Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Corona Extra Suzuki intends to race in the AMA Superbike and Superstock classes with Dunlop-shod GSX-R1000s ridden by 22-year-old Brent George in 2005.

“That’s our intention,” Corona Extra Suzuki team principal Tim Saunders told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “It’s our intention to stay with what we have done for the last four years. Our deal with Corona is a multi-year affair. We don’t have anything signed with Suzuki yet, but we are expecting our bikes to arrive in the next two weeks. So at least it appears as if things are moving forward there.”

At the 2004 Suzuki Cup Finals at Road Atlanta, George finished third in the GSX-R1000 final, third in the GSX-R750 race and second in the GSX-R600 main event.

Saunders said his team is also speaking to riders to fill a possible second slot on the team.

Corona Extra Suzuki will not be at the AMA team test at Daytona International Speedway January 3-5, 2005.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports:

Suzuki Crossover Challenge

AURORA, Ill. (December 28, 2004) – Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports and American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) announced today that the eighth-annual Suzuki Crossover Challenge will take place at San Francisco’s SBC Park Saturday, January 29 during the night program of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series. This year’s participants will compete on the widely popular DRZ 110 mini bike.

The Crossover Challenge is comprised of 24 action sport athletes and celebrities who are given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to race on a professional THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series track, under the lights and inside one of the most prestigious stadiums in the world.

Last year’s Suzuki Crossover Challenge – for the first time ever – ran during the night program of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. This year athletes and celebrities will race on the smaller, more adaptable DRZ 110 Suzuki motorcycle, which will make for better racing.

The 24-rider line-up is a three-lap, go-for-broke race that allows the winner to present $1,000 to a charity of his choice.

Action sports athletes and celebrities that would like to register for a place in the Suzuki Crossover Challenge, must submit – via email – a small bio on themselves as well as two letters from editors, stating that they will guarantee – at least – two pages of coverage on the Suzuki Crossover Challenge. Please submit all requests to [email protected].

The Suzuki Crossover Challenge moved from southern California to the bay area to pay tribute to the inaugural Dew Action Sports Tour stop in San Jose, September 8-11, 2005, at HP Pavilion. The Dew Action Sports Tour is the first-ever season-long professional multi-sport tour in action sports.

Supercross LIVE!, the only place on the planet to catch THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series live at home, is available for fans at every race, starting at 7:00 p.m. local time at supercross.cc.com. Listen as Supercross LIVE! hosts Jim Holley and Jason Wiegant capture the live race call, a pre-race show, a post-race show, post-race press conference, on-air industry guests and celebrities, in-depth interviews, promotions, call-ins and more. In 2003-2004, more than a half-million listeners logged on to Supercross LIVE!

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please log on to www.sxgp.com, www.ticketmaster.com, www.unlvtickets.com (Las Vegas only), www.tickets.com (San Francisco only). Media requests please contact Denny Hartwig at 630-566-6305 or email at [email protected].

About THQ World Supercross GP(tm)/THQ AMA Supercross Series THQ World Supercross GP is a 17-round global series that is produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Off Road S.L. Riders must compete in the international rounds to be eligible to win the world championship. In 2004-2005, the 17-event THQ World Supercross GP will be comprised of two international events and 15 of the 16 events that are conducted in major cities throughout the United States as a part of the THQ AMA Supercross Series. The other THQ AMA Supercross Series event held in Daytona Beach, Fla., is independently produced by the International Speedway Corporation and is not a part of the THQ World Supercross GP. A THQ AMA Supercross Series rider will be crowned as the national champion for the series of events conducted in the United States only. Clear Channel Entertainment is the largest promoter and producer of live events in the world, with a broad based tradition in the promotion and production of motorcycle racing events. The FIM, Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, is the body that globally governs motorcycle sport at the world level. Among other matters, the FIM groups together 85 affiliated National Federations relating to the sport of motorcycle racing. AMA Pro Racing is the National Federation representative that sanctions motorcycle-racing events in the United States. Dorna Off Road S.L. is an internationally recognized sports management group established in 1988 with an emphasis on major international motor sports events. Dorna is headquartered in Madrid, Spain with branch offices in Barcelona, London and Tokyo. In addition to its involvement with THQ World Supercross GP, Dorna manages the rights to MotoGP. For more information on THQ World Supercross GP and the THQ AMA Supercross Series, log on to www.supercross.cc.com.

About AMA Pro Racing AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the THQ AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Motocross Championship, the AMA Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com

From a press release issued by Safety First Racing:

Safety First Racing is proud to announce their 2005 AMA lineup. In speaking with team owner, Kevin Hanson, he related for 2005, Safety First Racing will be expanding to a three-rider team with backing from American Suzuki again.

“Our mission is to be the cutting edge, support team that grooms, upcoming racers for the manufactures,” stated Hanson. “I provide an environment where quality racers are brought into my program and provided with everything they need to be successful in the AMA. We focus on honing their racecraft, public speaking skills, and innovative marketing of the riders, while providing riders with top level equipment and every tool necessary in a toolbox to be successful. It really gives them an environment where they only have to focus on riding and being a racer,” explained Hanson.

600 Supersport – For 2005, 17-year-old Jesse Janisch will be back racing in the 600 Supersport. “I moved Jesse to 600s in order to really teach him to ride the bike at the limit,” related Hanson. “On the 1000s, Jesse did well, but the big bikes are so unforgiving when you make a mistake. Supersport will be a great environment for him to continue to develop his skills in an ultra-competitive class.”

600 Supersport – Safety First Racing is also proud to announce the addition of Wisconsin resident, Jason Farrell. “I’ve known Jason for several years and was really impressed with his results this year for the limited number of 600 Supersport rounds he competed in,” admitted Hanson. Jason finished 10th in half the rounds of Superpsport he contested. “Additionally, I witnessed how many teething problems and long nights Jason had at the racetrack working on racebikes with a buddy just trying to make the race the next day. I fully expect Jason to turn some heads next year through his determination and being able to focus solely on riding.”

Superstock/Superbike – J.J. Roetlin who hails for Kalona, IA will be focusing on Superstock and also competing in the Superbike class. “I’ve known J.J. for the last three years and have always been impressed with his pleasant nature and tenacity as a racer,” commented Hanson. “J.J. has been one of these guys that has posted some good results during his three-year AMA career, but has never really been able to take it to the next level that he’s capable of. I remember watching J.J. coming down the front straight at Road America last year and watching the bike violently tank slapping lap after lap and he just stayed in it and never gave up. His scenario was typical of every privateer effort, working long hours as a father/son team trying to figure everything out. I’m really looking forward to providing everything J.J. needs to be successful and watching him make it to the next level!”

Crewchief/Jim Rashid of 4 & 6 Performance – “I’m really excited to have Jim on board again and the 4 & 6 crew back at the shop in Chicago, IL. Last year, was the start of a great partnership that continues to grow. Not much needs to be said about Jim. He’s been around the AMA a long time, knows how to compete at the AMA level, win and be competitive. Plus they have a full blown, race shop that can do everything from engine/suspension building, manufacture parts, GMD Computrack and a Factory dyno. The racing aspect of my business is now based out of their shop in Chicago.”

Team owner/manager Kevin Hanson – “I really feel like I’m luckiest man in the world with the coolest job because I’ve found a way to create the perfect job around what I love doing -racing and working with kids. My business is now based out of downtown Chicago and for next year my role is to handle all of the marketing/promotion/management of the team and ‘Safety First’ helmet program.

“Promotional wise, we will continue with school/youth presentations of our ‘Safety First’ helmet program. However, I’m proud to announce we will be branching out and doing large scale, promotional events in malls and movie theaters.

“This allows Safety First Racing and its sponsors to reach all demographics of people from kids through adults. Malls are a perfect venue because you can reach all age groups and people are there killing time hanging out and shopping. What better way to promote our sponsors and Safety First Racing,” related Hanson. “I’ve already got venues set where I can reach more people in one day at a mall than the largest attended AMA race weekend!”

Sponsorship – “We are continually negotiating sponsorship deals but wanted to announce our confirmed sponsors for next year. We will be returning with American Suzuki, 1-800-MOTORCYCLE, and Armour bodies bodywork. However, we are proud to announce new partnerships with AGV leathers, Virtual Bodyshop, and Kicker car stereo equipment. Currently, we are finishing negotiations with a large, corporate sponsor that will be a great opportunity from outside the motorcycle industry,” concluded Hanson.

Those wishing to contact Safety First Racing can contact Kevin Hanson at 217-493-3811 or [email protected]

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Two-time AMA 750cc Supersport/Superstock Champion Jimmy Moore is scheduled to be a guest instructor at the Advanced Roadracing School at Arroyo Seco Raceway, near Deming, New Mexico, February 12-13, 2005.

The two-day school is limited to 15 students to obtain a five-to-one student-to-instructor ratio.

For more information, call 505-494-4796 or go to www.arroyosecoraceway.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Hal’s Performance Advantage, the speed shop located within Hal’s Harley-Davidson/Buell near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has plans to test and race a Formula Xtreme Buell XB12R with Mike Ciccotto at Daytona International Speedway.

“We’ve definitely got plans,” Hal’s Performance Advantage Team Manager Jim Winters told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “We will test at the tire test next week, and we will race in the Daytona 200. From there, we will have to see what happens with money and stuff as to whether or not we will be able to do the rest of the season.”

Erik Buell, founder and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, recently told Roadracingworld.com that his company would not be able to support its Buell dealer-based AMA Formula Xtreme race teams as it had in past years.

Winters said his crew intends to do durability testing on its Buell and evaluate Pirelli tires at Daytona next week. The team’s XB12R is close to the same specification as it ended the 2004 AMA season (including the new V-Force air intake system introduced at the Road Atlanta round), according to Winters, except for a few “internal modifications” to increase reliability.

Hal’s Performance Advantage’s Formula USA Thunderbike rider Dan Bilansky will also attend the test at Daytona.

Innovative Motorcycle Research’s Rich Cronrath, which ran Michael Barnes on a Buell XB12R in the 2004 AMA Formula Xtreme series, did not have any solid plans to announce at post time but said he may race Formula Xtreme with Barnes on a dealer-supported Buell in 2005.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

THE DUCATI MONSTER CHALLENGE PLOT THICKENS WITH NEW WINNERS FROM SEATTLE

The Daytona grand finale is gearing up to be the biggest and baddest display of Monsters in North America.

Cupertino, CA – December 29th, 2004 – Ducati is still looking for the coolest Monster in North America after concluding the Seattle round of the Ducati Monster Challenge. The Pacific Northwest Ducatisti proved that sunny Southern California isn’t the only place with awesome Monsters. The Seattle Cycle World IMS show brought out loads of unique Monsters up North, some so dramatically modified they were entered for exhibition only since they were no longer registered as Monsters.



1st place went to Sean Kelii whose bike began life as a 1999 Cromo model but suffered a dramatic crash. When the bike was resurrected, Sean rebuilt it using nearly every carbon fiber piece he could find in the Ducati Performance catalog. And all that carbon really makes a difference. Sean says, “The coolest thing about my monster is the weight, its only 338 pounds!” But its not just flashy carbon bits that make Sean’s bike unique. He’s got performance too, including 998 Superbike forks, an Ohlins rear shock, and Brembo full floating rotors with 2-piece billet Brembo calipers.

A.J. Ralston is from Portland, Oregon where he works as a Ducati technician at MotoCorsa by day. His 2000 Monster 900 won both 2nd place overall and “The People’s Choice” award voted by show attendees. His bike had a very nice, clean paint job and was more of a “rider’s bike.” Some of his creative modifications include a custom mounted Ducati Performance dash, antique acid etched triple clamps, anodized fork tubes and caps, powder coated swingarm, and wrapped Ducati Performance exhaust system. A.J. said it simply and honestly, proclaiming his favorite thing he’s done to his monster is ride it. Even after working all day on other people’s Ducati’s he still enjoys taking the time to find new ways to customize his own bike.

3rd place was Rick De Pena from Seattle and his 1999 Monster 900 Cromo. Rick’s bike was tastefully modified giving it a clean, sleek look. A beautiful high-mount Termignoni oval aluminum exhaust system highlighted the rear of the bike. He also added carbon fiber bits and painted many pieces flat black to contrast the chrome fuel tank. But again, Rick is a rider and said his favorite thing about his bike was riding it from San Diego to Seattle (1600 miles) in 25 hours. Even Iron Butt Record Holder, Gary Eagan, thinks that’s a respectable ride.

From a press release issued by Team Hammer, Inc.:

Team Hammer, Inc. has signed M4 Performance Exhausts as a new primary title sponsor and will race as Team M4 EMGO Suzuki during the 2005 and 2006 AMA seasons.

M4 is based in Dallas, Texas and has been an associate sponsor of the team since 1999.

“We at M4 are extremely excited about the 2005 racing season and our stepped-up involvement with Team Hammer,” said M4 Vice President Kyle Martin. “We believe we can make an important contribution toward a winning season for Team Hammer and we’re proud to be associated with the only professional motorcycle road racing team in America that’s been racing continuously for 25 consecutive seasons.”

M4 replaces Valvoline, which has elected to concentrate its racing-related promotional activities in NASCAR.

EMGO International, a manufacturer and importer of oil filters, continues as the team’s secondary title sponsor. EMGO has been involved with Team Hammer since the team was founded.

Team Hammer has won two AMA National Championships, five F-USA National Championships, and 13 WERA National Endurance Championships.

More information on M4 Performance Exhausts is available online at www.m4exhaust.com or via phone at (972) 481-9300.

More information on Team Hammer is available online at www.teamhammer.com

From a press release issued by CCS:

December 28, 2005, Fort Worth, Texas

The Championship Cup Series announced today its 2005 Season schedule.

2005 Race of Champions XXII
October 20-23 Daytona Intl Speedway Daytona Beach, FL

CCS Sanctioned Races
February 12-13 Homestead -Miami Spdwy< Homestead, FL
March 6 Firebird East Chandler, AZ
March 2-6 Daytona Intl Speedway* Daytona Beach, FL
March 12-13 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
March 19-20 Moroso Motorsports Park< West Palm Beach, FL
April 2-3 Jennings GP< Jennings, FL
April 9-10 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
April 22-23 Road America** Elkhart Lake, WI
April 24 Road America** Elkhart Lake, WI
April 23-24 New Hampshire Intl.> Loudon, NH
Apr 30 Las Vegas Classic Course** Las Vegas, NV
May 1 Las Vegas Classic Course** Las Vegas, NV
April 30-May 1 Jennings GP< Jennings, FL
April 30-May 1 Summit Point @ Summit Point, WV
May 7-8 Blackhawk Farms* South Beloit, IL
May 14-15 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
May 14-15 New Hampshire Intl.> Loudon, NH
May 29-30 Moroso Motorsports Park< West Palm Beach, FL
May 28-29 Blackhawk Farms South Beloit, IL
May 28-30 Summit Point* Summit Point, WV
June 5 Firebird Intl Chandler, AZ
June 11 Roebling Road Raceway** Faulkville, GA
June 12 Roebling Road Raceway** Faulkville, GA
June 11-12 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
June 11-12 New Hampshire Intl.> Loudon, NH
June 17-19 New Hampshire Intl*.> Loudon, NH
June 19 Heartland Park* Topeka, KS
June 25-26 Homestead -Miami Spdwy< Homestead, FL
June 25-26 Autobahn CC Joliet, IL
June 24-26 Virginia Intl* Danville, VA
July 2 Mid-America Motorplex** Pacific Junction, IA
July 3 Mid-America Motorplex** Pacific Junction, IA
July 2-3 Summit Point @ Summit Point, WV
July 16-17 Blackhawk Farms South Beloit, IL
July 23 Roebling Road Raceway** Faulkville, GA
July24 Roebling Road Raceway** Faulkville, GA
July 23-24 New Hampshire Intl. Loudon, NH
July 23-24 Moroso Motorsports Park West Palm Beach, FL
July 31 Gingerman Raceway South Haven, MI
Aug 6-7 New Hampshire Intl.> Loudon, NH
August 12-14 Barber Motorsports* Leeds, AL
August 20-21 New Hampshire Intl. > Loudon, NH
August 27-28 Blackhawk Farms South Beloit, IL
August 27-28 Moroso Motorsports Park < West Palm Beach, FL
August 27-28 Shenandoah Circuit Summit Point, WV
September 3-4 New Hampshire Intl.> Loudon, NH
September 10-11 Jennings GP< Jennings, FL
September 10-11 Autobahn CC* Joliet, IL
September 10-11 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
September 17 Las Vegas Classic Course** Las Vegas, NV
September 18 Las Vegas Classic Course** Las Vegas, NV
September 24-25 Blackhawk Farms South Beloit, IL
September 24-25 Virginia Intl Danville, VA
September 25 Firebird Intl Chandler, AZ
October 1-2 New Hampshire Intl.> Loudon, NH
October 1-2 Moroso Motorsports Park< West Palm Beach, FL
October 8-9 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
October 9 Gingerman Raceway* South Haven, MI
October 9-10 Shenandoah Circuit* @ Summit Point, WV
November 12-13 Arroyo Secco Raceway^ Deming, NM
November 19 Firebird East * Chandler, AZ
December 3-4 Homestead -Miami Spdwy* Homestead, FL


All Dates Are Subject to Change.
* = Double Points
** = Twin Sprint Event
@ = Friday Licensing Clinic
^ = Hosted by ASMA – Limited CCS Classes
^^ = Hosted by Fasttrax-Limited CCS Classes
< = Hosted by CCS Florida
> = Hosted by LRRS