From a press release:

LeoVince USA Announces Opening of New U.S. Headquarters

Richmond, CA- LeoVince USA has opened a new 4,000+ square foot facility located in the city of Richmond in the San Francisco Bay area. It is now the headquarters of U.S. operations for the LeoVince brands of motorcycle and scooter exhaust systems. U.S. Sales and Marketing Manager Tim Calhoun states, “We are excited to have developed a very usable space to house our marketing, sales and racing efforts. A unique aspect of the facility is that we will have a complete R&D center including a dynamometer to enable us to quickly develop new products both for consumers and our racing partners.”

The facility houses offices for the sales and marketing department, the R&D center, a presentation and display area, a video conference center and of course, being a company with an Italian heart and soul, there is the mandatory espresso bar!

LeoVince is a division of Sito Gruppo Industriale based in Monticello d’Alba, Italy. Sito is the largest exhaust manufacturer in Europe. LeoVince USA brands include SBK for sportbikes, Silvertail for cruisers, Scoot for scooters, and X3 for off-road and ATVs. For more information visit leovince.com. LeoVince products are distributed to U.S. motorcycle dealers by Western Power Sports.

From a press release issued by Mid-Ohio:

SPRINT TECHNOLOGY INCREASES SPEED AT MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE

DUBLIN, Ohio (April 22, 2004) – Recent technology upgrades to the communications system at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, has created a more efficient and cost effective way for Mid-Ohio to communicate, both internally and with customers and participants at the race track.

Partnering with Sprint, the “Official Telecommunications Provider for the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course”, fully integrated two-way voice communications have been installed between the course in Lexington and the TrueSports, Inc. offices in Dublin, Ohio, helping the two locations communicate more effectively with one another.

As part of that package, the track now has voice over IP (VoIP) technology for voice communications. This allows the track to consolidate their voice and data networks into one, thus saving costs on wiring infrastructure and reducing communication costs between their distant locations. Users of the system will also have access to voice mail, e-mail, and the possibility for future use of wireless voice and data applications.

“The new Sprint telecommunication services have proven to be a tremendous improvement in the ease of communicating between our offices,” said Michelle Trueman Gajoch, President of TrueSports, Inc., owner and operator of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School. “As the season progresses, we’ll surely see more benefits. More importantly, the entire system should allow us to better serve everyone who attends our race track in the future.”

The track has also added high speed Internet access through the installation of Sprint DSL. This service, at 3 megabits per second, will allow users to access the Internet at lightning-quick speeds.

This service is available to teams participating in racing events each week through use of Mid-Ohio’s 28 garages, as well as to media members and guests working in the media center on the second and third floors of the Goodyear Tower.

“With the increasing number of media outlets on the internet, as well as the amount of information available on-line, the move to high-speed internet access only helps every working media member covering a race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course,” said Reece White, Media and Marketing Coordinator for TrueSports, Inc. “Not only will make it easier and faster for writers to file stories for newspapers and internet sites, photographers uploading their work should see a dramatic change in speed over the dial-up system.”

“Mid-Ohio was able to see the value of Sprint’s market-leading portfolio of products and our ability to integrate voice, data and wireless in the implementation,” said Mark Brunn, General Manager, Sprint Business Solutions. “The track now has the latest technology which will provide a new avenue for productivity improvements.”

The green flag waves on the 2004 season at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with the Sprint Vintage Grand Prix, June 18-20. Celebrating the history of road racing, the event features the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s 10 group races, a Historic GTP race, and this year’s featured marque, Jaguar. Off of the racetrack, the 6th annual British Car Showdown and Mid-Ohio’s Concours d’Elegance feature the classic cars of hundreds of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course spectators. The 2004 season marks Sprint’s 15th year as the event’s title sponsor.

Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26 million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 65,000 employees worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, TrueSports, Inc. is a privately held motorsports entertainment enterprise. The company owns and operates Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, and promotes a wide variety of motor racing, driver instruction, corporate, and family entertainment events throughout the year.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road racing circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the track has been called the most competitive in the U.S. and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional riders and drivers.

More information about TrueSports, Inc., Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School can be found at www.midohio.com. Event and ticket information are available by calling 1-800-MID-OHIO.

From a press release issued by Road America:

Elkhart Lake Service Club: Save the Original Elkhart Lake Street Course

Elkhart Lake, Wisc. — The Elkhart Lake Service Club unanimously voted to support efforts to stop the Sheboygan County Highway Department from rebuilding County Roads A and P, which will destroy the character of the original street course. Elkhart Lake hosted the first street races in 1950, 1951 and 1952 and today is synonymous with road racing, generating more than $50 million in the area each year. Supporters are encouraged to contact the Sheboygan County Board 508 New York Ave., Sheboygan, WI, 53081 or via e-mail at www.co.sheboygan.wi.us/html/contact.html and ask them to halt the construction.

Consultants hired by the Sheboygan County Highway Commission failed to find adverse historical or economic impact by altering the road, according to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Further a dated Highway Commission plan calls the road a “major feeder,” but in fact traffic has declined between Glenbeulah (Pop. 375) and the Village of Elkhart Lake (Pop. 1100).

Art Parry, of Elkhart Lake, Wisc., introduced the resolution, which passed unanimously.

“While we don’t expect historians to be experts in motorsports, we do think they should have at least checked with the local historical group,” said George Bruggenthies, Road America president and general manager. “They missed on the historical impact and they missed on the economic impact. We think that’s enough of a reason to stop the construction before the road graders destroy an important part of the United States’ racing heritage.

“We have visitors from all over the world who come here and drive the original courses,” said Bruggenthies. “It’s an important part of our three vintage races and it’s an important point of interest.

“We encourage the Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors to revisit their decision and to look for another project that makes sense and that benefits Sheboygan County.”

Road America attracts between 500,000 and 750,000 visitors each year. Using a conservative metric of each guest spending $100 for one day results in a direct economic impact of between $50,000,000 and $75,000,000 annually. Road America race weekends are three or four days long.

“The State and County are losing manufacturing jobs,” Bruggenthies said. “Let’s work on our strengths, which includes tourism generated by Road America and Elkhart Lake. Let’s not destroy our assets because of a faulty Environmental Impact Statement.”

Road America’s 2004 spectator race dates are:

May 14-16, Sports Car Vintage Racing Assoc.; Road America Tailgate Party May 15

June 3-6, American Motorcyclist Assoc. Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader

June 17-20, Kohler/SCCA June Sprints® One of SCCA’s biggest races.

July 15-18, Brian Redman International Challenge featuring Historic Grand Prix F-1 cars, Formula Junior and the Nickey Chevrolet Reunion.

Aug. 5-8, Grand Prix at Road America featuring Champ Cars, the Motorock Trans-Am Tour for the BF Goodrich Cup, Toyota Atlantics and Formula BMW

Aug. 19-22, the Road America 500 featuring the American Le Mans Series, plus STRANA, the Super Truck Racing Assoc. of North America, racing 18-wheeler cabs

Sept. 17-19, the Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival, featuring Morgan cars and a tour of one of the original Elkhart Lake race circuits held on public roads.

The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Road America hosted its first official race in 1955 and will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2005.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

COUNTING DOWN TO WORLD DUCATI WEEK 2004

The events program for WDW 2004 nearly ready.

At its base in Borgo Panigale near Bologna, Ducati is busy putting the finishing touches on the program for the fourth world meeting of Ducati riders and enthusiasts. One thing, however, is certain already. The packed and varied events list is going to make these 7 days an absolutely unforgettable week for everybody who shares Ducati’s passion for motorcycling. Numbers are rocketing, with registrations pouring in from all over the world. It looks as if Ducati fans are responding in mass, determined to book pole position for what looks like a week to remember. And don’t forget that this year the meeting is open to all motorcyclists, whether they ride Ducatis or other brands. So everybody who is passionate about riding, whether they own a Ducati or not, can enjoy this great festival of motorcycling.

WDW2004 takes place from the 17th to the 23rd of May at the Santa Monica circuit in Misano Adriatico. This year’s event is completely new and for the first time in its history will include an entire week of track events from Monday right up to Sunday. In many ways, this year’s edition centres on track events thanks to the unique and unrepeatable opportunity of having the world famous Santa Monica circuit at our disposal every day of the week.

You will be thrilled by a whole series of special track events, including demonstration rides by Ducati’s official riders Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi, incredible motorcycle acrobatics from rider and stuntman Christian Pfeiffer, plus dragster exhibitions.

What is more, this year for the first time 3.4 kilometres of the track is being set aside (from Tuesday to Sunday) for testing Ducati’s latest models, from the legendary 999 to the breathtaking Multistrada and 749. All makes of bike, not only Ducatis, will be allowed on the track. The paddock itself will house a technical area, where participants will have the chance to get their bikes tuned to perfection by real experts. Engine and frame maintenance courses will be organized for women interested in improving their technical knowledge.

On the opening day (Monday, 17th May) the circuit will host the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE). DRE is the Ducati organised riding course that places all the experience and professionalism of the world’s top instructors at your disposal to perfect your riding techniques in maximum safety. In addition, if you purchase a full week pass before the 18th of April (whether you are a Ducati owner or not), you will be entered in a drawing to win an exclusive dinner in the company of all of Ducati Corse’s official riders. The legendary Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, Regis Laconi and James Toseland have promised to give the lucky winners a truly memorable evening. And whoever succeeds in the auction organised by humanitarian organisation Riders for Health also wins the once in a lifetime chance to ride a few circuits on the two-seat version of the super-fast Ducati Desmosedici as passenger of Randy Mamola. But even if you are not one of these lucky winners, don’t despair, because you’re certain to bump into great ex-champions like Marco Lucchinelli or Giancarlo Falappa or one of today’s legends, Troy Bayliss, Loris Capirossi, James Toseland or Regis Laconi, strolling around the circuit and they will all be happy to oblige with an autograph. But above all else WDW2004 will be a time for fun and entertainment!

Fitness oriented riders will find a gym area fitted out with the latest Technogym equipment, and a beach area dedicated to beach games, beach soccer and beach volley. And there will be an authentic Mexican style chiringuito where you can relax to great music and savour a range of colourful cocktails.

The week will also have its own relaxation area where you can chill out and listen to music, or de-stress under the expert hands of Incorporesano’s professional masseurs.

And this year again of course, there will be plenty of tours through some of the most beautiful riding country of Emilia Romagna, organised in conjunction with the “Curve e Tornanti” motorcycling guide. You can choose from three types of tour, designed to match the needs of everybody who wants to discover the exceptional beauty of this region of Italy. The DAY TOURS are full days out, riding through some of the most classic of all Apennine motorcycling routes. The HAPPY AFTERNOON TOURS are lazier rides to one of the many small towns in the Romagna Apennines, stopping for an aperitif or some great local food. Finally, if your aim is to perfect your road riding, you can opt for one of the SAFE ROAD RIDING TOURS that start with a theory lesson at the Curve & Tornanti stand at the Misano circuit and conclude with a practice ride on twisting Apennine roads.

More technically oriented participants at WDW2004 will be able to listen to the experts of DUCATI UNIVERSITY expounding the latest theories of design and mechanics, with specific reference to the technical and tactical aspects involved in winning the world motorcycle championship. This is just the place to pick up hints on how to design the world’s most beautiful bikes and to listen to Ducati’s team riders confess their own little secrets on how to make the most of the Misano circuit.

And that’s not all! Another area (the biggest single area in WDW2004) will be geared up to welcome over 2000 official club members from all over the world to take part in a whole range of music, food and exhibition events. The wildest, craziest riders in the world will be “on show” here to guarantee entertainment for all!

On Friday, the 21st of May, Ducati riders from all over Italy will meet up in Rome, Piacenza and Bologna to ride together, two by two, to Misano in the “Big Red Snake”, a massive red line winding its way to the Santa Monica circuit. The idea for the “Big Red Snake” dates back to 1998 and the Desmodromiclub of Rome. By 2002 the “Snake” had already grown to a length of 190 motorcyclists! While all this is happening a Mangusta helicopter, the latest helicopter deployed by the Italian armed forces will hover in the skies above the circuit. A team of parachutists will then drop from an incredible height and land with pinpoint precision right in the middle of the circuit. To register your own participation and to obtain the latest, most complete events programme, visit the WDW2004 website at www.wdw2004.com . Every evening, the STAGE will host shows and concerts to keep all WDW2004 participants happily entertained.

From a press release issued by RoadracingGirl PR:

Jessica Zalusky wraps up her snowboarding season to road race

Jessica Zalusky, professional snowboarder and road racer, recently finished her snowboarding season on top. After finishing 5th in the Open Women’s Class Halfpipe event in the United States of America Snowboarding Association National Championships, Jessica is ready to conquer her upcoming road racing schedule.

Jessica will be racing in selected AMA events, including Brainerd Intl Raceway and Road America. Jessica will race in both the 600cc Supersport and 1000cc Superstock class aboard her Yamaha R6 and Suzuki GSXR. In addition to AMA, Jessica will race the Central Roadracing Association series plus selected F-USA/CCS races.

Jessica’s sponsors include K2 Snowboards, Moto Primo, Teknic, Suomy, Kymco Scooters, Screaming Eagle, Teknic, Blown Concepts, Factory Pro, Scotts Performance, Armour Bodies, Specialized Graphics, M4 Exhaust Systems, Edge Performance Riding Courses, and Galfer.

www.roadracinggirl.com

From a press release issued by Ducati:

PARTS UNLIMITED DUCATI AUSTIN CONCLUDES TWO-DAY MICHELIN TEST AT ROAD AMERICA

Elkhart Lake (Wisconsin): Cold temperatures and intermittent rainfall kept the Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team from fully capitalizing on their two-day Michelin test session at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Eric Bostrom managed to get in nine laps during Tuesday’s test session, but with temperatures topping out at 49°, Bostrom’s hands were numbed to the point where working the controls proved difficult, so the team opted to wrap up testing in the early afternoon.

During Wednesday testing, Bostrom put in several laps on slicks before wet weather forced the 27-year-old rider onto rain tires for the remainder of the test session. In spite of the poor conditions, Racing Manager Tom Bodenbach felt positive about the track time.

“When we set up the date at Road America with Michelin, we knew it was a gamble for this time of the year. The weather certainly didn’t turn out the way we would’ve hoped, but at least we got to put in some time on the track and we did learn a few things.”

The AMA series resumes April 30 to May 2 with round 3 taking place at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

From a press release issued by WSMC:

Mike Tribble, 35, 2003 WSMC Novice #919, passed away from cancer on Saturday, April 17. He leaves behind wife Kacy and daughter Abby.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m., at Morning Star Christian Chapel, located at 16241 Leffingwell Ave., Whittier, California, (562) 943-0297.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING TO RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN RACE WIN ADVERTISING AT 2004 AWARDS BANQUET

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (April 22, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing has announced that it will recognize outstanding advertising during its annual AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet in November. Two awards will be given: one for best print ad and one for best TV ad.

The AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet is held at the end of the racing season and is where champions from each form of AMA motorcycle racing are honored.

Kerry Graeber, Vice President, Director of Communications will present the awards and is excited about the new award category. “Motorcycle manufactures as well as leading aftermarket companies that participate in racing make win advertising an important part of their marketing mix and we’re looking forward to recognizing their efforts,” said Graeber. “For companies who race, success on the race track is only part of the equation. Promoting that success through an effective advertising campaign extends the message and can lead to improved sales opportunities, which is, after all, why many companies race in the first place.” Graeber added that any advertising that promotes success in AMA-sanctioned professional motorcycle racing will be eligible for the competition.

Companies wishing to submit their advertising should visit www.amaproracing.com . Participants can enter as many ads as they wish. Each submission requires a separate entry form which is available on-line. Entries can be submitted by the advertiser or its agency of record. There is no fee to enter.

Graeber said ads promoting individual race wins from the 2004 racing season as well as ads promoting a 2003 championship are eligible. “Earning an award for advertising that promotes their racing success will be beneficial to the recipients,” said Graeber. “In addition to announcing the winners at the awards banquet and in subsequent news releases, we’ll also post the winning ads on the AMA Pro Racing web site. This will be like the ads running all over again.”

From a press release issued by AHRMA:

Race bargains at New Mexico’s Sandia Classic

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association announces it will waive the post-entry surcharges for roadrace and motocross entries at the May 1-2 Sandia Classic in Albuquerque, N.M.

“We want as many people as possible to experience this wonderful event, and we hope that a few more racers will be encouraged to make the trip if it costs the same to post-enter as it does to pre-enter,” said David Lamberth, AHRMA’s executive director.

Competitors in the May 1-2 Pro-Flo/Progressive Suspension Historic Cup Series roadrace rounds at Sandia Motor Speedway can enter the vintage, Vintage Superbike and modern Sound of Singles/Battle of Twins/Sound of Thunder classes for $50 per class. A complete round of AHRMA’s national series is run each day.

Entries for either the May 1 Northwest Maico & CZ/Pro-Flo post-vintage motocross for machines from 1975 to the early ’80s or the May 2 Speed & Sport vintage MX for pre-’75 motorcycles at Sandia Motocross Park will cost $35 for the first class and $25 for each additional class.

As previously announced, post-entries at the May 2 Classic MotorCycle/Metro Racing dirt track at Hollywood Hills Speedway are just $10 per class.

In all cases, competitors must be members of both AHRMA and the American Motorcyclist Association. Memberships will be available at the track. Pre-entries closed April 16.

For AHRMA information, call 615-851-3674 or visit www.ahrma.org. Details on the Sandia Classic can be found at www.sandiaclassic.net.