From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Bartenders, Restaurant Owners Get Behind Wheel at Holiday Sobriety Challenge at Infineon Raceway

MOST PEOPLE FAIL DRINKING/DRIVING TEST, INCLUDING TENNIS STAR BRAD GILBERT

SONOMA, Calif. – Notable Bay Area bartenders, restaurant owners and media members were drinking and driving on Friday at Infineon Raceway, all with the blessing of the California Highway Patrol and other law-enforcement agencies.

Thirteen people participated in the 8th annual “Holiday Sobriety Challenge” at Infineon Raceway, a controlled wine and beer tasting experiment that graphically illustrates the dangers of drinking and driving, even at levels well below the legal limit of .08-percent.

The event kicked off the Bay Area Regional Avoid campaign, which will feature 82 separate police actions planned in the nine Bay Area counties during a 17-day law enforcement campaign, which ends on Jan. 1. Enforcement operations include 47 sobriety checkpoints, 31 major-intensity DUI strike teams, task forces and roving patrols, as well as four nights of intense freeway saturation
by the 1,100 officers of the 12 area commands of the CHP. All 125 law enforcement agencies in the nine Bay Area counties participate in the program.

The holiday campaign began on Friday with a press conference at the Holiday Sobriety Challenge at Infineon Raceway. Twenty-six of the sobriety checkpoints will be operational this first weekend (Dec. 17-19).

Of the 13 people who took the Holiday Sobriety Challenge on Friday at Infineon Raceway, only one passed the driving test, further illustrating the dangers of drinking and driving.

“I think this was very educational and I learned a lot that I will pass on to other people,” said Jim Bril, owner of Fior d’Italia Restaurant in San Francisco, who registered a .047 blood-alcohol level. “I thought I’d be able to drive but I did poorly once I got behind the wheel.”

Bril was joined by five other restaurant owners/bartenders, including Bud Schuerman (owner, Town Square in Sonoma); Paul Spadaro (owner, Steiner’s Tavern in Sonoma); Mike DiBenedetti (owner, Amante in San Francisco); Chris Digmon (bar manager, McCovey’s in Walnut Creek); and Mark Elzie (bartender, Shanghai Kelly’s/Northstar Café in San Francisco). Former tennis star Brad Gilbert, who has coached top players like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, also took the test.

Testers were given anywhere from one-to-three glasses of wine or beer upon arrival, before submitting to a field of sobriety tests, including a breathalyzer analysis administered by the CHP. Once it was determined participants were at the appropriate level, they were asked to get behind the wheel of an automobile and drive through a pre-determined course at the raceway. All drivers were accompanied by an instructor from the ESPN Russell Racing School, and tests included lane changing, parallel parking, turning radius and speed drills.

“I learned I probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel, that’s for sure,” said Gilbert, a San Rafael resident who registered a .077. “It was an area where I thought I was OK at the level I was but I really wasn’t. I failed that test miserably.” Over the past five years, the Holiday Sobriety Challenge has had a 70-percent fail rate.

Statistics within the Bay Area reflect a need for programs such as the Holiday Sobriety Challenge. Alcohol was involved in 165 collision-related fatalities in the nine Bay Area counties in 2003, up from 162 fatalities in 2002. This marks the fifth consecutive year there has been an increase in fatalities. Statewide, alcohol was involved in 1,445 collision-related fatalities, up from 1,416 in 2002. Figures used have been supplied by the CHP.

From a press release:

Cascade Tracktime 2005 Schedule:

3/21-22 Portland International Raceway
4/25-26 Portland International Raceway
5/23-24 Portland International Raceway
8/9 Portland International Raceway
8/18 Portland International Raceway
9/26-27 Portland International Raceway
10/10 Portland International Raceway

For additional information, Cascade Tracktime, 16275 SW Waluga Drive, Lake Oswego, OR 97035, (503)409-4727, [email protected].

From a press release issued by US DESMO:

Pierre Terblanche, Director of Ducati Design, made a four-day visit to the US and was hosted by US DESMO Ducati Owners Club of the United Stated along with support by northeast regional Ducati dealers including: Eastern Cycle Ducati, Beverley, Massachusetts, BCM MotorSports Ducati, Laconia, New Hampshire, North American Warhorse Ducati, Scranton, Pennsylvania, Riverside Ducati, Somerville, Massachusetts, SuperMoto Italia, Long Island, New York, along with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers, New England Chapter).

Pierre’s presentation titled, “DUCATI – The Art and Design of the Italian Motorcycle” was made before two capacity audiences at the World Trade Center in Boston and the Larz Anderson Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. Terblanche guided each audience through a rich visual presentation of never before seen images illustrating the arduous process of motorcycle design. He offered a close-up look of the Ducati design studio along with sketches, computer generated graphics, and modeling techniques demonstrating the prototyping steps resulting in the world’s most acclaimed motorcycles. These included the most recent Ducati models Terblanche was responsible for designing including the Super Mono, MH900E, Multi Strada, the entire new line of Sport Classics, and of course the awe inspiring 999 Testastetta Superbike.

Terblanche’s motorcycles have been envied, copied, but are rarely surpassed on the racetrack or in the world of motorcycle design. Renowned as a one of the world’s leading Motorcycle Designers, Pierre answered questions with sincerity and a genuine interest among motorcycle enthusiast of all brands. He did a book signing and added his signature to the custom North American Warhorse Ducati 999S – a bike also signed by Eric Bostrom, Ducati’s AMA Superbike rider. The Warhorse Signature Ducati is displayed at the Scranton dealership and will tour US motorcycle shows and events in 2005.

The event’s organizer, John Rossi, of US DESMO said “accompanying Pierre during four hectic days in Boston was a perfect forum to discuss motorcycles, design philosophy, and growing-up and building things in the wood shop. We talked specifically about marketing among the cultural
spectrums of 40 different counties where Ducati motorcycles are sold and more specifically about the riders of Europe and North America. Pierre is a professional who has been with Ducati for 16 years. He is a gentlemen and a passionate designer with very distinct ideas on design innovation and about the advancements that can be realized in motor sport. It’s easy to admire all of Pierre’s designs — basically every Ducati motorcycle currently made. What resonated most with me about Pierre was my sense that we have not yet come close to seeing his best work. If there is one individual, much like John Britten, who could reengineer motorcycle design, introduce new materials and manufacturing techniques, and reset the bar on ultimate motorcycle performance, it is Pierre Tereblanche. I see Pierre is one man who can take motorcycle design to the next level of defining standards for innovation.

Photos of the event can be seen at www.easterncycleducati.com, www.nawarhorse.com, and www.usdesmo.com. Look for the upcoming Desmo Leanings winter 05 issue, the Magazine for US DESMO Club Members and a special feature on the Terblanche appearance in Boston with highlights of the Art and Design of the Italian Motorcycle.

From a press release:

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW
January 7 – 9, 2005, Toronto International Centre

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – Avid motorcycle enthusiasts are already planning for 2005 when the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW kicks off the 2005 season, January 7, 8 & 9 at the Toronto International Centre. This Twenty-Nine year tradition ranks as the largest, most diversified motorcycle consumer Show not only in Toronto but in all of North America.

Enthusiasts will be treated to a 300,000 square foot motorcycle shopping extravaganza featuring more than 400 exhibitors in 6 Halls, with more than 1,000 bikes on display including the 2005 new models, Dealer Displays, new product introductions, Show specials on thousands of accessories. No matter what the interest, Sport Bikes, Cruisers, Motocross, Off Road, Racing, Vintage, Touring or Custom Bikes, SUPERSHOW 2005 has it all.

SUPERSHOW 2005 creates a motorcycle environment where enthusiasts can share their interests, plan next summers rides and see the latest products and services. It is where the motorcycling community comes together to kick off the New Year. With motorcycling continuing to gain in popularity, the Show appeals to all types of riders, new or experienced, young or old, male and female. More than 60,000 enthusiastic visitors will attend over the three days of the Show.

SUPERSHOW 2005 will be packed with features including the $27,000 Custom Bike Competition, the “Joe Rocket” Racers Stage featuring many Canadian Racing Champions, the Motorcycle Awards of Excellence, the Humber Rider Academy, The Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum, over 70 Clubs and Associations, Live Bands, Leather Fashion Shows, a Kids’ Mini Circuit ride area and much more.

Main Street is the SUPERSHOW’s Hot New Custom Bike Showcase featuring Wild Chopper Creations as well as Manufactured Customs, Custom Motorcycle Shops, Custom Painters, Platers and Builders showcasing the business aspect of custom bike building. Hall 4 continues with the Elite Level 3 Builders’ and Level 4 Pro Builders’ bikes in full-blown displays, many on rotating turntables placed around the Main Entertainment Stage.

Special Guests at SUPERSHOW 2005 include Sarah Harley and Jean Davidson, granddaughters of the Founders of Harley-Davidson. Both are avid motorcyclists and both will sign copies of Jean’s books, “Growing Up Harley-Davidson” and “Jean Davidson’s Harley-Davidson Family Album”.

The North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is the flagship Show in a series of motorcycle events produced over the last twenty-nine years by Bar Hodgson Productions Inc.

Show Dates: Friday, January 7th through Sunday, January 9th 2005
Location: Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Toronto, ON Canada
Hours: Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults – $15.00, Youth (6-12) – $5.00, Children 5 & under Free
Parking: Free parking for over 7,000 vehicles
General Information: 905-655-5403 or www.supershowevents.com


More, from a second press release:

SUPERSHOW 2005 Announces Guest Appearances by Sarah Harley and Jean Davidson of Harley-Davidson Fame
January 7 – 9, 2005, Toronto International Centre

Toronto, Ontario – Exclusive to the SUPERSHOW – Jean Davidson, Author of “Growing up Harley-Davidson” and “Jean Davidson’s Harley-Davidson Family Album” will appear at the 29th annual North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, January 7, 8, 9, 2005 at the Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road. This will be Jean’s first Toronto Appearance.

Accompanying Jean will be Sarah Harley. Both are granddaughters of the founders of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company and both are dynamic and well-respected ladies of this legendary family. They are also, of course, avid motorcyclists.

Jean’s book, “Growing up Harley-Davidson”, is a memoir in which she shares personal family stories as well as tales of boardroom politics behind the Harley-Davidson motorcycling dynasty. A compelling book complete with rare photos and unknown facts.

Her second book, “Jean Davidson’s Harley-Davidson Family Album” is an inside look at Harley-Davidson as only family members could tell it. It offers never-before-seen family photos as well as personal stories from the very beginning, in 1903, to present day in this exclusive inside look at the families behind the name. Sarah Harley is a contributor to this book.

Jean has also written a children’s motorcycle book and is herself a retired school teacher. She and her husband once owned the largest Harley-Davidson Dealership in Wisconsin. Sarah Harley is the youngest of the Harley-Davidson grandchildren and resides in Hartland, Wisconsin.

The SUPERSHOW will be a unique opportunity for Show attendees to obtain Jean’s books and have them signed by a “Harley” and a “Davidson”. It is also rare that a member of each of the families behind the world’s most famous motorcycle company make a public appearance together. The SUPERSHOW is known for bringing motorcyclists together so this is in keeping with the huge social environment of this 29th annual wintertime gathering.

Sure to pack the International Centre to the rafters on Saturday, Jean will present a slideshow of photos while relating stories to the audience. She is known for her speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and looks forward to bringing her unique insight to the SUPERSHOW’s 60,000 + Canadian audience.

The 2005 International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW opens Friday, January 7 at 10am until 10pm, and runs Saturday, January 8 from 10am to 10pm, and Sunday January 9 from 10am through 6pm, and is a showcase of “Everything in Motorcycling”. More information can be found at www.supershowevents.com

From a press release:

Against All Odds Miguel Chirino returned to racing and won the CCS Southern 125 Grand Prix Road Racing Championship for 2004. Mid 2002 Miguel suffered a fractured neck and broken pelvis after running off of turn one at Jennings GP during a CCS Florida race. As a result of his injuries, Miguel was forced to wear a halo in order to restrict head movement and could not bare weight on his left leg until the pelvis healed.

“I was in the hospital for about four months, I had alot of time to think,” He says. “My brother Edward’s racing future was up in the air because he was looking to me for advice. I was talking about slowing down, but all I could really think about was how things should be the next time around. Better equipment and more training. Mid 2003 I purchased an RS125, which was tuned with the help of Zambrana Performance, and Long’s Motorcycle Sales. My objective soon became catching my brother. I have to thank The Grassbaugh family, Steve Wener, Eileen Gomez, and Suzanne Del Toro, they all jumped in and made it possible to make it to the races.”

Next season looks promising for the Chirino brothers. Edward finished second in 2003 and 2004 national 125 GP novice CCS championships. For more information visit www.PMSracing.com.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

COLD AND WET SHROUDS VALENCIA TESTS. A strong contingent of 2005 SBK and Supersport Championship contenders, attending an unofficial test at Valencia on 13 and 14 December, found their plans to test their new machines somewhat hampered by the cold and generally wet weather conditions. After a first day blighted by early rains, and the wet track taking time to dry, many of the teams’ hopes were pinned on better weather on day two. Another day of early wet conditions, and a track that held water all day in the single digit temperatures, meant that most teams finished their sessions early, looking to early season tests in 2005 to complete their planned improvements. Valuable wet weather information was nonetheless gathered for official tyre supplier, Pirelli.

PITT TAKES SECOND HELPINGS. 2005 Yamaha signing Andrew Pitt had his second test on the YZF-R1, having spent three sun-kissed days at Valencia in mid November. With new suspension, slipper clutch and engine mapping modifications to test, Pitt worked through the days but was not able to try out all the new parts for his official Yamaha. He set a best time approaching the 1:40s bracket.

MORE NEW YAMAHA INTEREST. Yamaha power has shown to be the choice of the DFX Racing team this year, the former Ducati runners having their first combined tests with three riders, Jose Luis Cardoso, Marco Borciani and Miguel Praia. With ultimate fastest times from the test proving to be near meaningless in the poor weather conditions, local rider Cardoso nevertheless set competitive times while long term DFX employee Borciani and 2004 rookie Praia needed time may need time to make the transition to four-cylinder power, after their Ducati seasons in 2004.

DUCATI STILL FAST. Despite the absence of the official Fila Ducati squad from this unofficial test session, one Ducati rider put his name right in with the best – Lorenzo Lanzi. The 2004 factory Supersport rider makes the jump to Superbike in 2005, and at Valencia was running his Scuderia Caracchi 999 hard to set a 1:40.0 lap time. Affected by the weather as much as any other, Lanzi had an off on day one, saving his best lap for day two.

WALKER TESTING SUSPENSION. The PSG-1 Kawasaki team of Chris Walker and Mauro Sanchini doggedly lapped Valencia, as Walker attempted to overcome some issues of rear end performance on his 2005 machine. He tried different rear shocks and swingarms on his ZX-10, as he searched for a useable set-up to take to the next tests.

BERTOCCHI KAWASAKI. Giovanni Bussei was one of the many Kawasaki riders on display, setting a best of 1:40.9 on his big ZX. Alongside the World Superbike riders, Kawasaki racing also featured at Valencia, testing race kit parts for development purposes. The GMT endurance team had Davide Checa in attendance, running to a best of 1:40.1, an impressive result in such conditions.

SUPERSPORT

Some expected top competitors in the 2005 Supersport battle had outings on their new machines, with Yamaha showing off its official entry, the Yamaha Motor Germany team, for the first time. New signing Broc Parkes and existing rider Kevin Curtain sang the praises of the new front end and engine response of the R6, with Curtain nonetheless limiting his lap count in the tricky conditions.

The Team Italia Megabike squad, not in possession of their new Hondas quite yet, had Fabien Foret and Michel Fabrizio lapping the 4km Valencia circuit. The fastest rider on show in Supersport was Gianluca Nannelli (Scuderia Caracchi Ducati 749) who set a lap of 1:41.3.

UNOFFICIAL TIMES

SUPERBIKE

Lorenzo Lanzi: 1:40.0 SC Ducati 999
Davide Checa: 1:40.1 GMT Endurance
Andrew Pitt: 1:40.5 Yamaha Italia
Jose Luis Cardoso: 1:40.7 DFX Yamaha
Sebastien Gimbert 1:40.8 Yamaha Motor France
Giovanni Bussei: 1:40.9 ZX-10 Bertocchi
Chris Walker: 1:41.5 Kawasaki PSG-1
Mauro Sanchini: 1:42.4 Kawasaki PSG-1
Stefan Nebel: 1:42.7
Marco Borciani: 1:43.3 DFX Yamaha
Miguel Praia: 1:43.7 DFX Yamaha


SUPERSPORT

Michel Fabrizio: 1:40.4 Team Italia Megabike Honda
Gianluca Nannelli: 1:41.3 SC Ducati 749
Broc Parkes 1:42.00 Yamaha Motor Germany
Kevin Curtain: 1:42.00 Yamaha Motor Germany
Fabien Foret: 1:45.00 Team Italia Megabike Honda
Pere Riba: 1:45.00 Kawasaki
Jurgen van den Goorbergh: No time given. SL Ducati 749.

From a press release:

Keigwins@thetrack 2005 Schedule:

2/12-13 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

2/18 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA

3/5-6 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/21-22 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

4/25-26-27 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

5/6 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA

5/9-10 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

5/29-30-31 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

6/4-5 Reno-Fernley Raceway, Fernley, NV

6/13-14 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

7/3-4-5 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

7/12-13 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

7/31 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

8/1-2 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

8/27-28 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

8/29-30 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

9/4-5-6 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

9/19-20-21 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

10/8-9 Reno-Fernley Raceway, Fernley, NV

10/15-16 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

10/24-25-26 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

11/12-13 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA

12/20 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

For additional information, e-mail [email protected] or call (650) 949-5609.

From a press release:

SULLIVANS USA™ and JOE ROCKET® SHIFT GEARS INTO THE FUTURE.

After 28 consecutive years attending the International Powersports Dealer Expo, Sullivans USA Inc.™ have decided to change their marketing and Dealer show plans in order to better situate themselves as industry leaders, both presently, and in the future.

“Staying ahead of the curve and accommodating the demands of our dealers has necessitated some positive changes,” said Bobby Sullivan, President of Sullivans USA™. “Implementing these changes has resulted in our decision not to attend the International Powersports Dealer Expo. There has been a shift in the industry over the last few years and premium dealer service has become a large priority for us. The recent opening of our 100,000 sq foot warehouse in Dallas Texas is a reflection of those priorities.

“2004 has been a record sales year for Sullivans USA,” said Derrick Welch, Sales Director for the company. “Our decision not to attend the International Powersports Dealer Expo will result in resources and programs that will prove to be more fruitful to our dealers in 2005 and beyond.”

“Joe Rocket® has become the leader in motorcycle apparel by being proactive in its marketing and business planning,” said Randy Robison, President of Joe Rocket.® “With the profusion of regional shows across the country, the value of the International Powersports Dealer Expo has been diminished. This decision will allow Joe Rocket® to address the unique demands of the motorcycle apparel market with specialized sales programs that retail dealers need to be successful.”

From a press release issued by Scuderia Caracchi Ducati:

ENDED IN VALENCIA THE TWO DAY TEST FOR SUPERBIKE AND SUPERSPORT

Dark cloudy sky and cold in Valencia for the final day of the test scheduled for the 2005 World Superbike and Supersport teams.

Lorenzo Lanzi on the 999RS Superbike has done a long work on the setting, forced to start by zero because the set up found yesterday in wet conditions wasn’t obviously good for today. The work upgraded so step by step, following the track conditions that was drying, also if it remained large wet areas. They have been tested several new tyres solutions developed by Pirelli.

“The track hasn’t never been full dry.” – said Lorenzo Lanzi at the end of practices – “Actually three quarters of the track were good for slick tyres, but it remained a couple of very wet points that, with this temperature, never more as 10 °C and missing the wind, never dried. So it was more safe to use an intermediate tyre, at least at the front, and only at the end I’ve been able to use the slick. In such bad weather conditions we’ve not been able to complete our test program, we found however a good set up for wet conditions yesterday and I’m happy about today’s work because, also if some of the factory top riders were missing, I believe that nobody has been faster as my 1:40.0 lap time.. Now at home we have to go on with the developing job, then next January we’ll control our actual position at the first test with all the teams.”

A lot of job also for Gianluca Nannelli on the 749R Supersport. The Florentine rider worked strong on the rear suspension, looking for the best handling. Unfortunately a new rain shower at the beginning of the afternoon, just when the track was going to be dry, prevent to finish the scheduled work on the new tyres.

“This stupid weather ruined all our test program.” – commented a disappointed Gianluca Nannelli – “In this occasion we gave the priority to the tyres and suspension setting, let the engine as it was in Magny Cours, but we have not been able to exploit at the best that occasion because at the beginning of the afternoon, when the track started to be dry in the racing line, started to rain once more. Just a few minutes, but enough to ruin everything. I found the bike better, also with a slippery track like today, better handling and I got a very good feeling about the bike and now I open the gas with better confidence. My best lap time today has been 1:41.3 and I’m quite satisfied. The team is working very hard to get the bike I want. I’m really happy with them, they work without pressure and this is very important for a rider, also if maybe sometime I’m rather impatient, like I believe is for all the riders.”


More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:

World Superbike and Supersport squads in rain dance at Valencia

Despite wet weather and cold ambient air temperatures, Yamaha Motor Italia’s world superbike team and the Yamaha Motor Germany’s world supersport squad tested in Valencia on 13th and 14th December. The test proved a good opportunity to try out both development and race kit parts on the 2005 YZF-R1 and YZF-R6. Even allowing for the far from perfect conditions the teams proved to be satisfied with the performance of their latest spec machinery, which will be tested in a more complete fashion at Phillip Island in late January.

In superbike Andrew Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia, YZF-R1) made progress on what was an updated version of the machine he tested for the first time at Valencia in mid-November. New suspension components and revised engine mapping, combined with work on a slipper clutch, were the primary points of interest, even if testing time was cut short by with the slow-to-dry track surface on day one. A patchy surface to start and one final return of the rains on day two foreshortened further meaningful trials of new components.

In the supersport class, for 600cc machines of an even closer relation to a showroom machine than a production based superbike, the all-Australian pairing of Kevin Curtain and new Yamaha signing Broc Parkes had their very first taste of the latest YZF-R6. Even allowing for a shortened combined first day lap count (20 for Parkes and only six for Curtain) the riders expressed great confidence in the front end feel and feedback levels of the new middleweight marvel. Parkes, a new signing for the 2005 season, tried both 2004 and 2005 machines, voting the latest race-kitted model a clear improvement, even at this early stage of his Yamaha career.

Rider Comments
Andrew Pitt: “We continued with the new bike, building on what we had at the last test here in November. I did about 40 laps today, around 50 yesterday and I set a best lap in the 1:39 the first time I went out with slicks on front and rear. The surface was patchy with water in some areas but pretty much dry the first time I went out on slicks. Just as soon as I came into the pitlane again the rains came back. We worked on the mapping and injection systems a lot, to get the best response from the engine. We also tried some rear shocks with new settings, and so on. With it being so wet it was hard to get some of the info but we could definitely feel some improvements. I also tried out some different clutches and I think there are still a lot of progress to be done on that aspect of the set-up. Our next tests is at Phillip Island in late January, so we should have much better weather there.”

Due to contractual reasons Yamaha’s second 2005 season Superbike rider will not be announced until January, with his first test on the YZF-R1 taking place at Phillip Island on January 23-25.

Yamaha Motor Germany Team Manager – Terrell Thien: “The new R6 has certainly impressed the riders already. Even Broc, who is a new signing, could feel the improvements made between last year’s bike and the 2005 one. Kevin has a lot of experience on the previous bike so he rode the new one, and he was immediately happy with the front-end feel. Even if it was wet or damp all the time, the riders put in some good laps.”

Kevin Curtain: “Even with the rain these tests have been really good for us because the new bike feels incredibly different compared to the previous one. The new front end feels a lot more stiff and planted during turn-in and mid corner. The engine is still in the relatively early development stage but already the horsepower is smoother and appears over a wider spread. I only did about a dozen laps in total on day two. The track was wet again when we got here this morning and takes an incredible amount of time to dry so there were a lot of damp patches around the tarmac. I think I did a 1:41.5 lap but the track surface was dangerous in these conditions. If we had carried on we were going to get false information and in the early afternoon it started to sprinkle with rain again. We learned enough to realise, even now, that this bike is an even better package than the previous R6.”

Broc Parkes: “The test’s been pretty good and it’s nice to be working with Yamaha. They are clearly putting in a really big effort and the bike is excellent. I started on the old one and ended up on the new one, but it was a big step upwards in every aspect. It’s a shame the weather meant that we didn’t have a fair test, just because of the limited time we had on the bike. Conditions have been terrible. I was starting to dry out but two laps after lunch it started spitting again. Kevin and I flew in on Sunday from Australia and we’re flying out again tonight, Tuesday. My body and mind are still on Australian time! Kev is a good guy and along with the all-German team we’ve been working very well to test as much as we could.”