From a press release issued by the FIM:

January 8 2004

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix

Main changes to the Rules for the 2004 season

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Sito Pons (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Mr Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations. (for immediate application – see also Press Releases issued on April 15, May 10 and June 6, 2003 – www.fim.ch, news):

1 SPORTING REGULATIONS

1.15.1 Practice Restrictions

v) No testing may take place between the 15th December of one year and the 15th January of the following year, both dates being inclusive. This restriction applies to all teams in all classes who participated in the preceding season and those teams that have been notified of acceptance for, or already have a contract of participation for, the following season. The restriction applies to testing by these teams of machines used in any class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix with riders nominated for the Championship or test riders.

1.15.2 Practice Sessions

iii) The end of practice will be indicated by the waving of a chequered flag at which time the pit exit will be closed. A rider’s time will continue to be recorded until the allotted time has elapsed at which time the red light on the start line will be displayed. After the chequered flag riders may complete one additional lap prior to entering the pits.

1.16 Grid Positions

1.16.2 For the MotoGP class, the Grid will be arranged in the 3-3-3-3 configuration “in echelon”. For the 125cc and 250cc classes, the Grid will be arranged in the 4-4-4-4 configuration “in echelon”. Each line will be offset. There will be a distance of 9 metres between each row.

1.18 Start Procedure

18)… Any person who, due to his behaviour on the grid is responsible for a “start delayed”, may be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

1.19 Ride Through Procedure

During the race, the rider will be requested to ride through the pit lane. He may then rejoin the race. The rider must respect the speed limit (85 km/h + 10% – Art. 1.21.14), in the pit lane. In case of infraction of this speed limit, the ride through procedure will be repeated; in case of a second infraction of this speed limit, the black flag will be shown to the rider.

In the event of a restarted race, the above regulation will also apply.

In the case of a race interrupted prior to the penalty being enforced, and if there is a second part, the rider will be required to ride through after the start of the second part of the race.

In the case of a rider carrying forward a penalty for anticipation of the start, into the second part of an interrupted race and subsequently found to have anticipated the second start, the rider will be shown the black flag.

After notification has been made to the team, a yellow board (100cm horizontal X 80 cm vertical) displaying the rider’s number (black colour, height 50cm, stroke width 10cm) will be shown at the finish line and the information will also be displayed on the timekeeping monitors.

Failure by the relevant rider to ride through, having been shown the board 3 times, will result in that rider being shown the black flag.

If more than one rider is penalised, the riders will be signalled to ride through on subsequent laps. The order of the riders will be based on the qualifying times with the faster rider first.

In the case of a rider failing to respond to the instruction to ride through, and there being more than one rider penalised, no subsequent rider will be signalled to ride through until the previous rider has completed the ride through procedure or has been shown the black flag.

In the case where the organisation has been unable to carry out the ride through penalty before the end of the race, the relevant rider will be inflicted with a time penalty of 20 seconds.

1.21 Behaviour during Practice and Race

1) Riders must obey the flag signals, the light signals, and the boards which convey instructions. Any infringement to this rule will be penalised according to the provisions of article 1.22.

2) Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in the pit-lane. Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed

1.22.1 Flags and Lights Used to Provide Information:

• Blue Flag

Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates to a rider that he is about to be overtaken.

During the practice sessions, the rider concerned must keep his line and slow down gradually to allow the faster rider to pass him. During the race, the rider concerned is about to be lapped. He must allow the following rider(s) to pass him at the earliest opportunity.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

At all times, this flag will be shown waved to a rider leaving the pit lane if traffic is approaching on the track.

1.22.2 Flags Which Convey Information and Instructions:

• Yellow Flag

Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates that there is a danger ahead. The riders must slow down and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is forbidden up until the point where the green flag is shown.

– Any infringement of this rule during a practice session will result in the cancellation of the time of the lap during which the infraction occurred.

– Any Infringement of this rule during the race will be penalised with a ride through.

– In both cases, further penalties (such as fine – suspension) may also be imposed.

– If immediately after having overtaken, the rider realise that he did an infraction, he must raise his hand and let pass the rider(s) that he has overtaken. In this case, no penalty will be imposed.

• Red Flag and Red Lights

When the race or practice is being interrupted, the red flag will be waved at each flag marshal post and the red lights around the track will be switched on. Riders must return slowly to the pits.

When the pit-lane exit is closed, this flag will be shown motionless at the pit-lane exit and the light will be switched on. Riders are not allowed to exit the pit lane.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

At the end of each practice session and warm-up, the red lights will be switched on at the start line.

The red flag will be shown motionless on the starting grid at the end of the sighting lap(s) and at the end of the warm up lap.

The red flag may also be used to close the track.
The red lights will be switched on at the start line for between 2 and 5 seconds to start each race.

• Black Flag
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. The rider must stop at the pits at the end of the current lap and cannot restart.

This flag will be presented only after the rider’s team has been notified.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine -disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

• Black Flag with orange disk (Æ 40 cm)
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. This flag informs the rider that his motorcycle has mechanical problems likely to endanger himself or others, and that he must immediately leave the track.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine -disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

1.25 Interruption of a race
1.25.4 If the results calculated show that two-thirds of the original race distance rounded down to the nearest whole number of laps have been completed by the leader of the race and by all other riders on the same lap as the leader, then for the 125cc and 250cc classes the race will be deemed to have been completed and full Championship points will be awarded. For the MotoGP class, the race will be restarted for a minimum of 5 laps according to Art. 1.26.

If it is found impossible to restart the race, then the results will count and full Championship points will be awarded.

1.26.4 Conditions for the re-started race will be as follows:
ii – c. The number of laps of the second race will be the number of laps required to complete the original race distance, with a minimum of 5 laps

1.28 Championship Points and Classification
1.28.7 In the event of a tie in the number of points, the final positions will be decided on the basis of the number of best results in the races (number of first places, number of second places etc.). In the event that there is still a tie then, the date in the Championship at which the highest place was achieved will be taken into account with precedence going to the latest result.

2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.2 Classes
2.2.1 The following classes will be accommodated, which will be designated by engine capacity:

125–Over 80cc up to 125cc – Maximum one cylinder

250–Over 175cc up to 250cc – Maximum two cylinders

MotoGP
–Over 350cc up to 500cc (2 strokes) – Maximum four cylinders

–Over 350cc up to 990cc (4 strokes) – Unlimited cylinders

Four stroke motorcycles participating in the MotoGP class must be prototypes. Those that are not entered by a member of MSMA must be approved for participation by the Grand Prix Commission.

2.6 Fuel Tanks
2.6.4 Except for the case that a fuel tank is fixed on the chassis with bolts, all fuel lines from the fuel tank to the engine/carburettor system must have a self sealing breakaway valve. This valve must separate at less than 50% of the load required to break any part of the fuel line or fitting or to pull it out of the fuel tank.

2.6.5 The fuel tank capacities for prototype motorcycles are:
– 2-stroke engines: maximum 32 litres
– 4-stroke engines: maximum 24 litres
As from 2005, the fuel tank capacity for 4-stroke engines will be reduced to 22 litres.

3. DISCIPLINARY AND ARBITRATION CODE

3.2 Penalties
The penalties are: warnings, fines, ride through, time penalties, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension, exclusion

3.3.1.3 Penalties that may be pronounced by the Race Direction

The following penalties may be pronounced by the Race Direction: warning, fine, ride through, time penalty, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension.

Furthermore, the Race Direction can refer the case to the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) in order to impose a higher penalty than the Race Direction is empowered to do.

3.4.2 Right of appeal
No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Race Direction to inflict a ride through penalty.

3.5.5 Notification of judgements
The decisions of the Race Direction or of the FIM Stewards must be notified directly at the event venue, or failing that, addressed by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

All judgements of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) must be notified, in writing, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt in order to inform all the parties concerned.

3.5.6 Publication of judgements
The disciplinary or arbitration body imposing a penalty or adjudicating a protest or an appeal must have its findings published and quote the names of all parties concerned. The persons or bodies quoted in these statements have no right of action against the FIM nor against any person having published the statement.

Furthermore, final decisions will be published in the Media Centre and in the FIM Magazine unless the Court itself decides otherwise.

3.6.1 Payment of fines and costs
If the penalty is definitive, all fines must be paid into the Benevolent Fund before the beginning of the first practice of the second Grand Prix following the final decision. The cost must be paid to the FIM Executive Secretariat within 30 days of notification of the judgement decision according to Article 3.5.5.

The person or body affected by the decision shall be automatically suspended from participation in all FIM activities, until such time as full payment has been received.

5. MEDICAL CODE
5.1 Introduction
The new FIM Anti-Doping Code (included in these rule book) will come into force on 1 July 2004.



From another press release issued by the FIM:

January 8, 2004

Superbike & Supersport World Championships
Changes to the Rules for the 2004 season

The Superbike Commission, composed of Messrs. Claude Danis (FIM), Paolo Alberto Flammini (FGSport), and Giulio Bardi (Team representative), has unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Regulations for Superbike and Supersport (for immediate application – see also Press Releases issued on October 4 and November 13, 2003 – www.fim.ch, news):

SPORTING REGULATIONS

1.15.2 Practice Sessions

iii) The end of practice will be indicated by the waving of a chequered flag at which time the pit exit will be closed. A rider’s time will continue to be recorded until the allotted time has elapsed at which time the red light on the start line will be displayed. After the chequered flag riders may complete one additional lap prior to entering the pits.

1.15.6 Qualification for the Race

To qualify for the race, a rider must achieve a time at least equal to 107% of the time recorded by the fastest rider of his class, in at least one of the qualifying sessions; exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of the Race Direction.

1.19 START PROCEDURE

1) Approximately 20 Minutes (15 minutes in the case of a restarted race) before the Start of the Race – Pit lane exit opens for sighting lap.

Count-down boards of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 minute are shown at the pit exit.

2) Approximately 15 Minutes (10 minutes in the case of a restarted race) before the Start of the Race – Pit lane exit closes.

18) Should there be a problem on the grid that might prejudice the safety of the start, then a marshal will wave a yellow flag in front of the starting grid, and the Starter will display a flashing yellow light and the board “Start Delayed”. In this instance, riders must stop their engines. The start procedure will be re-commenced at the 5 minutes board stage, the riders will complete an additional warm up lap and the race distance will be reduced by one lap.

Any person who, due to his behaviour on the grid is responsible for a “start delayed”, may be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

1.20 Ride through Procedure

During the race, the rider will be requested to ride through the pit lane. He may then rejoin the race.

The rider must respect the speed limit (85 km/h – Art. 1.22.14) in the pit lane. In case of infraction of this speed limit, the ride through procedure will be repeated; in case of a second infraction of this speed limit, the black flag will be shown to the rider.

In the event of a restarted race, the above regulation will also apply.

In the case of a race interrupted prior to the penalty being enforced, and if there is a second part, the rider will be required to ride through after the start of the second part of the race.

In the case of a rider carrying forward a penalty for anticipation of the start, into the second part of an interrupted race and subsequently found to have anticipated the second start, the rider will be shown the black flag.

After notification has been made to the team, a yellow board (100cm horizontal X 80 cm vertical) displaying the rider’s number (black colour, height 50cm, stroke width 10cm) will be shown at the finish line and the information will also be displayed on the time keeping monitors.

Failure by the relevant rider to ride through, having been shown the board 3 times, will result in that rider being shown the black flag.

If more than one rider is penalised, the riders will be signalled to ride through on subsequent laps. The order of the riders will be based on the qualifying times with the faster rider first.

In the case of a rider failing to respond to the instruction to ride through, and there being more than one rider penalised, no subsequent rider will be signalled to ride through until the previous rider has completed the ride through procedure or has been shown the black flag.

In the case where the organisation has been unable to carry out the ride through penalty before the end of the race, the relevant rider will be inflicted with a time penalty of 20 seconds.

1.22 Behaviour During Practice And Race

1) Riders must obey the flag signals, the light signals, and the boards which convey instructions. Any infringements to this rule will be penalised according to the provisions of article 1.23.

2) Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in the pit-lane. Any infringements of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a Ride Through procedure. A further penalty (such as fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed

1.23.1 Flags and Lights Used to Provide Information:

• Yellow and Red Striped Flag
The adhesion on this section of the track could be affected by any reason other than rain.
This flag must be shown motionless at the flag marshal post.

• White Flag with diagonal red cross
Drops of rain on this section of the track.
This flag must be shown motionless at the flag marshal post.

• White Flag with diagonal red cross + Yellow and Red Striped Flag
Rain on this section of the track.
These flags must be shown together motionless at the flag marshal post.

• Blue Flag
Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates to a rider that he is about to be overtaken.

During the practice sessions, the rider concerned must keep his line and slow down gradually to allow the faster rider to pass him.

During the race, the rider concerned is about to be lapped. He must allow the following rider(s) to pass him at the earliest opportunity.

Any Infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

At all times, this flag will be shown waved to a rider leaving the pit lane if traffic is approaching on the track.

1.23.2 Flags Which Convey Information and Instructions:

Yellow Flag
Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates that there is a danger ahead. The riders must slow down and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is forbidden up until the point where the green flag is shown.

– Any Infringement of this rule during a practice session will result in the cancellation of the time of the lap during which the infraction occurred.

– Any Infringement of this rule during the race will be penalised with a ride through.

– In both cases, further penalties (such as fine, suspension) may also be imposed.

– If immediately after having overtaken, the rider realise that he did an infraction, he must raise his hand and let pass the rider(s) that he has overtaken. In this case, no penalty will be imposed.

• Red Flag and Red Lights
When the race or practice is being interrupted, the red flag will be waved at each flag marshal post and the red lights around the track will be switched on. Riders must return slowly to the pits.

When the pit-lane exit is closed, this flag will be shown motionless at the pit-lane exit and the light will be switched on. Riders are not allowed to exit the pit lane.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalty: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

At the end of each practice session and warm-up, the red lights will be switched on at the start line.

The red flag will be shown motionless on the starting grid at the end of the sighting lap and at the end of the warm up lap.

The red flag may also be used to close the track.
The red lights will be switched on at the start line for between 2 and 5 seconds to start each race.

• Black Flag
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. The rider must stop at the pits at the end of the current lap and cannot restart.

This flag will be presented only after the rider’s team has been notified.
Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalty: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

• Black Flag with orange disk (Æ 40 cm)
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. This flag informs the rider that his motorcycle has mechanical problems likely to endanger himself or others, and that he must immediately leave the track.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalty: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

1.29.6 In the event of a tie in the number of points, the final positions will be decided on the basis of the number of best results in the races (number of first places, number of second places etc.). In the event that there is still a tie then, the date in the Championships at which the highest place was achieved will be taken into account with precedence going to the latest result.

2.4 SUPERBIKE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.4.2 Minimum Weights
The minimum weight will be: 165 kg
A 1% tolerance will be allowed after the race. (The machine’s weight after the race may not be less than 163.35 kg).

FIM HOMOLOGATION PROCEDURE FOR SUPERSPORT AND SUPERBIKE (see FIM Internet site)


3. DISCIPLINARY AND ARBITRATION CODE

3.2 Penalties
The penalties are: warnings, fines, ride through, time penalties, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension, exclusion

3.3.1.3 Penalties that may be pronounced by the Race Direction
The following penalties may be pronounced by the Race Direction: warning, fine, ride through, time penalty, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension.

Furthermore, the Race Direction can refer the case to the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) in order to impose a higher penalty than the Race Direction is empowered to do.

3.4.2 Right of appeal
No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Race Direction to inflict a ride through penalty.

3.5.5 Notification of judgements
The decisions of the Race Direction or of the FIM Stewards must be notified directly at the event venue, or failing that, addressed by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

All judgements of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) must be notified, in writing, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt in order to inform all the parties concerned.

3.5.6 Publication of judgements
The disciplinary or arbitration body imposing a penalty or adjudicating a protest or an appeal must have its findings published and quote the names of all parties concerned. The persons or bodies quoted in these statements have no right of action against the FIM nor against any person having published the statement.

Furthermore, final decisions will be published in the Media Centre and in the FIM Magazine unless the Court itself decides otherwise.

3.6.1 Payment of fines and costs
If the penalty is definitive, all fines and costs must be paid to the FIM Executive Secretariat within 30 days of notification of the judgement decision according to Article 3.5.5.

The person or body affected by the decision shall be automatically suspended from participation in all FIM activities, until such time as full payment has been received.

5. MEDICAL CODE
5.1 Introduction
The new FIM Anti-Doping Code (included in these rule book) will come into force on 1 July 2004.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS and WERA racer Harry Wolle and wife Sommer had a son, Dylan Hayden Wolle, November 17th, in Cary, North Carolina.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Dunlop Tire Company has bought up existing test dates scheduled by factory AMA teams fielded by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, to limit testing by AMA teams and riders that do not use Dunlop tires. The company made the move just before 2004-season testing went into full swing, catching Michelin teams–which have tested with the Dunlop-sponsored teams in the past and which had signed up for specific 2004 dates with them–off guard and without an alternative plan.

Up until this point, a group of AMA teams frequently tested together and shared costs associated with testing, including track rental, ambulance, insurance, cornerworkers and haybales, with no regard to the brand of motorcycle or tire used by participating teams. The typical direct cost for a participating team can run between $1500 and $15,000 per co-op test, depending upon the individual racetrack and the number of teams participating in a given test. Travel expenses, air freight for special parts, hotel costs and fees paid to contracted mechanics are additional expenses.

Cooperative testing involving AMA teams regardless of tire brand dates back to at least 1997. Tire company representatives have frequently attended the co-op tests to work with their sponsored teams, but tire companies have not contributed to the track rental, set-up and operational costs split by the team co-op, instead covering just their own direct costs and the cost of bringing test tires. Having both Dunlop and Michelin trucks and technicians at co-op tests has been commonplace, especially in the last two years.

In making this move, Dunlop has not gained any track time, because it already had access to all test sessions scheduled by members of the team co-op. Therefore, Dunlop did not make the move to gain track time or increase its R&D efforts to counteract its recent problems with not only 16.5-inch tires exploding on Superbikes but also with 17-inch tires exploding on a relatively stock Superstock bike. Dunlop also did not gain any R&D secrecy, since members of the press have not been banned from the tests, which have been extensively covered in recent years.

Which leads to the conclusion that Dunlop made the move simply to restrict competition.

Sources at several of the involved Dunlop-sponsored teams confirmed the deal to roadracingworld.com, as did a ranking executive at one of the OEMs; none were willing to be quoted or identified by name for fear of retribution by Dunlop–in the form of their team being supplied less-competitive tires. “Yeah, they called up and said they wanted to buy all our test dates,” said a member of a Superbike team that frequently is the lead renter for co-op test dates, and who asked not to be identified. “They said they wanted to be able to keep non-Dunlop teams out of the tests.”

Dunlop is estimated to have spent between $300,000 and $600,000 buying up all the test dates, based on the amount of testing Dunlop-sponsored teams do in a typical calendar year and the cost of renting tracks and paying for ambulance crews, insurance, cornerworkers and haybales.

Available test dates that fit around the AMA schedule are a hot commodity, in limited supply. With Yoshimura Suzuki, for example, testing for 22 days at stand-alone test sessions in 2003, this move by Dunlop will severely limit testing opportunities by non-Dunlop teams and thus inhibit competition in AMA Pro Racing.

Although the IRL car racing series recently outlawed independent (or private) testing in favor of IRL-sanctioned and controlled test dates open to all competitors, observers believe that AMA Pro Racing is unlikely to make such a move due to Dunlop’s deep-seated influence within the organization.

Dunlop Vice President Mike Buckley, who insiders say had to sign off on the company’s move to inhibit competition, sits on the Board of Directors of the AMA as well as on the Board of the non-profit association’s for-profit subsidiary, AMA Pro Racing.

AMA teams that have tested in the past at co-op tests and currently do not use Dunlop tires include Ducati Austin (fielding Eric Bostrom) and Valvoline EMGO Suzuki (fielding Steve Rapp, Vincent Haskovec and Chris Peris). In 2003, No Limits Racing, Annandale Racing and Dream Team Ducati also tested at co-op tests, when they did not use Dunlop tires.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former racer Phil McDonald is scheduled to undergo nerve transplant surgery February 3rd at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the procedure, doctors plan to transplant nerves from one of McDonald’s legs into his left arm, which is paralyzed as the result of a serious street crash in McDonald’s native Tulsa, Oklahoma area last June.

McDonald has regained use of his right arm, which was also seriously damaged when McDonald’s streetbike was hit by a pickup truck coming out of a parking lot, sending McDonald into a road sign in the center median.

McDonald has recovered to the point where he can work partial days at the family business, K&N Motorcycles in Tulsa.

From a press release:

THIS WEEK ON “INSIDE MOTORCYCLING presented by PARTS UNLIMITED”

2003 Supermoto champ Ben Bostrom kicks off this week’s episode of “Inside Motorcycling presented by Parts Unlimited.” The IM camera crew caught up with Bostrom in the Honda pit just moments after the final practice session at the AMA’s Supermoto finale in Las Vegas last November. He went on to win the Supermoto series title later that night.

Also included in the show is a 2004 Honda CRF250R project bike built by Pro Circuit, a look at some of the latest products from the accessory world and a spotlight on the Dynojet company.

“Inside Motorcycling presented by Parts Unlimited” airs each Saturday morning through March at 10 a.m. PST and EST on Spike TV. Check your local listings.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Mladin’s comments about the playing of, or lack thereof, of Australia’s National Anthem seemed to bring into focus more AMA inconsistencies in how they run their game. I was there in 1994 at the L.A. Superbike race in Pomona, California. I was shocked when the Canadian National Anthem was played during the opening ceremonies on Saturday…before our very own Anthem played. I couldn’t believe my ears. The performance was repeated on Sunday. Ironically, the front runner at the time, and winner of the Superbike race on Sunday, was an Australian, Troy Corser, on a Ducati.

Craig Erion
Anaheim, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

As an Australian who’s been living in the U.S. for ten years, I would like to apologize for my countryman’s behaviour. I find it appalling that he would not stand for the national anthem of the country he has been living in for years. The U.S. and in particular AMA racing has afforded him a very comfortable and finacially rewarding lifestyle. To sit on his ass during the anthem shows more disrespect, on his part, towards this country than any amount of respect that he is lacking form the AMA or any of its riders.

I am normally sympathetic to a lot of his complaining to the AMA as I feel he has a lot of valid points, but this one has gone too far. Mat, if you were that pissed off about not hearing our country’s anthem, then maybe you should have voiced your concern to the powers that be, instead of sitting there sulking about it and making a complete ass of yourself!

Frank Nolan
Los Angeles, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

OK, I’ve had a chance to ponder Mat Mladin’s comments regarding the AMA not showing him or his country of birth due respect by playing his national anthem. And I’ve also had a chance to ponder the follow-up comments from visitors to this site. I’d like to offer my own pointedly dissenting opinion to Mr. 66.

What the hell is Mat Mladin talking about? The AMA doesn’t play national anthems for any of the riders! At the beginning of the featured event, yes, but not on the podium. That’s an FIM deal.

If the AMA played the Star Spangled Banner on the podium to honor a U.S.-born race-winner’s home country then, yes, they should play the national anthems for non-U.S.-born race winners, as well. But they don’t. So, the point is moot.

This is the AMA, not the FIM. AMA Pro Racing is a National series, not an international one like World Superbike or MotoGP.

Mat Mladin puts way, WAY too much effort into creating controversies.

We get it, Mat. You hate America. You hate American tracks. You hate Americans. We figured that out during your first year of racing in America.

Oh wait, there IS one thing that’s American that you don’t hate. American money. Or is that more of a love-hate thing?

Sean Bice
Columbus, Ohio



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Mr. Stewart could not have said it any better. Personally I find the notion that Mr. Mladin was slighted intentionally insulting, how ridiculous.

Echoing Mr. Stewart’s statement, the “Star Spangled Banner” is played at sporting and entertainment events out of tradition more than anything else. The tradition dates back before the 1920s when it was first believed to be played at the 1918 World Series, almost twelve years before it was officially declared the National Anthem.

I have served overseas and never been offended by not hearing the “Star Spangled Banner” at special events hosted by those nations I visited, even though some of those events hosted American groups, sporting and entertainment alike.

I think Mat Mladin is one exceptionally talented rider and road racing in America is the better for his presence as well all the other riders of non-American origin. I think he is a little off base in his comments, though, and perhaps doesn’t understand the meaning and the why behind some of our most valued traditions. That being said, I personally am not offended by his reaction nor do I expect him to show the due respect that I believe our Flag, National Anthem and Country deserve as they are displayed at these events. They are however AMERICAN Motorcycle Association sponsored events and that’s just fine with me, one national anthem is enough, let’s keep it that way.

Rube L. Jennings III
Ridgecrest, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

These comments were in response to him getting an award, correct? Whatever happened to gracious acceptance and gratitude? This was neither the time nor the place to air his petty views regarding national anthems. He should have done so in a separate press release at a better selected time or addressed it with the governing body privately.

I’ve had enough of these “athletes” using every little event as some kind of platform to air their petty grievances. In the real world nobody cares. Don’t ride at Daytona, it won’t affect my day one bit.

Between Duhamel’s rock-throwing incident and Mladin’s whining, I have decided to take a year off of attending motorsport events. How about that? I’ll stage my own protest by keeping my money to myself.

Ken Viscardi
Sacramento, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Has anyone else noticed that the article written by Bruce Wilkins only really mentions the National Anthem “thing” in passing? In fact, he even offers up several distinct defenses for Mladin in his article and makes it clear that he respects and supports Mladin’s decision in this matter.

Why then did Mladin hit out on this point? And why is everyone so up in arms about it? What about Mr. Wilkins’ point that Mladin has stumbled in his rise to a series higher than that of AMA Superbike? Seems like that would raise more hairs on Mat’s neck than anything else.

Just seems like everyone is expressing (arguing for) the same opinion about the same thing, when it doesn’t even really warrant being expressed. There are far more interesting things we could all be talking about besides this…

Greg Sampson
Lewisville, Texas



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

For the past 2 years during the LRRS/CCS club races in Loudon, NH, (NHIS) the Canadian and American National anthems have often been sung by a pretty young lady with an amazing vocal range. (Kind of a requirement to singing our anthem well, if you ask me.)

It was a tradition apparently started many years back when there was an active CAN-AM series, done to respect the riders who were coming south to race. When I was a rookie 7 years ago, the singing of ANY anthem at the races was kind of hit-or-miss … maybe once a year. After 9/11, however, our national anthem has been sung for pretty much every event.

I’ve stood in when the other girl has been unavailable, and occasionally other racers or crewmembers request permission to sing. It brings a interesting bit of variety to the weekend … and, inevitably, some wonderfully, err, human comments about comparative vocal abilities. (One man’s Pavarotti is another’s Public Enemy, it seems.)

Disregarding the catty chatter, it’s more interesting how people who are fearless enough to get out on a racetrack — with all its inherent dangers — are terrified at the prospect of singing publicly. Trying to get others to even sing as a quartet has been like pulling teeth.

Still, whether I’m singing or listening, that brief period at the track is one of my most favorite: The announcer telling everyone to turn towards the hill where the flagpoles are, mechanics putting down their tools, groggy racers stepping out of their vans to stand and pay their respects, … the hush … and then the song …

It is a crystalline, precious moment.

In the end there’s always a cheer, and the sound of clapping rising up over the paddock. Then the mechanics pick up their tools, the sleepy racers climb back into their vans to finish their naps, and the announcer calls the first race.

You are missing out if your club doesn’t have this tradition.

B.J. Worsham
LRRS #31
Old Westbury, New York

From a press release issued by Hyperclub:

Hyperclub Track Days releases 2004 Dates

Streets Of Willow (Willow Springs)
January 19th-2004 (MLK)
February 16th-2004 (Washingtons B-Day)
April 12th-2004 (following CCS races)
October 11th-2004 (Columbus Day)
December 13th-2004 (following CCS races)

Willow Springs 2.5 Mile Road Course
March 22nd-2004
May 31st-2004 (Memorial Day)
June 28th-2004
September 6th-2004 (Labor Day)
November 1st-2004

For more info please visit www.Hypercycle.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (818)
988-8860.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racers and former racers attending and riding streetbikes with journalists during the worldwide press intro for a new Michelin DOT-labeled tire at Las Vegas Motor Speedway include Max Biaggi, Eric Bostrom, Vincent Haskovec, Nicky Hayden, Jeff Haney, Nick Ienatsch, Steve Rapp, Kevin Schwantz and Freddie Spencer.

Kenny Noyes, an American who won a Spanish Championship in 2003, is attending the event representing Solo Moto, a Spanish magazine.

The Las Vegas event had international journalists riding on the racetrack Tuesday; today, the Americans are on the racetrack.

The Ducati Austin and Valvoline EMGO Suzuki semi-trucks are set up at the racetrack, along with two Michelin semi-trucks and a Michelin product display.

Nicolas Goubert, who is in charge of Michelin’s two-wheeled racing worldwide and is often seen overseeing the company’s efforts at MotoGP races, is also at the event.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports:

Nestlé Butterfinger Signs on as Sponsor of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series

AURORA, Ill. (January 7, 2004) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that Nestlé® Butterfinger® will be the official sponsor of the holeshot award for the 125cc and 250cc classes at THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Nestlé Butterfinger aboard as our holeshot award sponsor,” said Tim Murray, vice president, Sales, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “Nestlé Butterfinger’s world-wide brand recognition and commitment to breaking out of the ordinary is a welcome addition in what will prove to be another great season.”

“This sponsorship is a perfect fit since Nestlé Butterfinger and Supercross are both known to break out of the ordinary,” said Lisa Barrios, marketing manager, Nestlé Butterfinger. “Butterfinger is thrilled to support Supercross, its athletes and millions of fans that follow this exciting sport.”

The agreement grants Butterfinger as the exclusive candy bar of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series. Butterfinger will also serve as the official sponsor of the pre-race webcast, which gives fans a behind-the-scenes looks at the week’s racing news.