Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS racer and Superbike Motorsports owner Scott Ponder, 30, and mother Beverly Guy, 52, as well as employees Brian Lucas, 29, and Chris Shubert, were found shot to death around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, inside the Spartanburg County, South Carolina, motorcycle dealership.

Lucas was the service manager at Superbike Motorspots, and Shubert was a mechanic.

According to news reports, a customer called 911 and reported finding four people dead inside the dealership.

Ponder and his wife, who was not at the shop when the shootings took place, were expecting their first child.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen anything in the area of the shop between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Thursday to call (864) 596-2616.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Belgarda:

YAMAHA BELGARDA SIGNS FABIEN FORET!

Fabien Foret was born on the 29th January 1973 in Angouleme (France) and made his Supersport World Championship debut in 2000. He won the Supersport World Championship title in 2000. Fabien Foret “I am very happy to sign for Yamaha Belgarda because I know how competitive the bike is already and so I will be able to concentrate on trying to win the world title straightaway. I cannot wait for the November tests when I’ll be able to throw my leg over the R6 for the first time. I am sure that the Yamaha-Foret partnership is going to be a very successful one and give us all a lot of pleasure.”

The other Yamaha Belgarda rider in 2004 is Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh who was re-signed after his excellent results in 2003 – his debut season on four-stroke production based bikes. Jurgen van den Goorbergh “2003 has been a year of apprenticeship for me on 4-strokes and in a new class, but I was still able to fight for the championship. Thanks to all the good experience I gained this year, I’ll be able to go all-out for the title in 2004.”

Claudio Consonni (Yamaha Belgarda S.p.A Racing Manager) “We are sure and happy that we have two riders who can win the Supersport World Championship in 2004. They are a perfect mix of an attacker and a thinker! It’s the first time in Belgarda’s Racing history without an Italian rider. A sorry fact, but we are are more and more an international team and we must try and compete with the strongest squad. It doesn’t mean that there are no up and coming riders in Italy, but just that our present structure does not allow for Italian rider at present.”

Now let’s all look forward to the winter tests!

From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A.:

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2003 RESULTS

Highest Third Quarter Unit Sales and Registrations Ever. Revenues Excluding Forex Effect Up 25% –

Bologna, Italy, November 6, 2003 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months, ended September 30, 2003.

For the third quarter of 2003, unit sales were 6,865, an 18.8% increase over the same period in 2002, the highest number of motorcycles ever sold by the Company in a third quarter. Revenues for the period were Euro 75.3 million, up 24.7% excluding forex effects, (or 20.5% including forex effects) over the same period in 2002.

Third quarter revenues from motorcycles for the period increased 26.6% excluding forex effects, (or 22.4% including forex effects) to Euro 55.9 million and represented 74.2% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, increased 17.7% excluding forex effects (or 13.2% including forex effects) to Euro 18.9 million over the comparable period in the previous year.

Gross margin was 37.7% of revenues versus 41.4% in the period, mainly due to a negative motorcycle mix and forex effects. Sales costs represented 24.3% of sales versus 34.2% in the period last year, representing a decrease of Euro 3.1 million, as a result of the Company’s strict cost controls. EBITDA was Euro 6.7 million (or Euro 5.0 million including forex effects) versus zero in the period of the previous year.

In the third quarter of 2003, pre-tax loss was Euro 5.4 million versus a loss of Euro 11.1 million last year. The improvement of Euro 5.7 million was mainly due to higher EBITDA and lower financial charges.

For the third quarter, unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, a measure of retail sales, were up 10% versus the same period last year, in a market which grew 7%. In particular, increases were up in Italy 21%, the US up 19%, non-subsidiary importer countries up 13%, France up 9% and Benelux Countries up 8%. Registrations were down 3% in Germany, down 5% in the UK and down 9% in Japan.

“Ducati has posted very strong results for the third quarter of 2003, confirming the improving trend during the course of the year thanks to our popular new product introductions and the effect of our savings programs,” said Federico Minoli, Ducati Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The Multistrada, in particular, continues to break records, having sold 4,762 units in six months since its launch, and we are increasing our sales target to 5,500 units. Also, the new Monster S4R has had a great success having sold over 2,200 units in five months. Just last week in Tokyo, we unveiled prototypes of the Sport Classic dream bike, a new concept of thoroughly modern motorcycles that capture the essential beauty, timeless style and emotion of the original Ducati sport bikes of the 1970’s. The PaulSmart, GT and Sport are all powered by the advanced Desmo 1000 DS engine. Depending on the market reaction and ensuing demand, we will announce a production timeline.

“On the racetrack, we are very pleased with our successes as well – official Ducati Fila racer Neil Hodgson won the riders title in the World Superbike Championship at Assen, in Holland, bringing Ducati’s total to ten and underlining the extraordinary performance of our new 999 Testastretta Superbike. The MotoGP season ended in Valencia on November 2 in style, with Loris Capirossi finishing on the podium. The final standings in the Rider’s Championship sees Loris and Troy Bayliss finishing in fourth and sixth places respectively. So, additionally, after an absence of 30 years, Ducati took second place in the Constructors’ World Championship, bringing to a close a spectacular season,” added Minoli. “What a superb result – congratulations and thanks to the riders, to their teams and of course to all our fans.”

For the first nine months, unofficial Ducati worldwide registrations, a measure of retail sales, were down 5% versus the period last year, with the US down 20%, the UK down 11%, Japan down 11%, France down 7%, Germany down 2%, Italy down 1%, while the Benelux Countries grew 6% and Non-subsidiary countries were up 8%. This is a notable recovery after declines of 18% and 4% in the first and second quarter of 2003, respectively.

First nine months 2003 revenues of Euro 284.6 million, were down 0.7% excluding forex effects, (or down 4.8% including forex effects) versus the period in 2002. EBITDA was Euro 37.8 million excluding forex effects (or Euro 30.8 million including forex effects) versus Euro 38.8 million in the first nine months of 2002. At EBT level, there was a loss of Euro 7.0 million versus a gain of Euro 3.7 million in the 2002 period mainly due to adverse forex, restructuring and depreciation costs.

“The third quarter improvement, driven by increased sales as well as reduced product and structure costs, brings us in line with our expectations for the full year of a flat top line versus year ago – excluding forex effects – and a positive bottom line. However, after the slow start to the year and the subsequent recovery, the outlook for 2003 remains challenging. Our ability to meet our targets will largely depend on forex non further deteriorating and the sustained growth of our relevant market.” said Enrico D’Onofrio, Ducati Chief Financial Officer.

The Company’s net debt at September 30, 2003 was €Euro 112.2 million, up versus the Euro 100.4 €million at the same date a year earlier mainly due to lower EBITDA. The company’s gearing ratio was 73% at September 30, 2003 versus 64% at the same date a year earlier.

At the end of September, the Company has re-purchased 293,235 shares, equivalent to €Euro 391,225 or 0.185% of its stock capital.

A discussion by Ducati management of the third quarter 2003 results is available at www.ducati.com under Company and then Investor Relations, and can be accessed until mid-February 2004 under Webcast of Results at the bottom of the IR Press Release Schedule section.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Adam “Crusty” Fergusson and Josh Brookes will ride for Castrol Honda in the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Series.

According to www.mcnews.com.au, Fergusson and Brookes will ride Honda CBR600RRs in Supersport and CBR1000RRs in Superbike.

After finishing on the podium twice in the 2001 World Supersport series, Fergusson joined the AMA Superstock and Formula Xtreme series in the middle of 2002. After only six races, Fergusson finished 12th in FX points (with four podium finishes and one win) and 15th in Superstock points (with three podiums and five top-five finishes). In 2003, Fergusson finished fifth in both class Championships, taking two Formula Xtreme podiums with four podiums and nine top-10 finishes in Superstock.

Brookes rode in the 2003 Shell Advance series for Castrol Honda, finishing seventh in the Superbike Championship and fourth in the Supersport Championship.

Fergusson could not be reached for comment at post time. A call to his American wireless phone was greeted with a recording which said the number was no longer in service.

From a press release issued by publicist Dorina Clarke, for Team Hammer, Inc.:

Chris Siglin Wins Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars

Lake Elsinore, Calif. – Chris Siglin, 22, of Clayton, California won the 2003 Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars during the Suzuki Cup Finals at Road Atlanta last weekend.

Siglin was one of two semi-finalists in the Talent Search, and, along with Greg Moore, 25, of Brookwood, Alabama, earned a fully sponsored ride in the GSX-R750 Cup during the WERA Grand National Finals weekend. Siglin and Moore were provided with custom-fit Alpinestars leathers in Valvoline EMGO Suzuki colors, Alpinestars boots and gloves, Michelin tires, entry fees and the use of a Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 racebike with a mechanic.

Siglin won the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 he rode at Road Atanta by finishing better than Moore in the GSX-R750 Cup Final. Moore crashed out while leading, and Siglin, who had never been to Road Atlanta before, finished ninth.

“I’m really excited about winning the bike, I didn’t really expect it,” said Siglin. “I’m still in shock about it. It’s really cool. I’ll probably race it a couple times at Willow Springs, finish off the year, and do a couple track days. Overall, the Talent Search was an awesome experience, worth every penny plus more. All the knowledge, the experience, the people I’ve met, it was absolutely great, more than I ever expected, for sure. Mike Canfield was my mechanic and he worked his ass off! To be involved with the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki guys at the GNF was a dream come true, to have the great equipment and great guys behind you is the best feeling in the world. I knew I was going to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and not sure what to expect, but I ended up meeting some of the nicest people I’ve ever met!”

Moore agreed with Siglin regarding his Talent Search experience. “It was an awesome experience,” Moore said. “Everybody was great. They make it easy for you to just go out and ride. I didn’t have to work on my own stuff, and I was able to just ride. Mike Earnhardt was my mechanic and we got on real well. I crashed and broke my foot and hand early in the weekend, but was still able to win three WERA Championships and do a 1:27.5, my best lap. In the GSX-R750 cup race I got the holeshot on all three starts and when I came around for the second lap I saw plus zero on my board so I thought someone was right on my ass. I kept pushing it and going down the hill in turn four I didn’t get my foot up and it got caught between the bike and the gator bumps and I crashed. Even though I was hurt, I am not the kind of person to not give 110 percent. It’s a fine line, sometimes you ride hard and are a hero and sometimes you crash and burn. Hopefully the team was happy with what I did. Everything about the whole experience was great.”

More information on the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented by Alpinestars can be found in the News section of www.teamhammer.com

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) has added an event at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California to its tentative 2004 Historic Cup road race schedule.

According to the organization’s website, the Garage Company’s Corsa MotoClassica will take place May 8-9 at the 2.5-mile, nine-turn track.

AHRMA has already announced events at Sandia Motor Speedway in Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 1-2 and Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, August 14-15 and plans to add another 2004 date in California.

For additional info, go to www.ahrma.org or call (615) 851-3674.

From a press release issued by Seacoast Sport Cycle:

Seacoast Sport Cycle Announces Grand Reopening/Open House Celebration

Seacoast Sport Cycle invites Italian two-wheel enthusiasts to its grand reopening celebration — Saturday, November 8th from 10 to 6 at 208 Rockingham Road, at the intersection of Route 28 and Kilrea Road in Derry, New Hampshire, 4 miles north of the shop’s old location.

Seacoast Sport Cycle brings you Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles and scooters, showcased in our new 6,000 sq. foot location. Stop by to see the new models and grab a light lunch. For more information or directions, please call Seacoast Sport Cycle at 603-437-5656.

www.aprilia-nh.com or www.motoguzzi-nh.com

From a press release issued by the PR Group:

MOTORCYCLE CHASSIS & SUSPENSION SEMINAR BY INTERNATIONAL EXPERT!

On November 29th in Redwood City, California, Keith Code (www.superbikeschool.com) and Doc Wong of Doc Wong Rides (www.docwong.com) are co-hosting an all day seminar with suspension and chassis guru Tony Foale. The seminar attendance will be a maximum of 50 people. Price for the event is $89 advance registration is required. e-mail Doc at [email protected] for payment, registration and directions to his clinic in Redwood City where it will be held.

Tony Foale’s newest book, “Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design, the art and science” will be available as will question and answer periods following his lectures. Foale’s work has received wide acclaim among chassis and techno-handling wizards world wide and his newest string of articles in Motorcycle Consumer News have shown his ability in bringing his understanding down to street level.

The interaction of chassis adjustments and tire performance is a hot topic and will be one of the subjects covered in the 8 hours. Foale says, “Tyre behaviour is at the heart of nearly all aspects of bike behaviour, and there is very little accurate information available from easily accessible sources. Topics such as feel, the requirements of suspension to allow the tyres to work, the differing requirements of comfort and performance and many other things will be covered.”

The seminar will be from 9AM to 5PM, Saturday, November 29th.

LOCATION: Wong Chiropractic Clinic, 1391 Woodside Road, Suite 200, Redwood City, CA 94061

(In the San Francisco bay area, just south of the city on Hwy. 101. Also near Hwy. 280.)

To register – email: [email protected]

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Tokyo-Chunichi Sports is reporting that Shinya Nakano will ride a Kawasaki MotoGP bike in 2004, as teammate to Alex Hoffman, on Bridgestone tires.

According to sources in Japan, Suzuki may also switch to Bridgestone tires for the 2004 MotoGP Series.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

MRA officials say that MRA President Andrew Drattlo has resigned over charges that he wrote MRA checks and used an MRA debit card to pay non-MRA bills, including a $2100 motorcycle shop (TK Motorsports) rent payment and a $4000 downpayment on a personal truck, with several other charges–including automatic debit charges for a life insurance policy–remaining unexplained.

The amount of unauthorized personal expenditures may exceed $10,000 although Drattlo’s partner in TK Motorsports has since repaid the $2100.

Colorado-based MRA also missed scheduled payments on a $54,000 AMB transponder scoring system, including a $37,000 payment due September 1.

During an MRA Board of Directors meeting November 5, the organization revealed that it is trying to determine the exact amount of unauthorized charges and unpaid bills, has sent a $10,000 good faith payment to AMB and will pay the $27,000 balance due AMB as soon as possible, and is considering filing criminal and/or civil charges against Drattlo.

In the future, the MRA will require two signatures on organization checks, and copies of all checks and bank statements will be reviewed by the entire Board.

Roadracingworld.com reached new MRA Treasurer Brian Destarac, (who, with Drattlo, is co-owner of TK Motorsports), by phone Thursday afternoon, and asked him several questions.

Roadracingworld.com: Is it true Andrew Drattlo is no longer MRA President?

Destarac: He was asked to resign, which he did on the 3rd.

RW: Did he use MRA funds for his own personal use?

Destarac: Yes, we do have documentation of that.

RW: Is any action being taken?

Destarac: The whole situation is still under investigation and we have some issues which we are trying to resolve before we determinate if we are going to take further action.

RW: Is he still part of TK Motorsports?

Destarac: He hasn’t been in for a few weeks. We are currently trying to buy him out of the business. Actually his wife is the co-owner, he just acts as the managing partner for the two.

At post time, Drattlo had not returned a phone call from Roadracingworld.com seeking comment.

Read the official statement released by the MRA Board here:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/MRA-Racing/message/6136?unwrap=1

More information is posted on the MRA BBS, at
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/MRA-Racing/message/6065