From a press release issued by VIR:

Virginia Festival of Speed Returns to VIR

Alton, Va. (June 22)–Two-wheeled thunder returns to the challenging and picturesque VIRginia International Raceway over the weekend of June 25-27 with the fourth annual Virginia Festival of Speed, featuring Formula USA and the 21st season of the Championship Cup Series.

The Virginia Festival of Speed will provide a combination of the best sportsman and professional motorcycle road racers going handlebar-to-handlebar at up to 160mph over the 2.25-mile VIR North Course for their share of more than $100,000 in purse and prizes. Friday and Saturday will feature Sportsman action and on Sunday the professionals take to the track in Sportbike, Superbike, Thunderbike and the no-holds-barred Unlimited GP classes.

“Our competitors always look forward to racing at VIR,” said Ken Abbott, the director of marketing and promotions for Formula USA. “It’s such a beautiful environment, the camping facilities are great and the track is very challenging to ride. We feel that VIR provides a great value for the dollar to spectators, and we’re looking forward to a great turnout this weekend.”

Tickets for the Virginia Festival of Speed will be available at the gate, priced at $35 for a three-day ticket, $25 for a two-day (Saturday and Sunday) ticket and $15 for a single-day (Sunday) ticket. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult. Ticket prices include onsite parking and pedestrian paddock access. Camping fees are $25 for the weekend.

VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, which is a showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; the VIR Safety and Security Institute, which provides specialized training for U.S. Government and military groups; and the VIR Euro Rally and Corporate Motorsport Experience, which features four rally stages plus a kart track, motocross track, ATV and SUV training grounds. Future plans include The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room hotel overlooking the track, and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse.

VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The renovated original circuit has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days.

For more information on VIR, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or contact VIR toll-free at 888-RACE099. For more information on Formula USA and CCS, visit their website at
www.formulausa.com.

From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES (AMERICA) LTD. 2004 SALES UP

Triumph’s U.S. New Unit Sales Increases 104% in May

NEWNAN, Georgia – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announced today that the company’s U.S. new unit sales jumped 104% during May – with an overall year-to-date increase of 34.5% — when compared to the same time period (January-May) in 2003. Triumph’s U.S. sales growth continues to exceed the U.S. industry year-to-year new unit sales growth of 8 %.

Strong interest in the new Thruxton 900 café-racer inspired version of the classic Bonneville, the ground-breaking Rocket III power cruiser, and the updated Tiger dual-sport styled motorcycle has helped to fuel recent sales growth and drive more consumers to Triumph dealers. Consumers have also reacted positively to the firm’s strong finance programs. “Motorcyclist’s interest in the Triumph brand has never been stronger,” said Todd Andersen, Marketing Vice President, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. “We are very pleased to report that our existing models account for almost all of the 2004 sales increase as Thruxtons just began arriving in dealerships in May, and our Rocket III is arriving in showrooms at the end of June.”

Last week, Triumph hosted the Rocket III global press ride in Sonoma, California and media’s reaction was exceptionally positive to the exciting new 2.3 liter power cruiser. “We know enthusiasts will be thrilled when the bikes arrive at our dealers in the next couple of weeks and this – along with all the other rewards from owning a Triumph – should lead to continued strong sales increases,” stated Andersen.

This summer, Triumph will be offering enthusiasts the opportunity to test-ride the new Rocket III and the entire line of Triumph motorcycles at a number of events across the country. For a complete list of events and dates as well as Triumph dealer showrooms, please visit Triumph’s website: WWW.TRIUMPHMOTORCYCLES.COM.

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd, manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2004 Bike Week in Laconia, New Hampshire was the largest in the 81-year history of the event, according to local officials.

Charlie St. Clair, executive director of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, was quoted in the June 21 edition of The Union Leader, New Hampshire’s statewide newspaper, as calling the 2004 event “the largest Bike Week gathering ever.”

No rock-solid attendance numbers were provided, but New Hampshire State police estimated 2004’s attendance to have exceeded 2003’s attendance, which AMA estimated to be 350,000 over the length of Bike Week.

The 2004 Laconia Bike Week, which began June 12 and extended through June 20, Father’s Day, included dirt track racing, hill climbs, USCRA vintage road racing through the streets of Laconia and the 81st Loudon Classic Formula USA event at New Hampshire International Speedway, which had a “pretty good” spectator attendance, according to NHIS spokesman Ron Meade.

From a press release issued by Stuart Carter:

Garrett Carter, a 15-year-old rookie racer from Royal Oak, Michigan, is leaving tomorrow to join former British 125cc Champion Clive Horton’s race team for three weeks of racing in England.

The race schedule includes Pembrey in Wales, Donnington and Brands Hatch. He will race in the MRO series and the BMRC series, racing an ex-Daniel Pedrosa RS125 Honda. His tuner will be Nigel Botsworth who has worked for Kenny Roberts and managed both the British Red Bull team and the Petronas WSB team.

Garrett heads to England after several WERA regional wins and a USGPRU 2nd place after qualifying 31st at Summit Point.

From a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

For immediate release

NEW TYRES AND NEW HOPES FOR PROTON KR AT ASSEN

Proton Team KR line up for the most historic MotoGP race of 2004 with hopes of edging further up into the points, as the development programme of the new 2004 Proton KR V5 prototype racer moves steadily forward.

Two factors lend confidence to riders Nobuatsu Aoki and Kurtis Roberts.

The first is the nature of the machine, well-suited to the Assen circuit’s unique and complex nature. The fine handling of the landmark hewn-from-solid chassis is backed by the increasing consistency and reliability of the latest version of the England-made V5 engine.

The second is the tyres. The team tested the latest developments from their partners Dunlop after the last round at Catalunya, and both riders agreed that the latest developments showed a clear improvement.

One of the Proton pair has finished in the points at every race so far this year except for the opening round. One goal for the Dutch TT, sixth of 16 rounds in the 2004 MotoGP World Championship, is to get both machines in the top 15. Another is to move into the top ten – no easy target in a year when the overall standard has clearly risen, with lap and race records comprehensively smashed at every opportunity so far.

Proton Team KR has the added burden of race-developing new components. The slim-line chassis sets new standards in accuracy and performance, but the team has been kept busy developing the new motor, revised to fit the new frame.

For Assen, the target has been to produce engines with consistent performance and reliability, said team manager Chuck Aksland; while the search for more power continues back at the Banbury base.

With the Rio GP in Brazil the weekend after the Dutch race, this meant a double load: mindful of previous delays with customs Proton Team KR are travelling fully loaded with enough spare engines and other parts for both races. “The guys have worked really hard, and done well. We had to aim for quantity, along with quality,” said Aksland.

The tyre tests had been promising, Aksland added. “That is probably the area with the most potential to help us at Assen. Since our agreement with Dunlop in March, they have been working hard, and the tests showed good progress. As long as we all keep improving, then we’ll reach our goal,” he said.

Assen is the longest and fastest track of the year, but an almost continuous series of curves means it favours good handling and skilled riding as much as sheer horsepower and raw top speed. This is also the northernmost circuit, and unpredictable weather often plays a leading role in the race results.

The Dutch TT was established before World War 2, and was one of the original races on the first World Championship calendar of 1949. The modern Assen circuit evolved from the original public roads, a bypass built in the Nineties finally made it into a racing-only circuit. Major changes two years ago extended the paddock without altering the circuit’s nature.

The TT is traditionally a Saturday race, but there will be little time to enjoy a Sunday off. Teams will be beginning the long journey to Brazil, for the following weekend’s Rio GP.

NOBUATSU AOKI – I AM OPTIMISTIC
After the Barcelona GP we had some tyre tests with Dunlop, and fortunately I found a good front tyre and a good rear tyre. Although I did only a few laps, it was a big difference and a big improvement, and I am really optimistic. I’m not sure how those tyres will work at Assen, but at least our situation is much better compared with one month ago. Also, Assen is not as hard on tyres as Barcelona. The bike is generally improving race by race, so we will wait and see how it goes in Holland.

KURTIS ROBERTS – JUDGEMENT RESERVED
From what I heard, Assen’s a tough track to learn. I can’t make a judgement before I get there. But we’ve had some good news: stuff in the pipeline, and better tyres coming up. My shoulder is feeling strong and good, and I’m hoping for another finish there, and to get in the points again.

From a press release issued by California Superbike School:

CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOL DOES BRAZIL!

Keith Code’s California Superbike School ran in Brazil the week of June 14. Code hopes to open up the twelfth country for his schools.

Running at the Nelson Piquet circuit just weeks before the MotoGP to be held there in Rio De Janiero, the school hopes to get a feel for the Brazilian riders and their needs.

Code says.”We’ve always gone into countries that have read the “A Twist of the Wrist” books but we don’t have it in Portugese yet. It is one of the 7 translations we are currently working on. In the meantime, we are checking out Brazil to have a look at the situation there and see if we can add a new continent to our schedule.”

The California Superbike School currently runs all across America, England, Ireland, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Greece, South Africa, The Phillipines, Australia and Malaysia on franchise agreements using the school’s rider training technology and format.

Keith Code has instructed champions and more than 125,000 motorcyclists of all skill levels in “the soft science” of motorcycle riding and his textbooks and videos are widely utilized resources for motorcyclists worldwide. The school’s website is: www.superbikeschool.com

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI ANNOUNCES THEIR MOST COMPREHENSIVE FINANCING PROGRAM EVER FEATURING 2.99% APR* FINANCING ON SELECT MODELS AND 6.99% APR OR LOWER* ON ALL OTHER MODELS

Ducati launches its most comprehensive financing program in history with excellent financing on every Ducati model.

June 2004 – Ducati North America announced a new summer financing program called the “You Deserve a Ducati” deal. The program was inspired when Ducati staff overheard Eric Bostrom saying to a fan, “Don’t you think you deserve a Ducati too?” Now that dream can be reality with excellent financing on all Ducati models. It is the company’s most wide-ranging financing effort and comes during the peak of the riding season.

The program begins June 1st, 2004 and will continue through August 31st, 2004. Interest rates are as low as 2.99% APR for 36 months on all new 2003 and prior models. For lower payments, customers can choose the 4.99% APR for 60 months option. The 2004 models are also eligible for 3.99% APR for 36 months or 5.99% APR for 60 months (except 749R, 999R, Monster S4R, and 749 Dark).*

Finally, for models not listed above, Tier 1+ applicants can receive 6.99% APR on the STANDARD Ducati – E*Trade Consumer Finance Corporation (“ETCFC”) Program.

Riders have no more excuses about not being able to afford the Ducati they deserve. With every Ducati model included in this offer, customers can ride the bike they want at an affordable price.

In addition, up to $2,000 of popular Ducati Performance accessories and apparel (covering the entire range of Ducati motorcycles) can be financed with the purchase of any new Ducati. Visit www.ducatiusa.com or call 1-888-DUCATI 2 to locate the nearest Ducati dealer.

*Financing subject to Tier I credit approval through E*TRADE Consumer Finance Corporation; not all applicants will qualify. Financing rates and terms may vary based on credit qualifications and are subject to change without notice. Payment examples: 2.99% APR for 36 monthly payments of $29.08 per $1,000 borrowed; 4.99% APR for 60 monthly payments of $18.87 per $1,000 borrowed; 3.99% APR for 36 monthly payments of $29.52 per $1,000 borrowed; 5.99% APR for 60 monthly payments of $19.33 per $1,000 borrowed. 10% down payment is standard for all programs. May not be combined with any other offer; void where prohibited. Offer may be discontinued or extended without prior notice. See participating U.S. Ducati dealers for details (available in U.S. only, not available in Puerto Rico).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Aaron Clark is recovering from injuries suffered in a crash during practice at New Hampshire International Raceway last Friday, June 18.

Clark highsided in turn seven but hung onto the bike, eventually hitting a tire wall past where Airfence is deployed. Clark told Roadracingworld.com that he broke the T8, T10, T12 and L2 vertebrae in his lower back, but has no nerve damage or loss of function.

He is resting at home in a back brace and will be out of action for about three months.

Clark won the 2000 Aprilia Cup Challenge Championship on a Roadracingworld.com RS250.

Clark has been working with Seacoast Sport Cycle, located in Derry, New Hampshire, specializing in building engines, specifically installing Clarkie Monster Motor kits for Aprilia V-Twins.

Clark can be contacted via e-mail, [email protected] or by U.S. mail c/o Seacoast Sport Cycle, 208 Rockingham Road, Derry, NH 03038.

From a press release issued by Buell American Motorcycles:

BEMISDERFER TAKES F-USA THUNDERBIKE POINTS LEAD AT LOUDON

Estok and Bilansky Falter as Bemisderfer Rides Buell to Second-Place Finish

LOUDON, N.H. – Harding Harley-Davidson rider Bryan Bemisderfer took over the season points lead in the Formula USA National Thunderbike championship, placing second aboard a Buell Firebolt while his main rivals failed to score points at the 81st running of the annual Loudon Classic at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Racing on his home track, Jeff Wood rode a Ducati 900SS to victory in the 12-lap Thunderbike event. Wood was also top qualifier. Rick Doucette placed third on a Suzuki, followed by Jerry Wood on a Ducati and Hoban Brothers Racing-Appleton Buell rider Jeff Johnson on a Buell Firebolt.

Harding Harley-Davidson rider and defending Thunderbike national champion Dave Estok had a forgettable weekend, qualifying in 9th position and then retiring with a mechanical problem to score a DNF for the race, his second consecutive race weekend without points.

Hal’s Buell rider Dan Bilansky also had a tough weekend at Loudon, placing 18th on a Buell Firebolt after a crash during qualifying left him starting in 20th position.

Bemisderfer’s steady ride left him with 60 points and a commanding 19-point lead after four of eight events in the Thunderbike National series. Estok, who led the series by a single point coming into Loudon, is now in second place with 41 points. Bilansky and Kosco Buell rider Joe Rozynski, who was 14th at Loudon, are tied for third position with 36 points. The next stop on the Formula USA National Thunderbike Series is June 25-27 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va.

The Formula USA National Thunderbike series is a horsepower-to-weight ratio restricted class, open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders competing in the eight-event 2004 Thunderbike series are racing for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company and Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG).

To learn more about Buell Motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style, and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.



More, from a press release issued by Speedwerks PR & Advertising:

Kcraget makes it two in a row and sets new 125 lap record at New Hampshire International Speedway

Loudon, NH: Round 3 of the USGPRU series was held this last weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway’s (NHIS) 81st Loudon Classic, and the 125 and 250GP races were combined with USGPRU, Can-Am series, and LRRS series racers. After high-siding his way out of the points in turn 2 last year at Loudon, Brian Kcraget was back with a vengeance.

Friday’s practice brought bike frustrations for Kcraget, but having his tuner, Phil Dodd by his side all weekend proved to be Kcraget’s saving grace. Dodd tirelessly worked after each session to get Kcraget’s bikes set up perfectly so he could get ready for Saturday’s practice and qualifying session, which proved critical because competition this weekend was going to be fierce.

Saturday’s practice was used for testing of both Kcraget’s A- and B-bikes for the 125 race, and after some minor changes, he decided his Nesba.com/Acid Cigar’s B-bike would suit him best for this track. His Nesba.com/Speedwerks.com Honda RS250 was working well and was ready for Saturday’s qualifying session.

The 125GP qualifying session was up first and Kcraget took to the track looking for poll. During the fourth lap, he lost a chain, and wasn’t able to complete any more laps, and still qualified second with a time of 1:17:361 behind Paul Duval with a best time of 1:17.335. Forty 125 riders qualified for the Carrera/Infinity 125GP race to be held on Sunday. The Rising Sun 250GP qualifying session was up next, with 23 riders taking to the grid. Kcraget qualified fourth with a time of 1:17.286, behind USGPRU’s Steve Wenner who qualified third, and Loudon locals Chris Reynolds and Sean Wray.

Sunday morning’s practice brought sunny and windy conditions, but Kcraget was ready to get some final practice in before his races. Kcraget took to the track for the 125 practice on his B-bike and unofficially broke Jason DiSalvo’s track record with a lap time of 1:16.185. Although Kcraget was ecstatic about his lap times, he knew he’d have to make it official by setting a blistering pace during the race.

The rider’s had to set up for pre-grid for both of their races Sunday afternoon, something that hadn’t been done yet this year, so it added an additional level and stress for both riders and their crew. After a fifteen minute pre-grid, Kcraget was off for his warm up lap, along with 39 other riders, whose lap times were all tenths from each other. This race would prove to be a nail biter.

Kcraget got a great start, and came out of turn 12 onto the front stretch in the lead, with Todd Puckett of Team Incomplete close behind. Kcraget was able to build a two second lead over the first few laps but Puckett wasn’t going to let him get away so easily. Puckett closed the gap to one second and the pace for both leaders began to quicken. In Lap 8, Kcraget beat Jason DiSalvo’s lap record by .887, with a time of 1:15.773. Kcraget’s next lap was a 1:15.922 and from there he built his lead to over four seconds. He took the win over Puckett and third place finisher Eric Yoo. Kcraget gathered 50 more points towards his battle for the USGPRU East Coast and National Championship.

The Rising Sun 250GP race proved to be more of a challenge with local Loudon fast guys ready to battle it out with USGPRU riders Steve Wenner and Kcraget, who had qualified third and fourth, respectively. The race proved to be a challenge, with the locals blazing the track ahead of Wenner and Kcraget, but they hung in tight, with Wenner and Kcraget battling it out during the entire race. With Kcraget turning his fastest time on lap 14, he finally found a way past Wenner in turn 9, and hung on for a fourth place finish.

All in all, a great weekend for Kcraget at New Hampshire International Speedway. Kcraget heads to VIR this weekend for Round 4 of the USGPRU East Coast series and National Championship.