From a press release issued by Buell:

2004 BUELL FIREBOLT XB12R TURNS HEADS AT CHICAGO ATHENAEUM MUSEUM OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

MILWAUKEE (August 27, 2004) – The Buell Firebolt XB12R has been selected to receive the Good Design Award for 2004, presented annually by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. Other products recognized within the transportation category include the Audi A8 and BMW Z4 and 5 series.

The award acknowledges the finest and most unique new design innovations for products and graphics spanning a range of product categories. Two distinguished juries comprised of authorities in the design business base their decisions on aesthetic criteria such as: innovation, form, materials, concept, and function in order to select award winners.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Museum of Architecture and Design once again for our ability to merge Buell’s notable technical innovation with leading edge design,” said Mike Samarzja, Manager of Industrial Design for Buell Motorcycle Company.

The complete list of 2004 Good Design Award winners is currently posted on The Chicago Athenaeum web site: www.chi-athenaeum.org.

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style, and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.

From a press release issued by Parts Canada Superbike series organizers:

MONTREAL, QC Pascal Picotte outduelled Jordan Szoke for the quickest time in the opening day of practice for the Parts Canada Superbike invitational at the Molson Indy Montreal on Friday.

Just five days after clinching his second straight Canadian Superbike crown Picotte turned a quickest lap of 1:42.616 on his Team Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 around the 4.3-km (2.7-mile) Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Brantford, ON’s Szoke was just 0.043 secs. behind on his Honda Canada / Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR with a time of 1:42.659.

Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC was third quickest at 1:44.384 on his DXS Diablo Racing Team Suzuki GSX-R1000.

This is the first visit for the Canadian Superbike competitors to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve since 1987. They will compete in a 12-lap non-points race on Sunday.

“I’m sure I could pick up another three or four seconds,” Picotte said. “It’s there. I’m learning and building my confidence.”

Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe was fourth quickest in Friday practice on the Lacombe Racing / Brooklin Cycle Yamaha YZF-R1 with a time of 1:44.658.

Frank Trombino of Kleinburg, ON set the fifth best time of 1:45.527 aboard his Brooklin Cycle Yamaha YZF-R1.

Picotte has won four of seven Parts Canada Superbike Championship races this season and secured the title with a third place finish at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant last weekend. The series concludes next Sunday at the Shannonville Motorsport Park track near Belleville, ON.

Szoke is also a two-time Canadian national champion and won last weekend’s race at Mont-Tremblant. He is currently second behind Picotte in the series point standings.

Szoke held the top spot for most of the 40-minute session and was the first rider to get below 1:44, setting a time of 1:43.263 with just under 15 minutes remaining. But just two minutes later Picotte topped that mark with his fastest lap of the day. Szoke tried to reply but despite a couple of quick laps in the final minutes was unable to unseat Picotte from the top of the timesheets.

“The bike’s good but it’s hard to get it stable under the brakes,” Szoke said. “I think our gearing may be too tall but we’ll be OK. I’ll do what I need to to get in front of that guy [Picotte].”

Crevier also turned his best lap late in the session, moving into third spot with just over five minutes to go. Crevier is the all-time leader in Canadian Superbike titles with six, and race wins with 22.

The Parts Canada Superbike competitors will have a second practice session on Saturday, beginning at 11:55 a.m. Current series points will be used to form the starting grid for the 18-bike field for Sunday’s race.

The race will receive same day television coverage on Quebec’s RDS.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A tentative deal that couldn’t happen almost three years ago due to contractual conflicts has showed up as a hot topic on a dirt track website this week, with a healthy dash of distortion.

The way the story is told on the Internet, AMA Pro Racing turned down an offer by Ford to buy half-a-mile (about 2800 linear feet) of Airfence or similar soft barriers for dirt track use, plus a tractor-trailer to haul it around, simply because Chevy sponsored the AMA Superbike Series.

In fact, the AMA Pro Racing contract with Chevy at the time included the promotional rights to AMA Pro Racing motocross and dirt track, although Chevy didn’t do anything with the dirt track rights, while Ford sponsored dirt tracker Chris Carr. So when a Ford executive asked about buying half-a-mile of Airfence for dirt track use, with the idea of putting the Ford logo on half the sections, AMA Pro Racing explained that the deal couldn’t happen for contractual reasons, and preliminary discussions ended. Because AMA Pro Racing dirt track loses substantial money and is subsidized using money AMA Pro Racing gets elsewhere (i.e., from the Chevy deal), AMA Pro Racing could not simply blow off the Chevy contract in favor of the tentative (but never formally proposed) Ford soft barrier idea. And the question of who owns signage rights at dirt track venues also complicated the tentative deal.

Meanwhile, racers, mechanics, crew members, sponsors and fans donated enough money to the 501(3)c non-profit Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. to deploy over 1700 linear feet of soft barriers for AMA Pro Racing road racing use, while dirt track racers, mechanics, crew members, sponsors and fans have donated enough money to deploy less than 300 linear feet of soft barriers for AMA dirt track use.

With the Chevy contract up for renewal this year, anything could happen, so stay tuned…



More, from a phone interview with Chris Carr, the current and five-time AMA Grand National Flat Track Champion, who rides for his own Quality Checked Certified Pre-owned Ford-sponsored team: “(Ford) were going to buy about a half-mile of it (inflatable barriers). Ford wanted to be able to put their name on half of it and allow the AMA to sell the other half to whoever. And it was declined because Chevy was the official truck of flat track,” Carr told Roadracingworld.com.

As far as Chevy’s involvement with AMA flat track racing, Carr said, “We haven’t seen anything. AMA will put their spin on it, obviously, but we don’t see any executives from Chevrolet at dirt tracks. We don’t see them promoting the sport of flat track despite the fact that they are the so-called official truck of flat track. We haven’t seen any rewards from their association with the AMA.” Carr also said Chevy does not put up a promotional product display or even Chevy banners at flat track events.

“It’s my understanding that when Chevy was in negotiations with AMA on their contract for outdoor motocross and Superbike that flat track was thrown in as a bonus to Chevrolet. That’s my understanding. They may say differently, but that’s what I’ve been led to believe,” said Carr.

“I know it’s a big news story, but I know AMA and Ford are somewhat in negotiations, potentially, for next year. I’d hate to see a bunch of damage because of something that happened a couple of years ago and hurt the opportunity for good things in flat track. But I know you guys have got to do what you’ve got to do.”

Carr also sits on the Board of Directors of the Roadracing World Action Fund, whose mission is to prevent racetrack injuries through education and promotion of racetrack safety, specifically through the use of soft barrier technology.

This just in, from a press release issued by Kawasaki and posted as soon as we were able to get it after a British magazine broke the worldwide press embargo:

KAWASAKI UNLEASHES ALL-NEW NINJA® ZX-6R AND NINJA ZX-6RR SPORTBIKES



Leading-edge SuperSports are designed to dominate the tracks and backroads of America

While the world’s top motorcycle magazine editors are still shaking their heads in amazement at the staggering performance of the NINJA® ZX-10R sport motorcycle, Kawasaki is unveiling two new middle-weight sportbikes that will again leave them breathless.



The 2005 NINJA ZX-6R and its racing-homologated sibling, the NINJA ZX-6RR, exemplify Kawasaki’s commitment to developing the world’s leading-edge sportbikes, strongly reaffirming Kawasaki as the brand of choice for hardcore sportbike enthusiasts.



Like the ZX-10R, the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR are oriented toward serious sport riding and track performance. Both feature ultra-aerodynamic bodywork with Ram Air, GP-style swingarms, under-seat exhaust systems, six-spoke wheels, petal-style disc brakes, inverted forks and powerful engines that will leave riders itching to find their local twisty highways.

With the launch of these new models, Tom Orbe, vice president, marketing and sales at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., reiterated that the Good Times™ brand is committed to making the most desirable high-performance sportbikes on the planet.

“Our message is very simple and clear: Kawasaki is back,” said Orbe. “When people walk into motorcycle dealerships looking for high-performance motorcycles, the first thing they’ll say is: ‘Show me the Ninja sportbikes.'”

Leading-Edge Style

Beginning with the bodywork, the new NINJA ZX -6R and ZX-6RR are the most aerodynamically efficient sportbikes Kawasaki has ever created – even more streamlined than the leading-edge ZX-10R. Specifically, the new fairing helps to divide the air stream farther ahead of the bike; by moving the “bubble” of still air farther forward in the cockpit, the rider experiences less buffeting around the head and shoulders.

The point of convergence – where the divided air streams comes together behind the rider – is critical to aerodynamic efficiency, so Kawasaki engineers designed the tail section to smoothly blend the air together while minimizing turbulence. The result is quicker roll-on acceleration and higher top speeds at the race track, as well as enhanced rider comfort and control.

The new body work also includes a ZX-10R-style central Ram Air duct and a flush-surface LED tail light, which makes the ZX-6R and ZX-6RR more visible to drivers of other vehicles. Both models also feature an aerodynamic ZX-10R-style front fender for a strong NINJA family resemblance.

From the cockpit, NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR riders will notice several more leading-edge features that put these bikes at the forefront of design and performance. Foremost is the new split-seam fuel tank/airbox cover. The rear half is the actual fuel tank, designed to fit neatly between the frame spars and down behind the engine’s fuel injection system, while the front half covers a new, quick-access air box. By centralizing the fuel mass near the center of the bike, chassis responsiveness is enhanced – weight transfers from turn to turn are lighter, and the chassis is exceptionally stable under acceleration and braking.

The advanced split-seam design also enabled engineers to make the airbox larger, thus enhancing engine performance. It also makes filter access quick and easy. Plus, a depression in the top of the fuel tank enables the rider to tuck in for improved aerodynamics.

The final tribute to aerodynamic efficiency is the new under-seat muffler, which gives both bikes a slim, racy look.

Exhilarating Power and Performance

No sportbike can garner mass approval on good looks alone, and here again, the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR set new standards of performance for the middle-weight class. For that, both engines include a new cylinder, new cylinder head, and 38mm oval-shaped sub-throttle valves fed by twin injectors and redesigned Ram Air.

The NINJA ZX-6R and NINJA ZX-6RR are the first middle-weight SuperSport bikes to utilize this oval-shaped sub-throttle technology. Combined with the improved Ram Air design, the ovalshaped throttle bodies increase airflow without making the fuel delivery assembly wider – intake efficiency is improved nearly 20 percent while helping to maintain a slim chassis profile.

On the NINJA ZX-6R, larger intake and exhaust valves, revised cam profiles and an exhaust valve integrated with the muffler improves low and mid-range response of the 636cc engine. The 599cc engine for the limited-production ZX-6RR also features revised and polished intake ports, new combustion chambers and larger exhaust valves for improved on-track performance.

The engine control units for both engines have more memory for controlling the exhaust valve and second set of fuel injectors. Plus, the radiators are 40mm taller and feature more-tightly packed cores for increased cooling capacity. Both the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR feature a more durable, smoother-shifting six-speed transmissions: The ZX-6R includes a taller third gear ratio, while the ratios in the track-oriented ZX-6RR are similar to those of the 2004 racing kit transmission.

Both models feature a multi-disc wet clutch with a back-torque limiter. Designed to maximize on-track performance, the back-torque limiter helps to reduce rear-wheel hop that may occur when downshifting a high-rpm.

Chassis Features

The matte-black aluminum frame features a shortened the wheelbase and the swingarm pivot point has been moved forward. Combined with a longer, braced aluminum swingarm, the new chassis gives the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR improved cornering performance and high-speed stability. The NINJA ZX-6RR chassis also includes a steering damper boss on the left frame rail. The fully adjustable Showa fork delivers improved ride quality and outstanding cornering performance. At the rear, new UNI-TRAK® linkage ratios provide more linear action, and new shock settings improve ride quality and track performance.

The forks on the ZX-6RR include TiSiCN coating on the inner tubes to reduce stiction, and the rear shock has a revised damping valve to provide a wider range of racing settings.

Radial-mounted, four-piston front brake calipers deliver exceptional feel and performance; four independent brake pads are used – one for each piston – for more even wear and improved heat resistance. The 300mm petal-style front discs are 5.5mm thick for high heat capacity and the front brake master cylinder uses direct action for better rider feedback. Also, the caliper for the 220mm rear disc brake mounts directly to the swingarm, negating the need for an independent brake tie-rod. The NINJA ZX-6RR has the added benefit of low-expansion brake hoses for improved brake feel.

Both the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR ride on light, six-spoke wheels shod with 120/65ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear tires for exceptional cornering performance.

The Cockpit

The riding position for both bikes is also based on the NINJA ZX-10R. By pulling back the steering head assembly, the distance between the handlebars and footpegs is reduced, which provides the rider with an idealized position for performance riding. Combined with the new frame, seat and fuel tank, the rider sits “in” the bike, rather than “on” it.

The racing-style instrument panel features a bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, stopwatch-style lap timer and adjustable shift indicator lamp, which includes Off, Low and Bright settings. A digital temperature gauge, clock and tripmeter are also included. Authentic Kawasaki Accessories for the 2005 NINJA ZX-6R and NINJA ZX-6RR are available through Kawasaki dealers or they can be purchased on the Internet at www.buykawasaki.com.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles, power products and general purpose engines. These product lines are sold through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with approximately 400 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters. Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll™”, is recognized worldwide and the brand is aggressively carrying its heritage of power, performance, leading-edge design and exhilaration into the 21st century. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.


2005 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX-6R and NINJA ZX-6RR
Features and Benefits

• Designed for #1 performance on the circuit and winding roads

• Power boosting features include bigger intake and exhaust valves, new cams, and larger-area oval-shaped sub-throttles fed by dual injectors

• Exhaust valve integral with the under-seat muffler improves low- and mid-range engine performance

• Improved aerodynamics give these middle-weight SuperSports the best CdA of any NINJA to date

• Back torque limiter is standard on both models

• New frame and swingarm with revised chassis dimensions improve cornering performance

• 300mm petal-style front disc brakes with radial-mount calipers and direct-action brake master cylinder provide excellent performance and feel

• Revised riding position based on the ZX-10R lets the rider take advantage of the awesome performance

Engine Details

• New cylinder head design locates each pair of intake/exhaust valves farther apart for improved breathing and higher combustion efficiency

• Complementing the new head are new pistons with reshaped crowns and improved, low-friction skirt profiles

• Larger diameter intake and exhaust valves, together with new cam profiles, contribute to the new engine’s enhanced performance

• Dual-injector fuel injection system uses fine atomizing injectors for the main injectors and features a set of secondary injectors located in the airbox for improved cylinder filling, crisper throttle response and higher power output

• Extremely narrow included valve angle of 25 degree allows the fitting of large valves in a compact, highly efficient combustion chamber

• Breathing passageways, one located between each pair of cylinders, contributes to effective crankcase breathing, which reduces pumping loss

• Thicker castings used for the engine cases improve engine rigidity and reduce vibration and feature improved lubrication

• The new lower case has separate mounting bosses for the oil filter and oil cooler

• New aluminum oil cooler improves cooling efficiency.

• Further performance gains were achieved by increasing the width of the oil pump while changing its drive ratio to reduce its rpm

• Deeper oil sump lowers the oil level for reduced windage losses

• The crankshaft has been strengthened to reduce flexing and now features larger diameter main journals (from 30mm to 31mm), and the crank has been re-balanced for smoother running

• Catalytic converter located at the collector helps keep emissions friendly

• New auto-fast-idle system improves starting

Features Unique to the NINJA ZX-6RR

• Polished intake ports, revised porting, new combustion chambers and larger exhaust valves, plus new racing cams, all contribute to increased performance

• To suit non-modified stock racing classes, the six-speed transmission features close ratios similar to those of the 2004 racing kit transmission

• Inner fork tubes feature a TiSiCN coating to reduce sliding friction (stiction) and improve suspension action

• Revised damping valve for the rear shock offers a wider range of settings for racing

• Steering damper boss provided on the left frame rail

• Low-expansion front brake hoses improve brake feel


2005 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX-6R SPECIFICATIONS*

Engine Four-stroke inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Displacement 636cc

Starting Electric

Bore x stroke 68 x 43.8mm

Compression ratio 12.9:1

Cooling Liquid

Carburetion Fuel injection with (4) 38mm throttle bodies

Ignition Digital

Transmission Six-speed with multi-disc with back torque limiter

Frame Twin spar aluminum

Rake / trail TBD

Front suspension 41mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and top-out springs

Rear suspension Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring

Wheel travel, front / rear 4.7 / 5.2 in.

Front tire 120/65ZR17

Rear tire 180/55ZR17

Front brakes Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, four-piston calipers

Rear brake Single 220mm petal disc with single-caliper piston

Overall length TBD

Overall width TBD

Overall height TBD

Seat height TBD

Dry weight TBD

Fuel capacity 4.5 gal.

Wheelbase TBD

Colors
Lime Green / Flat Stoic Black
Metallic Raw Titanium / Flat Stoic Black
Candy Plasma Blue / Flat Stoic Black
Pearl Magma Red / Flat Stoic Black

Instruments Bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD
speedometer, stopwatch-style lap timer, adjustable shift indicator lamp, digital temperature gauge, clock and tripmeter

*Specifications are subject to change. Please visit www.kawasaki.com for most current specifications.


2005 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX-6RR SPECIFICATIONS*

Engine Four-stroke inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Displacement 599cc

Starting Electric

Bore x stroke 67 x 42.5mm

Compression ratio 13.5:1

Cooling Liquid

Carburetion Fuel injection with (4) 38mm throttle bodies

Ignition Digital

Transmission Six-speed with multi-disc with back torque limiter

Frame Twin spar aluminum

Rake / trail 25 degrees /

Front suspension 41mm inverted cartridge fork with TiSiCN coatingon inner fork tube, rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and topout springs

Rear suspension Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock,stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring

Wheel travel, front / rear 4.7 / 5.2 in.

Front tire 120/65ZR17

Rear tire 180/55ZR17

Front brakes Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, four-piston calipers

Rear brake Single 220mm petal disc with single-caliper piston

Overall length TBD

Overall width TBD

Overall height TBD

Seat height TBD

Dry weight TBD

Fuel capacity 4.5 gal.

Wheelbase TBD

Colors Kawasaki Lime Green

Instruments Bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, stopwatch-style lap timer, adjustable shift indicator lamp, digital temperature gauge, clock and tripmeter

*Specifications are subject to change. Please visit www.kawasaki.com for most current specifications.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Dear Sirs,

As the rider “allegedly” responsible for wheelieing past an SUV and causing five innocent people to be injured, I must write in to defend my name and clear my good honor. In this age of internet news and streaming media, the truth can often be an elusive mistress.

As it happens, it was the Ford Explorer that was wheelieing past me. I was calmly riding along at the posted speed limit, minding my own business, Scanning, Identifying, Predicting, Deciding and Executing, when the Explorer came roaring past on its rear wheels, the driver hanging on with one hand and flipping me the bird with the other.

When will these menaces stop?

Additionally, I was not aware that the man in the car behind me was videotaping me. The man was simply an interested tourist, capturing footage of the glorious Missouri landscape, with whom I coincidentally happen to co-own a video-production company specializing in low-budget motorcycle video sales.

Lastly, and most importantly, a Chevy Suburban is not technically an SUV. It’s a small truck. So, obviously, I’m innocent.

Thank you.

Shalom Auslander
New York, New York

PS: When that new ZX-6R coming out, boyyyy?

This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive this message for the intended recipient), you may not use, copy, disseminate or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and delete the message. Thank you very much.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A group of “extreme motorcyclists” allegedly performing stunts while being filmed from a chase vehicle were accused of causing an SUV to crash, seriously injuring five people, on a busy highway in St. Louis, Missouri, according to a report appearing on Cnn.com August 25.

To view the story, follow this link:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Midwest/08/25/daredevil.motorcyclists.ap/index.html

Note that the people ejected from one of the involved SUVs were not wearing seatbelts.

The story does not explain exactly how a motorcycle forced an SUV to swerve wildly into the adjacent lane, nor is an exact definition of the term “cut off” provided.

From a press release issued by Canadian Superbike series organizers:

RACE OF THE YEAR

MONTREAL, QC There may not be championship points on the line but there is no question this weekend’s Parts Canada Superbike invitational at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve will be the race of the year for series competitors.

Canada’s top motorcycle road racers will compete in a 12-lap race around the famous Montreal circuit on Sunday afternoon as part of the Molson Indy Montreal Champ Car weekend. The riders will be performing in front of their biggest crowd of the season. Three-day attendance for the event is expected to reach 150,000.

Series sponsor Parts Canada has put up a $12,000 purse for this event, which is due to receive same-day television coverage on Quebec’s French-language RDS. English language TV rights are still being negotiated.

Pascal Picotte comes to the event fresh from clinching his second straight Parts Canada Superbike Championship crown in Mont-Tremblant last weekend. The Granby, QC star leads the list of contenders on his Team Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1.

His challengers will include fellow Yamaha riders Kevin Lacombe (Lacombe Racing / Brooklin Cycle) and Frank Trombino (Brooklin Cycle). Lacombe, also from Granby is a race winner this year and currently sits third in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship standings, while Kleinburg, ON’s Trombino is fifth in national points.

St-Jerome, QC’s Benoit Pilon will swell the Yamaha ranks. A former series star Pilon has not competed in 2004. He has raced at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, however, running as an Amateur the last time motorcycles visited the track in 1987.

Among those also expected to battle for victory will be Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke, winner of last weekend’s race at Mont-Tremblant aboard the Honda Canada / Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR. A two-time Canadian Superbike champ, Szoke is second in series points behind Picotte.

Szoke is joined on Hondas by Fast Company teammate Andrew Nelson of Kars, ON and Laval, QC star Jean-Francois Cyr, who makes his return to competition this weekend aboard his CyRacing entry.

Canada’s winningest Superbike racer, Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC will be in the field on his DXS Diablo Racing Team Suzuki GSX-R1000. The six-time Canadian Superbike champ raced at this track in 1987 as a Pro.

Crevier is joined on Suzukis by his DXS Diablo Racing teammate Jeff Williams of Harrowsmith, ON, who has a top finish of third this season, and Edmonton’s Brian Nielsen.

Canadian Kawasaki Motors has entered a pair of ZX-10Rs for 1999 Canadian Superbike champ Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC and his young teammate Matthew McBride from Mississauga, ON.

The Parts Canada Superbike competitors will enjoy two practice sessions, one Friday afternoon and the other at lunchtime on Saturday. Current season point standings will be used to set the grid for Sunday’s race, putting Picotte on pole position ahead of Szoke and Lacombe.

For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com


Montreal Fast Facts

…This is the fourth time motorcycles have run at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Bikes were part of the support program for the Formula 1 World Championship car race in 1981 and ’82 and also raced as part of a car race schedule in 1987.

…The 1987 Superbike race was won by Michel Mercier of Thetford Mines, QC on a Suzuki. Mercier won three Canadian National Superbike titles before retiring after the 1990 season, following his third title. His teammate that year and protégé was Pascal Picotte.

…Steve Crevier is the winningest rider in Canadian national Superbike competition with 22 career victories. The most recent came at this year’s season opener in Shannonville, ON. Jordan Szoke is second on the wins list with 15 and Picotte, Mercier, Rueben McMurter and Don Munroe are all tied for third with 12 wins.

Parts Canada Superbike Championship Point Standings

1. Pascal Picotte, 328; 2. Jordan Szoke, 266; 3. Kevin Lacombe, 249; 4. Clint McBain, 211; 5. Frank Trombino, 175; 6. Steve Crevier, 171; 7. Andrew Nelson, 165; 7. Francis Martin, 165; 9. Craig Connell, 163; 10. Jeff Williams, 139; 11. Matthew McBride, 137; 12. Bill Card, 79; 13. Chris Peris, 56; 14. Matt Binns, 53; 15. Stuart Nodell, 51; 16. Dave Young, 43; 17. Yannick Morin, 42; 18. Hugo Brisson, 40; 19. Peter Holzinger, 25; 20. Zenon Nelson, 23; 21. Jean-Francois Cyr, 21; 21. Brian Nielsen, 21; 23. Larry Orde, 20; 24. Michael Leon, 18; 24. Chris Murray-Audain, 18; 26. Brent Strong, 15; 27. Darryn Wilbur, 14; 28. Tim Easton, 13; 28. Jeremy Burgess, 13; 28. Yanick Beauregard, 13; 31. Barry French, 12; 32. Fred Silver, 8; 33. Sebastien Michel, 7; 34. Corey Sherman, 6; 34. Philip Onisto, 6; 36. Mike Zottmann, 4; 36. Terry Steeves, 4; 36. Dan Henri, 4; 39. Elie Daccache, 3; 40. Andrew Murray, 2; 40. Jim Proulx, 2; 42. Bruce McDonald, 1; 43. Terry MacPhee, 1


Provisional Weekend Schedule

Friday August 27
4:30 p.m.-5:10 p.m. Practice

Saturday August 28
11:55 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Practice

Sunday August 29
12:20 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Race 12 laps

From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki:

Yuki’s unfinished business at Cadwell Park

RIZLA SUZUKI racer Yukio Kagayama is returning to Cadwell Park this Bank Holiday Monday to settle unfinished business at the 11th round of the Think! British Superbike Championship.

Yuki visited the Lincolnshire venue for the first time last August and was getting faster with every session until a horrific accident at the bottom of the Mountain complex in morning warm-up for the races finished his season prematurely and nearly cost him his career.

In typical Yuki fashion, he now believes he has unfinished business at Cadwell Park and is planning to compete for the podiums in both races in front of the traditionally huge crowd of 35,000+ fans.

Rizla Suzuki star John Reynolds is targeting two victories to extend his lead in the Championship stakes at Cadwell Park. He currently leads his nearest rival Michael Rutter by 50-points with just 150-points left but is not resting on any laurels.

The racing takes place very close to the audience at Cadwell Park and both JR and Yuki know that inspiration from their fans can make the difference between winning or losing. Both riders are hoping for vocal support in the crowd to help them on race day.

Superbike racing starts at 12:15pm on Monday, August 30th at the popular Cadwell Park circuit in Lincolnshire. It will be covered live on Sky Sports while the BBC’s Grandstand programme will show a highlights package one week later.

Yuki:
“This is big weekend for me and for my team. Last year I have nearly fatal accident and I am happy just to be here and able to race now. Cadwell Park is making changes to help safety and this is good for my confidence.

“I am professional racer and will be wanting to win as I think I have unfinished business at this track. With my fans help, I hope to make Cadwell Park a good result circuit for me.”

JR:
“If I am going to win the British Superbike Championship I need to get more wins under my belt and Cadwell Park is the place to do that.

“My Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 is the best bike, we have excellent telemetry information about the circuit and I am in no mood to be beaten. It’s going to be tough, but I’m up for it and will be there with a smile on my face fighting for the wins. This is what racing is all about and why I love doing it so much. Bring it on.”

From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

THINK! BSB Championship, Round 11
National Superstock Cup, Rounds 9/10
Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire
Aug 28-30

PREVIEW

RICHARDS RETURNS AND HICKMAN LOOKS FOR HOME GLORY AT CADWELL

Hawk Kawasaki BSB star Glen Richards makes his full return to the THINK! British Superbike Championship this weekend, in the eleventh round of the series, at Cadwell Park. Despite riding his Hawk ZX-10R during practice and qualifying at Croft a fortnight ago, the popular Aussie has not raced since he broke his left arm at Thruxton in June. Now fully recovered, Richards is itching to mix it with his fellow BSB competitors.

“I’m really looking forward to racing again this weekend,” he said. “The arm’s heaps better since Croft and I’ve been doing loads of training to get as fit as I can. We tested again at Cadwell last week and although the conditions weren’t perfect, because the track was a bit dusty and oily, we weren’t that far off the pace. I think I’ll get better as the weekend goes on and hopefully by race day we won’t be too far away. To be honest, I can’t wait.”

Richards will have his work cut out to run with fellow Hawk Kawasaki star Scott Smart, who already has three wins to his credit as well as a commanding third place in the points table.

“Things have been going really well lately and Croft was another strong round for us and my championship position,” said Smarty. “We went pretty well at Cadwell last year on the ZX-7 so we’re hoping to be even more competitive this year on the ZX-10R because its extra horsepower should help us overcome the disadvantage we had down the straights. I’m confident we can run at the front this weekend because our bike handles really well and that’s what’s needed around Cadwell. For me, the main aim is to beat Kagayama and Rutter to strengthen my position in the championship.”

John McGuinness’ superb second place at last week’s Ulster GP, aboard the Hawk ZX-10R, has fired-up the Cumbrian to strive for two top sixes or better at Cadwell.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend,” said John. “But I’m a little nervous because the last time I rode there was 2001 and that was on a 600. Having said that, if the weather’s ok I’m sure I’ll get stuck-in straight away. My aim is to get closer to the front and have a real race. I want to be in a position where I’m racing in the top six and dicing with the leading guys. Top six finishes will be brilliant for me and that’s what I’m aiming to do. After the Ulster GP I’m all pumped-up – I just want to get out there.”

For Hawk Kawasaki National Superstock Cup rider Peter Hickman, Cadwell Park is more than just a double round towards his championship – it’s his home track.

“I can’t wait to race this weekend because Cadwell’s my home track and I really enjoy riding there,” explained the 17 year-old. “It’s always special riding at your home circuit and it’s even more so this weekend because we’ve got a double round and the chance to take a double victory. I’ve just got to use my head again like I did at Croft and if I do that I think we’ll have a great weekend.”

Free practice starts Saturday 28.

BSB CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 10 ROUNDS

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 362. 2) Michael Rutter, 312. 3) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 276. 4) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 249. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 240. 6) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 150. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 132. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha, 132. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 105. 10) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 95. 11) James Ellison, Yamaha, 87. 12) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 84. 13) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 78. 14) John Kirkham, Suzuki, 65. 15) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki, 64


NATIONAL SUPERSTOCK CUP AFTER 8 ROUNDS

1) Simon Wright, 71. 2) Peter Hickman, Hawk Kawasaki, 69. 3) Paul Shoesmith, 67. 4) John Fisher, 66. 5) Graham Seward, 56. 6) Rory Rock, 51. 7) Dan Stewart, 48. 8) Alan Moreton, 44. 9) Simon Pomeroy, 41. 9=) James McBride, 41