Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Supersport
California Speedway, Fontana, California
4/2/04
Unofficial Friday Morning Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:28.467
2. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:28.555
3. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:28.621
4. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 1:29.073
5. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.601
6. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:29.676
7. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:30.120
8. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:30.708
9. Michael Barnes, Yamaha, 1:31.295
10. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:31.786
11. Ben Attard, Suzuki, 1:31.990
12. Chris Peris, Suzuki, 1:32.741
13. Chris Siglin, Yamaha, 1:33.099
14. Nate Wait, Kawasaki, 1:33.165
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:33.322
16. Criag Connell, Suzuki, 1:33.507
17. Clint McBain, Suzuki, 1:33.594
18. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:33.851
19. Nickoles Moore, Honda, 1:33.932
20. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:34.402

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Infineon Raceway, Supercuts Agree to Strategic Partnership

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Infineon Raceway and Supercuts have agreed to a multi-faceted strategic partnership that will extend through the 2006 motor racing season, officials from both companies announced.

Supercuts, which has been a partner of the raceway’s since 2002, will become presenting sponsor of the annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) POWERade Drag Racing event, which is the second-highest attended event at Infineon Raceway each year (July 30-Aug. 1 in 2004). The event will be known as the NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals, presented by Supercuts.

Supercuts will also become title sponsor of all running events during the California Outdoor Sports Championships, presented by Infineon Technologies, May 14-16. The Supercuts 12K Road Run will take place on Saturday, May 15, with the Supercuts 10K Trail Run set for Sunday, May 16. The weekend will also include a bevy of cycling events, both on the road course and around the property.

Supercuts will also become title sponsor of the Sunday main event during the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) annual Superbike weekend. The Supercuts Superbike Challenge, which features the top pavement motorcycle road-racers in the country, will take place on Sunday, May 2. It will be part of the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend, presented by Cycle Gear, April 30-May 2. Supercuts had been title sponsor of the race weekend since 2002.

“In the past two years, we have seen an increase in store visits by fans who saw our signage at the track, visited our booth, or saw our name on broadcasts of the Supercuts Superbike Challenge. Many of our stylists have also become race fans and love to cut hair at the Supercuts booth during “our” events,” said Ron Groves, franchisee owner, San Francisco and Sacramento-area Supercuts. “We’re very excited to expand our relationship with Infineon Raceway to include two more events.”

The partnership will also include a substantial ticket and hospitality package at the raceway, as well as a highly visible signage presence. Supercuts will have the “Official Hair Salon” designation and will receive use of the Infineon Raceway name and logo in consumer promotions.

“Supercuts is a strong brand and have shown themselves to be a strong promotional partner. We look forward to their expanded involvement throughout our racing season,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway.

From a press release issued by California Speedway:

Don’t miss Cycle Trader Moto Expo, California Speedway’s Superbike Display/Vendor area

FONTANA, Calif. – Demo rides, vendor displays and refreshments, oh my-it’s the Cycle Trader Moto Expo at California Speedway! That’s right, the largest source of cycles for sale by owners in the Western United States is joining “America’s Ultimate Race Place” to bring Yamaha Superbike Challenge race goers the best event experience to date.

The Cycle Trader Moto Expo, previously known as the Display/Vendor area, will house more than fifty vendors, displays and charities yearning to catch the interest of California Speedway attendees. Located in the VIP Motorcoach area and extending from the Water Tower east toward Turn 1, will feature several manufacturer displays, mini-bike exhibition, the new Toyota Tundra NASCAR Craftsman Truck display, a huge retail midway, California Speedway Display, where event programs will be passed out free of charge (while supplies last) and much more.

Also, be sure to stop by the Cycle Trader Moto Expo and pick up your free copy of Cycle Trader during the Yamaha Superbike Challenge weekend.

Cycle Trader is the source for buying and selling motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles. This network of weekly publications brings together thousands of ads from both individuals and businesses to help you to find exactly what you need. In every issue you’ll find hundreds of photo ads for motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles being sold by both individuals and businesses. Tickets to the Yamaha Superbike Challenge are $10 on Friday, $30 on Saturday and $30 for Sunday. Two-day packages are available for $50 and three-day packages are available for $60. For ticket and event information call 800-944-RACE (7223) or log onto www.californiaspeedway.com.

From a press release issued by Rich Oliver Mystery School:

The airdate for the Rich Oliver Mystery School feature is this Saturday, April 3rd at 11:30am EST/PST on SPIKE TV’s “MotoWorld”!

MotoWorld’s Gunner came to the Mystery School in February and filmed a segment for the show. He rode one of the Mystery School Yamaha TT-R’s during a Fun Camp weekend and even captured Rich flat tracking with an on-board camera mounted to his helmet.

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School teaches a one-day MSF Dirtbike School for beginning riders, a 2-Day Fun Camp for intermediate level riders and a 5-Day Pro Camp with intensive physical training and mental preparation for advanced riders. All classes are conducted on a custom facility in Auberry, CA.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin earned the provisional AMA Superbike pole position Friday during qualifying at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

Riding his GSX-R1000 around the 2.36-mile, 17-turn infield road course, Mladin turned a 1:25.157, just off his track record of 1:25.123, and Mladin did it easily – in fading darkness, with rain sprinkling and without the aid of a qualifying tire.

“I didn’t need it today,” said Mladin, calmly answering reporters’ questions on why he chose not to use a qualifying tire. The four-time Champion described his laps during the session as “not fliers, just laps.”

“We went quicker than that in testing here, so we know what we can do with a qualifying tire,” Mladin continued.

Mladin complimented the hard work of Showa and Dunlop over the off-season but said his Suzuki was 4 mph slower through California Speedway’s speed traps versus last year and felt “like a big Supersport bike” coming off the turns.

“It’s slow, but it does work good,” said Mladin.

Riding their factory Honda CBR1000RRs, Ben Bostrom, Jake Zemke and Miguel Duhamel earned the second, third and fourth positions on the provisional front row, respectively.

Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom was fifth-fastest, the last of the full-factory Superbike riders.

Final AMA Superbike qualifying is set for Saturday morning.


Friday’s Provisional AMA Superbike Qualifying Results From California Speedway:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki, 1:25.157
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda, 1:26.556
3. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:26.716
4. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:27.085
5. Eric Bostrom, Ducati, 1:27.627
6. Geoff May, Suzuki, 1:28.475
7. Chris Caylor, Suzuki, 1:28.583
8. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki, 1:28.593
9. Larry Pegram, Yamaha, 1:28.775
10. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki, 1:29.015
11. John Haner, Suzuki, 1:29.826
12. Marty Craggill, Suzuki, 1:30.293
13. Eric Wood, Suzuki, 1:30.512
14. Jeremy Toye, Yamaha, 1:30.716
15. Clint McBain, Suzuki, 1:30.845
16. Jeff Williams, Suzuki, 1:30.859
17. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:30.997
18. Chris Siglin, Yamaha, 1:31.059
19. Scott Jensen, Suzuki, 1:31.102
20. Steve Crevier, Suzuki, 1:31.254
21. Jason Curtis, Suzuki, 1:31.314
22. Cory West, Suzuki, 1:31.738
23. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki, 1:31.877
24. Mark Ledesma, Honda, 1:32.021
25. Rob Mesa, Suzuki, 1:32.148
26. Craig Connell, Suzuki, 1:32.203
27. Garry Combs, Suzuki, 1:32.243
28. Corey Sarros, Suzuki, 1:32.626
29. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki, 1:32.807
30. A.J. Ammann, Suzuki, 1:32.902
31. Jack Pfeifer, Honda, 1:33.003
32. Lenny Beckman, Suzuki, 1:33.337
33. David Bell, Suzuki, 1:33.534
34. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki, 1:33.551
35. Robert Christman, Suzuki, 1:33.609
36. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki, 1:33.678
37. James Kerker, Honda, 1:34.365
38. John Scott Wilson, Suzuki, 1:34.538
39. Kevin Hanson, Suzuki, 1:35.065


More, from a press release issued by Mat Mladin Motorsports:

PROVISIONAL AMERICAN SUPERBIKE POLE POSITION FOR MLADIN AT FONTANA

Fontana, California, USA (Friday 2 April) – Defending American Superbike champion Mat Mladin had set the fastest time in today’s opening qualifying session to claim provisional pole position for this weekend’s double header round of the 2004 American AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship being held at California Speedway, Fontana, California.

Mladin blasted his Yoshimura GSX-R1000 to a time of 1:25.157 on his seventh of twelve laps completed in the session and was fractionally outside of his own existing lap record of 1:25.123 for the 3.70km / 2.30 miles Californian circuit.

The four times American Superbike champion had set the pace in both of the morning’s free practice sessions and wasted no time in getting down to business as he rolled off a 1:25.859 on just his third lap. By the conclusion he was the only rider to have dropped his times into the 1:25 bracket.

A brace of factory Honda’s filled the remaining three positions on the provisional front row, with Ben Bostrom (American Honda) reeling off a last lap time of 1:25.556 to grab second, 1.399 seconds adrift of Mladin’s time. Third fastest was Jake Zemke (Erion Honda, 1:26.716) followed by Miguel DuHamel (American Honda, 1:27.085).

“Everything went fine for us out there today,” said Mladin. “We got down to business fairly quickly which is always a good thing. The recent track time that we have had here has been a benefit that for sure as we were straight onto the pace this morning. We’ll be looking at a few minor changes for tomorrow’s final qualifying session and then work on finalising our race set up for tomorrow afternoon.”

Qualifying for rounds two and three of this year’s AMA Superbike Championship concludes tomorrow morning with the first of the weekend’s two 28-lap (100km) Superbike nationals being held later in the afternoon.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

BOSTROM PROVISIONAL FIFTH OVERALL IN DAMP QUALIFYING

Fontana (California) – April 2, 2004: Light rains during qualifying prevented Eric Bostrom from capitalizing upon gains made in morning practice aboard his Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin 999 at California Speedway.

“The track was getting dangerous,” commented 27-year-old Bostrom on the conditions. “It’s too bad about the weather because we made tremendous progress in the last session and unfortunately we didn’t get to improve on that.” During morning practice Bostrom’s 999 was fastest through the speed trap at 183.30 mph.

“We tested here in February and the tires are even better now that Michelin’s had a chance to see the track. We would’ve loved a dry session to really take another step forward, but I guess we’ll have to wait.”

Team owner Terry Gregoricka commented, “At least it looks like we’ll get a dry day tomorrow. We never even put on a qualifying tire; there was no point in having Eric push it under the conditions we had during qualifying.”

Qualifying concludes tomorrow morning with race 1 (100km – 28 laps) of the weekend doubleheader scheduled in the afternoon.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke took pole position for the AMA Formula Xtreme event during qualifying Friday at California Speedway.

Zemke used a 950-compound “soft race” rear Dunlop slick on his CBR600RR to turn a 1:27.376, a lap record for the revised-for-2004 class.

Zemke’s late lap knocked American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel (1:27.592) off the pole. Duhamel, the Daytona Formula Xtreme race winner, tried to get back out on track and better Zemke’s mark but ran out of time.

No Limit Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was third-fastest qualifier on his GSX-R600, but his 1:28.715 was over a second off the times of the well-developed factory Hondas. Pridmore said his Suzuki was the best handling bike on the track but was down on horsepower to the Hondas.

Triangle Cycles Yamaha’s Larry Pegram switched to his less powerful back-up YZF-R6 after developing engine trouble with his A-bike but still managed to claim the final spot on the front row with a 1:29.194.

Zemke’s teammate Alex Gobert lost considerable time to minor bike repairs during the session but came back to post the fifth-quickest time, 1:29.456.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec used injections to numb the pain in his injured right thumb (injured in a crash during practice) and recorded the sixth-fastest time of 1:29.777 on his GSX-R600.

Pridmore’s teammate Jimmy Moore sat out Formula Xtreme qualifying after he injured his left shoulder in a near-crash during Friday afternoon’s Superstock practice. If his injury allows, Moore hopes to use a provisional start to join Saturday’s race.

Moore missed half of the 2003 season after badly breaking his left arm at Brainerd International Raceway.


Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:27.377
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:27.592
3. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:28.715
4. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.194
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.596
6. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.778
7. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.993
8. Steve Crevier, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.128
9. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.593
10. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.725
11. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.980
12. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.929
13. Jeff Williams, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.133
14. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.301
15. Jay Tanner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.056
16. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.101
17. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.848
18. Garth Dillon, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:35.062
19. Craig Mclean, Honda CBR600RR, 1:36.154
20. Brian Bartlow, Honda CBR600RR, 1:36.635
21. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:36.886
22. Kenan Rappuchi, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:36.964
23. Ron Northrup, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:37.598

112 percent of fastest time: 1:37.861

DNQ. Tamer Kekhia, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:37.921
DNQ. Paolo Mariano, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:38.203
DNQ. Charlie Hewett, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:38.790
DNQ. James Davis, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:39.623
DNQ. Reno Karimian, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:02.537
DNQ. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, no times
DNQ. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600RR, no times

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:28.134
2. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:28.222
3. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 1:29.460
4. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:29.919
5. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:30.266
6. Larry Pegram, Yamaha, 1:30.561
7. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha, 1:31.885
8. Steve Crevier, Suzuki, 1:32.098
9. Corey Eaton, Suzuki, 1:32.998
10. Jeff Williams, Suzuki, 1:33.151
11. Danny Eslick, Suzuki, 1:33.153
12. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki, 1:34.125
13. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:34.328
14. Garth Dillon, Yamaha, 1:34.672
15. Jay Tanner, Yamaha, 1:34.790
16. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha, 1:36.119
17. Craig Mclean, Honda, 1:36.543
18. Reno Karimian, Yamaha, 1:36.578
19. Nathan Hester, Yamaha, 1:37.269
20. Ron Northup, Yamaha, 1:38.092

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec did not ride in Friday afternoon’s Formula Xtreme practice session. Haskovec crashed in Friday morning’s Superstock practice and went to the hospital to have his thumb X-rayed. According to Crew Chief Keith Perry, Haskovec suffered no fractures and was on his way back to the racetrack at post time.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon AMA Supersport Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:27.806
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:28.130
3. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:28.378
4. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 1:28.737
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:28.984
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.071
7. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:30.793
8. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:30.868
9. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:30.883
10. Nicky Moore, Honda, 1:31.084
11. Michael Barnes, Yamaha, 1:31.367
12. Chris Peris, Suzuki, 1:31.446
13. Ben Attard, Suzuki, 1:31.601
14. Nate Wait, Kawasaki, 1:31.861
15. Chris Siglin, Yamaha, 1:32.177
16. Clint McBain, Suzuki, 1:32.475
17. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:33.054
18. Lee Acree, Suzuki, 1:33.142
19. Craig Connell, Suzuki, 1:33.441
20. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:33.505


Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo crashed early in the session; he was uninjured but lost most of the session when he was forced to go to the infield care center by safety officials.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jordan Brand President Larry Miller will speak at the Sports & Events Marketing Experience Conference scheduled for Washington, D.C. on April 16-17.

Jordan Brand is a line of shoes and clothes designed by Michael Jordan and marketed by Nike.

Miller will speak on Saturday, April 17 at 9:00 a.m. in Funger Hall at George Washington University.

According to a press release issued by Sports & Event Marketing Experience, “Miller, 53, was recently named by Sports Illustrated as one of The 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports in 2003. How do you extend Michael Jordan’s influence into the 21st century? That’s the job of Miller, who runs Nike’s $320 million Jordan division, which debuted in 1997 and features footwear, apparel and accessories.”

More information is available from www.sportsandeventsexperience.com or from (202) 248-9638.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.253
2. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.261
3. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.273
4. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.764
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:28.007
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.371
7. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:28.399
8. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.746
9. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:29.043
10. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:29.246
11. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.341
12. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.431
13. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.595
14. Anthony Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:29.681
15. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.040
16. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.048
17. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.415
18. Jeremy Toye, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:31.228
19. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.349
20. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.578
21. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.647
22. David Sanders, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.650
23. Jason Curtis, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.061
24. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.103
25. Chris Siglin, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.514


More, from a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:

TEAM VALVOLINE EMGO SUZUKI RACES AT FONTANA

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki entered the second round of their 2004 AMA championship campaign at California Speedway with a bold new strategy. Looking to find an advantage in a unique race package, the team came armed with Suzuki GSX-R750s to run in Superstock, a class that allows for a maximum displacement of 1000ccs.

The awesome power of the new breed of firebreathing 1000s can have a downside in the form of tire wear and handling. The team is hoping to leverage the added maneuverability and more tire friendly characteristics of the smaller but still very powerful 750s.

The move will also rely heavily on the talents of riders Steve Rapp and Vincent Haskovec as they take on the role of giant killers.

Team Crew Chief Keith Perry said, “We’re going to try it. We feel that at the majority of the tracks, the 750 may be a little easier on tires and allow the riders to ride more aggressively. It’s still early with this bike, and I don’t feel like we are where we want to be it yet. But we went ahead and committed to it, and we’re going stay the course. It might make it tougher early on, but we’re going to see if we can make it pay off in the long run.

“We’ll have to see in a couple races how the bike is performing at the end of the races, where we feel like it should have the greatest advantage,” Perry said. “Time will tell. We’re rolling the dice, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Haskovec showed the promise of the new bike early on. He ranked in the top ten in the Friday morning Superstock practice with a best time of 1:29.853. A morning fall resulted in an injured thumb, making progress difficult. Vincent still managed to rank in the top 15 in the afternoon.

Rapp improved during the day, ending up 13th best with a 1:29.595. The Californian expects the 750 to progress with additional time.

He commented, “We rode the Suzuki GSX-R750 in Superstock today, and it was pretty good considering it was our first time with it on track here. There’s still a lot of work to be done. We need time to dial it in, and we still need to try some of the different Michelin tires with it.”

Haskovec, Rapp, and young teammate Chris Peris also took to the 2.3-mile circuit on their GSX-R600s on Friday — Rapp and Peris in Supersport and Haskovec in Formula Xtreme.

Rapp finished the day ninth best on a tightly packed Supersport leaderboard with an impressive time of 1:30.883. Peris was close behind in 12th (1:31.446).

Haskovec put in a gritty performance, ignoring the pain of his injured thumb to qualifying on the second row for Saturday’s 17-lap Formula Xtreme race. He’ll start from the sixth spot on the grid after posting a 1:29.777 aboard his Michelin slick-shod GSX-R600.