From a press release issued by VP:

New VP Racing Facility an Investment in Racing’s Future

SAN ANTONIO, TX – VP Racing Fuels, Inc., an industry leader in the production and distribution of racing fuels and other performance products, today announced the opening of a new plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to Jay Farnsworth, VP’s Midwest regional manager, the new $1.4 million state-of-the-art distribution center will serve VP’s Midwest region, which consists of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. Located on 10 acres of land, the plant includes eight 20,000-gallon storage tanks along with 6,000 square feet of warehouse space.

VP will own the new plant, unlike its previous facility in Terre Haute, which had been leased since 1983. The capacity of the new plant will be greater, enhancing VP’s production capabilities and complementing its other facilities in San Antonio, Texas; Newark, Delaware; Wildomar, California; and Barnett, Georgia.

“We’re excited about this new facility,” Farnsworth said. “It will significantly enhance the level of service we provide our customers and better enable us to manage the significant growth we’re enjoying here in the Midwest region.” That growth is coming from all forms of racing, including oval-dirt-track racers, drag racing and motorcycles, which, according to Farnsworth, is actually the fastest growing segment.

“This investment reflects our commitment to the future of racing,” said Fred Morrison, VP’s President and CEO. “We’re confident the racing industry will continue to grow at a healthy pace, and this new plant, along with the land we acquired with it, will help accommodate that growth.”

The Midwest regional staff includes Sales Representatives Jason Rueckert and Todd James, along with office personnel Ellen Urbanski and Nick Agresta; warehouse personnel Tom Henriott and Joe Lowery; and transportation managers Ron Rowe and Duane Kelso. In addition to a new address, the phone numbers for VP’s Terre Haute operation also have changed:

VP Racing – Midwest

4100 E. Steelton Ave.

Terre Haute, IN 47805

T: 812.466.1175

F: 812.466.1675

VP Racing has been manufacturing the best fuels for motorsports since 1975, fueling champions in virtually every racing category and class — from drag racing, circle track and roadracing to motocross, off-road, off-shore and even airplane racing. “As VP approaches its 30th anniversary,” Morrison observed, “the new Terre Haute facility will help ensure VP stays at the leading edge of motorsports technology, innovation and performance.”

VP’s fuels have earned a reputation for superior power and consistency – as illustrated by the NHRA Pro Stock Champions who have made VP their fuel of choice for 29 consecutive years, a record unmatched by any major sponsor in the industry. VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA Championship Dragracing, as well as exclusive fuel supplier for ASA (American Speed Association); Legends Car Series; IJSBA (International Jet Sports Boating Association); SKUSA (Superkarts! USA); Star Mazda; Stars of Karting; Toyota Atlantic and Trans Am among others.

In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes synthetic oils, additives, chemicals, 2-cycle lubricants and traction compounds – each designed to produce the most power and best performance in their respective racing applications. More information can be obtained from VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Troy Corser and FPR part company

Troy Corser will not be returning to the Foggy PETRONAS Racing team for the 2005 Superbike World Championship campaign.

The Australian 33-year-old has informed team owner Carl Fogarty that he has decided to seek new opportunities after three years with the FPR project – to build and race the PETRONAS FP1, the first Malaysian superbike.

This season Troy claimed two pole positions on the PETRONAS FP1 as well as finishing second in the first race at Misano. He finished the season 9th in the rider standings with a total of 146 points and helped PETRONAS clinch third spot in the manufacturer standings, in just their second season in the Superbike World Championship.

Troy has been with the project since the launch of the team in 2002 and was instrumental in helping to develop race and road bikes that were mere concepts just three years ago. His first season of racing saw him finish 12th in the 2003 rider standings with a total of 107 points.

Troy, a former World Superbike champion in 1996, said: “My time involved with the project has been fantastic. Although it has been frustrating at times I cannot think of any other project that has achieved so much in motorcycle racing in such a short time.

“I know that the bike will still improve but I want to ride a proven bike next year, to give myself the best possible chance of another shot at a world title at this stage of my career. I have done three years with the project and I have got the bike to where I wanted it to be – it’s certainly good enough to achieve pole positions! But now I am looking for a new challenge and my next challenge will be with another team in World Superbikes.

“It has been a real team effort through some good times and some tough times and we have made a lot of friends. One of my lasting impressions will be the promotional tour we did for PETRONAS in Malaysia and seeing how much good work they do with the community and schoolchildren. I have never been involved with a big corporation that has that attitude.”

Carl Fogarty said: “Troy has done a good job for us in our two years of racing and it is a shame that we have to lose him. He probably still feels that he is as fast as anyone out there and feels that he can still win the world championship on another bike. It is now up to us to prove him wrong.”

Foggy PETRONAS Racing are currently pursuing a number of options to replace Troy. An announcement on his own future is expected in the near future.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The silver lining on the postponement of the AMA season finale at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) may be that several riders who would have missed the original race will be able to ride and riders who would’ve had to ride hurt will be able to ride at full strength this weekend.

Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom would have missed the event scheduled for September 17-19 at VIR due to shoulder and rib injuries he suffered in a crash at Road Atlanta September 4, but due to the extra three weeks of healing offered by the postponement, Bostrom will race this weekend.

“I’m definitely not 100 percent, but I’m strong and I’ll be alright,” said Bostrom, who said that the cartilage and ligaments which hold his right shoulder in its socket were damaged but not to the point enough of requiring surgery.

Damon Buckmaster hasn’t been able to ride his Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 Superstock racebike since fracturing his left scaphoid bone in May, but, “it’s getting better all the time. I just got an X-Ray last week, and there’s not much improvement but I’ll still try to ride both (Superstock and Supersport) bikes this weekend,” said Buckmaster.

Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking will also try to ride his Supersport YZF-R6 (in addition to his Superstock racebike) for the first time since he was injured in a crash during testing at Mid-Ohio, prior to the Laguna Seca round in July. “I wouldn’t have been able to ride it if we had run the race last month,” said Hacking.

From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
MARLBORO MALAYSIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX – SEPANG

7TH OCTOBER 2004 – EVENT PREVIEW

RACE DAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR SUPER SHINYA IN SEPANG

Fuchs Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano is hoping to have more than his birthday to celebrate this Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

Nakano turns 27 on race day, and a strong result in the 21-lap race would add the icing on the cake in what will be Super Shinya’s 60th career MotoGP start.

Nakano is still aiming to achieve a couple of end-of-season goals, to complete what has been an impressive first season aboard the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR.

A top ten finish is definitely on the agenda and, with three races remaining, Nakano is just 13 points away from 11th position on the championship table.

And Nakano is eager to repeat the third place podium he scored at the recent Japanese Grand Prix. The 26-year-old Fuchs Kawasaki rider was on target for the podium in last Saturday’s Qatar GP when he was cruelly forced to retire from third position with an engine problem on lap four.

And team-mate Alex Hofmann is also looking to consolidate his first full season of MotoGP racing aboard the Ninja ZX-RR, with a consistent string of top ten finishes.

Hofmann, 24, is set to make just his 22nd MotoGP start in Sepang, and is in good form following a tenth in Japan and ninth place in the heat wave of Qatar.

The 5.5km Sepang circuit, with its combination of parallel high-speed straights and wide, sweeping curves, is one Hofmann’s favourites and the German rider has his sights set on another top ten finish.

Since arriving from Qatar, Hofmann has taken time off and enjoyed a day of wake boarding at Mine City with MotoGP colleagues including John Hopkins, Jeremy McWilliams, Troy Bayliss and Colin Edwards. Not surprisingly, there was a strong element of competition, although no championship points were counted.

For once the tropical heat and humidity of Sepang seems mild following the brutal conditions of the Qatar desert race, although the Malaysian GP will again be an energy-sapping event.

The Malaysian race is the middle of three races in as many weeks, that started in Qatar last Saturday and moves to Phillip Island next week for the Australian Grand Prix.

Shinya Nakano: #56
“The conditions will again be hot, but after Qatar I am ready for this and I know the track very well because of all the testing in Sepang. I enjoy racing at this circuit, so I think that a good qualifying and race result is possible. The track is wide and there is more than one racing line, so there are many opportunities to overtake. We have seen the potential of the ZX-RR recently and now I want to keep getting good results in the races. In Kuala Lumpur I have been training a lot because I didn’t do much work in Qatar, only four laps in the race. I’ve had some bad luck this season, but I hope everything goes smoothly with the bike in the Sepang race, so that I can enjoy my birthday.”

Alex Hofmann: #66
“For once the weather in Malaysia feels relaxing after Qatar last week. Since arriving in Malaysia I have been wake boarding with some of the other riders and it was a lot of fun. I crashed a couple of times, but at least the water is soft. We didn’t keep score but it seems that, at the moment, Colin Edwards is number one in wake boarding. Coming to Sepang is always enjoyable because I really like this track, and a lot of the winter testing is done here. The two long straights require a lot of top end power output, but the rest of the track demands good corner speed and precise technique, so there are a couple of positives for the ZX-RR here.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

SPEED TV won’t show coverage of this coming weekend’s AMA finale at VIR until October 19-20.

Instead of showing the October 8-10 AMA races, SPEED will repeat coverage of World Superbike races on Two-Wheel Tuesday, October 12.

From a press release issued by Pro Italia:

MV Agusta F4 1000 Mamba North American Launch Open House

Glendale, CA – Pro Italia Los Angeles, the nation’s top dealer of exotic Italian motorcycles, is pleased to announce the North American unveiling of the MV F4 1000s Mamba limited edition, this Saturday, October 9th at our Los Angeles area showroom.

Saturday the 9th is planned as an Open House featuring our newest marque, the storied brand of MV Agusta. The feature of this day will be the presence of an F4 1000S Mamba, the first transformation kit intended for the new F4-1000S. This Mamba is number 11 of the 300 available worldwide and is the lowest numbered edition in the USA. Truly a rare and special item.

Pro Italia owner Bill Nation said, “At Pro Italia we are working to become the premier MV dealer. By bringing the Mamba limited edition to North America we are demonstrating our committment to the MV brand and to Italian motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere. Wherever our customers live and ride, we want them to know that Pro Italia is their shop for the legendary marquees of MV Agusta, Ducati and Aprilia.”

Pro Italia is encouraging all MV owners to stop by this Saturday and show off their bikes, with the offer of a free MV Agusta t-shirt offer to those who do so. We will also be offering special savings on selected products from Sidi and Vanson to all customers on this day.

We feel Italian motorcycles are the most stirring and exciting made today and the MV Agusta brand only confirms this. Pro Italia looks forward to seeing you at our Open House, Saturday October 9th.

Pro Italia
3319 N Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
818 249-5707
818 249-3402 FAX
[email protected]
http://proitalia.com/

From press releases issued by KYMCO:

KYMCO Credit Services Offers Customers Convenient Dealer-Based Financing

Inman, SC — KYMCO USA announces the formation of KYMCO Credit Services, a program that will enable customers to conveniently finance their purchases directly through any participating KYMCO dealer.

The KYMCO Credit Services program is underwritten by Sparta Commercial Services, the only independent, nationwide financial services company exclusively dedicated to the powersports industry. As enthusiasts themselves, the founders of Sparta believe that the industry’s dealers and their customers deserve to have a financial services company available that is fully committed to meeting their unique requirements.

Participating KYMCO USA dealers submit credit applications online, which are reviewed within minutes and, when approved, funded within 48 hours. KYMCO Credit offers a liberal credit policy that is unique in the lending industry. Unlike most other lenders, KYMCO Credit recognizes that circumstances can sometimes skew a credit review unfairly. By assigning a live credit analyst to every questionable application, KYMCO Credit tries to put every customer on the ride of his or her dreams.

KYMCO Credit will lease or finance both new and used scooters, ATVs, and Venox model motorcycles up to 3 years old. For those customers who prefer the advantages of leasing, KYMCO Credit offers a Purchase-Plus Program with lower payments early-on and a pre-set buy-out amount at the conclusion of the lease, which can be financed at that time. The Purchase-Plus Program is also be referred to as a “lease-to-own” arrangement.

For those customers who prefer installment financing for the purchase of their new or used vehicle, the KYMCO Credit Sport-Loan has competitive rates, excellent terms, and the same liberal credit policy, all designed especially to meet the needs of the powersport enthusiast.


KYMCO Scooters Go Racing, Capture Trophies

Inman, SC –The Moped Hospital in Key West, Florida, is one of the largest scooter dealers and rental outlets in the U.S. With more than 200 KYMCO scooters in its fleet, the Moped Hospital is sold on KYMCO quality and support. Their confidence is so high that they decided to make an extreme leap — take modified Super-9 models and form a racing team.

Already very popular in Europe, the sport of scooter racing is growing in the U.S. Races are usually run on go-cart tracks, with trophies and bragging rights the only rewards. One organizer, the Mid America Sport Scooter Racing Association, bills it as “the cheapest form of road racing on the planet!” Even on these short, flat tracks, scooters reach speeds of 55-60 mph.

“It’s amazing what we can get out of such a small motor,” says Moped Hospital co-owner Steve Olson, referring to the 50cc engine found in the KYMCO Super-9 models his team is racing.

For the track, stock KYMCO engines are modified using aftermarket parts that come primarily from Europe. The “European Power Pack” (available from Moped Hospital Racing) includes a 70cc performance aluminum cylinder and piston from Airsal, a new Arreche 19mm carburetor to replace the factory 14mm carb, and a Technigas performance exhaust. Moped Hospital Racing also offers a Taiwanese Power Pack that is somewhat lower in price. Aftermarket primary gear sets, belts, clutches, and variators (transmissions) are also available.

Ryan Bastianelli of Chicago is the Moped Hospital team’s top rider. “With these 50cc engines (kitted to 70cc) we are able to beat some of the 150-200cc Vespas,” says Steve Olson.

Moped Hospital and especially Olson have had a long relationship with KYMCO Motorsports and the KYMCO brand. “As one of the largest moped and scooter dealers in the country, we’ve tried other brands, but it just isn’t worth the aggravation. Key West is small, so when I make a sale I have to be able to support that customer for at least three years, or they will never come back and buy anything from me again. There’s no question that KYMCO builds in good quality, and they support us with replacement parts. As the team racing proves, these models are actually overbuilt from an engineering standpoint.”

About the Super-9

The Super-9 is the top of the line of KYMCO 50cc scooters, featuring a liquid cooled, oil injected engine with electric start. Front and rear disc brakes, under seat storage and aggressive styling place the Super-9 in a class of its own. This scooter has the edge, delivering performance and value wrapped in a striking visual package.

About KYMCO

With headquarters in Taiwan and distribution in 63 countries, KYMCO is a global leader in power-driven products, under the corporate slogan “Power Your Life.” Five manufacturing plants in Asia use the latest technology for the engineering and production of reliable engine, chassis, and other components. KYMCO is committed to maximum customer satisfaction and constant innovation, making use of the most advanced CAD/CAE tools to provide the best technical service.

KYMCO scooters, motorcycles and ATVs are imported through KYMCO Motorsports USA in Inman, South Carolina, where the warehouse, management, and marketing facilities are located. An ever-expanding dealer network currently serves over 400 U.S. locations. Dealer inquiries are invited.

More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Grand Prix of Malaysia, Sepang, October 8, 9, 10, 2004

TITLE CHASE TIGHTENS IN THE TROPICS AT SEPANG

Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) is now right back in the hunt for MotoGP glory after a commanding performance in the heat of Qatar last week. His win, and his Yamaha rival Valentino Rossi’s fall, puts him a mere 14 points behind the Italian World Champion in his bid for the premier class title.

Both riders have now failed to score in two races and further DNFs for either will surely spell disaster with just three races to go. Max Biaggi (Camel Honda RC211V), despite strenuous efforts to get back on terms with the leading pair, is surely now out of the running with 168 points to Rossi’s 229 and Gibernau’s 215.

But with Honda’s MotoGP riders now finding the form that enabled five RC211V runners to finish in the top six at the Losail International Racetrack in Qatar, Rossi might well be deprived of valuable points at Sepang.

Gibernau’s team-mate Colin Edwards (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) finished second in Qatar and admitted there was nothing he could do to match Sete’s scorching pace. If Gibernau can maintain momentum and remain the main Honda man as the season concludes, the sheer weight of numbers might tell against Rossi.

Honda field six RC211Vs at Sepang, Yamaha four YZR M-1s. Only one Yamaha rider finished in the dusty cauldron of Qatar – and the heat and humidity in Malaysia may well be a telling factor this weekend too.

The pressure of back-to-back racing will be a factor too. With limited time to regroup after Qatar, the teams will be under severe pressure to remedy any faults brought to light in the gruelling heat of the middle east where track temperature was a record 58 degrees.

Track temperatures are high in Malaysia at around the 45 to 50 degree mark, with ambient temperatures nudging the high thirties. But there is 80% humidity. This can often prove more debilitating to riders than sheer heat.

Sepang has two long straights, fast open turns, one left/right flick, and a tight left turn onto the start/finish straight. Hard braking at the end of the two straights requires a stable set-up while sheer power and a high top speed are at a premium too. The wide track offers plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Sete is taking Sepang as just another event, and not as a pivotal moment in the title race. “I’m not thinking about the title, just thinking of it as another race. I left Qatar with 25 points and now I’m going somewhere I like, so we’ll see what happens in the heat here. Qatar was a good test of how strong we are in those sorts of conditions.”

For Colin Edwards this is another chance to get a late season charge together. “That was another good race and Sepang will be hot again. I know the track because I raced there last year and we tested there twice so I’m looking forward to getting a strong result there.”

Alex Barros (Repsol Honda RC211V) said, “I’m looking forward to Sepang. I’ve good memories from there in 2002 when I was on pole and on the podium in the race. The track is very technical and you have to really understand the set-up to get the best out of your machine there. This year we arrive there straight from Doha – so we’re used to the heat – but I think Sepang will be more humid. We have the capability to win here – so that’s what we’ll be trying to do.”

His team-mate Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) who was fourth here last year is all set to finish his second season in MotoGP strongly. “When I first went there I was lost,” he said. “The circuit is big and wide, it’s a fun track and all about getting into a good rhythm and putting the turns together. We had some good tests there before the season, but a lot has changed and we’ve had a hard year. We’ve got to regroup and really push here.”

Max is upbeat despite a run of ill fortune. “They say ‘bad luck comes in threes’, and we’ve had three really unlucky races from whichever way you look at it,” he said. “They’re done with now and I now hope to turn the page over on all that. I actually think I did that already in Qatar, when I came sixth after a particularly difficult race. Sepang is a track I like, I’ve won there twice and I was on the podium in 2003.”

Makoto Tamada (Camel Honda RC211V) riding on Bridgestone tyres, is ready for the challenge too. “It was disappointing in Qatar,” he said. “And even harder because it came after the great race in Motegi. I just didn’t feel confident in the front end of the bike, a nasty sensation for any rider. I hope this problem doesn’t repeat itself at Sepang because I want to fight for the win.”

In the 250cc class it’s Dani Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) with 254 points who holds the advantage going into this, the 14th round of this series. The young Spaniard is 43 points ahead of his nearest rival Sebastian Porto (Aprilia) and if he wins on Sunday and Porto finishes lower than second the title will be Pedrosa’s at his first attempt.

“I’m looking forward to getting to the track because I’ve got good memories from last year,” said Dani. “I’m hopeful we can do a good job and get a good result. I have the advantage at the top of the Championship and I want to stay consistent in Malaysia. We have to keep the same mentality because things can change drastically in a day and I am not the type of person to take anything for granted. I remember the race last year as being really hot, the bike was fourth bottom in terms of top speed and I had to push really hard.”

His team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) said, “The objective of the last few races is to keep the concentration at the same level as in Japan. I made a big effort to do that in Qatar and I ended up back on the podium. Over the last few races I’ve taken a step forward but I want to keep improving because I would be really happy to finish the season in fourth place in the Championship. It will be really hot again in Malaysia but I hope not to suffer as much as in Qatar – I had never competed in conditions that tough.”

Tony Elias (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) who won here last year and was second in 2002 said, “I don’t like Sepang too much – it’s not my favourite track. The engine is very strong and we have the power we need but we have to work hard on the front end settings for the race. Sepang is a circuit where you need to have good feedback from the front end. If we improve on what we had at Doha we have a good chance of making a good race.”

His team-mate Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) said, “Sepang is a circuit I don’t really like, except for the last part of the lap and I don’t think I will like it any better this year. However, we have now found a better baseline to work from after Doha so I think we will have a decent race if we make progress with the new front end setting.”

In the 125cc category Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) has a 61 point lead over Hector Barbera (Aprilia) and only needs to finish third to clinch the Championship, even if Barbera wins the race.

“I don’t like Malaysia because I have never raced well there or had a good result,” said Dovi. “But we will go into the race intending to win, as always. The bike is working so well now and I have every confidence in the team. The race at Doha and the whole season has been very good for me, apart from the nail in the tyre in Portugal.”

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, October 6

OPEN LETTER FROM FIM PRESIDENT FRANCESCO ZERBI TO ALL RIDERS OF ALL DISCIPLINES AND TO THE FIM OFFICIALS IN CHARGE OF ENFORCING THE RULES (JURY, REFEREES, CLERKS OF THE COURSE)

Dear riders,

The things that have happened during recent weeks compel me to write to you the following: The sport since antiquity has been an example of good behaviour, loyalty and correctness. Today, in particular, with fast and widespread communication systems, the sporting champions, and particularly our champions, are seen by hundreds of millions of spectators and represent an example to be followed, especially by the young.

All the sportsmen who compete, but especially the champions, have a civic and moral duty to behave in the most correct way possible, not only on the track but also outside competition venues, because they represent an example which is to be followed by young people.

This is the reason why all you riders must be aware of the fact that you are not only a symbol of strength, courage and skill, but also an example of loyalty, correctness and respect for the rules.

The FIM must take into account the interests of all the parties that constitute our world and must determine and enforce the standards which make possible and govern the running of our Championships.

It is for all these above-mentioned reasons that I invite the riders to remember their duties towards all the amateurs and I invite our officials to be vigilant towards the respect of the rules and to intervene, as is their duty, in cases of infraction made by anyone. Convinced that you will understand the spirit that motivates this letter, I wish you all a good journey.

Chers pilotes,

Francesco Zerbi
FIM President



And now, some reader reaction:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Someone has obviously had the unmitigated gall to criticize the FIM.

Another item:

Has anyone noticed that several 250cc GP riders have requested minimum weights for combined bike and rider in 250? Apparently one of the major complainers is Elias and his team, as Pedroso weighs only around 97 lbs. while Elias is a fat pig of around 125 lbs. Here is the rub, in my opinion: I weigh about 270. Yeah, I could take off a few pounds, but even in pretty good shape I’d be in the 230’s (I’m a big guy). There is just no way I can compete against Elias, much less Pedroso, on a 250 with the current rules.

So where do we set the minimum bike and rider limit for 250’s? I say 250 kilos, about 550 lbs. – then we are all on an equal playing field. If some 350 pound guy comes along and wants to be competitive we will, of course, need to alter the rules. I am SURE Elias and his team will be all for this, and lead weights are fairly cheap so there’s no dramatic expense to teams.

In the interim I suggest Elias go on a diet and have any unnecessary organs removed (real riders only need one kidney, and I hear he has both lungs, too).

Just an idea, if you think it’s good forward it to Zerbi – you know the FIM is all ears.

Gary Hilliard
Dover, Delaware

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Gimbert Storms into World Superbikes Fourth on Grid, Fourth in Race One, Fourth in Race Two

2004 World Endurance Champion Sebastien Gimbert missed riding in the last round of the World Endurance Championship with Yamaha GMT94 so that he could take part in the final two races of the World Superbike Championship. Riding a Yamaha France YZF-R1, Gimbert was the fastest rider around the Magny Cours circuit in both of the two timed qualifying sessions. His performance slipped slightly during the superpole session which decides the top sixteen grid positions, leaving him in fourth place after he put in a lap just 0.4 seconds slower than James Toseland who took pole position.

Gimbert took fourth place in race one, just seven seconds behind eventual winner Toseland and only four seconds away from a podium finish. The second race was a repeat performance, with Gimbert taking another comfortable fourth place and once again being the first Yamaha (and first four-cylinder bike) to cross the line.

His performance in World Superbikes at the weekend perfectly illustrates the level of competitiveness we have seen in the 2004 World Endurance Championship, a fact picked up by FGSport boss Maurizio Flammini during the World Endurance Championship awards ceremony at Vallelunga on Sunday: “Sebastien Gimbert has given a very big boost to World Endurance with his performance at Magny Cours.” Yamaha GMT94 team manager Christophe Guyot was equally impressed: “This is a fantastic day for Sebastien and for Yamaha France. All of the team are very proud.”

Gimbert is expected to compete in the full 2005 World Superbike Championship on board a Yamaha France supported bike.