From a press release issued by Pro Italia:

Glendale, CA – Pro Italia Los Angeles, one of the nation’s top dealers of exotic Italian motorcycles, is pleased to announce the addition of MV Agusta to the line of motorcycles that we sell and service.

Along with the motorcycles themselves, Pro Italia will feature MV Agusta’s fine range of performance and customization parts, branded clothing and enthusiast gear in our Glendale store and via our online shop at http://www.proitalia.com

Pro Italia will also be featuring a MV Agusta Brutale S as part of our “Naked Demo Fleet”. Call (818) 249-5707 to make an appointment for a demo ride of this stunning motorcycle.

Producing bikes in their Schiranna factory, the storied name of MV Agusta has a tradition of greatness and desirability that is well represented in its current products and growing presence in the USA. MV Agusta’s exclusive and stunning line of motorcycles, featuring the Brutale S and Oro “naked” bikes as well as the F4 line of superbikes, demonstrates a dedication to design innovation and sheer excitement that compliments the other top Italian manufacturers represented in our showroom.

We feel Italian motorcycles are the most stirring and exciting made today and the MV Agusta brand only confirms this. Pro Italia looks forward to being your source for bikes, parts and service for this classic marque.

Pro Italia
3319 N Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
818 249-5707
FAX 818 249-3402
[email protected]
http://proitalia.com/

From a press release issued by FGSport Group, organizers of the World Endurance Championship:

Yamaha Austria rider Thomas Hinterreiter has won the 2004 BMW Motorrad Boxer Cup with one race still to be won. His sixth place finish in this weekend’s Czech round of the Boxer Cup leaves only a mathematical chance of closest rival Roberto Panichi equalling him, in which case Hinterreiter would win on the number of second places he has scored. The Austrian has finished on the podium six times in seven races and won twice.

After joking that he would like his BMW M3 prize in black, Hinterreiter continued: “I’m so very very happy. I was a little nervous at the start and kept telling myself not to push too hard even though I knew I could go faster. Once I crossed the line in sixth and then was told that I have enough of a lead going into the final race and am therefore the champion this season, I’m just so happy for everyone in the team. We’ve all worked so very hard for this and that has been shown by six podiums from the first six races, so now we can celebrate this over the end of the summer.”

As usual, the World Endurance Championship was well represented amongst the field, with Stephane Mertens and Gwen Giabbani putting up a good showing in the race. Roberto Panichi finished the race in first place, Brian Parriott was second and Stephane Mertens third. Gwen Giabbani was fifth, Thomas Hinterreiter sixth and Michael Bursa was twelfth.


More, from a reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

To correct the press release from FGS, American Brian Parriott is second in the points standings behind Mr. Hinterreiter with 107 points (to 132).

Brian Parriott, sponsored by San Jose BMW, won the Daytona race, was 2nd at Brno, and 3rd at Le Mans.

Chris Hodgson, President
San Jose BMW
1886 W. San Carlos Street
San Jose, CA 95128
408-295-0205 ext. 14
[email protected]
www.sjbmw.com


BMW Boxer Cup Point Standings:

1. Hinterreiter, 132 points
2. Parriott, 107 points
3. Roberto Panichi, 103 points
4. Markus Barth, 99 points
5. TIE, Stephane Mertens/Sebastien Legrelle, 81 points
7. Jose Luis Nion, 41 points
8. Richard Cooper, 40 points
9. TIE, Gwen Giabbani/Guillaume Dietrich, 37 points

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Texas Mini-GP racer Mark Novak and wife Jennifer had a son, Hayden Christopher Novak, August 24 in Houston, Texas.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Formula Xtreme racebikes entered in the 2005 edition of the Daytona 200 by Arai will not be allowed extensive equipment to allow quicker wheel changes during pit stops, according to a series official.

“We’re not going to do anything with quick-change. There will not be any quick-change equipment,” AMA Pro Racing Superbike Series Manager Ron Barrick told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “I don’t know how those rules will read yet. We haven’t had a chance to sit down with everyone and draft that yet. It’s not going to be like the old days where teams spent a lot of money on one-use equipment.”

When asked if teams will be able to use larger-than-stock fuel tanks, like the 24-liter (6.3-gallon) tanks Daytona 200 Superbikes have been allowed to use, Barrick said, “I supposed anything is possible. We would prefer that they remain stock size.”

Barrick pointed out that most of the current 600cc machines have 17-18-liter (4.5 -4.7-gallon) fuel tanks, which is true.

The 2004-model Yamaha YZF-R6 and Suzuki GSX-R600 both have 17-liter tanks, while the Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Honda CBR600RR and even the Ducati 749R have 18-liter fuel capacities.

However, the Buell XB9R/XB12R, which is raced regularly in the 2004 AMA Formula Xtreme series, only carries 13.2 liters (3.8 gallons) of fuel in its frame/fuel tank.

Competitors in the 2003 Formula USA Sportbike races at Daytona and Road America barely made the 100-kilometer (62-mile) race distance with the stock fuel load, and the Buell teams had to fit auxiliary fuel tanks in the tail sections of their bikes to safely make that distance.

Fuel economy on the revised, 3.0-mile infield road course at Daytona will most likely be better than on the 3.56-mile course, but if stock fuel tanks are mandated, the Buell teams will have a definite disadvantage in terms of range between pit stops in the 200-mile race.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Financing is in place, engineers are drawing up plans for track improvements, construction has been scheduled and all the blanks are being filled in, in preparation for the MotoGP World Championship event coming to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

That’s the word from Gill Campbell, General Manager of the facility, who told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday, “(Construction) will start as soon as our racing season is over, hopefully, after the American Le Mans (car) race in October. The first thing that will happen is the Turn Nine bridge will get moved. We’re having engineering (plans) drawn up even as we speak, then we have to go through the permit process.”

Campbell said local government officials are excited to have MotoGP coming to the Monterey Peninsula, so she does not anticipate any major hurdles or delays in the permitting process.

And all of the financing is in place to pay for the track improvements and the event sanctioning fee to Dorna thanks to a yet-to-be-announced sponsor.

“I can’t tell you who that’s going to be right now, but hopefully within the next couple of weeks I’ll be able to announce that,” said Campbell, who pointed out that Dorna sold the title sponsorship of the event to Red Bull and that Red Bull is not paying for the improvements to the track, as has been incorrectly reported elsewhere.

Further improvements for spectators – such as terraced seating cut into the hillside surrounding turn two, a new pedestrian bridge at the start/finish line, permanent bathrooms and more – will be funded through the “Steps to the Corkscrew” fundraiser, which is selling personalized bricks in a pathway leading from Turn 10 to a balcony overlooking the Corkscrew to fans.

Although the MotoGP paddock is very restricted at normal venues, Campbell said a limited number of paddock access passes will be sold, “similar to what we were able to do with World Superbike. (Dorna) absolutely understands that America is very different and for this event to grow and continue in the U.S. there are some things that will have to be different for this venue.”

And what support races will MotoGP share the paddock and racetrack with? Campbell said she hopes that will be determined within the next 30 days. As happened with World Superbike at Laguna Seca, AMA Superbike could provide the support program. Contacted Wednesday and asked about that possibility, AMA Pro Racing Superbike Series Manager Ron Barrick said, “I personally don’t know of any obstacles that would prevent that from happening.”

As far as ticket sales for the MotoGP event, which is still over 10 months away, “Oh my God! Our phones have been ringing off the hook. It’s insane. It’s a great insane,” said Campbell.

During the ever-growing World Superbike events of recent years at Laguna Seca, there had been rumors that the track was near its fire-code-mandated fan capacity, but Campbell said there is only a guideline of 50,000 people in the park per day. “But there’s nothing that holds us to it…if we were to get 50,000 people in the park per day it would be incredible,” said Campbell.

The Red Bull U. S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is scheduled for July 8-10, 2005 and hotel rooms are already going fast.

From a press release issued by Joe Rocket:

PICOTTE ROCKETS TO TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS!!

Pascal Picotte has once again ascended to greatness at Mont Tremblant Raceway as he secured both the Canadian Superbike Championship and the Hindle Exhaust 600 Sportbike Championship just this past weekend. 2004 marks the second consecutive season that Picotte, the St. Cecile De Milton, Quebec native has dominated two of Canada’s premier race classes.

“An overwhelming amount of emotion goes along with winning two championships in two days” the elated Pascal said this morning from his hotel room.

Aboard Yamaha R1 and R6 motorcycles prepared by the stellar “Picotte Performance” crew, Pascal endured flu symptoms and a gnarly high-side during Friday practice to realize his goal of wrapping up two Championships. Leading the Joe Rocket podium sweep in the 600 Sportbike event, the Champ was joined by Jordan Szoke and Kawasaki Canada’s Francis Martin in the winner’s Circle. Pascal placed third in the Superbike race as “Honda Canada’s” Jordan Szoke rode to victory. Third place earned Picotte an untouchable 328 points, enough to clinch the #1 plate and proclaim him Canadian Superbike Champion!

“Pascal Picotte is a true legend in Canadian Superbike Racing. His achievements this weekend prove that together, Joe Rocket and Picotte Performance are the best in the business” said Bruce Parker, Marketing Director for Joe Rocket.

Look for the newly crowned Champion and the rest of the Rocket Racing Team as they culminate the Canadian Superbike season, September 3-5 at Shannonville Raceway in Belleville, Ont.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM CONCLUDES TWO DAYS OF TESTING AT BRNO

Brno (Czech Republic), Tuesday 24 August 2004 – Two days of scheduled testing at the Brno circuit concluded positively for the Ducati Marlboro Team today after it stayed behind for extra tests following Sunday’s Czech Republic Grand Prix. In collaboration with Ohlins engineers, the Italian team did a considerable amount of suspension work aimed at improving the set-up of the Desmosedici GP4. Limited dry-running time over the weekend had not been sufficient to find a good race set-up, but this test session enabled the Ducati Marlboro Team riders to get through a lot of work and to continue the development of the Italian bike with encouraging results.

Strong winds and a few drops of rain in the afternoon disturbed the test, which for Loris Capirossi concluded early after the Italian rider fell harmlessly at the right-hand turn 6 at around 3.30 pm. Capirossi, who completed 55 laps yesterday and 46 today, declared he was satisfied with the results:

“These two days were very important for us because over the weekend we had very little time to lap on a dry track. We tried out a number of small modifications to the bike set-up and were able to obtain several interesting results: not only did I improve my best race time by over half-a-second, but above all I was able to maintain a good pace a lot more easily. We are continuing to work hard because we want results and we are going to get them”.

Capirossi’s best time today was 1’58.960

Troy Bayliss also got through a vast amount of work, completing 83 laps yesterday and 56 today, before the rain cut short his testing session at around 4.30 pm. The Australian, like Loris, also focussed on set-up testing, and he confirmed his team-mate’s positive impression.

“It was a real pity we had such a small amount of time to lap in the dry during the race weekend: I am sure that things would have gone differently if we had. In these two days of testing we found a set-up that should work well at the circuits from here on to the end of the season. I am quite pleased with the way the testing went and with the results we obtained. For sure if the weather had given us a hand on Saturday it would have been better, but now we’ve got to look forward to the next rounds”.

Troy’s best time today was 1’59.145.


More, from a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
FUCHS KAWASAKI RACING TEAM DEVELOPMENT TEST
24TH AUGUST 2004 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FUCHS KAWASAKI HEAD HOME AFTER FIVE HARD DAYS

Fuchs Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann completed their second day of testing at the Brno circuit this afternoon, and now head for a well earned rest ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix, after five tough days on track.

For Hofmann, today was another gruelling test of his fitness. The 24-year-old German rider completed 76 laps of the Brno circuit as he tested a range of engine and chassis components, including a new exhaust system from Akrapovic, designed to liberate more power from the latest specification Ninja ZX-RR motor.

After making some progress with the chatter that caused him so many problems in Sunday’s race, Nakano and his crew today turned their attention to the Ninja ZX-RR engine. The 27-year-old Japanese rider ran back-to-back comparison tests on two different specifications of engine and crankshafts, in order to identify the best combination for the next race on the MotoGP calendar at Estoril.

Nakano also tested new clutch components, designed to make the operation of the slipper clutch both smoother and more predictable, before moving on to evaluate a range of Bridgestone rear slicks.

Both riders also tested new fuel injection parts, developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli specifically for the Ninja ZX-RR. The test was designed purely to provide engineers with the hard data needed to continue the development work, but there were positive comments from the riders; both of whom are looking forward to testing the system again after further development work has been completed.

The Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team head next for the Portuguese Grand Prix, which takes place at the Estoril circuit on Sunday 5th September.

Alex Hofmann: 76 laps/2’00.59
“It’s been a long day again, but we knew we were going to have to work hard if we were to complete our heavy test schedule. Conditions on the track were not so good today, and the wind in the afternoon caused some problems but, overall, I’m pretty happy with the fact that I managed to go almost a second faster on race tyres than I did on Sunday in the race. The last five days have been hard, but we’ve collected a lot of valuable information on the components, settings and tyres we’ve tested this week, and that will stand us in good stead for the future. Now it’s back to Switzerland and my mountain bike, before heading off to Estoril next week.”

Shinya Nakano: 45 laps/2’00.74
“We spent most of today’s test comparing different engine and crank specifications, to identify a combination that will work best around the Estoril circuit. The new engine had good top speed, but we still need to do some work on the way it delivers its power. The new clutch components gave a smoother, more predictable, feel, which was most noticeable when launching the bike off the line. Getting away from the start has been a bit of a problem for us this year, but after making a few practice starts from the grid today, I think we’ve made quite a bit of progress in this area. After five hard days on track, I’m looking forward to getting back home to Barcelona and relaxing for a few days, but then I’ll be back out training at the weekend, to make sure I’m in good condition for the Portuguese Grand Prix.”


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda:

BRNO – TEST DAY 2

Second and last day of testing for the team Telefonica Movistar Honda MotoGP at Brno.

The Spaniard Sete Gibernau, winner of the Czech republic GP, continued in the developmnent of the new bike, focusing on finding the right set up. He carried on compartive testing and worked on the set up of the bike. In total he made 50 laps (42 with the new bike) , 1’58″5 his best time today.

Sete Gibernau expressed satisfaction for these two days of testing.

Sete’s team-mate Colin Edwards continued rear tyre testing, Moreover, he tested a modified fork and a new shock absorber. The Texan lapped this morning, 1’58″8 his best time

Colin Edwards is confident for the next GP to be held at Extoril next 5th September


More, from a press release issued by Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team Test
Brno, Czech Republic
Tuesday, 24 August, 2004

GAULOISES FORTUNA YAMAHA WRAPS UP TWO DAY BRNO TEST

Yamaha’s Factory Team riders Valentino Rossi and Carlos Checa and their respective crews finished a two-day test at the Brno circuit today, sufficiently satisfied with their progress to be able to pack up in the early afternoon. Both riders continued their work from yesterday testing dry weather settings on the Czech track, as well as engine mapping and Michelin tyre testing.

Neither rider improved on their times from yesterday but both Rossi, Checa and their Yamaha engineers felt able to conclude the test just after lunchtime, after almost one whole week working at the Brno track. Rossi held on to the fastest time overall out of the many MotoGP riders present, and Checa finally finished with the fifth fastest time.

“It was a positive test overall because we were able to complete the set-up we couldn’t do during the race weekend because of the weather,” said Davide Brivio, Team Director, who leaves the Czech Republic this evening for Italy where the team workshop is based. “We were able to work more on engine management and this will help in the coming races. We did lots with Michelin, one day yesterday wasn’t enough because they had so many tyres they wanted us to test.

“Valentino has made more valuable miles on the M1 which is always a benefit to him and the engineers, and Carlos was pleased with his final set-up and engine mapping. We were able to finish early because both riders had made so many laps, they’re both happy but like everyone they are quite tired now after working so many days in a row!”

The next round of the MotoGP World Championship takes place at the Estoril circuit in Portugal on 5th September.

LAP TIMES (best of 2 days):

1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1’58.247
2. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 1’58.526
3. Colin Edwards (Honda) 1’58.807
4. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 1’58.960
5. Carlos Checa (Yamaha) 1’59.016
6. Makoto Tamada (Honda) 1’59.120
7. Troy Bayliss (Ducati) 1’59.105
8. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1’59.313
9. Marco Melandri (Yamaha) 1’59.413
10. John Hopkins (Suzuki) 1’59.475
11. Max Biaggi (Honda) 1’59.608



More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda:

Brno – (Czech Republic)
Private Test –23/24 August 2004

Second and final test day for Camel Honda riders at Brno

The weather was generally good for the two days of private testing which concluded today at the Brno circuit, scene of the 10th round of the MotoGP World Championship 2004 last Sunday. They were two days of intense work, which allowed the Camel Honda to work mainly on their bike’s set-up before the upcoming Estoril round, thelast of the European events before the four flyaway races on various continents.

Santi Mulero – Camel Honda (Technical Chief – Max Biaggi)
“It was an important couple of days to get the most out of the new parts we just received from Japan. We also continued our work on the set-up of the bike, trying to eradicate the chattering problems Max had pointed out during the weekend at Brno. The data we’ve collected in this two-day test will allow us to get the right set-up for the race in Estoril”.

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin tyres) Monday: 1’59.608 – Tuesday: 1’59.879
“We’ve tried our very hardest, we’ve done a thousand tests, but we still haven’t found the perfect solution. As regards the setting up of the bike we’ve exhausted our options really, there’s no other settings to test. So we decided to stop the practice at one o´clock this afternoon. We will see in Estoril if it’s just a problem at this track. I’ve told the Honda technicians all the problems I had at this test, and the aim is to go well in Portugal of course. I just want to make one thing clear regarding all the rumours which have been going around lately about my supposed switch to another factory. I am and I remain a Honda rider. The rest is just silly gossip dreamed up on the beach – a classic August story.”

Giulio Bernardelle – Camel Honda – (Technical director –Makoto Tamada)
“These two days of tests have been really important because after the race at Estoril we have a series of races outside Europe which come one after the other, so this was our last real chance to work purely on the set-up of the bike in preparation for the end of the season. As well as refining the setting of the RC211V we have done a series of endurance tyre tests for Bridgestone with positive results. Hopefully over the next few races we can once again give Makoto the means to make the most of his talent.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone tyres) Monday: 1’59.120 – Tuesday: 1’59.603
“I am satisfied with the work we have done in this test. A hundred and eleven laps over the two days have allowed me to improve the set-up of the bike even further and test a lot of tyres. The new tyres showed consistent performance and are both competitive and durable. I like the Estoril circuit a lot – I’m going there for the second time so this year it won’t be an unknown circuit for me. On top of that, the work we have done recently on the set-up of the RC211V, which allowed me to put a good performance in at Brno gives me a lot of confidence going into the final stage of the season.”

From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

HAWK KAWASAKI

Ulster GP, N Ireland
21 August 2004
Circuit length: 7.6 miles

McGUINNESS TAKES SUPERB PHOTO-FINISH PODIUM FOR HAWK ZX-10R AT ULSTER GP

John McGuinness netted Hawk Kawasaki’s first ever road racing podium at the weekend in a nail-biting photo finish to the Ulster GP superbike race. McGuinness, who races for Hawk in the THINK! British Superbike championship, took a fine second place, just 0.08 seconds behind winner Bruce Anstey, after an epic seven lap battle with the Kiwi.

Practice and qualifying for the event were washed out by torrential rain so McGuinness, who has only raced at the Ulster GP once before on a 600, made the most of his second row start by grabbing the hole-shot and hitting the front on the opening lap. A race-long battle with Suzuki-mounted roads specialist Anstey ensued, which pulled the pair 11 seconds clear of third placed man Ryan Farquhar by the finish.

“I was really excited and fired-up before the event because a lot of people didn’t think the Kawasaki would cut it on the roads,” said McGuinness afterwards. “That just made me more determined to make it work.

“Because we hadn’t tested on the roads we had no figures for gearing, set-up or anything and the whole thing was a bit of a stab in the dark really,” he continued. “We geared the bike for 195mph, changed a few things to what we thought would work and I ended up getting the hole-shot and leading the race for most of the way. People forget that while I’ve done the NW200 and the TT lots of times I’ve only ever done the Ulster GP once before and that was on a 600 – and there’s a massive difference between riding a 600 and a superbike round there, I can tell you. When I was leading I didn’t have any braking markers because I hadn’t got the experience of leading the race on a big bike. Because of that Anstey got past me, then I went back past him and we were dicing for the lead all the way round. Considering his TAS Suzuki team have done the Ulster GP several times before and we were new to it I think we did a pretty good job. It’s thanks to the hard work of the Hawk team and the fact the ZX-10R is such a sorted bike that we were able to come away with this result.”

McGuinness’ excellent performance underlined the capability of the ZX-10R, much to the delight of Hawk Kawasaki Team Principal Stuart Hicken. “It’s always difficult racing against guys who are used to riding on the road with a good set-up, but our bike adapted exceedingly well and I’m very pleased with it,” he said. “The Ulster GP is, I believe, the fastest circuit in Europe and that makes it all the more difficult, but we learnt a lot more about the bike and it’s another stage in the bike’s development that will improve it further for short circuit racing. I’m over the moon with the result – anywhere in the top three would have done me. I’ve not been involved with road racing since 1994, when I went over to the North West 200 with Robert Dunlop, so it’s nice for our team to have a go and do what they’ve done. I’m delighted for both John and the team.”

ULSTER GP SUPERBIKE RACE (7 laps)
1) Bruce Anstey, Suzuki. 2) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki. 3) Ryan Farquhar, Kawasaki. 4) Adrian Archibald, Suzuki. 5) Richard Britton, Suzuki. 6) Guy Martin, Suzuki. 7) Paul Hunt, Suzuki. 8) Adrian McFarland, Suzuki. 9) Alec Donaldson, Suzuki. 10) John Donnan, Yamaha

Fastest lap: Bruce Anstey, Suzuki: 3:26.481. 129.038mph