From a press release issued by Michelin North America:
Michelin MotoGP star Colin Edwards will be the featured guest on Speed TV’s “2 Wheel Tuesday,” airing on Dec. 2 at 10:30 p.m. EST, with a re-air Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. EST.
Viewers can e-mail questions for the two-time World Superbike Champion, who joins the Telefonica MoviStar Honda team in 2004, to [email protected].
From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports:
America’s Legendary Daredevil Evel Knievel to make appearance and sign autographs at the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo and the National Arenacross Series
AURORA, Ill. (November 26, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that American Legendary Daredevil Evel Knievel will make appearances at the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo in conjunction with the Miller Lite National Arenacross Series at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas on January 2-4.
The Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo will be held in conjunction with the 20th annual arenacross race with professional racing Friday and Saturday nights and the amateur championships Sunday afternoon. The expo will feature 2004 line-up of Motorcycles, ATV’s, Scooters from most major manufacturers along with a wide variety of high-performance and aftermarket products.
“This will be a huge weekend for fans to have the opportunity to meet Evel Knievel who is without a doubt the greatest daredevil of all time,” said Mike Kidd, vice president of Arenacross, Clear Channel Entertainment. “We are honored to have Evel be part of our motorcycle weekend that has something for the entire family.”
Knievel will make appearances all three days of the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo that will show his Rocket Powered Skycycle used for the Snake River Canyon jump along with his XR-750cc Harley-Davidson used to make his final three jumps in 1975. The Evel Knievel display will also have other memorabilia from Evel’s daredevil career.
Knievel began his daredevil career in 1965 and soon became the most recognizable name in the business. Some of his noteworthy events include:
Jan. 1, 1968 – Crashed in an attempt to clear the fountains at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Jan. 8, 1971 – Cleared 13 cars, he drew a then record crowd to the Houston Astrodome.
Feb. 28, 1971 – Set World record at Ontario, CA by jumping 19 Dodge cars.
May 10, 1971 – Crashed in an attempt to clear 13 Pepsi Cola trucks in Yakima, WA
March 3, 1972 – Suffered serious injury in San Francisco’s Cow Palace when his motorcycle crashed in a very difficult landing area.
Feb. 18, 1973 – Taking off from the highest ski-style jump ramp ever used he thrilled the crowd of 35,000 by flying over 50 cars stacked in the center of the Los Angeles Coliseum.
August 20, 1974 – Soared 135 feet over 13 eight foot wide Mack Trucks at the Canadian National Exposition.
Sept. 8, 1974 – After two unsuccessful unmanned test flights Evel decided to keep his word to his fans and risked his life in a specially constructed rocket powered “Skycycle” in an attempt to clear the Snake River Canyon in Idaho. Even though he made it across the quarter mile wide chasm, strong winds blew the malfunctioning parachute back into the canyon, landing just a few feet from the swirling river in which he would have surely drowned.
May 31, 1975 – A record crowd of over 90,000 at Wembley Stadium in London, England watched as Evel crashed upon landing, breaking his pelvis after clearing 13 double-tiered buses.
October 25, 1975 – Defiant after the Wembley crash, Evel successfully jumped 14 Greyhound buses at King’s Island in Ohio. This ABC Wide World of Sports telecast still holds the all time audience record of a 52% viewing audience.
His popularity caught the attention of Warner Brothers, and they produced two major motion pictures on his life: “Evel Knievel” starring George Hamilton as Evel in his life story and “Viva Knievel”, a thriller starring Evel as himself.
The Evel Knievel motorcycle and memorabilia display by the Smithsonian Institute in their Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. has immortalized him as America’s Legendary Daredevil.
Tickets for the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo and the Miller Lite National Arenacross Series are now available at all ticketmaster outlets, participating Kawasaki dealers, or charge by phone at 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700. Tickets will be available at the Will Rogers Coliseum Box Office on the day of the show. Tickets for the National Arenacross Series are $25 and $18 for Adults on Friday and Saturday and $12 on Sunday. Children ages 2 – 12 are only $5 on Friday night and free all weekend to the expo. Adults can save BIG when they purchase a combo tickets to the expo and arenacross.
From a press release issued by No Limit Motor Sports Suzuki:
The final touches have been put on plans for the No Limit Motor Sports – Suzuki team for the 2004 AMA Superbike Series.
After a year as a Honda Support team, No Limit made the switch to Suzuki. The team will field three riders in three classes for the upcoming season.
* Jason Pridmore will race Superbike, and Formula Extreme 600.
* Jimmy Moore will race Super Stock 1000 and Formula Extreme 600.
* Jason Curtis will race Super Stock 1000 and in selected Superbike races.
With the able assistance of Richard Alexander in the position of Team Coordinator, the team has began assembling some top-notch mechanics, and support personnel to augment the administrative group that has served the team so well during the past two seasons.
Crew Chief Jeremy Daniel, Engine Builder John Ethel and Race Technician Ryan Landers are currently in place in the No Limit Motorsports Race Shop, anxiously awaiting the delivery of their motorcycles. The rest of the team will be in place by the end of next week.
Look for an update to our team website at:
www.nolimitmotorsports.com
No Limit thanks all their sponsors that helped them through a difficult 2003 season, and as well those that are on board for the 2004 effort. And thanks to the fans that supported the team all year.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Kawasaki tested Monday at Willow Springs Raceway with riders Tommy Hayden, Roger Hayden and Tony Meiring.
New signing Josh Hayes was not at the Willow Springs test.
From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
AMA PRO RACING AWARDS BANQUET WRAPS UP 2003 RACING SEASON
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Nov. 25, 2003) — The annual AMA Pro Racing Awards banquet on Saturday at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas brought a dazzling close to the 2003 AMA Pro Racing season. This year’s sold-out gala was attended by nearly 800 fans, riders and members of the motorcycle industry. Champions from all disciplines of racing were crowned.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year Award to five-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr. Carr received a specially engraved Rolex watch and a crystal trophy in commemoration of his achievement. Also earning special awards Saturday night were Jeff Ward, the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year and Steve McBride who won the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence. Longtime AMA Motocross Manager Duke Finch was also given a special award of merit for his years of service with AMA Pro Racing.
Carr broke through to win his first AMA Speed Channel Pro Athlete of the Year Award this year in his sixth time of being nominated. Carr, 36, of Fleetwood, Pa., became only the second rider in a half-century of AMA Grand National competition to win five championships. He is the winningest active rider in the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship with 62-career national victories.
Jeff Ward, one of the all-time greats in AMA Motocross and Supercross, came back to AMA Pro Racing after over a decade’s absence and won this year’s AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year. ‘Wardy’ was a tireless ambassador for the new AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. He worked hard to promote the series and was the leading winner in the regular season standings with the Troy Lee Designs Honda squad.
Steve McBride, crew chief for his brother AMA Prostar standout Larry “Spiderman” McBride, earned the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence. McBride, 47, has been building drag racing rigs for over 20 years. This year Larry McBride won the AMA Prostar Top Fuel Championship and set numerous records on a Kawasaki-based bike built by Steve.
2003 AMA Pro Racing Champions
Special Presentations
Chris Carr, AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year
Jeff Ward, AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year
Steve McBride, AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence
AMA Supercross/Motocross Championships
Ricky Carmichael, AMA 250 Supercross
Ricky Carmichael, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 250 Motocross
Grant Langston, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 125 Motocross
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, AMA U.S. Motocross/Supercross Championship Manufacturer of the Year
Brian Gray, AMA U.S. Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year
Branden Jesseman, AMA 125 East Supercross
James Stewart Jr., AMA 125 West Supercross
Josh Demuth, AMA National Arenacross
Ricky Carmichael & American Honda Motor Corporation, Inc., AMA Pro Racing Cross Team Cup
Mike Gosselaar, AMA Supercross Series Crew Member of the Year
Mike Gosselaar, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 250 Motocross Championship Crew Member of the Year
Mike Williamson, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 125 Motocross Championship Crew Member of the Year
AMA Superbike Championships
Mat Mladin, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike
American Suzuki Motor Corporation, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Manufacturer of the Year
Geoff May, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Rookie of the Year
Jamie Hacking, AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport presented by Shoei
Joshua Kurt Hayes, AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
Ben Spies, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme
Rich Oliver, AMA MBNA 250 Grand Prix
Mat Mladin & Yoshimura Suzuki, AMA Pro Racing Superbike Team Cup
Reg O’Rourke, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
Henry Yokota, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
John Asher, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
Peter Doyle, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
Jefferson Burks, AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Crew Member of the Year
Jeff Myers, AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Crew Member of the Year
Tom Houseworth, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
Mitch Leonard, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
Steve Meyer, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
John Jackson, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
Paul Kahtava, AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series Crew Member of the Year
Stephen Rezmer, AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series Crew Member of the Year
Robert Ward, AMA MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series Crew Member of the Year
AMA Flat Track Championships
Chris Carr, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship Manufacturer of the Year
John Raun Wood, Ricky Graham AMA U.S. Flat Track Rookie of the Year
Scott Scherb, AMA Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
George Roeder II, AMA 750/1000 Hot Shoe
Thomas McGrane Jr., AMA 505 Expert Hot Shoe
Robert Lewis Jr., AMA HDSP 883 Hot Shoe
Logan Myers, AMA 505 Pro Sport Hot Shoe
Chris Carr & Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing Team, AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Team Cup
Kenny Tolbert, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship Crew Member of the Year
Al Simons, AMA Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Championship Crew Member of the Year
AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championships
Ben Bostrom, AMA Supermoto
Red Bull HMC KTM Supermoto Racing Team 1, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Team
Grant Langston, AMA Supermoto Unlimited
Red Bull HMC KTM Supermoto Racing Team 1, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Unlimited Team
Mike Alessi, AMA Honda Red Riders Junior Supermoto Challenge
Red Bull HMC KTM Supermoto Racing Team 1, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Team Cup
Rick Boyles, AMA Supermoto Crew Member of the Year
Mark Braunwalder, AMA Supermoto Crew Member of the Year
Gary Medley, AMA Supermoto Unlimited Crew Member of the Year
AMA U.S. Hillclimb Championships
David Watson, AMA U.S. 540 Hillclimb presented by Pace American Inc.
David Watson, AMA U.S. 800 Hillclimb presented by Pace American Inc.
Dan Watson, AMA U.S. Hillclimb 800 Championship presented by Pace American Inc., Crew Member of the Year
Dan Watson, AMA U.S. Hillclimb 540 Championship presented by Pace American Inc., Crew Member of the Year
AMA Prostar Championships
Chip Hunter, AMA Prostar 600 SuperSport
Chip Ellis, AMA Prostar Formula Superbike
Travis Davis, AMA Prostar Funnybike
Mark Underwood, AMA Prostar Hot Rod Cruiser
Charlie Farrar, AMA Prostar Pro Mod
Keith Dennis, AMA Prostar Pro Stock
Rickey Gadson, AMA Prostar Streetbike Shootout
Larry McBride, AMA Prostar Top Fuel
From a press release issued by Aprilia:
TEST SESSION AT JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA/2nd DAY
SHANE BYRNE AT HIS DEBUT ON THE RSCUBE
JEREZ – After the heavy rain that spoiled yesterday’s test session, today the weather was much better. Even if the track was still wet, Shane Byrne made his debut on the RS Cube. Despite two small sliding (crashes) due to the wet track, the 26 years old rider made 62 laps with good results: becoming familiar with the RS Cube was the most important thing to him.
Shane has been impressed by the RS Cube: “I was riding at 12,000 rpm and I was thinking that the bike was incredibly fast. Than I realised that I had extra 4500 rpm at my disposal! I opened the gas and I discovered that the Cube has much more power and an incredible potential in power, torque and acceleration. That’s amazing, this bike is really fast!”
While Shane Byrne was riding on the Cube for the first time, Marcellino Lucchi, the Aprilia test rider, was riding the new bike that will be used next season.
Lucchi made a lot of laps testing the new material, so the aim was to make as many laps as possible.
Today was an interesting test session also for the 250cc rider Randy De Puniet. In this occasion he could test the new material tested in Valencia immediately after the GP. The results were very good as we can see from his best lap time 1:45.1. Tomorrow it’s the turn of Poggiali: he will test the new material too.
A good work also for Ui with his 250 “kit” and Locatelli with the 125cc of the LCR team.
Tuesday’s testing lap times:
Shane Byrne (Aprilia MGP) 1:46.7 62 laps
Randy De Puniet (250) 1:45.1 50 laps
Manuel Poggiali (250) 1:46.4 60 laps
Youichi Ui (250) 1:47.6 60 laps
Roberto Locatelli (125) 1:48.6 60 laps
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Yamaha riders Jamie Hacking, Jason DiSalvo, Damon Buckmaster and Aaron Gobert are currently testing at California Speedway and are scheduled to continue the two-day test tomorrow, November 26th.
Reliable sources say all four riders will be testing the 2004 Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 in Superstock trim for the first time.
From a press release issued by FGSport:
The World Superbike Championship will “race” at the Bologna Motor Show for its fans
4th – 14th December 2003
Superbike World Championship fans will not have to wait until the new season starts next February in Valencia, Spain as it will “race” at the Bologna Motor Show from 4th to 14th December.
This extraordinary event is the result of extensive cooperation between FGSPORT and Promotor to continue the tradition of taking Superbike, its riders and teams directly to the fans and offering them both access and insight into the series that has generated so much passion, excitement and enjoyment over many years.
In a dramatic and significant achievement, the international paddock will be transplanted to one of the main halls at the Bologna Motor Show creating an epic and dynamic arena for fans of the sport. Fans will feel right at home inside the 1,200 square meter paddock that will contain the following exciting elements:
. 7 teams will present their racing trucks and bikes that have been competing in the 2003 season: Ducati Fila, Ducati NCR, Suzuki Alstare, Kawasaki Bertocchi, PSG-1, Ten Kate Honda, Yamaha Belgarda.
. 15 riders will be present, including: Neil Hodgson Superbike 2003 World Champion, Ruben Xaus second in the final standings, Regis Laconi and James Toseland Ducati Fila new signing for 2004, Lorenzo Lanzi, the young new entry climbing the Supersport ladder, David Garcia who flies the Ducati NCR flag, Mauro Sanchini 2003 Italian Champion together with team mates Ivan Clementi and Stefano Cruciani who will be riding the Kawasaki Bertocchi machines next year, the lion Pierfrancesco Chili, the PSG-1 standard-bearer, Chris Vermeulen, 2003 Supersport World Champion together with Brock Parkes, the Ten Kate Honda rider and Jurgen Van den Goorbergh from Yamaha Belgarda. Alstare Suzuki will be present with Vittorio Iannuzzo and Michel Fabrizio.
. Pirelli, the official tyre supplier of the 2004 Superbike and Supersport World Championships will be present with a full race service truck and will organize promotional events and activities for the public.
. And something special for the first time – a real novelty in the form of bike and car together for the joy of the fans. A BMW M5, the first example of the exciting new race series SUPERSTARS will be on show for the public. The racing car has already been presented to a selected number of tuners and drivers at the Vallelunga Circuit in early November.
The heart as usual, will be the SBK Ring where the riders, following the SBK philosophy of public engagement, will be at disposal of all the motorcycle fans for interviews, autographs and talks on 7 and 8 December.
The leading spirit of this extraordinary event will be Giovanni Di Pillo with Nuvolari, the broadcasting TV station that will have a permanent presence in the Superbike zone.
FGSPORT invites all fans to this extraordinary event that will undoubtedly be the highlight of the break between seasons.
From a press release issued by Aprilia:
TEST SESSION AT JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA/1st DAY
LUCCHI IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CHALLENGES THE HEAVY RAIN
The heavy rain prevented the activity scheduled for the first day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera in South Spain.
Even if the visibility on track was really reduced, the test rider Marcellino Lucchi made about ten laps riding the Rscube under the rain. Whereas Shane Byrne, the English SBK champion who will ride next year for Aprilia has postponed until tomorrow his debut on the Rscube.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast for tomorrow is still bad, while it is expected an improvement starting from Wednesday.
Together with the MOTOGP team, at Jerez there are also Manuel Poggiali, the new Aprilia 250cc Champion with his team run by Rossano Brazzi, and some other Aprilia riders such as De Puniet, Locatelli (125cc) and Ui, with his 250 “kit”.
They have waited the whole day without the possibility of going out on track.
All activities have been rescheduled for tomorrow.
From a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati:
SECOND DAY OF TESTING AT JEREZ FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM
Jerez (Spain) – Tuesday 25 November 2003 – Ducati Marlboro Team MotoGP testing – On the second day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera for the Ducati Marlboro Team, Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss completed 26 and 52 laps respectively with the Ducati Desmosedici after trying out a number of components for the 2004 version. The two Ducati riders had been quickest during qualifying for last May’s Spanish GP.
Yesterday’s rain made track conditions damp and slippery and despite the weather not being perfect (air 18° C max / track 24° C max), Capirossi and Bayliss today both recorded positive lap times. Loris’s quickest time was 1:44.28, while Troy got down to 1:44.33.
Tomorrow will see the third and final day of testing and an improvement in the conditions will surely enable the Ducati Marlboro Team to improve on their lap times.
From a press release issued by Michelin North America:
Michelin MotoGP star Colin Edwards will be the featured guest on Speed TV’s “2 Wheel Tuesday,” airing on Dec. 2 at 10:30 p.m. EST, with a re-air Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. EST.
Viewers can e-mail questions for the two-time World Superbike Champion, who joins the Telefonica MoviStar Honda team in 2004, to [email protected].
From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports:
America’s Legendary Daredevil Evel Knievel to make appearance and sign autographs at the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo and the National Arenacross Series
AURORA, Ill. (November 26, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that American Legendary Daredevil Evel Knievel will make appearances at the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo in conjunction with the Miller Lite National Arenacross Series at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas on January 2-4.
The Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo will be held in conjunction with the 20th annual arenacross race with professional racing Friday and Saturday nights and the amateur championships Sunday afternoon. The expo will feature 2004 line-up of Motorcycles, ATV’s, Scooters from most major manufacturers along with a wide variety of high-performance and aftermarket products.
“This will be a huge weekend for fans to have the opportunity to meet Evel Knievel who is without a doubt the greatest daredevil of all time,” said Mike Kidd, vice president of Arenacross, Clear Channel Entertainment. “We are honored to have Evel be part of our motorcycle weekend that has something for the entire family.”
Knievel will make appearances all three days of the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo that will show his Rocket Powered Skycycle used for the Snake River Canyon jump along with his XR-750cc Harley-Davidson used to make his final three jumps in 1975. The Evel Knievel display will also have other memorabilia from Evel’s daredevil career.
Knievel began his daredevil career in 1965 and soon became the most recognizable name in the business. Some of his noteworthy events include:
Jan. 1, 1968 – Crashed in an attempt to clear the fountains at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Jan. 8, 1971 – Cleared 13 cars, he drew a then record crowd to the Houston Astrodome.
Feb. 28, 1971 – Set World record at Ontario, CA by jumping 19 Dodge cars.
May 10, 1971 – Crashed in an attempt to clear 13 Pepsi Cola trucks in Yakima, WA
March 3, 1972 – Suffered serious injury in San Francisco’s Cow Palace when his motorcycle crashed in a very difficult landing area.
Feb. 18, 1973 – Taking off from the highest ski-style jump ramp ever used he thrilled the crowd of 35,000 by flying over 50 cars stacked in the center of the Los Angeles Coliseum.
August 20, 1974 – Soared 135 feet over 13 eight foot wide Mack Trucks at the Canadian National Exposition.
Sept. 8, 1974 – After two unsuccessful unmanned test flights Evel decided to keep his word to his fans and risked his life in a specially constructed rocket powered “Skycycle” in an attempt to clear the Snake River Canyon in Idaho. Even though he made it across the quarter mile wide chasm, strong winds blew the malfunctioning parachute back into the canyon, landing just a few feet from the swirling river in which he would have surely drowned.
May 31, 1975 – A record crowd of over 90,000 at Wembley Stadium in London, England watched as Evel crashed upon landing, breaking his pelvis after clearing 13 double-tiered buses.
October 25, 1975 – Defiant after the Wembley crash, Evel successfully jumped 14 Greyhound buses at King’s Island in Ohio. This ABC Wide World of Sports telecast still holds the all time audience record of a 52% viewing audience.
His popularity caught the attention of Warner Brothers, and they produced two major motion pictures on his life: “Evel Knievel” starring George Hamilton as Evel in his life story and “Viva Knievel”, a thriller starring Evel as himself.
The Evel Knievel motorcycle and memorabilia display by the Smithsonian Institute in their Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. has immortalized him as America’s Legendary Daredevil.
Tickets for the Dallas/Fort Worth BikeFest & Expo and the Miller Lite National Arenacross Series are now available at all ticketmaster outlets, participating Kawasaki dealers, or charge by phone at 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700. Tickets will be available at the Will Rogers Coliseum Box Office on the day of the show. Tickets for the National Arenacross Series are $25 and $18 for Adults on Friday and Saturday and $12 on Sunday. Children ages 2 – 12 are only $5 on Friday night and free all weekend to the expo. Adults can save BIG when they purchase a combo tickets to the expo and arenacross.
From a press release issued by No Limit Motor Sports Suzuki:
The final touches have been put on plans for the No Limit Motor Sports – Suzuki team for the 2004 AMA Superbike Series.
After a year as a Honda Support team, No Limit made the switch to Suzuki. The team will field three riders in three classes for the upcoming season.
* Jason Pridmore will race Superbike, and Formula Extreme 600.
* Jimmy Moore will race Super Stock 1000 and Formula Extreme 600.
* Jason Curtis will race Super Stock 1000 and in selected Superbike races.
With the able assistance of Richard Alexander in the position of Team Coordinator, the team has began assembling some top-notch mechanics, and support personnel to augment the administrative group that has served the team so well during the past two seasons.
Crew Chief Jeremy Daniel, Engine Builder John Ethel and Race Technician Ryan Landers are currently in place in the No Limit Motorsports Race Shop, anxiously awaiting the delivery of their motorcycles. The rest of the team will be in place by the end of next week.
Look for an update to our team website at:
www.nolimitmotorsports.com
No Limit thanks all their sponsors that helped them through a difficult 2003 season, and as well those that are on board for the 2004 effort. And thanks to the fans that supported the team all year.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Kawasaki tested Monday at Willow Springs Raceway with riders Tommy Hayden, Roger Hayden and Tony Meiring.
New signing Josh Hayes was not at the Willow Springs test.
From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
AMA PRO RACING AWARDS BANQUET WRAPS UP 2003 RACING SEASON
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Nov. 25, 2003) — The annual AMA Pro Racing Awards banquet on Saturday at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas brought a dazzling close to the 2003 AMA Pro Racing season. This year’s sold-out gala was attended by nearly 800 fans, riders and members of the motorcycle industry. Champions from all disciplines of racing were crowned.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year Award to five-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr. Carr received a specially engraved Rolex watch and a crystal trophy in commemoration of his achievement. Also earning special awards Saturday night were Jeff Ward, the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year and Steve McBride who won the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence. Longtime AMA Motocross Manager Duke Finch was also given a special award of merit for his years of service with AMA Pro Racing.
Carr broke through to win his first AMA Speed Channel Pro Athlete of the Year Award this year in his sixth time of being nominated. Carr, 36, of Fleetwood, Pa., became only the second rider in a half-century of AMA Grand National competition to win five championships. He is the winningest active rider in the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship with 62-career national victories.
Jeff Ward, one of the all-time greats in AMA Motocross and Supercross, came back to AMA Pro Racing after over a decade’s absence and won this year’s AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year. ‘Wardy’ was a tireless ambassador for the new AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. He worked hard to promote the series and was the leading winner in the regular season standings with the Troy Lee Designs Honda squad.
Steve McBride, crew chief for his brother AMA Prostar standout Larry “Spiderman” McBride, earned the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence. McBride, 47, has been building drag racing rigs for over 20 years. This year Larry McBride won the AMA Prostar Top Fuel Championship and set numerous records on a Kawasaki-based bike built by Steve.
2003 AMA Pro Racing Champions
Special Presentations
Chris Carr, AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year
Jeff Ward, AMA Pro Racing Sportsman of the Year
Steve McBride, AMA Pro Racing Award of Mechanical Excellence
AMA Supercross/Motocross Championships
Ricky Carmichael, AMA 250 Supercross
Ricky Carmichael, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 250 Motocross
Grant Langston, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 125 Motocross
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, AMA U.S. Motocross/Supercross Championship Manufacturer of the Year
Brian Gray, AMA U.S. Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year
Branden Jesseman, AMA 125 East Supercross
James Stewart Jr., AMA 125 West Supercross
Josh Demuth, AMA National Arenacross
Ricky Carmichael & American Honda Motor Corporation, Inc., AMA Pro Racing Cross Team Cup
Mike Gosselaar, AMA Supercross Series Crew Member of the Year
Mike Gosselaar, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 250 Motocross Championship Crew Member of the Year
Mike Williamson, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. 125 Motocross Championship Crew Member of the Year
AMA Superbike Championships
Mat Mladin, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike
American Suzuki Motor Corporation, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Manufacturer of the Year
Geoff May, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Rookie of the Year
Jamie Hacking, AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport presented by Shoei
Joshua Kurt Hayes, AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
Ben Spies, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme
Rich Oliver, AMA MBNA 250 Grand Prix
Mat Mladin & Yoshimura Suzuki, AMA Pro Racing Superbike Team Cup
Reg O’Rourke, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
Henry Yokota, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
John Asher, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
Peter Doyle, AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Crew Member of the Year
Jefferson Burks, AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Crew Member of the Year
Jeff Myers, AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Crew Member of the Year
Tom Houseworth, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
Mitch Leonard, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
Steve Meyer, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
John Jackson, AMA Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series Crew Member of the Year
Paul Kahtava, AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series Crew Member of the Year
Stephen Rezmer, AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series Crew Member of the Year
Robert Ward, AMA MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series Crew Member of the Year
AMA Flat Track Championships
Chris Carr, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship Manufacturer of the Year
John Raun Wood, Ricky Graham AMA U.S. Flat Track Rookie of the Year
Scott Scherb, AMA Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
George Roeder II, AMA 750/1000 Hot Shoe
Thomas McGrane Jr., AMA 505 Expert Hot Shoe
Robert Lewis Jr., AMA HDSP 883 Hot Shoe
Logan Myers, AMA 505 Pro Sport Hot Shoe
Chris Carr & Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing Team, AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Team Cup
Kenny Tolbert, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship Crew Member of the Year
Al Simons, AMA Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Championship Crew Member of the Year
AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championships
Ben Bostrom, AMA Supermoto
Red Bull HMC KTM Supermoto Racing Team 1, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Team
Grant Langston, AMA Supermoto Unlimited
Red Bull HMC KTM Supermoto Racing Team 1, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Unlimited Team
Mike Alessi, AMA Honda Red Riders Junior Supermoto Challenge
Red Bull HMC KTM Supermoto Racing Team 1, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Team Cup
Rick Boyles, AMA Supermoto Crew Member of the Year
Mark Braunwalder, AMA Supermoto Crew Member of the Year
Gary Medley, AMA Supermoto Unlimited Crew Member of the Year
AMA U.S. Hillclimb Championships
David Watson, AMA U.S. 540 Hillclimb presented by Pace American Inc.
David Watson, AMA U.S. 800 Hillclimb presented by Pace American Inc.
Dan Watson, AMA U.S. Hillclimb 800 Championship presented by Pace American Inc., Crew Member of the Year
Dan Watson, AMA U.S. Hillclimb 540 Championship presented by Pace American Inc., Crew Member of the Year
AMA Prostar Championships
Chip Hunter, AMA Prostar 600 SuperSport
Chip Ellis, AMA Prostar Formula Superbike
Travis Davis, AMA Prostar Funnybike
Mark Underwood, AMA Prostar Hot Rod Cruiser
Charlie Farrar, AMA Prostar Pro Mod
Keith Dennis, AMA Prostar Pro Stock
Rickey Gadson, AMA Prostar Streetbike Shootout
Larry McBride, AMA Prostar Top Fuel
From a press release issued by Aprilia:
TEST SESSION AT JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA/2nd DAY
SHANE BYRNE AT HIS DEBUT ON THE RSCUBE
JEREZ – After the heavy rain that spoiled yesterday’s test session, today the weather was much better. Even if the track was still wet, Shane Byrne made his debut on the RS Cube. Despite two small sliding (crashes) due to the wet track, the 26 years old rider made 62 laps with good results: becoming familiar with the RS Cube was the most important thing to him.
Shane has been impressed by the RS Cube: “I was riding at 12,000 rpm and I was thinking that the bike was incredibly fast. Than I realised that I had extra 4500 rpm at my disposal! I opened the gas and I discovered that the Cube has much more power and an incredible potential in power, torque and acceleration. That’s amazing, this bike is really fast!”
While Shane Byrne was riding on the Cube for the first time, Marcellino Lucchi, the Aprilia test rider, was riding the new bike that will be used next season.
Lucchi made a lot of laps testing the new material, so the aim was to make as many laps as possible.
Today was an interesting test session also for the 250cc rider Randy De Puniet. In this occasion he could test the new material tested in Valencia immediately after the GP. The results were very good as we can see from his best lap time 1:45.1. Tomorrow it’s the turn of Poggiali: he will test the new material too.
A good work also for Ui with his 250 “kit” and Locatelli with the 125cc of the LCR team.
Tuesday’s testing lap times:
Shane Byrne (Aprilia MGP) 1:46.7 62 laps
Randy De Puniet (250) 1:45.1 50 laps
Manuel Poggiali (250) 1:46.4 60 laps
Youichi Ui (250) 1:47.6 60 laps
Roberto Locatelli (125) 1:48.6 60 laps
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Yamaha riders Jamie Hacking, Jason DiSalvo, Damon Buckmaster and Aaron Gobert are currently testing at California Speedway and are scheduled to continue the two-day test tomorrow, November 26th.
Reliable sources say all four riders will be testing the 2004 Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 in Superstock trim for the first time.
From a press release issued by FGSport:
The World Superbike Championship will “race” at the Bologna Motor Show for its fans
4th – 14th December 2003
Superbike World Championship fans will not have to wait until the new season starts next February in Valencia, Spain as it will “race” at the Bologna Motor Show from 4th to 14th December.
This extraordinary event is the result of extensive cooperation between FGSPORT and Promotor to continue the tradition of taking Superbike, its riders and teams directly to the fans and offering them both access and insight into the series that has generated so much passion, excitement and enjoyment over many years.
In a dramatic and significant achievement, the international paddock will be transplanted to one of the main halls at the Bologna Motor Show creating an epic and dynamic arena for fans of the sport. Fans will feel right at home inside the 1,200 square meter paddock that will contain the following exciting elements:
. 7 teams will present their racing trucks and bikes that have been competing in the 2003 season: Ducati Fila, Ducati NCR, Suzuki Alstare, Kawasaki Bertocchi, PSG-1, Ten Kate Honda, Yamaha Belgarda.
. 15 riders will be present, including: Neil Hodgson Superbike 2003 World Champion, Ruben Xaus second in the final standings, Regis Laconi and James Toseland Ducati Fila new signing for 2004, Lorenzo Lanzi, the young new entry climbing the Supersport ladder, David Garcia who flies the Ducati NCR flag, Mauro Sanchini 2003 Italian Champion together with team mates Ivan Clementi and Stefano Cruciani who will be riding the Kawasaki Bertocchi machines next year, the lion Pierfrancesco Chili, the PSG-1 standard-bearer, Chris Vermeulen, 2003 Supersport World Champion together with Brock Parkes, the Ten Kate Honda rider and Jurgen Van den Goorbergh from Yamaha Belgarda. Alstare Suzuki will be present with Vittorio Iannuzzo and Michel Fabrizio.
. Pirelli, the official tyre supplier of the 2004 Superbike and Supersport World Championships will be present with a full race service truck and will organize promotional events and activities for the public.
. And something special for the first time – a real novelty in the form of bike and car together for the joy of the fans. A BMW M5, the first example of the exciting new race series SUPERSTARS will be on show for the public. The racing car has already been presented to a selected number of tuners and drivers at the Vallelunga Circuit in early November.
The heart as usual, will be the SBK Ring where the riders, following the SBK philosophy of public engagement, will be at disposal of all the motorcycle fans for interviews, autographs and talks on 7 and 8 December.
The leading spirit of this extraordinary event will be Giovanni Di Pillo with Nuvolari, the broadcasting TV station that will have a permanent presence in the Superbike zone.
FGSPORT invites all fans to this extraordinary event that will undoubtedly be the highlight of the break between seasons.
From a press release issued by Aprilia:
TEST SESSION AT JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA/1st DAY
LUCCHI IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CHALLENGES THE HEAVY RAIN
The heavy rain prevented the activity scheduled for the first day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera in South Spain.
Even if the visibility on track was really reduced, the test rider Marcellino Lucchi made about ten laps riding the Rscube under the rain. Whereas Shane Byrne, the English SBK champion who will ride next year for Aprilia has postponed until tomorrow his debut on the Rscube.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast for tomorrow is still bad, while it is expected an improvement starting from Wednesday.
Together with the MOTOGP team, at Jerez there are also Manuel Poggiali, the new Aprilia 250cc Champion with his team run by Rossano Brazzi, and some other Aprilia riders such as De Puniet, Locatelli (125cc) and Ui, with his 250 “kit”.
They have waited the whole day without the possibility of going out on track.
All activities have been rescheduled for tomorrow.
From a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati:
SECOND DAY OF TESTING AT JEREZ FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM
Jerez (Spain) – Tuesday 25 November 2003 – Ducati Marlboro Team MotoGP testing – On the second day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera for the Ducati Marlboro Team, Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss completed 26 and 52 laps respectively with the Ducati Desmosedici after trying out a number of components for the 2004 version. The two Ducati riders had been quickest during qualifying for last May’s Spanish GP.
Yesterday’s rain made track conditions damp and slippery and despite the weather not being perfect (air 18° C max / track 24° C max), Capirossi and Bayliss today both recorded positive lap times. Loris’s quickest time was 1:44.28, while Troy got down to 1:44.33.
Tomorrow will see the third and final day of testing and an improvement in the conditions will surely enable the Ducati Marlboro Team to improve on their lap times.
