From a press release issued by series organizers:

Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship – round five, Brands Hatch

Saturday July 31 2004

WEBSTER TRIUMPHS IN BRANDS CAULDRON

Castrol Suzuki pair Steve Webster and Paul Woodhead took victory in today’s record breaking race of the fifth round Eastern Airways sidecar series at a sweltering Brands Hatch, Kent but had to work hard for victory.

Webster broke the lap record for the Brands Hatch GP circuit on lap seven as he caught and passed brothers Tim and Tristan Reeves, who finished second in the fifteen lap race. Derek Brindley and Neil Miller were third.

“The first four or five laps were certainly interesting,” said nine-time world champion Webster. “We got bullied a bit at the start and ended up in fourth place so I really had to settle down and then pull my finger out to pass Derek and Tim.”

“We’ll have to give it another go tomorrow,” said Tim Reeves. “It was fun out there but I want to go one place better in race two.”

The guest pairing of Jorg Steinhausen and Trevor Hopkinson had a tough return to the Eastern Airways series, getting bumped at the first two corners. “Our silencer was knocked onto the front wheel,” explained Steinhausen, “so we had to pull in to straighten it. At least we have another race tomorrow.”

Greg Lambert and passenger James Sirrell finished fourth with Bryan Peddar and Rod Steadman fifth. Ben Birchall and his brother Tom were the top placed Yamaha outfit in sixth place.

Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship, round five race one result (15 laps – 62.95km): 1 Steve Webster (Suzuki) 22m59.746s, 2 Tim Reeves (Suzuki) +0.305s, 3 Derek Brindley (Suzuki) +11.844, 4 Greg Lambert (Suzuki) +33.761, 5 Bryan Peddar (Suzuki) +43.945, 6 Ben Birchall (Yamaha) +51.006, 7 Bill Philp (Yamaha) +51.562, 8 Stuart Muldoon (Suzuki) +59.547, 9 Stuart Woodard (Yamaha) +1:03.554, 10 Andy Laidlow (Suzuki) +1:18.110.

Championship points: 1 Webster 203, 2 Reeves 154, 3 Brindley 123, 4 Lambert 107, 5= Richard Gatt (Suzuki), Philp 84, 7 Peddar 82, 8 Muldoon 74, 9 Birchall 51, 10= Andy Peach (Suzuki), Woodard 47.

From a press release issued by series organizers:

WEBSTER HEADS BRANDS PRACTICE SESSIONS

Steve Webster will start this weekend’s two Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship races from pole position after setting the fastest time in this afternoon’s two timed qualifying sessions at Brands Hatch, Kent.

The nine-time world champion lapped his Castrol Suzuki-powered outfit around the sun-drenched 4km Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in 1:29.719, a time set in the first of the two 30-minute sessions.

“We’re running a new engine this weekend,” said Webster, “and it was getting freed off nicely. We’re constantly looking at ways to improve the bike because it’s important to keep moving forward the whole time.”

Second fastest this afternoon was the M&M Suzuki pairing of Tim and Tristan Reeves, a little over a second off Webster’s time, with German ace, Jorg Steinhausen, third fastest, less than a tenth of a second behind the Reeves brothers.

Derek Brindley, winner of the last Eastern Airways sidecar race at Knockhill, was fourth quickest, with Greg Lambert fifth and Bryan Peddar sixth.

Friday practice times:
1 Steve Webster Suzuki 1:29.719
2 Tim Reeves Suzuki 1:30.845
3 Jorg Steinhausen Steinhausen 1:30.915
4 Derek Brindley Suzuki 1:31.679
5 Greg Lambert Suzuki 1:33.273
6 Bryan Peddar Suzuki 1:33.550
7 Bill Philp Yamaha 1:34.107
8 Andy Peach Suzuki 1:34.172
9 Steve Norbury Yamaha 1:34.956
10 Stuart Woodard Suzuki 1:35.194

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s World Supersport Qualifying Results:

1. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.200
2. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.554
3. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.625
4. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.654
5. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.811
6. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.281
7. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.450
8. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.454
9. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.627
10. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.810
11. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.814
12. Max Neukirchner, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.122
13. Yoann Tiberio, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.262
14. Luke Quigley, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.488
15. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.580
16. Anthony West, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.635
17. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.675
18. Denis Sacchetti, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.780
19. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:31.990
20. Tom Tunstall, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.995


More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Yamaha Italia World Supersport Team Newsletter
Date: Friday, 30th July 2004
Circuit: Brands Hatch, m. 4.197
Friday Qualifying
Weather: dry, cloudy/sunny Temperature: air 23° track 38°
Crowd: 15.000

FABIEN ON THE PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW!
Yamaha Racing Italia rider Fabien Foret posted the second fastest lap of the day in this afternoon’s qualifying session at Brands Hatch. In perfect conditions, Fabien finished just three tenths of a second down on championship leader Karl Muggeridge (Honda) despite not being entirely happy with the set-up of his R6 Yamaha. Joining Muggeridge and Fabien on the provisional front row of the grid is Aussie Kevin Curtain (Yamaha) and frenchman Sebastien Charpentier (Honda). Fabien’s team mate Jurgen van den Goorbergh struggled a little with set-up problems today and finished tenth quickest, but he is optimistic that tomorrow will see a marked improvement.

FABIEN FORET – 2nd, 1:29.554
I’m happy enough about my lap time today, but I know that I could’ve been faster on some parts of the track if I had found a good set-up. We spent most of the time today working towards finding a good set-up, but I think part of the problem is the track itself. Many riders complained a little about the grip, so tomorrow is probably going to be better for us all. At the moment I am not so confident about the front, but I am optimistic that we can make a substantial improvement tomorrow.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH – 10th, 1:30.810
Today my goal was to find a good set-up, but I am not yet satisfied that we found exactly what we were looking for. Tomorrow we have to make a big improvement, but I am confident that we can do it.

MAIO MEREGALLI (Team co-ordinator)
Recently we tested in Oschersleben, but that was mainly about tyres – not about preparing for Brands Hatch – and we got some good information. Today, I am happy about Fabien’s performance and am also confident that Jurgen will improve a lot tomorrow and we will end the day with both our riders on the front row.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., is recalling 2004 ZX-10R models due to possible casting flaws in the front wheel.

According to Russ Brenan, Trade/Enthusiast Media Supervisor for Kawasaki, the company is “notifying dealers today and a letter will be sent out to customers on August 2nd.”

Asked what is wrong with the front wheel, Brenan told Roadracingworld.com that “Some of them may have some casting flaws that are undetectable visually so we’re being proactive and replacing the front wheels on all the units that have been retailed thus far.”

Asked if the company knows of any crashes in the U.S. caused by the problem, Brenan said, “We have not been made aware of any at this point, no.”

Brenan said that replacement wheels will be allocated to dealers starting the week of August 2nd. “Customers should contact their dealer upon receipt of their letter,” Brenan said.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Supersport Practice Times:

1. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.227
2. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.429
3. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.460
4. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.551
5. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.685
6. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.959
7. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.049
8. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.068
9. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.510
10. Yoann Tiberio, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.764
11. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.791
12. Luke Quigley, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.923
13. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.930
14. Tom Tunstall, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.226
15. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.273
16. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:32.608
17. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.616
18. Walter Tortoroglio, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.915
19. Denis Sacchetti, Honda CBR600RR, 1:33.233
20. Anthony West, Honda CBR600RR, 1:33.376

From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding:

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING HAS PRESENTED A MASTER AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE MAJORITY STAKE OF THE APRILIA GROUP AND A PROPOSAL FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATIONS OF THE GROUP.

Bologna, July 30 2004 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A.: DMH), in accordance with the terms of the sale process initiated by the advisors of the Aprilia Group (Caretti & Associati and Interbanca), presented today the master agreement for the acquisition of the majority stake of the Aprilia Group and a proposal for the continued operations of the company, with a financial and management contribution for the period necessary to complete the transaction, in the interest of Aprilia and the future combined motorcycle company.

“We were able, notwithstanding the very tight time-frame established by the sale process, to complete the initial due diligence phase and to prepare a master agreement and a proposal for the continued operations of the company of which were are very satisfied,” commented Federico Minoli, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “Within the complicated and delicate negotiations, we rigorously respected the timing and confidentiality obligations necessary for a transaction of this nature, which we were able to do because of the solidity and concreteness of our business plan and the merits and value of our proposal for all stakeholders.

“Our master agreement for the restructuring and continued operations of the Aprilia Group is based on a solid business plan shared with the company and its stakeholders that contemplates a restructuring of the debt and a recapitalization of the group.

“In light of incorrect reports that appeared in some national media which created some commotion in the negotiations and put in jeopardy the reaching of an agreement, we report below the principal elements of the agreement with the specific purpose of providing correct information and reassurance regarding the transaction to all involved stakeholders:

– an agreement will be entered into to support the continued operations of Aprilia Group, with a financial and management contribution by Ducati, until the execution of the definitive agreement, expected to occur in the fall;

– Ducati contemplates a capital increase of at least euro 40 million, to be used for the recapitalization of the Aprilia Group;

– the Aprilia Group’s creditor banks will be provided with a guarantee in respect of a new finance loan extended to the Aprilia Group in May 2004, and such banks will receive some participation in the upside through the conversion of part of the debt into Ducati shares, which are listed on the NYSE and on the Italian Stock Exchange;

– the debt of the bondholders will be protected in a manner to be determined pursuant to negotiations with the bondholders’ meeting;

– the continuing operations of the Aprilia Group will be guaranteed to suppliers, thereby guaranteeing their present and future revenues;

– and current shareholders will be given a non-operative role consistent with their competencies and professional prestige in the market and representative of the history and tradition of the Aprilia Group.

“Lastly, we emphasize our intention to maintain the identity of each of the trademarks of the Aprilia Group, which are tied to their own history and geographic area, and the respect of each of the current production sites.”

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former Bimota distributor Moto Point plans to distribute Benelli motorcycles in the U.S. beginning later this year.

More information is available from:

Bob Smith, Moto Point
www.motocorse.net
www.motopoint.com
[email protected]
724.593.6208

From a press release issued by SPEED Channel:

2 wheel tuesday host experiences “ride of his life”

Speed channel’s greg white takes flight in f-16 fighter jet

Greg White, host of SPEED Channel’s 2 Wheel Tuesday, experienced the ride of his life last week as he took flight with the 178th Fighter Wing at the Air National Guard Base in Springfield, Ohio. White was in the air for nearly two hours, taking part in six air-to-air combat training simulations.

“The coolest thing about going up in the F-16 was the fact that it was not your typical civilian ride,” White said. “We actually went up and got to dog fight with two other F-16s. We flew to the 178th Fighter Wing practice area and got to experience a total of six head-on engagements — and we were the target! The only problem was, when we started a 6-G turn, there was no warning!”

White’s experience will be shown in a multi-part feature beginning Aug. 3 at 8 pm ET on SPEED Channel’s 2 Wheel Tuesday.

“…there is a certain thrill when you go out and carve things,” said Maj. Zane Brown, an instructor pilot who goes by the call sign ‘Insane.’ “So, when you’re not doing 500 knots at 100 feet, it’s nice to do 100 knots at five feet — that way, it is some of the same thrill.”

First deployed in 1979, the F-16 reaches a speed of Mach 2, equivalent to twice the speed of sound. With a flight range of more than 2,000 nautical miles, the jet costs more than $26 million.

“The ride was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life,” White said. “Maj. Bernie Willis, an F-16 Flight Instructor for the Ohio Air National Guard, contacted me about a year ago. When we got close to Mid-Ohio for the AMA Superbike Series we started to talk about doing this ride. It was great to see how things panned out and the fact that we (2 Wheel Tuesday) got to experience what it’s like to take a ride in one of the fastest and most agile aircraft in the world — it was unforgettable. The fact that it is all on tape and will air this week is even better.

“Since the ride, I’ve found out just how many people want to go up in a fighter jet,” White added. “I have had a ton of people tell me how jealous they are. I graduated college from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I can tell you, the jealously stretches from the motorcycle racing world to all my college buddies who went on to become commercial pilots.”

The experience also gave White a new appreciation for the Air National Guard and a connection between the world of motorcycle racing and the world of the fighter pilot.

“In addition to the actual flight in the F-16, we got to sit down with one student pilot, three flight instructors and one ex-fighter pilot to discuss the mentality of a fighter pilot vs. a motorcycle enthusiast,” White said. “It is truly amazing how similar a fighter pilot and a professional motorcycle racer think. That is one feature on 2 Wheel Tuesday that will be both entertaining and open up some eyes into the psyche of fighter pilots. This week we are going to have a great show!”

In 2004, SPEED Channel is the exclusive U.S. cable home for many of the top motor sports series in the world. In addition, SPEED’s weekly programming schedule brings car enthusiast television to Prime Time Monday through Thursday. Now available in more than 67 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and the home to NASCAR TV.