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.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Mladin and Duhamel battle for top dog at Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown

Infineon Raceway hosting AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship doubleheader

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (April 21, 2004) — Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin and Honda’s Miguel Duhamel will go head-to-head as Infineon Raceway plays host to the top motorcycle road racers in the country, April 30-May 2 for the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown. The weekend, which is presented by Cycle Gear, features rounds four and five of the 18-race AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship.

The stakes are doubly high between Mladin and Duhamel this weekend. It was at Infineon (then called Sears Point Raceway) in 1998 that Duhamel matched the Motorcycle Hall of Famer Fred Merkel’s all-time AMA Superbike wins record. Later that season, Duhamel became the all-time wins leader and held that esteemed record for nearly six years. His record was broken just a few weeks ago when Mat Mladin eclipsed the mark by winning his 27th-career AMA Superbike win at California Speedway.

Duhamel comes into Infineon Raceway as the all-time wins leader at that circuit with four-career AMA Superbike wins on the Sonoma, California track. Duhamel, then riding a Muzzy Kawasaki, won his first race at the track in a last lap thriller over Doug Polen in 1993, but hasn’t tasted victory in the Superbike ranks at Sonoma since 1998. He’s hoping the new Honda CBR1000RR will work well at the picturesque track and carry him to victory once again.

Mladin is the hottest rider in the series. He’s won all three rounds leading up to the Infineon doubleheader and has already established a 24-point lead in the championship points race over Honda’s Superbike newcomer Jake Zemke. Duhamel is a close third in the series. Mladin hopes to duplicate the doubleheader sweep at Infineon he earned last year. The Aussie sensation feels the strengths of his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 plays right into his hand on the twisty 2.32-mile Infineon Raceway.

“Typically a lot of circuits have some decent-length straightaways, which allows the guys with the faster motorcycles to sometimes get involved with a race for the lead,” Mladin explains. “At Infineon Raceway you don’t need the fastest bike, you need the best setup. You also need to be physically fit because there’s no time to rest. Typically, if you get it all right, you can usually win the race by a fair margin. Handling is at a premium.”

This weekend will mark the return to the championship of Mladin’s Suzuki teammate Aaron Yates. The Georgian gets back to action after serving a one-event suspension after a post-crash incident at Daytona. Yates missed both of the Superbike rounds as well as the Supersport race held at Fontana and is way behind in points. Yates joins Mladin and Duhamel as a former Superbike winner at Infineon Raceway.

Local fans will be rooting for the Bostrom brothers Ben and Eric. The Bostroms grew up in the Bay Area racing on dirt track ovals all across Northern California. Both Bostroms are looking for their first AMA Superbike victory at Infineon.

Eric jumped from 26th to fourth in the standings after a strong weekend at California Speedway on his Ducati Austin 999 earlier this month. Northern California has long been a hotbed of Ducati fans. Bostrom said he feels very appreciated by enthusiast of the Italian brand.

“It was pretty rewarding when we went to Fontana, where I went out and ran my 999 street bike around the track with them,” Bostrom said of a Ducati riders group outing. “The enthusiasm from the Ducati fans and the Ducati owners is just unlike anything I’m used to. They are just fanatics. The whole day I was going wide open, and they were really going after it too. They are really into their Ducatis.”

Ducati is looking for its first victory at Infineon since local ace Paul Ritter took a pair of upset wins on his privateer Ducati in 1977 and 1978.

Older brother Ben is still trying to find the combination that earned him the AMA Superbike Championship with Honda in 1998. So far the elder Bostrom brother’s season has been a big disappointment. His bike broke at Daytona and he crashed out of the first race at California Speedway and was fifth in the second race in Fontana. Those results find Bostrom 20th in the series standings. While the championship may be improbable for Bostrom he would be happy to earn his first win in the series since returning to America from World Superbike last year.

A number of privateer teams are breaking through to earn strong finishes in the championship so far this season. Empire Racing Suzuki rider Lee Acree is the leading rider on a non-factory team coming into this weekend’s doubleheader. Acree, a North Carolinian, is a former Superstock winner and current track record holder at Infineon, is ranked fifth in the championship.

The races will be televised on Speed Channel with both rounds being shown back-to-back on Sunday, May 2 starting at 5 p.m. Eastern.

For ticket information on the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

From a press release issued by Buell:

THREE BUELL PROMOTIONS GET RIDERS READY FOR SPRING:

Demo Days, Fuel in the Frame for a Year and No Down Payment Programs

MILWAUKEE (April 21, 2004) – Motorcycle enthusiasts who want to experience the adventure of riding Buell motorcycles this spring can take advantage of three promotional offers at participating Buell dealerships.

Motorcyclists who demo ride a Buell motorcycle through May 31, 2004 during Buell Demo Days will receive a free Buell Sling Bag. A valid motorcycle endorsement and proper riding gear are required for the demo ride. The customized sling bag, a $50 retail value, is made from heavy-duty denier fabric with nylon lining and features four individual storage compartments.

Those who purchase a Buell before May 31 will receive free gasoline during the Buell “Fuel in the Frame for a Year” promotion. Fuel in the Frame for a Year will be provided through a $150 Visa Gift Card. The Visa Gift Card is a prepaid card that can be used at millions of worldwide locations. Instead of worrying about rising gas prices, new Buell owners can focus on enjoying the ride. Highway gas mileage averages for the Firebolt and Lightning models are 65 mpg, and the Blast boasts nearly 73 mpg on the highway.

In addition, eligible buyers can also qualify for No Down Payment financing. This option is available through Eaglemark Savings Bank and Harley-Davidson Credit until June 30 on all 2003 and 2004 new, previously untitled Buell motorcycles including Blast.

Riders should stop by their participating Buell dealer or buell.com for full details on all of the Spring promotions.

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com.