From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

Team SUZUKI MotoGP Hungry for Sepang Test

Team SUZUKI MotoGP riders Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins are fired up for the initial test of 2005 at Sepang in Malaysia, where they will have their first chance to ride the latest version of the Suzuki GSV-R.

Former Champion Roberts Jr and MotoGP’s hottest young prospect Hopper desperately want to get back onboard the Suzuki GSV-R and put the latest engine and chassis developments through their paces. Race technicians at Suzuki’s headquarters in Hammamatsu, Japan, have been working hard during the closed season to advance the improvements that the Bridgestone shod 990cc V4 GSV-R showed throughout last year.

The Sepang International Circuit is an ideal testing ground for the Suzuki. The 5.5km track consists of numerous medium to fast corners and four slow turns that follow full throttle straights, as well as the spectacularly smooth and sweeping chicane, capable of being negotiated at speeds in excess of 200km/h. This demanding and fast circuit will give the riders and technicians plenty of chances to push the developing GSV-R to its limits.

This will be the first time Roberts Jr and Hopper will work with new team manager Paul Denning, who takes over at the helm of the MotoGP team after winning the British Superbike Championship with Rizla Suzuki in 2004. Also joining the team at Sepang is the vastly experienced Tom O’Kane, Roberts Jr’s new chief technician.

The Sepang test runs from January 21st-24th and is the first in a gruelling schedule for Team SUZUKI MotoGP before the racing starts at Jerez in Spain on April 10th. The pre-season testing programme will return to Sepang in February before going on to Phillip Island in Australia and then more tests in Europe.

Kenny Roberts Jr
“I’m really looking forward to Sepang, it will be great to see what the guys in Japan have got for us. I’ve been working hard all through the winter break to get ready, my elbow feels 100 per cent and now my focus is totally on the first test.”

John Hopkins
“I just want to get out there and ride. I’m excited about the new season and what Suzuki can achieve. I know I am as good as the other riders but I need to prove it and the first test is a good place to start.”

Paul Denning – Team Manager
“Sepang is very important for us as it will be the first time the new team will get together. I have been in close contact with the riders and other team crew throughout the last few months and look forward to seeing everyone together and forming a strong working relationship. We are under no illusions as to the effort required to get Suzuki challenging for the top positions, but the news from Japan on the GSV-R’s development is very encouraging and we are keen to start work.”

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Garry McCoy is hoping to be fully fit in time for the official Superbike World Championship test in Qatar next month.

He has been training on a flat dirt track at his parents’ Brisbane home and has felt no side-effects from the surgery he underwent in Austria to pin his heel back together.

He said: “If someone didn’t know I would say that they wouldn’t be able to notice any limp now. I started to do a few jumps at the weekend, but nothing too much yet. And I have been out on my jet-skis and that was also fine. I wasn’t intending to go on the ‘stand-up’ but I did and it felt all right so I stayed on for a bit longer. It’s certainly better to be hanging onto handlebars rather than crutches and I’m definitely looking forward to getting the out on track on the FP1. And it’s good that the first race and test are at Qatar, where none of the other riders have been to.”

Garry has also been teaching partner Gemma how to ride a 125cc motocross bike. “I’m already as fast as Garry,” she revealed!

From a press release issued by SMRI:

Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Inc. (SMRI) enters its fifth season of New Mexico’s only AMA sanctioned road racing at Sandia Motor Speedway (www.sandiamotorsports.com), Albuquerque, New Mexico and La Junta Raceway located in La Junta, Colorado. This season’s schedule includes seven race/practice weekends, two supermoto schools, and four Sunday street rider track days. Check out our website, www.smri-racing.org, for more info on riders schools, supermoto race schedules, and current information. Also come see us at the Supernational Car Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico January 28, 29, 30.

Race Schedule:
April 16-17 Sandia Motor Speedway (SMS)
May 21-22 SMS
June 18-19 SMS
July 23-24 SMS
August 20-21 La Junta Raceway, Colorado
September 10-11 SMS
October 22-23 SMS

Supermoto Schools:
February 13 SMS
March 6 SMS

Sunday Track days:
April 3 SMS
June 5 SMS
August 7 SMS
October 30 SMS

Website: smri-racing.org
Mailing address: Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Inc.
PO Box 11806
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192
Phone/FAX: 505-275-5978

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM MEETS THE PRESS ON THE SNOWS OF MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

Wrooom 2005, Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), 19 January : Skiing and snowboarding gave way to a more formal moment for the MotoGP riders and journalists today at the Wrooom 2005 international media event. Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali and Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa met the press for the first time to chat about the start of the 2005 season, the team’s programmes and illustrate the technical details of the Desmosedici GP5.

“We were guided by a new philosophy during the design and the construction of the bike that we will be racing this year: in comparison to the GP4, the GP5 is an evolution not a revolution” declared Claudio Domenicali. “For example, the latest technical solutions we tested at Valencia last November, which are still being developed, do not completely change the handling of the bike, in particular in view of the most important change that has been made: the tyres. Bridgestone for us will be an important partner, one with whom we have immediately established an excellent rapport”.

The meeting also offered Domenicali the opportunity to announce an important project, details of which for the moment are still being defined: the Tyre Test Team, which will be set up in collaboration with the Japanese tyre manufacturer. This project, which has come about due to the two companies’ joint commitment to specifically develop tyres, will see Japanese rider Shinichi Itoh become official test-rider and will involve a group of dedicated technicians, including a Ducati Corse engineer.

Loris Capirossi is ready to tackle his third season with the Borgo Panigale team with renewed enthusiasm, as emerged clearly from his declarations.

“Moving to Ducati in 2003 was very important for me: I am proud to form a part of this family, in which I have found a group of competent and passionate people” said Loris. “The first year was fantastic, but the following year, on the other hand, saw us in a bit of difficulty at the start. The company reacted well, remained united and we worked hard until we found the equilibrium we were looking for. I am pleased with the Bridgestone tyres and in particular with the front, which adapts well to my riding style. It’s too early to make any forecasts, but for the moment I can say that I am happy and sure that we will soon be competitive”.

Carlos Checa admitted that he had a ‘soft spot’ for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. After a first approach between the two parties two years ago, the Spanish rider can now finally wear the colours of the Ducati Marlboro Team. Immediately right on the pace with the Desmosedici, Carlos has established a good rapport with his new team and is ready to develop the new GP5 machine.

“I have always been attracted by Ducati and I am delighted to be a part of them now” declared a smiling Checa. “I already found a good feeling with the team and the new bike during the first tests we made in Spain. Of course, it’s far too early to say what will happen: for the moment there is a lot of work to do, but I am very motivated and ready for the challenge”.

From a press release issued by Michelin North America:

JENSEN BREAKS JENNINGSGP TRACK RECORD ON NEW MICHELIN® DOT RACE TIRES

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Riding a 2005 Yamaha R1 on Michelin® Power Race DOT development tires, Butler Machinery’s Robert Jensen set a new track record of 1:15.51 at the JenningsGP circuit in Jennings, Fla., Jan. 9, 2005.

Jensen’s lap was 0.3 second under the former record, set by Chuck Sorensen on an Aprilia 250 GP bike, and 0.7 second faster than any previous lap by a production-based bike at the track.

The Michelin® Power Race, which was officially unveiled today at a worldwide press launch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, makes extensive use of technology developed by Michelin in MotoGP competition, where Michelin has won all three world championships contested so far, following ten consecutive titles in the 500cc World Championship, MotoGP’s predecessor.

Jensen’s sponsors include Michelin, Yamaha, Butler Machinery, Thermosman Suspension, RS Taichi, Arai, Spiegler Brake Systems, Hindle Exhaust, Motul, Sidi and Lithium Motorsports.

The world’s largest tire maker, Michelin (www.michelinman.com) manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 23,000 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.

From a press release:

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School has designed a special program for road racing school instructors and track day coaches.

For those instructors who would like to improve their overall skills by learning to dirt track, motocross, and cross train at the 10 acre Mystery School training site, Rich Oliver has designed a special two day course that will round out each instructor’s riding skills and vastly improve their teaching abilities.

Similar to the standard Two Day Fun Camp offered to the general public, the Instructor Courses add special components with an increased intensity that will download a wealth of knowledge and bike control to each instructor.

Special pricing is available for each official school instructor to help them gain the opportunity to learn these new skills from 5 time AMA 250 Grand Prix Champion Rich Oliver.

Rich comments further, “I feel it’s important to help my fellow track day coach’s and race school instructors pass on as much information to their students as possible. I’ve coached other instructors from all over the US and Canada, from many of the well known race schools, and even from law enforcement, so I know each one has gone home excited and motivated to apply what they learned here to their coaching, the end result being better instruction for each of their students.”

For more information about the Instructor Program, just contact the Mystery School for dates, pricing and qualification information:

Phone: 559-855-3089
Website: www.richoliver.net
E-Mail: [email protected]

From a press release issued by Team Sheriff Racing:

2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show; January 7-16, 2005; Los Angeles, CA

Following tradition, Team Sheriff Racing started off 2005 by displaying at the Greater LA Auto Show. Thanks to show officials, we received a larger booth to accommodate the debut of our new Ambulance / Race Support Vehicle.

The Motorcycle Division showcased our display with both the new Ambulance and the CBR600RR winning approval from the crowds, especially the children.

The LA Auto Show, one of the largest auto shows in the US, showcases the latest models from all of the major automotive manufacturers. The show lasts nine days, including two weekends.

In addition, the show hosts a very large display of aftermarket manufacturers.

Attendance this year was high, with crowds pushing beyond the 1 million mark.

The show also hosted several celebrities, with the CBR catching the eyes of one famous motor cop; Mr. Erik Estrada from “ChiPs” infamy

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.


According to Keith Landis, there will be an AMA Pro Marshal Daytona tune-up program held at Reading M/C AMA #4, in Oley, Pennsylvania, January 22.

Participants in the educational program will include Egor Emery, AMA Pro Racing’s Hugh Fleming and the PA Posse.

For more information, contact Landis at (610) 683-6049 or at [email protected].

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Pirelli racing tire distributor in the Southwest U.S. prior to December, 2004 was Jerry Jirkovsky’s California Race Services, based in Huntington Beach, California.

The Pirelli racing tire distributor in the Southwest U.S. is now Tom Jirkovsky’s Wheel Two Wheeel Support, Inc., based in Frazier Park, California.

Prior to the change, Tom Jirkovsky worked with his older brother Jerry at California Race Services.

Jerry Jirkovsky is bitter over the split, and at least partially blames his brother Tom for the financial problems and unpaid tire bills that led to his company losing its Pirelli distributorship. Jerry Jirkovsky sees a conspiracy involving his brother and Pirelli management behind his problems, but is continuing in the race tire distribution business, concentrating on Bridgestone tires.

Tom Jirkovsky says whatever business difficulties California Race Services encountered were the solely the fault of the man in charge, namely, Jerry.

Whatever happened, it’s a pretty safe bet that holiday gatherings at the Jirkovsky household will never be the same…

Jerry Jirkovsky can be reached at (714) 642-2252.

Tom Jirkovsky can be reached at (661) 248-6869 or at (661) 378-1532.

From a press release issued by Lockhart-Phillips USA:

Lockhart Phillips USA Announces Team Privateer Rider of the Year

Lockhart Phillips USA has awarded CCS Great Plains and Midwest champion Greg “Stumpy” Steltenpohl its 2004 Team Privateer Rider of the Year honors.

The Team Privateer program—which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2004—sponsors one out of four road racers in the United States and is open to all licensed racers. The Team Privateer Rider of the Year award was established to recognize the Team Privateer racer who best exemplifies the hard work, dedication and personal sacrifice necessary to achieve racing success without direct factory support.

Steltenpohl, a rookie racer from Marquette, Michigan, is a true, grass roots privateer racer. The 28-year-old graphics designer spent his first season of road racing driving more than 10,000 miles back and forth to Blackhawk Farms Raceway for 13 race meets. With his wife, Heather, spinning the wrenches, Steltenpohl took his Honda CBR600RR to the CCS Great Plains/Midwest overall title and handily won Blackhawk’s Track Championship with 17 top-five finishes in 18 class championships in CCS and WERA competition.

For his efforts, Steltenpohl was presented with a $2,000 check from Lockhart Phillips USA at the recent CCS Midwest series awards banquet.

“When they called me to the podium, I was in complete shock,” said Steltenpohl. “To be chosen as Rider of the Year above all the other privateers in the country is an unbelievable honor. I’d like to thank Lockhart Phillips USA. It’s a great company that gets behind racers early in their career to help them see their dreams come true.”

After the votes were tallied, Lockhart Phillips USA president Wendell Phillips remarked, “I’m extremely impressed with Steltenpohl’s rookie effort and happy to offer support to riders like him and the rest of our Team Privateer participants.”

For more information on Lockhart Phillips USA and the Team Privateer program, visit us on the web at www.PhillipsMotorsportGroup.com or www.TeamPrivateer.com