Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

American Honda’s Ben Bostrom took the win in the red-flag-interrupted AMA Formula Xtreme race Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

It was Bostrom’s first AMA road race win since 1999, when he won his one and only AMA Superbike race at Brainerd.

Championship leader Miguel Duhamel finished second, 1.1 seconds back, but more importantly 4.2 seconds in front of title contender Jake Zemke.

Zemke was leading the first portion of the FX race by a large margin when his Erion Honda CBR600RR started smoking badly, forcing him to pull off the track.

The race was stopped to inspect the surface for oil, allowing Zemke’s crew to make repairs and allowing Zemke to make the restart.

Zemke took the restart from the last row of the grid and worked his way back up to third in the remaining nine laps.

The red flag break also benefitted Duhamel, who encountered a shifter problem in the first segment of the race. Duhamel had nothing for Bostrom and no reason to push and try to beat the class wild card.

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Race Results:

1. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 17 laps
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, -1.106 seconds
3. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, -5.327 seconds
4. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, -8.285 seconds
5. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, -8.334 seconds
6. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, -11.016 seconds
7. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, -18.793 seconds
8. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, -24.723 seconds
9. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, -25.304 seconds
10. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, -33.428 seconds
11. Ty Howard, Yamaha YZF-R6, -33.649 seconds
12. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, -34.412 seconds
13. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, -34.738 seconds
14. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, -34.947 seconds
15. Tom Montano, Honda CBR600RR, -44.880 seconds
16. Oliver Jervis, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, -48.276 seconds
17. Darin Eli Edwards, Suzuki GSX-R600, -48.749 seconds
18. Mickey Lane, Yamaha YZF-R6, -52.725 seconds
19. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki GSX-R600, -53.554 seconds
20. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, -56.978 seconds
21. Chad Rolland, Yamaha YZF-R6, -63.276 seconds
22. Chris Siebenhaar, Honda CBR600RR, -68.399 seconds
23. Lance Williams, Yamaha YZF-R6, -72.215 seconds
24. Tim Knutson, Yamaha YZF-R6, -77.621 seconds
25. Mike Krynock, Ducati 749R, -86.840 seconds
26. Kenan Rappuchi, Yamaha YZF-R6, -87.068 seconds
27. Brian Bartlow, Honda CBR600RR, -1 lap
28. Hector Romero, Honda CBR600RR, -1 lap
29. David Lambert, Suzuki GSX-R600, -8 laps, DNF
30. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha YZF-R6, -11 laps, DNF, crash
31. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, -16 laps, DNF
32. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, DNS

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Point Standings:

1. Duhamel, 282 points
2. Zemke, 265 points
3. Gobert, 220 points
4. Haskovec, 188 points
5. Pegram, 162 points
6. Pridmore, 130 points
7. Hester, 129 points
8. Small, 125 points
9. Eslick, 123 points
10. Jake Holden, 121 points


More, from a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:

HASKOVEC FIFTH IN LAGUNA SECA FORMULA XTREME

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki fought through a trying day at Laguna Seca on Saturday. Even a top-five race result picked up in the afternoon left the team wanting for more.

Not having the opportunity to test at the 2.2-mile circuit prior to the weekend due to a disagreement between the tire manufacturers made things difficult to begin with — a situation further magnified by the very limited amount of track time available during the combined AMA/World Superbike weekend.

Despite the disadvantage, Vincent Haskovec put himself in position to claim a podium finish in the Formula Xtreme race. Haskovec was third and charging on a rider with machine difficulties. Unfortunately, a questionable red flag stopped the contest and a lengthy stoppage followed, allowing two factory frontrunners who were facing mechanical problems to reenter the fray after getting their machines fixed and mounting tires better suited for the shortened 9-lap dash to the flag.

The Czech Republic native didn’t have any softer tires to switch to for the restart but fought valiantly to finish fifth.

“I really feel I was robbed of a podium,” said Haskovec. “I thought I was going to get second place — third place at the worst. I do not agree with the rule that says teams can work on the bikes during a red flag. My guys worked really hard all weekend since we weren’t allowed to test here, and I was riding like a maniac to get where I was in the first part of the race. I don’t feel it was fair. I think that if it isn’t safe for us to race, we should park the bikes until it is, then restart the race when it is safe. Also, it isn’t fair to the privateers, who need to buy extra wheels and tires in these type of situations.”

Crew Chief Keith Perry was also disappointed with the situation. “The Formula Xtreme race was personally frustrating. It’s hard to describe. The race left a bad taste in my mouth the way everything happened. Still, the Michelins worked great and we barely missed out on fourth. We need just a little more acceleration, and if we can find that, we have a package that can compete at the front.”

The day’s Superstock race was also disappointing with an unusual conclusion. Haskovec and teammate Steve Rapp battled side-grip issues throughout the entire 60K affair, but rode well enough to battle over a top ten position.

Rapp crossed the line to start the final lap in tenth, but slowed when he mistook the white flag for the checkered flag. Haskovec went by, but was unable to claim a top-ten result himself, lacking sufficient traction to hold off another rider for the spot.

Haskovec finished eleventh with Rapp once spot further back in twelfth.

A discouraged Rapp commented, “When Vincent went by, I thought he was still riding hard because he was upset. Then another rider went by too, and I figured out what was going on. I was having such a hard time riding the bike I made the mistake. I just saw a flag waving. That’s the first time I’ve ever done that in all my years of racing.”

Team Crew Chief Keith Perry remarked, “In Superstock we really suffered not being here since last year. We’ve had very little track time this weekend. Mechanical problems, a crash, and an abbreviated schedule have all made the weekend a difficult one for us. I feel like we missed out by a least one more session, and we got what we got. Everyone tried really hard, and I can’t fault that.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki still has one more event left on the weekend — Sunday’s 17-lap Supersport race. Chris Peris continued to show improvement on his GSX-R600 as he picked up the nuances of the Northern California track; the Canadian finished Saturday’s only Supersport session in ninth at 1:30.617. Rapp was just behind in tenth at 1:30.809.


More, from a press release issued by Proforma:

PRIDMORE HAS GOOD WEEKEND AT LAGUNA SECA

Jason Pridmore and his STAR Motorcycle School crew had a good weekend at round eight of the Chevrolet Superbike Series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca compared to the last two rounds. Both of Jason’s races fell on Saturday, which allowed Jason to be the television color commentator for both World Superbike races on Sunday.

Saturday’s Repsol Superstock Final – 8th Place
Jason qualified ninth and finished eighth in the Superstock final, after getting very little track time on his GSX-R1000. “Our A bike wouldn’t start this morning,” said Pridmore. “I did four laps on the B bike before I realized that the shock was seized, so we came in and it was done. I got one lap on the A bike after they fixed it, that’s when the session got red-flagged. My crew swapped everything, right there on pit road, forks, shock, everything, trying to get ready before they went green again. But then they cancelled the rest of the session. The race didn’t go so bad, we were just short on set-up and did the best we could.”

Saturday’s Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Final – 7th Place Jason finished seventh in the Formula Xtreme final, after a race-long battle with Doug Chandler, Alex Gobert and Vincent Haskovec in both segements of the red-flagged event. “I got good starts,” said Jason. “I was holding off Chandler. Personally, I don’t feel there was any need for a red flag. I’ve seen a lot worse situations on the track than what there was out there for them to red flag it. No excuses, I finished seventh in the second leg. This weekend we got two finishes, my guys did an awesome job, just trying to finish the year.”

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

2004-2005 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series Schedule Announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing and Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division today announced the 2004-2005 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series schedules. The 2005 THQ AMA Supercross Series returns to two former supercross markets in Orlando and Seattle.

The last THQ AMA Supercross Series race in Orlando was March 29, 1997 where Ezra Lusk won the 250cc main event and Kawasaki’s Ricky Carmichael won the 125cc main event at the Citrus Bowl.

Seattle also offers some interesting history which spans back to the 1970’s. The last THQ AMA Supercross Series race in Seattle was January 30, 1999 where Larry Ward (Suzuki) won the 250cc main event and Nathan Ramsey (Kawasaki) won the 125cc main event in front of a near sell-out crowd of 60,193. Arguably one of the greatest 250cc main events in supercross history was at the Seattle Kingdome in 1996 where Jeremy McGrath edged out a hard charging Damon Huffman in a battle that went start to finish.

Seattle’s Qwest Field is the home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and sits on the same grounds as the historic Seattle Kingdome.

Along with the addition of Orlando and Seattle, the international venues will be announced shortly.

2004-2005 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series Schedule
Date – Location – Venue
Dec 4 – THQ World Supercross GP – TBA
Dec 11 – THQ World Supercross GP – TBA
Jan 8 – Anaheim, Calif. – Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Jan 15 – Phoenix – Bank One Ballpark
Jan 22 – Anaheim, Calif. – Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Jan 29 – San Francisco – SBC Park
Feb 5 – Anaheim, Calif. – Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Feb 12 – Indianapolis – RCA Dome
Feb 19 – San Diego – Qualcomm Stadium
Feb 26 – Atlanta – Georgia Dome
Mar 5 – St. Louis – Edward Jones Dome
Mar 12 – Daytona Beach, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway*
Mar 19 – Orlando – Citrus Bowl
Apr 2 – Irving, Texas – Texas Stadium
Apr 9 – Pontiac, Mich. – Silverdome
Apr 23 – Seattle – Qwest Field
Apr 30 – Houston – Reliant Stadium
May 7 – Las Vegas – Sam Boyd Stadium
*The Daytona supercross event is a non-Clear Channel promoted or produced race.

“We are excited to bring the most competitive supercross lineup to these markets,” said Todd Jendro, director of supercross, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “The addition of Seattle and Orlando, which were last on the schedule in the late ’90s, is a great for the fans, teams, sponsors, and everyone else in the motorcycle community and supercross industry.”
AMA Pro Racing Motocross/Supercross Series Manager Steve Whitelock shares that sentiment. “Seattle and Orlando both have a history of hosting outstanding AMA Supercross races. We’re pleased to be back in front of those great fans.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please log on to www.supercross.cc.com, www.ticketmaster.com and www.unlvtickets.com (Las Vegas only).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

DFXtreme Sterilgarda’s Steve Martin claimed the second Superpole of his season and of his career Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Martin did not use qualifying tires during Friday and Saturday timed qualifying, opting inside to work on bike set-up and race tire testing. But in the one-flying-lap Superpole session, the 36-year-old Australian put his Pirelli qualifier to good use, turning a 1:26.912 to top all others.

Fila Ducati’s James Toseland will start second in Sunday’s World Superbike races, after the 23-year-old Brit posted a 1:27.787 in Superpole on his gradually-improving 999F04.

His first time at Laguna Seca, Chris Vermeulen continued to impress, lapping at 1:26.987 on his Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR to earn the third grid spot.

Pierfrancesco Chili will start Sunday’s races from the fourth and final spot on the front row, but the veteran Italian, who led Saturday morning’s qualifying session, was not happy with how the Superpole session played out.

Renegade Ducati’s Noriyuki Haga, the second-to-last rider to go out in Superpole, realized he had a problem with his rear Pirelli before he finished the warm-up. The rear tire lit up while the Japanese rider was straight up and down or if he even brushed the throttle while leaned over. Haga pointed to his rear tire on the front straightaway as he started his flying lap, more or less put his 999RS on cruise control and turned a 1:46.603 Superpole lap. But Haga’s problems continued on his cool-off lap, and he crashed in the turn four area of the track, just before Chili came through on his flying Superpole lap.

With yellow flags waving, Chili backed off just enough that he lost any chance of beating Martin’s time.

Haga was seen walking away from his crash.

Provisional World Superbike Superpole Results:

1. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:26.912
2. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:26.943
3. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.987
4. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.200
5. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:27.441
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:27.485
7. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:27.518
8. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:27.597
9. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.150
10. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.152
11. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.181
12. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.295
13. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.328
14. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.229
15. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:29.605
16. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:46.603


More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Corser confident of California challenge for FPR

Troy Corser is confident of mounting a meaningful challenge amongst the front-runners for tomorrow’s two races of the seventh round of the Superbike World Championship at Laguna Seca, California.

Corser, three times a winner at the technical circuit, qualified in fifth place on the grid, with fellow Aussie Steve Martin clinching pole position.

Foggy PETRONAS Racing team-mate Chris Walker made significant progress during the afternoon free practice session but missed out on the chance to improve his qualifying position in Superpole after failing to make the top 16 in the final morning qualifying session.

Troy, a former champion of the American domestic superbike championship in 1994, had qualified fifth fastest in morning qualifying with his best time of the weekend, 1:27.167 – three tenths quicker than his fastest lap at Laguna last year.

But technical difficulties during the free practice session interrupted the continuity of his Superpole preparations and he was unable to improve on his position at the head of the second row.

Troy said: “I feel pretty confident because my times on race tyres are within three tenths of a second of the fastest times. Superpole was a little frustrating because I feel sure I could have got into the 26s on the bike that had an engine problem during the afternoon session. I was hoping to be on the front row but fifth is around where I expected to be as we are still losing a little bit on acceleration, especially through the second split. You need to be in the top three or four here in the first lap as it is easy to lose a lot of time if you are dicing early on.”

Chris said: “The problems we had yesterday cost us too much track time as all we needed to make Superpole was another 0.08 of a second. But I did make a few improvements in the free practice session and we are already in better shape for tomorrow. I could ride around at the pace of the top ten, so I am back to where I should be. I have a couple of things to try in warm-up tomorrow and then I need a couple of Stalker starts! But it is not the easiest start in the world because you go over a blind crest and then through a long hairpin, so there aren’t really any obvious passing places.”

Superpole results, Superbike World Championship, round 7, Laguna Seca, USA: 1 Martin 1:26.912; 2 Toseland +0.031; 3 Vermeulen +0.075; 4 Chili +0.288; 5 Corser +0.529; 6 Laconi +0.573; 7 McCoy +0.606; 8 Haslam +0.685; 9 Clementi +1.238; 10 Pedercini +1.240; 11 Sanchini +1.269; 12 Nannelli +1.383; 13 Borciani +1.416; 14 Bontempi +2.317; 15 Velini +2.693; 16 Haga +19.691

Saturday qualifying times: 1 Chili (PSG-1) 1:26.782; 2 Haga (Renegade Ducati) 1:26.831; 3 Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda) 1:27.103; 4 Laconi (Ducati Fila) 1:27.142; 5 Corser (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:27.167; 6 Borciani (DFX) 1:27.243; 7 Martin (DFX) 1:27.282; 8 Toseland (Ducati Fila) 1:27.417; 9 Pedercini (Team Pedercini) 1:27.501; 10 Haslam (Renegade Ducati) 1:27.739; 17 Walker 1:28.422

Saturday free practice times: 1 Chili 1:27.109; 2 Haga 1:27.130; 3 Toseland 1:27.241; 4 Vermeulen 1:27.364; 5 Martin 1:27.436; 6 Haslam 1:27.525; 7 Laconi 1:27.664; 8 McCoy 1:27.701; 9 Corser 1:28.081; 10 Pedercini 1:28.300; 12 Walker 1:28.481


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

TOSELAND MOVES TO THE FRONT IN SUPERPOLE WITH SECOND QUICKEST TIME – ROW 2 START FOR SIXTH-PLACED LACONI

Laguna Seca (USA), 10 July 2004: James Toseland (Ducati Fila) put in his most impressive Superpole performance of the year to set second quickest time in the final qualifying session for round 7 of the World Superbike Championship at a sunny Laguna Seca, California.

Australian Steve Martin (DFX Ducati) edged Ducati Fila’s 23-year-old British rider out by just three-hundredths of a second to take the top slot, while France’s Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila) could only manage sixth quickest time and will start tomorrow’s races from row 2 of the grid.

Toseland was one of the best improvers in the crucial Superpole session, the 23-year-old knocking half second off his morning qualifying
time to take the second grid slot.

“I always enjoy racing at Laguna Seca and I feel I’m riding really good around here” he declared. “We’ve made steady progress all weekend, it’s all suddenly come good and we’re second on the grid. The tyres are working really well, I’ve got the bike settled in and I’m feeling more confident than I’ve ever done with it so hopefully this is the start of something
good. The races are going to be interesting and close, there have been ten guys in a second all weekend so it’ll be fantastic to watch and I’m looking forward to getting two podiums instead of the one last year.”

Third quickest in qualifying, Laconi slipped down to sixth after Superpole but is still confident of getting good results in tomorrow’s two races.

“I didn’t do a particularly good Superpole lap, after going a bit wide in the first corner and if you lose immediately you do a bad lap. I tried to push hard but we always seem to be losing a little bit in the final split. For tomorrow we will try different gear ratios because I think we are losing there, we are too much on the limiter. The bike’s general set-up is fine, and I am really satisfied with the tyres I have chosen so I am sure of doing a couple of good races tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks – Scuderia Caracchi:

Row two start for seventh-placed Garry McCoy

Garry McCoy was today one of the best improvers in the always exiting Superpole session, rising from his 13th morning’s qualifying time up to seventh position in the starting grid. For tomorrow’s races, 28 laps for 100,856 kms, the Australian rider of 999RS Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks will start from the second row.

“I got a good feeling with the new qualifying tyres and finally I’m fine in the timed lap.” – commented Garry McCoy. “The bike set up is fine and I’m satisfied with the tyres we’ve chosen for tomorrow’s races. This morning we had to test some new tyre, but we hadn’t the attended results. So we returned to yesterday’s set up, which gave us good results and during the afternoon’s free practice session I recorded good lap time for a long lap sequence, so I’m quite satisfied. For tomorrow’s races I’m looking for a good result; this is a demanding track and doesn’t allow to overtake easily, but after this afternoon’s prectice I’m confident in a good result.”

Miguel Praia repeated his yesterday’s performance, but when he was going to use the soft tyres for a fast lap an exhaust broken forced him to stop and he lost some grid position.

“It’s a pity because I was improving my feeling with this track.” – said a bit disappointed Miguel Praia at the end of the day. “Just when we would select the qualifying tyres to improve my yesterday lap time I broke the exhaust and I must join the pit. However I repeated exactly the lap time I recorded yesterday with soft tyres using race tyres, so I’m sure of running a satisfying race tomorrow.”


Vermeulen Third After Superpole

Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) continued the upward trend of rookie rider, team and bike in the World Superbike Championship, securing third best Superpole time on his very first visit to the American venue.

In finishing third he not only beat his regulation qualifying best, after setting a single flying lap of 1:26.987, but also replicated his earlier third best qualifying position. His Superpole time was only 0.075 seconds slower than eventual pole position rider Steve Martin (Ducati) and 0.043 off second best rider James Toseland (Ducati).

Vermeulen, enjoying the Californian sunshine and the abilities of his ever improving machine, stated. “We made a big leap forward at Silverstone and we’ve carried on the progress here. I had never seen this circuit before and my team has never been here. We’ve gone quite well all weekend so to be on the front row of the grid? I think we’re all happy. We’ll just have to see how the race turns out. I’m still learning the track and I overshot the Corkscrew twice, one of the other blind corners as well, but I enjoy the place and I’m having fun.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate said, “Really we have to be pleased with the speed of our progress, especially at a circuit we have only ever seen on TV before. I think it says a lot about Chris, the technical guys in our team and the Honda CBR1000RR. We have worked hard this weekend as usual and we have already seen some results of that. We are looking forward to the race and getting the best results possible.”


More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist:

TROY JUST MISSES OUT ON THE FRONT ROW

Final qualifying ended with Troy fifth fastest after the Superpole shoot-out today. It should’ve been the front row, but Troy’s number one bike suffered an engine problem ten minutes or so before the end of the afternoon untimed qualifying and so he had to use his spare bike instead.

Troy had only done about ten laps on his number two bike, so had to be a bit cautious on his Superpole lap. In the end, he finished it with a time of 1:27.441 – nearly three tenths of a second slower then his best lap in regular qualifying. Superpole was won by Steve Martin (Ducati), with a time of 1:26.912, ahead of James Toseland (Ducati), Chris Vermeulen (Honda) and Pierfrancesco Chili (Ducati).


TROY -5th, 1:27.441

That was a bit disappointing because I really believed that I’d be able to do a 1:26 lap in Superpole today. But my number one bike had an engine problem towards the end of the last session before Superpole and the team
had to work frantically to put the clutch from that bike into the number two bike. I couldn’t use the number two bike as it was because it had a new type of clutch in it and I didn’t feel we’d done enough laps on it to use in Superpole.

Obviously, I didn’t know the bike so well, so I was a bit cautious on my Superpole lap and couldn’t get into the 1:26’s. Otherwise, I’m pretty happy with the tyres for the race. I’ll use the hardest front and then decide between one of two rears – depending on tomorrow’s warm-up and how hot it is. At the moment, I’d prefer the conditions to be a bit cooler, but I’ll take whatever comes.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Saturday Morning AMA Supersport Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:28.621
2. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:28.755
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:28.960
4. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.429
5. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:29.622
6. Ben Attard, Suzuki, 1:29.842
7. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:29.848
8. Michael Barnes, Yamaha, 1:30.486
9. Chris Peris, Suzuki, 1:30.618
10. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:30.810
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:30.892
12. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:31.939
13. Alan Schmidt, Yamaha, 1:32.147
14. Jeff Tigert, Honda, 1:32.324
15. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:32.346
16. Chris Siglin, Yamaha, 1:32.355
17. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:32.369
18. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki, 1:32.721
19. Blake Young, Suzuki, 1:32.907
20. Nicky Moore, Suzuki, 1:33.047
21. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:33.235
22. Darin Edwards, Suzuki, 1:34.043
23. Nathan Hetser, Yamaha, 1:34.397
24. Scott Jackson, Suzuki, 1:34.599
25. Matt Zurbuchen, Yamaha, 1:34.722
26. Giovanni Rojas, Yamaha, 1:34.834
27. Grant Riggs, Yamaha, 1:35.096
28. Ben Carlson, Suzuki, 1:35.199
29. Daniel Doty, Yamaha, 1:35.645
30. Montez Stewart, Yamaha, 1:36.163
31. Chris Siebenhaar, Honda, 1:36.218
32. Davd Lambert, Suzuki, 1:36.781
33. Brad Gua, Suzuki, 1:36.784
34. Tyler Jones, Yamaha, 1:36.887
35. Darren Murray, Yamaha, 1:37.404
36. Matt Weathers, Honda, 1:37.510
37. Phil Clarke, Yamaha, 1:37.985
38. Jeremy Haiduk, Yamaha, 1:38.510
39. Corey Sarros, Honda, 1:39.698
40. Eric Pinson, Triumph, 1:40.045
41. Hector Romero, Honda, 1:40.690

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Graves Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking did not ride in AMA Superstock practice Saturday morning at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. According to his team owner Chuck Graves, Hacking, on the advice of Dr. Arthur Ting, chose to sit out the session and save his battered body for the Superstock race later Saturday afternoon.

Hacking is riding with a freshly-plated, 11-day-old broken right collarbone at Laguna Seca. He crashed in turn three during Superstock qualifying Friday, landing on his injured shoulder.

Last night, Dr. Ting X-rayed Hacking’s shoulder to make sure the surgical plate holding his collarbone together was still intact and in place but recommended Hacking sit out the morning practice.

Hacking holds a 14-point lead in the AMA Superstock Championship over teammate Aaron Gobert, and he holds an 18-point advantage over Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden.

If Gobert were to win and collect the bonus point for leading the most laps in the race, Hacking would have to finish seventh or better to hold his lead.

If Hayden, who took pole, were to win and collect the lap-leader point, Hacking would need to finish 10th or better to hold his point lead.

Hacking qualified fifth for the Superstock race.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing Reverses Kopp, Atherton Penalties

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Pro Racing announced today that it has reversed the penalties assessed to Joe Kopp and Kevin Atherton at round six of the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship held at Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio on June 26. The penalties were the result of illegal fuel found in the motorcycles of both riders.

In reversing the penalties, AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition, Merrill Vanderslice said that there was concern over the way the fuel was handled during testing. “We conducted an internal review of the steps that were taken in the handling of the fuel samples and determined that the samples were not originally sealed to our standards,” said Vanderslice. “Accordingly, we made the decision to reverse the penalties.”

A field test at the Lima round determined that the fuel was not in compliance with AMA Flat Track rules. An independent lab confirmed the field test but the concern over the handing of the fuel prompting AMA Pro Racing to make its ruling.

“We follow a rigid protocol and must have absolute confidence in our testing process from start to finish. Unfortunately, in this particular instance, we did not,” said Vanderslice.

The 23 points that were taken from each rider have been re-applied to their respective championship totals.


And now a related press release also issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING ANNOUNCES PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP TELEVISION PACKAGE

Seven hours on SPEED Channel

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Pro Racing today announced that SPEED Channel will produce and air seven hours of original programming for the 2004 AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship in 2004.


Five one-hour shows will be dedicated to the Progressive Insurance Grand National Championship. The Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Series will receive four half-hour programs.

Events on the broadcast schedule include the July 9 round at Route 66 Raceway (Half-mile), Black Hills Speedway (Half-mile) on Aug. 10, the Peoria TT on Aug. 22, the Springfield Mile on Sept. 5 and wrapping up with the Du Quoin Mile on Sept. 25.

2004 AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP SPEED CHANNEL
SCHEDULE

Event Series
Broadcast Date & Time (Eastern)

Route 66 Raceway Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Sunday, 08/01/2004, 2:30 p.m.

Joliet, IL (Half-mile) Progressive Insurance Grand
National Sunday, 08/15/2004, 4 p.m.

Black Hills Speedway Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Sunday, 08/22/2004, 12:30 p.m.

Rapid City, SD (Half-mile) Progressive Insurance Grand National
Sunday, 09/12/2004, 4 p.m.

Peoria Race Park Progressive Insurance Grand National
Sunday, 11/14/2004, 2 p.m.

Peoria, IL (TT)
Illinois State Fairgrounds Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Saturday, 10/16/2004, 1:30 p.m.

Springfield, IL (Mile) Progressive Insurance Grand
National Sunday, 11/14/2004 3 p.m.

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Saturday, 11/13/2004, 1:30 p.m.

Du Quoin, IL (Mile) Progressive Insurance Grand
National Sunday, 12/19/2004, 3 p.m.

Schedule subject to change. Check local listings.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional World Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:27.396
2. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.415
3. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:27.593
4. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:27.625
5. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:27.729
6. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:27.787
7. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:27.903
8. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:27.908
9. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.016
10. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.269
11. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.646
12. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.865
13. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:28.929
14. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:29.039
15. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.147
16. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.529
17. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.895
18. Miguel Praia, Ducati 999RS, 1:31.037
19. Horst Saiger, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:31.070
20. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:31.283
21. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.583


More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Corser on the pace at Laguna Seca

Troy Corser signalled his intent for round seven of the Superbike World Championship with a controlled first day of qualifying at Laguna Seca.

The Australian stayed in the top three places for most of the opening day’s action at the challenging Californian circuit. He ended the afternoon session seventh fastest, with Steve Martin setting the pace with a time of 1:27.396, as a host of other riders opted to use qualifying tyres for their fastest laps.

Team-mate Chris Walker was hampered by a succession of technical problems and was only able to complete 14 laps in the morning session. He finished 13th fastest, a second behind Troy’s best time of 1:27.903.

Troy said: “I am as fast as anyone out there on race tyres, so today has been not too bad and I have saved my qualifiers for tomorrow. My lap times have been consistent as well, although we have still not made decisions on race tyres for the front or rear. We can still improve the set-up of the bike but a lot is down to the tyres sliding, especially on the straights that have kinks, and you cannot stop that with changes to the suspension. I changed the gearing from the morning to make it shorter going up the hill, and that helped.”

Chris said: “Today has been very hard work for not a lot of reward. But you do get days like this and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. I just got into my stride for the last half a dozen laps but by that time the session was over. We have a direction for tomorrow by shortening the gearing, which will shorten the wheel base and improve grip. We also want to try a modification to the rear shock.”

Friday qualifying times, Superbike World Championship, round 7, Laguna Seca, USA: 1 Martin 1:27.396; 2 Chili 1:27.414; 3 Laconi 1:27.593; 4 Vermeulen 1:27.625; 5 Haga 1:27.729; 6 Toseland 1:27.787; 7 Corser (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:27.903; 8 Borciani 1:27.908; 9 Pedercini 1:28.016; 10 Sanchini 1:28.269; 13 Walker 1:28.929

Friday morning free practice times: 1 Borciani (DFX) 1:27.868; 2 Haga (Renegade Ducati) 1:28.123; 3 Corser (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:28.201; 4 Martin (DFX) 1:28.216; 5 Laconi (Ducati Fila) 1:28.478; 6 Clementi (Kawasaki Bertocchi) 1:28.845; 7 Pedercini (Team Pedercini) 1:28.882; 8 Toseland (Ducati Fila) 1:28.907; 9 Chili (PSG-1) 1:29.014; 10 Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda) 1:29.133; 12 Walker (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:29.280


More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks – Scuderia Caracchi:

Positive the opening day at Laguna Seca for the Team

The opening day of the seventh round for World Superbike Championship on the Californian track of Laguna Seca has been quite positive for the Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks Team. Garry McCoy on his 999RS Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks ended the first qualifying session today in eleventh position, despite a small technical trouble at the end, but his main goal today was to find once more a good feeling with this track that he misses since eleven years.

“In the morning I had a little bit difficult.” – told Garry McCoy at the end of the day. “I contested Laguna Seca during 1993 season, but then I rode a 125 and I found the track very large at that time. Now on this bike I find the track quite narrower, so all the morning’s session has been spent to get a good feeling on the 999RS Ducati for this track. Then in the afternoon’s session we spent most of the time to test tyres and we found a good solution that allow us several fast laps in a row, so I’m satisfied. Unfortunately when we put the qualifying tyres a small trouble with the sprocket didn’t allow me to manage the throttle outing the corners as I’m used to. Tomorrow we’ll spend some time to test new tyres for the race; for the front no problem, at the moment I’m happy, but at the rear I’m confident we could be able to improve something.”

Miguel Praia selected once more the 998RS for Laguna Seca too. The young Portuguese rider feels that bike easier to manage and finally the long job done to find a good feeling starts to give positive results.

“Today I’m quite satisfied for what we obtain on such a demanding track, totally unknown for me.” – said Miguel at the end of the session. “In Portugal I’ve done a long training riding a Supermotard machine on a very twisted track, to accustom myself at the wheelie by the engine power, which until now gave me several difficulties. I’m quite satisfied because I improved my lap time during all the day. Now we’ll look for a better setting on the bike and for tomorrow I’m confident to do better.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:


STEADY START FOR LACONI (THIRD) AND TOSELAND (SIXTH) IN LAGUNA SECA OPENING QUALIFYING SESSION

Laguna Seca (USA), 9 July 2004: Ducati Fila riders Regis Laconi and James Toseland got their California weekend off to a steady start with third and sixth quickest times respectively in the opening World Superbike qualifying session at the spectacular Laguna Seca circuit.

Championship leader Laconi bolted on a softer rear tyre in the final part of the session to set third-quickest time behind provisional polesitter Martin (DFX Ducati).

“I tried to make the bike comfortable for me to ride but the main change we made was to the rear tyre” commented Regis. “We switched from a hard one to a softer one about twenty minutes from the end and it was a lot faster. The last lap I did with the same tyre and it had already done 13 laps so I am quite happy with its performance.”

“The feeling with the bike is OK, the main problem was the back which is coming a lot better now but I’m sure we’ll make more progress tomorrow. Today basically I got good feedback from the bike and the tyre, and when you see that you feel good in the mind” concluded Laconi.

Toseland took a little time to adapt in qualifying but was generally also quite pleased with his Friday performance.

“It was a good session, although it took a few laps at the beginning to try and to find a comfortable setting on the bike. But we made a couple of changes, a stiffer front fork and a different linkage on the rear and it helped dramatically. I also moved the handlebars slightly closer in like the GP guys and that seemed to make a bit of a difference.

“For me the softer tyre on the rear is the best solution but let’s not forget that the race is 25 laps, so we’ll see tomorrow. Pirelli have produced a couple of soft compounds for here and the softer one seems to be the best.”

“Everything seems to be going in the right direction and I’m happy with the consistency I achieved on the race tyres – I did high 27s/low 28s most of the day” concluded Toseland.


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

FRIDAY QUALIFYING

MARTIN THE DAY ONE MASTER

STEVIE WONDER: Bouncing back from some recent misfortunes and injuries Steve Martin marked his first day back at Laguna with the provisional pole time of 1:27.396, jumping up the order with his final lap. The former Aussie Superbike Champion, from the Italian DFX Racing Team, overhauled long time provisional pole sitter Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) by only 0.019 seconds.

FRANKIE FLIES: Chili once more showed why 22 years of racing experience counts for a lot in the early sessions at any SBK race weekend by taking second place in the first competition against the stopwatch, thanks to a time of 1:27.415. Running his usual hybrid 998RS with a 999 engine spec, Chili was a winner at Laguna last year.

LACONI LIFTS FORWARD: Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila 999F04) claimed a provisional front row start of third after a late run in qualifying, looking like it would be he and not Martin to go pole until the last split was revealed. Laconi’s team-mate James Toseland (Ducati Fila 999F04) qualified sixth, 0.391 seconds off the provisional pole time.

VERMEULEN VELOCITY: For the first time visitors to Laguna, the Ten Kate Honda team, their first experience was a sweet one, with Chris Vermeulen taking his CBR1000RR to the provisional front row, with a fourth best time. The remarkable progress of rider, bike and team was especially noteworthy at such a difficult to learn venue.

HAGA HAMMERS IN A TIME: Genuine Championship winning prospect Noriyuki Haga (Renegade Ducati 999RS) skated and slid his way around the 45°C track surface, attacking the curves and whumps of Laguna to take fifth fastest time on the opening day, his booming Ducati one of many in the top ten. A former Laguna race winner, Haga knows the intricacies of this track better than most and is expected to pull out even more in the second session on Saturday morning. His team-mate Leon Haslam, already with a podium finish to his name in 2004, was 12th quickest.

THREE PRONGED ATTACK: Troy Corser (Petronas FP-1) was only deposed from a possible front row start in the later stages of the race, dropping to seventh quickest. Chris Walker, who had some problems in the early session, was 13th. The provisional second row was filled by the fastest man in the morning’s unofficial session, Marco Borciani, who had to watch his DFX team-mate Martin secure provisional pole. The Italian privateers Lucio Pedercini (Pedercini Ducati 998RS) and Mauro Sanchini (Kawasaki Bertocchi ZX-10) were ninth and tenth. Such was the competition that Borciani was only 0.873 seconds from the provisional pole time.

McCOY RE-LEARNS: Garry McCoy (Xerox Ducati 999RS) has ridden at Laguna in his GP racing days, but his re-learning process was a slow one, with the Phillip Island race winner in 11th spot after two hours of track time.

Final qualifying for each class takes place on Saturday 10 July, with Superpole the final test to determine starting positions for the top 16 SBK qualifiers.


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

New Boys Make Great Showing in USA

In a season of firsts and new experiences for the Ten Kate Honda team the latest baptism of fire was dealt with in some style by Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) and his Netherlands-based team, each vastly experienced in Supersport but new to Superbike.

The challenge of the 3.610km Laguna circuit is one which regular SBK riders approach with some trepidation, especially the awe-inspiring Corkscrew chicane, a sheer drop down a left and right chicane at the highest part of the circuit. For the Ten Kate team and rider, the challenge has been risen to with great success so far, as Vermeulen qualified fourth overall in the first timed session of the weekend. His time of 1:27.625 was an outstanding achievement, only 0.229 seconds behind the provisional pole position rider, Steve Martin (Ducati). One more hour-long session remains to decide the final line up of the pre-Superpole grid, with the top 16 regular qualifiers going forward to the single lap competition of Superpole. Vermeulen stated, “I had to spend some parts of today just learning my way around. At one time Haga was behind me for quite a while so I pulled over to let him pass. I’m the one who needs to learn something from him here, not him learn something from me! My aim was to be in the top eight in the first day so to be top four is better than we expected. I’m sure we can find some more tomorrow as well.” Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate showed true admiration for his team and rider’s work. “Even in the European races, at circuits we have some experience of, we sometimes make a slow start. It was like that here in the beginning as we looked for a good set-up and then Chris learned his way around this very peculiar track. It is a very special track and we had no data for it, and a corner like the Corkscrew is a thing all its own. We have been very busy getting a good set-up and Chris did a great job by having a clever mind when it counted, setting a really good lap. He is already rookie of the year but he may well be showing that he’s more than that.” World Superbike Championship Round Seven – Laguna Seca, USA 9 – 11 July 2004 First Qualifying Session 1. S. Martin, AUS, Ducati 999 RS, 1:27.396 2. P. Chili, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 1:27.415 3. R. Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999 F04, 1:27.593 4. C. Vermeulen, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR, 1:27.625 5. N. Haga, JPN, Ducati 999 RS, 1:27.729 6. J. Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999 F04, 1:27.787 7. T. Corser, AUS, Petronas FP1, 1:27.903 8. M. Borciani, ITA, Ducati 999 RS, 1:27.908 9. L. Pedercini, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 1:28.016 10. M. Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX 10, 1:28.269


More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist:

TROY HAPPY ON OPENING DAY

Troy Corser finished the first day of qualifying at Laguna Seca happy to be seventh quickest in the afternoon timed session. Troy was happy because the day had gone a lot better then the opening day last year and also because he had been running at the top of the leaderboard until the last ten minutes. Then, his competitors put on qualifying tyres and upped their times, pushing Troy down to seventh. Troy could’ve opted for some soft sticky rubber, but decided to carry on working on a good race set-up instead. Troy’s fellow countryman Steve Martin (Ducati) posted the day’s quickest time with a lap of 1:27.396. Pierfrancesco Chili (Ducati) was second quickest, ahead of Regis Laconi (Ducati) and Chris Vermeulen (Honda).

TROY – 7th, 1:27.903

For the first day, I’m pretty happy. It has been a lot better then last year for sure! The track feels a bit more bumpy this year and today I thought it was a bit sandy. It was also a bit windy in places, so I just used today to try and get a good bike set up. We’re using the same spec engine as we used at Silverstone, but here we’ve also got a new clutch to try out. But it takes quite a bit of time to change it, so I spent most of the time on the other bike getting a good set-up for the race. We tried quite a few tyres today and although there were some differences between them, the differences were not that great. They spun and slid a bit and it will be interesting if the temperature goes up, as the tyres seem to work better the hotter the conditions. I was at the top of the pile for a while this afternoon, but then the others put on the soft stuff and went quicker. I did my best time on race rubber, so I know I can run with them OK. This is a track where you have to have a good rhythm and at the moment I’m not quite there. But, as I said, I’m pretty happy with how today has gone.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Italica Racing, the Aprilia USA-backed AMA Superbike effort announced at Infineon Raceway and slated to make its debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, is not racing at the Monterey, California track this weekend due to a lack of funding.

Riders Mike Hale and Matt Wait are at the track to lead two Aprilia-owners-only fan rides.

Wait said the lack of funding was caused by a delayed wire transfer from overseas.

Aprilia is on the brink of financial disaster and is actively seeking investors to bail it out of its money troubles. Ducati Motor Holdings offered to buy the company last week.

Mechanic Jerry Daggett, who was hired by Italica Racing to build its chassis, is at Laguna Seca but working with Attack Kawasaki.

“You can only work so long without getting paid,” said Daggett of his relationship with Italica Racing. “They owe me a substantial amount of money.”

Italica Racing team principals, who Wait said are at Laguna Seca, could not be reached immediately for comment.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Media Relations Coordinator Mel Moore was seriously injured Thursday, July 8 in a single-bike motorcycle accident while riding from Southern California to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

According to Kawasaki’s Russ Brenan, Moore was transported to a hospital in San Jose via helicopter, with broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

According to an eyewitness, Moore had just passed a car on California Highway 1, about 50 miles south of Monterey, when he lost control and crashed.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

D.F.Xtreme Sterilgarda’s Marco Borciani led Friday morning World Superbike practice with a time of 1:27.868 on his Ducati 999RS.

Renegade Ducati’s Noriyuki Haga was second-fastest with a 1:28.123, in spite of crashing in turn six halfway through the session. Haga appeared to be uninjured in the crash and rode his bike away from the incident.

Armed with new engine parts and last year’s set-up information, Troy Corser was third-quick on the Foggy Petronas FP1 at 1:28.201 and only 3 kph down on the fastest top speed of 243 kph, which was obtained by four riders.

Making his return to action after sitting out with a broken wrist, Steve Martin, Borciani’s teammate, was fourth-fastest with a 1:28.216.

Fila Ducati’s Regis Laconi looked strong in the session until he developed a mechanical problem which appeared to leak fluid onto his rear tire, nearly causing him to highside in turn four. Laconi parked his factory Ducati 999 in the Corkscrew, returned to the pits, took his back-up bike out for the remainder of the session but could not improve on his time.

Kawasaki’s Bertocchi’s Ivan Clementi, sixth-fastest with a 1:28.845, looked like a contender during the first practice.

Laconi’s teammate James Toseland was slightly off the pace, eighth-fastest with a 1:28.907.

Pierfrancesco Chili rode his PSG-1 Corse Ducati 998RS to the ninth-fastest time, a 1:29.014.

Chris Vermeulen, who along with Leon Haslam, is seeing Laguna Seca for the first time, was 10th-quick on his Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR.

Borciani’s 1:27.868 was significantly slower than the fastest time from the first World Superbike practice in 2003, Laconi’s 1:26.429.

All riders in the 2004 World Superbike Championship use the same selection of Pirelli slicks.

There are no Americans entered in the World Superbike races as wild cards.

Friday Morning World Superbike Practice Times:

1. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:27.868
2. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.123
3. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:28.201
4. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.216
5. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:28.478
6. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.845
7. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.882
8. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:28.907
9. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.014
10. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:29.133
11. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:29.275
12. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:29.280
13. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.498
14. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:29.905
15. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:30.199
16. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:30.260
17. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:31.029
18. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:31.825
19. Horst Saiger, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.809
20. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.266
21. Miguel Praia, Ducati 999RS, 1:34.209