From a press release issued by Kenny Kopecky:

KOPECKY TO RETURN TO WSMC SERIES FULL-TIME IN 2005

Multi-time Willow Springs Raceway Class Champion Kenny Kopecky will return to the WSMC series full-time in 2005 aboard Ducati motorcycles, sponsored by Aprilia/Ducati of Oceanside.

After 12 years of full-time service at Willow Springs, Kopecky resigned at the end of the 2003 WSMC season to pursue other interests in his hometown of San Diego. This has been his longest break from road race competition since he first raced at Willow in late 1982.

“I was back on the racetrack last Sunday at Fontana with Fastrack Riders, and it felt great! I’ll be an alternate rider for one of the teams in the upcoming WERA 6-hour National Endurance race on June 12th, and am looking forward to great fun.” said Kopecky. He hadn’t ridden on a road race track since last October, though he has been riding his motocross bikes at local Southern California tracks.

“After the WERA endurance event, we plan to run our new Ducati 749R in selected events through the end of this year, with a goal of returning to racing full-time and going after some more club level class championships at Willow Springs next year. I can feel in my initial rides, the new Ducati is a very sweet machine. Our first proper track test with it will be Monday, June 7th on the main course at Willow during a track day with the Aprilia/Ducati Oceanside people.”

Should Kopecky reach the same level of riding on his Ducati 749R that he did on his former race bike in the 2001 and 2002 WSMC series, he said he’ll consider running some AMA Formula Extreme events in 2005. “We’ll wait and see how quickly we can get the factory race kit and how well I can ride the bike, but with the high quality of this equipment I’m certainly looking forward to giving it the best effort I can and I’m confident we’ll do well on the club level, for sure!”

Kenny adds: “I’ve missed the racing and comararderie with the riders and many friends, and I’m so excitied to have the opportunity to race on the beautiful Ducati motorcycles at this point of my career!”

From a press release issued by Mat Mladin motorsports:

MLADIN PREPARED FOR ROAD AMERICA BATTLE

The 2004 American AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship reaches its half way point this weekend with Wisconsin’s Road America circuit at Elkhart Lake hosting a double-header round of the series, incorporating rounds nine and ten of the 18-race series.

Defending American Superbike champion, Australian Mat Mladin, arrives at Road America as the front-runner in this year’s championship which has seen him take five race wins from eight starts aboard his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. The four-times champion holds a 19-point advantage over Jake Zemke (268 – 249), with fellow Honda rider Miguel DuHamel third, a further four points away.

The Road America circuit presents itself as one of the most liked circuits on the AMA calendar by the riders, as well as being one of the longest with a length of 6.44km (4.00miles).

The fast flowing nature of the circuit, matched with recent step up improvements by his rivals, leaves Mladin in a position where he will be heavily challenged for the race wins.

“I’ve enjoyed racing here and look forward to the weekend ahead,” said Mladin. “The same deal applies as always. We’ll get our bike set up as best we can for the circuit and aim to score the maximum amount of points that will allow us to maintain our momentum in the championship.

Mladin is no stranger to winning at Road America, having taken victory on three separate occasions aboard three different styles of motorcycle, which at times have been against the odds. His latest victory being last season, when he took the honours in the opening race.

“I know for sure this weekend is not going to be easy for us. We’ll have a heck of a lot of work to do to ensure the bike is as good as we can get it and I feel confident about that. I’ve won here before on three different types of motorcycle (1997 – Ducati 955, 2001 – Suzuki GSX-R750, 2003 – Suzuki GSX-R1000) and at times, especially on the 750 were not considered as race favourites.”

“Our team was able to get a great start to the year, winning the opening four races, but I think the opposition has stepped up the pace at recent rounds. There have been three different winners from the last three races, as well as a rider who is sitting there ready to get his first win. It’s definitely tough out there at the moment which is great for the championship, but for us we just have to keep our focus and achieve our goals.

Practice and qualifying for this weekend’s double-header round commences on Friday, with Saturday’s schedule featuring the second and final qualifying session followed by the first of the weekend’s two Superbike nationals, with the second being run Sunday afternoon.

ROAD AMERICA – FAST FACTS

Circuit length: 6.44km (4.00miles)
2003 Pole position: Mat Mladin (Yoshimura Suzuki) 2:15.159 mins
2003 Results:
Race 1:
1. Mat Mladin Yoshimura Suzuki)
2. Miguel DuHamel (American Honda)
3. Kurtis Roberts (Erion Honda)
Race 2:
1. Eric Bostrom (Team Kawasaki)
2. Aaron Yates (Yoshimura Suzuki)
3. Larry Pegram (Dream Team Ducati)
Superbike lap record: Eric Bostrom (Team Kawasaki ZX-7RR) 2:08.510 mins
(2002)

2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship (Points after 8 of 18 rounds):

1. Mat Mladin (268, 5 wins); 2. Jake Zemke (249), 3. Miguel DuHamel (245, 2 wins), 4. Eric Bostrom (184, 1 win), 5. Geoff May (175); 6. Lee Acree (156), 7. John Haner (148), 8. Josh Hayes (136), 9. Ben Bostrom (131), 10. Cory West (122).

From a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

Xaus, Hodgson positive before Italian GP

This coming weekend the MotoGP World Championship celebrates the fourth round of the season at the Italian Mugello track, a special race for the entire d´Antin MotoGP team. Rubén Xaus and Neil Hodgson have hardly raced here in the past, but know the track well and know that it is held in high esteem by the whole of Italy. For both riders it will be a fantastic occasion to race their Ducati Desmosedici bikes around such an impressive and emblematic setting as this.

The championships have visited Mugello every year since 1991, after a complete overhaul had transformed the circuit complex from top to bottom. It is located around twenty miles away from the historic city of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. The track rolls through an enclosed valley and is famous for its undulations as well as the enormous straight where the bikes will reach staggering speeds in front of tens of thousands of fans who attend this Grand Prix year in year out.

NEIL HODGSON’s crash in France seemed to put his participation in this race into jeopardy. Neil fractured two ribs, but fortunately his recovery has gone well, “I have to say that I feel much better now, although evidently I’m still not 100% right yet. I’m eager to get back into the action and I’m very excited about going to the Italian Grand Prix. The thing is though, I won’t really be able to see how much progress I’ve made until I get on my Ducati on Friday for first practice and I begin to ride. Mugello isn’t a circuit where you can ride around too relaxed, but in theory I’m optimistic and I have to say that these rest days have helped me a lot.”

RUBÉN XAUS was a little more fortunate than his team-mate and in Le Mans he managed to overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way and take the first points of the season for the team, “In France I managed to finish the race and pick up some valuable experience. Ever since then we have had some rest days, although to be honest I haven’t really stopped at all, and I made the most of the time by training on enduro and supermotard bikes.

Now we come to Mugello, and it’s a circuit I know very well despite not having competed here since 1996 when I was in the Italian Supersport Championship. We used to come here a lot to test the Ducati Superbike however, and so I’ve ridden here on a number of occasions. It’s a great track and it takes a lot out of you, the tyres also suffer quite a bit and you need a good engine. While that’s true you also need to be quick in the corners, and whenever you’re riding a Ducati here you get that added sense of emotion, because it’s the spirit of Italy. The home riders will go very strong here, but I’m hoping to do a good race of my own.”


More, from another press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

Hodgson’s Ready For Italy MotoGP

Neil Hodgson will race at Mugello Circuit. During last France MotoGP the British rider fell and hurt two ribs, but he has taken advantage of this little break of the season to recover himself and he´s now ready for the race in Italy, which is taking place next weekend.

Neil said: ” Actually, I fell much better, although I am not completly recovered yet. I long for getting back to action and I will make it to Italy full of hope, but I won´t know for sure how recovered I am until I ride my Ducati again. I feel optimistic and I believe this little rest has been good to me.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former AMA 250cc Grand Prix racer Ty Piz has published a new book, entitled Soccer Talk, Verbal Communications Skills Manual.

Piz specializes in youth soccer coaching and is a consultant on appropriate behavior by players, parents and coaches, on and off the soccer field.

Piz can be contacted at (303) 349-7717 or online at www.soccertalkuniversal.com

From a press release:

Keith Code’s “Control Trainer”



The California Superbike School has added yet another unique training device to its long list of innovations in the field of rider training. The newest device, called the Control Trainer, teaches riders to operate and correctly time their control operations for the three advanced methods of changing gears: 1) simultaneous braking and downshifting done smoothly; 2) upshifts without the clutch; 3) downshifts without the clutch.

Simultaneous braking and downshifting is the most complex control sequence in riding. Up to 40 separate actions can be performed by a rider in about 2 seconds to make five downshifts while maintaining control of the front brake lever and doing it smoothly.

Code’s training device voice prompts the student rider through each of the steps, one at a time, until they are mastered. The Kawasaki ZX-9R platform bike is stationary, the student can see on the computer screen if his control usage is within spec and is reminded by voice prompts of what he did wrong and how to correct it.

The ZX-9R’s throttle, brake, clutch and gear change lever information is routed through the device’s computer which measures each control action for how long and how much it is used and if it is being used at the right time in coordination with the other controls.



Code says, “I’ve surveyed over 5000 street riders on their braking and downshifting skills and found that only about 2 out of 20 are confident with it. Even someone who is totally uncoordinated can master the control sequences to make it smooth in about 1/2-hour, more talented riders take around 5 minutes, even if they’ve never tried it before.

“I’ve seen magazines say that we don’t have to learn how to do this and have heard some trainers say it is too complex for most riders to master but It feels good when you do it right and riders get an enormous satisfaction once they learn and that makes it completely worthwhile all by itself.

“Riders generally master the upshift drill in a matter of minutes and we still have some bugs in the program for the clutchless downshifts but it’ll be sorted out soon.”

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Chandler and Ducati add Italian spice to Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 1, 2004) — Three-time AMA Superbike Champion and future Hall of Famer Doug Chandler made his return to AMA road racing a little over a week ago in the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series race at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Chandler rode his Ducati Austin 749R to a very respectable third-place finish. Not bad for debuting a new bike that was described by crew chief Gary Medley as basically stock, with a rider who hasn’t been a regular on the tour in two years. Chandler looks to challenge longtime rival Miguel Duhamel and fellow former dirt track racer Jake Zemke as the Formula Xtreme Series comes to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s Road America on June 4-6, for the Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader Weekend.

Chandler’s return in Formula Xtreme helps renew a rivalry with his adversary Duhamel that dates back almost a decade when the two had a couple of epic seasons battling for the AMA Superbike title.

Duhamel is thrilled to have Chandler back in the series. “Personally, I think the guy should have stayed retired,” Duhamel joked. “Seriously, I don’t think he should have ever left. He’s an incredible asset to our series and obviously his abilities are still intact. The fans were going nuts when he got on the podium at Pikes Peak. It’s great to have Doug back, that is up to the point when he starts beating me of course.”

Duhamel is leading the championship, but his Honda teammate Jake Zemke has closed the gap by scoring two wins in a row. He now sits only five points behind Duhamel.

Duhamel acknowledged the great riding of Zemke and said it’s time for him to step up to the next level. “I started out the season great, but have sort of been treading water lately,” Duhamel added. “With Jake coming on strong and Chandler now in the series it’s really time to make my move. I love Road America. I think my CBR600RR will eat up the course. The fans there are really knowledgeable and have been big supporters of mine for years. It’s definitely one of my favorite stops of the season.”




Hacking now clear-cut favorite in Repsol Superstock

It took seven long years for Jamie Hacking to win his first AMA championship. The Graves Yamaha rider doesn’t appear to want to wait another seven to win his next. The 32-year-old rider from North Carolina has emerged as the rider to beat in Repsol Superstock after winning three consecutive rounds. “Hacker” has opened a 23-point lead over teammate Aaron Gobert in the series and is looking forward to the upcoming event in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Hacking said his plan for the season is starting to fall into place. “That’s what everyone is here to do,” he explained. “Get the points lead and extend it as much as possible. Going into these next events like Road America, I think I’ll be strong and in position to really capitalize.”

With a win at Road America Hacking could establish the longest single-season winning streak in the series since Tom Kipp won five in a row in 1999, when the class was known as 750 Supersport.

Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp is the defending winner of the Road America Superstock race. The Northern California native has struggled somewhat in the revamped class so far this year. His best result was a sixth-place run in Birmingham, Ala., in mid-May. The team has experimented with both the GSX-R1000 and 750cc model in trying to find the perfect combination of horsepower and handling. Rapp will likely opt for the sheer power of the big Gixxer at Road America — the longest track in the series. He could easily move up from his current ranking of seventh with a repeat of last year’s performance.

SPEED Channel will televise both the Formula Xtreme and Superstock races from Road America on June 15 as part of the network’s Two Wheel Tuesday lineup.

For additional information on the Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader weekend call (800) 365-RACE or visit the track’s website at www.roadamerica.com

From a press release:

One Shot Racing To Host Charity Event For Aunt Hattie’s Place at Summit Point Raceway rescheduled for Nation’s only All African-American Motorcycle Racing Team to support
Baltimore Youth Facility with “Day at the Races”

WHO: One Shot Racing (OSR) and Aunt Hattie’s Place (www.oneshotracing.com)

WHAT: “Day at the Races” tour, instructional and safety demonstrations, photographs on track

WHEN: Sunday, June 13, 2004, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Summit Point Raceway, Charles Town, WV (www.summitpoint-raceway.com)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One Shot Racing (OSR), a pioneering all-African-American Professional Motorcycle Racing team, will host a “Day at the Races” with Aunt Hattie’s Place at Summit Point Raceway in Charles Town, WV on Sunday, June 13, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The original May 2 date was postponed due to weather.

Launched in 1995, Aunt Hattie’s Place is a residential care facility for young boys, ages 9-18, who have special educational needs and are in foster care. Wrap around services reflect a holistic approach to care. Social work intervention is integrated with other services in response to the physical, social, educational, spiritual and emotional needs of the children. The facility is directed by Sarsfield S. Williams.

Activities at the raceway include: Tour of the racing facility, race track and pit areas, introduction to OSR racers and other competing race teams, education on motorcycle safety and the sport, assistance in timing of racers and other team related duties, participation in a “fantasy” race game and photographs of the kids on team race bikes.

“OSR is excited about the chance to provide a new experience for the children of Aunt Hattie’s Place,” said Jeff Coles, OSR’s President and CEO. “Racing is an exciting and rewarding sport that can provide many possible career opportunities. These kids will be able to experience this excitement – up close and personal. I know it will leave a lasting positive impression on their young minds.”

OSR began the 2004 season by receiving the “AFDIM Award” and “Horizon Award” during the 3rd Annual Awards Celebration Honoring Diversity in Motorsports on February 21. The AFDIM Award is presented to groups or organizations that educate African-Americans and other communities about the industry. The Horizon Award is presented to minority competitors showing great promise in motorsports. The Association for Diversity in Motorsports (AFDIM), Winston-Salem State University, Urban Sports Entertainment and NASCAR have partnered to produce this
event.

OSR BACKGROUND:

Based just outside Washington, D.C., in Bowie, MD, these pioneers are currently the first and only African-American owned, staffed and sponsored race team in the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). OSR will look to compete in nearly a dozen races this season, in three different race leagues and travel over 4,000 miles with two fiercely competitive riders poised for success on the track after qualifying for the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Championship Race Series in 2003.

Business leader of this groundbreaking team is Jeffrey Coles, President and Chief Executive Officer of One Shot Racing. Coles, who earned his BA in Architecture from Howard University and MBA from American University, provides strategic planning for OSR’s future. Completing the visionary business team is Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Rudy Blyden, a television editor and graduate of Morgan State University, who partners with Coles, provided the initial inspiration behind this effort.

The riders on the motorcycles are two Washington, D.C. metropolitan area athletes.

William “Storyteller” Johnson, 31, of Fort Washington, MD, is the former 2001 WERA Heavyweight Twins Champion. A prolific personal writer, thus the nickname, Johnson races two Suzuki GSX-R 600’s and competes in the 600cc Supersport and Formula Extreme classes.

Adrian “Buzzoman” Jones, 26, of Upper Marlboro, MD, made his mark as a rookie 2002 WERA 750cc Superbike Champion. An information technology professional, Jones, races two Suzuki GSX-R 600’s and like his teammate competes in the 600cc Supersport and Formula Extreme classes.

OSR is a private entity launched in 2003 with no corporate backing, an amazing feat in today’s racing market. Sponsorship development is now in full-gear with the original backers coming from the Super Bike industry. “The fact that we made it to the AMA without corporate backing lets those potential sponsors know just how passionate we are about this sport ” Coles said.

SPEED Channel (www.speedtv.com), the leading racing cable channel in the U.S. reaching over 70 million homes, will broadcast all of the races OSR will compete in. Off the track, an important cultural and socio-economic component of OSR is their target approach for style and apparel for the Urban demographic, lead by Miline Leather (www.milineusa.com).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A funeral will be held tomorrow for Susan Murphy, who drowned while swimming in a Nebraska lake on Memorial Day.

She is the wife of Laguna Seca World Superbike/AMA Superbike race promoter Dan Murphy.

Funeral services will be held at Butherus Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Steet, Lincoln, NE 68510, (402) 488-0934, at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to the Susan Murphy Outreach Fund, c/o S. Freimuth, Colorado Business Bank, P.O. Box 8779, Denver CO 80201.

From a press release:

Monona, Wisconsin-based Team MS announces the kick-off of their new website. www.teamms.org

*The site is designed to allow individuals and their families who suffer with Multiple Sclerosis the research and information they can use when dealing with this disease.

* Theweb site also shows people how they can help in the fight against MS. Team MS is open to all individuals who compete in any endeavor. Be it running, bicycling, motorcycle racing or even walking around the block.

* Team MS announces the kick off of the Sticker Awareness Campaign. In an effort to increase awareness, people can request a Team MS sticker that can be placed on a window; helmet or anywhere people might notice. It is a small but effective way to let people know that a cure for MS needs to be found. Stickers can be requested at no charge on the team website.

For information about Team MS, contact:
Jim Haraughty
AMRMA #258, WERA #158
[email protected]