From a press release issued by Bridgestone:

Historic Double Podium for Bridgestone:

Magic Makoto Wins, Super Shinya Storms to Third

Camel Honda star Makoto Tamada and Kawasaki’s hero Shinya Nakano celebrated their finest hour at their home Grand Prix today, with Tamada beating world champion Valentino Rossi to take victory in front of 68000 ecstatic fans, and with Nakano storming to the first ever podium finish of his Kawasaki Racing Team. The greatest personal triumph in the MotoGP careers of the two Japanese idols meant also a historic success in the three-year old MotoGP campaign of Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone, who came to the Japanese Grand Prix with tailor-made tires in order to suit the special stop-and-go characteristics of the Motegi track. Magic Makoto started to show his supremacy in final practice, when he took pole position with a devastatingly fast lap that put him on top of the list by more than half a second. He also marked a new lap record in the race, pulling away from Valentino Rossi with outstanding consistency.

“Makoto was unbeatable. Even towards the end of the race, he had tire grip like on the first lap,” commented the world champion.

Shinya Nakano’s performance was equally impressive, as he pushed his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR to limits that nobody had ever seen before. After running in fourth place for most of the race, he passed Yamaha rider Marco Melandri six laps from the end, making sure of his first ever MotoGP podium.

Managing to avoid the first-corner incident with six riders involved was one of the key factors in the success of Tamada and Nakano. Not so lucky were both Suzuki riders: John Hopkins, who had been on provisional pole position on Friday, was taken out by Ducati star Loris Capirossi, and broke two ribs in his crash. His team-mate Kenny Roberts was one of the riders who couldnít avoid the bikes on the track, and badly dislocated his left elbow.

Makoto Tamada, Camel Honda Race Winner
“When we got to the first corner in the race, I saw everybody else pushing towards the inside, and I thought there was no way all these guys can brake in time to make the first corner. Sure enough, a big crash happened, and I was lucky enough to stay well clear of the mess. Without this accident, I would probably have been much further back in the field, but instead, I found myself in second position. My tires were really good, so after a few laps I decided to take a chance and get ahead of Valentino. It maybe helped that Valentino is thinking of the championship and that he probably didnít risk everything for this victory. But the most important factor today were my Bridgestone tires. Until the end of the free practice session this morning, we werenít quite sure of which compound to use, but when we finally saw that the track temperature was going to be higher today, we went for a slightly harder compound which turned out to be perfect!”

Shinya Nakano, Kawasaki Racing Team, 3rd position

“A fantastic result for Kawasaki, for Bridgestone and for myself! It’s been such a long time that I havenít been on the podium that I can’t even remember when it was. I looked at my pit board every lap, because I simply couldn’t believe that I was running in third place. I saw many green flags around the track which was especially exciting and motivating for me, and I definitely had an advantage with my Bridgestone tires. At first, I could just follow Melandri but not overtake. But towards the end of the race, when I passed him at the end of the back straight, his bike had started to move around and look a bit nervous, whereas my tire grip was still as good as at the beginning of the race. Avoiding the first-lap accident was crucial: I know from experience how tight the first corner is, and managed to stay on the inside out of trouble!”

Shigeo Watanabe, President Bridgestone Corporation

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Tamada on his spectacular victory today, and also Mr. Nakano for finishing in an amazing third place. By winning at home in Japan, I believe all who came to Motegi and all fans of Bridgestone riders are pleased with today’s result. We are extremely proud that the riders using our tires are achieving great results in the top category of motorcycle racing, and we will continue to strive for further success!”

Hiroshi Yamada – Motorcycle Racing Manager Bridgestone Motorsport

“It was very special day today for us. We had 380 guests here on a special Bridgestone grandstand, and another 70 staff members from our head office and our factory. To celebrate our first double podium with them and with all the fans around the track is simply fantastic. We congratulate Makoto to his sweetest victory ever, and we congratulate Shinya and Kawasaki Racing to their maiden podium, which has been our second target this year, apart from winning races with Camel Honda. This weekend was remarkable in other ways as well: We took our third pole position of this season, and we had two Bridgestone riders on the front row for the very first time. Other teams and riders are now recognizing how competitive we have become in less than three years of MotoGP racing, and have asked for a future cooperation. We plan to further increase our effort as well as explore our options for supporting MotoGP teams next season!”

Bridgestone Results:

1. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Honda, 43.43,220.

3. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki, 43.56,616.

10. Alex Hofmann (GER) Kawasaki, 44.39,327.

DNF: John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki, Kenny Roberts (USA) Suzuki

From a press release:

The 18th annual Wegman Benefit auction held at Blackhawk Farms Raceway was a huge success, thanks in part to Hurricane Ivan and the cancellation of the AMA Superbike round at VIR.

A record turn out of racers (900+ entries) and the showing of several AMA regulars produced great racing all weekend and a fantastic auction on Saturday night.

Along with local AMA Pro racers Jesse Janisch, Blake Young, Shawn Conrad and Montez Stewart, Mark Junge of Vesrah Racing and WERA endurance fame came to these CCS races for a shot at some of the Suzuki contingencies and extra purse money provided by VoiceEclipse. Along the way Junge set a new track record for the 1.95 mile Blackhawk Farms circuit at 1:09.7.

The always interesting Wegman Fund auction on Saturday evening raised $26,000 for seriously injured roadracers. Auctioned were items from AMA pro racers, Miguel Duhamel, Mat Mladin, Roger Lee Hayden, Ben Bostrom, Josh Hayes, Jake Zemke and more. Nicky Hayden sent along a couple of autographed prints by Tana Hayes and other goodies. The item receiving the largest bid of $550 was a Phat Boy mini chopper donated by Hookers Resort in Poynette, WI. followed by a signed Nicky Hayden print for $500.

For more information about the Wegman Benefit Fund please check our website at www.wegmanfund.org

From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

SMART TAKES FOURTH IN BSB CHAMPIONSHIP & HICKMAN WINS SUPERSTOCK CUP TITLE

Hawk Kawasaki’s Scott Smart finished fourth overall in the 2004 THINK! British Superbike Championship today after taking two fine fourth places in the final round of the series at Donington Park. Smarty stormed through the pack in the first race, from ninth on the grid to third in just one corner. His charge was halted a lap later, however, when the safety car slowed the action after Yamaha’s Kieran Clarke crashed heavily at Craner Curves.

When the race resumed two laps later Smart continued his fierce battle with Sean Emmett, John Reynolds and team-mate Glen Richards, eventually getting the better of both Emmett and his fellow Hawk rider to cross the line three seconds behind third placed John Reynolds.

“Thirteenth to third by the first corner – yeah, that worked for me,” joked Smart. “Unfortunately I was in the wrong gear behind the pace car though. I was in third when I should have been in second, so I didn’t get good drive when we started racing again. Still, it wasn’t a bad result considering where we were on the grid.”

Smart’s second race charge was even more impressive, even though a mistake on lap eight, where he ran wide at McLeans and dropped nine places, cost him a possible podium place. The number 88 Hawk rider got another lightening start from the flag, slotting into third place by the end of lap two, but his charge through the field from lap twelfth to fourth was even more impressive.

“I think I was far and away the quickest Dunlop runner in that race and all in all I don’t think it was a bad race to end the season on,” he said. “Obviously it would have been even better had I not made a mistake and run wide at McLeans, but that’s racing. I went into McLeans at the same speed as every other lap, but the front tucked. I picked it up with my knee, but unfortunately I didn’t make enough downshifts. Because I didn’t have the engine braking I ran in there way to fast and onto the dirty part of the track and that dropped me down to thirteenth place. But even before the end of that lap I’d picked my way back up a couple of places. Obviously I’d have liked to have finished third in the championship, but it wasn’t to be.”

Glen Richards looked to be on for a strong finish to an injury-hit season after crossing the line in sixth in the first race and flying through to second place in the opening lap of the second 20 lap race. Unfortunately the popular Aussie asked too much of his front tyre through Hollywood on the second lap and crashed out of the race.

“I guess the tyre was still a bit on the cold side,” explained Richards, who was uninjured in the fall. “I was chasing Kiyonari down going into the right hander and the front just tucked. At that speed there’s no chance of getting it back, but luckily I just slid over the grass and was able to get up. The first race was good though. I was able to run with the front guys for a bit before the arm gave up and sixth wasn’t a bad result really. I know what I want to do, I just need the body to do it. I’ll just have to work hard on it over the winter months so I’m fit and ready to go next year.”

John McGuinness’ chances of a strong first race finish were dashed by Kieran Clarke’s Craner Curves crash. The TT winner was forced to take avoiding action and take to the grass, relegating him to second to last in the process.

“I pushed hard once the pace car went back in and got back up to eleventh, but my arms started to pump up again and my rear tyre was about shot so I pulled in rather than risk binning the bike,” he said.

In the second outing McGuinness got away with the leaders and held a strong sixth position up until half race distance but painful arm pump again played its part, dropping the Lancastrian to eleventh by the flag.

“I really wanted to make that second race result stick because I got run really wide in the first race when Kieran Clarke crashed out,” said McGuinness. “I had to take to the grass and that was the end of that race. I got a really good start in the second and I was running with JR and Yuki for about eight or nine laps, but after that I started to get arm pump again and I had to back the pace off. I’ve felt really tense all weekend because to be honest I took a bit more of a pounding at Oulton Park than I originally thought. At least we had the speed for a while and ran with front runners.”

Hawk Kawasaki had reason to celebrate, however, after Peter Hickman wrapped up the National Superstock Cup title with his fourth victory of the season. Hickman took the holeshot in the 12 lap race, but was relegated to second by his championship rival Simon Wright on the second lap. The 17 year-old showed his mettle three laps later, however, by regaining the lead and stretching a four second lead over Wright by the end of the race.

“The wind was affecting me quite a lot to start with and it was blowing me about all over the place,” commented Hickman, who took the Kawasaki ZX-10R’s first National championship win. “I was passed by Simon (Wright) and Dan Stewart, but as the wind died down I was able to drop my lap times, take the lead and stretch out a gap. To be honest I was a bit annoyed by the way I rode yesterday, handing the championship lead to Simon, so I knew I just had to get the hammer down and beat him. Winning the title hasn’t sunk in yet because we started the year with no expectations, but now here we are! It’s been fantastic and a real team effort.”

An obviously delighted Hawk Kawasaki Team Principal, Stuart Hicken, said: “We couldn’t have asked for anymore from young Peter. He dropped back to third, thought about it, got his head down and banged in some real quick laps to win the championship in the best possible way. I’m really over the moon because Peter’s learnt an awful lot this year and put it into practice. Glen could have done without that tumble when he was in second spot, but at least he’s ok, Scotty rode an unbelievable race to come back to fourth from thirteenth and John also rode well again. I can’t ask for more from all the lads in the team. Everybody has worked really hard and it’s been a really exciting year for Hawk. We’ve made huge leaps forward and I’m really, really pleased with the way it’s all gone.”

BSB RACE 1

1) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda. 3) John Reynolds, Suzuki. 4) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati. 6) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha. 9) Gary Mason, Yamaha. 10) Tommy Hill, Yamaha. 11) James Ellison, Yamaha (P). 12) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki (P). 13) Chris Martin, Suzuki (P). 14) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki. 15) James Buckingham, Suzuki (P)

(P)= Privateer

Fastest lap: Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 1:32.386, 97.41mph

BSB RACE 2

1) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda. 3) Sean Emmett, Ducati. 4) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki. 5) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki. 6) John Reynolds, Suzuki. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha. 9) James Ellison, Yamaha (P). 10) Steve Plater, Yamaha. 11) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki. 12) Gary Mason, Yamaha. 13) Paul Brown, Ducati. 14) Tommy Hill, Yamaha. 15) Craig Coxhell, Honda

Fastest lap: Michael Rutter, Honda, 1:32.033, 97.79mph

BSB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 446. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda, 417. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 335. 4) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 330. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 315. 6) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 234. 7) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 193. 8) James Haydon, Yamaha, 181. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 137. 10) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 125. 11) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 116. 12) James Ellison, Yamaha, 111. 13) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 92. 14) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki, 86. 15) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki, 77

MANUFACTURERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS

1) Suzuki, 530. 2) Honda, 466. 3) Kawasaki, 364. 4) Ducati, 354. 5) Yamaha, 279

NATIONAL SUPERSTOCK CUP RACE

1) Peter Hickman, Hawk Kawasaki. 2) Simon Wright, Yamaha. 3) James McBride, Suzuki. 4) John Fisher, Suzuki. 5) Rory Rock, Yamaha. 6) Paul Shoesmith, Yamaha. 7) Dan Stewart, Suzuki. 8) Mike Walker, Suzuki. 9) Graham Seward, Suzuki. 10) Alan Moreton, Yamaha

NATIONAL SUPERSTOCK CUP FINAL STANDINGS

1) Peter Hickman, Hawk Kawasaki, 170. 2) Simon Wright, Yamaha, 160. 3) Paul Shoesmith, Yamaha, 144. 4) James McBride, Suzuki, 120. 5) John Fisher, Suzuki, 116. 6) Rory Rock, Yamaha, 95. 7) Graham Seward, Suzuki, 91. 8) Dan Stewart, Suzuki, 89. 9) Alan Moreton, Yamaha, 67. 10) Simon Pomeroy, Suzuki, 62

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

An unlicensed rider of a “Honda 1000” was arrested September 18 for riding at 205 mph on U.S. Highway 61 near Wabasha, Minnesota, according to the September 21 online edition of the St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press.

The 20-year-old rider, who is the son of a law enforcement officer, was hand-timed over a marked quarter-mile distance by a Highway Patrol pilot flying overhead. The elapsed time was converted into 205 mph by the pilot.

The posted speed limit was 65 mph.

To read the full story, follow this link:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/


At post time, Roadracingworld.com was unable to contact the rider to determine what laws of physics had been repealed, allowing him to get a streetbike to go 205 mph.

From a press release issued by Roger Lyle:

The last Motorcycle Tune and Test Day at Summit Point Raceway, WV, is coming up on Friday, September 24 before WERA. If you or any friends are planning to ride that day, please respond to [email protected] or call 301-933-2599 and we can send out the info and form you will need to get registered with us. This is a lot of fun. Tell your friends (and the boss) and make your plans now. “Airborne” Al Wilcox will be flagging this event. Cornerworkers and a staffed ambulance will be on site. Hope to see you there. Race safe.

From a press release issued by Proforma:

BLAKE YOUNG BATTLES AT BLACKHAWK FARMS

With the final AMA Superbike Series event at Virginia International Raceway re-scheduled for October 9-10, Madison, Wisconsin’s Blake Young made good use of the September 18-19 weekend by racing in a CCS event at Blackhawk Farms in nearby South Beloit, Illinois, earning Suzuki Cup contingency and beating top riders along the way. Blake, 16, rode his Young America-sponsored Suzuki GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 against riders on larger displacement bikes in several events.

The weekend started with the 30-minute GTO race on Saturday. Blake ran second to Kawasaki ZX-10R-mounted Shawn Conrad for the majority of the 19-lap race. With three laps to go, Blake’s bike suffered a mechanical problem with the engine that caused him to slow, but he was able to hold onto second place to the finish. In the 30-minute GTU event later that day, Blake had an early battle with Shawn Conrad and Joe Gill before pulling away for the win. Hearing that Blake’s GSX-R750 could not be fixed in time for Sunday, Vesrah Suzuki team owner and racer Mark Junge drove back to his shop and picked up a GSX-R750 that he loaned to the Young America team for Sunday’s sprints. Mark Junge’s mechanic Mark Oatly even helped the Young America team swap the suspension components from Blake’s bike to the loaner bike.

Junge may have regretted his act of kindness the following day. Blake used the borrowed GSX-R750 to battle first Shawn Conrad, then Mark Junge himself in the eight-lap Heavyweight Supersport race. Starting the last lap, Mark passed Blake into turn one, but Blake countered right back and held him off to win by two bikelengths. In the Unlimited Supersport race, Mark Junge used his GSX-R1000 to power past Blake on the 750 and win the event. In the Middleweight Supersport event, Blake used his GSX-R600 to again battle with Shawn Conrad and Joe Gill, with Mark Junge coming through the large pack from a poor grid position to threaten Blake’s lead. Blake held on to win by four bikelengths.

Young America crew chief Rick Bretl would like to send a special thanks to Mark Oatly, Mark Junge and Tom Bretl for all their hard work over the weekend.

From a press release:

EBoz at Warhorse!!!

Due to the VIR makeup date, North American Warhorse is delaying our Ducati customer appreciation day until Saturday, October 23rd. Date has changed, but fan-favorite Eric Bostrom will be back for the second time this year.

So, you have your old leathers for EBoz to sign, but what kind of Ducati Day would it be without door prizes, live entertainment, free food and drink? Well, we have that too. And if that’s not good enough to get you to come out, how about 20% off all Pirelli’s Diablos in stock, up to 50% off apparel and gear, as well 15% off everything else (except vehicles and VIN-numbered items)?

If you’re into motorcycles more than motorcycle personalities, we have plenty of them as well. We currently have in stock and available for immediate sale-’05 999R as well as ’05 Blue/White and Black S4R’s. We also have the ’04 998 FE and the ’04 998 Matrix, in addition to the 999S and standard models as well as a short supply of 749’s. So act fast. We also have several MV Agusta’s in stock including the SPR and Brutale Series Oro.

Come see us at:

North American Warhorse
119 Mulberry St.
Scranton, PA 18503
1-866-222-BIKE (2453)
www.nawarhorse.com

From a press release issued by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Motorcyclists, undaunted by the weekend’s turbulent weather courtesy of Hurricane Ivan, came out in full-force, under picture-perfect blue skies, on Sunday, September 19th to celebrate the 13th Annual Columbia Ride for Kids(r). With a spectacular early fall day as a backdrop, 1000 motorcyclists, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families were thrilled to learn that they had raised $200,000 for childhood brain tumor research. Since 1984, the Ride for Kids(r) program has been raising funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.

After enjoying a scenic police-escorted ride through Maryland’s rolling countryside, the motorcyclists gathered for the moving Celebration of Life program under the festive “big-top” tent. An amazing thirteen young brain tumor survivors, also known on this day as Ride for Kids(r) “stars”, gathered on-stage with National Ride for Kids(r) Director Allen Hughes. 14-year old Danielle, a Ride for Kids(r) “star” remarked, “I cried when I saw all the motorcycles and all the police that stopped the traffic so we did not have to stop.” Jeremy, a Ride for Kids(r) “star” and recent PBTF college scholarship recipient received cheers from the audience when he said he wanted to study law enforcement. He also told the motorcyclists, “The Ride for Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation make a lot of things possible for all of us.” Dr. Jeremy Riggins, a brain tumor researcher, was on hand to talk about the importance of funding pediatric brain tumor research.

Bob Henig was named the Top Individual Fundraiser, with a total of $15,395. The Top Club was Team-Ethan whose members raised $13,307. Close behind the Top Club was the Manassas Honda Rider’s Club whose members raised $12,334. Bob’s BMW, whose customers raised $38,995, was the Top Dealer. Lou Mitchell of Dale City, Virginia was the winner of a brand new Honda motorcycle donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Thanks to Columbia Ride for Kids(r) Task Force Leaders Jackie Cookie, Howard DePue, Bob Henig and their fantastic volunteer team for a great event.


On a perfect day just made for a motorcycle ride, the 4th Annual St. Louis Ride for Kids(r) was also held on Sunday, September 19th. With stunning sunny skies overhead, 650 motorcyclists, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families celebrated the fact that they had raised $87,702 for childhood brain tumor research.

Embarking on a police-escorted motorcycle ride, the riders enjoyed a route with scenic countryside, complete with flowing turns. After the ride, the participants gathered under the “big-top tent” for the always touching Celebration of Life program. With four young brain tumor survivors, also known as Ride for Kids(r) “stars”, on-stage, National Ride for Kids(r) Manager Richard Thompson enjoyed his job interviewing each of them. Brian, aged five, told the motorcyclists that he loved the St. Louis Cardinals and has even gotten an autographed baseball, glove and jersey from one of his favorite players. Ashley, who is 17, told the audience she liked driving her dad’s red car. Debbie, the mother of six-year old Zach, remarked to the motorcyclists, “Seeing all of you at the Ride for Kids is proof of your commitment to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.” Carol MacPherson, a clinical researcher, talked to the participants about the importance of the funds they raised.

Guy and Margie Miller earned the Top Individual Fundraiser position by raising $5,365. The Top Club was Road Riders for Jesus whose members raised $16,338. The Top Dealer went to Niehaus Cycle Sales whose customers raised $30,478. Norm Riekena of St. Peters, MO was the winner of a brand new Honda motorcycle donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Special thanks to St. Louis Ride for Kids(r) Task Force Leaders Guy and Margie Miller, Greg and Mary Hoette and their super volunteer force for a wonderful event.

The next Ride for Kids(r) event is on Sunday, September 26 in Birmingham, Alabama.


For more information about the Ride for Kids(r) and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, please visit www.rideforkids.org or www.pbtfus.org or by calling (800) 253-6530.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Trackside Racer’s Supply Pirelli tire semi-truck kept flood waters associated with Hurricane Ivan from washing away the company’s building in Canton, North Carolina, near Asheville Thursday.

Trackside owner Moose Kuykendall was seen on local TV news reports, telling reporters that the truck acted as a dam as flood waters struck, collecting logs and brush and diverting water around his building.

Kuykendall told roadracingworld.com today that 17 inches of rain fell in the area Thursday, a week after another 8 inches of rain had fallen, and the sodden ground could not absorb the water.

Kuykendall said a flood rushed toward his building after a floating travel trailer became lodged underneath a bridge over an adjacent creek, blocking water that normally would continue to flow down down the creek.

Asked if he thought the AMA decision to postpone last weekend’s scheduled National at VIR was a good one, Kuykendall said, “I’d say so.”