Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
July 7, Rochelle Roberts (wife of Kenny Lee Roberts), 28
July 18, Kristy Roberts (sister of Kenny and Kurtis Roberts), 28
July 25, Former 500cc World Champion Kenny Lee Roberts, 31
From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding:
DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING PRESENTS ITS OFFER FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE MAJORITY SHARE OF APRILIA
Bologna, Italy, July 7, 2004 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, has presented today an offer for the acquisition of the majority share of the Aprilia Group.
This offer intends to solve the recent financial crisis of Aprilia in order to re-establish its role as a leader, built up over years of hard work and successes in the two-wheel market.
This operation is based on the wish to promote the Italian two-wheel industry consolidation. This new group, first of its kind in Europe, would be able to compete successfully at a global level, thanks to the strengths and peculiarities of each single brand, scale economies and the technological excellence resulting from the combination of each company’s competencies.
“Ours is a long-term industrial project,” said Federico Minoli, Ducati Chairman and CEO. “We are not financial investors. We are moved by passion and we are dedicated to the success of Italian bikes worldwide. We are conscious that this success depends on respecting and enhancing the different identities of each single brand, each one directly linked with its products, its history and its territory, where manufacturing sites have to be kept. Technological competencies, the real asset of each company, could be better used in an integrated and coherent development plan that avoids duplication, and that concentrates its investment efforts on technology and innovation. All together these companies will have a great market penetration force, in particular abroad, realizing in the meantime important synergies in sales structures and distribution channels, as well as in purchasing and administrative structures. Our Ducati turn-around experience leaves us confident of the possibility of success and conscious of the responsabilities we are assuming versus an industry sector that has always proudly brought the Italian geniality and passion for the two-wheel industry to the world.”
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information, please contact:
Fabrizio Nardi
Investor Relations
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
Via Cavalieri Ducati, 3
Bologna 40132
Italy
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
According to news reports in Japan, motorcycle manufacturers selling bikes in the island country are cooperating in setting up a recycling program for scrapped motorcycles.
Scrapped bikes will be shipped to collection centers, where they will be dismantled and component parts recycled.
Participating manufacturers in the program, which will go into effect in October, include Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, Suzuki and Yamaha.
From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
Duhamel and Zemke locked in AMA Formula Xtreme Series title tussle
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 7, 2004) – Honda looks to be a shoo-in to win the 2004 Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. The top three riders in the series standings are Honda mounted. And while the Big H is almost certain to win back the Formula Xtreme title after four years, it’s unclear at this point which of the Red Riders will lift the No. 1 plate at the end of the year. The series will make stop number eight of 11 at Monterey, California’s Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, July 10. Factory Honda rider Miguel Duhamel leads a tight points battle over Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke. The Formula Xtreme race is part of the Honda Superbike Classic, a weekend full of AMA and World Championship racing.
Duhamel has taken to Formula Xtreme racing like it was designed with him in mind. With his vast experience in AMA Superbike and Supersport racing (he leads both categories in all-time wins) it’s no wonder that the Montreal native feels at home on his Honda CBR600RR-based Formula Xtreme bike, which is in many ways, a mini-superbike. Duhamel has won five of the seven Formula Xtreme races. If he wins at Laguna Seca he will be tied for fifth on the all-time Formula Xtreme wins list with none other than Zemke.
Zemke is a past Formula Xtreme winner at Laguna Seca. He’s earned two wins in the class so far and has finished runner-up to Duhamel at four rounds. Zemke feels his Erion Honda is getting better each race. “Miguel has some motor on us,” Zemke says of Duhamel’s factory bike. “The boys worked pretty hard, though, and they definitely closed the gap on him. Going to Laguna we’ll see if we can’t close up that points gap a little bit.”
The rest of the Formula Xtreme field is trying to pick up some glory by at least getting on the podium along side Duhamel and Zemke. Young Alex Gobert is third in the standings. The up-and-coming Australian has finished on the podium three times on his Erion Honda. Vincent Haskovec is another rider asserting himself in the series. Haskovec surprised both Duhamel and Zemke by chasing them down mid-race on his Valvoline EMGO Suzuki at the last round in Brainerd, Minn. He is ranked fourth in the standings.
While Gobert and Haskovec are the primary riders who could take advantage of a Duhamel or Zemke mistake at Laguna Seca, other riders in the series have the experience to have a successful outing in Monterey. A trio of AMA racing veterans seems most likely to make some noise this Saturday. Ohioan Larry Pegram is the top Yamaha rider in the series, Michael Barnes entered the series mid-season and has already worked himself into the top 10 on the Buell XB9R Firebolt, and Jason Pridmore is a former Formula Xtreme champion. All three have the potential to surprise the Formula Xtreme top runners.
Honda’s Ben Bostrom is slated to make a special Formula Xtreme appearance at Laguna Seca. Bostrom finished a close runner-up to Duhamel at the season opener in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Hacking’s injury opens the door in AMA Superstock
A crash last week while testing in Ohio cost AMA Repsol Superstock Series leader Jamie Hacking a trip to the operating table to have his collarbone pinned. The Graves Yamaha ace bravely plans on trying to ride at the upcoming round at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but his injury could present an opportunity for the rest of the Superstock field to close the points gap on the leader.
If Hacking holds on to win this year’s Superstock title it will show the true determination the Denver, North Carolina resident has inside. Already this year Hacking appeared to be pulling away in the points chase, but suffered a crash at a round in early June in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Hacking didn’t give up. He picked up his battered Yamaha R1 and re-entered the race and even though he lost the series lead, he scored seven valuable championship points by finishing the race. The resilient Hacking came back to win the last round in Brainerd, Minn., and gained back the points lead from Graves Yamaha teammate Aaron Gobert. Now Hacking will come to Laguna nursing a sore shoulder and a 14-point lead with four races remaining.
The hottest rider coming into the AMA Superstock race is Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes. Hayes came out of nowhere to score consecutive runner-up finishes in the last two rounds. The timing seems right for Hayes to put his ZX-10R atop the rostrum. He is the defending winner of the Laguna Seca Superstock race.
Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden and Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies are also riders to watch this weekend. Both have had success at Laguna Seca in the past and each have a victory in Superstock this year.
The Laguna Seca Formula Xtreme and Superstock races will be shown on SPEED Channel on Sunday, July 11, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern.
For ticket info contact Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca at (800) 327-SECA or visit www.laguna-seca.com
From a press release:
The Full Circle Program runs several residential houses and a farm in Dogtown, CA (Marin County) for abused boys. This program has been very successful in turning around the lives of boys who, in many cases, were on the fast track to prison. The program has been so successful in helping direct these young lads to productive lives that it has been studied by many others who are working to accomplish the same goals. However, like most charitable programs, it is in constant need of additional financial support.
Toward this end, The Sunday Morning Ride has adopted this program via an annual fundraiser. Participation in this event not only gives the attending motorcyclists the satisfaction of supporting this most worthwhile cause, but also helps improve the image of motorcyclists in the eyes of the community.
Last year, nearly 190 Sunday Morning Riders attended the fundraising breakfast at the Full Circle Program farm at Dogtown in West Marin. Most of the riders left the Arco Station at Tam Junction (just off the Hwy 1 exit from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley) at the usual 7:30 departure time for The Sunday Morning Ride. They were joined by approximately 80 to 90 more riders who arrived at the Dogtown location over the next 90 minutes.
Attending riders had the opportunity to meet local motorcycle hero, star of “On Any Sunday,” and former Grand National Champion, Mert Lawwill as well as defending AMA 250 GP Champion, Chuck Sorensen. Both signed autographs and spoke to the assembled riders.
For their $10 donations, riders were treated to a great breakfast spread consisting of coffee, juice, pancakes, sausage, granola, yogurt, sweet rolls, bananas, oranges and melons.
Commemorative T-shirts picturing Chuck Sorensen on his number one 250 Yamaha and sponsored by various industry supporters were given to all who attended. Bay Area motorcycle dealers and accessory manufacturers supported the event with over $5,000 dollars worth of merchandise and gift certificates, which were raffled off after breakfast.
During and after the raffle there was a great deal of swapping going on between winners as they traded one prize for another of more interest. We raffled a 2003 CR50 Husky mini motocross bike, which was donated by Munroe Motors. More than $7,500 was raised for the Full Circle Program.
Among other things, the money was used to purchase new beds, dressers and desks for all the boys’ rooms. In prior years funds raised have been used to repair the chimney for the stove which is used to heat the boys’ residence and to equip the residence with a complete computer lab with all peripherals including 10 computers, printer, and satellite internet connection, equipment that the program wanted but could not otherwise afford. The boys at the farm learned that there are a lot more people outside the program who care about them.
Participating motorcyclists enjoyed a beautiful day both on the roads of West Marin and at the farm. Nevertheless, 80 to 90% of the riders who attended were current or former Sunday Morning Ride regulars.
For this year’s event, we hope to see a lot more new faces. This is too much fun to be enjoyed by so few. Riders attending this year will get to meet Motocross Champion Brad Lackey. Brad is the 1972 AMA 500 Motocross Champion and the 1982 500 World Champion. Still an active racer, Brad is the 2000 AHRMA Over 40 Expert Champion. T-shirts featuring Brad in a 2004 AHRMA race will be given to all attendees with Brad available to autograph them.
Thousands of dollars worth of motorcycle accessories and gift certificates will be raffled. Also, a new 50cc Peugeot scooter, street legal in Europe but not in California, will be raffled. This is a great pit bike for racers as well as a good learn to ride scooter for kids.
We will appreciate any and all support you can provide for the eighth annual ride on October 10, 2004. Riders can join with other riders at the Arco station at Tam Junction (just off Hwy 101 at the Hwy 1 North exit in Mill Valley). Riders will be leaving starting at 7:30 (the regular departure time for The Sunday Morning Ride) and continuing until 9:30 (to arrive by 10:00 AM).
This annual fundraising event benefits the Full Circle Program. Full Circle provides residential and counseling services for boys who have been abused or seriously neglected by the persons who should have been caring for them. Kids who may have been on the straight track to prison are turned around in a loving and caring environment that helps them to become productive and well adjusted members of society.
All participants will receive a free T-shirt with Brad Lackey’s picture. He will sign autographs and answer questions about the bike and racing.
The event, which includes a great breakfast for a $10 donation, free T-shirt and a drawing for motorcycle accessories and discount coupons from local dealers, raised over $7,500 last year. We hope to top that amount this year.
Last year local motorcycle dealers and shops contributed more than $5,000 worth of accessories and gift certificates. More than one rider left with $200 to $300 in motorcycle gear for his $10 to $20 investment in raffle tickets. All left with a feeling of having contributed to a very worthwhile cause.
This year a 2004 50cc Peugeot scooter donated by Munroe Motors in San Francisco will be raffled along with motorcycle accessories.
Breakfast and the drawings are held at the Full Circle farm in Dogtown on Hwy 1 about 1 mile north of Bolinas. We would like to encourage as many riders as possible to support this worthwhile event and take the opportunity to meet some of the boys in residence. It is also a great excuse to get out and enjoy the pleasures of Hwy 1 in Marin on a Sunday morning. Please invite 4 or 5 friends who would not otherwise be there to join you for the event. Let’s see if we can’t double last year’s turnout and funds raised!
From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:
Aprilia Happenings at Laguna Seca
Woodstock, GA – Aprilia exclusive events at Laguna Seca this weekend.
Aprilia USA is proud to continue the tradition of consumer outreach on the coming World Superbike/AMA weekend at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, California. With new models on display, demo rides and Aprilia owner activities exclusive to Aprilia, the employees of the company look forward to visiting with owners and motorcycle racing fans all weekend.
Aprilia owners viewing area:
Aprilia USA is sponsoring an Aprilia owners viewing area on the turn four shelf Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Those interested in watching the race from this shaded spot overlooking the exit of turn four must bring proof of ownership in the form of an Aprilia ignition key or current proof of insurance to the Aprilia display in manufacturer’s row for a pass. The early bird catches the worm on this one – this offer is good for the first 50 to register each day starting at 9:00 am.
Aprilia fan laps of the track:
Aprilia is proud to host the only brand-exclusive fan laps of the track. The first 50 attendees riding Aprilia motorcycles (not inclusive of scooters) can register for a Saturday 6:30pm lap of the track, or a Sunday 11:30am lap of the track, unfortunately not both due to demand. Participants must wear safety gear including a helmet, long pants and jacket. This exclusive tradition allows Aprilia riders to get a close and personal look at the sweeping Laguna Seca Raceway, including the dramatic at any speed Corkscrew. Registration for the fan laps starts at 9:00am Saturday at the Aprilia display. Fan laps will be led by Mike Hale and Matt Wait of Italica Racing.
Exclusive Aprilia machines on display:
On display will be the infamous Marco Melandri “Spiderman” RSW 250 GP motorcycle, the Van Butler Racing RS 50 – holder of 10 land speed records, and the Team McLeish Brothers all-new Aprilia powered streamliner destined for more records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Other machines on display include a custom 2004 RSV 1000 R built by Aaron Clark and the spectacular Carbon-Fiber bodied RSV1000 Nera.
Italica Racing team appearance:
In addition to leading the Aprilia fan laps, Italica Racing riders Matt Wait and Mike Hale will be visiting the Aprilia display to meet with Aprilia and racing fans, as well as report on the progress of the Italica Racing team machines. Team Owner Jeff Jensen and RPM Promotions will be screening the dramatic film directed by Jensen, “Top Speed”, based on an Aprilia World Superbike team Friday at 8pm in the flag room on the turn four shelf.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail:
Just an FYI to let you know that AMA Superbike Privateer Dean Mizdal turns 40 this Saturday at Laguna. Would appreciate you passing along best wishes from his Ohio-based crew member Toni since I can’t be there in person.
Thanks,
Toni Yarger
Mansfield, Ohio
From a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:
Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Launches New Website
Promoting Team Activities
(Los Angeles, CA) Team Hammer has launched a
redesigned website at www.teamhammer.com. The website contains team news, photos from the track, biographical information on the team’s three current racers (Steve Rapp, Vincent Haskovec, and Chris Peris) and the members of the crew that have helped the team bring home 13 WERA National Endurance Championships and a remarkable 127 endurance race wins while racing as Team Suzuki Endurance, along with five Formula USA Championships, a dozen WERA Superstock and Suzuki National Cup Series titles, and two AMA Championships while racing as Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. A year-by-year team history and technical information is also posted on the website.
The revamped website not only allows race fans to keep track of how the team fares via the internet, but also contains information regarding the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School and Track Rides. Also, www.teamhammer.com is the online home of the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars, a program that helps tomorrow’s motorcycle racing superstars achieve their dreams.
“TeamHammer.com makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with the activities of the team,” says Kelly Collopy, Parts and Logistics Manager of Team Hammer. “Now the website shows the same level of professionalism our race program does.”
The new site, designed and built by the prestigious Echo Alley development team, offers Team Hammer’s Sponsors an additional media vehicle for exposure.
“As a company of motorcyclists and racers we really enjoyed working with Team Hammer. Everyone knows the red, white and blue bikes. It wasn’t long before our design team had a concept that was a reflection of the team’s highly recognized track presence.” says Michael Lenz of Echo Alley.
Fans will find timely news and periodic updates to the new photo gallery. Team Hammer can now use an intuitive web based publishing tool to update the site, allowing quick updates, even while on the road. Streaming video and team interviews are also planned for the website.
For more information about Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki visit the Team Hammer website at
http://www.teamhammer.com.
For more information about Echo Alley, and the many web and print service offerings, please visit
http://www.echoalley.com.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Despite breaking his collarbone in a crash during testing six days ago, Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking is optimistic about keeping his AMA Superstock Championship hopes alive at Laguna Seca. But he is not happy about the surface changes and curbing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, site of his crash.
“It was terrible. Just when you think they can’t make Mid-Ohio any worse, they did,” Hacking said of the recent surface grinding done at the Lexington, Ohio facility to smooth transitions on and off the many concrete patches in its 15 corners. “I thought it was going to be OK because all the bumps were gone, but it’s unrideable, really. I’m sure there’re riders out there who go down the highway with the grooves in the road and know how hard it is just to go straight-up-and-down. Imagine going around a corner at 50 (mph) on ‘em. It’s pretty crazy.”
Hacking, who was riding his YZF-R6 Supersport racer at the time of his crash, isn’t sure if the grooves in the pavement or the curbing on the outside of the track is more to blame in the incident.
“I can’t remember (everything) because I got knocked out,” said Hacking. “I was riding in the back section over that little hill (turn nine) and accelerated down that back side. There were a lot of grind marks back in (turn 10) there. I remember I lost the rear and saved it. It was no big deal. I was on it, but you know how high the curbings are there at Mid-Ohio. They had the curbing on the outside of the track, and I hit that. The thing just catapulted me over the handlebars and drove me straight into the ground.
“I was on top of the bike. If there hadn’t been that (curbing) there, I would’ve just ran off in the gravel trap, turned around and got back on the track. They’ve got it (curb) there so cars can berm off of it. That’s the only reason why that thing’s there.”
Soon after the crash, Hacking flew to California, where Dr. Athur Ting pinned the broken collarbone back together. Since that time, Hacking has been recuperating in the “re-hab hotel” near Ting’s clinic.
“I’ve got a bone stimulator and an ice water pressure pack on it,” Hacking told Roadracingworld.com Tuesday. “The last couple of days have been a struggle muscle-wise at the base of my neck. The collarbone broke so close to the base of my neck that he had to cut some muscles and kind of shift them around to get to it. But today I can move my neck a lot better and I feel a lot better about it.
“I’m looking pretty optimistic for this weekend. I think I can do a good job. But it’s kind of upsetting, you know, because I’m coming into one of my best tracks. I know that (if healthy) I could win there, but I’ve got to take whatever I can get.
“We’ll just have to see Friday. I’m not going to ride that much at first. I’m going to check it out and see how it goes. I want to do good, but then again I just want to come out of there and maybe salvage my points lead still and get this week off and then get back to business.”
Hacking heads into Laguna Seca with a 14-point lead in the AMA Superstock Championship over teammate Aaron Gobert, and he holds an 18-point advantage over Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden. If Gobert were to win and collect maximum points (by earning pole position and leading the most laps in the race) at Laguna, Hacking would have to finish sixth or better to hold his lead. If Hayden were to win and collect maximum points, Hacking would need to finish 10th or better to hold his point lead.
Although he doesn’t want to give up on the defense of his Supersport Championship, Hacking (who is currently third and 36 points behind the Supersport Championship leader Hayden) reluctantly admitted he may have to sit out the Supersport race at Laguna Seca.
“We’ll have to see. My main goal is Superstock right now,” said Hacking.
One thing in Hacking’s favor is that Dr. Ting (along with his Sports Rehab Specialist, Certified Athletic Trainer Tuan Nguyen) will be the official Chief Medical Officer at Laguna Seca and will be on-site during the entire event.
From a press release issued by Joe Rocket Racing, which leaves us wondering what calendar they’re using:
ROCKET RULES AROUND THE WORLD
Sunday, July 5 marks a date of international success for Joe Rocket and the Rocket Racing team. In three countries on three different continents, the Rocket Racing Team proved yet again to be the best in the business by capturing Superbike race victories in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In Canada, Pascal Picotte proved why he is the reigning Superbike Champion, winning both rounds 2 & 3 of the Superbike series, hosted by Race City MotorSports Park in Calgary, Alberta Canada. After winning Saturday’s main event, Picotte again takes to the throttle aboard his “Picotte Performance Yamaha R1,” winning Sunday’s race and fronting the Joe Rocket Superbike podium sweep. Joining Pascal in the Winners Circle were fellow Rocket Racers Steve Crevier (2nd place) and Jordan Szoke (3rd place.) Because winning two races is not enough for a man driven to succeed, Picotte rode to a masterful victory in Saturday’s 600 Supersport event as well.
In Australia, Adam “Krusty” Fergusson had an unbelievable weekend of success aboard his Australian Honda CBR motorcycles. In just 2 days of racing at Mallada Racecourse, Krusty has tallied up two pole positions, a Supersport lap record, 2 Superbike victories, and 3 Supersport race wins. Fergusson now makes it three consecutive race weekends where he has emerged the winner. With few rounds remaining in the 2004 Australian Superbike Championship season, Krusty looks to be in very good shape to win possibly two championships. Ferguson nurtures an 88-point lead in the Superbike series and an 80-point lead over fellow Rocket Racer Josh Brookes in the Supersport series.
In the United Kingdom, James Haydon rode his “Virgin Mobile Yamaha R1” to win round 9 of 14 in the British Superbike Championship in Knockhill Scotland. Joe Rocket is very pleased to welcome back Mr. Haydon who was last a member of the Rocket Racing Team during his tenure with the “Petronas Racing” effort.
“To simultaneously achieve these terrific results in 3 different locations on the globe, really does affirm our efforts here at Joe Rocket to be the best. I am thrilled for each of these talented Rocket Racing Team members and I am thrilled for Joe Rocket; the best brand of motorcycle apparel in the world” said Bruce Parker, Marketing Director for Joe Rocket.
Look for the Rocket Racing Team to return to action on American soil this coming weekend, July 9th – 11th, at Mazda Raceway in Monterey, Ca.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
July 7, Rochelle Roberts (wife of Kenny Lee Roberts), 28
July 18, Kristy Roberts (sister of Kenny and Kurtis Roberts), 28
July 25, Former 500cc World Champion Kenny Lee Roberts, 31
From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding:
DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING PRESENTS ITS OFFER FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE MAJORITY SHARE OF APRILIA
Bologna, Italy, July 7, 2004 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, has presented today an offer for the acquisition of the majority share of the Aprilia Group.
This offer intends to solve the recent financial crisis of Aprilia in order to re-establish its role as a leader, built up over years of hard work and successes in the two-wheel market.
This operation is based on the wish to promote the Italian two-wheel industry consolidation. This new group, first of its kind in Europe, would be able to compete successfully at a global level, thanks to the strengths and peculiarities of each single brand, scale economies and the technological excellence resulting from the combination of each company’s competencies.
“Ours is a long-term industrial project,” said Federico Minoli, Ducati Chairman and CEO. “We are not financial investors. We are moved by passion and we are dedicated to the success of Italian bikes worldwide. We are conscious that this success depends on respecting and enhancing the different identities of each single brand, each one directly linked with its products, its history and its territory, where manufacturing sites have to be kept. Technological competencies, the real asset of each company, could be better used in an integrated and coherent development plan that avoids duplication, and that concentrates its investment efforts on technology and innovation. All together these companies will have a great market penetration force, in particular abroad, realizing in the meantime important synergies in sales structures and distribution channels, as well as in purchasing and administrative structures. Our Ducati turn-around experience leaves us confident of the possibility of success and conscious of the responsabilities we are assuming versus an industry sector that has always proudly brought the Italian geniality and passion for the two-wheel industry to the world.”
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information, please contact:
Fabrizio Nardi
Investor Relations
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
Via Cavalieri Ducati, 3
Bologna 40132
Italy
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
According to news reports in Japan, motorcycle manufacturers selling bikes in the island country are cooperating in setting up a recycling program for scrapped motorcycles.
Scrapped bikes will be shipped to collection centers, where they will be dismantled and component parts recycled.
Participating manufacturers in the program, which will go into effect in October, include Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, Suzuki and Yamaha.
From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
Duhamel and Zemke locked in AMA Formula Xtreme Series title tussle
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 7, 2004) – Honda looks to be a shoo-in to win the 2004 Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series. The top three riders in the series standings are Honda mounted. And while the Big H is almost certain to win back the Formula Xtreme title after four years, it’s unclear at this point which of the Red Riders will lift the No. 1 plate at the end of the year. The series will make stop number eight of 11 at Monterey, California’s Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, July 10. Factory Honda rider Miguel Duhamel leads a tight points battle over Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke. The Formula Xtreme race is part of the Honda Superbike Classic, a weekend full of AMA and World Championship racing.
Duhamel has taken to Formula Xtreme racing like it was designed with him in mind. With his vast experience in AMA Superbike and Supersport racing (he leads both categories in all-time wins) it’s no wonder that the Montreal native feels at home on his Honda CBR600RR-based Formula Xtreme bike, which is in many ways, a mini-superbike. Duhamel has won five of the seven Formula Xtreme races. If he wins at Laguna Seca he will be tied for fifth on the all-time Formula Xtreme wins list with none other than Zemke.
Zemke is a past Formula Xtreme winner at Laguna Seca. He’s earned two wins in the class so far and has finished runner-up to Duhamel at four rounds. Zemke feels his Erion Honda is getting better each race. “Miguel has some motor on us,” Zemke says of Duhamel’s factory bike. “The boys worked pretty hard, though, and they definitely closed the gap on him. Going to Laguna we’ll see if we can’t close up that points gap a little bit.”
The rest of the Formula Xtreme field is trying to pick up some glory by at least getting on the podium along side Duhamel and Zemke. Young Alex Gobert is third in the standings. The up-and-coming Australian has finished on the podium three times on his Erion Honda. Vincent Haskovec is another rider asserting himself in the series. Haskovec surprised both Duhamel and Zemke by chasing them down mid-race on his Valvoline EMGO Suzuki at the last round in Brainerd, Minn. He is ranked fourth in the standings.
While Gobert and Haskovec are the primary riders who could take advantage of a Duhamel or Zemke mistake at Laguna Seca, other riders in the series have the experience to have a successful outing in Monterey. A trio of AMA racing veterans seems most likely to make some noise this Saturday. Ohioan Larry Pegram is the top Yamaha rider in the series, Michael Barnes entered the series mid-season and has already worked himself into the top 10 on the Buell XB9R Firebolt, and Jason Pridmore is a former Formula Xtreme champion. All three have the potential to surprise the Formula Xtreme top runners.
Honda’s Ben Bostrom is slated to make a special Formula Xtreme appearance at Laguna Seca. Bostrom finished a close runner-up to Duhamel at the season opener in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Hacking’s injury opens the door in AMA Superstock
A crash last week while testing in Ohio cost AMA Repsol Superstock Series leader Jamie Hacking a trip to the operating table to have his collarbone pinned. The Graves Yamaha ace bravely plans on trying to ride at the upcoming round at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but his injury could present an opportunity for the rest of the Superstock field to close the points gap on the leader.
If Hacking holds on to win this year’s Superstock title it will show the true determination the Denver, North Carolina resident has inside. Already this year Hacking appeared to be pulling away in the points chase, but suffered a crash at a round in early June in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Hacking didn’t give up. He picked up his battered Yamaha R1 and re-entered the race and even though he lost the series lead, he scored seven valuable championship points by finishing the race. The resilient Hacking came back to win the last round in Brainerd, Minn., and gained back the points lead from Graves Yamaha teammate Aaron Gobert. Now Hacking will come to Laguna nursing a sore shoulder and a 14-point lead with four races remaining.
The hottest rider coming into the AMA Superstock race is Attack Kawasaki’s Josh Hayes. Hayes came out of nowhere to score consecutive runner-up finishes in the last two rounds. The timing seems right for Hayes to put his ZX-10R atop the rostrum. He is the defending winner of the Laguna Seca Superstock race.
Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden and Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies are also riders to watch this weekend. Both have had success at Laguna Seca in the past and each have a victory in Superstock this year.
The Laguna Seca Formula Xtreme and Superstock races will be shown on SPEED Channel on Sunday, July 11, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern.
For ticket info contact Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca at (800) 327-SECA or visit www.laguna-seca.com
From a press release:
The Full Circle Program runs several residential houses and a farm in Dogtown, CA (Marin County) for abused boys. This program has been very successful in turning around the lives of boys who, in many cases, were on the fast track to prison. The program has been so successful in helping direct these young lads to productive lives that it has been studied by many others who are working to accomplish the same goals. However, like most charitable programs, it is in constant need of additional financial support.
Toward this end, The Sunday Morning Ride has adopted this program via an annual fundraiser. Participation in this event not only gives the attending motorcyclists the satisfaction of supporting this most worthwhile cause, but also helps improve the image of motorcyclists in the eyes of the community.
Last year, nearly 190 Sunday Morning Riders attended the fundraising breakfast at the Full Circle Program farm at Dogtown in West Marin. Most of the riders left the Arco Station at Tam Junction (just off the Hwy 1 exit from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley) at the usual 7:30 departure time for The Sunday Morning Ride. They were joined by approximately 80 to 90 more riders who arrived at the Dogtown location over the next 90 minutes.
Attending riders had the opportunity to meet local motorcycle hero, star of “On Any Sunday,” and former Grand National Champion, Mert Lawwill as well as defending AMA 250 GP Champion, Chuck Sorensen. Both signed autographs and spoke to the assembled riders.
For their $10 donations, riders were treated to a great breakfast spread consisting of coffee, juice, pancakes, sausage, granola, yogurt, sweet rolls, bananas, oranges and melons.
Commemorative T-shirts picturing Chuck Sorensen on his number one 250 Yamaha and sponsored by various industry supporters were given to all who attended. Bay Area motorcycle dealers and accessory manufacturers supported the event with over $5,000 dollars worth of merchandise and gift certificates, which were raffled off after breakfast.
During and after the raffle there was a great deal of swapping going on between winners as they traded one prize for another of more interest. We raffled a 2003 CR50 Husky mini motocross bike, which was donated by Munroe Motors. More than $7,500 was raised for the Full Circle Program.
Among other things, the money was used to purchase new beds, dressers and desks for all the boys’ rooms. In prior years funds raised have been used to repair the chimney for the stove which is used to heat the boys’ residence and to equip the residence with a complete computer lab with all peripherals including 10 computers, printer, and satellite internet connection, equipment that the program wanted but could not otherwise afford. The boys at the farm learned that there are a lot more people outside the program who care about them.
Participating motorcyclists enjoyed a beautiful day both on the roads of West Marin and at the farm. Nevertheless, 80 to 90% of the riders who attended were current or former Sunday Morning Ride regulars.
For this year’s event, we hope to see a lot more new faces. This is too much fun to be enjoyed by so few. Riders attending this year will get to meet Motocross Champion Brad Lackey. Brad is the 1972 AMA 500 Motocross Champion and the 1982 500 World Champion. Still an active racer, Brad is the 2000 AHRMA Over 40 Expert Champion. T-shirts featuring Brad in a 2004 AHRMA race will be given to all attendees with Brad available to autograph them.
Thousands of dollars worth of motorcycle accessories and gift certificates will be raffled. Also, a new 50cc Peugeot scooter, street legal in Europe but not in California, will be raffled. This is a great pit bike for racers as well as a good learn to ride scooter for kids.
We will appreciate any and all support you can provide for the eighth annual ride on October 10, 2004. Riders can join with other riders at the Arco station at Tam Junction (just off Hwy 101 at the Hwy 1 North exit in Mill Valley). Riders will be leaving starting at 7:30 (the regular departure time for The Sunday Morning Ride) and continuing until 9:30 (to arrive by 10:00 AM).
This annual fundraising event benefits the Full Circle Program. Full Circle provides residential and counseling services for boys who have been abused or seriously neglected by the persons who should have been caring for them. Kids who may have been on the straight track to prison are turned around in a loving and caring environment that helps them to become productive and well adjusted members of society.
All participants will receive a free T-shirt with Brad Lackey’s picture. He will sign autographs and answer questions about the bike and racing.
The event, which includes a great breakfast for a $10 donation, free T-shirt and a drawing for motorcycle accessories and discount coupons from local dealers, raised over $7,500 last year. We hope to top that amount this year.
Last year local motorcycle dealers and shops contributed more than $5,000 worth of accessories and gift certificates. More than one rider left with $200 to $300 in motorcycle gear for his $10 to $20 investment in raffle tickets. All left with a feeling of having contributed to a very worthwhile cause.
This year a 2004 50cc Peugeot scooter donated by Munroe Motors in San Francisco will be raffled along with motorcycle accessories.
Breakfast and the drawings are held at the Full Circle farm in Dogtown on Hwy 1 about 1 mile north of Bolinas. We would like to encourage as many riders as possible to support this worthwhile event and take the opportunity to meet some of the boys in residence. It is also a great excuse to get out and enjoy the pleasures of Hwy 1 in Marin on a Sunday morning. Please invite 4 or 5 friends who would not otherwise be there to join you for the event. Let’s see if we can’t double last year’s turnout and funds raised!
From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:
Aprilia Happenings at Laguna Seca
Woodstock, GA – Aprilia exclusive events at Laguna Seca this weekend.
Aprilia USA is proud to continue the tradition of consumer outreach on the coming World Superbike/AMA weekend at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, California. With new models on display, demo rides and Aprilia owner activities exclusive to Aprilia, the employees of the company look forward to visiting with owners and motorcycle racing fans all weekend.
Aprilia owners viewing area:
Aprilia USA is sponsoring an Aprilia owners viewing area on the turn four shelf Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Those interested in watching the race from this shaded spot overlooking the exit of turn four must bring proof of ownership in the form of an Aprilia ignition key or current proof of insurance to the Aprilia display in manufacturer’s row for a pass. The early bird catches the worm on this one – this offer is good for the first 50 to register each day starting at 9:00 am.
Aprilia fan laps of the track:
Aprilia is proud to host the only brand-exclusive fan laps of the track. The first 50 attendees riding Aprilia motorcycles (not inclusive of scooters) can register for a Saturday 6:30pm lap of the track, or a Sunday 11:30am lap of the track, unfortunately not both due to demand. Participants must wear safety gear including a helmet, long pants and jacket. This exclusive tradition allows Aprilia riders to get a close and personal look at the sweeping Laguna Seca Raceway, including the dramatic at any speed Corkscrew. Registration for the fan laps starts at 9:00am Saturday at the Aprilia display. Fan laps will be led by Mike Hale and Matt Wait of Italica Racing.
Exclusive Aprilia machines on display:
On display will be the infamous Marco Melandri “Spiderman” RSW 250 GP motorcycle, the Van Butler Racing RS 50 – holder of 10 land speed records, and the Team McLeish Brothers all-new Aprilia powered streamliner destined for more records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Other machines on display include a custom 2004 RSV 1000 R built by Aaron Clark and the spectacular Carbon-Fiber bodied RSV1000 Nera.
Italica Racing team appearance:
In addition to leading the Aprilia fan laps, Italica Racing riders Matt Wait and Mike Hale will be visiting the Aprilia display to meet with Aprilia and racing fans, as well as report on the progress of the Italica Racing team machines. Team Owner Jeff Jensen and RPM Promotions will be screening the dramatic film directed by Jensen, “Top Speed”, based on an Aprilia World Superbike team Friday at 8pm in the flag room on the turn four shelf.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail:
Just an FYI to let you know that AMA Superbike Privateer Dean Mizdal turns 40 this Saturday at Laguna. Would appreciate you passing along best wishes from his Ohio-based crew member Toni since I can’t be there in person.
Thanks,
Toni Yarger
Mansfield, Ohio
From a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:
Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Launches New Website
Promoting Team Activities
(Los Angeles, CA) Team Hammer has launched a
redesigned website at www.teamhammer.com. The website contains team news, photos from the track, biographical information on the team’s three current racers (Steve Rapp, Vincent Haskovec, and Chris Peris) and the members of the crew that have helped the team bring home 13 WERA National Endurance Championships and a remarkable 127 endurance race wins while racing as Team Suzuki Endurance, along with five Formula USA Championships, a dozen WERA Superstock and Suzuki National Cup Series titles, and two AMA Championships while racing as Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. A year-by-year team history and technical information is also posted on the website.
The revamped website not only allows race fans to keep track of how the team fares via the internet, but also contains information regarding the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School and Track Rides. Also, www.teamhammer.com is the online home of the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars, a program that helps tomorrow’s motorcycle racing superstars achieve their dreams.
“TeamHammer.com makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with the activities of the team,” says Kelly Collopy, Parts and Logistics Manager of Team Hammer. “Now the website shows the same level of professionalism our race program does.”
The new site, designed and built by the prestigious Echo Alley development team, offers Team Hammer’s Sponsors an additional media vehicle for exposure.
“As a company of motorcyclists and racers we really enjoyed working with Team Hammer. Everyone knows the red, white and blue bikes. It wasn’t long before our design team had a concept that was a reflection of the team’s highly recognized track presence.” says Michael Lenz of Echo Alley.
Fans will find timely news and periodic updates to the new photo gallery. Team Hammer can now use an intuitive web based publishing tool to update the site, allowing quick updates, even while on the road. Streaming video and team interviews are also planned for the website.
For more information about Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki visit the Team Hammer website at
http://www.teamhammer.com.
For more information about Echo Alley, and the many web and print service offerings, please visit
http://www.echoalley.com.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Despite breaking his collarbone in a crash during testing six days ago, Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking is optimistic about keeping his AMA Superstock Championship hopes alive at Laguna Seca. But he is not happy about the surface changes and curbing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, site of his crash.
“It was terrible. Just when you think they can’t make Mid-Ohio any worse, they did,” Hacking said of the recent surface grinding done at the Lexington, Ohio facility to smooth transitions on and off the many concrete patches in its 15 corners. “I thought it was going to be OK because all the bumps were gone, but it’s unrideable, really. I’m sure there’re riders out there who go down the highway with the grooves in the road and know how hard it is just to go straight-up-and-down. Imagine going around a corner at 50 (mph) on ‘em. It’s pretty crazy.”
Hacking, who was riding his YZF-R6 Supersport racer at the time of his crash, isn’t sure if the grooves in the pavement or the curbing on the outside of the track is more to blame in the incident.
“I can’t remember (everything) because I got knocked out,” said Hacking. “I was riding in the back section over that little hill (turn nine) and accelerated down that back side. There were a lot of grind marks back in (turn 10) there. I remember I lost the rear and saved it. It was no big deal. I was on it, but you know how high the curbings are there at Mid-Ohio. They had the curbing on the outside of the track, and I hit that. The thing just catapulted me over the handlebars and drove me straight into the ground.
“I was on top of the bike. If there hadn’t been that (curbing) there, I would’ve just ran off in the gravel trap, turned around and got back on the track. They’ve got it (curb) there so cars can berm off of it. That’s the only reason why that thing’s there.”
Soon after the crash, Hacking flew to California, where Dr. Athur Ting pinned the broken collarbone back together. Since that time, Hacking has been recuperating in the “re-hab hotel” near Ting’s clinic.
“I’ve got a bone stimulator and an ice water pressure pack on it,” Hacking told Roadracingworld.com Tuesday. “The last couple of days have been a struggle muscle-wise at the base of my neck. The collarbone broke so close to the base of my neck that he had to cut some muscles and kind of shift them around to get to it. But today I can move my neck a lot better and I feel a lot better about it.
“I’m looking pretty optimistic for this weekend. I think I can do a good job. But it’s kind of upsetting, you know, because I’m coming into one of my best tracks. I know that (if healthy) I could win there, but I’ve got to take whatever I can get.
“We’ll just have to see Friday. I’m not going to ride that much at first. I’m going to check it out and see how it goes. I want to do good, but then again I just want to come out of there and maybe salvage my points lead still and get this week off and then get back to business.”
Hacking heads into Laguna Seca with a 14-point lead in the AMA Superstock Championship over teammate Aaron Gobert, and he holds an 18-point advantage over Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden. If Gobert were to win and collect maximum points (by earning pole position and leading the most laps in the race) at Laguna, Hacking would have to finish sixth or better to hold his lead. If Hayden were to win and collect maximum points, Hacking would need to finish 10th or better to hold his point lead.
Although he doesn’t want to give up on the defense of his Supersport Championship, Hacking (who is currently third and 36 points behind the Supersport Championship leader Hayden) reluctantly admitted he may have to sit out the Supersport race at Laguna Seca.
“We’ll have to see. My main goal is Superstock right now,” said Hacking.
One thing in Hacking’s favor is that Dr. Ting (along with his Sports Rehab Specialist, Certified Athletic Trainer Tuan Nguyen) will be the official Chief Medical Officer at Laguna Seca and will be on-site during the entire event.
From a press release issued by Joe Rocket Racing, which leaves us wondering what calendar they’re using:
ROCKET RULES AROUND THE WORLD
Sunday, July 5 marks a date of international success for Joe Rocket and the Rocket Racing team. In three countries on three different continents, the Rocket Racing Team proved yet again to be the best in the business by capturing Superbike race victories in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In Canada, Pascal Picotte proved why he is the reigning Superbike Champion, winning both rounds 2 & 3 of the Superbike series, hosted by Race City MotorSports Park in Calgary, Alberta Canada. After winning Saturday’s main event, Picotte again takes to the throttle aboard his “Picotte Performance Yamaha R1,” winning Sunday’s race and fronting the Joe Rocket Superbike podium sweep. Joining Pascal in the Winners Circle were fellow Rocket Racers Steve Crevier (2nd place) and Jordan Szoke (3rd place.) Because winning two races is not enough for a man driven to succeed, Picotte rode to a masterful victory in Saturday’s 600 Supersport event as well.
In Australia, Adam “Krusty” Fergusson had an unbelievable weekend of success aboard his Australian Honda CBR motorcycles. In just 2 days of racing at Mallada Racecourse, Krusty has tallied up two pole positions, a Supersport lap record, 2 Superbike victories, and 3 Supersport race wins. Fergusson now makes it three consecutive race weekends where he has emerged the winner. With few rounds remaining in the 2004 Australian Superbike Championship season, Krusty looks to be in very good shape to win possibly two championships. Ferguson nurtures an 88-point lead in the Superbike series and an 80-point lead over fellow Rocket Racer Josh Brookes in the Supersport series.
In the United Kingdom, James Haydon rode his “Virgin Mobile Yamaha R1” to win round 9 of 14 in the British Superbike Championship in Knockhill Scotland. Joe Rocket is very pleased to welcome back Mr. Haydon who was last a member of the Rocket Racing Team during his tenure with the “Petronas Racing” effort.
“To simultaneously achieve these terrific results in 3 different locations on the globe, really does affirm our efforts here at Joe Rocket to be the best. I am thrilled for each of these talented Rocket Racing Team members and I am thrilled for Joe Rocket; the best brand of motorcycle apparel in the world” said Bruce Parker, Marketing Director for Joe Rocket.
Look for the Rocket Racing Team to return to action on American soil this coming weekend, July 9th – 11th, at Mazda Raceway in Monterey, Ca.
