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Sign-up Deadline For Vmoto Event At Laguna Is March 5

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From a press release issued by Vmoto:

Vmoto’s Pre-Season Tech & Tune Day at Laguna Seca on March 21st is rapidly approaching!

Entries must be received by March 5th. Don’t miss this opportunity to ride Laguna Seca.


This will be a spectator event featuring Vmoto vintage racing motorcycles in addition to an historic MG reunion hosted by HMSA. There will be no sound restrictions at this event..

The event is now open to all Vmoto classes and regularity competitors. Run groups will be formed based on the type of bike entered and potential lap times.

So get a jump start on the season! Have your bike inspected by the Vmoto Tech Team and then test it on the track for a summer of no hassle racing! Registration is available online now for the Vmoto Tech and Tune Day at www.vintagemoto.com.

Remember the Deadline for Entry is March 5th

Please contact Vmoto with any questions.

Thank you,

Llew Kinst
[email protected]
650.903.4882

Keith Milne
[email protected]
408.867.0756


EBC And Silkolene Increase Contingency Programs For WERA

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From a press release issued by Garry Gallagher of EBC and Silkolene:

EBC Brakes and Silkolene Lubricants adds 2004 Roadrace Contingency Payments with the additional Lightweight classes in both the National Challenge and National Endurance WERA events.

EBC BRAKES 2004 WERA CONTINGENCY POSTINGS: Total 04 Postings = $23,800!

Added for in National Challenge Series:

Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Lightweight Twins Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by EBC Brakes are:

Open Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Added for in National Endurance Series:

Lightweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by EBC Brakes are:

Heavyweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Heavyweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superbike 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Existing / current Sportsman Series EBC Postings are:

A Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.



SILKOLENE 2004 WERA CONTINGENCY POSTINGS: Total 04 Postings = $27,200 !

Added for in National Challenge Series:

Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus

Lightweight Twins Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus


Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by SILKOLENE are:

Open Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Added for in National Endurance Series:

Lightweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by SILKOLENE are:

Heavyweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Heavyweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superbike 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Existing / current Sportsman Series SILKOLENE Postings are:

A Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


EBC BRAKES ANNOUNCES TEAM SPONSORSHIP and
NEW WERA NATIONAL EBC BRAKES ROADRACE TRACK VENDOR

EBC BRAKES is proud to announce that we have signed Team Velocity Racing as our major sponsored 2004 WERA Team for both National Endurance in the Heavyweight Superstock class, as well as their National Challenge Sprint Program’s.

Also Team Velocity Racing’s Chuck and Cindy Ivey are now our official EBC Brakes WERA National
Roadrace Track Vendor, so all WERA Racers can get EBC Brakes from Chuck and Cindy at all
2004 WERA National Events ! They will be happy to take racers EBC Brakes Roadrace Certificates
towards the purchase of EBC Brakes Pads and Pro-lite Roadrace Disc’s !

For more information, contact WERA or EBC Brakes/Silkolene’s Garry Gallagher at (425) 485-7610





Yamaha Weekend Of Champions Starts March 5 At Daytona

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From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA:

2004 “Weekend of Champions” Return to Daytona

CYPRESS, Calif. – – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to present the Weekend of Champions during Daytona Bike Week. The Weekend of Champions gives racing fans, both off-road and pavement, of every generation, the chance to meet their favorite racers and receive a complimentary limited-edition “Weekend of Champions” poster autographed by 18 of the fastest Yamaha racers.

The Weekend of Champions features road race champions Giacomo Agostini, Eddie Lawson, Thomas Stevens, Jamie James, Rich Oliver, Steve Baker, Randy Mamola, Don Emde, Wayne Rainey, and their motocross peers Damon Bradshaw, Gary Jones, Doug Henry, Marty Moates, Broc Glover, Rick Burgett, Pierre Karsmakers, Mike Bell, and Bob Hannah.

The Weekend of Champions autograph signing will be Friday March 5th (10am – 12pm and 4-6pm) and Saturday March 6thth (9am – 10am) and at the Yamaha Corporate Display located at Daytona Intentional Speedway. Team Yamaha Factory Road Race team will also be on hand Friday and the Yamaha Factory Supercross team will sign on Friday from 4-5pm.

As a bonus, a Freestyle Exhibition featuring Nate Adams on his YZ250 will take place each day during the Weekend of Champions autograph signings. All the latest 2004 Yamaha products, a freestyle exhibition, Demo Rides and the Weekend of Champions make the Yamaha Corporate Display a “must see” during Daytona Bike Week.

Updated Post: Joyce Drafts Springer To Win AHRMA Formula 750 Win At Daytona

Hour Glass Racing’s Tim Joyce drafted teammate Jay Springsteen to win the Formula 750cc event during AHRMA vintage racing action Monday at Daytona International Speedway.

Springsteen grabbed the holeshot at the start of the six-lap race, but was quickly joined at the front by Joyce. The two men, both riding identical 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750 factory road racer replicas, quickly pulled away from the field, swapping the lead in the draft as they went.

Springsteen began asserting himself through the infield during the mid-portion of the sprint, gaining a comfortable lead, but lappers came into play on the final circuit, allowing Joyce to re-gain Springsteen’s draft coming out of the chicane. From there it was a classic Daytona finish with Joyce pulling out of Springsteen’s slipstream at the perfect moment and coming by on the highside to take the win. Springsteen finished second by a bikelength.

Kyle Campbell took third on a Honda CB750 built to resemble a Honda CR750 factory racer. Keith Campbell, father of Kyle, came back from an off-track excursion on the first lap to place fourth on another Hour Glass Racing Harley-Davidson XR750.

All of the top-four bikes were built by Joe Brown.

Other AHRMA winners Monday included: Dennis Poneleit in 200cc GP+ on a 1968 Honda, Alex McLean in Pre-1940 and Class C – Foot Shift, Michael Ewer in Production Lightweight on a 1972 Honda CB, Greg Nichols in Battle of the Twins (BOT) Formula One on a 2001 Ducati, Charles Burnett in BOT Formula Three on a 1988 Honda Hawk, Tomofumi Mizuno in 250cc GP on a 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Will Harding in Class C – Hand Shift on a 1936 Indian, Bruce Yoxsimer in 350cc GP on a 1965 Seely, Greg Steinbeck in Formula 125 on a 1975 Honda, Dave Bourbeau in Vintage Superbike Lightweight on a 1979 Suzuki, Pat Mooney in 500cc Premier on a 1962 Norton-Manx, Eric Cook in Sportsman 350cc on a 1972 Honda CL, Josef Brenner in Classic 60s on a 1954 BSA Goldstar and in BOT Formula Two on a Moto-Guzzi, Brid Caveney in Classic 60s 650cc on a 1965 Manx-Triton, Jerry Herman in Formula 250cc on a 1972 Yamaha RD250, Chris Spargo in Formula 500cc on a 1976 Yamaha RD400, Jesse Morris in Sportsman 500cc and in Sportsman 750cc on 1968 Triumphs, Barrett Long in BOT Two-stroke on a 2003 Yamaha TZ250, Peter Crew in Sound of Singles Two-stroke on a 1996 Honda RS125, Colin Fraser in Super Mono 2 on a Yamaha YZ426F, Harold Page, Jr. in Vintage Superbike Middleweight on a 1981 Yamaha Seca.

AHRMA will run an identical race schedule on Tuesday.

More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Motorcycle Racing Is A Family Tradition With The Longs

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 1, 2004) – It was father versus son Monday at Daytona International Speedway.

The 19-year-old Barrett Long beat his father John Long and the rest of the field of competitors in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s Battle of the Twins Two-Stroke class. Barrett is the third generation of Longs to race motorcycles at Daytona.

John’s father raced on the old beach course in the 1940s and early ’50s. John was a leading AMA road racer in the 1970s; he was runner-up in the AMA Superbike Series in 1978. Now a third generation of Long is getting his racing career underway. Barrett will be racing in Saturday’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport race and is planning to compete in the entire series. The youngest of the Long clan is carrying on a long tradition of the family of racing motorcyclists from Miami. John runs the family-owned motorcycle shop that was founded by his father in 1939.

With a father as talented as John Long, one would think Barrett would have much to learn from his famous dad.

“I used to be able to show him a few things on the racetrack,” said John of his son. “But the last couple of years it’s been the other way around. Barrett’s a real cool customer on the track. He doesn’t say much, but he’s really consistent on the bike and is showing some good promise. Last year he had some good finishes in the 250 class and now he’s moving to Supersport.”

Barrett earned five top-10 finishes in the now defunct AMA 250 Grand Prix Series. He finished the year ranked 11th in spite of the fact that he missed a number of races in the series. This year will be his first season racing four-stroke motorcycles. Even though he’s faster than dad, Barrett says he still gets good advice from his father.

“He still shows me a lot, no matter what he says,” said Barrett. “It’s great to carry on the family racing tradition. This year will be my first year on the Supersport bikes and I’m still learning how to ride them. There not that much different from the 250GP bikes in a lot of ways. There’s the engine braking to get used to, but power delivery is smoother. The chassis on the 250s were more rigid, the 600s are more forgiving.”

Barrett’s earliest memories were of coming to Daytona to watch his dad race.

“I remember standing out in the stands leaning up against the fence,” he said. “I tried to sneak in the pits a few times and got kicked out because I was too young.”

Barrett’s brother Justin used to race also but now he’s an aspiring filmmaker. The only downside of Barrett’s racing career is that his mom no longer can handle coming to the races.

“She didn’t care when it was me racing,” said John says with a smile. “But with Barrett out there she can’t handle it. Now she’s become a retired race spectator.”

Tuesday’s features a second day of Vintage motorcycle racing. Tickets are available for all motorcycle races at the “World Center of Racing” online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Monday’s Results

200 GP +: 1. Dennis Poneleit, Greenville, S.C., 1968 Honda; 2. Carl Anderson, Cocoa, Fla., 1969 Yamaha; 3. Edward Sensenig, Ephrata, Pa., 1962 Ducati.

Pre 1940: 1. Alex McLean, Bryn Mawr, Pa.; 2. Ralph Auer, Chico, Calif., 1939 BMW; 3. Norbert Nickel, Shawnee, Kan., 1939 BMW.

Production Lightweight: 1. Michael Ewer, Lehighton, Pa., 1972 Honda CB; 2. Dwayne Fox, Hernando, Fla., 1971 Honda; 3. Robert Opiela, Raymond, N.H., 1967 Kawasaki.

BOT Formula 1: 1. Greg Nichols, Putnam, Conn., 2001 Ducati; 2. Albert Charles, Thornville, Ohio, 2002 Ducati; 3. Nate Kern, Cherry Hill, N.J., BMW 1080.

BOT Formula 3: 1. Charles Burnett, Las Vegas, Nev., 1988 Honda Hawk; 2. Matt Winnacker, Fulton, Mo., 2000 Suzuki; 3. John Staska, Fargo, N.D., 2000 Kawasaki.

250 GP: 1. Tomofumi Mizuno, Tokyo, 1968 Yamaha DT-1; 2. Jonathan White, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1966 Ducati; 3. Paul Germain, Winnipeg, 1965 Ducati.

Class C –Foot: 1. Alex McLean, Bryn Mawr, Pa.; 2. Ralph Auer, Chico, Calif., 1939 BMW; 3. Norman Nelson, St. Augustine, Fla., 1950 Norton.

Class C – Hand: 1. Will Harding, Gainesville, Fla., 1936 Indian; 2. Doc Batsleer, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., 1936 Indian Scout; 3. Keith Campbell, Duluth, Ga., 1937 Indian.

350 GP: 1. Bruce Yoxsimer, Portola Valley, 1965 Seely; 2. Paul Germain, Winnipeg, 1967 Ducati; 3. Steve Mahanes, Richmond, Va., 1968 Desmo.

Formula 125: 1. Greg Steinbeck, Little Rock, Ark., 1977 Honda.

Vint. Superbike Light: 1. Dave Bourbeau, Royalston, Mass., 1979 Suzuki; 2. Gordon Hamilton, Novi, Mich., 1978 Yamaha SR; 3. Jim Killy, Oxford, Ohio, 1978 Yamaha.

500 Premier: 1. Pat Mooney, Sorrento, Fla., 1962 Norton Manx; 2. David Roper, Hicksville, N.Y., 1962 Norton; 3. Ron Melton, El Sobrante, Calif., 1962 Norton Manx.

Sportsman 350: 1. Eric Cook, Richland, Va., 1972 Honda CL; 2. Buff Harsh, Atlanta, Ga., Honda; 3. Henry Hyphers, South Windsor, 1971 Honda.

Classic 60s: 1. Josef Brenner, Severn, Md., 1954 BSA Goldstar; 2. Alex McLean, Bryn Mawr, Penn.; 3. Rusty Lowry, St. Mary’s City, Md., 1967 Harley-Davidson.

Classic 60’s 650: 1. Brid Caveney, Salinas, Calif., 1965 Manx-Triton.

Formula 250: 1. Jerry Herman, Sanford, Fla., 1972 Yamaha RD; 2. George Taylor, Lady Lake, Fla., 1973 Yamaha TD3; 3. Craig Breckon, Sparta, Mich., 1971 Can Am.

Formula 500: 1. Chris Sprago, St. Louis Park, Minn., 1976 Yamaha RD; 2. Harry Barlow, Glenfield, 1976 Yamaha RD; 3. David Crussell, Pleasanton, Calif., 1970 Kawasaki.

Sportsman 500: 1. Jesse Morris, Phoenixville, Pa., 1968 Triumph 500; 2. Buff Harsh, Atlanta, Ga., Honda; 3. Wes Orloff, Salem, Wis., 1969 Honda.

BOT Two-Stroke: 1. Barrett Long, Miami, Fla., 2003 Yamaha; 2. Keith Floyd, Tallahassee, Fla., 1999 Yamaha; 3. Christopher Spargo, St. Louis Park, Minn., 1990 Yamaha.

BOT Formula 2: 1. Josef Brenner, Severn, Md., Moto Guzzi; 2. Derek Keyes, Jacksonville, Fla., 2000 Suzuki; 3. Charles Burnett, Las Vegas, Nev., 1988 Honda Hawk.

SOS Two-Stroke: 1. Peter Crew, 1996 Honda RS125.

Formula 750: 1. Tim Joyce, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 1972 Harley-Davidson; 2. Jay Springsteen, Lapeer, Mich., 1972 Harley-Davidson; 3. Kyle Campbell, Duluth, Ga., 1970 Honda.

Sportsman 750: 1. Jesse Morris, Phoenixville, Pa., 1968 Triumph; 2. David Temple, West Chester, Pa., 1972 Yamaha; 3. Grady Chance, Lakeland, Fla., 1975 Yamaha.

Vint. Superbike Middle: 1. Harold Page, Louisville, Ky., 1981 Yamaha; 2. Jeff Hinds, Lewis Center, Ohio, 1977 KZ 650; 3. Gary Smith, Woodstock, Ga., 1972 Honda.

Bears: 1. Tim Joyce, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 1973 Triumph; 2. Craig Murray, Cedar Crest, N.M., 1973 Triumph; 3. Glenn Campbell, Vacaville, Calif., 1970 BMW.

Vint. Superbike Heavy: 1. John Staska, Fargo, N.D., 1977 Suzuki; 2. Jeff Hinds, Lewis Center, Ohio, 1974 KZ 900; 3. David Evans, Columbia, Conn., 1981 Honda.

Formula Vintage: 1. Paul Lima, La Mesa, Calif., 1970 Triumph; 2. Dave Rosno, Eagle, Wis., 1973 Kawasaki; 3. David Crussell, Pleasanton, Calif., 1970 Kawasaki.

GP2: 1. Michael Perry, Jupiter, Fla., 1980 Yamaha; 2. Joseph Rutherford, 1978 Yamaha; 3. Robert Simpson, Milford, N.J., 1983 Yamaha.

Super Mono: 1. Paul Conley, Acton, Mass., 96 MZ; 2. Peter Kight, Alpharetta, Ga., 1992 Rotax; 3. Jay Niederst, Santa Paula, Calif., Rotax.

Production Singles: 1. Trent Thomas, Waynesville, N.C., 1995 MZ; 2. Paul Conley, Acton, Mass., 1996 MZ; 3. William House, Albany, N.Y., 1996 MZ Skorpion.

Sound of Thunder: 1. Paul Vitale, Warren, Mich., 2001 Ducati; 2. Dario Marchetti, Ducati; 3. Albert Charles, Thornville, Ohio; 2002 Ducati.

$15,000 More In Cash For USGPRU Series

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From a press release issued by USGPRU:

USGPRU Announces $15,000 Cash Sponsorship

ODENTON, MD. – March 1, 2004 – The United States Grand Prix Riders Union (USGPRU) today announced the newest series sponsor from Infinity Investing of Dallas, Texas. Infinity Investing posted $15,000 in cash to support the USGPRU in 2004, raising the total value of the series sponsorship to over $75,000.

Payouts will be distributed among the top six finishers at each USGPRU event with $1000 cash in 125GP and 250GP. Grand Finale payouts have increased to $3000 per class.

“The $75,000 is more than twice the purse of the 2003 season,” said Stewart Aitken-Cade, president of the USGPRU. “This level of support will help to make our series more attractive to the younger riders just trying to break into the sport. We also expect that it will further raise the level of competition in this already highly competitive series.”

Frank Pate, CEO of Infinity Investing said, “We are pleased to support the USGPRU and look forward to seeing the sport grow in the U.S.”

Other sponsors for the 2004 program include CCS/F-USA, Bridgestone, Dunlop, EBC Brakes, GPC Moto, Hjelm Motorsports, Motion Pro, Redline Cycle Imports, Silkolene, Speed Fiber, 888-Fastlap, and VP Fuel.

About USGPRU
The USGPRU, a chartered member of the AMA, is the officially recognized Motorcycle Grand Prix Road Racing National Championship series in the United States. The USGPRU emulates true World MotoGP racing experience and serves to attract young riders to gain experience in a professional environment and provide a path to world-class motorcycle racing. The USGPRU structures events with extended length grand prix racing exclusive to the GP machines, timed qualifying and strong contingency and sponsor support. For additional details, visit www.USGPRU.net.

About Infinity Investing
Infinity Investing provides business solutions for the management of a wide variety of business ventures, combining management personnel, key financial partners with like-minded viewpoints on business and success. Infinity Investing manages, finances, directs and oversees dozens of ventures in numerous industries. Infinity Investings extensive experience include finance, M&A, International, Domestic, Energy, and Art. With strengths in entrepreneurial enterprise, and a passion for growing existing companies to new heights, Infinity Investing is perfectly suited with ventures for unlimited yet predictable growth potential. For additional details, visit www.infinityinvesting.com.



California Speedway Installing ‘SAFER’ Walls For Race Cars

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From a press release issued by California Speedway:

CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY TO INSTALL SAFER BARRIERS

FONTANA, Calif. (March 1, 2004) — California Speedway President Bill Miller announced today that installation of the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) wall is scheduled to begin at the superspeedway in early April with an anticipated completion date prior to the April 30-May 2nd Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend.

“We look forward to the construction and installation of the SAFER wall getting under way at California Speedway,” said Miller. “We all know that safety is paramount in our sport, and this is another positive step going forward. We applaud all those involved in constructing this system and its installation at California Speedway.”

Two sets of barriers will be placed along the turns at the two-mile oval, with the first set starting at the entrance of turn one and running continuously to the exit of turn two. The second set will start at the entrance of turn three and run continuously to the exit of turn four. A third set of barriers will be placed on the inside retaining wall off the exit of turn two, extending approximately two-thirds of the way down the backstretch.

Made up of steel tubes and pads of hard foam, which are affixed to the concrete walls, the SAFER barrier system was designed by Dr. Dean Sicking and a team under his direction at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The wall is designed to absorb some of the energy that is transferred during a crash. In 2003, Dr. Sicking, and his team, were honored with NASCAR’s Award of Excellence for their efforts in safety.

California Speedway joins a growing list of racing facilities already with the system or planning to install the system.

In 2002, Indianapolis Motor Speedway debuted the SAFER walls through its four corners for the Indianapolis 500. Talladega Superspeedway followed with SAFER walls on the inside retaining walls of its layout at the exit of turn four and the entrance of turn one for its October NASCAR race in 2002, and will complete installation on the outside walls in the turns prior to its upcoming April NASCAR event.

New Hampshire International Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway installed the system in 2003. Phoenix International Raceway recently completed its installation, while Daytona International Speedway is expected to have the system in place prior to the Pepsi 400 in July. Last week, Darlington Raceway announced that installation of the SAFER walls were under way at its facility.

California Speedway’s 2004 season kicks off April 2-4 with the Yamaha Superbike Challenge followed a month later with the first of two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekends. The first features the Auto Club 500 on May 2nd, with the second highlighted by the “Finish Under the Lights” Pop Secret 500 on Sunday, September 5, of Labor Day Weekend. The Indy Race League IndyCar Series returns to California Speedway October 1-3 for the TOYOTA Indy 400, which last year established the speedway as the world’s fastest oval when Sam Hornish Jr. won his second consecutive IndyCar race at California Speedway with an average speed of 207.151 MPH. For road racing enthusiasts, California Speedway offers the old and the new, with the Southern California Historic SportsCar Festival Presented by RACER June 18-20 and the Grand American Road Racing Association season finale, featuring the Daytona Prototypes, October 29-31. For tickets and event information call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or log on to www.californiaspeedway.com.

ABOUT SAFER:
· The SAFER wall technology consists of rectangular steel tubing backed by foam blocks that is installed in front of the race track’s traditional cement walls.
· The process consists of ordering the specific materials, bending the steel tubing to fit the radius of the race track’s corners, shipment and installation.
· The SAFER wall project began in the fall of 2000 and remains an ongoing safety initiative among NASCAR, the Indy Racing League, Dr. Dean Sicking and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

More News From WERA West On What Classes To Run, And A Schedule Change

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From a press release issued by WERA West Roadracing:

WERA West Roadracing UPDATES:

Revised schedule attached which deletes the Arizona Motorsports Park date and adds Oct. 2nd & 3rd @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the exterior Classic Road Course. It will be cooler and a better time to have the last race of the season.

Friday, March 12th Fastrack Riders event cancelled due to scheduling conflicts at California Speedway

In addition a list of different classes various motorcycles can compete in.

The first WERA West Roadracing event is just two weeks away!

Where are those motard and mini entries? If there is no support for these classes, we will not be able to support them at future events.

2004 WERA WEST Racing Series (revised)

March 13th & 14th (Sat & Sun) @ California Speedway AMA Track
Friday track day cancelled

May 22nd& 23rd (Sat, & Sun) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway revised Classic Course
Friday, May 21st FRA Track Day

June 11th, 12th & 13th (Fri, Sat, & Sun) @ California Speedway AMA Track
WERA NATIONAL EVENT

July 31st & August 1st (Sat & Sun) @ Buttonwillow Raceway
Friday, July 30th FRA Track Day

August 28th & 29th @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2.5 mile Infield Track including garages for all riders.
No Friday track day at this event

September 11th & 12th @ Arizona Motorsports Park CANCELLED

October 2nd & 3rd (Sat, & Sun) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway revised Classic Course
Friday, October 1st FRA Track DAy


Check out WERA at www.wera.com


WERA Class Overview

In order to simplify what groups a rider may ride their bike in for WERA listed below is a general grouping of bikes and class options. Remember there will be certain restrictions for each class and your bike will have to pass those requirements to run in that particular class.

Liter Class Motorcycles: This includes R1, GSXR1000, CBR929RR, CBR954RR, CBR1000RR, ZX-9R and ZX-10R.

A Superstock, Formula 1, HW Solo.



Ducati and Aprilia Liter Bike Twins: This includes 996, 998, 999 models and Aprilia Mille

B Classes, HWT Classes and above.



Ducati 748 & 749:

C Classes, HWT and above.



Suzuki SV650:

LWT Classes, LW Solo, HWT Classes, F2 – can ride up to MW Solo (works fine usually) and run C classes (we wouldn’t suggest that).



Aprilia RS250 Cup Bikes:

D Classes, LWT classes, LW Solo, Clubman.



Suzuki 750 multi cylinder four:

B Classes and above.



600cc four cylinder bikes: GSXR600, R6, ZX-6R, CBR600RR, Triumph 600 as examples.

C classes and above.



Ducati 800 Supersport:
Same as the big displacement twins for now.



250 GP bikes: TZ250 or RS250

F2, F1, HWT SB (No HWT SS)



125 GP bikes:

125 GP ,F2, HWT SB (No F1, No SS)



Harley Davidson Buell:

LWT classes in SS spec and minor mods like chain conversion.

HWT SS & SB depending on mods. C classes and above.





Carmichael Can’t Ride But Will Still Start Daytona Supercross

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From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Ricky Carmichael Named Grand Marshal For Daytona Supercross By Honda

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 1, 2004) – Honda rider Ricky Carmichael, who has won the last four Daytona Supercross By Hondas, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the inaugural nighttime running of the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Friday night, March 5 at historic Daytona International Speedway.

Carmichael, who is unable to compete in this year’s 34th Daytona Supercross By Honda due to a knee injury, will give the starting command for the 20-lap 250cc final under the lights of the “World Center of Racing.”

In the 2003 Daytona Supercross By Honda, Carmichael captured his fourth straight victory on Daytona’s tough and demanding Supercross course, tying Jeff Stanton’s record of four consecutive wins between 1989-92.

As part of his Grand Marshal duties, the 24-year-old Carmichael, who resides in Havana, Fla., will participate in a question and answer session in the Classic Cycle Club on Friday night, March 5 at 6 p.m. The Classic Cycle Club is a hospitality package that includes private suite access in the Nextel Tower, infield, paddock and garage access, preferred parking (first come, first parked basis), souvenir event pin, souvenir program and credential holder (with two-day package only).

The Classic Cycle Club is available for both the Friday night, March 5 Daytona Supercross By Honda and the Saturday, March 6 Daytona 200 By Arai. Two-day packages are $235 per person while a single-day Classic Cycle Club package for the Daytona Supercross By Honda is $120 per person and a single-day package for the Daytona 200 By Arai is $130 per person.

In addition to his appearance in the Classic Cycle Club, Carmichael will participate in an autograph session on Friday night, March 5 between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cruise America display inside the AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show, which is located in hospitality village outside the NEXTEL Tower.

To purchase tickets for any of the motorcycle events or the Classic Cycle Club, log on to http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Updated Post: No Surgery For Chris Ulrich Today

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Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracing World’s Chris Ulrich was scheduled to undergo surgery today at the hands of orthopedic surgeon Art Ting, at Ting’s Fremont, California clinic.

Ulrich lost the front and crashed in the chicane at Daytona late Thursday afternoon, in very cold conditions, after a stop on pit lane for adjustments.

His right collarbone broke at the point where it had been drilled to allow a donor tendon to be threaded through during shoulder surgery last year.

Dr. Ting was scheduled to install a plate on the broken collarbone and also remove a plate in Ulrich’s left leg, broken in November.

But after Ulrich arrived at the clinic this morning, Dr. Ting examined X-rays and decided not to plate the collarbone, which he said was not displaced, and not to remove the plate in the leg, either.

Ulrich said he was greatly relieved at the news.

Formula USA Team Press Releases From Daytona

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From a press release issued by Buell:

ESTOK NIPS BEMISDERFER FOR DAYTONA THUNDERBIKE WIN

Buell Racers Fill Podium At Formula USA Season Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Harding Harley-Davidson rider Dave Estok rode a Buell Firebolt to a photo-finish victory in the opening round of the 2004 Formula USA Thunderbike series at Daytona International Speedway here today.

Estok, the reigning Thunderbike champion, crossed the finish line just .069 seconds ahead of his teammate Bryan Bemisderfer, also aboard a Buell Firebolt, after the pair battled throughout the final six laps of the nine-lap race. Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Joe Rozynski rode a Buell to claim the third podium position. Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Kurt Miller rode a Buell Firebolt to fourth place, edging Brian Parriott on a BMW R 1100 S.

It was a triumphant conclusion to a difficult weekend for Estok, who joined the Harding team just two weeks ago and struggled though practice and qualifying with mechanical and set-up problems with the new motorcycles. “We had a lot of bad luck this weekend, and I just want to thank this Harding team for working so hard on the bikes,” said Estok. “This is a great win considering we had very little track time before the race.”

Bemisderfer took the lead in the race on lap three after Hal’s Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Dan Bilansky crashed in the dog-leg section of the course. Estok quickly passed Bemisderfer on the high-speed oval portion of the course, but Bemisderfer was faster than Estok through the tight infield section of the track. The two drafted together on the oval and pulled away from the pack, setting up a final dash for the finish line. Bemisderfer set up for a classic Daytona drafting pass and ran very low on the track apron coming out of the last turn.

“I tried to go down low to cut Brian off, but I could see that his bike was really loose down there and gave him plenty of room,” said Estok. “As it turned out I had just enough left to hold on for the win.”

Bemisderfer, who is over six feet tall and thus aerodynamically challenged at high-speed tracks like Daytona, was happy to come away with second-place points to start the season. “I’m racing for tractor money this year,” said Bemisderfer, who recently bought a small farm near his home in Greencastle, Pa. “It’s not so bad to lose to Dave when he’s on your team. He’s going to be my biggest challenger for the championship this season.”

Daytona Harley-Davidson/Milwaukee Harley-Davidson rider Richie Morris took the Thunderbike pole aboard his Buell Firebolt with a fast lap of 2:03:537 in very windy conditions for qualifying on Saturday. Morris led the first lap of the race on Sunday, but dropped out with a mechanical problem on the second lap.

The next stop on the eight-race Formula USA schedule is April 23-25 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.

The Formula USA Thunderbike class is open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders competing in the eight-event 2004 Thunderbike series are racing for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company.

To learn more about Buell Motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style, and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.

Sign-up Deadline For Vmoto Event At Laguna Is March 5

From a press release issued by Vmoto:

Vmoto’s Pre-Season Tech & Tune Day at Laguna Seca on March 21st is rapidly approaching!

Entries must be received by March 5th. Don’t miss this opportunity to ride Laguna Seca.


This will be a spectator event featuring Vmoto vintage racing motorcycles in addition to an historic MG reunion hosted by HMSA. There will be no sound restrictions at this event..

The event is now open to all Vmoto classes and regularity competitors. Run groups will be formed based on the type of bike entered and potential lap times.

So get a jump start on the season! Have your bike inspected by the Vmoto Tech Team and then test it on the track for a summer of no hassle racing! Registration is available online now for the Vmoto Tech and Tune Day at www.vintagemoto.com.

Remember the Deadline for Entry is March 5th

Please contact Vmoto with any questions.

Thank you,

Llew Kinst
[email protected]
650.903.4882

Keith Milne
[email protected]
408.867.0756


EBC And Silkolene Increase Contingency Programs For WERA

From a press release issued by Garry Gallagher of EBC and Silkolene:

EBC Brakes and Silkolene Lubricants adds 2004 Roadrace Contingency Payments with the additional Lightweight classes in both the National Challenge and National Endurance WERA events.

EBC BRAKES 2004 WERA CONTINGENCY POSTINGS: Total 04 Postings = $23,800!

Added for in National Challenge Series:

Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Lightweight Twins Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by EBC Brakes are:

Open Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Added for in National Endurance Series:

Lightweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by EBC Brakes are:

Heavyweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Heavyweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superbike 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Existing / current Sportsman Series EBC Postings are:

A Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.



SILKOLENE 2004 WERA CONTINGENCY POSTINGS: Total 04 Postings = $27,200 !

Added for in National Challenge Series:

Lightweight Twins Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus

Lightweight Twins Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus


Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by SILKOLENE are:

Open Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Expert: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

750 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

600 Superstock Novice: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Added for in National Endurance Series:

Lightweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 & 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Other existing / current National Challenge Classes Paid by SILKOLENE are:

Heavyweight Superbike: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Heavyweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superbike 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

Mediumweight Superstock: 1st = $40.00, 2nd = $30.00, 3rd $20.00 and 4th = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


Existing / current Sportsman Series SILKOLENE Postings are:

A Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Expert: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

B Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.

C Superstock Novice: 1st = $30.00, 2nd = $20.00, and 3rd = $10.00 + $100 Champ Bonus.


EBC BRAKES ANNOUNCES TEAM SPONSORSHIP and
NEW WERA NATIONAL EBC BRAKES ROADRACE TRACK VENDOR

EBC BRAKES is proud to announce that we have signed Team Velocity Racing as our major sponsored 2004 WERA Team for both National Endurance in the Heavyweight Superstock class, as well as their National Challenge Sprint Program’s.

Also Team Velocity Racing’s Chuck and Cindy Ivey are now our official EBC Brakes WERA National
Roadrace Track Vendor, so all WERA Racers can get EBC Brakes from Chuck and Cindy at all
2004 WERA National Events ! They will be happy to take racers EBC Brakes Roadrace Certificates
towards the purchase of EBC Brakes Pads and Pro-lite Roadrace Disc’s !

For more information, contact WERA or EBC Brakes/Silkolene’s Garry Gallagher at (425) 485-7610





Yamaha Weekend Of Champions Starts March 5 At Daytona

From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA:

2004 “Weekend of Champions” Return to Daytona

CYPRESS, Calif. – – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to present the Weekend of Champions during Daytona Bike Week. The Weekend of Champions gives racing fans, both off-road and pavement, of every generation, the chance to meet their favorite racers and receive a complimentary limited-edition “Weekend of Champions” poster autographed by 18 of the fastest Yamaha racers.

The Weekend of Champions features road race champions Giacomo Agostini, Eddie Lawson, Thomas Stevens, Jamie James, Rich Oliver, Steve Baker, Randy Mamola, Don Emde, Wayne Rainey, and their motocross peers Damon Bradshaw, Gary Jones, Doug Henry, Marty Moates, Broc Glover, Rick Burgett, Pierre Karsmakers, Mike Bell, and Bob Hannah.

The Weekend of Champions autograph signing will be Friday March 5th (10am – 12pm and 4-6pm) and Saturday March 6thth (9am – 10am) and at the Yamaha Corporate Display located at Daytona Intentional Speedway. Team Yamaha Factory Road Race team will also be on hand Friday and the Yamaha Factory Supercross team will sign on Friday from 4-5pm.

As a bonus, a Freestyle Exhibition featuring Nate Adams on his YZ250 will take place each day during the Weekend of Champions autograph signings. All the latest 2004 Yamaha products, a freestyle exhibition, Demo Rides and the Weekend of Champions make the Yamaha Corporate Display a “must see” during Daytona Bike Week.

Updated Post: Joyce Drafts Springer To Win AHRMA Formula 750 Win At Daytona

Hour Glass Racing’s Tim Joyce drafted teammate Jay Springsteen to win the Formula 750cc event during AHRMA vintage racing action Monday at Daytona International Speedway.

Springsteen grabbed the holeshot at the start of the six-lap race, but was quickly joined at the front by Joyce. The two men, both riding identical 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750 factory road racer replicas, quickly pulled away from the field, swapping the lead in the draft as they went.

Springsteen began asserting himself through the infield during the mid-portion of the sprint, gaining a comfortable lead, but lappers came into play on the final circuit, allowing Joyce to re-gain Springsteen’s draft coming out of the chicane. From there it was a classic Daytona finish with Joyce pulling out of Springsteen’s slipstream at the perfect moment and coming by on the highside to take the win. Springsteen finished second by a bikelength.

Kyle Campbell took third on a Honda CB750 built to resemble a Honda CR750 factory racer. Keith Campbell, father of Kyle, came back from an off-track excursion on the first lap to place fourth on another Hour Glass Racing Harley-Davidson XR750.

All of the top-four bikes were built by Joe Brown.

Other AHRMA winners Monday included: Dennis Poneleit in 200cc GP+ on a 1968 Honda, Alex McLean in Pre-1940 and Class C – Foot Shift, Michael Ewer in Production Lightweight on a 1972 Honda CB, Greg Nichols in Battle of the Twins (BOT) Formula One on a 2001 Ducati, Charles Burnett in BOT Formula Three on a 1988 Honda Hawk, Tomofumi Mizuno in 250cc GP on a 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Will Harding in Class C – Hand Shift on a 1936 Indian, Bruce Yoxsimer in 350cc GP on a 1965 Seely, Greg Steinbeck in Formula 125 on a 1975 Honda, Dave Bourbeau in Vintage Superbike Lightweight on a 1979 Suzuki, Pat Mooney in 500cc Premier on a 1962 Norton-Manx, Eric Cook in Sportsman 350cc on a 1972 Honda CL, Josef Brenner in Classic 60s on a 1954 BSA Goldstar and in BOT Formula Two on a Moto-Guzzi, Brid Caveney in Classic 60s 650cc on a 1965 Manx-Triton, Jerry Herman in Formula 250cc on a 1972 Yamaha RD250, Chris Spargo in Formula 500cc on a 1976 Yamaha RD400, Jesse Morris in Sportsman 500cc and in Sportsman 750cc on 1968 Triumphs, Barrett Long in BOT Two-stroke on a 2003 Yamaha TZ250, Peter Crew in Sound of Singles Two-stroke on a 1996 Honda RS125, Colin Fraser in Super Mono 2 on a Yamaha YZ426F, Harold Page, Jr. in Vintage Superbike Middleweight on a 1981 Yamaha Seca.

AHRMA will run an identical race schedule on Tuesday.

More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Motorcycle Racing Is A Family Tradition With The Longs

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 1, 2004) – It was father versus son Monday at Daytona International Speedway.

The 19-year-old Barrett Long beat his father John Long and the rest of the field of competitors in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s Battle of the Twins Two-Stroke class. Barrett is the third generation of Longs to race motorcycles at Daytona.

John’s father raced on the old beach course in the 1940s and early ’50s. John was a leading AMA road racer in the 1970s; he was runner-up in the AMA Superbike Series in 1978. Now a third generation of Long is getting his racing career underway. Barrett will be racing in Saturday’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport race and is planning to compete in the entire series. The youngest of the Long clan is carrying on a long tradition of the family of racing motorcyclists from Miami. John runs the family-owned motorcycle shop that was founded by his father in 1939.

With a father as talented as John Long, one would think Barrett would have much to learn from his famous dad.

“I used to be able to show him a few things on the racetrack,” said John of his son. “But the last couple of years it’s been the other way around. Barrett’s a real cool customer on the track. He doesn’t say much, but he’s really consistent on the bike and is showing some good promise. Last year he had some good finishes in the 250 class and now he’s moving to Supersport.”

Barrett earned five top-10 finishes in the now defunct AMA 250 Grand Prix Series. He finished the year ranked 11th in spite of the fact that he missed a number of races in the series. This year will be his first season racing four-stroke motorcycles. Even though he’s faster than dad, Barrett says he still gets good advice from his father.

“He still shows me a lot, no matter what he says,” said Barrett. “It’s great to carry on the family racing tradition. This year will be my first year on the Supersport bikes and I’m still learning how to ride them. There not that much different from the 250GP bikes in a lot of ways. There’s the engine braking to get used to, but power delivery is smoother. The chassis on the 250s were more rigid, the 600s are more forgiving.”

Barrett’s earliest memories were of coming to Daytona to watch his dad race.

“I remember standing out in the stands leaning up against the fence,” he said. “I tried to sneak in the pits a few times and got kicked out because I was too young.”

Barrett’s brother Justin used to race also but now he’s an aspiring filmmaker. The only downside of Barrett’s racing career is that his mom no longer can handle coming to the races.

“She didn’t care when it was me racing,” said John says with a smile. “But with Barrett out there she can’t handle it. Now she’s become a retired race spectator.”

Tuesday’s features a second day of Vintage motorcycle racing. Tickets are available for all motorcycle races at the “World Center of Racing” online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Monday’s Results

200 GP +: 1. Dennis Poneleit, Greenville, S.C., 1968 Honda; 2. Carl Anderson, Cocoa, Fla., 1969 Yamaha; 3. Edward Sensenig, Ephrata, Pa., 1962 Ducati.

Pre 1940: 1. Alex McLean, Bryn Mawr, Pa.; 2. Ralph Auer, Chico, Calif., 1939 BMW; 3. Norbert Nickel, Shawnee, Kan., 1939 BMW.

Production Lightweight: 1. Michael Ewer, Lehighton, Pa., 1972 Honda CB; 2. Dwayne Fox, Hernando, Fla., 1971 Honda; 3. Robert Opiela, Raymond, N.H., 1967 Kawasaki.

BOT Formula 1: 1. Greg Nichols, Putnam, Conn., 2001 Ducati; 2. Albert Charles, Thornville, Ohio, 2002 Ducati; 3. Nate Kern, Cherry Hill, N.J., BMW 1080.

BOT Formula 3: 1. Charles Burnett, Las Vegas, Nev., 1988 Honda Hawk; 2. Matt Winnacker, Fulton, Mo., 2000 Suzuki; 3. John Staska, Fargo, N.D., 2000 Kawasaki.

250 GP: 1. Tomofumi Mizuno, Tokyo, 1968 Yamaha DT-1; 2. Jonathan White, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1966 Ducati; 3. Paul Germain, Winnipeg, 1965 Ducati.

Class C –Foot: 1. Alex McLean, Bryn Mawr, Pa.; 2. Ralph Auer, Chico, Calif., 1939 BMW; 3. Norman Nelson, St. Augustine, Fla., 1950 Norton.

Class C – Hand: 1. Will Harding, Gainesville, Fla., 1936 Indian; 2. Doc Batsleer, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., 1936 Indian Scout; 3. Keith Campbell, Duluth, Ga., 1937 Indian.

350 GP: 1. Bruce Yoxsimer, Portola Valley, 1965 Seely; 2. Paul Germain, Winnipeg, 1967 Ducati; 3. Steve Mahanes, Richmond, Va., 1968 Desmo.

Formula 125: 1. Greg Steinbeck, Little Rock, Ark., 1977 Honda.

Vint. Superbike Light: 1. Dave Bourbeau, Royalston, Mass., 1979 Suzuki; 2. Gordon Hamilton, Novi, Mich., 1978 Yamaha SR; 3. Jim Killy, Oxford, Ohio, 1978 Yamaha.

500 Premier: 1. Pat Mooney, Sorrento, Fla., 1962 Norton Manx; 2. David Roper, Hicksville, N.Y., 1962 Norton; 3. Ron Melton, El Sobrante, Calif., 1962 Norton Manx.

Sportsman 350: 1. Eric Cook, Richland, Va., 1972 Honda CL; 2. Buff Harsh, Atlanta, Ga., Honda; 3. Henry Hyphers, South Windsor, 1971 Honda.

Classic 60s: 1. Josef Brenner, Severn, Md., 1954 BSA Goldstar; 2. Alex McLean, Bryn Mawr, Penn.; 3. Rusty Lowry, St. Mary’s City, Md., 1967 Harley-Davidson.

Classic 60’s 650: 1. Brid Caveney, Salinas, Calif., 1965 Manx-Triton.

Formula 250: 1. Jerry Herman, Sanford, Fla., 1972 Yamaha RD; 2. George Taylor, Lady Lake, Fla., 1973 Yamaha TD3; 3. Craig Breckon, Sparta, Mich., 1971 Can Am.

Formula 500: 1. Chris Sprago, St. Louis Park, Minn., 1976 Yamaha RD; 2. Harry Barlow, Glenfield, 1976 Yamaha RD; 3. David Crussell, Pleasanton, Calif., 1970 Kawasaki.

Sportsman 500: 1. Jesse Morris, Phoenixville, Pa., 1968 Triumph 500; 2. Buff Harsh, Atlanta, Ga., Honda; 3. Wes Orloff, Salem, Wis., 1969 Honda.

BOT Two-Stroke: 1. Barrett Long, Miami, Fla., 2003 Yamaha; 2. Keith Floyd, Tallahassee, Fla., 1999 Yamaha; 3. Christopher Spargo, St. Louis Park, Minn., 1990 Yamaha.

BOT Formula 2: 1. Josef Brenner, Severn, Md., Moto Guzzi; 2. Derek Keyes, Jacksonville, Fla., 2000 Suzuki; 3. Charles Burnett, Las Vegas, Nev., 1988 Honda Hawk.

SOS Two-Stroke: 1. Peter Crew, 1996 Honda RS125.

Formula 750: 1. Tim Joyce, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 1972 Harley-Davidson; 2. Jay Springsteen, Lapeer, Mich., 1972 Harley-Davidson; 3. Kyle Campbell, Duluth, Ga., 1970 Honda.

Sportsman 750: 1. Jesse Morris, Phoenixville, Pa., 1968 Triumph; 2. David Temple, West Chester, Pa., 1972 Yamaha; 3. Grady Chance, Lakeland, Fla., 1975 Yamaha.

Vint. Superbike Middle: 1. Harold Page, Louisville, Ky., 1981 Yamaha; 2. Jeff Hinds, Lewis Center, Ohio, 1977 KZ 650; 3. Gary Smith, Woodstock, Ga., 1972 Honda.

Bears: 1. Tim Joyce, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 1973 Triumph; 2. Craig Murray, Cedar Crest, N.M., 1973 Triumph; 3. Glenn Campbell, Vacaville, Calif., 1970 BMW.

Vint. Superbike Heavy: 1. John Staska, Fargo, N.D., 1977 Suzuki; 2. Jeff Hinds, Lewis Center, Ohio, 1974 KZ 900; 3. David Evans, Columbia, Conn., 1981 Honda.

Formula Vintage: 1. Paul Lima, La Mesa, Calif., 1970 Triumph; 2. Dave Rosno, Eagle, Wis., 1973 Kawasaki; 3. David Crussell, Pleasanton, Calif., 1970 Kawasaki.

GP2: 1. Michael Perry, Jupiter, Fla., 1980 Yamaha; 2. Joseph Rutherford, 1978 Yamaha; 3. Robert Simpson, Milford, N.J., 1983 Yamaha.

Super Mono: 1. Paul Conley, Acton, Mass., 96 MZ; 2. Peter Kight, Alpharetta, Ga., 1992 Rotax; 3. Jay Niederst, Santa Paula, Calif., Rotax.

Production Singles: 1. Trent Thomas, Waynesville, N.C., 1995 MZ; 2. Paul Conley, Acton, Mass., 1996 MZ; 3. William House, Albany, N.Y., 1996 MZ Skorpion.

Sound of Thunder: 1. Paul Vitale, Warren, Mich., 2001 Ducati; 2. Dario Marchetti, Ducati; 3. Albert Charles, Thornville, Ohio; 2002 Ducati.

$15,000 More In Cash For USGPRU Series

From a press release issued by USGPRU:

USGPRU Announces $15,000 Cash Sponsorship

ODENTON, MD. – March 1, 2004 – The United States Grand Prix Riders Union (USGPRU) today announced the newest series sponsor from Infinity Investing of Dallas, Texas. Infinity Investing posted $15,000 in cash to support the USGPRU in 2004, raising the total value of the series sponsorship to over $75,000.

Payouts will be distributed among the top six finishers at each USGPRU event with $1000 cash in 125GP and 250GP. Grand Finale payouts have increased to $3000 per class.

“The $75,000 is more than twice the purse of the 2003 season,” said Stewart Aitken-Cade, president of the USGPRU. “This level of support will help to make our series more attractive to the younger riders just trying to break into the sport. We also expect that it will further raise the level of competition in this already highly competitive series.”

Frank Pate, CEO of Infinity Investing said, “We are pleased to support the USGPRU and look forward to seeing the sport grow in the U.S.”

Other sponsors for the 2004 program include CCS/F-USA, Bridgestone, Dunlop, EBC Brakes, GPC Moto, Hjelm Motorsports, Motion Pro, Redline Cycle Imports, Silkolene, Speed Fiber, 888-Fastlap, and VP Fuel.

About USGPRU
The USGPRU, a chartered member of the AMA, is the officially recognized Motorcycle Grand Prix Road Racing National Championship series in the United States. The USGPRU emulates true World MotoGP racing experience and serves to attract young riders to gain experience in a professional environment and provide a path to world-class motorcycle racing. The USGPRU structures events with extended length grand prix racing exclusive to the GP machines, timed qualifying and strong contingency and sponsor support. For additional details, visit www.USGPRU.net.

About Infinity Investing
Infinity Investing provides business solutions for the management of a wide variety of business ventures, combining management personnel, key financial partners with like-minded viewpoints on business and success. Infinity Investing manages, finances, directs and oversees dozens of ventures in numerous industries. Infinity Investings extensive experience include finance, M&A, International, Domestic, Energy, and Art. With strengths in entrepreneurial enterprise, and a passion for growing existing companies to new heights, Infinity Investing is perfectly suited with ventures for unlimited yet predictable growth potential. For additional details, visit www.infinityinvesting.com.



California Speedway Installing ‘SAFER’ Walls For Race Cars

From a press release issued by California Speedway:

CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY TO INSTALL SAFER BARRIERS

FONTANA, Calif. (March 1, 2004) — California Speedway President Bill Miller announced today that installation of the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) wall is scheduled to begin at the superspeedway in early April with an anticipated completion date prior to the April 30-May 2nd Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekend.

“We look forward to the construction and installation of the SAFER wall getting under way at California Speedway,” said Miller. “We all know that safety is paramount in our sport, and this is another positive step going forward. We applaud all those involved in constructing this system and its installation at California Speedway.”

Two sets of barriers will be placed along the turns at the two-mile oval, with the first set starting at the entrance of turn one and running continuously to the exit of turn two. The second set will start at the entrance of turn three and run continuously to the exit of turn four. A third set of barriers will be placed on the inside retaining wall off the exit of turn two, extending approximately two-thirds of the way down the backstretch.

Made up of steel tubes and pads of hard foam, which are affixed to the concrete walls, the SAFER barrier system was designed by Dr. Dean Sicking and a team under his direction at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The wall is designed to absorb some of the energy that is transferred during a crash. In 2003, Dr. Sicking, and his team, were honored with NASCAR’s Award of Excellence for their efforts in safety.

California Speedway joins a growing list of racing facilities already with the system or planning to install the system.

In 2002, Indianapolis Motor Speedway debuted the SAFER walls through its four corners for the Indianapolis 500. Talladega Superspeedway followed with SAFER walls on the inside retaining walls of its layout at the exit of turn four and the entrance of turn one for its October NASCAR race in 2002, and will complete installation on the outside walls in the turns prior to its upcoming April NASCAR event.

New Hampshire International Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway installed the system in 2003. Phoenix International Raceway recently completed its installation, while Daytona International Speedway is expected to have the system in place prior to the Pepsi 400 in July. Last week, Darlington Raceway announced that installation of the SAFER walls were under way at its facility.

California Speedway’s 2004 season kicks off April 2-4 with the Yamaha Superbike Challenge followed a month later with the first of two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series weekends. The first features the Auto Club 500 on May 2nd, with the second highlighted by the “Finish Under the Lights” Pop Secret 500 on Sunday, September 5, of Labor Day Weekend. The Indy Race League IndyCar Series returns to California Speedway October 1-3 for the TOYOTA Indy 400, which last year established the speedway as the world’s fastest oval when Sam Hornish Jr. won his second consecutive IndyCar race at California Speedway with an average speed of 207.151 MPH. For road racing enthusiasts, California Speedway offers the old and the new, with the Southern California Historic SportsCar Festival Presented by RACER June 18-20 and the Grand American Road Racing Association season finale, featuring the Daytona Prototypes, October 29-31. For tickets and event information call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or log on to www.californiaspeedway.com.

ABOUT SAFER:
· The SAFER wall technology consists of rectangular steel tubing backed by foam blocks that is installed in front of the race track’s traditional cement walls.
· The process consists of ordering the specific materials, bending the steel tubing to fit the radius of the race track’s corners, shipment and installation.
· The SAFER wall project began in the fall of 2000 and remains an ongoing safety initiative among NASCAR, the Indy Racing League, Dr. Dean Sicking and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

More News From WERA West On What Classes To Run, And A Schedule Change

From a press release issued by WERA West Roadracing:

WERA West Roadracing UPDATES:

Revised schedule attached which deletes the Arizona Motorsports Park date and adds Oct. 2nd & 3rd @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the exterior Classic Road Course. It will be cooler and a better time to have the last race of the season.

Friday, March 12th Fastrack Riders event cancelled due to scheduling conflicts at California Speedway

In addition a list of different classes various motorcycles can compete in.

The first WERA West Roadracing event is just two weeks away!

Where are those motard and mini entries? If there is no support for these classes, we will not be able to support them at future events.

2004 WERA WEST Racing Series (revised)

March 13th & 14th (Sat & Sun) @ California Speedway AMA Track
Friday track day cancelled

May 22nd& 23rd (Sat, & Sun) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway revised Classic Course
Friday, May 21st FRA Track Day

June 11th, 12th & 13th (Fri, Sat, & Sun) @ California Speedway AMA Track
WERA NATIONAL EVENT

July 31st & August 1st (Sat & Sun) @ Buttonwillow Raceway
Friday, July 30th FRA Track Day

August 28th & 29th @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2.5 mile Infield Track including garages for all riders.
No Friday track day at this event

September 11th & 12th @ Arizona Motorsports Park CANCELLED

October 2nd & 3rd (Sat, & Sun) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway revised Classic Course
Friday, October 1st FRA Track DAy


Check out WERA at www.wera.com


WERA Class Overview

In order to simplify what groups a rider may ride their bike in for WERA listed below is a general grouping of bikes and class options. Remember there will be certain restrictions for each class and your bike will have to pass those requirements to run in that particular class.

Liter Class Motorcycles: This includes R1, GSXR1000, CBR929RR, CBR954RR, CBR1000RR, ZX-9R and ZX-10R.

A Superstock, Formula 1, HW Solo.



Ducati and Aprilia Liter Bike Twins: This includes 996, 998, 999 models and Aprilia Mille

B Classes, HWT Classes and above.



Ducati 748 & 749:

C Classes, HWT and above.



Suzuki SV650:

LWT Classes, LW Solo, HWT Classes, F2 – can ride up to MW Solo (works fine usually) and run C classes (we wouldn’t suggest that).



Aprilia RS250 Cup Bikes:

D Classes, LWT classes, LW Solo, Clubman.



Suzuki 750 multi cylinder four:

B Classes and above.



600cc four cylinder bikes: GSXR600, R6, ZX-6R, CBR600RR, Triumph 600 as examples.

C classes and above.



Ducati 800 Supersport:
Same as the big displacement twins for now.



250 GP bikes: TZ250 or RS250

F2, F1, HWT SB (No HWT SS)



125 GP bikes:

125 GP ,F2, HWT SB (No F1, No SS)



Harley Davidson Buell:

LWT classes in SS spec and minor mods like chain conversion.

HWT SS & SB depending on mods. C classes and above.





Carmichael Can’t Ride But Will Still Start Daytona Supercross

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Ricky Carmichael Named Grand Marshal For Daytona Supercross By Honda

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 1, 2004) – Honda rider Ricky Carmichael, who has won the last four Daytona Supercross By Hondas, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the inaugural nighttime running of the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Friday night, March 5 at historic Daytona International Speedway.

Carmichael, who is unable to compete in this year’s 34th Daytona Supercross By Honda due to a knee injury, will give the starting command for the 20-lap 250cc final under the lights of the “World Center of Racing.”

In the 2003 Daytona Supercross By Honda, Carmichael captured his fourth straight victory on Daytona’s tough and demanding Supercross course, tying Jeff Stanton’s record of four consecutive wins between 1989-92.

As part of his Grand Marshal duties, the 24-year-old Carmichael, who resides in Havana, Fla., will participate in a question and answer session in the Classic Cycle Club on Friday night, March 5 at 6 p.m. The Classic Cycle Club is a hospitality package that includes private suite access in the Nextel Tower, infield, paddock and garage access, preferred parking (first come, first parked basis), souvenir event pin, souvenir program and credential holder (with two-day package only).

The Classic Cycle Club is available for both the Friday night, March 5 Daytona Supercross By Honda and the Saturday, March 6 Daytona 200 By Arai. Two-day packages are $235 per person while a single-day Classic Cycle Club package for the Daytona Supercross By Honda is $120 per person and a single-day package for the Daytona 200 By Arai is $130 per person.

In addition to his appearance in the Classic Cycle Club, Carmichael will participate in an autograph session on Friday night, March 5 between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cruise America display inside the AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show, which is located in hospitality village outside the NEXTEL Tower.

To purchase tickets for any of the motorcycle events or the Classic Cycle Club, log on to http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

Updated Post: No Surgery For Chris Ulrich Today

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracing World’s Chris Ulrich was scheduled to undergo surgery today at the hands of orthopedic surgeon Art Ting, at Ting’s Fremont, California clinic.

Ulrich lost the front and crashed in the chicane at Daytona late Thursday afternoon, in very cold conditions, after a stop on pit lane for adjustments.

His right collarbone broke at the point where it had been drilled to allow a donor tendon to be threaded through during shoulder surgery last year.

Dr. Ting was scheduled to install a plate on the broken collarbone and also remove a plate in Ulrich’s left leg, broken in November.

But after Ulrich arrived at the clinic this morning, Dr. Ting examined X-rays and decided not to plate the collarbone, which he said was not displaced, and not to remove the plate in the leg, either.

Ulrich said he was greatly relieved at the news.

Formula USA Team Press Releases From Daytona

From a press release issued by Buell:

ESTOK NIPS BEMISDERFER FOR DAYTONA THUNDERBIKE WIN

Buell Racers Fill Podium At Formula USA Season Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Harding Harley-Davidson rider Dave Estok rode a Buell Firebolt to a photo-finish victory in the opening round of the 2004 Formula USA Thunderbike series at Daytona International Speedway here today.

Estok, the reigning Thunderbike champion, crossed the finish line just .069 seconds ahead of his teammate Bryan Bemisderfer, also aboard a Buell Firebolt, after the pair battled throughout the final six laps of the nine-lap race. Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Joe Rozynski rode a Buell to claim the third podium position. Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Kurt Miller rode a Buell Firebolt to fourth place, edging Brian Parriott on a BMW R 1100 S.

It was a triumphant conclusion to a difficult weekend for Estok, who joined the Harding team just two weeks ago and struggled though practice and qualifying with mechanical and set-up problems with the new motorcycles. “We had a lot of bad luck this weekend, and I just want to thank this Harding team for working so hard on the bikes,” said Estok. “This is a great win considering we had very little track time before the race.”

Bemisderfer took the lead in the race on lap three after Hal’s Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Dan Bilansky crashed in the dog-leg section of the course. Estok quickly passed Bemisderfer on the high-speed oval portion of the course, but Bemisderfer was faster than Estok through the tight infield section of the track. The two drafted together on the oval and pulled away from the pack, setting up a final dash for the finish line. Bemisderfer set up for a classic Daytona drafting pass and ran very low on the track apron coming out of the last turn.

“I tried to go down low to cut Brian off, but I could see that his bike was really loose down there and gave him plenty of room,” said Estok. “As it turned out I had just enough left to hold on for the win.”

Bemisderfer, who is over six feet tall and thus aerodynamically challenged at high-speed tracks like Daytona, was happy to come away with second-place points to start the season. “I’m racing for tractor money this year,” said Bemisderfer, who recently bought a small farm near his home in Greencastle, Pa. “It’s not so bad to lose to Dave when he’s on your team. He’s going to be my biggest challenger for the championship this season.”

Daytona Harley-Davidson/Milwaukee Harley-Davidson rider Richie Morris took the Thunderbike pole aboard his Buell Firebolt with a fast lap of 2:03:537 in very windy conditions for qualifying on Saturday. Morris led the first lap of the race on Sunday, but dropped out with a mechanical problem on the second lap.

The next stop on the eight-race Formula USA schedule is April 23-25 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.

The Formula USA Thunderbike class is open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders competing in the eight-event 2004 Thunderbike series are racing for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company.

To learn more about Buell Motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style, and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.

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