From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A.:

YAMAHA CALLS FOR AMA PRO RACING FUEL TESTING REFORM

Cypress, CA (May 5, 2004) – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. announced today that it is urging the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors to review and reform its fuel test procedures. Yamaha is suggesting that the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors consult other interested parties as well as Yamaha in developing appropriate fuel collection and testing procedures.

In 2004, the AMA established standards for lead and continued it standards for oxygen content and specific gravity in fuel used in AMA sanctioned Supercross and Motocross events. However, the AMA has yet to establish criteria that would demonstrate that its testing procedures are consistent, reliable and accurate.

“The AMA’s current fuel testing standards and procedures need significant reform,” explained Keith McCarty, Yamaha’s racing manager. “We have requested the AMA to adopt scientifically accepted fuel sample collection and test procedures and to conduct the tests consistently to avoid dispute and ensure rider equity at future events.”

After the April 17, 2004 at the Dallas Supercross, the AMA penalized three riders for disputed fuel test results, including Team Yamaha’s Chad Reed. Reed was penalized 25 points in the Supercross series. The AMA denied his appeal because he had not provided test results on the subject fuel–even though no such tests were then due under AMA rules. Furthermore, the AMA had refused to provide any of the tested fuel samples to Reed or Team Yamaha, denying them the opportunity to refute the AMA’s allegations. Despite the AMA’s severe penalty, Reed won the Supercross Championship Series on May 1, 2004 in Las Vegas, NV.

“Yamaha is proud that Chad Reed won the Supercross Championship and we congratulate him on his series victory,” said McCarty. “He’s an outstanding athlete and sportsman, and we think that it was a special win by a special individual.

“Racers and fans deserve the certainty of a fair race and a fair result,” added McCarty. “That is why we’re asking the AMA to make Supercross and Motocross fuel testing more professional and equitable. Yamaha hopes that the AMA will respond to our request and take positive steps to reform its fuel collection methods and conform its testing procedures to recognized scientific standards before the next racing season begins May 15.”



More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing Denies Fuel Penalty Appeals

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing has announced that it will not accept appeals submitted by riders Tyson Hadsell, Chad Reed and David Vuillemin. All three riders were penalized for using illegal fuel at round 14 of the THQ AMA Supercross Series at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on April 17.

In announcing the decision, Merrill Vanderslice, AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition stated that there was nothing in the appeals that would warrant convening an appeal board. “The appeals submitted by the riders never refute AMA Pro Racing’s finding that fuel tested after the Texas Supercross was found to be in non-compliance,” said Vanderslice. “Instead, the appeals attempt to cast doubt on the testing methodology, the validity of the AMA Supercross fuel requirements, whether or not their fuel impacted performance and the appropriateness of the penalty. Based on the language in the AMA Supercross Rulebook, none of this is appealable.”

According to the AMA Supercross Rulebook, appeals can be lodged under two circumstances: 1) a party which loses a protest can appeal for further review of the issue, and 2) an appeal may be lodged to challenge fines, suspensions and technical disqualifications levied by Race Managers and/or AMA Pro Racing.

“Obviously this is an unfortunate situation,” said Vanderslice. “However, after carefully reviewing all the facts surrounding this incident I’m confident that our initial findings are correct. The fuel in the bikes of Hadsell, Reed and Vuillemin from the Texas Supercross was not in compliance and the penalties applied are appropriate.”

Vanderslice added that fuel from the bikes of the same riders was tested after round 15 of the series and was found to be in compliance.



More, from a press release issued by VP:

VP RACING RESPONDS TO RECENT DISPUTE REGARDING ALLEGED ILLEGAL FUEL

SAN ANTONIO, TX — AMA Pro Racing recently announced that three riders would be penalized for using “illegal” fuel at round 14 of the THQ AMA Supercross Series at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on April 17. In response to questions raised regarding the fuel being used by the riders in question, Bruce Hendel, Global Sales Manager for VP Racing Fuels, asserted, “VP has worked diligently with every factory team to develop new unleaded fuels to conform with the new rules instituted this year by AMA Pro Racing governing fuels for Motocross and Supercross. We are 100% confident that the fuels blended by VP for every factory team are in compliance.

“The AMA rules are very rigid,” Hendel continued, “so VP maintains strict control of its manufacturing to ensure there is no possibility of cross-contamination between fuels during the manufacturing process. However, racers also need to maintain close control over fuels in their care to preclude cross-contamination as well. They must use dedicated fuel cans, pumps and storage tanks, as well as tanks on the race bike. No other type of fuel should be introduced to these containers even if the use is during the week in practice. The smallest amount of residue from a non-conforming fuel left in a tank or fuel jug — even to the point that it can’t be seen by the naked eye — can cause fuel to be off spec and fail the AMA lab test. For that matter, a failure could be caused by improper testing or contamination during the testing process itself. A test might even detect a non-conforming substance at a level that looks illegal, but due to the margin of error in the tests, could actually be legal.

“We sincerely regret what happened at the race in Irving. We intend to work closely with all the teams and the AMA to review fuel handling and testing procedures to preclude any reoccurrence of this type of incident,” Hendel concluded.

VP Racing has been the fuel of choice among amateur and pro riders throughout North America for many years and is a contingency sponsor for AMA, Formula USA and Championship Cup Series racing. In addition, VP is the Official Fuel of the THQ Supercross series as well as the fuel provider for Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Pro Circuit, Factory Connection, Mach 1, Motoworld and others.

Over its 28-year history, VP Racing has fueled champions in virtually every racing category and class — from road racing, drag racing and circle track to motocross, off-road, off-shore and even airplane racing. VP has earned a reputation for producing high quality racing fuels with superior power and consistency – as illustrated by the 2003 AMA Supercross, AMA U.S. Motocross, AMA Superbike, Formula USA Superbike and other champions, each of whom made VP their fuel of choice. In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes synthetic oils, 2-cycle lubricants, additives, chemicals 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 – or the contacts below.

From a press release issued by the CRA:

The Central Roadracing Association launched its 2004 season in perfect Minnesota style. The average temperature at Brainerd International Raceway (located in Brainerd, Minnesota, about 120 miles north of the Twin Cities) was around 45 degrees for the entire weekend. The CRA kicked off its 30th anniversary season with over 140 racers attending the three-day event. Big winners were Larry Denning with four wins, a second, and a third.

Other notables were Wes Good, Joseph Gill, Blake Young, Shawn Conrad, and Adam Dolney, all of who consistently got on “The Box” all weekend long.

The CRA also held a “New Riders School” and introduced another thirty or so newbies to the most intimidating track in North America with its mile-long straightaway and 150mph plus Turn One.

The CRA boasts one of the finest corner staffs (if not the finest) in the country (100% volunteer) and they were their normal terrific selves braving the cold temperatures to insure the safety of all.

For info visit our website www.cra-mn.com

From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

FUCHS KAWASAKI CONCLUDE SUCCESSFUL JEREZ TEST

The Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team concluded their second and final day of testing at the Jerez circuit in Southern Spain this afternoon, with Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann completing more than 100 laps between them as they worked their way through a punishing test schedule.

Warm weather and clear skies made for ideal testing conditions at the 4.423km Jerez circuit today, allowing both Fuchs Kawasaki riders to complete a test schedule disrupted by poor track conditions yesterday.

For Nakano, the focus of today’s test was on the chassis of his Ninja ZX-RR. The 26-year-old Japanese rider worked with his pit crew to improve the front and rear suspension settings, in a bid to improve stability of the bike under braking and control of the rear under power. In addition to the chassis work, Nakano also tested a range of new tyres from Bridgestone, declaring himself impressed with the consistency of one in particular.

Nakano’s Fuchs Kawasaki teammate, Alex Hofmann, also concentrated on refining the set-up of his Ninja ZX-RR, as well as running tyre endurance tests throughout the day. The 23-year-old German rider also tested the same revised clutch components and settings tried by his teammate yesterday. Although Hofmann made some progress on the chassis front, he was disappointed not to have made a bigger improvement in this area today.

The Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team now head for France and the third round of the 2004 MotoGP World Championship, which will take place on Sunday 16th May at the world famous Le Mans circuit.

Shinya Nakano: 1:42.82 (51 laps)
“For the first part of today’s test we concentrated on the chassis, working to find a better setting on the front and rear suspension. We managed to make a small improvement to both ends of the bike, which led to better stability under braking and improved control when the rear starts to slide. After that it was on to tyre testing and I’m happy to say we identified one rear slick that worked consistently around this circuit. Overall we checked many small, but important things and the end result has not been so bad for me today. We head now for the next race at Le Mans, where we’ll have even more new components to test.”

Alex Hofmann: 1:43.78 (73 laps)
“We tested the new clutch components and settings that Shinya tried yesterday, but the main focus of today’s test has been tyre testing for Bridgestone and working to improve the set-up of the bike. The tyre testing involved a couple of endurance runs this afternoon, which are always hard work, but it was definitely worthwhile. We identified a tyre that we know would have worked well here in the race if only it had stayed dry on Sunday. Using this tyre I was able to improve upon my best time from Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions; the only dry track time we got over the course of the weekend. At the end of the day we’d made a small improvement to the balance of the bike; the front feels good now, although we still have a little work to do on the rear. While the progress made was not the big leap forward we were hoping for, it was a step forward nonetheless.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

POSITIVE TEST SESSION AT JEREZ FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM

Jerez (Spain), 4 May 2004 – The rain during the night delayed the start of the second day of testing for the Ducati Marlboro Team, who were however able to complete the test schedule in the afternoon, helped by mild weather and spring temperatures (25° C air/35°C track).

The Ducati Marlboro Team riders put to good use the data and impressions accumulated yesterday and both were able to improve their performance. The final day of testing at the Spanish circuit was positive therefore and positive indications have emerged regarding the development of the Desmosedici GP4.

Troy Bayliss continued with engine management testing, but mainly concentrated on the new Michelin race tyres and the Australian declared he was satisfied with the outcome. Out of a total of 74 laps Troy recorded a quickest time of 1’42.8″.

Further modifications to the front end allowed Loris Capirossi to continue testing with the 16.5″ tyre with which he was able to improve the feel of his Desmosedici GP4. The Italian completed 35 laps with a best time of 1.42’9 confirming, along with his team mate, that the work had been successful.

Following this successful two-day test and development session for the Desmosedici GP4, the Ducati Marlboro Team is now preparing for the next round of the MotoGP World Championship, scheduled for May 16 at the legendary Le Mans circuit in France.

Tomorrow, the Ducati development team will start a two-day testing session at the Mugello circuit with official test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi.


More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:

SETE AND COLIN TEST THE RIGHT SETTING FOR DRY CONDITIONS
Finally a dry nice day at Jerez de la Frontera.
Around 1.00 p.m the riders of the Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda motoGP started today’s test session together with other MotoGP teams such as Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and Kawasaki.

Today’s work focused on studying different solutions in order to find the right setting on dry track with the RC211V.

Both Sete Gibernau and Colin edwrads worked on the setting of the bike and tyre testing. Colin Edwards crashed – without consequences – a few minutes before 6.00 p.m. while he was lapping with qualifying tyres.

# 15 SETE GIBERNAU: 71 laps – 1:42.7 his best time

“I’m satisfied with the work done today. Thanks to the nice weather we could test with dry conditions. We are going on the right direction and we understood some things about this bike tha we can use at Le Mans. For sure these two days of testing will be very usefull in preparation of next race, to be held at Le Mans in two weeks.”

#45 COLIN EDWARDS: 64 laps – 1:41.1 his best time

“Today we tested different tyres with Michelin. We also tested different kind of setting . I’m happy with the work done during these days, now I have a better feeling with the bike. I also made a lap on qualifying tyres in order to make some fast laps. I crashed at Turn 2 , without consequences. I ‘m just trying to find the limit of my RC211V. ”

Tomorrow Sete Gibernau will continue his second day of testing, whereas Colin finished today.

From a press release:

For the 9th consecutive year, American Honda Motor Corp. has generously donated over $7000 worth of Honda Pro chemicals and lubricants to the HonTech division of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

According to HonTech Chief Instructor Eric Bartosky, “Our students get hands on experience with all of Honda’s chemicals, and the proper usage of such chemicals. This donation every year to our school is priceless for the ongoing success of our students.”

For more information regarding MMI or HonTech call (623) 869-9644.

From a press release:

Nate Kern to Race Boxer Cup At Le Mans

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ- DeSimone BMW/BMW Motorcycles of Cherry Hill racer Nate Kern will be jet-setting to Le Mans, France next week for the second round of the BMW Motorrad Boxer Cup series. After making an impressive first round showing at Daytona in March, Kern was battling for 7th when his shaft drive broke and resulted in a disappointing mechanical DNF.

In addition to the BMW Boxer Cup, Kern will be entering the BMW R1100 S in the Formula USA Thunderbike series, where in March fellow BMW rider Brian Parriott and Kern each qualified 5th and 6th respectively. He has earned numerous podium finishes over the past year on the BMW in various CCS and WERA events, inspiring him to push the BMW farther than anyone thought possible. He has captured the attention of faithful BMW riders across the country, with BMW Owners Club members traveling far and wide to come witness the R1100 S in action.

When asked about his thoughts going into this race, Kern says, “The Le Mans event will be a true test of talent to learn the new track with virtually no practice. We are only given one or two half hour practice sessions and then it’s time to qualify.”

The BMW Boxer Cup series is held in conjunction with select Moto GP rounds, providing a spectacular showing of top international racers on identically prepared machines in 8 different countries.

From a press release:

LOOKING FOR SOME FUN IN THE NORTHWEST THIS SUMMER!

Cyclestar.com is helping to promote the 9th Annual Seattle Children’s Ride this summer June 27th by inviting Paul Yaffe of the Discovery Channels “American Choppers” show with his Discovery Channel Bike to join in on the festivities. The money raised from the Children’s Ride will benefit uncompensated care and diabetes research at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

The event will feature an escorted motorcycle ride lead by Paul, and Chad Eaton from the Seattle Seahawks. The ride will start at the new Seattle Seahawk Stadium and proceed to Pacific Raceways where guests will enjoy the All Harley Drag Races, musical entertainment, gourmet BBQ, silent auction and vendors from across the Northwest.

Children’s Hospital provides state-of–the art care to the most seriously ill children in Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Many of the children are from families who do not have the means to pay for the full cost of care. No child is ever denied care due to their financial resources

Each year Children’s see approximately 200 patients with new onset diabetes of either type 1 (juvenile) or type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a disease, which strikes children suddenly and makes them insulin dependent for life. Type l diabetes is one of the most costly, chronic diseases of childhood and one you never outgrow. Their goal is to support the hospital in its worthy mission of providing care to all children of the Northwest and to assist research in efforts to find a cure for diabetes.

The bottom line is that it’s sure to be a day of fun for all who participate and will help out a lot of kids in the process. To find out more about the event go to: http://www.childrens-ride.com

From a press release issued by North American Warhorse:

NEWS FLASH–May 8th North American Warhorse will have its open house at its Scranton, PA location. North American Warhorse’s Scranton location sells Ducati, MV Agusta, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, and Vengeance choppers. We also build our own customs such as our V-Rod that recently appeared in Cycle World magazine (dubbed by the magazine as the “Ghetto Blaster”). Our Eynon location features Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Bombardier, Ski Doo and Polaris.

So why come to our open house, we can give you 32 of them, that’s right Eric Bostrom, pilot of the Parts Unlimited Ducati Superbike will be there in the afternoon to sign autographs, shake hands and take pictures. So what else is going on? The Star Boyz will be there all day signing autographs and doing wheelies, burnouts and stoppies like only they can. Last year we shutdown the street and the fur was flyin’ as the Starboyz amazed the crowds with their performance. This year they have new bikes, new tricks and the same desire to tear apart the Scranton pavement.

So, Scranton, PA isn’t all that close you don’t want to show up with bugs all over your bike? Don’t worry about that, we’re gonna have a bikini bike wash featuring the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers’ Whiskey Business Cheerleaders. Then with your bike all nice and shiny, you can either enter it in our ride-in bike contest or our dyno shoot out.

And last but not least, no open house is complete without a sale, right? We’ve got you covered there. How does savings of up to 80% off selected merchandise sound? And don’t forget to check out our showroom where we stock items such as Arai, Suomy, Arata, Joe Rocket, Sidi, Alpinestar, Vanson and many, many more.

If Eric Bostrom, the Star Boyz, Bikini Bike Washes, Dyno Shoot Outs, seeing “the Ghetto Blaster” and big savings aren’t enough to get here, how about checking out our Powercommander Tuning Facilities, our GMD CompuTrack Alignment Center, or our Ohlins certified suspension center?

I know, it sounds great, but you have no idea where we are or how to get there? We’re on the world wide web at http://www.nawarhorse.com. Or if you have a favorite map engine, type in “119 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18503” to get directions on how to get here. You can also check out the Ducati Monster List and see if one their ride-routes is coming near you.

From a press release:

Safety First Racing reaches kids in San Francisco and announces additional sponsorship.

Safety First Racing continued its outreach program promoting helmet safety with children during the AMA weekend at Infineon Raceway. In speaking with team owner and police officer, Kevin Hanson, he stated, “We spent an afternoon speaking with a great group of kids at the Mission YMCA in San Francisco. I wish everyone could see the look on these kid’s faces when they see my Suzuki racebikes and Suomy helmets used as visual aids. I’m really lucky to get a chance to promote safety with kids and introduce them to the motorcycling community at an early age.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach as many kids as we wanted because all of the area schools were busy for two weeks doing state-wide standardized testing.”

Safety First Racing is also proud to announce the addition of a new sponsor, 1800Motorcycle, which is a group of lawyers based out of Chicago who represent motorcycle riders injured in accidents. Hanson further explained, “I participated in shooting a commercial for them last fall and we got to talking during the shoot. We kept in contact and just finalized putting a deal together. The 1800Motorcycle commercial I shot is going through final editing as we speak and will start running nationwide on Speed during Sundays and Tuesdays.”

On a humorous note, Hanson joked about the team’s mechanics uniforms, which are actual police uniforms embroidered with sponsorship logos and specially designed Safety First Racing patches. “I wanted to do something different that would work great with my safety program and be unique at the racetrack. I had people all weekend long at Infineon coming up to me asking for directions!”

Safety First Racing will continue its outreach program at the next round of the AMA series at Barber.