Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Wednesday’s 250cc Lap Times From IRTA Test At Catalunya:

1. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:47.154
2. Sebastian Porto, Aprilia, 1:47.422
3. Toni Elias, Honda, 1:47.963
4. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:48.414
5. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:48.567
6. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:48.821
7. Hiroshi Aoyama, Honda, 1:49.019
8. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, 1:49.149
9. Alex Debon, Honda, 1:49.205
10. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:49.588
11. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:49.654
12. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:49.799
13. Jakub Smrz, Honda, 1:50.016
14. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, 1:50.491
15. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 1:50.514
16. Eric Bataille, Honda, 1:50.569
17. Anthony West, Aprilia, 1:50.899
18. Joan Olive, Aprilia, 1:50.945
19. Hugo Marchand, Aprilia, 1:51.016
20. Chaz Davies, Aprilia, 1:51.182
21. Erwan Nigon, Yamaha, 1:51.249
22. Hector Faubel, Aprilia, 1:51.721
23. Gregory Lefort, Aprilia, 1:51.774
24. Johan Stigefelt, Aprilia, 1:52.287
25. Alex Baldolini, Aprilia, 1:52.440
26. Max Sabbatani, Yamaha, 1:55.510
27. Christian Gemmel, Honda, 1:55.821
28. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, 1:57.591
29. Taro Sekiguchi, Yamaha, 2:03.725

From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

2, Roberto Rolfo, ITA, Fortuna Honda, Honda

6, Alex Debon, SPA, Wurth Honda BQR, Honda

7, Randy Depuniet, FRA, Safilo Carrera – LCR, Aprilia

8, Naoki Matsudo, JPN, Yamaha Kurz, Yamaha

9, Hugo Marchand, FRA, Freesoul Abruzzo Racing Team, Aprilila

10, Fonsi Nieto, SPA, Repsol – Aspar Team, Aprilia

11, Joan Olive, SPA, Campetella Racing, Aprilia

12, Arnaud Vincent, FRA, Equipe de France – Scrab GP, Aprilia

14, Anthony West, AUS, Freesoul Abruzzo Racing Team, Aprilia

15, Christian Gemmel, GER, Kiefer Castrol – Honda Racing, Honda

16, Johan Stigefelt, SWE, Aprilia Germany, Aprilia

19, Sebastian Porto, ARG, Repsol – Aspar Team, Aprilia

21, Franco Battaini, ITA, Campetella Racing, Aprilia

24, Toni Elias, SPA, Fortuna Honda, Honda

25, Alex Baldolini, ITA, Matteoni Racing, Aprilia

26, Daniel Pedrosa, SPA, Telefonica Movistar Honda, Honda

28, Dirk Heidolf, GER, Grefusa – Aspar Team, Aprilia

33, Hector Faubel, SPA, Grefusa – Aspar Team, Aprilia

34, Eric Bataille, FRA, Wurth Honda BQR, Honda

36, Erwan Nigon, FRA, Yamaha Kurz, Yamaha

40, Max Sabbatani, ITA, NC World Trade, Yamaha

44, Taro Sekiguchi, JPN, NC World Trade, Yamaha

50, Sylvain Guintoli, FRA, Campetella Racing, Aprilia

51, Alex De Angelis, RSM, Aprilia Racing, Aprilia

54, Manuel Poggiali, RSM, MS Aprilia Team, Aprilia

57, Chaz Davies, GBR, Aprilia Germany, Aprilia

73, Hiroshi Aoyama, JPN, Telefonica Movistar Honda 250cc, Honda

77, Gregory Lefort, FRA, Equipe de France – Scrab GP, Aprilia

96, Jakub Smrz, CZE, Arie Molenaar Racing, Honda

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

World Supersport Championship 2004 – Round 2
Phillip Island Race Preview
26 – 28 MARCH 2004

AUSTRALIA AWAITS HONDA’S SUPERSPORT STARS

After a gap of a month the World Supersport Championship enters its second round at the popular Australian venue of Phillip Island, with a number of Honda riders in with a chance of podium glory.

Phillip island was the venue for the first ever World Supersport race win of the latest Honda CBR600RR, in the hands of eventual 2003 champion Chris Vermeulen.

Vermeulen my not be in the 2004 WSS field but there is a strong chance of victory for a Honda rider of Australian origin in any case, with the last three WSS races down under being taken by riders with Australian passports.

After going 1-2 in qualifying in the opening round at Valencia on Feb 29, the Ten Kate Honda pairing of Karl Muggeridge and Broc Parkes will be hoping for a change in fortunes on home soil, having ended their opening race weekend 8th and with a DNF respectively.

In the Klaffi Honda team, the mix-and-match of experienced campaigner Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) and his young team-mate Max Neukirchner (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) is an exciting one. Charpentier, has already shown his sheer speed but looks to the Aussie race to translate pace into a race finish, especially after the misfortune of being black-flagged out of the Valencia race.

Neukirchner, a teenager with European Championship experience in the 250cc class, made an excellent debut in Spain, scoring points for his 14th place finish.

The promise of another pairing comprising experience and youth may come to its first fruition in Australia’s Southern coastline, with former European Champion Alessio Corradi (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) and teenager Denis Sacchetti (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) once more lining up for an attack in one of the most competitive and unpredictable championships in the world.

The Aussie competitiveness of the Supersport Hondas, according to the formbook at least, should be headed by the Ten Kate pairing; the fact that action is about to be conducted in one of the venues that nurtured their careers merely adds another imperative to their efforts.

For Muggeridge the opening round is now an unalterable scene from history. “The season’s not all over yet and it’s a long year with a lot of points up for grabs,” said Muggeridge. “The next race should be a lot better and it’s good to be racing at home again.”

For Parkes who was leading in Spain before lady luck deserted him, stated, “I was really disappointed how things went at Valencia but that makes me glad the next race is in Australia, in front of my home fans at Phillip Island. I’m just going to have to make sure that I do my best to make up for it throughout the rest of the season and especially at home.”

Ready to give the Ten Kate pairing and all comers a run for their prize money, Charpentier looks forward to a return to Aussie action. “Phillip Island is OK for me and the Honda, and also the Pirelli tyres because that’s what won there last year,” he declared. “I didn’t race there last season but I have experience from other races there. I like the track and for the Honda, with it being both fast and stable around the corners, it is a very good circuit.”

Young German hope Neukirchner approaches only his second Supersport race with a measured approach and keen determination. “This is my first time at Phillip Island so the first practice sessions will be vital for me,” he affirmed. “I have heard that it is one of the best tracks we go to all year. I was happy to get 14th at Valencia, and I hope to get better and better each race – so I look forward to my fist visit to another new track.”

With two top ten finishes at Phillip Island to his credit already, Corradi is primed to mix it up with his peers again. “I hope to run this race in front again,” he stated. “I know the potential me and of my bike on the track. I really hope to start on the front of the grid because Phillip Island is a technical track and the riders must have courage… I like this track so much! I think that the Australians – Muggeridge, Parkes and Kevin Curtain – will be riding at another rhythm but I will try to stay with them anyway.”

Sacchetti, Team Italia’s latest name on a frequently glorious list, is another rider approaching Australia for the first time. “I will arrive in Australia with the target to learn the track and to resolve my set-up and feeling on the bike. I want to understand the behaviour of it better and the work of the team. Now, I know the level of work done over a race weekend by the other riders of World Supersport Championship. For qualifying I’m not expecting such good results but I hope to ride well and defend my position during the race.”

The first round of the championship was won by Dutch star Jurgen van den Goorbergh (Yamaha), from his team-mate Fabien Foret and Suzuki’s Katsuaki Fujiwara. Highest placed regular Honda rider after Valencia is Muggeridge, eighth.

After Australia, the championship returns to Europe for the rest of the season, with Misano, on April 18, the next race on the calendar.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

New Bikes, New Riders, New Teams

The 2004 World Endurance Championship season starts in just over two weeks. The winter has seen many changes for the permanent teams who are contracted to take part in the full championship, making performance predictions very difficult.

2003 World Endurance Champions Phase One Endurance will run Yamaha R1s for the first time after three successful years with Suzuki’s GSX-R1000, while Swedish team Fagersjo-el.se have switched from Yamaha R1s to Suzuki GSX-R1000s. Diablo GB move to Kawasaki for this year; along with their partners Kawasaki Bolliger Team they will campaign the new ZX-10R for the first time.

The changes continue amongst the other marques; X-One will run factory Benelli Tornados, MV Agusta Burger King Lust are another successful squad with a new bike, Ducati Team Spring represent the Italian marque for the first time, and Honda make a welcome comeback, represented by WRT Honda Austria.

There have been a number of significant rider changes for 2004. Yamaha GMT94 have brought in Stephane Gimbert to join Checa and Costes, Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 will field Gwen Giabbani and Phillipe Dobe with Cazade, Yamaha Austria have recruited Igor Jerman and Thomas Hinterreiter to join Saiger, Stephane Mertens moves to Yamaha Phase One with Ellison and Notman, and Laurent Brian joins Kellenberger and Stamm at Kawasaki Bolliger Team. All are experienced endurance riders adding to the skills of teams already amongst the best in the world.

Finally, Suzuki Castrol Team are back in the official FIM World Endurance Championship. One of the most respected teams in the endurance paddock; they have five World Endurance Championship titles to their name, with 38 race victories during their 24 year endurance history. After a two year break following their SuperProduction class win in 2001, Dominic Meliand’s ultra-professional and well supported team are expected to make a real impact on the championship.

The first round of the seven race World Endurance Championship is the Assen 500 on the 12th of April.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Best Overall 125cc Lap Times From IRTA Test At Catalunya:

1. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia, 1:50.922
2. Fabrizio Lai, Gilera, 1:51.626
3. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:51.685
4. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:51.698
5. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:51.753
6. Youichi Ui, Aprilia, 1:51.884
7. Mike Di Meglio, Aprilia, 1:52.144
8. Andrea Ballerini, Aprilia, 1:52.154
9. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:52.503
10. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:52.537
11. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:52.540
12. Mattia Pasini, Aprilia, 1:52.870
13. I. Toth, Aprilia, 1:52.912
14. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 1:52.967
15. Marco Simoncelli, Aprilia, 1:52.991
16. Casey Stoner, KTM, 1:53.001
17. Jorge Lorenzo, Derbi, 1:53.036
18. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 1:53.070
19. Julian Simon, Honda, 1:53.249
20. Stefano Perugini, Gilera, 1:53.528

22. Gabor Talmacsi, Malaguti, 1:53.815
23. Alex Rodriguez, Derbi, 1:53.958
24. Mika Kallio, KTM, 1:54.034

26. Simone Corsi, Honda, 1:54.443


More, from a press release issued by KTM:

IRTA Test: 2nd day free practice 125cc, Barcelona
24.03.2004

The second day of the IRTA TEST was again under the sun. The 125class closed the second day of practice in Barcelona Circuit, having the Spaniard Alvaro Bautista first. KTM took the 16th result with the Australian Casey Stoner while the Finnish Mika Kallio finished 24th.

Stoner- I’m happy with the test. This morning we tried a different direction with the chassis: we are learning all the time.

Kallio- Even if the engine was always very good we had two difficult days trying to find the right setting here in Barcelona. I hope that in Jerez next Satruday & Sunday we’ll find a better setting.

Bartol – I’m happy for the engine but not for the chassis.We’ll have to work on that.

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Speedway Officials Unveil “New Look” Daytona Infield

Massive, multi-million dollar infield renovation project to begin in July

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 24, 2004) – In one of its most aggressive construction projects since Daytona International Speedway was built in 1958, track officials on Wednesday announced an exciting, multi-million dollar, multi-faceted infield renovation project – making “The World Center of Racing” not only the most prestigious track on the NASCAR circuit, but one of the most modern as well.

The immense project, scheduled to begin following the 46th running of the Pepsi 400 on July 3, will include a new tunnel, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garages, new NASCAR Busch garages, a new Gatorade Victory Lane, a Fan Zone, new waterfront specialty vehicle parking, new scoring trilons and expansion of the existing media center.

The massive undertaking is scheduled to be completed in time for the Speedway’s World Karting Association events in December. The project will not alter the layout of the track’s surface.

“Without a doubt, this is one of the most expansive and aggressive projects at Daytona International Speedway,” said DIS President Robin Braig. “Our goal has always been to make ‘The World Center of Racing’ unique and fan friendly. Our new amenities make it just that for our fans, officials, competitors and sanctioning bodies.”



Specifically, the infield ‘face-lift” includes:

· A new tunnel located in Turn One will be able to accommodate team transport vehicles and guests specialty vehicles.

· New NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garage area.

· New NASCAR Busch series garages similar to the NASCAR Nextel Cup garages.

· A new Gatorade Victory Lane which will include a “Victory Lane Club” for fans wishing to experience the excitement of the area during post-race revelry.

· A Fan Zone, located between the NASCAR NEXTEL and NASCAR Busch garages with a “Walk of Champions.”

· Expansion of the existing media center to accommodate ever-growing media covering events at Daytona International Speedway.

“The fan experience has always been a priority for International Speedway Corporation,” said ISC President Lesa France Kennedy. “Our additional fan amenities continue to keep Daytona International Speedway in the forefront of fan-friendly facilities.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2004 CCS/Formula USA Race of Champions (ROC) scheduled for October 20-24 at Daytona International Speedway will not take place at the “World Center of Racing” and will instead be moved to Homestead-Miami Speedway in south Florida.

Daytona and Homestead are both owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC).

A large-scale construction project (scheduled to begin mid-summer and extend through December 2004) to install a new over-sized-vehicle access tunnel and renovate the entire paddock at Daytona forced the Race of Champions event to be moved.

While the Daytona banking and infield road course will not be directly affected during the construction, the only buildings in the paddock that will be left standing will be the media center and the infield care center, making it impossible to house the CCS/F-USA competitors.

Sources within CCS/Formula USA indicated that the 2004 Race of Champions will be moved to Homestead; those sources did not specify a date but did say a formal announcement of the move is expected as soon as today.

The Team Hammer Advanced Riding School, which traditionally has been the first event of the five-day ROC weekend, will also move to Homestead.

Daytona International Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth pointed out that all of the manufacturer demo rides and displays normally located in front of the Speedway during the Race of Champions are scheduled to return as always to support “Biketoberfest” in Daytona Beach.

Booth did not know if or how the paddock construction would affect the annual Dunlop motorcycle tire test, traditionally held at Daytona in early December.

From a press release issued by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing:

WERA National Series Gets Underway This Weekend at Jennings GP

JENNINGS, Fla.- The WERA National Challenge Series and National Endurance Series will kick off the 2004 race season this weekend, March 27-28, at Jennings GP in North Florida.

The six-hour WERA National Endurance Series race gets underway at 11:00 am EST. Reigning champion Vesrah Suzuki will be returning with their Suzuki GSX-R1000 to try to earn their third consecutive overall and Heavyweight Superbike championship.

The Heavyweight Superstock class will feature more competition this year, as Team Velocity Racing steps up with a Yamaha YZF-R1. Team Extreme will be entering a Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the class, but this year they are running under the Maxxis Tires banner. This weekend marks the debut of the tire manufacturer in endurance road racing.

In Mediumweight Superbike, five-time champions Army of Darkness will be one of the top teams to watch on their Suzuki GSX-R600. Mediumweight Superstock is one of the most popular classes, with stock bikes that include the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the Yamaha YZF-R6. Lightweight Superbike has grown quickly since its introduction, and showcases the Suzuki SV650.

On Sunday, the 11 WERA National Challenge Series races will get started at 12:30 pm. Each race will be 10 laps in length. Many of the riders who took victories during the Jennings round last season will once again be aiming for a win, including Vesrah Suzuki’s Tray Batey, who took home three first-place trophies. Batey won 750 Superstock, Formula 1 and Heavyweight Twins. Other races include 600 Superstock and Superbike, 750 Superbike, Formula 2, Lightweight Twins and Open Superstock.

Jennings GP is a 2-mile, 14-turn road course that is dedicated solely to motorcycle roadracing. It is located just 20 minutes south of Valdosta, Ga., 3 miles off of exit 467 on I-75. Complete directions can be found at www.JenningsGP.com or by calling the track at 386-938-1110.

Spectators are welcome to attend both the Friday practice day and the weekend’s races for only $30. Saturday/Sunday tickets are only $20, and a Sunday-only ticket is $15 after 10:00 am on Sunday. Camping is available, as well, for an additional fee.

More information about WERA, including a detailed schedule of the weekend’s activities, can be found on the Internet at www.WERA.com.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Superbike World Championship
Supersport World Championship

Phillip Island-AUS (28/03/04) : entry list –
Superbike World Championship

4, Troy Corser, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
5, Piergiorgio Bontempi, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Zongshen Team
6, Mauro Sanchini, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
7, Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Ducati 999R, Team PSG-1 Corse
8, Ivan Clementi, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
9, Chris Walker, GBR, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
12, Warwick Nowland, AUS, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Zongshen Team
16, Sergio Fuertes, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R1000, MIR Racing
17, Chris Vermeulen, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Ten Kate Honda
19, Lucio Pedercini, ITA, Ducati 996R, Team Pedercini
20, Marco Borciani, ITA, Ducati 999R, DFXtreme Sterilgarda
23, Jiri Mrkyvka, CZE, Ducati 996R, JM SBK Team
24, Garry McCoy, AUS, Ducati 999R, Team XEROX Ducati – Nortel Networks
25, Alessio Velini, ITA, Yamaha YZF R1, GiMotorsport UnionBike
41, Noriyuki Haga, JPN, Ducati 999R, Team Renegade Ducati
50, Miguel Praia, POR, Ducati 999R, Team XEROX Ducati – Nortel Networks
52, James Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999R, Ducati Fila
55, Régis Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999R, Ducati Fila
69, Giancluca Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 996R, Team Pedercini
91, Leon Haslam, GBR, Ducati 999R, Team Renegade Ducati
99, Steve Martin, AUS, Ducati 999R, DFXtreme Sterilgarda

Supersport World Championship

2, Stéphane Chambon, FRA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Suzuki Alstare Corona Extra
4, Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh, NED, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Yamaha Italia
8, Alessio Corradi, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Italia Megabike
11, Kevin Curtain, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Deutschland GMBH
15, Matteo Baiocco, ITA, Yamaha YZF R6, Team Lorenzini by Leoni
16, Sébastien Charpentier, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Klaffi Honda
18, Denis Sacchetti, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Italia Megabike
19, Walter Tortoroglio, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
20, Vittorio Iannuzzo, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Suzuki Alstare Corona Extra
22, Stefano Cruciani, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
23, Broc Parkes, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Honda
24, Matthieu Lagrive, FRA, Suzuki GSX-R600, MOTO 1
25, Giovanni Bussei, ITA, Ducati 749R, SL Racing
31, Karl Muggeridge, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Honda
37, Katsuaki Fujiwara, JPN, Suzuki GSX-R600, Suzuki Alstare Corona Extra
50, Steve Brogan*, GBR, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
57, Lorenzo Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 749R, Ducati Breil
70, Yaniv Peleg**, ISR, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
76, Max Neukirchner, GER, Honda CBR600RR, Team Klaffi Honda
77, Mark Stanley, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, MSR Liscycles.com
93, Christian Kellner, GER, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Deutschland GMBH
99, Fabien Foret, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Yamaha Italia

Wild-card riders (Nomination : MA)
74, Brendan Clarke, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Nikon Yamaha Racing
75, Joshua Brookes, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, Castrol Honda Racing

* : replacing Yaron Salinger
** : replacing Eli Chen