From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

MISANO REMEMBERS DAIJIRO KATO


The Misano community and the Gresini racing chose the new alley that brings to the new entrance of the Misano Circuit to remember the young Japanese champion that lived in Porto Verde (Misano) during the racing seasons near the Gresini racing Department.

The cerimony started at 10.00 when the major of Misano, Sandro Tiraferri, Fausto Gresini and Kato’s father cut the ribbon and unveiled the name of the street.

Then they planted a cherry tree that Takashi Kato had directly brought from Japan, as a symbol of the tight relation between Misano, its community and Suzuka.

Motosprint remembered and honoured the 250cc Champion giving the prestigious prize “casco d’oro” to Kato’s father.

The world of motorsport was represented by Colin Edwards, the American rider that is racing for Gresini Racing starting from this season, Max Biaggi and Tamada. Unfortunately Sete Gibernau couldn’t attend the ceremony because of commitments taken with the sponsor during these days but he sent a message to express his desire to be with Daijiro’s family for this so important event.

Colin Edwards : “I met and raced with Daijiro in occasion of the 8 hours of Suzuka. I have a very good memory of Daijiro as a rider and as a person. Unfortunately after this tragic event it’s hard for his family to move on, this ceremony has a very special meaning to commemorate the Japanese Rider, a Champion and a friend.

Max Biaggi: “I really wanted to be here this morning because it’s a very special moment that I want to honour and commemorate, I’m here as a sport fan more than a rider. ”

Makoto Tamada, rider and close friend of Daijiro also attented the cerimony.

The Honda manufacturer attended too with Mr Negishi, President of Honda Italia, Mr. Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr. Irie, General Manager HRC for Europe, Mr Koinuma, Responsible of FPS Project and Carlo Fiorani, HRC Sport Manager.

Fausto Gresini thanked the Misano administration for the possibility of organizing this event and the Kato’s family for attending the cerimony.

Takashi Kato thanked the Misano Community by giving as a present a honda scooter with the number 74, a number that we won’t see on track anymore.



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Daijiro Kato Commemorated by Community of Misano

The community of the Adriatic town Misano, and the Gresini Racing Team chose the new road that leads to the entrance of the Misano Circuit as the street to bear the name of the late Daijiro Kato. The Japanese rider, 250cc World Champion in 2001, was a resident of Porto Verdi (Misano), close to the Gresini Racing department, while racing in Europe.

The commemoration ceremony began at 10.00 with the Mayor of Misano, Sandro Tiraferri, Fausto Gresini and Kato’s father, Takashi, cutting the ribbon to unveil the nameplate of the new street. The three men then planted a cherry tree that Takashi Kato had brought from Japan as a symbol of the firm relationship between Misano, its community and Suzuka.

Motosprint, Italy’s leading motorcycle magazine, remembered and honoured the 250cc World Champion presenting Kato’s father with the prestigious “Casco d’Oro” award.

The world of motorsport was represented at the ceremony by many of Kato’s team members, friends, and former rivals. Colin Edwards, the American rider who joined Gresini Racing for the 2004 season, Max Biaggi, and Kato’s close friend Makoto Tamada, attended. Sete Gibernau, Kato’s teammate was unable to be at the ceremony but sent a message to the family in attendance.

Colin Edwards: “I met and raced with Daijiro on occasions at the Suzuka 8 hours. I have a very good memory of Daijiro as a rider and as a person. Unfortunately after this tragic event it’s hard for his family to move on, this ceremony has a very special meaning to commemorate the Japanese Rider, a Champion and a friend.

Max Biaggi: “I really wanted to be here this morning because it’s a very special moment that I want to honour and commemorate, I’m here as a sport fan more than a rider.”

Honda Motor Co were represented by Mr. Negishi, President of Honda Italia, Mr. Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr. Irie, General Manager HRC Europe, Mr. Koinuma, Responsible for FPS Project and Carlo Fiorani, HRC Sport Manager.

Fausto Gresini thanked the Misano administration for the possibility of organizing this event and the Kato’s family for attending the ceremony. Takashi Kato thanked the Misano Community with the gift of a Honda scooter bearing Kato’s racing number 74, a number that has been permanently retired from grand prix racing.

From a press release issued by KTM:

KTM Bond Heavily Oversubscribed – Premature Closure of Issue

• Emission volume EUR 90 million
• 4.5 % Bond 2004-2009 of the KTM Group GmbH (“KTM”)


Vienna/Mattighofen: The subscription period for the EUR 90 million corporate bond issued by KTM was prematurely closed on 4 May 2004 – one day earlier than planned. According to the joint lead managers, Erste Bank and Raiffeisen Zentralbank, this was necessary due to strong retail demand. The bond was oversubscribed more than twice with foreign investors also showing a strong interest. The KTM bond is the first bond issued by an Austrian company to be offered to the public this year.

Following a ruling of the Vienna Stock Exchange on 4 May 2004 the KTM bond was admitted for regulated over-the-counter trading on the Vienna Stock Exchange. It will be listed for the first time on 11 May 2004.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Duhamel hoping to earn back all-time AMA Superbike wins leader title at Barber

Mladin and Duhamel battle for top spot in record books and championship

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 7, 2004) — Miguel Duhamel took pride in being the all-time wins leader in AMA Superbike racing. He wasn’t at all happy when defending champ Mat Mladin took that title from him last month at California Speedway. After winning with a thrilling last-turn pass in round five of the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship in Sonoma, Calif., Duhamel finds himself in a position to win back the all-time wins leader honors as the series heads to Birmingham, Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park on May 14-16, for the AMA Honda Superbike Classic — rounds six and seven of the 18-race series.

Mladin, the defending and four-time AMA Superbike champion, leads the championship coming into the Barber doubleheader. The Suzuki star opened the 2004 campaign with four-straight wins to build a strong series lead. And while many expected one of the Bostrom brothers, Ben and Eric, or Mladin’s teammate Aaron Yates to challenge Mladin for the title this season, so far it’s the 36-year-old veteran Duhamel who is keeping the speedy Aussie in sight. Duhamel credits his team and the new Honda CBR1000RR for his competitiveness.

“My Honda is so good that it’s making it easy for me to run a winning pace,” said Duhamel, who has 27-career AMA Superbike victories to Mladin’s record 28. “The team found a great set-up in testing at Barber that we actually used to win at Sears Point (Infineon Raceway). I was very much in the hunt at the track last year and think I had a good chance to win, so I’m confident that we can be competitive right off the truck next weekend.”

Duhamel says the battle with Mladin for the top spot in the AMA record books is good for the fans.

“I think Mat and I both have a lot of racing to do,” said the 1995 AMA Superbike champ. “So the final story of who will ultimately be the all-time wins leader won’t be settled for a long time. The good thing is that people have a rare opportunity to watch the top two riders, in term of wins, in the history of the series racing in the same era. That’s something that’s pretty rare in sports.

“For myself I would like to win back the all-time wins title, but even more importantly I’d like to win another championship. I think with all I’ve accomplished in the sport it would be a shame if I ended up with only one AMA Superbike Championship. This year things seem to be coming into place and hopefully by the end of the season I’ll have the opportunity to win a second title.”

Mladin finished fourth and third in the debut AMA Superbike doubleheader last year at Barber, but he was protecting his championship lead at that point. The 32-year-old Yoshimura Suzuki rider won’t have those constraints at the new circuit this year. He comes into the race with a 24-point lead over Duhamel.

“Our attention will now focus on the next round at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama,” Mladin said after the race in Sonoma, Calif. “We tested there not long ago and felt good with the package, so we’ll be heading there with the same determination and game plan as we did for this weekend.”

Mladin is the track record holder at Barber with a time of 1:23.176.

Mladin’s teammate Aaron Yates should be one of the favorites at Barber. The Georgian actually helped Barber officials design the track in its early stages of development and he’s comfortable on the scenic 2.3-mile course. Yates won the inaugural AMA Superbike event at Barber last year.

Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke is hoping to break through to win his first AMA Superbike race at Barber. Zemke had the second leg of Infineon Raceway doubleheader in the bag until Duhamel made an unbelievable last-lap charge and made up a two-second gap to steal the win.

“All I can say is I learned a valuable lesson,” said a disappointed Zemke after the race. “I won’t ever let up on the last lap again no matter how big of a lead I have.”

Zemke is in third, only three points behind Duhamel in the standings.

The Bostroms have been unexpectedly quiet so far this year. This will be Eric Bostrom’s first race at Barber. He missed last year’s race due to injury. His older brother Ben left Barber a bit embarrassed last season after crashing and taking out Honda teammate Duhamel in the process. Both riders are looking to Barber to make a major turnaround to their season.

Privateers are turning in solid performances in this year’s series. Atlanta’s Geoff May leads the way for the non-factory riders on his Team Prieto Racing Suzuki. May, last year’s AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year, is ranked a solid fourth in the championship coming into Barber. Empire Racing Suzuki’s Lee Acree is a close fifth.

AMA Honda Superbike Classic doubleheader races will be televised live on SPEED Channel. Saturday’s race will be shown at 4 pm Eastern and Sunday’s race at 4:30. For additional information contact (800) 240-2300 or visit www.barbermotorsports.com.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, May 13

3:00 – 7:00 – Registration: Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests

6:30 – Post-entry Closed for all Classes

3:00 – 7:30 – Tech Inspection

Friday, May 14

7:30 – 4:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests

8:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

8:30 – 9:05 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

9:10 – 9:40 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice

9:45 – 10:15 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei
Helmets Practice

10:20 – 11:10 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Practice

11:10 – 12:10 – Lunch Break

11:25 – Mandatory Rider Briefing for All Classes

12:10 – 12:45 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

12:50 – 1:20 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice

1:25 – 1:55 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei
Helmets Practice

2:00 – 2:50 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Practice

3:00 – 3:30 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group 1

3:40 – 4:10 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group 2

4:20 – 4:50 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Qualifying Group 1

5:00 – 5:30 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Qualifying Group 2

Saturday, May 15

7:30 – 3:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests

8:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

8:00 – 8:30 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

8:35 – 9:05 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice

9:10 – 9:40 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei
Helmets Practice

9:45 – 10:25 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Qualifying Group 1

10:35 – 11:15 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Qualifying Group 2

11:15 – 12:15 – Lunch Break

12:15 – 12:45 – AMA Repsol Superstock Qualifying Group 1

12:55 – 1:25 – AMA Repsol Superstock Qualifying Group 2

1:35 – 2:05 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei
Helmets Qualifying Group 1

2:15 – 2:45 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei
Helmets Qualifying Group 2

FINAL EVENTS:

3:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited
Race 1 (100K – 28 laps)

4:30 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme (60k – 17 laps)

Sunday, May 16

8:30 – 12:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests

9:00 – Tech Inspection Opens

9:00 – 9:40 – AMA Repsol Superstock Practice

9:50 – 10:30 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei
Helmets Practice

10:40 – 11:20 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts
Unlimited Practice

11:30 – 12:30 – Lunch Break

11:50 – Nondenominational Chapel Service

FINAL EVENTS:

12:30 – AMA Repsol Superstock Race (60k – 17 laps)

2:00 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets
(60k – 17 laps)

3:30 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited
Race 2 (100k – 28 laps)

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Brad Hagi, the Ducati North America Area Manager for California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii, underwent surgery today to repair a torn ACL and other ligament damage in his right knee.

Hagi initially damaged the knee in early March during a riding trip in Baja, but was not aware how serious the injury was. While walking his dog yesterday evening he twisted his knee and the resulting pain prompted a visit to an orthopedic surgeon who confirmed the damage and scheduled surgery.

Hagi hopes to be back in his office late next week.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! WHAT WILL YOU BID?

Four rides with Randy Mamola are up for grabs on the two seat MotoGP Ducati at the World Ducati Weekend in Misano, Italy on Sunday, May 23rd. The four highest offers over €500 will win the rides.

The rides are guaranteed to thrill – Randy will be on a MotoGP bike capable of speeds up to 200 mph. Where else can you experience what it is like to be a MotoGP rider?

The rides are held in support of Riders for Health’s pioneering work in Africa. Whoever rides behind Randy will help enable African health workers to carry on riding motorcycles over tough rural terrain, reaching people in need of vital health care.

The fee includes a weekend ticket for WDW, use of leathers and all protective clothing, plus medical checks. The fee does not include travel to and from the event, or accommodation. Weight limit is 90kg (198 lbs).

World Ducati Week 2004 the greatest Bike show on earth is about to get a whole lot better. Seven days of Ducati energy and non-stop activities on the renowned Santa Monica racetrack, with track rides from Monday to Sunday. Come experience seven days to change everything you know about motorcycling.

For more information, see www.WDW2004.com and www.riders.org

To make a bid, e-mail [email protected]

From a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

Viale Daijiro Kato Opening Ceremony

Misano Adriatico

The opening ceremony of Viale Daijiro Kato, the boulevard that will lead to the main entrance of the Santa Monica Circuit in Misano Adriatico, will take place on Saturday 8th May 2004, at 10:00 a.m.

After one year since his untimely death, the Mayer of Misano Adriatico, with the support of all the Gresini Racing staff, wished to remember the young Japanese rider with a street dedicated to him.

Twenty Japanese cherry trees have been chosen by Gresini Racing and the Comune of Misano Adriatico to decorate the boulevard as a clear symbol of Daijiro’s mother country.

The whole family of the Japanese rider will be present at the ceremony, starting form his parents Mr.Takashi and Mrs.Hatsumi Kato, his wife Mrs.Makiko together with his two children, Ikkoh and Rinka, and Mrs.Junko Mohri.

President Mr.Negishi will attend the ceremony as a representative of Honda Italia, whereas Mr.Tachikawa, HRC Team Manager, Mr.Irie, Euro-HRC General Manager! and Mr.Koinuma, Representative of the FPS Project will be present in the name of HRC – Honda Racing Corporation.

The Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda, together with rider Colin Edwards and Daijiro’s good friend Makoto Tamada, will gather round the 250cc Honda bike the Japanese rider was crowned World Champion with in 2001 and remember their dear lost friend. There will be also Max Biaggi, Roberto Rolfo and Andrea Dovizioso.

In memory of his brilliant career as a motorcycle rider, the Italian magazine “Motosprint” will donate to his Family the prestigious prize “Casco d’Oro”.

The ceremony is open to all the Honda motorcycle fans that will participate to the “Honda Family Festival”, taking place in the Circuit of Santa Monica. At the end of the ceremony, the motorcyclists are invited to ride through the boulevard in memory of the great rider, Daijiro Kato.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

RX-7 DUCATI HELMET BY ARAI

During the WDW2004 (World Ducati Weekend), Ducati and Arai will introduce a brand new helmet, the RX-7 Ducati. This new helmet is the result of a co-branding project developed by two market leaders.

Bologna, May 2004: Ducati and Arai, high-ranking companies in the motorcycle field, have joined their experience in a co-branding project, aimed at offering all Ducati riders a unique helmet in terms of style, quality and attention for detail.

This teamwork has given birth to the new RX-7 Ducati helmet by Arai, which combines the best of the two companies, both leaders in technology and style. The RX-7 Ducati helmet, manufactured using the most innovative materials, perfectly synthesizes their focus on quality and craftsmanship, which make this product incomparable and unique.

The project is based on the revolutionary SNC shell of the RX-7 Corsair helmet, which stands at the top of the range of Arai’s product line. Italy’s top designer Aldo Drudi has specially designed the smart and glamorous graphics for Ducati. Drudi, besides designing and supervising the Ducati Apparel Collection, has also designed many successful models for Arai.

The two Companies, proud of sharing all their successes with their customers, have planned the launch of the new helmet during the most important annual meeting for Ducati riders: the WDW. During this World Ducati Week, which will take place from the 17th to the 23rd of May at the Misano racetrack (Rimini, Italy), motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world will have the chance to try the RX-7 Ducati helmet in all sizes.

The new RX-7 Ducati helmet will be available beginning next fall, exclusively through the Ducati distribution network.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

FPR’s testing gain in Spain

Foggy PETRONAS Racing today completed a valuable one day test in the sunshine of Valencia in Spain.

Efforts were focused on mapping the engines that will be used for next weekend’s fourth round of the Superbike World Championship at Monza, which are expected to provide more consistency and reliability.

A further engine development stage is planned to be in use for the Laguna Seca round in July, when an increased power output is predicted.

The team worked through a comprehensive engine development testing schedule, but also achieved further progress with the PETRONAS FP1’s temperature management and rear suspension settings.

Chief Engineer, Steve Thompson, said: “We’ve achieved a very good amount in just one day of testing and are happy with the progress we’re making with the engine development and mapping. This has resulted in better drivability and improved cooling and, we’re pleased with the consistency from one engine to another.”

Former World Superbike Champion and bike development expert, Troy Corser, commented: “We’ve made a lot of changes to the mapping settings throughout the day and certainly made improvements all round, but particularly with the initial throttle opening. We’ve also been trying different variations with the rear suspension compression and rebound in order to increase grip and try to get better wear from the rear tyre, which is the same tyre as we used here for the race at the start of the season. It’s made a bit of difference but the tyre still isn’t lasting as long as we would like it to.”

And Chris Walker said: “This is the first time I’ve ridden the bike with the new engine developments and it looks promising. I’ve spent most of the day doing a few laps and then coming back into the garage to make some setting changes, but every time I’ve gone back out there has been an improvement with the bike. We came here to test different mapping settings and gain further data for the engine and cooling system, which we have done successfully, so it’s been a good day.”

From a press release issued by Proforma:

STAR MOTORCYCLE SCHOOL TO SPONSOR WERA NATIONAL CHALLENGE EVENTS AT VIRGINIA AND BARBER

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing has finalized an agreement for STAR Motorcycle School to be the presenting sponsor of the 2004 WERA National Challenge and Endurance Series events at Virginia International Raceway, May 20-23 and Barber Motorsports Park, September 24-26. In addition to the event sponsorships, STAR School will also award a free STAR School day to the winner of the National Challenge 600 Superstock Novice class at both rounds.

“The STAR School is pleased to continue our relationship with the WERA program,” said Mark Gallardo, co-owner of the STAR Motorcycle School with 2002 AMA Formula Xtreme champion Jason Pridmore. “It’s a great way for the us to reach racers, fans and sportbike enthusiasts of all levels and expose them to the benefits of attending a STAR school near them.”

Evelyne Clarke, president of WERA, said, “We’re pleased to have the STAR School back with us again for 2004. VIR and Barber are two of our most well-attended events, and the 600 Superstock Novice class continues to be one of the most exciting classes in WERA’s National Challenge Series.”

For more information on the STAR Motorcycle School, visit www.starmotorcycle.com.

For more information on WERA, visit www.wera.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Dunlop’s road racing manager Jim Allen and American Honda’s Ben Bostrom, Jake Zemke and Miguel Duhamel attended a Michelin tire test at Pikes Peak International Raceway Wednesday and Thursday, making a mockery of Dunlop’s pre-season claims that it needed to exclude Michelin teams from Dunlop team tests to maintain developmental secrecy.

Dunlop Vice President Mike Buckley–a member of the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors and until recently a member of the main AMA Board–broke up an AMA team-testing co-op over the winter by personally calling the managers of Dunlop teams and buying up the test dates they had shared with Michelin teams in an arrangement going back at least seven years. Buckley bought the dates for the express purpose of excluding Michelin teams and Michelin technicians.

After Roadracingworld.com exposed the buy-up, Dunlop issued statements quoting Buckley as saying that the company had to exclude engineers from competing brands to maintain developmental secrecy. Buckley also claimed that it was normal in MotoGP for tire companies to take the same position, although tire engineers from Michelin, Dunlop and Bridgestone all attended pre-season MotoGP tests with no apparent compromise in their development programs.

Michelin responded to the test date buy-up by seeking its own test dates with mixed success. A late-April date at Road America featured temperatures so cold Ducati’s Eric Bostrom complained that he couldn’t feel his fingers by the time the tires he was supposed to be testing came anywhere close to operating temperatures. And the company could not obtain any alternative dates at Infineon Raceway that worked logistically for Michelin teams. As a result of not testing at the Sonoma, California track, which has several recently repaved sections, Michelin teams were not competitive at last weekend’s AMA National there.

Michelin’s announcement of its own test dates included an invitation for non-Michelin teams to participate on a shared-cost basis; to date, Buell teams on Pirellis participated in a Michelin test last month at Barber and now Honda has participated at Pikes Peak, bringing Dunlop’s Allen and several Dunlop tire fitters to the two-day test.

Duhamel rode both his Formula Xtreme CBR600RR and his CBR1000RR Superbike at the test, while Ben Bostrom and Jake Zemke rode their Superbikes, all on Dunlops.

Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom rode his Ducati 999R on Michelins. Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp rode his Superstock GSX-R750 and his Supersport GSX-R600 on Michelins, while teammate Vincent Haskovec rode his Superstock GSX-R750 and his Formula Xtreme GSX-R600.

Rapp did the most laps during the two-day test, with 351 circuits of the tight Pikes Peaks racetrack. Haskovec did about 300 laps.

Random stopwatch timing caught Zemke fastest at 55.4, followed by Duhamel at 55.5, Ben Bostrom at 55.6, Eric Bostrom at 55.8, Rapp on his Superstock bike at 56.0 and Haskovec on his Superstock bike at 56.3.