From a press release:

Michelin to sponsor Trofeo Ducati AMA Superbike race at Brainerd International Raceway

BRAINERD, Minn. ­ Brainerd International Raceway today announced that Michelin will be the presenting sponsor of the Trofeo Ducati U.S. Superbike AMA Championship, which is scheduled for June 25-27 on BIR’s world-class 3-mile road course.

The event will be known as the Trofeo Ducati U.S. Superbike AMA Championship presented by Michelin. The Michelin brand will be prominently featured throughout the race weekend with signage, advertising and on-track announcements.

“We’re very pleased to be involved in such a world-class event,” Michelin Two Wheel Product Manager Bernard Jarrousse said. “Superbike racing has helped Michelin develop products like the soon-to-be-introduced Pilot Power sportbike tire. This is an ideal opportunity for Michelin to communicate its message of technological leadership and quality to AMA Superbike fans.”

“Michelin has excellent brand recognition in the racing world and has become a major force in Superbike racing,” BIR General Manager Scott Quick said. “We’re excited to have Michelin on board as a first-year sponsor for this event and we look forward to growing this relationship.”

The Trofeo Ducati is a perennial favorite at BIR. It features some of the top Superbike racers, including Eric Bostrom, Miguel Duhamel, Aaron Yates, Mat Mladin and Ben Bostrom. They challenge the 10-turn road course at speeds of up to 190 mph. Qualifying takes place Friday and Saturday for most of the classes, with finals on Sunday.

The event will feature an array of entertainment for fans, including live music Friday and Saturday nights, fireworks, contests, a bike show, a bike tour around the Brainerd Lakes Area, autograph sessions and more. It’s family entertainment at its finest, with camping available in BIR¹s 162-site PleasureLand RV Park or on 600 acres of rustic camping.

BIR President Bill Singleterry joined Quick in welcoming Michelin to BIR as a sponsor and looks forward to a long-lasting relationship.

Michelin North America is a division of Group Michelin, one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers, with 2003 worldwide net sales of $18.6 billion. Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 23,920 and operates 22 plants in 17 locations.

BIR is a subsidiary of Michigan-based Sports Resorts International Inc., a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange (SPRI). Now in its 35th season, BIR is one of North America’s largest racetracks. It’s about 120 miles north of the Twin Cities. Visit www.brainerdracewayandresort.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Howard, Ball Top TWS Sprints

June 19-20, 2004

By Shan Moore

Ty Howard continued his trend as the CMRA racer with the fattest wallet as the Ride Smart/Shogun Motorsports/Motion CycleSports/Michelin/Hot Bodies/Vesrah/Typhoon PowerSports/Racing Performance Services-sponsored rider pocketed over $7300 at round six of the CMRA Championship Road Racing Series held at Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas. Howard stubbed his toe only once during the day, taking a back seat to Shannon Ball in the Formula 1 event, but posted wins in the C Superbike, A Superstock, B Superstock and C Superstock Expert races en route to the cash and yet another track record. Howard’s new mark was a 1:44.329, set on lap two of the Formula 1 event and eclipsed the old mark of 1:44.85, credited to Joe Prussiano and set way back in April, 2001.

Ball took home just over $2500 for his three-race effort, adding a fourth-place finish in the A Superstock Expert race and a second in the B Superbike Expert race to his Formula 1 win.

Other money winners included Ronnie Lunsford, who won the Heavyweight Twins event; Will Gruy, who won the 125cc GP race and Michael Nellis, who claimed top prize in the Mr. Corder Racing Formula 40 Heavyweight Expert race.

The race drew 536 sprint entries, including 10 riders from Mexico and Bermuda, and riders braved 100-degree F temperatures during the 20 sprint races on Sunday. Track temperatures reached 128 degrees during the day.

On Saturday, 55 teams competed in the Lone Star Track Days CMRA Endurance Series Presented by Shogun Motorsports. The 8-hour event was won by Desert-Rats.net thanks to consistently fast lap times on a Suzuki GSX-R750 and quick pit stops, beating GMAN Racing’s Kawasaki ZX-9R and Northwest Honda Racing’s Honda CBR954RR in the closest endurance finish of the year. The top three teams all finished on the same lap with Desert-Rats.net taking the lead in the final hour.

The Village Idiots Yamaha YZF-R6 led during the second hour of the race after series leader Vinyl Edge Racing’s CBR954RR threw a rod. A crash on the back side of the track put Village Idiots five laps down, but the team managed to recover two of those laps to finish fifth overall and first in the Middleweight Superbike class. Short Bus Racing also suffered an early crash, but recovered for a sixth overall and first in Middleweight Superstock on a Yamaha YZF-R6, while Faltless Racing ran a faultless race for best Lightweight Superbike honors, on a Suzuki SV650.

The CMRA returns to Hallett Motor Racing Circuit on July 16-18 with a full slate of sprint action, a 5-hour CMRA Endurance event and a 2-hour Mini Endurance race. More info can be found at www.cmraracing.com.

From a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:

Camel Honda team aiming for the top in Holland

With the ill-fated Barcelona race quickly put to the back of their minds, the Camel Honda team head to Holland with both riders determined to be back at the front of the action, although the duo will be looking at the historic race from differing perspectives. For Max Biaggi, the track is one of his all-time favourites, and the memory of last season’s podium which came at the end of a hard-fought race in slashing rain, adds to the many positive factors at the Dutch race, including the fact that the event takes place every year in the week of his birthday (June 26th). For Makoto Tamada meanwhile, the track – easily one of the most technically challenging on the calendar – is not one of his favourites. Yet the Japanese rider admits that the task of finding an ideal set-up whilst working out the perfect lines to take around the fast circuit motivates him as much as anything else.(The Dutch TT GP is scheduled on Saturday, June 26th)

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“The Assen Grand Prix is very important for us, because we go there on the back of a strange race where our riders didn’t go too well. In Barcelona we were unlucky because Max definitely had the chance to win the race considering the pace and the consistency he showed in practice. In any case, the championship is still wide open and there’s a long way to go, and I still believe that both he and the team are capable of winning the title. Makoto has also been unable to reap the benefits of the positive work he has been doing, especially after having given ample proof of his talents as a fast and determined rider. So we hope to get our just rewards in Holland; a good dose of fortune so we can enjoy our Saturday.”

Max Biaggi #3: (Michelin Tyres)
“The Assen circuit is one of those I really like. Last year I did a great race there in the rain and finished up on the podium. One of the most positive features of the Dutch circuit, besides the beautiful track design, is the asphalt, which drains any water off brilliantly, so it offers impressive amounts of grip even in the most extreme conditions. After the last race, which was simply abnormal because of what happened, I’m really keen to make amends. Everything’s there for us to do well, so together with Honda and Michelin, we’ll be aiming for mine and the team’s first victory, I believe we can do it, and on Saturday I hope to not just be celebrating my birthday.”

Makoto Tamada #6: (Bridgestone Tyres)
“I have to be honest, Assen isn’t one of my favourite tracks, but I think this is down to it being one of the most difficult and technical there is, and because I’ve only raced there once, I haven’t had the chance to learn it properly. You probably want a bit more time there than at other circuits so perhaps after this weekend I’ll like it a bit better! I’m desperate to finish on the podium, and if not at Assen, as soon as possible. The bike is running well and soon we’ll be in a position to fulfil our objective. The weather conditions in Holland should mean that we are at less of a disadvantage with the tyres anyway, although I can’t make any predictions on how they will go because new ones will certainly be arriving. We’ll see, I’m very motivated in any case.”

From a press release issued by Woodcraft:

It has come to the attention of Woodcraft that about 10% of the left side covers (part number 60-0242L) that were sold this season for the new Suzukis (’03-’04 GSX-R1000, ’04 GSX-R600/750) have the potential for a leak. This leak occurs at the bolt hole that is roughly in the 10 o’clock position when looking at the outside of the cover. Most of the affected covers came with a pocket of black filler material on the inside of the cover. If you received a cover that had this black filler material on the inside, or if your cover has a leak at the bolt at the 10 o’clock position, please contact Woodcraft. These covers were sold between January and May of 2004.

We regret any inconvenience that this problem may cause. Woodcraft believes in providing the best customer service in the motorcycle industry. This problem affected about 10% of the Suzuki covers sold this calendar year. We are taking a proactive approach by replacing any of the covers that are in question.

If you think you may have one of the affected covers, please contact Woodcraft at (508)339-5772.

Woodcraft Technologies, Inc.
(508)339-5772
Fax (508)339-5760
www.woodcraft-cfm.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Racer Rich Thorwaldson, a 58-year-old former off-road and motocross star who took up road racing in his retirement, died Sunday from injuries sustained in a crash during an AFM event at Infineon Raceway May 30, 2004. Thorwaldson went off course to avoid a crashed competitor and hit a hillside at the Sonoma, California racetrack, sustaining serious head injuries that left him in a coma. In recent years, Thorwaldson competed regularly in AFM, CCS and WSMC road races. Thorwaldson owned a Honda dealership in Nevada and imported Moriwaki racing parts. He also founded an aftermarket company, Thor. Funeral arrangements are pending.

From a press release issued by FGSport:

NEW INTERNATIONAL PRESS & PR OFFICER FOR SBK

Sandra Strazzari has been appointed as the International Press & PR Officer, by the FGSPORT Group, for the remaining rounds of the 2004 Superbike World Championship. She will take up the appointment at the seventh round of the Series at Laguna Seca, USA on 7th July 2004.

Sandra has been involved in motor sport since 1987 when she started working with the national media team at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Imola where she undertook translation work during press conferences. Since then she has worked at the Imola circuit for Formula 1 managing journalist and photographer accreditation, management of the media centre and accreditation centre coordination. Since the Superbike World Championship’s return to Imola in 2001 Sandra has worked in the national press office. Her experience is also supplemented by eleven years of work with the Misano Adriatico circuit where she worked in the national press office for both the Superbike World Championship and FIA European Truck Racing Cup.

“This is a new challenge for me. I’ve run media centres in important motor sport events for many years now in Italian circuits and for this reason I think I can give my support both to Journalists and Organisers involved in this popular Championship. World Superbikes always has a friendly atmosphere in the paddock as well as the media centre and I look forward to helping all the professionals involved by trying to create a efficient and pleasant working environment,” says Sandra.

The International Press & PR Officer’s functions, amongst others, will be to keep the world’s media up to date with SBK news and to ensure that members of the international media have their accreditation and the facilities they need at each event. She will also liaise with the national press officers with regard to the accreditation of national media and be responsible for the event press conferences during each weekend.

Nino Barra retains responsibility for the Italian national media as National Press Officer for Italy.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Hayden and Hacking battle for career wins in AMA Supersport

Each rider with 10-career victories coming into Brainerd round

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 21, 2004) — While Miguel Duhamel and Mat Mladin wage battle for the all-time AMA Superbike wins mark, Tommy Hayden and Jamie Hacking have their own skirmish going in the AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei.

Hayden and Hacking are tied with Doug Polen for fourth on all-time AMA Supersport wins list as the series comes to Brainerd International Speedway on June 27. Both riders have 10-career wins and will be looking to break the tie and take sole possession of fourth on the list and more importantly improve their position in this year’s title chase.

Fans could be in store for one of the best Supersport races of the season. Brainerd, with its long front straight that favors groups of drafting riders, traditionally has been one of the closest races of the season. In the last five years every Brainerd Supersport race has been decided by 3-10ths of a second or less. The Supersport machines have been equally matched again this season with Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha all earning victories.

If one manufacturer seems to be gaining a slight edge on the competition it would be Kawasaki. Brothers and Kawasaki teammates Tommy and Roger Hayden have won the last three rounds on factory Kawasaki ZX-6Rs. Elder brother Tommy has opened a 24-point lead over Roger Lee in the series standings after winning the last two rounds. Tommy is trying to win his first AMA Supersport championship after coming close several times.

Defending champ Jamie Hacking is hanging tough in third place in the series despite not having a win to his credit this season. Hacking and his No. 1 factory Yamaha R6 have the speed. He’s won the pole twice and led the most laps in the most recent round in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

“We’ve been close, but that’s not good enough,” Hacking admitted. “We’ve got to start winning races if we want to get up there to defend the championship, that’s the bottom line. I’ve won Supersport at Brainerd, but it’s been a few years. It’s a tough race because drafting comes into play so much there. It should be a good one.”

Hacking’s teammates Aaron Gobert and Jason DiSalvo are fourth and fifth in the series standings. Both understand that if they are to have any chance of getting into the championship battle in the final five rounds they, like Hacking, are going to have to put some wins in the book.

“At Road America I was chasing the draft all day,” said Gobert. “At Brainerd if you lose the draft you’re in trouble so it’s going to be important to stay in the lead group and try to stay with anyone who tries to break the draft.”

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates won the Brainerd Supersport race in 1998. So far Yates hasn’t cracked the top five in the class. If there’s a track where he can do it BIR should be one of them since Yates is the defending Superbike winner there.

Prieto Racing’s Michael Barnes is the top privateer in the highly competitive class. He is a 14-year pro racing veteran and is experiencing his best season in years. If Barnes manages to put his Prieto Yamaha R6 atop the podium this year it would mark the longest stretch between a first and second win in the history of AMA Supersport.

The Pro Honda Supersport race will receive same-day television coverage on SPEED Channel at 3 p.m. Eastern on June 27.

For additional information on the Trofeo Ducati Brainerd AMA Superbike National call (218) 824-7220 or visit www.brainerdracewayandresort.com

From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

ASSEN , THE UNIVERSITY OF MOTORCYCLES

The Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda is ready for the challenge on Saturday, 26th of June. The GP of Holland is planned to be raced on the track of Assen, the only circuit which has hosted every year a GP round since its opening in 1955 (1949 was the first year of the Motorcycle Championship). This fast circuit offers fantastic grip even when it rains given the special pavement which dries quickly, and also thanks to a particular profile of the track which allows the water to drain rapidly. Even if it causes some counterslopes which require a lot of attention in the setup of the bike: a setup which offers both major stability and agility.


The weather however remains the biggest incognito, in fact here the climatic conditions change rapidly and the risk of rain is always high.


# 15 SETE GIBERNAU

The leader of the Championship and the Assen challenge


Sete Gibernau arrives to the Ducth Gp leading the Moto GP Championship. After the two races of Mugello and Barcelona the gap with Valentino Rossi is reduced to 5 points. Assen therefore must be interpreted in the best of ways in order to keep the lead. Sete is a strong rider who doesn’t get influenced by other riders: he gives his best every time he gets onto his bike and he remains concentrated on his goal, that is to get a podium finish every single race.

On this challenging and technical Dutch TT track, Sete Gibernau is called to repeat himself after last years win. Assen is always a special appointment, it is a technical track and quick, one where the bike must be fast in the change of direction and must also have an optimum stability.


“I have nice memories regarding this track: Here I was on the podium in 1999 when I was racing in the 500 cc class and first last year in MotoGP. The Dutch TT has a very long history and a wonderful affluence of spectators not only because of how many come, but because these fans are all very passionate and also understand a lot about bikes.

It is a difficult track and it is easy to commit errors. To make a good lap it is important to not make mistakes because if you make one mistake during a corner, then even the next corners will not be taken on correctly. The setup will be fundamental; we are aiming for the stability and agility of the bike.”

# 45 COLIN EDWARDS

Determined to score a good results in MotoGP at the Dutch TT after many victories in SBK


Extremely determined, Colin Edwards can’t wait to get to Assen, a technically challenging circuit which adapts well to his style of riding. The 6 km of the Dutch TT are familiar for the Texan. Here in fact Edwards won many times in Superbike.

“Assen is a track I like a lot, here I’ve won many times when I raced in Superbike and it is a circuit I like both when it is dry and when it’s wet. I can’t wait to get ! to Holland and obtain a great result. I know the track well and I am sure to have a good pace. I’m more confident after the test session that we did at Barcelona the day after the GP.

During the test we tried many different type of tyres in order to find, together with Michelin, the right mix. The thing that counts though is not only our aim to reduce these chattering phenomena to the max, but also to learn to ride with this problem. I have to regain confidence with my rear wheel and ride less aggressively in order to return to having a clean ride which will allow for a more sustained pace during the race.”

From a press release issued by MSS Discovery:

MSS DISCOVERY’S RIBA SPLASHES TO THIRD AT BRANDS HATCH

MSS Discovery’s Pere Riba equalled his best finish of the year with third place in Sunday’s rain-soaked seventh round of the British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch, Kent.

Riba held second place for much of the race in the tricky conditions before losing out in the battle for runner-up place on the final in the 17-lap battle.

“The race was comfortable for me really,” reported Kawasaki ZX-6RR ace Riba. “I tried to pass Karl Harris for the lead in the early stages but couldn’t see anything. It was difficult to see my braking points and even the corners.

“I eased up a little so I could see where I was going. On the last lap I came across two backmarkers, I didn’t want to throw it away so I took it easy into the Stirlings left-hander ­ but Jason Vincent took a gamble, got ahead of me and just held on.”

MSS Discovery’s Steve Allan qualified in third place for a National Superstock Championship race that was abandoned following a first lap, multi-bike pile-up at the Pilgrim’s Drop area of the circuit.

“With the rain and slippery surface it was probably the best decision to abandon the race,” said Allan who had made the holeshot and was leading when the red flag appeared to stop the race.

British Supersport Championship, round seven result (17 laps ­ 43.52 miles):

1 Karl Harris, Honda, 28:47.398
2 Jay Vincent, Honda, 28:49.518
3 Pere Riba, MSS Discovery Kawasaki, 28:50.026
4 Matt Llewellyn, Ducati, 28:55.305
5 Simon Andrews, Yamaha, 28:55.934
6 Danny Beaumont, Honda, 29:00.984
7 Michael Laverty, Ducati, 29:11.280
8 Jonathan Rea, Honda, 29:24.933
9 Martin Buckles, Yamaha, 29:25.450
10 Lee Jackson, Honda, 29:25.793