Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Here for your reading enjoyment are the current AMA Pro Racing homologation forms.
Note that manufacturers are not required to have new models available at dealerships prior to the season opener at Daytona, contrary to recent rumors.
(While the question of whether or not current homologation requirements are fair is open for discussion, it is clear that the existing rules are not being broken.)
From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:
RAIN IN SPAIN AS KAWASAKI TEST AT JEREZ
Following on from successful tests in Malaysia earlier in the year, the Kawasaki Racing Team arrived at a cold and cloudy Jerez circuit today to start the European phase of their preparations for the 2005 MotoGP season.
With the continued development of the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine a priority in the run up to the new season, Kawasaki’s regular MotoGP pilots, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, were joined at Jerez today by Japanese test rider Kazuki Shimizu.
Cold track temperatures delayed the start of testing, and the onset of rain at noon forced a long break in the test schedule, but both Hofmann and Shimizu managed to work their way through a shortened test programme despite the conditions.
While Hofmann evaluated a number of new components aboard his Ninja ZX-RR, Shimizu worked closely with Kawasaki engineers from Japan and Europe to develop further the ‘big bang’ engine that Nakano debuted during early season testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.
Nakano’s test programme, also centred around the big bang engine, was brought to a premature end when the 27-year-old Japanese rider suffered a minor injury after colliding with the fuel tank of his Ninja ZX-RR under heavy braking.
Nakano underwent a precautionary examination by doctors at Jerez hospital, where he received stitches in a small cut to his inner thigh, but returned to the circuit later in the afternoon. The Kawasaki rider will make a decision in the morning about riding in tomorrow’s second day of testing at Jerez.
Alex Hofmann: #66
“Track conditions haven’t been ideal today. Even before the rain arrived the track was slippery and quite dirty because of the building work going on around the circuit. The track started to dry out in the afternoon, but there are always spots on this circuit that seep water long after the rain has gone, which means the track was never completely dry. We only managed to test a few things on the bike this afternoon, but at least we got a feel for the circuit ready for a full day of testing tomorrow.”
Shinya Nakano: #56
“I didn’t get in one fast lap today. We started testing late because of the low track temperatures and then I managed to pick up an injury just as the rain arrived. I’ve had stitches in a small cut, which is quite painful whenever I move, so I’ll wait until tomorrow morning before making a decision about riding during the second day of the test.”
Kazuki Shimizu: Test Rider
“This is my first time in Europe, so part of today was spent learning the circuit as well as continuing the test and development work on the latest ZX-RR engine that we started in Malaysia. Hopefully the track conditions and the weather will improve tomorrow and we’ll be able to put in a full day of testing.”
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
DUCATI XEROX TEAM’S 2005 SUPERBIKE CAMPAIGN GETS UNDERWAY IN PERSIAN GULF STATE OF QATAR
Losail (Qatar), Wednesday 23 February: World Superbike heads to the Middle East for the first time in its history as the Losail International Circuit in Qatar plays host to the opening round of the 2005 championship. Last October James Toseland became the youngest-ever WSBK champion when he beat off the attacks from team-mate Régis Laconi to take the 2004 title and the Anglo-French duo will be lining up on the grid again as team-mates on the red 999 machines from Borgo Panigale, this time in the colours of new title sponsor, Xerox.
The world’s leading office technology supplier has linked its name to the Ducati Corse factory squad for the next two years and in the first year of the partnership the Ducati Xerox Team has every intention of continuing the Italian manufacturer’s winning streak, which has seen it take 11 Riders’ and 13 Manufacturers’ titles since the start of the World Superbike Championship in 1988.
Last weekend Toseland and Laconi made final preparations for the championship in a two-day test session at Losail, which left the British rider with tenth quickest time and several bruises after a nasty highside on Sunday. But Toseland was quick to play down any fears that he would not be competitive this weekend:
“I’m still feeling a bit black and blue but apart from that, I’m fine” declared Toseland. “I was quite relieved because it was probably the biggest crash I’ve had in my career. Before the crash, I was quite happy with my performance even though I didn’t get the chance to try a qualifying tyre on Sunday.
“As far as the whole package and the team is concerned, I believe that the Ducati is still the bike to beat, we have put a lot of effort into retaining this title and for my part I’m not going to be giving up that number 1 plate without a fight”, he concluded.
Laconi, fourth fastest last weekend, was satisfied with his progress during the pre-race testing. “We did a lot of laps and worked very hard last weekend and found everything we were looking for, reliability, speed and tyre endurance so I’m happy with the progress” declared Régis.
“The track will be different for sure during the race, but now it’s important to get good results this weekend and start the championship in the best possible way. The track is new for everyone and will be slippery, but it will be interesting to see how many riders stay fast lap after lap until the end of the race. I am pretty happy with my performance, so we will see what happens”, concluded Laconi.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP: The 2005 championship promises to be tougher than ever as Ducati’s traditional Japanese rivals, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki together with Honda, already present last year with Vermeulen, and Malaysia’s Petronas, line up on the 30-strong grid with their latest four-cylinder machinery. Toseland and Laconi also face a stellar field of competitive riders, including former champions from Superbike (Corser) and Supersport (Vermeulen, Muggeridge, Pitt), proven race winners (Chili, Bostrom), a powerful Japanese trio (Haga, Abe, Kagayama) and WSBK regulars (Martin, McCoy, Walker). Other names to watch out for are Italian youngster Lorenzo Lanzi, who lines up in Stefano Caracchi’s satellite Ducati team together with 250GP refugee Fonsi Nieto.
THE CIRCUIT: Name: Losail International Circuit; Length: 5380 metres; Pole Position: left; Corners Left/Right: 10/6; Finish Line Length: 1068 metres.
STATISTICS: Best lap: new circuit; Lap record: new circuit; Superpole: new circuit; Unofficial best lap: Kagayama (Suzuki), 2:01.480.
TV COVERAGE: British Eurosport (UK): Friday 25 February 17.45 – 18.45 Superpole (delayed), Saturday 26 February 07.30 – 13.45 SBK 1 + SSP + SBK 2 (live); Eurosport (Europe) Sunday 27 February 21.30 – 22.30 all races (highlights).
Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Suzuki MotoGP racer John Hopkins has given his fan website a complete makeover, including the addition of a discussion forum where Hopkins exchanges messages with and answers questions from race fans.
The re-made website is at the same address, www.hopperracing.com.
From a press release:
Richie Morris Racing along with Daytona Harley Davidson/Buell announced its 2005 racing season plans today. Due to a career ending injury sustained at Road America in 2004, Morris will not be the rider in 2005. However the team will stay in tact with Morris being team owner, Daytona Buell is staying on as the main sponsor, Glen Veatch will be the head tuner, and Clint Brotz the rider. The team will make a bid for the championship in the Formula USA, Thunderbike class.
“The only thing that took so long was choosing a rider. I made sure that Glen had a large part in choosing a rider and our first choice was Dave Estok. It was a done deal way back in October; Then Dave had some personal problems, which I am happy to hear have been cleared up. But when an 11 year sponsor says no to a rider choice, you have to listen to them. I talked to Dave several times about it and he truly understood that it was out of my hands. Glen and I both wish him the best. He is defiantly the one to beat on the track. And I know for a fact that he can turn everything around for the better in his life. I truly consider him a friend.
This is defiantly not to take anything away from Clint. He is a proven winner in the class and will fit in good with the XB. He has ridden for Brotz Motorsports the majority of his life. And the owner of Brotz Motorsports just happens to be my father in law. So racing can not go in front of family, it can get a little tedious. However we as a family have went over every thing and all is cool. Clint will ride soley for Richie Morris Racing LLC. And Brotz Motorsorts will be one of our valued sponsors. Last year he was having difficulties with the bike as was I and many others in their first year with the XB. The fuel injection just takes some getting used to. I feel he was a little discouraged. This year he knows Glen rocks with the computer and can make the Buell fly. Therefore, he is in training and looking forward to running with the podium crowd. Also I want to thank all of the racers that applied for the chance to ride on the team. Especially the ones, that flew or drove up to Elkhart Lake, to discuss the ride in person. It was an honor says Morris.”
The team will run Pirelli tires. I have been with Pirelli since 1996 and I see no reason to change. Moose with Trackside Race Supply told me he would sponsor the team and that is good enough for me. A contract is not required. Moose is one of the few people in this business I would base the season on a promise.
Other expected sponsors will be: Buell Motorcycle Co and their contingency program, Brotz Motorsports, EBC Brakes, Suomy helmets, Traxxion Dynamics, Tsubaki chains, Vortex Sprockets, and more are expected to join in.
As for those who are interested in Richie’s health, after the April, 2004 crash at Road America. As stated in the beginning, it was career ending. The right knee was crushed so badly, that a total knee replacement was necessary. The surgery was considered a success. With the damage done there might be a slight limp that will hang around forever. “It is life changing say Morris” There are so many things that I will not be able to do now with the leg in this condition. But what the hell, no need to whine, I should have quit when Scott Russell did, but it is hard to quit when you are fortunate enough to still be running up front. All and all I had an ok career replied Morris”
In closing we look to be one sponsor short this season. It is not final yet, but after the hurricanes and the R.O.C. being moved to Homestead last year. We may have lost 10 year sponsor, The Ocean Deck. Dick told me to see him in March, so we will see. If not, I have another place in mind that will take good care of the racers while in Daytona. Also we have big plans for a throw down at Elkhart Lake in April. We will let you know at the track about all of the off track FUN and the sponsors making it happen.
From a press release issued by CBS News:
You think you know Jesse James? Think again. Correspondent Vicki Mabrey sits down with the king of “Monster Garage” for his most revealing interview ever, on 60 MINUTES WEDNESDAY, Feb. 23, at 8:00PM ET/PT.
His millions of fans know him for transforming automobiles into monster machines, but there’s a lot more that makes this master mechanic tick.
James has become one of the most respected builders of custom motorcycles in the world. From very humble beginnings just a few years ago, he’s now hand making some of the fastest, sexiest and most expensive choppers on the planet.
And his list of clients reads like a who’s who of Hollywood’s rich and famous. James takes us along for the fastest ride of his life on 60 MINUTES WEDNESDAY.
From a press release:
George Taylor, owner/rider of Team 2Old Racing announced today that for the first time in five years, 2Old Racing will have two riders at the AHRMA Vintage National Road Races at Daytona on March 7th and 8th.
2Old Racing has signed Chris Spargo to ride the team’s Yamaha TR3 in the Formula 500 race, along with George Taylor riding the team’s Yamaha TD3 in the Formula 250 race.
George said: “It’s been five years since my co-founder of Team 2Old Racing, Brad Palmer, had to retire from racing due to a knee injury, so I’ve been going it alone. But this year is going to be different. I’ve signed Chris Spargo to ride my TR3 at Daytona. I’m really pleased to have him riding the Formula 500 race for Team 2Old Racing!”
From a press release issued by SPEED Television (at least it mentions Performance Machine, home of former AMA 250cc GP Champion Roland Sands):
TELEVISION’S LONGEST RUNNING MOTORCYCLE SHOW CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY!
Speed Channel’s American Thunder is celebrating its tenth anniversary! Mayhem will be had by all in Daytona Beach on March 9 at Performance Machine’s compound located on Beach Street. American Thunder is the longest running motorcycle program on television. This popular motorcycle television show brings the world of American motorcycle culture, customs and bikers rumbling into 68 million Speed Channel homes every Tuesday evening.
American Thunder featured Hollywood actor and motorcycle enthusiast Michael Madsen for its first 13 episodes. Hosting duties were passed on to Chad McQueen for a season before handing over the reigns to blond bombshell and Playboy cover girl Michele Smith. She continues these duties today.
The show has also showcased America’s greatest custom bike builders such as Dave Perewitz, Jessie James, Matt Hotch, Arlen Ness and countless others who were introduced to television audiences years before other networks jumped on the Chopper bandwagon.
This year at the 2005 Daytona Bike Week rally American Thunder will celebrate a decade of success in conjunction with its oldest sponsor, Performance Machine. Coincidentally, they are celebrating their 35th anniversary as leaders in the custom wheel and brake industry.
Please join the American Thunder crew, host Michele Smith, and the gang from Performance Machine in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Wednesday, March 9 at the Performance Machine compound on Beach Street between 12 noon and 3 p.m. ET for autographs, photo opportunities and some cake. Cameras will be rolling!
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:
Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra riders Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama head to Qatar this weekend with their brand-new GSX-R1000 Suzuki’s for the first round of the 2005 World Superbike Championship.
For former WSB Champion Corser and British Superbike number three Kagayama, it will be their first opportunity to see how the new machine performs under race conditions: In recent WSB Team tests at the middle-eastern circuit, Kagayama set the fastest overall lap time ahead of his team mate on the 2005 race bike.
The Losail circuit is a new purpose-built venue near Qatar¹s capital city Doha and features huge run-off areas designed with F1 in mind, but it will be the first time that WSB and Supersport have competed there.
TROY CORSER:
“It is too early really to have a WSBK race because the team is still building the bikes and Yukio and I are still getting used to them and seeing what they can do. I am not saying that we will not be competitive right out of the crate, but, it’s difficult to predict how it’s going to go. At least nobody else has ridden there before, so we’re all going to be in the same boat.”
YUKIO KAGAYAMA:
“For me it is good to start at a circuit no other rider has raced at, so I will not be disadvantaged that way. Of course, my problem is that I am still learning about Pirelli tyres and how they behave. This makes me a little behind most of my competitors, but it will not stop me from trying my hardest. It is the only way I know how to ride!”
JAVIER FORES – World Supersport:
“This is going to be a very interesting experience for us all. Last year, the GSX-R600 Suzuki was not as competitive as some of the other bikes, but our team has been working hard to make it as good as it can be. It is good that I can approach this race track for the first time like my competitors, so I hope that I can start the season with a positive and good result.”
Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
From www.cdnsuperbike.com, used with permission:
Toronto, ON – Parts Canada Superbike Championship organizers Professional Motorsports Productions of Toronto, ON, today confirmed the Rules package for the upcoming Canadian National road racing tour. Following meetings between manufacturers, sponsors and affiliated team members, and event staff, a variety of changes are in place.
All involved agreed that the 2006 series rules package will be finalized for announcement this October, so that the last minute discussions regarding 2005 can be avoided for the following season.
For 2005, Weight and Horsepower for the principal classes will remain the same as in 2004. Superbikes will be allowed to produce no more than 170 horsepower post race on the official series Dynojet Dyno, while post race weight can be no lower than 360 pounds.
In the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike classes, maximum power measured immediately post race remains at 115 horsepower as certified by Dynojet, while the minimum weight is 350 pounds on the official PMP scales.
During 2005, there was much discussion concerning a possible change to fork specifications, allowing for larger internal parts than found on the original equipment (OE) stock bike. However, there will not be a rule change in this area, and forks parts must continue to match their stock internal specifications.
In 2005, Data Acquisition will continue to be allowed on bikes competing in the series. It has been decided that in 2006, data gathering will only be permitted for the engine, and chassis data acquisition will no longer be allowed. Two way electronic communication with the motorcycle, of any sort, is not permitted.
For 2005, teams will be allowed to make their swing arm pivot adjustable, as long as no modifications to the frame of the motorcycle, including the pivot area, occur. Following the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship, this area of the Official Series Rulebook will be reviewed, with the intention to streamline and simplify the class standards. Related cost savings guidelines will also be considered. Quick shifters are still not permitted, but this request will also be reviewed following 2006.
Complete Rules information, including standards and specifications for the Suzuki SV650 National Championship and the new Thunder National Championship for twins, will be presented at cdnsuperbike.com in upcoming weeks.
Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Here for your reading enjoyment are the current AMA Pro Racing homologation forms.
Note that manufacturers are not required to have new models available at dealerships prior to the season opener at Daytona, contrary to recent rumors.
(While the question of whether or not current homologation requirements are fair is open for discussion, it is clear that the existing rules are not being broken.)
From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:
RAIN IN SPAIN AS KAWASAKI TEST AT JEREZ
Following on from successful tests in Malaysia earlier in the year, the Kawasaki Racing Team arrived at a cold and cloudy Jerez circuit today to start the European phase of their preparations for the 2005 MotoGP season.
With the continued development of the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machine a priority in the run up to the new season, Kawasaki’s regular MotoGP pilots, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, were joined at Jerez today by Japanese test rider Kazuki Shimizu.
Cold track temperatures delayed the start of testing, and the onset of rain at noon forced a long break in the test schedule, but both Hofmann and Shimizu managed to work their way through a shortened test programme despite the conditions.
While Hofmann evaluated a number of new components aboard his Ninja ZX-RR, Shimizu worked closely with Kawasaki engineers from Japan and Europe to develop further the ‘big bang’ engine that Nakano debuted during early season testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.
Nakano’s test programme, also centred around the big bang engine, was brought to a premature end when the 27-year-old Japanese rider suffered a minor injury after colliding with the fuel tank of his Ninja ZX-RR under heavy braking.
Nakano underwent a precautionary examination by doctors at Jerez hospital, where he received stitches in a small cut to his inner thigh, but returned to the circuit later in the afternoon. The Kawasaki rider will make a decision in the morning about riding in tomorrow’s second day of testing at Jerez.
Alex Hofmann: #66
“Track conditions haven’t been ideal today. Even before the rain arrived the track was slippery and quite dirty because of the building work going on around the circuit. The track started to dry out in the afternoon, but there are always spots on this circuit that seep water long after the rain has gone, which means the track was never completely dry. We only managed to test a few things on the bike this afternoon, but at least we got a feel for the circuit ready for a full day of testing tomorrow.”
Shinya Nakano: #56
“I didn’t get in one fast lap today. We started testing late because of the low track temperatures and then I managed to pick up an injury just as the rain arrived. I’ve had stitches in a small cut, which is quite painful whenever I move, so I’ll wait until tomorrow morning before making a decision about riding during the second day of the test.”
Kazuki Shimizu: Test Rider
“This is my first time in Europe, so part of today was spent learning the circuit as well as continuing the test and development work on the latest ZX-RR engine that we started in Malaysia. Hopefully the track conditions and the weather will improve tomorrow and we’ll be able to put in a full day of testing.”
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
DUCATI XEROX TEAM’S 2005 SUPERBIKE CAMPAIGN GETS UNDERWAY IN PERSIAN GULF STATE OF QATAR
Losail (Qatar), Wednesday 23 February: World Superbike heads to the Middle East for the first time in its history as the Losail International Circuit in Qatar plays host to the opening round of the 2005 championship. Last October James Toseland became the youngest-ever WSBK champion when he beat off the attacks from team-mate Régis Laconi to take the 2004 title and the Anglo-French duo will be lining up on the grid again as team-mates on the red 999 machines from Borgo Panigale, this time in the colours of new title sponsor, Xerox.
The world’s leading office technology supplier has linked its name to the Ducati Corse factory squad for the next two years and in the first year of the partnership the Ducati Xerox Team has every intention of continuing the Italian manufacturer’s winning streak, which has seen it take 11 Riders’ and 13 Manufacturers’ titles since the start of the World Superbike Championship in 1988.
Last weekend Toseland and Laconi made final preparations for the championship in a two-day test session at Losail, which left the British rider with tenth quickest time and several bruises after a nasty highside on Sunday. But Toseland was quick to play down any fears that he would not be competitive this weekend:
“I’m still feeling a bit black and blue but apart from that, I’m fine” declared Toseland. “I was quite relieved because it was probably the biggest crash I’ve had in my career. Before the crash, I was quite happy with my performance even though I didn’t get the chance to try a qualifying tyre on Sunday.
“As far as the whole package and the team is concerned, I believe that the Ducati is still the bike to beat, we have put a lot of effort into retaining this title and for my part I’m not going to be giving up that number 1 plate without a fight”, he concluded.
Laconi, fourth fastest last weekend, was satisfied with his progress during the pre-race testing. “We did a lot of laps and worked very hard last weekend and found everything we were looking for, reliability, speed and tyre endurance so I’m happy with the progress” declared Régis.
“The track will be different for sure during the race, but now it’s important to get good results this weekend and start the championship in the best possible way. The track is new for everyone and will be slippery, but it will be interesting to see how many riders stay fast lap after lap until the end of the race. I am pretty happy with my performance, so we will see what happens”, concluded Laconi.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP: The 2005 championship promises to be tougher than ever as Ducati’s traditional Japanese rivals, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki together with Honda, already present last year with Vermeulen, and Malaysia’s Petronas, line up on the 30-strong grid with their latest four-cylinder machinery. Toseland and Laconi also face a stellar field of competitive riders, including former champions from Superbike (Corser) and Supersport (Vermeulen, Muggeridge, Pitt), proven race winners (Chili, Bostrom), a powerful Japanese trio (Haga, Abe, Kagayama) and WSBK regulars (Martin, McCoy, Walker). Other names to watch out for are Italian youngster Lorenzo Lanzi, who lines up in Stefano Caracchi’s satellite Ducati team together with 250GP refugee Fonsi Nieto.
THE CIRCUIT: Name: Losail International Circuit; Length: 5380 metres; Pole Position: left; Corners Left/Right: 10/6; Finish Line Length: 1068 metres.
STATISTICS: Best lap: new circuit; Lap record: new circuit; Superpole: new circuit; Unofficial best lap: Kagayama (Suzuki), 2:01.480.
TV COVERAGE: British Eurosport (UK): Friday 25 February 17.45 – 18.45 Superpole (delayed), Saturday 26 February 07.30 – 13.45 SBK 1 + SSP + SBK 2 (live); Eurosport (Europe) Sunday 27 February 21.30 – 22.30 all races (highlights).
Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Suzuki MotoGP racer John Hopkins has given his fan website a complete makeover, including the addition of a discussion forum where Hopkins exchanges messages with and answers questions from race fans.
The re-made website is at the same address, www.hopperracing.com.
From a press release:
Richie Morris Racing along with Daytona Harley Davidson/Buell announced its 2005 racing season plans today. Due to a career ending injury sustained at Road America in 2004, Morris will not be the rider in 2005. However the team will stay in tact with Morris being team owner, Daytona Buell is staying on as the main sponsor, Glen Veatch will be the head tuner, and Clint Brotz the rider. The team will make a bid for the championship in the Formula USA, Thunderbike class.
“The only thing that took so long was choosing a rider. I made sure that Glen had a large part in choosing a rider and our first choice was Dave Estok. It was a done deal way back in October; Then Dave had some personal problems, which I am happy to hear have been cleared up. But when an 11 year sponsor says no to a rider choice, you have to listen to them. I talked to Dave several times about it and he truly understood that it was out of my hands. Glen and I both wish him the best. He is defiantly the one to beat on the track. And I know for a fact that he can turn everything around for the better in his life. I truly consider him a friend.
This is defiantly not to take anything away from Clint. He is a proven winner in the class and will fit in good with the XB. He has ridden for Brotz Motorsports the majority of his life. And the owner of Brotz Motorsports just happens to be my father in law. So racing can not go in front of family, it can get a little tedious. However we as a family have went over every thing and all is cool. Clint will ride soley for Richie Morris Racing LLC. And Brotz Motorsorts will be one of our valued sponsors. Last year he was having difficulties with the bike as was I and many others in their first year with the XB. The fuel injection just takes some getting used to. I feel he was a little discouraged. This year he knows Glen rocks with the computer and can make the Buell fly. Therefore, he is in training and looking forward to running with the podium crowd. Also I want to thank all of the racers that applied for the chance to ride on the team. Especially the ones, that flew or drove up to Elkhart Lake, to discuss the ride in person. It was an honor says Morris.”
The team will run Pirelli tires. I have been with Pirelli since 1996 and I see no reason to change. Moose with Trackside Race Supply told me he would sponsor the team and that is good enough for me. A contract is not required. Moose is one of the few people in this business I would base the season on a promise.
Other expected sponsors will be: Buell Motorcycle Co and their contingency program, Brotz Motorsports, EBC Brakes, Suomy helmets, Traxxion Dynamics, Tsubaki chains, Vortex Sprockets, and more are expected to join in.
As for those who are interested in Richie’s health, after the April, 2004 crash at Road America. As stated in the beginning, it was career ending. The right knee was crushed so badly, that a total knee replacement was necessary. The surgery was considered a success. With the damage done there might be a slight limp that will hang around forever. “It is life changing say Morris” There are so many things that I will not be able to do now with the leg in this condition. But what the hell, no need to whine, I should have quit when Scott Russell did, but it is hard to quit when you are fortunate enough to still be running up front. All and all I had an ok career replied Morris”
In closing we look to be one sponsor short this season. It is not final yet, but after the hurricanes and the R.O.C. being moved to Homestead last year. We may have lost 10 year sponsor, The Ocean Deck. Dick told me to see him in March, so we will see. If not, I have another place in mind that will take good care of the racers while in Daytona. Also we have big plans for a throw down at Elkhart Lake in April. We will let you know at the track about all of the off track FUN and the sponsors making it happen.
From a press release issued by CBS News:
You think you know Jesse James? Think again. Correspondent Vicki Mabrey sits down with the king of “Monster Garage” for his most revealing interview ever, on 60 MINUTES WEDNESDAY, Feb. 23, at 8:00PM ET/PT.
His millions of fans know him for transforming automobiles into monster machines, but there’s a lot more that makes this master mechanic tick.
James has become one of the most respected builders of custom motorcycles in the world. From very humble beginnings just a few years ago, he’s now hand making some of the fastest, sexiest and most expensive choppers on the planet.
And his list of clients reads like a who’s who of Hollywood’s rich and famous. James takes us along for the fastest ride of his life on 60 MINUTES WEDNESDAY.
From a press release:
George Taylor, owner/rider of Team 2Old Racing announced today that for the first time in five years, 2Old Racing will have two riders at the AHRMA Vintage National Road Races at Daytona on March 7th and 8th.
2Old Racing has signed Chris Spargo to ride the team’s Yamaha TR3 in the Formula 500 race, along with George Taylor riding the team’s Yamaha TD3 in the Formula 250 race.
George said: “It’s been five years since my co-founder of Team 2Old Racing, Brad Palmer, had to retire from racing due to a knee injury, so I’ve been going it alone. But this year is going to be different. I’ve signed Chris Spargo to ride my TR3 at Daytona. I’m really pleased to have him riding the Formula 500 race for Team 2Old Racing!”
From a press release issued by SPEED Television (at least it mentions Performance Machine, home of former AMA 250cc GP Champion Roland Sands):
TELEVISION’S LONGEST RUNNING MOTORCYCLE SHOW CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY!
Speed Channel’s American Thunder is celebrating its tenth anniversary! Mayhem will be had by all in Daytona Beach on March 9 at Performance Machine’s compound located on Beach Street. American Thunder is the longest running motorcycle program on television. This popular motorcycle television show brings the world of American motorcycle culture, customs and bikers rumbling into 68 million Speed Channel homes every Tuesday evening.
American Thunder featured Hollywood actor and motorcycle enthusiast Michael Madsen for its first 13 episodes. Hosting duties were passed on to Chad McQueen for a season before handing over the reigns to blond bombshell and Playboy cover girl Michele Smith. She continues these duties today.
The show has also showcased America’s greatest custom bike builders such as Dave Perewitz, Jessie James, Matt Hotch, Arlen Ness and countless others who were introduced to television audiences years before other networks jumped on the Chopper bandwagon.
This year at the 2005 Daytona Bike Week rally American Thunder will celebrate a decade of success in conjunction with its oldest sponsor, Performance Machine. Coincidentally, they are celebrating their 35th anniversary as leaders in the custom wheel and brake industry.
Please join the American Thunder crew, host Michele Smith, and the gang from Performance Machine in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Wednesday, March 9 at the Performance Machine compound on Beach Street between 12 noon and 3 p.m. ET for autographs, photo opportunities and some cake. Cameras will be rolling!
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:
Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra riders Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama head to Qatar this weekend with their brand-new GSX-R1000 Suzuki’s for the first round of the 2005 World Superbike Championship.
For former WSB Champion Corser and British Superbike number three Kagayama, it will be their first opportunity to see how the new machine performs under race conditions: In recent WSB Team tests at the middle-eastern circuit, Kagayama set the fastest overall lap time ahead of his team mate on the 2005 race bike.
The Losail circuit is a new purpose-built venue near Qatar¹s capital city Doha and features huge run-off areas designed with F1 in mind, but it will be the first time that WSB and Supersport have competed there.
TROY CORSER:
“It is too early really to have a WSBK race because the team is still building the bikes and Yukio and I are still getting used to them and seeing what they can do. I am not saying that we will not be competitive right out of the crate, but, it’s difficult to predict how it’s going to go. At least nobody else has ridden there before, so we’re all going to be in the same boat.”
YUKIO KAGAYAMA:
“For me it is good to start at a circuit no other rider has raced at, so I will not be disadvantaged that way. Of course, my problem is that I am still learning about Pirelli tyres and how they behave. This makes me a little behind most of my competitors, but it will not stop me from trying my hardest. It is the only way I know how to ride!”
JAVIER FORES – World Supersport:
“This is going to be a very interesting experience for us all. Last year, the GSX-R600 Suzuki was not as competitive as some of the other bikes, but our team has been working hard to make it as good as it can be. It is good that I can approach this race track for the first time like my competitors, so I hope that I can start the season with a positive and good result.”
Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
From www.cdnsuperbike.com, used with permission:
Toronto, ON – Parts Canada Superbike Championship organizers Professional Motorsports Productions of Toronto, ON, today confirmed the Rules package for the upcoming Canadian National road racing tour. Following meetings between manufacturers, sponsors and affiliated team members, and event staff, a variety of changes are in place.
All involved agreed that the 2006 series rules package will be finalized for announcement this October, so that the last minute discussions regarding 2005 can be avoided for the following season.
For 2005, Weight and Horsepower for the principal classes will remain the same as in 2004. Superbikes will be allowed to produce no more than 170 horsepower post race on the official series Dynojet Dyno, while post race weight can be no lower than 360 pounds.
In the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike classes, maximum power measured immediately post race remains at 115 horsepower as certified by Dynojet, while the minimum weight is 350 pounds on the official PMP scales.
During 2005, there was much discussion concerning a possible change to fork specifications, allowing for larger internal parts than found on the original equipment (OE) stock bike. However, there will not be a rule change in this area, and forks parts must continue to match their stock internal specifications.
In 2005, Data Acquisition will continue to be allowed on bikes competing in the series. It has been decided that in 2006, data gathering will only be permitted for the engine, and chassis data acquisition will no longer be allowed. Two way electronic communication with the motorcycle, of any sort, is not permitted.
For 2005, teams will be allowed to make their swing arm pivot adjustable, as long as no modifications to the frame of the motorcycle, including the pivot area, occur. Following the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship, this area of the Official Series Rulebook will be reviewed, with the intention to streamline and simplify the class standards. Related cost savings guidelines will also be considered. Quick shifters are still not permitted, but this request will also be reviewed following 2006.
Complete Rules information, including standards and specifications for the Suzuki SV650 National Championship and the new Thunder National Championship for twins, will be presented at cdnsuperbike.com in upcoming weeks.
