From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

HODGSON AND BOSTROM TEST AT LAGUNA SECA

Laguna Seca (California) Wednesday 16 February 2005: The Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team battled through difficult weather conditions during a two-day test at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rains limited track time for Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom as they tested at the 2.238 mile (3.6 kilometer), 11-turn Laguna Seca circuit, but both riders were able to spend most of Wednesday at the controls of their Ducati 999 Superbikes.

Hodgson was one of the few riders to brave the elements on Tuesday but managed just six laps as the rains fell. Neil’s best time on Wednesday was an impressive 1:26.42 lap. “We achieved what we needed to get done in a short space, essentially about half a day of track time,” said the former World Superbike champion. “It was a positive test and we learned a lot about the motorcycle. It already feels much like my ‘old’ bike I used to win the World Championship. It’s going really, really well at the moment ”

Hodgson previously raced at Laguna Seca in his World Superbike days and said the familiarity with the track helped him at the test. “You need to test at a track you know. You could spend all day learning a new circuit but I know what a bike needs to do from my years racing here. Testing is all about finding your strengths and your weakest areas and we were able to do that.”

The Laguna Seca test was the final preseason trial for the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team. “The first race at Daytona is somewhat of a different animal compared to the other tracks, but we’ll be ready,” said the Isle of Man resident.

Bostrom did not ride in the wet on Tuesday but was able to lap his Ducati 999 Superbike on Wednesday. He turned in his best time in the high 1:27 range just as the rains that ended the test began to fall. “In a way, we lucked out to get as much track time as we did,” said Bostrom. “I would have liked more. We’re still working on getting the balance to get the feeling I need from the bike. It’s coming along, though, just a little more slowly than I’d like. We’re not quite there yet.”

Team manager Tom Bodenbach said the test was productive for Ducati’s AMA Superbike squad. “The weather hampered us a bit but we were able to test most of the day on Wednesday. Of course, we would have liked more track time but the team accomplished some goals and we’re looking forward to kicking off the season.”

The opening round of the season at the famed Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for March 10-13.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

World Superbikes EXCLUSIVELY LIVE on British Eurosport

Live studios throughout the season
– STARTS ON SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY IN DOHA, QATAR –

British Eurosport’s exclusively live coverage of the Superbike World Championships gets underway in less than two weeks, on Saturday, 26 February, with the start of the new season in Doha, Qatar.

British Eurosport will be on air from 7:30 a.m. (GMT) LIVE for six hours, with a brand new studio and presenter (to be announced) covering the first two Superbike races, as well as taking a closer look at the contending teams and riders, plus the latest paddock gossip.

Race commentary will once again be led by fans’ favourite double-act of Jack Burnicle and former Superbikes star James Whitham, while MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams will be on hand to analyse all the action. Viewers will also have the chance to call in or email their view and interact with the studio team.

The LIVE studios will then revert back to their traditional Sunday slot when British Eurosport follows every round of the series from Philip Island, Australian on 3rd April to the last races at Magny Cours, France on 9th October 2005.

There will also be extensive highlights shows of each round for those who miss the live action – with a total of 168 hours airtime devoted to the 2005 series. Plus, results, features, and rider interviews will also be on www.eurosport.com.

Paolo Flammini, Chief Executive of FGSPORT, the rights-owning company of World Superbikes said, “2005 will be a great year for the World Superbike Championship and we’re delighted that British Eurosport will be trackside again to bring all the live action to its viewers. We have just signed a new agreement with Eurosport to broadcast Superbikes and Sport until 2009 and so look forward to continuing our relationship for the next five years”.

Pierre-Jean Sebert, Managing Director of British Eurosport said “We are excited to once again show World Superbikes and to offer UK viewers exclusively live coverage of all the 2005 races. We know that our bike programmes are popular with viewers – World Superbikes, coupled with our MotoGP coverage, reached an audience of 4.8 million last year. Our extensive motorbike and car racing offering reinforces our position as Number One in motorsport”.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Infineon Raceway will host a promoter’s practice the day before the start of the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend, presented by Supercuts, May 13-15.

Promoter’s practice will take place on Thursday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on the 12-turn, 2.2-mile road course. Those interested should contact Dave Schwartz, testing coordinator, at 707-933-3956 or [email protected].


Editor’s Note: Do not confuse Dave Schwartz of Infineon Raceway with David Swarts of RoadracingWorld.com, like a racer’s father did last week.

From a press release issued by Orion Motorsports:

Women’s road racing in Canada is headed in a new direction in 2005 starting with support from Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals. This is the next chapter for Women’s racing in Canada. A series unique in North America, poised to bring the stars of Women’s Road Racing to the next level.

The much anticipated Pro Honda Women’s Cup Challenge is pleased to announce a seven race schedule in Canada this year that will see the girl’s battle at three Parts Canada National rounds as well as four regional rounds in both Quebec with ASM and in Ontario with RACE. The series will consist of two levels of racers. Expert and Novice ladies will vie for two class championships in Open Sportbike and 600 Supersport. The Open Sportbike category will compete at all seven rounds of the series while the 600 Supersport class will be at the four regional rounds making up a total of four separate championships to be won.

Support from both the racers and the industry has been exceptional thus far as Honda Pro Oils and Chemicals have jumped at the opportunity to become more involved with women in motorcycling and have picked up title sponsorship of the class while Pirelli Tires has once again shown commitment to the girls and will be spec tire for the series.

Long time racing supporter Parts Canada is aggressively going after the ever growing ladies market with a dedicated section in the newest catalogue and has come on board with a great support package for the ladies and is offering some very enticing contingency to the participants. Other companies stepping up and showing support for the Women’s Cup Challenge are Yamaha Motor Canada, Adam &Eve, Graphic Mart, Euro Moto, Hindle Exhausts, Orion Motorsports, RACE and ASM.

Complete series rules, schedules and rider information is available on www.womenscup.ca

From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A.:

Yamaha Weekend of Champions

Moves to Laguna Seca for MotoGP

Cypress, Calif.-February 16, 2005, – Yamaha is proud to announce that after six years at Daytona International Speedway, its prestigious Weekend of Champions event will move to Monterey, California for this year’s U.S. MotoGP event at Laguna Seca Raceway on July 8-10th.

Racing fans will be treated to autograph sessions with past Yamaha racing champions such as former World Championship and Laguna Seca winners Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson, as well as many other champions from both road racing and motocross. The autograph sessions will be part of the many activities planned for the Yamaha display area.

“Yamaha marks its 50th anniversary this year and we are proud to celebrate with these racing icons. Plus it is a great opportunity for fans to meet them in person,” said Bob Starr, Yamaha Corporate Communications Manager. “It was only natural to feature these past champions who have been such an integral part of our success over the years.”

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Provisional Qatar Entry List
23-24-25-26 February 2005

1. 1, James Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999F05, Ducati Xerox Team
2. 3, Norick Abe, JPN, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor France – IPONE
3. 6, Mauro Sanchini, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse
4. 7, Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Klaffi Honda
5. 8, Ivan Clementi, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
6. 9, Chris Walker, GBR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse
7. 10, Fonsi Nieto, ESP, Ducati 999RS, Team Ducati SC – Caracchi
8. 11, Troy Corser, AUS, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
9. 12, Lorenzo Alfonsi, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, D.F. X. Treme
10. 17, Miguel Praia, POR, Yamaha YZF-R1, DFXtreme Sterilgarda
11. 19,Lucio Pedercini, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Pedercini
12. 20,Marco Borciani,ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, DFXtreme Sterilgarda
13. 23,Jiri Mrkyvka, CZE, Ducati 999RS, SBK Team JM
14. 24,Garry McCoy, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
15. 25,Alessio Velini,ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Pedercini
16. 30, Jose Luis Cardoso, ESP,Yamaha YZF-R1, D.F. X. Treme
17. 31,Karl Muggeridge, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
18. 32,Sebastien Gimbert, FRA,Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor France – IPONE
19. 41,Noriyuki Haga, JPN, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team
20. 45,Gianluca Vizziello, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Lorenzini by Leoni
21. 55,Regis Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999F05, Ducati Xerox Team
22. 57,Lorenzo Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Ducati SC – Caracchi
23. 71,Yukio Kagayama,JPN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
24. 76,Max Neukirchner, GER, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Klaffi Honda
25. 77,Chris Vermeulen, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
26. 88,Andrew Pitt, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team
27. 99,Steve Martin, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
28. 155, Ben Bostrom, USA, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Renagade KOJI
29. 200, Giovanni Bussei, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
30. 22, Ivan Silva Alberola, SPA, Yamaha YZF-R1, La Glisse
31. 95, Talal Al Nuami,QAR, Yamaha YZF-R1, La Glisse

From a press release:

Daytona Worker List Being Finalized.

Experienced marshalls interested in working the rapidly approaching Daytona races who have not been in contact with Egor Emery, should call or email Egor immediately.

Are you interested in participating in motorcycle racing? Consider contributing your time and talents by becoming a marshal. Corner workers are needed every time motorcycles turn a wheel on a race track. Marshalls provide racers with information about changes in race track conditions, they protect downed riders and get them medical care when needed, they clean up crash scenes, and they communicate what they see and do with race and track officials. The bulk of a marshal’s time is spent just watching the races, from the closest vantage points available.

Consider starting at Daytona in March. The many consecutive days of racing at Daytona provide time to gain experience rapidly. There will be training daily and a Pro Marshal lecture will be offered before the AMA event. There are a limited number of training positions available. Respond quickly to join our crew.

Egor Emery,
Daytona Safety Crew
35544 Estes RD
Eustis FL 32736
352-360-3003
email: [email protected]
web: usmarshalls.org

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Classic Rock All-Stars To Play Kickstand City At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 16, 2005) — The lead singers and founding members from Blues Image, Rare Earth, Sugarloaf and Cannibal and the Headhunters will join March 7 and 8 to rock Kickstand City in the infield of historic Daytona International Speedway.

The Classic Rock All Stars have performed many times at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, according to Rod Woodruff, owner of Sturgis South Dakota’s Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground® and Kickstand City’s concert promoter.

“They’ve become a part of the Buffalo Chip family we look forward to seeing,” Woodruff said. “Now bringing them back to Daytona is a natural. Our crowds just love them.”

Drummer Peter Rivera is the founder of Motown’s awesome Rare Earth and responsible for rock hits “Get Ready,” “I Just Want To Celebrate,” “(I know) I’m Losin’ You,” and “Hey Big Brother.” The band had eight gold albums, three platinum and six top five singles. The album “Get Ready” is honored in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Jerry Corbetta, original lead singer, keyboardist, founder and leader of Sugarloaf. The band produced two platinum and three gold albums. Top singles included “Green-Eyed Lady,” “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You,” and “Bach Doors Man.” Corbetta also toured and recorded with Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.

Guitar virtuoso Mike Pinera was the original singer and guitarist for Blues Image, whose hits include “Ride Captain Ride.” He wrote, recorded and toured with Iron Butterfly, whose hits included Inna Gadda Da Vida and “Butterfly Bleu.” “Inna Gadda Da Vida” is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Pinera also toured and recorded with Alice Cooper and appeared extensively on two of Alice’s platinum albums.

Bass guitarist Dennis Noda was the leader and musical director for the group Cannibal and the Headhunters, whose hits included “Land of a Thousand Dances” which has become the all-time dance party anthem.

Woodruff said the All Stars “have the chops to rock our audience and the never fail to do so. We very excited to have them back for two shows at Daytona.”

Kickstand City at Daytona will provide overnight parking and nightly concerts each day of Bike Week in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

Woodruff said more concert announcements will be coming soon. More information is available at www.kickstandcity.com.

From a press release issued by TrackDaz:

The granddaddy of em all!!! The world famous Daytona 200!!!

Come on down to Hooters Anaheim on Saturday March 12 to watch the AMA Superbike and Daytona 200 races!!

Through a special arrangement with Hooters, they will be opening their doors early to let us in, get some breakfast, get some lunch, and for those so inclined, drink some beer!

TrackDaz is partnering with some of our sponsors to bring you raffles for free motorcycle parts,
accessories and apparel, so there will be more reasons to be there than just the race!! Oh yeah, I guess we will be giving away some track days too!! That’s only fair, right??

Also, schedule permitting we will be re-airing the
Superstock and Supersport races aired on March 10. So you get the whole Daytona weekend in one felled swoop!!

The race coverage is from 8am to 130 pm, and thanks to Hooters who will be opening their doors for us at the positively Zero Dark Thirty time of 9am – pretty much the crack of dawn!!

So come on out, bring your friends, bring your
friends’ friends’!! We have plenty of room and
Hooters has plenty of TV’s to watch the race on.

Saturday March 12
Hooters Anaheim
2438 E Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806
714-634-9464

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

2005 Title Fight – The Contenders

2004 was a good year for Yamaha, with victories in MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship earning them two out of the three FIM road racing championships. This year’s World Endurance Championship is set to be a tough challenge, and Yamaha must square up to strong opposition from Suzuki and Kawasaki.

Two of the Yamaha front runners have significantly strengthened their rider lineups this year, with Gwen Giabbani joining Igor Jerman, Horst Saiger and Thomas Hinterreiter at Yamaha Austria, and Yamaha Phase One teaming double World Endurance Champion Warwick Nowland with Andi Notman and Damian Cudlin.

Suzuki have hit back with Keichi Kitagawa joining the strong pairing of Vincent Philippe and Mathieu Lagrive at Suzuki Castrol, and have thrown in a completely revised GSX-R1000. The K5 bike specifications have been enough to cause at least one team (Suzuki Austria 76) to switch from Yamaha to Suzuki.

2004 was a development year for Kawasaki’s ZX10R in the World Endurance Championship, but with teams as experienced as Bolliger Kawasaki now able to play to the machine’s strengths, the compact and powerful ZX10R is expected to be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Round one of the World Endurance Championship takes place over the Easter weekend at Assen. With six manufacturers already represented in the entry list, we’ll have to wait until then before making any predictions…