From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

NBC TO FEATURE AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO A-GO-GO

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 31, 2005) – NBC Jeep World of Adventure Sports will feature the 2004 AMA Red Bull Supermoto A-Go-Go on Saturday, February 5 at 3:30 pm EST.

Jeep World of Adventure Sports is an action-adventure sports series entering its second season and airing on the NBC Sports network. Hosted by Pat Parnell, the show features an array of adrenaline-inspired feats and adventure sports events from around the world. “

“We’re delighted that the AMA Red Bull Supermoto A-Go-Go will be featured on NBC,”” said Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications. “”The fact that Jeep World of Adventure Sports is kicking off its second season by featuring this form of motorcycle racing is a great indication of the appeal and potential mainstream popularity of AMA Supermoto.””

The AMA Supermoto Championship completed its second season in 2004. Top riders from all disciplines of motorcycle racing competed in the series that ran on tracks that featured elements of road racing, supercross and dirt track racing. Former AMA Motocross and Supercross champ Jeff Ward, 43, of Newport Beach, Calif., returned from a successful stint in Indy Car racing to win the 2004 AMA Supermoto title on a Troy Lee Designs Honda. As a result of his excellent comeback to motorcycle racing Ward was nominated for the 2004 AMA Pro Racing SPEED Channel Athlete of the Year, becoming the oldest rider ever to earn a nomination for the award.

The NBC Jeep World of Adventure Sports broadcast marks the return of supermoto racing to network television. The roots of supermoto racing can be traced back to the ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers made-for-television race held from 1979 to 1985.

For additional information on the NBC program visit www.worldofadventuresports.com.

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 Motocross Championship, the AMA Superbike Championship, the AMA 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 Team Suzuki:

Team SUZUKI MotoGP unveils new look GSV-R

Team SUZUKI MotoGP unveiled a striking new paint-scheme for its 2005 version of the Suzuki GSV-R at Bridgestone’s New Year Reception in Tokyo today.



The launch was held in partnership with Bridgestone to showcase the Japanese tyre-manufacturer’s motor-sport plans for 2005. Team SUZUKI MotoGP is committed to Bridgestone as a long-term technical partner and was honoured to launch its new cutting edge design at the reception.

The new GSV-R livery is designed to reflect the excitement, determination and passion that Suzuki is investing into its flagship race bike and team.

The GSV-R showcases all of Suzuki’s corporate racing colours in the design with a strong emphasis on white to make sure that it stands out from the crowd. The inspiration for the design has come from Suzuki’s historical racing heritage with a bloodline that can be traced to the World Championship winning RGV of Kevin Schwantz in 1993.

The fresh-faced GSV-R will make its racing debut at the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship at Jerez in Spain on April 10th, where Factory riders Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins will be going for glory.

Paul Denning-Team Manager

“This is an important step forward for Suzuki Motor Corporation and especially the MotoGP team. We are competing both to win and to promote Suzuki’s global image, and the GSV-R now has the design and aggressive styling the firm’s performance pedigree demands. It looks fantastic, in my opinion, and I am proud to be associated with such a great looking motorcycle.

“It is also very significant that the new design was revealed at Bridgestone’s headquarters in Japan. This openly demonstrates the close links between Bridgestone and Suzuki and our determination to work together successfully in MotoGP.”

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2005 British Superbike Series has gained a new title sponsor, Bennetts Insurance Services.

Bennetts Insurance Services is England’s “number one” motorcycle insurance provider, according to Dorna.

The 13-round, 26-race series will be known as the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

From a press release:

Bike World Kawasaki/Suzuki of Sunnyvale California is extremely pleased to announce their in-house addition of Australia’s renowned suspension expert Ray Perez of RJP Racing.

Ray’s work as a suspension set-up engineer is locally unmatched as his results with AFM/AMA champions can attest. This past year he worked with now AFM #3 and past Horizon Award winner Chris Siglin, AFM 600 Production champion Grant Riggs and former AMA Superbike top ten runner and AFM #1 James Randolph.

As part of the “New” Bike World’s (ownership change this past June for the first time in over 30 years) ongoing involvement in the motorsports community we’re excited to be able to bring the expert skills of RJP Racing to our facility for our racing endeavors as well as being able to offer the same services to the general public for everything from performance suspension setup to lowering.

For Information please call us toll-free at (866) 680-3989 or visit us online at www.bikeworldmotorsports.com

From a press release issued by BMW Motorrad USA:

BMW MOTORRAD USA POSTS SECOND BEST YEAR IN COMPANY HISTORY

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW Motorrad USA posted its second best year of motorcycle sales in the company’s history. Total new retail sales of 13,316 units were reported for 2004.

BMW’s motorcycle sales performance was largely due to increased sales of its R 1150 RT model, despite the fact that it was in its final production year and will be replaced with an all-new model in March. BMW’s GS models accounted for the second highest volume, reflecting the popularity of the R 1200 GS, which has garnered several prestigious awards from the motorcycle press since its introduction in early 2004 – Cycle World’s Best Open-Class Streetbike for 2004, and Motorcyclist’s Motorcycle of the Year. The updated K 1200 LT models finished the year with the third highest volume and received further accolades including Cycle World’s Best Touring Bike of the Year. The motorcycle’s innovative electrohydraulic centerstand has received kudos from both consumers and the motorcycle press.

Collectively, sales of RT, GS and LT models accounted for 51% of BMW motorcycle sales in 2004. Several model BMW motorcycles reached the final phase of their production life cycle in 2004, including the R 1200 C, R 1200 Montauk, the R 1200 CLC, the K 1200 RS, the R 1150 RS and the R 1150 RT.

BMW Motorcycle Aftersales posted a record year with parts and accessories sales up 4 percent over 2003.

Always on the forefront of bringing new technologies to motorcycling, BMW Motorrad USA announced that several innovative technological features will be introduced on its models in the near future, including a wireless communication system between rider and passenger, as well as other motorcycles and a satellite radio that will be integrated into the current communication systems on models such as the K 1200 LT.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Mario Andretti Helps Set Blood-Drive Record at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Race fans were treated to the joyride of their lives around the world-famous road course at Infineon Raceway on Friday, and they set a blood-drive record in the process.

Nearly 425 people braved rainy and windy conditions at the 4th annual Infineon Technologies High-Speed Blood Drive at Infineon Raceway to benefit the American Red Cross. Race fans who agreed to donate a point of blood were treated to a hot lap at speed around the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course.

Moreover, 75 lucky people were given hot laps around the track by legendary driver Mario Andretti, the only driver in history to win races in five different decades, including the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. This marked the third consecutive year Andretti has participated in the event.

“I always have a great time with this event, and at the same time, we’re able to help the American Red Cross. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Andretti, who is also a spokesman for Infineon Technologies.

The event generated 140 pints of blood, which American Red Cross officials say will be a record for 2005.

“There is no doubt that when we look back on 2005 this will be best output we have for a one-day event in Northern California,” said Sara O’Brien, spokesperson for the American Red Cross-Northern California Region. “This event gets bigger every year and we are certainly very appreciative to all those who came out today and to Infineon Raceway for hosting this.”

The Infineon Technologies High Speed Blood Drive has generated 373 pints of blood over the last three years, saving 1,119 lives.

“This is the third year I’ve come out and it’s great. I always want to give blood but this event really makes me get up and do it,” said Stephen McCulloch, from Rohnert Park. “It’s so positive for the community and you get a lap around this unbelievable track.”

Race fans lined up nearly an hour before the start of the blood drive under rainy conditions, anxious to meet their favorite driver. Andretti not only spent the day giving fans laps around the track in a 2005 Audi, supplied by Niello Audi, he also signed autographs, took pictures and mingled with the fans. Other hot laps were given by instructors from the ESPN Russell Racing School, which is based an Infineon Raceway.

“I drove more than 300 miles for this today and I wasn’t disappointed,” said Kelly Taylor, from Kingsbury, located south of Fresno. “I had the time of my life.”

The raceway partnered with Infineon Technologies, 107.7 FM The Bone in San Francisco and Niello Audi on the event.

From a press release issued by American Honda:

Due to numerous media and customer inquiries it is necessary to clarify our earlier statement regarding the Valkyrie Rune.

The planned limited production run of the current Valkyrie Rune will be complete in the Spring of 2005, but this does not indicate a decision to discontinue this flagship model.

Honda Motorcycle Division Vice President, Ray Blank, clarified the company’s earlier statement by saying, “We want to reassure our dealers and loyal customers that the completion of this model run doesn’t herald an end to this fabulous motorcycle, nor to Honda’s determined pursuit of bringing concepts to production reality.”

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through Honda authorized dealers.

From a press release issued by Corser Concepts:

Corser Concepts announces it’s all new 2005 World Superbike Tour in Australia! This 12 day motorcycle road trip is personally hosted by Dale Corser, and includes a 2-day pass to the 2005 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island Race Circuit, a Sydney Harbour Cruise, plus travel along the beautiful coastal roads riding a modern Harley Davidson Crusier plus much more!

Who is eligible to participate? This tour is open to all motorcycle enthusiasts, regardless of skill level. Riders must be 25+ and licensed to ride a motorcycle in their country of origin. Tour numbers are limited to 15 riders. Tour dates: March 30 – April 10 Registration deadline: March 15

Information and registration forms available on line: www.corserconcepts.com.au

Corser Concepts is devoted to making the Australian land, people and culture a memorable experience for guests; a place that is warm and welcoming, a home away from home. The Corser family is as experienced in the motorcycle world as any family can be! Dale Corser (Tour Manager and Founder) took 3rd place standings in the US AMA Pro-Thunder Class (2000). Troy Corser is well known for his standing as Superbike Champion in Australia (1993), America (1994), and World Superbike Champion (1996). Steve and Carol (Tour Hosts) are the proud parents of these two motorcycling legends. Carol and Steve, both experienced motorcycle riders, are fun and friendly natives to Australia.

When asked why he decided to host tours in Australia, Dale replied, “I wanted to provide the opportunity for racing enthusiasts to get closer to the racers and an inside look at the world fastest sport! There’s nothing like being on pit row!”

And Dale should know, he’s been a racer and traveled around the world with the World Superbike Series several times. “After doing a lot of traveling, I’ve come to appreciate how beautiful my home country is…” Dale says, “… and the people I reckon are among the most welcoming and easy goin’. I suppose a tour like this is just an extension of that, it just comes naturally.”

From a press release:

New look Isle of Man TT set to be a cracker

A vastly revamped racing schedule will form the backbone of the 2005 Isle of Man TT Races, set to take place between Saturday May the 28th and Friday June the 10th.

Following a lengthy period of consultation with all parties involved in the racing side of the TT Festival, the programme has been changed to better suit the needs of today’s riders and teams. The TT Superbike Race replaces the Formula One TT, whilst the Production 1000cc Race makes way for a Superstock Race. There will be two Supersport 600cc Races this year, plus the Senior TT, which retains its title, and is open to machines from all three classes. The Production 600cc event is dropped, as are the classes for 125cc and 400cc machines. The Sidecar class remains as before, with two races for the popular three wheeled brigade.

Speaking about the changes to the programme, Clerk of the Course Neil Hanson said, “It was felt that our previous programme had become out of sync with the rest of the road racing world, and we have acted accordingly. The new schedule is much simpler and riders will only require three bikes maximum, which should result in them all enjoying more practise time per machine. Whilst some people would like to see the smaller capacity machines remain, most riders and teams seem positive about the new schedule.”

There will be a whopping £500,000 on offer at this years event plus an additional £4,500 in special awards. Entry Forms and Regulations for this year’s event have already gone out and entries close on Thursday the 28th of March.

Team and rider Interest in this years meeting has been exceptional with all four Japanese Manufacturers expected to be represented in an official capacity. TAS Suzuki GB will field Irishman Adrian Archibald and New Zealander Bruce Anstey whilst Honda Racing return after a years absence, this time under the DMRR banner with Welshman Ian Lougher and Irishman Richard Britton on board. Yamaha will hope to continue their rich vein of form around the Mountain Circuit in recent years, with Englishman John McGuinness and the British Superbike AIM racing team representing them along with Yamaha UK’s Jason Griffiths from Wales who now resides on the Island. Meanwhile Kawasaki make an official return to the TT with the MSS/Discovery British Superbike team machines in the hands of Irishman Ryan Farquhar.

The Solo classes will be as strong as they have been for some time with Irishman Martin Finnegan another name to look out for on the exotic Vitrans / Ten Kate Honda machines, Englishman Guy Martin on the Uel Duncan Racing Suzuki’s along with his team mate Darran Lindsay from Ireland, making his return to the TT after four years away, English aces Mark Parrett, Ian Hutchinson, Ian Armstrong, David Bell and James McBride and local stars Chris Palmer, Gary Carswell, Paul Hunt, Nigel Beattie and Chris Heath.

As usual there will be a strong representation from Europe and the rest of the world with Italy’s Stefano Bonnetti and Umberto Rumiano, France’s Bruno Bonhuil, Mirko Kalsek from Slovenia and Japan’s Jun Meada amongst the entry list.

The Sidecar classes will be as competitive as ever with local team Dave Molyneux and Daniel Sayle the men to beat with former World Champion Klaus Klaffenbock again expected to enter having made his debut at last years event.

The final word was left to Chairman of the TT organisation David Cretney MHK who commented on the entry “We are delighted to see the interest in our races from the various riders and teams at this early stage. Everything is shaping up to make this one of the best TT’s for many years and the level of competition and quality of riders will provide great excitement for TT fans at the greatest road races in the world. I was delighted to welcome our newly appointed Rider Recruitment Officers Paul Phillips and Richard Quayle to our team and they have been busy talking to talented riders who are interested in taking part in our event and we are pleased to welcome three of their recruited riders here today. Gus Scott from England, Les Shand from Scotland and Markus Barth from Germany are all world class riders who would compliment any entry list and we are delighted that they have shown an interest in the TT.”

The Minister, who also Chairs the Organising Committee of the TT Classic Nostalgia Weekend, which takes place between Friday 10th and Sunday 12th June this year which is set to encompass an Italian theme, concluded by announcing there had been great interest from around the world in this event and further announcements would be made shortly. Former TT or MGP riders or persons with special Italian machines are invited to contact the organisers for regulations for the event.

Preparations for the Festival attractions which will compliment this years TT are also in an advanced stage and exact details of the various attractions and events will be released in the near future via a separate release.

Practice for this years TT commences on Saturday the 28th of May at 18:15 hours (6.15pm), with the first race, the TT Superbike Race over six laps of the Snaefell Mountain Course getting underway at 12 noon on Saturday the 4th of June!

From a press release issued by American Honda:

Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals back for 15th year as Title Sponsor of AMA U.S. SuperSport Championship


American Honda’s “Pro Honda” brand of oils and chemicals has renewed their “Name in Title” sponsorship of AMA Pro Racing’s “Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals U.S. SuperSport Championship. The upcoming 2005 season marks a major milestone in their support of the class as it will be their 15th consecutive season as “Title” sponsor of the series. Over the past 15 years Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals have rewarded participating riders on ALL brands of motorcycles with over $250,000 in season end bonus awards. Often regarded as the most competitive class in professional roadracing, the Pro Honda Oils U.S. SuperSport Championship has become a springboard for the careers of many, many National and International roadracing superstars too numerous to mention. The Pro Honda brand also holds the distinction of being the very 1st, as well as the longest standing “Name in Title” sponsor in AMA Pro roadracing history, dating all the way back to 1990.