is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S. and the only manufacturer of motorcycle tires in North America. With North American operations headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Dunlop has been making and selling high-quality tires in the U.S. since 1923. For more information, please visit www.dunlopmotorcycle.com. More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: VINCENT HASKOVEC WINS DAYTONA SUPERSTOCK It would be difficult to imagine a much better way for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki to open their 25th anniversary season than the fashion they did on Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. In the very first AMA Superstock race of 2005, Vincent Haskovec piloted his GSX-R1000 to a stunning victory. Over the 13-lap contest’s final half, the Czech-born racer tracked down and overhauled the class’ top factory riders to position himself for the win. Working his way up from sixth following the opening lap into the lead by lap 10, Haskovec built up just enough of a gap over the final laps to prevent any of his rivals from counterattacking with a last-gasp drafting maneuver. Utilizing a clever race strategy, he settled in during the first five laps so that he could readjust to his fire-breathing 1000 after immediately coming from his Formula Xtreme qualifying session. After doing so, his Pirelli tires offered him more grip than his opponents could muster in the race’s late stages. Haskovec raved about the all-new GSX-R1000, which took a clean sweep of the podium, and marveled over how quickly the team was making improvements in the bike’s set-up with the help of new suspension partner Öhlins. “As soon as I got up to the leaders, I sat behind them for five or six laps,” he explained. “I told myself, ‘everything feels good, I should start to roll forward.’ The Suzuki is unbelievable — it’s like they made it for me. I didn’t have the best time in practice — I struggled a lot — but everything came together for the race. I knew three or four laps from the end that I was going to have some rubber on them. I could drive off the corners much better. The motorcycle was amazing and the tires worked real well with the set-up we found. The team gave me the perfect motorcycle today.” While Haskovec’s win was undoubtedly the highlight of Thursday, it was a strong day for both racers on Team M4 EMGO Suzuki. Haskovec’s teammate Geoff May diced with the leaders in the early stages of the Superstock race as well before claiming a clear sixth place in his AMA racing debut as a member of the squad. The Georgian then went straight back out onto the 2.95-mile circuit and picked up his second top-ten finish of the day, taking eighth in the 22-lap Supersport final. But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment of the day was his showing during qualifying for Saturday’s Superbike final. May ripped off a 1:40.608 aboard his GSX-R1000 to set the fifth best time — outpacing several full-factory and factory-supported Superbike stars. Haskovec will also be back in action on Saturday, racing in the prestigious Daytona 200. He put his Formula Xtreme-spec GSX-R600 on the second row of the grid for the 64th running of the grueling 68-lap contest, qualifying in sixth at 1:44.191 just before taking his Superstock victory. More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse: HODGSON ON FRONT ROW FOR DAYTONA SUPERBIKE Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Neil Hodgson qualified on the front row for Saturday’s opening round of the AMA Superbike championship at Daytona, taking third position in his first qualifying session as an AMA regular. Just one day after rain ended the racing action at Daytona early, Hodgson and teammate Eric Bostrom put in their qualifying runs on board their factory Ducati 999s in clear and sunny conditions. Bostrom will start the prestigious opening event of the AMA season from ninth position. Hodgson, a former British and World Superbike Champion, impressed as he improved his lap times on the 2.95 mile (4.7 kilometer) track, home of the historic American motorcycle race. Despite relatively little track time due to the weather, Neil showed his professionalism by working up to speed quickly on the difficult banked oval. Neil said he didn’t use a tow from another rider, a common tactic at the Speedway, to set his fast qualifying time of 1:39.884. “My strategy was to go as fast as I could. I didn’t really want to even follow anyone. I was just trying to do my own thing,” said Neil. “I was working on the settings a little bit, so I needed to just concentrate on me and my bike, and just get the feeling and understand it.” Hodgson said the intricacies of Daytona make things difficult as riders fight for victory. The 31 degree banked section of the track has walls just inches away from the racing line. “We’re professional motorcycle racers, and then you come to Daytona and it’s almost a different skill. It feels so alien to us,” said Neil. “I don’t think you get used to the feeling of it, because there’s no grip on the infield, and the banking is the banking. So I’m pleased to be on the front row. Hopefully there’s a little bit more to come in the front end direction, based on that session.” Eric Bostrom will start the race from ninth position after a 1:41.654 lap. “We didn’t make as much progress as we would have liked. I felt like I was riding hard, sliding the front and sliding the rear in spots. I’ve been around long enough to know where the limits are and I was pretty close to them. The lap times just weren’t there for us today. We’ll keep our heads down and try to come up with a solution for the race on Saturday.” “We’re impressed and proud of Neil for doing so well in his first AMA qualifying session against some very good competition,” said Team Manager Tom Bodenbach. “We’ll see how the race goes, pace-wise. We’re in pretty good shape for the race. Eric has some things to sort out, but the guys are working on it. We’re going to do our best to get him in position so when he gets his normal good start, he can fight for a podium.” Saturday’s Superbike race, which gets underway at 11:15 a.m. local time, will be over 15 laps. STARTING-GRID: 1. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 1:38.232; 2. Ben Spies (Suzuki) 1:38.963; 3. NEIL HODGSON (Ducati 999) 1:39.884; 4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 1:39.894; 5. Geoff May (Suzuki) 1:40.608; 6. Miguel DuHamel (Honda) 1:40.875 ; … 9. ERIC BOSTROM (Ducati 999) 1:41.654

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden Wins AMA Supersport Race At Daytona

Provisional AMA Supersport Race Results: 1. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, 22 laps 2. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R6, -3.723 seconds 3. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R6, -14.307 seconds 4. Ben Spies, Suz GSX-R600, -14.390 seconds 5. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R6, -22.712 seconds 6. Robert Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, -38.419 seconds 7. Michael Barnes, Yam YZF-R6, -39.820 seconds 8. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R600, -41.709 seconds 9. Pascal Picotte, Yam YZF-R6, -46.800 seconds 10. Danny Eslick, Suz GSX-R600, -47.142 seconds 11. Chris Peris, Yam YZF-R6, -47.227 seconds 12. Ben Attard, Kaw ZX-6RR, -52.896 seconds 13. Scott Greenwood, Kaw ZX-6RR, -57.263 seconds 14. Mike Smith, Yam YZF-R6, -57.748 seconds 15. Nicky Moore, Yam YZF-R6, -83.341 seconds 16. Blake Young, Suz GSX-R600, -87.251 seconds 17. Alan Schmidt, Yam YZF-R6, -87.308 seconds 18. Taylor Knapp, Yam YZF-R6, -88.425 seconds 19. Trey Yonce, Yam YZF-R6, -107.178 seconds 20. Giovanni Rojas, Yam YZF-R6, -107.307 seconds 21. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, -1 lap, mechanical

Haskovec Wins AMA Superstock Race At Daytona

Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec took the victory in the AMA Superstock race Thursday at Daytona International Speedway on a 2005-model GSX-R1000 shod with Pirelli tires. Haskovec was sixth during the early laps, caught the lead group on lap five and first took the lead on lap 10 of 13. From there, Haskovec was never headed again and took his second career AMA race win. Pole-sitter Aaron Yates finished second on his Dunlop-equipped Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. Michael Jordan Motorsports Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was third on another one of the new GSX-R1000s shod with Dunlop tires. Graves Yamaha riders Jamie Hacking, fourth, and Jason DiSalvo, fifth, ran with the lead Suzukis but ran off track and lost ground in the late going. Haskovec’s teammate Geoff May finished sixth on another Pirelli-sponsored GSX-R1000, ahead of Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden, Pridmore’s teammate Steve Rapp (who picked up his crashed bike and continued in the race), Corona Extra Suzuki’s Brent George and Lion Racing’s Jake Holden, who rounded out the top 10. Provisional AMA Superstock Race Results: 1. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R1000, 13 laps 2. Aaron Yates, Suz GSX-R1000, -0.302 second 3. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R1000, -0.634 second 4. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R1, -3.349 seconds 5. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R1, -3.359 seconds 6. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R1000, -7.545 seconds 7. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-10R, -12.577 seconds 8. Steve Rapp, Suz GSX-R1000, -24.361 seconds, crash 9. Brent George, Suz GSX-R1000, -25.481 seconds 10. Jake Holden, Suz GSX-R1000, -33.343 seconds 11. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-10R, -34.818 seconds 12. Jason Perez, Yam YZF-R1, -40.537 seconds 13. Lee Acree, Suz GSX-R1000, -40.529 seconds 14. John Haner, Suz GSX-R1000, -40.915 seconds 15. Blake Young, Suz GSX-R1000, -41.357 seconds 16. Eric Wood, Suz GSX-R1000, -41.841 seconds 17. J.J. Roetlin, Suz GSX-R1000, -43.411 seconds 18. Tony Meiring, Suz GSX-R1000, -45.845 seconds 19. Matt Lynn, Suz GSX-R1000, -54.558 seconds 20. Jimmy Moore, Suz GSX-R1000, -54.776 seconds 21. James Kerker, Hon CBR1000RR, -90.588 seconds 22. Eric Haugo, Suz GSX-R1000, -93.040 seconds 23. Johnny Rock Page, Yam YZF-R1, -105.324 seconds 24. David Loikits, Suz GSX-R1000, -105.787 seconds 25. Brian Boyd, Suz GSX-R1000, -106.030 seconds 26. Reno Karimian, Suz GSX-R1000, -1 lap 27. Mark Vandal, Hon CBR1000RR, -1 lap 28. Sean Wray, Yam YZF-R1, -1 lap 29. Jeremy Haiduk, Yam YZF-R1, -4 laps, DNF 30. Montez Stewart, Suz GSX-R1000, -7 laps, DNF 31. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R1, -12 laps, DNF, mechanical Provisional AMA Superstock Championship Standings: 1. Haskovec, 36 points 2. Yates, 34 points 3. Pridmore, 29 points 4. Hacking, 27 points 5. DiSalvo, 26 points 6. May, 25 points 7. Tommy Hayden, 24 points 8. Rapp, 23 points 9. George, 22 points 10. Holden, 21 points

Duhamel Snags Daytona 200 Pole In Closing Moments Of Qualifying

American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel took pole for Saturday’s Daytona 200, leapfrogging teammate Jake Zemke in the closing moments of Thursday’s qualifying session. Josh Hayes put an Attack Kawasaki in third place and Kurtis Roberts put his Erion Honda in the final position on the front row. Michael Barnes heads the second row of the grid on his Venemotos Yamaha. More results will be listed as they become available. 1. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR600RR, 1:42.593 2. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR600RR, 1:42.599 3. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:43.012 4. Kurtis Roberts, Hon CBR600RR, 1:43.551 5. Michael Barnes, Yam YZF-R6, 1:43.384 6. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R600, 1:44.191 7. Robert Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, 1:44.330 8. Danny Eslick, Suz GSX-R600, 1:44.623 9. Pascal Picotte, Yam YZF-R6, 1:44.937 10. Chris Peris, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.178 11. Jason Perez, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.999 12. Ben Attard, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:46.367 13. Simon Turner, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.405 14. Alex Gobert, Hon CBR600RR, 1:46.406 15. Ty Howard, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.585 16. Michael Smith, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.811 17. Alan Schmidt, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.844 18. Armando Ferrer, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.021 19. Matt Furtek, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:47.084 20. Scott Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.183 More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway: Miguel Duhamel Wins First Daytona 200 By Honda Pole DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 10, 2005) — Canadian Miguel Duhamel captured his first Daytona 200 By Honda pole on Thursday touring the new 2.95-mile road course at Daytona International Speedway in one minute, 42.593 seconds, 103.516 mph aboard his No. 1 Honda CBR600RR. Duhamel, who is chasing his fifth Daytona 200 By Honda victory which would tie him for the all-time lead with Scott Russell, will be awarded with a Rolex watch for his pole winning effort during Saturday’s pre-race ceremonies. “I’ve been close,” Duhamel said. “91, I had the pole and Doug Polen comes around on a Ducati and steals it away. I thought I’ll get it next year but it took a little bit longer. It feels great to get the Daytona Rolex. It was something that was missing from souvenir tray. Finally, I’m able to get it.” Rounding out the front row for the 64th edition of the motorcycle classic will be factory Honda rider Jake Zemke (103.510), Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes (103.095) and Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts (102.558). Duhamel waited until late in the 50-minute qualifying session to have the stickiest qualifying tires mounted on his Honda. The pole lap was set on his very last circuit of the new course. Duhamel saw his name go to the top of the leader board, but he decided not to celebrate until he rode back into the pits for confirmation. “On the cool off lap, I wasn’t going to be celebrating too hard because I knew Jake went out almost the same time as me,” Duhamel said. “I was thinking he probably timed it better. I still thought there was a really good chance he was going to beat my time. I kept looking at the board and looking at the board. I was first but I was just fearing the 98 was going to get back on the 1 because he went out with new tires too. I didn’t want to celebrate but it turned out it was alright.” For Duhamel, winning a record Daytona 200 By Honda would special. “I’m not going to celebrate or think too much about something I haven’t accomplished yet,” Duhamel said. “I’m going to drop the clutch for the 200. I’ve got a great team. We did some great pit stops. Hopefully at the end if we win it we’re probably going to tear one up pretty good.” AMA Superbike Qualifying — Mladin Leads Suzuki Parade In Superbike Qualifying: Aussie Mat Mladin ripped a fast lap of one minute, 38.232 seconds, 108.111 mph on Daytona International Speedway’s new 2.95-mile motorcycle road course to win the pole for Saturday’s AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited. Mladin, a five-time AMA Superbike champion who earned his second Superbike pole at the legendary facility and the 38th of his AMA career, wasn’t the only rider that was fast on a Suzuki during the qualifying session. Yoshimura Suzuki teammates Ben Spies and Aaron Yates also cracked the front row for Saturday’s 15-lap event. Spies qualified second with a lap of 107.313 mph while Yates qualified fourth with a speed of 106.313. “We have a great motorcycle this year and to have three Suzuki’s on the front row is amazing,” Mladin said. “It just goes to show the strength of the Suzuki and what Suzuki has given us for this year’s race season. I couldn’t have done a better lap.” England’s Neil Hodgson was the only non-Suzuki rider to qualify on the front row with a lap of 106.323 on his Ducati. Hodgson, who has made only one previous trip to Daytona International Speedway in 1995, was delighted with his third-place qualifying effort. “My strategy was to go fast as fast as I could,” Hodgson said. “I didn’t really want to even follow anybody. I tired to do my own thing. I was working on the setting a little bit. I needed to concentrate on me and my bike and sort of get the feeling and understand it.” Tickets for any of the motorcycle events at Daytona International Speedway are available online at ~http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com~ or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Mladin On AMA Superbike Pole At Daytona

1. Mat Mladin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.232 2. Ben Spies, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.962 3. Neil Hodgson, Duc 999R, 1:38.884 4. Aaron Yates, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:39.894 5. Geoff May, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:40.608* 6. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:40.875 7. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:40.891 8. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:41.429 9. Eric Bostrom, Duc 999R, 1:41.654 10. Jason Pridmore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:41.691 11. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R1, 1:41.846 12. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:41.925* 13. Kurtis Roberts, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:42.110 14. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R1, 1:42.171* 15. Steve Rapp, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:42.216* 16. John McGuinness, Kaw ZX-10R, 1:42.529 17. Larry Pegram, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:42.712 18. Jake Holden, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:42.999* 19. Marty Craggill, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.060 20. Brent George, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.552* 21. Eric Wood, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:43.670* 22. Cory West, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.121* 23. Lee Acree, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.366* 24. John Haner, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.392* 25. Steve Crevier, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.510* 26. Scott Jensen, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:44.921* 27. Brian Stokes, Yam YZF-R1, 1:45.026 28. Tony Meiring, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:45.032* 29. Roger Bell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:45.422 30. Michael Smith, Yam YZF-R1, 1:45.739 31. Francis Martin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.188 32. Dean Mizdal, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.277 33. Jeremy Toye, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:46.328 34. J.J. Roetlin, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.386 35. Jimmy Moore, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.393 36. Anthony Fania, Jr., Suz GSX-R1000, 1:46.482 37. Scott Carpenter, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.139 38. Brian Boyd, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.576 39. C.R. Gittere, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.775 110 percent of fastest time: 1:48.055 40. Byron Barbour, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:48.222 41. James Kerker, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:48.362 42. Rick Shaw, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:49.036 43. Eric Haugo, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:49.556 44. Marco Martinez, Duc 999R, 1:49.696 45. Sean Wray, Yam YZF-R1, 1:49.832 46. Reno Karimian, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:50.089 47. Adam Vella, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:50.741 48. Rick Narup, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:51.408 49. Roberto Concepcion, Hon CBR1000RR, 1:52.776 50. Steve Scott, Yam YZF-R1, 1:54.963 *Superstock-spec racebike More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki: Team Suzuki’s AMA Superbike Champion, Mat Mladin took the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 to the fastest ever lap of the 2.95-mile Daytona International Speedway to qualify for pole position for Saturday morning’s AMA Superbike National. In fact, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 dominated the top places in qualifying, with Team Yoshimura’s Ben Spies taking second place on the grid, teammate Aaron Yates, taking fourth place and Team M4 Emgo Suzuki’s Geoff may taking fifth place. DAYTONA SUPERBIKE QUALIFYING 1. Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 1:38.232 2. Ben Spies (Suzuki) 1:38.962 3. Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 1:39.884 4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 1:39.894 5. Geoff May (Suzuki) 1:40.608 6. Miguel Duhamel (Honda) 1:40.875 7. Jake Zemke (Honda) 1:1:40.891 8. Josh Hayes (Kawasaki) 1:41.429 9. Eric Bostrom (Ducati) 1:41.654 10. Jason Pridmore (Suzuki) 1:41.691

Thursday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times From Daytona

Provisional Thursday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times: 1. Miguel Duhamel, Hon CBR600RR, 1:41.683 2. Jamie Hacking, Yam YZF-R6, 1:43.405 3. Tommy Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:43.529 4. Josh Hayes, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:43.820 5. Jason DiSalvo, Yam YZF-R6, 1:43.929 6. Jake Zemke, Hon CBR600RR, 1:44.215 7. Michael Barnes, Yam YZF-R6, 1:44.741 8. Vincent Haskovec, Suz GSX-R600, 1:44.954 9. Robert Jensen, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.102 10. Kurtis Roberts, Hon CBR600RR, 1:45.248 11. Aaron Gobert, Yam YZF-R6, 1:45.671 12. Danny Eslick, Suz GSX-R600, 1:46.101 13. Jason Perez, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.396 14. Chris Peris, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.482 15. Pascal Picotte, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.664 16. Ben Attard, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:46.750 17. Armando Ferrer, Yam YZF-R6, 1:46.930 18. Nicky Moore, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.092 19. Ty Howard, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.303 20. Ryan Andrews, Duc 749R, 1:47.635 21. Nate Hester, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.777 22. Roger Lee Hayden, Kaw ZX-6RR, 1:47.781 23. Simon Turner, Yam YZF-R6, 1:47.811 24. Jason Farrell, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:47.892 25. Matt Lynn, Suz GSX-R600, 1:47.932 26. Gio Rojas, Suz GSX-R600, 1:47.947 27. William Meyers, Yam YZF-R6, 1:48.168 28. Alan Schmidt, Yam YZF-R6, 1:48.213 29. Tony Fania, Yam YZF-R6, 1:48.284 30. Alex Gobert, Hon CBR600RR, 1:48.367

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