From a press release issued by the AMA:

RACING STAR JEFF WARD HEADLINES MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM’S DAYTONA 2004 BREAKFAST

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — Jeff Ward, one of the most successful racers of all time, will be the keynote speaker at the 16th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Friend-Raising Breakfast, to be held during Daytona Bike Week at the Holiday Inn in DeLand, Florida, on Friday, March 5 at 8:00 a.m. Ward, a five-time AMA Motocross and two-time AMA Supercross champion will address what has traditionally been a sell-out crowd of industry, AMA member and media guests. The annual event benefits the preservation and stewardship programs of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

Ward’s racing achievements are legendary. He won the AMA Motocross titles in 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, and 1990, and AMA Supercross titles in 1985 and 1987. Since “retiring” from those series, he has distinguished himself as an Indy Racing League driver and with several first place finishes in this year’s inaugural AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. A Motorcycle Hall of Fame member and long-time supporter of the Museum’s mission and activities, Ward’s passion for motorcycling and racing has been the fuel for one of the longest careers in the industry–and should be an inspiration to Daytona-bound enthusiasts.

The 16th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Friend-Raising Breakfast is open to the public. Admission is $15 per person and early reservations are recommended. Associate sponsorships are available for an additional tax-deductible donation of $50 or more; event sponsorships are available for an additional tax-deductible donation of $750 or more. Donors will be recognized in the event program.

To make reservations, call the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at 614-856-2222, or e-mail [email protected]. For information about sponsorships, contact Dan Smith at 614-856-2222 ext. 1198 or [email protected].

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracing World’s Chris Ulrich underwent surgery at Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda, California today, in an effort to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome.

Ulrich has been plagued with shoulder and arm problems since he separated his right shoulder during a press intro at Las Vegas Motor Speedway two years ago. A year ago he underwent surgery to implant a donor tendon and several Kevlar straps in the shoulder, but has had continuing problems with his arm losing strength and going numb when he rides and races motorcycles.

Dr. Jeffrey Ballard, a vascular surgeon, determined that the blood flow to Ulrich’s right arm was being restricted when he tucked in, due to an artery being pinched between muscles and the upper rib, and that the pulse in Ulrich’s right wrist disappeared when he assumed a riding position. The surgery relieved the pressure causing the arterial pinching, by removing the rib, two muscles and a mass of scar tissue.

The surgery took several hours, and Ulrich will remain hospitalized through mid-week.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former racer Mike Harth, 47, died in his sleep last night, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Harth is survived by his wife, Jennifer, their son Joey, 5, and by a son by a previous marriage, Dustin, 28.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) website, www.race-wsmc.com, has been taken offline by former WSMC Operations Manager Kenny Kopecky, who recently resigned after 12 years, to pursue other interests.

Kopecky hosted the WSMC website.

Officials at Willow Springs International Raceway (WSIR), which owns WSMC, said Monday that they are working to re-establish the WSMC website and will make an announcement when the site is up and running.

More information is available from WSIR at (661) 256-2471.



And now, comment from Kenny Kopecky:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

As a follow-up to your post earlier today about the plug being pulled…

I can refer you to Greg and Chris Huth who will verify I repeatedly asked for WSIR to take care of this matter. I believe they will verify I have done everything in a courteous and professional manner. I believe Danny Farnsworth and Larry Cochran (lead WSMC event staff) will also verify my courteous and professional manner regarding my resignation from WSMC.

Since this looks to me like it is becoming a public discussion, I am pleased to share with you what Gregory and Christopher Huth are already aware of, and that (WSIR General Manager) Stephanie Huth has no understanding of at all, in my opinion.

race-wsmc.com is registered to one individual (me), not to any member of the Huth family or any of their business names.

The url registration has been paid for by that same individual (me), not to any member of the Huth family or any of their business names.

The online account that has been used and the ISP service is registered and paid by an individual (me), not to/by any member of the Huth family or any of their business names.

Fact: WSMC paid that individual (me) from January 2003 to December 2003 for the monthly ISP service and hosting fees the individual paid directly.

It is now 2004. That individual (me) has not been paid for the url name/registration or for any service and hosting fees after 12-31-03.

That individual (me) did, in fact, make numerous requests in person of both Gregory Huth and Christopher Huth of WSIR throughout the end of December to make sure all matters were handled in advance of 12-31-03. They were not able to implement the requested changes by that individual (me). That individual (me) had been told that it would be taken care of…

I believe, as I announced at the December event riders’ meeting, as I have put in the December newsletter, and as I have previously posted at race-wsmc.com, you should go to www.willowspringsraceway.com which is a site registered by their business and is paid for by them.

Regards,

Ken Kopecky

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

Tissot to be Official Timekeeper of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series in 2003-2004

AURORA, Ill. – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced that Tissot will become the official timekeeper of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series.

“Tissot has a long history of being involved in globally recognized sporting events, and we are happy to welcome them to THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series,” said Tim Murray, vice president, sales, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports.

True to its values of performance and quest for excellence Tissot increases still further its involvement in the world of motorcycling by joining with Dorna and Clear Channel Entertainment to become the official timekeeper for the THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series. The prestigious series, which kicked off in Seville, Spain December 6, 2003, will visit seventeen major cities around the world, of which fifteen are in the United States. This exciting and dynamic discipline complements well with the high speed world of the MotoGP, for which Tissot has been official timekeeper for the last three years, and is a perfect match for the spirit of innovation that fires the Tissot brand.

About Tissot

Tissot, Innovators by Tradition. Tissot embodies 150 years of innovation and Swiss watch- making tradition. World leader in the traditional Swiss watch segment, its mission is to offer to a wide public a range of high quality timepieces at an affordable price. As official timekeeper for the world championships in cycling, motorcycling, fencing and ice hockey, Tissot underlines the sporting values of quest for performance, precision and pushing oneself to the limit. Based in Le Locle in Switzerland and present in more than 150 countries around the world, Tissot has been, since 1983, member of the Swatch Group, the biggest watch producer and distributor in the world.

From a press release issued by Fastrack Riders:

FASTRACK RIDERS 2004 SCHEDULE

January 24th & 25th (Sat & Sun) @ Cal. Speedway on AMA Track

February 21st & 22nd (Sat & Sun) @ Cal. Speedway on AMA Track

March 12th (Fri) @ Cal. Speedway on AMA Track

April 9th (Fri) @ Willow Springs on Streets of Willow Track

April 26th (Mon) @ Willow Springs on 2.5 mile Road Course

May 21st (Fri) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway Classic Course

May 28th (Fri) @ Willow Springs on Streets of Willow Track

June 26th & 27th (Sat & Sun) @ Cal. Speedway on AMA Track

July 3rd (Sat) @ Cal. Speedway on AMA Track

August 7th & 8th (Sat & Sun) @ Barber Motorsports Park

September 10th (Fri) @ Arizona Motorsports Park

September 11th & 12th (Sat & Sun) @ Barber Motorsports Park

September 27th (Mon) Willow Springs on 2.5 mile Road Course

October 23rd & 24th (Sat & Sun) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway Classic Course

November 8th (Mon) @ Willow Springs on 2.5 mile Road Course

November 27th & 28th (Sat & Sun) @ Cal. Speedway on AMA Track

December 10th (Fri) @ Willow Springs on 2.5 mile Road Course


More information is available from:

Larry Pointer or Dave Pyles
PO Box 129
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693-0129
877-560-2233
[email protected]
www.fastrackriders.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ohlins USA R&D man Mike Watt is now based in Southern California, having relocated from the company’s North Carolina base.

Watt said he made the move to be closer to motorcycle manufacturers. He spends part of his time working with the Kawasaki road racing team, and also works with White Brothers.

Bruce Wilkins of the Carolina Breeze and carolinabreeze.com forwarded this e-mail he received from 4-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin:

G’day Bruce,

I hope you had a great Christmas and new year.

Thanks for the award as athlete of the year. I would certainly like to clear just one thing up.

With reference to the national anthem and myself not standing for the playing of it: When I first came to the USA in 1996 I always stood and faced the flag for the playing of the anthem. It was with time that I realised the people I was dealing with, other racers and the organization to name a few, had no respect for us and the country we are from. After four championships, many race wins and pole positions I still to this day have not heard my country’s national anthem. I went to a supercross in Sydney, Australia, a few years back and the thing that got my attention the most was the amount of times I heard the the Star-Spangled Banner. I thought it was respectfull that they welcomed these supercross racers from the States with the playing of their national anthem. They also played it before the final and when an American rider made the podium. It didn’t matter that Chad Reed won everything on the night, it mattered that we said thanks to the American guys for coming over and having a go.

As I drove home I told my wife that I was pissed at the AMA for not showing myself, my crew and all other Australians in the paddock the respect they deserve for leaving home to have a go.

As most people know, I love riding bicycles which of course means I watch the Tour de France. I stand and cheer for Lance Armstrong when he smokes them up some ridiculous climb. I don’t care that he is American, only that I am witnessing something special.

A person’s nationality should have no boundaries against the respect they deserve for their performance.

We are a nation of just 20 million people, we cannot make millions of dollars racing in Australia, if we could I would prefer to stay home and race as this is where my family and friends are. Our athletes in almost all disciplines have to travel to make the same money our brothers are making in places like America. Our best football players may make five hundred G’s compared to the millions and millions getting paid for a similar thing in the States. Our best-paid car racers make about the same, compare that with the NASCAR boys. Our most successfull bike racers make a sign-on of about twenty to thirty thousand dollars and if one guy wins everything for the whole year, he may clean up sixty grand plus a motocross bike and Jet Ski.

We don’t complain about it, but part of being an Aussie means you will pack your bags in two seconds to get a piece of it. Yes, I love being in the States, I fly the American flag out front of my new home. This year it will be joined by an Aussie flag. I will again show due respect to your country at the racetrack when a select few of your countrymen show theirs to mine. I’m an Aussie, mate, a very proud one.

Thanks, mate.

Mat Mladin



See related post:

1/2/2004 Local Paper/Website Honors Mladin

From a press release issued by Fastrack Riders:

Fastrack Riders Announces 2004 WERA West Racing Series

San Juan Capistrano, CA. — The parent company of Fastrack Riders, Motorsports Safety LLC announced today they will become the West Coast Affiliate for WERA and will stage a six race series in 2004 which will expand to an eight month race series in 2005.

“What a great Christmas present!” states David Pyles, President of Motorsports Safety, dba Fastrack Riders, “We have been negotiating with WERA for several months and then had to scramble to find track dates so we could run a six race series! I am excited about bringing another racing series to the West Coast that will run on five different tracks! Everyone knows what a quality program WERA is and now it will be a nationwide. WERA offers the opportunity of national exposure for upcoming future AMA stars as well as one of the best contingency programs at the club level. We did a survey in the third quarter of last year and the feedback was very positive about a WERA West Coast Racing Series.”

Larry Pointer, Vice President of Operations for FRA adds, “It took a lot of work to get the dates we did but it is a very good schedule at several different tracks! It has always been the goal of Fastrack Riders to start a racing series so the riders that want to move up from doing track days have a place to do so. Being a racer myself was also a motivation as I was tired of just racing at one track! Even greater is the fact we will have a WERA National Event at California Speedway in June which includes a six hour endurance race.”

To join WERA West all a rider has to do is log on to WERA’s website at www.wera.com. The membership fee is $100 per year.

Details will be released in future press releases!


2004 WERA WEST Racing Series

March 13th & 14th (Sat & Sun) @ California Speedway AMA Track
Friday, March 12th FRA Track Day

May 22nd& 23rd (Sat, & Sun) @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway revised Classic Course Friday, May 21st FRA Track Day

June 11th, 12th & 13th (Fri, Sat, & Sun) @ California Speedway AMA Track
WERA NATIONAL EVENT

July 31st & August 1st (Sat & Sun) @ Buttonwillow Raceway
No Friday Practice Available

August 28th & 29th @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2.5 mile Infield Track including garages for all riders.
Awaiting availability to Friday Practice

September 11th & 12th (Sat & Sun) Arizona Motorsports Park
Friday, September 10th FRA Track Day