Courtesy of www.mcnews.com.au:

Proton has announced it will buy a controlling interest in renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta Motor SpA after signing a letter of intent with founder and owner Claudio Castiglioni.

Proton will purchase 50 percent of the company, which designs and manufactures MV Agusta, Cagiva and Husqvarna motorcycles giving the Malaysian company a controlling stake and distribution rights for the entire range of bikes produced by the group.

Proton embarked on its own motorcycle program in 2001 when it formed a team to compete in the Moto Grand Prix World Championship with racing legend Kenny Roberts. In late 2002 the company also announced its intention to build a range of road bikes.

Proton CEO Tengku Mahaleel Ariff said the purchase was a good fit for the Malaysian automotive company as it continued to broaden and expand its expertise and manufacturing base.

“With the ongoing re-organisation taking place at Proton, it is fair to say that the future of the company will not be singly dominated by car manufacturing,” he said.

“Proton is looking at the entire transportation suite and driving this ambition is our strength in our engineering.”

Mahaleel said Proton was impressed by Agusta’s engineering technology, award winning designs and styling.

“Both companies will evaluate how they could leverage each other’s strengths to improve productivity and Proton would have access to Italian design and flair,” he said.

“Italians are famous for designs, everything from fashion and cars to motorcycles. This is something we have to admit they are class leaders in and perhaps one of the elements missing in our products.

“The alliance with Agusta would complement Proton’s British unit Lotus and play a key role in influencing the styles and direction of proton’s future products,” Mahaleel said.

MV Agusta, recognised as the “Ferrari of motorcycle makers” was formed in 1945 and won its first World Motorcycle Championship when Englishman Cecil Sandford took the 125 title.

The company adopted the philosophy that soon also became a commercial slogan: “Racing experience at the service of mass production.” Throughout the next 20 years, the red and silver fairings of MV Agusta identified motorcycles capable of making a legend of all those who were privileged enough to grasp its handlebars.

MV Agusta’s most famous factory rider was Italian Giacomo Agostini, who conquered 14 of the marque’s 37 World Titles while other famed riders included Surtees, Hocking, Hailwood, Read, Ubbiali and Provini.

MV Agusta and brands it manufactures have taken 37 Manufacturer World Championships, 39 Rider’s World Championships and 270 Grand Prix victories; including 64 for Husqvarna riders in dirt bike racing activity.

The Castiglioni family re-formed the ailing MV Agusta Company in 1978 under the Cagiva Motor banner. The company subsequently renamed MV Agusta in 1997 and last year manufactured and sold 18,000 motorcycles.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Police have recovered a Laverda racebike stolen in Decatur, Alabama last week.

According to the bike’s owner, WERA racer Al Goodwin, the bike was found in the possession of a local 14-year-old who was caught in the process of grinding off the VIN numbers by his mother, who contacted police.

See related post:

11/10/2003 Laverda Racebike Stolen

From a press release issued by Pirelli and Metzeler:

PIRELLI AND METZELER ANNOUNCE YEAR-END RACE TIRE SALE

(Rome, GA) Sister companies Pirelli and Metzeler are having a year-end sale on race tires from now through December 20, 2003.

Pirelli is having two specials. The first applies to Supercorsa DOT race radials in 110/70ZR-17 fronts and 150/60ZR-17 rears. Racers purchasing a set of Supercorsas in these sizes will receive a “very special” price of $260.00, plus at no additional charge, another free Supercorsa 150 rear tire. This special offer is available exclusively from the race vendors below, and ends on December 20, 2003 or while supplies last.

The second Pirelli special covers Pirelli slicks and rains. Pirelli race vendors are offering the special pricing as follows: Purchase a set of Pirelli 120/70ZR-17 fronts and 160/60ZR-17 Rains in any compound, and/or a set of Pirelli 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 Rains in any compound, and/or a set of 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 Slicks in any compound. Pirelli race vendors are each offering special pricing on these sets. Plus, if you are currently a Pirelli racer holding current Pirelli contingency certificates, the company is adding another special 30% “Thank You” discount to the face value of your certificate. This special pricing is available exclusively from the named race vendors. The extra 30 % certificate discount can only be used with these tires. Again, the sales ends on December 20, 2003 or while supplies last.

Metzeler’s special offer on Rennsport DOT race radials applies to 110/70ZR-17 fronts and 150/60ZR-17 rears. Purchase a set of Rennsport race tires in these sizes again at the very special price of $260.00 and receive, at no additional charge, another free Rennsport 150 rear. Conditions are the same as for the Pirelli tires.

Contact these Pirelli-Metzeler race vendors:

Trackside Racers Supply: 1-828-235-8400 www.tracksideracerssupply.com

California Race Services: 1-800-620-1277 www.crstires.com

Street & Competition: 1-800-326-5487
www.streetandcomp.com

Tigershark Racing: 1-503-358-5704

Competition Motorsports South: 1-904-502-0133

The Racers Supply: 1-816-550-1992

Mason Racing Tires: 1-612-250-9122

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Reports out of Europe indicate that Ruben Xaus has agreed to ride for the D’Antin Ducati team in MotoGP.

His first ride on the D’Antin Desmosedici will be at Valencia December 10-12.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A drag race between Loris Capirossi’s Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP racebike and an Italian Air Force F104 Starfighter, originally scheduled for November 16, has been postponed, according to Ducati.

The event was the idea of members of the 9th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force, who are reportedly big fans of Ducati. The race was to take place at the jet’s “home track,” the runways of the Italian air base Grazzanise, with a test and tune day on November 15 and electronically-monitored drag racing on November 16.

However, the race was postponed to a yet-to-be-announced date after a November 13 suicide truck bombing attack on an Italian Police compound in southern Iraq, in which 18 Italians were killed and approximately 80 people wounded.

From a press release issued by F-USA:

Proposed 2004 Sportbike Class Rule Changes

The Rules Committee will convening once more next week to make any final adjustments. Riders and teams have until November 22 to make any suggestions and/or voice their further opinions on the changes, by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

6.11 SPORTBIKE – Acceptable motorcycles are 4-stroke production machines, sold by the manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels. All machines must have unaltered VIN numbers. These motorcycles must meet the following requirements in addition to the applicable requirements in Section 5.

6.11.1 Production machines not sold by manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels may be approved on an individual basis. Formula USA will maintain a list of non-standard approved models and that list will be available at each event from the Race Director/Referee.

6.11.2 All motorcycles must meet the following requirements in addition to the applicable requirements in Section 5.

A. Original equipment wheels, brake calipers, forks, frame, engine, fuel induction system, and swing arm must be used.

(1) 18″ wheels may be replaced with 17″ wheels of the same width.

(2)16″ wheels may be replaced with 17″ wheels of the same width.

(3) Front forks on Buell motorcycles may be modified by using standard O.E.M. parts to facilitate the mounting of O.E.M. dual front brake calipers.

(4) Rear swing arms on Buell motorcycles may be replaced to convert final drive assembly from belt to chain drive.

B. Aftermarket brake rotors may be used but must be the same dimensions as the originals and must be made of a ferrous material. Non-current motorcycles may use brake rotors up to the same size as those that come as original equipment on the current model machine.

(1) Buell motorcycles may convert to a dual front disc brake system provided only O.E.M. calipers and wheel are used in the conversion. Aftermarket brake pads and lines may be installed. Aftermarket front brake rotors may be used but must be the same dimensions as the original equipment on S1, X-1 or M2 models and must be made of a ferrous material.

C. Any fairing may be used provided it is made of plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber.

D. Original equipment air box must remain as produced. Air filters must be used but may be Aftermarket units. Aftermarket air filters are restricted to units available via normal commercial channels and designed for that specific model machine. Aftermarket air filter units that replace part of the O.E.M. airbox are required to maintain the original size and number of air inlet openings as the stock unit.

E. Engine modifications include the following:

(1.)Pistons which are no larger than 1mm over stock size may be used but must be same compression ratio as the OEM pistons.

(2.)Original equipment cylinders must be used.

(3.) Original equipment head, valves, and cams must remain as produced, with the exception of machining the gasket surface of the cylinder head.

(4.) Original equipment cases, crankshaft, and connecting rods must remain as produced.

(5.) Original equipment transmission gears must be used.

(6.) Carburetor bodies and/or throttle bodies may not be modified, bored, or polished.

F. Internal engine modifications on all single cylinder machines, 4-stroke twin cylinder machines with less than 4 valves per cylinder, and all twin cylinder machines produced prior to the 1994 model year are unlimited, provided class displacement limits are not exceeded. Aftermarket carburetors may be used on single cylinder machines, all 4-stroke twin cylinder machines with less than 4 valves per cylinder, and all twin cylinder 4-stroke machines produced prior to the 1994 model year. 6.11.2. D. is waived for single cylinder machines, all 4-stroke twin cylinder machines with less than 4 valves per cylinder, and all twin cylinder 4-stroke machines produced prior to the 1999 model year.

G. Stock carburetor bodies or fuel injection systems must be used, but carburetor internals or fuel injection management systems may be altered or replaced.

1. Twin Cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve, pushrod engines are exempt from 6.11.2.d
H. Adjustable ignition or engine management modules or modules with more than one setting must be mounted in such a way that its settings cannot be changed by the rider or a crew member while on course or prior to dyno testing.

I. Tires must be DOT approved.

J. Rain Tires may only be used when the Race Director declares the event “Wet”.

6.11.3 Immediately following each qualifying session, heat race or final race, the top five finishers and other motorcycles chosen at random may be impounded and weighed tested on the Dynojet dyno to verify horsepower.

A.For the 600 SPORTBIKE class, each machine may develop no more than 115.0 horsepower at the conclusion of the or qualifying. Machines must weigh no less than 360.0 pounds in the same condition in which they finish the race or qualifying, including all fluids such as oil and fuel. No fluids may be added prior to determination of the weight.

B.For the 750 SPORTBIKE class, each machine may develop no more than 140.0 horsepower at the conclusion of the race or qualifying. Machines must weigh no less than 375.0 pounds in the same condition in which they finish the race or qualifying, including all fluids such as oil and fuel. No fluids may be added prior to determination of the weight.

6.11.14 Weight determinations are not protestable. Failure to meet weight requirement shall result in the following penalties:

1. Weighing between 0.5 to 1.0 pounds less than the posted class limit will result in the loss of three full positions. (I.E. 1st place would then be relegated to 4th place.)

2. Weighing between 1.5 to 2.0 pounds less than the posted class limit will result in the loss of six full positions. (I.E. 1st place would then be relegated to 7th place.)

3. Weighing 2.5 or more pounds less than the posted class limit will result in disqualification and the forfeiture of all points and purse money from the event.

6.11.4 Displacement limits are absolute and are set as follows:

600 SPORTBIKE (Expert Only)

Single cylinder, Unlimited displacement

Two stroke, liquid cooled, up to 515cc

Two stroke, air cooled, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 800cc

Twin cylinder, air cooled, Unlimited displacement

Three cylinder, up to 980cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 640cc

Four cylinder, air cooled, 2 valve, up to 775cc

750 SPORTBIKE (Expert Only)

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 1000cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled, up to 775cc

Four cylinder, air cooled, 2 valve, up to 1100cc

All other engine configurations, Unlimited displacement

6.13 THUNDERBIKE – Thunderbike machines, except single cylinder machines, are based upon production models, sold by manufacturers and their dealers in North America for street use. Proof of compliance rests with the competitor entering the motorcycle. Single cylinder machines are exempt from production and street use requirements. Single cylinder 2 stroke GP road race machines are not allowed in this class. All machines must have unaltered VIN numbers. NOTE: Ducati 748 Series machines are excluded from this class.

6.13.1 Production machines not sold by manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels may be approved on an individual basis. FORMULA USA will maintain a list of non-standard approved models and that list will be available at each event from the Race Director/Referee.

6.13.2. All machines must meet the equipment standards of Section 5, as well as the following:

A. Frame, cylinder head(s), and engine cases must be from the same production model motorcycle. Single cylinder motorcycles may use any frame and engine.

B. The frame must be as originally supplied by the manufacturer on the approved model. Strengthening gussets or tubes may be added. Only brackets or tubes not supporting suspension, engine, or drive line components may be removed. Swing arms may be modified or replaced and rear shocks may be replaced or relocated. Single cylinder motorcycles are excluded from this restriction.

C. Reducing engine size of machines from stock displacement to meet Thunderbike class displacement limits is not allowed.

D. Fairings that meet the requirements of Section 5 may be used.

E. Liquid cooling is not allowed unless original equipment on the model being used.

F. Original type of induction system must be retained. If a machine originally was sold with fuel injection, then it must remain fuel injected. If the machine originally came with carburetors, then it must use carburetors, however they need not be the original type or size.

G. Thunderbike machines are required to meet horsepower to weight limit of 3.8 lbs per horsepower . (Tested weight divided by tested horsepower during post race inspection.)

1. Penalties for failing this requirement will follow SportBike parameters

6.13.3- Thunderbike Class displacement limits are absolute and are set as follows:

THUNDERBIKE

Single cylinder, Unlimited displacement

Two stroke, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, air cooled, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 3 or less valves per cylinder, Unlimited displacement

Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valve per cylinder, non-desmodromic valves, up to 800cc

Three cylinder, non-fuel injected, up to 1200cc

Four cylinder, air-cooled, up to 1200cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled, 1990 to 1992 model year, up to 650cc

Four cylinder, liquid cooled (oil or water), pre-1990 model year, up to 860cc

All air-cooled, 2-valve, unlimited displacement

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to reliable sources in Europe, Honda has denied a request from Yamaha to test with reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi before the expiration of Rossi’s contract with Honda, which ends December 31, 2003.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki’s PR agency:

KAWASAKI TO FOCUS ON SUPERSTOCK AND SUPERSPORT IN 2004

Company releases Eric Bostrom to pursue personal career objectives

IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2003)—Bruce Stjernstrom, director of professional racing for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., today announced the company’s decision not to contest the 2004 AMA Superbike Series, and instead to concentrate on the Superstock and Supersport series races. At the same time, he indicated that Kawasaki would release the company’s Superbike racer, Eric Bostrom, to pursue his personal career objectives.

“Our decision is to put our team effort behind the Superstock and Supersport series at a time when the AMA’s Superbike series is being restructured,” said Stjernstrom. “Eric’s contributions to the team and Kawasaki have been enormous over the past several years, and there’s just no way we could stand in his way once the decision was made to not race the Superbike series,” he continued.

According to Stjernstrom, team management discussed the company’s 2004 plans with Bostrom and a mutual agreement was reached, which the director of racing says “is a prime example of the respect that exists between the two parties.”

“Kawasaki certainly wishes only the best for Eric in the future,” concluded Stjernstrom.



See related posts:

11/13/2003 Kawasaki Tests At Thunderhill, Without Bostrom

11/13/2003 Manager Denies That Eric Bostrom Is Considering U.S. Superbike Deal With Ducati

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy’s team make strides forward with Walker

Carl Fogarty was provided with immediate proof of the value of new signing Chris Walker during his Foggy PETRONAS Racing team’s two-day test at Valencia.

Chris was in action on the FP1 for the first time since signing for FPR and joined team-mate Troy Corser in the first chance to test the Pirelli tyres that all World Superbike championship teams will be using for the 2004 season.

But the focus of four-times world champion Foggy was firmly on his new man, who has replaced fellow Brit James Haydon.

Carl said: “This has been one of the best tests I have been to and the atmosphere within the team has been really positive. Chris had a few mechanical problems on the second day but the first day went very well. He loved the bike from the word go, especially the way it handled in the corners. And I was very surprised to see that he was nearly as fast as Troy at such an early stage. Chris did not really have much of a chance to test the Pirelli tyres, but Troy went very well on them on the second day.

“I was very impressed with Troy’s performance. He did around 16 laps on the same tyre, with his last lap quicker than the first. I don’t think I ever saw that with our Michelins. We still have a bit of work to find the perfect tyre for our bike but Troy said the Pirelli tyres gave good consistent grip throughout. So everything looks good for exciting racing and close competition in the championship next year.”

Chris had finished the first day with a best time of 1:38.2, just half a second down on his team-mate. But, while Troy broke into the 1:36s, mechanical problems prevented Chris from making progress with lap times on the second day.

Chris commented: “I spent the first day familiarising with the bike and the way the team works, but I was unable to make much progress on the second day because of a few problems with the bike. But I already know that the bike does certain things very well. All I can do at this early stage is use Troy as a benchmark and I was only half a second behind him on the first day which was very encouraging. I didn’t get much chance to test the new tyres but there will be time for that.”

Troy said: “I was doing lap times today as good as the ones at our last test here, with similar engine performance. It is still early days in our selection but the signs are that the one-tyre rule is going to work well for the championship.”