Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jeff Ward won the F-USA Superbikers (SuperMoto) race at Del Mar, California Saturday afternoon. Former Superbike World Champion Scott Russell finished fourth with Roger Lee Hayden fifth.

The race was part of a dirt track weekend promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.


Superbikers Results

1. Jeff Ward, Honda

2. Grant Langston, KTM

3. Mickey Dymond, KTM

4. Scott Russell, KTM

5. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda

6. Joe Kopp, KTM

7. Kenny Coolbeth, KTM

8. Dan Stanley, Honda

9. Mike Metzger, Honda

10. Josh Chisum, Honda

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

250cc Grand Prix Results
23 laps, 110.423 km
Sunday, October 5
Twin Ring Motegi
Motegi, Japan

1. Toni ELIAS, Aprilia, 43:57.125

2. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, -1.483 seconds

3. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, -2.159

4. Yuki TAKAHASHI, Honda, -6.018

5. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, -6.163

6. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, -20.407

7. Naoki MATSUDO, Yamaha, -25.938

8. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, -28.417

9. Alex DEBON, Honda, -39.804

10. Choujun KAMEYA, Honda, -39.919


250cc World Championship Points

1. POGGIALI, 206

2. ROLFO, 188

3. ELIAS, 176

4. DE PUNIET, 172

5. F. NIETO, 151



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Tony Elias (Aprilia) won the 250 race from Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) with Manuel Poggiali third (Aprilia). Elias made his break right from the start, leading into turn one and never relinquishing his lead throughout the 23 laps of the 4.801km track.

But although Elias hauled himself into remote title contention with his win, Rolfo was the man who did the most to improve his Championship chances by taking points off Poggiali. And perhaps more crucially, Rolfo showed the San Marinese title leader that he simply will not give up his chase for 250 honours this year.

The last six races in the 250 World Championship have now been won by six different riders and Rolfo is the only rider to have scored points at all the 13 races so far this year. His consistency is as much to do with his absolute determination to take the fight to his rivals at every opportunity as it is to do with his ability to ride within the limits of himself and his machine.

Rolfo had to use all his wiles to get the better of Poggiali and the Italian made his move on the penultimate lap. But Poggiali pounced back before Rolfo finally made his pass stick and when Poggiali got his machine a bit too loose in his bid to re-pass Rolfo he lost touch and Rolfo netted second in comparative comfort.

“There’s huge satisfaction to be had from second on the podium,” said Rolfo. “We had some huge problems during practice but we knew how to rescue the situation. The result is very important for the Championship and second place was in my hands – that’s why I fought so hard.”

The World Championship points tallies show Poggiali on 206, Rolfo with 188 and Elias in the hunt with 176.

Honda Rider Quotes

250cc:

Roberto Rolfo, Fortuna Honda, 2nd: “This is a huge satisfaction to be second on the podium. We had some problems during practice but we knew how to rescue the situation in an adequate way and that made everything good with the Fortuna Honda.

“I knew that the start was going to be one of the most important moments of the race and Ii was concentrating at my maximum. At the end of the first straight I was with the leaders and only Elias was untouchable, second place on the podium was in my hands. That’s why I fought so hard so that nobody else could possibly escape. The bike worked perfectly today, both the chassis and the engine, that’s why I could fight for the podium.

“This result is very important for the team and the championship, we pulled back four precious points in respect to Poggiali. But I say sincerely I was never worried about the race. We are fighting for the championship and the best thing we can do is to continue this way with a view to the future, and with a much better evolution of the bike. If we do the results will come for me.”

Yukio Takahashi, Dy Do Miu Honda, 4th: “That was a hard race and I must say I enjoyed it but I really wanted to finish on the podium today. I studied how to race against the European riders because they go so hard right from the start – I have to learn to do the same. I had a great race with Aoyama San and I just managed to beat him.”

Hiroshi Aoyama, Harc-Pro Honda, 5th: “Ï have the same feeling about the race as Takahashi San, the Europeans go so hard right from the start. That made it difficult for me, as I was just too slow at the beginning of the race. I saw Rolfo and Poggiali and wanted to get with them and race against them but they were gone when I got into my rhythm.”

Sebastian Porto, Telefonica MoviStar Honda Jnr Team, dnf: “The crash was a bit strange when I got on the throttle it delivered a lot of power and the back end came round and I was and the back end came round. Luckily I didn’t get hurt, all I have is a swollen left ankle.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jared Mees won the F-USA short track at Del Mar Saturday night. Road racers Tommy Hayden and Roger Lee Hayden finished second and seventh, respectively.

Results
30-mile F-USA Short Track National
Del Mar, California

1. Jared Mees, Honda
2. Tommy Hayden, Yamaha
3. J.R. Schnabel, Yamaha
4. Joe Kopp, KTM
5. John Hledo, Honda
6. Kenny Coolbeth, KTM
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda
8. Terry Poovey, Honda
9. Rod Spence, Honda
10. Brian Smith, Honda

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Motegi – Japan October 4, 2003.

Daijiro Kato Inducted into MotoGP Hall of Fame

At an emotional ceremony at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit today the late Daijiro Kato was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame. Daijiro’s father, Takashi, attended the ceremony to receive Daijiro’s MotoGP Legends Medal from Carmelo Ezpeleta, C.E.O of Dorna, in the presence of MotoGP Legends, Angel Nieto, Michael Doohan and Kenny Roberts Senior.

The multi-talented rider from Saitama Prefecture Kato was the finest Japanese grand prix rider of his generation. The accident at Suzuka, on April 6, that eventually claimed his life, robbed the world of MotoGP racing of one of the sport’s truly individual talents. Kato, Daichan to all who knew him, was a Superstar in his own right, his astonishing achievements testimony to his brilliance. He was a man who possessed awesome skills, he was tactically astute, and was as tough as he needed to be in a given situation.

Daichan was, however, above all, a man at ease with himself, his family and his team. A man who combined his exceptional qualities as a rider with a relaxed, disarming down to earth personality. He has sadly missed by all fortunate enough to have known him. Wife Makiko, son Ikko, now almost three, and daughter Rinka, seven months old, survive him.


Daijiro Kato – Japan.
July 4, 1976 – April 20, 2003.

Team Honda Gresini
Racing number 74
Race machines NSR250 – RC211V

Date of birth : July 4, 1976.
Place of birth : Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

First race : 1992 Pocket Bike racing
Grand prix debut : 1996 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka – NSR250 Honda
First Grand Prix win : 1997 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka – NSR250 Honda

Total podium places 27
25 x 250cc, NSR250 Honda
1 x NSR500
1 x RC211V

Total grand prix wins 17
17 x 250cc, NSR250 Honda

World titles 1
1 x 250cc in 2001, NSR250 Honda


Career Highlights – Daijiro Kato

1994 : 7th 250cc All Japan Championship Honda

1995 : 5th 250cc All Japan Championship Honda

1996 : 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship Honda, 3rd 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)

1997 : 250cc All Japan Champion Honda, 1st 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)

1998 : 8th 250cc All Japan Championship Honda, 1st 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)

1999 : 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship Honda

2000 : 3rd 250cc World Championship Honda – race wins 4, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours

2001 : 250cc World Champion Honda – race wins 11, 4th Suzuka 8 Hours

2002: 7th MotoGP World Championship, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Twin Ring Motegi
Motegi, Japan
Sunday, October 5
125cc Grand Prix
21 laps, 100.821 km

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 41:54.483

2. Casey STONER, Aprilia, -0.164 seconds

3. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, -0.304

4. Stefano PERUGINI, Aprilia, -2.731

5. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, -2.970

6. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, -3.215

7. Mika KALLIO, KTM, – 3.264

8. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, -9.200

9. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, -13.016

10. Thomas LUTHI, Honda, -13.195



125cc World Championship Points
1. PEDROSA, 198

2. PERUGINI, 159

3. DE ANGELIS, 147

4. DOVIZIOSO, 146

5. NIETO, 132

6. BARBERA, 130

7. JENKNER, 115

8. CECCHINELLO, 105

9. STONER, 100

10. GIANSANTI, 73



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Hector Barbera (Aprilia) started from the front row for only the third time in his career and won his second Grand Prix in a tight contest. Casey Stoner (Aprilia) was second and Andrea Dovisioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) was third. World Championship points leader Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica Movistar Junior Team RS125R) was sixth.

Pedrosa led from the start having started from pole for the second successive race and the third time this season and pulled out an impressive lead in the opening laps. He set one of the fastest laps of the race on lap three at 1m 58.979 seconds and looked to have the 21-lap contest well under control.

But on lap 15 his steering damper worked loose and the title leader lost two and a half seconds form his 4.112 second lead as he struggled to address the problem which hampered his braking into turns and acceleration out of them for the rest of the race.

With Pedrosa dropping back the battle raged for the lead in the final laps between Barbera, Stoner and Dovisioso. But Barbera made no mistakes and left no gaps for his close pursuers to exploit.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Pedrosa. “Six laps from the end with more than four seconds advantage the steering damper came loose. The bike was virtually unrideable and that’s a shame because I could have made a major step towards the title. We have had problems for three races now and hopefully the bad run will end in Malaysia.”

The World Championship points standings now show Pedrosa with 198, Perugini on 159, Alex de Angelis with 147 and Dovisioso with 146. The next race is at Sepang in Malaysia next weekend.




HONDA TEAM QUOTES:

125cc:

Andrea Dovizioso, Scot Honda, 3rd: “I am a little disappointed with my race, it was possible for me to win the race today the bike was really good. In the race I got bad cramp in my lower leg and had some trouble changing down through the gearbox.”

Dani Pedrosa, Telefonica MoviStar Honda Jnr Team, 6th: “This has been a difficult race for us. We had a problem in the warm up and had to use the spare bike but we didn’t know how it would be in the race. I got a really good start and opened a gap on the others but late in the race I had problems with the steering damper and lost a lot of time. It was a pity because today I could have extended my lead in the championship. I know this is part of racing and these things can happen. I don’t blame anybody.”

Thomas Luthi, Elit Honda, 10th: “The first lap of the race was not so good for me. I got a perfect start but at the first corner I was on the inside line and a lot of riders rode around the outside of me. That left me on the wrong side of the track at the second corner, I lost a lot of places but after about three laps I found my rhythm and started to move forward. I saw the big group about 500 meters ahead of me so it was go, go, go, and I slowly caught them. Only Giansanti was a problem. On the last lap he outbraked me but he left enough room for me to get passed again. ”

Masao Azuma, Ajo Motorsports Honda, 13th: “The result is not satisfactory. I was not so good in qualifying and started from the sixth row. I gave my maximum on the second lap and got up to 10th place. But I was riding too hard at many braking points and was running straight on. After that I was quiet, not too aggressive. The bike was better than qualifying but we still have some work to do before next week.”

Simone Corsi, Scot Honda, 15th: “Ï am not satisfied with my race, I was had really bad chattering on the front wheel early. This is strange because in the warm up there was no problem. The chatter also caused me a few problems with rear wheel slides. Pity because the engine was really good today.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Max Biaggi beat arch-rival Valentino Rossi to win the Pacific Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan, Sunday. Makoto Tamada was third on Bridgestone tires; Biaggi and Rossi used Michelins.

Former AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden finished fourth, his best result in his rookie MotoGP season, with Sete Gibernau fifth. The first five riders were on RC211V Hondas.

John Hopkins got into the first turn too hot and started a crash that also involved Carlos Checa, Troy Bayliss and Colin Edwards; only Edwards rejoined the race. Jeremy McWilliams later crashed and retired. All five riders were reported to be uninjured.

MotoGP Race Results
24 laps, 115.224 km
Twin Ring Motegi
Motegi, Japan
Sunday, October 5

1. Max BIAGGI, Honda, 43:57.590

2. Valentino ROSSI, Honda, -3.754 seconds

3. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, -4.864

4. Nicky HAYDEN, USA, Honda, -5.641

5. Sete GIBERNAU, Honda, -19.456

6. Marco MELANDRI, Yamaha, -19.909

7. Alex BARROS, Yamaha, -20.938

8. Tohru UKAWA, Honda, -22.307

9. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, -27.887

10. Shinya NAKANO, Yamaha, -41.731

11. Akira RYO, Suzuki, -50.106

12. Ryuichi KIYONARI, Honda, -53.214

13. Noriyuki HAGA, Aprilia, -53.589

14. Olivier JACQUE, Yamaha, -65.620

15. Nobuatsu AOKI, Proton, -67.535

16. Kenny ROBERTS, USA, Suzuki, -69.055

17. Andrew PITT, Kawasaki, -71.533

18. Colin EDWARDS, USA, Aprilia, -87.583

19. Tamaki SERIZAWA, Moriwaki, -93.001

20. David DE GEA, Harris WCM, -1 lap

21. Garry McCOY, Kawasaki, DNF, -14 laps

22. Jeremy McWILLIAMS, Proton, DNF, -22 laps

23. Chris BURNS, Harris WCM, DNF, -23 laps

24. Troy BAYLISS, Ducati, DNF, -24 laps

25. John HOPKINS, USA, Suzuki, DNF, -24 laps

26. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, DNF, -24 laps

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Free Demo Rides A Must See During Fall Cycle Scene

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Free manufacturer demo rides are a must-see during the Oct. 16-19 Fall Cycle Scene at the historic Daytona International Speedway.

Motorcycle enthusiasts can try out the latest and greatest models from Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Buell, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Victory, Moto Guzzi, Bourget’s Bike Works and Boss Hoss by signing up for demonstration rides.

Riders must hold a valid motorcycle driver license and DOT approved helmet in order to participate. Demo rides will run on Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

In addition to the demo rides, the Speedway will also have a vender display area, showing off wares of the top apparel and merchandise companies.

American Ironhorse, one of the largest custom bike manufacturers, will also be in attendance with a display.

Guests can enjoy four days of championship motorcycle racing for only $35 with an Advance Super Saver Ticket. Tickets are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon 125cc GP Qualifying Results:

1. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:58.988
2. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:58.998
3. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:59.286
4. Jorge Lorenzo, Derbi, 1:59.291
5. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:59.360
6. Marco Simoncelli, Aprilia, 1:59.515
7. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:59.771
8. Stefano Perugini, Aprilia, 1:59.918
9. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 2:00.153
10. Mika Kallio, KTM, 2:00.329
11. Roberto Locatelli, KTM, 2:00.330
12. Gabor Talmacsi, Aprilia, 2:00.360
13. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 2:00.373
14. Simone Corsi, Honda, 2:00.439
15. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia, 2:00.495
16. Stefano Bianco, Gilera, 2:00.548
17. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 2:00.670
18. Masao Azuma, Honda, 2:00.771
19. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 2:00.772
20. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 2:00.840
21. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 2:01.080

23. Youichi Ui, Gilera, 2:01.522

34. Emilio Alzamora, Derbi, 2:03.318
35. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 2:03.373

From a press release:

HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR HISLOP MEMORIAL RUN

The inaugural Steve Hislop Memorial Run organised by the British Champion’s good friend Alan Duffus took place recently with bikers from all over Scotland turning out in memory of their hero who died on July 30th.

It started in Dundee and bikers joined in from Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Edinburgh and the Borders where they met at did a lap of the East Fortune racing circuit near Haddington before proceeding to Hislop’s home village of Denholm near Hawick.

Jim Oliver’s garage put one of Steve’s first bikes on show and the family had a display of photographs of their local superbike ace in the village hall where the 200 riders were served refreshments.

Margaret, Steve’s mum, donated a framed print and four other photographs for a raffle which was drawn before the bikes took off on the second part of their journey which included a visit to the site of the helicopter crash that claimed Steve’s life. A cairn, which has newly been erected, was the idea of Andrew Brodie who was a close friend of Steve’s and was designed and built by him.

Then the cavalcade travelled to Steve’s final resting place at Southdean Cemetery via some of the Borders most beautiful scenery and interesting roads. Alan Duffus then said a few words and a bike helmet was laid down to take a collection in.

By the end of the day a grand total of £1102.68 was raised which will go towards the erection of memorials both in the Scottish Borders and also in the Isle of Man where Steve made his home for twelve years. Such was the success of the event that it is hoped to become an annual event in Hislop’s lasting memory.


PLANS FOR HISLOP EXHIBITION UNDERWAY

Meanwhile, plans are well underway to mount an exhibition and trophy room in Hawick celebrating Steve’s career.

Margaret Hislop was approached by the Scottish Borders Council whereby they intend to set up the exhibition in Drumlanrig Tower which is situated in the main High Street in the town. A committee is currently being set up and budgets being drawn up for the project with one of the tenders scheduled for the proposed bronze statues.

Anyone wishing to help with the project or requiring any further information should contact Mary Beck, Councillor for Silverbuthall Ward via e-mail: [email protected]

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former WSMC racer Paul Mumford of Yorba Linda, California died yesterday when his small private plane crashed near Mira Loma, California.

Mumford raced a Kawasaki ZX-7R with WSMC, finishing third in overall WSMC points and winning the 750cc Modified Production Championship in 1996.

Mumford had recently taken up SCCA car racing and won a race at Laguna Seca on September 7. Car racer Chris Premier of Costa Mesa, California, a friend of Mumford’s, was also killed in the plane crash. Both were 31 years old.

According to news reports, Mumford, who was piloting the plane, reported a fire on board shortly before the crash.



Reader reaction:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

It was just a few days ago I talked to Paul about his win at Laguna Seca in the Speed GT Challenge class, beating the factory Audis and Porsches. He and his mechanic trailered their new Dodge Viper Sport to the race and led almost every lap. A valiant privateer effort.

It is sad to hear of Paul’s death as he was a friend and a excellent racer, both motorcycle and car.

Damn it, I just hate this death thing and the totality that is the end of life.

I wish the best for Paul’s family and friends.

Jeff Short
AFM #1 (1988 & 1999)
Sacramento, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I am shattered today with the news of a very good friend passing on. I last talked to Paul about two months ago with the varied e-mail in-between. I had the great honor of building and tuning racebikes for Paul which is where our friendship started back in 1995. Paul was an excellent racer, a good guy, and the greatest of friends!

It’s hard to forget the love he showed for speed. It didn’t matter what it was with. Go-karts to Vipers, or pocketbikes to Superbikes, (and, yes, that tall guy rode a pocket bike!) he seemed to always excel. The love for his friends, family and his dog Fonzie that was too long to map out will never be forgotten.

From the long lunches to the short phone calls, the three-day race weekends to the one-day dirtbike rides, the time spent with Paul was always the greatest.

Paul, I thank you for the lessons in life we learned together, and the ones you taught me. The fun times, and the bad times. The time with friends and families at the track, and at home, to the occasional meetings with just us two. Thank for your smile and laughter that never ended. Most of all thank you for your love, kindness, and one of the greatest friendships to treasure.

We will miss you greatly. Race on and God Speed, my friend. We will never forget the #3, #18 or the Starsky and Hutch T-shirt.

Our condolences to Paul’s family.

With all our Love,

Rodney Rayborne and Family (Melinda, Ryan, and Joel)
West Covina, California