Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins has withdrawn from this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at the Mugello circuit.

According to Dorna, Hopkins underwent an examination at the track Thursday, June 3, and it was found that the fractured bone in his thumb had not healed enough for him to ride.

Hopkins suffered the injury in a chain-reaction crash on the first lap of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s Provisional MotoGP Qualifying Results:

1. Sete GIBERNAU, Honda, 1:49.553
2. Valentino ROSSI, Yamaha, 1:49.961
3. Max BIAGGI, Honda, 1:50.777
4. Marco MELANDRI, Yamaha, 1:50.845
5. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, 1:50.954
6. Alex BARROS, Honda, 1:51.008
7. Nicky HAYDEN, Honda, 1:51.183
8. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, 1:51.185
9. Kenny ROBERTS, Suzuki, 1:51.547
10. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, 1:51.560
11. Colin EDWARDS, Honda, 1:51.758
12. Shinya NAKANO, Kawasaki, 1:51.827
13. Alex HOFMANN, Kawasaki, 1:52.019
14. Norick ABE, Yamaha, 1:52.231
15. Ruben XAUS, Ducati, 1:52.494
16. Troy BAYLISS, Ducati, 1:53.090
17. Neil HODGSON, Ducati, 1:53.372
18. Jeremy McWILLIAMS, Aprilia, 1:53.428
19. Shane BYRNE, Aprilia, 1:53.486
20. Nobuatsu AOKI, Proton, 1:54.568
21. Kurtis ROBERTS, Proton, 1:54.740
22. Michel FABRIZIO, Harris WCM, 1:55.611
23. Andrew PITT, Moriwaki, 1:55.717

Not qualified (Out 107%) 1:57.221

24. Chris BURNS, Harris WCM, 1:58.174


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT WORK

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss completed this afternoon’s first qualifying session at Mugello in 10th and 16th positions, still conducting back-to-back tests between their 2003 and 2004 Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedicis. Both riders have one 2003 and one 2004 machine apiece, allowing them to continue the back-to-back evaluations they began during post-French GP tests at Le Mans, when Bayliss lapped within one tenth of the pole position pace. Tomorrow Capirossi and Bayliss will decide which bikes they will race on Sunday.

“This has been another experimental day for us,” said Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “Both Loris and Troy have been making comparisons between last year’s bike and the 2004 machine with weight distribution modifications. Our Le Mans tests went really well but this is a very different kind of circuit, so we needed to continue the comparison tests here. It’s all part of the development process, and we are confident that things will improve over the course of the weekend.”

CAPIROSSI FEELING BETTER ON 2004 BIKE

Loris Capirossi improved on his 2003 Mugello pace by a second today, but that was only enough to squeeze him into the top ten. The Ducati Marlboro Team man rode both bikes and so far prefers this year’s machine.

“I feel like we are now working in the right direction,” said Capirossi. “Today I preferred the 2004 bike, which has improved since we tested at Le Mans, even though it is still a little difficult to ride. Today’s times weren’t what we were hoping for. The pace is really fast out there, with today’s best lap already 2.3 seconds faster than last year’s pole time. We need to get closer to the guys up front and everyone at Ducati is working really hard for that. I’m not at all demoralised, I know we will turn things around.”

BAYLISS YET TO DECIDE WHAT HE WILL RACE

Ducati Marlboro Team rider Troy Bayliss came to Mugello with high hopes following very positive tests at Le Mans last month. Like his team-mate he is still doing back-to-back evaluations on his two bikes, but his modified 2004 machine doesn’t seem to have the pace it had during those French tests.

“I’ve been back and forth between the two bikes but so far I’m not 100 per cent certain which I’m going to race here,” said the Australian. “The plan is to race whichever bike I feel better on. It’s a bit strange because I left Le Mans really happy, the 2004 bike worked really well during the tests there, so we thought we’d be okay here but now we feel like we’re back to the same difficulties. Maybe it’s something to do with grip – the Le Mans surface was new and grippy, whereas the surface here is a bit older.”


More, from a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

PROTON KR V5 MARKS A YEAR OF PROGRESS

Round 4: Italian GP, Mugello First Qualifying: Friday, June 4, 2004

Nobuatsu Aoki: 20th, 1:54.568

Kurtis Roberts: 21st, 1:54.740

Proton Team KR’s measured a year of progress for the radical England-built KR V5 MotoGP racer at Mugello today, where team regular rider Nobu Aoki set a provisional qualifying time almost two full seconds faster than his qualifying time last year.

Team-mate Kurtis Roberts, in his first MotoGP season and his first time at the track for seven years, was only a couple of tenths of a second
slower.

The Proton KR V5 made its race debut at the Italian GP last year. This year’s machine is significantly changed, with major engine revisions and an all-new carved-from-solid chassis. Detail changes are coming almost on a race-by-race basis.

For this race, all machines have the latest revised firing order, tried for the first time at Le Mans, three weeks ago. This not only radically changes the exhaust note, but also reduces engine braking and improves throttle response at lower revs. Also for Mugello both riders have one machine with revised bore-and-stroke ratios – a longer stroke goes further in improving torque and mid-range responses.

The Italian circuit has one of the fastest straights of the year, and today Aoki edged closer towards the 200mph barrier, with a best top speed of 318.4 km/h (197.84 mph). This proves the growing strength of the machine, even though it is still some way short of its full potential.

Today’s qualifying at the 5.245km circuit outside Florence took place in dry conditions, clouding over at the end of the session. One more day of qualifying remains for Sunday’s Italian GP, the fourth round of the season. Today’s provisional pole time was set by Sete Gibernau (Honda).

NOBUATSU AOKI

Things are going pretty well, considering. My biggest problem today was the throttle connection at lower revs. At 10 percent throttle opening there is nothing, then when you give it a little more it comes in with a boom. We had improved that up until the last race, but it seems the bike has been sleeping in the last two weeks! It was better in the afternoon, but we need more work on mapping the ECU. This was my first time with the new bore and stroke, and it feels stronger and more rideable. But I still have the problem of throttle connection. Overall, things are going well. The problem is that all the other machines are going even faster.

KURTIS ROBERTS

I was starting to go faster in the afternoon, then I had some problems in the middle of the session that kept me from doing any fast laps for the last 25 minutes. I’ve only been here once, and that was seven years ago, so I still have a lot to learn, about the track and the bike. I know I can go faster, and some soft qualifying tyres would also be a big help. We’ll see tomorrow.

KENNY ROBERTS – TEAM PRINCIPAL

The smaller bore is as good as what we had before, in only its first race – though Kurtis did try it out in practice for the last one. We’re in a position now where we have the engines oil-tight and more reliable, and we’re looking for more power and performance. That takes time, and it’s especially difficult in the middle of a racing season. The chassis
development has been frozen. That’s working well. We need to concentrate on getting the engine to catch up. We’re edging up on the potential all the time.


More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

SOLID PERFORMANCE FOR FUCHS KAWASAKI AT MUGELLO

Fuchs Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann finished today’s opening qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello twelfth and thirteenth fastest respectively, but both riders are confident of improving their grid positions during tomorrow afternoon’s final timed session.

Nakano concentrated on refining the front suspension settings of his Ninja ZX-RR during today’s practice and qualifying sessions. Although the likeable Japanese rider was able to make some improvements to both the set up of the bike and his lap times, he didn’t feel comfortable enough with the front of the bike to push as hard as he’d have liked during this afternoon’s timed session.

Alex Hofmann declared himself satisfied with the first qualifying session here at Mugello, after finishing just over a tenth of a second behind his more experienced teammate. Bad luck has dogged the 24-year-old German rider so far this year, but after today, Hofmann is convinced that Mugello will provide him with the opportunity he needs to kickstart his rookie season in the MotoGP class.

Shinya Nakano: 12th (1:51.827)
“It was difficult for me this afternoon because I didn’t really have the confidence in the front of the bike that is necessary to attack the ultra-fast corners here at Mugello. This is an area we will continue to work on tomorrow and I’m confident that, come final qualifying, we’ll have a package I’m happy with. On a positive note, we think we’ve identified a tyre for Sunday’s race and we’ll do an endurance test on this tomorrow to ensure it is good for full race distance.”

Alex Hofmann: 13th (1:52.019)
“We made a big improvement to the bike between the morning and afternoon sessions today, which allowed me to close right up to Shinya’s time towards the end of qualifying, so I’m happy about that. I just can’t believe the times that were being posted by everyone today; everyone was so fast for the first day here and the level is incredible. Tomorrow we will continue working to refine the set up of the bike to suit the characteristics of the Mugello circuit, but overall I am confident about the weekend ahead.”


More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:

MS Aprilia prepare for battle on home soil

Jeremy McWilliams and Shane Byrne ended today’s first qualifying session next to each other on the provisional grid for Aprilia’s home race in Mugello.

Just five-hundreths-of-a-second split the British pairing with McWilliams qualifying in 18th position and a fully fit Byrne one place further back. McWilliams ended with a best time of 1.53.428 despite only completing 16 laps on his three-cylinder Cube after a crash shortly before the halfway point of the session. McWilliams lost the front end at the Casanova downhill right-hand corner after 27 minutes. He suffered a cracked rib in the incident, having only recently recovered from two broken ribs he suffered in a winter test session in Malaysia. The 40-year-old set his best time on his penultimate lap near the end of the session when cloudy skies had replaced earlier bright and sunny conditions at Mugello, which hosts the Italian GP for the 19th time this weekend.

During today’s session, McWilliams’ Cube was clocked at 330.2 kmh (205.17mph), showing the Cube is one of the fastest bikes on Mugello’s long start/finish straight. “I was really happy with the way things were going before the crash. The bike felt really good but I was trying a different front tyre which didn’t have many laps on it. I was running around 14th and 15th and would have been really happy to have stayed there. I’ve cracked a rib but that won’t stop me trying 100 per cent because I know how important this race is for Aprilia.”

Byrne was making a welcome return having been forced to miss the French GP with the broken right hand he suffered in Jerez. Byrne has been undergoing intensive laser therapy treatment in England during the two weekend break to try and regain 100 per cent fitness. Byrne completed 22 laps at the physcially demanding 3.259 miles circuit which is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Tuscany mountains in between Bologna and Florence. The 27-year-old managed to set a best time of 1.53.486. That was 1.2s faster than he managed this morning. “I haven’t had any problems with the hand today. I’ve had a lot of laser therapy and having been training on my mountain bike to keep up my strength for this race, ” said Shakey who suffered from a minor technical problem that will be rectified by his engineers overnight.


More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:


Provisional front row for Max Biaggi in Mugello

With a few menacing clouds looming over the first qualifying session, the worst is feared in Mugello. The first official practice sessions which decide the grid for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix were however dry and free from the rain, and both the lap times and top speeds recorded today show how the level of competition in MotoGP is forever on the increase. Four-times World Champion and Camel Honda rider, Max Biaggi, with the familiar fighting spirit, took a spot on the provisional front row of the grid with the third fastest time. Meanwhile Makoto Tamada also found himself in the upper reaches of the provisional classification, and after the last-minute rush for times ended up with the eighth fastest of the day. Now the whole paddock is hoping for stable weather conditions tomorrow, so that the final preparations can be made for Sunday’s race and so the bright yellow Camel Honda riders can set their bikes up perfectly for the fourth round of the world championship.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“Max took an important provisional front row slot today, from a psychological viewpoint too, the expectations and hope surrounding this Italian Grand Prix are enormous. There’s still a lot of work to do both in improving the best time, as well as finding a race rhythm which would allow us to win come the race. This first session has shown, just by looking at the lap times and the top speeds, that the technological level of MotoGP is higher than ever. I’m sure that Max will give his all in this race, for his fans, for his team and for himself, whilst we will be doing our best to help him reach his objective.

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin Tyres) – 3rd – 1:50.777
“This morning we didn’t get things right, so this afternoon we tried different things to sort out the set-up. We’re still quite a bit away, so tomorrow we have to get our heads down to find the solutions. We will analyse the telemetry data to try to understand how to improve the two areas in which we’re losing out at the moment; in traction, which I’m missing, and going into the corners, where the bike is a little bit unstable. Effectively the gap is a little misleading. We’re on the front row nonetheless and we are confident of making improvements tomorrow.”

Gianluca Montiron – Camel Honda – (Makoto Tamada Team Manager)
“Tamada has once again gone on to show that he is comfortable at the Mugello track, and so the team has been able to speed up the setting up of the RC211V straight away. So already the first solutions have been chosen for the bike’s settings for the race and also on the tyre front, some initial choices have been made. I’m confident, Makoto can go well here in Mugello, as he showed last year when he got the first chance to show his potential when he finished fourth.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone Tyres) – 8th – 1:51.185
“I was unhurt in the crash this morning. I lost control on the white line around the edge of the track and went down. I tried a lot of things today and we found a really good base set-up which adds to the great feeling I have at this fantastic circuit. Although our search for a front tyre for the race is at a good point, I am still concentrating a lot on the rear tyre and at the end of the first day of qualifying for the Italian GP I can say that I have found a good combination between the bike set-up and the tyres. Tomorrow I will try and improve even more.”


More, from a press release issued Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:


Rossi second fastest on opening day, checa close behind

Valentino Rossi showed the speed and intimate track knowledge that has made him the only man to win in every contemporary MotoGP category at Mugello by taking second spot on the provisional front row. Carlos Checa, his Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha team-mate, followed on from his second place finish at the Le Mans Grand Prix three weeks ago with a fifth best lap time at the classically sculpted Mugello circuit in Tuscany.

With one dry session of free qualifying completed in the morning, the speeds and times were quick from the very start of this afternoon’s qualifying session, and the Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha riders were sitting in first and second places only ten minutes in. Rossi had set a time of 1’51.541s and Checa 1’54.653s, with 50 minutes left to run. At that early stage Rossi was only 0.3 seconds from his own best ever fastest lap of 1’51.258s, a time he later improved to 1’49.961s. Other than Sete Gibernau (Honda), who set a new track record time of 1’49.553s, Rossi was the only rider to break into the 1’49s bracket.

Gibernau initially chopped his way to the lead with half an hour remaining to run and Kenny Roberts (Suzuki) split the pairing of Rossi and Checa with only 19 minutes left, going third fastest. The customary flurry of qualifying tyre changes and intense effort from the 25-strong MotoGP grid in the last few minutes of qualifying placed Rossi an eventual second, sharing the provisional front row with Gibernau and his Italian countryman Max Biaggi (Honda). Marco Melandri rode his Yamaha M1 to fourth spot with Checa fifth, setting a personal best lap of 1’50.954s on the way.

One qualifying session remains for each Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha rider to improve their set-up and start positions for Sunday’s 23-lap MotoGP race.

Valentino Rossi (2nd, 1:49.961)
“My time was pretty fast, better than last year, but still not enough because Sete went faster. I have put myself in quite a good place, so I am quite happy. We’ve already improved the bike a lot this morning and again this afternoon. Sete is on top form; so to be more competitive I still need to improve my general set-up. My pace feels quite good but I’m sure we can improve. We’re having some problems with the rear and the last corner is where we need to make the biggest improvement to suit the racetrack. There is more pressure here in Mugello than anywhere else, so to get a top result this weekend would be the ultimate satisfaction.”

Carlos Checa (5th, 1:50.954)
“With qualifying tyres I have been able to improve my lap time at the end but not as I expected. We expected to improve more and we couldn’t. For the race I feel not so bad, we are still working, and we have time tomorrow. We need to work on a race tyre over distance to make preparations for the race itself. I am satisfied with the work we did but at the end you must be 100% focused, have the bike and the tyre correct and maybe at some points we lost a few tenths and I couldn’t improve the time. From the first Valentino has had a big difference and we have to work on that tomorrow. The times are faster than ever but last year we couldn’t improve the times from 2002. Maybe this is just the different track conditions at work, or maybe improvements in the tyres. It wasn’t a surprise as such but it was not so difficult to get good lap times right away.”

Davide brivio, Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Tean director
“I think the improvements in lap time are impressive already because it’s only Friday. Valentino finished not so far from Gibernau but that was just one lap of qualifying in any case. We are working with both riders to make improvements and there is some room for them. I think the pace they are going at is a good pace; we just need to carry out some fine-tuning. Both Carlos and Valentino were towards the front in the whole session, part of the top package. They are going their own way in set-up and they each have a base. We are going forward with small adjustments, without changing too much.”


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

Solo Roberts in practice top ten again

Team Suzuki MotoGP rider Kenny Roberts Jr made a strong start to his Italian GP weekend at Mugello, placing ninth on the third row of the provisional grid for Sunday’s race.

At one point, the 2000 World Champion lay third overall, only losing positions the closing-minutes rush on qualifying tyres.

Kenny’s best time was almost two seconds faster than his qualifying time from last year, and more than a second inside the lap record for the scenic 5.245km circuit, in the shadow of the Apennine mountains. Roberts also reinforced his position in the 200mph club, recording a best top speed of 201.7mph (324.6km/h).

The figures prove the significant improvements to the 990cc prototype Suzuki GSV-R in the past 12 months, with more to come in the races to follow.

Roberts was riding alone, after team-mate John Hopkins withdrew from the race. The 21-year-old Anglo-American rider suffered a fractured left thumb at the last round in France three weeks ago, and although now out of the plaster cast lacks the strength to race his 220-plus horsepower Suzuki prototype at this track, which has one of the fastest straights of the year.

The Italian GP is the fourth of 16 rounds in the MotoGP World Championship series. One more day of qualifying remains before Sunday’s race.

Kenny Roberts Jr: Ninth Position, 1:51.547
We’re at the start of a six-race stint, all pretty close together. We know we have a better engine coming soon, and that should help our engine braking and tyre grip, and help me to ride it a little harder than I am currently able to do. On the flip side of that we’re here, and we have to do the best we can with what we have. Today we were able to do that. We tried to find the best race tyre we could in both sessions, and I think we are getting close to a decision. We’ll mess around with the bike tonight and see if we can get it through the corner faster, because we’re already maxed out on the straightaway. It’s unfortunate, because I’m probably one of the fastest guys on the track but it doesn’t show on my lap times. We’ll continue to do the best we can. The team is in good spirits, and they’re doing a great job with setting the bike, so hopefully we can continue to improve the bike this weekend and have a good result on Sunday, and look forward to the new engine that will give us a different outlook.

Garry Taylor – Team Manager
John and his race engineer Stuart Shenton took the opportunity to go out on the track today, which gave us an interesting perspective, and justified the fact that there’s a lot of excitement in the team. We can all see we’re sustaining the good progress we’ve made already. Kenny is certainly riding as well as anybody out there, and John and Stuart confirmed that he is making full use of his considerable skills. We all have the feeling that we’re knocking on the door of the inner sanctum, where we believe we belong.


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:


Sete Gibernau: The sky is the limit

Sete Gibernau could not have planned a better start to the Italian Grand Prix, the Telefónica MoviStar Honda MotoGP rider setting the fastest time in the morning free practice session but saving his best for the afternoon, when he set a sensational time of 1’49″553 to seal provisional pole position. Sete, whose time was three seconds under the existing lap record at Mugello set by Tohru Ukawa in 2002, moved to the top of the time sheets on the seventh lap and improved his time by over a second some thirteen laps later to secure top spot. Colin Edwards, who is using a new front suspension fork after experiencing problems in Le Mans, was unable to find a comfortable setting at such a technical track and had to settle for eleventh place.

Sete Gibernau
(1st.- 1:49.553): “We have started with an incredible time but we can’t afford to relax. Not everything is in its place for the race although the time I have set is marvellous and it may give the impression that everything is perfect. I have to improve my rhythm and that is what I want to concentrate on tomorrow. I can’t deny that this is a fantastic start to the Grand Prix and that our plan is working – I wanted to play my cards well and set a good time today so that I can concentrate on my rhythm tomorrow. I am in a good run of form and a positive frame of mind, and that is allowing me to control each session.”

Colin Edwards
(11th.- 1:51.758): “We had a few problems with the bike at Le Mans so we decided to change the front fork, the tyre. basically started from scratch. The Clermont Ferrand test went well and I was looking forward to coming here, but I’m still struggling to control the front end and get it to turn into the corners. I don’t have any references to work from but at least we know which way we have to go tomorrow and hopefully things should be better”.

Fausto Gresini
(Team Manager): “Sete’s time is incredible – I didn’t think he could go that fast but he has been strong since the first session and he’s been a cut above the rest. His qualifying lap on the soft tyre was simply perfect and he is working well towards the race, which is the most important thing. It has been a fantastic day and we hope to keep going like this. The relationship between Michelin and Honda is very good and the results are there to see – the whole package has enabled us to take a major step forward. Colin isn’t comfortable, he hasn’t got clear references of this circuit and he wasn’t able to lap quickly – hopefully tomorrow will be a different story for him.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke claimed his third AMA Formula Xtreme pole position of 2004 during qualifying at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Friday.

Riding a CBR600RR Superbike, Zemke turned a time of 2:18.851 to set a new lap record for the revised-for-2004 class and close his points deficit to Championship leader Miguel Duhamel from five to four points.

Zemke also set the fastest trap speed at the start/finish line on Road America’s front straightaway, according to AMA Pro Racing timing and scoring, at 163.8 mph.

Duhamel tried to top Zemke’s time with a late, fast lap on his American Honda CBR600RR but came up just short with a 2:19.041. Duhamel’s crew members, however, say they have a stronger race engine ready to install before Saturday’s final event.

DXS Diablo Suzuki’s Steve Crevier, a Canadian Superbike regular making a guest appearance in the AMA series, set the third-fastest time, 2:21.920, on what he said he was a 114-horsepower Suzuki GSX-R600.

The top three qualifiers used Dunlop tires, but the final spot on the Formula Xtreme front row went to Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec with a time of 2:21.945 on his Michelin-shod GSX-R600.

Although the top Formula Xtreme riders have turned slower lap times than top Supersport riders at some tracks during the 2004 season, Zemke’s pole time at Road America was nearly two seconds faster than the existing Supersport lap record, 2:20.654.

The Formula Xtreme class was originally slated to be divided into two, 40-minute qualifying sessions (one for slower riders, one for faster riders), but due to low participation (21 entries) and the length of the Road America track (4.0 miles), the entire field was given one, 50-minute qualifier.

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 2:18.851
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 2:19.041
3. Steve Crevier, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:21.920
4. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:21.945
5. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 2:22.142
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:22.257
7. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 2:22.331
8. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 2:22.484
9. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 2:22.774
10. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:23.216
11. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:23.481
12. Mark Junge, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.492
13. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.919
14. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:26.288
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:27.960
16. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.124
17. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.823
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:29.382

112 percent of the fastest time: 2:35.513

19. Clavin Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:35.631
20. Geoffrey Maloney, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:36.422
21. Jim Davis, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:39.865


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

HASKOVEC ON ROAD AMERICA FRONT ROW

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki kicked off their AMA racing weekend at Road America on Friday by picking up a front row qualifying position and taking multiple top ten practice rankings.

Vincent Haskovec qualified his Michelin-shod GSX-R600 on the front row for Saturday’s 10-lap Formula Xtreme race. The Czech Republic-born rider now living in California posted a best lap of 2:21.945 around the scenic 4.0-mile circuit to claim the fourth slot on the front row, improving four positions from the morning practice while slashing nearly three seconds off his time.

Meanwhile, the Superstock and Supersport classes only had one 50-minute practice session apiece on Friday.

Steve Rapp and Chris Peris were eighth and ninth best, respectively, in the Supersport session. Rapp set a quick time of 2:23.035, while his young teammate was right on his heels at 2:23.361, as the two ranked as the second and third fastest Suzuki-mounted riders in the class on Friday.

It was another impressive showing by the up-and-coming Peris. “Things are going well for us this weekend and the bike set-up is really coming together. It’s getting easier and easier every weekend. I’m looking forward to continuing that improvement for the team here at Road America,” Peris said. “We tried out several different Michelin tires and I like what they had for us today.”

Peris said he enjoyed racing at the Road America circuit. “We did get to test here but we didn’t get much done because it was so cold. This track has a lot of different aspects to it but I enjoy the quick sections. I like it.”

Rapp also picked up a top ten placing in the day’s Superstock session. The 30-year-old’s tenth place showing (2:19.754) was impressive considering it was achieved aboard the smaller capacity GSX-R750 at the horsepower-hungry venue. Haskovec was a few positions back in thirteenth aboard his 750, setting a best time of 2:21.209.

Saturday will prove to be a busy day for the team, with Supersport and Superstock qualifying on the schedule in addition to the FX final.

From Safety Recall Campaigns issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:

This list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under Federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 72 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners, and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with Federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Models:
Honda FSC600 (Silver Wing) Years: 2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 4,997
Dates of Manufacture: November 2001 – February 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, excessive clearance between the lower handlebar clamp and handlebar holder creates stress that can eventually cause the handlebar to loosen or detach, resulting in a loss of steering control, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install two lower handlebar clamps, add washers between the lower clamps and handlebar holder, and install new locknuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 26, 2004. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V513]

American IronHorse Inc.
Models:
American IronHorse Classic Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Legend Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Outlaw Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Ranger Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Slammer Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Stalker Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Tejas Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Texas Chopper Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Thunder Years: 2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,395
Dates of Manufacture: August 2001 – November 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles equipped with optional brake rotor-carriers, the rotor-carriers can crack while in service and possibly break, causing partial loss of the brake system or the potential for rotor-carrier detachment, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rotor-carrier assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact American IronHorse at 1-817-665-2045.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V521]

Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
Models:
Big Dog Chopper Years: 2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,446
Defect: On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version Rolling Thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame, which could cause a loss of control.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the frame. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V535]

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC
Models:
Big Dog BoxerYear: 2004
Big Dog BulldogYear: 2004
Big Dog ChopperYear: 2004
Big Dog MastiffYear: 2004
Big Dog PitbullYear: 2004
Big Dog RidgebackYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,098
Dates of Manufacture: August 2003 – March 2004 Defect: On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite. This could cause the throttle or front brake control to bind, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a lock washer and loctite. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 12, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V164]

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC
Models:
Big Dog BoxerYear: 2004
Big Dog BulldogYear: 2004
Big Dog ChopperYear: 2004
Big Dog Daytec ChopperYear: 2004
Big Dog MastiffYear: 2004
Big Dog PitbullYear: 2004
Big Dog RidgebackYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,906
Dates of Manufacture: September 2003 – March 2004
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the piston in the rear master cylinder may have been improperly sized, which could cause the rear brakes to drag or lock up. This could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the piston from the rear master cylinder and replace it with a new piston. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 30, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V137]

Buell Motorcycle Company
Models:
Buell XCB12SYear: 2004
Buell XB9SYear: 2004
Buell XB9SLYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 581
Dates of Manufacture: June – August 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn circuit fuse or the key switch fuse can blow. If the key switch fuse blows, the vehicle can stall, which could result in a crash. If the horn fuse blows, there will be a loss of power to the horn and rear brake light.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the wire routing, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 23, 2003. Owners may contact Buell at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V494]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson Dyna Wide-Glide Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 23
Defect: Certain motorcycles with carbureted engines have an angled fuel fitting on the gas tank. These motorcycles do not meet Harley-Davidson impact test standards and present a risk of fuel leakage and fire in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank with the proper tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during December 2003. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V510]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson FLHPEIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHPIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHTCIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHTCUIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHTPIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLTRSEI-2Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 73,678
Defect: On certain FL touring and police motorcycles, the 40-amp main circuit breaker can “open” for reasons other than which it was designed, causing an unexpected interruption of all electrical power to the motorcycle. This condition could cause the motorcycle to stall, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit breaker. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V134]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson Dyna GlideYears: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 4,593
Dates of Manufacture: September – November 2003
Defect: On certain fuel-injected motorcycles, the inner line of the fuel hose could separate, causing a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel line assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 12, 2004 . Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V052/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0112]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models:

Kawasaki VN1600-A1/A1LYears: 2003
Kawasaki VN1600-A2/A2LYears: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 5,850
Dates of Manufacture: October 2002 – November 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the muffler brackets could crack, allowing the muffler to become loose and potentially separate from the main exhaust pipes, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the muffler brackets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 17, 2004 . Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V063]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models:

Kawasaki VN1500-E6Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-E7Year: 2004
Kawasaki VN800-A10Year: 2004
Kawasaki VN800-B8Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN800-B8LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN800-B9Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,082
Defect: On certain motorcycles, accelerator pump diaphragms may be damaged from excessive assembly clamping pressure, which can allow fuel to leak from the pump actuating rod area. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator pump diaphragm. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification wais expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V008]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models:
Kawasaki VN1500-E6Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-L4Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-L4LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-P2Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-P2LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-R3Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-R3LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1600-A1Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1600-A1LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-L5Year: 2004
Kawasaki VN1500-L5LYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 6,958
Dates of Manufacture: June 2002 – February 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, high oil pressure upon a cold start-up can deform the oil filter cartridge, allowing oil to leak past the O-ring. Oil leaking past the O-ring may cause a loss of traction and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil filter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V023]

Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models:
Victory VegasYear: 2004
Victory ANSS VegasYear: 2004
Victory KingpinYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 3,230
Dates of Manufacture: May 2003 – April 2004
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the hose that connects the rear brake fluid reservoir to the rear brake master cylinder may have become damaged during shipment and may leak brake fluid, which can cause a loss of rear braking capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake reservoir hose and. if the hose is damaged, replace it. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 26, 2004. Owners may contact Polaris/Victory at 1-763-417-8650.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V187/Polaris/Victory Recall No. V-04-01A]

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.
Models:
Triumph Daytona 955Years: 1997-2004
Triumph Daytona T595Years: 1997-2004
Triumph Speed TripleYears: 1997-2004
Triumph Speed FourYears: 2002-2004
Triumph Sprint RSYears: 2000-2004
Triumph Sprint STYears: 1999-2004
Triumph TigerYears: 1999-2004
Triumph TT600Years: 2000-2003
Triumph Daytona 600Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 18,998
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 – September 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate may fracture following in-service handling. Fuel could escape from the fractured body of the connector onto the engine or side of the bike. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connector. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V156]

Triumph Motorcycles (America)
Models:
Triumph AmericaYears: 2002-2004
Triumph SpeedmasterYears: 2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 5,148
Dates of Manufacture: June 2001 – December 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, if the motorcycle is dropped onto the left side, air may enter the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. If left unattended, the rear brake may not operate, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reposition the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 31, 2003. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V525]

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning’s Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 2:20.657
2. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 2:20.658
3. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 2:22.822
4. Steve Crevier, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:23.839
5. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:24.127
6. Mark Junge, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.721
7. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:24.767
8. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.828
9. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 2:24.891
10. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:25.198
11. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:25.604
12. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 2:25.643
13. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:26.757
14. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 2:26.916
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:28.724
16. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.921
17. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:30.385
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:32.723
19. Geoff Maloney, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:36.114
20. Jim Davis, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:41.270

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s 125cc GP Qualifying Results:

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 1:59.666
2. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 1:59.743
3. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 1:59.884
4. Mika KALLIO, KTM, 1:59.910
5. Fabrizio LAI, Gilera, 1:59.932
6. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 1:59.939
7. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 2:00.041
8. Gino BORSOI, Aprilia, 2:00.155
9. Mirko GIANSANTI, Aprilia, 2:00.165
10. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 2:00.334
11. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 2:00.371
12. Youichi UI, Aprilia, 2:00.405
13. Mike DI MEGLIO, Aprilia, 2:00.576
14. Mattia PASINI, Aprilia, 2:00.704
15. Gabor TALMACSI, Malaguti, 2:00.821


More, from a press release issued by KTM-Red Bull:

The World Championship Road Racing Circus moved this weekend to Italy, in the very famous circuit of Barberino del Mugello, very close to Florence. Mika Kallio finished 4th while Casey Stoner finished 24th. The pole goes to the Spanish Barbera.

Kallio – I know I could make the pole position today: the bike is exactly how I want it! Unfortunately I was stopped by some riders in front of me during the last lap but I’m confident for tomorrow.

Stoner – I have some problems with the left wrist I broken last year and which I crashed during the Grand Prix of Le Mans. Moreover, we have to find a better setting for the chassis: I hope tomorrow we can solve it all.

Bartol – It’s only Friday but I’m happy for Mika who found the right feeling again. Casey has some physical problem while from our side we have to work on the chassis.

From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

MONDELLO WINNERS, HAWK, HEAD TO THRUXTON IN BOYANT MOOD

The British Superbike Championship heads to Thruxton this weekend to do battle in the sixth round of the series on the notoriously fast 2.357 mile Hampshire circuit. Hawk Kawasaki riders Scott Smart and Glen Richards are hoping for a repeat performance of Mondello, where Smart took a superb win in race one and Richards completed the podium in an excellent third.

Although fast, Thruxton has no true straights. Its clockwise course is made up of some of the fastest bends on the BSB calendar, so it is, as Smart describes. “A big balls track.

“I go alright there,” he said. “But Glen goes outstandingly well there and he was right up there last year. I think this could be the meeting where Glen has a really good result. My main target going into this race is to pass Kagayama in the points and that’s going to be a lot easier now he’s out with a broken collarbone. Third in the championship will be an outstanding result for the ZX-10R in its first year. Two fifths can take me to third and I’m pretty confident I can do that.”

His team mate, Richards, took his Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR to a podium finish at Thruxton in 2003, despite being down on power, and is confident of a fine showing this weekend.

“Thruxton was good last year,” explained the Aussie. “It’s another track like Mondello in that none of the other teams really get to test there so the ground’s a bit more even when we get there. Now we’ve got the bike working better there’s every chance I could get on the top step of the podium. A lot of it depends on getting my number one bike sorted. If we can do that we’ll definitely be in with a shout. I’ve also been working hard on my fitness and I’m getting stronger and stronger all the time. Since Mondello I’ve been working really hard because I wasn’t able to do much training after I hurt myself at Brands and now I’ve caught up I’m feeling a lot better. Physically I’m feeling a lot better and when you’re physically better I think you’re a lot better mentally too. This could be a good weekend for us, but we need to get on the front row because you can make it hard for yourself if you don’t qualify up the front.”

Thruxton also marks the return of the highly-competitive National Superstock Cup. Hawk Kawasaki’s campaigner within the series, 17 year-old Peter Hickman, is revved-up for the challenge of Thruxton and the first to race in a month.

“It seems ages since we were out,” said Hickman. “Because Superstock didn’t go to Mondello. I’ve been training hard though and getting track time aboard the ZX-10R on a few track days, so I’m really up for this weekend. I’m not that familiar with Thruxton so I’ll be talking to Scott and Glen for pointers. The aim, as always, is to qualify well and bring her home in the points.”

Free practice starts on Friday June 4.

BSB CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 4 ROUNDS

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 207. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda, 174. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 152. 4) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 130. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 105. 6) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 84. 7) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 78. 8) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 76. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 54. 10) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 49. 11) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 38. 12) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki, 35. 13) James Ellison, Yamaha, 33. 14) Kieran Clarke, Yamaha, 27

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

YAMAHA RHINO NAMED OFFICIAL UTILITY VEHICLE OF AMA SUPERBIKE AND AMA MOTOCROSS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 3, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing today announced an agreement with Yamaha Motor Corporation that will make the manufacturer the “Official Utility Vehicle of AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross”.

As part of the agreement, Yamaha will supply AMA Pro Racing with their all-new dual passenger Rhino 660 four-wheel drive utility vehicles for use at AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross events.

“The Rhino 660 is our latest concept in utility vehicles, with seating for two, a large-capacity cargo bed and the highest ground clearance in the industry,” Yamaha Motor Corporation Communications Director Bob Starr said.

“The automotive-style controls and On-Command(tm) push-button 4×4 system help make the vehicle easy, durable and safe to use. We’re confident the Rhino will prove to be extremely useful for AMA Pro Racing.”

“As the Official Utility Vehicle of Superbike and Motocross, the Yamaha Rhino 660 will aid our staff with on-site operations and race management,” AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development John Farris said. “Our staff is looking forward to putting the Rhinos to work at the races.”

In exchange for supplying the Rhino vehicles, Yamaha receives the right to promote themselves as the Official Utility Vehicle of AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross as well as various other marketing considerations.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Paul Cowley, 22, was killed during practice Thursday at the Isle of Man TT.

Cowley, who was riding as passenger in a sidecar driven by Glyn Jones, was thrown from the rig and died as a result of the injuries he sustained, according to the Manx Motor Cycle Club.

Cowley was a resident of the Isle of Man.


Best Practice Times (as of June 3) From The Isle Of Man TT:

Formula One:

1. John McGuiness, Yam YZF-R1, 17:46.7, 127.34 mph
2. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R1000, 17:56.8, 126.14 mph
3. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:00.2, 125.74 mph
4. Ian Lougher, Hon CBR1000RR, 18:15.7, 123.96 mph
5. Richard Britton, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:24.1, 123.02 mph
6. Ryan Farquhar, Kaw ZX-10R, 18:33.8, 121.95 mph
7. Jason Griffiths, Yam YZF-R1, 18:39.1, 121.37 mph
8. Martin Finnegan, Yam YZF-R1, 18:41.1, 121.16 mph
9. Colin Breeze, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:51.8, 120.01 mph
10. Paul Hunt, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:52.2, 119.97 mph


Production 1000cc TT:

1. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:17.9, 123.71 mph
2. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R1000, 18.36.8, 121.62 mph
3. Richard Britton, Suz GSX-R1000, 18.37.1, 121.59 mph
4. Ian Lougher, Hon CBR1000RR, 18:41.7, 121.09 mph
5. Jason Griffiths, Yam YZF-R1, 18:42.6, 120.99 mph
6. John McGuiness, Yam YZF-R1, 18:46.1, 120.62 mph


Junior (600cc) TT:

1. John McGuiness, Yam YZF-R6, 18:25.0, 122.92 mph
2. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R600, 18:34.3, 121.90 mph
3. Richard Britton, Hon CBR600RR, 18:45.3, 120.70 mph
4. Jason Griffiths, Yam YZF-R6, 18:51.4, 120.05 mph
5. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R600, 18:52.7, 119.92 mph
6. Martin Finnegan, Yam YZF-R6, 18:55.0, 119.67 mph


23. Tom Montano, Yam YZF-R6, 19:40.8, 115.03 mph



Production 600cc TT:

1. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R600, 19:03.2, 118.81 mph
2. Ryan Farquhar, Kaw ZX-6RR, 19:09.7, 118.14 mph
3. Martin Finnegan, Yam YZF-R6, 19:10.0, 118.11 mph
4. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R600, 19:10.3, 118.08 mph
5. Richard Britton, Hon CBR600RR, 19:22.6, 116.83 mph
6. Tommy Clucas, Hon CBR600RR, 19:22.6, 116.83 mph


Lightweight (400cc):

1. Richard Britton, Hon CBR400, 20:35.0, 109.98 mph
2. John McGuiness, Hon CBR400, 20:46.1, 109.00 mph
3. Philip Stewart, Yam FZR400, 20:56.0, 108.14 mph
4. Roy Richardson, Hon RVF400, 21:09.3, 107.01 mph
5. Tom Montano, Yam FZR400, 21:11.5, 106.83 mph
6. Mark Parrett, Hon CBR400RR, 21:12.0, 106.78 mph