From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MonsterMob Ducati British Superbike and Supersport Championship Team

12th April, 2004
British Superbike Championship
Round 2
Brands Hatch, Kent
11/12 April

EMMETT WINS AT BRANDS

Amidst what looked at one point to be a disaster, MonsterMob Ducati riders Sean Emmett and Michael Laverty salvaged a pair of creditable results in front of a massive Bank Holiday crowd at Brands Hatch today.

British Superbike star Emmett overcame a first race crash to bounce back with his first win of the 2004 campaign in race two whilst Laverty had to battle through from a row five start to claim sixth place in the British Supersport race to move into second place in the series.

Superbike race one saw 34 year old Emmett crash out at the start of lap two at Paddock Hill bend whilst well placed after a front end slide but the pole position setter defied the pain barrier of a suspected broken finger to claim an emotional start to finish victory at his local track in the day’s second outing.

As a result, the Londoner moved into fourth in the series after four of the scheduled twenty-six races aboard the Silkolene, VK Vodka Kick and Cetelem (UK) supported Ducati 999 F04.

“I don’t think I have ever been so disappointed to win a race. I’m relieved and really happy for the team because it’s the least they deserve but I am just desperately disappointed. I had visions of doing the double here after being so strong all weekend but that’s racing though. It’s a win and it’s what the team needs and it shows the Ducati is still a very strong package and if I can win injured like that, just watch out when I’m feeling fit! Its Snetterton next which is another one of my favourite circuits and I’ve done the double there. Everyone has their share of bad luck and hopefully I’ve now had mine. I’ll just keep my head down and hopefully I can peg the points back from here” said Emmett.

22 year old team mate, Michael Laverty looked as if a good result was not on the cards but a spirited performance from the Ulsterman netted him some more important points.

The Toomebridge rider struggled with grip aboard the Ducati 749 Supersport bike amidst an incident packed race which saw the safety car out for three laps mid race.

“That was a race of survival for me. I couldn’t get the grip down and I was just spinning everywhere. I can’t believe I’ve salvaged sixth place as I was only riding at 80%” said Laverty.

Team boss, Paul Bird was happy with the end results: “Sean did a sterling job in the second race and showed his true character. It’s nice to be back on the top step as I was beginning to forget what it was like. It will be a long battle though. Michael also did a good job as we took a bit of a gamble with the tyres and he struggled for grip. I’m happy that he’s got second position in the championship as we haven’t got him going yet and hopefully we will see some improvements over the next few meetings.”

Superbike Race One Results
1, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 24:28.876
2, Michael Rutter (Honda) -1.852 second
3, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) -3.234
4, Scott Smart (Kawasaki) -4.421
5, Gary Mason (Yamaha) -18.325
6, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) -22.387
7, Sam Corke (Suzuki) -24.737
8, Jon Kirkham (Suzuki) -27.624
9, Tommy Hill Yamaha) -29.722
10, Kieran Clarke (Yamaha) -29.797

Superbike Race Two Results
1, Sean Emmett (MonsterMob Ducati) 23:26.496
2, Michael Rutter (Honda) -0.159 second
3, John Reynolds (Suzuki) -7.069
4, Scott Smart (Kawasaki) -11.212
5, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) -12.418
6, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) -12.789
7, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) -17.197
8, Dean Thomas (Ducati) -25.069
9, Gary Mason (Yamaha) -27.202
10, Tommy Hill (Yamaha) -31.133

Supersport Race Result
1, Jay Vincent (Honda) 23:19.965
2, Luke Quigley (Suzuki) -1.530 seconds
3, Simon Andrews (Yamaha) -1.686
4, Pere Riba (Kawasaki) -4.692
5, Tom Tunstall (Honda) -4.802
6, Michael Laverty (MonsterMob Ducati) -5.508
7, Kieran Murphy (Honda) -6.719
8, Lee Jackson (Honda) -8.678
9, Jamie Robinson (Yamaha) -8.702
10, Shane Norval (Honda) -8.870

Superbike Championship Standings (after Round 2)
1, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 82 pts
2, Michael Rutter (Honda) 81 pts
3, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 60 pts
4, Sean Emmett (MonsterMob Ducati) 49 pts
5, Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 47 pts
6, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 40 pts
7, Gary Mason (Yamaha) 27 pts
7, Dean Thomas (Ducati) 27 pts
9, Tommy Hill (Yamaha) 26 pts
10, Steve Plater (Yamaha) 19 pts

Supersport Championship Standings (after Round 2)
1, Jay Vincent (Honda) 33 pts
2, Michael Laverty (MonsterMob Ducati) 26 pts
2, Pere Riba (Kawasaki) 26 pts
4, Karl Harris (Honda) 25 pts
4, Luke Quigley (Suzuki) 25 pts
6, Craig Jones (Triumph) 20 pts
7, Kieran Murphy (Honda) 19 pts
8, Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 16 pts
9, Tom Tunstall (Honda) 14 pts
10, Leon Camier (Honda) 11 pts



More, from a press release issued by MSS Discovery Kawasaki Team:

British Supersport/National Superstock Championships
Round two
Brands Hatch
Monday, April 12, 2004

RIBA FOURTH TO TAKE SECOND PLACE IN POINTS STANDINGS FOR MSS DISCOVERY

Determined Spaniard Pere Riba took fourth place aboard his MSS Discovery Kawasaki in Monday’s second round of the British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch, Kent.

And fourth place in a crash-ridden race was enough for the experienced and consistent Riba to move into second place in the points standings for the 13-round Championship.

“I’m happy to take fourth but what a crazy race,” said Riba. “I have never witnessed so many crashes. And it’s the first time I’ve been on the track with a safety car! It was really, really mad but I think the luck was with me today.”

Riba added: “With the stage we’re at with developing the ZX-6RR I’m happy to finish fourth again and I know that very soon we will find the extra half a second a lap which we need to start qualifying on the front row regularly and challenging for race wins.”

Riba’s team-mate Rob Frost suffered an eventful race after holding third place in the early stages. Frost tangled with Danny Beaumont in their battle for third and the two ran off the track. Frost returned and was in 20th place when he crashed out, escaping injury, four laps later.

“I couldn’t do anything about the first incident, Beaumont just took my front wheel from me,” explained Frost. “Then I got hit by another rider at Clearways and that was my race over.”

Frost continued: “I’m gutted for the team. The effort that goes in is incredible and we need to get a race finish and hopefully that will come in the next round at Snetterton.”

Luckless Steve Allan was a first lap crasher in the second round of the National Superstock Championship. The lanky Scotsman escaped serious injury but was disappointed not to have added to his opening round third place finish.

“I’d actually be a little happier if I could explain what happened,” said Allan. “The rear tyre let go, a classic Clearways, first lap high-side. I wasn¹t even trying that hard and I knew what I could expect from today so I really did feel in control.

“Then the rear just broke away and, before I knew what was happening, I was over the bars. I’ve got a bit of a sore back but I’ll be OK.”

British Supersport Championship, round two result (28 laps ­ 34.16 miles):
1 Jay Vincent, Honda, 23:19.965
2 Luke Quigley, Suzuki, 23:21.495
3 Simon Andrews, Yamaha, 23:21.651
4 Pere Riba, Kawasaki, 23:24.657
5 Tom Tunstall, Honda, 23:24.767
6 Michael Laverty, Ducati, 23:25.473
7 Kieran Murphy, Honda, 23:26.684
8 Lee Jackson, Honda, 23:28.643
9 Jamie Robinson, Yamaha, 23:28.667
10 Shane Norval, Honda, 23:28.835

Championship points after two of 13 rounds: 1 Vincent 33, 2 Riba and Laverty 26, 4 Karl Harris, Honda and Quigley 25, 6 Craig Jones, Triumph 20, 7 Murphy 19, 8 Andrews 16, 9 Tunstall 14, 10 Leon Camier, Honda 11.

National Superstock Championship, round two result (26 laps ­ 31.72 miles):
1 Andy Tinsley, Suzuki, 21:29.891
2 Danny Beaumont, Yamaha, 21:31.093
3 Tristan Palmer, Suzuki, 21:32.325
4 Ben Wilson, Suzuki, 21:33.698
5 Darren Mitchell, Suzuki, 21:40.049
6 Mark Heckles, Yamaha, 21:42.794
7 Les Shand, Yamaha, 21:42.795
8 Kelvin Reilly, Ducati, 21:43.245
9 John Crockford, Suzuki, 21:56.580
10 Craig Fitzpatrick, Suzuki, 21:56.747

Championship points after two of 13 rounds: 1 Tinsley 45, 2 Wilson 38, 3 Palmer and Beaumont 29, 5 Shand 20, 6 Steve Allan, Kawasaki and Heckles 16, 8 Reilly 15, 9 Fitzpatrick 14, 10 Mitchell 11.



More, from a press release issued by Scott Smart Racing:

FACTORY KAWASAKI British Superbike racer Scott Smart scored a brace of brilliant fourth places at Brands Hatch today and managed to get within four points of fourth place in the championship, despite having a minor coming together with Suzuki’s Yukio Kagayama in the early part of race two.

The York-based 27-year-old, who is campaigning Kawasaki’s new ZX-10R, managed to qualify in sixth place yesterday which stood him in good stead for the two legs today and was just behind team-mate Glen Richards.

“I got off the line really well in race one,” said Smart. “Trouble was, I got blocked through Paddock and then had to get good drive up to Druids. I went very hot into there (sorry Dean), got it all sideways and stood everyone up. Anyway, we got down to a reasonable pace and Glen, Sean (Emmett) and I were making progress. All three of us were taking different lines out of Paddock and it happened that Glen and Sean had a coming together, but I managed to keep out of the way as Sean lobbed it and took Glen with him. Thankfully, they were both OK, even though Glen was looking a bit battered and bruised.

“The safety car came out, we all bunched up again and, going into Graham Hill bend, I managed to outbrake Yukio, but he got better drive and was back in front by the time we got to Surtees. Then my tyre began to go away from me and I realised we were really missing a bit of steam coming out of Clearways, so stuck at it, defended my lines and got it home in fourth.”

Race two saw a similar start from Scott and he was up to third in the first couple of laps. “I was away with the front runners, snatched third and then managed to do Yukio into Graham Hill again. We were side by side into Surtees and I turned in to find him already there, we touched and both went onto the grass. This allowed a couple more guys to get in front of both of us, including John Reynolds. Fortunately, we came back onto a relatively clear track and I managed to re-pass Kiyo. I just wasn’t close enough to chase down JR for third. I’m really happy with the weekend. I’ve never been a big fan of Brands, even though it’s my home track. We have still got a lot of work to do with the motor and suspension before we get to the next round at Snetterton.

“Snet is a big horsepower track. Both Glen and I will struggle with the long straights, but, as we both showed today, we can more than make up the steam deficit with good braking and corner speed.”

Championship standings after round two:
1. J Reynolds Suzuki 82pts
2. M Rutter Honda 81pts
3. R Kiyonari Honda 60pts
4. S Emmett Ducati 49pts
5. S Smart Kawasaki 46pts


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

REYNOLDS RACES TO BSB SERIES LEAD!

Team Rizla Suzuki’s John Reynolds scored his fourth podium of the year at today’s second British Superbike Championship round at Brands Hatch, Kent to inch ahead of Michael Rutter in the series.
JR raced his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to victory in the opening race and followed up with third in the second, while team mate Yukio Kagayama took a podium third place and then backed that up with a fifth in the second – his best performance in his comeback from injury.

In the first race, JR led from start to finish in domineering style. Yuki was a close second until he encountered back markers on the 23rd of 30 laps and was demoted to third; a place he held until the finish line.

In the second, back markers again played their part with JR being held up towards the end. He fought his way from ninth at the end of the first lap to run with the leaders. Then on lap 24, he was caught behind a slower rider, letting the leaders escape and allowing Ducati’s Sean Emmett to take the spoils. Yuki had led early in the race, but after tangling with Kawasaki’s Scott Smart and going off track, he was happy with fifth place at the finish.

After entering the second round as co-leader of the series with Michael Rutter, JR is now one-point ahead of the Honda rider who took two second place finishes.

* Crescent Suzuki-supported Jon Kirkham took a win and second place in the British Superbike Cup and leads that Championship after two rounds.

* Luke Quigley, racing the Knotts Buildbase Suzuki, achieved the new, 2004 GSX-R600’s first podium finish in the British Supersport series with a fighting second place.

John Reynolds:

“A first and third place finish matches our results from Silverstone and these are good solid points in the bag. It would have been nice to have competed for the win in the second race but a back-marker got in the way, which is always a hazard at the short Indy circuit.

“Overall though, we proved that the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 is going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2004. The next round at Snetterton favours horsepower and we will go there confident of getting good results.”

Yukio Kagayama:

“Today’s results for me are very nice. In race one I make many mistakes and choose wrong lines through corners but still finish on the podium. In the second race I am much lucky after running onto the grass and still finishing fifth.

“I will return to Japan tomorrow to see my new daughter Nana and my family. I am happy with my results; these are maybe topside of my expectations for the early season and give me much hope. I think the next circuits are my favourites and suit the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 and soon I pray I can win.”

Gary Keogh, Brand Manager for Rizla:

“JR put on a superb show today and is clearly targeting the title this year. It is telling that he is disappointed at finishing third in the second race; this team is used to winning. We are ahead of our 2003 position and well and truly leading the Championship race. Last year JR was injured and missing races, but this year he’s leading the points table after two rounds.

“Yuki performed above our expectations by getting a podium and fifth place finish on a track he’s never raced on before. The next two tracks are Yuki’s favourites and as his fitness continues to improve we will see him challenging more and more for the podium and dicing with John for the victories.”

The next round of the British Superbike Championship is at Snetterton in Norfolk on April 25th; a traditionally-strong circuit for the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 which can make the most of its prodigious horsepower along the fast 190mph Revit Straight.

Race One Results: 1: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) 24:28.876, 2: Michael Rutter (Honda) +1.852, 3: YUKIO KAGAYAMA (RIZLA SUZUKI) +3.234, 4: Scott Smart (Kawasaki) +4.421, 5: Gary Mason (Yamaha) +18.325, 6: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +22.387, 7: Sam Corke (Suzuki) +24.737, 8: Jon Kirkham (Suzuki) +27.624, 9: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +29.722, 10: Kieran Clarke (Yamaha) +29.797.

Race Two Results: 1: Sean Emmett (Ducati) 23:26.496, 2: Rutter +0.159, 3: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) +7.069, 4: Smart +11.212, 5: YUKIO KAGAYAMA (RIZLA SUZUKI) +12.418, 6: Kiyonari +12.789, 7: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +17.197, 8: Dean Thomas (Ducati) +25.069, 9: Mason +27.202, 10: Hill +31.133.

BSB Championship Standings (after 2 of 13 rounds): 1: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) 82, 2: Rutter 81, 3: Kiyonari 60, 4: Emmett 49, 5: Smart 47, 6: YUKIO KAGAYAMA (RIZLA SUZUKI) 40, 7: Mason 27, 8: Thomas 27, 9: Hill 26, 10: Steve Plater (Yamaha) 19.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Benelli has announced its new “TNT,” an inline triple naked sports bike based largely on the Tornado Tre, which was raced briefly in World Superbike.

While it shares the same basic chassis with its brother (tubular steel trellis frame and swingarm connected by cast aluminum swingarm pivot plates, 55.8-inch wheelbase), the TNT gets more displacement than the 898cc Tornado Tre via a longer stroke, reportedly for more torque.

With a bore and stroke of 88x62mm (a 12.8mm longer stroke than the Tre), the TNT displaces 1130cc. Add a compression ratio of 11.5:1 (versus 11.0:1 for the Tre) and you have a claimed 140 horsepower “at the shaft” at 9500 rpm and 84 lbs.-ft. of torque at 6750 rpm.

Or as it states on Benelli’s website: “In terms of power and torque values, the bike has more than enough and once you have learnt how to tame its exuberance, the TNT will reward you with acceleration speeds that take your breath away and performances worthy of a motoGP.”

The bike also features chain-driven double overhead cams, electronic fuel-injection, an engine counter balancer, a wet clutch, a six-speed transmission, 50mm inverted Marzocchi forks, 320mm front brake rotors, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers, a two-way adjustable Extreme Technology shock, under-seat exhaust system, an exposed die-cast aluminum subframe, a dual-headlight arrangement with a total of six light bulbs, side-mounted radiators, wide 17-inch wheels and a claimed dry weight of 437.8 pounds.

Benelli did not announce pricing and does not list a U.S. importer on its website.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

World Endurance
Assen, Netherlands
4/12/04
Final Race Results:

1. Suzuki-Castrol Team, FRA, Suz GSX-R1000 (Vincent Philippe, FRA/Olivier Four, FRA/Matthieu Lagrive, FRA);

2. Yamaha – GMT 94, FRA, Yam YZF-R1 (William Costes, FRA/Sébastien Gimbert, FRA/David Checa, SPA), -28 seconds;

3. Endurance Moto 38, FRA, Yam YZF-R1 (Gwen Giabbani, FRA/Frederic Jond, FRA/Stephane Duterne, FRA), -3 laps;

4. WRT-Honda Austria, AUT, Hon CBR1000RR (Erwin Wilding, AUT/Karl Truchsess, AUT);

5.Bridgestone Bikers Profi 1, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Tim Röthig, GER/Ralf Schwickerath, GER);

6. JET Team, SUI, Suz GSX-R1000 (Claude-Alain Jaggi, SUI/Eric Monot, FRA/Sylvain Waldmeier, SUI);

7. Diablo 666 Bolliger, GBR, Kaw ZX-10R (James Hutchins, GBR/Nick Pilborough, GBR/Mike Edwards, GBR);

8. Team Spring, ITA, Duc 999R (Lorenzo Mauri, ITA/Matteo Colombo, ITA/Ivo Bellezza, ITA);

9. Team Innodrom Racing, GER, Suz GSX-R1000
(Sandor Bitter, HUN/Frank Spenner, GER/Niggi Schmassmann, SUI);

10. No Limits Team, ITA, Suz GSX-R1000 (Roberto Ruozi, ITA/Andrea Giachino, ITA/Moreno Codeluppi, ITA);

11. Burger King Lust Racing Team, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Peter Meyer, GER/Stefan Meyer, GER/Matthias Bormann, GER);

12. Yamaha Endurance België, BEL, Yam YZF-R1 (Danny Scheers, BEL/Koen Reymenants, BEL);

13. Benelli X-One, ITA, Benelli Tornado (Andrea Perselli, ITA/Paolo Tessari, ITA/Maurizio Bargiacchi, ITA);

14. Pajic – Kawasaki, NED, Kaw ZX-10R (Mile Pajic, NED/Arno Visscher, NED);

15. Kawasaki Endurance Deutschland, GER, Kaw ZX-10R (Stefan Sebrich, GER/Andreas Hahn, GER/Thomas Roth, GER);

16. Maco Moto Racing, SVK, Yam YZF-R1 (Martin Kuzma, SVK/Renzo Mazzoli, ITA/Jiri Drazdak, CZE);

17. Road Race Promotion, NED, Suz GSX-R1000 (Eddy Peeters, BEL/Hans Westra, BEL/Patrick De La Ruelle, BEL);

18. Team Polytech, NED, Apr RSV1000 (Jan Blok, NED/Peter Politiek, NED/Stefan Slootjes, NED);

19. Herman Verboven Racing 2, BEL, Suz GSX-R1000 (Leroy Verboven, BEL/Tom Van Looy, BEL);

20. Hummel & DLH Racing Team, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Stefan Merkens, GER/Uwe Reisse, GER/Livio Kägi, SUI);

21. Reich Endurance Team, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Joachim Hantschmann, GER/Heinz Scheidt, GER);

22. TRAC Racing Team, NED, Suz GSX-R1000 (Bertus Folkertsma, NED/Léon Tijssen, NED);

23. Shell Endurance Academy, GBR, Yam YZF-R1 (Henry Fincher, GBR/Marko Rothlaan, EST/Alek Buseki, POL);

24. RVC Racing Team, BEL, Apr RSV1000 (Dan Huylebroeck, BEL/Giovanni Christiaens, BEL);

25. Yamaha Phase One Endurance, GBR, Yam YZF-R1 (Sébastien Scarnato, FRA/Dean Ellison, GBR/Stéphane Mertens, BEL);

26. Fabi Corse, ITA, Suz GSX-R1000 (Fabio Capriotti, ITA/Patrizio Fabi, ITA/Andrea Clerici, ITA);

DNF. Bridgestone Bikers Profi 2, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Stefan Strauch, GER/Thomas Czyborra, GER);

DNF. Bolliger Team Switzerland, SUI, Kaw ZX-10R (Marcel Kellenberger, SUI/Laurent Brian, FRA/David Morillon, FRA);

DNF. Yamaha Austria Racing Team, AUT, Yam YZF-R1 (Horst Saiger, AUT/Thomas Hinterreiter, AUT/Igor Jerman, SLO), mechanical;

DNF. Herman Verboven Racing 1, BEL, Suz GSX-R1000 (Barry Veneman, NED/Hoen Vleugels, BEL);

DNF. Team 76 – Motorrad Klein, AUT, Yam YZF-R1 (Gerhard Klein, AUT/Eric Raunegger, AUT);

DNF. Polizei NRW, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Wolfgang Stamm, GER/Eric Van Loock, GER);

DNF. Fagersjo-el.se Team, SWE, Suz GSX-R1000 (Tobias Andersson, SWE/Niklas Carlberg, SWE/Jan Greven, NED), crash.


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI WINS WORLD ENDURANCE OPENER!

Team Suzuki Castrol lead the World Endurance Championship after a sensational victory at the season opener in Assen, Holland.
French team riders Vincent Philippe, Olivier Four and Matthieu Lagrive, racing the new GSX-R1000, clinched the 129 lap, 500km race by just 28 seconds from the Yamaha GMT94 squad after a long battle which saw many lead switches and the lap record beaten by almost two seconds.

Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 took third place, finishing three laps behind the leading pair, and the WRT Honda Austria Fireblade finished in fourth place.

Suzuki Bridgestone Bikers Profi were fifth and Suzuki Jet Team rounded off he top six six.

Said Vincent Phillipe: “This race was very difficult for us because it’s a very physical circuit and to fight with Yamaha GMT94 is always hard. The Suzuki is easy to make fast and Dunlop did a good job for us. I am very happy to win here and it’s a good start to the championship.”

From a press release issued by Learning Curves:

THE LEARNING CURVES OF RIVERSIDE MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY PARK



Announcing the planned development of a motorsports technology park proposed to be constructed in an Industrial area of Riverside County only minutes away from beautiful downtown Riverside, in Southern California. This facility will have the ability to accommodate many different types of road going, street and non street specialty equipment. The Learning Curves is a new concept in motorsports that will bring driver and rider education, recreational track use and club level motorsports to a modern and safe facility that is located within a major urban market area. This facility will provide a base for educational, recreational, enthusiast, and commercial motorsport activities that will serve the needs of a large car driver and motorcycle rider user group market in Southern California. Driver and rider training schools will be a primary focus.

This facility is located Within 1 mile of the
Interstate 215/91/60 freeway interchange and is on approx. 30 acres of industrial land directly across the street from the historic ADAMS KART TRACK. The multi – use road course will offer four basic configurations each useable in clockwise and counter clockwise direction. ½ to 1 mile in lengths and 32 feet in width the courses will simulate rural country and mountain road style driving and riding conditions that will offer an exhilarating, challenging and safe environment that is perfect for training, testing and tuning without the hazards and legal restrictions of public roads and highways.

The LEARNING CURVES RIVERSIDE will be supported by high quality “Park” style features designed to accommodate the needs of families, clubs, schools, manufacturers, film, magazine, corporate and private interests. Amenities will include viewing and display areas, paddock and classroom facilities as well as fuel, tire, and vendor services. This facility will also be able to accommodate social, musical, sales type events and technical/informational demonstrations and exhibitions. Other activities such as car and bike shows, swap meets, fairs and competitions, club challenges and fund raising activities will all be possible.

The LEARNING CURVES RIVERSIDE is privately owned and operated by local native Riverside real estate developers/contractors, Trinidad and Chayo ‘Zack’ Rios and Michael Peters. The Rios family along with close friend and expert licensed road racer Michael Peters have recognized the need for a road course facility to accommodate a diverse and fast growing consumer motorsports market. The location of the facility is within a community already rich in motorsport history, Riverside is easy driving distance from most of Southern California. Top quality hotels, food, shopping, and motorsport equipment dealers and service centers already exist and are close by.

Well Known motor circuit designer Mr. Alan Wilson Is the course architect and well understands the tremendous need for this facility. We at the Learning Curves are focused on developing a facility that will be a valuable economic asset to its surrounding community, while being a safe and affordable venue for the masses to use and enjoy. The stepping stone to the super speedway is about to be paved! Please help support our project by logging on to our web site!

LEARN TO DRIVE – LEARN TO RIDE – IN RIVERSIDE!

Info: Michael Peters (909) 684 – 6416 Email:
[email protected] www.learningcurvesriverside.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

LRRS racer Dan Martin and wife Barbara had a son, Shane Bentley Martin, April 1st in Dover, New Hampshire.

CCS Southwest racer Dave Yeski and wife Dee had a son, Ryan David Yeski, April 7th, in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MonsterMob Ducati British Superbike and Supersport Championship Team

British Superbike Championship – Round 2
Brands Hatch, Kent– 11/12 April

EMMETT STORMS TO POLE AT BRANDS

MonsterMob Ducati rider Sean Emmett dominated each of the qualifying sessions at the second round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch today to secure his first pole position of the season.

Emmett set the fastest ever lap of the Kent Indy circuit with a time of 45.811 seconds early on in the final qualifying session and despite a late onslaught from his main title rivals, could not be bettered.

As a result, the 34 year old Londoner was pleased to be back on top at his local circuit aboard the Ducati 999 F04.

“It’s the first time we’ve been fastest every time out and we’ve been on the pace since the first session. We’ve just been testing tyres really and my fastest time on a race tyre would have put me on pole anyway. Its great news and I’m feeling very confident for the race, I just want good weather for the tyres tomorrow as I know we can consistently lap in the 46s. I’m relaxed and enjoying it” said a delighted Emmett.

Team mate Michael Laverty claimed 17th fastest time aboard the Ducati 749 in the Supersport class after struggling throughout qualifying with his machine set up and will start tomorrow’s race from the fifth row on the grid.

“I’m struggling with the set up at the moment. I’m doing the same times on qualifiers as race tyres so its messed up my grid position. Hopefully I can make a good start in the race tomorrow and then I know I will be OK” said Laverty.

Team boss Paul Bird was pleased with qualifying.
“That’s an excellent start to the weekend. We knew that Brands Hatch would be a strong track for us so we need to take it with both hands and make sure we get two good results tomorrow. As soon as I saw Sean on Friday I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was up for it this weekend. Everyone’s pulled out all the stops, including Dunlop with the tyres.”

Superbike Qualifying
1, Sean Emmett (MonsterMob Ducati) 45.811
2, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 46.142
3, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 46.208
4, Michael Rutter (Honda) 46.248
5, Dean Thomas (Ducati) 46.348
6, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 46.375
7, Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 46.517
8, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 46.691
9, Stuart Easton (Ducati) 46.740
10, Jon Kirkham (Suzuki) 46.820

Supersport Qualifying
1, Jay Vincent (Honda) 47.313
2, Karl Harris (Honda) 47.587
3, Danny Beaumont (Yamaha) 47.640
4, Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 47.655
5, Craig Jones (Triumph) 47.672
6, Leon Camier (Honda) 47.711
7, Luke Quigley (Suzuki) 47.803
8, Jonathan Rea (Honda) 47.817
9, Adrian Coates (Suzuki) 47.831
10, Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 47.909
17, Michael Laverty (MonsterMob Ducati) 48.090



More, from a press release issued by MSS Discovery Kawasaki Team:

British Supersport/National Superstock Championships
Round two
Brands Hatch

Sunday April 11 2004

FROST AND RIBA READY FOR BRANDS HATCH BATTLE

The MSS Discovery ZX-6RR Kawasakis of Rob Frost and Pere Riba took 11th and 12th places respectively on the grid for round two of the British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch, Kent on Sunday.

Frost’s 11th place left the Lincolnshire man in confident mood for Monday’s 28-lap race aboard the MSS Discovery team machine, he said: “We’ve got a brilliant setting for the race with the ZX-6RR. I just chose the wrong rear compound tyre to try and get a faster qualifying lap.

“The track temperature was a bit low for the rear tyre I chose. I would have been better putting a race tyre in. Starting from the third row is not a problem. It’s a 28-lap race so if I’m 28th on the first lap there¹s only one rider to pass per lap!”

Riba was disappointed with 12th place, completing the third row of the grid, but the methodical Spaniard remains hopeful of success aboard his Kawasaki and in his first race on the 1.22-mile Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

“Tomorrow’s will be a long race around this short circuit but I’m able to put in a good, consistent pace on the race tyre and race setting,” Riba explained. “When I tried hard with a softer compound rear tyre in qualifying it upset the machine’s handling.

“It was cold and the grip from the rear made the front tyre push outwards, especially around the fast, Clearways right-hander. We’re still trying to fully match the tyres to the suspension but we are now very close to the ideal base setting I¹m looking for.”

Luckless Steve Allan will start round two of the National Superstock Championship from 10th place after his final qualifying session was cut short.

Allan explained: “Today was very frustrating. I’ve struggled all weekend but in that last qualifying session I went out on old tyres to test the suspension changes we¹d made and the ZX-10R felt fantastic.

“Then, with about 13 minutes to go, someone crashed at the first corner and I think they ran out of time to finish our session–that was it, chequered flag. I was certain of being up there and was confident enough to have even taken pole position.”

Allan starts the 26-lap race from the third row of the grid after missing out on giving the MSS Discovery ZX-10R a second successive pole position.

British Supersport Championship final qualifying times:
1 Jay Vincent, Honda, 47.313s
2 Karl Harris, Honda, 47.587s
3 Danny Beaumont, Yamaha, 47.640s
4 Simon Andrews, Yamaha, 47.655s
5 Craig Jones, Triumph, 47.672s
6 Leon Camier, Honda, 47.711s
7 Luke Quigley, Suzuki, 47.803s
8 Jonathan Rea, Honda, 47.817s
9 Adrian Coates, Suzuki, 47.831s
10 Cal Crutchlow, Honda, 47.909s
11 Rob Frost, Kawasaki, 47.937s
12 Pere Riba, Kawasaki, 47.942s

National Superstock Championship final qualifying positions – no times, alternate positions taken from each qualifying group:

1 Ben Wilson, Suzuki
2 Danny Beaumont, Yamaha
3 Paul Young, Honda
4 Andy Tinsley, Suzuki
5 Tristan Palmer, Suzuki
6 Mark Heckles, Yamaha
7 David Johnson, Yamaha
8 Darren Mitchell, Suzuki
9 Les Shand, Yamaha
10 Steve Allan, Kawasaki


More, from a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

SECOND ROW START FOR HAWKS AT BRANDS

Hawk Kawasaki riders Glen Richards and Scott Smart will start tomorrow’s two 30-lap BSB races at Brands Hatch, Kent, from the second row of the grid. Richards looked sure to take his first front row start aboard the new ZX-10R, after lying fourth for most of the second qualifying session, until a low speed crash at Graham Hill bend, minutes before the end of the session, robbed the Aussie of his planned final charge.

“I went down on my first flying lap on a new tyre and the tyre would still have been shiny on the left hand side,” explained the Aussie. “My out-lap was really slow because there were people everywhere, so I didn’t get the tyre as scrubbed as I could have. I think we’ve got a good set-up for the race tomorrow though. I’ve just got to keep my fingers crossed and make sure I stay on – four crashes in two meetings is not a good record.”

His team mate Smart was also impressive throughout the day’s two qualifying sessions, running as high as third in the first outing and posting consistent 47s laps in the second, but he struggled to find the same level of feel in the afternoon. “I found it harder this afternoon than I did this morning, but I don’t really know why,” he said. “I think I’m riding the bike ok, but at the moment I don’t quite know where to look for that extra 0.3 a lap. This morning definitely felt better than this afternoon, whether it’s a difference in track temperatures I’m not sure, but the bike felt more aggressive.”

Despite Richards fall, Hawk Team Principal Stuart Hicken was pleased to have made more positive steps with the team’s new ZX-10Rs in the dry conditions. “We made big progress with both bikes today,” he said. “Scott’s running the new Motec system, which he’s working on, and we’ve also been concentrating on Glen’s chassis set-up and that’s proved to be good. We’re learning a lot about the bike because the weather’s been drier. Glen’s run 28 laps on the race tyre that we’re looking at for tomorrow and we’ve proved that we can do good laps with it. He slipped off, but when you’re doing 46s consistently that can happen, but you’ve got to happy with sixth and second on the grid, which a major improvement on Silverstone, plus the boys are getting better feel from the bikes and we’ve got a reasonable chassis set-up to work with now.”

BSB Combined Qualifying Times
1) Sean Emmett, Ducati, 45.811. 2) John Reynolds, Suzuki, 46.142. 3) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki, 46.208. 4) Michael Rutter, Honda, 46.248. 5) Dean Thomas, Ducati, 46.348. 6) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki, 46.375. 7) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki, 46.517. 8) Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 46.691. 9) Stuart Easton, Ducati, 46.740. 10) Jon Kirkham, Suzuki (P), 46.820. 11) Gary Mason, Yamaha, 46.837. 12) Sam Corke, Suzuki (P), 47.013. 13) Steve Plater, Yamaha, 47.209. 14) Kieran Clarke, Yamaha, 47.321. 15) Tommy Hill, Yamaha, 47.355.


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

RIZLA SUZUKIS D0MINATE BSB FRONT ROW

Team Suzuki Press Office. April 11 2004.
Rizla Suzuki dominated qualifying for the second round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, with John Reynolds and Yukio Kagayama qualifying in second and third place on the grid for tomorrow’s Bank Holiday Monday races.

On a dry track in bright sunshine, JR and Yuki worked on the set-up of their Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 race bikes and left it until the dying moments of qualifying to go for outright lap times. Both riders finished qualification happy to be on the front row and with ideas of how to go even faster tomorrow. Ducati’s Sean Emmett took pole position at his home circuit.

Top privateer in the Superbike Cup was Crescent supported Jon Kirkham on a GSX-R1000 in 10th place overall.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Bruce Wilkins

Alton, VA — Easter Sunday saw a second day of rising young gun Nicky Cummings recording convincing wins and building momentum early in his 2004 road racing season. Adding two wins today to his two wins on Saturday, Cummings and his CBR600RR Honda capped a remarkable early-season weekend in the CCS Southeast/Mid-Atlantic event at VIRginia International Raceway.

Cummings, of Mt. Morris, Michigan, started 21st in the Expert Middleweight Superbike race, yet by the end of the first lap had already worked his way up to fifth. By the second lap he was within a few bikelengths of race leader Trey Younce of Charleston, South Carolina. On the fourth lap, Cummings passed Younce going down the front stretch and held on to a solid lead for the remainder of the race. Cummings’ fastest lap of the race was a 1:31.7.

Younce, on a YZF-R6 Yamaha, finished second, but noticed rapidly-deteriorating transmission problems when he came into the paddock. That ended his day and the possibility of a repeat of the day before when Cummings and Younce battled virtually the entire afternoon.

Finishing third in the Expert Middleweight Superbike race was Greg Ludt, a U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant from the Cherry Point Marine Air Station, in his first-ever podium finish as an Expert. Former professional skateboarding star Ned “Peanut” Brown finished fourth. Both Ludt and Brown piloted YZF-R6 Yamahas.

In the Expert Speedscreen Unlimited GP race, Cummings again started from far back on the grid. Despite racing against several riders on 1000cc and 750cc bikes, Cummings took only a couple of laps to pull up close to race leader Matt Elliott on a GSX-R1000 Suzuki.

During the intense see-saw battle, Cummings dominated on the technical side of the course on the 600, while Elliott would regain the lead on the front stretch with the 1000. On the final lap, as the two bikes headed side-by-side into Turn 1, they swapped paint hard and Cummings went into the grass. He remained upright, managed to quickly return to the track, and finished only several seconds behind Elliott. Shannon Huffman came in third on a GSX-R750 Suzuki.

While Elliott apologized to Cummings in the post-race interview over the track public address system, there apparently was no apology needed as Cummings good-naturedly took the incident as just “some hard-racing” and let it go at that. “It was a battle for the lead…that’s all, and I just went off in the grass… things like that happen,” Cummings said. “I think we were just both having a good time out there.”

While Cummings had close racing with Younce in the Middleweight Superbike race and Elliott in the Speedscreen Unlimited GP race, the Expert Middleweight SuperSport race was a different matter entirely. Cummings took very little time to work his way not only to the front, but to distance himself away from the field, taking the checkered flag while the rest of the podium finishers where still in the Hogpen turn before the beginning of the front stretch.

Jason Moss of Greensboro, North Carolina finished second on a YZF-R600 Yamaha, while Ludt earned his second podium finish of the day on his Yamaha.

Tom Cummings, father of Nicky Cummings and former holder of a National Number in AMA dirt track, was satisfied with the weekend. “I think he’s got up to speed, where we were last year, so we’re happy,” Cummings said. Keeping his son’s bike fast and together was mechanic Robert Zerbisias. The team will return to VIR for both the WERA Cycle Jam in May and the Formula USA event in June, the elder Cummings said.

In other races, Dan Burnette won the Amateur Middleweight Superbike race on a Suzuki, Tommy Eckefeldt won the Expert SuperTwins race on a Ducati; and William Baragona won the Amateur SuperTwins event on a Suzuki.

Joe Ribeiro won the Expert Heavyweight Superbike race on a Suzuki. Burnette recorded his second and third wins of the day in the Amateur Heavyweight Superbike and the Amateur Speedscreen Umlimited GP races.

Darren Danilowicz won the Expert Lightweight Grand Prix event on a SV650 Suzuki with Michael Santelia finishing second on a RS125 Honda. Meanwhile, Nicholas Colley won the Amateur Lightweight Grand Prix race on a Yamaha, with Niels Grove finishing second on a Suzuki.

The Amateur Middleweight SuperSport event was won by Kenny Rodriguez on a Honda; Danilowicz collected his second victory of the day in the Expert Lightweight Superbike race; and Baragona won the Amateur Lightweight Superbike race.

Reet Das won the 125 Grand Prix event on a Honda with Steve Scott finishing second on a Yamaha. Don Poetzsch won the Expert Ultra Light Superbike event on a MZ, while James Hillis won the Amateur Ultra Light Superbike class on an Aprilia.



More, from a press release issued by OMS Sports:

Nick Cummings Takes Four At Virginia International Raceway

Defending Formula USA Grand National Champion rebounds from a slow start at Daytona to dominate CCS expert race action at VIR – winning four classes on one bike, the Honda CBR600RR

ALTON, Va., (April 12, 2004) – Teenage flyer Nick Cummings (Mt. Morris, Mich.) survived a gnarly get off at Virginia International Raceway this past weekend to capture race wins in four separate CCS expert classes (GTO, Middleweight GP, Middleweight Supersport and Middleweight Superbike) – all on one bike, the versatile Honda CBR600RR.

“This year I was more focused, that’s for sure,” said Cummings, who raced twice at VIR last year without getting on the box. “And we tried a bunch of new things on the bike and we seemed to come up with a pretty good combination. I really just needed the seat time and it turned out to become great racing.”

Coming from behind in two of his races, Cummings did suffer a fairly spectacular accident as well. “Yeah, I went down, did a bunch of flips and my hand ended up being pretty swollen all weekend,” said Cummings. “But I had it X-rayed today and nothing’s broken. The doctor said I probably just pulled a muscle, so I’ll for sure be ready to go at the next Formula USA race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. (April 23-25).”

In his last Formula USA race at Daytona, Cummings scored two top 15 finishes in the superbike class (13th) and sportbike class (12th). He’s amped to be racing Road America, a track that’s he’s only raced on one other occasion.

“I raced 125s at Road America a while ago,” said Cummings. “All I can remember was that it was raining, I was leading, then I crashed. So I’m definitely looking forward to putting the Honda CBR600RR up on the box there. The track’s got great flow, so we’ll see how the weekend pans out. But I plan on putting some respectable times up the first day we’re there.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

World Endurance
Assen, Netherlands
4/11/04
Final Qualifying Results:

1. Suzuki-Castrol Team, FRA, Suz GSX-R1000 (Vincent Philippe, FRA/Olivier Four, FRA/Matthieu Lagrive, FRA);

2. Yamaha Austria Racing Team, AUT, Yam YZF-R1 (Horst Saiger, AUT/Thomas Hinterreiter, AUT/Igor Jerman, SLO):

3.Yamaha – GMT 94, FRA, Yam YZF-R1 (William Costes, FRA/Sébastien Gimbert, FRA/David Checa, SPA):

4. Endurance Moto 38, FRA, Yam YZF-R1 (Gwen Giabbani, FRA/Frederic Jond, FRA/Stephane Duterne, FRA);

5. Herman Verboven Racing 2, BEL, Suz GSX-R1000 (Barry Veneman, NED/Hoen Vleugels, BEL);

6. Pajic – Kawasaki, NED, Kaw ZX-10R (Mile Pajic, NED/Arno Visscher, NED);

7. WRT-Honda Austria, AUT, Hon CBR1000RR (Erwin Wilding, AUT/Karl Truchsess, AUT);

8. Yamaha Phase One Endurance, GBR, Yam YZF-R1 (Sébastien Scarnato, FRA/Dean Ellison, GBR/Stéphane Mertens, BEL);

9. Bridgestone Bikers Profi 1, GER, Suz GSX-R1000 (Tim Röthig, GER/Ralf Schwickerath, GER);

10. Shell Endurance Academy, GBR, Yam YZF-R1 (Henry Fincher, GBR/Marko Rothlaan, EST/Alek Buseki, POL).

From a press release issued by Keith Code of California Superbike School:

Will Eikenberry smoked all comers at The Streets of Willow Springs CCS event today, repeating his 5-for-5 performance from the WSMC races held on the Willow Springs big course two weeks ago.

Eikenberry, who held the previous lap record at The Streets, retained the distinction of being the fastest man around the newly re-configured circuit, setting a new official motorcycle lap record of 1:18.7 on his Dunlop-shod, California Superbike School-sponsored, stock-engined 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Eikenberry is chief mechanic for the California Superbike School, preparing and maintaining the school’s fleet of Kawasakis.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

After reading your post 4/7/2004 AMA Pro Road Racing Participation Declining and reading some of the various opinions on message boards and websites, it is abundantly clear that racing has taken a significant step backwards in the United States. It is my opinion that everyone is to blame, but AMA Pro Racing and the manufacturers should take the brunt of the responsibility.

The AMA has failed the racing community in three areas. The first of which is that the AMA has ignored the real-world challenges of the privateer racer. It also has failed to promote a class that is undeniably a “Pro” class. The fundamental cause of the previous two points in my opinion is the lack of any consistent integrity when dealing with manufacturers. The AMA has not been able to successfully sanction and encourage promoters in a manner that creates product value. Because of this, AMA Pro Racing is nothing less than a courtesan to preferred manufacturers. It can only be reasoned that AMA Pro Racing has taken this position in lieu of the current class structure. Supporting this statement is the fact that a privateer has no choice but to compete in a class that has no less than 6-10 full and/or semi factory riders. This points to the idea that rather than have the manufacturers (factory teams) compete in one or two “Pro” classes, it appears each manufacturer picked one or two of the four classes to compete in that gave them the easiest chance to win. This would be laughable was it not for the fact it is damaging the viablity of this sport in the United States. Again, the situation with the manufacturers would not even play out, if AMA Pro Racing provided one ounce of product value and direction.

The factory riders need to take the blame also. Although the Pro (paid by a factory) riders that have consistently whined about privateers, WHEN HAVE THEY ONCE APPROACHED THE AMA to create a privateer class or classes? They haven’t. Did they forget what it was like to be a privateer? The factory riders have additionally failed to do anything to promote their own and privateer safety. It must be true that we would all sell our soul to be a factory rider, because many (not all) seem to forget where they came from. I have a great admiration for the talents of Aaron Yates, but I wonder if he ever once sat down to think about the solution to his alleged problem with backmarker at Daytona?

The privateer rider is also to blame. We have continued to support a series that doesn’t provide value to us. I am as guilty as any as I will participate in an AMA National this year, and my desire to race only overrides my common sense. It can be said that it is much harder to influence change from the outside, but there is no legitimate audience to hear the privateer on the inside.

Lastly, we need to look at the manufacturers. I would ask them, “Is the spirit of competition gone? Is it that difficult to compete on a level playing field? Are you so desperate to win, that you would drive our racing in this country down the toilet?” I encourage the manufacturers to spend less money per team and support “satellite” networks that would be able to pursue outside sponsorship. Outside sponsorship will be the key to making racing in this country something more than a hobby for the financially able.

It is my final opinion that the AMA really blew it this year. Last year was arguably the best class structure and rules that I have seen. The 750 (Superstock) class was a true privateer class with only one or two factory teams. This afforded a non-factory rider a great avenue to show their skills. The structure of the Superbike/Formula Xtreme/Superstock allowed privateer riders to enter more classes and get the valuable track time required to get a safe and competitive set-up together. It also allowed a privateer more revenue opportunities. Lastly (and most important), the current Superbike class structure (over the last two years) allowed privateers to build affordable competitive machines that a good rider could beat a factory rider with. (Is this why the factories bailed out of this class?)

AMA Pro Racing is broken. The treatment that should have cured the illness but failed (Take Back The AMA platform) only emphasizes the cancer that is deeply rooted in the organization. Sometimes the most humane way to treat a lame animal is to shoot it. I don’t know if we are at that point yet.

Marcus McBain
Houston, Texas