Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon World Supersport Qualifying Results:

1. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.065
2. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.128
3. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.128
4. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:39.239
5. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:39.457
6. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:39.467
7. Werner Daemen, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.657
8. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.670
9. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:40.003
10. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:40.362
11. Tobias Kirmeier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:40.391
12. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:40.576
13. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:40.684
14. Matteo Baiocco, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:40.985
15. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 749R, 1:41.004
16. victor Carrasco, Honda CBR600RR, 1:41.105
17. Borre Kai Andersen, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:41.146
18. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:41.184
19. Max Neukirchner, Honda CBR600RR, 1:41.193
20. Craig Jones, Triumph Daytona 600, 1:41.337

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

REVAMPED AMA REPSOL SUPERSTOCK SERIES ATTRACTS DEEPER FIELD

Defending AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Ben Spies among favorites in star-studded line-up

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (February 27, 2004) — Ben Spies was a breakout rider in the 2003 season. The 19-year-old Texan went from young up-and-comer to the next big thing after winning five races en route to last year’s Formula Xtreme Series. At times Spies dominated the series. Now Yoshimura Suzuki hopes the talented youngster can deliver a similar performance in the new AMA Repsol Superstock Series.

Considering the depth of the talent pool in the new series, Spies will have his hands full beginning with the opening round at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 4. This year’s Superstock class allows for a significant increase in displacement but still requires that the equipment remain essentially stock. As Spies puts it “We’re pretty much racing them right off the showroom floor.” Opening up the displacement limits has attracted all the major manufactures to the class with everyone looking to showcase their 1000cc sport bikes.

Spies seems to be following in the path of other great Texas road racers like Kevin Schwantz, Colin Edwards and Doug Polen. Schwantz, Edwards and Polen, along with non-Texans like Freddie Spencer and John Kocinski, who came up racing the local CMRA club road races before getting national attention in the WERA Grand National Finals (CMRA is a WERA affiliate) and moving on to AMA Pro Racing competition. As hard as it is to believe Spies is entering his fifth season in AMA Pro Racing. He began his AMA career mid-way through the 2000 season a few days after turning 16. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 fits Spies like a glove. His style makes it look as if the speedy Suzuki is an extension of his body. Spies likes the new Superstock version of the Suzuki even more than the Xtreme bike of last year.

“The Superstock bike handles more like a 600,” said Spies, a former AMA Horizon Award winner. “I feel like I can ride it harder, and I can feel the limit. I can feel what the bike is doing even though it’s moving around more.”

While Spies may be a slight favorite in the new Superstock class, he’s by no means a shoo-in for the title. In fact, Spies is in for the battle of his young career. The Superstock class features an impressive roster as well as extensive manufacturer participation.

The biggest Superstock story in recent weeks is the signing of Anthony Gobert to the Erion Honda squad. Gobert will ride Honda’s new CBR1000RR that in Superbike form was the fastest bike in pre-season testing. Gobert is considered one of the most naturally talented riders in the world. While many feel that Gobert’s off-track problems have kept him from reaching his full potential, there’s no question that the addition of Gobert to the class makes it one of the most anticipated pre-season motorcycle racing stories in years.

Gobert will be joining his younger brothers Alex (his Erion Honda teammate) and Aaron, who rides for Graves Yamaha, in Superstock. The possibility exists that the Goberts could become the first brothers to fill all three spots on an AMA road racing podium. Another brother act, the Haydens, Tommy and Roger Lee, will also compete in Superstock in the Kawasaki camp. Tommy, Roger Lee and Nicky Hayden (who now races in the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship) are the only brothers in the history of AMA Pro Racing to fill a national podium. That was at an AMA Grand National race in 2004 at the Springfield, Ill., TT.

Josh Hayes is the defending AMA Superstock champ. Even though the class was very different last year, Hayes is still considered a leading contender to win the title. Hayes will ride an Attack Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Arguably the most talented team overall in Superstock is Graves Yamaha with defending Supersport champ Jamie Hacking, Damon Buckmaster, the aforementioned Aaron Gobert and Jason DiSalvo. The Yamaha R1 has proven blazingly fast in pre-season testing. DiSalvo was the fastest of all Superstock riders in the most recent Daytona tire tests. The team has a solid mix of veterans and young riders and could be a real threat to sweep the podium at Daytona.

Valvoline EMGO Suzuki has been one of the top teams in AMA Pro Racing since the mid-1990s. This year the red, white and blue Valvoline EMGO GSX-Rs will carry Steve Rapp and Vincent Haskovec. The squad has cultivated some of the best young riders in recent years such as John Hopkins (now a factory Suzuki MotoGP rider) and Ben Spies. This season the team is going with older and more established riders and both Rapp and Haskovec could be serious contenders for the Superstock title.

Suzuki goes even deeper in Superstock with teams like Hooters Suzuki with John Haner and Eric Wood; the new Empire Racing Suzuki squad with Chris Caylor and Lee Acree; No Limit Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore, Jimmy Moore and Jason Curtis; and Millennium Technologies Suzuki with last year’s leading Superbike privateer Shawn Higbee.

Wildcards to consider at Daytona include Yamaha Canada’s Pascal Picotte and Larry Pegram, who is forming a new Yamaha-based team. Both are former AMA Superbike winners.

For additional information on the race contact Daytona International Speedway at (386) 253-7223 or visit the website
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

The AMA Repsol Superstock opener will kick-off live SPEED Channel race coverage from the Speedway on Thursday, March 4, at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Supersport Practice Times;

1. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.594
2. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:40.061
3. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:40.258
4. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:40.285
5. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:40.610
6. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:41.074
7. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:41.144
8. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:41.702
9. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:41.924
10. Kai Borre Andersen, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:42.084
11. Craig Jones, Triumph Daytona 600, 1:42.119
12. Werner Daemen, Honda CBR600RR, 1:42.199
13. Matteo Baiocco, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:42.261
14. Max Neukirchner, Honda CBR600RR, 1:42.306
15. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:42.515
16. Sebastien Le Grelle, Honda CBR600RR, 1:42.555
17. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:42.580
18. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:42.959
19. Walter Tortoroglio, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:43.304
20. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:43.328
21. Tobias Kirmeier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:43.521

22. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 749R, 1:43.628

From a press release issued by On One Wheel:

Here is the latest On One Wheel 2004 schedule in its entirety – and please notice we have MORE EAST COAST SCHOOL Dates!! Keep an eye out for upcoming Chicago and Georgia dates soon!

July 9, 10, 11 – Orange County Airport, NY (60 miles north of NYC)

July 23, 24, 25 – Pomona Raceway (35 miles from downtown Los Angeles)

July 29, 30, 31 – Orange County Airport, NY

August 6, 7, 8 – Texas Motor Speedway (North of Ft. Worth)

August 6, 7, 8 – Solano County Fair (Northern California – Vallejo)

August 20, 21, 22 – Orange County Airport, NY

Sept. 10, 11, 12 – Orange County Airport, NY

Sept. 24, 25, 26 – Solano County Fair

Oct. 1, 2, 3 – Orange County Airport, NY


(The above are all one-day classes for you to choose from, though you can sign up for multiple days to really master the art!)

Cost: $495 for the one day school

Damage Deposit: $500 only taken on the day of the school if you damage the bike

Bike: Triumph Speed Triple

Session: Arrive at 8:00am sharp, day ends around 5:00pm

Class size is limited. Pre-registration is a must with first come, first served.

Whitney Fair
On One Wheel
www.ononewheel.com
[email protected]
818-957-7104
fax 818-957-8108

From a press release issued by FGSport:

NEW INTERNATIONAL PRESS & PR OFFICER FOR SBK

Dermot Bambridge has been appointed International Press & PR Officer, by the FGSPORT Group, for the Superbike World Championship. He will take up the appointment at the first round of the 2004 series in Valencia, Spain on 25th February 2004.

Dermot has been involved in motorsport for most of his life. Having realised, at an early age, that he would never make a world champion, he has concentrated on the organisational and PR sides of the sport. His involvement has included being a motorsport journalist before going into Public Relations. He has worked in European truck racing with manufacturer Scania, spent three years in Formula 1 with Goodyear and three years working at Silverstone circuit in several roles related to a wide range of two and four-wheel competition. Last year, he was part of the national media team at both UK rounds of the Superbike World Championship.

“Having been a motorsport journalist, PR and run press rooms at major international events, I understand the needs of all sides involved and hope to provide the information and atmosphere that will help journalists and photographers get what they need and more from their weekends’ racing.” said Dermot Bambridge. “Of all motorsport today, motorcycle racing offers by far the best spectator excitement and no series more so than SBK. It is my goal to work closely with the organisers, teams and media to ensure that the incredible popularity of this series continues to increase. I look forward to the challenge very much.”

The International Press & PR Officer’s functions, amongst others, will be to keep the world’s media up to date with SBK news and to ensure that members of the international media have their accreditation and the facilities they need at each event. He will also liaise with the national press officers with regard to the accreditation of national media and be responsible for the event press conferences during each weekend.

Nino Barra retains responsibility for the Italian national media as National Press Officer for Italy.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon World Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:36.323
2. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:36.683
3. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:36.778
4. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:36.901
5. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:37.208
6. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:37.212
7. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:37.254
8. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:37.713
9. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:37.718
10. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:37.778
11. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:37.897
12. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:37.975
13. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:38.117
14. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.259
15. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:38.510
16. Pierfransco Chili, Ducati 999RS, 1:38.582
17. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.638
18. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:39.057
19. Horst Saiger, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.307
20. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.399
21. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:41.302
22. Miguel Praia, Ducati 999RS, 1:44.739

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

All three members of the Wood racing family crashed Friday during a cold CCS event at Daytona International Speedway.

Family patriarch Jerry Wood got the worst of things when he fell in the International Horseshoe. His right hand got caught under his motorcycle’s handle bar and was ground into the pavement.

According to his son, Jeff, Jerry Wood was scheduled to have surgery Friday to remove debris from the wound in the back of his hand at Halifax Medical Center.

Son Eric crashed next, lowsiding off his Hooters Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the middle of the chicane while leading the GTO race. Wood blamed cold tires and said he suffered a deep bruise that extends from hip-to-knee on his right leg and a strained muscle in his back.

Youngest son Jeff fell last, also crashing out of a race lead (GTU) in the middle of the chicane on cold tires. Jeff Wood escaped injury but his Bettencourts Yamaha suffered major damage.

Jeff and Eric Wood both said they plan to ride Saturday.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

ATTENTION ALL PARTICIPANTS

Registration for the March 1-6, 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship and the March 5 AMA Supercross Series has moved.

The New location is off Midway Boulevard, Gate 70 (back stretch). Follow signs to AMA Pro Racing Registration.

AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship Registration

Monday, March 1, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2, 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 3, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 4, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Friday, March 5, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.



AMA Supercross Series Registration

Thursday, March 4, 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Will-Call Friday, March 5, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

See related post:

2/22/2004 Registration For F-USA/CCS Races At Daytona Moved To Behind Speedway

From a press release issued by Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES (AMERICA) LTD., TO POST BONUS AWARDS IN AMA PRO RACING

Triumph Posts Daytona 600 Bonus Awards in AMA Supersport Championship

NEWNAN, Georgia – February 27, 2004 – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announced today that the company is posting $12,500 in bonus awards for each round of the 2004 AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei to riders competing on a Triumph Daytona 600 and finishing in 1st through 15th positions. Bonuses will be awarded in varying amounts for competitors finishing in these positions.

“Triumph is proud to support AMA Pro Racing and the teams who choose to race the Triumph Daytona 600,” said Todd Andersen, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., Vice President of Marketing. “These awards will give our riders and teams a little extra incentive in this exciting and highly competitive race class.”

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Honda’s Miguel Duhamel Chasing Record-Tying Fifth Daytona 200 By Arai Victory

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 26, 2004) ¯ Honda ace Miguel Duhamel will look to add his name to the Daytona 200 By Arai record book in this year’s 63rd Daytona 200 By Arai on Saturday, March 6 at historic Daytona International Speedway.

Duhamel, the 2003 Daytona 200 By Arai champion, will be gunning for his fifth Daytona 200 By Arai victory, which would tie him for most Daytona 200 By Arai wins with Scott Russell.

Riding the No. 17 new Honda CBR1000RR, Duhamel is one of the pre-race favorites. He expects plenty of competition from his fellow Honda riders Ben Bostrom and Jake Zemke as well as the rest of the field competitors in the 57-lap motorcycle classic.

“There’s going to be tough competition just from this (Honda) camp,” Duhamel said during the December Dunlop tire test. “Jake is going super fast. Ben is going super duper fast. We can’t count the other guys out either.”

Duhamel and Daytona International Speedway go way back. He has been coming to the “World Center of Racing” since he was a youngster watching his father Yvon compete on the historic 3.56-mile road course in the 1960s and ’70s.

The 35-year-old Duhamel, who resides in Las Vegas, Nev., won his first Daytona 200 By Arai in his first Daytona 200 By Arai start in 1991 and earned his other Daytona 200 By Arai victories in 1996, 1999 and 2003, where he outlasted his fellow Honda riders Bostrom and Kurtis Roberts in a thrilling three-bike duel to the checkered flag.

In the Pro Honda Oils Supersport, a support race to the Daytona 200 By Arai, Duhamel has won a record six times. But this year, he won’t be competing in the 18-lap sprint race.

Instead, Duhamel will race in the inaugural Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme At Daytona event on Thursday, March 4.

“Hopefully, we can get six in Xtreme,” Duhamel quipped.

Tickets for the Daytona 200 By Arai as well as the other motorcycle races at Daytona International Speedway are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.