From a press release issued by Racing 2 Save Lives:

2nd Annual Motorcycle Roadrace to Benefit Children’s Charities

Racing 2 Save Lives is proud to announce partnership with Pikes Peak International Raceway for its 2nd annual multi-day motorcycle roadrace to take place May 11 – 15, 2005. Racing 2 Save Lives was created to raise support and awareness for five children’s charities: The Children’s Hospital, Family Pathways of Colorado, Missing Children Task Force, Here’s Life Inner City Denver, and The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Colorado.

Donations may be made in the form of pledges based on miles or laps completed by the participants – or through direct contributions to Racing 2 Save Lives. Motorcycle Roadracing has been experiencing steady growth worldwide, and Racing 2 Save Lives is a natural extension combining the thrill and excitement of this sport with a chance to support the community through fundraising. Individuals and companies interested in participating or contributing can do so through the website at www.racing2savelives.org.

For its inaugural effort in 2004, Racing 2 Save Lives enlisted over 180 participants/racers, completed 32,517 miles and generated over $75,000.00 in donations! Racing 2 Save Lives is excited about its partnership with Pikes Peak International Raceway in 2005! The national recognition sure to surround such a premium race venue will give Racing 2 Save Lives a greater opportunity to generate participation and ultimately raise more support for the charities, and the children they serve. For 2005, they have set a goal of completing 50,000 miles and raising over $250,000.

The event will begin Wednesday, May 11, 2005 and carry on throughout the Motorcycle Roadracing Association’s race weekend& ending on Sunday the 15th of May.

For more information on participation, or to donate & please refer to the Racing 2 Save Lives website at: www.racing2savelives.org.

Roadracing World is launching a new, updated website next week. This new site will require the use of recent web browsers. If you haven’t upgraded your browser (in a long time) or can’t remember the last time your old computer worked on a modern site, we are talking to you. To make sure your browser will work with the new site we encourage you take a few minutes and verify you are current.

Notice to Netscape Users: Netscape sold out years ago and AOL has killed off support for that division. The heart and sole of Netscape still lives on in Firefox and Mozilla.

Windows Users

We encourage you to use the recent versions of Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Since these are both free it is hard to argue against using them.

If you are going to use Internet Explorer, make sure it is version 6 or newer. To find out what version you are using: Open your Internet Explorer browser. Click on the Help option in the menu bar (top of the browser window). Select About Internet Explorer (should be the last option). A dialog box will open, in it will say what version of Internet Explorer you are using. If it says version 6. something, you are fine. If it says 5.0, 5.5 or even 4 it is time to upgrade. If you really never liked Internet Explorer and used to use Netscape use Firefox instead.

Mac/OSX Users

The site has been tested on Firefox and Safari for OSX. If you use either one of those browsers you will be fine. The site will not work with Internet Explorer on Mac/OSX boxes. Microsoft abandoned that Mac browser, you should too.

Linux Users

You open source folks know the drill. Use Firefox and it’s all good, we aren’t testing every flavor of Mozilla. We are only going to worry about Firefox for you Linux folks.

Need some Help?

You can tune EFI, and run a dyno, what do you mean you can’t upgrade your browser? If you need some help… ask a neighbor, or that nerdy brother-in-law of yours. We are motorcycle racers, not desktop support. It really isn’t that hard anyway. Here is a page for Firefox Support.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing has officially removed the Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) event, tentatively scheduled for June 25-26, from its 2005 Superbike Championship schedule according to John Farris, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development.

The owners of Brainerd International Raceway have put the facility up for sale and terminated the track’s operating staff. AMA Pro Racing was hopeful that despite the track’s uncertain future an event could be held there in 2005, possibly with a third party promoter.

“We have been in communication with BIR officials all along and continued to explore a variety of scenarios that would enable us to keep the race viable,” said Farris. “However, it has become clear that there are just too many questions surrounding BIR right now and, in the best interests of our championship, we need to focus our efforts elsewhere.”

In making the announcement, Farris added that the event scheduled for Virginia International Raceway (VIR) remains tentative and that, contrary to published reports, the event has not been removed from the schedule.

“We issued our 2005 schedule with the VIR date as tentative and its status is unchanged. We’re in negotiations with VIR and hope to still be able to finalize a deal. When there is something confirmed we will announce it. Until then discussions are ongoing.”

Farris also confirmed that there have been conversations with other tracks including Laguna Seca.

“We had some preliminary talks with Laguna Seca regarding a second round there but track officials have decided to focus on their four existing events for 2005,” said Farris. “We continue to explore additional Superbike event opportunities, both near- and long-term. This could include second events at tracks already on the schedule, events at redesigned facilities or going to new tracks currently under development.”

Farris said that it is possible that another round could be added in 2005 but that 2006 is a more likely time frame.

From a press release:

$70,500 Contingency Program Offered to Privateer Buell Roadracers

MILWAUKEE (January 28, 2005) – Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced its roadracing support program for 2005, with $70,500 in contingency paid to racers aboard Buell motorcycles in the eight-round national Formula USA Thunderbike class. The program offers Buell racers $8,000 per race in contingency paid back to 15th place, in addition to Formula USA’s $2,000 Thunderbike purse paid back to 10th, plus a $6,500 championship bonus for Buell racers paid back to 5th place, supplementing Formula USA’s $5,500 championship bonus.

“We’re proud to once again support the efforts of Buell racers in Formula USA’s National Thunderbike class which continues to draw large grids and features great racing,” said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company.

The Formula USA Thunderbike class will be a featured event at all eight Formula USA National Road Race Series rounds. The events will be held at Daytona International Speedway, March 4-6; Road America, April 22-24; Summit Point Raceway, May 27-29; New Hampshire International Speedway, June 17-19; Virginia International Raceway, June 24-26; Barber Motorsports Park, August 12-14; the new AutoBahn Country Club Joliet course, September 9-11; and the Daytona finale, October 21-23. Buell’s Henry Duga and the Buell Racing Support Van will be present at each F-USA National event to provide assistance to Buell racers.

Formula USA’s 2004 Thunderbike class champion Bryan Bemisderfer is expected to defend his title against fellow Buell racers Dan Bilansky, Jeff Johnson, Kurt Miller, Randy Rega, Joe Roszynski, Josh Guyer and many others, including riders aboard Suzuki, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha and BMW motorcycles.

To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or go to www.buell.com.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I’ve read it a few times. Did they really omit Nicky Hayden – is he a prodigal son or something ?

Malachy O’Connell
Santa Fe, New Mexico



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

The AMA managed to leave out its brightest star in this MotoGP press release!

“American fans will get their first opportunity to watch six-time world champion Valentino Rossi, considered to be one of the preeminent motorcycle racers of all time. In addition it will mark the return of three of American motorcycling’s favorite sons in Kenny Roberts Jr., John Hopkins and Colin Edwards, all established stars of the MotoGP circuit.”

Did you see Nicky mentioned in there, or anywhere else in the release?

Andy Schwarm
Monrovia, California

From a press release (and we’re kidding about the SuperCruiser class):

Honda Announces Final Production Run Of Valkyrie Rune

Torrance, CA – American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced today that the final manufacturing run of the Rune will occur in Spring 2005.

“Honda is very proud of this historic model achievement, and our pursuit of the challenge of bringing a concept to production reality for our customers, said Ray Blank, American Honda’s Motorcycle Division Vice President, “From the beginning, Rune was scheduled to be limited in numbers, with styling, materials and engineering never before seen on a production motorcycle.”

American Honda’s Dealer network will be notified next week on the final productions small volume allocation. Due to rising material costs associated with this model, this final run will reflect a price increase.

Customers can visit the Honda website for selection of color, handlebar and wheel options to discuss with their Honda dealer. Orders will be limited to this final production. Visit www.powersports.honda.com/rune/ and your local
Honda dealer.


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 that fails to mention the date of the event, January 29:

Action Motorcycle School Safe Ride Clinic To educate riders on the dangers of racing on the street and to provide new and seasoned riders with some of the best information on techniques and safety in a rider’s clinic environment. With the help of our friends and role models, namely; Colin Edwards (Two-Time World Superbike Champion and Yamaha MotoGp Rider); Jason Pridmore (2002 AMA Formula Extreme Champion, 1997 Supersport Champion, World Endurance Champion); Rich Oliver (2003 AMA 250 GP Champion); Richie Alexander (1999 AMA Supersport Champion); Josh Hayes (2003 AMA Superstock Champion); Mike Sullivan (2004 WMRRA Superbike Champion); Steve Dick (2 -Time Canadian Superbike Championm, 2004 WMRC Champion), Mark Kruger (2003 WMRC Champion); we hope to foster an understanding that even with the best of talents, the street is not the place to discover one’s limits.

The Clinic will be hosted by Driving Televisions’ Dagmar Midcap. There will be an admission fee of $25.00. Proceeds from this clinic will be given to Children’s with Cancer at the B.C. Childrens Hospital. Clinic will be held at the Richmond Hilton Ballroom, 5911 Minoru Blvd (corner of Westminster Hwy) from 7 pm to 11 pm.

From a press release:

Orlando Museum of Art Gears Up for World-Class Exhibition

The Art of the Motorcycle

Based on the Landmark Presentation at the Guggenheim

Coming January 2006

ORLANDO, FL — Both art and motorcycle enthusiasts will feel a part of the cultural revolution when The Art of the Motorcycle rolls into the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) from January 22 through July 23, 2006. Based on the landmark exhibition that opened at the Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 1998 to record crowds, The Art of the Motorcycle explores the motorcycle as both cultural icon and design achievement and offers a thought-provoking challenge to conventional assumptions about art and popular culture in the modern age. It is organized by Wonders, The Memphis International Cultural Series, in association with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

Showcasing more than 70 historic and contemporary motorcycles, each exceptional example was selected based upon criteria that considered technical innovation, aesthetic excellence and cultural significance. The exhibition chronicles the most compelling moments in the evolution of motorcycle design and places these developments in a cultural context. Starting with examples produced in the 19th century, the exhibition shows how the motorcycle emerged as an icon of our time. Guggenheim Foundation Director Thomas Krens has written, “The motorcycle is a perfect metaphor for the 20th century…Invented at the beginning of the industrial age, its evolution tracks the main currents of modernity. The object and its history present the themes of technology, engineering, innovation, design, mobility, speed, rebellion, desire, freedom, love, sex and death…”

“We are thrilled to be the exclusive Florida venue for The Art of the Motorcycle, a world-class exhibition based on the Guggenheim’s landmark presentation, which celebrates the achievements of artistic excellence found in motorcycle design,” says OMA executive director Marena Grant Morrisey. “After seeing this exhibition, visitors will see the world differently, recognizing that art is truly everywhere.”

Selections in the exhibition include the Copeland Steam (Replica 1884), one of several successful steam-powered motorcycles; the Orient (1900), the first commercially produced motorcycle in the United States; the Cyclone Board Tracker (1914), known as the “yellow speed demon” — the fastest bike of its period; the BMW R32 (1923), the motorcycle’s clean angular look shows the influence of German Bauhaus design; the Harley-Davidson EL (1936), the popular “knucklehead,” and early example of the now familiar line of Harley-Davidson cruising bikes; the Easy Rider Chopper (1993), a replica that replaces the lost
original from the 1969 film with Peter Fonda and the best known motorcycle in film; the Aprilia Moto 6.5 (1995), a stylish motorcycle created by world-famous designer Phillippe Starck; and, among the sleekest and most glamorous of recent
Italian motorcycles, the MV Agusta F4 (1998), designed by Massimo Tamburini in collaboration with Ferrari. Also included are important examples from Indian, Triumph, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and many others.

The exhibition is organized chronologically: the first section, “Inventing the Motorcycle: 1868-1919,” considers the motorcycle in the context of other major inventions of the era: the railroad, electricity and cinema. “The Machine Age: 1922-1929” traces the rapid acceptance of a machine aesthetic, with technology serving as a leitmotif of modern culture. “New World Orders: 1930-1944” finds the machine ethos of the 1920s assuming an altogether different scale and demeanor. “Freedom and Postwar Mobility: 1946-1958” charts the emergence of the motorcycle as an instrument that allowed for escape from the anonymity of postwar society. “Popular Culture/Counterculture: 1960-1969” examines the
motorcycle as an emblem of the era, as relevant to the cultural iconography as rock music and street protests. “Getting Away From It All: 1969-1978” charts the nation’s growing malaise and corresponding desire for escape. “The Consumer
Years: 1982-1989″ tells the story of a rising stock market and burgeoning middle class, making leisure activities ever more eagerly pursued. Finally, “Retro/Revolutionary: 1993-2004” traces the different routes recently taken in motorcycle design: from the grunge aesthetic, in which motorcycles have been stripped of their traditional trappings, to designs which both restate and update ideas from past decades.

********************

About the Orlando Museum of Art
Nestled in beautiful Orlando Loch Haven Park, the Orlando Museum of Art is a private, non-profit institution, dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Florida by providing excellence in the visual arts. Founded in 1924, the OMA has grown from a small arts center into a nationally accredited and recognized museum. As one of Florida’s cultural gems, the OMA is home to permanent collections of American art, African art and art of the ancient Americas, and presents a variety of temporary exhibitions of the highest artistic merit.

********************

General Information
For further information, call (407) 896-4231 or visit the OMA’s web site at www.OMArt.org. The OMA is located just one hour southwest from Daytona Beach along the I-4 corridor (exit #85) in picturesque Orlando Loch Haven Park at 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL.

********************

The Art of the Motorcycle is presented by the Orlando Museum of Art. It is based on the landmark exhibition first presented at the Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 1998. The Art of the Motorcycle is a registered trademark of The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and is used by express license.

From a press release issued by SPEED Channel:

SPEED Channel opens 2 Wheel Tuesday season with Tommy Hayden in Greg’s Garage

Ben Bostrom, Jason Pridmore also on february guest list

SPEED Channel’s motorcycle lifestyle program, 2 Wheel Tuesday, begins its new season Feb. 1 with host Greg White inviting some of the biggest names in motorcycling into his garage. Kawasaki factory rider Tommy Hayden, the 2004 AMA Supersport Champion will be the show’s first guest of the season.

“After going flat out for two seasons, 52 shows a year, SPEED decided to give us a little vacation,” White said. “That break allowed us to run some of our favorite stuff from 2004 over the last couple of weeks. But now it is time to get back to it!

“I am very excited about 2005,” White added. “We are heading into our third season and will do our 100th show this year. We will have the best guests the industry has to offer and continue our thorough coverage of the people and places of motorcycling. The cool thing is SPEED is behind us 100 percent. While other networks dabble in the ‘motorcycle lifestyle show’ area, only SPEED has shown the dedication and commitment to devote a Prime Time slot to a weekly one-hour program. Group American Thunder and Corbin’s Ride On with 2 Wheel Tuesday and you’ve got an impressive array of motorcycle programming. 2005 is going to be one to watch, and — you know what I am going to say — only on SPEED!”

In addition to Hayden, 2 Wheel Tuesday viewers will see White ride Hayden’s 2004 Championship Kawasaki during a media event. White also will report on the AMA Daytona Tire Test along with racers comments and reactions to the new track configuration.

“On the Feb.1 show, 2 Wheel Tuesday will include a segment from the Motorcycle Industry Council (M.I.C.) Symposium talking about growth in the U.S. motorcycle marketplace,” said Dan Parisi, SPEED Channel Sr. Associate Producer. “They will talk about how the industry has exploded in recent years with the introduction of new manufacturers, and what they expect in the near future.”

2 Wheel Tuesday guest schedule for February:

Feb. 8 — Ben Bostrom: Bostrom will stop by Greg’s Garage to talk about his plans for ’05. SPEED Channel will be his last stop in the U.S. before moving to Europe for the ’05 season, where he will be competing in the World Superbike Championship with the Renegade Honda Team.

Feb. 22 — Jason Pridmore: Pridmore, co-owner of Star School — a premiere motorcycle riding school — will talk about his plans for ’05, including his new role with Michael Jordan Motorsports.

SPEED Channel is the nation’s first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED Channel delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 68 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

CLASSES SET FOR MOTOGP/AMA SUPERBIKE WEEKEND AT LAGUNA SECA

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 27, 2005) – Racing fans should be certain to circle the July 8-10 weekend on their calendars. Those dates will mark one of the biggest events ever in the history of motorcycle racing in America when the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship
(MotoGP) and the AMA Superbike Championship combine to make a spectacular weekend of racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.

The event, formally named the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, will bring Motorcycle Grand Prix back to the United States for the first time since 1994. In addition three classes of the AMA Superbike Championship will run in conjunction with MotoGP. The event promises to be the biggest weekend of motorcycle racing in America and is expected to attract over 100,000 fans. A round of the AMA Superbike Championship, the AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei and the Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series will run in support of MotoGP.

“We are excited about the combined MotoGP/AMA Superbike weekend at Laguna Seca,” said Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing’s CEO. “Bringing the premier world road racing series and the foremost national series in the world together for one magnificent weekend of racing is something AMA Pro Racing is proud to be a part of. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is an outstanding racing venue in one of the most beautiful regions of America and we’re certain the race will bring in thousands of visitors making it beneficial for the Monterey area.”

American fans will get their first opportunity to watch six-time world champion Valentino Rossi, considered to be one of the preeminent motorcycle racers of all time. In addition it will mark the return of three of American motorcycling’s favorite sons in Kenny Roberts Jr., John Hopkins and Colin Edwards, all established stars of the MotoGP circuit.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has gone through a large number of improvements since the last time the track hosted the U.S.G.P. in 1994. Highlighting the changes is a state-of-the-art paddock/garage area. Earlier this year Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA funded a number of track safety improvements.

The AMA Superbike Championship is kicking off its 30th season this year. Early superbike races held at Laguna Seca in the mid-1970s helped launch the American-born series. Superbike racing spread rapidly throughout the rest of the world and is now the predominant national series in countries around the globe. Aussie Mat Mladin is the defending AMA Championship. The Suzuki veteran is shooting to extend his record number of AMA Superbike Championships to six in 2005.

The AMA Pro Honda Supersport and Repsol Lubricants Superstock races could provide fans at Laguna Seca with some of the closest racing of the weekend. Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden is the defending Supersport champ and Aaron Gobert of Graves Yamaha is the No. 1 rider in AMA Superstock.

Tickets for the 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix are on sale now on the Laguna Seca website www.laguna-seca.com or by calling 1-800-327-SECA or (831) 648-5100.

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