From a press release issued by Pirelli and Metzeler:

PIRELLI AND METZELER ANNOUNCE YEAR-END RACE TIRE SALE

(Rome, GA) Sister companies Pirelli and Metzeler are having a year-end sale on race tires from now through December 20, 2003.

Pirelli is having two specials. The first applies to Supercorsa DOT race radials in 110/70ZR-17 fronts and 150/60ZR-17 rears. Racers purchasing a set of Supercorsas in these sizes will receive a “very special” price of $260.00, plus at no additional charge, another free Supercorsa 150 rear tire. This special offer is available exclusively from the race vendors below, and ends on December 20, 2003 or while supplies last.

The second Pirelli special covers Pirelli slicks and rains. Pirelli race vendors are offering the special pricing as follows: Purchase a set of Pirelli 120/70ZR-17 fronts and 160/60ZR-17 Rains in any compound, and/or a set of Pirelli 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 Rains in any compound, and/or a set of 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 Slicks in any compound. Pirelli race vendors are each offering special pricing on these sets. Plus, if you are currently a Pirelli racer holding current Pirelli contingency certificates, the company is adding another special 30% “Thank You” discount to the face value of your certificate. This special pricing is available exclusively from the named race vendors. The extra 30 % certificate discount can only be used with these tires. Again, the sales ends on December 20, 2003 or while supplies last.

Metzeler’s special offer on Rennsport DOT race radials applies to 110/70ZR-17 fronts and 150/60ZR-17 rears. Purchase a set of Rennsport race tires in these sizes again at the very special price of $260.00 and receive, at no additional charge, another free Rennsport 150 rear. Conditions are the same as for the Pirelli tires.

Contact these Pirelli-Metzeler race vendors:

Trackside Racers Supply: 1-828-235-8400 www.tracksideracerssupply.com

California Race Services: 1-800-620-1277 www.crstires.com

Street & Competition: 1-800-326-5487
www.streetandcomp.com

Tigershark Racing: 1-503-358-5704

Competition Motorsports South: 1-904-502-0133

The Racers Supply: 1-816-550-1992

Mason Racing Tires: 1-612-250-9122

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Reports out of Europe indicate that Ruben Xaus has agreed to ride for the D’Antin Ducati team in MotoGP.

His first ride on the D’Antin Desmosedici will be at Valencia December 10-12.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A drag race between Loris Capirossi’s Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP racebike and an Italian Air Force F104 Starfighter, originally scheduled for November 16, has been postponed, according to Ducati.

The event was the idea of members of the 9th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force, who are reportedly big fans of Ducati. The race was to take place at the jet’s “home track,” the runways of the Italian air base Grazzanise, with a test and tune day on November 15 and electronically-monitored drag racing on November 16.

However, the race was postponed to a yet-to-be-announced date after a November 13 suicide truck bombing attack on an Italian Police compound in southern Iraq, in which 18 Italians were killed and approximately 80 people wounded.

From a press release issued by F-USA:

Proposed 2004 Sportbike Class Rule Changes

The Rules Committee will convening once more next week to make any final adjustments. Riders and teams have until November 22 to make any suggestions and/or voice their further opinions on the changes, by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

6.11 SPORTBIKE – Acceptable motorcycles are 4-stroke production machines, sold by the manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels. All machines must have unaltered VIN numbers. These motorcycles must meet the following requirements in addition to the applicable requirements in Section 5.

6.11.1 Production machines not sold by manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels may be approved on an individual basis. Formula USA will maintain a list of non-standard approved models and that list will be available at each event from the Race Director/Referee.

6.11.2 All motorcycles must meet the following requirements in addition to the applicable requirements in Section 5.

A. Original equipment wheels, brake calipers, forks, frame, engine, fuel induction system, and swing arm must be used.

(1) 18″ wheels may be replaced with 17″ wheels of the same width.

(2)16″ wheels may be replaced with 17″ wheels of the same width.

(3) Front forks on Buell motorcycles may be modified by using standard O.E.M. parts to facilitate the mounting of O.E.M. dual front brake calipers.

(4) Rear swing arms on Buell motorcycles may be replaced to convert final drive assembly from belt to chain drive.

B. Aftermarket brake rotors may be used but must be the same dimensions as the originals and must be made of a ferrous material. Non-current motorcycles may use brake rotors up to the same size as those that come as original equipment on the current model machine.

(1) Buell motorcycles may convert to a dual front disc brake system provided only O.E.M. calipers and wheel are used in the conversion. Aftermarket brake pads and lines may be installed. Aftermarket front brake rotors may be used but must be the same dimensions as the original equipment on S1, X-1 or M2 models and must be made of a ferrous material.

C. Any fairing may be used provided it is made of plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber.

D. Original equipment air box must remain as produced. Air filters must be used but may be Aftermarket units. Aftermarket air filters are restricted to units available via normal commercial channels and designed for that specific model machine. Aftermarket air filter units that replace part of the O.E.M. airbox are required to maintain the original size and number of air inlet openings as the stock unit.

E. Engine modifications include the following:

(1.)Pistons which are no larger than 1mm over stock size may be used but must be same compression ratio as the OEM pistons.

(2.)Original equipment cylinders must be used.

(3.) Original equipment head, valves, and cams must remain as produced, with the exception of machining the gasket surface of the cylinder head.

(4.) Original equipment cases, crankshaft, and connecting rods must remain as produced.

(5.) Original equipment transmission gears must be used.

(6.) Carburetor bodies and/or throttle bodies may not be modified, bored, or polished.

F. Internal engine modifications on all single cylinder machines, 4-stroke twin cylinder machines with less than 4 valves per cylinder, and all twin cylinder machines produced prior to the 1994 model year are unlimited, provided class displacement limits are not exceeded. Aftermarket carburetors may be used on single cylinder machines, all 4-stroke twin cylinder machines with less than 4 valves per cylinder, and all twin cylinder 4-stroke machines produced prior to the 1994 model year. 6.11.2. D. is waived for single cylinder machines, all 4-stroke twin cylinder machines with less than 4 valves per cylinder, and all twin cylinder 4-stroke machines produced prior to the 1999 model year.

G. Stock carburetor bodies or fuel injection systems must be used, but carburetor internals or fuel injection management systems may be altered or replaced.

1. Twin Cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve, pushrod engines are exempt from 6.11.2.d
H. Adjustable ignition or engine management modules or modules with more than one setting must be mounted in such a way that its settings cannot be changed by the rider or a crew member while on course or prior to dyno testing.

I. Tires must be DOT approved.

J. Rain Tires may only be used when the Race Director declares the event “Wet”.

6.11.3 Immediately following each qualifying session, heat race or final race, the top five finishers and other motorcycles chosen at random may be impounded and weighed tested on the Dynojet dyno to verify horsepower.

A.For the 600 SPORTBIKE class, each machine may develop no more than 115.0 horsepower at the conclusion of the or qualifying. Machines must weigh no less than 360.0 pounds in the same condition in which they finish the race or qualifying, including all fluids such as oil and fuel. No fluids may be added prior to determination of the weight.

B.For the 750 SPORTBIKE class, each machine may develop no more than 140.0 horsepower at the conclusion of the race or qualifying. Machines must weigh no less than 375.0 pounds in the same condition in which they finish the race or qualifying, including all fluids such as oil and fuel. No fluids may be added prior to determination of the weight.

6.11.14 Weight determinations are not protestable. Failure to meet weight requirement shall result in the following penalties:

1. Weighing between 0.5 to 1.0 pounds less than the posted class limit will result in the loss of three full positions. (I.E. 1st place would then be relegated to 4th place.)

2. Weighing between 1.5 to 2.0 pounds less than the posted class limit will result in the loss of six full positions. (I.E. 1st place would then be relegated to 7th place.)

3. Weighing 2.5 or more pounds less than the posted class limit will result in disqualification and the forfeiture of all points and purse money from the event.

6.11.4 Displacement limits are absolute and are set as follows:

600 SPORTBIKE (Expert Only)

Single cylinder, Unlimited displacement

Two stroke, liquid cooled, up to 515cc

Two stroke, air cooled, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 800cc

Twin cylinder, air cooled, Unlimited displacement

Three cylinder, up to 980cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 640cc

Four cylinder, air cooled, 2 valve, up to 775cc

750 SPORTBIKE (Expert Only)

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 1000cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 775cc

Four cylinder, air cooled, 2 valve, up to 1100cc

All other engine configurations, Unlimited displacement

6.13 THUNDERBIKE – Thunderbike machines, except single cylinder machines, are based upon production models, sold by manufacturers and their dealers in North America for street use. Proof of compliance rests with the competitor entering the motorcycle. Single cylinder machines are exempt from production and street use requirements. Single cylinder 2 stroke GP road race machines are not allowed in this class. All machines must have unaltered VIN numbers. NOTE: Ducati 748 Series machines are excluded from this class.

6.13.1 Production machines not sold by manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels may be approved on an individual basis. FORMULA USA will maintain a list of non-standard approved models and that list will be available at each event from the Race Director/Referee.

6.13.2. All machines must meet the equipment standards of Section 5, as well as the following:

A. Frame, cylinder head(s), and engine cases must be from the same production model motorcycle. Single cylinder motorcycles may use any frame and engine.

B. The frame must be as originally supplied by the manufacturer on the approved model. Strengthening gussets or tubes may be added. Only brackets or tubes not supporting suspension, engine, or drive line components may be removed. Swing arms may be modified or replaced and rear shocks may be replaced or relocated. Single cylinder motorcycles are excluded from this restriction.

C. Reducing engine size of machines from stock displacement to meet Thunderbike class displacement limits is not allowed.

D. Fairings that meet the requirements of Section 5 may be used.

E. Liquid cooling is not allowed unless original equipment on the model being used.

F. Original type of induction system must be retained. If a machine originally was sold with fuel injection, then it must remain fuel injected. If the machine originally came with carburetors, then it must use carburetors, however they need not be the original type or size.

G. Thunderbike machines are required to meet horsepower to weight limit of 3.8 lbs per horsepower . (Tested weight divided by tested horsepower during post race inspection.)

1. Penalties for failing this requirement will follow SportBike parameters

6.13.3- Thunderbike Class displacement limits are absolute and are set as follows:

THUNDERBIKE

Single cylinder, Unlimited displacement

Two stroke, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, air cooled, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 3 or less valves per cylinder, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valve per cylinder, non-desmodromic valves, up to 800cc

Three cylinder, non-fuel injected, up to 1200cc

Four cylinder, air-cooled, up to 1200cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled, 1990 to 1992 model year, up to 650cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled (oil or water), pre-1990 model year, up to 860cc

All air-cooled, 2-valve, unlimited displacement

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to reliable sources in Europe, Honda has denied a request from Yamaha to test with reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi before the expiration of Rossi’s contract with Honda, which ends December 31, 2003.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki’s PR agency:

KAWASAKI TO FOCUS ON SUPERSTOCK AND SUPERSPORT IN 2004

Company releases Eric Bostrom to pursue personal career objectives

IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2003)—Bruce Stjernstrom, director of professional racing for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., today announced the company’s decision not to contest the 2004 AMA Superbike Series, and instead to concentrate on the Superstock and Supersport series races. At the same time, he indicated that Kawasaki would release the company’s Superbike racer, Eric Bostrom, to pursue his personal career objectives.

“Our decision is to put our team effort behind the Superstock and Supersport series at a time when the AMA’s Superbike series is being restructured,” said Stjernstrom. “Eric’s contributions to the team and Kawasaki have been enormous over the past several years, and there’s just no way we could stand in his way once the decision was made to not race the Superbike series,” he continued.

According to Stjernstrom, team management discussed the company’s 2004 plans with Bostrom and a mutual agreement was reached, which the director of racing says “is a prime example of the respect that exists between the two parties.”

“Kawasaki certainly wishes only the best for Eric in the future,” concluded Stjernstrom.



See related posts:

11/13/2003 Kawasaki Tests At Thunderhill, Without Bostrom

11/13/2003 Manager Denies That Eric Bostrom Is Considering U.S. Superbike Deal With Ducati

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy’s team make strides forward with Walker

Carl Fogarty was provided with immediate proof of the value of new signing Chris Walker during his Foggy PETRONAS Racing team’s two-day test at Valencia.

Chris was in action on the FP1 for the first time since signing for FPR and joined team-mate Troy Corser in the first chance to test the Pirelli tyres that all World Superbike championship teams will be using for the 2004 season.

But the focus of four-times world champion Foggy was firmly on his new man, who has replaced fellow Brit James Haydon.

Carl said: “This has been one of the best tests I have been to and the atmosphere within the team has been really positive. Chris had a few mechanical problems on the second day but the first day went very well. He loved the bike from the word go, especially the way it handled in the corners. And I was very surprised to see that he was nearly as fast as Troy at such an early stage. Chris did not really have much of a chance to test the Pirelli tyres, but Troy went very well on them on the second day.

“I was very impressed with Troy’s performance. He did around 16 laps on the same tyre, with his last lap quicker than the first. I don’t think I ever saw that with our Michelins. We still have a bit of work to find the perfect tyre for our bike but Troy said the Pirelli tyres gave good consistent grip throughout. So everything looks good for exciting racing and close competition in the championship next year.”

Chris had finished the first day with a best time of 1:38.2, just half a second down on his team-mate. But, while Troy broke into the 1:36s, mechanical problems prevented Chris from making progress with lap times on the second day.

Chris commented: “I spent the first day familiarising with the bike and the way the team works, but I was unable to make much progress on the second day because of a few problems with the bike. But I already know that the bike does certain things very well. All I can do at this early stage is use Troy as a benchmark and I was only half a second behind him on the first day which was very encouraging. I didn’t get much chance to test the new tyres but there will be time for that.”

Troy said: “I was doing lap times today as good as the ones at our last test here, with similar engine performance. It is still early days in our selection but the signs are that the one-tyre rule is going to work well for the championship.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Mat Mladin was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus in the middle of the 2003 season and won the AMA Superbike Championship despite suffering extreme fatigue caused by the virus.

Epstein-Barr virus is a herpes virus that causes acute infectious mononucleosis, with symptoms that include extreme fatigue, sore throat and fever. There is no cure for the disease, although symptoms usually decrease within a few months.

Responding today via e-mail to a Roadracingworld.com rumor-control inquiry made yesterday, Mladin wrote:

“I was diagnosed with the virus about a month after Laguna. As everybody is aware I pulled out of the WSB second race (at Laguna). It was in mine and the other competitors’ best interest that I did this as about 10 laps into the first race things started to happen that were a little scary, double vision, etc. I actually struggled to hold myself up under braking and just felt like lying on the tank.

“At Pikes Peak I started feeling a little funny and run down, I thought that maybe I had overtrained and everything would return to normal after a rest.

“I didn’t think anything else of it until Laguna on Saturday afternoon after the AMA race and I could hardly get off the bike from fatigue. I said to my wife that something is wrong. I went and had all the usual bloodwork and stuff done and was told that I have Epstein-Barr.

“A few weeks before Laguna my training was going nowhere and generally I was feeling tired. Alot of people noticed after the Ohio races that I was in bad shape. After the first race I couldn’t see straight again. Having that battle with Kurtis (Roberts) really took it out of me. Walking onto the podium was an all-out effort.

“After Ohio was when the diagnosis was made, so I told my boys that I have to rest as much as possible to keep as much gas in the tank as possible for racing. We started doing a lot less laps than normal and at a much lower intensity during practice and qualifying. There was a lot of stuff going on but we ended up getting the job done and that’s all that counts.

“I learnt alot about training, recovery and myself through all this. I am feeling much better already. I have four months till Daytona and I will be in my best shape ever for 2004 to go for (AMA Superbike Championship) number five.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Zonghshen manager Michel Marqueton has confirmed that the team will switch from the Endurance World Championship to the Superbike World Championship for 2004 and 2005, and has revealed that participating teams have to pay Pirelli $45,000 per rider for spec tires.

The Zongshen team won the Endurance World Championship in 2002. In 2003 the team won the first five races of the eight-race series and took pole for all but one race.

“Yes, it’s true,” wrote Marqueton in an e-mail response to an inquiry from Roadracingworld.com. “I signed an agreement with Paolo Flamini, to participate at the World Superbike Championship with Warwick Nowland and Piergiorgio Bontempi.” Marqueton added that the team will continue to run GSX-R1000 Suzukis.

“For 2004 we switched to SBK for two reasons,” explained Marqueton. “The main reason is that, in China all the major media are interested in what we do. It’s not like in occidental countries, where only the specialized media speak about motorcycle racing. China is the biggest motorcycle producer of the world. Chinese people like everything new and everything fashionable. Racing is also a fashion. If we don’t create something new, few by few, people will forget us and it will be lost for China, because we are actually the only Chinese team participating in a World Championship.

“Now, I would like to bring a new World Championship title to China. As long as we are growing, people are interested. I don’t want to do like some of teams, spending all their life in endurance. After one world title, I think there is no more value to get another one. Anyway, I still have a lot of work to do. After SBK, there is GP and after GP, there is industry.

“The second reason, is more personal. In 2003, the winner of the World Endurance Championship did not win any race, did not take any pole position, where is the racing? Look also the case of A1 Ring. All the teams feel cheated, except one. Where are the rules?

“About the new tire rule, the idea is very nice, to make everybody equal. But this is a little bit less nice for the teams which were sponsored by a tire maker (like us). This coming year, I will pay $90,000 for two bikes. I prefer spending this money at restaurant… but now, we will get the certitude that all the teams, included factories, will get the same tires.”