From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

MLADIN HOPING TO EXTEND AMA CHEVROLET SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD IN GEORGIA

Aussie is the all-time AMA Superbike wins leader at Road Atlanta

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 27, 2004) — Defending champ Mathew Mladin is on course to earn his fifth AMA Chevrolet Superbike title and a pair of wins at the AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown by Makita Doubleheader on Sept. 3-5, could put the Australian Yoshimura Suzuki rider one step closer to the 2004 championship. Mladin is one of three former winners at Road Atlanta set to race in rounds 15 and 16 of the 18-race championship. Miguel Duhamel and Georgia’s own Aaron Yates have also won AMA Superbike races at the challenging Braselton circuit.

As the championship hits the homestretch, Mladin is leading Erion Honda Superbike newcomer Jake Zemke by 21 points. Mladin built his series lead by way of a lightning quick start of the season, winning five of the first six rounds. He then went through a mid-season dry spell going six rounds without a win before getting back atop the podium at Mid-Ohio in late July.

Road Atlanta has been a roller-coaster ride for Mladin over the years. On the upside, he can claim to be the winningest AMA Superbike rider ever at the track. He swept the doubleheader in 2000 and then came back to take one of the two rounds in 2001 and again last year. He’s also had some very close calls on the high-speed circuit; once being forced to avoid an ambulance that was on the track and then holding on to his Suzuki last year when the bike’s rear tire failed at high speed. Only a man with steely nerves, like Mladin, could put incidents like that out of his mind and come back to win on the very same track. The fact that Mladin was the fastest in testing at the track only solidifies the view that he is the Road Atlanta pre-race favorite.

“It’s nice to now have that 21-point break over Jake in the championship, and with just four races to go we have to try hard to hang on to it. We’ve got Road Atlanta and Virginia International Raceway to finish off the season and I think we should be able to put a good package together for both of those tracks,” says Mladin.

If Zemke is to close in on the champ he will have to accomplish something he’s never done at Road Atlanta – win. As a leading AMA Formula Xtreme and Supersport competitor over recent years, Zemke has won his share of races, but never at Road Atlanta.

“I’ve always been in contention at Road Atlanta,” Zemke said. “I had a good shot of winning (in Formula Xtreme) in ’02 before going down in (Jason) Pridmore’s oil. On the restart I charged all the way from the back of the grid to third so I don’t think there’s any particular reason I haven’t won there. I’ve had a number of podium finishes so I feel like I go pretty well there. We’ve got some points to make up, but a lot can happen in four races so we’re going to take it one race at a time and see what happens.”

Duhamel, who won at Road Atlanta in 1998 in a thrilling last-turn pass on Anthony Gobert, has fallen to third in the championship after crashing his factory Honda in the most recent round in Lexington, Ohio. As a result of the crash the Montreal native went from just 10 points behind Mladin and second in the standings to third in the series, 44 points out of the series lead. Duhamel, the 1995 AMA Superbike champ, now needs a little luck to get back in the championship picture.

Brothers Eric and Ben Bostrom are still mathematically in the race for the championship, but realistically the two are battling for fourth in the standings. Both Eric and Ben have both won races this year and would love to add to that tally. It’s been five years since a Ducati won at Road Atlanta. Eric would love to help the Italian maker get back on the top rung of the podium.

Georgia has long been an Eastern hotbed of road racing talent. This year local fans will again have a number of home state heroes to root for. Chief among the Georgian riders is Suzuki’s Yates. The Milledgeville resident is having a disappointing season, but has still managed three podium finishes this season. He hopes racing at his home track will find him getting his first win in nearly a year. Other top Georgian riders at Road Atlanta will include last year’s rookie of the year Geoff May, an Atlanta native who now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida. May is a solid fifth in the standings riding a Team Prieto Racing Suzuki. Opie Caylor, form Marietta, is another leading privateer rider in the series.

Both Road Atlanta Superbike races will be broadcast nationally on SPEED Channel on Sunday, Sept. 5, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Sunday’s race will be shown live at 3 p.m. Eastern.

For additional information on the AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown by Makita Doubleheader, call (800) 849-RACE or visit www.roadatlanta.com.

For immediate post-race results, points, live transponder scoring, in-depth series and rider information, regular columnists and much more, log onto www.USSuperbike.com, the official website of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, Sept. 2
3:00 – 7:00 – Registration: Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests
6:30 – Post-entry Closed for all Classes
3:00 – 7:00 – Tech Inspection

Friday, Sept. 3
7:30 – 4:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests
8:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection
9:00 – 10:00 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice
10:10 – 11:10 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice
11:20 – 12:20 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice
12:20 – 1:20 – Lunch Break
12:40 – Mandatory Rider Briefing for All Classes
1:20 – 2:20 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice
2:30 – 3:00 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group 1
3:10 – 3:40 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group 2
3:50 – 4:20 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 1
4:30 – 5:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 2

Saturday, Sept. 4
7:30 – 3:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests
8:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection
8:00 – 8:30 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice
8:35 – 9:05 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice
9:10 – 9:40 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice
9:45 – 10:25 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 1
10:35 – 11:15 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 2
11:15 – 12:15 – Lunch Break – Christian Pfeiffer Stunt Show
12:15 – 12:40 – AMA Repsol Superstock Qualifying Group 1
12:50 – 1:15 – AMA Repsol Superstock Qualifying Group 2
1:20 – Christian Pfeiffer Stunt Show
1:40 – 2:05 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Qualifying Group
12:15 – 2:40 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Qualifying Group 2
3:00 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme (60k – 15 laps)
4:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race 1 (100K – 25 laps)
5:00 – Full Throttle Custom Lap

Sunday, Sept. 5
8:30 – 12:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests
9:00 – Tech Inspection Opens
8:30 – 8:50 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice
9:00 – 9:20 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice
9:30 – 9:50 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice
10:00 – 12:00 – Lunch Break – Mandatory Quiet Time
10:15 – Christian Pfeiffer Stunt Show
10:45 – Fan Ride
10:30 – Nondenominational Chapel Service
12:00 – AMA Repsol Superstock Race (60k – 15 laps)
1:30 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets (60k – 15 laps)
2:30 – Christian Pfeiffer Stunt Show
3:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race 2 (100k – 25 laps)

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Two CCS regional race events, one at the Streets of Willow in California and another at Heartland Park on Kansas, have been cancelled and an October event at Summit Point Raceway’s Shenandoah Circuit may have to be canceled, according to a CCS mailer to racers e-mailed to Roadracingworld.com August 27.

The December 11-12 Pacific/Southwest Regional event (a double-points event) at the Streets of Willow in Rosamond, California has been cancelled “due to changes instituted by track management,” according to the CCS mailer.

The final event in the Pacific Region will now be the November 6-7 double-points race at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Buttonwillow, California, and the final event in the Southwest Region will now be the November 13-14 races at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona.

The November 11-12 Great Plains/Mid-West Regional event (a double-points event) at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas has been cancelled due to “rider concerns over weather and the uncharacteristically late date for an event in the regional series,” according to CCS.

The final event in the Great Plains Region will now be September 18-19 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, Illinois, and the final event in the Mid-West Region will now be an October 9-10 double-points event at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.

In addition, the October 9-10 Mid-Atlantic double-points event originally scheduled on the main course at Summit Point Raceway and moved by track management to the new Shenandoah Circuit may also have to be cancelled due to construction delays and safety concerns with the yet-to-be-opened course, according to CCS boss Kevin Elliott.

A call by Roadracingworld.com to Summit Point Raceway August 25 found that track owner Bill Scott would be out of his office for the next two weeks, but the woman who answered the phone – and refused to give her name – said the Shenandoah Circuit was still scheduled to open October 1.

Many racers who have visited the Shenandoah Circuit during its construction have noted the quantity and close proximity to the track of temporary K-rail concrete barriers around the Shenandoah Circuit.

Elliott told Roadracingworld.com August 26 that he would be attempting to reach Scott soon to resolve the issue because if CCS is to cancel the October race at the Shenandoah Circuit, he wants to notify racers by September 10.

If the Shenandoah Circuit event is cancelled, the final race for the Mid-Atlantic Region will be a double-points event at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia September 25-26.

For additional information, go to www.ccsracing.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

David Sadowski will no longer be working for SPEED Channel as a color analyst, “effective immediately,” a company spokesman said.

“He’s no longer with (the) AMA (Superbike Series) announce team, and he’s replaced by Freddie Spencer,” Erik Arneson, Director of Public Relations for SPEED Channel, told Roadracingworld.com Friday. “You won’t see him at any other events. I think there are some taped things, some Legends-type things that might air, but you won’t see him at any live events for SPEED.”

Asked if there was a reason why Sadowski was no longer with SPEED, Arneson said, “Yeah, but it’s not one I can discuss. It’s a personnel matter, so it’s nothing I can talk about.”

Attempts by Roadracingworld.com to contact Sadowski have been unsuccessful.

Sadowski, 41, started working for Speedvision, which later became SPEED Channel, in 1993, toward the end of a very successful professional road racing career.

Sadowski co-rode to the 1986 WERA National Endurance Championship and won the 1990 Daytona 200 by Arai Superbike race, the 1990 AMA 600cc Supersport Championship and the 1994 Formula USA National Championship.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Further Positive Engine Developments for FPR

Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Troy Corser and Chris Walker have praised the latest developments to the PETRONAS FP1 power unit, tested at the Circuit de Nevers in Magny-Cours, France over the past two days.

Dry and sunny conditions throughout today enabled the team to capitalise on the initial adjustments and progress made yesterday evening with the latest engine specification and new STM clutch.

Both riders worked relatively trouble free through the comprehensive testing programme completing more than fifty laps each today, with consistent and competitive lap times adding to the day’s many positive outcomes.

The PETRONAS engine development team’s successful revised engine specification, containing cam train revisions which allow the engine to rev another 1000rpm, produce more peak power and provide greater gearing options, means this latest stage of engine development will be used at the next round of the World Superbike Championship in Assen next week.

Troy said, “We’ve had two good days and tested quite a few things including the latest revisions to the engine and also clutch settings. The slipper clutch feels much more consistent but there is still a little room for improvement which we can work on at Assen.

“I’ve tested a whole range of tyre constructions just to assess them with the different clutch settings, and resulting in nothing out of the ordinary which is good. Given this is the first time we’ve been here on Pirelli’s I’m happy with my lap times which have been consistently in the 1:43s and overall feel we’ve had a very productive test.”

Chris commented, “Other than a small trip into the gravel at lunch time today when I lost the front end on one of the slow corners, it’s been a fruitful couple of days. It’s been very beneficial to have time to get used to the new power characteristics of the revised engine and get back up to speed ready for Assen, which is a fast track when you’ve been riding every week let alone when you’ve had a month off! The latest engine spec feels very lively and revs really hard which is good.

“I’ve also had the chance to concentrate on getting a good setting for the fuel mapping and ignition curve in readiness for Assen. This is the first time I’ve ridden here on the PETRONAS FP1 so to end up with lap times only three tenths off Troy I’m really chuffed, especially knowing how well he went here at the test last year.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Step away from the keyboard, and stop sending us e-mails expressing rage that we would give a criminal stunter a forum to defend himself.

The recent post, 8/26/2004 Rider Claims He’s Innocent In Alleged Stunt-caused SUV Crash, is satire.

We’re making fun of the stunters…

From a press release issued by VIR:

VIR Gearing Up For Suzuki Lightning Nationals

Alton, Va. The fastest and most exotic road racing motorcycles in America will return to VIRginia International Raceway for a fourth time over the weekend of September 17-19, as AMA Pro Racing’s wildly popular Suzuki Lightning Nationals brings the best in the business to do battle in their season finale.

The double-header format will give fans two feature races, one Saturday and one Sunday, for the headlining AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, where the factory teams and world’s best riders compete for corporate bragging rights, utilizing staggering budgets to produce the most technologically advanced bikes to be seen in this country.

Rounding out the program will be AMA’s other professional road racing series, the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei, the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Championship and the Repsol Superstock Championship.

With one race to go prior to the season finale at VIR, at Road Atlanta over the weekend of Sept. 3-5, it appears that at least three of the four series will settle their championship battles in Southside Virginia.

In the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, Suzuki’s four-time and defending series champ Mat Mladin leads Honda’s rookie Jake Zemke 457-436. Both of the year’s final events will be double-headers, and each race winner can win a total of 38 points (36 for a win, plus one each for pole and leading the most laps), leaving a maximum of 152 points to be won.

Neither rider is taking anything for granted.

“Things are looking good so far,” said Mladin while testing at VIR this week, “but we’ve got a long way to go. We’ll have to hopefully get a couple of good races under our belt at Atlanta before we come to VIR, so we’ll see what happens.”

Zemke was admittedly struggling during this week’s test trying to perfect his set-up for VIR, but remains optimistic.

“Mat’s definitely got a lead on us in the championship,” he said, “but with both the last two races being double-headers, that gives us four races. Anything can happen, and we’re just going to go to Atlanta and see if we can get that championship going.

Mladin would, of course, like to be able to wrap up his unprecedented fifth series title early, and that would allow him to do something he’s never been able to do at VIR.

“Racing at VIR, for me, has been one of those things where I haven’t been able to put it all on the line because I’ve been trying to win a championship,” he said. “Hopefully, for one race this year we can let it hang out and see how we go.”

Advance tickets for the weekend will be available either over the telephone or online, priced at $45 for a three-day Super Ticket (including a complementary race program) and single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday priced at $25. At the gate, three-day Super Tickets (with program) are priced at $55, with single-day tickets priced at $10 (Friday), $35 (Saturday) and $40 (Sunday). For advance ticket sales, call 1-888-RACE099 ext. 116 (American Express®, Discover®, Visa® or MasterCard®) or purchase your tickets online at www.virclub.com with Visa® or Mastercard®. 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; and the VIR Euro Rally and Corporate Motorsport Experience, which features four rally stages plus a kart track as well as an ATV and SUV trials course and trails. Future plans include 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 toll-free at 888-RACE099. For more information on the VIR Euro Rally and Corporate Motorsport Experience, call toll-free 877-RALLY66 or visit their website at www.vireurorally.com. For more information on the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship, visit their website at www.ussuperbike.com.

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.