Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Friday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:39.209
2. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 1:39.576
3. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:40.060
4. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:40.605
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:42.027
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:42.094
7. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:42.212
8. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 1:42.532
9. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:42.893
10. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 1:42.920
11. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:43.243
12. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:43.920
13. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:44.000
14. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:45.090
15. Darin Eli Edwards, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:45.414
16. Matt Prentice, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:46.315
17. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:46.345
18. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:48.067
19. Josh Bryan, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:49.548
20. Jim Davis, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:52.214

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning MotoGP Practice Times:

1. Kenny ROBERTS, Suzuki, 2:08.381
2. Ruben XAUS, Ducati, 2:10.319
3. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, 2:10.627
4. Jeremy McWILLIAMS, Aprilia, 2:11.215
5. Shane BYRNE, Aprilia, 2:11.704
6. Colin EDWARDS, Honda, 2:11.761
7. John HOPKINS, Suzuki, 2:12.108
8. Sete GIBERNAU, Honda, 2:12.487
9. Alex HOFMANN, Kawasaki, 2:12.665
10. Troy BAYLISS, Ducati, 2:13.219
11. Nicky HAYDEN, Honda, 2:13.819
12. Valentino ROSSI, Yamaha, 2:15.302
13. Kurtis ROBERTS, Proton, 2:15.443
14. Max BIAGGI, Honda, 2:15.809
15. Marco MELANDRI, Yamaha, 2:16.084
16. Shinya NAKANO, Kawasaki, 2:16.109
17. Neil HODGSON, Ducati, 2:16.441
18. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, 2:17.004
19. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, 2:18.011
20. Alex BARROS, Honda, 2:18.464
21. Norick ABE, Yamaha, 2:19.175
22. Michel FABRIZIO, Harris WCM, 2:20.419
23. Chris BURNS, Harris WCM, 2:20.641
24. Nobuatsu AOKI, Proton, 2:22.795

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Graves Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking turned a 1:37.364 on his YZF-R1 to lead all times in the first official AMA Superstock practice, Friday at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Set on a blustery morning with ambient temperatures in the low-to-mid-50s F, Hacking’s time was two seconds faster than the existing AMA Superstock lap record for Brainerd, Josh Hayes’ 1:39.400, set in 2003.

Provisional Friday Morning AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:37.364
2. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:37.504
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:39.232
4. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:39.354
5. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:39.484
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:39.668
7. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.764
8. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.964
9. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:40.070
10. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:40.590
11. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:40.654
12. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:40.789
13. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:41.347
14. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:41.620
15. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:41.780
16. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:41.803
17. Jesse Janisch, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:42.696
18. Jason Curtis, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:43.106
19. Jessica Zalusky, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.783
20. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:46.690
21. Montez Stewart, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:46.884
22. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:47.931
23. Eric Dooyema, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:51.334
24. Tom Grant, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:51.566

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday Morning 125cc Qualifying Results:

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 2:22.746
2. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 2:22.837
3. Simone CORSI, Honda, 2:23.340
4. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 2:24.046
5. Casey STONER, KTM, 2:24.445
6. Dario GIUSEPPETTI, Honda, 2:24.455
7. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 2:24.558
8. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 2:24.749
9. Youichi UI, Aprilia, 2:24.750
10. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 2:25.127
11. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Aprilia, 2:25.138
12. Gino BORSOI, Aprilia, 2:25.269
13. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 2:25.528
14. Gabor TALMACSI, Malaguti, 2:25.604
15. Mika KALLIO, KTM, 2:25.706

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday’s 250cc Grand Prix Qualifying Results:

1. Anthony WEST, Aprilia, 2:19.354
2. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 2:19.608
3. Ivan SILVA, Aprilia, 2:20.159
4. Arnaud VINCENT, Aprilia, 2:20.369
5. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, 2:20.537
6. Alex DEBON, Honda, 2:20.719
7. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 2:21.150
8. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 2:21.260
9. Franco BATTAINI, Aprilia, 2:21.577
10. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 2:21.592
11. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 2:21.616
12. Eric BATAILLE, Honda, 2:22.364
13. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 2:22.485
14. Johan STIGEFELT, Aprilia, 2:22.573
15. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 2:22.615
16. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, 2:22.816
17. Jakub SMRZ, Honda, 2:23.136
18. Joan OLIVE, Aprilia, 2:23.581
19. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 2:23.634
20. Alex BALDOLINI, Aprilia, 2:24.065

From a press release issued by Nikon Yamaha:

Nikon Yamaha Factory Race Team

Set For Western Showdown


The 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship is at the season’s halfway stage with the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team making the long trek across the Nullarbor to contest this weekend’s fourth round of the title chase at Barbagello Raceway, at Wanneroo, north of Perth.

It’s an intense and critical time for the team because the fifth round at Mallala, South Australia, is just a week later and the next two rounds could well determine the outcome of the seven-round championship.

Due to the back-to-back nature of the two events, the team has to be fully prepared with the bikes, sufficient spares and tyres transported over in the Nikon Yamaha semi trailer.

Disregarding the logistics, the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team is in buoyant mood as they are back to full strength with lead rider, Daniel Stauffer, returning to the battle after missing the previous round at Winton due to injuries he suffered during testing before that particular event.

Stauffer broke his collarbone and required surgery to have it pinned but has undertaken an intense training program during his recovery to full fitness and is chomping at the bit to take his place in the field.

After sitting on the sidelines the points gap to the series leaders has increased as he has dropped to eighth spot. Although it is a tall order to peg back the leaders adversity seems to bring out the best in riders and in racing anything can happen on the day.

The enforced lay off has given him plenty of time to think but this has steeled Stauffer to be more resolute in aiming to claim more race wins and regain the form that he displayed at the first round when he dominated – and won – the opening two races of the year aboard the all-new ‘04 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike.

Stauffer’s Superbike team mate, Shannon Johnson, will be just as determined to be at the sharp end and improve on his recent performances that has seen the Victorian score podium finishes at the previous two rounds.

Shannon, the 2003 Australian Supersport champion, has settled into his new team adjusting to a bike and tyres he had never experienced before this year. At this meeting he is bound to show his full potential to be right in the thick of the action, aiming to improve his place in the title chase as he currently sits in fifth position and is well placed to move up the points table with strong results.

With the field returning to the west after a three-year absence from the Australian Championship calendar and combined with the recently resurfaced circuit, it guarantees a very level playing field that’s bound to produce dynamic battles below current lap record times.

In these circumstances the Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team will be anticipating to take every advantage of the situation.

The new R1’s started the year standard except for an improved exhaust system but at each meeting subtle improvements have been made to the engine and handling. Also, new and improved Dunlop tyres have become available, these three factors ensuring that the characteristics of the bikes have changed at every outing.

The riders and the crew have overcome all the adjustments required and are now fully accustomed with the new YZF-R1 rockets so confidence is high. Plus, with head mechanic, Kevin Marshal, tirelessly working his magic behind the scenes there is no doubt the blue Nikon Yamaha R1’s will be leading the way around the fast and flowing layout

Although it’s important to have top speed at Wanneroo, chassis setup is paramount as, besides fast sweepers, there are two corners that require heavy braking but Stauffer and Johnson both know it’s a riders track and this will add to their determination in extracting the best from their R1 Superbikes.

The Nikon Yamaha Factory Racing Team is also contesting the ultra- competitive Australian 600c Supersport Championship with Brendan Clarke in his second year with the team.

2004 has been a struggle for the talented Queenslander but he has not been idle waiting for the results to happen. Since Winton Brendan has also undertaken a rigorous training regime in an effort to regain the form that has him as the youngest rider to score points in a 500cc Grand Prix.

Clarke has performed well in the past at the Western Australian circuit and will be using this as impetus to kick start his quest to regain his form that saw him set circuit lap records as well as keeping his old team mate Kevin Curtain honest during 2003.

2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championships after three (of seven) rounds:

1 A Fergusson (Honda) 132pts; 2 J Brookes (Honda) 123; 3 S Giles (Suzuki) 104; 4 J Stauffer (Kawasaki) 97; 5 Shannon Johnson (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 83; 8 Daniel Stauffer (Nikon Yamaha YZF-R1) 61

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday Morning MotoGP Practice Times:

1. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, 2:14.799
2. Valentino ROSSI, Yamaha, 2:16.193
3. Troy BAYLISS, Ducati, 2:16.736
4. Shane BYRNE, Aprilia, 2:16.742
5. Alex BARROS, Honda, 2:17.509
6. Max BIAGGI, Honda, 2:18.342
7. Ruben XAUS, Ducati, 2:18.438
8. Michel FABRIZIO, Harris WCM, 2:18.592
9. Neil HODGSON, Ducati, 2:18.823
10. Jeremy McWILLIAMS, Aprilia, 2:19.582
11. Kenny ROBERTS, Suzuki, 2:19.711
12. John HOPKINS, Suzuki, 2:20.240
13. Alex HOFMANN, Kawasaki, 2:20.340
14. Nobuatsu AOKI, Proton KR, 2:20.969
15. Colin EDWARDS, Honda, 2:21.612
16. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, 2:22.410
17. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, 2:23.628
18. Shinya NAKANO, Kawasaki, 2:25.037
19. Chris BURNS, Harris WCM, 2:25.492
20. Nicky HAYDEN, Honda, 2:25.871
21. Norick ABE, Yamaha, 2:27.484
22. Kurtis ROBERTS, Proton KR, 2:27.756
23. Sete GIBERNAU, Honda, 2:29.246
24. Marco MELANDRI, Yamaha, 2:45.103

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday Morning 250cc Practice Times:

1. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, 2:20.472
2. Sylvain GUINTOLI, Aprilia, 2:20.583
3. Anthony WEST, Aprilia, 2:21.069
4. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, 2:21.283
5. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, 2:21.877
6. Eric BATAILLE, Honda, 2:22.196
7. Arnaud VINCENT, Aprilia, 2:22.409
8. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, 2:22.710
9. Franco BATTAINI, Aprilia, 2:22.956
10. Sebastian PORTO, Aprilia, 2:23.174
11. Alex DEBON, Honda, 2:23.491
12. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, 2:23.655
13. Toni ELIAS, Honda, 2:24.502
14. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, 2:24.640
15. Patrick LAKERVELD, Yamaha, 2:24.655
16. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, 2:25.638
17. Ivan SILVA, Aprilia, 2:25.880
18. Erwan NIGON, Yamaha, 2:26.023
19. Alex BALDOLINI, Aprilia, 2:27.358
20. Hugo MARCHAND, Aprilia, 2:27.528

From a press release issued by American Suzuki:

Suzuki Hires New Off-Road PR Specialist

BREA, Calif. – American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) announced today that Jackson Esselman has been hired in the role of Off-Road Press Relations Administrator for ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division. Esselman will be responsible for press relations in regards to Suzuki ATV and off-road/motocross product lines. He will report directly to Glenn Hansen, ASMC’s advertising and press relations manager for the motorcycle/ATV division.

Before joining American Suzuki on June 1, 2004, Esselman worked in the marketing department at the off-road aftermarket company Pro Circuit, where he specialized in new product releases and dealer relations.

“We were looking for someone who could help us increase the awareness of Suzuki off-road and MX motorcycles,” said Hansen. “Jackson’s understanding of this environment and enthusiasm for our products will help make him an awesome promoter of Suzuki. We have a great deal to talk about right now in the world of off-road motorcycles and ATVs, and we’re confident that Jackson can help us tell the Suzuki story.”

Esselman, 23, attended George Fox University in Portland, Ore. He’s originally from Sun Valley, Idaho, and relocated to Southern California in the summer of 2003. He currently lives in Huntington Beach, Calif.

“I would like to say how excited I am to join the Suzuki team,” said Esselman. “It is an incredible opportunity to join a world leader in motorcycle technology and development. With the release of the new RM-Z450 and the signing of Ricky Carmichael for 2005, I’m excited about being a part of Suzuki’s vision for its motocross and off-road future. I look forward to years of growth and development with Suzuki and I am glad to be part of the team.”

From a Competition Bulletin issued by AMA Pro Racing via www.amaproracing.com:

TO: All Licensed Riders and Season Credential Holders

FROM: Rob King, Technical Manager

DATE: June 16, 2004

SUBJECT: Supersport and Superstock Fork Braces

The following is a clarification of an existing rule regarding fork braces in Supersport and Superstock listed on page 17 of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship 2004 Rulebook as item 12c:

Fork braces must function solely as a strengthening device for the front fork structure.

Braces incorporating any air management qualities such as downforce producing deflectors or ducts that redirect incoming air are not permitted. The determination of air management qualities will be at the sole discretion of the Race Manager and the Chief Technical Inspector.

Should you have any questions concerning this change, please contact Technical Manager Rob King at (614) 856-1910, extension 1230.