From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI FILA HEAD TO CALIFORNIA FOR LAGUNA SECA SHOWTIME

Laguna Seca (USA), 8 July 2004: The coastal town of Monterey in sunny California hosts the Ducati Fila team and the rest of the World Superbike regulars for the US round of the championship, which will be held this weekend at the spectacular Laguna Seca raceway.

The mid-point of the championship one month ago at Silverstone threw up a couple of unexpected results, but Ducati Fila riders Regis Laconi and James Toseland still came away from Britain with their top two places in the standings intact, the Frenchman and his English team-mate separated by just three points with five rounds left to play for.

After a crash and a third place at Silverstone, 28 year-old Laconi from St Dizier, France is confident he will put things back on the right track in California aboard his Fila-backed Ducati 999.

“My confidence is still 120% after Silverstone – it was just one race,” declared Laconi. “The most important thing for us now is the rest of the season. We have to do a good job and be fast all the time and I’m sure we have everything in place to make a good race in Laguna.”

Last year Laconi was leading the first race and set fastest lap but crashed at turn 1 ten laps from the chequered flag while in race 2 he finished fourth. The championship leader, with 171 points to his name, is aware that gaining a good set-up compromise is vital for the Laguna Seca track.

“Laguna is a difficult track for the chassis,” he added. “You need to find a good set-up at the front and a good feeling at the rear because of the Corkscrew and the downhill corners. Turn 11 is the worst corner because it’s very slow and easy to make a mistake there. You can’t gain one second but you can lose the race.”

23 year-old James Toseland, from Sheffield, England wants to rapidly erase the memories of Silverstone, where he had a high-speed crash, damaged his thumb and lost the championship lead in front of his home crowd.

“I’m looking forward to Laguna but I’m not happy about being three points behind the leader. My best result there was third place last year, I had just taken Neil Hodgson for second, but then unfortunately fell off. I’ve always gelled with the circuit; it’s fast and furious, a bit dangerous in places but that only adds to the attraction.”

Toseland, second in the table on 168 points, is aware of the peculiar nature of the Laguna Seca track, which combines several flat corners with a long uphill stretch, the world-famous ‘Corkscrew’ left-right switchback ride, and a fast downhill stretch that test men and machine to their limits.

“You’ve got to have a good set-up because of the undulations and the forces the bike is under in the dips, which make it compress more than usual. You have to have good support on the suspension while not sacrificing the neutral position because there are a few flat corners as well as cambered corners. It’s a fine balance, I don’t think you can get the bike perfect for every corner at Laguna but I don’t think we’ll have any problems,” concluded Toseland.

POINTS (after 6 of 11 rounds):
(Riders) 1. Laconi 171; 2. Toseland 168; 3. Haga 139; 4. Vermeulen 137; 5. Chili 129; 6. McCoy 128; etc.
(Manufacturers) : 1. Ducati 295 ; 2. Honda 144 ; 3. Petronas 128; 4. Kawasaki 76; 5. Suzuki 65; 6. Yamaha 35.

CIRCUIT INFO
Name: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Length: 2.23 miles/3.58 km.
Pole Position: right.
Corners left/right: 7/4.
Finish line length: 300
m.

STATISTICS:
Best lap: Bayliss (Ducati) 1’24.833 (2002).
Lap record: Haga (Aprilia) 1’25.475 (2002).
Superpole: Edwards (Honda) 1’24.888 (2002).

2003 RESULTS:
Race 1: 1. Chili (Ducati); 2. Hodgson (Ducati); 3. Toseland (Ducati).
Race 2: 1. Xaus (Ducati); 2. Hodgson; 3. Walker (Ducati).

From a press release issued by Proforma:

JIMMY MOORE TO RETURN TO RACING BY MID-OHIO

Two-time (2001-2002) AMA Superstock champion Jimmy Moore will return to racing in the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship as early as the Mid-Ohio round. Jimmy has been on the mend since re-injuring his previously-broken left arm in a near-crash at the California Speedway round of the series in April. Following the incident, Dr. Arthur Ting performed surgery and attached a larger, higher-strength compression plate to the arm. Jimmy has been making regular check-up visits to Dr. Ting’s office, and got approval to begin rehab on the arm in mid-June.

“According to Dr. Ting, the bone is healed,” said Jimmy, who has been staying fit for the last two months by running, swimming and stationary bicycling. “With the proper rehab, I should be back racing as soon as Mid-Ohio, though I’m not coming back until I’m 100%. I guess the No Limits (Motorsports Suzuki, the team that Jimmy started the year with) thing didn’t work out, but I’ve got a few options for teams to ride with when I do come back, so I’m happy about that. Suzuki’s been great, they’ve been very supportive.”

Jimmy will be attending this weekend’s combined AMA/WSB event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 9-11, attending a variety of sponsor functions and visiting with fans.


More, from another press release issued by Proforma:

HEATH SMALL LOOKS FORWARD TO LAGUNA SECA

Rider Heath Small and the HAS/Shogun Racing team head to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California this weekend, July 7-9 for round eight of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship.

“I really like Laguna Seca,” said Small. “I finished sixth there in 2002 on the Ducati in Pro Thunder. The track is a lot of fun and I just seem to go well there.” Since the last round at Brainerd, Minnesota, Heath has been training and trying to ride dirt track, though recent flooding rains in the Houston area have made it hard. “I’ve gotten to ride a little bit, but it’s rained so much that part of the track was under water,” said Heath. “So I helped Dave (Sanders, crew chief) work on the transmissions on both bikes. We were having a few problems at Brainerd, but we’ve got them fixed now.”


More, from yet another press release issued by Proforma:

MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES SUZUKI TO LAGUNA SECA

The Millennium Technologies Suzuki team with riders Shawn Higbee and Danny Eslick are headed to Monterey, California this weekend, July 9-11, for round eight of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This is the last round on the West coast, before the series moves East for the last three events in Ohio, Georgia and Virginia. Combined with the U.S. round of the World Superbike Championship, this event has a compressed schedule, meaning less track time than normal for competitors to find proper settings for their motorcyles for the final race events.

Shawn Higbee
Shawn finished eighth in last year’s Superbike event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and is looking to better that result this weekend. “Laguna’s not so much of a horsepower track,” said Higbee. “It’s more of a rider’s track, more technical than the last two rounds. Our bike is handling better than it has all year, so if we can find a good set-up in the short amount of track time we have, I think we’ll do well.”

Danny Eslick
This will be Danny’s first race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, though he did participate in a STAR Motorcycle School at the track in March. “I got a lot of laps during the school earlier in the year,” said Danny. “I’m gonna ride both classes (Pro Honda Oils Supersport and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme) this weekend, so I think I’ll be alright as far as getting up to speed, even though we don’t get a whole lot of track time. It’s not a big deal, it’s the same for everyone.”

From a press release issued by Honda Canada/Fast Company Racing:

Szoke picks up ground

July 7, 2004

CALGARY, AB Honda Canada / Fast Company’s Jordan Szoke moved up to fourth place in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship point standings after a pair of solid finishes at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park last weekend.

In the first of two 16-lappers around the 2.0-mile road course the two-time Canadian Superbike champ finished fourth on the Honda Canada / Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR, while in the second race he improved to third, scoring his first Superbike podium finish of the season.

After three of eight rounds in the 2004 title chase the Brantford, ON rider has 96 points compared to the 117 of third-place Clint McBain.

“We still haven’t had much time on the bike,” said Szoke of the Superbike, which was only introduced at the start of this year. “The motor and brakes are fantastic, the suspension is awesome. We just haven’t had any time to set it up.”

Szoke’s teammate Andrew Nelson of Kars, ON, also riding a CBR1000RR was ninth in the first race but improved to a career high fifth in the second. He is seventh in points with 73.

“We didn’t change much between races,” the former HJC Pro Rookie of the Year explained. “It’s just a case of me getting used to the big bike, learning how to ride a 1000.”

In Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike action in Calgary, Szoke and Nelson both suffered from poor tire choices in the first race, which was run in unexpectedly warm weather and settled for fifth and ninth, respectively, on their Honda Canada / Fast Company CBR600RR’s. In the wet second race Szoke came back from a poor start to take third while Nelson, winner of the season opener in Shannonville improved to seventh.

Nelson is now fourth in the point standings with 100 while Szoke is right behind in fifth with 92.

“We’re making headway with the CBR1000RR,” said team manager Scott Miller. “We’ve really had very little time with it and every time out we’re learning. The CBR600RR has been great. In that first race we just got caught out with our tire choice.”

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship and Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike series reach their halfway point with another doubleheader, this time at Mosport International Raceway near Bowmanville, ON July 16-18.

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 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.