Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning 125cc GP PRactice Times:

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 1:48.897
2. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, 1:48.949
3. Roberto LOCATELLI, Aprilia, 1:48.955
4. Alvaro BAUTISTA, Aprilia, 1:49.157
5. Casey STONER, KTM, 1:49.225
6. Mirko GIANSANTI, Aprilia, 1:49.638
7. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, 1:49.755
8. Jorge LORENZO, Derbi, 1:49.795
9. Gabor TALMACSI, Malaguti, 1:49.798
10. Youichi UI, Aprilia, 1:49.915
11. Manuel HERNANDEZ, Aprilia, 1:49.935
12. Mattia PASINI, Aprilia, 1:49.949
13. Marco SIMONCELLI, Aprilia, 1:50.159
14. Sergio GADEA, Aprilia, 1:50.202
15. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, 1:50.245

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA Superbike event at Infineon Raceway will not be affected by rain in 2004, according to weather.com.

The weather forecast for Sonoma, California calls for very little chance of rain over the next 10 days with high temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit each day.

Rain during Friday and Saturday of the 2003 AMA event at Infineon Raceway canceled nearly all practice sessions, washed out all qualifying sessions, caused all classes to be gridded by points and order of entry and forced all races to be run on Sunday.

The effect on-going road construction on Highway 37 between the racetrack and Vallejo, California remains to be seen. Traffic on Highway 37 Friday afternoon was detoured onto surface streets Thursday evening causing long back-ups.

Traditionally, Highway 37 has had long traffic back-ups on race day under normal conditions.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Valvoline EMGO Suzuki two-seat GSX-R1000 Superbike made its first appearance of the 2004 season during promoter practice Thursday at Infineon Raceway.

With Steve Rapp at the controls, the team uses the retired racebike to give general-interest and mainstream media members a better appreciation for the sport of motorcycle road racing and promote the sport in general via on-track rides at speed.

The first rider Thursday was KRON-TV San Francisco morning show reporter Liam Mayclem, who did a total of five live television spots with Rapp and the two-seater bike, in the pits and on the track.

During the lunch break in Thursday’s promoter practice, Rapp also gave a ride to “Kool” 101.9 KCCL-FM’s Dick Sisich, who does 12 motorsports reports on the Sacramento oldies station.

“That was an incredible ride. I’ve been around this track before several times in cars, but it’s a totally different perspective when you’re on a motorcycle,” said Sisich, a motorcycle rookie and former race car driver. “Steve is an unbelieveable rider. You can’t even tell when he shifts, he’s so smooth. A fantastic experience. I really enjoyed it.

“I certainly have more of an appreciation for what the riders do, the skill set that is required. I just can’t believe the way that bike sticks, the way it brakes and the acceleration, of course.”

From a press release issued by Ducati North america:

CENTOPASSI —THE EXTREME MOTORCYCLING EVENT —RETURNS THIS SUMMER FROM JULY 21- 25, 2004. BROUGHT TO YOU BY DUCATI AND DREAM ENGINE, REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.

Participants can test their riding skills and endurance on the demanding mountain roads of Italy and France. Organized by Dream Engine, Ducati Motor is the main sponsor of the event for the second consecutive year.

Bologna, April 2004. Following the success of the 2003 edition, Dream Engine and Ducati are excited to announce the second edition of CENTOPASSI –the extreme two wheeled adventure tailored for passionate motorcyclists who want to test their driving skills, push their endurance on some of the most demanding roads and mountain passes, and have a great time.

While last year’s route ran long and wide through the eastern alpine region of Italy, this summer’s itinerary runs along the opposite side—swerving over the western border of Italy, in and out of France. The itinerary sweeps through exquisite alpine locations along enjoyable roads. The 5-day event will depart from Côte d’Azur (France) on the 21st of July, and the route will take participants through the towns of Sospe (FR), Limone Piemonte (IT), Barcelonette (FR), Cesana Torinese (Piedmonte, IT), Albertville (FR), l’Alpe d’Huez (FR), and Morgex (Vallle d’Aosta, IT), finishing in the Italian town of Saint Vincent (Vallle d’Aosta, IT) on the 25th July.



The 2004 CENTOPASSI has been designed to challenge riders even more than the 2003 edition. Each leg has been carefully studied to render the route more captivating and entertaining than ever. As in 2003, the event is open to motorbikes of all brands and all years and the participation categories – Competition and Iron Biker – are characterized as follows:

Competition Class Participants may choose to take part individually or as part of a team of 5 riders. They will ride an estimated 300/400 kilometres per day, covering numerous mountain passes. Although CENTOPASSI is not a test of speed, participants are requested to ride a very demanding route, designed for experienced riders. Each day, riders in this class will be subjected to ability tests to evaluate their riding skills and motorcycle performance.

Iron Biker Class
This class is for those riders who prefer a non-competitive experience, taking in the stunning scenery, historic villages and overall flavour of the Italian and French mountain experience. Expert motorcycle guides from the Curve&Tornanti Team will accompany this group, offering tips on mountain riding.

The limit of participants for the Competition Class is fixed at 140 riders, whilst there is no number limit for the Iron Biker Class.

Again this year, the motorcyclist who proves to be the best overall rider in the Competition Class will be awarded a Ducati Multistrada during the prize giving ceremony held on the last night of the event.

Ducati Motor for the second consecutive year is the main sponsor of CENTOPASSI. The Multistrada Challenge celebrates the versatility of the company’s recently launched best selling bike, the Multistrada—a bike designed by the Bologna based motorbike manufacturer to confront every possible road condition, from tortuous mountain curves, to highspeed highways and traffic filled urban centers.

Superga, the specialist sports shoes and clothing company, has recently confirmed that it will be technical sponsor, providing clothing for staff and participants and in doing so linking itself to the excitement and challenging spirit of the event. Centopassi is also made possible by the support of APT Servizi – Emilia Romagna Tourist Board.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI MOTOR COLLABORATES WITH PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN TO CREATE INNOVATIVE MOTORCYCLE APPAREL

Collection will premier in New York on May 10 at Parsons Benefit and Fashion Show, with special appearance by Eric Bostrom, Ducati AMA Superbike race. Collection will also be on display in Italy from May 17 to May 23 at the World Ducati Week at the Santa Monica track in Misano.

Bologna (IT), April 2004: Famous for its racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence, Ducati has partnered with the Parson’s School of Design in New York to create a collection of motorcycle-inspired apparel and accessories. The six month project has resulted in a collection which will be unveiled on May 10th at the 56th Annual Parsons Benefit and Fashion Show. Eric Bostrom, the Ducati AMA Superbike racer, will make his catwalk debut at the show, wearing select items from the collection.

The Ducati/Parsons project was initiated in Autumn 2003 by Ducati Creative Director, David Gross, who challenged Parsons Fashion Design students to create a new line of motorcycle-inspired apparel and accessories for the premium Italian motorbike manufacturer. With its unbeatable racetrack record, Ducati has long been known for its high performance sport motorcycles. In 1998, the company ventured into the apparel industry and today, apparel and accessories represent areas of tremendous growth for Ducati. Ducati’s expertise in protective gear and body armor complements Parsons’ creative insight on current fashion trends, resulting in an exciting new dimension in motorcycle gear. With additional support from the Italian Trade Commission, which supplied leather and high-tech fabrics for the project, the Parsons students have created impressive results.

Ducati has long been known for the premium it places on design. In the past decade, Ducati designers have created distinct modern masterpieces of industrial design: the Ducati Monster, the 916, the MH900e, and most recently, Pierre Terblanche’s new 999, Multistrada 1000 and the Sport Classic retro-futuristic dream bikes. Today, Ducati motorbikes are icons of industrial design and have been included as works of art in various museums, including the Guggenheim in New York and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.

The students of Parsons have created an impressive collection, ranging from intimate wear to accessories and on-road gear. Student Jane Choi has created a line of sports bags and shoes that harness the wild, sleek energy of the bikes, while Nery Vargas focused on t-shirt style dresses inspired by the clean lines of the open road. Wing Sze Luk’s watches, jewelry and underwear bring the style to an intimate level, and Kristina Fuchs and June Keltaneh focused on a futuristic line of outerwear.

“Gorgeous, impressive and incredible! The collection anticipates many of the apparel and accessories trends in the high performance motorcycle world and adds an element of contemporary fashion that is truly exciting and avant-garde, “says Gross.

The Ducati/Parsons collection will premiere at the Parsons Benefit and Fashion show on Monday, May 10, 2004. This year’s event honors Parsons alumnus Marc Jacobs, and will take place at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers, New York. The show will showcase the best of the graduating seniors’ collection and feature student work for two other themes, including Italian textiles arranged by the Italian Trade Commission and new designs incorporating SAGA Furs. The Gold Thimble Awards and the Designer of the Year Award will also be presented, and about 700 fashion industry leaders are expected to be in attendance at the benefit and show, which raises funds for scholarships and academic program needs.

In addition, the collection will be on display in Italy from May 17 to May 23 at the World Ducati Week at the Santa Monica track in Misano Adriatico, where over 30,000 Ducati enthusiasts are expected. A huge event attended by press and celebrities from all over the world, the show promises international exposure on a grand level.

The Parsons School of Design is the alma mater of many fashion luminaries, including Donna Karan, Tom Ford and Fernandez Rodriguez. The school currently enrolls about 2,400 undergraduate students, 500 graduate students, and 2,500 non-degree students from the USA and 60 countries.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Several Parts Canada Superbike Championship teams are at Infineon Raceway for a final warm-up before their season begins in May but with one key rider missing.

Present during Thursday’s promoter practice were Coors Light Blackfoot Suzuki’s Craig Connell and Clint McBain, DXS Diablo Suzuki’s Steve Crevier and Jeff Williams and Honda Canada’s Andrew Nelson.

Honda Canada’s Jordan Szoke, a two-time Canadian Superbike Champion and former AMA regular, was not at Infineon Raceway Thursday and may not make it to the track due to trouble entering the United States, according to a crew member who asked to remain anonymous.

Neither Szoke nor Honda Canda Team Owner Alan Labrosse could be reached at post time.

Then riding for the Corona Extra Suzuki AMA team, Szoke ran into visa troubles while attempting to enter the United States in May of 2002 (during a period of increased border security, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks) and had to finish that season in the Canadian series.

Szoke raced in the AMA event at Daytona International Speedway this past March.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

After testing at the recently-repaved Birmingham, Alabama racetrack in late-April, three AMA factory teams are reporting that the latest racing surface at Barber Motorsports Park is very similar to the old surface.

“We heard about the new pavement and wanted to get on it, but there’s no major differences from last year,” said Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Don Sakakura, of the newest surface at Barber. “The lap times were a little slower than last year, but they were pretty close.”

“It’s not much different than last year. It’s a little harder on the front, but that’s just the nature of the track and it being new pavement. Our lap times were about the same as last year,” said Mat Mladin’s Crew Chief Peter Doyle.

“It’s really sharp pavement right now, the corners are really long and the front tires get worked. It’s the same for everyone,” said Ben Spies’ Crew Chief Tom Houseworth.

“We had some (front tire) abrasion issues,” said Miguel Duhamel’s Crew Chief Al Ludington. “But Miguel did his fastest lap on a (front) tire that had 21 laps on it, and the race distance is only 17. It’s fine as long as you don’t mind your tire looking a little fuzzy on the right side.”

“We tested there to see the new pavement, because we heard some horror stories, lap times one-to-two seconds off last year’s times, but the times weren’t that much different,” said Yamaha Team Manager Tom Halverson. “Jason (DiSalvo) went quicker than Damon’s (Buckmaster) 600cc (Supersport) pole time from last year.”

Halverson said his team also tested new Dunlop rear slicks designed to perform more like Dunlop’s D208 DOT-labeled tire under acceleration out of corners.

While DiSalvo bettered last year’s Supersport times, most of the Superbike men were slightly off last year’s pace but with amazingly-equal lap times.

Unofficially, Mladin and Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke led the way with high-1:25s. Duhamel, Ben Bostrom and Aaron Yates were only a few tenths of a second slower.

The biggest news from the test was that Yates walked away from a high-speed crash that totaled a Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike.

“There wasn’t much left that was salvageable,” said Sakakura. “Fortunately, he didn’t hurt himself. He just lost the front in a third- or fourth-gear corner. I think it was turn nine.”

Yates said he regretted the crash because the bike he dropped ” was feeling really good.”

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

CONFIDENCE HIGH FOR EUROPEAN OPENER

The Jerez circuit in Southern Spain plays host on Sunday to the first European MotoGP race of the year and, after a promising start to the season for the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team in South Africa, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann have high hopes for the weekend ahead.

A successful IRTA test in difficult weather conditions at Jerez back in March could pay dividends for the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team, as the local weather forecast is predicting that rain showers may well be a factor that the MotoGP teams have to overcome this weekend.

But, while the weather may be the same as it was for the IRTA test, the circuit will look – and sound – a lot different to the riders this weekend. The Spaniards are some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and noisy race fans anywhere in the world, and when you pack upwards of 150,000 of them onto the natural grandstands that surround the 4.423km Jerez circuit an electric atmosphere is guaranteed. The fireworks that punctuate practice and qualifying here also make Jerez one of the few circuits where you have to strain to hear the sound of the unsilenced 990cc MotoGP machines over the noise of the crowd.

After finishing an impressive 12th on his race debut for Kawasaki in South Africa, Shinya Nakano heads for the second round of the 2004 MotoGP World Championship in determined mood. The 26-year-old Japanese rider likes the Andalusian circuit and, after testing successfully here preseason, is confident that his Ninja ZX-RR – updated with new components for this race – is capable of giving the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team their first top ten finish of the season.

Nakano’s Fuchs Kawasaki teammate, Alex Hofmann, will be looking to put the disappointment of crashing out of the opening race of the season in South Africa behind him at Jerez this weekend. The 23-year-old German rider made his wild card debut for the Fuchs Kawasaki team in this race last season, finishing a creditable 16th aboard his Ninja ZX-RR. Hofmann improved considerably on this race time during the IRTA tests at Jerez in March and is confident that there are further improvements to be made, both to machine set up and lap times, during practice and qualifying for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Shinya Nakano: No.56
“Jerez for me always feels like the first race of the season, because it’s the first time in the year we see the whole MotoGP paddock set up, with all the trucks and hospitality units. I like racing at Jerez; the circuit suits my style and the enthusiasm of the Spanish fans always makes for an exciting weekend. It’s unusual to be able to hear the crowd when you’re out on track, but with the sheer noise the fans produce here, not to mention the fireworks; they certainly let you know they’re there! The opening race of the season didn’t go quite according to plan, but we had a good qualifying run in South Africa and I’m hopeful that we can match that this weekend. We’ve got some new parts to test on the bike during practice and qualifying and, if all goes well, then I think that matching my eighth place in this race last year is a distinct possibility on Sunday.”

Alex Hofmann: No.66
“I need to get a good result here after the disappointment of South Africa and, while anything can happen in racing, the fact that we had a good test here gives me the confidence that such a result is possible. We already have a good set up on the bike for this circuit, and we know which tyres work well around here, but I think there’s a good chance we can make further improvements in these areas as the weekend progresses. I know it’s possible for me to finish in the points on Sunday, but if all goes well in practice and qualifying then maybe the possibility of a top ten finish shouldn’t be discounted. I like racing at Jerez; the atmosphere is incredible and the sheer enthusiasm of the Spanish fans always gives you an extra boost on race day.”


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

Hodgson and Xaus ready to taste the Spanish GP atmosphe…
[29.04.2004]



The riders of the d´Antin MotoGP team, Neil Hodgson and Rubén Xaus, arrive in Spain with their Ducati Desmosedici bikes this weekend, to kick off the European leg of the World Championships at the captivating Jerez circuit, home of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1987.


It is a very balanced circuit, with one bend leading onto another throughout, requiring riders to be smooth and the set-up precise, with the top speed not being the main factor. However the main draw of this track is the incredible atmosphere created by some 200,000 fans who make their way into the complex, letting the riders know they are there every single lap of the way.

Neil Hodgson knows exactly what it means to ride at Jerez, where he raced for the first time in 1995 taking 12th in the 500cc class. “I’m delighted about returning to Jerez because we tested here recently. The weather conditions were awful though, I hardly rode, and there was no sign of the massive crowds, who are the real reason behind the magical atmosphere at this Grand Prix. It’s an important race for the whole team, and I have to say that I much prefer this track to Welkom. We had bad luck there, but I’m confident that this weekend we can continue our adaptation to the category and we can pick up our first points.”

For Rubén Xaus Sunday’s race will be something of a ‘baptism’, with it being his first race at home this year and his debut in this legendary Grand Prix, “I know the circuit, but the last time I raced here was in 1995 in the Spanish Championship. Now I’ve got pins and needles a bit, because I’m going to ‘that’ Jerez that everyone talks about, that I’ve seen on the television… and as much as people tell you about it, I think you have to live it. I hope that the fans receive me well, because from my point of view I’ll guarantee them 110 percent effort. When we tested during the IRTA session, it caught my eye how much the complex had been improved , but the weather wasn’t with us then and we couldn’t make the most of the time. In Welkom we did some good work, but luck wasn’t with us, and now in Jerez our objectives are still the same as in South Africa: to get more experience and to finish the race.”

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

UP-BEAT TEAM SUZUKI HEAD FOR THE FIESTA

Spanish GP Preview. Round 2, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, May 2, 2004

After a highly encouraging start to the season in South Africa, Team Suzuki MotoGP riders Kenny Roberts Jr. and John Hopkins head back to Jerez with high hopes, their pre-season optimism reinforced.

The same goes for the whole team, as they prepare for the second race of the season, the Spanish GP. The GP at the now classic Andalucian circuit also marks the start of the European season – a dogged week-in week-out campaign that tests the strengths of riders and teams to the limit.

The Moto-GP crazy Spanish fans can be relied on for a memorable opening round. Vast crowds flock to the picturesque capital of the sherry-producing district, and the GP is a fiesta all of its own, in a region where they take the task of celebrating very seriously. On race day, the natural grandstands around the 2.748 mile / 4.423 km track will be packed with 130,000 fans, clamouring to see their heroes in typically close MotoGP action.

The Africa’s GP at Welkom opened the eagerly-awaited 2004 MotoGP season, and clearly proved the prowess of the latest version of the 220-plus horsepower Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP prototype. Roberts put up a strong performance to qualify tenth, with team-mate Hopkins joining him on the fourth row of the new three-by-three starting grid. An electronic glitch brought Kenny’s race to a premature end while he was well-placed in the top ten, and sizing up the opposition. Hopkins lost ground in some hectic tangles on the first lap, but finished 13th and in the points, highly confident of better things to come.

Jerez is the first of three GPs in bike-mad Spain, and this is the riders’ second visit so far this season. Team Suzuki and almost all their MotoGP rivals took part in IRTA tests at the start of April, two weeks before the season began. Kenny Roberts set second-fastest time, only one hundredth of a second slower than South African GP winner Valentino Rossi, with Hopkins close behind, and sixth overall. Results that mean the revitalised Suzuki team is looking forward to the forthcoming race with relish.

The upturn in the long-established and much-decorated factory team’s fortunes has come after two years race-developing radical new designs and solutions in the 990cc V4 GSV-R MotoGP machine. Relatively minor changes to Suzuki’s most powerful ever racing machine, along with a switch to Bridgestone tyres, have unleashed the competitive edge that was always within the motorcycle. Better still, there is more on the way – including engine revisions in the pipeline.

“Right now, the factory is testing parts aimed at answering the rider’s requests for more horsepower,” said team manager Garry Taylor.

“In fact, both these things are as usual – development at the factory is always continuous; and I have yet to meet a top-level rider who doesn’t always want more horsepower.

“The difference now is that we have been seeing very positive results from the latest developments and every sign that we can continue going in the right direction,” he said.

The Jerez race is followed by two days of testing … Suzuki expect to join several other teams at the circuit, where they will further perfect the latest engine and chassis developments and work with Bridgestone tyre technicians to gather further data.

“The whole start to the season has been so encouraging and uplifting for the whole team,” said Taylor. “We know that there is a long way to go, but everybody can see how much progress we’ve already made.

“There’s an air of optimism in the pit and everybody is confident that we can keep closing in on our ultimate target, of fighting again for race wins, and the championship we last won in 2000.” he said.

The Spanish GP is followed in quick succession by the French and Italian races as the European season follows on to its conclusion in September – interrupted only by a quick trip to Rio de Janeiro and a brief summer break. There are 16 rounds in the 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

KENNY ROBERTS Jr. – EVERYTHING FROM HERE LOOKS UP:

“I think our team could be pretty happy with the way the last race weekend went, on a grand scale. Sometimes you don’t get a finish, and it was one of those days. But we’ve shown that Suzuki can get to a better position. I think South Africa was the worst-prepared we’ll be all year – from here on everything just looks up. We have some exciting stuff coming for Jerez, if not for the race, for testing on Monday. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”

JOHN HOPKINS – HIGH HOPES, THAT’S FOR SURE:

Jerez has always been a really good track for me. I got my best result of the season there last year. I really like it. Then at the last tests, we found a race tyre there from the Bridgestones that was really excellent – it just connected with our bike and that track. I’m going to be training my ass off and going there with high hopes, that’s for sure.”

ABOUT THIS RACE:

Jerez celebrates its 18th year as a GP venue, but only its 17th as host to the Spanish GP. The exception was in 1988 when it replaced the cancelled Portuguese GP with the Expo 92 event. By then, the Andalucian venue was already well-established as an important start to the European season, attracting huge crowds to the venue outside the capital of Spain’s sherry district between Cadiz and Seville. The crowds kept on growing over the years, as did the race’s importance in line with Spain’s growing love affair with GP racing. Now it is the first of four events on the Iberian peninsula, where motorcycle GP racing is second in popularity only to soccer. The Spanish GP also coincides with a number of springtime fairs in the region, making it an early holiday race for crowds, who can expect sunny if not necessarily always hot weather.”

ABOUT THIS TRACK:

The circuit at Jerez de la Frontera began a major upgrade two years ago with the track fully resurfaced, and pit and paddock buildings extensively rebuilt to bring the former showpiece of Spanish racing up to the standards of newer tracks at Barcelona and Valencia. The track, originally commissioned by the municipality of Jerez in the late Eighties, had a twisting lap making good use of the surrounding hillsides to provide natural grandstands and extensive views. The first layout was not universally popular with riders, but the track was lengthened slightly in 1992, replacing one slow section with faster curves. The result was exemplary, much improving the track with a minimum of disruption. Since that time the venue has grown in stature and popularity to become one of Europe’s premier motor sport events, drawing weekend crowds in excess of 200,000. With a lap of 2.748 miles (4.423km) and a lap record speed of 95mph (153km/h), Jerez is still a fairly slow circuit, but with enough faster corners to make it interesting. A quirk is extreme sensitivity to temperature, with grip levels changing morning to afternoon.

GP DATA

Jerez de la Frontera.

Circuit Length: 2.748 miles / 4.423 km).

Lap Record: 1:42.788 – 96.256 mph / 154.909 km/h. Valentino Rossi, 2003.

2003 Race Winner: V Rossi (Honda).

2003 Race Average: 46.50.345 – 95.055 mph / 152.976 km/h.

2003 Fastest Race Lap: see lap record.

2003 Pole Position: L Capirossi (Ducati) 1:41.983.

2003 KENNY ROBERTS (Suzuki) Race: 13th. Qualification: 17th – 1:43.026.

2003 JOHN HOPKINS Race: Seventh. Qualification: Seventh, 1:42.579.