From a press release issued by FGSport Group:


The Albacete 12 Horas Nocturnas round of the World Endurance Championship takes place this weekend. The race, which runs through the night from Saturday evening to Sunday morning, is the first long distance event of the year and the first night race of the year.

The teams that have not yet made their mark on the championship this year will see this race as their first opportunity to make the most of their pure endurance skills. The championship front runners, meanwhile, will have to walk a delicate tightrope between allout performance and last-the-distance reliability; tortoise or hare? This year, fuel consumption is set to be more important than ever. A team that can eke an extra ten minutes of track time out of each tank of fuel will save at least two stop s over the duration of the race; a difference that could add up to a one-lap advantage by the end of the race.

The twelve hour race will be long enough for pit lane and team work advantages to really come into play, but competitive lap times are needed as well. The 500km race at Assen and the six hour race at Zhuhai both saw their share of mechanical failures; Albacete will be tougher still on the highly tuned Superbike specification machines.

Whatever happens on track, the spectators who will flock to the circuit on Saturday night are guaranteed to be winners. Twelve hours of intense night racing, an all night party, and a good chance of a Spanish rider on the podium by Sunday morning… A perfect weekend.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

FUCHS KAWASAKI ENLIST THE HELP OF THE GREEN LADIES AT MUGELLO

Having recently returned from a successful promotional event at Imola, the Kawasaki Racing Team head back to Italy for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, confident of strong local support after enlisting the help of the Kawasaki Italy backed Green Ladies.

Located in the Tuscan hills, the Mugello circuit is one at which Shinya Nakano has won races in the past. The 26-year-old Japanese rider took the race win in the 250cc class at Mugello in 2000, backing that up last year with a front row start and a sixth place finish in the MotoGP class.

Coming from the disappointment of a retirement at Le Mans last time out, Nakano is determined to give the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team a good result this weekend, on a track he thoroughly enjoys racing at.

Mugello also ranks as one of Alex Hofmann’s favourite circuits and, after a disappointing start to his rookie year in the MotoGP class, the 23-year-old German rider is hoping that this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix will prove to be the turning point of the season for him.

Cheering on the Fuchs Kawasaki riders this weekend will be the Green Ladies; a group of five girls who, together with a number of helpers, are dedicated to raising the profile of motorcycling in their home country. While the main focus of the Green Ladies is on organising and running motorcycle tours and track schools for both men and women, the group also have a strong on track presence, with two of their number regularly racing in Italian Championship events.

The youngest of the Green Ladies racers is 27-year-old Roxy, who campaigns a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the Italian Female Championship, while 29-year-old Claudia, or Tiger as she is known in the paddock, is the only female rider in the hotly contested Italian Ninja Trophy series, which is backed by Fuchs Silkolene and fought out on near identical Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RR machines.

All five Green Ladies will join the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team at Mugello, where they will be given the opportunity to meet Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann and to see behind the scenes in the Kawasaki pit box as the team prepare for the Italian Grand Prix.

Shinya Nakano: No.56
“I have some good memories of the Mugello circuit and I love racing here. I can’t wait to get out on track tomorrow and find out how the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR works around this circuit. Not finishing the race at Le Mans was a disappointment for everyone in the team, but I’m confident that we won’t have similar problems this weekend. I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead and, if I can put in a good qualifying performance on Friday and Saturday, then a top eight finish is a definite possibility come race day.”

Alex Hofmann: No.66
“There’s no denying that I need a good weekend, after what has been a difficult start to the season for me, and what better place to turn my season around than Mugello? This is definitely one of my favourite tracks; the circuit is fantastic to ride, the fans are some of the most enthusiastic in the world and the atmosphere is second to none. We will need to work hard on Friday and Saturday to find a good set up on the bike and to identify a suitable race tyre, but there’s no reason why this race shouldn’t prove to be a turning point for us.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Harley-Davidson is looking to sell its American-made motorcycles in China, but several difficult hurdles stand in the way, according to sources within the company.

In response, Harley-Davidson is currently looking to form a limited partnership with a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer to ease the process of importing, marketing and selling its machines there, according to an article appearing in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Harley-Davidson does not have any plans to manufacture motorcycles outside of the United States, according to sources.

You can view the article here: http://www.jsonline.com/bym/news/jun04/233977.asp

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Reigning Canadian Superbike and Sportbike Champion Pascal Picotte will ride for Jordan Motorsports in place of Montez “Tez” Stewart at the AMA Superbike event this weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Stewart broke his left wrist in a crash during the AMA Supersport race at Pikes Peak International Speedway May 23.

“Tez is a maybe for this weekend,” James Casmay, co-owner of the Michael Jordan-backed team, told Roadracingworld.com Thursday in the Road America paddock. “He’s in San Francisco right now with Dr. (Arthur) Ting, but Ting told him four-to-six weeks last week. So he’s still a maybe.

“Pascal is going to ride. He’s going to ride in Superbike and Formula Xtreme, not Tez’s classes, Supersport and Superstock. So if Tex does ride, we’ll have bikes for everyone and in every class.

“Pascal was looking at doing this round anyway, and we knew we had to be here to represent for our sponsors.

“It’s kind of a good fit. Our guys already work with Pascal. Pete Mauhar works with Pascal in the Canadian series, and he worked with most of our crew guys (who are contracted from Gemini Racing) before too.”

“I know all these guys,” said Picotte. “Pete works with me in Canada, and I worked with all these other guys back when I was with Harley. It’s good to have good people to work with.”

Picotte said he found the Jordan Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 to be “quite similar” to his Picotte Yamahas. “Same bikes, same tires, just with different suspension. We’re going to valve it and make it as close to mine as we can. It shouldn’t take me too long to get right on track,” said Picotte. “I’m just happy to be here. I feel kind of sorry to have to replace (Stewart), but if it’s what they need to keep the program going I’m happy to help.

“Maybe I can help them get the bikes set-up better for Tez for when he’s healthy. Maybe I can give them a direction to go in. And Tez will be here this weekend, so maybe we can spend some time together and I can mentor him a little bit, even if he’s not riding. He can listen in and see what changes I make to the bike to fix problems and such.”

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:


DUCATI TO EXTEND AND EXPAND PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH OAKLEY

May 2004, Bologna, Italy – Ducati has decided to extend its successful existing licensing agreement with renowned eyewear company Oakley, for an additional three years. The relationship will be strengthened with the arrival of five exclusive new models of Oakley eyewear.

New for 2004, Ducati and Oakley will introduce custom versions of Oakley’s Monster Dog™ and Zero® sunglasses and will continue to offer last year’s successful custom Juliet®, Half-Jacket® and Valve® styles. In addition to sunglasses, Ducati and Oakley will also offer the Wisdom® snow goggle for the 2004 fall season, a product which takes Ducati’s passion for speed and aerodynamics to the mountains – the Italian Alps and Dolomites, of course.

All products covered by the agreement feature color schemes and graphic treatments consistent with the Ducati brand and bear laser engraved lenses with Ducati trademarks, among other unique features. The products will be distributed through the Ducati Store and dealership network and Oakley’s sunglass distribution points worldwide, including over 100 Oakley-owned retail locations.

“When it comes to high performance eyewear we think Oakley is the most exciting and dynamic brand in the world. Finally, I have a cool pair of sunglasses to wear!” commented Federico Minoli, Chairman and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding.

“With the evolution of this relationship we are now able to offer additional Ducati inspired performance eyewear pieces to our enhanced dealer distribution network,” said David Gross, Creative Director of Ducati Motor, “It is particularly exciting for us considering the fact that our top racers in the past have always chosen Oakley eyewear. ”

“Given the tremendous success of last year’s product offerings, we are excited to renew this relationship for three additional years with a company that shares our passion for design and performance products. Ducati’s unbelievable performance record on the race track validates their position as a world leader in motorcycle design and manufacturing,” commented Oakley Executive Vice President Tommy Rios. Ducati has won more World Superbike Championships than any other manufacturer and has more single race victories than all other competitors combined. The custom sunglasses created under the agreement are directly inspired by Ducati racing tradition, combining sleek design with technical performance.

Specific terms of the deal were not released.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING ON TV THIS WEEK

(All times Eastern)

Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei final, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Sunday, June 6, 3-4 p.m. SPEED Channel



AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship Doubleheader, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Sunday, June 6, (Race 1, 4-5 p.m.) (Race 2, 5-6 p.m.) SPEED Channel



Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei final, Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisc., Tuesday, June 8, 12-1 p.m. SPEED Channel



AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship (125cc & 250cc), High Point Raceway, Mt. Morris, Penn., Saturday, June 5, 1-3 p.m. ESPN2

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Chevrolet Superbike
$74,000 Total Purse (Half Paid In Each Of 2 Races)

1. $8000
2. $6000
3. $4500
4. $3600
5. $3200
6. $3050
7. $2950
8. $2850
9. $2750
10. $2650
11. $2600
12. $2500
13. $2400
14. $2300
15. $2200
16. $2100
17. $2000
18. $1900
19. $1800
20. $1650
21. $1550
22. $1450
23. $1350
24. $1250
25. $1150
26. $1000
27. $900
28. $800
29. $700
30. $600
31. $550
32. $500
33. $450
34. $400
35. $350



Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Extreme
$12,000 Total Purse

1. $1650
2. $1350
3. $1100
4. $850
5. $750
6. $700
7. $650
8. $600
9. $550
10. $500
11. $475
12. $450
13. $425
14. $375
15. $325
16. $300
17. $275
18. $250
19. $225
20. $200



Pro Honda Oils Supersport
$12,000 Total Purse

1. $1650
2. $1350
3. $1100
4. $850
5. $750
6. $700
7. $650
8. $600
9. $550
10. $500
11. $475
12. $450
13. $425
14. $375
15. $325
16. $300
17. $275
18. $250
19. $225
20. $200



AMA Repsol Superstock
$12,000 Total Purse

1. $1650
2. $1350
3. $1100
4. $850
5. $750
6. $700
7. $650
8. $600
9. $550
10. $500
11. $475
12. $450
13. $425
14. $375
15. $325
16. $300
17. $275
18. $250
19. $225
20. $200

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

GIBERNAU DETERMINED TO KEEP TITLE MOMENTUM GOING

The fourth round of the 2004 MotoGP title race takes place in the Tuscan hills of Italy this weekend with a crowd of 70,000 expected at this fast, flowing, circuit. This race will mark the quarter-way stage in this year’s 16-race series and Mugello, as it so often does, will prove to be a pivotal race.

Pivotal for many reasons. Points table leader Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) will be aiming to win his third consecutive race of the season and stamp his authority on the title race at the ‘home’ Grand Prix of his two closest title rivals. Max Biaggi (Camel Honda RC211V) lies ten points behind the Spaniard and Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) is only four points in arrears of Biaggi.

But an early advantage in the points table is only part of the story. Mugello will also be a test for Rossi’s Yamaha. The 5.245km track is a ‘power’ circuit with a 1.14km uphill straight. The RC211V’s of Gibernau and Biaggi have never been short of the outright horsepower needed to take advantage of this long, crucial straight, while a question mark hangs over the power quotient of the Yamaha.

But the imposing main chute is by no means the only element of Mugello that poses a challenge. The right-hand turn at the end of the main 206mph straight is a ‘known’ passing place and a baulked run through there can upset a rider’s rhythm for the rest of the lap – and Mugello’s sweeping turns are a test that requires uninterrupted rhythm as much as anything else.

The racing here tends to be close and spectacular with epic slipstreaming battles along the straight and close quarter action through the turns where the adverse cambers and downhill plunges put a high value on machine agility. But without the power to stay in contention on the straight a rider has too much to do to make up ground through the turns in the backfield. This is why power is at a premium here.

The ‘home’ race advantage is key here too. Riders are never slow to point out that backing from a big, partisan crowd is worth a few extra horsepower and both Biaggi and Rossi will have hardcore legions of fans willing them on to title glory.

Sete Gibernau is under no illusions about how hard it will be to prevail here. “For sure it will be a difficult race as the Italian riders will be in front of their public,” he said. “Therefore they will almost have an extra gear as they’ll be even more motivated that usual. Plus Mugello isn’t exactly a circuit I particularly like. Last year on this track we had the worst result of the season, but I will be racing to win. I have lots of Italian fans too and it would be a fantastic gift to win for my Italian mechanics and for my team.”

Max Biaggi cannot wait for the race such is his enthusiasm for the magnificent circuit. Currently holding second place in the points standings Biaggi is in a buoyant mood as the race nears.

“What can you say about Mugello that isn’t something positive? The track would be one of my absolute favourites even if it wasn’t my home circuit and the venue for the Italian GP. The endless front straightaway, the fast bends, the technically-challenging esses, all make this a fantastic track to ride at: with the “Bucine”, the “Arrabbiata” double-apex, the “Casanova-Savelli” where my fan-club always cheers from, as well as all the rest… I love every bit of it. I also like the hilly nature of the track, I’m not a big fan of the flat circuits. The track is very different from Le Mans, it doesn’t have the same hard braking for starters, but the positive work my team has done with the set-up after the last race could allow me to have a good base setting with which to go just as well at this track. I think that the race will be very hard fought, there are a lot of us who want and who are capable of going well, and I’m certain to be amongst those.” Commented the ultra-fast Roman.

Brazilian Alex Barros (Repsol Honda RC211V) currently lies fourth in the overall title standings and sees this race a perfect opportunity to get further on terms with his rivals. “I’m confident that the important work we did after the last race at Le Mans will be of big benefit for next race,” he said. “We struggled in France to find a good balance for the machine. I was not confident with the front end and was having real problems in the turns.

“We worked to find a solution on the day after the race and I was happy with the results where we were able to lap consistently quicker than over the whole race weekend. This work will be important for the set-up for Mugello, which is such a fast and flowing track. We need a good result this weekend to keep in contention in the long race for the championship.”

Colin Edwards (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) needs to get his season on track here too – and feels the time is right after extensive testing. “After the work at the Michelin test track my feeling with the bike is much better,” he said. “We had problems with the front whenever the air temperature rose. We changed the forks and we’ve now resolved these problems. So now I can’t wait to go to Mugello. The Italians are favourites but there won’t only be Rossi and Biaggi, Sete and I will be up there to fight also. Mugello is a special track, full of history, and I like the atmosphere there.”

And Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V), currently lying seventh in the overall standings, also needs to pick up a big points haul here too. “I’m looking forward to Mugello,” said the American. “It’s a really nice track and I like the layout a lot. I never really got up to speed there last year and to be honest had a bit of an off weekend. I want to start this coming important race weekend where we left off from the test at Le Mans after what was really a pretty disappointing race.

“We definitely found some speed in the test and I was lapping a whole lot quicker than I did in the race. The team is working real hard and I so want to get a result for them and all my fans that have been so supportive. I’m under no illusions; it’s going to be hard. I’m racing in the best series in the world with the best riders in the world. I’ve just got to keep chipping away and learning.”

Makoto Tamada (Camel Honda RC211V) riding on Bridgestone tyres said, “I’m delighted to be going to Mugello, because the track is so beautiful. Last year, without any prior testing experience there I felt good straight away. In the race I was nineteenth after the first lap but by the end I had clawed my way up to fourth place. So it was at this race that I showed my ability to battle with the best for the first time, and that I could challenge for the podium. This year we have already shown that we can go fast in testing, and now we only have to get right the life of the rear tyre during the race, but we are getting there. The test after the Le Mans

In the 250cc category series leader Randy de Puniet (Aprilia) knows he will have a fight on his hands from two directions. From Danny Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW), who has now won two races so far in his rookie 250 year. And from Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) who will be aiming to win his home race.

“Mugello is a very difficult track and races are usually very hard,” said Pedrosa. “To find a good setting is very important and to choose the right tyres, also. For me, Mugello is the most technical track in the World Championship and I don’t know quite what to expect because it’s my first time there on a 250. Now, we are doing well, but it will be a very difficult race, I’m sure about that. You really need to concentrate here from the first free session and work hard for the race. A front row start is vital here also.”

Rolfo is set on making up for his calamitous French Grand Prix. “Le Mans was a disaster for me,” he said. “I still don’t really know what caused the crash. We stayed on to test at Le Mans after the race and although I never set fast times in testing we achieved some positive results from the new machine set up we tested. Mugello is an important race for me. I like the track a lot and hope the changes we have made to the bike will be effective here.”

In the 125 arena Mugello represents a chance for series leader Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) to stamp his authority on the title race with a home win – and the Honda standard bearer in this class will be going all out to secure a third win this year.

“I had to stay really focused after Le Mans and concentrate on preparing for Mugello,” he said. “Mugello is good for Aprilia because they test there so much. But I am optimistic, I like Mugello and was involved in a good race there in 2003. I was running second with a lap to go but had a big slide at Casanova-Savelli and finished fourth. At the moment I’m in good psychological and physical shape and the bike is very fast so Mugello could be good for us.”

The other Honda contenders in the 125cc category know they must use Mugello as a chance to get properly into the points reckoning at Aprilia’s home track. The man nearest the front runners in the title chase is Julian Simon (Angaia Racing Honda RS125R) currently on 13 points in 13th place. While one of last year’s rookie revelations, Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R), has yet to score.

“I will be happy to get to Mugello after my experience at Le Mans,” said Luthi. “I really like the track at Mugello, the way the fast corners flow makes it a great place to race. I finished 12th last year and I need to improve on that this year.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Team Embry’s Matt Lynn, 19, will miss the June 11-13 round of WERA National Challenge Series at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

According to a press release issued on Lynn’s behalf, he opted to have surgery to repair a broken finger and skip the California event while recovering from the operation.

“It would have been ideal to wait until the end of the season, but I can’t,” Lynn was quoted as saying in the release. “It made sense to me to miss the race that is furthest away. I thought about getting the surgery and still going to California, but I decided that it was too much of a risk.”