From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

THINK! BSB Championship, Round 8, July 2

Knockhill, Scotland

Track length: 1.3 miles

Weather: heavy showers, 17°C

Track: wet, 24°C



PRACTICE



HAWK ZX-10R ON TOP IN KNOCKHILL PRACTICE



Hawk Kawasaki ZX-10Rs once again proved a force to be reckoned with in the rain by posting the second quickest wet time and the fastest overall lap during second practice for the eighth round of the THINK! BSB Championship at Knockhill today.



Despite torrential downpours, which halted proceedings for 20 minutes, Scott Smart lapped the 1.3 mile track in 57.185 to take sixth overall and second quickest time in the wet conditions. His team-mate, John McGuinness, topped the afternoon leader board with a 56.536 lap, achieved in patchy conditions at the start of the session.



“We were trying a few things in that session because we weren’t overly happy with the bike in the wet at Brands Hatch,” said Smarty. “The things we’ve tried have improved the bike. In fact the settings John ran at Brands Hatch worked better than mine, so we’ve now gone a step further with some different suspension internals and that’s improved it even more. I like the track and I’ve been up the front in both wet sessions so now we need to get a dry session and see what we can do in that.”



McGuinness was equally pleased with his Hawk ZX-10’s performance around the tight highland circuit and even reveled in the wet and tricky conditions.



“I quite enjoyed riding around there in the wet trying to find the grip,” said the TT winning Cumbrian. “The track’s difficult because it’s short and there’s a lot of aluminium on the ground in a few places, left by the cars, so you’ve got to suss out where the grip is. The forecast isn’t very good, but hopefully it’ll be either wet or dry, because at least then everyone’s on the right tyres. As long as there isn’t standing water it’s possible to race around here, but whatever happens I’ll get stuck in and give my best.”



Hawk Kawasaki National Superstock Cup rider Peter Hickman ended the day a respectable 13th quickest, despite never having ridden at Knockhill before. A number of Cup competitors elected to use conventional tyres on the drying track, but the 17 year-old opted for full wets to cope with the many damp patches still prevalent around the circuit.



“It’s not the best conditions in which to learn a new track,” said Peter. “Because it’s mostly dry down the straights but around the corners it’s wet, especially on the entry where you want to be pushing hard. That’s why we chose to stick with the wet tyres, which were spinning up down the straights, but at least I had some grip around the corners. I had a bit of a problem at one of the chicanes where the back end kept coming round and the front would hit the lock stops – that was on a dry part of the track as well! I’m sure it looked good for the marshals, but it wasn’t so fun for me. Thirteenth overall is ok for first time out, but there’s definitely more to come tomorrow.”



BSB PRACTICE 2 (mostly wet)

1) John McGuinness, Hawk Kawasaki, 56.536. 2) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 56.564. 3) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 56.824. 4) Yukio Kagayma, Suzuki, 56.867. 5) Michael Rutter, Honda, 56.900. 6) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 57.185. 7) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 57.373. 8) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 57.769. 9) James Haydon, Yamaha, 57.889. 10) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki (P), 58.408. 11) Denver Robb, Suzuki (P), 58.742. 12) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 58.917. 13) James Ellison, Yamaha (P), 58.923. 14) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 58.972. 15) Iain MacPherson, Ducati, 59.065

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing Inc.


1. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 1:54.392
2. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda,1:54.467
3. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 1:54.591
4. Joan OLIVE, Aprilia, 1:54.655
5. Franco BATTAINI, Aprilia, 1:54.670
6. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 1:54.682
7. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 1:54.796
8. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 1:54.799
9. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, 1:54.908
10. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 1:54.929
11. Anthony WEST, Aprilia, 1:54.987
12. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, 1:55.132
13. Eric BATAILLE, Honda, 1:55.748
14. Alex DEBON, Honda, 1:55.852
15. Alex BALDOLINI, Aprilia, 1:55.966

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing Inc.


1. Mirko GIANSANTI, Aprilia, 1:58.959
2. Casey STONER, KTM, 1:58.983
3. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 1:59.171
4. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 1:59.380
5. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 1:59.412
6. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 1:59.416
7. Gabor TALMACSI, Malaguti, 1:59.519
8. Simone CORSI, Honda, 1:59.582
9. Youichi UI, Aprilia, 1:59.787
10. Gino BORSOI, Aprilia, 1:59.833
11. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 1:59.950
12. Mike DI MEGLIO, Aprilia, 2:00.019
13. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Aprilia, 2:00.163
14. Steve JENKNER, Aptilia, 2:00.209
15. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 2:00.239

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing Refines Sound Testing at Motocross

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 2, 2004) — The following Technical Bulletin was distributed to all AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship credential holders on Friday, July 2.

According to series manager Steve Whitelock, the plan is designed to ensure that all competitors are in compliance for sound and allows for a “phasing in” of tighter testing procedures.

“The 102dB/A limit is already in the AMA Motocross Rulebook,” said Whitelock. “This multi-step compliance procedure simply allows competitors a reasonable time frame to ensure they are within the existing guidelines. With so many four-stroke motorcycles comprising the field now it’s clear we have to take steps to ensure everyone’s following the sound rules.”

TO: All Licensed Motocross/Supercross Riders and Season Credential Holders

FROM: Rob King, Technical Manager

DATE: July 2, 2004

SUBJECT: Sound

AMA Pro Racing has been conducting sound tests at selected rounds of the 2004 AMA Motocross Championship. Effective immediately, we will begin implementing new measures to ensure all competitors are in compliance with existing sound rules.

In order to provide everyone with a reasonable time frame to understand the testing methodology and to ensure that all motorcycles are in compliance, the following will be implemented:

1. At Round Six (Unadilla, July 17, 18) we will be conducting sound tests randomly throughout the race weekend. Sound levels will be recorded and any competitor exceeding the 102dB/A sound level will be issued a warning.

2. Beginning at Round Seven (Kenworthy’s, July 24, 25) and at subsequent rounds, we will continue to conduct sound tests randomly throughout race weekends. If, during pre-race tech inspection, a motorcycle is not in compliance for sound, that competitor will be required to bring his/her motorcycle into compliance to pass tech. If a motorcycle is not tested for sound during tech inspection but fails a sound test administered at any other time throughout the race weekend, that competitor may be required to bring his/her motorcycle into compliance before returning to competition.

3. AMA Pro Racing technical staff will be available throughout race weekends so competitors can voluntarily submit their motorcycles for sound testing.

4. AMA Pro Racing will follow SAE J1287 guidelines. AMA Pro Racing will be the sole determining factor on whether or not motorcycles are in compliance for sound.

It is our intention to make it as easy as possible for competitors to determine the sound levels of their motorcycles and bring them into compliance as necessary. It is in the best interest of our sport to ensure that everyone is proactively observing existing sound rules and we expect full cooperation.

Should you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Technical Manager Rob King at (614) 856-1910, extension 1230 or [email protected].

From a press release issued by Yamaha:

JAMIE HACKING ON THE MEND

He’ll “wait and see” for Laguna Seca Race Weekend

CYPRESS, Calif., July 2, 2004 – Factory Yamaha road racer Jamie Hacking underwent a 55-minute surgery in Northern California yesterday to repair his right collarbone which he broke on Wednesday in a practice crash at Mid-Ohio. According to Hacking, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ting used eight pins and a plate to secure the break.

Hacking explains, “The surgery went great, everything went together well, and I already have good range of motion. I’ll take it easy this weekend and see how it looks and feels next week.” Hacking said it was too early to say if he’ll be racing at Laguna Seca next week. “I’ll be at the track and we’ll see how my shoulder feels.”

Hacking is the current points leader in the AMA Superstock series and is third in the AMA Supersport class.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracing World is attempting to identify the photographer who shot a sequence of Robert Jensen crashing out of the F-USA Sportbike race at Daytona, taken in the International Horseshoe.

If you took the photos and sent them to us, please describe the first and last shots in the sequence and give us your name and contact information, to ensure you are properly credited and paid.

Call (800) 464-8336 or e-mail [email protected]

From a press release issued by OMS Sports:

OMS Sports Hires Mark Johnson As New Managing Director

Former Kawasaki team manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of OMS Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif., (July 2, 2004) – OMS Sports has hired longtime motorcycle industry expert Mark Johnson to run the day-to-day operations of its company, effective immediately.

Johnson, who most recently was the team manager for the Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki motocross/supercross program, brings to OMS Sports a wealth of knowledge of motorsports and the motorcycle industry that’s second-to-none, according to OMS Sports President Fred Bramblett.

“I have known Mark for a number of years and have always been highly impressed with his professionalism and understanding of marketing and professional motorsports sponsorship,” said Bramblett. “He is one of the few people I’m aware of that has a strong understanding of our industry in addition to having worked with sponsors in both NASCAR and open wheel auto racing. Everyone at OMS is very excited to see Mark join our agency and apply his professional marketing and management expertise to our company and clients.”

Johnson began his career in the motorcycle industry in 1978 working as a motocross technician for U.S. Suzuki and rising star Mark Barnett. In 1979 Johnson moved to Kawasaki Motors Corporation to work as a technician with another rising star, Jeff Ward. During 1982-’83 Johnson also worked the road racing side of the industry, handling the mechanical duties for Kawasaki bikes raced by Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey. In 1983 Johnson was promoted to manager of the legendary Kawasaki “Team Green” program and over the years recruited and worked closely with most every successful name in motocross/supercross and off-road racing including: Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Larry Roeseler, Danny Hamel and Jeff Fredette.

The Southern California transplant also spent a seven-year stint working with in the auto racing community. Johnson made the transition from two to four wheels in 1996, serving as the General Manager and Vice President of Precision Preparation Incorporated (PPI) through the year 2000. His responsibilities included managing the day-to-day activities of the company while growing the business to include two CHAMP car entries in the CART/FedEx Championship Series, two entries in the CART Formula Atlantic Championship and fielding the Toyota Factory Off Road Racing Program – with the famed Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. In 1999 Johnson’s responsibilities expanded again as he formed one of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series’ entries, as well as a NASCAR Busch Series entry for the 2000 season. During his tenure with PPI, Johnson was fortunate to work on the sponsorship side of the business with global giants such as Toyota Motor Sales, MCI, Panasonic, Pioneer Electronics, McDonalds Corporation and Proctor & Gamble.

In 2001 Johnson moved to the position of Director of Operations for the legendary Team Rahal, working directly for team owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman. Johnson oversaw the day-to-day technical activities of the CART/FedEx Championship Series team while working closely with team sponsors Ford Motor Company, Shell and Miller Brewing. Johnson rewarded Team Rahal with its most successful season to date – coming up just a number of points shy of the series title. In that season the team scored its most race wins ever, won the most pole positions, led the most laps and held the prestigious pit stop competition title for two straight years.

In 2002 Johnson returned to manage the Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki motocross/supercross program.

“Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a wide range of duties in the entire spectrum of the motorsports industry,” said Johnson. “I’m confident this experience and versatility will allow me to step right into the managing director position at OMS Sports and immediately help strengthen an already successful company and its clients in a number of areas, including the technical side of the business, managerial duties, athlete relations and sponsorship acquisition. I am genuinely impressed with the quality and dedication of the entire OMS Sports staff. I sincerely look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with Fred and the new challenges that await me at OMS Sports.”

Johnson will be based out of OMS Sports’ headquarters in Anaheim, Calif., and can be reached at (714) 935-0790 or via email at [email protected].

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing Inc.

1. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 1:52.929
2. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, 1:52.981
3. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 1:53.076
4. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 1:53.227
5. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 1:53.313
6. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 1:53.602
7. Franco BATTAINI, Aprilia, 1:53.732
8. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, 1:53.776
9. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 1:53.971
10. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 1:54.0912
11. Alex DEBON, Honda, 1:54.392
12. Anthony WEST, Aprilia, 1:54.665
13. Naoki MATSUDO, Yamaha, 1:54.666
14. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 1:54.782
15. Alex BALDOLINI, Aprilia, 1:54.791