From a press release issued by Norton Motorsports, Inc.:

Norton Motorsports now accepting applications for Charter U.S. Dealerships

Norton Motorsports is seeking ten established motorcycle dealerships to become Norton motorcycle dealers. Dealers will be expected to take delivery of 2004 Norton 952 Commandos and provide outstanding service and support to new Norton owners.

Norton is producing 100 952 Commandos for 2004. In 2005 Norton will increase its production capacity to 300 units, and for 2006 the company will both expand its model line by introducing two new Commando-based models, and increase its production output to a total of 1000 units. The first Norton dealers will be uniquely positioned for the rapid and exciting growth of one of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle marques.

Norton will offer a variety of accessories for the 952 Commando, including performance exhausts, dual-seats, and spoked wheels. Additionally, a wide variety of Norton merchandise (shirts, caps, etc.) will be sold by dealers.

Interested dealerships should contact Norton’s Patrick Leyshock either via email at: [email protected], or via telephone at: 503-650-5390.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Constructive developments for Foggy PETRONAS Racing

Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Troy Corser and Chris Walker made encouraging strides forward in tyre development on the second day of the team’s test at Phillip Island today.

With yesterday’s blustery conditions having receded, and with new Pirelli tyre constructions and compounds to test, each rider was able to make significant improvements on their times from the first day.

Troy set the pace with a best time of 1:35.4 at his home circuit, where he achieved the best finish of fifth during the team’s debut season last year. But team-mate Chris Walker also sliced nearly 1.5 seconds off his best time of yesterday to post a lap of 1:35.9, with signs of healthy competition between the two riders already starting to develop.

Corser, who completed 52 laps of the picturesque coastal circuit near Melbourne, said: “We have been working through all the different compounds and constructions today and I think it’s now clear that the construction is more important than the rubber compound. I have found one that is more consistent but we still need to work on finding a combination of grip and durability. I changed the bike set-up today to run it exactly as I raced last year, which made a big difference of two seconds.”

Chris, who also enjoyed significantly more track time with 58 laps today, said: “We have found a tyre construction that didn’t have any chatter and that produced a transformation. The bike is now starting to feel like my bike. Changes to the pivot point made it more compliant and easy to ride. All we are lacking in set-up now is a bit more support at the rear. At the moment it feels nice in slow corners but I am running a bit wide in faster corners.”

Chief engineer Steve Thompson added: “We need to be repeating the times we were posting before here, and we are almost doing that in a non-race situation, which is very encouraging. Both riders and the team performed well today.”

From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS TO CELEBRATE BMW

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that BMW will be the “Featured Marque” at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2004, to be held July 16 – 18 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

In celebrating the 81-year-old marque, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2004 will benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and will feature an exhibit of classic motorcycles and memorabilia. The traditional “Grand Marshal” of the event will be announced soon.

The legendary Mid-Ohio circuit will again host American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHRMA) roadracing throughout the weekend; two days of AHRMA motocross, plus observed trials and dirt-track racing, also will be on the schedule. In all, the AHRMA racing events are expected to attract more than 1,100 competitors.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2004 also will feature two vintage bike shows; the traditional all-brands AMA Swapmeet, North America’s largest; a slate of guest speakers, including renowned designer Craig Vetter; demo rides offered by BMW, Buell, Harley-Davidson, and Moto-Guzzi; an array of vendors featuring new products from top manufacturers and dealers; the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Auction of motorcycles and memorabilia; and the return of Rhett Rotten’s original 1941 “Wall of Death” drome, with vintage Indians and Harley-Davidsons defying gravity on its hardwood walls.

This year marks AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days’ tenth annual event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Motorcycles previously honored with the Featured Marque distinction include BSA, Honda, Norton, Penton, Vincent, Indian, Spanish motorcycles and, most recently, Harley-Davidson.

Spectator tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2004 are available from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course at 1-800-MID-OHIO or www.midohio.com. For more information about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2004, including dirt-track tickets, auction details and swapmeet registration, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Shinya Nakano has signed to race the factory Kawasaki ZX-RR in the 2004 and 2005 MotoGP World Championships, according to reliable sources.

The Japanese rider will team with German Alex Hofmann on the Bridgestone-shod machines and is expected to make his debut at a multi-team test scheduled for Sepang, Malaysia starting on January 20.

Nakano, 26, won the All-Japan 250cc Championship in 1998, finished second in the 2000 250cc World Championship to Olivier Jacque and was named the 2001 MotoGP Rookie of the Year. Nakano finished the 2003 MotoGP Championship tied with Alex Barros for ninth in points, with best race finishes of fifth (at Mugello and Catalunya) on the d’Antin Yamaha YZR-M1.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
Phillip Island (Australia)
13 January

LACONI AND TOSELAND (DUCATI FILA) START 2004 TESTING IN AUSTRALIA

Regis Laconi and James Toseland returned to testing duties for Ducati Fila, together with the Foggy Petronas team, at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia on the first day of a three-day pre-season session. Strong winds in the afternoon prevented any improvement from being made on the morning’s times, when warm conditions (27°C air/33°C track) prevailed.

Laconi (75 laps) and Toseland (71) put in a considerable amount of mileage around the spectacular 4.448 km Phillip Island circuit, and concentrated on getting back into the racing groove for the new season which starts in just over six weeks time. The 999 bikes used in Australia were still in 2003 spec, but Ducati Fila engineers were also able to experiment with a new clutch.

The first day of testing also focussed on getting to grips with the new Pirelli tyres which will be used by all competitors in this year’s World Superbike championship. Ugo Forner, Pirelli’s Motorcycle Director, was on hand to oversee the development work.

“That wasn’t too bad for first time out” declared Laconi, “but it was very windy and hard to ride today. We’re working on the bike and making changes all the time and the front feels really good. It’s been a long time since I was last on the 999 and I’m sure we can get the times down more tomorrow”.

“I felt a bit rusty out there this morning” added Toseland. “It’s so fast round here compared to Valencia, which was the last time I rode a bike, and by the time I got going, it was blowing a Force 9 gale! My 999 felt a lot better than Valencia and although it’s difficult to get it to turn in with the conditions, I’m pretty happy with the way things are going.”

Times: Laconi 1:35.19
Toseland 1:35.80



LANZI CRASHES OUT ON DUCATI 749R SUPERSPORT

Lorenzo Lanzi crashed out today on the first day of testing at Phillip Island with the Ducati 749R Supersport. The Italian, who was lapping on track with the Ducati and Petronas Superbikes, flew off on oil deposited by Troy Corser (Petronas), but was unhurt.

By then Lanzi had completed a total of 17 laps, recording a time of 1:38.39. The bike was repaired in the afternoon, but the Italian was only able to complete a few more laps due to the windy conditions.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Winds of change blow for Foggy PETRONAS Racing

Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Chris Walker and Troy Corser made the most of testing conditions on the first day of their three-day test at Phillip Island, Australia, today.

Chris set his fastest time of 1:37.1 during the most blustery of the afternoon conditions, while Troy struggled to maximise his local knowledge during a stop-start day of limited track time. But the team made valuable progress with World Superbike championship tyre manufacturers Pirelli, and will test the specially-produced new constructions tomorrow.

Chief engineer Steve Thompson said: “We have worked through a lot of tyre compounds and constructions and Chris has gone very well today, considering the fact that he was unable to complete as many laps as we would have liked.”

Chris said: “We have improved the feel of the rear, by changing the shock to make it more user-friendly. We have also made some progress in getting rid of the chatter that we experienced in the previous test at Valencia, through alterations to the rear shock and using different pivot points. I have also tried a couple of different front tyres and found a softer one with more grip. I went faster in the afternoon when the wind was up, which was encouraging, and tomorrow I’ll be working on the front end feeling.”

Troy said: “We had a few mechanical problems today so it was difficult to make too many changes. But I think we will have to change the fork and shock set-up for the new tyres, in order to improve the way the bike steers. It’s difficult to make direct comparisons between the tyres as there is so much difference between here, where you carry more corner speed, and Valencia.”

From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES (AMERICA), LTD. ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT

Todd Andersen Appointed to Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. Vice President Marketing Post

NEWNAN, Georgia – January 13, 2004 – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announced today that Todd Andersen has been appointed Vice President, Marketing of Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. Mr. Andersen has over 18 years of management experience expertise in consumer marketing. Taking charge this week, Todd Andersen will work directly with Tue Mantoni, Worldwide Commercial Director Triumph Motorcycles and Mark Brady, Chief Operating Officer Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., to manage the marketing activities in United States, Canada and Latin America.

“We are extremely proud to have Todd join our team,” stated Mark Brady, “he has an outstanding business leadership track record and brings a wealth of consumer marketing experience to Triumph. Todd has been an active motorcycle enthusiast most of his life and has a strong understanding of the motorcycle consumer and the US market.”

An avid motorcyclist and former road racer, Mr. Andersen has previous experience with highly recognized companies including General Mills, and McKinsey & Company. He was most recently a principal in a software and services company in New York.

“The US is the most important market for Triumph Motorcycles.” said Tue Mantoni, Worldwide Commercial Director, Triumph Motorcycles, “recruiting someone with Todd’s marketing acumen and depth of expertise to lead our US marketing activities is another step forward in our plan and commitment to meeting our goals.”

A graduate of Bates College, Mr. Andersen received his MBA in 1985 from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in Durham, North Carolina. He is in the process of relocating from New York to Newnan, Georgia.

“I am thrilled to join Triumph,” said Mr. Andersen, “we have a great line of high-quality bikes designed for real riders. With innovative new models like the Rocket III power cruiser and the classically-styled Thruxton coming out this year, we have a tremendous opportunity to grow our share of the US motorcycle market.”

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

RIZLA SUZUKI GET READY

Team Rizla Suzuki welcomes four new members to its team this month, giving it more strength in depth than ever before as it goes for British Superbike glory in 2004.

Starting the 2004 season as title favourites with double BSB Champion John Reynolds and fans’ favourite Yukio Kagayama piloting its awesome Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000s, the team is sparing no effort recruiting the best people so it can be as competitive as possible when the racing starts at Silverstone on March 28th.

Rizla Suzuki retains the vastly experienced Dave Marton as JR’s Chief Technician and the team’s Head of Engine Development. For 2004 he will be joined by Stewart Johnstone who will be Chief Technician for Yukio Kagayama.

From York, 38-year-old Stewart has more than 20-years experience in the bike racing world and has worked with riders of the calibre of Neil Hodgson, James Toseland, Chris Walker, Troy Bayliss, Niall Mackenzie, Terry Rymer, Iain Macpherson and Jim Moodie. He’s also worked with JR before – in 1992 when he claimed the British Superbike title.

“We won the BSB title in 1992 with JR and then again in 1999 with Troy Bayliss and 2000 with Neil Hodgson,” explains Stewart. “While I think JR is certainly a favourite for the BSB Championship, I think that if Yuki comes back to the team fully recovered from his injuries, then he will be a very strong contender as well. I hope to be able to help Rizla Suzuki to the title this season.”

Johnstone will be working closely with new Chassis Technician for Yuki, Mark Hanna, another experienced race mechanic with a flair for making bikes handle just the way their riders want them to. Mark, 37, from Bournemouth, has worked with Sean Emmett, John Crawford and Paul Brown in the past, as well as winning a 600cc European Championship with Jan Hannsen.

Mark said: “I will be trying to get inside Yuki’s head and figure out exactly what he needs to perform at his best. I have never met Yuki, but I know he is a hard and determined rider and I’ll match that. I’m determined to put together a bike he can win on. Working for this team is great, it is the most professional squad in BSB.”

Joining the team as back-up to the riders and technicians is new Technical Co-ordinator Simon Green. From Salisbury, the 36-year-old has a history with Crescent and motorcycle racing. As Chief Technician, he won the 2001 British Supersport title with Crescent and Karl Harris. He worked for Crescent from 1999 – 2002 and has been involved in motorcycle racing since 1990. He’s worked with other riders like James Haydon and John Crawford and his vast experience will give the team real strength in depth over a weekend.

Simon says: “I make sure that the team has everything it needs to do the job properly. All the logistics, from ordering parts to dealing with stocking levels are important parts of my job. I also help out with sponsors and because I have a background as a Chief Technician, I am able to help hands-on at the weekends if required. I am currently helping out with developing the wiring looms and slipper clutches, so I’ll definitely be getting my hands dirty.”

Supporting the entire team is new Race Team Co-ordinator Caroline Young from Poole. After spending 10-years managing nightclubs in Brighton, the party capital of the UK, and then working in administration at a legal firm, she has all the skills to organise the team’s administration and encourage everyone to have a good time in the process.

“I really only took the job so I could go to the races every weekend,” quipped Caroline. “My father used to take me to all sorts of bike races and I was bitten by the bug, I just love it. I am looking forward to being part of a winning team in British Superbikes!”

From a press release issued by Dunlop Tire Company’s advertising and public relations agency, Vreeke & Associates:

Buffalo, NY: Mike Buckley, Vice President Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, issues the following statement regarding the history and future of Dunlop tires in American racing:

“For many years, Dunlop has maintained an unequaled commitment to road racing in the United States. When other tire manufacturers chose to abandon the American road racing scene in the early 1990s, Dunlop stayed the course and continued to develop new technology and supply state-of-the-art tires to road racers in all classes and venues in the U.S. In doing so, Dunlop cultivated strong and positive working relationships with virtually every top-tier race team in America, and to this day Dunlop continues to strive to provide every advantage possible to these teams.

“To a large degree, the success enjoyed by Dunlop and the many teams sponsored by Dunlop has been the result of an incredible amount of hard work including behind-the-scenes testing during the off-season and between races. During these testing sessions, all teams enjoy a free exchange of information with Dunlop tire engineers, and this open and cooperative environment has proven most valuable, yielding new tire data that is then incorporated into next-generation tires for the race track, and street applications as well.

“This hard-earned data needs to be closely guarded, as is true of proprietary information gathered through top-level research in any other field or setting. As other tire manufacturers begin to renew their race support efforts once again in the U.S. during the 2004 season, we welcome the challenge; rigorous competition only makes for better racing.

“In a release dated December 9, 2003, Dunlop clearly stated that the company ‘has intensified its tire development program in the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship and Dunlop-sponsored tests in the coming 2004 season.’

“Having established an effective R&D/testing system for the many teams we sponsor, we will continue to implement and expand upon our program in order to give every advantage possible to the teams who have chosen to race on Dunlop tires.

“As part of the first steps to expand this program and in order to safeguard this new technology, Dunlop has taken a lead role in select off-season and pre-race testing programs. Drawing on accepted practice in European, MotoGP, and World Superbike racing, this lead role will see some tests restricted to teams supported by Dunlop. These dedicated tests will accelerate our ability to deliver next-generation product improvements to racers and street consumers alike. In no way do these steps preclude other manufacturers from securing their own dates at AMA venues to do their own development work.

“In keeping with this direction, fans of U.S. racing will see a marked increase in the number of Dunlop personnel from our international MotoGP and World Superbike staff attending American race events this year. In addition, teams and riders who have selected Dunlop for the 2004 season will have access to an unprecedented variety of tires utilizing our latest development technology.

“We look forward to the new season and we continue to pledge our support to the many race teams who have chosen to partner with Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.”

From a press release:

YOKOHAMA TO SUPPORT PRE-SEASON TEST SCHEDULE

Yokohama Tyres UK has confirmed its support for the pre-season test days for the new, Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship, on February 13 and 20.

The test days will take place at Britain¹s newest racing circuit, the Rockingham venue in Northamptonshire.

The shakedown tests offer teams a chance to prepare for the new season and will also offer the first viewing of the Sidecar machines in the new, uniformed, motorcycle manufacturer livery designs.

“Contributing to the new-look Sidecar Championship¹s testing programme is a pleasure,” said Yokohama UK’s Mark Evans. “What is happening to the Sidecar class is very exciting and everyone at Yokohama is gearing up for a great 2004 season.”

The Rockingham test days will get the championship activities under way before the series kicks off with the first two races, at Silverstone, Northants on March 28.


2004 Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship calendar

March 28 – Silverstone, Northants

April 12 – Brands Hatch, Kent (Indy circuit)

April 25 – Snetterton, Norfolk

May 3 – Oulton Park, Cheshire

May 23 – Mondello Park, Ireland

June 6 – Thruxton, Hants

June 20 – Brands Hatch, Kent (GP circuit)

July 4 – Knockhill, Fife

July 18 – Rockingham, Northants

August 15 – T.b.a

August 30 – Cadwell Park, Lincs

September 12 – Oulton Park, Cheshire

September 19 – Donington Park, Derbys