Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke claimed his third AMA Formula Xtreme pole position of 2004 during qualifying at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Friday.

Riding a CBR600RR Superbike, Zemke turned a time of 2:18.851 to set a new lap record for the revised-for-2004 class and close his points deficit to Championship leader Miguel Duhamel from five to four points.

Zemke also set the fastest trap speed at the start/finish line on Road America’s front straightaway, according to AMA Pro Racing timing and scoring, at 163.8 mph.

Duhamel tried to top Zemke’s time with a late, fast lap on his American Honda CBR600RR but came up just short with a 2:19.041. Duhamel’s crew members, however, say they have a stronger race engine ready to install before Saturday’s final event.

DXS Diablo Suzuki’s Steve Crevier, a Canadian Superbike regular making a guest appearance in the AMA series, set the third-fastest time, 2:21.920, on what he said he was a 114-horsepower Suzuki GSX-R600.

The top three qualifiers used Dunlop tires, but the final spot on the Formula Xtreme front row went to Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec with a time of 2:21.945 on his Michelin-shod GSX-R600.

Although the top Formula Xtreme riders have turned slower lap times than top Supersport riders at some tracks during the 2004 season, Zemke’s pole time at Road America was nearly two seconds faster than the existing Supersport lap record, 2:20.654.

The Formula Xtreme class was originally slated to be divided into two, 40-minute qualifying sessions (one for slower riders, one for faster riders), but due to low participation (21 entries) and the length of the Road America track (4.0 miles), the entire field was given one, 50-minute qualifier.

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 2:18.851
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 2:19.041
3. Steve Crevier, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:21.920
4. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:21.945
5. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 2:22.142
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:22.257
7. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 2:22.331
8. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 2:22.484
9. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 2:22.774
10. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:23.216
11. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:23.481
12. Mark Junge, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.492
13. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.919
14. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:26.288
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:27.960
16. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.124
17. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.823
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:29.382

112 percent of the fastest time: 2:35.513

19. Clavin Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:35.631
20. Geoffrey Maloney, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:36.422
21. Jim Davis, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:39.865


More, from a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:

HASKOVEC ON ROAD AMERICA FRONT ROW

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki kicked off their AMA racing weekend at Road America on Friday by picking up a front row qualifying position and taking multiple top ten practice rankings.

Vincent Haskovec qualified his Michelin-shod GSX-R600 on the front row for Saturday’s 10-lap Formula Xtreme race. The Czech Republic-born rider now living in California posted a best lap of 2:21.945 around the scenic 4.0-mile circuit to claim the fourth slot on the front row, improving four positions from the morning practice while slashing nearly three seconds off his time.

Meanwhile, the Superstock and Supersport classes only had one 50-minute practice session apiece on Friday.

Steve Rapp and Chris Peris were eighth and ninth best, respectively, in the Supersport session. Rapp set a quick time of 2:23.035, while his young teammate was right on his heels at 2:23.361, as the two ranked as the second and third fastest Suzuki-mounted riders in the class on Friday.

It was another impressive showing by the up-and-coming Peris. “Things are going well for us this weekend and the bike set-up is really coming together. It’s getting easier and easier every weekend. I’m looking forward to continuing that improvement for the team here at Road America,” Peris said. “We tried out several different Michelin tires and I like what they had for us today.”

Peris said he enjoyed racing at the Road America circuit. “We did get to test here but we didn’t get much done because it was so cold. This track has a lot of different aspects to it but I enjoy the quick sections. I like it.”

Rapp also picked up a top ten placing in the day’s Superstock session. The 30-year-old’s tenth place showing (2:19.754) was impressive considering it was achieved aboard the smaller capacity GSX-R750 at the horsepower-hungry venue. Haskovec was a few positions back in thirteenth aboard his 750, setting a best time of 2:21.209.

Saturday will prove to be a busy day for the team, with Supersport and Superstock qualifying on the schedule in addition to the FX final.

From Safety Recall Campaigns issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:

This list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under Federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 72 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners, and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with Federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Models:
Honda FSC600 (Silver Wing) Years: 2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 4,997
Dates of Manufacture: November 2001 – February 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, excessive clearance between the lower handlebar clamp and handlebar holder creates stress that can eventually cause the handlebar to loosen or detach, resulting in a loss of steering control, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install two lower handlebar clamps, add washers between the lower clamps and handlebar holder, and install new locknuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 26, 2004. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V513]

American IronHorse Inc.
Models:
American IronHorse Classic Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Legend Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Outlaw Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Ranger Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Slammer Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Stalker Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Tejas Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Texas Chopper Years: 2002-2004
American IronHorse Thunder Years: 2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,395
Dates of Manufacture: August 2001 – November 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles equipped with optional brake rotor-carriers, the rotor-carriers can crack while in service and possibly break, causing partial loss of the brake system or the potential for rotor-carrier detachment, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rotor-carrier assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact American IronHorse at 1-817-665-2045.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V521]

Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
Models:
Big Dog Chopper Years: 2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,446
Defect: On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version Rolling Thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame, which could cause a loss of control.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the frame. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V535]

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC
Models:
Big Dog BoxerYear: 2004
Big Dog BulldogYear: 2004
Big Dog ChopperYear: 2004
Big Dog MastiffYear: 2004
Big Dog PitbullYear: 2004
Big Dog RidgebackYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,098
Dates of Manufacture: August 2003 – March 2004 Defect: On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite. This could cause the throttle or front brake control to bind, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a lock washer and loctite. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 12, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V164]

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC
Models:
Big Dog BoxerYear: 2004
Big Dog BulldogYear: 2004
Big Dog ChopperYear: 2004
Big Dog Daytec ChopperYear: 2004
Big Dog MastiffYear: 2004
Big Dog PitbullYear: 2004
Big Dog RidgebackYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,906
Dates of Manufacture: September 2003 – March 2004
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the piston in the rear master cylinder may have been improperly sized, which could cause the rear brakes to drag or lock up. This could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the piston from the rear master cylinder and replace it with a new piston. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 30, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V137]

Buell Motorcycle Company
Models:
Buell XCB12SYear: 2004
Buell XB9SYear: 2004
Buell XB9SLYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 581
Dates of Manufacture: June – August 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn circuit fuse or the key switch fuse can blow. If the key switch fuse blows, the vehicle can stall, which could result in a crash. If the horn fuse blows, there will be a loss of power to the horn and rear brake light.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the wire routing, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 23, 2003. Owners may contact Buell at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V494]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson Dyna Wide-Glide Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 23
Defect: Certain motorcycles with carbureted engines have an angled fuel fitting on the gas tank. These motorcycles do not meet Harley-Davidson impact test standards and present a risk of fuel leakage and fire in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank with the proper tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during December 2003. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V510]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson FLHPEIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHPIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHTCIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHTCUIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLHTPIYears: 2001-2003
Harley Davidson FLTRSEI-2Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 73,678
Defect: On certain FL touring and police motorcycles, the 40-amp main circuit breaker can “open” for reasons other than which it was designed, causing an unexpected interruption of all electrical power to the motorcycle. This condition could cause the motorcycle to stall, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit breaker. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V134]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson Dyna GlideYears: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 4,593
Dates of Manufacture: September – November 2003
Defect: On certain fuel-injected motorcycles, the inner line of the fuel hose could separate, causing a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel line assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 12, 2004 . Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V052/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0112]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models:

Kawasaki VN1600-A1/A1LYears: 2003
Kawasaki VN1600-A2/A2LYears: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 5,850
Dates of Manufacture: October 2002 – November 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the muffler brackets could crack, allowing the muffler to become loose and potentially separate from the main exhaust pipes, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the muffler brackets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 17, 2004 . Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V063]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models:

Kawasaki VN1500-E6Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-E7Year: 2004
Kawasaki VN800-A10Year: 2004
Kawasaki VN800-B8Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN800-B8LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN800-B9Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,082
Defect: On certain motorcycles, accelerator pump diaphragms may be damaged from excessive assembly clamping pressure, which can allow fuel to leak from the pump actuating rod area. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator pump diaphragm. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification wais expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V008]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models:
Kawasaki VN1500-E6Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-L4Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-L4LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-P2Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-P2LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-R3Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-R3LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1600-A1Year: 2003
Kawasaki VN1600-A1LYear: 2003
Kawasaki VN1500-L5Year: 2004
Kawasaki VN1500-L5LYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 6,958
Dates of Manufacture: June 2002 – February 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, high oil pressure upon a cold start-up can deform the oil filter cartridge, allowing oil to leak past the O-ring. Oil leaking past the O-ring may cause a loss of traction and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil filter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V023]

Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models:
Victory VegasYear: 2004
Victory ANSS VegasYear: 2004
Victory KingpinYear: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 3,230
Dates of Manufacture: May 2003 – April 2004
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the hose that connects the rear brake fluid reservoir to the rear brake master cylinder may have become damaged during shipment and may leak brake fluid, which can cause a loss of rear braking capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake reservoir hose and. if the hose is damaged, replace it. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 26, 2004. Owners may contact Polaris/Victory at 1-763-417-8650.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V187/Polaris/Victory Recall No. V-04-01A]

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.
Models:
Triumph Daytona 955Years: 1997-2004
Triumph Daytona T595Years: 1997-2004
Triumph Speed TripleYears: 1997-2004
Triumph Speed FourYears: 2002-2004
Triumph Sprint RSYears: 2000-2004
Triumph Sprint STYears: 1999-2004
Triumph TigerYears: 1999-2004
Triumph TT600Years: 2000-2003
Triumph Daytona 600Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 18,998
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 – September 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate may fracture following in-service handling. Fuel could escape from the fractured body of the connector onto the engine or side of the bike. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connector. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V156]

Triumph Motorcycles (America)
Models:
Triumph AmericaYears: 2002-2004
Triumph SpeedmasterYears: 2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 5,148
Dates of Manufacture: June 2001 – December 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, if the motorcycle is dropped onto the left side, air may enter the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. If left unattended, the rear brake may not operate, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reposition the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 31, 2003. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V525]

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning’s Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 2:20.657
2. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 2:20.658
3. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 2:22.822
4. Steve Crevier, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:23.839
5. Pascal Picotte, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:24.127
6. Mark Junge, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.721
7. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:24.767
8. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.828
9. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 2:24.891
10. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:25.198
11. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:25.604
12. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 2:25.643
13. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:26.757
14. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 2:26.916
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:28.724
16. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.921
17. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:30.385
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:32.723
19. Geoff Maloney, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:36.114
20. Jim Davis, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:41.270

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s 125cc GP Qualifying Results:

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 1:59.666
2. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 1:59.743
3. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 1:59.884
4. Mika KALLIO, KTM, 1:59.910
5. Fabrizio LAI, Gilera, 1:59.932
6. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 1:59.939
7. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 2:00.041
8. Gino BORSOI, Aprilia, 2:00.155
9. Mirko GIANSANTI, Aprilia, 2:00.165
10. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 2:00.334
11. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 2:00.371
12. Youichi UI, Aprilia, 2:00.405
13. Mike DI MEGLIO, Aprilia, 2:00.576
14. Mattia PASINI, Aprilia, 2:00.704
15. Gabor TALMACSI, Malaguti, 2:00.821


More, from a press release issued by KTM-Red Bull:

The World Championship Road Racing Circus moved this weekend to Italy, in the very famous circuit of Barberino del Mugello, very close to Florence. Mika Kallio finished 4th while Casey Stoner finished 24th. The pole goes to the Spanish Barbera.

Kallio – I know I could make the pole position today: the bike is exactly how I want it! Unfortunately I was stopped by some riders in front of me during the last lap but I’m confident for tomorrow.

Stoner – I have some problems with the left wrist I broken last year and which I crashed during the Grand Prix of Le Mans. Moreover, we have to find a better setting for the chassis: I hope tomorrow we can solve it all.

Bartol – It’s only Friday but I’m happy for Mika who found the right feeling again. Casey has some physical problem while from our side we have to work on the chassis.

From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

MONDELLO WINNERS, HAWK, HEAD TO THRUXTON IN BOYANT MOOD

The British Superbike Championship heads to Thruxton this weekend to do battle in the sixth round of the series on the notoriously fast 2.357 mile Hampshire circuit. Hawk Kawasaki riders Scott Smart and Glen Richards are hoping for a repeat performance of Mondello, where Smart took a superb win in race one and Richards completed the podium in an excellent third.

Although fast, Thruxton has no true straights. Its clockwise course is made up of some of the fastest bends on the BSB calendar, so it is, as Smart describes. “A big balls track.

“I go alright there,” he said. “But Glen goes outstandingly well there and he was right up there last year. I think this could be the meeting where Glen has a really good result. My main target going into this race is to pass Kagayama in the points and that’s going to be a lot easier now he’s out with a broken collarbone. Third in the championship will be an outstanding result for the ZX-10R in its first year. Two fifths can take me to third and I’m pretty confident I can do that.”

His team mate, Richards, took his Hawk Kawasaki ZX-7RR to a podium finish at Thruxton in 2003, despite being down on power, and is confident of a fine showing this weekend.

“Thruxton was good last year,” explained the Aussie. “It’s another track like Mondello in that none of the other teams really get to test there so the ground’s a bit more even when we get there. Now we’ve got the bike working better there’s every chance I could get on the top step of the podium. A lot of it depends on getting my number one bike sorted. If we can do that we’ll definitely be in with a shout. I’ve also been working hard on my fitness and I’m getting stronger and stronger all the time. Since Mondello I’ve been working really hard because I wasn’t able to do much training after I hurt myself at Brands and now I’ve caught up I’m feeling a lot better. Physically I’m feeling a lot better and when you’re physically better I think you’re a lot better mentally too. This could be a good weekend for us, but we need to get on the front row because you can make it hard for yourself if you don’t qualify up the front.”

Thruxton also marks the return of the highly-competitive National Superstock Cup. Hawk Kawasaki’s campaigner within the series, 17 year-old Peter Hickman, is revved-up for the challenge of Thruxton and the first to race in a month.

“It seems ages since we were out,” said Hickman. “Because Superstock didn’t go to Mondello. I’ve been training hard though and getting track time aboard the ZX-10R on a few track days, so I’m really up for this weekend. I’m not that familiar with Thruxton so I’ll be talking to Scott and Glen for pointers. The aim, as always, is to qualify well and bring her home in the points.”

Free practice starts on Friday June 4.

BSB CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 4 ROUNDS

1) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 207. 2) Michael Rutter, Honda, 174. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 152. 4) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 130. 5) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 105. 6) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 84. 7) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 78. 8) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 76. 9) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 54. 10) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 49. 11) Craig Coxhell, Honda, 38. 12) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki, 35. 13) James Ellison, Yamaha, 33. 14) Kieran Clarke, Yamaha, 27

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

YAMAHA RHINO NAMED OFFICIAL UTILITY VEHICLE OF AMA SUPERBIKE AND AMA MOTOCROSS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 3, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing today announced an agreement with Yamaha Motor Corporation that will make the manufacturer the “Official Utility Vehicle of AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross”.

As part of the agreement, Yamaha will supply AMA Pro Racing with their all-new dual passenger Rhino 660 four-wheel drive utility vehicles for use at AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross events.

“The Rhino 660 is our latest concept in utility vehicles, with seating for two, a large-capacity cargo bed and the highest ground clearance in the industry,” Yamaha Motor Corporation Communications Director Bob Starr said.

“The automotive-style controls and On-Command(tm) push-button 4×4 system help make the vehicle easy, durable and safe to use. We’re confident the Rhino will prove to be extremely useful for AMA Pro Racing.”

“As the Official Utility Vehicle of Superbike and Motocross, the Yamaha Rhino 660 will aid our staff with on-site operations and race management,” AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development John Farris said. “Our staff is looking forward to putting the Rhinos to work at the races.”

In exchange for supplying the Rhino vehicles, Yamaha receives the right to promote themselves as the Official Utility Vehicle of AMA Superbike and AMA Motocross as well as various other marketing considerations.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Paul Cowley, 22, was killed during practice Thursday at the Isle of Man TT.

Cowley, who was riding as passenger in a sidecar driven by Glyn Jones, was thrown from the rig and died as a result of the injuries he sustained, according to the Manx Motor Cycle Club.

Cowley was a resident of the Isle of Man.


Best Practice Times (as of June 3) From The Isle Of Man TT:

Formula One:

1. John McGuiness, Yam YZF-R1, 17:46.7, 127.34 mph
2. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R1000, 17:56.8, 126.14 mph
3. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:00.2, 125.74 mph
4. Ian Lougher, Hon CBR1000RR, 18:15.7, 123.96 mph
5. Richard Britton, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:24.1, 123.02 mph
6. Ryan Farquhar, Kaw ZX-10R, 18:33.8, 121.95 mph
7. Jason Griffiths, Yam YZF-R1, 18:39.1, 121.37 mph
8. Martin Finnegan, Yam YZF-R1, 18:41.1, 121.16 mph
9. Colin Breeze, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:51.8, 120.01 mph
10. Paul Hunt, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:52.2, 119.97 mph


Production 1000cc TT:

1. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R1000, 18:17.9, 123.71 mph
2. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R1000, 18.36.8, 121.62 mph
3. Richard Britton, Suz GSX-R1000, 18.37.1, 121.59 mph
4. Ian Lougher, Hon CBR1000RR, 18:41.7, 121.09 mph
5. Jason Griffiths, Yam YZF-R1, 18:42.6, 120.99 mph
6. John McGuiness, Yam YZF-R1, 18:46.1, 120.62 mph


Junior (600cc) TT:

1. John McGuiness, Yam YZF-R6, 18:25.0, 122.92 mph
2. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R600, 18:34.3, 121.90 mph
3. Richard Britton, Hon CBR600RR, 18:45.3, 120.70 mph
4. Jason Griffiths, Yam YZF-R6, 18:51.4, 120.05 mph
5. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R600, 18:52.7, 119.92 mph
6. Martin Finnegan, Yam YZF-R6, 18:55.0, 119.67 mph


23. Tom Montano, Yam YZF-R6, 19:40.8, 115.03 mph



Production 600cc TT:

1. Bruce Anstey, Suz GSX-R600, 19:03.2, 118.81 mph
2. Ryan Farquhar, Kaw ZX-6RR, 19:09.7, 118.14 mph
3. Martin Finnegan, Yam YZF-R6, 19:10.0, 118.11 mph
4. Adrian Archibald, Suz GSX-R600, 19:10.3, 118.08 mph
5. Richard Britton, Hon CBR600RR, 19:22.6, 116.83 mph
6. Tommy Clucas, Hon CBR600RR, 19:22.6, 116.83 mph


Lightweight (400cc):

1. Richard Britton, Hon CBR400, 20:35.0, 109.98 mph
2. John McGuiness, Hon CBR400, 20:46.1, 109.00 mph
3. Philip Stewart, Yam FZR400, 20:56.0, 108.14 mph
4. Roy Richardson, Hon RVF400, 21:09.3, 107.01 mph
5. Tom Montano, Yam FZR400, 21:11.5, 106.83 mph
6. Mark Parrett, Hon CBR400RR, 21:12.0, 106.78 mph

From a press release issued by New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS):

Bikes Aim for Formula USA/CCS Loudon Classic

The Eighty-First Annual Loudon Classic at New Hampshire International Speedway, the nation’s oldest motorcycle race meet, is set for June 18-20. Riders from the Formula USA National Championship Series and Championship Cup Series will compete in this traditional Father’s Day weekend event. Great battles are shaping up in all of the amateur and professional classes.

In the Sportbike class, Eric Wood is expecting serious challenges from Mike Barnes, Scott Greenwood (2003 Formula USA Sportbike Champion), and Chris Ulrich as he defends his 2003 Classic title.

A highly competitive Superbike field at the Classic includes Barnes, Timothy Bemisderfer, Mike Himmelsbach, Ulrich, and Jeff Wood.

A number of Canada’s top riders will duel America’s best in the Carrera Leathers/Infinity Can-Am 125 GP and the Rising Sun/Infinity 250 GP.

A popular addition to the Loudon Classic is the Super Motard race. A jump has been added on the front straight to add to the excitement of this unique combination of asphalt and dirt racing. Jeff Wood won the 2003 inaugural race. Supercross star Doug Henry is expected to lead a strong group of contenders for the Super Motard crown.

The nine days of motorcycle action at New Hampshire International Speedway starts the weekend before the Classic with the Loudon Road Racing Series races on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. The popular Vintage racers from The U.S. Classic Racing Association take to the circuit on Monday, June 14.

Make your plans now to attend the Classic by calling Speedway Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 for money-saving advance sale tickets, or visit the Speedway online at www.nhis.com. Camping is available for all VIP Weekend ticket holders.


More, from a third revised version of the original press release issued by NHIS:

PLEASE NOTE: We apologize for any further inconvenience. Please note that last years Sportbike event was two legs, whereas this year’s event is one leg only. Both Jeff Wood and Scott Greenwood won in Sportbike at last year’s Classic. This final revision notes that. Also, Jeff Wood not Eric Wood was the winner of leg 1 of the 2003 Sportbike event. Once again, our apologies for any inconvenience.

Bikes Aim for Formula USA/CCS Loudon Classic

The Eighty-First Annual Loudon Classic at New Hampshire International Speedway, the nation’s oldest motorcycle race meet, is set for June 18-20. Riders from the Formula USA National Championship Series and Championship Cup Series will compete in this traditional Father’s Day weekend event. Great battles are shaping up in all of the amateur and professional classes.

In the Sportbike class, Jeff Wood and Scott Greenwood (2003 Formula USA Sportbike Champion) will be defending their 2003 Loudon Classic titles. They expect serious challenges from a talented group of riders including Chris Ulrich.

A highly competitive Superbike field at the Classic includes Timothy Bemisderfer, Mike Himmelsbach, Chris Ulrich, and Jeff Wood.

A number of Canada’s top riders will duel America’s best in the Carrera Leathers/Infinity Can-Am 125 GP and the Rising Sun/Infinity 250 GP.

A popular addition to the Loudon Classic is the Super Motard race. A jump has been added on the front straight to add to the excitement of this unique combination of asphalt and dirt racing. Jeff Wood won the 2003 inaugural race. Supercross star Doug Henry is expected to lead a strong group of contenders for the Super Motard crown.

The nine days of motorcycle action at New Hampshire International Speedway starts the weekend before the Classic with the Loudon Road Racing Series races on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. The popular Vintage racers from The U.S. Classic Racing Association take to the circuit on Monday, June 14.

Make your plans now to attend the Classic by calling Speedway Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 for money-saving advance sale tickets, or visit the Speedway online at www.nhis.com. Camping is available for all VIP Weekend ticket holders.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI SET FOR RAPID MUGELLO
World MotoGP Preview. Round 4, Mugello, Italy – June 6, 2004.


MotoGP racing resumes at speed after a brief Spring break at the two tracks with the fastest straights in motorcycle racing.

At Mugello in 2002 – the first year of the new 990cc MotoGP machines – just two bikes nudged through the 200mph barrier (321.8 km/h). Last year, Suzuki joined the 200mph club along with 14 other machines.

Speeds have continued to rise as the big four-stroke prototypes move into their third year – 215mph was recorded at Catalunya in windy pre-season tests – and this year’s visit to Italy is expected to yield the fastest racing speeds so far. If conditions are against this, then the honour might as easily fall to Catalunya, one week later.

The breathtaking speed is all part of the character of the classic 3.26-mile Mugello switchback, which packs in capacity crowds of partisan Italians. Using the steep sides of an Apennine valley amid picturesque Tuscan scenery, this is the race of the year for a nation whose historic contribution to motorcycle racing continues to this day. Partisan fans of racing stars like Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi and Loris Capirossi paint the hillsides in swathes of colour.

For the Suzuki pair, 2000 World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr. and rising star John Hopkins, the race is also important … the next step in the machine’s own renaissance.

Significant technical refinements to the 2004 version of the Suzuki GSV-R V4 racer have already seen improved lap times, prospects and results. Tests of new developments promise more to come in the future. Mugello and equally-fast Catalunya one week later are two more steps in the progress towards the goal of regaining the winner’s laurels.

Hopkins has another concern: whether his injured left hand will be strong enough to handle the brute power and high speed of the circuit outside Florence. The Anglo-American – who celebrated his 21st birthday with friends and relatives in Britain during the break – was an innocent victim in a three-bike first-lap pile-up at the French GP and broke his thumb.

One week before the start of the Italian GP, he had the plaster cast removed and began laser treatment to repair the injury as fast as possible.

During the break, Suzuki’s official test rider Gregorio Lavilla has been continuing development work with the factory team’s new-this-year tyre suppliers Bridgestone.

“It’s all part of an on-going programme – with the tyres, and with the machine itself,” said team manager Garry Taylor.

“The machine at Mugello and Catalunya will be substantially as before, but refinements, improvements and other changes take place all the time in racing, and as always we’ll be aiming at making the best bike possible for the particular demands of the tracks,” he continued.

“Our morale and expectations are still very high after our clear steps forward, but we’re still very aware that there is still a long way to go,” said Taylor.

KENNY ROBERTS: Making the most of it:

“We’re back to the fast tracks now and at this point they’re going to be tough. Like at the other tracks, we’ll work to get the bike the best it can be. It’s another race where we’ll go faster than last year – but so will all the others. We’re at a higher level than last year, but everybody has progressed and we need to keep making big steps if we are going to catch up.”


JOHN HOPKINS: Holding thumbs for the race:

“I’ve been enjoying myself in the break – visited a few clubs in London for my 21st birthday and caught a 50-plus pound conger eel on a deep-sea fishing trip. Pulling that in gave my fingers a good workout, but my thumb has been motionless in a cast for two weeks. Now it’s out and I’m getting laser treatment to get strength and movement. You need some strength to hang on tight going down that front str aight at Mugello.”

ABOUT THIS RACE:

The Italian GP is one of the classic events held ever since the foundation of the championships in 1949. This year’s race is the 55th in a series named until 1990 “The GP of the Nations,” and held almost every year at the classic Monza circuit. Imola, Misano and the old Mugello also occasionally hosted the race. In 1992, the Italian GP returned to the rebuilt and modernised Mugello facility – now part of the Ferrari Empire – and since 1994 it has been a fixture at the beautiful Tuscan circuit. Steeped in history and mystique, the Italian GP has always been both glamorous and prestigious.

ABOUT THIS TRACK:

Overlooked by the old Mille Miglia route, Mugello lies on both sides of a valley, with the pit straight and paddock complex at the lowest point. The track climbs sharply up one hillside, runs a fast switchback across the top, then plunges steeply down to soar up the opposite side where more of the same ends up in a dramatic last downhill U-bend back to the long, long straight which ends in a flat-out kink and a heart-in-the-mouth hump that lifts the front wheels at top speed, just before hard braking for the first turn. The sweeping, spacious layout marks it as a classic rather than a modern circuit, but a thorough remake ten years ago brought the facilities, surface and safety bang up to date. The pit-lane complex is superb, spectator viewing excellent, and safety standards among the highest. Average speeds are high, but overtaking difficult in the fast one-line ess-bends that mark out much of the unfashionably-long lap of 3.26 miles; while the direction changes and continuous climbs and drops are technically challenging both for riders and for team technicians. The result is often very close racing, further reinforcing the circuit’s status as a modern classic.

GP DATA:

Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello.

Circuit Length: 3.259 miles / 5.245 km

Lap Record: 1:52.601 – 104.197 mph / 167.656 km/h. T Ukawa (Honda) 2001

2003 Results:

Race Winner: Valentino Rossi (Honda)

Race Average: 43:28.008 – 103.471 mph / 166.520 km/h.

Fastest Race Lap: 1:52.623 Loris Capirossi (Ducati)

Pole Position: Rossi 1:51.927

Kenny Roberts: DNF, qualified 18th 1:53.399 (Suzuki)
Fastest Race Lap: 1:54.502

John Hopkins: DNF, qualified 19th 1:54.626 (Suzuki)
Fastest Race Lap: 1:52.969

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Rich Thorwaldson, 58, a former AMA National motocross star from the 1970s, was seriously injured in a crash during an AFM race Sunday, May 30 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. Thorwaldson, who has competed in many regional road race events over recent years, crashed in the “Carousel,” Turn Six, at Infineon Raceway and was transported by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, California. He was later transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California, near San Francisco, where he is currently receiving care. According to Layne Kolbet, Parts Manager at Thorwaldson’s Big Valley Honda dealership in Reno, Nevada, a press release regarding the accident and Thorwaldson’s condition is being prepared.