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Rider Claims He’s Innocent In Alleged Stunt-caused SUV Crash

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Rider Claims He’s Innocent In Alleged Stunt-caused SUV Crash

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.


Stunt Riders Earn Negative National Headlines For Allegedly Causing Auto Accident

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Stunt Riders Earn Negative National Headlines For Allegedly Causing Auto Accident

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.

Canadian Superbike Riders In Exhibition Race At Montreal Champ Car Event This Weekend

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Canadian Superbike Riders In Exhibition Race At Montreal Champ Car Event This Weekend

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

Brno Test Results Give Marlboro Ducati Riders Confidence Heading To Portugal

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Brno Test Results Give Marlboro Ducati Riders Confidence Heading To Portugal

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN CONFIDENT AFTER RAPID TESTS

The Ducati Marlboro Team comes to Estoril boosted by a fruitful Brno test session following the recent Czech Grand Prix. After achieving top-five results at both the Czech and British GPs the team clocked impressive lap times during the Brno session, putting both Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss in confident mood for Sunday’s Marlboro Portuguese GP, round 11 of this year’s 16-race MotoGP World Championship.

“Those two days at Brno were very useful in continuing the evolution of the Desmosedici GP4, so we are looking forward to getting back into action at Estoril,” says Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “During this season we’ve had two priorities. First, to develop a user-friendly engine, and both riders are now very happy with the Twin Pulse motor. Second, to develop the chassis, so the bike feels easier to ride. Both Loris and Troy rode a lot of dry laps during the Brno tests, evaluating new Ohlins suspension settings, and both now feel more comfortable on the bike, with Loris feeling good enough to lap consistently faster than he had managed in the race. Everyone at Ducati Corse is working as hard as possible to continue evolving the bike and we hope that Estoril will allow us to prove that we have taken another step forward.”

Estoril is a tortuous, twisting circuit with the slowest average lap speed in MotoGP, at just 151kmh/93mph. But that doesn’t make it an easy racetrack for riders or engineers. The track is a mass of contrasts – with a 321kmh/200mph main straight, plus the slowest corner in MotoGP (the final chicane, which riders tackle at a pedestrian 60kmh/37mph) and also one the fastest (turn five, which riders attack at over 220kmh/136mph). These contrasts demand some compromises in chassis set-up, with riders requiring manoeuvrability in the tight corners and stability in the sweepers. These two characteristics are not mutually exclusive but it takes expert technicians to create a motorcycle that excels in both situations.

“What we look for wherever we go is a suspension set-up that makes the bike easier to handle and more stable, and this is particularly important at Estoril,” says Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli. “Normally these two characteristics aren’t easy to achieve together but with careful work on suspension it is possible. We have made a big step forward with the Twin Pulse engine, now we are matching that engine improvement with an improved suspension set-up that will give us a good base set-up for every racetrack. Estoril is a very twisty circuit, so rapid steering is very important. It’s also a track that we don’t know that well – we’ve only spent three days there in total – though last year we had a good race.”

CAPIROSSI READY TO MAKE USE OF LATEST IMPROVEMENTS

Loris Capirossi was in superb form at the Brno tests. Now the Ducati Marlboro Team man intends to use the lessons learned during that outing to get his Desmosedici GP4 back up front at Estoril.

“We tried out many small set-up modifications during the tests that allowed me to lap more than half a second faster than I had during the Brno race,” says Capirossi. “Not only that, I was also able to maintain a rapid pace more easily, because the bike is now more comfortable to ride. Estoril is a very different kind of track from Brno but we believe that the improvements we’ve made will benefit us, wherever we go. The track isn’t bad, though the first corner is a bit of a joke and the last chicane is really, really tight. The straight is long, which helped me to beat Sete (Gibernau) last year. My favourite corner is turn five. This is one of the greatest corners in MotoGP – fourth or fifth gear at maybe 230kmh and then you hook sixth onto the back straight. It’s a lot of fun, when you get it right!”

BAYLISS & HIS DESMOSEDICI FIND A STRONG DIRECTION

Troy Bayliss had a luckless weekend at Brno and aims to put that right with a storming result at Estoril. The Ducati Marlboro Team man crashed out of the Czech GP on oil dropped by another fallen machine but is confident he can perform this weekend after improving his best lap time by a whole second in the team’s post Czech GP tests.

“Things are really taking shape with the bike, we have found a strong direction,” says the Australian. “During the Brno tests we found a set-up that should work well at the circuits from here to the end of the season. For sure if the weather during the Brno race weekend had been better, we would’ve had a better race. I do enjoy riding around Estoril, though it’s a funny little circuit. It’s got a few off-camber corners, it’s quite bumpy coming onto the fast main straight and then it’s got that dicky little chicane in the middle of the last section. For sure the suspension work we did at Brno should help. Plus the Twin Pulse motor will be good there because it gives you the feeling for getting on the gas in the slower corners.”

THE TRACK

Although the Marlboro Portuguese GP is the slowest in MotoGP racing the track presents a real challenge to riders and engineers. The contrast of very slow and very fast corners requires certain compromises in chassis settings and it’s the same with the engine – the contrast between the fast start-finish straight and the many slow-speed corners requires maximum peak horsepower as well as gentle low-rpm performance. But perhaps the greatest concern for riders is the track’s proximity to the Atlantic. High-speed winds often whip off the ocean, blowing bikes and riders off course, and throwing dust onto the circuit, reducing grip. Estoril hosts its fifth World Championship Grand Prix this year, though this is the seventh Portuguese GP. The nation’s first two GPs were held at Spanish tracks in 1987 and 1988, because Estoril failed MotoGP’s stringent track safety standards.

ESTORIL DATA

Lap record: Valentino Rossi (Honda), 1:39.189, 151.783kmh/94.314mph

Pole position 2003: Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici), 1:38.412

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM DATA LOGS

LORIS CAPIROSSI
Age: 31 (April 4, 1973)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
GP victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125)
First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125)
First GP: Japan, 1990 (125)
GP starts: 210 (40xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125)
Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125)
First pole: Australia, 1991 (125)
World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998)
Estoril 2003 results. Grid: Pole. Race: 3rd

TROY BAYLISS
Age: 35 (March 30, 1969)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
First GP: Australia, 1997 (250)
GP starts: 27 (26xMotoGP, 1×250)
World Superbike victories: 22
World Championships: 1 (Superbike: 2001)
Estoril 2003 results. Grid: 8th. Race: 6th

Kagayama To Return To Cadwell Park, Where His 2003 British Superbike Season Ended

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Kagayama To Return To Cadwell Park, Where His 2003 British Superbike Season Ended

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.”

Richards Returns To Hawk Kawasaki For This Weekend’s British Superbike Event At Cadwell Park

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Richards Returns To Hawk Kawasaki For This Weekend’s British Superbike Event At Cadwell Park

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

AFM Issues An Improved Press Release Regarding 50-Year Reunion

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AFM Issues An Improved Press Release Regarding 50-Year Reunion

From a press release issued by AFM:

AFM To Celebrate 50 Years Of Club Racing With Website, Reunion

AFM 50-YEAR REUNION WEB SITE NOW AVAILABLE

AFM, the American Federation of Motorcyclists, is celebrating 50 years of racing in 2004. As part of the celebration they’re having a reunion on Saturday, October 2 at Infineon Raceway (Sears Point) for all those who are part of that history. Registration information is now available at http://www.afmracing.org or call 510-796-7005.

During the past 50 years, AFM events have included racers who went on to National and International fame: Club co-founder and Korean War Saber Jet Ace John McLaughlin and later his Superbike-star son Steve, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Kevin Schwantz, Randy Mamola, and many more. There have been chapters in New York, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, and Nevada in addition to the original Los Angeles and San Francisco California chapters. The annual schedule often involved nearly two dozen races at multiple tracks, with more entries than those of the AMA.

Founded in 1954, the AFM is America’s oldest organization dedicated solely to motorcycle road racing. It remains one of the largest amateur road racing organizations in United States, with over 1300 entries common at many races, and is the only one to hold races at three tracks: Infineon, Thunderhill, and Buttonwillow.

(For further enjoyment, check out this part of the AFM site: http://redirx.com/?g5yi)



Rich Oliver’s Art Work To Be Displayed By Online Gallery

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Rich Oliver’s Art Work To Be Displayed By Online Gallery

From a press release:

Rich Oliver Shows Online With The Decontrol Art
Gallery

Rich Oliver, five-time AMA 250 Grand Prix champion, has teamed up with the Decontrol Gallery, an online venue for artists, to present a show of Oliver’s paintings and sculpture. The show features 34 paintings as well as 2 videos and 6 photos. Highlights of the show include a time lapse video of Oliver creating one of his paintings, many large vibrant images of Oliver’s paintings, and a history of Oliver’s art career, told by Rich Oliver himself.

Oliver began painting four years ago but accelerated his work as an artist following his retirement from racing last year. Oliver says of the exhibit, “George Shaw and his Decontrol.com Gallery have really been able to capture accurately the feeling of both my art, and the personal spirit that I put into it. It’s not an easy thing to do with abstract work, but he did it magnificently with the use of images, music, video clips, and even a time lapse painting event showing my complete process of production.”

Oliver adds, “I think the visitor will get a pretty good idea of how a motorcycle racer like myself has evolved an artistic style without any sort of formal training or study. It’s really an honor for me to have my work exposed to the public in this unique and innovative way.”

The Decontrol Gallery has been showing the work of cutting edge artists in all media for over seven years. In that time, it has become one of the premier locations online to view the work of innovative new artists, from painters and sculptors to designers and interactive artists. The gallery is run by WSMC racer George Shaw.

“This is a great show for Decontrol. We’re proud to help Rich get his art in front of more people. When I first saw his paintings, after having been a fan of his racing for so long, I was really psyched and knew a Rich Oliver show would carry on the Decontrol tradition well. Rich’s work says a lot about him as a person, and captures the soul of a racer very well, in my opinion.” says Shaw.

Adding, “Rich is a good ambassador between worlds. He can teach the art world about unlikely people…people from outside the normally claustrophobic wine and cheese crowd…creating meaningful art; and he can teach the racing world about expressing yourself visually, and how the skills and ideas you learn as a racer can translate to something as exciting and dangerous as making paintings.”

Rich’s show will be featured on the site
http://www.decontrol.com through the end of October. After that, it will be accessible permanently through the direct link http://www.decontrol.com/rich_oliver.

New CFO For Reborn Norton

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New CFO For Reborn Norton

From a press release issued by Norton Motorsports, Inc.:

Bill Langley Joins Norton Motorsports, Inc. as CFO

Gladstone, OR – the site of the new Norton Motorsports, Inc.

Norton Motorsports, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Bill Langley to its executive team to fill the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Langley brings over 25 years of experience with extensive experience in emerging company finance and operations. He built FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) from $9 million to $180 million in revenue, has taken two companies public, has developed private financing for several others and has both domestic and international operations experience. He joins Norton effective immediately as the company moves toward introduction of the first new Norton Commando in over 25 years.

As a lifetime motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Langley brings genuine passion for the brand and a veteran’s knowledge of capital raising and the operations of the company. “Having a person of Bill’s caliber is a tremendous addition to our company,” stated company founder and President Kenny Dreer. “Our exceptional team of design, engineering, production, marketing and sales professionals will benefit tremendously from Bill’s leadership.”

“I am extremely pleased to be joining with Kenny and the team at Norton Motorsports”, said Mr. Langley. “We can develop this fantastic brand and beautiful motorcycle into a strong global player in the $9 billion world-wide market for heavyweight motorcycles. With the foundation that Kenny and the others have laid, we are going to do it”.

Norton Motorsports, Inc. is the sole owner of the world-wide trademark rights to Norton and is reintroducing the brand through the launch and continued production of the new Commando 952. The company plans to build over 500 motorcycles in 2005 and grow its production to over 13,000 motorcycles in four years. The Norton motorcycle brand originated in England in 1898 and built its legacy on performance and racing success at the Isle of Man TT.


And Now A Message To Motorcycle Businesses From The Wegman Benefit Fund, Which Assists Injured Racers

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And Now A Message To Motorcycle Businesses From The Wegman Benefit Fund, Which Assists Injured Racers

From a press release issued by the Wegman Benefit Fund: Wegman Benefit Fund announcement We are proud to announce the upcoming Wegman Benefit Fund Auction, September 18, 2004 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockton, IL. The Wegman Benefit Fund is a non-profit, tax deductible organization that assists seriously injured road racers. To date we have paid out over $152,000 for injured racers across the country. We are seeking donations for the auction, in the form of goods and/or services your company may provide. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year. With help from people like you and companies like yours we raised nearly $18,000 at last years event. We sincerely hope you will consider helping us in our effort to assist unfortunate racers in their time of need. Along with this announcement we would like to introduce you to our new website; http://www.wegmanfund.org/ Our new site enables us to provide you with more up-to-date announcements, history of the fund, news on upcoming events and the ability for racing fans like you to purchase our apparel and support the Fund. We’ve made it easier for potential fund recipients to seek support from the fund via an online form, http://www.wegmanfund.org/gettinghelp2.cfm. People wishing to contribute to the Fund can now elect to make an immediate cash donation through the new site as well. Please consider supporting the Wegman Fund this year by donating items for sale at our 18th annual Wegman Fund Auction. Sincerely, Gordon Lunde Founder Wegman Benefit Fund, Inc.

Rider Claims He’s Innocent In Alleged Stunt-caused SUV Crash

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.


Stunt Riders Earn Negative National Headlines For Allegedly Causing Auto Accident

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.

Canadian Superbike Riders In Exhibition Race At Montreal Champ Car Event This Weekend

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

Brno Test Results Give Marlboro Ducati Riders Confidence Heading To Portugal

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN CONFIDENT AFTER RAPID TESTS

The Ducati Marlboro Team comes to Estoril boosted by a fruitful Brno test session following the recent Czech Grand Prix. After achieving top-five results at both the Czech and British GPs the team clocked impressive lap times during the Brno session, putting both Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss in confident mood for Sunday’s Marlboro Portuguese GP, round 11 of this year’s 16-race MotoGP World Championship.

“Those two days at Brno were very useful in continuing the evolution of the Desmosedici GP4, so we are looking forward to getting back into action at Estoril,” says Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “During this season we’ve had two priorities. First, to develop a user-friendly engine, and both riders are now very happy with the Twin Pulse motor. Second, to develop the chassis, so the bike feels easier to ride. Both Loris and Troy rode a lot of dry laps during the Brno tests, evaluating new Ohlins suspension settings, and both now feel more comfortable on the bike, with Loris feeling good enough to lap consistently faster than he had managed in the race. Everyone at Ducati Corse is working as hard as possible to continue evolving the bike and we hope that Estoril will allow us to prove that we have taken another step forward.”

Estoril is a tortuous, twisting circuit with the slowest average lap speed in MotoGP, at just 151kmh/93mph. But that doesn’t make it an easy racetrack for riders or engineers. The track is a mass of contrasts – with a 321kmh/200mph main straight, plus the slowest corner in MotoGP (the final chicane, which riders tackle at a pedestrian 60kmh/37mph) and also one the fastest (turn five, which riders attack at over 220kmh/136mph). These contrasts demand some compromises in chassis set-up, with riders requiring manoeuvrability in the tight corners and stability in the sweepers. These two characteristics are not mutually exclusive but it takes expert technicians to create a motorcycle that excels in both situations.

“What we look for wherever we go is a suspension set-up that makes the bike easier to handle and more stable, and this is particularly important at Estoril,” says Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli. “Normally these two characteristics aren’t easy to achieve together but with careful work on suspension it is possible. We have made a big step forward with the Twin Pulse engine, now we are matching that engine improvement with an improved suspension set-up that will give us a good base set-up for every racetrack. Estoril is a very twisty circuit, so rapid steering is very important. It’s also a track that we don’t know that well – we’ve only spent three days there in total – though last year we had a good race.”

CAPIROSSI READY TO MAKE USE OF LATEST IMPROVEMENTS

Loris Capirossi was in superb form at the Brno tests. Now the Ducati Marlboro Team man intends to use the lessons learned during that outing to get his Desmosedici GP4 back up front at Estoril.

“We tried out many small set-up modifications during the tests that allowed me to lap more than half a second faster than I had during the Brno race,” says Capirossi. “Not only that, I was also able to maintain a rapid pace more easily, because the bike is now more comfortable to ride. Estoril is a very different kind of track from Brno but we believe that the improvements we’ve made will benefit us, wherever we go. The track isn’t bad, though the first corner is a bit of a joke and the last chicane is really, really tight. The straight is long, which helped me to beat Sete (Gibernau) last year. My favourite corner is turn five. This is one of the greatest corners in MotoGP – fourth or fifth gear at maybe 230kmh and then you hook sixth onto the back straight. It’s a lot of fun, when you get it right!”

BAYLISS & HIS DESMOSEDICI FIND A STRONG DIRECTION

Troy Bayliss had a luckless weekend at Brno and aims to put that right with a storming result at Estoril. The Ducati Marlboro Team man crashed out of the Czech GP on oil dropped by another fallen machine but is confident he can perform this weekend after improving his best lap time by a whole second in the team’s post Czech GP tests.

“Things are really taking shape with the bike, we have found a strong direction,” says the Australian. “During the Brno tests we found a set-up that should work well at the circuits from here to the end of the season. For sure if the weather during the Brno race weekend had been better, we would’ve had a better race. I do enjoy riding around Estoril, though it’s a funny little circuit. It’s got a few off-camber corners, it’s quite bumpy coming onto the fast main straight and then it’s got that dicky little chicane in the middle of the last section. For sure the suspension work we did at Brno should help. Plus the Twin Pulse motor will be good there because it gives you the feeling for getting on the gas in the slower corners.”

THE TRACK

Although the Marlboro Portuguese GP is the slowest in MotoGP racing the track presents a real challenge to riders and engineers. The contrast of very slow and very fast corners requires certain compromises in chassis settings and it’s the same with the engine – the contrast between the fast start-finish straight and the many slow-speed corners requires maximum peak horsepower as well as gentle low-rpm performance. But perhaps the greatest concern for riders is the track’s proximity to the Atlantic. High-speed winds often whip off the ocean, blowing bikes and riders off course, and throwing dust onto the circuit, reducing grip. Estoril hosts its fifth World Championship Grand Prix this year, though this is the seventh Portuguese GP. The nation’s first two GPs were held at Spanish tracks in 1987 and 1988, because Estoril failed MotoGP’s stringent track safety standards.

ESTORIL DATA

Lap record: Valentino Rossi (Honda), 1:39.189, 151.783kmh/94.314mph

Pole position 2003: Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici), 1:38.412

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM DATA LOGS

LORIS CAPIROSSI
Age: 31 (April 4, 1973)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
GP victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125)
First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125)
First GP: Japan, 1990 (125)
GP starts: 210 (40xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125)
Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125)
First pole: Australia, 1991 (125)
World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998)
Estoril 2003 results. Grid: Pole. Race: 3rd

TROY BAYLISS
Age: 35 (March 30, 1969)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
First GP: Australia, 1997 (250)
GP starts: 27 (26xMotoGP, 1×250)
World Superbike victories: 22
World Championships: 1 (Superbike: 2001)
Estoril 2003 results. Grid: 8th. Race: 6th

Kagayama To Return To Cadwell Park, Where His 2003 British Superbike Season Ended

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.”

Richards Returns To Hawk Kawasaki For This Weekend’s British Superbike Event At Cadwell Park

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

AFM Issues An Improved Press Release Regarding 50-Year Reunion

From a press release issued by AFM:

AFM To Celebrate 50 Years Of Club Racing With Website, Reunion

AFM 50-YEAR REUNION WEB SITE NOW AVAILABLE

AFM, the American Federation of Motorcyclists, is celebrating 50 years of racing in 2004. As part of the celebration they’re having a reunion on Saturday, October 2 at Infineon Raceway (Sears Point) for all those who are part of that history. Registration information is now available at http://www.afmracing.org or call 510-796-7005.

During the past 50 years, AFM events have included racers who went on to National and International fame: Club co-founder and Korean War Saber Jet Ace John McLaughlin and later his Superbike-star son Steve, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Kevin Schwantz, Randy Mamola, and many more. There have been chapters in New York, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, and Nevada in addition to the original Los Angeles and San Francisco California chapters. The annual schedule often involved nearly two dozen races at multiple tracks, with more entries than those of the AMA.

Founded in 1954, the AFM is America’s oldest organization dedicated solely to motorcycle road racing. It remains one of the largest amateur road racing organizations in United States, with over 1300 entries common at many races, and is the only one to hold races at three tracks: Infineon, Thunderhill, and Buttonwillow.

(For further enjoyment, check out this part of the AFM site: http://redirx.com/?g5yi)



Rich Oliver’s Art Work To Be Displayed By Online Gallery

From a press release:

Rich Oliver Shows Online With The Decontrol Art
Gallery

Rich Oliver, five-time AMA 250 Grand Prix champion, has teamed up with the Decontrol Gallery, an online venue for artists, to present a show of Oliver’s paintings and sculpture. The show features 34 paintings as well as 2 videos and 6 photos. Highlights of the show include a time lapse video of Oliver creating one of his paintings, many large vibrant images of Oliver’s paintings, and a history of Oliver’s art career, told by Rich Oliver himself.

Oliver began painting four years ago but accelerated his work as an artist following his retirement from racing last year. Oliver says of the exhibit, “George Shaw and his Decontrol.com Gallery have really been able to capture accurately the feeling of both my art, and the personal spirit that I put into it. It’s not an easy thing to do with abstract work, but he did it magnificently with the use of images, music, video clips, and even a time lapse painting event showing my complete process of production.”

Oliver adds, “I think the visitor will get a pretty good idea of how a motorcycle racer like myself has evolved an artistic style without any sort of formal training or study. It’s really an honor for me to have my work exposed to the public in this unique and innovative way.”

The Decontrol Gallery has been showing the work of cutting edge artists in all media for over seven years. In that time, it has become one of the premier locations online to view the work of innovative new artists, from painters and sculptors to designers and interactive artists. The gallery is run by WSMC racer George Shaw.

“This is a great show for Decontrol. We’re proud to help Rich get his art in front of more people. When I first saw his paintings, after having been a fan of his racing for so long, I was really psyched and knew a Rich Oliver show would carry on the Decontrol tradition well. Rich’s work says a lot about him as a person, and captures the soul of a racer very well, in my opinion.” says Shaw.

Adding, “Rich is a good ambassador between worlds. He can teach the art world about unlikely people…people from outside the normally claustrophobic wine and cheese crowd…creating meaningful art; and he can teach the racing world about expressing yourself visually, and how the skills and ideas you learn as a racer can translate to something as exciting and dangerous as making paintings.”

Rich’s show will be featured on the site
http://www.decontrol.com through the end of October. After that, it will be accessible permanently through the direct link http://www.decontrol.com/rich_oliver.

New CFO For Reborn Norton

From a press release issued by Norton Motorsports, Inc.:

Bill Langley Joins Norton Motorsports, Inc. as CFO

Gladstone, OR – the site of the new Norton Motorsports, Inc.

Norton Motorsports, Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Bill Langley to its executive team to fill the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Langley brings over 25 years of experience with extensive experience in emerging company finance and operations. He built FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) from $9 million to $180 million in revenue, has taken two companies public, has developed private financing for several others and has both domestic and international operations experience. He joins Norton effective immediately as the company moves toward introduction of the first new Norton Commando in over 25 years.

As a lifetime motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Langley brings genuine passion for the brand and a veteran’s knowledge of capital raising and the operations of the company. “Having a person of Bill’s caliber is a tremendous addition to our company,” stated company founder and President Kenny Dreer. “Our exceptional team of design, engineering, production, marketing and sales professionals will benefit tremendously from Bill’s leadership.”

“I am extremely pleased to be joining with Kenny and the team at Norton Motorsports”, said Mr. Langley. “We can develop this fantastic brand and beautiful motorcycle into a strong global player in the $9 billion world-wide market for heavyweight motorcycles. With the foundation that Kenny and the others have laid, we are going to do it”.

Norton Motorsports, Inc. is the sole owner of the world-wide trademark rights to Norton and is reintroducing the brand through the launch and continued production of the new Commando 952. The company plans to build over 500 motorcycles in 2005 and grow its production to over 13,000 motorcycles in four years. The Norton motorcycle brand originated in England in 1898 and built its legacy on performance and racing success at the Isle of Man TT.


And Now A Message To Motorcycle Businesses From The Wegman Benefit Fund, Which Assists Injured Racers

From a press release issued by the Wegman Benefit Fund: Wegman Benefit Fund announcement We are proud to announce the upcoming Wegman Benefit Fund Auction, September 18, 2004 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockton, IL. The Wegman Benefit Fund is a non-profit, tax deductible organization that assists seriously injured road racers. To date we have paid out over $152,000 for injured racers across the country. We are seeking donations for the auction, in the form of goods and/or services your company may provide. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year. With help from people like you and companies like yours we raised nearly $18,000 at last years event. We sincerely hope you will consider helping us in our effort to assist unfortunate racers in their time of need. Along with this announcement we would like to introduce you to our new website; http://www.wegmanfund.org/ Our new site enables us to provide you with more up-to-date announcements, history of the fund, news on upcoming events and the ability for racing fans like you to purchase our apparel and support the Fund. We’ve made it easier for potential fund recipients to seek support from the fund via an online form, http://www.wegmanfund.org/gettinghelp2.cfm. People wishing to contribute to the Fund can now elect to make an immediate cash donation through the new site as well. Please consider supporting the Wegman Fund this year by donating items for sale at our 18th annual Wegman Fund Auction. Sincerely, Gordon Lunde Founder Wegman Benefit Fund, Inc.

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