From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Suzuki Castrol have taken pole position for (today’s) Oschersleben 24 Hours round of the World Endurance Championship after a perfect lap of 1:29.522 by Vincent Philippe, comfortably beating last year’s fastest qualifying lap of 1:29.961.

Yesterday’s qualifying and night practice sessions saw championship leaders Yamaha GMT94 convincingly ahead in every session but they were unable to match Philippe’s lap; their best performance this morning was a 1:29.665 by David Checa. With only fourteen points separating these two teams in the championship and fifty points to be awarded to the winner of this race, tensions are running high. Both teams feel they have to win here to claim the championship at Vallelunga, and the 24 hour race is likely to be very closely fought.

Less than a second splits the next four teams on the grid. Robert Ulm joins Erwin Wilding and Karl Truchsess on the WRT Honda Austria, showing the potential of the developing Fireblade with third place on the grid. Fourth goes to Yamaha Endurance Moto 38, with Gwen Giabbani and Stephane Duterne joined by Sebastien Scarnato for this race. In fifth place are Kawasaki Bolliger, with Yamaha Austria in sixth place. There are four manufacturers represented in the top five grid positions.

Of the more unusual entrants in the Prototype or Open class, only the Schittko KTM LC8 has failed to qualify; this year’s field at Oschersleben will include an MZ1000S, a Buell XB12R and a Kawasaki Z1000.

Provisional Top Ten Qualifying Postions

1st 3 – Suzuki Castrol – FRA – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Vincent Philippe 1:29.522

2nd 94 – Yamaha GMT94 – FRA – Yamaha YZF-R1 – David Checa 1:29.665

3rd 5 – WRT Honda Austria – AUT – Honda CBR1000RR – Robert Ulm 1:30.134

4th 38 – Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 – FRA – Yamaha YZF-R1 – Gwen Giabbani 1:30.382

5th 8 – Kawasaki Bolliger Team – SUI – Kawasaki ZX10R – Roman Stam 1:30.802

6th 7 – Yamaha Austria Racing Team – AUT – Yamaha YZF-R1 – Igor Jerman 1:30.908

7th 1 – Yamaha Phase One Endurance – GBR – Yamaha YZF-R1 – Patrick Piot 1:31.765

8th 17 – Suzuki Bergmann & Soehne – GER – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Heinz Platacis 1:33.121

9th 6 – Shell Endurance Academy – GBR – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Marko Rohtlaan 1:33.187

10th 12 – Suzuki Fagersjo-el.se – SWE – Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Lars Carlbark 1:33.258

From a series of press releases issued by event organizer Brian Orton:

“Seattle 100” Charitable Event Nearly Sold Out, Receives Significant Donation from One of Nation’s Largest Dealers, Renton Motorcycles

2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction (www.2-fast.org) is pleased to announce that their September 8th charitable track day event, known as the Seattle 100, is nearly sold out with only 8 positions remaining for riders who wish to participate this year. In addition, Renton Motorcycles – formerly known as RMC Motorsports and one of the nation’s largest motorcycle dealers – has graciously offered a significant contribution to the event. In honor of the contribution by Renton Motorcycles, 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction has made Renton Motorcycles the title sponsor of the Seattle 100, with the official name of the event now “The Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, presented by 2Fast.”

“Our donation to this year’s Seattle 100 is an honor for Renton Motorcycles. We are proud to be the Title Sponsor of this year’s event, and we are thankful for the opportunity to associate ourselves with both 2Fast and The Seattle 100,” said general manager Terry Stallcop of Renton Motorcycles. “We hope our contribution helps the event with the success it deserves.”

The Seattle 100 is as unique a fundraiser as you’ll find, and is receiving national attention. Participants ride their motorcycles around the Pacific Raceway’s roadcourse in Kent, WA attempting to complete 100 laps by day’s end. Donations go to The NephCure Foundation (www.nephcure.org), a non profit organization dedicated to the cure of glomerular kidney disease, a devastating form of kidney disease which affects both adults and children. Speed TV and host Greg White of “Two Wheeled Tuesday’s” will be present at the event, along with superstars from the road racing world – Jason Pridmore of American Suzuki / STAR Motorcycle Schools and Josh Hayes of Attack Kawasaki. AMA rookie Superbike sensation Jake Holden of Lion Racing / Hypercycle will also attend, a Puyallup resident. All will participate in the event with guests, sign autographs, and spend time with students in 2Fast’s instructional riding school that will coincide with the event.

Last year’s first ever Seattle 100 had only 15 participants. This year, however, the amount of expected participants will exceed 80 riders, each of which has committed to donations of $500 or greater. The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $50,000.



2003 Superstock Champion Josh Hayes to Step In for Jake Zemke in “Seattle 100” Fundraiser

Northwest motorcyclists participating in the 2004 Renton Motorcycles “Seattle 100” charity event presented by 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days &
Instruction (www.2-fast.org) are disappointed to learn of the schedule change to the Honda dealers convention this September. The convention will now be taking place September 8-10, overlapping the September 8th Seattle 100, and leaving the unique fundraising event without the planned attendance of its marquee rider, Honda racing superstar Jake Zemke. Zemke’s attendance at the convention is required by Honda, leaving the Seattle 100 without him.

However, 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction along with Renton Motorcycles is pleased to announce that Attack Kawasaki rider and 2003 AMA Superstock Champion Josh Hayes has offered to attend the Seattle 100 on Jake’s behalf – and in partnership with fellow road racing star Jason Pridmore of American Suzuki / STAR Schools. Josh is the number one plate holder in this year’s AMA Superstock series, and is also a front-runner in AMA Superbikes with the #41 plate. In addition, local wonder and rookie AMA Superbike sensation Jake Holden of HyperCycle/Lion Racing will also attend the event with Hayes and Pridmore. Holden is regarded as the #1 privateer in the AMA Superbike series, and is considered by many to be the next superstar of road racing. Holden lives in Puyallup, WA.

“While we couldn’t have been more excited about Zemke’s expected attendance at the Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100 this year, we are equally happy that Josh Hayes and Jake Holden will be joining us in his place. Both are gifted riders competing with Zemke and others at the highest levels of motorcycle racing, and we are thankful to have them helping us out on September 8th in Zemke’s absence.”




Seattle Father Seeks Cause of Son’s Kidney Disease, Promoting Unique Fundraiser Involving an Endurance Motorcycle Event on Racetrack

Seattle, WA – Brian Orton, of Woodinville, WA is very pleased that his son, Christian Orton, is currently living the life of a happy five year old. At just 10 months of age, Christian was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. This condition occurs when kidney filters malfunction and protein needed by the body instead is lost through urine. Swelling occurs in the body, especially around the eyes and limbs, and cholesterol soars. Long-term Nephrotic Syndrome can cause Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), kidney scarring that may lead to daily dialysis or a transplant.

Although Nephrotic Syndrome affects only two out of every 100,000 children and there is no established cure, Orton’s son responded positively to steroid treatments and has been in remission every since. Steroids do not always prove effective; thus, Orton combined his son’s treatments with naturopathic therapies… and together, the combination worked. Though Christian has been in remission for nearly four years now, and doctors believe he may be completely cured, Orton wants to insure that a cause and cure are found for those who have not been so fortunate. He is the co-founder and Vice President of the NephCure Foundation (www.nephcure.org) and is now helping NephCure lead a national effort to raise funds for the cure of glomerular kidney diseases.

On September 8th, 2004, Orton and the 30 staff members of his motorcycle riding instruction company (2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, www.2-fast.org) will head the most un-ordinary of fundraisers: a 100 lap motorcycle endurance event on the roadcourse of Seattle’s Pacific Raceways, formerly Seattle International Raceways. Participants in the event raise per lap pledges and donations through friends and family, the proceeds of which go to The NephCure Foundation. Last year’s inaugural running of the “Seattle 100” was so successful, and yet so unique, that this year’s participation in the event by motorcyclists of all kinds is nearly sold out… even though each of the participants has committed to $500 or greater in donations. In addition, Speed TV cameras will be on hand at the event, partially because of several superstar road racing champions who are joining Orton and the participants in their quest to complete 100 laps. Titled “The 2004 Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, Presented by 2Fast” and in conjunction with a 2Fast motorcycle riding performance school, participants of the event can reach speeds in excess of 150 mph down the roadcourse straightaway – making this anything but a silent auction or golf tournament. What kind of donations do these motorcyclists expect to raise on September 8th? The combined fundraising target is $50,000 in donations to NephCure… after expenses.

Spectators, interested parties, and media are encouraged to attend the event, which begins at 9am and goes until 5pm on September 8th. Admission is free, though a small donation per person is encouraged for the benefit of NephCure.




Another Star of Road Racing Joins “Seattle 100” Fundraiser: Attack Kawasaki’s Tony Meiring to Appear with Teammate Hayes

Northwest motorcyclists participating in the 2004 Renton Motorcycles “Seattle 100” charity event presented by 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days &
Instruction ( www.2-fast.org) can look forward to another star appearance on September 8th: Top ten AMA Superbike rider Tony Meiring of Attack Kawasaki. Meiring will join his Kawasaki teammate Josh Hayes in support of the Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, and plans to ride in the event with fundraiser’s participants.

Hayes and Meiring will not be alone, however: fellow road racing star Jason Pridmore of American Suzuki / STAR Schools and top Superbike privateer Jake Holden of Lion Racing / Hypercycle will also be present at the 100. Jake Holden is a Washington state resident, currently residing in Puyallup.

“I could not be more pleased with the turnout of participating riders we will have for this years Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, presented by 2Fast” says Brian Orton, director of the Seattle 100. “We are just a few spots away from reaching full participation, and a big reason for this year’s success is because of the attendance of some of the nation’s very best motorcycle racers – who now including Tony Meiring. I am thrilled to have him join us on September 8th.”

The Seattle 100 is a unique annual fundraiser which began last year, and received national attention. Participants ride their motorcycles around the Pacific Raceway’s roadcourse in Kent, WA attempting to complete 100 laps by day’s end. Donations go to The NephCure Foundation (www.nephcure.org), a non profit organization dedicated to the cure of glomerular kidney disease, a devastating form of kidney disease which affects both adults and children. Speed TV and local media are expected at the fundraising event, which has set a goal for itself of $50,000 in net proceeds to be given to the NephCure Foundation.

For questions regarding the Renton Motorcycles Seattle 100, please visit the Seattle 100 links on the website of 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction at www.2-fast.org. Event director and 2Fast co-owner Brian Orton can be reached by email at [email protected].

From a press release:

For those wondering the whereabouts of Marcello del Giudice aka the “Man In Black”, he has been rehearsing music under the auspices of the Brian Warner Project in his hometown of Las Vegas Nevada. Known through out the motorcycle road racing world by his trademark Stoppie postcard taken in front of London England’s Big Ben, he has been polishing his musical talents preparing to introduce himself to the growing motorcycling audience. He has come a long way since singing the National Anthem for Roger Edmondson’s NASB Series during the 1997 season. His Guitar playing is strong and he has a unique style we would expect from the former 250 Grand Prix racer. His long racing history will play well for his new fans as he crosses the bridge into the growing American motorcycling community. He hopes to have his CD release party at Daytona in March.

Marcello will be playing his music at the Lone Star Biker bash in Texas. Look for him at Moto Liberty’s Saturday night Fish Fry, where he will be entertaining thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts at the event. Born of Las Vegas show parents, his natural ability shines whether he is singing his own songs or a cover tune. If you are in the Dallas area September 18th, make sure you ride to Texas Motor Speedway and be a guest of Audrey Menarik at the Moto Liberty homebase.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Jeff Wood and Brian Stokes each won a race during a disorganized CCS/Formula USA event Friday at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. On the plus side, the weather was perfect, in the high 70s with no humidity, unheard of for August in Alabama.

GSX-R600-mounted Wood came from behind to win the shortened-from-25-minutes, nine-lap GTU race by 2.3 seconds in his debut as an Arclight Suzuki rider.

“I had been talking to Chuck (Warren, Arclight Suzuki Team Co-owner) all year,” said Wood. “I recently had an engine failure, and all the parts were on back order. I was talking to him about getting an engine, and we thought it might just be better to try a whole bike. It’s much faster than my bike.”

Wood said he will still carry original headline sponsor Bettencourts as a personal sponsor.

“Jeff’s been riding the wheels off his bikes all year,” Warren told Roadracingworld.com. “He called me and said making this race was in jeopardy. And to be honest, he’s the closest Suzuki (rider) to winning the (F-USA Sportbike) Championship, so we decided to help him.”

Behind Wood, Championsonline.com’s Michael Barnes finished second on his Yamaha YZF-R6, just ahead of Wood’s teammate Scott Harwell. Scott Greenwood led at one point but finished fourth on his Argo Cycles Yamaha, ahead of Trey Yonce and a rapidly gaining Chris Ulrich, who started on the last row of the first wave, row 10, due to a lack of CCS points.

Butler Machinery’s Robert Jensen was leading and pulling away on the third lap of the GTU race when he pitted. After the race, Jensen said he was testing tires for Michelin in preparation for Sunday’s F-USA National races.

Vesrah Suzuki’s Brian Stokes ran away with the six-lap Heavyweight Superstock sprint, winning over Corona Extra Suzuki’s Ben Attard, Wood, Harwell, Greenwood and Ulrich, who started on row seven.

Attard and Wood rode GSX-R600s.

The overriding theme of the day, however, was disorganization, which led to only six of the eight scheduled races being run and only four of the races running to their scheduled distance.

The weekend was fouled up from the beginning, with professional racers arriving for Thursday promoter practice to be told that the practice day being run by Cornerspeed and the racetrack was full and that no more riders could enter. Friday practice was made more complicated by the inclusion of Learning Curves school sessions on track, between practice sessions, and the fact that Learning Curves sessions were given operational priority.

“We fell behind early and were never able to catch up,” said CCS/F-USA boss Kevin Elliot.

In addition to the normal, unforeseen race-day delays caused by crashes and track clean-ups, the day was put behind schedule from the start by more racers (over 400) than the expected 250-275 showing up for the event, causing a shortage of electronic scoring transponders and scoring problems throughout the day as transponders were swapped from racer to racer.

As of 7:30 p.m. local time, official results were only available for two races.

The troubled day culminated with the Formula USA Team Challenge endurance race, which was scheduled for 250 kilometers, or 67 laps, but lasted all of 45 minutes and 30 laps.

Elliot said delays in the schedule and the track’s 5:00 p.m. curfew forced him to shorten the Team Challenge race to 60 minutes, but race teams complained that they were not informed the race was shortened until after it had started and their race strategies had been put in play.

“We didn’t get to go after it (the race) the way we wanted to,” said Himmelsbach Racing’s Michael Himmelsbach, who was slated to ride the third and anchor leg for his Championship-contending team but didn’t get to ride at all. “This is the second time they made the decision to shorten this race without letting us know.

“I haven’t heard from one person who heard them announce that the race was shortened until after it was started.”

Race director Phil Sberna said it was announced over the public address system that the Team Challenge race was shortened before the race actually started, but he admitted that he did not realize the P.A. system was inaudible on pit lane, where most of the Team Challenge participants were at the time of the announcement.

“That was our mistake,” said Sberna.

Elliott and Sberna held round-table meetings with disgruntled racers at the end of the day.

Unofficially, Celtic Racing’s Des Conboy and Simon Turner took the overall and GTU class wins in the Team Challenge race on a Pirelli-shod Yamaha YZF-R6.

Conboy said his team did not hear the announcement that the race was shortened, but “we had it covered. We had a yellow (hard-compound Pirelli) on the rear, and I was riding conservative. I wanted to give Simon enough tire to finish. Barring any problem, we would’ve had it.”

Celtic Racing also took the overall Team Challenge race win at the previous round of the series, at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

The Team Challenge race at Barber was further shortened by a red flag with less than 15 minutes remaining in the race.

The CCS sprint races that did not run Friday will be run Saturday.


Update: Baker Race Gear was awarded the overall Team Challenge race win in revised results issued Saturday monring at Barber Motorsports Park. Look for complete race results from Friday in a later post.

From a Press Release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Daytona 200 to be opening round of Formula Xtreme Series

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 13, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing announced today that the class structure for the 2005 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship will remain unchanged. Additionally, it was announced that the 2005 Daytona 200 will feature Formula Xtreme machinery.

The class structure for the 2005 championship remains as follows:

Superbike: 901-1000cc four-stroke, two or more cylinders

Supersport: 0-600cc four-stroke, multi-cylinder

Formula Xtreme: 450cc-600cc four-stroke, multi-cylinder; 595cc-750cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder; 850cc-1350cc four-stroke, air-cooled, twin-cylinder

Superstock: 745cc-1000cc four-stroke, multi-cylinder

The current class structure was enacted beginning with the 2004 racing season and is expected to remain in place at least through the 2006 racing season. Proposed 2005 rule changes were announced on July 25 and are currently subject to a 30-day comment period. AMA Pro Racing credential holders can make comments on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly.

The Daytona 200, formerly part of the AMA Superbike Championship, will now utilize Formula Xtreme equipment. According to Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing CEO, this change is being made in response to many of the concerns that have arisen regarding Daytona. “Daytona is a unique place and requires a unique approach. At the same time, Daytona and the Daytona 200 are treasured icons in the racing world,” said Hollingsworth. “To keep that event viable while acknowledging the realities posed by modern, 1000cc Superbikes, we will run the Daytona 200 as a Formula Xtreme race. AMA Superbikes will continue at Daytona but now as a sprint race, consistent with the rest of the Superbike events that comprise our championship.”

Hollingsworth stated that the future direction of the Daytona 200 has been discussed for some time and has included input from manufacturers, riders, team principals, tire companies, as well as Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation. “In meetings dating back to last year, it became clear that a course change and reducing sustained speeds of the 200 were two primary areas that needed addressing,” said Hollingsworth. “There were many innovative ideas put forth but the notion of running Formula Xtreme machinery in the 200 while still showcasing Superbikes was the one idea that had the most merit. From a marketing standpoint, the winners of either race earn plenty of bragging rights because a 200 mile win or a Superbike victory at Daytona are tremendous accomplishments. Another option that was given strong consideration was that of racing Supersport bikes in the 200. However, it’s no secret that Formula Xtreme equipment may one day form the basis for Superbikes. This possible ‘peek into the future’ was the ultimate factor in determining the best long-term solution.”

Hollingsworth stated that these changes, as well as the track reconfiguration that was jointly announced yesterday by AMA Pro Racing and Daytona International Speedway, are examples of the responsiveness shared by both organizations. “Together we have examined the issues, listened to all viewpoints and created a strong direction for the future,” summarized Hollingsworth.

Along with the Daytona AMA Superbike race and Daytona 200, AMA Supersport and AMA Superstock events will also be featured during Daytona Bike Week beginning on Wednesday, March 9, 2005.

For immediate post-race results, points, live transponder scoring, in-depth series and rider information, regular columnists and much more, log onto www.USSuperbike.com, the official website of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship.



About AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the THQ AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship, the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

From a press release issued by Aprilia:

Aprilia World Service Inc. confirms agreement with Piaggio Group

8/13/04 Woodstock, GA – Aprilia World Service USA Inc. is pleased to communicate the announcement of the industrial and strategic agreement between Piaggio and Aprilia. In the agreement, Piaggio will obtain a 100% stake in the Aprilia group.

“We are extremely pleased by this progress and are anxious to embrace the new resources that this merging will bring to both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi,” says Aprilia World Service USA General Manager Tom McDonald. “We know that there is exciting new product in the pipeline for both brands and now the product introductions can now be finalized.

“The combination of Piaggio, the largest European two wheel manufacturer and the Aprilia Group, the second largest, creates a company with considerable resources. We are excited about the synergies created, ranging from product development and production capabilities to business infrastructure, marketing resources, and brand management,” continues McDonald.

“The employees of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi want to thank our customers and dealers who have kept the faith in our brands. We look forward to the growth of this new evolution of the company.”

Below is the note sent from Italy, by Mr. Francesco Nepi, Director Aprilia World Service SpA.

Milan, August 12th, 2004
The Aprilia Spa Board of Directors, assembled today in Milan, examined the state of advancement of the negotiations aiming to ensure the intervention of a qualified Investor to entrust the re-launching of the Aprilia Group. By the suggestion of the president, Mr. Fois, the meeting was chaired by the founder and shareholder of Aprilia Group, Mr. Ivano Beggio. Also invited were the associate advisors of Caretti & Interbanca, who were involved in the negotiations with Ducati and Piaggio.
The preference of an agreement with the Piaggio Group, putting the whole packet of Aprilia shares at their disposal, was decided. The proposal of intervention of the Piaggio Group is oriented towards the increase of the value of the Aprilia Group from an industrial and strategic point of view. Furthermore, it guarantees the suppliers’ integral payment, the satisfaction of the bearers of obligations still less the integral repayment of the new finance supplied last May, together with a supply contract with an important and positive financial effect on the management of the Group.
Mr. Beggio pointed out that the proposal presented by Ducati, while much appreciated, under the industrial and strategic profile, is less adequate to the immediate management demands and the expectations of important stakeholders. The Board of Directors, sharing the evaluations expressed by Mr. Beggio with the support of the Advisors, has approved unanimously the proposal to direct the foreseen agreements with Piaggio & Company. granting the powers to the President Candido Fois and the Managing Director Franco Cattaneo, to which, the management of the Company will be assigned, together with a new member of the Board of Directors to be appointed by Piaggio, till the closing of the operation for the subscription of the relative agreements.

More details about that will become available following the International Motorcycle Show (INTERMOT) in Munich, Sept. 15-19 and will be detailed as soon as possible.

From a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati:


Czech Grand Prix, Brno, 20/21/22 August – Preview

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN GO BACK TO WORK AT BRNO

The MotoGP circus returns from its summer recess at Brno rested, relaxed and ready to launch into the final seven events of the thrill-packed 2004 MotoGP World Championship. Czech Grand Prix is an important race for everyone on the grid, but especially for Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss who are aiming to maintain the momentum they had built during the last few GPs before the holidays. At last month’s British GP both men qualified their Desmosedici GP4s inside the top four and also proved their potential in the race, Capirossi leading for the first time this year, Bayliss lapping within 0.15 seconds of the new Donington Park lap record. Their improving pace follows the recent introduction of Ducati’s new and rider-friendly Twin Pulse engine.

“We are now as competitive as we were last year,” says Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “I think we can genuinely feel proud of the way in which we recovered from a difficult start to our 2004 season. If you consider that the other top factories have improved their bikes since the first race, that shows we have improved even more. Troy’s lap times at Donington showed that we are right there in terms of absolute performance, so we are really looking forward to Brno and the remainder of the season. Last year at Brno we had out most competitive race – both Troy and Loris were in the hunt for victory and we aim to be part of the show again.”

Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli is confident of a good weekend in the Czech Republic. “Brno is a flowing track, which suits our bike,” says Cecchinelli. “In fact our 2004 machine is now a more balanced than last year’s bike, so I think it should suit every track from now on. At Brno you need a lot of confidence in the front end, because there are a lot of downhill corners with negative camber. You also need a bike that can change direction quickly, because there are a lot of esses.”

CAPIROSSI LOOKS FORWARD TO ‘HARMONIC’ BRNO
Loris Capirossi qualified on the front row at last month’s British GP, his first time up front so far this year and therefore a major confidence boost for the Ducati Marlboro Team man. Now Capirossi wants to develop that top-three qualifying performance into his first top-three finish of 2004. Last year at Brno Capirossi battled for the lead until a minor electrical fault ended his charge in the closing stages of the race. Over the years the epic Czech track has offered mixed fortunes to the Italian – he has scored Brno podium finishes in the 125, 250 and premier class but he’s never won a race at the circuit.

“I like this track very much because it is quite fast and very technical,” he says. “It is a ‘harmonic’ track, where your riding needs to flow. The race will be a big event for us because since we got the Twin Pulse engine at Assen we have shown that we are very fast. The first part of season was really hard but now Troy and I are happy with bike. I can’t wait for the race. I am now rested after that crazy schedule of six races over eight weekends in June and July. During the holidays I have done nothing! We went to Italy for a few days, to see my parents near Imola and then Ingrid’s parents in Trieste, then back to Monaco, just resting at home and in my boat.”

BAYLISS CAN’T WAIT FOR A SHOT AT BRNO PODIUM
Ducati Marlboro Team rider Troy Bayliss had his best ride of 2003 at Brno, leading rivals Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau for half the race, eventually finishing third, just 0.6 seconds down on winner Rossi. No wonder the Australian is looking forward to returning to the high-speed venue.

“I liked Brno pretty much straight away when I first tested there last year,” says Bayliss. “It’s pretty fast and very wide, with a few corners you can’t really see until you’re on them. I guess you could say it’s a little like Phillip Island, because it’s flowing, so it keeps the bikes together and makes for good racing. There’s a few tracks where you’ve got to have a lot of confidence in the front, and this is one of them because there’s a lot of negative camber turns. There’s also a lot of second-gear corners but overall it’s pretty fast. I can’t wait to get back there. After Donington I know I can race up front and I’ve been training hard over the break, so I can come back strong at Brno. But apart from the training I’ve just been kicking back with the family in Monaco, plus we had a week’s holiday in Majorca.”

THE TRACK
Brno is a masterpiece of a motorcycle racing circuit. Constructed in the mid-eighties it eschews the modern fashion of tight turns and hairpins for a mighty mix of fast sweepers and undulating corners that test rider talent and machine performance to the limit. Most riders love the place because it’s challenging and also because it’s pretty fast.

But Brno’s most significant characteristic is its constant changes of elevation – the circuit weaves its way across forested hillsides outside the Czech Republic’s second city – which means that many of the turns are steeply cambered. Dealing with negative-camber corners requires a perfectly set-up machine, deft riding skills and especially crucial input from Michelin’s tyre engineers. Horsepower is also a major consideration at Brno because this is one racetrack where MotoGP bikes, usually caged in by slower venues, really get moving.


BRNO: 5.403km/3.357miles
Lap record: Valentino Rossi (Honda), 1m59.966s,162.135kmh/100.746mph
2002 pole position: Rossi, 1m 58.769s


DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM DATA LOGS
LORIS CAPIROSSI
Age: 31 (April 4, 1973)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
GP victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125)
First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125)
First GP: Japan, 1990 (125)
GP starts: 209 (39xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125)
Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125)
First pole: Australia, 1991 (125)
World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998)
Brno 2003 results. Grid: 4th. Race: DNF

TROY BAYLISS
Age: 35 (March 30, 1969)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
First GP: Australia, 1997 (250)
GP starts: 26 (25xMotoGP, 1×250)
World Superbike victories: 22
World Championships: 1 (Superbike: 2001)
Brno 2003 results. Grid: 6th. Race: 3rd

From a press release issued by Nikon Yamaha:

Home Ground Advantage For Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team

The sixth round of the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship descends on Queensland Raceway at Willowbank this weekend (August 13-15). It’s shaping as make or break for the series leader with the meeting doubling as the home event for the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team that is based on the Gold Coast.

Currently, both Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team riders, Shannon Johnson and Daniel Stauffer sit in second and fourth positions respectively in the championship chase, the duo determined to increase the team win rate and hope to improve on their performance from the previous round when Johnson won his first Superbike race and both shared a spot on the podium.

Although, on paper, the layout of the track looks pretty straightforward with five straights it’s anything but a walk in the park. Queensland Raceway is notoriously hard on riders and particularly their machines and tyres.

They are either accelerating extremely hard or trying desperately to wash of speed for the critical turns to pull up the awesome Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1’s.

Setup is super critical as the machines are under extreme stress at both ends of the scale but the team is confident that they have the package to take advantage of the nuances of the Queensland track with the expert technicians sure to create a little magic at the meeting.

Long term Nikon Yamaha rider Daniel Stauffer is fully recovered from his shoulder injury and buoyed by his very impressive performance in the most prestigious endurance race in the world at the Suzuka 8-hour on a Yamaha R1 two weeks ago will be keen to return to the winners circle to add to his three wins this year.

Keeping him on his toes will be Johnson who now has the monkey off his back after winning his first Superbike race and backed it up with further top three finishes at the previous round held at Mallala in South Australia

In his first full year on a Superbike, Shannon has definitely found his feet and is now right at home aboard the potent Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1. At the recent unofficial Superbike test at the circuit Shannon was the fastest rider so will naturally be keen to maintain his superiority.

Shannon is confident he can pull back some points in the title race and both riders are determined to ensure that the championship goes to the wire at the final round at Phillip Island next month as there are 152 points are up for grabs over the two rounds.

Riders don’t need any incentive to win but, this weekend Shannon can consolidate and improve on his second place while Daniel can move into third spot overall if the cards are dealt their way guaranteeing that both will not be satisfied with anything but victory.

Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager put the team’s chances in perspective saying , “it is a tall order to bridge the gap but it can be done and we have the riders and team that can do it. Obviously I want both Shannon and Daniel to grab a few more wins but after so many years involved in racing the only thing that I have come to expect is the unexpected and events of this year have proved that theory yet again.”

In the Supersport class, Brendan Clarke is aiming to put in a superlative effort at his home track. The Brisbane teenage holds the Supersport lap record at Queensland Raceway and will not be giving it up without a fight.

Like his teammate, Shannon, on the Superbikes, Brendan was the quickest rider in the Supersport class during the practice session with other teams that and is keen to use that as a springboard to a return to form that he has demonstrated many times in the past.

2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championships after five (of seven) rounds:
1 A Fergusson (Honda) 285pts; 2 Shannon Johnson (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 197; 3 S Giles (Suzuki) 193; 4 Daniel Stauffer (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 150. 5 J Brookes (Honda) 139.