From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI FILA’S 2004 CAMPAIGN GETS UNDERWAY IN SPAIN

Valencia (Spain), 26 February 2004: The championship winning Ducati Fila team launched its 2004 World Superbike campaign this afternoon in Valencia, Spain, the day before the season action gets underway at the Ricardo Tormo circuit. With 2003 champion Neil Hodgson and team-mate Ruben Xaus both moving to MotoGP with the satellite Ducati team, Regis Laconi and James Toseland now have the task of continuing Ducati’s successful record in the world’s most important and prestigious production-based championship. Fourth and third respectively last year, the Frenchman and his British team-mate start the season amongst the favourites for the Superbike title, which reaches its seventeenth edition this year.

Ducati have a superb record in World Superbike, the Italian manufacturer winning 12 of the 16 titles so far and picking up 10 Riders’ crowns. Raymond Roche started the ball rolling in 1990 and the Frenchman was followed onto the winners’ rostrum by Texan Doug Polen in 1991 and 1992. British legend Carl Fogarty scored back-to-back championship wins in 1994 and 1995, repeating the double victory in 1998 and 1999. Two Troys from Australia, Corser and Bayliss, both etched their names into the record books with wins in 1996 and 2001, while Hodgson won the title last year with the new 999 model.

After a successful start to their partnership in 2003, Ducati and title sponsor Fila will be lining up once again this year with a new Anglo-French rider pairing, an updated version of the 999 and a new tyre package from exclusive championship supplier Pirelli but with exactly the same desire to win that was demonstrated last year.

“Our commitment to the World Superbike Championship is unchanged” declared Ducati Corse Managing Director, Claudio Domenicali. “We can see the positive effect of the development in the Superbike machine directly in our Ducati production bikes. It’s clearly visible in the 999R and the 749R we have produced for this year and therefore we continue to use racing as the best ‘dyno’ to test and check the development and evolution of the entire Superbike family. Once again considerable development work has been carried out with our technical partner, Shell Advance, to improve the performance of the bike.”

“In particular with this year’s Ducati 999 Factory ‘04, we can find a lot of detail improvement, especially with internal modifications that further improve the global performance of the engine. For example, we developed the whole piston and connecting rod group in order to reduce the overall weight and friction, therefore to increase power output. Really the bike is the same but there are a lot of tiny modifications, which are the normal development of a bike that has already proved to be a winning concept last year. It didn’t need any major changes to continue to improve its performance.”

Team Director Paolo Ciabatti added: “Our 2004 riders, Regis and James, came third and fourth in WSBK last year and showed great determination and potential during our winter tests on the 999. The competition is going to be very even this year because of the spec tyre rule, and also because we have supplied a very competitive bike, the 999RS, which is very similar to our Factory machines, to several other Ducati teams. I am sure that Chili, Haga, McCoy and Martin, as well as our other rivals, will be very competitive and that the Superbike races are going to be as fun to watch as they used to be.”

Laconi starts the 2004 season as one of the favourites for the crown after a series of good results in 2003 for the private NCR Ducati team earned him a place in the factory squad. The 28-year-old from St. Dizier is one of a select group of riders to have won at 500cc and Superbike level and hopes to become the first Frenchman to win the WSBK crown since Roche in 1990.

“I can’t wait to start the first race because we’ve done well in testing so far and I’m feeling really confident” declared Laconi. “We haven’t seen all our potential yet but so far I think we have done a good job with the team and with the new Pirelli tyres. Starting the new season with the factory Ducati Fila team is not a big problem for me, the bike is different and the tyres are different but these are the only two things I have to learn. I think the big difference in me now is that I have more experience and I use it better than before. I’ve waited a long time to be in a good factory team and they can help me do my best. I’m sure it’s not going to be easy out there for me this year because you mustn’t forget guys like James, Chili, Haga, McCoy, but the most important thing is to get the first race over with, hopefully with a win, to see where we are.”

His team-mate will be the 23-year-old James Toseland, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of his GSE Racing predecessors Bayliss and Hodgson in moving to the factory team and becoming World Superbike champion.

“I’m ready for the new season, now with the Fila Ducati team there’s a lot of pressure on board but I’m handling it well and looking forward to the first race” declared Toseland. “I’ve had a few mishaps in winter testing at Valencia and Phillip Island but now everything is going well, the times are there and thereabouts, I’m just looking forward to getting the first race meeting in to see where I’m at. I actually like Valencia now, testing here two weeks ago was the final shakedown to get the bike as good as you need it and I concentrated on getting the best set-up because it will become the benchmark for the rest of the season. The championship will see things close at the front, in my opinion there will be quite a few winners but until you find out where you’re at with a race distance on new tyres and new bikes, you just don’t know. With the same tyres, things will be evened out and there’ll hopefully be a scrap to the end and that’s what people want to watch.”

CIRCUIT INFO
Name: Ricardo Tormo.
Length: 4005 m.
Pole Position: Right.
Corners Left/Right: 9/5.
Finish Line Length: 876m.

STATISTICS
Best lap: Hodgson (Ducati), 1:34.633 (2003).
Lap record: Hodgson (Ducati), 1:35.007 (2003).
Superpole: Bayliss (Ducati), 1:34.814 (2002).

From a press release written by Eddie Lawson’s girlfriend and issued today by Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.:

EDDIE LAWSON SETS PERSONAL-BEST SPEED RECORD –
EXCEEDS MACH ONE IN BLUE ANGELS FLIGHT



El Centro, Calif., February 20, 2004 – Best known for his skills on two-wheels, four-time motorcycle road racing world champion Eddie Lawson today took to the skies with the famous Blue Angels. Lawson, who along with Lt. Justin Otto, flew the F/A-18 Hornet 12,000 feet above the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, Calif., the Blue Angels winter testing grounds.

“Wow, talk about shock and awe, I’m just shocked ya’ll let me fly in this jet,” exclaimed Lawson after stepping onto the tarmac. “What I experienced is simply indescribable, I always have had the greatest respect for our military and especially for these pilots and now even more so. They are so smart, they’re engineers, tacticians, and athletes all rolled into one.”



Founded in 1946 by Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, the Blue Angels represent the finest that the Navy and Marine Corps have to offer. Each team member, whether officer or enlisted, is handpicked from the fleet to be a part of the Blue Angels.

“Eddie epitomizes the characteristics we represent in the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Lt. Otto. “It’s an honor for us to share our passion for flying and our love of serving our country with him.”

Lawson began his professional racing career on the dirt tracks of Southern California during the mid-1970s. He made the switch to road racing by the late-1970s and won his first road-racing championship in 1980. After winning four American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) national titles, he moved on to the FIM Grand Prix world championship arena in 1983 to compete in the 500cc class. During his decade on the Grand Prix circuit, Lawson won four-world championship titles, the most by any American to this day.
Today Lawson continues his relationship with Yamaha, the company that he captured three of his world championships with, as well as the prestigious Suzuka Eight Hour endurance race, and two Daytona 200 titles, America’s top motorcycle racing event. He feeds his “need for speed” by competing in International Karting Federation (IKF) events in his Yamaha-powered twin-250cc superkart, and now, rides with the Blue Angels…whenever they’ll let him.

From a press release issued by Augusta Triumph:

Augusta Triumph/Ducati is pleased to announce our 2004 Racing Team. We are excited to begin our 2004 race season with two Triumph Daytona 600s at Daytona on March 6, 2004.

Joining Steven Breckenridge is our newest addition to the team, Mark Crozier.

We look forward to a successful racing season with the help of the following sponsors: Bridgestone, Hyperpro, Spiegler, LSL, Pit Bull, Penske, Sharkskinz, GMD, Applyd Kinetics, and VP Fuels. Steven’s sponsors include Arai and Joe Rocket clothing, while Mark is sponsored by Shoei, Spidi, and XES.

From a press release issued by American Honda:

American Honda Motor Company’s Motorcycle Division Expands Racing Contingencies


Torrance, CA – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announces it’s (sic) racing contingency program for 2004. The 2004 contingency program will post more than 7 million dollars at over 700 events across the country and will now include ATV, Off-Road/Enduro and Supermoto events in addition to Supercross, Motocross, Dirt Track and Road Racing.

With the addition of the new TRX450R to the line, this year’s program is expanded to cover ATV events in 3 series nationwide. Also new to this year’s schedule, Enduro competitors aboard a CRF, CR or XR, will have the benefit of contingencies in the AMA GNCC series and WORCS series. CRF450R riders will be happy to hear that Supermoto, which was added mid-year last year, will again be on the contingency schedule.

“We love to race, and support those who race ” said Ray Blank, Vice President of American Honda’s Motorcycle Division, “with payouts at over 700 events nationwide, this is one of the most aggressive racing support programs in the industry.”

Payouts will be credited to the Red Rider Rewards card – the industry’s first and only contingency debit card. Racers can use the Red Rider Rewards card anywhere Visa is accepted.

For complete details on events included, eligibility and payout schedules please go to www.hondaredriders.com.


About Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through Honda authorized dealers. For further information about Honda products, racing teams, programs, and dealer locations, visit the Honda web site at: www.honda.com.

From a press release:

Greenwood and Team Argo Cycles Will Defend F-USA #1 Plate in 2004

MANCHESTER, N.H. -This weekend, Scott Greenwood of Team Argo Cycles plans on continuing his good form at Daytona International Speedway. Greenwood will be competing the full season schedule of the Formula USA series hoping to retain the 600 Sportbike Championship he earned in 2003 aboard private Yamaha YZF R6s.

Recently awarded the “Privateer of the Year Award for 2003” by Lockhart Phillips USA, Scott says “This season is going to be even tougher competition wise in the F-USA Series. We had some success last year and I am planning on keeping that momentum going with me into Daytona next weekend,” explained Greenwood. “Team Argo Cycles is a small outfit and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I hope to continue to build on that in 2004.”

In addition to the Formula USA series, Team Argo Cycles will be competing in selected AMA events throughout the year as well. The first AMA Supersport round in Daytona is slated to be Team Argo’s first chance against the top factory teams in the country.

“The AMA races are always a good reference point for me to see where I am at and hopefully I can have some good results.”

Scott Greenwood & Team Argo Cycles are proud to be supported in 2004 by: Arai Helmets, Argo Cycles, Artistimo.com, Bryan Sportbike Paint, Dunlop, GMD Computrack Boston, Hindle, Hot Bodies, Klucky Pucks, Lone Wrench Performance, Lockhart-Phillips USA, Motion Cycle Center, Penske Racing Shocks, RK Chain, Spectro Oils, Spy, Telephone Systems Efficiency, Vanson Leathers, Vortex Racing, and Woodcraft.

From a press release issued by Trackside Racer’s Supply:

Trackside Racer’s Supply 2004 Win, Win and Win again contingency offer

Finish in the top five in any regional or national race and win part of Pirelli’s $2.3 million contingency certificates. Full details on their contingency can be found at www.us.pirellimoto.com

The Expert who wins the highest overall dollar figure in Pirelli certificates and redeems those certificates with Trackside Racer’s Supply or any one of their sub-distributors will win a 2005 GSXR1000. The GSXR1000 will be race prepared by Vesrah Racing.

The Novice who wins the highest overall dollar figure in Pirelli certificates and redeems those certificates with Trackside Racer’s Supply or any one of their sub-distributors will win a 2005 GSXR600. The GSXR600 will be race prepared by Vesrah Racing.

Contest Rules:

1) Must Race on Pirelli tires all year

2) Must list TRS as sponsor

3) Must place TRS stickers on front fender

4) Only certificates redeemed through TRS and their sub-distributors will count towards your total.

5) All totals will be verified and winners will be contacted after the GNF results are posted.

Updates will be posted throughout the year at www.TracksideRacerssupply.com



Supporting Sponsors:

Trackside Racer’s Supply, Pirelli U.S.A., American Suzuki, and Vesrah Racing

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Valvoline Roars into Daytona 200 Week With Chance for Bikers to Cruise Daytona International Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2004) –The Valvoline Company and Daytona International Speedway announced today that Valvoline would be the Official Motor Oil for Daytona 200 Week and would offer riders the opportunity to cruise the famed Daytona International Speedway track.

“We’ve become involved in Daytona 200 Week for two reasons,” said Valvoline Motorsports Manager Mikel Hartman. “First, we’re the Official Motor Oil of Daytona International Speedway. And second, we have introduced the Valvoline line of motorcycle oils. The products are available at AutoZone stores and we want riders to know they can save money on the right oils for their bikes.”

The “Best Looking Bike Contest” will be held throughout the week at the Valvoline displays at the Speedway and at Beach Street — and on March 5 at the Nova Road AutoZone store with 100 qualifiers then participating in the ‘Valvoline 100 Parade Lap’ the morning of March 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

Valvoline Motorcycle Oils contain proprietary blends of premium base oils and advanced additive technology to help bike owners achieve peak performance from their machines. Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil is recommended for use in 4-stroke motorcycles including cruisers and off-road bikes. Valvoline 2-Stroke Motorcycle Oil can be used in both liquid cooled and air cooled 2-stroke motorcycles. Find out more at www.valvoline.com

Riders are eligible for sample quarts of the new Valvoline motor oils and a Valvoline Motorcycle Bandana. In addition to lubricants, Valvoline’s Eagle One division will be handing out samples of products designed to enhance the appearance of even the most exotic bikes.

Valvoline is a division of Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH), a Fortune 500 transportation construction, chemicals and petroleum company providing products, services and customer solutions throughout the world. Through the dedication of our employees, we are “The Who In How Things Work*.” Find us at www.ashland.com.

From a press release issued by Proforma:

DANNY ESLICK TO RIDE AMA ROAD RACE AND DIRT TRACK AT DAYTONA

Danny Eslick, the 17-year-old road racer and dirt tracker from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma will pull double duty during Daytona Bike Week, racing at both Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Municipal Stadium over the course of four days of competition, March 3rd through 6th.

Danny will race his Millenium Technologies Suzuki GSX-R600 in the AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport event on the high banks of the speedway, then move to the AMA Short Track Hot Shoe and Grand National events at Municipal Stadium in the evenings, racing a Dan Dafner-backed Suzuki DR-Z400. “I’m ready to go racing!,” said Danny. “I’ve been doing a lot of training over the winter, riding my bicycle, working out, but now I’m ready to put all the hard work to use. I’m excited about the new 600, I’ve been helping the KWS crew get the bikes together and they’re gonna be really good. Doing the dirt track will be cool because I get to race with my brother A.J., who’s on the Suzuki factory dirt track team.”

Danny debuted in AMA Pro road race and dirt track competition in 2003, riding five Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock events with the Attack Suzuki team, as well as five selected dirt track events, winning the H-D Sportster Performance dirt track race at Springfield in May, and also qualifying for and finishing 13th in the GNC main event at Springfield in September (out of 106 qualifiers). Danny has won several AMA Amateur dirt track championships in the past, as well as CMRA regional road race titles.

Danny’s personal sponsors include American Suzuki, Millenium Technologies, KWS Motorsports, Teknic Leathers, Shoei Helmets, Shogun Motorsports and Red Bull Energy Drinks.

From a press release:

Edge Performance Riding Courses 2004 dates!

EPRC is pleased to announce our 2004 trackday and trackschool schedule. Returning riders may note the addition of dates at Heartland Park Raceway in Topeka, KS, and Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Beloit, IL.

EPRC hosts professional trackdays and
trackschools, utilizing a sessions philosophy to
ensure the safety and health of trackday
participants. In this vein, EPRC hosts a
continental breakfast during the mandatory
morning rider’s meeting.

EPRC is proud to announce the retention of Gareth Jones as Chief Instructor for EPRC Trackschool. Gareth brings 30-plus years of worldwide roadracing experience to EPRC’s classroom and on-track instruction. Additional instructors provide a 1-3 instructor to student ratio, to ensure comprehensive and individualized attention. EPRC is currently accepting resumes for expert-level roadracers interested in becoming EPRC instructors. Please email “[email protected]” for requirements
and to submit your resume.

EPRC is also proud to announce additional
benefits for its “Kneedraggers Club” members. In addition to discounted trackday prices,
Kneedraggers members are eligible for special
pricing from our trackside service providers, as
well as complimentary use of an Ultra-Lap lap
timer for your trackday. Please see our website
for complete details.

Edge Performance Riding Courses would like to
thank its 2004 sponsors, including Yamaha, Red
Bull, Manley Cycle, Carbone-Lorraine Brakes,
Pinnacle Signs, Midwest Roadrace, Ultra-Lap
laptimers and Mason Racin’ Tires.

Schedule:
4/19/04: MidAmerica Motorplex, Glenwood, IA
5/10/04: Heartland Park Raceway, Topeka, KS
6/21/04: Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
7/19/04: Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
7/24/04: Heartland Park Raceway, Topeka, KS
8/23/04: Blackhawk Farms Raceway, Beloit, IL
9/06/04: Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
9/20/04: MidAmerica Motorplex, Glenwood, IA
10/04/04: Blackhawk Farms Raceway, Beloit, IA


For Additional info call 763.531.1947 or e-mail [email protected]