From a press release issued by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca:

Following is a statement from Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, on the decision not to hold a race on Sept. 9-11, 2005.

“We took a long, hard look at our Sept. 9-11 race weekend, but decided to stay with a four-race season. At this time, we prefer to focus our energies and resources to ensure the success of our four major events. We are interested in opening discussions with AMA for a stand-alone AMA race weekend beginning in 2006.”


More, from another press release issued by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca:

2005 SCHEDULE FINALIZED FOR MAZDA RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA

Premier North American and World Championship Road Races Featured in Historic Track’s 49th Season

MONTEREY, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2005) – With a season that is book-ended by North America’s two premier professional sports car series, and also featuring the highly anticipated return of the motorcycle Grand Prix world championship and the 32nd running of North America’s most prestigious historic car race, the 2005 season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca promises to be among the most memorable in the 49-year history of the world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course.

The season-opening U.S. Sports Car Invitational April 29-May 1 is headlined by the first-ever appearance in Northern California for the Daytona Prototypes and GT cars of the rapidly-growing Grand American Road Racing Association’s Rolex Sports Car Series. The Daytona Prototypes and GT cars, will do battle in a 250-mile race (with a two-hour, 30-minute time limit) on Sunday, May 1. The Rolex Sports Car Series will be joined by the Grand-Am Cup for high-performance sports cars, along with additional support races to be announced soon.

Following a nine-week break to complete track improvements begun in the off season, the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 8-10 will have the eyes of the world focused on the Monterey Peninsula when the MotoGP World Championship returns to the USA and Laguna Seca for the first time since1994. Support races for the event include the American Motorcycle Association’s (AMA) Superbike Championship, Repsol Superstock Series and Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship Presented by Shoei, as well as the Superstars of Super Karts featuring some of the best Super Kart racers in the world competing against motorcycle racing legends including Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson.

On August 19-21, the hills around Monterey will once again echo with the sounds of racing cars from a bygone era with the running of the premier historic automobile event in North America – the 32nd Annual Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler. This year’s featured marque is Chaparral, part of an overall tribute to “Great American Specials” that is paying homage to American ingenuity in the early days of big-time motor racing.

The Monterey Sports Car Championships Oct. 14-16 provides a dramatic conclusion to the 2005 season with a Saturday afternoon-into-evening four-hour race featuring the season finale for the prestigious American Le Mans Series. The series features Le Mans prototypes and GT cars, many of which compete in the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The weekend schedule also includes the SPEED World Challenge GT and Touring Car Championships and he Star Mazda Series.

“This could be the biggest season ever for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “The addition of the Rolex Sports Car Series for our season-opener and the return of MotoGP to the USA, combined with our already successful Rolex Monterey Historics and the American Le Mans Series season finale, will see us welcoming many new and returning fans to Monterey Peninsula.

Tickets for all four events are on sale now. Fans can call (800) 327-SECA during normal business hour or log onto www.laguna-seca.com or www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets or for additional information.


2005 Schedule of Events

April 29-May 1
U.S. Sports Car Invitational
Featuring Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series
(www.grandam.com)

July 8-10
Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix
Featuring the MotoGP World Championship and AMA Superbike Championship
(www.motogp.com)

Aug. 19-21
Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Chrysler
Featured Marque: Chaparral and tribute to other “Great American Specials”
(www.montereyhistoric.com)

Oct. 14-16
Monterey Sports Car Championships
Featuring American Le Mans Series
(www.americanlemans.com)

From a press release:

TrackAddix

4/9-10 Mid America Motorplex
5/2 Brainerd International Raceway
5/8 Heartland Park Topeka
5/30 Mid America Motorplex
6/9 Road America
6/27 Brainerd International Raceway
7/1 Mid America Motorplex
7/4 Mid America Motorplex
7/30-31 Heartland Park Topeka
8/22 Brainerd International Raceway
9/5 Heartland Park Topeka
9/12 Brainerd International Raceway
10/10 Mid America Motorplex
10/14 Mid America Motorplex

For additional info, call (888) 234-4740
www.TrackAddix.com

From a press release:

The staff and instructors of dP Safety School are conducting the sessions scheduled for 2005. We’ve named the school “Red Shift”. Red Shift is offering the same fine staff, program, instruction, courtesy, and amenities as dP Safety School has offered.

2005 Track Schedule

Red Shift formerly dP Safety School

2-25 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA

2-28 Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

3-28 Buttonwillow Raceway, Buttonwillow, CA

4-8 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA

5-27 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA

11-28 Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

Our new Website is under construction. If you would like to register for any of these dates or you need more information, please, send an e-mail to [email protected] and be sure to insert Red Shift in the subject line, or call 805-927-0400. When the website is completed you will be e-mailed the information to access the website.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Tim Bemisderfer married former race official Aimee Brothers January 20 in Winchester, Virginia, but this is not a typical wedding announcement.

Bemisderfer, a former lap record holder at Summit Point Raceway, is scheduled to receive a kidney transplant February 11 at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and the kidney will come from his new wife – who is a perfect blood match.

“Yeah, they told us to go play the lottery because that just doesn’t happen very often,” Aimee Bemisderfer told Roadracingworld.com Thursday.

In May 2004, Tim Bemisderfer was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) “the most common genetic, life threatening disease affecting more than 600,000 Americans and an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide,” according to the PKD Foundation.

In spite of his kidneys gradually shutting down to less than 10 percent functional capacity through the second half of 2004, Bemisderfer won a Formula USA National at his home track, Summit Point Raceway, in May and finished on the podium of the F-USA Thunderbike National in Homestead, Florida in October, before he started physically-draining dialysis treatments and other preparations for the transplant.

If Bemisderfer could not have found a friend or family member capable of and willing to donate a kidney to him, he would have been placed on a kidney transplant waiting list, where he could have stayed for up to five years, according to Aimee Bemisderfer.

Will Tim Bemisderfer race again? “That’s up to him,” said his new wife. “I’m sure when he feels like it he’s going to want to. Just because you have something happen in life doesn’t mean you stop living.”

From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia USA announces 2005 racing contingency program

Woodstock, GA – Aprilia USA is proud to announce the 2005 Aprilia Roadracing Club Championship Contingency Program. Enthusiasts racing select Aprilia RSV Mille, RSV Mille R, RSV R, RSVR Factory and Tuono Motorcycles can win up to a $10,000.00 contingency for taking the championship in select clubs.

Expert level club racers in AFM, CCS, CMRA, MRA, CRA, OMRRA, and WERA now have another incentive to race an Aprilia V-Twin motorcycle.

2005 Aprilia Contingency classes paid to the year-end champions of these club series and classes:

AFM
Open Twins 1st $10,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500

WSMC
BOTT Hvywt 1st $10,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500
Open Hvwt Novice 1st $2500 2nd $1500 3rd $750

OMRRA
Open Twins 1st $8,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500

MRA
Supertwins GTO 1st $8,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500
Amateur GTO 1st $2500 2nd $1500 3rd $750

CMRA
Hvy Twins Expert 1st $8,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500
Hvy Twins Novice 1st $2500 2nd $1500 3rd $750

CRA
SuperTwins Expert 1st $8,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500
SuperTwins Novice 1st $2500 2nd $1500 3rd $750

CCS
Race of Champions October 19-23, 2005
Exp. SuperTwins 1st $10,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500
Am. SupetTwins 1st $2500 2nd $1500 3rd $750

WERA GNF October 13-16, 2005
Hvywt Twins Superbike Exp 1st $10,000 2nd $2500 3rd $1500
Hvywt Twins Superbike Nov 1st $2500 2nd $1500 3rd $750

“The return to grassroots support and backing production racing is a key part of our 2005 plans,” says Aprilia USA General Manager Tom McDonald. “The club racer represents the heart of our company, and is certainly the best spokesman for the quality and design of our products. We know this program will encourages racers to consider an Aprilia for the 2005 racing
season.”

Technical details such as on-board lap-counters, adjustable shift lights, Brembo brakes with steel-braided lines, fully-adjustable suspension, rigid frame, included steering dampers, a slipper clutch and smooth power delivery make the RSV family of motorcycles the perfect trackside companion, and a fantastic value for the track enthusiast. The aftermarket has also stepped up in recent years to provide specific race parts for the RSV series from bodywork, to sprockets and performance parts, making the transition from street bike to race bike easier than ever.

An emphasis is placed on club champions from the top local and national club series. “The level of competition in the US club scene is always impressive,” says Michael Orr, Marketing Director for Aprilia USA. “For years racers have seen our bikes as the perfect tool for the track. Our motorcycles were born and developed from a tradition of competition, and we are happy to aid those who see the virtues of our motorcycles.”

In conjunction with the contingency program for 2005, is the Racer Purchase Program announced earlier this year. Racers purchasing new 2004 (incentive only on 2004 model RSVR and RSVR Factory) motorcycles save $4500 on RSV R and $6,000 off the MSRP of the Factory when the machine is prepped and raced in any club series. Combine this program with the 2005 contingency program, and the fastest racers will almost have a free motorcycle. Tuono models are excluded from this promotion.

Aprilia USA has bracketed the racing season with two of the most aggressive programs for European motorcycle products. Racing is in our DNA, and winning is our tradition.

For more information on either the Aprilia Racer Purchase Program or the 2005 Aprilia contingency program, download the information sheets from www.apriliausa.com, or email your request to [email protected]. Phone inquiries can be made to (770) 592-2261 x135.

For more information, consumers can visit Aprilia USA’s web site at www.apriliausa.com or phone toll free (877) APRILIA.

From a press release issued by Gordon Lunde of the Wegman Benefit Fund:

Corse Superbikes Wins Steel Shoe Fund Charity Ice Race

The Corse Superbikes team with riders Ben Carlson and Cole Walsdorf won the 11th Annual Steel Shoe Fund 3 hour endurance ice race on a beautiful sunny afternoon on Lake Koshkonong in Ft, Atkinson, WI. With temperatures in the upper 20s and no wind it was a perfect day for racing. A record 70 teams entered the event this year with riders coming from as far as South Carolina, New Hampshire and Colorado as well as many Midwestern states. The talent level rises every year for this benefit event for injured dirt track racers. Jeff Fredette who has competed in nearly all eleven events here was joined on the track by Scott Greenwood, Jeff Wood, Doug Henry, Ben Carlson, J.R. Schnabel, Jesse Janisch, Blake Young, and many more very talented racers.

Carlson and Walsdorf completed 48 laps of this 2.1 mile ice course in the 3 hour event with a mileage total of 100.8 miles. Their performance earned them 1st place in the Open class and the Overall victory. The team of JR Schnabel and Scott Schnabel from Bob’s H-D were the only other riders on the same lap as they took 2nd in the Open class and 2nd overall. Third place overall and first in Middleweight class went to FRP with riders Jeff Fredette, Eric Fredette and Tim Farrell. Team Brokenbod with riders Marc Ottenad and Eric Smulders won the Lightweight class and finished 9th overall.

Adam Hickman would have won the Ironman Award had there been one available since he ran the entire 3 hour event by himself finishing 2nd in Lightweight and 12th overall turning in 44 laps and 92.4 miles.

The Steel Shoe Fund would like to thank all of its sponsors for their support of this event, Tom and Leigh Ann Gimmer of Sunset Marina, Moose Racing Products, KTM, Janssen Racing, Southeast Sales, Suburban Harley-Davidson/Buell, Aztalan Cycle Club, Kettle Moraine Ambulance, LR Trophy and Pro Plates.

The Steel Shoe Fund is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation in business to assist seriously injured flat track racers who have been injured in a racing incident. The original 3 hour event in 1995 was held to assist a local racer, Steve Champine who was paralyzed in a hunting accident. Starting in 1996 the race was designated as a benefit for injured dirt trackers and originally administered as a branch of the Wegman Benefit Fund. Since 2003 the Steel Shoe Fund has been independently operated by Al and Judy Sumner the AMA District 16 Referee and Secretary/Treasurer. For more information about the Steel Shoe Fund please contact the Sumners at 262-754-0686 or [email protected].

Results

Overall:
Corse Superbikes – Ben Carlson, Cole Walsdorf (KTM)

Heavyweight
1. Corse Superbikes – Ben Carlson, Cole Walsdorf (KTM)
2. Bob’s H-D – JR Schnabel, Scott Schnabel (YAM)
3. Miscler’s H-D – Dan Mischler, Eric Mischler (HON)
4. Lemon Pie Productions – John Stewart, Ty Smulders (HON)
5. American Suzuki – Jesse Janisch, Blake Young (SUZ)

Middleweight
1. FRP – Eric Fredette, Tim Farrell, Jeff Fredette (KAW)
2. West Bend H-D – Jeremy DeRuyter, Brian Zurn (HON)
3. FHK Racing – Terry Hahn, Roy Nafzger (KAW)
4. MidCities Motorsports #29 – Scott Schneiberg, Tom Boerger (KAW)
5. Shogren Motorsports – Aaron Hodge, JimRicci, Jesse Posyzk (YAM)

Lightweight
1. Team Brokenbod – Marc Ottenad, Ed Smulders (HON)
2. Hickmann Racing – Adam Hickmann (SUZ)
3. Younger / Herman – Jim Younger, Tim Herman (YAM)
4. 3 Stooges Racing – Mark Harrell, Curt Stappert, Dave Hazel
(HON)
5. Team SAB – Mike Knabel, Ctaig Knabel (KTM)

From a press release:

MOTOCORSA and JMAracing are proud to announce their 2005 trackday and instruction schedule. This year, we will again be utilizing the excellent facilities at Portland International Raceway.

Monday April 18th
Monday May 16th
Monday July 18th
Monday August 1st
Monday September 19th
Monday October 3rd

For more information go to www.motocorsa.com.

From a press release:

BARFracing signs with 2003 AFM Top Novice Felipe Cabezas for 2005 and adds MotogearUsa and BRG Racing to Team sponsors.

BARFracing is proud to add Felipe Cabezas to the BARFracing Team. Felipe was the Top Novice in the AFM in 2003. In 2004 he challenged and won in the Formula IV class and was a top player in the 650 Twins class as well. Felipe will no doubt bring podiums in 2005 and is energized to make a run at a Top Ten plate. This will bring BARFracing Team to three full time racers with Michael “Mikey” Judkins and Calvin Reuter continuing with the Team.

MotogearUSA has also signed to provide the team with leathers for 2005 and beyond. Motogearusa is San Francisco Bay Area’s most inspirational and innovative riding apparel company. They specialize in designing and manufacturing quality leather and textile apparel for all of your moto-sport needs. Their goal is to provide the highest quality products at most reasonable prices. They strive hard to offer the end user a product that will be attractive, durable and ergonomic.

BRG Racing has also signed to become a Team sponsor and will provide motor, tuning and suspension services both through their shop and at the track. The well known performance shop will give the Team the professional support to make a larger impact in the AFM racing series.

From a press release:

AiM Sports, LLC Looking Forward to Greater Success in 2005

(Lake Elsinore, CA ­ 26-Jan-2005) AiM Sports, LLC is still in business.

Some confusion has arisen due to a recent news item about a business called “Aim Racing Products” from Lynnwood, WA that is going out of business. This business has no connection to AiM Sports, LLC, makers of the MyChron3, MXL and TG lines of digital displays, timers and data loggers.

AiM Sports, LLC, with locations in Lake Elsinore, CA and Roanoke, VA, is still in business and expects to continue as a leading provider of electronic instrumentation to the performance motor sports industry.

“2004 was a very successful year for AiM Sports and we are looking forward to continuing our growth in 2005. We’ve recently introduced the compact MyChron TG Log data logger, as well as the advanced DaVid video and data logging system,” said Michael Jaynes, President of AiM Sports. “These products are perfect examples of AiM’s commitment to innovation and to delivering products that fit our customers’ needs.”

As a further indication of our commitment to our customers, AiM Sports customers can look forward to a new and improved website going live this week at www.aimsports.com.

From a press release:

AMA Flat Track Multi-Time Champion Chris Carr Set To Appear At Chicago Stop Of The 2005 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® Presented By Toyota

Carr will hang out with fans and sign autographs on Friday and Saturday at Chicago’s Donald Stephen’s Convention Center

Santa Ana, CA – Advanstar Powersports Group announced today that six-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr will attend the Chicago round of the 2005 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows, presented by Toyota.

Carr, the most winning active racer on the AMA Flat Track Championship series, is already a legend in the sport and a highly popular figure in the Illinois flat track racing scene. No less than five different venues host AMA flat track events in the State of Illinois, including Route 66 Raceway (Joliet), Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield), Tri-City Speedway (Granite City), Peoria – home of the legendary “Peoria TT,” and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds (DuQuoin).

“The great State of Illinois is the epicenter for the AMA Flat Track Championships,” said Advanstar’s Director of Business Development, Mike Kidd – himself a former AMA Grand National Champion. “Chris Carr is very well known throughout this part of the country and the Chicago IMS will give his legion of fans an opportunity to meet with Chris, get an autograph and talk about the upcoming AMA flat track season.”

The 2003 Speed Channel Athlete of the Year and nominee for the 2002 AMA Athlete of the Year and “Cycle News” Rider of the Year, the Ford Quality Checked/Lancaster Harley Davison-sponsored Carr was excited about the opportunity to be part of the Chicago IMS and looking forward to meeting with his fans from the Midwest.

“The sport of flat track racing is huge in Illinois and the Ford Quality Checked team has an outstanding fan base here in the Chicago area and around the rest of the state,” said Carr. “I’m looking forward to meeting with the fans and spending some time talking racing. The Chicago IMS will provide and excellent forum for this, especially considering I don’t have a race to run. Just kick back, sign some autographs, take some pictures and hang with the fans. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Carr will make several apperances Friday, February 11th, from 4pm-9pm, Saturday, February 12th, from 9am-9pm and Sunday, February 13th 9:30am-6:00pm.

Traveling to 12 major cities across the country, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks is an unparalleled opportunity for bike buffs along with casual enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge of powersports vehicles, products, and services. Expected to be among the 2004 line-up include BMW, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husquvarna, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. Representatives from local dealerships will be available to answer questions and help enthusiasts determine the perfect ride for their size and experience level.

Show attendees looking for in-depth information on motorcycle parts and accessories can visit expert staff in “The Factory,” a showcase of the latest aftermarket products and essential riding gear where motorheads can compare and discuss everything from performance parts to the latest communications hardware with manufacturer representatives. We are pleased to have the following companies participating in the Factory: Arai Helmets, Autocom, Avon Tyres, Baehr, Bell Powersports, Bub Enterprises, Chatterbox!, Cobra, Dowco, Dunlop, European Motorcycle Accessories, HJC, K&N, Kendon, Metzeler, Odyssey, Ozbike, Pirelli, Pro Circuit, Progressive Suspension, Repsol, River Road, Saddlemen, Shoei, T-Bags, Tomahawk, Travelcade, Troy Lee Designs, Tucker Rocky and Ventura.

Progressive Insurance has recently signed on as official product sponsor of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks. Progressive’s sponsorship includes the Series’ new web based e-ticketing program where attendees can purchase tickets on the web site, print them from home and avoid waiting in line at the show. This gives enthusiasts and families less wait-time and more time to enjoy the show. Visit: www.motorcycleshows.com to purchase your e-tickets and skip the lines.

The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks kicked off in San Francisco, with later stops including Dallas, Southern California, Seattle and Denver. The show will continue with stops in Washington D.C, New York, Ohio, Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit.

Tickets are available in advance at www.motorcycleshows.com and on-site at the box office. Members of the American Motorcyclist Association who show their membership cards when purchasing tickets at the box office on-site are eligible for a $1 rebate coupon redeemable at the AMA booth inside the show. Discount coupons are also available at participating local dealers. Visit www.motorcycleshows.com for a complete list of participating dealerships. Only one discount will be granted per ticket; no discount offers may be combined.