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

PREVIEW GP OF FRANCE

It is the famous circuit Bugatti of Le Mans built in 1965 around the already existing 24 hours track to host the 3rd round of the MotoGP championship. The track was inaugurated in 1994 and hosted motorcycle Grand Prix from 1966 to 1995 and then underwent a complex restructuring before returning to host the GP of France 2000.

It is a historical circuit where there is a predomination of corners to attack in first gear, long brakings and sudden accelerations demanding a perfect setup. This layout also demands a good feeling through the front wheel of the bike, leading to good response through the changes of direction in the chicanes and playing a fundamental role in the harsh braking points which follow many fast corners. The most impressive part of the track is surely represented by the very fast right corner at the end of the main straight, followed by a chicane requiring a very quick change of speed – a part of the lap that requires a strong dose of courage and cold blood.

After Sete Gibernau’s victory at the Spanish GP, and after an intense preparation at Jerez last May 3rd and 4th, the Team Telefonica Movistar Honda MotoGp is ready for the third appointment of the Championship on the historical 24 Hours circuit.

#15 SETE GIBERNAU – THE RAIN MAGICIAN

“I must admit that until last year the Le Mans track was not amongst my favourites, as I had never obtained good results and never found a good feeling or rhythm. Last year though for the first time I really felt good and won the race on a wet track, we then stopped to test so I got to lap on a dry track and I admit I now have a good feeling at this circuit.

Thanks to the two added days of testing we did in Jerez after the Spanish GP, the bike setup in the dry is now much improved. Here we did some endurance testing, allowing us to better understand the bike prior to the next GP – I am coming to Le Mans with the determination and desire to repeat my victory.”

#45 COLIN EDWARDS

“To tell you the truth I really don’t know this circuit too well, I raced on it for the first time last year and it rained almost the entire time. It is a “start and go” track: sudden braking, small corners and strong accelerations. It isn’t really one of my favourite tracks but I am sure that together we can find the right setup for the characteristics of the French circuit.

After the 2 days testing at Jerez de la Frontera last 3rd and 4th of May I am eager to go to Le Mans. We learned many things regarding the bike and the new Michelin tyres, I now have a better feeling with my RC211V and it’s time to get the results. I am not satisfied at the outcome of the first two races, now I want a good result.”

FASUTO GRESINI, Team Manager

“After the victory of the Spanish GP we are going to Le Mans both successful and convinced of the potential we have available. Le Mans last year gave us a beautiful victory after a spectacular duel between Gibernau and Rossi. We do know it will not be easy – no race will be this year – but the Jerez victory is important for the moral of the entire Team. The two extra days at Jerez have been vital for the dry setup of the CR211V and I am satisfied with all of the work we have put in.

Sete Gibernau has once again demonstrated to be highly competitive, physically prepared and have exceptional concentration.

Colin Edwards still needs some running in order to find the correct setup with the bike, but we will wait for him as we know he is a top rider and we hope he can demonstrate all his potential as of the next GP”.

This photo from a tardy press release issued by Mike Summers shows Aaron Yates (right) joining fellow racers (from left) Shaun Summers, Chris Peris and Steve Rapp visiting a young patient in the University of California Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Sacramento, California, the week before the AMA National at Infineon Raceway.

That night Yates appeared with the others at a Sport Bike Night organized by Mike Summers at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Sacramento.

Yates, himself a father of two young children, said after the hospital visit “this makes you appreciate what you have when your kids are healthy”.

From a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

Luis d´Antin gave a speech at the ‘Pontificia’ University of Communication in Salamanca regarding the management of sport.

Together with Team D’Antin’s Moto GP owner, José Luis Astiazarán, (Football Club Real Sociedad’s President) and Javier Calatayud, (Balonmano??? Club of Ciudad Real’s Vice-President) were present, whilst TVE’s Sergio Fuentes moderated the meeting. D’Antin spoke about the commercial and sport’s objectives in motorcycling and the need of finding and forming new riders. He also talked about the importance of the human side of motorcycling, despite the major role played by the machines implied and of the increasing value of money invested of which 70% comes from direct sponsorship.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Multiple-Event Terrorism Drill a Success at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Sonoma and Marin County Fire Training Officers came together on Saturday at Infineon Raceway for the largest-ever two-county terrorism drill in Northern California.

The Mutual Aid Drill (MAD) simulated a multiple-event terrorism incident and involved nearly 400 responders from law, fire, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and a multitude of other agencies from Marin and Sonoma counties. There were more than 40 agencies (local, county, state and federal) involved, in all.

The “mock disaster” began at 1 p.m., when a chemical agent was released in the south end of the main grandstand at Infineon Raceway, the largest motor sports and entertainment venue in the North Bay. The 400 responders from Marin and Sonoma counties then went into action to diffuse the situation. The objective of the exercise was to test and improve unified command for both Marin and Sonoma counties in the event of a catastrophic incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

“The purpose of this training was to identify any weaknesses in our Weapons of Mass Destruction response plan, and this allowed us to improve on that plan in all areas, from quicker response times to faster security of the areas,” said JW Seely, captain with Sonoma County Emergency Services.



In addition to the nearly 400 responders and more than 40 agencies, the exercise also featured:


* Latest in terrorism preparedness and response.

* Four hours of participant training prior to the exercise (8
a.m.-noon).

* Three Hazardous Materials Teams and the 95th Civil Support
Team (WMD).

* Fifty victims simulating various types of injuries.

* Utilization of new equipment from Homeland Security Grants

(i.e. – New Sonoma County Incident Command Vehicle).

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.