Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Futoshi Watanabe and Takao Fukuda, of the Keno Bike Japanese national endurance team, will race a Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the WERA National Endurance Series event Friday at Road Atlanta.

The ride was set up by Vesrah President Mr. Aki Tamura, who sponsors both Keno Bike and Vesrah Suzuki, the three-time WERA National Endurance Champions.

Watanabe and Fukuda, who finished second in a six-hour race at Sugo this season, will ride as Vesrah Suzuki II in the Heavyweight Superstock class. They will ride the GSX-R1000 Vesrah Suzuki used to win the 2002 Championship.

According to Tamura, who is attending the races at Road Atlanta, Watanabe and Fukuda are considering racing in the 2004 WERA National Endurance series full-time.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Irwindale AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship Event to Proceed

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Oct, 29, 2003) — AMA Pro Racing and Irwindale Speedway have confirmed that the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship event scheduled for Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway this Saturday will take place as planned. Massive wildfires in Southern California forced organizers to consider postponing the event.

AMA Pro Racing Associate Director of Commercial Development Chris Bradley says that proceeding as planned was a joint decision reached by the promoter, track and AMA Pro Racing. “Obviously, we want to be sensitive to the conditions in Southern California,” said Bradley. “We understand how serious this situation has been and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the fires. This decision was not reached lightly. We looked at the circumstances as they stand right now, discussed it among all parties, spoke to some of our participants and ultimately decided to move forward with the event.”

Bradley said there was strong support to hold the race. “Many members of the motorcycle industry, which is largely based in Southern California, called and encouraged us to not cancel the race,” said Bradley. “Additionally, we’ve heard from fans and riders who asked us to keep it intact.”

Irwindale Speedway is located about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and was never threatened by the fires. Local news reports have stated that improving weather in the region has allowed firefighters to gain ground on the flames and shifting wind patterns are beginning to blow the smoke and haze out of the area.

The event promoter is planning on raising money for local fire relief charities through a raffle at the race. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase items donated by series and event sponsors with all proceeds going to local relief efforts.

For ongoing updated information contact Irwindale Speedway at (626) 358-1100 or visit www.supermotowest.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Michael Ross

According to an article in the September 26 issue of General Aviation Magazine, Honda Motor Corp. is ready to unveil an innovative business jet. Chief Project Engineer Michimasa Fujino revealed details of the eight-to-12-passenger twin jet in a 17-page paper presented to the American Institute of Aerodynamics and Astronautics on July 14 in Dayton, Ohio.

After extensive customer surveys, Honda found that chief among desirable attributes in a business jet was cabin comfort. To that end Honda engineers dispensed with the usual design of mounting the engines at the rear of the cabin which requires a space-robbing carry through structure to support them and instead devised an innovative over-the-wing engine pylon to support the Honda designed turbofans.

Typically over-the-wing engine pylons have suffered from flutter and drag problems but Fujino’s paper says that the Honda wing design is stiff enough to eliminate flutter and clever enough to provide the necessary lift while providing the efficiency of a clean wing. This is apparently achieved through pylon sweep and an angle that directs boundary layer airflow toward the wing root.

Specifications for the Honda jet include a T-tail attached to a 41-foot graphite composite fuselage with a cabin height of 4′ 11″ with a flat floor. Max takeoff weight is reported to be 9200 pounds with a range of 1100 miles at 482 mph. Flight testing is expected to begin this year

From a press release:

Road America had its 25th-annual run in support of the American Cancer Society Saturday, October 25 on the big, 4-mile track (see www.roadamerica.com). Local road racer and SuperMoto competitor Wes Orloff of Salem, Wisconsin participated in the event in honor of his mother, Sally Orloff, who is a breast-cancer survivor. However, while most competitors donned shorts and T-shirts for the 4-mile run on the track, Orloff competed in full Alpinestars leathers, Alpinestars SP1 gloves, and a helmet.

The reason for the unusual running apparel? “It all started as a joke among my road racing friends, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it might be a great way to raise awareness of the American Cancer Society through my group of peers I was trying to get donations from” Orloff stated. “I think that anyone who has ever pushed a bike out of a gravel trap in the middle of the summer in leathers could appreciate what we were trying to do! We were also lucky enough to get support from within the industry, specifically Alpinestars and the Superbikers2 regional SuperMotard series. “

Orloff completed the 4-mile run on Road America’s track in a little over 38 minutes. “The first 3 miles went pretty well, as my Alpinestars leathers were surprisingly comfortable and I was able to average 8:30-9:00 minute miles. The last mile from Canada Corner and up the front straight hill was pretty killer, though…but we made it for a good cause.”

Orloff was able to raise over $1000 in pre- and post-race donations for the American Cancer Society.

To donate to the American Cancer Society by phone, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

From a press release issued by XT Racing:

As the 2003 race season draws to a close, XT Racing is proud to announce that we will be offering three levels of sponsorship for a select group of racers in the upcoming 2004 season. The 2003 season has been a very good one for us both as racing team and as a business. We created our 2004 sponsorship program with the hopes that XT Racing will be able to give something back to the community which has helped make it what it is today.

We are currently accepting resumes from anyone involved in any form of organized motorcycle road racing.

XT Racing
ATTN: Sponsorship
1065B Nine North Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30004

In addition to the sponsorship program, XT Racing will be holding a lottery where an additional 2 Ultra-Lap timing systems will be given away absolutely free. Submission of your racing resume automatically enters you into the drawing for these two systems.

The deadline for submission of racing resumes is December 31, 2003. All resumes will be reviewed in the order they are received and at the discretion of XT Racing. Interested parties should not phone or write about the status of their resumes. Any questions about the 2004 sponsorship program can be sent to [email protected]. The three tiers of sponsorship and those receiving the sponsorships will be announced at the end of January, 2004.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Competitors in the Suzuki World GSX-R Cup finals October 17-19 at Magny-Cours, France got no practice before the first timed qualifying session and only forty minutes of track time before the first race.

“They shorted us two practice sessions this year. The first time they hit the track was a qualifying session,” said American Suzuki’s Morgan Broadhead, who accompanied the American contingent of Chris “Opie” Caylor, Tray Batey and Corey Eaton to France.

In 2002, Suzuki World GSX-R Cup racers got two, 20-minute practice sessions and two, 20-minute timed qualifying sessions before their two sprint races. This year, riders got two, 20-minute qualifying session before running their races.

The Suzuki World GSX-R Cup ran with a FIM World Endurance race in 2002 and with the FIM World Superbike Championship in 2003.

The lack of practice was a factor in the performance of non-European Suzuki GSX-R Cup racers who had never been to the Magny-Cours track before, according to Caylor and Batey.

“The biggest problem was the small amount of practice we had to learn the track,” said Caylor, who finished sixth overall in the competition, the best-finishing American.

“There was no practice,” said Batey. “It was like, ‘There’s the track, now go qualify.’ We were racing against guys who had done 24-hour endurance races at the track.”

In addition, Caylor said the GSX-R750 supplied to him, from a fleet of supposedly identically-prepared machines, was “a dog. I couldn’t even stay in the draft of people. All the American bikes were dogs. I was second- or third-slowest on the trap speed sheets in every session. My bike was 14 kph slower than the top guys.”

Broadhead said discussions are currently under way to possibly bring the Suzuki World GSX-R Cup finals to Australia or to America, to run in conjunction with the AMA event at Road Atlanta in September 2004.

“We would explore that [AMA event at Road Atlanta],” said Broadhead.

From a press release issued by California Speedway:

California Speedway Hosts “Race for Relief” to Benefit Fire Victims

FONTANA, Calif. (October 29, 2003) — Thousands of San Bernardino County residents have been displaced by the Grand Prix and Old fires. California Speedway President Bill Miller announced today the “Race for Relief,” a disaster relief initiative where California Speedway will become a drop-off site for items to aid those affected by the fires and those fighting them to be held this weekend.
Monetary donations are extremely critical. Donations to the Southern California Fire Disaster Relief Fund, which is being administered by the American Red Cross, can be made at the speedway.

“The Speedway is making the initial donation of $5,000,” Bill Miller, California Speedway president, said. “For guests who had tickets to this weekend’s event, which has been cancelled, account holders can donate the face value of the ticket to the relief fund.”

Information for ticket account holders is on the speedway’s website at www.californiaspeedway.com.

Residents can bring donations to the speedway located at 9300 Cherry Avenue in Fontana off the 10 freeway on Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., or ship them to California Speedway, 9300 Cherry Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335.

Some of the items needed for fire victims are nonperishable food, baby food, diapers, blankets, clothes, toys, towels, and personal hygiene products. These items will be donated to the Salvation Army and other area shelters, such as the Inland Harvest Food Bank.

Also, speedway officials have been in contact with fire personnel to assist in their fire fighting efforts. Many people fighting the fires have experienced dehydration. California Speedway’s “Race for Relief” will be supplying donations of beverages to base camps for those fighting the Grand Prix and Old fires beginning on Thursday.

Various companies are joining the “Race for Relief” effort by donating items and/or being on-site for the weekend. Michigan International Speedway has donated flashlights, clothing and hundreds of small cars to help kick off the “Race for Relief.” Dewalt tools and Roush Racing have donated items as well as Champ Car teams, including Patrick Racing, Newman-Haas, Walker Racing, Rocket Sports and American Spirit, which have donated food and beverages. KFRG will be conducting a live broadcast from the facility this weekend.

“The California Speedway team is ready to assist our local community in any way needed,” Miller said. “In addition to being a drop-off site for local donations, we are going to be reaching out to the racing community, and I’m sure the response will be great in assisting the local area in this relief effort.”

California Speedway asks those in the community to help individuals and families displaced by the fires. For more information on the “Race for Relief” please visit www.californiaspeedway.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Darren Luck set a new motorcycle lap record for Dover Raceway in St. Ann, Jamaica October 18 during the Heroes of Speed Invitational Grand Prix, sanctioned by the Jamaica Cycling Federation.

Riding a Suzuki GSX-R750 on Dunlop DOT-labeled tires, Luck recorded a lap of 1:23.33 on the 1.6-mile, 13-turn track to better the old mark of 1:23.76.

“There were concrete walls everywhere,” said Luck, when asked what the track was like. “They needed one wall because there was a 300-foot cliff on the other side. Most of the corners were slow, second-gear, and on the longest straight I got up to the top of fourth gear with 17/48 gearing.”

In addition to setting the new lap record, Luck said he won all four Open Superbike races he ran, including the last one, which was run with a reversed grid.

Luck said he was invited to the event by race promoter, and former racer, Hilary Jardine. Race promoters flew Luck to Jamaica first-class and provided him with beach resort accommodations, all meals and ground transportation. Luck was not allowed to keep any purse money, however.

“They want more American racers,” Luck told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday at Road Atlanta. “They’re throwing a lot of money at trying to get more American racers to come over and help build up this event. But going through customs is a pain in the ass. It’s all paperwork, but it’s a pain in the ass.”

Luck said promoters are trying to organize another event before the start of the AMA race season, and interested racers can get more information directly from him at (239) 949-2799.

The online edition of the Jamaica Observer previewed the Heroes of Speed Invitational Grand Prix with an October 18 article by staff writer Hurbun Williams, who wrote in part, “Seven motorcycle racers out of the USA will get a quick lesson from the star Jamaican riders Dennis Chin-Quee, Stefan Chen and Domar Lee when they take to the track.

“Two-wheeled racing has proven to be immensely popular at Dover, and this time around it should be more so with the foreign riders, headed by Darren Luck. Luck, with 149 wins under his belt, will put it on the line riding his Suzuki GSXR.”

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

Grand Prix of Valencia

October 31, November 1, 2

LAST OF 16 RACES SEALS SENSATIONAL SEASON FOR HONDA

Whatever happens at Valencia as the curtain falls on the 2003 season, this has been Honda’s year in the big class. Valentino Rossi (Repsol Honda RC211V) reigns as World Champion for the third year in succession, Honda has secured the Constructor’s World Title and Repsol Honda has clinched the new World Team Title. Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) is confirmed as second-placed finisher in the World Championship points standings with Max Biaggi (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) aiming to wrap up third overall here at Valencia this weekend.

The 125cc class World Championship also belongs to Honda via Spanish teen hero Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS125R) who wrapped up the title in Malaysia on October 12. Sadly he won’t be competing at his home round after breaking both ankles in a bad crash at Phillip Island in Australia two weeks ago. But the tough 18-year-old held a short press conference in a Spanish hospital before returning to his home to recuperate.

In the 250cc class the title is going to the wire with Honda man Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) only seven points behind long-term title leader Manuel Poggiali (Aprilia). And with 25 points up for grabs for the win this race will settle a compelling season-long battle for the honours in this class.

But the action will be fast and frantic in every class, riders with contracts still to settle for next year will want to finish the season strongly, and no one wants to have a ‘forgettable’ final race as the long (30 week) season draws to a conclusion. There’s also a heavy winter testing schedule to come and it’s vital for riders to carry confidence into the gruelling test period.

As crowd figures continue to grow in the four-stroke MotoGP era, motorcycle enthusiasts and new fans of the big 990cc machines continue to be served up fantastically intense contests and Valencia promises to provide more of the same on the 4.005km Ricardo Tormo track.

The layout of Valencia is unusual in that there are 14 corners packed into a small area with only one straight at a short 876m. The compact circuit is ideal for spectators who can see most of the gently undulating track from the grandstands and viewing areas.

For riders, the track requires a great deal of hard work. With so many turns in quick succession they get little time to rest and the short main straight provides little opportunity to ‘relax’ behind the fairing screen. The average lap speed is relatively slow at around 150km/h. Valencia is the second slowest track on the calendar, with Estoril in Portugal the slowest.

But the effort required to pilot the 240bhp MotoGP machines around the tight confines of the track is substantial. The bikes are on the edge of the tyres for long periods and this gives the rubber a tough time. The two fast turns at either end the main straight are particularly hard on tyres with riders wanting to ‘get on the gas’ as early as possible to fire their machines out of one turn and onto the next. Machine set-up in making the most of available grip is key.

World Champ Rossi knows what to expect. “The competition will be very strong here,” he said. “Like it has been all season. But my team is working well and I’m sure we’ll make the most of our chances here. It’s not a favourite of mine and I’ve never won there, but the important thing is to try to end the season on a high note.”

Gibernau won there in 2001 and is one of the few men who like the circuit. “I like the track,” he said. “Although for many riders it’s not that special. But I’m riding at home so it’s special. I’ll always remember this season for many reasons, but always for Daijiro Kato who will always be in our memory.”

Max Biaggi is eager to get racing. “I’m ready for it,” he said. “The track is a bit too narrow and a bit slow for my liking – but it’s hugely entertaining for the fans. And I’ll be ready to go on Friday morning although I’m still a bit disappointed about Australia where I was sure I could have finished on the podium.”

Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) is eager to conclude his rookie season with another rousing ride after his third-place podium in Australia. “A year ago I visited Valencia to see my first ever MotoGP,” said the American. “This year has gone so quick, it’s been great and my confidence has grown. I’ve ridden here before but in strange weather conditions, but at least I know which way the track goes.”

For Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda RC211V) Valencia represents another chance to get among the top men. “I’m ten points away from a top ten placing overall,” said the Japanese rookie. “I hope it doesn’t rain because I need a good result to catch Alex Barros, but the competition is so tough, with Nicky Hayden and Troy Bayliss all competing for the Rookie Of The Year title.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) goes to the final race of the year and another track he has never raced on. “Valencia is a tight track with lots of corners so I will hope to find a set up quickly if I am to have a god race.”

For Tohru Ukawa (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) Valencia is a chance to finish the season strongly after a tough year. “It’s a so-so circuit for me,” said the tough Japanese. “I won there on a 250 in 1999, so I should perhaps like the place. But then in 2000, 2001 and 2002 nothing happened for me at all. The track’s hard on a big bike and the straight is short so there’s no let-up at all and it will be difficult again here. It’s my last chance for a podium this season, it’s important for me.”

For Robby Rolfo, this is the track where his dogged bid for 250 World Championship honours will succeed, or end in heroic failure. The Italian Honda man has never stopped taking the fight to Aprilia hordes and his sheer consistency has been one of the marvels of the season. He has finished every race he has started this season and scored points in them all. The only rider to have matched this record in 2003 is Rossi.

“Valencia is a track I like,” said Rolfo. “In the past I had problems to find a set up that would allow me to go fast, but last year I was much better The setting problems come from a lack of grip on the track but that depends on how much rubber there is on the surface. A lot of the track is very slow and acceleration onto the two straights is very important to get a good lap time, particularly the second gear corner onto the back straight. One thing for sure, it will be a good race because a lot of riders are very fast at Valencia.”

Rolfo needs to score eight more points than title leader Manuel Poggiali (Aprilia) to win the title. If Rolfo wins and Poggiali is third or lower, Rolfo will steal the crown. And Honda rider Sebastian Porto (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) is sure to figure somewhere in the points equation.

“Valencia is a good track for me,” said the Argentine Porto. “And the people of the city are very special. But for me it’s the track that is special and I think we can do a good job in the race. The track is a slow one with many corners, not at all fast, although the front straight is just a little longer than I would like. The turns will suit my machine and I’m in confident mood despite my fall at Phillip Island. We will do our very best in Valencia because this has not been a lucky year for me.”

While Spanish World 125cc Champion Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS125R) recuperates at home from his Phillip Island crash Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R will be trying to snatch third place overall. “I don’t like the Valencia circuit very much,” he said. “There are far too many short corners for me, I like fast flowing circuits. But I will give it my best when we get there.”

Masao Azuma (Ajo Motorsports Honda RS125R) rides his last here and heads into retirement at the flag on Sunday. “The Valencia race will be my last GP but I’m not emotional about that,” said the Japanese star. “I’m not thinking about it at all, if there’s any emotion it will be later, not now. Valencia is not one of my best tracks, my only podium finish there was a second place in 2000. I crashed in 1999 and did not ride well in other races at the track.”

Andrea Ballerini (Ajo Motorsports Honda RS125R) is on a high after his stirring win at Phillip Island two weeks ago. “I like the Valencia circuit, I did well there last year (12th),” said the Italian. “This year it will be very good for me to race there for this team so soon after Phillip Island. We know the bike will work well at Valencia, in either wet or dry conditions so I’m really looking forward to the race.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports:

Privateer Test Days Available at Four THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series Races in 2004

AURORA, Ill. – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced that there will be four privateer test days for the 2004 THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series. Each privateer test day will be held on the Thursday prior to the race at 2:00 p.m. and is available to any AMA pro-licensed privateer competing in that event.

· January 15, Anaheim, Calif., Edison International Field (West)

· January 29, Anaheim, Calif., Edison International Field (West)

· February 12, Houston, Reliant Stadium (East)

· March 11, St. Louis, Edward Jones Dome (East)

“Unlike the factory riders, the privateer sector does not have the luxury of practicing on an official supercross test track each week,” said Todd Jendro, director of supercross, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “This program is designed to help the privateers get more practice time and hone their skills on an official Dirt Wurx-built supercross track.”