From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Spies rapidly moving back into contention in Pro Honda Oils Supersport CHAMPIONSHIP presented by Shoei

Texan recovers from Daytona disappointment

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 10, 2004) — Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies is ranked sixth coming into round four of the 11-race Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei this Sunday, May 16, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. Normally that wouldn’t be anything to write home about for the 19-year-old AMA Formula Xtreme champ, but Spies has to be thrilled with his progress after a mechanical problem put him out of the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in March.

Spies rallied after his Daytona troubles to finish second at California Speedway in April and then dominated the most recent round earlier this month at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Spies will look to continue his roll as the series roars into Alabama and the newest road course on the AMA circuit.

Spies says the Infineon victory gave him a lot of confidence coming into the race at Barber.

“We’re finally getting the new 600 figured out,” said Spies, who sat out the race at Barber last year to concentrate on wrapping up the Formula Xtreme title. “We’ve got a really fast motor and now we can concentrate on inching up on everybody. I was 38 points out going into Fontana and now I’m just 25 back, so we’ve taken a substantial chunk out of the points gap already. I go into Barber and races beyond concentrating on getting as many pole points as I can, as many lap leader points and to get as many wins as possible. I like the Barber circuit. In testing there I think we were the fastest in both Supersport and Superstock, so it’s good.”

While Spies is closing in fast, Kentuckian Tommy Hayden stills holds a six-point lead over Daytona winner Jason DiSalvo in the hotly contested championship. There have been three different winners in three rounds. Hayden is one of them. He is a 10-year veteran of AMA Pro Racing and is gunning for his first Supersport title after coming close many times. Hayden won last year’s Supersport race at Barber.

Joining Spies and Hayden in the Supersport ranks this season is defending series champ Jamie Hacking. Yamaha-mounted Hacking is winless so far this season in Supersport, but the Carolinian is a threat every time he takes to the track.

Yamaha’s young gun Jason DiSalvo took a podium finish at Barber last year and is looking to close the gap on Tommy Hayden’s narrow points lead. Tied with Jamie Hacking for third in the standings is Tommy Hayden’s younger brother Roger Lee, also of Kawasaki. The youngest Hayden brother is considered by many the most talented rider never to have won an AMA national road race.

Local fans will have their own team to cheer on. The Corona Extra Suzuki squad is based in Birmingham. Owned by Birmingham native Landers Sevier V, the team fields Australian Ben Attard on a Suzuki GSX-R600 in the Supersport Championship. Attard has scored two top-10 finishes so far this season and is ranked 13th in the standings.

SPEED Channel will have its cameras at the AMA Honda Superbike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park. The Barber Supersport race will be taped for showing as part of the network’s Two-Wheel Tuesday on May 25 at 3 am and 2 pm Eastern.

For ticket information on the AMA Honda Superbike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park contact (800) 240-2300 or visit
www.barbermotorsports.com

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI ‘CONFIDENCE BOOST’ FOR LE MANS!

Team Suzuki Press Office – May 10, 2004.

Team Suzuki MotoGP lines up for the French GP at Le Mans with yet another boost to their confidence, after successful tests following the double-points finish at the last race in Spain.

Former World Champion Kenny Roberts finished eighth in that race, run in streaming rain at the Jerez circuit, with team-mate John Hopkins 15th. The next day, in dry conditions, the pair got a first taste of what will be coming for the GSV-R later in the season.

With Suzuki’s new test team and rider Gregorio Lavilla taking on the task of tyre development tests with Bridgestone at Mugello in Italy, the focus for the Grand Prix squad was on assessing a new engine modification that is in the early stages of development.

Results were very promising even though this engine improvement is not yet in race-ready trim.

“It’s a completely different step in the right direction,” said a positive Roberts after the test. “Even though this early version is not up to power, it allows the rider to do many more things with the bike and without needing such perfect settings. The bike was easier to ride and I hope that Suzuki can get it race ready as soon as possible,” he said.

Hopkins added: “I’m seriously looking forward to racing the modified motor as soon as the factory makes it ready.”

The clear progress was further proof that the already gratifying rate of improvement to the machine is set to continue. The goal of regaining race and title-winning positions is even more clearly in sight.

“We started the season feeling optimistic but fully aware that we still have a lot of work to do. The tests after Jerez showed that the factory is not only continuing to work hard, but taking the bike forward step by step,” said team manager Garry Taylor.

“At the same time, we’re working closely with Bridgestone, with our test team helping them move tyre development forward. They’re also getting better all the time,” he continued.

“After the rain at the Spanish race, we’ll be hoping for dry hot weather at Le Mans – the conditions that seem to suit the tyres best at the moment,” concluded Taylor.

The third round of the eagerly-anticipated 2004 MotoGP championship takes the contenders to the famous 24-hour-race venue at Le Mans in the west of France. The motorcycles use only a small section of the car endurance-racing classic track, past the pits and grandstands, before looping back for the first of a series of U-turns on the Bugatti short circuit.

The weather is always a talking point. For the past two years, the big race has been interrupted by rain. Last year’s French GP was the first time new “Race Neutralisation” rules had been used, whereby the first part of a stopped race counts only for grid positions for the restart. Overall results are established by a tooth-and-nail sprint over the remaining laps.

Last year, the restarted race was won by Sete Gibernau as the Suzuki teamsters had a misfortunate weekend – Hopkins injuring his shoulder in the last of a series of wet-track spills and Roberts making a tyre gamble that failed in the changing conditions.

This year, both riders have higher hopes after an encouraging start to the season for the revised and improved Suzuki GSV-R, including a strong top ten for Roberts in the second round. Although still working towards full competitive form, the Suzuki squad are already looking towards more of same in France.

KENNY ROBERTS – ONE OF OUR BETTER RACES:
“We tested the engine modifications at Jerez; it’s a completely different step, in the right direction. All our current problem areas were gone. Even with the engine still not fully set up, the bike is easier to ride and the chassis settings don’t have to be as perfect. We need that modification as soon as Japan can make it ready. It’s kind of hard to go to Le Mans with the previous engine, knowing we’d be in a better position with what’s in the pipeline. We’re faster this year than last, but everyone else is faster too. One good thing is that nobody has tested at Le Mans. When that’s happened this year, at tests for instance, we’ve gone well. Where other people have had more set-up time, which hurts us. We get maxed out on settings before they do. So it should be one of our better races.”

JOHN HOPKINS – HOPING FOR A DRY WEEKEND:
“Testing went real good. We had a chance to try the modifications to the motor and they made a big step. I’m really excited about that. The factory has a couple of little things to settle before it’s race ready and I’m looking forward to that. Le Mans isn’t exactly my favourite track after getting hurt in the wet there last year. I don’t mind the layout of the circuit in the dry – it’s a fun track. But I don’t think many riders like it in the rain … the surface is one of the slickest. If it does rain, it’s the same for everybody and I’m ready for it. We’ll do what we have to do, but I’m really hoping for a dry weekend.”

ABOUT THIS RACE:
The French GP is a long-standing but irregular fixture on the calendar. The first event was run in 1951, the third year of GP racing – but in the 53 years since, there have been just 40 events under that name. The GP has wandered around the country, moving from Albi to Rouen, Reims, Clermont Ferrand, Le Castellet, Nogaro and Magny-Cours over the years. The first time at Le Mans was in 1969 on an early version of the then-new Bugatti circuit which uses only the traditional pits and start-finish area of the famous 24-hour car track Since that time, the circuit has been changed considerably in detail – even since the last series ended in 1995 – while the French GP moved down south again to Le Castellet. The return to Le Mans in 2000, after the southern circuit was decommissioned, signalled a revival of crowd numbers at the venue.

ABOUT THIS TRACK:
The Bugatti circuit originally used part of the famous Sarthe 24-hour car circuit – the pit straight and a daunting right-hand corner under the Dunlop Bridge and down the hill – before looping off for the first of its U-turns and short “drag-strip” straights. The first change was to put a slow chicane before the bridge. In 2002, a second major alteration dealt with the exit from the bridge, carrying the track further to the left and making the first U-turn into a much faster and more sweeping corner. The short following straight reasserts the track’s character; hard acceleration followed by hard braking for the Museum U-turn, then another in the opposite direction before the short back straight and more slow corners leading back to the final hairpin. Le Mans is one of the four slowest circuits on the calendar.

GP DATA:

Bugatti Circuit – Le Mans.
Circuit Length: 2.597 miles / 4.180 km.
Lap Record: 1:36.846 – 96.549 mph / 155.380 km/h. V Rossi (Honda) 2002.
2003 Race Winner: S Gibernau (Honda).
2003 Race Average: 24:29.665 – 82.709 mph / 133.107 km/h (race shortened).
2003 Fastest Race Lap: 1:50.358 – 84.728 mph / 136.356 km/h (Gibernau).
2003 Pole Position: 1:35.208 (Rossi).
2003 Kenny Roberts: 16th, qualified 17th (Suzuki GSV-R).
2003 John Hopkins: Did Not Finish (crash), qualified 11th (Suzuki GSV-R).

This just in from AFM President Joe Montoya:

Suzuki contingency money originally posted for the April 18, AFM race at Infineon Raceway, which was rained out, will be moved to the July 18 race at Buttonwillow Raceway.

From a press release issued by BIR:

BIR’s “taconite track” moves closer to becoming a state testing facility, national showcase

BRAINERD, Minn. ­ By next fall, Brainerd International Raceway’s three-mile road course could have a fresh new surface made of special taconite tailings-based asphalt that would be paid for with state and federal grant money. In return, BIR would allow the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other agencies to monitor and test the surface in an effort to prove the material’s durability and its value as an alternative construction material on public roads nationwide.

In the end, BIR would have a durable and long-lasting race track ­ the only one of its kind in the world ­ on which to continue its tradition of offering world-class motorsports, while the state would have a road surface that could be tested under extreme driving and weather conditions, while showcasing the benefits of using taconite tailings-based asphalt. BIR also would allow the Minnesota State Patrol to use the facility for training purposes.

BIR General Manager Scott Quick met Friday with a number of public and private individuals who are working to advance the use of taconite tailings as a substrate in asphalt. BIR reconstructed its quarter-mile drag strip last year, using taconite asphalt to give dragsters more traction and increase speeds. Now, the plan is to reconstruct the rest of the track with the material.

Also at the meeting was Dave Hendrickson, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research & Technology; Rick Anderson of Iron Range Resources; Bruce Gerlach of Cleveland Cliff Mining Corp.; Cpt. Mark Johassen of the Minnesota State Patrol; Ed Shaughnessy of C.R. Meyer & Sons; Brainerd Mayor Jim Wallin; and Elwyn Tinklenberg and Dan Krome of The Tinklenberg Group, which is a consulting firm that’s working with states as far east as Pennsylvania to encourage using this material on public roads.

The group indicated that it may be possible to acquire matching funds and grants worth the $800,000 needed for the track construction (a conservative estimate by Quick). That would enable construction to begin in September and conclude before winter. Gerlach said he’d support a donation of taconite tailings by Cleveland Cliff Mining.

This morning’s meeting was a giant step toward making the project happen, which was a pleasant surprise, Quick said. “I was very encouraged after the meeting. Everyone’s stepping up because they understand the incredible value a project like this has to the Iron Range mines as well as to the entire state of Minnesota. Showing Minnesota and other states that investing in roads with this material is a wise choice will generate significant jobs and revenue for the Iron Range. And race tracks throughout the country will be getting in line to use it as well.”

Using this special asphalt on public roads is already gaining popularity nationwide because the product is so durable it requires less patching and needs to be replaced less often than conventional asphalt. Plus, many markets, like the Twin Cities, are experiencing a shortage of available rock aggregate to make traditional asphalt.

Taconite tailings, which is the course, jagged rock-like material left behind from the taconite mining process, is found in abundance on the Iron Range in northeast Minnesota. In fact, 4 billion tons of the material are currently available. The cost is very affordable ­ about $1 a ton ­ but because the tailings are so dense, transporting them is very expensive and difficult. Trucks transported BIR’s tailings from EVTAC Mining in Eveleth, Minn., but major road construction projects will require the material to be transported by rail or water.

BIR President Bill Singleterry said that Sports Resorts International, of which BIR is a subsidiary, fully supports this effort and looks forward to hosting a test facility for the state of Minnesota.

BIR is a subsidiary of Michigan-based Sports Resorts International Inc., a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange (SPRI). Now in its 34th season, BIR is one of North America¹s largest racetracks, featuring 800 acres of rustic camping, 159 full-service RV sites and on-site condos. BIR is about 120 miles north of the Twin Cities, and it now has a new concrete drag strip that is one of the flattest and fastest in the country. Visit
www.brainerdracewayandresort.com.

From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

PREVIEW GP OF FRANCE

It is the famous circuit Bugatti of Le Mans built in 1965 around the already existing 24 hours track to host the 3rd round of the MotoGP championship. The track was inaugurated in 1994 and hosted motorcycle Grand Prix from 1966 to 1995 and then underwent a complex restructuring before returning to host the GP of France 2000.

It is a historical circuit where there is a predomination of corners to attack in first gear, long brakings and sudden accelerations demanding a perfect setup. This layout also demands a good feeling through the front wheel of the bike, leading to good response through the changes of direction in the chicanes and playing a fundamental role in the harsh braking points which follow many fast corners. The most impressive part of the track is surely represented by the very fast right corner at the end of the main straight, followed by a chicane requiring a very quick change of speed – a part of the lap that requires a strong dose of courage and cold blood.

After Sete Gibernau’s victory at the Spanish GP, and after an intense preparation at Jerez last May 3rd and 4th, the Team Telefonica Movistar Honda MotoGp is ready for the third appointment of the Championship on the historical 24 Hours circuit.

#15 SETE GIBERNAU – THE RAIN MAGICIAN

“I must admit that until last year the Le Mans track was not amongst my favourites, as I had never obtained good results and never found a good feeling or rhythm. Last year though for the first time I really felt good and won the race on a wet track, we then stopped to test so I got to lap on a dry track and I admit I now have a good feeling at this circuit.

Thanks to the two added days of testing we did in Jerez after the Spanish GP, the bike setup in the dry is now much improved. Here we did some endurance testing, allowing us to better understand the bike prior to the next GP – I am coming to Le Mans with the determination and desire to repeat my victory.”

#45 COLIN EDWARDS

“To tell you the truth I really don’t know this circuit too well, I raced on it for the first time last year and it rained almost the entire time. It is a “start and go” track: sudden braking, small corners and strong accelerations. It isn’t really one of my favourite tracks but I am sure that together we can find the right setup for the characteristics of the French circuit.

After the 2 days testing at Jerez de la Frontera last 3rd and 4th of May I am eager to go to Le Mans. We learned many things regarding the bike and the new Michelin tyres, I now have a better feeling with my RC211V and it’s time to get the results. I am not satisfied at the outcome of the first two races, now I want a good result.”

FASUTO GRESINI, Team Manager

“After the victory of the Spanish GP we are going to Le Mans both successful and convinced of the potential we have available. Le Mans last year gave us a beautiful victory after a spectacular duel between Gibernau and Rossi. We do know it will not be easy – no race will be this year – but the Jerez victory is important for the moral of the entire Team. The two extra days at Jerez have been vital for the dry setup of the CR211V and I am satisfied with all of the work we have put in.

Sete Gibernau has once again demonstrated to be highly competitive, physically prepared and have exceptional concentration.

Colin Edwards still needs some running in order to find the correct setup with the bike, but we will wait for him as we know he is a top rider and we hope he can demonstrate all his potential as of the next GP”.

This photo from a tardy press release issued by Mike Summers shows Aaron Yates (right) joining fellow racers (from left) Shaun Summers, Chris Peris and Steve Rapp visiting a young patient in the University of California Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Sacramento, California, the week before the AMA National at Infineon Raceway.

That night Yates appeared with the others at a Sport Bike Night organized by Mike Summers at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Sacramento.

Yates, himself a father of two young children, said after the hospital visit “this makes you appreciate what you have when your kids are healthy”.

From a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

Luis d´Antin gave a speech at the ‘Pontificia’ University of Communication in Salamanca regarding the management of sport.

Together with Team D’Antin’s Moto GP owner, José Luis Astiazarán, (Football Club Real Sociedad’s President) and Javier Calatayud, (Balonmano??? Club of Ciudad Real’s Vice-President) were present, whilst TVE’s Sergio Fuentes moderated the meeting. D’Antin spoke about the commercial and sport’s objectives in motorcycling and the need of finding and forming new riders. He also talked about the importance of the human side of motorcycling, despite the major role played by the machines implied and of the increasing value of money invested of which 70% comes from direct sponsorship.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Multiple-Event Terrorism Drill a Success at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Sonoma and Marin County Fire Training Officers came together on Saturday at Infineon Raceway for the largest-ever two-county terrorism drill in Northern California.

The Mutual Aid Drill (MAD) simulated a multiple-event terrorism incident and involved nearly 400 responders from law, fire, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and a multitude of other agencies from Marin and Sonoma counties. There were more than 40 agencies (local, county, state and federal) involved, in all.

The “mock disaster” began at 1 p.m., when a chemical agent was released in the south end of the main grandstand at Infineon Raceway, the largest motor sports and entertainment venue in the North Bay. The 400 responders from Marin and Sonoma counties then went into action to diffuse the situation. The objective of the exercise was to test and improve unified command for both Marin and Sonoma counties in the event of a catastrophic incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

“The purpose of this training was to identify any weaknesses in our Weapons of Mass Destruction response plan, and this allowed us to improve on that plan in all areas, from quicker response times to faster security of the areas,” said JW Seely, captain with Sonoma County Emergency Services.



In addition to the nearly 400 responders and more than 40 agencies, the exercise also featured:


* Latest in terrorism preparedness and response.

* Four hours of participant training prior to the exercise (8
a.m.-noon).

* Three Hazardous Materials Teams and the 95th Civil Support
Team (WMD).

* Fifty victims simulating various types of injuries.

* Utilization of new equipment from Homeland Security Grants

(i.e. – New Sonoma County Incident Command Vehicle).

From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

MISANO REMEMBERS DAIJIRO KATO


The Misano community and the Gresini racing chose the new alley that brings to the new entrance of the Misano Circuit to remember the young Japanese champion that lived in Porto Verde (Misano) during the racing seasons near the Gresini racing Department.

The cerimony started at 10.00 when the major of Misano, Sandro Tiraferri, Fausto Gresini and Kato’s father cut the ribbon and unveiled the name of the street.

Then they planted a cherry tree that Takashi Kato had directly brought from Japan, as a symbol of the tight relation between Misano, its community and Suzuka.

Motosprint remembered and honoured the 250cc Champion giving the prestigious prize “casco d’oro” to Kato’s father.

The world of motorsport was represented by Colin Edwards, the American rider that is racing for Gresini Racing starting from this season, Max Biaggi and Tamada. Unfortunately Sete Gibernau couldn’t attend the ceremony because of commitments taken with the sponsor during these days but he sent a message to express his desire to be with Daijiro’s family for this so important event.

Colin Edwards : “I met and raced with Daijiro in occasion of the 8 hours of Suzuka. I have a very good memory of Daijiro as a rider and as a person. Unfortunately after this tragic event it’s hard for his family to move on, this ceremony has a very special meaning to commemorate the Japanese Rider, a Champion and a friend.

Max Biaggi: “I really wanted to be here this morning because it’s a very special moment that I want to honour and commemorate, I’m here as a sport fan more than a rider. ”

Makoto Tamada, rider and close friend of Daijiro also attented the cerimony.

The Honda manufacturer attended too with Mr Negishi, President of Honda Italia, Mr. Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr. Irie, General Manager HRC for Europe, Mr Koinuma, Responsible of FPS Project and Carlo Fiorani, HRC Sport Manager.

Fausto Gresini thanked the Misano administration for the possibility of organizing this event and the Kato’s family for attending the cerimony.

Takashi Kato thanked the Misano Community by giving as a present a honda scooter with the number 74, a number that we won’t see on track anymore.



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Daijiro Kato Commemorated by Community of Misano

The community of the Adriatic town Misano, and the Gresini Racing Team chose the new road that leads to the entrance of the Misano Circuit as the street to bear the name of the late Daijiro Kato. The Japanese rider, 250cc World Champion in 2001, was a resident of Porto Verdi (Misano), close to the Gresini Racing department, while racing in Europe.

The commemoration ceremony began at 10.00 with the Mayor of Misano, Sandro Tiraferri, Fausto Gresini and Kato’s father, Takashi, cutting the ribbon to unveil the nameplate of the new street. The three men then planted a cherry tree that Takashi Kato had brought from Japan as a symbol of the firm relationship between Misano, its community and Suzuka.

Motosprint, Italy’s leading motorcycle magazine, remembered and honoured the 250cc World Champion presenting Kato’s father with the prestigious “Casco d’Oro” award.

The world of motorsport was represented at the ceremony by many of Kato’s team members, friends, and former rivals. Colin Edwards, the American rider who joined Gresini Racing for the 2004 season, Max Biaggi, and Kato’s close friend Makoto Tamada, attended. Sete Gibernau, Kato’s teammate was unable to be at the ceremony but sent a message to the family in attendance.

Colin Edwards: “I met and raced with Daijiro on occasions at the Suzuka 8 hours. I have a very good memory of Daijiro as a rider and as a person. Unfortunately after this tragic event it’s hard for his family to move on, this ceremony has a very special meaning to commemorate the Japanese Rider, a Champion and a friend.

Max Biaggi: “I really wanted to be here this morning because it’s a very special moment that I want to honour and commemorate, I’m here as a sport fan more than a rider.”

Honda Motor Co were represented by Mr. Negishi, President of Honda Italia, Mr. Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr. Irie, General Manager HRC Europe, Mr. Koinuma, Responsible for FPS Project and Carlo Fiorani, HRC Sport Manager.

Fausto Gresini thanked the Misano administration for the possibility of organizing this event and the Kato’s family for attending the ceremony. Takashi Kato thanked the Misano Community with the gift of a Honda scooter bearing Kato’s racing number 74, a number that has been permanently retired from grand prix racing.

From a press release issued by KTM:

KTM Bond Heavily Oversubscribed – Premature Closure of Issue

• Emission volume EUR 90 million
• 4.5 % Bond 2004-2009 of the KTM Group GmbH (“KTM”)


Vienna/Mattighofen: The subscription period for the EUR 90 million corporate bond issued by KTM was prematurely closed on 4 May 2004 – one day earlier than planned. According to the joint lead managers, Erste Bank and Raiffeisen Zentralbank, this was necessary due to strong retail demand. The bond was oversubscribed more than twice with foreign investors also showing a strong interest. The KTM bond is the first bond issued by an Austrian company to be offered to the public this year.

Following a ruling of the Vienna Stock Exchange on 4 May 2004 the KTM bond was admitted for regulated over-the-counter trading on the Vienna Stock Exchange. It will be listed for the first time on 11 May 2004.