Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to www.mcnews.com.au, veteran racer Kirk McCarthy has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash August 15 during round six of the Australian Superbike Championship at Queensland Raceway in Australia.

McCarthy won the 2002 AMA Pro Thunder Championship on a Ducati fielded by Jeff Nash of Advanced Motor Sports.

More details will be reported as they become available.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Italica Racing, the Aprilia USA-backed team slated to start racing in AMA Superbike during the 2004 season and continue through the 2005 season, has released its riders and crew members to find other work while team leaders seek funding.

That’s the word from Italica Racing Crew Chief Vic Fasola, who is at Barber Motorsports Park serving as Crew Chief for Matt Wait’s Kneedraggers.com Yamahas.

“They’re having some financial issues and haven’t been able to resolve them yet,” Fasola told Roadracingworld.com. “So they’ve basically cut everybody loose (to find) whatever we can (for work) in the interim. We’re still hoping they’ll pull something together, but right now it doesn’t look very promising.”

As for his ride with Kneedraggers.com Yamaha, Wait said, “They called me on Saturday (August 7) and asked what I was doing, asked if I wanted a ride, so here I am. I didn’t have anything else going on.

“So we’re going to do the remaining F-USA races and probably the last two AMA races. Hopefully, I can pick up where I left off and win some races.”

Wait raced for Kneedraggers.com Yamaha in the 2003 Formula USA season.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Championsonline.com’s Michael Barnes pulled out of the Formula USA event at Barber Motorsports Park Saturday due to conjunctivitis (commonly referred to as “pink eye”) in both his eyes.

“It feels like I’ve got something in both eyes, and they’re drying out from the antibiotics,” Barnes told Roadracingworld.com shortly before leaving the track. “I’m not all there. I’m just riding nervously. All I can think about is the AMA race at Road Atlanta.”

Barnes, who currently sits seventh in AMA Supersport points, only three points behind fifth-place Jason DiSalvo, added that he will retire from professional motorcycle road racing at the end of the 2004 season and pursue a career in real estate.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Suzuki Castrol have taken pole position for (today’s) Oschersleben 24 Hours round of the World Endurance Championship after a perfect lap of 1:29.522 by Vincent Philippe, comfortably beating last year’s fastest qualifying lap of 1:29.961.

Yesterday’s qualifying and night practice sessions saw championship leaders Yamaha GMT94 convincingly ahead in every session but they were unable to match Philippe’s lap; their best performance this morning was a 1:29.665 by David Checa. With only fourteen points separating these two teams in the championship and fifty points to be awarded to the winner of this race, tensions are running high. Both teams feel they have to win here to claim the championship at Vallelunga, and the 24 hour race is likely to be very closely fought.

Less than a second splits the next four teams on the grid. Robert Ulm joins Erwin Wilding and Karl Truchsess on the WRT Honda Austria, showing the potential of the developing Fireblade with third place on the grid. Fourth goes to Yamaha Endurance Moto 38, with Gwen Giabbani and Stephane Duterne joined by Sebastien Scarnato for this race. In fifth place are Kawasaki Bolliger, with Yamaha Austria in sixth place. There are four manufacturers represented in the top five grid positions.

Of the more unusual entrants in the Prototype or Open class, only the Schittko KTM LC8 has failed to qualify; this year’s field at Oschersleben will include an MZ1000S, a Buell XB12R and a Kawasaki Z1000.

Provisional Top Ten Qualifying Postions

1st 3 – Suzuki Castrol – FRA – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Vincent Philippe 1:29.522

2nd 94 – Yamaha GMT94 – FRA – Yamaha YZF-R1 – David Checa 1:29.665

3rd 5 – WRT Honda Austria – AUT – Honda CBR1000RR – Robert Ulm 1:30.134

4th 38 – Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 – FRA – Yamaha YZF-R1 – Gwen Giabbani 1:30.382

5th 8 – Kawasaki Bolliger Team – SUI – Kawasaki ZX10R – Roman Stam 1:30.802

6th 7 – Yamaha Austria Racing Team – AUT – Yamaha YZF-R1 – Igor Jerman 1:30.908

7th 1 – Yamaha Phase One Endurance – GBR – Yamaha YZF-R1 – Patrick Piot 1:31.765

8th 17 – Suzuki Bergmann & Soehne – GER – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Heinz Platacis 1:33.121

9th 6 – Shell Endurance Academy – GBR – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Marko Rohtlaan 1:33.187

10th 12 – Suzuki Fagersjo-el.se – SWE – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Lars Carlbark 1:33.258

From a series of press releases issued by event organizer Brian Orton:

“Seattle 100” Charitable Event Nearly Sold Out, Receives Significant Donation from One of Nation’s Largest Dealers, Renton Motorcycles

2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction (www.2-fast.org) is pleased to announce that their September 8th charitable track day event, known as the Seattle 100, is nearly sold out with only 8 positions remaining for riders who wish to participate this year. In addition, Renton Motorcycles – formerly known as RMC Motorsports and one of the nation’s largest motorcycle dealers – has graciously offered a significant contribution to the event. In honor of the contribution by Renton Motorcycles, 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction has made Renton Motorcycles the title sponsor of the Seattle 100, with the official name of the event now “The Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, presented by 2Fast.”

“Our donation to this year’s Seattle 100 is an honor for Renton Motorcycles. We are proud to be the Title Sponsor of this year’s event, and we are thankful for the opportunity to associate ourselves with both 2Fast and The Seattle 100,” said general manager Terry Stallcop of Renton Motorcycles. “We hope our contribution helps the event with the success it deserves.”

The Seattle 100 is as unique a fundraiser as you’ll find, and is receiving national attention. Participants ride their motorcycles around the Pacific Raceway’s roadcourse in Kent, WA attempting to complete 100 laps by day’s end. Donations go to The NephCure Foundation (www.nephcure.org), a non profit organization dedicated to the cure of glomerular kidney disease, a devastating form of kidney disease which affects both adults and children. Speed TV and host Greg White of “Two Wheeled Tuesday’s” will be present at the event, along with superstars from the road racing world – Jason Pridmore of American Suzuki / STAR Motorcycle Schools and Josh Hayes of Attack Kawasaki. AMA rookie Superbike sensation Jake Holden of Lion Racing / Hypercycle will also attend, a Puyallup resident. All will participate in the event with guests, sign autographs, and spend time with students in 2Fast’s instructional riding school that will coincide with the event.

Last year’s first ever Seattle 100 had only 15 participants. This year, however, the amount of expected participants will exceed 80 riders, each of which has committed to donations of $500 or greater. The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $50,000.



2003 Superstock Champion Josh Hayes to Step In for Jake Zemke in “Seattle 100” Fundraiser

Northwest motorcyclists participating in the 2004 Renton Motorcycles “Seattle 100” charity event presented by 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days &
Instruction (www.2-fast.org) are disappointed to learn of the schedule change to the Honda dealers convention this September. The convention will now be taking place September 8-10, overlapping the September 8th Seattle 100, and leaving the unique fundraising event without the planned attendance of its marquee rider, Honda racing superstar Jake Zemke. Zemke’s attendance at the convention is required by Honda, leaving the Seattle 100 without him.

However, 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction along with Renton Motorcycles is pleased to announce that Attack Kawasaki rider and 2003 AMA Superstock Champion Josh Hayes has offered to attend the Seattle 100 on Jake’s behalf – and in partnership with fellow road racing star Jason Pridmore of American Suzuki / STAR Schools. Josh is the number one plate holder in this year’s AMA Superstock series, and is also a front-runner in AMA Superbikes with the #41 plate. In addition, local wonder and rookie AMA Superbike sensation Jake Holden of HyperCycle/Lion Racing will also attend the event with Hayes and Pridmore. Holden is regarded as the #1 privateer in the AMA Superbike series, and is considered by many to be the next superstar of road racing. Holden lives in Puyallup, WA.

“While we couldn’t have been more excited about Zemke’s expected attendance at the Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100 this year, we are equally happy that Josh Hayes and Jake Holden will be joining us in his place. Both are gifted riders competing with Zemke and others at the highest levels of motorcycle racing, and we are thankful to have them helping us out on September 8th in Zemke’s absence.”




Seattle Father Seeks Cause of Son’s Kidney Disease, Promoting Unique Fundraiser Involving an Endurance Motorcycle Event on Racetrack

Seattle, WA – Brian Orton, of Woodinville, WA is very pleased that his son, Christian Orton, is currently living the life of a happy five year old. At just 10 months of age, Christian was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. This condition occurs when kidney filters malfunction and protein needed by the body instead is lost through urine. Swelling occurs in the body, especially around the eyes and limbs, and cholesterol soars. Long-term Nephrotic Syndrome can cause Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), kidney scarring that may lead to daily dialysis or a transplant.

Although Nephrotic Syndrome affects only two out of every 100,000 children and there is no established cure, Orton’s son responded positively to steroid treatments and has been in remission every since. Steroids do not always prove effective; thus, Orton combined his son’s treatments with naturopathic therapies… and together, the combination worked. Though Christian has been in remission for nearly four years now, and doctors believe he may be completely cured, Orton wants to insure that a cause and cure are found for those who have not been so fortunate. He is the co-founder and Vice President of the NephCure Foundation (www.nephcure.org) and is now helping NephCure lead a national effort to raise funds for the cure of glomerular kidney diseases.

On September 8th, 2004, Orton and the 30 staff members of his motorcycle riding instruction company (2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, www.2-fast.org) will head the most un-ordinary of fundraisers: a 100 lap motorcycle endurance event on the roadcourse of Seattle’s Pacific Raceways, formerly Seattle International Raceways. Participants in the event raise per lap pledges and donations through friends and family, the proceeds of which go to The NephCure Foundation. Last year’s inaugural running of the “Seattle 100” was so successful, and yet so unique, that this year’s participation in the event by motorcyclists of all kinds is nearly sold out… even though each of the participants has committed to $500 or greater in donations. In addition, Speed TV cameras will be on hand at the event, partially because of several superstar road racing champions who are joining Orton and the participants in their quest to complete 100 laps. Titled “The 2004 Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, Presented by 2Fast” and in conjunction with a 2Fast motorcycle riding performance school, participants of the event can reach speeds in excess of 150 mph down the roadcourse straightaway – making this anything but a silent auction or golf tournament. What kind of donations do these motorcyclists expect to raise on September 8th? The combined fundraising target is $50,000 in donations to NephCure… after expenses.

Spectators, interested parties, and media are encouraged to attend the event, which begins at 9am and goes until 5pm on September 8th. Admission is free, though a small donation per person is encouraged for the benefit of NephCure.




Another Star of Road Racing Joins “Seattle 100” Fundraiser: Attack Kawasaki’s Tony Meiring to Appear with Teammate Hayes

Northwest motorcyclists participating in the 2004 Renton Motorcycles “Seattle 100” charity event presented by 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days &
Instruction ( www.2-fast.org) can look forward to another star appearance on September 8th: Top ten AMA Superbike rider Tony Meiring of Attack Kawasaki. Meiring will join his Kawasaki teammate Josh Hayes in support of the Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, and plans to ride in the event with fundraiser’s participants.

Hayes and Meiring will not be alone, however: fellow road racing star Jason Pridmore of American Suzuki / STAR Schools and top Superbike privateer Jake Holden of Lion Racing / Hypercycle will also be present at the 100. Jake Holden is a Washington state resident, currently residing in Puyallup.

“I could not be more pleased with the turnout of participating riders we will have for this years Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, presented by 2Fast” says Brian Orton, director of the Seattle 100. “We are just a few spots away from reaching full participation, and a big reason for this year’s success is because of the attendance of some of the nation’s very best motorcycle racers – who now including Tony Meiring. I am thrilled to have him join us on September 8th.”

The Seattle 100 is a unique annual fundraiser which began last year, and received national attention. Participants ride their motorcycles around the Pacific Raceway’s roadcourse in Kent, WA attempting to complete 100 laps by day’s end. Donations go to The NephCure Foundation (www.nephcure.org), a non profit organization dedicated to the cure of glomerular kidney disease, a devastating form of kidney disease which affects both adults and children. Speed TV and local media are expected at the fundraising event, which has set a goal for itself of $50,000 in net proceeds to be given to the NephCure Foundation.

For questions regarding the Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, please visit the Seattle 100 links on the website of 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction at www.2-fast.org. Event director and 2Fast co-owner Brian Orton can be reached by email at [email protected].

From a press release:

For those wondering the whereabouts of Marcello del Giudice aka the “Man In Black”, he has been rehearsing music under the auspices of the Brian Warner Project in his hometown of Las Vegas Nevada. Known through out the motorcycle road racing world by his trademark Stoppie postcard taken in front of London England’s Big Ben, he has been polishing his musical talents preparing to introduce himself to the growing motorcycling audience. He has come a long way since singing the National Anthem for Roger Edmondson’s NASB Series during the 1997 season. His Guitar playing is strong and he has a unique style we would expect from the former 250 Grand Prix racer. His long racing history will play well for his new fans as he crosses the bridge into the growing American motorcycling community. He hopes to have his CD release party at Daytona in March.

Marcello will be playing his music at the Lone Star Biker bash in Texas. Look for him at Moto Liberty’s Saturday night Fish Fry, where he will be entertaining thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts at the event. Born of Las Vegas show parents, his natural ability shines whether he is singing his own songs or a cover tune. If you are in the Dallas area September 18th, make sure you ride to Texas Motor Speedway and be a guest of Audrey Menarik at the Moto Liberty homebase.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Jeff Wood and Brian Stokes each won a race during a disorganized CCS/Formula USA event Friday at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. On the plus side, the weather was perfect, in the high 70s with no humidity, unheard of for August in Alabama.

GSX-R600-mounted Wood came from behind to win the shortened-from-25-minutes, nine-lap GTU race by 2.3 seconds in his debut as an Arclight Suzuki rider.

“I had been talking to Chuck (Warren, Arclight Suzuki Team Co-owner) all year,” said Wood. “I recently had an engine failure, and all the parts were on back order. I was talking to him about getting an engine, and we thought it might just be better to try a whole bike. It’s much faster than my bike.”

Wood said he will still carry original headline sponsor Bettencourts as a personal sponsor.

“Jeff’s been riding the wheels off his bikes all year,” Warren told Roadracingworld.com. “He called me and said making this race was in jeopardy. And to be honest, he’s the closest Suzuki (rider) to winning the (F-USA Sportbike) Championship, so we decided to help him.”

Behind Wood, Championsonline.com’s Michael Barnes finished second on his Yamaha YZF-R6, just ahead of Wood’s teammate Scott Harwell. Scott Greenwood led at one point but finished fourth on his Argo Cycles Yamaha, ahead of Trey Yonce and a rapidly gaining Chris Ulrich, who started on the last row of the first wave, row 10, due to a lack of CCS points.

Butler Machinery’s Robert Jensen was leading and pulling away on the third lap of the GTU race when he pitted. After the race, Jensen said he was testing tires for Michelin in preparation for Sunday’s F-USA National races.

Vesrah Suzuki’s Brian Stokes ran away with the six-lap Heavyweight Superstock sprint, winning over Corona Extra Suzuki’s Ben Attard, Wood, Harwell, Greenwood and Ulrich, who started on row seven.

Attard and Wood rode GSX-R600s.

The overriding theme of the day, however, was disorganization, which led to only six of the eight scheduled races being run and only four of the races running to their scheduled distance.

The weekend was fouled up from the beginning, with professional racers arriving for Thursday promoter practice to be told that the practice day being run by Cornerspeed and the racetrack was full and that no more riders could enter. Friday practice was made more complicated by the inclusion of Learning Curves school sessions on track, between practice sessions, and the fact that Learning Curves sessions were given operational priority.

“We fell behind early and were never able to catch up,” said CCS/F-USA boss Kevin Elliot.

In addition to the normal, unforeseen race-day delays caused by crashes and track clean-ups, the day was put behind schedule from the start by more racers (over 400) than the expected 250-275 showing up for the event, causing a shortage of electronic scoring transponders and scoring problems throughout the day as transponders were swapped from racer to racer.

As of 7:30 p.m. local time, official results were only available for two races.

The troubled day culminated with the Formula USA Team Challenge endurance race, which was scheduled for 250 kilometers, or 67 laps, but lasted all of 45 minutes and 30 laps.

Elliot said delays in the schedule and the track’s 5:00 p.m. curfew forced him to shorten the Team Challenge race to 60 minutes, but race teams complained that they were not informed the race was shortened until after it had started and their race strategies had been put in play.

“We didn’t get to go after it (the race) the way we wanted to,” said Himmelsbach Racing’s Michael Himmelsbach, who was slated to ride the third and anchor leg for his Championship-contending team but didn’t get to ride at all. “This is the second time they made the decision to shorten this race without letting us know.

“I haven’t heard from one person who heard them announce that the race was shortened until after it was started.”

Race director Phil Sberna said it was announced over the public address system that the Team Challenge race was shortened before the race actually started, but he admitted that he did not realize the P.A. system was inaudible on pit lane, where most of the Team Challenge participants were at the time of the announcement.

“That was our mistake,” said Sberna.

Elliott and Sberna held round-table meetings with disgruntled racers at the end of the day.

Unofficially, Celtic Racing’s Des Conboy and Simon Turner took the overall and GTU class wins in the Team Challenge race on a Pirelli-shod Yamaha YZF-R6.

Conboy said his team did not hear the announcement that the race was shortened, but “we had it covered. We had a yellow (hard-compound Pirelli) on the rear, and I was riding conservative. I wanted to give Simon enough tire to finish. Barring any problem, we would’ve had it.”

Celtic Racing also took the overall Team Challenge race win at the previous round of the series, at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

The Team Challenge race at Barber was further shortened by a red flag with less than 15 minutes remaining in the race.

The CCS sprint races that did not run Friday will be run Saturday.


Update: Baker Race Gear was awarded the overall Team Challenge race win in revised results issued Saturday monring at Barber Motorsports Park. Look for complete race results from Friday in a later post.