Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ambient temperatures at Irwindale, California’s Irwindale Speedway on Sunday, for the third of three consecutive sessions of Keith Code’s new one-day On One Wheel wheelie school, reached 80 degrees F.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA and AMA Pro Racing Director Mike Buckley, Vice President of Dunlop Tire Co., personally made the phone calls arranging Dunlop’s buyout of co-op AMA team test dates for the purpose of banning teams using competing tire brands from the tests.

“It came from above Jim Allen,” said a member of an AMA team sponsored by Dunlop, speaking on the condition that he would not be identified for fear of retribution by Dunlop. “Buckley called. We felt bad about it because we had already told Vic (Fasola, of Ducati Austin) that it would be no problem for them to test with us (on specific dates).”

See related post:

1/8/2004 Updated Post: Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release:

Zoom Zoom Track Days is pleased to invite all non-Dunlop AMA teams to test at our event at Infineon Raceway (previously known as Sears Point) on February 12th, 2004. Several special sessions will be reserved for AMA Pro teams only, and they will be welcome to ride with our “A” group riders as well.

“We were deeply disappointed with Dunlop’s ploy to exclude other tire manufacturers from testing,” said Chris Keane, Events Director at Zoom Zoom. “We want the AMA season to be as exciting and competitive as possible. We’re throwing open our doors to any team who wants to practice.”

Interested parties should contact Chris Keane at
[email protected] or Chris Van Andel at
[email protected] for more information.

About Zoom Zoom Track Days: Since 2000, Zoom Zoom Track Days has been a leading provider of high quality track events in Northern California. Please check our website for more information. Our 2004 schedule is posted there as well and consists of 12 dates at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Ca, and Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, Ca. We can be found on the web at www.ZoomZoomTrackDays.com and by phone at (650) 703-5523.

This just in from David Pyles of Fastrack Riders, which will run several WERA races on the West Coast in 2004:

CORRECTION!

Our first e mail announcing the 2004 WERA West Racing Series included a mistake regarding transponders!

Transponders will rent for $40 per weekend! (Not $290)

Transponders can be purchased through till June of 2004 for $260

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING STATEMENT REGARDING KEVIN WINDHAM PENALTY AT ROUND 2 OF THE AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 12, 2004) — In pre-season meetings and conversations with supercross team managers, AMA Pro Racing communicated that it would be taking a closer look at aggressive riding and begin imposing point deduction penalties instead of fines beginning with the 2004 season. This was partially in response to concerns stated by the teams over an increase in questionable riding tactics by some participants. It was generally agreed by all parties that fines were no longer an effective deterrent. This direction was communicated to riders and team personnel in rider meetings preceding Round 1 and Round 2.

In the opinion of race officials, Kevin Windham engaged in unsafe and unsportsmanlike riding by intentionally making contact with David Vuillemin on lap one of the main event. Said contact resulted in Vuillemin being pushed off the track nearly hitting a photographer standing nearby. In post race interviews, Windham all but acknowledged that he intentionally collided with Vuillemin.

As defined in the AMA Pro Racing Supercross Rulebook, this type of behavior is specifically prohibited and is punishable by (among other things) points deductions. Upon reviewing video footage of the situation, meeting with involved parties and discussing it with race officials, AMA Pro Racing Supercross/Motocross Series Manager, Steve Whitelock elected to impose a 10-point deduction to Windham’s results while allowing him to keep the win.

This decision is consistent with guidelines established in the AMA Pro Racing Supercross Rulebook. Additionally, is it consistent with the direction that had been discussed with team managers and personnel prior to the season beginning.

As stated then, it is AMA Pro Racing’s intention to minimize overly aggressive riding while maximizing safety to all riders and these actions are in line with those objectives.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.:

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL CHANGES TO MARKETING TEAM

Staff movement within the group intended to further strengthen brand’s approach to the marketplace

IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2004)—Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., coming off one of the best sales periods in its history, today announced several personnel changes that will further strengthen its management team by developing greater cross-functional expertise within the company’s marketing group.

According to Tom Orbe, vice president, marketing, “the company is actively involved in the long-term process of broadening and adding depth to the already strong capabilities of our marketing team, and shifting responsibilities of key individuals within our existing system brings a new and promising approach to our product development and outreach efforts.”

Patrick Kelly was recently promoted from product manager to director, product management and will oversee development in all product categories. He is replacing John Hoover, who last month announced his retirement after a 20-year career with Kawasaki. Kelly has been with KMC since 1989, serving as a technical instructor/instructional designer before moving to the product management group in 1996. He has since been involved with the development and introduction of numerous models, and was specifically responsible for Jet Ski® personal watercraft, and most recently the cruising and touring motorcycle product lines. Prior to joining Kawasaki, Kelly gained valuable insight into the industry as a single line Kawasaki dealer.

While Kelly’s promotion was announced internally at the end of the year, the other management changes will become effective Jan. 12. Vince Iorio assumes responsibility as U.S. product manager, all terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility vehicle (UV) model lines following a transitional assignment as national marketing manager. Iorio, who has held management positions at Kawasaki for nine years, is credited with helping revive and grow the company’s ATV and UV business into strong, industry-leading positions while serving as the national brand and marketing manager for those products under Kawasaki’s previous divisional structure. He has also held positions as media/public relations manager and national retail marketing manager.

Assuming the duties of national marketing manager is Chris Brull, who is making the move to Kawasaki from Foote Cone & Belding Worldwide, Kawasaki’s national advertising agency. Brull has worked on the Kawasaki account for six years, most recently as the management supervisor. Prior to that, he was with the Los Angeles office of D’Arcy, Masius, Benton & Bowles, where he worked on a number of accounts. He has been actively involved in the various aspects of the national brand marketing and advertising communications programs for all of Kawasaki’s consumer product categories.

Jim Williams, another veteran Kawasaki marketing staffer, will step into the position of national retail marketing manager. He has spent the past seven years in the product management group, with specific responsibility for the growth in Kawasaki’s ATV and UV categories. Williams was instrumental in the development and launch of a number of important models, including the Prairie 650/700, MULE™ 3000 series, Prairie 360 and the KFX700. While assigned to his recent position, Kawasaki’s ATV retail sales more than doubled, and utility vehicle sales grew three-fold.

“This is a very talented group of individuals with more than 35 years of combined experience working with the Kawasaki brand,” said Orbe. “Utilizing these talents to influence a wider spectrum of activities brings a new dimension to our presence within the industry as we move forward,” he concluded.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, JET SKI® watercraft, and MULE™ utility vehicles. These product lines are sold through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with approximately 400 of them located at the Irvine, Calif. headquarters.

Kawasaki’s heritage of creating high-performance recreational vehicles and its tagline, “Let the good times roll.™, are recognized worldwide. With its illustrious history of breaking performance barriers with such product lines as the world renowned NINJA® sportbikes and JET SKI® personal watercraft, Kawasaki is aggressively carrying this heritage of pioneering leading-edge design and performance products into the 21st century.

Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Vesrah has posted contingency prizes in several classes for the 2004 Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) race series.

Classes with available Vesrah contingency will include: Formula One, 250cc Grand Prix, Open Superstock, 750cc Superstock, 600cc Superstock, 750cc Modified Production, 600cc Modified Production, Heavyweight Novice, Middleweight Novice and Lightweight Novice.

Contingencies will be $40 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place in certificates good toward any Vesrah product through California Race Services or other trackside vendors.

Riders must use Vesrah brakes, display Vesrah decals on both sides of their motorcycle, not display decals of any other brake pad manufacturer on their motorcycle, list Vesrah as a sponsor and fill out a Vesrah contingency form each weekend prior to the start of their race.

For additional information, go to www.vesrah.com, e-mail Nancy Junge at [email protected] or call (262) 994 0265.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ducati Austin’s Vic Fasola spoke with Roadracingworld.com Monday, on how the Dunlop buy-up of co-op AMA team test dates came down:

“I had all the dates booked. Mostly with Yoshimura, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Don Sakakura (of Yoshimura Suzuki) called me up Christmas eve and told me that we wouldn’t be able to go even though he had given his word (that we could). He said Dunlop had purchased the dates and it was out of his hands.

“Once I heard that I tried to call (Dunlop’s) Jim Allen. I finally got ahold of him Monday or Tuesday of last week. He said that they had to do what they had to do and they were going to continue on that way, and we couldn’t go. I just wanted to know why that deal was and he seemed to think it was in their best interest. Dunlop had the majority of the teams and they felt it was in their best interest to have a closed test, with just Dunlop teams there.

“Actually, when it first looked like we might be on Michelin (for 2004), I called around to see if there might be a problem with that. And the manufacturers didn’t have a problem with it, they said they didn’t give a shit what kind of tires we were on.”


See related posts:

1/8/2004 Updated Post: Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

1/12/2004 AMA Director And Dunlop Vice President Buckley Personally Arranged Buyout Of AMA Co-op Team Tests To Stifle Competition

From a press release issued by American Suzuki:

American Suzuki and Household Embark on New Finance Relationship

— Suzuki dealers to benefit from newly formed
association with Household —

BREA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2004) – American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), today, announced that it will begin a new five-year relationship with the retail services subsidiaries of Household International, Inc., a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE: HBC).

Household’s retail services group will handle all consumer financing of motorcycle, ATV and marine outboard motor sales at the dealership level. Using the new credit program, Suzuki’s customers will benefit from special financing options on their Suzuki product, accessory and service purchases. The partnership between ASMC and Household will begin on February 1, 2004, with the marine division, and with the motorcycle/ATV division on April 1, 2004.

“Household is a leader in the finance industry and we’re very excited about this endeavor,” said ASMC Vice President of Motorcycle/ATV Division Mel Harris. “Our dealers are enthusiastic about this as well and will benefit enormously. We at Suzuki are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Household.”

“We leveraged our expertise in consumer financing for the powersports industry to offer customized solutions based on Suzuki’s business needs,” said Sandy Derickson, Managing Director and CEO of Household’s retail services business. “We look forward to partnering with Suzuki to deliver a world-class financing program.”

About Household
Household International is a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world. Through its businesses, Household is a leading provider of consumer loans, credit cards, auto finance and credit insurance products in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. In the United States, Household operates under the two oldest and most recognized names in consumer finance – HFC and Beneficial. Additionally, Household is one of the nation’s largest issuers of private label and general-purpose credit cards, including The GM Card® and the AFL-CIO’s Union Plus® card. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.household.com.

About American Suzuki

The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Let’s call a spade a spade here. Dunlop’s tactics are “bush league” and their behaviour undermines, yet again, the ability of AMA Superbike racing to breakout from its “bush league” status.

I wish, so badly, that AMA Superbike racing could become a “big league” sport because I believe it can be a great show. However, it continues to undermine its credibility at every opportunity. The AMA needs to either commit to “doing things the right way” to improve the sport or just stop trying because they’re only make things worse.

“Big league” racing series act swiftly and severely when one participant attempts to stifle competition, they have officially sanctioned test days were all teams can attend, they have dedicated professional safety crews that follow the series, they ride on tracks that don’t threaten competitor’s lives, they have categories that make sense to the consumer/fan.

Do the right thing, Mr. Barrick. Ban Dunlop’s tactic, buy the dates from Dunlop and conduct “official” tests for everyone.

As for Dunlop, their view is so short-sighted it’s frightening that this “expenditure” made a business case and that someone had the gall to present it to Dunlop management. The $800K it cost them would be better spent in the R&D lab. Or perhaps this move indicates that Dunlop has no answer for Michelin’s moving target and they have no idea of how to produce a tire with competitive grip that stays intact, now or in the future.

I am ashamed to be fan!

Terry Barratt
Oakville, Ontario, Canada



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Isn’t it about time that we place the blame exactly where it should be, not on Dunlop–they are only doing what any profit-minded company should do kill their competition– the blame should go directly on the AMA! Once again the AMA in their infinite wisdom has decided to take something that they obviously know nothing about, competitive racing, and screw it up a little more again.

No one team, motorcycle manufacture or tire manufacture should be allowed or have the ability to buy all the test dates available. It would be like Honda telling the racing world that we own the Suzuka facility and because of that if you don’t race Hondas in the 8-hour you can’t race here. It just wouldn’t happen, they’re smarter than that, they know that competition breeds success and in turn brings more people to the sport.

The AMA should stop pretending to know what they are doing when it comes to racing and get out of the direct regulation of the sport and just be a sanctioning body allowing the use of the name for a fee. The sport should be run and regulated by people from the racing world, past racers, officials, safety communications people, people who live, eat and breathe motorcycle racing. People who know that racing is not always a fair playing field, that is what racing is all about trying to get the best out of what you have to work with, within set parameters, not a lopsided advantage.

North American motorcyce racing should not become a cookie-cutter sport similar to World SBK or some aspects of NASCAR, that is not what the sport is all about. It is about being the best!

This is just my opinion but I believe there are more people out there that feel this same way. Isn’t it about time that we as consumers of the product both as spectators, racers, track owners and manufacturers let the AMA know enough is enough?

Tom Beatty
Motorcycle enthusiast and former WERA racer
Castalia, Ohio



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I used to be a guy who bought an even mix of Dunlop and Michelin. I’d like to thank Dunlop for making my choice easier. Next week’s pending ST tire purchase will now be Pilot Roads. May have to order up some new Pilot Races for the track bike, too. Dunlop has DQ’d themselves with their unsportsmanlike behavior. Shame.

Regards,
Roger Albert
Owner, OnRoad OffRoad Cycles
Austin, Texas



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I was on the fence as to what tire to use for club racing and track days this season. Jim Allen and Dunlop have made the choice for me. It is cowardice. Looks like Walt Schaefer and Tom Masson will be collecting my money for new Michelins this season. I hope Michelin supplies E-Boz with the best tires they can make.

Clayton Potter
CCS/FUSA, WERA, CRA Expert
Bellevue, Nebraska




FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I would like to start out by stating my position on Dunlop tires even before the buyouts or the tire failures. I have never liked a Dunlop tire. I have always thought that they needed substantial improvement over a Michelin, or Pirelli.

I recently bought a new liter bike with Dunlops on it. I bought new Michelins out of pocket, and gave away the Dunlops (obvious reasons), two days after purchasing the bike. I guess in that sense I have already boycotted them. I will NEVER buy another Dunlop tire.

The tire test buyout is just a downright shady deal. They gave no “heads-up” as to their intentions. As I say again, a shady deal. They knew what they were doing, and they still did it. It is bad business practice. It is bad for business, period. Dunlop will reap what they have sown on this one. Do you think all the other tire makers will stand for this in the future? I do not.

Michelin, Pirelli, and now Bridgestone will continue to receive my business in the future. I will make it known that in addition to Dunlop’s poor quality, riding characteristics, and build, I will NEVER own another Dunlop tire or product.

To all the teams running everything but Dunlop this season, in AMA, All-Japan Series, or whatever season you participate in, I wish you all the best of luck out there. The best tires and teams will prevail, and I can almost bet they will not be on a Dunlop tire.

Jason Sherrill
Kanagawa, Japan



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I don’t understand everyone thinking of Dunlop as the Evil Empire just because they want exclusive testing without Michelin looking over their shoulder. Dunlop has every right to spend their own money on testing if they wish and invite whomever they want. If Suzuki were testing/developing a new 600, would you expect them to invite Honda to come and watch? Hell, no.

It’s business, competition. I see people complaining, saying that last year everyone was invited to these tests, etc. Well, there wasn’t anyone on a Michelin last year that was a threat. E-Boz should take it as a compliment. Michelin can afford to have their own tests if they want. The only reason they’re invested in the AMA so heavily this year is because they (along with Dunlop) got screwed in World Superbike for next season.

All these people writing in saying they’ll never buy another Dunlop. Give me a break.

Ryan Cilley
Peterborough, New Hampshire



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

After my previous post, several people reminded me that it is normal for a tire company to hold private tests. This is very true. That is what Dunlop does at Daytona in August and December each year. No one would ever expect a company to invite a competitor to a private test.

The test dates that Dunlop has bought with the sole intentions of preventing Michelin, Pirelli, and others from participating in were TEAM TESTS.

These are tests that the individual teams schedule and share the costs with all the teams that participate in the test. They have not been limited to the brand of bike or brand of donut on the bike in the past.

Perhaps we will see one of the bike manufacturers (like Ducati) buy all of the test dates at all the tracks next year, and exclude everyone that is not on a Michelin-shod Ducati from testing.

Think that would stir up some shit at the AMA?

Of course, I fully understand Dunlop’s concern. Since they have been the sole participant in AMA racing for so long, they never had to develop a competitive, or even reliable tire, as the winner would still be a Dunlop.

Now, with Michelin coming to play, Dunlop is faced with the reality that they have won their last championship in U.S. motorcycle road racing.

I also predict that in two years, Dunlop will be begging for someone to give tires to like they are in MotoGP, and Jim Allen will have to actually treat privateers with respect and hope the Michelin and Pirelli guys ran out of tires for the event.

Dunlop’s unethical practices like the rain tire debacle in 600cc Supersport a few years ago with the Pirelli MT60s and the “special rain set-up” on Miguel’s bike come to mind. (remember Jim Allen attacking the Pirelli guy?)

Dunlop’s attitude, as represented by Jim Allen, has disgusted me and a lot of other people for a lot of years, and I hope it bites them in the ass. Specifically, the pocketbook area.

Regards,

Mark Lewellen
Ozark, Missouri



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Isn’t it interesting that there has been no response from Dunlop, and not a single word in favor, or with some sort of understanding or explanation of the justification for Dunlop’s move? Where are all the Dunlop people?

I suppose they could be in the laboratory, formulating a response that can withstand the pressure better than their latest compound could at the track. I am sooo happy that I decided to purchase a set of Pirelli Diablo Corsas this summer for my Ducati. They are great all weather performance tires, if anyone is curious. Check the article in the January issue of Roadracing World.

The way the reponse to this buyout of track dates is going, we may just have to refer to this company as Dumblop from now on.


Andrew Victor Nabagiez
Los Angeles, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I can’t believe how much of a fuss people are making over “Dunlop’s Move To Squash AMA Tire Competition”. Business is business and sort of like war: “All is fair in love and war”. Dunlop found a little loophole and took advantage of it to gain a bit of an edge. Not unlike discovering a new tire compound or construction and filing a patent in order to monopolize the advantage for as long as possible. Dunlop discovered that it was possible, within the current rules structure, to do what they did and I do not blame them. Next year the AMA will, hopefully, revise the rules in order to prevent this type of situation from recurring and life goes on.

David Zuiker
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I thought about trying Dunlops this year. Not any more, unless Dunlop decides to play fair. Having ridden for 30 years and currently owning four streetbikes and one racebike I won’t ever be purchasing a set of Dunlops again. Let’s all join Melissa and vote with our wallets. There’s always another vendor at any club race and they’re usually cheaper to boot.

Mike Atlas
CRA #26
Plymouth, Minnesota



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I am outraged at this “legal” but unsportsmanlike attempt by Dunlop to hurt the very competition that the AMA series needs when the competition of the other series is increasing so greatly. MotoGP, by the quality of the riders on top teams and WSBK, by creating the one-tire rule (which I think is great). If this hurts the Michelin runners’ chances at any of the tracks this year (and it will) then a big thank you to Dunlop for hurting what would otherwise be great racing and entertainment throughout this racing season.

I know Roadracingworld.com is on point on this issue and will be trying to reach Eric Bostrom, Ducati, and the other teams involved for comment and I’ll be checking your website hourly for these reports. As a fan, I want to know how Michelin is going to combat this unsportsmanlike conduct of Dunlop and also what the AMA will do about it.

While I wish no harm to any rider I hope Dunlop tires continue to implode–this move has made one less road bike that will ever wear Dunlop Flubber.

Shelley Gruber
Lithonia, Georgai



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Dunlop’s ill-advised decision deserves the criticism it’s receiving. However—-as is often the case—-everyone (at Dunlop) is being painted with the same broad brush. I have great respect for Jim Allen; I’d hate to see him flamed because of someone else’s decision. Unless, of course, it was his decision. Can Roadracing World enlighten us? And, I, too, am going to vote with my wallet.

Reg Kittrelle
Scotts Valley, California



See related posts:

1/8/2004 Updated Post: Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

1/12/2004 AMA Director And Dunlop Vice President Buckley Personally Arranged Buyout Of AMA Co-op Team Tests To Stifle Competition