From a press release issued by Team Oliver Yamaha:

Team Oliver Yamaha’s Rich Oliver and ace mechanic Robert Ward capped off their year in winning style at the beautiful Barber Motorsports Park race facility. Rich rode his venerable TZ250 Yamaha, aka the “Blue Rocket,” to the team’s 11th 2003 victory, and Rich’s 71st AMA 250 Grand Prix win.

Rich tells us more, “I had a great time at the Barber track, I actually got to meet Mr. George Barber on Wednesday because he has my 1990 Daytona winning Yamaha in his museum! Brian Drebber from Speed Channel calls me on my cell, and says “get over here and meet Mr. Barber, sign the gas tank, and check out the museum.” I went tearing out of the pits on my scooter, flipped a u-turn back to the tent to get my helmet, and then blasted to the museum. I went in the secret door because it wasn’t open to the public yet, and Brian and Mr. Barber showed me around the place, then I signed my old bike. What an amazing sight, if you ever get the chance check it out. I especially liked the old board-track racebike display. They have an old picture of three board-track racers on the line before their start, and you can see by the look in their eyes nothing was different back then, those boys looked serious!

“The Barber racetrack itself is unbelievably great, the pavement, curbs, grass, sculptures, the staff, all are first class. But the layout is the best part. A roller coaster of uphills, drops, camber changes and blind corners. Totally cool and challenging. I never rode on such an exciting track, and that includes some of the best in the world, not just the United States.

“The race itself was good, but leading up to it the weather was driving Robert crazy as I made him change from full rain tires, to intermediates, finally to slicks for the drying track conditions. Slicks turned out to be perfect, as by the time we got out there it was 99% dry. I got the start, and pushed hard for five laps, but only had about four seconds on Sorensen. Chuck was riding great, so I had to dance through the traffic and hope he would get slowed by it a bit. In the end I had a few more seconds on him, but I didn’t let up, because I was having too much fun out there on live TV! Karin was waiting for me in the pits, and she and Robert were able to congratulate me before I took the checkered flag and did one more lap for the crowd. I actually screwed up in the race and mistook the checkered for the white, and did an extra flying lap, but why not have a little more fun while you can! Only I know if I did it on purpose!

“Well, what a year we had, just phenomenal! Really though, it was hard at times and we all had to pull together as a team to make it happen. I never gave up, or gave in, nor did Robert or Karin. We all had the goal of executing our plan to the highest level of sport, and I think we did that pretty well, if I may say so.

“I’m saddened by the class ending, what the hell is the AMA thinking on that anyway, I guess we’ll never know till a few seasons go by. But what a final year, I have loads of magnificent memories that will be replayed over in my mind at times in the future.

“If you ever see me smiling, I could just be up on the Daytona banking, or going into turn one at Brainerd, or maybe flicking through the corkscrew at Laguna, or flying off the curbing at Barber.

“Or maybe I’m just happy to see you!”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Multi-Tech Racing was destroyed in a fire yesterday. The Austin, Texas-based company manufactured bodywork and various other race parts.

Contacted by Roadracingworld.com, Multi-Tech owner Neill Leal confirmed that the fire happened, but declined to comment when asked for the details.

More information will follow as it becomes available.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Just wanted to let you guys know that the Motorcycle Roadracing Association and the Denver based Donor Alliance (www.donoralliance.org) will be giving away a 2003 Honda Metro scooter as well as many, many other prizes this Sunday at Denver’s Second Creek raceway.

This, the final event of the MRA’s 10-race season, will be the final chance for racers, fans and others to get signed up and show their support for the organ donation program available in most states. The fundraiser and education program with the MRA started in May of this year to honor Dan Morgan, a former racer and my mechanic.

The program has signed up many folks who weren’t already donors while educating many others of the importance of becoming one. Dan, who lost his life in a skiing accident in March, was a donor and helped improve the life of four people here in Colorado through his unselfish gift.

I hope to expand the program throughout the regions and series I compete in–MRA, CRA, AHRMA and AMA–and hope to educate the public about the importance of such decisions.

I’ve known people who have received donated organs and when I learned of Dan’s passing, I was pleased to know that he had made the choice he did. Though he was only 30 he showed maturity beyond his age with his gift. I miss him and just wanted to honor him with the program.

For those seeking more information or those who wish to donate to the program you may contact Jon Glaefke at 303-440-0182 or Jon @Glaefke-racing.com

Jon Glaefke
Boulder, Colorado

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE TO BE HELD AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 30, 2003) — Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif. will host Round five of the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003. Irwindale is a suburb of Los Angeles approximately 15 miles east of the city.

AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications, Kerry Graeber stated this will be an important event due to its location in the “heart of the motorcycle industry.” Five major motorcycle brands as well as a significant number of aftermarket companies are based in Southern California. “Motorcycle enthusiasm runs high in Southern California and AMA Pro Racing is extremely popular here,” said Graeber. “We hold three AMA Supercross events, an AMA Motocross event and a round of the AMA Superbike Championship all in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. To bring a round of the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship here is a natural extension of our business development. We have high expectations for this event.” Underscoring the importance of Southern California to the motorcycle industry, AMA Pro Racing established an office in the Los Angeles area in 2001 to better serve the needs of the motorcycle community.

Irwindale Speedway is a paved oval track used primarily for auto racing. Sections of the oval as well as the infield will be utilized in creating the supermoto track. The facility has been utilized before for local and regional supermoto events and Chris Bradley, AMA Pro Racing Associate Director of Commercial Development, thinks the facility lends itself well to supermoto racing. “This will be the second race of our inaugural championship season held on a paved oval,” said Bradley. “The unique configuration found in this type of facility allows us to be creative in our track design. We’re looking to construct a course that will yield plenty of tight racing with high speeds and lots of passing.”

Bradley added that the event will be festival-like in its presentation. In addition to all of the racing activities, look for riding exhibitions, live music and vendor displays.

“Supermoto is hot and we’re planning on making this a standout event,” said Bradley. “There’s a groundswell of supermoto interest in the Los Angeles area and anyone who is a fan of motorcycle racing will not want to miss this race. We’ll have plenty to see and do and there will a ton of big-name riders in attendance.”

Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 2. For ticket information call (626) 358-1100 or visit www.IrwindaleSpeedway.com.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING TO CONDUCT TEST AT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 30, 2003) — AMA Pro Racing and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) have scheduled a one-day test to determine the viability of racing motorcycles at the facility. The test is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500-mile race, was built in 1909 as an oval track. In order to host Formula One racing, a road course was constructed for the 2000 United States Grand Prix. IMS has now hosted four Formula One events. AMA Pro Racing officials are taking advantage of the fact the Speedway is still in its road course configuration after this past Sunday’s USGP to conduct this compatibility test.

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the most historic motorsports facility in the United States,” said Scott Hollingsworth CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “This test will help determine if racing motorcycles there is even feasible on its road course.”

Hollingsworth feels it’s possible that some modifications will have to be made to the current road course to accommodate motorcycle racing. “In our inspection and conversations with the track, we’ve identified a couple of areas that we’ll need to look at closely,” said Hollingsworth. “During the test we’ll instruct our riders to exercise caution through these sections. Rider input will be invaluable in determining the viability of racing motorcycles at Indy.”

The test calls for extensive rider briefing before, during and after the on-track sessions.

From a press release issued by WMRRA:

Marty Capadona, WMRRA racer #48 and co-founder of Rocket Science Racing and Team Wetleather, was killed in a street riding accident on September 25th. He was also the 1995 WMRRA #3 plate holder, as well as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor. He leaves behind his wife Maura and their two children Griffin, 5, and Alexa, 8, and many friends and fellow racers who will miss him very much. A memorial service will be held on October 1st at Gene Coulon Park in Renton, Washington at 2:00 p.m., in the Gazebo.

In lieu of flowers, a PayPal account is being established at the following website, to accept contributions for Marty’s children:
http://www.wetleather.com/memorial/martycapadona.html.


More, from a reader:

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I was deeply saddened to learn of Marty’s untimely passing. I have known Marty for several years from racing in the Pacific Northwest with OMRRA and WMRRA.

Marty’s zest for life was infectious, as was his track presence whether in the pits after a day’s racing or on the track. He was always smiling, full of interesting comments and analysis, and very self-effacing.

He was one of those people you looked forward to seeing at every event. I know he will be very sorely missed by all who knew him.

My sincere condolences to his wife and children. Godspeed, Marty.

Dave Moss
OMRRA & WMRRA #123
Redwood City, California

From a press release:

In cooperation with Ron Ketchum of Escondido Cycle Center (ECC), the Emde family is setting up a fund for David’s son Brian. A fundraiser event is planned by ECC and donations are also encouraged.

Send to: Brian Floyd Emde Scholarship Fund c/o Escondido Cycle Center, 1415 Montiel Rd., Escondido CA 92026.

For information on the fund, contact either Don Emde (949-215-4780) or Ron Ketchum (760-745-1615).

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

CARR BECOMES ONLY THE SECOND FIVE-TIME AMA GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPION

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 30, 2003) — Chris Carr wrapped up his fifth AMA Grand National Championship Saturday in the final weekend of the 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship. Carr, 36, of Fleetwood, Pa., clinched the championship with a fifth-place finish in Saturday night’s Springfield (Ill.) Short Track race. The only rider who had a chance at catching Carr, series rival Johnny Murphree, finished eighth and that effectively put Carr out of reach with just the Springfield Mile the next day. Carr led major portions of the season-ending Springfield Mile, but lost out in the draft and finished fourth.

Only one other rider in the history of the AMA Grand National Championship, Carr’s old rival Scott Parker, has more championships than Carr. Parker won nine titles during his 21-year racing career. Carr just completed his 17th season in the Grand National Series. He missed two years in the mid-1990s while he road raced for Harley-Davidson in AMA Superbike.

On the season Carr won a series-leading five races pushing his career wins record to 62, second all-time in AMA Grand National Championship racing. Carr also moved to the head of pack in the all-time career AMA Short Track National wins list. With three of his wins coming on short tracks Carr, with a total now of six-career wins, moved ahead of legends Kenny Roberts and Steve Eklund in career short track victories. “It’s a pretty cool feeling to be able to say in the history of the sport I’ve accomplished something that only one other guy has done,” said Carr, whose other championships came in 1992, 1999, 2001 and 2002.

“I’m proud of our team from our sponsors, to my wife and kids, to my crew chief Kenny Tolbert and Rich Bates who put in a lot of time to allow me to win another championship. They worked hard and this championship is more than a victory for just myself, it’s a victory for a lot of people and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have without them.”

Carr rode three brands of Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford-sponsored motorcycles during the 2003 season – VOR, Rotax and Harley-Davidson. Carr started the season with a victory in the Daytona Beach Short Track series opener. He never relinquished the championship lead throughout the entire season. In all Carr scored nine podium finishes with victories in Daytona Beach, Fla., Chillicothe, Ohio, Haubstadt, Ind., Hagerstown, Md., and Columbus, Ohio.

Carr plans on returning to defend his championship in 2004. Johnny Murphree finished runner-up to in the series for the second straight year. Former champ Joe Kopp was third. A total of 10 riders won races this year showing continued parity in the championship. 108,900 fans attended the 17 races in the series. Five rounds were nationally televised on Speed Channel. The AMA Grand National Championship will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.