Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A printed schedule issued by AMA Pro Racing for the April 2-4 National at California Speedway in Fontana, California shows that riders will have two 30-minute practice sessions prior to Formula Xtreme and Supersport qualifying on Friday, April 2.

But the schedule lists no qualifying sessions for Superstock!

The schedule was mailed to AMA Pro Racing credential holders.

There is no Thursday practice at Fontana.

The schedule as issued by AMA Pro Racing follows:

Friday, April 2:
8:30-9:05 a.m., Formula Xtreme practice
9:10-9:40 a.m., Superstock practice
9:45-10:15 a.m., Supersport practice
10:20-11:10 a.m., Superbike practice
11:10-12:10, lunch break
12:10-12:45 p.m., Formula Xtreme practice
12:50-1:20 p.m., Superstock practice
1:25-1:55 p.m., Supersport practice
2:00-2:50 p.m., Superbike practice
3:00-3:30 p.m., Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group One
3:40-4:10 p.m., Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group Two
4:20-4:50 p.m., Superbike Qualifying Group One
5:00-5:30 p.m., Superbike Qualifying Group Two

Saturday, April 3:
8:30-9:10 a.m., Formula Xtreme practice
9:15-9:45 a.m., Superstock practice
9:50-10:20 a.m., Supersport practice
10:30-11:10 a.m., Superbike Qualifying Group One
11:20-12:00, Superbike Qualifying Group Two
12:00-1:00 p.m., lunch break
1:00-1:30 p.m., Supersport Qualifying Group One
1:40-2:10 p.m., Supersport Qualifying Group Two
2:30 p.m., Superbike Race One, 100k, 28 laps
3:30 p.m., Formula Xtreme race, 60k, 17 laps

Sunday, April 4
9:00-9:35 a.m., Superstock practice
9:40-10:15 a.m., Supersport practice
10:10-11:00 a.m., Superbike practice
11:00-12:00, lunch break
12:00: Superstock race, 60k, 17 laps
1:00 p.m., Supersport race, 60k, 17 laps
2:00 p.m., Superbike Race Two, 100k, 28 laps

From a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin, dated March 18 but actually issued on March 19:

ERIC BOSTROM TESTS MICHELINS AT BARBER

Birmingham (Alabama) – March 18, 2004: Eric Bostrom tested the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin 999 for the first time at Barber Motorsports Park today, putting in 71 laps at the fast and flowing track under overcast but mild conditions. With this being the first true road course for Bostrom on the 999, the focus was on the front end and continuing to get Eric comfortable with the bike on a track new to the 999.

The 27-year-old Bostrom from Las Vegas, Nevada had ridden the 2.3-mile track only once before in a short practice session, having missed last season’s final race at the Alabama venue due to injury. “It was fun to shake the 999 down on a real road course type track,” said an enthusiastic Bostrom.

The track, repaved late last year, created a specific challenge in tire selection. “It’s just unfortunate that the track is so green. It feels different from the brief test I did here on the old pavement,” said Bostrom. “With so many blind drop-away turns, it’s a challenging track to learn and judging the correct corner entry speed is critical. We made good progress today and I had a great time pushing the bike hard on this course.”

Italian race engineer Luca Ferraccioli explained, “With the condition of the repaved track we are concentrating on finding the correct front tire. Michelin has more front tires for us to try tomorrow so we will continue focusing on that.”

The two-day test concludes on Friday.

From a press release issued by Trek:

Trek Bicycles Teams Up With Mat Mladin

Already renowned for sponsoring five time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, Trek Bicycles is proud to announce the sponsorship of American Suzuki rider, Mat Mladin.

“With Lance as our inspiration, we wanted to align ourselves with an athlete who stood out for their sense of courage, dedication and physical prowess. We think that among motorcycle racers today, Mat reflects those standards better than anyone,” said Trek brand manager Zapata Espinoza.

“With four AMA Superbike titles to his name, it’s obvious that fitness plays a big role in Mat’s daily routine. We had heard that Mat was already the owner of two Trek carbon fiber OCLV 5900s which had previously been our highest end road bike. With the arrival of new OCLV Madone 5.9, which is the bike used by Lance and the U.S. Postal team, we figured Mat would be the perfect person to introduce the bike to the road racing community. Mat ordered his Madone from our Project One custom program and it will have a flame paint job with the inscription, ‘Such is life’ painted on the top tube. Trek was extremely proud to see Mat cross the finish line at Daytona with a Trek sticker on his helmet. We couldn’t be happier with our affiliation with a champion like Mat Mladin!”

In addition to the Madone, Mladin will also be relying on a Trek F600 folding bike to keep in his motorhome while he travels the circuit. For more information on Trek Bicycles, go to: www.trekbikes.com.

From a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:

Camel-Honda team’s declared objective is nothing short of world championship victory.



“We’ve got everything it takes to go for the title.”

That was how, against a captivating background in Milan, JT International’s Senior Vice-President Marketing and Sales Roberto Zanni started out today with his presentation of the team that will have Max Biaggi and Makoto Tamada as its riders.

“We achieved satisfactory results last year with the team’s 2nd place and Max Biaggi’s 3rd in the riders’ ratings,” he added. “This year we are going to be working even closer with Honda. They’ll be backing us all the way, so now we can only go for the title. And this is also because Max Biaggi has found a superb equilibrium, and he’s now gone back to that Biaggi who won four world titles.”

After recalling the fact that Camel colours have won Grand Prix and titles with Senna, Mansell, Prost and Schumacher, Roberto Zanni concluded: “We’ve got everything ready for a possible victory in the MotoGP.”

The agreement reached by Camel with Sito Pons for the second year running provides for the use of two Honda RC211V bikes that will have continuous assistance throughout the season – as the President of Honda, Suguru Kanazawa assured in a video-letter from Japan – and they will be adorned with the famous yellow-blue livery. They will be entrusted to Max Biaggi and Makoto Tamada. Biaggi will be using Michelin tyres, Tamada Bridgestone.

“The third place I won last year was just not enough for me”, said Max Biaggi, who has come out top so far in this year’s circuit tests. The euphoria of the team is perfectly justified by these results. As far as I’m concerned, I feel relaxed and ready to fulfil the dreams of my fans right from the first race.”

“I’m all ready to go, though I don’t feel under pressure,” said Makoto Tamada. “I’ve been thinking about the world title since last year: I want to be number 1 not just in Japan but right round the world.”

After the Milan showcase, the next rendezvous on track for the two RC211V Camel Honda machines is slated for 26/27/28 March at the IRTA tests in Catalunya.

From a press release:

Mt. Tremblant 125GP DVD now available!

Due to a broadcasting conflict with the CRTC, the Diablo Paintball Can-Am 125GP race from last August at the historic Mt. Tremblant racetrack has never aired. Series organizer, John Bickle, was able to secure the original tapes from PMP (Professional Motorsports Productions) President Colin Fraser, and Christian Rose of OnBikeTV was able to take the raw footage and edit it to a broadcast ready DVD.

You can now order your own copy of the race for only $20 CDN +shipping. All profits will go towards helping the Can-Am for 2004, so don’t hesitate to buy a few copies for your friends! This is a professionally filmed event, but without any add-on commentators, only the sound of 30 or so true GP bikes echoing in the forest.

The dogfight for the lead is worth every penny, with lots of action and more passes than you can count. This is great for anyone who wishes to see the pool of talent in 125 racing in North America and what true Grand Prix racing is all about. Thanks to everyone who have participated in the race and helped make a great entertaining video to watch.

This exciting race is available now on high definition DVD +R media. If you don’t own a DVD player or are not sure if your player can handle it, please consult http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers, or, you can also order it on VCD, which is only half the quality but will play on any stand-alone DVD player and your computer also.

To order your copy today, email Christian at [email protected]

Information on the Can-AM 125GP Series, including the 2004 schedule can be found at the series website www.can-am125gp.com

From a press release issued by Ducati:

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES 2003 BOTTOM LINE RESULTS

Bologna, Italy – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH and Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced bottom line results for 2003 and confirmed consolidated results down to earnings before tax, as previously reported, on February 13, 2004.

In brief, 2003 revenues were €388.2 million, down 1.9% excluding forex effects, (or down 6.0% including forex effects) versus 2002. Gross margin was 34.7% versus 39.6% last year, due to forex effects and a negative bike mix. EBITDA was €45.1 million, up 6.0% excluding forex effects (or down 13.9% including forex effects), representing 11.6% of revenues versus €52.3 million or 12.7% of revenues in 2002. Sales, General and Administrative Costs represented 23.5% of revenues, down from 25.3% last year, reflecting a reduction of €13.1 million. At EBT level, the result was a break even versus a gain of €8.5 million in 2002 due to a lower EBITDA and increased depreciation which more than offset a reduction in financial charges. Net profit for 2003 was break-even, as well.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., as a stand-alone company, registered a net loss of €5.4 million at December 31, 2003. As stated by the Company in the past, no dividend distribution is planned.

From a press release issued by California Speedway:

2 Wheel Xtreme Spring Fling to join AMA Yamaha Superbike Challenge weekend

FONTANA, Calif. (March 18, 2004) — Seven categories of side-by-side “motorcycle only” drag racing will take to California Speedway’s quarter-mile dragstrip during the AMA Yamaha Superbike Challenge weekend on Saturday, April 3rd.

The John Burr Yamaha Superstreet Spring Fling will feature Cruiser E.T., Street E.T., Pro E.T., Superstreet (900-1300cc Street), Super Gas (9.90 Index), Super Comp (8.90 Index) and Top Gas (8.20 Index) categories that will fly down the strip in a tremendous show of speed and style. Each class winner is guaranteed a Spring Fling award for the mantle and $100. All Participants must meet or exceed 2004 NHRA rules.

Joining the fling will be a little chrome, especially for those that like to show and shine their rides. A custom motorcycle show will be open to all two-wheel asphalt machines. Best in Show, Best American Thunder, Best Metric Cruiser, Best Sportbike, Best Hybrid/Concept, Best Effect, Best Mini Motto, Best Modified, Best Paint, Most Club Participation, Awesome Orphan and Daily Rider will compose 12 judged categories.

Dubbed as the “official” SoCal Clubs Bike Night, area bike clubs are encouraged to come park and hangout with their clubs, fellow riders or other clubs. Special motorcycle parking will be set-aside specifically for the two-wheel partisan making it easy to ride in and park in the heart of the action.

The event would not be complete without some one-wheel action. Tony “T-Bone” Fuller, an AMA Supercross rider will be showing off his wheelie antics. Also joining the excitement will be “Fates Union,” a Fontana band, playing their originals as well as select cover tunes.

This Spring Fling event will mark Team No Limit Racing’s second motorcycle event at California Speedway, as the first was held December 13th. Gates open at 1 p.m., racing commences on the strip at 3 p.m. and all activities will wrap up at 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 3rd. The cost for spectators and crew members is $10, drag racers is $40 and custom show entrants is $20 with children 12 and under are free.

For more information on California Speedway’s Yamaha Superbike Challenge weekend visit www.californiaspeedway.com or call 800-944-RACE (7223).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The new pavement at Barber Motorsports Park seems to be slower than the pavement it replaced, and both Steve Rapp and Eric Bostrom crashed today in turn two.

The pair were testing with Michelin today, and found uneven grip in the corner; both pushed the front a long way before finally falling.

Lap times seem to be several seconds off times from the 2003 AMA National and from 2003 tests at the track near Birmingham, Alabama.

The track was paved for the third time late last year. While the new surface is not bumpy, it seems to have rolling waves in the braking zones entering some of the corners.

Buell/Pirelli riders Michael Barnes and Mike Ciccotto tested with Michelin riders Rapp, Bostrom and Vincent Haskovec, along with a few privateers.

From a press release:

Fastrack Riders Update

Friday, March 19th event is totally sold out! Please no walk ups as all groups are full and unfortunately, we will have to turn you away. Thank you for your support!

May 30th at California Speedway on the AMA Track. Sign ups are strong already so be sure to register early to guarantee you a space.

April 9th we have a Streets of Willow event on a Friday. Come out to Willow and spend the day with Fastrack on the fun Streets track.

May 21st we have a Fastrack Friday event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Classic Course. Bring the spouse or significant other, ride a day and then take in Vegas for the weekend…win lot’s of money to buy new stuff for your bike! The WERA West Roadracing event will follow on that weekend of May 22nd & 23rd.

The inaugural WERA West Roadracing event at California Speedway was not perfect but it was a success. Over 120 riders entered 31 races over the two-day race weekend. Go to www.mylaps.com to see race results. It is way cool! The next WERA West event is at LVMS on the Classic Course, May 22nd & 23rd.

Don’t forget the AMA National event at California Speedway April 2nd through April 4th. California Speedway is offering a three-day pass for only $50.00 plus you get to do a ride around lap on the AMA Track.


More, from a reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I have to give a tip of the hat to the WERA WEST show put on at the California Speedway on the 13th and 14th of March, I had no idea what to expect but came away with one of my best race watching experiences yet.

The WERA staff was not only helpful but mindful of what we spectators might want to see, standing near pit entrance with some others a pit worker motioned us over to the starting line for a better view while reminding us to stay behind the pit wall, it was great! Pat the starter was noting to us the inexperience in some of the Novice Classes but never threw the meatball flag on a rider saying “They’ll sort it out on the track.”

But kudos to Larry Pointer (that’s what his leathers said). He seemed to be the most in charge and raced in a few classes, the highlight of my weekend at the end of the Expert Superbike he was riding a bone stock Yamaha R1 giving the fans on the back straight a beep beep of his horn going into the chicane.

It was truly classic, See you in June for your next race weekend!

Steven DeLaMora
Fontana, California

From a press release:

PIRELLI INCREASES CONTINGENCY FOR 2004 AMA PRO-STAR DRAG RACING

(Rome, GA) Pirelli continues to expand its race-contingency participation in 2004 with the announcement that it will expand its participation in the AMA ProStar drag series.
The company is posting $6,000 this year, almost triple its 2003 expenditure. Expert-class racers in the Street Bike Shootout, 1000SS and 600SS classes can compete for Pirelli contingencies of $150 and $75 for first and second places respectively in the Shootout and 1000SS classes, and $100 and $50 for the 600SS class.

Bike-stickering requirements are that Pirelli stickers must be displayed on the front forks and/or fender, the main fairing, and the tail section and/or swingarm.

All of the details and qualifications of Pirelli’s expanded 2004 contingency program is posted on the “Pirelli Racing Contingency” link of the U.S. website at www.us.pirellimoto.com.
Please contact one of the following Pirelli race vendors for full information and technical help:

CALIFORNIA RACE SERVICES
Huntington Beach, CA
1-800-620-1277

COMPETITION MOTORSPORTS SOUTH
Jacksonville, FL
1-904-384-8398

MASON RACING
Springpark, MN
1-612-250-9122

STREET & COMPETITION
Troy, NY
1-518-279-4597

THE RACER SUPPLY CO.
Shawnee, KS
1-816-550-1992

TIGERSHARK RACING
Boring, OR
1-503-358-5704

TRACKSIDE RACERS SUPPLY
Canton, NC
1-828-235-8400