From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TESTING WRAPS UP AT VALENCIA

Valencia (Spain), Thursday 4 November, 2004 – Bad weather washed out today’s final day of testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team at Valencia. Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa were only able to lap in the morning on a dry track, but were then forced to call a halt to proceedings early in the afternoon when it started to rain at the Spanish circuit.

Loris Capirossi got his first taste of the evolution version of the Desmosedici this morning after it had been used by tester Vittoriano Guareschi yesterday. The Desmosedici, fitted with a series of electronic modifications, is still at a prototype stage and Loris completed 28 laps, mainly aiming to obtain the right feeling with the new components which are being tested by the Italian rider for the first time. Capirossi, who mainly focussed on providing Ducati Corse engineers with feedback and suggestions, set a quickest time of 1:34.8.

Carlos Checa continued his learning curve with the bike and the team and completed 40 laps, the best being 1:33.7.

The Ducati Marlboro Team will be back on track at Jerez from 23-25 November.

From a press release:

GP Champ Vicky Jackson Bell Receives WIMA USA Award

DEL MAR, CA – The Women’s International Motorcycle Association / USA (WIMA USA) honored 2000 125 Grand Prix National Champion Vicky Jackson Bell with their 2003 Image Award. The award was presented during the annual Bator International Concours d’Elegance vintage bike show and 2004 AMA Supermoto Championship races October 16-17 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. A strong competitor and role model for women and girls interested in motorcycles, Jackson Bell was chosen to receive the award for her significant successes both on-track and in demonstrating the great things of which women racers are capable.

Jackson Bell was to receive the WIMA USA Image Award in May of 2003; however, just days beforehand she suffered severe injuries during a motocross practice session at Glen Helen Raceway Park in San Bernadino, CA. After multiple surgeries, three months of being confined to a wheel chair and many more months of physical therapy, Jackson Bell made a remarkable recovery. She is able to ride again but has retired from racing.

“The possibility of being confined to a wheel chair for the rest of my life due to racing, while raising my two young boys, is simply unacceptable,” said Jackson Bell. Having ridden dirt bikes since she was nine years old, Vicky now enjoys tearing up the dirt with her sons.

Vicky and her family–husband Tony Bell and their two sons, Christopher and James–joined WIMA USA for a weekend of autograph signing, meeting old and new friends, race-watching and general fun. A racer to the core, Vicky seemed most comfortable at the track and said, “It’s great to get out and smell the [race] fuel!”

Vicky Jackson Bell, WIMA USA salutes you!

The WIMA USA Image Award is presented to women who are dedicated to the sport of motorcycling and who pave the way for future generations with their positive attitudes.

The United States Division of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA USA) is part of the world’s largest international association for women motorcyclists, with over 3,000 members in 20 different countries. The vision of WIMA USA is to change the face of motorcycling by advancing women and girls in the sport and business and helping the industry grow.

From a press release issued by Advanstar:

Largest National Motorcycle Series Adds
New Kids-Friendly Feature Dubbed “Entire Universe Of Vehicles, Gear And Fun, Just For Kids!”

Santa Ana, CA – November 4, 2004 – Producers of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks realize that “kids are riders, too” – so they’re opening up a brand new section of the 2005 shows dedicated to these enthusiasts: the Kids Cycle Center.

“The Kids Cycle Center is a brand-new area of the show designed exclusively for youth ages 6-15,” says Jeff D’Entremont, Show Director for the series. “It’s full of kid-friendly features – small-displacement bikes and ATVs from major manufacturers, and right-sized apparel and safety equipment. It’s also a great way for parents and kids to get more information on local rides/events/clubs. The Kids Cycle Center is an entire universe of vehicles, gear and fun, just for kids.”

“Over 60,000 of last year’s motorcycle show attendees were under the age of 12,” adds D’Entremont. “So it’s important for us to offer family-friendly features that appeal to riders of all ages.”

The feature will be staffed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) personnel. Printed material along with video’s showing different types of motorcycle and ATV riding will be provided by the MSF.

Sponsors for the Kids Cycle Center include: Tucker Rocky featuring Answer Racing and MSR, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Thor, Suzuki, Honda, Troy Lee Designs and Polaris.

For more information about the new Kids Cycle Center are of the motorcycle shows, visit the official show website at:www.motorcycleshows.com.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® offer an unparalleled opportunity for bike buffs along with casual enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge of powersports vehicles, products, and services. The show boasts long-term relationships with both its title sponsor, Cycle World (12 years), the world’s foremost motorcycling magazine, and with its presenting sponsor Toyota Trucks (7 years), the world’s leading manufacturer of light trucks.
2005 SERIES SCHEDULE
San Francisco, November 5-7, 2004; Dallas, November 19-21, 2004; Southern California, December 3-5, 2004; Seattle, December 10-12, 2004; Denver, December 17-19, 2004; Atlanta, January 7-9, 2005; Washington D.C., January 14-16, 2005; New York, January 21-23, 2005; Ohio, January 28-30, 2005; Minneapolis, February 4-6, 2005; Chicago, February 11-13, 2005; Detroit, February 25-27, 2005.

ABOUT THE POWERSPORTS GROUP
The Powersports Group is the largest producer worldwide for trade and consumer shows in the powersports industry, including the single largest aftermarket trade-only event: the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo. In addition to Dealer Expo, our powersports shows encompass nearly every product in all segments of the industry. Our Big Twin East and West shows represent the passion of Big Twin, bringing together the manufacturers, builders, and buyers who power the marketplace. Dirt Expo is the premier event for the off-road powersports industry, which runs alongside the Maxxis U.S. Open of Supercross in Las Vegas. Targeting key motorcycle markets across the country, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Showsâ presented by Toyota Trucks draws more than 600,000 eager powersports consumers of all levels.

ABOUT ADVANSTAR COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Based in New York, NY, Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 77 business magazines, 19 directories, 7 electronic publications, 54 tradeshows and 40 conferences, numerous Web sites, and a wide range of print and electronic direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors including the automotive, beauty, e-learning, call center, digital media, entertainment/ marketing, healthcare, fashion & apparel, pharmaceuticals, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/ hospitality industries. The Company has roughly 1,500 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

From a press release:

4th Annual ToyRide.Org Ride for Kids

When: Sun Dec 12th 2004 (Rain or Shine)

Begin: Edison International Field (57 fwy and Katella in Anaheim, Ca)

Final Stop: Edison International Field

Route: To Be Determined

Benefit: Hollygrove Children’s Home (AKA Los Angeles Home for Orphans)

Registration starts at Edison International Field at 8:00 am and ends promptly at 9:00 am. Line up for the ride will begin at 9:15 am with photos. Ride will begin at 9:30. The registration fee is $10.00 and a new unwrapped toy valued at $10.00 or more. Your registration fee includes a raffle ticket and lunch catered by 211 catering, in Huntington Beach. Each toy donation worth $10.00 or more will receive a raffle ticket. Raffles are based in $10 increments. If the gift is $20 the rider will receive 2 tickets, $30 will receive 3 and so on. Multiple $10 donations will receive multiple tickets. Cash donations are also accepted. Please come gassed up and ready to go. The group will follow a set route, which can be viewed at www.toyride.org. The ride will end at Edison International Field with refreshments and raffles. Remember, Pre- Register and get an extra raffle ticket! All types of bikes welcome!!!

Cash donations may be made to ToyRide.org for the purchase of gifts on the day of the event or via PayPal at [email protected].

All cash donations will receive raffle tickets. Tax ID Information is available prior to event by request. Tax ID 501(c) information will be with each registration packet during registration.

Pre-Registration Is at the following webpage click here to pre-register http://toyride.org/pre-reg.php

Please arrive prior to 8:30 if you plan to register at the event. Cut off for pre-registration is Sunday December 5th 2004.

Sponsors: AK Composite, Apex Moto, TrackDaz, SoCalRPM, Speedrag, DVX Leathers, Cyclemall.net, Winex Helmets, Shock Racing, Icon, Galfer, Chatterbox, Z Custom Leathers, Simple green, Race Ready Design, Ferodo Racing brakes, NJK Leathers, Fast Track Riders, Spectrum Motorsports, Las Vegas Extremes, Reaperwear, CC Race Her, Dragonfly Clothing, and Whittier Fun Center.

We extend Our invite to all the different Southern California Sportbike Clubs. We hope to see all the members from G-Zer Tribe, 2 Wheel Life, SoCalSportbikes.com, Total Package, SFV Bike Night, Mayhem Street Riders, CrashClub.net, Ruff Ryders, Steel Horses, and the club with the largest group in attendance at 2003 and this years host Xtreme Habits.

From a press release issued by Yamaha:

ROSSI TESTS PROTOTYPE M1 IN VALENCIA AS EDWARDS MAKES YAMAHA DEBUT

The Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team and several other MotoGP teams were hard at work again today at a test in Valencia, Spain, just three days after the final Grand Prix of 2004 at the Spanish circuit. Today was the first day of a two-day test for Yamaha’s Factory team, where Valentino Rossi was joined on track by his 2005 team-mate Colin Edwards. Rossi, along with Yamaha test rider Wataru Yoshikawa, spent much of the day testing the first prototype of Yamaha’s latest-spec 2005 M1 machine.

Rossi made the fastest unofficial lap time of the day of 1:33.45 with a total 62 laps under his belt, while Edwards made an impressive first-time Yamaha record of 1:34.56 and 75 laps.

“We tried the new bike today and it’s not bad,” commented World Champion Rossi. “I have quite a good impression of it. I’ve already ridden it well and especially because we tried new Michelin tyres and it went well with those too. It seems to me to be more stable, and the traction is more or less better. This bike definitely has good potential for acceleration, and the handling is still sweet. The biggest change is in the chassis. At this moment we are quite clear on which direction to follow with it but this is just the first test and we still have a long way to go. We have concluded our first test with the new bike and now we look forward to the next test later this month.”

Colin Edwards will continue testing for Yamaha at the Valencia circuit tomorrow.

UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES:

1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:33.45
2. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1:33.46
3. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 1:33.52
4. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 1:33.9
5. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 1:34.0
6. Max Biaggi (Honda) 1:34.3
7. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1:34.56
8. Toni Elias (Yamaha) 1:35.48

From a press release issued by Advanstar Communications Inc.:

Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows®

Presented by Toyota Trucks Web Site Goes Live

Visit Us At: www.motorcycleshows.com to Purchase Advance Tickets – Skip the Lines

Santa Ana, California – November 3, 2004 – Leave the Grind Behind in cyber space for the 24th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks – the show web site is live. Enthusiasts can find information on special features, show facts, a full exhibitor list, floor plans, a photo gallery, local hotel information, history of the show, past media coverage, vital links, general contact info and much more.

“www.motorcycleshows.com is an excellent resource for enthusiasts and curiosity-seekers to learn more about our shows,” says Jeff D’Entremont, Show Director of the popular consumer show Series. “The web site is ideal for purchasing advance tickets, getting show information, learning about the manufacturers, retailers, as well as the show features for each event.”

Other Useful Links:

Attendee: Learn more about upcoming events such as demo rides, the Ball of Steel stunts, The Tacoma Off-Road Challenge, The Ducati Monster Challenge and a Suzuki Giveaway. You can also find information on the Kid’s Cycle Center, The Factory, the Christian Motorcyclists Association, Powersports Magazine, Free Gear Check, Free Motorcycle Parking and more.

Exhibitor: Obtain information on over 600,000 enthusiasts nationwide, recent consumer feedback and how you can contact our Show Series experts for further details.

Media: Obtain press badges, find contacts and answers to frequently asked questions about the show.

Dealer: Search for discount coupons and learn about local participating dealers.

Clubs: Find information on clubs, local manufacturers and features.

Buy Tickets: Don’t wait in line; buy your advance tickets in advance, online.

Progressive Insurance is sponsoring the web site’s new e-ticketing program where consumers can purchase tickets online, print them from home and skip the lines at the show. This gives enthusiasts and families less wait-time and more time to enjoy the show.

The 2005 schedule includes: San Francisco, Dallas, Southern California, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.motorcycleshows.com or by calling (800) 331-5706.

ABOUT THE SERIES

The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® offer an unparalleled opportunity for bike buffs along with casual enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge of powersports vehicles, products, and services. The show boasts long-term relationships with both its title sponsor, Cycle World (12 years), the world’s foremost motorcycling magazine, and with its presenting sponsor Toyota Trucks (6 years), the world’s leading manufacturer of light trucks.



ABOUT THE POWERSPORTS GROUP

The Powersports Group is the biggest producer worldwide for trade and consumer shows in the powersports industry, including the single largest aftermarket trade-only event: the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo. In addition to Dealer Expo, our powersports shows encompass nearly every product in all segments of the industry. Our Big Twin East and West shows represent the passion of Big Twin, bringing together the manufacturers, builders, and buyers who power the marketplace. Dirt Expo is the premier event for the off-road powersports industry, which runs alongside the Maxxis U.S. Open of Supercross in Las Vegas. Targeting key motorcycle markets across the country, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Showsâ presented by Toyota Trucks draws more than 600,000 eager powersports consumers of all levels.


ABOUT ADVANSTAR COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Based in New York, NY, Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 100 business magazines and directories, 72 tradeshows and conferences, numerous Web sites, and a wide range of print and electronic direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in the automotive, beauty, e-learning, call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, healthcare, fashion & apparel, pharmaceuticals, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality industries. The Company has roughly 1,400 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Since Eric Loranger of Brentwood, California needs something to read, here’s a piece of news:
We went to the polls yesterday evening to vote. One of the offices being voted for was Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. I didn’t like either of the candidates running for office, so as it is OK to do, I wrote in a candidate. My vote went to Valentino Rossi.

Rossi is loved by our family! We would be honored for him to be our Sheriff.

Have a great day!

Mary Beechler
Phoenix, Arizona

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CMRA racer John Orchard married Marian Krugers, October 24th in Flower Mound, Texas.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

Nicky Hayden fastest Honda rider at Valencia MotoGP test.

The 2004 grand prix season ended last Sunday at Valencia but such is the level of competition the MotoGP that the teams have no time to relax and reflect on past performances. Many of the leading teams stayed on at Valencia to begin their preparations for the upcoming series of vital winter test sessions.

On the opening day of the two-day test Honda riders opened their winter test programme testing new Michelin tyres and the latest chassis development. The fastest Honda rider at today’s test was American Nicky Hayden. The former AMA Superbike Champion put in an astonishing 94 laps at the demanding 4.005km Ricardo Tormo Circuit on the outskirts of the city of Valencia. Hayden set a best time of 1:33.4 on his five-cylinder 990cc RC211V Honda.

Sete Gibernau, runner up in the 2004 MotoGP championship, was just one tenth of a second off Hayden’s best time. The Spaniard concentrated his day on tyre testing with the RCV the results confirming Gibernau’s fears that he had selected the wrong tyres for Sunday’s GP.

Italian Max Biaggi, fresh from his third place finish in the world championship, was next fastest with a time of 1:34.00 flat. Biaggi dedicated his day to testing various chassis configurations and completed just 34 laps of the circuit today.

Nicky Hayden (1:33.4) – 94 laps. “We had a good day today and I put in 94 laps. I managed to go faster than I did all race weekend at 1:33.4 and that was on race tyres. I tested the new Michelin tyres and they helped with the difficulties I had holding my line in the race at the weekend. We have another day of testing here and I hope we can continue to improve.”

Sete Gibernau (1:33.5) – 55 laps. “We tested tyres today and confirmed that I had chosen the wrong tyres for the race last Sunday. Today and tomorrow we will concentrate on finding the right direction for next season and will be testing chassis developments getting ready for the next tests we have planned.”

Max Biaggi (1:34.00) – 34 laps. “Today I only did 34 laps as we tried out several chassis changes. I could have been faster but the main purpose was to find the right direction we need to make progress in time for the next tests. We will continue on this line tomorrow.”