From a press release:

For 2004, the Parts Canada National Roadracing Series will use new software from racetrakIT in their Yamaha Timing System. The 2004 season begins at Shannonville Motorsport Track May 20-23. This new software will use the existing dBcom transponders and receivers, only the data management, presentation and timing software change. Transponder placement and operation are governed in the 2004 rules.

Data Base

Riders enter their data [name, address, phone, contacts, vehicle, team, sponsors etc.] directly, rather than hand written on a form that gets entered into a system at the track. The information is the same as if the form were used, however the rider will enter the information including team sponsors directly. The rider is able to modify this data [name, address, phone, contacts, vehicle, team, sponsors etc.] at anytime required during the season.

This same data will be used for all public information such as the track announcer or TV production. In essence the rider data will be associated to the provided transponder and resulting timing information by racetrakIT. The rider becomes responsible for their own data.

Once the rider has filled out their data, they can enter the races they will compete in.

racetrakIT is providing on-line registration capabilities for the Parts Canada National Roadracing Series. This registration is accessed through the series official web site, www.cdnsuperbike.com. Once in the racetrakIT program, access is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the rider will log on to their data with a password. Using this password whenever the system is accessed not only protects the integrity of the data, but provides rapid, easy access virtually from anywhere. The rider can share this password [and responsibility] with other team members, as this access will also provide additional features at the track.

By using ‘on-line’ pre-entry, the time spent in registration will be substantially reduced. But the best part will be the capability of the team to gain entrance to the track, and even have the motorcycle through technical inspection before the rider is at the track. This will reduce the time spent waiting for inspection, as the ‘rush hour’ we usually experience once the rider is at the track will be reduced, as the bulk of the teams show up earlier than their riders.

If a rider has not pre-entered their data, they will be required to do so at a computer at event registration, so every rider is encouraged to pre-enter and reduce their workload at the event.

Registration/Entry

When the team/rider arrives at the track, they proceed to registration as always. Using the pre-entered data, registration will print out a waiver for team signature. The entry fees must be paid at this time, all appropriate crew passes will be handed out to the ‘authorized’ signatory.

The rider must sign their waiver and pick up their own pass.

On-line payment of entry fees will not be available at this time, but this possibility is under investigation, and may be available for certain events. Check www.cdnsuperbike.com to review the status.

Technical Inspection

As each motorcycle is presented to Technical Inspection, the inspector will pull the computer data up by using the number on the motorcycle. If the entry has been paid, and the team waivers have been signed, the motorcycle inspection will be allowed. If the registration/entry has not been completed, the motorcycle will be refused inspection. No forms will be required, as all the information will be handled by racetrakIT across the PMP computer network at the track.

Once the motorcycle has been passed by technical inspection, the required inspection sticker will be applied to the motorcycle as is currently done. Now, once the rider has registered at the event, the rider will be activated in the Yamaha Timing System.

Additionally, every time a rider has crashed while on the track, the motorcycle will be deactivated until it has been re-inspected and cleared requirements. If the team is switching to a back up motorcycle, the team must notify any PMP staff of this intention to reactivate the motorcycle. In the case of using a back up motorcycle, every attempt should be made to use the rider’s transponder.

If the track requires a medical inspection of a rider for any reason, the rider will be deactivated in all classes until this has been resolved.

If a rider makes it onto the track without these critical conditions being met, PMP staff will detect the error on the racetrakIT software, and will insure swift, appropriate action that may include disqualification for that class at the event.

Track Session Reporting

Prior to track access every motorcycle will be checked for a working transponder.

racetrakIT has been developed to facilitate multiple users live constant access to session [practice, qualifying or race] data via a WiFi computer network called PMP’net. Anyone with wireless 8.02.111 B/G capabilities on their computer can view the times/results on their web browser. The coverage area will include the entire paddock area and pit lane. Those without computer capabilities at the track can still view Yamaha Timing results video through the existing cable network. Only racetrakIT is interactive.

No pass words are required to view the web cast on racetrakIT, fans with some personal devices that can handle WiFi and internet images can also view the session data. Live web cast on www.cdnsuperbike.com is being investigated at this time.

This access also provides the entrant additional capabilities, where they can review, save or print the overall times, plus details of their individual laps. The password they established by entering on-line will provide them this access to this data.

Technical questions or specifications for the PMP’net can be reviewed at www.cdnsuperbike.com. Questions may be submitted via email to [email protected] On-site assistance is available with racetrakIT/PMP personnel at the track.

Reports

All session reports will be available on the PMP’net as well as being posted as currently done. All of these un-official reports are time stamped to facilitate the protest period and Technical Inspection. Once this period has elapsed without incident, and all technical inspections have been satisfied, they will be authorized official. Any penalties will be indicated on the official report.

Developments

racetrakIT will be developing the system as the season progresses, any news will be posted on cdnsuperbike.com and available as hard copy hand outs at each event.

Your post event feedback is encouraged and appreciated.

Start Up

The official day the racetrakIT On-Line capabilities will be available is April 5. Check www.cdnsuperbike.com for more information.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Laconi Fastest on the Island

Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila 999F04), who had such poor fortune on raceday at the opening round of the season at Valencia, was once more the king of qualifying, heading the time sheets at Phillip Island after one timed session. His best lap of 1:34.068 netted him overnight pole position, after some serious pressure from SBK new boy Garry McCoy (NCR Ducati Nortel 999). The little Aussie battler was fully on the pace, fastest at one stage before Laconi gritted his teeth against the blustery winds and finally slotted into top placing on the stopwatch, 0.426 seconds clear of McCoy.

Second quickest was nonetheless an excellent early result for a rider in only his second World Superbike race. Local riders were well represented on the top of the timesheets, with Steve Martin (DFX Extreme Sterilgarda Ducati 999 RS) securing third fastest time, just ahead of his team-mate Marco Borciani. Valencia race two winner Noriyuki Haga (Renegade Ducati 999) slipped to fifth place, while 998 Ducati privateer Lucio Pedercini made use of his years of experience and good circuit set-up knowledge to storm through to sixth place – ahead of many more powerful machines.

Young Aussie Chris Vermeulen, the 21-year-old reigning World Supersport champion, battled to seventh on his still developing Ten Kate Honda Fireblade, missing out on the chance to finish higher up the order after technical gremlins struck just as he fitted a qualifying tyre. Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati 999RS) rode his newer spec machine to the eighth fastest lap of the day, ahead of 20-year-old Brit Leon Haslam (Renegade Ducati).

James Toseland (Ducati Fila) had a difficult day, falling from his factory machine on two separate occasions, only qualifying in 10th place. His fellow countryman, Chris Walker, rode his three-cylinder Petronas FP-1 to 11th place, one ahead of his team-mate Troy Corser – still the fastest man around Phillip Island in qualifying and race conditions.

The final qualifying session takes place on Saturday morning, with the later Superpole session determining the final grid positions for the top 16 qualifiers.

For those who do not have access to live TV coverage, the weekend action can be followed in real time on the SBK website, www.worldsbk.com.


World Superbike Qualifying
Phillip Island, Australia
March 26, 2004

1. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:34.068
2. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:34.494
3. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:35.028
4. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:35.080
5. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:35.346
6. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:35.443
7. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:35.614
8. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 999RS, 1:35.633
9. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:35.743
10. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:35.752
11. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:35.832
12. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:35.871
13. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:35.935
14. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:35.936
15. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:36.017
16. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.016
17. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.187
18. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.745
19. Alessio Velini, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:39.082
20. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:40.564
21. Miguel Praia, Ducati 999RS, 1:41.182


More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist:

ROW THREE FOR TROY ON OPENING DAY

Troy finished the first day of qualifying at Phillip Island with the 12th quickest time after experiencing some tyre problems in the two sessions today. Troy was looking forward to a good performance at one of his favourite circuits, but today didn’t go entirely to plan. Frenchman Regis Laconi (Ducati) led the charge today and ended with a time of 1:34.068 and provisional pole. Second fastest today is Garry McCoy, ahead of Steve Martin and Marco Borciani – all Ducati-mounted.

TROY
I am struggling a bit with the front tyre at the moment and getting some chattering. We couldn’t fix it this morning, so I just had to try and ride round the problem. The wind kept changing direction, so that didn’t help either! We changed the front fork later on today and I felt better, but then we lost some grip! At the moment I’m not happy with the set-up and I’m not happy because we are quite a bit down on our top speed – ten kph slower then Regis (Laconi). We’ll change the front tomorrow for sure and maybe a little adjustment to the rear as well. So far, the engines are being consistent, but I feel that they are a tad slower then normal, so we’ll have to see how it pans out tomorrow. I certainly don’t want to be on row three after Superpole!


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

LACONI (DUCATI FILA) HITS TOP FORM AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Phillip Island (Australia), Friday 26 March: Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila) powered his Ducati 999 to the top of the timesheets in the opening qualifying session at Phillip Island after getting the best of Garry McCoy (Xerox Ducati 999) in the final few minutes.

His Ducati Fila team-mate James Toseland was less fortunate, the British youngster recording his second crash of the day at the start of qualifying to end up an unfamiliar tenth quickest.

“That was not so bad but it was very windy in the afternoon and it was so hard to make the same lap time as this morning, but it’s the same for everyone” declared Laconi. “We still have some work to do because I’m not so happy with the feeling of the front of the bike. For the rest it’s OK, we’ll see what’s happening tomorrow and if there is not so much wind, we should improve. It was good to see McCoy up there, he is at his home track but I give my best to be still at the front”.

Toseland was frustrated to find himself down in tenth position on the second Ducati Fila 999. “Well, that was probably my worst day in quite a few years. I crashed twice and both times I got up wondering what happened” he explained. “I want it to be my fault when I crash so I can kick myself and find out why. I’m sure I’m not making any mistakes but I’m finding myself on the floor, so we’ve got to find out why and understand it and then I can alter what I’m doing wrong.

“We’ve tried a few things on the bike and that’s made it better but there are a few places where I just don’t have any feeling at all” he added. “I just want to be able to get rid of that and work on the bike and push again because there’s no point in pushing if that happens. We’re not far away but at the moment I feel right on the limit doing slow times and that’s very frustrating. But I’m sure we’ll sort things out and get the job done tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks – Scuderia Caracchi:

Garry McCoy second fastest in the debut day at Phillip Island

Garry McCoy started in the best of ways his home WSBK race on the 4445 meters of Phillip Island circuit. The Australian rider of Scuderia Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks has been outright the leader of the first qualifying session until 27 seconds to the end, when Laconi on the factory Ducati overtook him. However the Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks 999RS of Scuderia Caracchi has been the fastest machine on the track, in the morning’s free practice, when Garry scored the third fastest, and as well during afternoon qualifying, with a brilliant result for the engineer crew managed by Marco Mozzone.

“I’m quite satisfied of this debut day.” – said a smiling Garry to the group of Australian media representatives who were interviewing him – “During the morning session the bike, despite its high top speed, the feeling of the bike wasn’t very good. Its front was too high and it wasn’t steering. Then, after the new set up everything was running well. In the afternoon the track was faster and the tyres were working very well, the rear was sliding, but just like I love. So in such track conditions we took the decision to use a qualifying tyre and I scored easily a fast laptime. The tyres during the afternoon session were running perfectly, even though I haven’t actually a perfect feeling with Pirelli, but I must say that everybody is in the same conditions, but some riders that have done developing tests. The new rules imposes a particular strategy for using the available tyres, to avoid to miss the right tyre for Superpole, which is the session to settle the starting grid and it’s very important. The bike has a good reaction to the set up changes we have made this afternoon, so, depending on the weather, I’m confident that tomorrow too I could get a good result.”

On the other side it was a black day for Miguel Praia, not qualified at the moment for the race.

“I found some difficulties.” – tell a disappointed Praia – “I’ve not been able to find a good set up for the bike and select the tyres. During the morning’s free practice I heared a strange noise from the bike, so I stop. Later in the garage the bike was running perfectly and not even the data recording found something wrong. In the afternoon I’ve been faster, but Laconi and Garry were actually two rockets, so I’ve been not able to catch the qualifying limit. But every time I practice I’m faster, so I hope tomorrow to be able to qualify.”


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Vermeulen Goes Seventh After First Day of Qualifying

Home tarmac and a subtly improved CBR1000RR allowed World Supersport Champion Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda) to make an impressive mark in only his second ever World Superbike race weekend, with the 21-year-old Queenslander securing seventh spot after the first day of his home race meeting.

His best lap of 1:35.612 was put in on race tyres, a good sign for further improvement come race day, and keeps Vermeulen in touch with the provisional pole man Regis Laconi (Ducati), who set a 1:34.068 lap.

“That wasn’t too bad,” said Chris. “We made some changes to the bike set-up and got it working better. I was consistently inside the top five until the end, then we had a small problem with the bike and we didn’t get to use a qualifying tyre. It’s just a teething problem with the new bike and this is only our second race with it. Both bikes are the same spec really, but only one has got a quick shifter. This is the first time I’ve really ridden with one – because they aren’t allowed in Supersport – and I really enjoyed the experience. There is a big difference. I’m happy. We’ve been to Valencia but this place is so different in terms of set-up. But we’re getting there, slowly but surely.”

For the team, Phillip Island is another new challenge on the new CBR1000RR. “When everyone was still using race tyres we were up in fourth place and making steady progress,” said team manager Ronald Ten Kate. “Improving the new bike is the biggest issue for us again. When we put in the qualifying tyre at the end of the session we had a little problem with the bike so we couldn’t really get full use of it. But we are happy, making good steps in all directions. The bikes are basically up to the same spec right now and we’ve found a reasonably happy set-up for tomorrow, so overnight we will build both bikes the same. We had different geometry and spring rates on each bike, playing around with some options but tomorrow we now know the direction to go in.”

Releases listed in order received:

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
IRTA TEST – CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA
26TH MARCH 2004 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RAIN STOPS PLAY AT FIRST EUROPEAN TEST

After completing three major overseas tests during the winter months, the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team arrived at the Circuit de Catalunya today for their first European outing of the 2004 MotoGP season.

Having unveiled the latest version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR to the world’s press the previous evening, Fuchs Kawasaki riders, Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann, were keen to put the new bike through its paces today. Unfortunately, the onset of heavy rain during the early part of the afternoon forced both riders back into the pit box, just as they were starting to up the pace.

Although disappointed not to have completed their planned test schedule today, both Nakano and Hofmann are confident that, with better weather tomorrow, a significant improvement in their lap times is achievable.

Shinya Nakano: 1:47.089 (31 Laps)
“This is the first time I’ve been to Catalunya with Kawasaki, so this morning we started the process of finding a chassis set-up that will work at this circuit. The feeling of the bike was not so bad for the first time, but tomorrow, when hopefully we’ll have better weather, we want to try some changes to the front suspension. If it rains again tomorrow then I think I will continue riding as long as I can, because I have not yet had a chance to try the Bridgestone wet tyres and I’m sure we’ll have some wet races this season.”

Alex Hofmann: 1:47.800 (34 Laps)
“This morning we tested a revised exhaust system from Akrapovic on the bike and also some different carbon front brake discs. We had planned to work on the set up of the bike after lunch, but the rain in the afternoon forced us to cut short the day’s testing before we’d had a chance to start increasing the pace. Hopefully we’ll have better weather tomorrow and we’ll be able to complete more of our planned test schedule.”

Harald Eckl: Team Manager
“This is the first time that the new version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR has been seen in Europe and the reaction from all sides has been very positive. Unfortunately, with the rain bringing testing to an early conclusion today, we didn’t really get the chance to show everyone what the new bike is capable of. If we get better weather tomorrow, I’m confident that we’ll see a dramatic improvement in lap times from both Shinya and Alex.”


More, form a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Catalunya IRTA Tests
Montmelo circuit, Catalunya
Friday 26th March

RAIN BLIGHTS FIRST DAY OF TESTING IN BARCELONA FOR GAULOISES FORTUNA YAMAHA MEN

The complete MotoGP paddock was back on European ground for the first time this year as day one of the official Catalunya IRTA tests got under way near Barcelona. A sunny but cold morning saw some good times posted by the re-formed pack of MotoGP riders, before the afternoon gave way to heavy rain. Like most other riders, Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha team-mates Valentino Rossi and Carlos Checa, who had limbered up their M1 machines with a display for the public in the streets of Barcelona yesterday at the Team’s 2004 launch, chose not to resume testing in the wet and spent the afternoon working with their teams in the Yamaha pit garage.

Before the weather broke, reigning World Champion and new Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi posted the second fastest time of the day during a consistent 27 laps, recording a time of 1:45.542. This was a fraction of a second behind Brazilian Alex Barros, (1:45.464) on his Honda. After Rossi came last year’s Championship runner-up Sete Gibernau (Honda – 1:45.803) and Kenny Roberts on his Suzuki machine (1:45.855). Rossi’s team-mate, local favourite Carlos Checa had a less satisfying day on paper, finishing with the twelfth fastest time of 1:46.834. However this was his first session testing Yamaha’s latest engine spec and he concentrated more on set-up than times.

Valentino Rossi (1:45.542, 27 laps)

“We made some progress today, but not so much because it was raining. Like last year here, the temperature is too cold and therefore so were the tyres; the conditions are really different to those of the Grand Prix in the summer here! I’ve had a few braking problems which have been quite difficult to control, but my times have been quite good. We’ve been working quite slowly but we’ve got a bit more potential. I’m also extremely happy because I was on the circuit Security Committee last year and I suggested some modifications to this circuit, and now all that I asked for has been changed.”

Carlos Checa (1:46.834, 27 laps)

“I went out at 13:00 hours, as the track conditions were not right until then and I thought the weather would be okay later. I hope tomorrow I can do more! I tested the new engine spec today, it helps in many areas but we are looking to find a better balance, especially in the front area. There is still not enough comfort and I don’t feel a huge amount of difference with the chassis, but I do feel the engine improvement.

Davide Brivio – Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team Director

“Unfortunately the weather didn’t allow us to do what we wanted, but it was an interesting day. This is a new track for Valentino this year and it was good for him to feel how the bike responded. It was not too bad and he was near the top of the time sheet so this is a good sign. Carlos tested the new engine which he agrees helps and is good for him too. However the weather stopped him from continuing to work on the chassis. It was a good day but we are hoping for better weather tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

Good start for Hodgson and Xaus

Rain interrupted practice today at the Catalunya Circuit in the early afternoon, cutting short the end of day one of the Official MotoGP Test. However this didn’t stop the d´Antin MotoGP riders from achieving their objectives and getting in a good number of laps on a track which both riders barely knew. Hodgson and Xaus can count this first day as a positive start on their Ducati Desmosedici machines, the beginning of the countdown to the first GP of the year.

Neil Hodgson finished the day satisfied and optimistic, after completing 54 laps, and a best time of 1:46.798. “We’ve had a good day today, and I want to thank Michelin, because I have a fantastic technician with me, and I have been testing material which I felt very comfortable with. The team is working better all the time, and you can see now that this is our fourth test together. As for the circuit, the truth is that is seems a completely different track to the one I remember, but I felt happy and I hope we can continue like this over the next two days.”

Ruben Xaus meanwhile was keen to get out on track, happy to be at home and setting a time of 1:46.932 after completing a total of 44 laps. “We have begun work on the same bike as in Australia, although there were a few problems, and we went on to work with our second machine. We have just received this unit and to be honest it felt just as comfortable. The times came just as easy with both until it began to rain, but we have two days ahead of us and we’ve already made the most of this one.”


Times:

1st A. BARROS 1:45.464
2nd V.ROSSI 1:45.542
3rd S. GIBERNAU 1:45.803
4th K.ROBERTS 1:45.855
5th N.HAYDEN 1:45.913

11th NEIL HODGSON 1:46.798
14th RUBEN XAUS 1:46.932


More, from a press release issued by Camel Pramac Honda:

Patchy first day of tests in unsettled weather
Makoto and Max end with 6th and 9th quickest times

Today proved to be not that useful for getting all the details right on the yellow-blue Camel Honda team RC211V bikes. In the early hours of the morning, the track was damp, but then the sun made a brief appearance towards midday making conditions acceptable, but then down came the rain – which eventually put an end to the tests. Making their debut on the Catalunya circuit, the 2004 Camel Honda RC211Vs certainly need some more hours testing to get the basic settings worked out, and this will indeed be essential in order to tackle the first world championship contest on 18 April at Welkom. There are still another two days to go here in Barcelona, and another two in Jerez next week. So we can only look forward to the next sorties out on the ring – and hope for the best. And hope that the weather doesn’t get worse.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“These IRTA tests in Catalunya are a really important opportunity to come up against all the other contenders and get an idea of the general level of all the teams. It’s a pity about the weather conditions today that broke up the rhythm. Unfortunately, there’s no way we can say we completed today’s work programme. In terms of the bike’s competitiveness, however, we can of course rely on the data we got from the previous winter tests, which clearly showed our potential. So I’m confident about the next few days’ tests, when we’ll be able to work more consistently.”

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin tyres) 9th – 1:46.424
“I started out on the tests a bit late today as I was working with the technicians to put the finishing touches on some of the settings. I actually went round only for two and a half hours, and the weather certainly wasn’t on our side. We’ve still got to get the settings right on the gears and on engine management – and we need to get our programme worked out for the next few days. I’m sure we’ll do better if the weather doesn’t get worse – but anyway we’ve still got another four days, if we include the tests in Jerez next week.”

Gianluca Montiron – Camel Honda – (Makoto Tamada Team Manager)
“Today hasn’t been without its question marks, which is a pity really since we’ve got a number of new tyres to try out – and Makoto was itching to go. These are important tests, precisely because there’s so much work we’ve got to do. In any case, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, I’m still very pleased with Makoto because he was aggressive right from the first laps.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone tyres) – 6th, 1:45.949
“Rather intermittent tests, as first the track was damp, then it dried out – and then the rain came down. I’ve got some new rear tyres to try out, and I was expecting a really tough day’s work. So I’m a bit disappointed, as I was hoping to go flat out right from the first day. I tried some rain tyres – they’re new too – but I wasn’t able to get to grips with some of the other settings on the bike. Now let’s hope the weather gets better and the rain stops messing up these tests.”


More, from a press release issued Team Suzuki:

NEW SUZUKIS ON THE PACE AT CATALUNYA

Team Suzuki Press Office- Catalunya, Spain – March 26, 2004:
Rain cut short the first day of three days of MotoGP testing at Catalunya GP circuit today … but not before the new 2004 version of the Suzuki GSV-R had given positive proof of progress over the winter, with Kenny Roberts Jr. setting fourth-fastest time, less than half a second off the lap record, in spite of low track temperatures.

Second Team Suzuki rider John Hopkins was less than a second slower, placed tenth overall, in his first time back on a racing motorcycle since breaking both ankles in a Supercross accident in January.

Today was the unofficial start of the season – the significance assumed in recent years by the final round of pre-season tests, run by teams’ association IRTA and open to all. With all teams in attendance, it is a first chance to assess the opposition, and to measure the value of technical development over the winter.

The results were highly encouraging for Team Suzuki, working to regain the winning positions after two seasons without a race victory.

Roberts was testing different exhaust pipes today, with a lot of other technical ideas to try over the next two days at this track, then two more in Jerez next week.

The test had another significance for John Hopkins, making his return to a motorcycle after surgery on both ankles in January, and an intensive programme of rehabilitation.

“Basically today I wanted to make sure I hadn’t forgotten how to ride,” he quipped. “It’s been four months since I rode a racing motorcycle.

“Right away, even in poor track conditions, I was able to run with the top group. The bike is definitely coming on.

“I tested this new chassis and swinging arm in Malaysia last year, and it was already considerably better. There have been more improvements since then.

“It’s considerably better than last year, and it’s nice to be able to get the times without having to turn the bike settings on their head. We have made hardly any setting changes all day, and we’re already somewhat on the pace.

“My ankles are a lot better – I’ve been able to start jogging, and I didn’t have any trouble on the bike. It started to ache a bit in the cold, but that’s normal,” said Hopkins.


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

IRTA MotoGP test Catalunya. Day 1, March 26, 2004.

Barros back in the groove at Catalan MotoGP test

The first all team MotoGP test session of the 2004 season got underway at the 4.427km Montmelo circuit, in Catalunya. On the opening day of the three-day test the teams faced overcast skies which eventually heavy clouds, then to rain.

Before the rain arrived it was Brazilian Alex Barros (Repsol Honda) who topped the time sheet at 1m 45.464s, just under the official MotoGP lap record, after just 17 laps on his RC211V. Barros, who returns to Honda for the new season, headed reigning champion Valentino Rossi, with Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda MotoGP) in third place.

Young American Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) ended the day in fifth place, running faster than ever before at the ultra-fast track, Hayden was timed at an incredible 335.4km/h on his RC211V down the front straight.

Japanese star Makoto Tamada took his Camel Honda to sixth place before the rain came but covered several laps in the less than ideal conditions. Tamada, on the only Bridgestone shod RCV in the field, worked on tyre testing on the damp surface.

Colin Edwards, on the second Telefonica liveried Honda, set seventh fastest time. Much like team-mate Edwards felt the day was lost to the weather. Equally damp conditions are forecast for the remaining two days and the two men have enough time to acquaint themselves with wet track surfaces.

Max Biaggi started his day late and covered just 21 laps as he began to adjust to his RC211V fitted with the latest version of the 5-cylinder 990cc 4-stroke engine block. The Italian made several visits to the pits for the crew to work on the set up, unfortunately for Biaggi the rain arrived faster than he had hoped and his serious testing was over for the day.

Fastest laps:
Alex Barros, Bra Repsol Honda 1m 45.464s – 18 laps
Valentino Rossi, I Gauloises Yamaha 1m 45.542s
Sete Gibernau, E Telefonica MoviStar Honda 1m 45.803s – 28 laps
Kenny Roberts, USA Suzuki 1m 855s
Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda 1m 45.913s – 43 laps
Makoto Tamada, J Camel Honda 1m 45.949s – 26 laps
Colin Edwards, USA Telefonica MoviStar Honda 1m 46.165s – 27 laps
Shinichi Itoh, Pramac Honda 1m 46.281s – 46 laps
Max Biaggi, I Camel Honda 1m 46.424s – 21 laps
John Hopkins, USA Suzuki 1m 46.782s.


HONDA TEAM QUOTES:

Alex Barros: “Feels good to be at the top of the list – it has been a while! We started the machine this morning and we really didn’t make any real changes – just rode. It was too slippery to really tell anything but I’m happy with the results. I was a little disappointed to make a small crash in the afternoon but it was no big deal – by the time the machine went down we were going very slowly and there was very little damage. We are not at 100% fitness yet but I am happy that I feel no pain from my shoulder – I need to build the strength and develop more muscle but I’m sure this will come quick as the doctor is happy for me to train properly. We hope for some good weather tomorrow.”

Nicky Hayden: “I was enjoying things this morning – the bike felt strong and it was good to get out with all the riders again. I was real relaxed and things felt good. Then I started to get cold and saw drops on my visor and that was it for the day really! Can’t believe how fast we’re going! 210mph; crazy! We spent some time in the wind tunnel in Japan after the last test in Sepang and I guess we learnt something. I was working a lot on my tuck. I’m sure hoping that the weather improves, as we don’t learn too much when it’s like this. Still, not a bad day; I’ve never been round this circuit as fast as today and we’ve still got two days!”

Sito Pons: “These IRTA tests in Catalunya are a really important opportunity to come up against all the other contenders and get an idea of the general level of all the teams. It’s a pity about the weather conditions today that broke up the rhythm. Unfortunately, there’s no way we can say we completed today’s work programme. In terms of the bike’s competitiveness, however, we can of course rely on the data we got from the previous winter tests, which clearly showed our potential. So I’m confident about the next few days’ tests, when we’ll be able to work more consistently.”

Max Biaggi: “I started out on the tests a bit late today as I was working with the technicians to put the finishing touches on some of the settings. I actually went round only for two and a half hours, and the weather certainly wasn’t on our side. We’ve still got to get the settings right on the gears and on engine management – and we need to get our programme worked out for the next few days. I’m sure we’ll do better if the weather doesn’t get worse – but anyway we’ve still got another four days, if we include the tests in Jerez next week.”

Gianluca Montiron: (Makoto Tamada Team Manager) : “Today hasn’t been without its question marks, which is a pity really since we’ve got a number of new tyres to try out – and Makoto was itching to go. These are important tests, precisely because there’s so much work we’ve got to do. In any case, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, I’m still very pleased with Makoto because he was aggressive right from the first laps.”

Makoto Tamada: “Rather intermittent tests, as first the track was damp, then it dried out – and then the rain came down. I’ve got some new rear tyres to try out, and I was expecting a really tough day’s work. So I’m a bit disappointed, as I was hoping to go flat out right from the first day. I tried some rain tyres – they’re new too – but I wasn’t able to get to grips with some of the other settings on the bike. Now let’s hope the weather gets better and the rain stops messing up these tests.”

Sete Gibernau: “Today the weather spoiled the testing session and we couldn’t test all the new stuff brought here by Honda. I hope that tomorrow the weather conditions will improve. Anyway I’m satisfied and I’m focused on finding the best set up of the bike, I’m not interested in making here the best lap, I’m working in preparation of the first race of the Championship.”

Colin Edward: “Today we try the new parts and we worked all day to find a good set-up. Unfortunately, track conditions were terrible (cold and wet patches), a risk for nothing.


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda/Gresini Racing:

The rain spoils the first day of official testing.

Test Irta – Catalunya, Day one
Cold weather and rain spoiled the first day of the official practices at the Catalunya Circuit.
Because of the cold temperatures (14°C ambient temperature and 17°C the asphalt temperature), Sete Gibernau and Colin Edwards went on track around 12.30. Because of the rain, practices finished at 16.15. The work of today was focused on testing the new material brought here by Honda, in particular the new chassis and new suspensions, the same material that Alex Barros and Nicky Hayden tested during the winter in Malaysia and Australia.
Sete Gibernau made a comparative work between the new bike and the old one, recording the third best time of the day.
Colin Edwards rode exclusively on the new bike, unfortunately they could only made 27 laps that were not enough to finish the work scheduled for the day. Tomorrow the work will goes on.

Sete Gibernau 1’45”.803, 28 laps
“Today the weather spoiled the testing session and we couldn’t ! test all the new stuff brought here by Honda. I hope that tomorrow the weather conditions will improve. Anyway I’m satisfied and I’m focused on finding the best set up of the bike, I’m not interested in making here the best lap, I’m working in preparation of the first race of the Championship.”

Colin Edward 1’46”.165, 27 laps
“Today we try the new parts and we worked all day to find a good set-up. Unfortunately, track conditions were terrible (cold and wet patches), a risk for nothing.

From a press release:

Following a “good” test session at Laguna Seca this week, the No Limit Motorsports Suzuki team is ready and anxious for Fontana the first weekend in April.

FX and Superstock riders Jason Pridmore and Jimmy Moore had an opportunity to get some quality testing time in on both classes of motorcycles, and each was able to find hidden time on each succeeding lap. The Team Crew Chief, Jeremy Daniel had high praise for his “Dream Team” of mechanics and riders and is also excited about the potential for the entire three rider team for the remainder of 2004.

Superstock rider Jason Curtis elected to continue his intensive testing and training program at Las Vegas, where he has been working with his trainer Jeff Haney. Curtis also enjoys the helpful criticism of former World Champion Freddie Spencer while at the Vegas facility. Since this is Curtis’ first year on the Suzuki GSX-R, he is still becoming comfortable with the bike and its set up. Curtis is looking forward to Fontana, and the rest of the season as well.

From a press release issued by MSS Discovery Kawasaki Team:

NEW-LOOK MSS DISCOVERY KAWASAKI ACES HEAD FOR OPENING ROUND SHOWDOWN

Vastly experienced Pere Riba and hard-charging Rob Frost carry the British Supersport title aspirations for the new-look MSS Discovery Kawasaki team as the season gets under way at Silverstone, Northants this weekend.

The ZX-6RR-mounted pair head for Silverstone in confident mood and are joined by the team’s British Superstock Championship hope Steve Allan, aboard the brand new ZX-10 machine.

Former World Supersport, World Superbike and MotoGP ace Riba is excited about his debut in the British championship, having raced the ZX-6RR in last year’s World Championship.

“We are ready to race and I’m confident as we head into Silverstone this weekend,” says Riba. “Joining the MSS Discovery Kawasaki team is a new experience for me but from what I have seen so far we are going to have a really good season together.

“Our pre-season testing is finished and we are now ready to race. We had a good test at Silverstone last week and we only have one or two small points to improve on before we find the perfect race set-up for Sunday’s race.”

Frost is looking to improve on 10th place in last year’s British Supersport series and the determined Lincoln rider is in confident mood, he believes:

“We have every chance of winning the championship with the new ZX-6RR. The machine has improved a lot from last year and I’m certain we’ve got a winner.

“The start of the season has probably come a bit early for me so I’ll be concentrating on scoring points while we get the machine fully dialled in for my style and as we search for a base setting.”

The MSS Discovery National Superstock Championship hopes rest with talented Scotsman Steve Allan. The 29-year-old is relishing the chance to do battle in the series aboard the new and exciting Kawasaki ZX-10.

Allan reports: “I’m pretty sure that everyone in the team and at Kawasaki has high hopes of the ZX-10 being a winner and understandably so, the new bike is so, so good.

“I’m not sure what to expect at Silverstone on Sunday but I do know that the team’s expectations are high, especially with the new ZX-10 and Pere and Rob on the ZX-6RRs. I’ll be looking for a podium finish this weekend to get my season off to a solid start.”

Team owners Stuart Simmonds (Discovery) and Nick Morgan (MSS) have joined forces to chase Supersport and Superstock success with their trio of Kawasaki aces.

Simmonds believes: “We’ve got a great line-up of riders and very competitive machinery. We’ve also invested a lot in new workshops and we’re all really excited about the 2004 season.”

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment — Motor Sports:

Daytona “Race of Champions” Moved To Homestead-Miami Speedway October 20-24

AURORA, IL. – Formula USA / CCS announced today that the October 20-24 Daytona “Race of Champions” round of competition at Daytona Int’l Speedway has been moved to Homestead – Miami Speedway in Homestead Florida. The event at Homestead will take place on the same date as the original event at Daytona on October 20-24.

Due to the construction projects at Daytona Int’l Speedway, the 21st Annual Race of Champions, Presented by Lockhart Phillips USA, must be moved to another facility. The event will be moved to Homestead-Miami Speedway, another ISC (Int’l Speedway Corp.) facility, and the location of an AMA Pro Superbike event in 1992. Since 1992, Homestead has played host to numerous sportsman activities including Florida Region Championship Cup Series events run by Henry Degouw.

The Homestead “Race of Champions” will feature the exact same line-up of classes originally scheduled for Daytona including complete Formula USA and Championship Cup Series competitions and the traditional National Champions Awards Presentation on Sunday Night.

Premier classes on the schedule will include Formula USA Sportbike and Superbike classes, Unlimited Grand Prix, Thunderbike, the “Homestead 200” on Thursday October 21, and the new Formula Sportbike class, which will all take place on Sunday October 24th. The Sportbike class features a Holeshot Award presented by Traxxion Dynamics, while the Superbike class Holeshot Award is presented by Factory Pro Tuning. Factory Pro Tuning also provides the Official Dyno for Formula USA Sportbike and Thunderbike classes.

Formula USA / CCS Director of Competition Kevin Elliott commented that, “Homestead provides a great vacation destination for this 21st Annual Fall event, and we are very pleased to be able to bring this event to the Homestead area, which has hosted CCS road race events for over a decade. We also look forward to returning to Daytona in 2005 after the renovations.”

All race entries for Daytona will be applied to the Homestead event, unless racers otherwise notify Formula USA / CCS in advance.

For weekend schedules, ticket information and more… visit FormulaUSA.com or CCSracing.com.

From a press release issued today by AMA Pro Racing:

MLADIN COULD BECOME ALL-TIME AMA SUPERBIKE WINS LEADER AT YAMAHA SUPERBIKE CHALLENGE

Aussie just one win behind wins leader Duhamel coming into Fontana doubleheader

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (March 26, 2004) — In 2003 Mat Mladin became the first rider in AMA Superbike history to win four championships. This year the 32-year-old Yoshimura Suzuki ace is chasing not only a record fifth title, but is also on the verge of becoming the all-time wins leader in AMA Superbike. Mladin could become the wins leader during rounds two and three of the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship in the Yamaha Superbike Challenge at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., on April 2-4.

Mladin is coming off his third win in the prestigious Daytona 200 by Arai. It marked his 25th-career AMA Superbike win, putting him just a single victory behind Honda’s veteran Miguel Duhamel. Duhamel has held the title of all-time leading AMA Superbike winner for six years. He passed Motorcycle Hall of Famer Fred Merkel’s 20-career wins in 1998.

During pre-season testing it looked as if Mladin and his factory Suzuki GSX-R1000 would face an overwhelming challenge against the three Honda factory riders and the factory Ducati ridden by Eric Bostrom, but his outlook changed dramatically after Daytona. Mladin credits the Yoshimura Suzuki team for putting him in the position of becoming the all-time wins leader.

“Records are there to be broken, you know,” said Mladin, whose Daytona victory also moved Suzuki past Kawasaki for second on the all-time AMA Superbike wins list by manufacturer. “Somebody’s going to come along in the future and some young kid, a Ben Spies or a Jason DiSalvo, and probably break that record, if I get Miguel’s. So they’re there to be broken, and that’s it. Race wins are race wins. And I’ve been fortunate. I’ve had a great team over the past six years and I’ve been able to win a lot of races. We took a big chunk out of Miguel’s race win lead last year with a really great motorcycle. This year’s probably going to be a little bit tougher. But we’re ready. To win Daytona, I feel a lot more comfortable going into the season. If we can win this race, we’re going to be competitive.”

Mladin also comes into Fontana with the comfort of knowing he swept the doubleheader there last year. His pair of wins a year ago gave him the series points lead and launched his record-setting 2003 season.

Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke surprised a lot of people by edging out Duhamel for second at Daytona. Zemke, of Paso Robles, Calif., comes into Fontana the second ranked AMA Superbike rider in his first season in the series. Zemke would love nothing more than to keep the surprises coming and nothing short of a win in the doubleheader weekend would do the job.

Former AMA Superbike champ Miguel Duhamel is entering his 17th season of professional racing and is chasing his second title in the series after claiming the top spot in 1995. One thing that Duhamel has proven over the years is that you can never count him out. He has a great deal of incentive to do well at Fontana. Not only is he trying to hold off Mladin atop the all-time AMA Superbike wins list, he also sees a great opportunity to win his second AMA Superbike championship riding the new Honda CBR1000RR. One clue of Duhamel’s commitment to winning this year’s title came at Daytona where he admitted thinking a little more about the bigger championship picture rather than a single race.

“The CBR1000 I think is a wonderful machine,” he said after getting third in the Daytona 200. “I want to be sure to be in a good position and come out through the season strong. Because winning Daytona is great, but winning the championship is pretty good too.”

Two riders who will be eager to make up for dismal starts to the season will be the brothers Ben and Eric Bostrom. Both brothers experienced mechanical failures that caused them to drop out at Daytona. Eric was the pole winner on the Ducati Austin 999 and has repeatedly said that he is very much looking forward to racing the nimble handling Ducati at road courses like Fontana. Ben, like teammate Duhamel, claims that the new Honda is the best Superbike he’s ever ridden and he too has considerable motivation to win at least one of the races at California Speedway. Ben is anxious to get his first win in the AMA Superbike Championship in five years and prove that he still has the ability to win the championship as he did in 1998.

Suzuki’s Aaron Yates will miss Fontana. The Georgian will miss both Superbike races as well as the Supersport race as he is serving a suspension handed to him by AMA Pro Racing after a post-crash incident at Daytona. Yates is slated to return to competition next month at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

Privateer teams promise to figure prominently at Fontana. Six of the top-10 finishers at Daytona were on privateer squads. Jack Pfeifer had a great ride to finish fourth in the season opener. It marked the best finish by a privateer in the Daytona 200 in 14 years. The Las Vegas resident hopes to keep the momentum going at Fontana. Pfeifer rides a Pirelli-shod Suzuki.

Among other leading privateers at Fontana will be Empire Racing Suzuki’s Lee Acree and Chris Caylor, the Attack Kawasaki of Josh Hayes and Yamaha privateer Larry Pegram. Canadian Superbike champ Pascal Picotte is also expected to race Fontana on a Yamaha.

Both Superbike races from the Yamaha Superbike Challenge doubleheader will be televised on SPEED Channel Sunday afternoon, April 4. Saturday’s Superbike race will be shown from 5-6 p.m. EST, and Sunday’s race will be shown from 6-7 p.m. EST.

For additional information on the Yamaha Superbike Challenge call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit the website www.californiaspeedway.com
.


Schedule of Events
AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited

Yamaha Superbike Challenge at California Speedway – April 2-4, 2004


Thursday, April 1

3:00 – 7:00 – Registration: Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests

3:00 – 7:00 – Tech Inspection


Friday, April 2

7:30 – 4:00 – Registration: Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests

10:00 – Post-Entry Closed for all Classes

8:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

8:30 – 9:05 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

9:10 – 9:40 – Repsol Superstock Practice

9:45 – 10:15 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice

10:20 – 11:10 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice

11:10 – 12:10 – Lunch Break

11:25 – Mandatory Rider Briefing for All Classes

12:10 – 12:45 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

12:50 – 1:20 – Repsol Superstock Practice

1:25 – 1:55 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice

2:00 – 2:50 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice

3:00 – 3:30 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group 1

3:40 – 4:10 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Group 2

4:20 – 4:50 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 1

5:00 – 5:30 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 2

Saturday, April 3

7:30 – 3:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests

8:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

8:30 – 9:10 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

9:15 – 9:45 – Repsol Superstock Practice

9:50 – 10:20 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice

10:30 – 11:10 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 1

11:20 – 12:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Qualifying Group 2

12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch Break

1:00 – 1:30 – Repsol Superstock Qualifying Group 1

1:40 – 2:10 – Repsol Superstock Qualifying Group 2

2:20 – 2:50 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Qualifying Group 1

3:00 – 3:30 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Qualifying Group 2

3:40 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race 1 (100K – 28 laps)

4:40 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme (60k – 17 laps)

Sunday, April 4

8:30 – 12:00 – Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests

9:00 – Tech Inspection Opens

9:00 – 9:35 – Repsol Superstock Practice

9:40 – 10:15 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets Practice

10:20 – 11:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice

11:00 – 12:00 – Lunch Break

11:20 – Nondenominational Chapel Service

FINAL EVENTS:

12:00 – AMA Repsol Superstock Race (60k – 17 laps)

1:00 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets (60k – 17 laps)

2:00 – Chevrolet Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race 2 (100k – 28 laps)

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

Australia Welcomes SBK for the 14th Time

The long-established venue of Phillip Island provides the magnificent backdrop for the second round of the World Superbike Championship, the 14th time the classically sculpted 4.445km circuit has hosted one of the most exciting forms of racing ever devised.

The previous winner’s roll reads like a who’s who of World Superbike legends, with all six of the most recent World Superbike champions having taken wins at this most naturally sculpted and challenging of contemporary race tracks. The most recent PI race winner in the current field is 1996 World Champion and native Australian Troy Corser (Petronas FP-1), who secured a win on the Island in the second leg of the 2000 event.

The ever-improving three-cylinder Foggy Petronas FP-1 machine secured its first ever podium finish at round one in Valencia, thanks to the efforts of Corser’s team-mate Chris Walker and thus Corser sees Phillip Island as one of the main opportunities to score his first podium on the unique machine. “I’m obviously looking forward to going back to Phillip Island,” he stated. “I think that all the riders think that it’s the best track on the calendar, especially for me as it’s my home race. I’ll have a lot of family, friends and supporters there and I will be trying hard to improve on last year’s best finish of fifth. The flowing nature of the circuit should help us, but you can get held up if you are dicing with another rider. At this stage of our engine development, there are probably only the Siberia and Honda corners where we will lose a bit on acceleration. The competition may have improved since last year but you have to take each day as it comes at Phillip Island as a lot can depend on the weather, when local knowledge can come in handy.” With so many riders in with a chance of joining an illustrious list of previous Island winners, Corser will have no end of competition at this race – not to mention over the entire season.

The first race at Round One in Valencia, affected by changeable weather, provided some unexpected results, but none could deny the excellence and commitment show by both race winners James Toseland (Ducati Fila 999 F04) and Noriyuki Haga (Renegade Ducati 999).

Toseland does not have to look hard for his expected closest competitor this weekend, as Superpole winner from Valencia, Regis Laconi, is his team-mate in the other side of the Fila Ducati garage. With no points compared to Toseland’s 45, Laconi will be desperate to notch as many points as possible in Australia, and has great experience of the circuit from previous SBK and GP campaigns.

For Haga and his Renegade Ducati team the Valencia win was a tremendous boost in their first weekend of full-time SBK competition and the Japanese rider will be out to score his own second Phillip Island win, his previous Aussie highlight coming in 1998.

The list of possible winners, in something of a bumper year for potential podium placers, includes the multiple SBK race winner Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) who continues in a one-man team for the 2004 season. A force to be reckoned with at Valencia, after swapping his new 999 Ducati for his existing 998 model, Chili could ride either bike in qualifying in Australia.

On the opposite end of the age spectrum from the 39-year-old Chili, 20-year-old Renegade Ducati rider Leon Haslam is a full-time SBK rookie, as is the multiple GP race winner, Garry McCoy – another fast rider of local origin.

One of the most exiting prospects for the 2004 season is the combination of reigning World Supersport Champion Chris Vermeulen and the Ten Kate Honda Fireblade, both new inductees into SBK racing. Already enjoying some level of success on a still developing motorcycle, Vermeulen is expected to be the most effective four-cylinder rider on display. As winner of the Supersport race at Phillip Island last year, Vermeulen may surprise a few with his on-bike flair on raceday.

Possible the most underrated rider in the series in recent years, Steve Martin, demonstrated his true prowess at the previous SBK race, finishing third in race two after the heartbreak of retiring from a similar position in race one. The DFX Extreme Sterilgarda Ducati rider is currently the Phillip Island National Superbike lap record holder, and is more than capable of securing his first SBK race win on Sunday.

The fast and flowing nature of Phillip Island lends itself to intense and often tactile competition in all classes. In this year of increased competition and with a level playing field for tyres, both SBK races are expected to be some of the closest of the season.

In the Supersport World Championship, an especially important event at this venue, due to the high numbers of local riders who have beaten a 600cc sized path to prominence in recent years, there are also unprecedented numbers of fast and well-equipped riders.

The previous Valencia race was a game of two contrasting halves, with Honda riders largely dominating qualifying before the Yamaha Italia duo of eventual winner Jurgen van den Goorbergh and second placed Fabien Foret scooped the biggest prizes on offer. Alstare Suzuki rider Katsuaki Fujiwara, currently third in the championship, will be challenging for honours as ever, joined by 1999 World Champion Stephane Chambon and Vittorio Iannuzzo.

Lorenzo Lanzi heads a one man Ducati Breil 749 challenge but the best bets for local glory may well come from the Ten Kate Honda camp. Karl Muggeridge and Broc Parkes were the leading lights in qualifying in Spain and each has intimate track knowledge, plus the impetus of a partisan crowd behind them. Kevin Curtain (Yamaha Motor Germany) is another fast Aussie, but in this class of racing, there are seldom such things as pre-race favourites.

Qualifying for all classes starts on Friday 26 March, culminates on Saturday 28, and while racing for real begins on Sunday 28th with two Superbike and one Supersport contest. SBK Championship leader at present is James Toseland, on 45 points.

The pre-race build up got underway on Thursday 25th March, with the novelty of an SBK ‘Shear-Off’ competition, during which the top International, Australian and Supersport competitors rose to the challenge of shearing some of the many sheep which surround the Phillip Island circuit – against the clock and each other. The International team won this particular contest, by a short head.

For those who do not have access to live TV coverage, the weekend action can be followed in real time on the SBK website, www.worldsbk.com.

From a press release issued by Aprilia:

APRILIA EMBARKS ON ITS 2004 MOTOGP ADVENTURE FROM GENOA

A typical Italian Spring day welcomed the press presentation of the MS Aprilia Racing Team, which will race with the new Rs Cube.

Candido Cannavò introduced the event at Genoa’s Aquarium, the naturalistic window in the ancient harbour of the city of the “Lanternas”.

Mr. Gianni Plinio, Vice President of the Liguria Region said: “I’m very pleased to present the MS Aprilia Racing Team in Genoa’s Aquarium. As you all know, – added Mr. Plinio – this year Genoa is the capital of European Culture, which, considered in its various aspects, can also be defined as the culture of business and therefore Aprilia’s way of life!”.

“I’m here basically because I am Aprilia’s President Ivano Beggio friend”, added Candido Cannavò. Later, when talking of Aprilia’s history in World Championship, Mr Cannavò remembered the 22 World Championships won over the past 20 years and how some of the current biggest champions started their careers on Aprilia racing bikes.

“This new Rs Cube – said Mr Ivano Beggio – contains 235 new elements. This means that we believe in this project and strongly wish to improve it. Aprilia invested many resources in races and this season is definitely centered on the growth and development of the RS Cube”. Aprilia has always built winning racing bikes, but our specialties are the 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, which are extremely difficult to produce”.

Such complexity is, in fact, Jan Witteven’s mission, Tech-in-Chief of the Aprilia Racing Team, who believes in the three-cylinder engine. “Last year – said Witteven – we delayed the development because of certain misleading strategic choices; but I am ready to bet on this project today!”.

The new RS Cube has a new white pretty as well as two new riders. Jeremy McWilliams came back to Aprilia after three years and Shane “Shakey” Byrne is a rookie in the MotoGP series, instead. Jeremy knows Aprilia’s style very well and Shakey is the British champion, who won two races in the World Superbike Championship.

Both riders are optimistic for the 2004 season. “Our target is to be in the top ten”, said Jeremy McWilliams. Jeremy spoke about the bike, defining it as “very fast!!”. He then added “I’m very positive for the 2004 season”.

He concluded by saying: “I’m looking forward to the Irta test in Barcelona to measure my real potential on this bike, and I’m very happy to be part of this Team.”

From a press release issued by Mat Mladin Motorsports:

2004 American AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship
Round 2 – California Speedway, Fontana, California, USA
Event Preview

HECTIC TESTING PROGRAM HAS MLADIN READY FOR CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY SUPERBIKE ROUND

Victory at the opening round of the 2004 American AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship at Daytona on March 6 has not left defending series champion Mat Mladin and his Yoshimura Suzuki team sitting in any sort of comfort zone, having just completed two, two-day test sessions as the second round of the championship looms close next weekend, April 3 & 4.

In the past two weeks, Mladin and his crew have tested their Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike at Infineon Raceway at Sonoma, California and more recently have just completed a test at Monterey’s Laguna Seca Raceway.

Mladin was very happy with the results and information gathered by his team at both venues, but his trip to Laguna was met with a minor incident on the opening day that left the four times American Superbike champion slightly winded.

“I ran a little wide on the first right-hander and the front tucked under as it hit the white line, I got it back together, but I ran out of space with the wall being so close and was forced to jump off the bike before it impacted the wall,” said Mladin in reference to his opening day crash. “I followed the bike in and when it rebounded I caught the rear wheel in the chest and it knocked me about a bit. I managed to get out of it without any injury and the guys were able to get the bike back together ready for that afternoon.

“The test went very well aside from that. It was very productive for us. We worked through the disruption of the first day and then today, we started and made the most of perfect conditions until just after lunch when the wind picked up. Any time when you have a crash and your body ploughs into something, you are battered and bruised and I was feeling some effects of it today. We learned a lot of stuff from this test and I think it’s got us in good shape for next weeks race at Fontana.”

A week earlier Mladin had posted the fastest time of the contingent of Superbike riders who tested at Infineon. His best time was a reported 1:37.4.

“The test there went really well. The lap time s were promising, but we are struggling a bit with acceleration and speed, but I enjoy tracks like Infineon because you don’t need a lot of that to go fast, it’s all about getting the bike set up as best you can. The resurfaced track has made it very smooth, making it a lot safer than what it was 12 months ago and I think everyone is looking forward to heading back there for the race. Also if the circuit continues to work on some of the track safety issues, I feel it can develop into a very good and enjoyable race track.”

With testing complete for the interim, Mladin and his Yoshimura team will prepare for next weekend’s round at California Speedway.

Mladin was a dominant force at the corresponding round last year, taking both race wins which followed a lap record breaking run to take pole position.

With his Daytona win now behind him, Mladin arrives at California holding a five-point lead over Jake Zemke (37 – 32), with Miguel DuHamel third with 29.

FAST FACTS – California Speedway

Circuit Length: 3.70km / 2.30 miles
2003 Pole position: Mat Mladin (Team Yoshimura Suzuki) 1:25.123
2003 Race results:

Race 1
1. Mat Mladin (Team Yoshimura Suzuki)
2. Aaron Yates (Team Yoshimura Suzuki)
3. Ben Bostrom (American Honda)

Race 2
1. Mat Mladin (Team Yoshimura Suzuki)
2. Eric Bostrom (Team Kawasaki)
3. Miguel DuHamel (American Honda)

Superbike lap record: Mat Mladin (Team Yoshimura Suzuki) 1:25.123 (2003)

2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship (Points after 1 of 18 rounds)
1. Mat Mladin (37); 2. Jake Zemke (32); 3. Miguel DuHamel (29); 4. Jack Pfeifer (27); 5. Lee Acree (26); 6. Rick Orlando (25); 7. Pascal Picotte (24); 8. Chris Caylor (23); 9. Scott Jensen (22); 10. Eric Wood (21).