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…

From a press release:

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Announces Jeremy McGrath Scholarship

Call for Entries

PHOENIX (Feb. 15, 2005)—Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath, in partnership with Clear Channel Communications, are inviting individuals with a passion for motorcycles – and an interest in becoming a professional motorcycle technician – to apply for the 2005 MMI Jeremy McGrath Scholarship.

This is the second year for the scholarship, which pays the full tuition (valued at approximately $18,000) for one recipient to complete a 57-week motorcycle technician specialist program at MMI’s Phoenix or Orlando campus.

From the pool of applicants, five finalists will be selected for Jeremy McGrath’s personal review. McGrath, who will select the scholarship winner, is looking for an individual who is dedicated to the industry and wants to experience the intense, professional training provided by MMI. Applicants must complete a standard entry form (available online at www.uticorp.com) and submit a two-minute home video explaining why McGrath should choose them for this prestigious opportunity.
All applications must be received by April 16, 2005. McGrath will announce this year’s MMI Jeremy McGrath scholarship at the THQ World Supercross Finals on May 7, 2005, in Las Vegas.

“We’re thrilled to have Jeremy McGrath endorsing this exclusive scholarship,” said Terry Emig, director of events for MMI. “This program allows a deserving individual to live the dream of becoming a professional motorcycle technician.”

About Jeremy McGrath
Jeremy McGrath is considered the greatest motocross rider of all time; a rider who helped put motocross on the map in the U.S. and other countries. McGrath has the record for the most AMA Supercross championship wins in the 250cc class (seven) and has won an outstanding 60 percent of the races he has entered. In 1993 and 1996, McGrath brought home the gold from the Motocross de Nations, and in that same year, he had a banner season, winning a record 14 out of 15 Supercross races. McGrath is a 2003 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, and recently retired; however, he continues to race in Supermoto events.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and Motorcycle Mechanics Institute
Universal Technical Institute, Inc., is a nationwide provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. The company offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at eight campuses across the United States, and manufacturer-sponsored advanced programs at 22 dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, Universal Technical Institute, Inc., offers specialized technical education programs under the banner of several well- known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI). For more information, visit www.uticorp.com.

From a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda:

WINSTON TEN KATE HONDA TAKES OFF IN MILAN

With just over a week until the start of the 2005 World Superbike and Supersport championships, the Winston Ten Kate Honda team was launched officially this afternoon at a glittering affair in the Rolling Stone event hall in the heart of Milan, Italy.

The event was attended by more than a hundred international press and TV journalists who heard from executives from Japan Tobacco International (JTI), owner of the team’s new title partner, Winston, and from Honda Europe Motorcycles.

Daniel Torras, vice-president of sponsorship at JTI, said: “I know that this exciting project will further strengthen the partnership between Honda and JTI, giving the Winston Ten Kate Honda team and its riders the greatest possible opportunity for success in this year’s championships.”



His sentiments were echoed by Yutaka Negishi, president of Honda Europe Motorcycles, who added: “I think that World Superbike and Supersport are the ideal formula to point out the quality of a motorcycle and to prove the riding capacities of a rider; for this reason we, at Honda Europe, have been supporting the Ten Kate Team for many years.”

Team owner, Gerrit ten Kate, impressed on the audience that the family atmosphere running through the team that has won the last three World Supersport titles, will continue. “This is more like a big family wedding than a team launch,” he said. “We welcome Winston, our new title partner, and really look forward to this season’s new challenges.”

The team will now depart for Doha, Qatar and the Losail circuit, where an official test takes place this weekend (19th-20th February) followed by the first round of the 2005 World Superbike and Supersport championships at the same circuit on 26th February.

From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA’S ‘JUSTICE FOR ALL’ GAINS MOMENTUM, SUPPORT

— Individuals & organizations contribute time & money to campaign —

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that its “Justice for All” campaign enters its second year with promising legislative momentum, as well as active participation and generous financial support from enthusiasts nationwide.

Justice for All focuses on the inadequate sentencing of drivers who kill or seriously injure other motorists. The AMA hopes to get new laws passed in all 50 states to increase penalties for these drivers, and seeks to include motorcyclist-awareness instruction in each state’s driver-education programs.

The AMA has confirmed that 16 states — including Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia — are considering Justice for All-related legislation. Other states already have taken action.

Pennsylvania increased penalties for careless driving resulting in injury or death; ABATE of Pennsylvania, backed by the AMA, was the driving force in getting the bill passed. The Washington (state) Road Riders Association worked for a law that makes it more likely that reckless motorists who injure or kill others will be charged with vehicular assault.

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association led a successful effort to include a motorcycle-awareness component in state driver-education classes; a similar law was enacted in Washington state. Massachusetts and Washington join Maine, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia in educating drivers to become more aware of motorcyclists, and comparable bills are being considered in five other states.

Beyond legislative advocacy, others are contributing financial support to Justice for All.

The Hey Dude! Foundation Trust donated $4,000 — on top of $3,500 donated the year before — raised through a charity golf tournament. The Floribama Riders, an AMA-chartered club of sport and touring motorcyclists, donated $400. George Kemmerer of Pennsylvania, whose son, Eric, was killed by a careless driver, contributed $4,000. Along with donations, the AMA is fielding a daily stream of calls, letters and e-mails from motorcyclists asking how to get involved in Justice for All.

The AMA launched Justice for All in February of 2004, after a number of cases involving inadequate sentences made national and regional news.

An Iowa driver crossed the center line and struck a group of six motorcyclists, killing three and seriously injuring two, and yet received only a $70 fine. An Oklahoma motorist ran over a motorcyclist who was slowing to make a right turn, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide, and was sentenced to 30 months probation and unspecified “acts of kindness.” And in South Dakota, a U.S. congressman and former governor with a long history of traffic offenses sped through a stop sign at more than 70mph, colliding with and killing a motorcyclist. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to only 100 days in jail.

For more information about Justice for All, visit
www.AMADirectlink.com/justice, e-mail [email protected], or call the AMA’s Terry Lee Cook at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1288.

From a press release:

WINFUEL Hellraiser CHOPPER to Debut in Daytona During Speed Week

Cedar Knolls, NJ, February 15, 2005- WINFUEL a soon-to-be-released consumer product dedicated to those whose lives are committed to one thing – WINNING, is proud to announce the unveiling of WINFUEL Chopper, built by Hellrasier Choppers of Kansas City, KS, one of the Premier Custom Bike Builders in the world.

The WINFUEL Chopper features a 130 Horsepower, 120 inch motor, a 135 inch wheel base, and 300 millimeter tires, and 101/2 rims made by Ego Trip, that display the WINFUEL Logo in 3-D. With a right side drive transmission and double belt drive, the chopper is capable of speeds of 120+ miles per hour. Flamethrowers on the exhaust add an extra winning touch. The WINFUEL Chopper took over 400 hours to complete, as compared to the average of 30 hours for completion of the typical custom bike.

“This bike is completely different from anything we built before,” said bike builder Ilya Blond of Hellraiser Choppers. “WINFUEL CEO Alex Goen wanted everything built from scratch and we honored that request. It was built with following the winning philosophy of WINFUEL, the product it represents. Every piece of sheet metal is hand fabricated and nothing is outsourced.”

The unveiling of the WINFUEL Chopper is slated to take place on Thursday, February 17th at 7PM at the Wing House, 2721 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL. Joining the WINFUEL Chopper will be NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel, signing autographs along side the #32 WINFUEL NASCAR Chevy.

“I can’t wait till the public sees the WINFUEL Chopper, they will go crazy. You have to see it in person to really appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty, ” Blond added

About WINFUEL, Inc.
WINFUEL, Inc. headquartered in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, is the maker of WINFUEL(tm), a soon-to-be released consumer product dedicated to those whose lives are committed to one thing – WINNING. WINFUEL, Inc. is a key sponsor in the NASCAR® racing circuit through Braun Racing, and the USAR Hooters® ProCup Series, Southern Division, through Junior Motor Sports. WINFUEL, Inc. is a supporter of various high-profile sports and celebrity events, such as: In the Spirit of the Game, the Critics Choice Awards, MusiCares, and more. WINFUEL, Inc. is also working with numerous charitable organizations including Operation USA. For more information, visit www.winfuel.com.

From a press release:

KneeDraggers.com and Robert Jensen Announce New Partnership

New Castle, DE: Robert Jensen and KneeDraggers.com today announced a new road race team that will be competing in both the AMA and Formula USA series. Jensen, who won the 2004 Formula USA Superbike and Sportbike Championships as well as the Suzuki World Cup Final at Road Atlanta, will be racing Yamaha R6s on Michelin tires. Jensen will also race a Suzuki GSX-R750 in Formula USA’s Formula Sportbike class. Jensen will be riding in the AMA Supersport and Formula Extreme classes, as well as defending his titles in the Formula USA series.

“I’m really excited to have the people at KneeDraggers.com and Michelin supporting me for the upcoming season. It will be a nice change to have a real team effort at the race track,” said Jensen.

“I’ve always admired Robert’s fast yet consistent riding style and the way he has been able to race with the best riders in every series while on a shoestring budget,” commented KneeDraggers.com President Sam Lehrfeld.

“In 2004 Jensen set 6 lap records while competing in regional and national races on Michelins. With the new 2005 R6 and even more support from Michelin I think this year is going to be even better,” added Lehrfeld.

The team, named KneeDraggers.com/Jensen Racing, will have their first outing at the Formula USA races at Daytona.

Robert Jensen’s 2004 Accomplishments:
a. Won The Suzuki World Cup Final
b. Won the Formula USA Sportbike and Superbike Championships
c. New Track Record at Summit Point Raceway
d. New Track Record at Mid-America Motorplex
e. New Track Record at Jennings GP
f. New Track Record at BeaveRun Raceway
g. New Track Record at Motorsports Ranch
h. New Track Record at Las Vegas
i. Current Track Record holder at Hallet Motorcourse

From a press release issued by Pirelli’s agency:

ROBERT HENDERSON IS PIRELLI’S NEW ROAD RACING COORDINATOR

(Rome, GA) Pirelli Motorcycle Tire North America has announced the appointment of Robert Henderson as the new Road Racing Coordinator.

Henderson, who lives in nearby Woodstock, GA, holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. In the seven years prior to joining Pirelli, he worked in technical sales for the telecommunications industry. He also brings a wealth of hands-on motorcycle experience to his new road racing coordinator job. Henderson has been an enthusiast and rider for 22 years, beginning at the age of 10 on dirt bikes and ATVs. He began road racing in 2001 with CCS and WERA, and still holds a WERA competition license in which he races a Honda CBR600RR in B Supersport, B Superbike, and Formula 1 classes.

In making the announcement, Mark Wilhelm, Pirelli’s North American Country Manager, said that Henderson’s appointment “reiterates Pirelli’s commitment to the North American racing market”. He added that Pirelli’s World-level tire technicians will be at all AMA races this year, and that the development of Pirelli’s next round of racing slicks is being done right here in the USA in conjunction with the company’s signing of Team M4 EMGO Suzuki for 2005, one of the AMA’s factory-quality race teams.

“I was amazed to learn the current depth of Pirelli’s acceptance at so many levels of U.S. road racing,” Henderson said. “Pirelli’s won over 400 local, regional and national road racing championships in just the past two years! That’s pretty impressive. Now, with our increased staff, the inclusion of the world techs at AMA racing venues, and the development of the new slicks right here in our market, we’re moving up to the next level, big-time.”

Henderson can be reached at Pirelli’s North American headquarters in Rome, GA. His phone is (706) 368-5856.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

FORD “CERTIFIES” AMA FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Feb. 14, 2005) — AMA Pro Racing announced today that Ford Motor Company and the Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned brand will become title sponsor of the 2005 AMA Flat Track Championship. Effectively immediately, the series will now be entitled the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship.

According to Mike Dennis, Manager of the Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Program, Ford’s sponsorship is consistent with the company’s long history with motorcycling. “The AMA Flat Track sponsorship is a natural complement to Ford’s involvement in motorcycle racing with our Chris Carr sponsorship. We’ve enjoyed great results from past years’ involvement in the AMA Flat Track program; we see this as a great opportunity to step up our commitment to this great American sport and to strengthen and expand the relationship between Flat Track fans and the Ford product line.”

John Farris, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development agreed with Dennis’ assessment, “An iconic, mass-market brand like Ford joining with AMA Pro Racing is a testament to the commercial value professional motorcycle racing can deliver to a company,” said Farris. “From Ford’s support of Harley-Davidson’s Superbike effort in the 1990s to their introduction of the limited edition Ford/Harley-Davidson F-150 pick-up truck, Ford recognizes the marketing value of associating itself with motorcyclists and motorcycle racing.”

In making the announcement, AMA Flat Track Series Manager Bruce Bober pointed out the valuable benefits that Ford will add to the AMA Flat Track Championship. “From both an awareness factor to support of the championship bonus program that goes to the riders, Ford’s involvement will be good for the sport,” said Bober. “We’re thrilled they’re aboard and will work hard to ensure their expectations are met.”

The AMA Flat Track Championship is the oldest and most traditional form of motorcycle competition sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Uniquely American, Flat Track racing dates back over 50 years.