From a press release issued by AHRMA:

AHRMA offers full schedule of Bike Week activities

Vintage motorcycle racing enthusiasts have plenty to keep them busy during Florida’s upcoming Bike Week, including a full schedule of American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association road racing, dirt track, motocross, cross country and observed trials from Feb. 24 to March 3. Also, AHRMA’s 2003 national champions and special award winners will be honored at a series of three ceremonies, and legendary racers will be available for autograph sessions.

For complete information, visit the Bike Week preview page at www.ahrma.org or call 615-851-3674.

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24 & 25

AHRMA and WERA Vintage road race practice, Jennings GP, Jennings, Fla. Practice days run by the track. Info: 386-938-1110, www.jenningsgp.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 26

AHRMA road race, Jennings GP. The opening round of the 2004 Pro-Flo/Progressive Suspension Historic Cup Series on this 14-turn, 2-mile-long track. AHRMA will honor racing licenses from WERA Vintage, USCRA and VRRA (AMA membership required). Registration & tech open, 7. Practice, 8-10. Racing, 10:30. Admission, $10/day.

FRIDAY, FEB. 27

WERA Vintage road race, Jennings GP. Open to all AHRMA, WERA, USCRA and VRRA licensed racers. Entry info: 804-539-2065, www.weravintage.org.

AHRMA cross country, Gatorback Cycle Park, Gainesville, Fla. For the first round of AHRMA’s ’04 national cross country series, separate one-hour vintage (pre-1975) and post-vintage (post-1974) races will be run. Thursday gates open, noon-10 p.m. Friday gates open, 7 a.m. Sign-up, 7:30. Sighting lap, 8:30. Vintage race, 9. PV race, 11. Admission, $15 one day, $25 two days, $30 three days. Track info: 407-654-4361, www.unlimitedsportsmx.com.

AHRMA observed trial, Gatorback Cycle Park. Round two of the Speed & Sport National Vintage Trials Series for twin-shock machines up through the 1970s. Gates open, 7 a.m. Sign-up, 10. Start, 1 p.m. Track info: See above.

AHRMA Off-Road Awards Banquet, Holiday Inn West, Gainesville. Advance ticket sales only (contact AHRMA). Starts at 7 p.m. Hotel info: 352-332-7500.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28

AHRMA post-vintage motocross, Gatorback Cycle Park. The second round of the Northwest Maico & CZ/Pro-Flo Post-Vintage MX Series for machines from 1975 to the early ’80s. Gates open, 7 a.m. Sign-up, 7:30. Practice, 9. Racing, 10. Admission, $15 one day, $25 two days. Track info: 407-654-4361, www.unlimitedsportsmx.com.

AHRMA Dirt Track Awards, Oglethorpe Speedway Park, Savannah, Ga. This will be a barbecue luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m.

AHRMA half-mile dirt track, Oglethorpe Speedway. The Classic MotorCycle/Metro Racing Dirt Track Series begins with the first of three Bike Week nationals. Sign-up, 2 p.m. Practice, 4. Racing, 6. Track info: 912-964-8200, www.ospracing.net.

SUNDAY, FEB. 29

AHRMA vintage motocross, Gatorback Cycle Park. Round two of the Speed & Sport National Vintage MX Series for motorcycles up through 1974. Gates open, 7 a.m. Sign-up, 7:30. Practice, 9. Racing, 10. Admission, $15. Track info: 407-654-4361, www.unlimitedsportsmx.com.

AHRMA road race registration & tech inspection, American Motorcycle Institute, Daytona Beach. The hundreds of pristine classic racers that will compete Monday and Tuesday at Daytona will roll through the AMI, giving enthusiasts a chance to see these machines up close and personal. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Great Men autograph session,1 p.m. Admission, free! Facility info: 800-874-0645, www.amiwrench.com.

AHRMA Roadrace Awards Banquet, Holiday Inn, DeLand. Advance ticket sales only (contact AHRMA). Starts at 7:30 p.m. Hotel info: 386-738-5200.

Short track, Cross Roads Motorplex, Jasper, Fla. Round two of the 2004 Classic MotorCycle/Metro Racing Series. Sign-up, 2 p.m. Practice, 4. Racing, 6. Track info: 386-938-1228, www.crossroadsmotorplex.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 1

AHRMA Classics Days road racing, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach. Historic Cup Series round two on the 3.52-mile-long super-speedway. AHRMA’s Great Men will be available for autographs and photos at 11 a.m. Track opens, 7 a.m. Practice, 8-11. Racing, noon. Track info: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Admission, $25/day.

AHRMA Regional MX, Dade City Raceway. Located at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on Highway 52 in Dade City, not far from Gainesville. Track info: 352-567-0792, www.dadecitymx.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

AHRMA Classics Days road racing, Daytona International Speedway. In addition to another full day of Historic Cup action, there will be autograph sessions and the Great Men, Great Machines parade at lunch break, including a special BSA parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of BSA’s top-five sweep of the Daytona 200. Track opens, 7 a.m. Practice, 8-11. Racing, noon.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

AHRMA TT & short track, Orange County Raceway, Bithlo, Fla. A regional TT will run in the morning, with sign-up at 9 and practice at 10. National short track sign-up, 2 p.m. Practice, 4. Racing, 6. Track info: http://hometown.aol.com/ocrclayovalfl/, 407-568-9668.



DIRECTIONS

Bithlo. East of Orlando on Highway 50 between SR 419 and SR 520. Adjacent to Orlando Speed World.

Daytona Beach. The American Motorcycle Institute is just west of the I-95/West International Speedway Boulevard interchange, on the north side of the road. The speedway itself is about a mile east of I-95 on West International Speedway Boulevard.

Gainesville. To get to Gatorback Cycle park coming from south of Gainesville on I-75, exit on SR 26 (Exit 76). Go west 8 miles to NW 202, then north 3 miles to 46th Ave. Gatorback is on the left. From the north, use I-75 Exit 78 (Alachua). Go east on Hwy 441 to SR 235, then 8 miles to 46th Ave. Turn left. Gatorback is on the right. The Holiday Inn West (site of the off-road banquet) is at I-75 Exit 76.

Jasper. Exit 460 off I-75 then west on State Route 6 for 5 miles.

Jennings. From I-75 Exit 467, go south on CR 143 three miles to CR 152 (flashing light). Turn right on CR 152, and the main gate is 0.3 mile on the right.

Savannah. I-95 to Georgia Exit 102, then 2.5 miles east on Route 80. Turn right on Dublin Road (just east of Cat Construction Co.), go 0.3 miles, then southwest on Jessup.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI STARS IN THE NEW BRITNEY SPEARS VIDEO

February 2004 – Ducati has landed another leading role in the world of film. After its incredibly successful appearance in the film ‘Matrix: Reloaded’, a Ducati Superbike is now starring in the latest video by Britney Spears, the American pop sensation.

The video for ‘Toxic’, Britney’s latest hit, features the singer on a Ducati 999 Superbike, ridden by Tyson Beckford, one of the world’s top male models and the face of many advertising campaigns for Ralph Lauren’s Polo collection.

Launched in July 2002, the 999 is the most advanced and high-performing machine ever built by Ducati. In 2003, Neil Hodgson gave Ducati its twelfth Constructors Title in the World Superbike Championship aboard the 999.

The 999 is the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. While respecting Ducati’s sporting and technical traditions, the 999 has rapidly become the reference machine for the next decade of innovative sport motorcycles.

Britney’s video clip has been presented in Italy, and will also be the subject of MTV’s ‘Making the Video’, a backstage look at what happens behind the scenes of famous music video productions.



And, now, some reader reaction:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I’m sad to say I’ve seen the video in question, and I’m surprised that Ducati North America is actually announcing this… I’d think they’d be trying to deny it. This video does for motorcycling what “Gigli” did for J-Lo.

I know it’s just a music video and we’re not supposed to take it seriously, but how is seeing a pop tart like Spears and a male model ‘riding’ without helmets or other gear positive publicity for the Ducati brand? There’s no such thing as bad publicity, so we’re told; I’m just surprised that a company of Ducati’s stature and reputation has decided to buy into that view.

The song is instantly forgettable (to be kind), the special effects are over-utilized and the use of the 999 is as a mere fashion accessory, at best. Again, why Ducati is promoting the association with Britney Spears’ video, instead of distancing itself from it, is beyond me.

Mel Gantly
WMRC #735
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

From a press release issued by Proforma:

EMPIRE RACING ANNOUNCES AMA PRO ROAD RACING TEAM

Empire Racing is pleased to announce the formation of the Empire Racing Suzuki road race team, which will contest the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship series with riders Lee Acree and Chris “Opie” Caylor. Expanding on its existing relationship as American Suzuki’s factory Arenacross team, Empire Racing Suzuki will compete in the AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport and Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock classes on 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600s and GSX-R1000s, respectively.

“We are excited to expand into AMA Pro road racing with such a great team of riders, crew and sponsors,” said Empire Racing team owner, Mark Deweese. “With all of the resources that everyone brings to the program, I feel like we have the potential for a successful season.” In addition to the support from American Suzuki, the team will also have product and technical support from Pirelli Tires. Leo Vince SBK joins the team as a technical partner with exhaust systems and peripherals. Empire Racing’s retail outlet, The XFactory store, will also provide support through team sponsors. Visit the website at www.thexfactorystore.com.

Along with the AMA front-running riders Acree and Caylor, Empire Racing has assembled a group of seasoned professionals to handle the technical and administrative support for the team. Noel VanVeld will be the team manager and Grant Matsushima will be the team’s crew chief while focusing on engine development. Technicians Tommy Lancaster and Jimmy Williams will support Empire Racing Suzuki’s equipment during and between race events.

Empire Racing Suzuki is proud to be partnering with American Suzuki, Pirelli Tires, Leo Vince SBK Exhausts, The XFactory Store, Hotbodies Racing Bodywork, EBC Brakes, Silkolene Lubricants, Thermosman Suspension, Teknic Leathers, Pitbull Stands, Vortex Racing, Dynojet Tuning and the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School.

For more information, contact Empire Racing at (336) 343-4059 or visit their
website at www.empireracingmx.com.


See related post:

1/3/2004 Acree, Caylor To Race AMA Superstock With New Team

From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Italia World Supersport Team:

February 2nd 2004
Ricardo Tormo – Valencia

Yamaha Motor Italia World Supersport Team riders Jurgen van den Goorbergh and Fabien Foret blew away the winter cobwebs and made a very positive start to the year at Valencia circuit today. Conditions were just about ideal after the sun warmed the track and Jurgen and Fabien soon got into the groove. Despite their R6 Yamahas having new (Ohlins) suspension this year, both riders ended the day happy with the progress they had made.

Over the winter, the team have done a lot of work to their R6 Yamahas and Jurgen and Fabien are now putting all that good work to the ultimate test.

FABIEN FORET 45 laps, best lap 1:38.7
It’s been nearly two months since I was last on a bike, so I took things fairly steadily today and just got used to riding again. Also we have new suspension this year and we have to get used to it and develop it in these and the next tests. Despite these changes I am happy because I am only half a second slower then I was at the last test here. Now we have to carry on working with the Ohlins technicians and give them feedback so we can improve. At the moment, I am not pushing very hard, because I have to understand what is happening properly. As soon as that happens, I will really go for it. Testing is OK (and very useful), but I am really looking forward to the first race of the year and attacking all-out.

JURGEN VAN DEN GOORBERGH 43 laps, best lap 1:39.00
It’s been pretty good today considering it’s been some time (two months) since the last time I threw my leg over the saddle. We’ve got lots of new stuff to try suspension and a new ignition system so today was all about easing back into race mode. I’m happy with what we achieved today and all the stuff the team have done in winter is going in the right direction for sure. I have to get used to the Ohlins suspension and the way the bike behaves now, but I think it’s all going work out good for us. Valencia is a funny track because the conditions change every day, but so far so good and I’m looking forward to the first race at the end of the month.

From a press release issued by J. Wood & Company:

Dick Brown Triumph Collection Consigned To Daytona Auction

Dick Brown has consigned his entire collection of 35 Triumph motorcycles and parts to the J. Wood & Co Antique and Classic Motorcycle Auction that is held in DeLand during bike week each year. Every motorcycle in the collection will be sold to the highest bidder without reserve during Friday¹s auction. There will be a separate auction on Thursday, March 4th at noon for the parts collection that contains many rare and valuable Triumph parts from 1936 to 1970.

Dick’s Triumphs are known throughout the world, as they have been in museums, books, calendars and shows for many years. Dick has meticulously restored about twelve of the machines to brand new condition. He did his research and hunted all over the world to make everything perfectly correct. He does not own a sandblaster.

The motorcycles range from 1938 to 1995, most are twins from 1938 to 1977. There are two examples of Edward Turner’s first Speed Twin built in 1938 and enough parts to build a third. There are some very rare special competition machines including a ’52 5T, two ’65 TT’s, a 53 T100C, and almost enough stuff to have a ’49 GP basket case with a works GP engine.

The 59 Bonneville is on the front cover of the book on Bonnevilles and the Guggenheim Museum borrowed it for their last show.

We hesitate to call this an estate sale because Dick is still with us. He is facing some serious health issues and has decided to offer his wonderful collection to his fellow motorcycle enthusiasts in a fair manner. This will be a very rare opportunity to purchase some great motorcycles at fair market value.

To see a list of the bikes in Dick’s collection as well as the other consignments, visit www.jwoodandcompany.com and click on the early consignments list, or you may call 352-795-8895 for more information.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Bob Bahre, 76, who owns New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, was seriously injured Thursday night when his SUV went off the road and hit a tree in his home state of Maine.

The reports indicate that Bahre was on his way home after spending the day at the Speedway.

As of Saturday, Bahre was hospitalized in stable condition at Norway, Maine’s Stephens Memorial Hospital with a concussion as well as back, rib and ankle injuries.

From a press release issued by MARRC:

MARRC Announces Officers and Directors for 2004

Tysons Corner, VA – – The Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club (MARRC) announced its newly elected officers and board of directors for 2004 during its annual awards banquet in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Wendy Leland, one of the club’s safety directors and a former racer returns as President of MARRC. Vice-President will be long-time racer and board member Rick Beggs, owner of Fast Lane Cycles in Chantilly, VA. Will Astle, another long-time volunteer, has been elected as Secretary. Former racer Dawn Greer begins her first term on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer of the Club. Club officers are elected annually from within the seated board of directors.

MARRC welcomes new board members Chris Astle, Terry Reese, and Simon Whalley. Simon is a current racer, and Terry Reese is last year’s Cornerworker of the Year. All directors have been long-time members and volunteers, and have proven leadership within the sport.

The 2004 members of the MARRC Board of Directors are as follows:
President: Wendy Leland
Vice-President: Rick Beggs
Secretary: Will Astle
Treasurer: Dawn Greer
Chris Astle
David Back
Glen Ouye
Terry Reese
Simon Whalley

MARRC is dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle roadracing. Established in
1983 as a not-for-profit, all-volunteer club to provide a trained and organized safety crew at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, it has expanded in membership and scope. The club boasts over 500 active members that include racers, cornerworkers, and racing enthusiasts. MARRC runs a nationally recognized safety crew, and a road racing school accredited by CCS and WERA. Last year, MARRC volunteers spent over 14,000 hours of service in the safety crew, road racing school, and racer support functions.

For more information, see the MARRC website at www.marrc.org.

Contact Information:
Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club
P.O. Box 2292
Wheaton, MD 20915
703-494-9394
E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Jeff Johnston and I are sorry we missed your phone calls yesterday. We were traveling to the Cincinnati V-Twin dealer Expo and were then deep in preparation for the show’s opening this morning.

First, we regret that an unhappy ex-employee decided to go public with his personal feelings. Those situations are always unpleasant for all concerned. But we want to assure you and your readers, unequivocally, that Pirelli is moving full-tilt in its efforts in the U.S. market. Our commitment to both riders and racers is totally focused, and we are moving forward as a committed team, driven, both here and in Europe, by our personal and technological efforts to grow the Pirelli brand in North America. Pirelli will honor all of its commitments to our current race teams, and will continue to build new relationships. We will continue to build better access to our tires through our race distributors. We will continue to develop and build better products for the marketplace, and the tires we have brought to the market in just the past couple years are a testament to this effort.

Pirelli is keeping its eye on the prize in the same way that racers and race teams do in their quest to be the best at what they do. In answer to your question about who racers and/or teams should contact for their needs, for the time being they may call Debra Penro at 706-368-5426.

Sincerely,

Mark Wilhelm – Country Manager
Pirelli Tire North America
Motorcycle Division
Rome, Georgia

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to AHRMA spokesman Matt Benson, the AHRMA National originally scheduled for May 8-9 at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California has been rescheduled for June 5-6.