Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I have in hand a cashier’s check for $32,000 that is no good. Drawn on a U.S. bank (Wachovia), it arrived at my P.O. Box today, after over a month of e-mails back and forth in regards to a man who wanted to purchase a rare Honda CR750 that was listed on my website.

I called the number listed on back of the check which put me in contact with, “Integrated Payment Systems” to find out if the check was good and was informed that the check number that was given had been cashed some months ago for a totally different amount!

Interesting note: The name of man looking to buy was, “Andre Agassi” and the remitter was listed as, “Tom Jones”! These guys even have a sense of humor.

Thanks to Roadracing World I had a “heads up” on what was going down when I received this bogus check.

Mark McGrew
M3 Racing
Hawley, Minnesota

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Defending MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi said he remains unsigned for the 2004 season despite widespread reports Wednesday that he was leaving Honda to ride for Yamaha.

Speaking in a pre-event press conference Thursday in Malaysia, Rossi told reporters, “The contract I was offered by Honda at Motegi was not good enough and I did not sign it. My manager will arrive tonight with a new one and we will have to see. I don’t know what people are saying because I don’t read the newspapers, but I can tell you that I have not signed for anybody, that is for sure. I think the best thing for this weekend is to concentrate on the race and the championship.”

If Rossi finishes second or better this weekend in the Malaysian Grand Prix he will clinch his third consecutive 500cc/MotoGP World Championship and his fifth World Championship overall. Rossi is 24 years old.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Dunlop is conducting another tire test at Daytona International Speedway this weekend.

The company tested in August and will return to Daytona in December.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates and Ben Spies will ride at the test this weekend. Four-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Maldin, awaiting the birth of his first child in Australia, will miss the test.

From a press release issued by Scandinavian Brake Systems (SBS), makers of brake pads:

We at SBS congratulates our partners in racing, Chris Vermeulen and Ten Kate Honda Racing Team winning the 2003 World Supersport 600 title and Team Phase One Endurance winning the 2003 Endurance World Championship title.


Ten Kate clinched their second consecutive World Supersport crown with both riders on the top two steps of the podium at the penultimate round in Imola.

World Supersport championship Imola race result (21 laps – 103.593km)
1. Karl Muggeridge, Australia (Ten Kate Honda) 39:48.471
2. Chris Vermeulen, Australia (Ten Kate Honda) -0.771s (2003 World Champion)
3. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Holland (Yamaha) -7.380
4. Stephane Chambon, France (Suzuki) -10.035
5. Sebastien Charpentier, France (Honda) -10.766

Final round: Magny-Cours, France – October 19th

From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES APPOINTS WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Tue Mantoni Recruited to New Global Sales and Marketing Post

NEWNAN, Georgia – October 09, 2003 – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announces the appointment of Tue Mantoni to the newly created position of Commercial Director for Triumph Motorcycles Limited. In this position Tue Mantoni will oversee the commercial strategy of Triumph worldwide including all sales and marketing related activities.

Following six months of extensive strategy, organization and operational project work with Triumph as the senior consultant and project leader with McKinsey & Co. – a leading management consulting firm – Mr. Mantoni was recruited to the Commercial Director post by John Bloor, owner of Triumph Motorcycles Limited.

“A world-class brand like Triumph deserves a world-class talent and in today’s demanding business environment companies go wherever they can to find the best strategic thinking, most inventive solutions and distinctive work,” stated John Bloor. He continued, “During this past year Tue, working with the McKinsey & Co., established corporate strategic growth plans for Triumph along with worldwide marketing goals. Recruiting someone of Tue’s caliber to focus on our worldwide sales and marketing activities is a key next step in our plan and our commitment to meeting those goals.”

Mr. Mantoni was previously senior consultant and project leader with McKinsey & Co. in London, England – with an emphasis on sales and marketing related projects, specializing in growth strategies for global brands. Prior to his position at McKinsey, Mr. Mantoni was employed with Goldman Sachs in London – one of the leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firms. Born in Denmark, Mr. Mantoni holds an MBA from the Leonard N. Stern Business School, New York University. Residing in London, his office is at the Triumph Motorcycles headquarters in Hinckley, England.

Mr. Mantoni joined Triumph as Commercial Director on August 1, 2003 and has been traveling around the world meeting with each of the subsidiaries. Commenting on Mr. Mantoni’s appointment Mark Brady, General Manager Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., said, “We are very pleased to have Tue on the Triumph team and we are confident that his leadership will assist in expanding market share for Triumph and extending the reach of this venerable icon.”

Returning from recent visits to the United States, Tue Mantoni stated, “The US market represents the single most important market segment in the company’s plans both in terms of current size and future growth. I am encouraged by the strong reception to the Triumph line and committed to the further development of Triumph’s dealer network, product line and customer satisfaction.”

In his new role with Triumph, Mr. Mantoni will oversee and work closely with each of the subsidiaries marketing and sales teams.

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

From a press release:

PACIFIC TRACK TIME ANNOUNCES NEW OWNERSHIP

GILROY, CA, October 9, 2003 – Pacific Track Time, a leading provider of upscale motorcycle track day events on the West Coast, announced the sale of the company today to American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM #26) racer, Michael Earnest.

Michael has been racing in the AFM since 1985, as well as holding a current AMA racing license. Michael recently won both the 600 Production and 600 Superbike championships in the AFM this year while collecting another top ten plate. He, also, has previously instructed the AFM New Racer School.

“The Pacific Track Time staff has always been a close knit group. That is what attracted me to the company when I came on-board earlier this season to assist in instructing. I am excited to become part of such a fantastic group and company. I am looking forward to joining Briana, Bob and the staff in making Pacific Track Time the most successful track day provider on the West Coast,” said new owner, Michael Earnest.

Company founder, Briana Droege plans to remain on-staff as a marketing consultant and assist in the management transition and day-to-day business operations. Also, previous partner, Robert Marshall, plans to remain on-staff as a corporate legal consultant. The company’s current structure and service offerings are remaining the same. Plans for the Pacific Track Time 2004 season are still in the scheduling phase and will be announced by the end of the year.

“We are thrilled to have Michael’s enthusiasm for track day events and racing come to Pacific Track Time. Michael shares the same vision for Pacific Track Time’s future that I have. So, I am very excited to help him bring Pacific Track Time to the next level in this industry and make it the biggest and best track day provider west of the Rockies!” stated Briana Droege.


About Pacific Track Time
Pacific Track Time is the West Coast premier up-scale motorcycle track day provider. Founded in 2001 by Briana Droege, Pacific Track Time operates events at Laguna Seca, Thunderhill, and Willow Springs, Streets of Willow. Pacific Track Time is a privately held company.



And now, some reader reaction:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

The press release from Pacific Track Time is very obvious in its total exclusion of Todd Robinson. The press release states that Briana Droege founded the company in 2001. I’m pretty sure that Todd was at least an equal in that founding.

I wonder why Todd’s being dissed like this. The last I heard about any of these people was Todd’s family having a nasty car crash, now this. The imagination reels.

Weird.

Andy Schwarm
Monrovia, California



And the answer, via e-mail:

Todd Robinson’s personal decision to resign from his position as Managing Partner of Pacific Track Time was made at the beginning of the month. He passed his control of the company to Briana Droege (Founding Partner) and Bob Marshall (General Partner). Todd’s plans are to focus on recovering from the brain injury he received in the rollover auto collision that happened in August and on running Cal-Sportbike.

Since its inception, Pacific Track Time has benefited greatly from Todd’s important contributions. Todd has played a significant role in helping the company create a strong foundation for future growth. We thank him for all that he has done for Pacific Track Time and wish him all the best with Cal-Sportbike. We hope that everyone will join us in wishing the Robinson family a speedy recovery.

Briana Droege
Founder and Marketing Consultant

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I am also a Captain in Iraq at a place we call Q West which is short for Qayarah West. Q West is about 45 miles south of Mosul where the other Captain you know is writing from.

I just want to say that I appreciate your support for the guys over here and simply ask that the free track days for the road racers in the military be run again when we redeploy and can actually take advantage of the opportunity.

Right now Iraq may be the unemployment capital of the world, but we are putting a dent in the number of unemployed Iraqis. We have tons of these guys doing all kinds of construction and various projects at the airfield here. Which will eventually be turned over to the Iraqis to run again.

Now if we could just get Saddam and kill off a few more of the terrorists this place could really be a land of opportunity. Someday, Roadracing World may be reporting from a new road racing course in Baghdad.

Thankful for Roadracing World,

CPT B
U.S. Army
Qayarah West, Irag

From a press release:

MALLORY PARK RACE OF THE YEAR

BIG NAME LINE-UP FOR WINNER-TAKES-ALL CLASSIC

The cream of British road racing is set to battle it out at the 41st Race of the Year at Mallory Park, Leicestershire, on October 12.

Newly crowned British Superbike Champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne heads the star-studded line-up, which includes BSB big-hitters Michael Rutter, Leon Haslam, Steve Plater, Mark Heckles, Gary Mason, Chris Burns, Glen Richards, Scott Smart, Lee Jackson and Sean Emmett.

Joining this formidable cast for the two all-action 20 lap races will be former GP star and 1997/1999 Race of the Year winner Jason Vincent, aboard a Honda NSR500V.

As well as the famous Race of the Year, which has been won over the years by many of the greatest names in motorcycling, including Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene and Randy Mamola, spectators will also be able to enjoy action from Supersport 600s, GP125s and 250s, Powerbike, Super Sidecars and much more.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Tony “The Tiger” Meiring and Roger Lee Hayden will ride for Attack Kawasaki in 2004.

The two will be contracted to Kawasaki Motors Corp. and assigned to Attack, which ran as Attack Suzuki during the last several seasons and prior to that raced Yamahas.

Attack has reached a support agreement with Kawasaki for 2004, although the team is still under contract to American Suzuki Motor Corp. through December 2003.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Vallelunga : A great championship “finale”

Suzuki Police Nationale, Yamaha GMT94 and DRE Ducati Rise Above Pressure

The Vallelunga 200 Miles was the race that Suzuki Zongshen 1 had to win to hold onto their World
Endurance Champion status. The pressure began back in August when the team failed to score any points at two consecutive races, allowing Suzuki GB Phase One to take a commanding championship lead. Zongshen 2 rider and Vallelunga circuit specialist Piergiorgio Bontempi was consistently fastest during practice and qualifying, and team manager Michel Marqueton took the decision to pair him with Warwick Nowland on the number 1 bike to make a team which on paper looked unbeatable. Suzuki GB Phase One seemed to have the
title comfortably within their grasp, until a pair of out of character accidents sidelined two of their best riders.

Jason Pridmore broke his leg in an AMA race, and Jimmy Lindstrom broke has collarbone in a Swedish
Supersport Championship race. Junior team rider Andi Notman was brought in at short notice to join brothers James and Dean Ellison on the senior bike, with instructions to ride a safe race.

Piling the pressure on were a handful of teams who felt they deserved the Vallelunga victory. Yamaha GMT94, fresh from their Oschersleben 24 Hour victory, had entered two teams in a determined drive to prove their win wasn’t a flash in the pan. Suzuki Police Nationale were equally confident of a good result at Vallelunga after a fifth place at Suzuka, and DRE Ducati team were racing on home turf in front of top
factory personnel.

The stage was set for an epic end of season show down, with even the weather contributing; torrential rain began to fall just before the bikes were due to form up on the grid. The combination of a slick track and the pressure on the riders claimed its first victims after only half a dozen laps, with first Mertens for Zongshen 2 and then Checa for GMT94 pushing in after crashes. Zongshen 1’s Bontempi also had a minor spill, DRE Ducati incurred a stop/go penalty and a mistimed tyre choice by Phase One badly affected their lap times.

With the second set of compulsory fuel and rider stops out of the way, the race seemed to be coming down to an all out sprint between Giabbani on the Police Nationale Suzuki, Scarnato on the GMT94-96 Yamaha and Mike Edwards on the DRE Ducati. Fate had one more trick to play, with the circuit safety cars being brought out while the track was cleared of an earlier oil spill. This closed the gap between Giabbani and Scarnato, but
left Edwards on the Ducati some thirty seconds adrift behind the second pace car.

Giabbani spent the rest of his session doing everything in his power to stay in front of the faster Scarnato, holding out until the chequered flag to claim the first race win for the French Police Nationale Suzuki team, leaving Yamaha GMT94-96 in second place and DRE Ducati in third. German Suzuki squad KFM Herber claimed a hard-earned but well deserved fourth place, with Zongshen 1 in fifth and Suzuki GB Phase One in
twelfth place; enough to earn them the 2003 World Endurance Championship.

2003, October 9
Final 2003 World Endurance Championship Standing
Team Nat. Bike Total

1. Suzuki GB – Phase One, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 143 points

2. Zongshen 1, CHN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 127 points

3. Yamaha GMT94, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R1, 109 points

4. 22 Police Nationale, FRA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 104 points

5. Zongshen 2, CHN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 91 points

6. Yamaha Endurance Moto 38, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R1, 72 points

7. Yamaha Austria Rac. Team, AUT, Yamaha YZF-R1, 62 points

8. Bolliger Team, SUI, Kawasaki ZX-9R, 56 points

9. Jet Team SUI, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 38 points

10. Ducati DRE 5, ITA, Ducati 998, 37 points

11. TIE, PS Schlesinger Endurance, GER, Suzuki GSX-R1000/Trackdaze 11, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 33 points

13. Phase One Junior, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 30 points

14. Team Sakurai Honda 71, JPN, Honda RC51, 25 points

15. KFM Herber End., GER, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 21 points

16. GMT96 – 96, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R1, 20 points

17. TIE, Fabi Corse, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000/Folch Endurance, SPA, Yamaha YZF-R1/Hofmann Racing Team, GER, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 16 points

20. DUCATI D.R.E 101, ITA, Ducati 996, 15 points