From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

ALSTARE LOOK FOR CHANGE OF LUCK
World Supersport Championship Preview. Round 6, Silverstone, GB – June 13, 2004.

Katsuaki Fujiwara and Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra are aiming for a change of fortune at this weekend’s sixth round World Supersport Championship round at Silverstone.

The Northamptonshire circuit in England hasn’t been one of the Team’s best venues in the past – with a previous best sixth place for the Japanese rider in 2002 – but Fujiwara is confident that the fast-flowing 5.094 kilometre circuit will suit the new 2004 GSX-R600 and get him the podium that has eluded him in recent years.

KATSUAKI FUJIWARA:

“It was good to get second place in the last round – albeit in strange circumstances – but now I want a podium without any problems. Silverstone has not been very good to our team so this year will be a good time to change that luck. We are hoping that the sweeping nature of most of the track will suit our GSX-R600 Suzuki better then the twisty circuits and we can get some good results.”

STEPHANE CHAMBON:

“First place in the last round at Oschersleben was good for us – even though it came after some other riders were disqualified. I hope that the organisation sorts out the situation properly and we can just go out and race. I haven’t had particularly good luck at Silverstone in the past two attempts so it would be good to get a podium there this year. We shall have to see how our bike compares with the fast Hondas and Yamahas, but if they can go like they did at Monza, then we have a very good chance.”

VITTORIO IANNUZZO:

“Last year I was on a Superbike, so once again I’m having to learn how to ride Silverstone on a 600. Apart from the final part of the track, the rest is quite fast and I’m hoping that this suits our bike. My season hasn’t been so wonderful so far and, now that we are at the halfway stage, it would be good to restart it with a good performance.”

2003 results:

1 Vermeulen (Aus-Honda), 2 VD Goorbergh (NL-Yamaha), 3 Muggeridge (Aus-Honda), 8 FUJIWARA (J-ALSTARE SUZUKI CORONA EXTRA), CHAMBON (F-ALSTARE SUZUKI CORONA EXTRA) DNF, IANNUZZO (I-ALSTARE SUZUKI CORONA EXTRA) DNS

From a press release issued by Speed TV:

Team Manager for Suzuki’s Motocross team, Roger DeCoster, will be SPEED Channel’s guest on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain on June 22 at 10 p.m. ET. As a five-time Motocross World Champion, four-time Trans-AMA Series Champion, and winner of 16 races in Europe’s two most prestigious series, the Trophee and Motocross des Nations, DeCoster’s name is synonymous with the sport of motocross. So much so that he is commonly referred to as ‘The Man’. When he retired from riding, DeCoster went to work for the teams, first as an advisor to Team Honda, then in 1995 he joined Suzuki as their Team Manager. Recently, he signed Ricky Carmichael to a deal that will bring the Honda ace over to Suzuki in 2005.

Viewers can submit e-mail questions to [email protected] or call 1-866-W-TUNNEL during the show to be a part of the LIVE call-in portions of the show.

In 2004, SPEED Channel is the exclusive U.S. cable home for many of the top motor sports series in the world. In addition, SPEED’s weekly programming schedule brings car enthusiast television to Prime Time Monday through Thursday. Now available in more the 66 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and the home to NASCAR TV.

From a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

XAUS AND HODGSON READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN CATALUNYA

Just a week after racing in Mugello, the d´Antin MotoGP riders now face another big challenge at the Catalunya circuit. The Italian Grand Prix served as a big boost for the entire team’s morale and now Hodgson and Xaus come to a circuit they both know well.

The track features a series of long corners which test the frame’s performance and the set-up of the front end. Top speed also comes into the equation, with the long straight allowing Loris Capirossi to reach over 346 km/h with his Ducati in the pre-season official tests.

RUBÉN XAUS’ performance last weekend has been one of the talking points of recent days and he comes into his home Grand Prix more motivated than ever, “In a home race you put in a little bit more heart than talent. It’s a circuit I like, although it is very technical. You have to be very precise and you need a set-up that allows you to be as relaxed as possible, because it’s important to be quick in the corners, whilst the bike seems to want to take you off line too. You have to make the most of the track width without doing too many extra metres, while engine performance is also important, the same as in Mugello. I stayed on in Italy a couple of days more for the Ducati Corse tests and I am pleased to say that they were very positive. I’m delighted to have had this opportunity and I have to say that I really liked the GP4. “

NEIL HODGSON was almost riding against himself in Italy and with that in mind his was a good result, but not until the British rider is completely recovered from his injuries will we see that the best is still to come from him, “I’m happy with the result in Mugello because I rode within myself, not wanting to risk anything in my condition. I felt a bit rigid on top of the bike, but my ribs and my back are improving every day. Mugello is a physically demanding track and I can’t wait to ride in Barcelona because it’s a circuit I really like, and furthermore our Ducati is very quick, and this will be vital. The last time I raced at Catalunya was in 1995 with the Yamaha, but we tested there with the Desmosedici back in March, so we’ll know a little more than we do at other places.”

From a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:

Max and Makoto in Spain for revenge

After the Mugello Grand Prix the Camel Honda team is gearing up for yet another ‘home’ race, at the Catalunya circuit, near to the racing headquarters of the outfit. The atmosphere is perfect therefore for Max Biaggi and Makoto Tamada to be spurred on to success at the fast paced track in the north of Spain. The first of those riders will once again do battle for the top step of the podium after the positive third place in Mugello, whilst the latter will be more determined than ever to finish off the brilliant job he did in the first 14 laps of the Italian race when he diced for the lead. Catalunya, with its capacity of around 100,000 spectators, magnificent fast corners and two long straights where in March tests never-before-recorded speeds were reached, is certainly one of the best locations for the next challenge for Camel Honda’s two exceptional riders.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)

“We set off for Barcelona without even time to overcome the excitement of the last Grand Prix. The Italian race was both emotional and deeply satisfying for Camel Honda, with our pair of riders fighting for the top spots. The championship is going into a decisive period now, and in Montmelo we will be aiming to take points off our nearest rivals, with Max who has shown incredible consistency up to now, and with Makoto who will without a doubt be looking to repeat his marvellous performance from Mugello. I’m delighted to be competing at Catalunya, a magnificent circuit and an event which always attracts a massive number of spectators.”

Max Biaggi #3: (Michelin Tyres)

“Barcelona is the home track of our team and for certain they’ll be wanting to do well and will do everything they can to get a good result. I also can’t wait for next Friday to come because the third place in Mugello, which was a good result after the weekend we had had, didn’t satisfy me at all. I want to win, and I hope that this Catalunya circuit will be the one for me. During the March tests we had some difficulties, but since then with the team and with Honda’s support we have worked a lot, and Mugello apart, the bike has always worked well. In Italy the bike was so quick down the straight and this will be useful for us on a fast circuit like Barcelona. We just have to find the right track to get the set-up on Friday. I would dearly love to give Honda, my team and myself another podium, but this time from the top step.”

Makoto Tamada #6: (Bridgestone Tyres)

“In Barcelona I want to do a race just like I did in Mugello, even if it means retiring from the race again. Obviously I would prefer a different ending but what I’m trying to say is that I love riding like that, fighting with the front group for the lead. I don’t have the best memories of the Catalunya circuit, but I like the track, it’s fast and appealing. I like nearly all the European tracks because they allow for very dynamic riding. The bike is very competitive and continues to improve. We have been working well and have made steps forward from the beginning of the season to now, but we must persevere with the tests on the reliability of the tyres, above all on the rears, because I think we are on the right lines to getting a good compromise between optimum performance and durability.”

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

GP OF CATALUNYA

PREVIEW
After the Italian GP the Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda MotoGP is ready for the GP of Catalunya, another home GP: Sete is Spanish and Catalan and it’s the home GP for Telefonica, the team’s Title sponsor.


The circuit of Catalunya is one of the most modern and spectacular of the entire circus of the MotoGP championship and is considered to be one of the best tracks of this last generation.
It is a fast track, even if less than Mugello, but very technical. It is a circuit which requires two different driving styles: in fact it has a very quick part and an area where you need to be very aggressive.


Given the technical characteristics of the circuit, which goes from slow corners to quick corners, the perfect set up of the bike is very important. the grip on track changes constantly so it’s important to choose the correct tyres. Tyres and suspensions also have to work very well together, offering stability and flexibility to c! opy the various bumps which are frequent at this track.


#15 SETE GIBERNAU
“I really like Barcelona, this is my real home race because it is here I was born and this is also where my parents live. I really enjoy the circuit and, after having won in Valencia in 2001, and in Jerez this year, all I am missing is a victory on my home track. It would be fantastic, here the atmosphere is incredible and even more being Spanish and Catalunian I am always happy to ride here.


I am arriving in Barcelona after a very difficult and hard fought weekend. I am very pleased to have obtained the second step on the podium at the Mugello GP. We are still first in the Championship and I am sure that my Spanish fans will give me even more support during this home GP just like my Italian fans did at Mugello. I can’t wait to ride in Barcelona, I won’t even have time to rest but that’s not important. I hope to continue along the same lines and use to t! he max this moment of great physical and mental form. Barcelona will surely be a great celebration, like every year!”.


#45 COLIN EDWARDS
With the Italian GP behind us Colin Edwards arrives to Barcelona motivated. This is a track that adapts very well to this American rider of the Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda MotoGP. Last November after Valencia, it was on this Catalunian track that Colin Edwards first rode the RCV211V. His first impression was fantastic, “I couldn’t desire anything better, this bike is fantastic”, and the same impression regarded the track where Colin demonstrated to be extraordinary even during the Irta test session in March 2004. The adverse climate of rain and cold temperatures surely didn’t help the Texan who was able to only put in only one day of testing. However the Sunday timed session let the Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda MotoGP dream: for just a breath the American lost the best lap to Valentino Rossi and i! t was he who won the BMW which was the prize whereas Edwards finished second.

“I can’t wait to go to Barcelona to get a good result, I really can’t wait, I am motivated. I know the Catalunyan track well and I really hope to obtained some good results soon. I am not happy with this first part of the season and now it is important to give a positive change.”

Colin has the support of the entire Team which believes in him and is waiting for him.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, June 8

Supersport World Championship
Oschersleben-GER : sanction against the riders cancelled

On Sunday 30th May 2004, during the technical verifications after the Supersport race, the machines of riders: nr 8 (Alessio Corradi), nr 16 (Sebastien Charpentier), nr 18 (Denis Sacchetti), nr 23 (Broc Parkes), nr 31 (Karl Muggeridge) and nr 76 (Max Neukirchner) were found to be not in conformity with Art. 2.5.6.5 of the Road Racing World Championship Regulations for Superbike & Supersport (rear wheel axle weight and dimension not corresponding to the homologated values). Therefore the Race Direction disqualified these riders from the race. The FIM Stewards’ Panel confirmed in appeal the decision taken by the Race Direction.

On Tuesday 1st June, the FIM was informed by the Honda factory that the figures of weight and dimension of the rear axle on the homologation documents provided by the factory itself did not correspond to the real weight and dimension of the axle mounted on the production motorcycle (the real weight is 560 grams, instead of 600). The Honda factory informed the FIM that an error was made when filling in the homologation documents. In order to verify this new fact, the FIM Technical Inspector checked the weight and dimension of the rear wheel axle of CBR 600RR (2003 and 2004 models) in various motorcycle dealerships in Switzerland, Italy and France. It is now clear that the axle that was considered not in conformity with the homologation documents in Oschersleben is in fact the model of axle commercialised on the CBR 600 2003 and 2004 models on the market.

Following these new elements, the FIM Stewards in place at the Oschersleben event decided to revoke their decision taken at the end of that event, and to re-include the six riders who were disqualified in the results of the event, and the fee paid for the appeal must be returned. On its side, the Race Direction also decided to sanction the Honda factory with a fine of CHF 35’000 and the withdrawal of points in the Manufacturers World Championship Supersport at the Oschersleben event. The corrected homologation value is thus 560 grams. Revised riders’ classification, see below. Full classifications on the FIM Internet site: www.fim.ch

From a press release issued by WERA:

EAST MEETS WEST SHOWDOWN AS WERA NATIONAL SERIES TRAVELS TO CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY

FONTANA, Calif.- Round four of the WERA National Challenge Series and the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series presented by roadracingworld.com will be a showdown between racers from the East and the West coast at California Speedway, June 11-13.

A high turnout of local racers is expected for the event, which will feature the Dunlop/WERA six-hour endurance race on Saturday, June 12, and 16 National Challenge and Sportsman Series sprint races on Sunday, June 13.

For the first three rounds of the season, the competition has been comprised primarily of racers from the eastern United States. As the series heads west, the series regulars will face a challenge from the local racers in California, who are already familiar with California Speedway’s challenging 2.8-mile road course.

After a practice day on Friday, June 11, the endurance race will get underway on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Vesrah Suzuki has won two rounds this
year, but they still trail behind Army of Darkness in the championship. With the additional teams that will be on the grid, all five classes in the endurance race will have new competition.

On Sunday, the National Challenge and Sportsman Series eight-lap sprint races will start at noon. The Sportsman Series races will be awarding points for the new WERA West region.

“The WERA National Series hasn’t traveled out west for a couple of years,” commented WERA owner Evelyne Clarke. “We have the only amateur series that spans the entire United States, and we’re excited that the racers in our WERA West region can participate in a National event with us.”

Tickets for the WERA National Series presented by roadracingworld.com will be available at the gate.

More information, including a full schedule of events for the weekend, can be found on the web at www.WERA.com.

And now a recall which seems to indicate that CBR1000RR riders going 100 mph would think they’re only going 75 mph…

From the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Recall Date: May 26, 2004
TYPE: VEHICLE
BUILD DATES: December 25, 2003 – April 20, 2004
MAKE: HONDA
MODEL: CBR1000RR


Make: HONDA
Model: CBR1000RR
Year: 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V254000
Recall Date: MAY 26, 2004
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 8189

Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, SOME DIGITAL SPEEDOMETERS MAY EXPERIENCE A COMPUTER PROGRAM ERROR, CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER TO INDICATE APPROXIMATELY 25 PERCENT LESS THAN THE ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED.

Consequence:
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN AT AN ILLEGAL OR UNSAFE SPEED, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN UPDATED SPEEDOMETER AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Notes:
HONDA RECALL NO. P32. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).