From a press release:

Bridgestone Germany and World Wide Moto Tours Announce the Nürburg Ring Tour 2005

Bridgestone Germany and World Wide Moto Tours have teamed to bring motorcyclists from around the globe the ultimate track experience at the infamous Nürburg Ring. Clemens Goth, responsible for Customer Service/Bridgestone Germany, has extended an invitation to motorcyclists from outside of Germany to join the annual Bridgestone “Fahrerlehrgang” or “Rider Training” for three exciting days of motorcycle training for all levels of experience.

In a statement released today, Mr. Goth commented that “Bridgestone Germany is pleased to share this extraordinary opportunity with motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world at our annual Nürburg Ring event. The experience of riding a motorcycle at the Nürburg Ring, combined with receiving track instruction from top professional riding instructors in Germany is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any motorcyclist, and we look forward to welcoming motorcyclists from around the world in 2005. As for the selection of World Wide Moto Tours to coordinate the program – this was a natural choice. World Wide Moto Tours was chosen due to their proven ability to provide the logistical support at the international level to coordinate a high quality event reflective of the Bridgestone brand.”

In addition to three days of excitement, instruction, and fun at “the Ring” the event also includes five additional days of motorcycle touring in the hairpins and twisties of the Black Forest and the Swiss Alps, all in the lap of luxury at four star hotels and resorts for a total of eight days of pure excitement on two wheels. WWMT Cooperation Partner, DHL Danzas Air and Ocean will provide motorcycle transport from select cities from around the globe for participants with a desire to ride their own motorcycle on the track and during the tour. Honda, Triumph, and BMW motorcycle rentals will also be available.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Normally I just read new reports like this and laugh at the obvious errors made by those reporting. But in this instance, I felt compelled to respond. There are possibly a number of errors at work here simultaneously, but without more detailed information regarding the altitude the plane (which may or may not have the curvature of the earth as a factor depending on how high the plane was), the speed of travel, direction of travel relative to the motorcycle, and angle of attack of the plane (whether the plane was level, descending, ascending, or banked into a turn), my comments can only be viewed as information that can put a “reasonable doubt” into the minds of any person who claims to actually use their brain. It is obvious that the “Airborne State Troopers” don’t fall into this category, or don’t understand motorcycles and physics very well. This preamble leads us to a well known phenomena, called Parallax.

First some basic math. 60 mph = 88ft/sec. At this rate of speed (notice I didn’t say acceleration) the 1/4 mile is traveled in 15 seconds. The one correct part of this whole thing is that, Yes….1/4 mile in 4.39 seconds does = 205 mph. But an approximate half second difference (1/4 mile in 5 seconds instead of 4.39 seconds) would drop that speed to 180 mph. A 1 second error (1/4 mile in 5.39 seconds) drops that speed to 168 mph.

168 mph is a completely believable speed for a stock CBR1000RR, as is 180 mph for a moderately to highly tuned 1000cc street legal sportbike.

Is it possible to introduce a half second or 1 second human error into this equation? YES, especially when Parallax is considered. The definition of Parallax is provided below.

Source: The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.


Main Entry: par·al·lax
Pronunciation: ‘par-&-“laks
Function: noun
: the apparent displacement or the difference in apparent direction of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object

From this definition, it becomes apparent that a large number of factors can introduce optical illusion errors. Since the original article states that the motorcycle was accelerating away at an apparent rate of twice the speed of the plane, and the plane is viewing the entire event from above and behind, there is very little chance the measurement made from hundreds of feet in the air is anywhere near accurate. The spotter would be “ASSUMING” when the front tire did in fact cross the line that he used to start the watch, AND worse yet as the bike accelerates (not speeds) away and increases the distance between the plane and the motorcycle, the timing when the front wheel crosses the second line used to stop the stop watch is even MORE OF AN ASSUMPTION.

Then we have to ask, was the bike going uphill or downhill at all? Because if it was doing either, depending on what height the plane was, the motorcycle may have looked like it crossed the line sooner from a viewing position above and behind. Or if the plane was traveling at any direction other than perpendicular to the direction of travel of the motorcycle, that would also affect the person’s ability to accurately judge the time the motorcycle crossed the white line.

The officer also said he was “ready.” Well, how ready was he? Did he maybe time the rear wheel as it crossed the first line and then the front wheel as it crossed the second line? All these issues add a significant degree of error due to the extremely short time duration over which the entire event occurred.

This also explains why the “photo-finish” cameras are placed perpendicular to the direction of travel of the “racing objects” as they cross the finish line in ALL FORMS OF RACING. Or, more simply, the photo finish camera is taking a picture that is parallel to the finish line, as things move across the finish line. You never see the photo finish cameras above and behind the finish line. Add in the height of plane and consider if the plane was high enough the curvature of the earth must also be factored into the equation, and you can see why this claim is just a publicity vehicle for that police department.

I could get into the physics required to push a motorcycle that fast against air, or that the really basic error is that NO VEHICLE, be it two wheels or four wheels, that is street legal in any way, shape or form can accelerate to 205 mph in 4.39 seconds regardless of how fast they were going to start with because of the wind resistance at those speeds, but I won’t. So the question becomes, why didn’t the police stop the bikes earlier when they saw them racing along an interstate with other traffic?

Any lawyer with a basic college understanding of physics and motorcycles would be able to get this case reduced or thrown out.

Reginald J. Gaudino, Ph.D.
Gaudino & Associates, Inc.
Oceanside, California



Dr. Gaudino is a licensed road racer…Editor.

From a press release issued by Pacific Track Time:

For the first time in the history of Thunderhill Park, Pacific Track Time, the leading provider of motorcycle track day events on the West Coast, will embark on a new adventure…

We have a 2 day event coming up, Monday July 26th and Tuesday July 27th at Thunderhill Park in Willows, CA. http://www.thunderhill.com

Monday you will ride THill’s 15 turn, 3 mile long road course and remember how it used to be. Things are about to change…During lunchtime you will enjoy an exhibition of trained experts demonstrating what they do best! These guys kick ass! Since you are already at the track, why not stay for Tuesday and be a part of motorcycle history!

On Tuesday Pacific Track Time will be the first motorcycle track day provider to run the exhilarating racetrack of Thunderhill Park in Reverse! What? That’s right–BACKWARDS! I tested the track myself in the opposite direction and it is Bad Ass! And you thought that the elevation changes were fun the other way. You’re gonna love this. Combine that with another lunchtime exhibition, I guarantee it will be 2 days you won’t forget!

What are the lap times going to be? How do those guys do that? Who will hold the new Thunderhill track record?

Come ride with us at Thunderhill and find out what is really going on!

Spaces will go quick, so sign up here:
http://www.pacifictracktime.com/purchase/ or simply call us at 530 223 0622.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

The permanent World Endurance Championship teams who have travelled to Japan to take part in this weekend’s Suzuka 8 Hours round of the championship have been out on track today for the first time since arriving earlier in the week. For most of them today has been a shake-down session and a chance to learn or re-learn the circuit.

Suzuki Castrol’s Vincent Phillipe was happy with the progress made, but is looking forward to the timed practice beginning: “It’s very difficult because of the weather – and our tyres are for European conditions. Tomorrow will be better.”

All the teams have had two open practice sessions so far today, with the first timed session to come this evening. Teams are split into two groups to reduce the amount of traffic on the circuit, but this means that each group has less total track time; a situation made worse by incidents which have seen the pace car and ambulance out on track in three out of the four sessions.

Suzuki Castrol’s Olivier Four was involved (but unhurt) in one of these incidents after being pushed off the track by another rider, and Yamaha Phase One’s Marko Rohtlaan has spent most of his time behind the pace car when he should have been learning the circuit at racing speed. Yamaha Austria’s Horst Saiger is also at Suzuka for the first time: “How is it going? Ask me on Sunday…”

Yamaha GMT94’s Sebastien Gimbert was feeling the heat this afternoon, but declared himself satisfied with the bike set-up so far: “I am very hot but I am very happy.” GMT94 tested here earlier in the year, and although their tests were interrupted by poor weather they have obviously been useful. Yamaha Phase One’s Sebastien Scarnato was also happy with the day’s progress. “We have some things to change, but we know what we have to do.”

Qualifying takes place tomorrow, with two timed sessions for each rider in each team. These will decide the grid positions for the race, with the fastest twenty teams progressing to Saturday afternoon’s “Special Stage” Superpole competition before the race itself on Sunday.

From a press release:

From the Pacific on an Atlantic, and Back, Amputee Rides to Raise Funds for the Legal Center for People with Disabilities

The right and freedom to travel without fear inspire Joe Nolfo’s 15,500-mile round-the-country moto journey

Woodstock, GA (July 22, 2004) – Florida native Joe Nolfo lost his left leg during a hit-and-run accident in 1982. Since then he has dedicated his life to raising funds for a number of charities by continually testing his endurance. From setting unofficial long-distance swimming world records to a 159-day cross-country wheelchair trek in 1997, Nolfo works tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining every American’s freedom to travel without fear. For his latest adventure, a 15,500-mile journey aboard an Aprilia Atlantic 500 scooter, Nolfo also hopes to raise funds for The Legal Center for People with Disabilities, a non-profit agency that promotes education and research for people with physical challenges.

Nolfo’s travel route is taking him up the Atlantic coast to New York City, through New England, then across the Unites States to the Pacific coast. He’ll trace the coastline to Los Angeles, then head east on a southern route, back to his home state of Florida. Nolfo expects to arrive back in Oldsmar, Florida in mid-October. Along the way, he is meeting thousands of supporters and spreading a message of determination and optimism.

“Motorcycling is synonymous with the freedom of the open road, and the freedom to travel that road is every individual’s right” says Nolfo. “Neither threats of terrorism nor a disability should prevent any American from fully enjoying mobility throughout this great country of ours.”

Anyone wishing to show support for Joe on his “Great American Ride” can make a donation by contacting The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, a non profit organization established in 1976 in Denver, CO at 1-800-288-1376 or at www.thelegalcenter.org. The Legal Center is well known for the New Handbook on Special Education Rights by Randy Chapman, the Center’s Director of Legal Services. This self-help publication is so loved by parents of children with disabilities that they call it the “Special Ed Bible.”

“Joe Nolfo’s efforts reflect the values of empowerment, self-determination, independence and inclusion, which we embrace as an organization,” said Mary Anne Harvey, The Legal Center’s Executive Director.

From a press release issued by Proforma:

CMRA RIDERS DOMINATE AMA GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AT MID-OHIO

Riders from the CMRA (Central Motorcyle Roadracing Association) dominated both days of competition at the 2004 AMA Sport Road Race Grand Championships at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, July 20 & 21. A total of nine CMRA members raced in a variety of classes against riders from across the country.

The designated CMRA three-rider team of Ty Howard, Ben Thompson and Logan Young won the 2004 AMA Sports Road Race Club Challenge Championship, with strong rides from all three riders. Their best results were combined, giving them the win over strong teams from ASMC, CCS and WERA.

On top of the Team Challenge Championship, Logan Young, 20, from Houston, Texas, was presented the prestigious AMA Horizon Award for 2004. The Horizon Award is presented to riders in different AMA Sports disciplines, and is determined on a rider’s on-track performance, sportsmanship and personality. Logan won the award among a tight field of competitors, with inspired rides from grid positions based on random selection, some as far back as the 17th row.

“I want to thank so many people,” said Young. “The CMRA was kind enough to allow me, Ben and Ty to come here and race for them. Hopefully, we represented them well. My goal was to come here, finish well and not tear anything up. It’s just starting to sink in that I won the Horizon Award.”

In addition to the riders listed above, the CMRA was also represented by Scott Beckley, Bill Drake, Phillip Lawlis, Kevin Pate and Heath Small.

Congratulations to all!

From a press release issued by Proforma:

MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES SUZUKI AT MID-OHIO THIS WEEKEND

The Millennium Technologies Suzuki team of Danny Eslick and Shawn Higbee will race this weekend, July 23-25, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, site of round nine of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship.

Danny Eslick
“Since Laguna, we went home for two days, took care of some things, then went to a dirt track in Davenport, Iowa,” said Danny. “We did the 505 AMA Sport race. I made the main event and finished 14th in that, the only Suzuki there. Drove straight from there to Ohio. I’ve just been hanging out and watching the amateur racing for the last couple of days. I like Mid-Ohio, so hopefully this will be a good weekend, be able to make up some points on a few guys, so we can finish well in the points for the season.”

Shawn Higbee
Shawn finished seventh and eighth in last year’s Superbike doubleheader at Mid-Ohio. “I didn’t qualify that well last year, but things really came together in the two races,” said Higbee. “I like the track, the layout, I just hope that the surface is okay after they’ve worked on it. This is more of a regular schudule this weekend, so it should give us enough time to get the bike sorted out for the track.”

More, from another press release issued by Proforma:

HEATH SMALL GEARS UP FOR MID-OHIO

HAS/Shogun Racing rider Heath Small and his team will race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio this weekend, July 23-25, during round nine of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship. Heath participated in Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s AMA Sports Grand Championships at Mid-Ohio, as a warm-up to the AMA Pro Racing weekend.

“Since Laguna Seca, we did some Motard riding up in Stockton (California), came down and watched Danny (Eslick) do an AMA dirt track race in Iowa, and got to Mid-Ohio on Sunday” said Small. “I got on track on Monday for the track day, first time I’ve been here in a couple of years. The track surface plays with your head more than it does anything else. There used to be a lip from the asphalt to the concrete patches, now it’s smooth across, but it has grooves in it. It’s better from a safety point of view. I don’t know if the track is any faster or any slower.”

Heath had a variety of good finishes over the two days of AMA Sports racing. On Tuesday, he won the Middleweight Superbike race and finished sixth in the Superstock event. On Wednesday, Heath finished 10th in Formula Xtreme, 13th in Supersport, and finished a close second to fellow Texan Ty Howard in the Superbike final.

From a press release issued by Dorna:

Riders for Health the first winners at Donington Park

The Cinzano British Grand Prix gets underway at Donington Park tomorrow but whatever happens in the ninth round of the MotoGP World Championship the first winners of the weekend’s action are Riders for Health, who celebrated a host of successful money-raising activities on the traditional Day of Champions on Thursday. The MotoGP charity, who strive to provide transport network solutions for medical relief in third world Africa, benefited from a special dinner in London last night, attended by HRH Princess Anne The Princess Royal and a host of representatives from the Grand Prix paddock, which raised £25,000.

The gates of the paddock itself opened today for Day of Champions, with thousands of fans flooding in to meet their MotoGP idols and take part in a variety of activities and auctions. A handful of visitors even got the chance to live out their Grand Prix dream, completing several laps of the Donington Park circuit on board the two-seat Ducati Desmosedici ridden by Randy Mamola, whilst others took part in a quiz, scooter races and circuit ride-in, as well as being entertained by a classic bike show, stunt riders and a world record attempt for the fastest top speed on a mini-bike.

Whilst the auction was set to continue long into the evening and exact proceeds will not be known until the morning, charity organisers are expecting a total of over £100,000 to be handed over for unique signed memorabilia from all of the MotoGP riders, who were on hand to make personal presentations to the successful bidders.

After dealing with the photograph and autograph requests of the thousands fans mulling around the paddock, the riders were able to take refuge in their motorhomes as they planned another important weekend of action on the track. For MotoGP World Championship leader Valentino Rossi, who brought Leicester Square in London to a standstill on Wednesday when over 3,000 people turned out to welcome him to the capital, the Donington Park circuit has traditionally been a happy hunting ground, with victories in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP categories including his maiden premier-class win in 2000.

However, his relationship with the historic track was tainted last year when he was penalised ten seconds for overtaking under a yellow flag, a penalty that effectively relegated him to third place. Victory was handed to Max Biaggi, who now trails Rossi in the championship by just one point after his first win of the season at Sachsenring last week, and Rossi admitted he would like nothing better reaffirm his leadership at a race the Italian sees as his second ‘home’ Grand Prix of the year.

“I have had some problems over the last couple of races and I would like to put things right here,” said Rossi. “I have a house in London and the reception from the fans there yesterday was fantastic. I know I have a big following here so it will be nice to put on a good show like last year, but this time with the maximum points. It will be important because the championship is close – it could even go down to the last race in Valencia.”

Biaggi also has a score to settle, having revealed today that Rossi has not yet handed over his winner’s trophy from last year. “He still hasn’t swapped it yet,” explained Biaggi. “This time I want the trophy for first place. Things have gone well for me in recent weeks and it would be good to go for a holiday after this with a good result. I hear they have resurfaced the track so we will have to see what the grip is like tomorrow morning and take it from there.”

One rider who wasn’t available to meet the crowds today was Kenny Roberts, whose car broke down on the motorway travelling to the circuit. The former World Champion will be expecting more reliability from his Suzuki this weekend after consecutive front row starts and top ten finishes from the last two races.

Randy De Puniet denied claims that 125cc World Champion Dani Pedrosa’s increasing points cushion at the top of the 250cc class, which now stands at 25 over the Frenchman after his dominant win at the Sachsenring last Sunday, was due to a weight advantage, expressing his admiration for the young rookie. “Obviously Dani is very light and that could help him in acceleration, but as far as I am concerned he is a great rider and that is why he is leading the championship,” commented De Puniet. “I don’t care how much he weighs – I see him as a rival whom I must beat, and that is what I’ll be aiming to do this weekend.”

Andrea Dovizioso is already being touted as a potential team-mate for Pedrosa in the 250cc class next season as the rumour mill begins to turn, but the Italian teenager must first concentrate his efforts on following his Honda colleague’s footsteps in the 125cc class, which he leads by seven points from Roberto Locatelli. Hector Barberá, who won the race here last year, lies just a further two points behind the Italian.