From a Press Release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Daytona 200 to be opening round of Formula Xtreme Series

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 13, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing announced today that the class structure for the 2005 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship will remain unchanged. Additionally, it was announced that the 2005 Daytona 200 will feature Formula Xtreme machinery.

The class structure for the 2005 championship remains as follows:

Superbike: 901-1000cc four-stroke, two or more cylinders

Supersport: 0-600cc four-stroke, multi-cylinder

Formula Xtreme: 450cc-600cc four-stroke, multi-cylinder; 595cc-750cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder; 850cc-1350cc four-stroke, air-cooled, twin-cylinder

Superstock: 745cc-1000cc four-stroke, multi-cylinder

The current class structure was enacted beginning with the 2004 racing season and is expected to remain in place at least through the 2006 racing season. Proposed 2005 rule changes were announced on July 25 and are currently subject to a 30-day comment period. AMA Pro Racing credential holders can make comments on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly.

The Daytona 200, formerly part of the AMA Superbike Championship, will now utilize Formula Xtreme equipment. According to Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing CEO, this change is being made in response to many of the concerns that have arisen regarding Daytona. “Daytona is a unique place and requires a unique approach. At the same time, Daytona and the Daytona 200 are treasured icons in the racing world,” said Hollingsworth. “To keep that event viable while acknowledging the realities posed by modern, 1000cc Superbikes, we will run the Daytona 200 as a Formula Xtreme race. AMA Superbikes will continue at Daytona but now as a sprint race, consistent with the rest of the Superbike events that comprise our championship.”

Hollingsworth stated that the future direction of the Daytona 200 has been discussed for some time and has included input from manufacturers, riders, team principals, tire companies, as well as Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation. “In meetings dating back to last year, it became clear that a course change and reducing sustained speeds of the 200 were two primary areas that needed addressing,” said Hollingsworth. “There were many innovative ideas put forth but the notion of running Formula Xtreme machinery in the 200 while still showcasing Superbikes was the one idea that had the most merit. From a marketing standpoint, the winners of either race earn plenty of bragging rights because a 200 mile win or a Superbike victory at Daytona are tremendous accomplishments. Another option that was given strong consideration was that of racing Supersport bikes in the 200. However, it’s no secret that Formula Xtreme equipment may one day form the basis for Superbikes. This possible ‘peek into the future’ was the ultimate factor in determining the best long-term solution.”

Hollingsworth stated that these changes, as well as the track reconfiguration that was jointly announced yesterday by AMA Pro Racing and Daytona International Speedway, are examples of the responsiveness shared by both organizations. “Together we have examined the issues, listened to all viewpoints and created a strong direction for the future,” summarized Hollingsworth.

Along with the Daytona AMA Superbike race and Daytona 200, AMA Supersport and AMA Superstock events will also be featured during Daytona Bike Week beginning on Wednesday, March 9, 2005.

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.



About AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the THQ AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship, the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

From a press release issued by Aprilia:

Aprilia World Service Inc. confirms agreement with Piaggio Group

8/13/04 Woodstock, GA – Aprilia World Service USA Inc. is pleased to communicate the announcement of the industrial and strategic agreement between Piaggio and Aprilia. In the agreement, Piaggio will obtain a 100% stake in the Aprilia group.

“We are extremely pleased by this progress and are anxious to embrace the new resources that this merging will bring to both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi,” says Aprilia World Service USA General Manager Tom McDonald. “We know that there is exciting new product in the pipeline for both brands and now the product introductions can now be finalized.

“The combination of Piaggio, the largest European two wheel manufacturer and the Aprilia Group, the second largest, creates a company with considerable resources. We are excited about the synergies created, ranging from product development and production capabilities to business infrastructure, marketing resources, and brand management,” continues McDonald.

“The employees of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi want to thank our customers and dealers who have kept the faith in our brands. We look forward to the growth of this new evolution of the company.”

Below is the note sent from Italy, by Mr. Francesco Nepi, Director Aprilia World Service SpA.

Milan, August 12th, 2004
The Aprilia Spa Board of Directors, assembled today in Milan, examined the state of advancement of the negotiations aiming to ensure the intervention of a qualified Investor to entrust the re-launching of the Aprilia Group. By the suggestion of the president, Mr. Fois, the meeting was chaired by the founder and shareholder of Aprilia Group, Mr. Ivano Beggio. Also invited were the associate advisors of Caretti & Interbanca, who were involved in the negotiations with Ducati and Piaggio.
The preference of an agreement with the Piaggio Group, putting the whole packet of Aprilia shares at their disposal, was decided. The proposal of intervention of the Piaggio Group is oriented towards the increase of the value of the Aprilia Group from an industrial and strategic point of view. Furthermore, it guarantees the suppliers’ integral payment, the satisfaction of the bearers of obligations still less the integral repayment of the new finance supplied last May, together with a supply contract with an important and positive financial effect on the management of the Group.
Mr. Beggio pointed out that the proposal presented by Ducati, while much appreciated, under the industrial and strategic profile, is less adequate to the immediate management demands and the expectations of important stakeholders. The Board of Directors, sharing the evaluations expressed by Mr. Beggio with the support of the Advisors, has approved unanimously the proposal to direct the foreseen agreements with Piaggio & Company. granting the powers to the President Candido Fois and the Managing Director Franco Cattaneo, to which, the management of the Company will be assigned, together with a new member of the Board of Directors to be appointed by Piaggio, till the closing of the operation for the subscription of the relative agreements.

More details about that will become available following the International Motorcycle Show (INTERMOT) in Munich, Sept. 15-19 and will be detailed as soon as possible.

From a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati:


Czech Grand Prix, Brno, 20/21/22 August – Preview

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN GO BACK TO WORK AT BRNO

The MotoGP circus returns from its summer recess at Brno rested, relaxed and ready to launch into the final seven events of the thrill-packed 2004 MotoGP World Championship. Czech Grand Prix is an important race for everyone on the grid, but especially for Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss who are aiming to maintain the momentum they had built during the last few GPs before the holidays. At last month’s British GP both men qualified their Desmosedici GP4s inside the top four and also proved their potential in the race, Capirossi leading for the first time this year, Bayliss lapping within 0.15 seconds of the new Donington Park lap record. Their improving pace follows the recent introduction of Ducati’s new and rider-friendly Twin Pulse engine.

“We are now as competitive as we were last year,” says Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “I think we can genuinely feel proud of the way in which we recovered from a difficult start to our 2004 season. If you consider that the other top factories have improved their bikes since the first race, that shows we have improved even more. Troy’s lap times at Donington showed that we are right there in terms of absolute performance, so we are really looking forward to Brno and the remainder of the season. Last year at Brno we had out most competitive race – both Troy and Loris were in the hunt for victory and we aim to be part of the show again.”

Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli is confident of a good weekend in the Czech Republic. “Brno is a flowing track, which suits our bike,” says Cecchinelli. “In fact our 2004 machine is now a more balanced than last year’s bike, so I think it should suit every track from now on. At Brno you need a lot of confidence in the front end, because there are a lot of downhill corners with negative camber. You also need a bike that can change direction quickly, because there are a lot of esses.”

CAPIROSSI LOOKS FORWARD TO ‘HARMONIC’ BRNO
Loris Capirossi qualified on the front row at last month’s British GP, his first time up front so far this year and therefore a major confidence boost for the Ducati Marlboro Team man. Now Capirossi wants to develop that top-three qualifying performance into his first top-three finish of 2004. Last year at Brno Capirossi battled for the lead until a minor electrical fault ended his charge in the closing stages of the race. Over the years the epic Czech track has offered mixed fortunes to the Italian – he has scored Brno podium finishes in the 125, 250 and premier class but he’s never won a race at the circuit.

“I like this track very much because it is quite fast and very technical,” he says. “It is a ‘harmonic’ track, where your riding needs to flow. The race will be a big event for us because since we got the Twin Pulse engine at Assen we have shown that we are very fast. The first part of season was really hard but now Troy and I are happy with bike. I can’t wait for the race. I am now rested after that crazy schedule of six races over eight weekends in June and July. During the holidays I have done nothing! We went to Italy for a few days, to see my parents near Imola and then Ingrid’s parents in Trieste, then back to Monaco, just resting at home and in my boat.”

BAYLISS CAN’T WAIT FOR A SHOT AT BRNO PODIUM
Ducati Marlboro Team rider Troy Bayliss had his best ride of 2003 at Brno, leading rivals Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau for half the race, eventually finishing third, just 0.6 seconds down on winner Rossi. No wonder the Australian is looking forward to returning to the high-speed venue.

“I liked Brno pretty much straight away when I first tested there last year,” says Bayliss. “It’s pretty fast and very wide, with a few corners you can’t really see until you’re on them. I guess you could say it’s a little like Phillip Island, because it’s flowing, so it keeps the bikes together and makes for good racing. There’s a few tracks where you’ve got to have a lot of confidence in the front, and this is one of them because there’s a lot of negative camber turns. There’s also a lot of second-gear corners but overall it’s pretty fast. I can’t wait to get back there. After Donington I know I can race up front and I’ve been training hard over the break, so I can come back strong at Brno. But apart from the training I’ve just been kicking back with the family in Monaco, plus we had a week’s holiday in Majorca.”

THE TRACK
Brno is a masterpiece of a motorcycle racing circuit. Constructed in the mid-eighties it eschews the modern fashion of tight turns and hairpins for a mighty mix of fast sweepers and undulating corners that test rider talent and machine performance to the limit. Most riders love the place because it’s challenging and also because it’s pretty fast.

But Brno’s most significant characteristic is its constant changes of elevation – the circuit weaves its way across forested hillsides outside the Czech Republic’s second city – which means that many of the turns are steeply cambered. Dealing with negative-camber corners requires a perfectly set-up machine, deft riding skills and especially crucial input from Michelin’s tyre engineers. Horsepower is also a major consideration at Brno because this is one racetrack where MotoGP bikes, usually caged in by slower venues, really get moving.


BRNO: 5.403km/3.357miles
Lap record: Valentino Rossi (Honda), 1m59.966s,162.135kmh/100.746mph
2002 pole position: Rossi, 1m 58.769s


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: 209 (39xMotoGP, 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)
Brno 2003 results. Grid: 4th. Race: DNF

TROY BAYLISS
Age: 35 (March 30, 1969)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
First GP: Australia, 1997 (250)
GP starts: 26 (25xMotoGP, 1×250)
World Superbike victories: 22
World Championships: 1 (Superbike: 2001)
Brno 2003 results. Grid: 6th. Race: 3rd

From a press release issued by Nikon Yamaha:

Home Ground Advantage For Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team

The sixth round of the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship descends on Queensland Raceway at Willowbank this weekend (August 13-15). It’s shaping as make or break for the series leader with the meeting doubling as the home event for the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team that is based on the Gold Coast.

Currently, both Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team riders, Shannon Johnson and Daniel Stauffer sit in second and fourth positions respectively in the championship chase, the duo determined to increase the team win rate and hope to improve on their performance from the previous round when Johnson won his first Superbike race and both shared a spot on the podium.

Although, on paper, the layout of the track looks pretty straightforward with five straights it’s anything but a walk in the park. Queensland Raceway is notoriously hard on riders and particularly their machines and tyres.

They are either accelerating extremely hard or trying desperately to wash of speed for the critical turns to pull up the awesome Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1’s.

Setup is super critical as the machines are under extreme stress at both ends of the scale but the team is confident that they have the package to take advantage of the nuances of the Queensland track with the expert technicians sure to create a little magic at the meeting.

Long term Nikon Yamaha rider Daniel Stauffer is fully recovered from his shoulder injury and buoyed by his very impressive performance in the most prestigious endurance race in the world at the Suzuka 8-hour on a Yamaha R1 two weeks ago will be keen to return to the winners circle to add to his three wins this year.

Keeping him on his toes will be Johnson who now has the monkey off his back after winning his first Superbike race and backed it up with further top three finishes at the previous round held at Mallala in South Australia

In his first full year on a Superbike, Shannon has definitely found his feet and is now right at home aboard the potent Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1. At the recent unofficial Superbike test at the circuit Shannon was the fastest rider so will naturally be keen to maintain his superiority.

Shannon is confident he can pull back some points in the title race and both riders are determined to ensure that the championship goes to the wire at the final round at Phillip Island next month as there are 152 points are up for grabs over the two rounds.

Riders don’t need any incentive to win but, this weekend Shannon can consolidate and improve on his second place while Daniel can move into third spot overall if the cards are dealt their way guaranteeing that both will not be satisfied with anything but victory.

Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager put the team’s chances in perspective saying , “it is a tall order to bridge the gap but it can be done and we have the riders and team that can do it. Obviously I want both Shannon and Daniel to grab a few more wins but after so many years involved in racing the only thing that I have come to expect is the unexpected and events of this year have proved that theory yet again.”

In the Supersport class, Brendan Clarke is aiming to put in a superlative effort at his home track. The Brisbane teenage holds the Supersport lap record at Queensland Raceway and will not be giving it up without a fight.

Like his teammate, Shannon, on the Superbikes, Brendan was the quickest rider in the Supersport class during the practice session with other teams that and is keen to use that as a springboard to a return to form that he has demonstrated many times in the past.

2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championships after five (of seven) rounds:
1 A Fergusson (Honda) 285pts; 2 Shannon Johnson (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 197; 3 S Giles (Suzuki) 193; 4 Daniel Stauffer (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 150. 5 J Brookes (Honda) 139.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

New Course Layout For Motorcycles at Daytona International Speedway

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 12, 2004) — For the sixth time since motorcycles began racing at Daytona International Speedway, competitors will compete on a reconfigured course beginning with next year’s Daytona 200 Bike Week, it was announced today.

The new configuration will exclude NASCAR Turns 1 and 2 and will shorten the course to approximately 3.0 miles. The previous length of the motorcycle course was 3.56 miles. The Daytona 200 By Arai, scheduled for Saturday, March 12, will now be 67 laps instead of 57.



Since 1961, when motorcycles began competing at DIS, the course configuration has changed five times with distances varying from 2 miles to 3.87 miles. This is the first change since 1985.

The infield portion of the course has also been altered with the exit of the infield now located after NASCAR Turn 2.

“After each event, we discuss with the various sanctioning bodies what we can do to make our events better for our competitors and fans,” Speedway President Robin Braig said. “The changes in the road course for motorcycles will still provide the exceptional motorcycle racing for which Daytona International Speedway is famous for.”

“The reconfiguration underway at Daytona International Speedway is an example of what can happen when a track and sanctioning body proactively work together to create positive change,” said AMA Pro Racing CEO, Scott Hollingsworth. “Beginning in December of last year, we’ve been discussing what was necessary for the long term health of motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway. This reconfiguration, along with some additional changes that will be announced in the coming days are the result of that dialogue.”

Officials from AMA Pro Racing confirmed that rider involvement will be a valuable part of the construction process.

“It’s important to us that our competitors are involved with this project so the plan is to bring them to Daytona at the appropriate time to provide input,” Hollingsworth said.

2005 AMA Pro Racing events kick off on Wednesday, March 9 with practice and qualifying at the Speedway and the AMA Hot Shoe Series Championship at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium.

AMA Pro Racing practice, qualifying and support races continue on Thursday, March 10 along with the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium.

For the second straight year, the Daytona Supercross By Honda will be held under the lights on Friday night, March 11. The 64th Daytona 200 By Arai is slated for Saturday, March 12.

Tickets and more information for any of the Daytona 200 Bike Week activities are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

From a press release issued by FastrackRiders:

It is with great regret and sympathy we announce the passing of John Barr, a 35-year-old policeman from San Diego who rode with us on Saturday, August 7th. Our deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends. All of us on the Fastrack Team are deeply saddened and still in a state of shock over this terrible accident happening.

There will be a viewing from 6pm to 8pm Thursday 8-12-04 at

Featheringill Mortuary
6322 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
Phone:(619)583-9511

Services will be held on Friday starting at 6pm at The Coast Guard Station in San Diego Harbor/Grape St.

The family has requested that instead of flowers you can make a donation to the John Barr Memorial Association. Please send your donations to:

San Diego Harbor Police Officer Association
3380 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
C/O John P. Barr Memorial Association

From a press release issued by FGSport:

KTM and MZ Race Debut – German Teams Pack Grid

KTM and MZ International First

KTM and MZ will both be represented in this weekend’s Oschersleben 24 Hour round of the World Endurance Championship. This is the first time that the KTM LC8 and MZ1000S have been entered in an FIM World Championship road race. The 942cc 75 degree v-twin four-stroke KTM LC8 has been entered by Schittko Motorradsport and will be ridden by Michael Roth and Axel Mironiuk. KTM are no strangers to racing success but this is the first time in recent years that they have run a four-stroke road racer; the bike is based around the 950cc Adventure. The OBI-Breckle-Bike Promotion MZ is a 999cc double-overheadcam eight-valve parallel twin and will be ridden by Rico Richter, Max Müller, Rene Knöfler and Nico Kehrer. MZ have a long and proud road racing tradition with two-stroke machinery but this will be the first international outing for their four-stroke parallel twin.

Buell will also race at Oschersleben, joining MV-Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Ducati, Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki to bring the total number of manufacturers represented in the World Endurance Championship this year to twelve.

German Teams Out in Force
Twenty seven German teams are entered for the Oschersleben 24 Hour race, with a packed wildcard field joining local permanent world championship squads Suzuki Innodrom Team Racing, Kawasaki Endurance Deutschland and MV Agusta Burger King Lust.

Suzuki Innodrom Team Racing are currently the highest placed German team in the championship standings, and team manager Markus Schmermund is confident ahead of this weekends tough race: “Since we entered into the FIM World Endurance Championship in 2002 we have continually improved our performance. We are looking forward to a great event in Oschersleben.”

From a press release issued by event organizer Mike Summers:

Sport Bike Night at HARD ROCK CAFE

Dunlop Tires, Arai Helmets and Alpinestars are proud to present a special SPORT BIKE NIGHT at the HARD ROCK CAFE in downtown Sacramento on THURSDAY night, August 12th, from 7 to 9pm.

Joining us for a very special evening will be the hottest rider on the AMA National circuit, TEAM ERION HONDA’S JAKE ZEMKE. Jake is a fan favorite and has just come off a crushing victory at the Mid Ohio AMA National

Jake’s appearance for dinner, autograph signing and bench racing was made possible by our own RICK BRIGGS, of OFF BEAT PRODUCTIONS. THANKS RICK! Don’t miss your chance to meet the top HONDA FACTORY RIDER IN THE NATION!

And, as usual, we will have several lovely members of UMBRELLA GIRLS USA present for photos with you or your bike. Don’t be surprised if we have a few “special guests” drop in as well.

The HARD ROCK CAFE is excited to host this special SPORT BIKE NIGHT and will be offering its full dinner and appetizer menu as well as its regular drink service. The doors will open at 6:30pm for SPORT BIKE NIGHT guests. Program starts promptly at 7pm.

Mike Doran of D & W IMAGES will also be there offering photos for purchase of your favorite local and National riders

We are also welcoming FOUR new sponsors to SPORT BIKE NIGHT. Meet staff from PACIFIC TRACK TIME, LEO VINCE PIPES, TECH SPEC and THROTTLE WEAR. They will have product information and displays on hand.

There will be special motorcycle parking on 7th Street along the side of the HARD ROCK CAFE and any covered parking is free with HARD ROCK CAFE validation.

Polish up you ride and compete for the monthly BEST BIKE AWARD.

Remember our event sponsors when you spend your hard earned dollars!


WHAT: SPORT BIKE NIGHT

WHEN: THURSDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 12TH 7PM TIL
9PM

WHERE: HARD ROCK CAFE, 7TH AND K STREET MALL, DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

WHY? COME AND FIND OUT!

COST? $5.00 AT THE DOOR

WEBSITE www.sportbikenight.com

INFO? Mike at (916) 600-3742

From a press release:

Jimm Nelson Groshong, 50, passed away on August 7, 2004 at Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California, doing what he loved best.

He was born on August 14, 1953 in Warrington, England. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Civil Engineering and was currently employed by Truckee Meadows Community College.

Jimm had several hobbies and interests, however, motorcycles were his passion. His success as an avid racer gave him the thrill and excitement he loved. Jimm had lived in the Reno area for more than 35 years. Over the course of those years he acquired many friends and impacted many lives. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten.

Jimm was preceded in death by his father Douglas. He is survived by his daughter Amy; mother Clarine; brother Tedd and wife Beth; sister Nancy Berg and husband Henry; nieces Kathleen and Christine Berg; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

Services will be held on Friday, August 13, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Rogers and Crosby Funeral Home, 600 W. Second St., Reno, Nevada.