From a press release issued by MotoGP:

Rossi and Gibernau face-off at Sachsenring

Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau sat side by side at the Sachsenring circuit today and agreed that the distance between them could be equally slender when the Veltins Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland reaches its climax after 30 laps on Sunday. One year ago the pair crossed the finish line separated by just 0.060 seconds and they could not be much closer at the top of the MotoGP World Championship, where they are level on 126 points but with Rossi holding the advantage thanks to a greater win ratio. Neither rider was able to add to their tally in the last round at Rio, when they both crashed, lending even more weight to the importance of this weekend, which marks the halfway point of the season.

“It is quite strange because now we are starting from zero and we have nine hard races to get the bike to the maximum level,” commented Rossi, who lost to Gibernau in that epic battle twelve months ago. “Last year I made a stupid mistake in the last corner and I was very angry to lose. In Rio we never found the right setting for the bike but hopefully we can do that here and challenge for the victory again.”

Gibernau is certain that Rossi will again be his main challenger, but revealed his admiration for some of his other rivals in the MotoGP class after getting the rare chance to watch from the sidelines in Brazil. “It is a tight track and it will be a tight race, but it is not just about myself and Valentino this weekend. There are a lot of other riders out there who can win the race, like (Makoto) Tamada, Loris (Capirossi) and Troy (Bayliss). I’ll just try to keep my head down and do my work as best as I can.”

Tamada will be hoping Gibernau is right after his debut win in Rio two weeks ago. It was the first win of the Japanese rider’s career and he admits he would like nothing better than to spring another surprise this weekend. “It was fantastic to win my first race but this is not the time to relax,” commented Tamada. “I want more and there is no reason why I can’t do well at this circuit. Last year wasn’t good for us but we have come a long way since then.”

Capirossi was equally optimistic after making overdue progress with the Ducati in recent weeks, culminating with his best finish of the season in Brazil. The Italian took fourth place there, as he did here one year ago, and he is now looking to take the next important step and join the podium battle. “I think we have made good progress, the new engine we have is very good and I think it should suit this circuit,” commented Capirossi, who saw his team-mate Bayliss take third here one year ago.

A top three finish is a big ask of local hero Alex Hofmann but the rookie is looking forward to performing for a sell-out crowd and continuing towards his target of becoming only the second ever German to win a premier-class race behind Edmund Czihak at the Nürburgring in 1974. “This is a learning experience for me but I feel I am progressing and my realistic aim is a top ten finish this Sunday,” commented the 23 year old. “The people are crazy for MotoGP, for Valentino, Sete and all the other riders and it should be a fantastic weekend.”

Two other men hoping to return to the podium at the Sachsenring were escaping the paddock pressure today, Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa leading a rider line-up in a charity football match against a team of German athletes and celebrities, all in aid of Riders for Health. Fellow MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams was also at the core of the team, with star performances by 250cc riders Manuel Poggiali and Randy De Puniet, who had trials to become a professional footballer as a youngster.

De Puniet is under no illusions about his destiny now and says he is ready to wrestle the 250cc World Championship lead back from Dani Pedrosa this weekend despite arriving at the Sachsenring without any luggage. The Frenchman’s suitcase was left behind in transfer at Frankfurt airport but he is confident of better fortunes in Sunday’s race. “I have had bad luck a few times this season so I am used to it,” smiled De Puniet, who lies 11 points behind Pedrosa at the top of the standings. “I had a mechanical breakdown at Mugello and a bad tyre in Rio but I fought for victory here last year and if everything goes well this weekend then I know I can win.”

One man with worse luck than De Puniet this weekend is fellow 250 rider Hector Faubel, who misses out altogether through injuries sustained in a crash in Rio. There are more injury concerns in the 125cc class, with Czech rider Vaclav Bittman set to replace injured home rider Dario Guisepetti and Jorge Lorenzo facing a late fitness check after an operation on his hand, which he also injured in Rio.

However, Czech female rider Marketa Janakova has recovered from concussion sustained in the same race and expects to ride, whilst Swiss youngster Thomas Luthi is set to return after missing three races. Meanwhile, the 125cc race winner here from 2001, Simone Sanna, has been called up to replace Andrea Ballerini. Sanna’s Italian compatriot Andrea Dovizioso still leads the series, with a 16-point advantage over Hector Barberá.

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Daytona International Speedway to host “Best Party Anywhere”

Bikers to enjoy legendary Buffalo Chip activities in Speedway’s infield

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 15, 2004) – Daytona International Speedway’s infield will host the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s party – known to bikers as “The Best Party Anywhere” – during 2004 Biketoberfest festivities, Speedway officials announced today.

The Buffalo Chip, which will be inside the Speedway Oct. 21-24, is the world’s largest entertainment venue, serving motorcycle enthusiasts with a variety of activities including overnight parking and world-class entertainment. The Buffalo Chip’s events will be open to the public and will culminate with concerts each evening.

The Speedway will also host the same event during 2005 Daytona 200 Week in March.

“We are proud to play host to the many bikers who visit Daytona during our bike events,” said Speedway President Robin Braig. “Buffalo Chip provides a variety of activities including some of the world’s best entertainment. We are excited to be able to provide the “Chip” experience at “The World Center of Racing.”

Rod Woodruff, Buffalo Chip’s owner, mirrors Braig’s excitement. “Daytona asking us to build a Buffalo Chip in the middle of the Daytona International Speedway is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “Imagine a huge lake and plush grass lawns with the racetrack surrounding where we’ll be presenting entertainment. I don’t know of anywhere else where that can happen.”

For more information on the Buffalo Chip and events at Daytona International Speedway, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or www.buffalochip.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Reno-Fernley Raceway, a new, 2.4-mile, 15-turn road course located approximately 30 miles east of Reno, Nevada on Interstate 80, is now open and available for testing and tuning on weekends.

Full test days for motorcycles costs $125. A second rider sharing the one bike costs an additional $65. A half-day session costs $75, with $40 for a second rider, according to the track’s website, www.reno-fernleyraceway.com.

Race events for the 2004 and 2005 seasons are currently being scheduled on the road course.

For additional information and details, call (775) 575-7217.

From a press release issued by series organizers:

PICOTTE ON A ROLL

BOWMANVILLE, ON Pascal Picotte hits the midway point of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship this weekend riding a wave of momentum.

The defending series champion enters the fourth and fifth rounds of the eight-race tour at Bowmanville, ON’s Mosport International Raceway leading the point standings after a convincing sweep of the doubleheader at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park two weeks ago. The Granby, QC ace has 151 points to the 136 of Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier and the 117 of Calgary racer Clint McBain.

Picotte’s two Race City wins aboard the Team Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 also brought his career total of Canadian Superbike triumphs to 10, tying him with Michael Taylor for sixth place overall. A similar performance at Mosport and he will move into a four-way tie for third all-time with Rueben McMurter, Michel Mercier and Don Munroe on 12 victories.

The career national Superbike wins leader is Crevier, who notched up his 22nd triumph at this season’s Parts Canada Superbike season opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park. The DXS / Diablo Racing Team Suzuki GSX-R1000 rider had a pair of second place finishes in Calgary and has never won at Mosport.

Second on the all-time win list is Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke with 14 victories. The Honda Canada / Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR rider is fourth in the 2004 Superbike standings with 96 points and is a two-time Mosport winner.

McBain has yet to win on the national tour but he is knocking on the door and finished a close second to Crevier at the opening round on the Coors Light Racing / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Other challengers at Mosport this weekend will include Rock Forest, QC rider Francis Martin on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, and Kleinburg, ON’s Frank Trombino, who is going for a third career Mosport victory on the Brooklin Cycle Yamaha YZF-R1.

Racing at Mosport this weekend will also include a doubleheader for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship. Picotte leads the standings in this class and is the defending series champion.

The International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship will run its third round at Mosport. Despite not having won either of the opening two races Yamaha rider Rudy Raposo of Mississauga, ON leads the point standings.

Qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike and Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike classes will go Friday afternoon, with races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Competitors in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class will qualify Saturday and race Sunday.

This weekend’s events will be televised on TSN on Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. EDT and on Quebec’s RDS on Sept. 12 at 12:00 p.m. and Sept. 25 at 11:30 a.m. The action will also appear in one-hour format later this summer on TORONTO1 and A-Channel stations in Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton.

For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com


All Time Mosport Superbike Wins
Don Munroe (Halifax, NS) 2; Frank Trombino (Kleinburg, ON) 2; Jordan Szoke (Brantford, ON) 2; Rueben McMurter (London, ON) 1; Gary Goodfellow (Vancouver, BC) 1; Linnley Clarke (Barrie, ON) 1; Jeff Sneyd (Mississauga, ON) 1; Martin Gaudreault (Longueuil, QC) 1; Pascal Picotte (Granby, QC) 1; Francis Martin (Rock Forest, QC) 1

Mosport Fast Facts

…Frank Trombino and Jordan Szoke come into this weekend’s event with a chance to become the first three-time national Superbike winner at Mosport. Along with Don Munroe, Trombino and Szoke have won twice at Mosport, Szoke in 1999 and ‘02, Trombino in 2000 and ’01.

…Mosport has twice previously staged doubleheaders, in 1998 and 2003. Don Munroe and Martin Gaudreault split the wins in ’98, while Pascal Picotte and Francis Martin shared the spoils last year.

…Last year Pascal Picotte became only the second Mosport winner to go on and claim the Canadian Superbike national title in the same year. The first time it happened was a year earlier, when Jordan Szoke won at Mosport en route to his second Canadian crown.

2004 Point Standings
Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 151; 2. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 136; 3. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 117; 4. Jordan Szoke (Honda) 96; 5. Kevin Lacombe (Yamaha) 83
Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 138; 2. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 115; 3. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 105
International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike: 1. Rudy Raposo (Yamaha) 71; 2. Mark Douglas (Yamaha) 64; 3. Darren James (Yamaha) 61

Provisional Weekend Schedule
Friday July 16
1:15 p.m.-1:40 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying
4:40 p.m.-5:25 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Qualifying
Saturday July 17
1:00 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Race 1 14 laps
3:00 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Race 1 16 laps
3:55 p.m.-4:55 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Qualifying
Sunday July 18
1:00 p.m. Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Race 2 14 laps
1:50 p.m. International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Race 12 laps
3:00 p.m. Parts Canada Superbike Race 2 16 laps

From a press release issued by the FIM:

July 15, 2004

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
Anti-doping controls

Anti-doping controls were carried out at the Italian Grand Prix, held on the circuit of Mugello, on June 6 last.

All the samples tested showed the absence of any banned substances.

The riders controlled were : Valentino Rossi (ITA, MotoGP), Ruben Xaus (SPA, MotoGP), Max Biaggi (ITA, MotoGP), Manuel Poggiali (RSM, 250cc), Alfonso Nieto (SPA, 250cc), Sebastian Porto (ARG, 250cc).

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON OFFERS FOUR NEW MODELS FOR 2005

Brighter Headlights and Optional Original-Equipment Wheels Introduced

MILWAUKEE (July 15, 2004) – Harley-Davidson broadens its Sportster, Dyna Glide and Softail motorcycle lines with the introduction of four new models for 2005. Eleven new color options and improved headlight technology are among product enhancements offered for the Motor Company’s 2005 model year.

“This is an exciting model year,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson director of marketing, motorcycle product development. “With four new models and a host of updates, Harley-Davidson’s 2005 models demonstrate the company’s continued leadership in factory custom styling.”

The soul of Harley-Davidson runs deeper than paint and chrome, and every 2005 model carries that unique strain of motorcycle DNA that’s unmistakably, positively Harley-Davidson. It’s a look and sound and just-right feeling that simply can’t be duplicated.

Highlights of the 2005 Harley-Davidson line include:

Two bold new Softail models bolster Harley-Davidson’s leadership position in the execution of factory custom styling. The FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe and FLSTSC/I Softail Springer Classic both incorporate a host of nostalgic styling cues that blend seamlessly with the acclaimed modern performance and comfort of the Harley-Davidson Softail platform.

The Dyna Glide family grows to five models with the introduction of the sparkling new FXDC/I Super Glide Custom.

The new XL Sportster 883L features a lower seat height and adjusted ergonomics designed to fit a wide range of riders and to make it easier to lift off its sidestand. All 2005 Sportster models have a new swingarm and larger diameter rear axle.

A new vented lower fairing allows riders to adjust airflow for flexible comfort on the FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

VRSC V-Rod models get more color options for 2005. The VRSCB will be available in five colors, while the VRSCA model will be offered in nine color choices, including four two-tone paint combinations

A number of Softail, Touring, Dyna Glide and Sportster models are available with a sleek new chrome aluminum Profile Laced wheel as an original-equipment option. Refer to the chrome aluminum Profile Laced wheel chart for model availability details.

A new dipstick design for all Softail models makes it possible to check the oil level with the motorcycle on its sidestand.

Harley-Davidson will introduce 11 new paint combinations for 2005, including three new solid colors, two new Sunglo Pearl colors, and 6 new two-tone and three-tone combinations. Eleven of the 2005 models will also feature new tank badges or decals.

Finally, all 2005 Harley-Davidson models are equipped with new clear-lens, reflector-optics headlights that offer increased lighting intensity and an enhanced light beam pattern. A small Bar & Shield cloisonné affixed to the lens of every new headlight places Harley-Davidson out front for 2005.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

From a press release issued by Buell:

BUELL SET TO DOMINATE THE STREETFIGHTER CATEGORY

Lightning CityX XB9SX and Lightning XB12Scg Broaden Line

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 15, 2004) – Buell Motorcycle Company expands its line of Lightning models for 2005 with the introduction of the Lightning CityX XB9SX (pronounced “Lightning City Cross”), a middleweight urban streetfighter, and the Lightning XB12Scg, a big-bore powerhouse designed to bring Buell Lightning performance and style to riders who prefer a lower center of gravity and seat height.

Back for an encore in 2005 is the Lightning XB12S. The original Lightning XB9S has evolved to become the 2005 Lightning CityX XB9SX.

Flexing American Muscle
The Buell Lightning series offers a unique blend of minimalist, naked styling and the real-world powerband of an American V-Twin engine. The riding position is athletic. Agility is uncompromised. The torque is unreal.

Compact and narrow in profile, the Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine is the perfect powerplant for serious street performance. Both the 92hp Thunderstorm 984 and 103hp Thunderstorm 1203 engines are 45-degree air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twins with electronic fuel injection. Both are tuned to put out a mountain of ground-pounding torque and deliver the kind of mid-range acceleration a rider can really use on the street. The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration to the rider and increases frame rigidity by utilizing the engine as a stressed member of the chassis.

The Lightning is created utilizing the Buell Trilogy of Technology design principles-frame rigidity, mass centralization and minimal unsprung weight. To lower the center of gravity, fuel is carried in the massive aluminum frame, engine oil is carried in the swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine. The Buell Zero Torsional Load front brake features a single 375mm rotor mounted near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. Because braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the rotor, torsional load at the front wheel is virtually eliminated and brake feel and control is enhanced. Reduced torsional load permits the use of a very lightweight cast aluminum front wheel for a significant reduction in unsprung weight and steering inertia.

Buell Lightning models are agile and flickable, thanks to a short 52-inch wheelbase and 21-degree fork angle. Both the rear Showa shock absorber and the new 43mm Showa upside-down fork are adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping to accommodate rider weight and riding style. The Lightning offers an unmistakable style, inspired by the rough-and-tumble world of flat-track racing. Handlebars are wide and aggressive. Dual headlights are mounted below a short flyscreen. The clipped, aluminum tail section covers the meaty, 180mm rear tire with a screened panel.

Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
A brawny, new black-and-blue urban hooligan, the Lightning CityX XB9SX was designed to rule the city streets with pure attitude. Its wild new see-through Hero Blue Translucid airbox cover and flyscreen put the bike’s mechanical details on display, while Villain Black wheels and Midnight Black lower body panels hide the grime of the city. Handlebar deflectors and a headlight grille send a tough message, while Supermotard-style handlebars and a new Skyline seat put the rider in complete control. The soft-rubber Buell X Guard helps protect the airbox from tankbag scuffing.

Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX features:
Hero Blue Translucid bodywork
Headlight grille
Handlebar deflectors
Buell X Guard airbox protector
Supermotard-style crossbar handlebars
Villain Black wheels, handlebars, handlebar clamp, license plate bracket
Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires
Buell ZTL braking system
Buell Thunderstorm 984 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
92 peak hp, 70 ft. lbs. peak torque
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm
43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber

Buell Lightning XB12S
A bad-boy streetfighter with irresistible good looks, the Lightning XB12S offers a level of brute V-Twin power and premium technology only offered by Buell. The Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine is equipped with Buell InterActive Exhaust, a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. The Lightning XB12S is offered in Racing Red, Midnight Black or new Thrust Blue, with high-gloss Translucent Amber wheels that glow in the sunlight and contrast with a Graphite Gray frame and swingarm. Magnesium-tone cam/clutch cover, a coarse-texture seat cover, and special Amber nose, tail and airbox graphics are standard.

Buell Lightning XB12S features:
Buell Thunderstorm 1203 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
103 peak hp, 84 ft. lbs. peak torque
Buell InterActive Exhaust
Smooth drive belt system
Graphite Gray frame and swingarm
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm
New 43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake system
Translucent Amber wheels
Flat track-style handlebars

Buell Lightning XB12Scg
Fly a little lower aboard the new Lightning XB12Scg. Altered front and rear suspension and a reshaped seat lower the center of gravity and reduce seat height to 28.6 inches – 1.75 inches lower than the standard XB12S. Performance and handling are uncompromised. Offered in Racing Red, Midnight Black or new Thrust Blue with brilliant Translucent Amber wheels and Graphite Gray frame and swingarm.

Buell Lightning XB12Scg features:
Buell Thunderstorm 1203 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
103 peak hp, 84 ft. lbs. peak torque
Buell InterActive Exhaust
Smooth drive belt system
Graphite Gray frame and swingarm
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm
41mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Translucent Amber wheels
Flat track-style handlebars
Seat height 28.6 inches

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com

This just in from Snarl Sport’s Karl Uribe: We now have a translated parts list and are ready to accept orders for CBR1000RR HRC kit parts. Editor’s Note: Uribe can be contacted via e-mail or phone, [email protected], www.snarlsport.com, (415) 666-0130.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

HOFMANN EYES UP THE FUTURE COMPETITION

Alex Hofmann will have the opportunity to assess the future competition on Thursday evening at Sachsenring, as the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team play host to the 23 youngsters competing in this year’s Red Bull Rookies Cup.

Fought out on identical 125cc race bikes over eight rounds, the 2004 Red Bull Rookies Cup is open only to riders born between 1983 and 1991. This popular ‘novice’ series is the first phase in a three stage programme designed to identify, nurture and develop young German riding talent, with the ultimate aim being to increase the number of German riders in the prestigious MotoGP World Championship.

Over the course of the season two riders from the Red Bull Rookies Cup are selected for the second stage of the ADAC backed programme, which includes a full time ride in the 125cc IDM series. Meik Minnerop and Toni Wirsing, both just 14 years of age, were the two riders selected at the end of 2003. Minnerop is currently fifth in the IDM 125cc standings, while Wirsing is just 27 points behind his team-mate in 12th place.

Both riders are following closely in the footsteps of Georg Fröhlich, who graduated from the IDM 125cc series at the end of last season and is currently competing in the European rounds of the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship as a wild card rider.

The fourth round of the 2004 Red Bull Rookies Cup will run on the Saturday evening at Sachsenring, where current Championship leader, 15-year-old Joshua Sommer, will be looking to increase his lead over his closest rival, 18-year-old Jennifer Kaulbach; one of four girls competing in this year’s series.

On Thursday evening at 17.30 the Red Bull Rookies will visit the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team in the Sachsenring paddock for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at a factory MotoGP team at work. A tour of the pit box will be followed by a dinner in the Kawasaki hospitality unit and an opportunity to ask questions of Team Manager, Harald Eckl, and team riders, Alex Hofmann and Shinya Nakano.

They may be potential rivals in the future, but Hofmann – who also received support from ADAC when he started racing – is looking forward to meeting the Red Bull Rookies, especially as they’ve raced at Sachsenring once already this season and may well be able to offer some track advice to the 24-year-old Fuchs Kawasaki rider!

“ADAC have always been supportive of up and coming German riders, but what they’ve put together with the Red Bull Rookies programme moves everything to the next level,” declared Hofmann who, like the Rookies, also started his road racing career on a 125cc machine. “When I started out it was difficult; you had to find your own money and sponsors and it wasn’t always possible to secure a competitive bike. The Red Bull Rookies Cup provides these youngsters with a cost effective way of getting into racing and, by ensuring that the machinery used by everyone is equal, those with the talent to progress further are easily identified.”

“It will be good to show the Rookies what goes on in the Kawasaki Racing Team, and as they’ve already raced at Sachsenring this season, I’m hoping they’ll be able to give me a few tips for the weekend ahead,” continued Hofmann, currently the only German rider in the top flight MotoGP class. “Of course, if they want some advice in return then I’ll be more than happy to help out. Although I have to admit, I will be keeping a few things to myself; just in case I find myself racing against some of these guys in a couple of years time!”

The invitation to the Red Bull Rookies was extended by Kawasaki Racing Team Manager, Harald Eckl; himself a big supporter of ADAC young rider initiatives in the past. It was Eckl – while instructing at the ADAC race school – who was instrumental in spotting Steve Jenkner’s potential and securing him his first ride in the German National 125cc Championship aboard Peter Öttl’s spare bike.

“ADAC have been supporting young German riders for a number of years and their success rate has been extremely good,” commented the former Grand Prix rider and Daytona race winner. “This latest initiative from ADAC, which starts with the Rookies Cup and progresses all the way through to Grand Prix, is a massive step forward in terms of rider development here in Germany. I hope that this programme will, in the future, propel German riders into the MotoGP World Championship. You never know, in a few years time we might even see one of the current Red Bull Rookies lining up on the MotoGP grid aboard our bike. I certainly hope so.”

From a press release issued by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course:

MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE PLANS FULL WEEKEND OF FUN FOR FANS

DUBLIN, Ohio (July 14, 2004) – For fans attending the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 16-18, a weekend packed with activities and events has been set to highlight the historic motorcycles, both on and off of the racing surface. While strolling through Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course’s 330 acres, spectators will encounter an array of off-track activities sure to please.

BMW will be the Featured Marque at 2004 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, celebrating the manufacturer’s historic past. The BMW Mobile Tradition Display will exhibit classic motorcycles and memorabilia. Riders visiting Mid-Ohio and Vintage Motorcycle Days on their BMW bikes will be able to park in a designated BMW-only parking area, located conveniently in Mid-Ohio’s infield.

No Vintage Motorcycle Days attendee will want to miss World Champion Stunt Rider Jean-Pierre Goy. Best known for his spectacular stunts in several James Bond films, Goy will treat spectators to daring performances throughout the weekend. Alternating between different BMW models, Goy executes rolling burnouts in clouds of smoke, wheelies in tight circles (with no hands), terrifies unknowing volunteers from the audience, and defies the laws of physics during his stunts. Tapped as the world-record holder for the longest continuous wheelie (over 100 miles), the stoppie distance record (383 feet) and numerous other crazy, not to mention dangerous, achievements. Fans can catch his wild act several times during the weekend in the upper paddock.

The ever-popular Will Stoner Swap Meet is an event like no other held in the United States. Introduced to Mid-Ohio fans in 1992, the event has grown into a complete weekend hosting more than 900 vendors, all of which bring a unique selection of parts and memorabilia with them. Covering more than 35 sprawling acres, the Will Stoner Swap Meet is the largest of its kind in the country.

Returning to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the second year of thrilling entertainment, Rhett Rotten’s “Wall of Death” performance is always a crowd pleaser. Located among the hustle and bustle of the infield, Rotten’s performance will take place a total of eleven times throughout the weekend. Live music from Terry Davidson and the Gears will entertain spectators with their classic rock sound.

Motorcycle riders have the opportunity to take a lap of the track from the seat of their own bike during the “Lap for History.” The cost of the lap is $5 and all proceeds go to the AMA Hall of Fame Museum. Sign-up takes place at the AMA Members Tent, and laps are during the lunch break both Saturday and Sunday.

Licensed motorcyclists can test-ride a variety of different bikes at the demo rides display located in the upper paddock. Representing manufactures include BMW, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Buell, Triumph, and Moto-Guzzi.

Weekend spectators are also invited to listen to motorcycle historians and experts discuss various motorcycle components. Motorcycle Hall of Fame Executive Mark Mederski kicks off the seminars with “You Have Made History” followed by Fred Jakobs discussing BMW Mobile Tradition, “100 years of Ernst Henne” and “80 Years of BMW Motorcycles.” John Healey teaches “Triumph Technicalities,” while Charles Falco presents “Understanding and Tuning your Carburetor.” Walker Powell explains “Motorcycling Collectibles” as Craig Vetter wraps things up with “The History of the American Motorscooter,” “The History of the Vetter,” and “Motorcycle Streamlining…Are you really slippery?”



This year’s Grand Marshal is motorcycle legend Yvon Duhamel. Duhamel spent the late 1960’s and 70’s as one of the world’s top motorcycle road racers, both in the United States and overseas. Duhamel was elected into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, and will eventually be joined by his son, Miguel, the still-active AMA Superbike racer who has captured more career wins than anybody in the series.

For more information or tickets to Vintage Motorcycle Days, call 1-800-MID-OHIO or visit www.midohio.com today.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road racing circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the track has been called the most competitive in the U.S. and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional riders and drivers. Mid-Ohio’s 2004 schedule features seven spectator events, including the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 16-18), Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (July 23-25), Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic (August 6-8), Unlimited Audio and Accessories presents the Triple Crown Tuner Challenge (August 21-22) and SCCA National Championship Runoffs? presented by Kohler (September 20-26).

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, TrueSports, Inc. is a privately held motorsports entertainment enterprise. The company owns and operates Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, and promotes a wide variety of motor racing, driver instruction, corporate, and family entertainment events throughout the year.