From a press release issued by Belgarda Yamaha:

“WE WANT TO WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE TRACK!”

The historic Silverstone circuit is the venue for the next round of the Supersport World Championship. The news on the eve of the sixth round is the readmission of the six Honda riders who had been disqualified in the previous race at Oschersleben (Germany).

ALL AS BEFORE

The FIM technical inspectors enquired about the rear wheel axle’s difference in weight between the one used in racing and the one homologated by Honda themselves. The Oschersleben Race Directors had excluded six riders from the results, including the race winner Karl Muggeridge, but then an appeal was made to FIM Roadrace Stewards panel. Honda succeeded in demonstrating that the rear axle was identical to one used on the CBR-RR road bikes. The FIM therefore reinstalled Muggeridge and the five other disqualified riders, but fined Honda 35 million Swiss francs (approximately 23 million euros) and took away their manufacturers points for the race. Based on this decision, Muggeridge is back on top of the World Championship points standing, just five points ahead of Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh (Yamaha Motor Italy).

OFFICIAL COMMENT

“We take notice of the FIM’s decision.” said Claudio Consonni, racing manager of Yamaha Motor Italy. “Muggeridge’s disqualification had given us a big advantage in the points standing, but Yamaha want to win the title by its own means – on the track. We have a very competitive package – bike, team, rider – and are aiming for the title. Jurgen van den Goorbergh has been in the forefront a lot in the races. Supersport is a wonderful championship, but it is necessary that the technical regulations and rules of homologation are completely understood and respected in order not to generate any doubts or suspicions. And then it can be the best!”

THE CLASSIFICATION (after five rounds of ten)
1 Muggeridge (AUS-Honda) 87; 2 Van den Goorbergh (NL-Yamaha R6) 82; 3 Parkes (AUS-Honda) 53; 4 Curtain (AUS-Yamaha R6) 47; 5 Fujiwara (J-Suzuki) 44; 6 Charpentier (F-Honda) 40; 7 Chambon (F-Suzuki) 39; 8 Lanzi (I-Ducati) 37; 9 Neukirchner (D-Honda) 31; 10 Foret (F-Yamaha R6) 30.

MANUFACTURER’S CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Yamaha 90; 2 Honda 84; 3 Suzuki 55; 4 Ducati 45; 5 Kawasaki 12.

GOOD MEMORIES
Silverstone has held Supersport World Championship races since 2002. Before that, the British round was run at Donington. The track is 5.094 kilometres in length and is world-famous for its F1 history. Silverstone used to be a RAF base, but then started motorsport activities after the second world war. The main straights are based on the takeoff and landing strips. It was therefore a very fast layout, but slower sections and a couple of chicanes have been added to make the track safer. In the two previous rounds at Silverstone, Yamaha Motor Italy has always has been the strongest competitor. In 2002, in torrential rain, James Whitham and Paolo Casoli were on their way to an extraordinary 1-2 finish, when they fell off (not far from each other) in sight of the victory flag. But Race Control decided to red flag the race and the results were wound back one lap to give Whitham and Casoli a perfect 1-2! In 2003, Yamaha Motor Italy celebrated Jurgen van den Goorbergh’s second place, behind Chris Vermeulen (Honda).

ON TV
The sixth round of Supersport World Championship (13th June) will be transmitted live on Eurosport News. The 1-hour time difference means it will be shown at 14.20 Italian time. La7 will show the race at 16.45. Eurosport will show the highlights at 19.30.

From a press release issued by Italica Racing:

ITALICA RACING MEETS WITH APRILIA RACING IN ITALY

Malibu, California – Italica Racing owner Jeff Jensen, Team Director David Lewis and crew chief Vic Fasola spent last week with managers and technicians at Aprilia Racing in Noale, Italy discussing the campaigning of their 2004 RSV Factory bikes in AMA Superbike racing. Along with a tour of the racing facility, and some significant insight into the current and past racing programs, the team discussed commercial and sponsor opportunities.

“I’m always blown away by the professionalism and quality of work done at Aprilia racing,” says David Lewis. “The team managers there are looking forward to our racing actual production machines, and have been very forthcoming with information and set-ups.”

Vic Fasola added, “There were a lot of guys there who were fired up about production racing again, from the Aprilia racing managers to the techs we met and I think we’re going to also have a lot of fans with Aprilia itself.”

Italica Racing went on to spend some time with potential sponsors in Italy, and meet with managers from the production side of the business.

“We are racing production RSV Factories – not homologation specials,” says Jeff Jensen, the Italica Team owner.” This is going to bring along some challenges, but the racing fans out there should know that we’re on the same machine they can buy at any Aprilia dealer, and with help from Italy, we’re going to develop the best Superbikes we can and take a run at the championship in ‘05.”

Italica Racing, featuring riders Mike Hale and Matt Wait will enter the 2004 AMA Superbike class. They are currently sponsored by The Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures and the upcoming theatrical motion picture “High Speed,” to be distributed by Ardustry Entertainment.

For more information on The Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures log onto their website at www.stuntmen.com. In the very near future, you will be able to keep up with Italica Racing news, by logging on to www.italicaracing.com.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

NAKANO AND HOFMANN ALL SET FOR CATALUNYA WEEKEND

Fuchs Kawasaki rider Shinya Nakano intends to ride in this weekend’s Catalunya Grand Prix, less than a week after his massive 300 kph crash at Mugello.

As a follow-up to Nakano’s Mugello crash, Kawasaki’s MotoGP tyre partner, Bridgestone, has made a fast response to the tyre problems experienced in the Italian race. Working 24 hours a day, the Bridgestone factory in Japan has produced a revised specification tyre for Barcelona, with initial supplies already at the track and further tyres arriving by air-freight over the weekend.

Apart from a slightly bruised back Nakano is fit and eager to join teammate Alex Hofmann aboard their Ninja ZX-RR machines for the fifth round of the 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

The 26-year-old Japanese rider has quickly put aside the dramas of the high-speed crash that brought an early end to his Italian Grand Prix outing last Sunday. After being cleared by x-rays of any serious injuries, and following just a couple of days rest in Barcelona, Nakano was back into training mid-week.

For Nakano the Catalunya GP is like a second “home race” as he lives near the Olympic Port area of Barcelona during the European season.

Meanwhile Hofmann is also approaching this weekend in a positive mood, after picking up valuable points with a gritty ride in the rain interrupted Italian GP last Sunday.

Hofmann also loves racing in warm and sunny Spain. He made his premier class debut at this track in 2002, riding a factory Yamaha 500 as a replacement for the injured Garry McCoy.

After a day sightseeing in Florence after the Italian GP, Hofmann drove his motorhome to Spain stopping for a day at the beach on the Costa Brava just north of the circuit.

The 4.7km track is one of the fastest on the GP calendar. The main straight is just over one kilometre in length, with a fast flowing sequence of corners through the stadium section rewarding smooth riding. A 500 metre section of the straight, from the starting grid to the main scoreboard, has been resurfaced with new asphalt for this year.

The almost religious fervour of Spanish fans has led to predictions of a 100,000 plus attendance for the race on Sunday.

Shinya Nakano: No.56
“The Barcelona track is one of my favourites and I really enjoy racing here, especially as I can stay in my apartment at Diagonal Mar. I’m feeling fine and even though the Mugello crash was really fast I understand what happened there. Although it’s not easy to put everything aside mentally I’m ready to concentrate on riding here; this is my job. I remember the crash, it was instant with no time to control it, and my main thought was to not hit the concrete wall at Mugello, and the relief that my body was okay.”

Alex Hofmann: No.66
“This is my style of track and I really enjoy it. The fast section from turn two and through turn three is a lot of fun; it’s long and fast and you can really slide the bike as the corner opens up. The two fast corners before the main straight also suit my style. Since Formula One started using the track a lot it has become a little bumpy, but it’s not that a big a problem, it’s manageable. I got some points in Mugello and, hopefully, that will prove to be a turning point for me this season.”

Harald Eckl: Team Manager
“Along with my technical staff and riders I met with Bridgestone today and we are all very impressed with the effort they have made in the four days since Mugello. I was surprised they could achieve so much in such a short time, but they have explained things in detail, and they feel they understand the problem and have found a safe solution. I’m confident that Bridgestone have done a good job. Most importantly, our riders Shinya and Alex can now concentrate on their riding this weekend.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A dispute with the City of Birmingham over a vacant building threatens the government funding George Barber needs to bring a MotoGP event to Barber Motorsports Park, a local newspaper reports.

To read the report, go to:

http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news/108685910348430.xml?birminghamnews?nmet

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Edge Performance Riding Courses will host a track day event June 28, the Monday following the AMA Superbike event at Brainerd International Raceway, according to a press release.

The event is open to all makes and models of motorcycles, and pre-registration is not required.

For additional information, call Edge Performance at (763) 531-1947 or go to www.edgeracing.net

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI NORTH AMERICA EXPANDS CUPERTINO BASED TEAM WITH TWO NEW EMPLOYEES

Moving into its second year at the new location in Cupertino, California, Ducati North America continues to increase the strength of its staff.

June 2004 – Ducati North America continues to grow the headquarters-based team with the addition of two new members of the management team. With a 35% growth in sales during the first five months this expansion reflects the increasing popularity of Ducati in the U.S. market.

Greg Zanghi joins Ducati North America as the National After Sales Manager. His overall responsibilities include customer care, service communications, legal matters, systems and development. Zanghi has a recent background in the motorcycle industry. For the past 3 years he worked as the general manager at Eastside MotoSports, a Bellevue, Washington based Ducati dealership.

“I’m excited about working with the team at Ducati and continuing to build its strength. Ducati ownership is unique and we will improve the customer experience even further. Strong relationships with our Ducati fans are very important to the company.” Zanghi said.

John Cupp will take over the position of Area 23 Sales Manager, which includes California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada. The incumbent, Brad Hagi, takes up a new position for Ducati this fall within the Export Sales department at Ducati’s World Headquarters in Bologna, Italy. Mr. Cupp joins Ducati with experience in positions at American Honda where he worked in Customer Service and as a District Sales Manager. An avid motorcyclist, John has raced with the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club in Southern California.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

SILVERSTONE SIGNALS END OF PART ONE

After the dramas and uncertainty of the previous round at Oschersleben on May 30 the 10-round World Supersport Championship is about to embark on its last outing for almost two months, to Silverstone in Great Britain this weekend.

At Silverstone, machine speed and fast cornering confidence is the key for the majority of the lap but a tight and twisty final section, including the season’s most cramped and slowest chicane, makes the modern 5.094km Silverstone circuit one of contrasts.

After the temporary exclusion of the six top Honda riders at Oschersleben all their points and finishing positions have been restored, significantly altering the state of play in the overall World Championship fight at a crucial stage.

Thanks to the efforts of three of the supported riders equipped with the all-conquering CBR600RR the Oschersleben podium places were ultimately an all-Honda affair, with Karl Muggeridge and Broc Parkes from the Ten Kate squad finishing first and second respectively, and Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda) a close third.

Muggeridge’s win, his third in a row and Honda’s fourth of the year, puts him in the lead of the championship, 87 points to the 82 of Yamaha rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh. Parkes, thanks in large part to his two-second places at Monza and Oschersleben, sits third, with 53 points. Charpentier, now sixth overall, looks forward to fighting for his second podium of the season at what is the first of two British-based rounds on the calendar.

Charpentier’s 20-year-old team-mate Max Neukirchner (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) will have his first taste of yet another new track this weekend, the rookie WSS rider proving to be a real asset for now and the future. He scored a career best fifth place at Oschersleben, after a race-long fight with some legendary figures in Supersport racing.

Team Italia Megabike Honda riders Alessio Corradi (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) and Denis Sacchetti will be looking to Silverstone as another opportunity to move into the top places.

Now back on top of the championship on riding merit, Muggeridge is looking to continue his amazing run of form and is already concentrating on the job in hand. “It should be good again this weekend. We are improving the bike every time we get put on it. I keep hoping the job of making the set-up better gets easier and easier but each time we go faster we arrive at another small problem, which we solve. It’s just a continual job. I want to just concentrate on the set-up for race conditions and I don’t expect too many changes, even though we have new fork settings and so on to try. Silverstone is two tracks in one. The more open part is all high speed cornering, like Phillip Island or Assen and the other bit is like a Supercross arena. By necessity, set-up is always a compromise atSilverstone.”

For Parkes, a new training regime has already paid dividends, and he will be all out to take his first win in WSS in the UK. “Silverstone is pretty good to me. Last year I was on the front row in first qualifying. I like the track even though last year my engine didn’t have the power I do this year. I’m going there aiming to do what I did at the last two races and get on the podium. I’m training a lot more than usual, and I’ve started running a lot. I never used to run but I’m doing it every day now and I’ve noticed a huge difference. It’s not just a physical fitness thing it also helps with concentration and now I’m just as strong at the end of a race as I was at the beginning. To get my points back from Oschersleben was great and if the top two riders have a DNF then it changes things dramatically. I would be right in there again.”

After the intense joy of his first podium finish, in what has been an often-fraught season so far, Charpentier is looking forward to a quick hop across the channel, aiming to plunder some English silverware. “All three of the next tracks, Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Assen are good tracks for me and after what happened after Oschersleben, to go to Silverstone in sixth place is OK. I’m looking forward to it.”

Track knowledge for Neukirchner could allow him a good chance to continue his rapid growth in this tough series. “It was a big boost to me to finish so well in Germany, my best ever result. Silverstone is another new track for me on the CBR600RR but my bike is fast, the tyres have been good and my team helps me a lot.”

Corradi’s season has also featured some ups and downs, with the diminutive Italian with a big talent concentrating on the positives “I like the Silverstone layout very much, or at least all of it except that last chicane, which no-one likes. It is no problem for me to approach a fast circuit like this with the machine and set-up we have so I am looking forward to the weekend.”

For Sacchetti, Silverstone is another new challenge. “I earned good points in Germany and I want to continue that on in England. It is a very different track from Oschersleben but we will do our best.”

With the World Supersport championship not following the Superbike series to the American round at Laguna Seca on July 11th, the seventh round of the series takes place at Brands Hatch on August 1.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Kel Edge

On Thursday afternoon a driving competition was held at Silverstone at a special 4×4 course. The competition was between a UK team (Chris Walker, James Toseland and Leon Haslam) and an International team (Regis Laconi, Noriyuki Haga and Chris Vermeulen).

At the end, Haga and Toseland scored the best points, but Haga was given the prize because Toseland was adjudged to have ‘conveniently moved a couple of marker cones’ before Laconi went out for his lap.


Regis Laconi, Noriyuki Haga and Chris Vermeulen

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Sete Gibernau defends MotoGP Championship lead on home ground

Spanish MotoGP rider Sete Gibernau goes into the Montmelo circuit for Grand Prix of Catalunya holding a 10 point lead in the MotoGP World Championship. Gibernau tops the point’s chart by virtue of two victories and two other podium finishes from the four races run this season riding for the Telefonica MoviStar Honda Team.

Now 31 years old Gibernau, from near by Barcelona, has a motorcycling pedigree second to none. Sete grew up surrounded by motorcycle engineers, riders and aficionados, he is steeped in the history of the Spanish two-wheel industry and racing. When he arrives at the Montmelo circuit gate to begin GP practice the first thing he see’s is the statue of his grandfather, the late Francisco Bulto, ‘Don ‘Paco,’ founder of the Bultaco marque.

Sete’s father Manuel is himself a former racer who also managed the Bultaco Competition Department for several years. But despite a race career of his own Father Manuel is too nervous to watch his son race but his Mother, Cristina is an avid fan and race watcher who follows every MotoGP race either live or on television.

Everyone in the family rides motorcycles, virtually on a daily basis. Manuel now rides a Honda Forsight 250 in heavy trafficof Barcelona, Mother Cristina prefers a Scoopy 125 for all her chores. Sete’s younger sister, and press officer, Cristina is more adventurous and rides regularly she has just taken delivery of a CBR600RR Honda. The family often took rides together but Sete’s intense racing and testing schedule, plus the ever increasing associated promotional work have restricted the family’s opportunites to share fun rides together.

“My family have played a very important role in my career they have all given me their full support, my parents, sisters, and my grand parents.” Said the series leader. “We are a close family, in fact it was my uncle who gave me my nickname ‘Sete.’ My Grandfather, Don Paco, was a great person he created an industry, developed many exciting motorcycle he helped many riders over the years, great riders from all over the world. He was a huge influence on my career but he never pushed me. He was, above all else, my friend and a real human being.”

Gibernau’s path to the top of his profession has not been meteoric. He made a relatively late entry into road race competition, at 19 years of age following several years competing in Trials events. He began his tarmac career in Spanish 125cc sports production racing earning himself a unique place in the history of the Montmelo circuit – Sete won the first ever motorcycle race held at the circuit, a 125cc Cagiva Cup race.

From there he moved into the 250 class in the Ducados Series making his GP debut as a wild card for the Wayne Rainey Yamaha squad in1992. However he made a full entry into world championship racing in 1996 finishing 22nd in the 250series.

He moved to 500s in ’97 to begin his positive march towards joining the elite of his chosen profession. Sete raced for the Rainey Yamaha squad in ’97 before moving to Honda in 1998 as replacement rider for the injured Takuma Aoki, on a 500cc V-twin. The following year he moved on to the NSR500 V-four vacated by the injured, five times world champion, Michael Doohan and finished the season in fifth place.

After an unroductive 1999 season sete moved on to Suzuki for two years, in 2001 – ’02 where, in his first year with the team, he won the GP of Valencia on a 500cc 2-stroke. He returned to Honda and the fabulous RC211V for the 2003 season and promptly won four races to end the year as Vice World Champion.

A calm intelligent and fun loving man with a passion for everything he does in life, Gibernau has his feet firmly planted on the ground, a man with a clear vision of life and what he hopes to achieve.

“I’m not obsessed with racing, I have a life outside the sport and it makes me realise the importance of down time away from the track, you cannot let it control your life completely.” Sete explained. “When you go out and see others less fortunate than us, even in these times some people just don’t have a life through particular circumstances, that makes you realise how important it is to live a rich and varied life. Don’t get me wrong, I love racing and want to win as much as the next man, I’m dedicated but not obsessed.”


The two-week break between Le Mans allowed Gibernau to indulge his other sporting passions, cycling, jogging, gym work and Super Motard, which he rides for both exercise and fun but he arrived at Mugello ready to race. He said. “I enjoyed the break was but once the show gets going I want to get on with it. Sure I like a break but I’m in good form physically and mentally, the team is working really well and the bike improves with each race. I’m relaxed and not about to get too excited about the situation we are in by leading the championship, we have a lot to learn and there is a long way to go to the end of the season.”


Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda Gresini and the RC211V have proven an ideal combination and Sete is quick to praise the team for the superb machinery and technical back up they provide him with.

“I have the best team in the paddock, the best in racing. We have a very strong work ethic, everyone in the team gives 100% and we almost always improve. I’m happy with the situation. Honda has also helped us when it was possible, like the test after Jerez where we sorted out most of our chatter problems. They have been very fair with us. But we are a satellite team, that will not change and we have to get the best out of what we have. The team has done a brilliant job so far and everyone if fully focussed ”

“Montmelo is one of my favourite tracks, it’s very near the spot where I was born. It’s also has special memories because I won the first ever motorcycle race held at the track, a Spanish 125cc Cagiva Sports Production race in 1991 It’s a great track with a really good fast layout. I’ve had some good GP results at Montmelo, we did well last season with third place and we hope to better that next Sunday. Confidence plays a big part in achieving your goals and we are confident in what we are doing at this point in the championship, we have a strong mental attitude.”

He added. “We go to Montmelo and try to win of course. If we don’t we will sit down and analyse just why we didn’t and try to improve before the next race.”

The GP of Catalunya is one of three grands prix held in Spain, great for Spanish riders and race fans alike. Gibernau is happy to be part of it all. As a former race fan Sete understands the importance of spectators to the sport. “We receive great support from the Spanish fans and it’s good that we can repay them with good performances. I won the Jerez race this year and I’ve won at Valencia, it would be great to win at Montmelo, the fans would love that, me too. Wouldn’t it be incredible if we could win all three Spanish races in one season!”

Having experience of the very best 500cc 2-stroke machines and the MotoGP 990cc 4-strokes, Gibernau is qualified to make comparisons.

“The 4-strokes are now getting just like the 500cc 2-strokes, lean and mean! They are quite different bikes, although at the end both are demanding and the amount of concentration to ride them has to be very high. The basic differences are the power delivery and the engine brake, much stronger on the RC211V.” Commented Gibernau.

He went on to say. “They are, in some ways, a little easier to ride than the 2-stroke but at the top end just as difficult to get everything out of them. They are very, very fast and have changed the nature of some tracks we race at, some corners for sure. Take the double right hand corners at Jerez – we used to go into the first one then a quick burst on a straight before throwing it into the second right. The 4-stroke changed that, its now one corner. Concentration is everything, you have to retain concentration for the whole race on the 4-stroke it’s very exciting but also very demanding mentally. I think the reason is that there are so many good riders in MotoGP and the differences between us are very small, one error can cost you a lot. Fast or slow corners you can never relax, if you do someone will catch you, or get passed you.” Commented Gibernau.


Rain or shine Gibernau and the Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V are capable of winning at Montmelo on Sunday. He will not lack support from his team or the 100,000 fans in attendance. The rest is in his own hands, few would doubt his skill and commitment for the task. He heads the championship and is highly unlikely to fail to take a place on the podium on Sunday, which step of the three is the only question still open.


Sete Gibernau – Spain

Race team: Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda MotoGP. Racing number: 15
Race machine: Honda RC 211V

Date of birth: December 15, 1972
Place of birth: Barcelona, Spain
Residence: Barcelona
Marital status: single
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 70 kg

First GP : 1992 250cc Spanish Grand Prix – Jerez
First GP victory: 2001 – 500cc Grand Prix of the Community of Valencia
Victories: 7
Podiums: 20

Career highlights -Sete Gibernau

1984 : First racing experience in Trials.
1990 : Debut in the “Gilera Cup” Championship Gilera
1991 : Spanish Junior Champion Junior Champion
Catalan Junior Champion.
1992 : European Championship, 250cc class Yamaha.
1993 : 3rd 250cc Spanish Championship Yamaha
Wild card entry 250cc Spanish GP.
1994 : 5th 250cc Spanish Championship.
1995 : 3rd 250cc Spanish Championship Yamaha
1996 : 21st 250cc World Championship Yamaha.
1997 : 13th 500cc World Championship Yamaha.
1998 : 11th 500cc World Championship Honda.
1999 : 5th 500cc World Championship Honda HRC Team.
2000 : 15th500cc World Championship, 500cc Repsol Honda Team.
2001 : 9th 500cc World Championship Suzuki 1 win.
2002 : 16th MotoGP World Championship Suzuki
2003 : 2nd MotoGP World Championship Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda 4 wins.

2004 : Current leader MotoGP World Championship Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda 2 wins

From a press release issued by USGPRU:

USGPRU National Championship Round 5 Results

ROSAMOND, CA – June 6, 2004 – The USGPRU 125GP and 250GP Championships stormed in with the California high desert gale force winds at The Streets of Willow Raceway this weekend. Pit crews hung on to EZ-Ups and all their under-belongings while riders and mechanics prepped bikes for Round 5 in the National Championships.

With only 8 tenths separating the top three 125 qualifiers, the stage was set to see if experience could triumph over youth. Carlos Neves took the hole shot to lead the 12 lap 125GP race. A broken tachometer forced Neves to make onboard repairs while still trying to maintain the lead. Unfortunately he hit the kill switch giving way to the freight train just behind. Josh Herrin led Jon Schendel and Mike Orien while Neves gave chase, only to be dogged with another problem when his Jolly Moto expansion chamber ruptured half way through the race. The podium was captured by Herrin, Schendel, and Neves.

There was also plenty of action further behind the leaders. Early in the race, Manny Juarez executed a spectacular save after running off the track through the back esses. Scott Bourke and Ryan Ferris ran a heated race for eighth place as they swapped positions several times on every lap.

The desert winds had no mercy on the 250GP as they continued a display of crunching metal and plastic from Saturday. Mark Watts made repairs just in time for qualifying on Saturday after his bike was knocked over by the wind. Robin Clark’s bike had suffered great damage in a get-off during Saturday practice. Vince Rolleri crashed out during Qualifying, causing him to retire for the weekend.

Mark Watts took the lead from Scott McNew at the end of the first lap after he ran wide exiting the back esses, closely followed by Schendel, and Herrin. Neves, gridded in last place as a result of a late entry, gained too fast on McNew in the Bowl slammed on brakes for a high speed stoppie causing his front number plate to be rubbed off by McNew’s rear tire and tail section. Herrin, attempting an outside pass on Neves had nowhere to go as Neves went down. Both managed to regain and rejoin the race with significant damage to both bikes and riders. Shortly after being rear-ended by Neves, McNew’s motor seized and was forced to retire. Schendel made a late charge on Watts in the last laps but was held up by a lapped rider coming into the last set of turns while Watts was able to drive inside and pass the rider. Rounding out the 250GP podium was Watts, Schendel, and Clark.

FINAL RESULTS:

125GP

1. Josh Herrin Hon RS125 12 laps
2. Jon Schendel Yam TZ125 12 laps
3. Carlos Neves Hon RS125 12 laps
4. Mike Orien Hon RS125 12 laps
5. Kirk Snell Hon RS125 12 laps
6. Phil Krenn Hon RS125 12 laps
7. Britt Bohannan Hon RS125 12 laps
8. Scott Bourke Hon RS125 12 laps
9. Ryan Ferris Yam TZ125 12 laps
10. Darrell Baker Hon RS125 12 laps
11. Joel Manes Hon RS125 11 laps
12. Manny Juarez Hon RS125 11 laps
13. Brian Hees Hon RS125 11 laps
14. Frank Pate Hon RS125 11 laps
15. Stephan John Hon RS125 10 laps
16. John Lee Hon RS125 9 laps

250GP
1. Mark Watts Yam TZ250 12 laps
2. Jon Schendel Yam TZ125 12 laps
3. Robin Clark Yam TZ250 12 laps
4. Mike Lytle Yam TZ250 11 laps
5. Gordon Wood Hon RS125 11 laps
6. Frank Pate Hon RS125 10 laps
7. Josh Herrin Hon RS125 10 laps
8. Scott McNew Hon RS250 5 laps DNF
9. Carlos Neves Hon RS125 3 laps DNF