From a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TESTS
Phillip Island, Australia
Wednesday, March 10, 2004

YAMAHA RIDERS MAKE STEADY PROGRESS ON ‘THE ISLAND’

Yamaha Factory Racing’s MotoGP line-up made the most of the improved weather today on the second day of a three day test at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia. Despite overcast and cold conditions this morning, the four Yamaha riders made some worthwhile progress in this last private test before they face the full force of their MotoGP competitors at the Barcelona IRTA tests in just over two weeks time.

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha new recruit Valentino Rossi put in 60 laps with a best time of 1:30.72, while team-mate Carlos Checa made a race simulation this afternoon, concluding his session with a best time of 1:31.51 and 100 laps under his belt. Meanwhile in the Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 camp, Norick Abe made a significant improvement to his previous lap times at the antipodean circuit, with a best time of 1:32.98 after dramatically softening the front end of his YZR-M1 machine. Marco Melandri had a less fruitful day, struggling to feel as comfortable with his M1 as he did at his last outing here.

Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha) 60 laps, 1:30.72

“We’re happy because we made the same lap time as the last time we were here but have found a better rhythm than before. We’ve just been focusing today mainly on consistency, as well as working with some different tyres and modified settings to the chassis. We also worked a bit on the engine but just to confirm the spec that we’re using. Generally a good day and hopefully tomorrow the weather stays good and we can finish our job.”

Carlos Checa (Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha) 100 laps, 1:31.51

“We’ve changed the set-up a bit and tried different tyres, and today we made a step forwards. It’s the first time I’ve had this much better feeling this winter, mostly by adjusting the spring balance and chassis, which works better with this combination of tyres. I’m also looking forward to testing one of the different engine specs soon. But I’m quite satisfied anyway with this set-up. I think with this chassis here we can go down to the 1:30s. We also have more tyres to test tomorrow.”

Norick Abe (Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3) 73 laps, 1:32.98

“Finally! It’s now starting to come better. Until an hour or so ago I was still having trouble, but then we thought we’d try something different. and it worked. We tried a much softer front spring, softer than we’ve ever used before and the feeling during corner entry improved quite a bit. Then we took that one step further and it was better again. It’s still only the first stage of what we have been looking for, we now need to balance the rear to suit the front, but at least things are heading in the right direction. Even the engine braking set-up is now more to my liking.”

Marco Melandri (Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3) 69 laps, 1:33.38

“Maybe I’m thinking too much, because I’m not enjoying to ride the bike at the moment. Not one corner feels right! I need to switch off my brain and let it flow rather than fight the situation. I hope, with a good nights sleep, I can do just that.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Yates receives a suspension for only one race for physically assaulting another rider? Wasn’t it was just a few years ago a privateer, Chuck Chouinard, was suspended for one year for almost running into an AMA employee. This suspension is just another example of the AMA giving special treatment to factory riders.

Charles Fowler
Hampton, New Hampshire



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Give me a break. Somebody please tell Aaron Yates that it’s not really an apology when you preface it by summarizing for us his excuse as to why it really wasn’t his fault and in previous statements how he “…didn’t put any effort into what I did.”

Gee, Aaron, thanks. It’s a comfort to know that you have such admirable self-control and held back a conceivably more vicious assault. Ultimately, I think you only succeeded in confirming what most of us already know – you are a thug and the concept of sportsmanship completely eludes you.

All that’s left is a sour-tasting, flimsy statement that holds no value as it comes off as something you were perhaps forced to do to muster some kind of spin control or maybe find leniency in any action that the AMA or Fania might take against you. Heartfelt? I highly doubt it.

Additionally, Yoshimura Suzuki needs to take a long hard look at whether the actions of its rider and later those of its race team, constitute behavior that meets even the most basic standards of professionalism and integrity necessary to partake in AMA racing.

Steve Evans
Portland, Oregon


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Aaron Yates “apology” was hardly that. He does not accept responsibility for his actions, namely assaulting another racer, nor does he even mention that racer by name in the apology. He is only “sorry that the whole incident ever happened”, and “sorry if my actions offended or disappointed anyone.” It is important to note that he did not say that he was sorry FOR his actions or that they were inappropriate, rather he was sorry if they offended or disappointed anyone. This is a clear indication that he is not taking responsibility for his actions nor is he truly apologetic.

Unfortunately I have little faith that the AMA will take the appropriate actions regarding this matter.

David Cross
CCS #416
Herndon, Virginia


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I would just like to applaud American Suzuki for doing what the AMA should have already done. To proactively fine Yates is a class act. They should take the money and award it to Mr. Fania for having to take that kind of abuse.

I am still waiting for Yates to publicly accept blame for his actions. His “apology” is a very sorry attempt at this. Of course he is sorry it happened, but that is not an apology. An apology would be admitting fault and saying that he apologizes for making a mistake in his riding and his actions afterwards. This apology should be made to Mr. Fania, not his fans or the general public. Did he watch the replay?

Mr. Yates, take responsibility for your actions like a man. It is time to fall on your sword and make a sincere apology.

Mark Allen
WSMC# 34
Corona, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Quoting Yates’ apology:…With about eight laps to go, I came up on some lapped riders. I set up to pass, using the same racing line that I’d been using on this part of the track all day – in both the 200 and in the 600 SuperSport race….

Oh, excuse me Mr. Yates, I suppose the guy he’s trying to pass is supposed to know that??? I must have missed it on SPEED, since they didn’t show the sign on that corner that states,
“Attention, this is Aaron Yates’ line. Please do not disrupt him as he is taking this line. If you are in his way at this point, he will run into you, and if you both fall down, he will get up, and throw a flying kick at you, and perhaps even head-butt you. You have been warned…”

I mean how many laps does it take for someone to read that….Fania should have known.

Jesse Pantoja Jr.
Montebello, CA


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Little too much justification and a little too late to call his apology an apology. Poor Aaron…… from awesome rider to simply another pompous a-hole at Yoshimura. At least they have Ben Spies.

Steve Bailey
Brantford Ontario CANADA


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I’m a WERA racer. In my short non-pro and very privateer career I have crashed twice – once my fault and the other not my fault. In both instances it was “in the heat of the moment” but never did I consider fighting with my competitor, even though in one case I thought I was taken out. Does any racer actually plan to take someone out? I doubt it.

In race school I was taught it was the passer’s responsibility to make a clean pass. And that if you pass a guy on the outside you are at much higher risk of crashing. This is race school 101.

Did Yates go to a low budget race school? Has he forgotten the basics since becoming a big shot factory rider? There are plenty of good privateers out there that would do as good a job as Yates if given the chance to ride the Yoshimura GSXR. Suzuki should select one of them to take Yates’ place.

I used to be an Aaron Yates fan. No longer. The words “Aaron Yates” and “professional road racer” shouldn’t be said in the same breath. Maybe the WWF has an opening? There was nothing professional about his antics and attack on Fania. What if Fania had been hurt (back, concussion, whatever)? Fania should have kicked him back (in the groin)!

Thanks for the forum.

Henry Avello
Hoover, Alabama


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Yates’ apology was more of an excuse than an apology. Last year he knocked two privateers off of their bikes at Fontana. He hit Sean Fey at PPIR, causing him to crash, destroy his bike and break his collar bone. VIR…Laguna World Superbike…Yates’ behavior at Daytona was not a single, isolated incident. If the AMA doesn’t suspend him for at least two races I think the Privateers should stage a demonstration of some sort at Fontana.

Paul Moore
Colorado Springs, Colorado



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I think people are making a little more out of this than it deserves. Honestly when I saw both riders get up…I first was relieved, then I laughed at their childish behavior. Yates with his tantrum…Fania with his “eat this” gestures. I thought it was great entertainment…simply because the race was so boring. It sounds as if it got maybe more heated in the pits. Having raced both motorcycles and bicycles, I can tell you it’s 100 times worse in bicycle racing! Imagine 80 guys in a pack all yelling obscenities at each other at speed, inches apart in lycra…I’ve even seen guys fighting on their bikes! Yates’ behavior was amateurish…Fania’s was just as childish and probably more offensive. Fania filing charges is not good for the sport at all, and a lawsuit sets a damaging precedent.

Prompt action by the AMA could prevent this type of occurrence…but we know that story. Moreover, the Daytona 200 needs to be overhauled. I don’t know which race was worse, the Australian F1 race or Daytona. 4-5 guys racing for the win, with everybody else getting lapped is bad TV, bad racing, and bad for the sport. Fania and Yates’ Three Stooges impersonation was the best thing I saw in racing all weekend. “Hey Mo, eat this!”

Charlie Stevenson
Clarksville, Indiana



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Your article regarding Yates should read “He Said, She Said,” because we all know Yates is nothing but a big girl.

Dale Brown
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Great site and magazine for us old guys…

Daytona was my home track. I have many laps and years spent at the track. I was totally disappointed at the AMA’s small field of riders and sorry for the Yates-Fania incident. For those of us that have been there, we know it all happens fast while we see it in slow motion. A rider always takes a chance when passing but it is the passing rider that has to yield to the rider in front. I can not say who caused who to crash, it was racing. What happened afterwards was stupidity. It did nothing for the sport except show the world every one is human. I know the pressure the AMA is under to act and hope it is in the best interest of the many and not the few. One thing for sure is, superbike racing has to be more competitive and that will not happen as long as the factories drive the show. I totally agree with Greg Esser. We raced together back in the original CCS days…. Remember, racing is a show, it is for the fans to watch and the sponsors-factories to sell..

And for B.J. Worsham, words and jesters are one thing, physical assault is another…..

Buddy Keller (still alive)
Never Ready Racing
Harriman, Tennessee


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I won’t even attempt to discuss the actions of Mr. Yates- He did the wrong thing. However, I do believe that there is a serious problem in the AMA series. Why does it seem that in every race the lapper plays a role in the outcome? I don’t want to see my favorite rider in the lead by a few seconds only to be held up by lappers. You see it all the time, a guy like Mladin comes up on some slower guys and is held up through an entire portion of the track, while his rivals close the gap. It’s crazy. These guys need ample warning and they have to get out of the way, if they don’t then punish them. Everyone should be allowed to run if they can qualify, but is it not poor sportsmanship to hold up the leaders of the race? Maybe the AMA needs to wave a blue flag with a picture of Yates waving his fist, after all he is the “Enforcer”. And I for one will still be cheering him on!

Ali Khani
Torrance, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I have read through all the emails posted so far on Aaron Yates’ behavior. During the 200 I had my entire team over having a Daytona Party and who would have thought that besides GREAT racing we would get to watch a little UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) action?

In all seriousness I was also as pissed off by Yates’s behavior as was everyone that was watching. He has a reputation for being “scary” if you are a lapped rider and I guess now you have to be afraid that once you are taken out – you might get your ass kicked too! All of this said, I do believe that Mr. Yates should be fined and not only suspended for a race but be personally responsible for setting Mr. Fania up with a new ride! People forget how expensive these bikes and parts are for privateers – Aaron should know – he was a privateer too a long time ago!

The one thing that would change my opinion of the entire incident would be if Fania sued over it. I am so tired of everyone being so “sue-happy”. It might sound silly but to me that is just taking this too far. He was not hurt by Yates’s rantings and monkey kung-fu or whatever the hell that was and should keep it where it belongs – in the AMA. This would be a GREAT test for the AMA; they cannot get out of this without being 100% fair on the situation. Millions of people watched that race and incident and there is no hiding this one from the public. If anyone has to get sued let’s see what the organizing body does first before lawyers are drawn into the situation.

Aaron – fess up man! Admit that what you did was wrong despite anything that was possibly said in anger by Fania. You are a great rider with a great team and ultimately put on a great show out there. Don’t let your ego get in the way of an apology where it is clearly due. Just come out and say it – “I’m sorry!” At this point in the game there is very little else you can do.

Shane Whitworth
www.revlimiterracing.com
Ben Lomond, California






FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Let’s not forget Infineon Raceway (Sears Point) last year when Aaron Yates took out Kim Nakashima, part of the Hawaiian contingent that comes across the ocean for the AMA California races each year. This is not an isolated incident…patterns of misconduct warrant increased punishment in our judicial system. Seems to be valid in this case as well!

Aaron Yates needs to get his aggression under control. I hope Suzuki and the rest of the sponsors demand serious action and consider a replacement rider.

Dean Thimjon
KC, Missouri



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Those who consider Aaron Yates’ actions inappropriate should take the time to
contact each one of his sponsors and let them know how his actions reflect
on those companies.

Regards,

Dan Opal
Ann Arbor, Michigan



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Boy, it seems I could link to the letter I sent RRW in 2002 and just change a few items, and it would work again.

Basically, the link at the end of this talks about Yates laying on the track and to a lesser extent, the fact that Sadowski did not “tear him a new one”.

In the Daytona 200 race yesterday, my only problem with Sadowski is the rush judgment that Yates was taken out. Basically, if you were watching the race you saw 2 guys that have already crashed and Sadowski says something along the lines of, “Anthony Fania took out Aaron Yates.”

Mind you, this is before anything was shown about the crash! According to Sadowski… because 2 guys were down and one was a factory rider, the factory rider must have been taken out?

Is this a big deal? No. But I do think it hints at the prevailing attitude that Factory Racers can do no wrong and it’s always the privateers fault.

As I said almost 2 years ago, the punishment needs to be big enough to stop this sort of stuff from happening. It obviously wasn’t 2 years ago. Will it be now?

Now… having said all that. I watched the tape and while Yates originally intended to drop kick Fania…he obviously thought better of it when he was in mid-air and pulled back.I don’t believe his kick amounted to any more force than a light shove.This is evidenced by the fact that Fania was barely moved and is able to turn around and face Yates.

If Yates had stopped there, I could chalk it up to the moment. While there should still be punishment, I could live with it being fairly minimal. To me, it’s the subsequent push and head-butt that is worse, and should draw the heavy penalty. Yates obviously realized moments earlier that he should not “drop kick” a competitor, yet somehow cannot restrain himself from some sort of physical contact. I think this speaks volumes about Yates’ state of mind when racing.

I’m sure someone will say that is the state of mind you must be in to compete at that level, but I’ve yet to see some great riders do these things(all of the Haydens come to mind).

Oh well… as Sadowski likes to say… “Strike TWO Yates.”

Link to previous letter sent in 2002:
(NOTE: THE LINK BELOW TALKS ABOUT A VIDEO LINK – IT IS INACTIVE)
http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/breakingnews/81420023962.htm


Tony Iannarelli
Springfield, Massachusetts


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

To address Steve Snyder’s comment from Eugene, Oregon. Stick to Springer and Nascar and take Yates with you.

Tyson Silva
T Bone OMRRA #199
DirtyRottenBastards Racing
Portland, Oregon


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

To trash Aaron Yates’ entire career for one incident, as some readers have done, is unfair. I watched the frame by frame photos of the crash and Fania clearly moved his line from the inside of the corner to the outside, directly into Yates path. With the large difference in closing speed, there was nothing Yates could do. As for Yates’ reaction after the incident, it was born of the frustration of being taken out again by a lapper making an unpredictable move. He has been overshadowed by his teammate for years, and it seems every time he has an opportunity to catch him, he’s taken out by a mechanical or lapper.

To me, he is THE most interesting rider to watch, due to his skills with a motorcycle. He shows up for autograph sessions at the races he runs, and is very cordial to his fans. To trash his entire career for a moment of frustration is unfair.

I traveled over 4000 miles by car last year, so I could watch his techniques in the corners at Road Atlanta and Barber. I wouldn’t have done that for any other rider, and I’m nobody, just an admirer of a guy who can do things on a motorcycle that I’ve never seen anybody else do.
I hope Fania just drops the juvenile lawsuit and accepts his role in the incident, too.

Dale Hughes
Nazareth, Pennsylvania


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Hey Team Suzuki, how about showing some class and using the $25,000 you fined Yates and helping out Mr. Fania. After all YOUR RIDER did cause great damage to Mr. Fania’s bike, leathers, boots, gloves, helmet and maybe more. I’m sure Aaron walked away thinking, oh well, I could of had second place, but for Anthony everything is destroyed and that a large chunk of money out of his pocket. I have watched the tape over and over and just can’t see where Anthony did anything wrong. All Aaron had to do was to check up early and get around him safely, which other riders did throughout the race.

The Daytona 200 wasn’t as fun to watch this year with the new rules. I liked the old 80 bikes on the grid races. The riders had to go fast AND use there heads to win it. If some of the PROS had their way, the race would have only about 10 riders. How boring would that be for the fans.

AMA, CCS, Formula USA Corner Worker and Motorcycle Race Fan,
David Ehrhart
Eustis, Florida


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

BRAVO SUZUKI! I applaud sponsors for maintaining their image by managing the conduct of their riders/spokespersons!

While I very much enjoy Yates’ aggressive “go for it at all costs” racing style, HE needs to realize that HE does race this way and eventually HE WILL CRASH. And WHEN HE DOES CRASH, HE needs to accept responsibility for that crash and not take it out on someone else. (emphasis intended)

I taped the 200 and played the crash back a few times and, in my opinion, the crash was a racing incident that could have been avoided by Yates. Fania did not seem to be doing anything wrong when Yates hit him from behind.

I surely sympathize with Yates’ frustration with the crash. I absolutely do not agree that he should have taken it out on Fania!

George Leavell
Gilroy, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

John, I know you won’t be able to petition on behalf of yourself (or at least something you started), but hoping you might be able to get word to ASMC and others that are imposing fines on Yates. The best use of Aaron’s fines will be rider safety improvements, and what better way than to work on the air fencing! Here’s hoping ASMC (and others) will actually make Aaron write a check (not just dock his pay) and he could turn that into a positive by supporting rider safety issues (or at least other charities he chooses).

Kyle Kirschenmann
Knoxville, Tennessee


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I’m a Navy man stationed outside the U.S. near Tokyo, Japan and have not seen the race but have read all there is to read about it. I know of some of the behavior of Aaron Yates in the past and am smart enough to know that doesn’t mean he’ll act like that in the future.

For me, I guess it isn’t really who ran into who as much as who did what after it. Gesturing and yelling is one thing, but placing your hands, feet, or helmet in anger on someone is a totally different animal. Again, I haven’t seen the race or the incident, but once you cross the line, you have crossed the line and you’ve crossed it on your own doing.

If a back marker caused the accident and Yates simply walked away, witnesses and his crew would be screaming, “How can you remain so cool about this?!” To which Yates could reply, “Because I’m better than that.”

Kick ass website and magazine guys.

Shiny side up,
Spike Call
Tokyo, Japan


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Aaron Yates committed an act of violence in the workplace. Will he be fired like anyone else would be?

Pete Rajek
Merrill, Wisconsin


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Here we go again. Poor Yates. Poor motorcycle roadracing. Poor humanity.

Once again the pro will take the heat when one of these knuckleheads ride erratic lines and takes them both out. I don’t know about other professional sports but in motorcycle roadracing there always seems to be this constant stream of slow men on the racetracks with the exceptional riders – regardless of equipment quality.

Fabio, or whatever, clearly moved over on the brakes from the far right to the far left of the track entering the second chicane at Daytona, keeping well alive the all to classic, “slow-guy-has no-idea-when-or-where-he’s-supposed-to-be-on-the-racetrack syndrome.” So frustrating.

“But he was going into the corner SO much deeper than me… how could he of made it?” slow guy asks.

Breathe. Deep breath. Smile. Exhale. Yes, how indeed.

“Were gonna sue Aaron, then… uh uh… we’re gonna…” Need to chill a little with that poser talk, dude. My God.

When you are competing in a race at that level, good riders are ALREADY in a fist fight in their minds against the other athletes. You come to an abrupt stop like that and a rider’s mind does not quickly return to a walking-talking-respectful-citizen mentality. At all. I hope the AMA is sensible with a mild monetary fine for Aaron Yates.

And there will be no law suit.

Kevin Gilbert
Long Beach, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

If you watch the video, you can see the bonehead at Daytona was going 20 mph slower and standing the bike up . But I’m sure 90% of the people who wrote in have never raced or even have seen 160-170 mph on there own bike. Also on the video you can see that A.Y. only ” fainted ” a dropkick, then only bitched at the guy, then something pissed him off and he ran up to the ‘motormouth’ which was obvious. And with adrenaline flowing, did headbutt him. Have you ever been so pumped that you did do something in hindsight you overreacted too….. well…. I for one have and do give A.Y. the benefit of the doubt..
GO Aaron!

Barry Schmidt
#305E CRA
Bismarck North Dakota


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

On the subject of Mr. Yates apology due to his current bout of unsportsmans-like conduct and given his past pattern of behavior, it’s too little too late. A ban from racing via the AMA for two events along with a substantial monetary fine and a suspension of his contract from his sponsors might just impress upon Mr. Yates the error of his ways. If not I’m sure the upcoming charges of criminal assault might have the desired effect. And as the suits in NASCAR are so fond of telling the drivers who don’t pay attention to the rules of engagement, “you (Mr. Yates) need us a lot more then we need you.”

Mike Derian
CCS AM 222
Washington, DC


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

As someone who was taken out by Aaron Yates during practice for the 200 two years ago at Daytona, I feel it is time the AMA and Yoshimura and Suzuki finally do something about him. Yates took me out as I was exiting the chicane, the tire mark on my fairings showing clear evidence of an intentional T-Bone. This was shown to Ron Barrick, AMA race manager, and the Yosh team. As usual, it was “just racing”. Unfortunately, I feel it will continue to be “just racing” until someone gets seriously injured.

The AMA could do something about this by suspending Yates for a serious amount of time. The results of this could be nothing but positive. The other factory riders would stop over aggressive riding in fear of losing their big (and usually well-earned) paychecks, which would make the tracks safer for all. All the riders would have a new respect for the AMA which, of course, does not exist now. Those of us who raced the AMA pro circuit know that there are one set of rules for the factory guys and another for the privateers. If the rules applied equally to all, perhaps it would foster all the riders working together to promote the sport. Finally, it might teach Yates a lesson while he is still young and he could come back more appreciative of the great riding talent that he has, and be able to look at himself in the mirror as the reason why he isn’t a champion….yet.

Kevin McCrea
former AMA superbike #88
Boston, Massachusetts


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I have been a Suzuki fan for close to 30 years and have watched Aaron Yates ride on T.V. and at the track, I have always considered him one of the best riders out there. Over the last couple of years his actions as mentioned in other emails here had me wondering what was up with Aaron, then watching him drop kick (attempted or for real) then shoulder into the other rider pissed me off.

I also think Kurtis Roberts has the same attitude. I have seen him elbow and pull crap on other riders in practice and racing. I have to think that had something to do with Honda not signing him and only his dad hiring him to race. I’m glad he is no longer in AMA racing. I don’t care to watch any racer who acts like these two idiots.

Freddie Lopez
Dallas, Texas


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I’m a big Aaron Yates fan, but come on! You call that an apology? Whatever the circumstance of the crash you’ve got to keep your emotions in check. What are you going to do if your kid scratches your favorite muscle car?

It’s not the end of the world, and you’re still one hell of a rider!

Good luck for the rest of ’04.

Dave Watson
Hershey, Pennsylvania


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

He just doesn’t get the fact that the wreck was totally his fault. Aaron Yates needs to stop blaming other people for his own mistakes, it just makes the common fan hate him more. Suzuki has fined him $25,000 dollars for the incident and issued another apology blaming other people for Yates’ failure to win. They need to acknowledge that if it was not for his careless riding and the company’s acceptance of their riders putting blame on other people for their own mistakes they might become fan favorites and not hated by all the riders and fans that attend races. Fania could of been killed by Aaron Yates’ reckless riding. The AMA needs to realize what a mistake it is to let Aaron Yates race professionally.

Carmen Centennial
Fort Knox, Kentucky


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I’m a racer and former race school instructor and have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Aaron many times. While I agree with many of the prior comments regarding his acting like an idiot after the crash, it must be understood that this is a very emotional sport. Guys get pumped on adrenaline and sh-t happens. I damn-near jumped off my bike at over 100mph at the checked flag of my first win…

He probably deserves a fine, but Aaron is one of the most entertaining riders on the circuit and is good for viewership. Don’t you get a fine if you DON’T assault somebody during a hockey game?

Drew Swanson
Grand Rapids, Michigan


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Love the mag and website, the best. . .

I agree that Aaron Yates’ stunt at Daytona was shameful, and he will probably receive a lawsuit of this. He gave the sport we love a black eye on national TV, BUT:

It is the faster guy’s (or gal’s) job to overtake the bike in front of them, not the other way around. Remember, it’s hard to see someone coming up behind you unless mirrors are made legal or anyone who qualifies 10th or less must look behind themselves after every corner. As an ex-CRRC (CMRA) regional sprint and endurance champion, I never got mad at a slower rider in front of me (it was sometimes amusing to watch some of them) unless he purposely tried to block me (which Fania did not to Yates). I always raced like my dad taught me when I got my street license. Always ride like you are invisible, which on the track meant never put yourself in a position where a slower rider could crash (or cause you to) and take you out without ever knowing you were there. I know it is hard to do during the heat of the battle (when your rival is on your tail), but he is still the one who has to pass as well.

James Nichols
ex-CRRC 495
San Antonio, Texas


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I place much credence in your publication and the dissemination of the truth. Through many overseas military operations…retirement…and much travel worldwide…your publication has always been my anchor for the motorcycle truth. So…please spotlight the riding tactics, style, strategy, or whatever you decide to call it, of Aaron Yates. After Daytona, I think it is time someone highlighted his overly aggressive /dangerous demeanor on the racetrack. Just simply research his riding history and I’m sure you will have more than enough to produce a feature length article,(Eric Bostrom take out at Laguna,.etc.,). In my opinion, this rogue should be suspended from the AMA and other series until such time as his reactionary conduct can be controlled.

William Welborn

Redding, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Mr. Worsham,

You, sir, have penned the best response relating to the Yates/Fania incident. When mostly everyone has stooped to name calling (a-hole, redneck dipsh-t from Hayseed Gap, etc) you put the accident into a perspective that makes sense.

Well said.

David Ferris
Houston, Texas


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I felt compelled to write you on the matter of Aaron Yates and his behavior at the 2004 Daytona 200.

Deplorable.

Yates has shown utter disregard and a lack of respect for other racers on repeated occasions. It is my opinion that he lacks the self control and judgement needed to participate in our great sport. He has proven time and time again that he is a liability to the positive image of roadracing. He also reflects poorly on your company. Since I anticipate that you will do nothing in regards to his actions I wanted to inform you that I will never do business with your company as a result.

The AMA will also do nothing as any action on their part would in their minds reflect poorly on their system that has allowed him to flourish into what in hockey is referred to as a goon. In short Yates will be allowed to continue to be a liability. I find it ironic that Privateer Charles Chouinard can be punished so extensively (AMA ban) for a minor technical infraction (scotch brighted valve stems) and Yates can be repeatedly forgiven for actions that are simply dangerous.

I realize tha

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Now all that great Roadracing World content is going into a new package – a new format, changing from a 10″ x 14″ tabloid to 9″ x 10 ¾” in size. This change will begin with the April 2004 issue, on newsstands this month.

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From a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TESTS
Phillip Island, Australia
Tuesday, March 9, 2004

FIRST DAY OF YAMAHA TEST MARRED BY BAD WEATHER AT PHILLIP ISLAND

With their feet having hardly touched European ground the Yamaha MotoGP teams were back at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia today for a three day test, having left the antipodean venue just over two weeks ago. The first day was unfortunately a wash-out for most of the morning, with glimpses of sunshine during the early afternoon drying the track enough for the four Yamaha riders to put in some worthwhile laps.

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Carlos Checa put in a small number of laps this afternoon, the former claiming a meritable 1:32.10 in a total of just 14 laps, the latter using his track time to alter his basic seat set-up with a best time of 1:34.30 and 22 laps.

Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 riders Marco Melandri and Norick Abe put in times of 1:34.34 and 1:35.27 respectively after producing slightly more laps out on track. Melandri was ready to try some chassis modifications today but he decided to wait until day two with the hope of better weather, today focusing on throttle connection and testing in the wet.

Valentino Rossi (Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha) 14 laps, 1:32.10

“We’ve been so lucky with the weather! I couldn’t do so much today because of the terrible rain but I did manage to make some laps towards the end of the day. I’m continuing with the same engine spec as last time we were here, and it’s still quite good but I wasn’t able to try it so much today. Before we came here I visited the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, which was a great show. It was my first time at an F1 race, and was good to meet the drivers, the mechanics, and quite surprising how passionate everyone is about MotoGP.”

Carlos Checa (Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha) 22 laps, 1:34.40

“There’s not a lot to say really. I did a few laps and I changed the seat position but basically it was a bit of a waste of a day for me. Tomorrow we will start with what we were planning to do today, and work on the bike general set-up and tyres.”

Marco Melandri (Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3) 49 laps, 1:34.34

“It was good to get a few laps around this circuit in the wet, it helps me understand the bike more, but the problem is when it’s neither wet nor dry. When it’s patchy, like it was for most of the day, it’s impossible to achieve anything so we basically lost half a day. When the track was finally dry it was dirty and the wind made it rather tricky. We did manage to test a few things, however, especially the throttle connection and the drivability off the turns. We still need to do more, but we need the weather to improve a little. If it improves then we will focus on some tyre testing and an endurance run.”

Norick Abe (Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3) 35 laps, 1:35.27

“It was such a shame to come all the way here and have rain. We could have had rain in Europe, but that is ok because tomorrow looks like it should be much better. We still used the day as much as we could to tune in the engine braking. It’s still an area that I’m having the most trouble with and I want to improve the feel I have entering the turns. Tomorrow morning we will finalise this and then focus on the suspension. I want to find a base chassis set-up that works at all tracks so that when it comes time to qualify during a race weekend I only need to make slight changes to the suspension.”

From a press release:

Supermoto Makes Debut at Infineon Raceway during Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown Weekend

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – The latest rage in two-wheel racing has been added to the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend at Infineon Raceway, April 30-May 2, and it’s sure to cause a stir in the grandstands.

Supermoto, a combination of racing on both pavement and dirt, will invade Infineon Raceway for the first time with a full slate of racing on Friday and Saturday (April 30-May 1) of race weekend. A blend of on-and off-road racing featuring motocross bikes, Supermoto returned to the national scene in 2003 with a bang, and has certainly captured the imagination of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Top riders from all disciplines have participated in Supermoto over the last year, including former AMA Superbike champion Ben Bostrom, former World GP champion Kevin Schwantz and X-Games gold medalist/freestyle motocross star Mike Metzger. Legendary motocrosser Travis Pastrana has even confirmed he will compete in select Supermoto events in 2004.

The Supermoto event at Infineon Raceway, which will be sanctioned by STTARS Supermoto, will feature action in the premier 450cc class, as well as 250cc, Open Expert and Novice. Heats and 10-lap main events will take place for Open Expert and Novice on Friday, April 30, with the main events set to begin at 6 p.m. The action will heat up on Saturday with heat races for 450cc and 250cc, followed by an 8-lap feature for 250cc, and 14-lap feature for 450cc, beginning at 6 p.m.

Supermoto will not only expose Northern California motorcycle enthusiasts to a form of racing that has enjoyed great success in Europe in recent years, but will also enhance the race weekend. In addition to Supermoto, the weekend will feature the best motorcycle road-racers in the country, highlighted by main events on both Saturday and Sunday in the chase for the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike Championship. The weekend is presented by Cycle Gear and includes Sunday’s Supercuts Superbike Challenge.

“We have such an enthusiastic base of motorcycle fans in our region and we’re constantly exploring ways to improve their experience at this event. The addition of Supermoto will make this a weekend of racing beyond anything we’ve ever offered,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway.

The Supermoto racing action will feature a 1.2-mile, 15-turn course (approximate) that will utilize Turns 4-8, with the start/finish line at Turn 7. The course will combine both pavement and dirt, with a flat-track corner, table-top jump and two berm corners. The course is designed to test every aspect of Supermoto and present riders with a technically challenging and high-speed circuit.

“I anticipate the course layout to be a huge hit with riders and spectators alike,” said Don Canet, president of STTARS. “American riders have had little opportunity to experience Supermoto on a track of this scale, offering such variety in high-speed and slower, technical road sections. The course at Infineon Raceway will offer an unprecedented amount of elevation change as well.”

For more information on the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend, visit www.infineonraceway.com. The weekend is presented by Cycle Gear.

From a press release issued by SPEED Channel:

Ricky Carmichael, defending AMA 250 Supercross and AMA 250 National Motocross Champion, will be Greg White’s guest tomorrow on 2 Wheel Tuesday. Carmichael will discuss the continued rehab of the knee he injured during preseason testing for the 2004 season. White, who finished 18th in the BMW Boxer Cup race last weekend, also will re-cap all the racing from Bike Week.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AARON YATES SUSPENDED BY AMA PRO RACING

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (March 9, 2004) — Yoshimura Suzuki rider Aaron Yates has been suspended for one race meet and fined $5,000 by AMA Pro Racing for his actions following an on-track incident with KSW Racing’s Anthony Fania during the Daytona 200 by Arai on Saturday, March 6.

In announcing the penalty, AMA Pro Racing Road Race Manager, Ron Barrick stated that Yates’ behavior after the two collided was completely unacceptable. “After carefully reviewing the tapes and interviewing the corner workers and both Mr. Yates and Mr. Fania, we have concluded that the contact that resulted in both riders crashing was an unfortunate racing incident with neither rider specifically at fault,” said Barrick. “However, Yates’ actions after the crash are the reason we are issuing the fine and suspension.”

TV video tape, interviews with the riders and interviews with corner workers confirmed that Yates kicked and head-butted Fania immediately after the crash. While it was impossible to discern what each rider said during the exchange, it was apparent that Fania was attempting to walk away from the altercation.

Barrick confirmed that Yates’ AMA license is suspended for a period of one AMA Superbike race meet; specifically the California Speedway event scheduled for April 2-4, 2004 in Fontana, California. Yates will not be permitted to compete in any of the races that make up that race meet. Barrick also stated that the $5,000 fine could be reduced by 50% if Yates enters an anger management treatment program, approved by AMA Pro Racing, prior to returning to competition.

“Physically assaulting a fellow competitor cannot be tolerated under any circumstance,” said Barrick. “This penalty should indicate how seriously we are taking this matter.”

Barrick also noted that AMA Pro Racing continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actions of each rider’s crew members following the incident.

**************

An email from KWS Racing:

Plenty has been said about the matter of ‘Yates vs Fania’ and I’m sure that plenty more will be. I just want it to be known that Anthony rides for KSW Racing and not KWS Motorsports. I’ve known both riders for 10+ years and wish only the best for both, we are ALL in the public eye when on the track or in the paddock and must behave accordingly or we will NOT draw in sponsors, fans and the like.

Kevin Hunt
KWS Motorsports

***************

Due to a typographical error, Anthony Fania’s team was listed as KWS Racing. It should have read KSW Racing. AMA Pro Racing apologizes for the error.

CORRECTED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AARON YATES SUSPENDED BY AMA PRO RACING

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (March 9, 2004) — Yoshimura Suzuki rider Aaron Yates has been suspended for one race meet and fined $5,000 by AMA Pro Racing for his actions following an on-track incident with KSW Racing’s Anthony Fania during the Daytona 200 by Arai on Saturday, March 6.

In announcing the penalty, AMA Pro Racing Road Race Manager, Ron Barrick stated that Yates’ behavior after the two collided was completely unacceptable. “After carefully reviewing the tapes and interviewing the corner workers and both Mr. Yates and Mr. Fania, we have concluded that the contact that resulted in both riders crashing was an unfortunate racing incident with neither rider specifically at fault,” said Barrick. “However, Yates’ actions after the crash are the reason we are issuing the fine and suspension.”

TV video tape, interviews with the riders and interviews with corner workers confirmed that Yates kicked and head-butted Fania immediately after the crash. While it was impossible to discern what each rider said during the exchange, it was apparent that Fania was attempting to walk away from the altercation.

Barrick confirmed that Yates’ AMA license is suspended for a period of one AMA Superbike race meet; specifically the California Speedway event scheduled for April 2-4, 2004 in Fontana, California. Yates will not be
permitted to compete in any of the races that make up that race meet. Barrick also stated that the $5,000 fine could be reduced by 50% if Yates enters an anger management treatment program, approved by AMA Pro Racing, prior to returning to competition.

“Physically assaulting a fellow competitor cannot be tolerated under any circumstance,” said Barrick. “This penalty should indicate how seriously we are taking this matter.”

Barrick also noted that AMA Pro Racing continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actions of each rider’s crew members following the incident.

From a press release issued by Jason DiSalvo’s publicist:

DiSalvo Dominates 600 Supersport at Daytona International Speedway

Jason DiSalvo of Stafford, NY, laid claim to the 600 Supersport race held Saturday, March 6th at Daytona International Speedway starting with posting the fastest practice lap in the Supersport class on Thursday morning unofficially breaking the track record. Later on Thursday he officially set a new track record of 1:51.7 seconds and the following lap again bettering his time and demolishing the old track record with a pole setting time of 1:50.99 seconds. During the race, which was televised nationally on Saturday, March 6th, Jason continually challenged the best in the field for the top position. With 2 red flags stopping the race after 3 laps and again after the 4th lap Jason was able to lead 6 of the 18 laps with a final drafting move in the last lap to win by 3/100th of a second.

Jason and the second place rider actually bumped as the two rushed for the finish line. Jason said, “I felt a little bump and got scared because I could only imagine what was going on behind me. I tried to look back as soon as I crossed the stripe and didn’t see any smoke or anything crazy like that so I figured everything must be ok. This was my first pole at Daytona and then a win; this is a dream weekend. It would have been hard not to win out there with the Yamaha bike and Dunlop tires I was on.”


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

MLADIN AND SUZUKI STORM DAYTONA AGAIN!

Suzuki’s Mat Mladin won the 63rd Daytona 200 on Saturday, the GSX-R1000-mounted four-time AMA Superbike champion, using a bold three pit stop strategy that called for him to make up the extra time on the track from rival competitors who chose the traditional two stop strategy. “To win this race, I feel a lot more comfortable going into the season,” said the defending series champion Mladin. “If we can win this race, we’re going to be competitive.”

For Mladin, it was his third win of the famous American road race for Suzuki and the Australian has also closed to within one win of tying the all-time AMA Superbike victory record.

With 11 of the top 15 finishers on Suzukis, the GSX-R1000 proved to be as potent as ever in American Superbike. Privateer Jack Pfeifer was fourth place in the race on his GSX-R1000 ahead of fellow Suzuki racer, and Daytona 200 rookie, Lee Acree of Empire Racing and veteran Ricky Orlando on his Sun Racing-sponsored GSX-R1000 despite crashing early in the event.

Suzuki’s Aaron Yates crashed out of the event late in the 57-lap race, although he was in second place at the time.

Daytona Supersport racing is all about sticking with the lead pack and fighting through the draft. It’s a tough test for any motorcycle and a great place for the AMA racing debut for the brand new Suzuki GSX-R600.

Despite two red flags due to crashes, this year’s Supersport race saw a tight lead pack that was constantly reshuffled through drafting maneuvers. Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates, a former Daytona Supersport winner, worked his way through the field to lead the 18-lap race several times, eventually finishing seventh.

“The new GSX-R600 handles phenomenally,” Yates said after the event. “The Yoshimura crew will keep working and we’ll win some races this year.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp was ninth in the Supersport final.

In Superstock action, Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies won pole with a scintillating, last-second lap to earn the single point awarded by the AMA to the top qualifier. Spies looked to be one of the favorites to take the first Superstock race since the class changed to a 1000cc displacement limit for 2004.

Unfortunately, he dropped out of contention early when he was assessed a stop-and-go penalty for jumping the start of the race. The young Texan did charge through the field after he entered the pits and finished seventh, just ahead of fellow Suzuki pilot Steve Rapp from Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. John Haner of Hooters Suzuki finished tenth in the thrilling 12-lap race won by Aaron Gobert.

In the revamped Formula Xtreme class, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec finished sixth although he contended for a podium finish. The Czech-born rider, mounted on the new GSX-R600, ended up being caught out in the last lap Daytona drafting battle in a race won by Miguel DuHamel.

Daytona 200 Superbike Results:

1 MAT MLADIN (SUZUKI), 2 Jake Zemke (Honda), 3 Miguel Duhamel (Honda), 4 JACK PFEIFER (SUZUKI), 5 LEE ACREE (SUZUKI), 6 RICKY ORLANDO (SUZUKI), 7 Pascal Picotte (Yamaha), 8 OPIE CAYLOR (SUZUKI), 9 SCOTT JENSEN (SUZUKI), 10 ERIC WOOD (SUZUKI), 11 MARCO MARTINEZ (SUZUKI), 12 C.R.GITTERE (SUZUKI), 13 CORY DENTON (SUZUKI), 14 Frank Trombino (Yamaha), 15 JOHN HANER (SUZUKI).


From a press release issued by Jake Zemke’s publicist:

ROOKIE RIDER JAKE ZEMKE TAKES SECOND IN SUPERBIKE: BATTLES IT OUT WITH MIGUEL DUHAMEL AT THE OPENING RACE IN DAYTONA

Carlsbad, CA – March 8, 2004 – Jake Zemke rode a tremendous first race of his rookie AMA Superbike season at Daytona over the weekend. Zemke was able to upset legendary rider and Honda teammate, Miguel Duhamel to take second at the Daytona International Speedway on March 6th, 2004.

Zemke has been a competitor in the AMA Formula Xtreme Series and the 600 Supersport Class since 1999. His string of podium finishes in the Formula Xtreme Series over the last two years has been more than enough to earn him a shot at the most prestigious class in racing, AMA Superbike. 2004 marks Zemke’s first year in the AMA Superbike Series.

“To be a Daytona 200 rookie and beat Miguel to the line is amazing,” Zemke said of his finish. “The year seems to be starting off well. I am looking at the season for the championship, and not looking to pawn anything off to this being a rookie season.”


More, from a press release issued by Fast Company/Honda Canada:

DAYTONA BEACH, FL The Fast Company/Honda Canada squad enjoyed a solid start to its 2004 season at Daytona International Speedway Mar. 4.

Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke took his new Honda CBR1000RR to a 16th place finish in the ultra-competitive AMA Repsol Superstock race as he prepares to challenge for a third Parts Canada Superbike title this summer.

Despite having very little time to set-up the new Honda for the Daytona event, held on the Thursday of the celebrated Bike Week festivities Szoke steadily lowered his lap times over the two days of practice, qualifying and race action.

“We had two days on the bike in total and we’re clearly going in the right direction,” said Szoke, who teamed up with Fast Company to win his second Canadian crown in 2002. “This is a very fast bike and it has a very smooth power delivery.”

Szoke qualified 19th for the Superstock race in Wednesday’s single qualifying session with a time of 1:52.163 around the 3.56-mile circuit. That was almost a second faster than his best practice effort from earlier in the day.

“I messed up one corner and probably lost a second right there,” he said of his qualifying effort. “We’re moving forward but obviously you want to win. Yesterday we didn’t have a shock or pipe and we’re still running with a stock ignition box. But we really wanted to come here. Daytona gives you an idea of what wears on a bike. It’s a tough event.”

Szoke settled into 15th early in the 12-lap race and ended up in a drafting battle with Geoff May, Jacob Holden and former AMA factory rider Jason Pridmore. Unfortunately, trouble through the Chicane on the final lap spoiled Szoke’s chances in the customary drafting battle to the finish line.

“I got screwed up by a backmarker at the Chicane and I ended up at the back of the group,” he explained. “There’s a lot of traffic early in the race when you’re starting from the fifth row. I tried to be aggressive but there’s really nothing you can do.”

Szoke’s fastest race lap was also his best of his two days on the track, a 1:51.507.

Szoke also qualified 13th for the Daytona 200 by Arai Superbike race with a time of 1:52.073 but elected not to start the grueling event.

Szoke’s new teammate Andrew Nelson had a rough start to his 2004 campaign with the Fast Company/Honda Canada team. While riding his CBR1000RR in practice he suffered a seemingly harmless lowside in turn 1 of the Daytona track. But while Nelson slid safely to a stop his new motorcycle was launched into a series of rolls that damaged it beyond immediate repair, leaving him a spectator for the remainder of the program.


More, from a press release issued on behalf of Pirelli:

PIRELLI PUTS TWO PRIVATEERS IN TOP FIVE IN DAYTONA 200 SUPERBIKE RACE

Plus Two More In Top 10; Also Sixth in Close Supersport Battle

(Rome, GA) Pirelli’s surge in U.S. roadracing over the past several years got off to a great 2004 start when Pirelli-mounted privateers finished fourth and fifth in the Daytona 200 By Arai superbike final. Two more, in eighth and ninth, gave the Italian tire company’s slicks four of the top-10 superbike positions, and seven of the top 20.

Jack Pfeiffer, from Las Vegas, Nevada, rode his Pirelli/ Dr. Canale /Motorex/ Galfer-sponsored Suzuki GSX-R1000 to fourth, claiming the top privateer spot. Right behind him came Empire Racing’s Lee Acree, from Jamestown, NC, on his Empire/ Suzuki/ Pirelli/ LeoVince Exhaust-sponsored GSX-R1000. It was only the second time that both riders competed in the Daytona 200, and far surpassed their 2003 finishes.

Eighth place went to Acree’s Empire teammate, Chris “Opie” Caylor; ninth to JQ Moto Racing’s Scott Jensen from Phoenix, AZ. It was Jensen’s third Daytona superbike appearance, and Caylor’s first. Pirelli’s Superbike riders used both 16.5″ and 17″ slicks: Pfeiffer used the 16.5″; Acree, Caylor, and Jensen, the 17-inchers.

Earlier in the day, Prieto Racing’s Michael Barnes and his Pirelli DOT Supercorsa-equipped Yamaha R6 were part of the incredibly exciting Supersport final. Barnes was the only non-factory bike in the six-rider lead pack that quickly separated itself from the rest of the field and then spent the entire race swapping positions. He ran in the top three or four almost the entire race, even taking the lead for a short while, before winding up in sixth, only two-tenths of a second behind race winner Jason DiSalvo.

A quick tally of the percentage of the entered racers showed that over a third of the Daytona 200 Superbike grid was Pirelli mounted.

From a release issued by Pro Italia:

NCR/Poggipolini Open House Saturday, March 13th 10:30am-3:00pm.

Pro Italia is pleased to announce our appointment as the exclusive Los Angeles dealer for NCR/Poggipolini high performance Ducati parts.

Join us for an open house with NCR/Poggipolini founders Stefano and Michel Poggipolini on March 13th from 10:30am – 3:00pm. We will have a Ducati 996 fitted with many NCR parts and, schedule permitting, Frankie Chili’s Ducati 998RS WSBK race bike.

NCR is perhaps best known for the NCR Ducati ridden by Mike Hailwood at the Isle of Man in ’78 and for the Scuderia NCR Ducati ridden by Doug Polen to the ‘91 WSBK championship.Go to RaceMetal.com to see the full NCR line.

Visit proitalia.com to sign up for our newsletter!

From a press release issued by Dave Rosno:

Winner of a free Visionsports Riding School

Following Delavan, Wisconsin’s Sportsman’s Park Yamaha’s Daytona 200 party, a random drawing was made from persons that signed up to win a free 2004 Visionsports Riding School starting in January. Additionally, the winner had the use of a set of the schools’ Vanson Rental Leathers included. A total value of just under $350.

The winning individual was Mike Flemming of Pell Lake, Wisconsin.