From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

HONDA RIDERS READY FOR EARLY START AT VALENCIA

For the past two years the World Supersport Riders’ Championship has gone the way of competitors who chose Honda CBR power to propel them to the position of Supersport’s supreme gladiator. As the new World Supersport season commences at Valencia this coming weekend the collective Honda teams will be vying for an unprecedented third straight Riders’ Championship, using updated versions of the same CBR600RR which convincingly headed the race winning totals in 2003.

The man who won the last three Supersport races of the 2003 season is Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) and he returns in race-ready form, having dominated the off season testing sessions at the favoured shakedown venue of Valencia. The most recent test, a three-day official SBK gathering, saw Muggeridge break the track record, with an outstanding time of 1:37.655

Muggeridge is joined in the Ten Kate Honda team by another Australian maestro in the making, Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR). A protégé of 1987 World Champion Wayne Gardner, Parkes was a podium finisher for Honda last year, and after a swap to the Ten Kate team is in perfect shape to challenge for race wins in what is only his second World Supersport season.

The man who challenged the Ten Kate Honda riders most consistently in pre-season testing is the vastly experienced Supersport entity, Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR). Charpentier’s credentials were re-embossed in some style after he joined the Klaffi team mid-season in 2003 but by contrast a new talent from Germany is having his first four-stroke racing experience in 2004. Max Neukirchner (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) has a strong pedigree in the European 250cc championship, a track record that belies his formal status of Supersport rookie this year.

The supported Honda ranks have been swelled by the talents of two new CBR riders, Alessio Corradi (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) and new full time World Supersport rider Denis Sacchetti (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR).

As the first race of the year rapidly approaches all the CBR-mounted protagonists can be buoyed by the fact that not one but three Honda riders (Muggeridge, Charpentier and Parkes) headed up the time sheets at the recent official SBK tests in Spain.

The pre-season preparations for the leading Honda lights could hardly have been more encouraging, especially for quickest man of all, Muggeridge.

“I’ve done so many laps of testing here in the winter that I left the official SBK sessions at Valencia feeling dizzy,” said the four times race winner in the run up to the first race of the year. “We have tested everything we had to test and gathered all the set-up info we could. I just want to get down to riding competitively, whether it’s in qualifying or in the race. It’s going to be a tough year – but it’s always a tough year.”

Charpentier’s pre-season prowess gives him good reason to feel confident on race eve, as does his position of number 1 rider in the proven Klaffi outfit. “It’s good to start the season in the team I finished last year with. We showed that we make a good combination and we also set fast times in the pre-season tests at Valencia. I’m happy and I feel ready.”

Parkes, who shone in his only previous Ten Kate outing at the tail end of the 2003 season, reckons he is in almost the perfect pre-season position. “We’ve done a lot of work in testing, got the set-up pretty much worked out and tested a lot of tyres. The thing I’m most happy about is being in a team that works so well. Not only that, I’m also on a CBR that is consistently quick.”

The Austrian-based Klaffi team’s new German talent Neukirchner is on the brink of his WSS introduction, taking a realistic outlook in what will be a whole new experience for him.
“I hope that I can be solidly in the top 20 for most of this weekend,” said Neukirchner “and then go for a top 15 if possible. I’m very pleased to have been given this opportunity in World Supersport, especially in the Klaffi team, which is very professional and very competitive.”

Corradi, who has found the season coming along too soon for an ideal start in his latest new adventure, is still getting to know his CBR600RR. “In the final official test sessions we have carried out all the jobs that we could not do earlier in the winter,” said Corradi after three days of tests in mid-February. “The main difference between my new CBR and the previous bike I rode is in the chassis. We worked hard throughout our Valencia test and made enormous steps.” Big enough steps, in fact, to place Corradi ninth out of the 27 riders on show earlier this month.

Sacchetti ended his pre-season preparations familiarising himself with his new machine and Valencia’s track layout, in preparation for the real job in hand this weekend. “I worked on the basics so far, such as riding position and the unique aspects of the track,” said 18-year-old Sacchetti. “Having shared the track with the other top riders I know there is a lot of work for me to concentrate on to reach the top level. I hope to be on a competitive level by the time we get to the first Italian round of the season, at Misano in April.”

The first qualifying session of the year will take place on Friday 27 February; with the race itself currently scheduled for its traditional 13.20 CET start on Sunday 29.

The sixth season of full World Championship status Supersport racing currently consists of ten confirmed rounds, the second of which will take the field halfway around the world to Phillip Island in Australia, on March 28.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

DAYTONA TV PLATTER SURE TO SATISFY RACING FANS

SPEED Channel to provide over 21 hours of coverage from Bike Week 2004

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (February 25, 2004) — Racing fans will have a veritable feast of television coverage of Bike Week 2004 from Daytona Beach, Fla. SPEED Channel will feature over 21 hours of coverage of the biggest week in motorcycle racing. Highlights of this year’s SPEED Channel Daytona programming include same day coverage of the first ever Daytona Supercross by Honda to run under the lights on Friday night, March 5, beginning at 9 p.m. Live coverage will culminate with the broadcast of the 63rd Daytona 200 by Arai on Saturday, March 6.

“We’re excited to bring fans all the great action from Daytona,” said SPEED VP of Programming Robert Ecker. “This marks the third year we’ve provided comprehensive television coverage of the motorcycle races and we’re especially excited about bringing viewers three hours of same-day coverage from the first nighttime Daytona Supercross.”

Tuesday, March 2

Coverage from Daytona will kick off with 2 Wheel Tuesday with Greg White, primetime at 8 p.m. Eastern on March 2. White will undoubtedly show highlights of the vintage races and preview the upcoming AMA Pro Races and is sure to have some special guests on the show.

Wednesday, March 3

Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain continues the Daytona theme on Wednesday and Thursday nights live from the studio at Daytona International Speedway at 10 p.m. Eastern. Despain, one of the foremost experts on motorcycle racing, will bring in special guests for the shows and take calls from the national audience.

Thursday, March 4

Live racing coverage gets underway on Thursday, March 4, at 3 p.m. Eastern with the broadcast of the AMA Repsol Superstock final. Brian Drebber and David Sadowski will provide play-by-play of the races, while Greg White and Ralph Sheheen will keep fans abreast of the behind-the-scenes action in the pits; all anchored by Dave Despain in the Victory Lane Studio. This will be the inaugural race under AMA Pro Racing’s new 1000cc street-based Supersport rules. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha are all fielding factory teams in the class this year. The buzz coming into this year’s Superstock opener is the return to AMA racing of Aussie Anthony Gobert. Gobert will ride an Erion Racing Honda CBR1000RR in the Superstock final.

The AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme final gets underway with live coverage at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The new formula in Formula Xtreme in 2004 is loaded with talent. AMA racing champs like Miguel Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Jason Pridmore and Jimmy Moore are slated to go head-to-head.

Friday, March 5

This year’s Daytona Supercross by Honda will be historic by virtue of being the first time the most grueling Supercross race on the calendar will run under the lights and SPEED Channel will be there to provide three hours of coverage. Yamaha’s Chad Reed hopes to add his name to the list of Daytona Supercross winners, but he’ll face a tough challenge from the likes of Honda riders Kevin Windham and Mike LaRocco. James Stewart will make his Daytona debut in the 125 East class.

Saturday, March 6

Saturday, March 6, will be motorcycle racing overload on SPEED Channel. The day begins bright and early at 10:30 a.m. with live coverage of the AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport by Shoei. Since this series began at Daytona 17 years ago, it has consistently provided some of the closest racing in all of Bike Week. Former winners of this race include great riders such as Doug Polen, John Kocinski, Doug Chandler, Kurtis Roberts and Miguel Duhamel to name a few.

At 11:30 a.m. the cylinder-banging action of the BMW Boxer Cup will be shown live. This race features riders from all over the world racing wheel-to-wheel on equally prepared BMWs. Last year’s inaugural race provided heart-pounding action with riders going five and six abreast at top speed down Daytona’s tri-oval.

While fans at Daytona International Speedway will get a break in the action, the SPEED Channel television audience gets to have a little AMA Progressive Insurance Grand National racing action with their lunch. Defending series champ Chris Carr will be racing to become the first four-time winner at Daytona Beach’s Municipal Stadium. This race will also kick off the 50th Anniversary season of the AMA Grand National Championship.

The Daytona 200 by Arai Pre-Race Show hosted by Dave Despain starts at 1:30 p.m. leading up to the 2:00 p.m. green flag of the 63rd running of the Daytona 200 by Arai. Honda’s Miguel Duhamel is hoping to tie Scott Russell’s record of five Daytona 200 wins this year.

Tuesday, March 9

2 Wheel Tuesday with Greg White will wrap up the weeklong coverage of Daytona 2004. White will give a comprehensive wrap-up of all of Daytona’s major racing activities.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI CONCLUDE SUCCESSFUL TESTS

Team Suzuki Press Office – February 25th 2004
Team Suzuki MotoGP were able to conclude their test programme in Australia one day early today, after encouraging lap times had rewarded excellent progress through the full programme of planned tests.

Lap times are not being released, but according to rider Kenny Roberts Jr., who won the 500cc World Championship for Suzuki in 2000, “We were quicker than last year’s qualifying tyre times using race tyres, and we were doing it easier.”

Roberts was testing in spite of still nursing bad bruising from a high-speed tumble at Malaysian tests less than a fortnight before. “With the season coming, Suzuki need me to give them as much information as possible, so it was important to test even though I wasn’t 100 percent physically,” he said.

Former Suzuki World Superbike rider Gregorio Lavilla also joined the tests, his second time in place of team regular John Hopkins, who is recuperating from ankle fractures after a Supercross accident in California in January.

Originally, four days had been scheduled for the tests, where the team were riding an evolution version of last year’s bike, with continuing changes in all areas.

In spite of variable conditions (and, for Kenny Roberts, one unpleasant high-speed seagull strike!) the team was able to complete the programme in only three days. This gives the Suzuki factory race department extra time to process and respond to the information gathered, in preparation for the next outing, at Valencia in Spain on March 6 and 7. Hopkins is expected to be fit enough to resume his test programme at that time.

Two further tests remain, before the season begins with the South African GP on April 18.


KENNY ROBERTS Jr.:On the first day, I felt quite stiff and sore, and it seemed a little early to be back on the bike. As the test progressed, the bike got easier to ride. With the season coming, Suzuki need me to give them as much information as possible, so it was important to ride, and they were able to get a pretty good test out of me.

We had a plan to get the test done so as to make clear progress, and keep things simple. We did it strategically, and made improvements every time we went out.

We ended up quicker than last year’s times on qualifying tyres, using race tyres. It doesn’t mean we’re fast, but we’re going in a good direction, and it’s nice to have some decent lap times.

I feel the factory has more idea this year what the riders need from the bike, and I was also able to test some of the new Bridgestone tyres. I’m looking forward to the next test now.


TEAM MANAGER – GARRY TAYLOR: It was a good test. We don’t want to give out lap times, but we’re pleased with the result. We seem well on the way to sorting out the niggling problems that frustrated us last year, and Kenny is in a very positive frame of mind. You could see from his movements that he was still in some pain, but he gave everything to the test.

We were also really lucky to have the services of Gregorio Lavilla. He is very clear and precise in his feelings about the bike, and made a big contribution.

We’re still using last year’s machines, but modified and evolved in every department. The factory has obviously been very busy since our last test, and they are working very hard.

We achieved all that we needed in three days rather than four, and it was nice to have such an upbeat finish to a really positive test.

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Demo Rides, Displays, New Schedule Highlight Activities At The Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 25, 2004) — Do you want to ride the latest and greatest motorcycles during Daytona 200 Week?

Well, Daytona International Speedway offers that opportunity with free manufacturer demo rides.

Motorcycle enthusiasts can check out displays and demo rides from manufacturers such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Buell, Yamaha, Aprilia, Moto-Guzzi, BMW, Harley Davidson, Victory, Boss Hoss and Bourget Bike Works.

Riders must hold a valid motorcycle driver license and DOT approved helmet in order to participate in the demo rides. Demo rides will run Sunday, Feb. 29 through Friday, March 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Honda will have a new and improved demo and vendor display area to showcase all-new motorcycle models.

There will also be numerous custom bike manufacturers located in Fan Walk outside of Turn 4 including the custom engine builder S&S Cycles, American Ironhorse, Ridley Customs, Milwaukee Iron and many more.

In addition to the demo rides, Daytona International Speedway will host hundreds of vendor displays and the AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show, where riders can pick up the latest in parts, accessories and apparel.

The AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show, located in the hospitality village in front of the NEXTEL Tower, will be open Tuesday, March 2 through Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The American Iron Magazine Bike Show will be staged in the DAYTONA USA parking lot on Wednesday, March 3 through Friday, March 5. There will be a different show on each day – import motorcycles on Wednesday, March 3, pre-1984 American motorcycles on Thursday, March 4 and all customized American motorcycles on Friday, March 5. Registration opens each day at 10 a.m.

Inside the Speedway, fans will see exciting motorcycle races from Championship Cup Series, Formula USA, American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHRMA), BMW BoxerCup, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Professional Road Racing and AMA Supercross Series.

The Daytona 200 Week schedule has a new look in 2004.

A fan favorite, the AMA Hot Shoe and AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship races, traditionally held on Friday night and Saturday night at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, have moved to Wednesday night, March 3 and Thursday, March 4.

Daytona 200 Week culminates with the AMA Chevrolet Superbike season-opening Daytona 200 By Arai, which will be held for the first time on Saturday afternoon, March 6. Honda’s Miguel Duhamel, the 2003 Daytona 200 By Arai winner, will be shooting for a record-tying fifth Daytona 200 By Arai triumph.

The Daytona Supercross By Honda, traditionally held on Saturday afternoon, will be contested for the first time under the lights on Friday night, March 5.

“With the demo rides and displays along with all of the exciting motorcycle races, Daytona International Speedway will be the place to be for bikers,” Speedway President Robin Braig said.

To purchase tickets for any of the motorcycle races, go online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

From a press release issued by Fastrack Riders Association:

MARCH 12TH EVENT MOVED to MARCH 19th!


Fastrack Riders Cal. Speedway March 12th date Moved

“California Speedway informed us there was a scheduling conflict regarding our Fastrack Riders Friday, March 12th event just before the first WERA West Roadracing event,” stated David Pyles, “therefore we had to move that event to March 19th one week late. We are really disappointed but it was a breakdown in the communication process that created the problem. We know a lot of racers will be disappointed as they wanted to use that day to familiarize themselves with the track and get their bikes set up for the race weekend.”

Fastrack Riders February event was a rain out so Sunday, May 30th is being added to our schedule.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

FUCHS KAWASAKI CONCLUDE PHILLIP ISLAND TEST EARLY

With the test schedule completed, and Shinya Nakano having improved on his first day lap time by almost two seconds, the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team concluded their Phillip Island test this afternoon, one day earlier than originally planned.

A lack of rear grip caused problems for Nakano during the first two days of the test, with the 26-year-old Japanese rider struggling to feel comfortable on his Ninja ZX-RR around the ultra-fast Phillip Island circuit. But, improvements in rear set up this morning, combined with near perfect test conditions, allowed Nakano to regain his confidence and set his fastest lap time of the test.

Nakano’s Fuchs Kawasaki teammate, Alex Hofmann, has also suffered problems with rear traction at the Phillip Island circuit, with the result that he missed out on ideal test conditions this morning, as he and his pit crew worked to solve the problem. A change of set up led to an improvement in the afternoon, but while the 23-year-old German managed to improve upon his previous best lap time, he was frustrated not to have been closer to the time of his teammate.

Shinya Nakano: 1:31.75 (62 laps)
“I wasn’t really confident with the feeling of the bike on the first two days of the test, but I’m happy with the fact that we’ve made some progress today. The main problem has been a lack of rear grip, but we found a good setting on the rear this morning when the conditions on track were near perfect, and this allowed me to set my fastest time of the three days. This afternoon we concentrated on tyre testing, as it’s important that we give the Bridgestone technicians as much feedback as possible for their development programme. Overall I’m happy with the progress we’ve made today, and the fact that we’ve continued to make improvements to the bike here gives us added confidence as we start preparations for the IRTA tests at Catalunya.”

Alex Hofmann: 1:32.61 (82 laps)
“To be honest, today has been frustrating for me. Conditions were perfect his morning, but I was still having problems finding rear traction, with the result that the bike was sideways everywhere. We were in and out of the pits all morning, which meant I wasn’t able to get into a good rhythm. This afternoon we managed to make a small step forward, but it was difficult to assess how much of an improvement we’d made because I was out on tyres that already had 17 laps on them. Ideally I’d have liked to have tested the set up with a fresh set of tyres, but we simply ran out of time. But, however small it might have been, it was a step forward and that will stand us in good stead when we get to Catalunya.”

Harald Eckl – Team Manager
“This test has shown us the current limits of our bike, but I’m confident that our development plan will allow us to continue the process of improvement between now and the IRTA tests at the end of March, especially in the area of engine performance. I’m also quite happy that Shinya managed to put in a good lap time today, as conditions over the three days have been less than ideal for fast laps. The test has also allowed Bridgestone to collect a lot of data on the performance of their race tyres and I’m confident that this is also an area in which we’ll see significant progress before the IRTA test at Catalunya.”

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE 2004

Ducati riding school to recommence on 24th March 2004

Few things can compare to the thrill of riding a motorcycle. But with great pleasure comes great responsibility and Ducati wants to make sure you get your thrills safely.

With that in mind, Ducati has organized a series of riding classes for 2004. Combining track and classroom instruction, they are specifically designed to improve your technical riding skills. Reservations are open to men and women from beginner to expert: the courses will be conducted in Italian and English.

Participants will be instructed by an incredible line-up of professionals with extensive training and track experience, including legendary ex-champions Mario Lega, Marco Lucchinelli, and head instructor Dario Marchetti.

The courses will run from March to October, during 13 dates, and will take place at three renowned tracks: The Enzo and Dino Ferrari track at Imola, the Vallelunga track and the Misano track. The courses will last the entire day, covering both theory and practice.

WOMEN RIDING SCHOOL: This course is intended to allow women with an interest in motorcycling to learn the basics in a safe non-street environment with experienced instructors.

Courses will take place in the paddock on reduced-power Monster 620 i.e.’s with a maximum of 30 participants.

WOMEN ADVANCED RIDING SCHOOL: This course is intended for women who already have basic riding skills, and want to refine their skills with advanced riding theory and practice in the paddock area. The course will culminate in a ride on the racetrack. This course will use Ducati Monster 800 and Ducati Multistradas, maximum 24 participants.

DUCATI ADVANCED RIDING SCHOOL: Like the Women’s Advanced Riding Course, this course is intended for riders who have basic riding skills and road experience, and want to refine those skills through advanced riding theory and practice in a safe environment. The course will culminate in a ride on the racetrack.

Students must be riders who have fully mastered basic riding skills. This course will use Monster 800 and Ducati Multistradas, maximum 24 participants.

DUCATI RACING SCHOOL: For expert riders (men and women) who want to further develop their racing skills. The course will take place on the track using the Ducati 999 with a maximum of 60 participants, divided into groups of 5 or 6 on the basis of declared experience.

Reservations are open to men and women from beginner to expert: the courses will be conducted in Italian and English.

Booking will open on February 9th and will be made exclusively on Ducati.com.

Payment may be made with credit card or money transfer.

The Ducati website will also be the principal method of communication for DRE and will offer complete and updated information and details on the courses.

From a press release issued by Vesrah:

Vesrah brake pads for 2004-model Suzuki GSX-R600s, 750s and 1000s will be available at Daytona International Speedway through through Trackside Racers Supply.

Vesrah is offering over $125,000 in contingency for 2004 with the following racing organizations: WERA, Formula USA, CCS, WSMC, CMRA and MRA.

Vesrah contingency certificates are redeemable for any Vesrah products carried by your race vendor, including: brake pads, rotors, complete clutch kits, and oil filters.

Any questions about Vesrah’s contingency program can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

From a press release issued by Galfer:

Galfer performance braking systems will have complete steel braided brake lines kits available for all 2004 models including the R1, ZX-10R, CBR1000RR and all Suzuki’s. Brake pads and our Patented Wave rotors will also be available for the new 2004 models. All products will be available on vendor row during Bike
Week, or from your local Galfer Dealer.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

New season, new website for Foggy PETRONAS Racing

Foggy PETRONAS Racing will start the season in style with the launch of a revamped website.

The site will rev into action at 0930hrs (GMT) on Friday, February 27, to coincide with the
first free practice action of the 2004 World Superbike season at Valencia in Spain.

The existing www.foggyPETRONASracing.com address remains the same but the site, designed by Wrexham-based company Data Pacific, will have a totally new look, feel and functionality.

Featuring the team’s new fan club – Club FPR – the website is designed to allow fans to feel
part of the team through a range of innovative interactive features.

In addition to accessing the fastest online news and results service, fans of Foggy, Troy
Corser and Chris Walker can also create their own computer wallpapers and download video and audio messages direct from the race circuits.

Visitors will be also able to tour our UK
headquarters on-line and receive live images from the workshop webcam.

Access to the whole site can be gained by becoming a member of Club FPR. This gives fans
sms text news updates (adults only) and free emails, a welcome pack featuring free merchandise, discounts on future merchandise purchases, a quarterly newsletter, entry to
exclusive competitions and the chance to visit the team HQ. For more details, please click on
the Club FPR section of the new site.

New features, including an FPR Auction and discussion forum, will be added regularly
throughout the season.