From a press release issued by series organizers:

SAASC Supersport Showdown hots up at Eastern Creek

The battle for the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Supersport Championship begins at Eastern Creek Raceway over March 12-14, with a number of privateer teams threatening the distributor-backed squads on the road to championship glory.

The much-fancied factory-backed brigade is headed by Castrol Honda guns Josh Brookes and Adam Fergusson, Nikon Yamaha star Brendan Clarke, and the fast and experienced Team Kawasaki Australia duo of Robbie Baird and Jamie Stauffer.

Whilst anyone of these riders has a shot at the championship, their cause will be made all the more difficult by a number of hungry privateers eager to break into the factory-backed ranks.

Heading the charge will be the spectacular and fearless Glenn Allerton, who heads Sydney City Motorcycles’ DataDot Yamaha YZF-R6 squad alongside teenage sensation Josh Waters.

“My objective for this year is to win the championship, and I believe I have the team to do it with,” said Allerton, 23, who was the top-running Supersport privateer in 2003.

“The testing we’ve done has been really good, and the whole set-up with Sydney City [Motorcycles] is unreal – I couldn’t be happier.”

With a gaggle of factory bikes to contend with, Allerton sees just one obstacle in front of him.

“Josh Brookes and Honda – that is combination that I have to beat,” he declared.

“I’ve worked with Josh and I even went to school with him, so I know how good he is, but I beat him a few times last year so that gives me confidence for this year.”

Allerton also didn’t discount his own 17-year-old team-mate, Josh Waters, as a threat.

“I just can’t believe how fast Josh has been going in testing. He’s only a baby really in terms of experience but he definitely has a big future. I wish I started road racing that young,” said the ex-motocross gun.

Other promising challengers include former Team Kawasaki Australia rider Russell Holland (Action Motorcycles Honda CBR600RR), who will be out to prove a point in his bid to regain a distributor-backed seat for 2005; newcomers Caleb Stalder (Taree Motorcycles Honda CBR600RR) and Jai Curtis (Steve Wise Yamaha YZF-R6); and rising stars Josh Forster (troycorser.com/Peels Honda CBR600RR), Mark Stanley (Lismore Motorcycles Yamaha YZF-R6) and dual Australian dirt track champion Chris Seaton (Floyd Parkes Kawasaki/Castrol ZX-6RR).

In addition to the 47 Supersport entrants, the Superstock class for C&D graders has attracted 38 entries, who will be going all out to progress to the Supersport ranks in the future.

The Nakedbike category sees the return of wheelie king Matt Waldron (Mycontrolroom.com.au Yamaha FZ-1) while previous Nakedbike champ John Allen (Aluma-lite Aprilia Racing Tuono) and teammate Benn Archibald are sure to battle it out, with two newcomers adding to the mix.

Former Supersport star Simon Rattenbury (Australian Security Concepts Yamaha FZ-1) and former leading Superstock punter Sam Maclachlan (Australian Motorcycle News Kawasaki Z1000) will both make their Nakedbike debuts at Eastern Creek, while one of the category’s stalwarts, Graeme Wilshaw (Procycles BMW), will make his debut in the NK-Lites on a BMW1100 S.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

WORLD DUCATI WEEK 2004 IS COMING

A vast range of racetrack activities and special events await sportbikers from around the world Bologna, 20 February 2004: The offices at Borgo Panigale are a whirl of activity in preparation for Ducati’s fourth international meeting, to be from May 17 to 23 at the Santa Monica track, Misano.

WDW 2004 is a full week of activity dedicated to the passion for sport motorcycles. Tens of thousands of Ducatisti are expected but lovers of sportbiking in general are also invited. The event is open to motorcyclists of all ages, tastes and abilities. For those without a Ducati, WDW2004 gives them the opportunity to test the bikes that have made Borgo Panigale – the home of Ducati – world famous.

The following activities have already been scheduled:

TRACK AREA: An exciting aspect of this year’s event is the use of the track for the entire week; participants will be able to ride the track on all 7 days.

TEST RIDE AREA: From Tuesday to Sunday, participants will be able to try out the new Ducati 2004 range of motorcycles on the test ride track.

TECHNICAL AREA AND SALES AREA: A technical area will be created in the track pits to support events on the track itself. Furthermore, a 1100 square metre sales area for Ducati products will be provided, with the entire range of Ducati accessories and apparel on display.

RELAXATION AREA: In conformity with the principles of Zen philosophy, a relaxation area will be provided where participants can listen to chill-out music, relax on Stokke ergonomic chairs and enjoy free massages by professional masseurs using the “fast massage” technique. The massages will last for around fifteen minutes, using traditional Chinese micro-massage, reflexology, decontraction, anti-stress and shiatsu techniques. A gym will also be made available for all participants, with the most modern Technogym equipment.

DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE: The first day, Monday 17 May, will be a Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) day, dedicated to the motorcycle riding course organised by Ducati. Participation depends on purchase of a WDW week ticket at a special rate. On subsequent days brief basic and advanced courses will be held to give everyone the opportunity to experience the unique sensations of the DRE.

BIKE WASH: A stand will be provided where participants can have their motorcycles washed by young assistants. You will also be able to immortalise this unique moment and send your pictures to your friends via MMS.

BEACH AREA: For participants who enjoy sports, an area of the paddock will be outfitted for beach sports, including beach soccer and beach volley. There will also be a genuine Mexican bar where you can enjoy colourful cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere with cool music.

TOURS: Three types of tour will be organised in collaboration with “Curve e Tornanti”, which will visit the most beautiful areas of Emilia Romagna, especially designed for riders who enjoy exploring the world on their motorcycles.

A range of ticket options are available:

– week ticket for Ducati owners: reservations by 18 April, 95 euro; after 18/04, 110 euro.

– weekend ticket for Ducati owners: reservations by 18 April, 50 euro; after 18/04 60 euro.

– week ticket for non-Ducati owners: 120 euro.

– weekend ticket for non-Ducati owners: 70 euro.

– week ticket for guest without motorcycle or passenger: 90 euro.

– weekend ticket for guest without motorcycle or passenger: 45 euro.

All participants who reserve their week tickets (of any type) by 18 April, will qualify for a lottery for 100 guest places at a dinner with the official Ducati Corse riders.

Registration and further information about the event: www.wdw2004.com.

From a press release issued by CRA racer Mark Sorensen:

For immediate release:
Thursday, March 11, 2004

FASTER THE MOVIE staring John Hopkins, Valentino Rossi, Eddie Lawson and many others is finally making it onto the big screen — In Minneapolis at least.

FASTER THE MOVIE is going to be playing 2 days only in Minneapolis! Saturday / Sunday, April 3rd & 4th, 12:30pm @ the Riverview theater — 3800 42nd Ave. S. Minneapolis.

Admission is $7 at the door, Cash only please. No presale tickets. Visit www.fastermovie.com for the movie trailer, or www.fastermpls.com (will be active by 3/12) for more information

Thanks and we hope to see you there.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TESTS
Phillip Island, Australia
Thursday, March 11, 2004

YAMAHA HEAD BACK TO EUROPE ‘ON TRACK’ WITH TEST PROGRAMME

The third and final day of Yamaha’s gruelling intercontinental winter testing programme ended today at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia. The teams have completed a series of tests in Malaysia and Australia and now head back to Europe for two more tests against their MotoGP competitors before the season kick-off in South Africa in April. Despite a feisty headwind, Valentino Rossi, Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri took advantage of the sunniest of the three days to make successful race simulations.

Rossi, Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha newcomer, made his race simulation this afternoon battling against the wind and concluded the day with a total of 85 laps and a top time of 1:30.8, just failing to improve on yesterday’s lap time.

Nevertheless the 25-year-old was content with the progress made and heads back to Europe ready to participate in his first IRTA tests as a Yamaha rider. Team-mate Checa also made a race simulation for the second time in as many days, just beating his time from yesterday with 1:31.3 after completing 100 laps in total.

Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 riders Melandri and Norick Abe seemed to switch fortunes from yesterday, with Melandri finding a great improvement with some overnight geometry changes, while Abe found himself losing a little direction since yesterday.

Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha) 85 laps, 1:30.8

“Overall once again I’m quite satisfied with this test. Today was a bit of a struggle against the strong winds, making it harder than last time we were here. But we’ve made some good progress with tyres and I was comfortable with the race simulation this afternoon. It wasn’t as warm as we would have liked, about 20 degrees outside temperature, but we have found quite a good level and are ready to see what happens when we move to a different circuit. The IRTA tests are going to be interesting for this reason, as we’ve only tested with this set-up and engine spec at two circuits, and Barcelona and Jerez are difficult because of their hard braking. But we will see!”

Carlos Checa (Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha) 100 laps, 1:31.3

“That was quite a good race simulation, we’re still a bit behind where we should be but we’ve reduced the gap quite a bit during this test and we’ve improved since yesterday. I think we will have quite a good level for the start of the championship. I’m looking forward to going to Barcelona and seeing where we are now against our competitors. We’ve mostly focused on the chassis this winter and will concentrate more on the engine in the near future. But we are conscious not to change too much with the bike.”

Marco Melandri (Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3) 99 laps, 1:31.92

“Well that was much better. I’m quite happy with how things went today; I felt much more comfortable on the bike. We consistently made an improvement every time we went out, which is just how I needed to finish this test. Every run was a step in the right direction. Since we seemed to have lost our way a little yesterday the team and I sat down last night and looked at everything – how we had the bike set up during the GP here last year and how things were for the last test we had in February. We then modified the geometry this morning and things instantly improved. I also did a full race simulation and the result was quite positive.”

Norick Abe (Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3) 96 laps, 1:33.69

“Today it went a little wrong. I thought I was doing quite well, I felt very comfortable everywhere, but then I followed Checa and saw that in most places I was doing OK; except the slower corners. Here I’m losing quite a bit more than I expected. I guess we still have some more work to do.”

The Yamaha Factory Racing teams now head back to Europe for the pre-season group IRTA tests, commencing in Barcelona on Friday 26 March.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

‘Friends’ Star Rides Motorcycle at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif – Matt LeBlanc, who plays Joey on the hit television show “Friends,” visited Infineon Raceway on Tuesday (March 9) as a guest of the Robb Report-Motorcycles and Cycle World. Both publications were at the raceway for photo shoots for upcoming issues.

LeBlanc, an avid motorcyclist and dirt-bike rider, piloted an Aprilia NERA on the 12-turn, 2.22-mile road course all day, reaching speeds approaching 100 mph.

“I’ve seen this track on television but I didn’t realize it was going to be this caliber,” LeBlanc said. “It’s an awesome track for motorcycles.”

From a press release issued by Specialty Sports Limited:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: March 10, 2004

Teknic Response to Aaron Yates’ actions at Daytona 200 presented by Arai.

Like many fans and spectators we were shocked and surprised by Aaron’s reaction to the crash that took place at the Daytona 200 presented by Arai. We are grateful that neither Mr. Fania nor Aaron were seriously injured inthe crash or in the aftermath. We feel that his behavior was very unprofessional and unacceptable. We would like to stress that SpecialtySports Limited/Teknic does not condone this type of behavior and it doesnot reflect the image or beliefs we wish to portray to consumers, the industry and the sport as a whole. Aaron will be financially penalized for his behavior and resulting suspension by the AMA.

Specialty Sports Limited / Teknic


From a press release issued by HJC America:

As helmet sponsor for Aaron Yates, the staff at HJC America was completely surprised by Aaron’s actions following his crash during the Daytona 200. HJC does not condone his actions and Aaron will also be subjected to financial penalties, which have already been imposed.

We also truly hope that both Aaron and Mr. Fania will completely recover from this incident and return to the exciting sport of road racing.

From a press release issued by Erico Motorsports:

Denver Racer to compete in the 2004 Motogiro d’Italia in Sicily

Denver, Colorado — John Beldock, Owner of Erico Motorsports, has been chosen through an International selection process, to be one of the riders of the 2004 Motogiro d’Italia, May 25-29, 2004. The Motogiro is a tradition that began in 1914 and has become Italy’s quintessential vintage motorcycling long distance road race.

This year’s race will be held on the majestic island of Sicily. This exciting and enchanting motorcycling event has become an international two-wheeled legend. Combining twisting turns, exhilarating mountain passes, on-road adventure, friendly competition and almost 90 years of motorcycling heritage.

The last three editions of the Motogiro have been made possible by the support of the event’s main sponsor, Ducati Motor.

John’s interest in this race was piqued when Erico Motorsports teamed up with Jim Dillard to present Vintage Moto.

Vintage Moto is a collection of over 300 vintage European motorcycles that are on a constant, yet ever-changing display at Erico Motorsports in Denver, Colorado. Vintage Moto is the private collection of Jim Dillard, who has raced the Motogiro for the past three years. John’s love of racing, coupled with his love of vintage bikes, made him the perfect candidate to accompany Jim to this year’s race.

John’s application was accepted in January 04, and shortly thereafter, he went into action to find the perfect machine to race. John’s scavenger hunt led him to Kent, England. In Kent, John found Chris Bushell, owner of a 1958 Ducati 125 Sport, that had raced the past three Giros. Chris’ ’58 Ducati had led him to a 3rd place finish in 2003. Chris has graciously offered to loan the ’58 Ducati to John for this year’s Motogiro d’Italia.

Chris had originally purchased the bike in July of 2000 in a little village near Surrey, England. Chris began a full restoration process that got the bike on the road in time for the 2001 Motogiro. The bike is from the initial batch of 125 Sports manufactured in late 1957 and early 1958 and weighs approximately 220 lbs.

Chris has restored the Ducati as close to its original condition with a slightly better camshaft and some light porting. It can do approximately 70mph flat out.

The staff at Erico Motorsports is excited to cheer on their fearless leader to a win in Sicily this year. Erico Motorsports is Denver’s Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Vespa dealer – a marquee of European tradition located at 2855 Walnut St.

From a press release issued by Daytona 200 Mileage Record Holder Rick Shaw:

I would like to take a few lines to thank everyone who helped me attempt to qualify for this year’s 200. As most everyone knows I missed the cutoff by .04 seconds. This is the first race I have missed in 21 years. It is without a doubt the biggest disappointment I have ever experienced in 25 years of professional racing. I have no excuses, I just didn’t get the job done but it was not from lack of trying. I just couldn’t come to grips with the tires after 3 or 4 laps. I crashed in the first qualifier and was playing catch-up for the second. I have to thank track announcers Pat Gonzales and Rich Chambers. The really talked up the effort and during the second qualifier Rich dropped his microphone and helped change my rear tire for a last ditch effort. Also I have to thank Speed Channel reporter Ralph Shaheen, he gave me a lot of space and respect in the immediate aftermath of the failed qualifying attempt. I have received many calls and e-mails offering support and encouragement to try again next year. It is hard to imagine that a mid-pack privateer can elicit this kind response in this day of the factory-backed superstars. To each and every one you I am deeply honored by your kindness and for each of you I will be back in 2005.

From a press release issued by Don Sakakura of Yoshimura Racing:

For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, March 09, 2004

This Years Daytona 200 was a mixture of highs and lows for the Yoshimura Suzuki Team.

Mat Mladin rode a masterful race to take his third win at this classic event. Mat managed the race to perfection, going fast when he needed to, and conserving when it was prudent.

Yoshimura Suzuki rider Aaron Yates was running a strong second place when late in the race; he came upon a slower rider. Regardless of how one views who was at fault in the ensuing collision, what happened afterwards was clearly unacceptable.

At Yoshimura we have a 50-year history of racing. We race hard, but at the end of the day, we always believe in watching out for each other and keeping racing in perspective. As a result of this philosophy, we cannot, and do not condone Aaron Yates actions in any way, shape, or form.

Discussions and meetings will occur in the very near future at American Suzuki, Yoshimura, and the AMA, to determine the full extent of what actions will be appropriate in this case. Needless to say, we at Yoshimura are very disappointed in Mr. Yates behavior.

Don Sakakura
Vice President,
Yoshimura Racing, LLC

From a press release issued by WERA West:

SPECTATORS WELCOME ON RACE WEEKEND!
Bring the whole family and come on out to watch the 1st race weekend with WERA West. Admission is only $10 per person for the entire weekend.

Gates open at 7:00 a.m. both days

Positions available to work with WERA at all of our Race weekends. Looking to fill the following positions starting March 13th & 14th.

Grid Marshals
Corner Workers
Gate Personal
Support positions

If you are interested please call Dana @ 877-560-2233 ASAP.

CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY DIRECTIONS for WERA Race Weekend

Take I–10 East from Los Angeles or West from Palm Springs

Exit at Cherry Avenue

Go North on Cherry Avenue which is left from the I-0 East
bound exit and right from the I-10 West bound exit.

California Speedway will be on your left about four blocks down.

Go to the second entrance, which is Gate # 3 at the light past the main entrance light.

Gate #3 is located at the intersection of Merrill and Cherry, turn left into the Speedway.

Follow the road to the infield pit and garage area.

Friday Night Arrivals Only

If you will be arriving on Friday night, the gates will be open till 9:00pm and you will enter through Gate 1, which is the main gate. This is for Friday night only.