Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning AMA Supersport Practice Times;

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:28.227
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:28.465
3. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:28.504
4. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:28.620
5. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:28.678
6. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 1:29.152
7. Jeke Zemke, Honda, 1:29.285
8. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:29.428
9. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 1:29.714
10. Ty Howard, Honda, 1:29.719
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:29.946
12. Marty Craggill, Honda, 1:29.957
13. Alex Gobert, Honda, 1:30.376
14. Mike Hale, Yamaha, 1:30.590
15. Jeff Wood, Yamaha, 1:30.725
16. Lee Acree, Yamaha, 1:31.079
17. Chris Rankin (of Texas), Honda, 1:31.665
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:32.381
19. Jason Curtis, Honda, 1:32.435
20. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki, 1:33.002
21. Giovanni Rojas, Yamaha, 1:33.238
22. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:33.858
23. Nathan Dressman, Yamaha, 1:34.942
24. Jeremy Haiduk, Yamaha, 1:35.985
25. Chad Klock, Kawasaki, 1:36.009
26. Marcus Winfree, Suzuki, 1:36.258
27. Chris Siebenhaar, Honda, 1:36.771
28. Hector Romero, Yamaha, 1:37.648
29. Crash Lowe, Suzuki, 1:37.975
30. Caesar Gonzales, Kawasaki, 1:38.783
31. Darby Brauning, Yamaha, 1:39.172
32. Adrian Jones, Suzuki, 1:39.779
33. David Sanchez, Kawasaki, 1:46.224
34. William Johnson, Suzuki, 1:58.174

Fastest trap speed: Jeff Wood, Yamaha, 154.288 mph

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.862
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.633
3. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.821
4. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.605
5. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.605
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.683
7. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.701
8. Ty Howard, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.011
9. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.320
10. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.128
11. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.330
12. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.296
13. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.474
14. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.815
15. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:33.933
16. Doug Duane, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.154
17. Kevin Hanson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.427
18. Bob Siebenhaar, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:35.758
19. James Bonner, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:37.700

The current Formula Xtreme lap record at VIR is a 1:26.632 by Adam Fergusson.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

2003 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship
Round 5 – Saturday Report – Eastern Creek – August 30, 2003

By Trevor Hedge (www.mcnews.com.au)

Newcastle’s Kevin Curtain (Nikon Yamaha) took the first point in the race for the 2003 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship after setting pole position at Eastern Creek today. The fastest times were set in morning qualifying as strong afternoon winds prevented the riders from bettering those times in the final qualifier this afternoon.

The single point that Curtain earns for pole could prove vital to the final outcome of the Championship.

20-year-old Shepparton rider Craig Coxhell (Team Suzuki) leads the Shell sponsored Championship by 15 points over his teammate, and three-time reigning champion, Shawn Giles (Team Suzuki). Curtain’s point for pole now moves him to within three points of second-place Giles, making the battle for the Championship an even closer tussle.

Coxhell’s best result in the Australian Superbike Championship was second place in 2001. Giles has won the past thee titles, while Curtain won the production class that was part of the Australian Superbike Championship in 1998.

But another factor in the mix could be Daniel Stauffer (Nikon Yamaha). The 26-year-old Novocastrian piloted his YZF-R1 to an incredible 1:32.7 lap during Friday practice, well under the Production Superbike lap record. However, as the time was set during practice, rather than qualifying or racing, the time is not recorded as an official new lap record.

Even though Stauffer could certainly challenge for the race wins, unfortunately, he is not in the points race for the Championship title. Considering this, it seems likely that Stauffer could be under team orders tomorrow to ensure Curtain takes maximum possible points in his quest for the Australian Superbike Title.

Curtain has won a pair of Australian Supersport Championships, his first in 1996 while riding for Kawasaki before bringing Yamaha a title in 2000. This weekend the 36-year-old hopes to win another Supersport Championship for Yamaha. His second place in this afternoon’s opening encounter extended his Championship lead to 26 points over his young Nikon Yamaha teammate Brendan Clarke.

However, the star of Supersport today was Sydney’s 20-year-old Joshua Brookes (Team Honda). Brookes took pole position and then followed it up with a dominant win. Brookes and Curtain both got off the line well, but the youngster went around the outside of Curtain at turn one, and was never headed.

Very windy conditions were not conducive to fast times, but that didn’t stop Brookes managing a 1:35.3 lap, only one-tenth off the race lap record. With the 25 points that accompany the race win, and the solitary point earned for pole position, Brookes has surpassed his teammate, reigning Australian Supersport Champion Shannon Johnson, to take third place in the outright points.

Western Australia’s Peter Taplin had wrapped up the Australian 250 Grand Prix Championship at the previous round and added to his points tally today with a win in the opening 250cc GP race of the weekend.

The 125cc Grand Prix Title had also been decided prior to this round with 16-year-old Mildura rider Joshua Waters lifting the title in Queensland. But Waters was nearly chased down today by a rider even younger than himself. Jason O’Halloran, 15, put in a great performance at his home track to come back from a poor start to take second place.

Multiple Australian Champion Shane Soutar had dusted off his 500cc World Championship sidecar for this event. Under 2003 rules two-strokes are no longer allowed in Australian Sidecar events but Motorcycling Australia afforded Soutar special dispensation for this race meeting for Soutar to make a guest appearance on his two-stroke screamer. The Victorian rider showed that he has not lost the competitive spirit and won the opening race at Eastern Creek today. He didn’t have it all his own way though as he came under heavy attack from the pairing of Vince Messina and Alison Scoullar, themselves multiple time Australian Champions.

The battle for the Australian Superstock Title for ‘C’ and ‘D’ graded newcomers has been hectic with Ballarat’s Leigh McKenzie and Taree’s Alex Cudlin going hard at it all year. McKenzie holds the overall points lead but is was Cudlin who took a dominant win at Eastern Creek today in their opening encounter for the weekend.

Tomorrow is the final day of competition in the 2003 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship, with the premier Superbike and Supersport Titles still up for grabs at Eastern Creek.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin won a wild AMA Superbike race Saturday in extremely hot conditions at Virginia International Raceway.

Mladin was sixth, nearly nine seconds behind the early leaders at one point, but came on strong late in the race. Mladin took the lead on lap 25 of 28 by passing both Miguel Duhamel and Giovanni Bussei on the brakes for turn one. From there, Mladin pulled away to take his 10th win of the season, tying the AMA single-season win record.

Bussei and Duhamel battled for the entire race, but Bussei apparently thought the white flag was the checkered flag, slowed, let Duhamel get away and was overtaken for third on the last lap by Ben Bostrom.

Duhamel finished second, 10 seconds in front of Bostrom.

Bussei realized his mistake before losing any more positions and came home fourth.

Kurtis Roberts led every lap and was still pulling away late in the race when his rear tire chunked. Roberts slowed, pitted for a new rear tire and finished 13th, one lap down.

Corona Extra Suzuki’s Jordan Szoke took his second consecutive fifth place result, matching his season-best result.

Mladin’s teammate Aaron Yates was slowed by clutch problems but still managed to collect 25 points for sixth place plus one bonus point for pole position.

Attack Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore stalled his motorcycle on the grid, started late and crashed on the first lap.

Provisional AMA Superbike Race Results:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 28 laps
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, -2.094 seconds
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, -12.343 seconds
4. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 998Rs, -16.133 seconds
5. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -54.955 seconds
6. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -60.904 seconds
7. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -66.818 seconds
8. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -71.207 seconds
9. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, -72.469 seconds
10. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -89.664 seconds
11. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
12. Andy Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
13. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, -1 lap
14. Doug Duane, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
15. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
16. Byron Barbour, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
17. Robert Chritsman, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
18. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
19. Scott Carpenter, Suzuki GSX-R1000
20. Kevin Lehman, Yamaha YZF-R1

Provisional AMA Superbike Point Standings:

1. Mladin, 467 points
2. Yates, 423 points
3. Ben Bostrom, 405 points
4. Roberts, 368 points
5. Duhamel, 364 points
6. Eric Bostrom, 350 points
7. Higbee, 323 points
8. Pridmore, 315 points
9. Szoke, 238 points
10. Vincent Haskovec, 221 points
11. Geoff May, 217 points
12. Larry Pegram, 211 points
13. Mike Ciccotto, 196 points
14. Michael Barnes, 183 points
15. Scott Jensen, 182 points

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

Saturday, 30 August 2003

Rd’s 15 & 16 – 2003 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship
Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Virginia, USA
Final Qualifying and Rd 15 Race Report

MLADIN EXTENDS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD WITH TENTH AMERICAN SUPERBIKE RACE WIN FOR THE SEASON

Alton, Virginia, USA – Mat Mladin’s victory in today’s fifteenth round of the AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship gave the Australian a total of ten race wins for the year, equalling a long standing record of race wins in a single season of the American championship held by former World and American Superbike champion Fred Merkel.

More importantly for the Yoshimura Suzuki rider, his race win has seen him further increase his points advantage at the top of the championship table to 43 over teammate Aaron Yates who finished sixth in today’s 28-lap race held at Virginia International Raceway.

In contrast to many of his race wins this season, Mladin made a steady start to the race and was placed sixth in the early stages before making his way forward at the latter end of the race. He took the race lead on lap 25, passing lead pair Miguel DuHamel (American Honda) and Italian Giovanni Bussei (Ducati Austin) at Turn One before easing away to win by 2.093 seconds from DuHamel. Bussei made a mistake on the final lap and was passed by Ben Bostrom (American Honda) for third.

“It was definitely an important win for us,” said Mladin, who now has a career total of 24 American Superbike race wins. “I started the race off with a plan of watching where Aaron (Yates) was in the race and my plan was to finish ahead of him. That situation changed shortly after the start of the race when we realised that Aaron had a problem. As the race progressed, the gap between the lead group and myself began to come down and that’s when I started to push a lot harder and make a move for the front. It all worked out well, we’ve got a few extra points lead in the championship, but there is still another race to go tomorrow that we need to do well in.”

Earlier in the day Mladin appeared to have secured yet another pole position for the weekend’s double-header round, but his chance of further adding to that tally failed as teammate Aaron Yates snatched pole position with a final lap burst. Yates posted a best of 1:25.071 to edge out Mladin’s 1:25.304, with the Hondas of Kurtis Roberts (1:25.702) and DuHamel (1:25.925) completing the front row of the grid.

“Qualifying went well for us this morning and we’ve found a good balance with the bike. Aaron set a fast lap at the end to get pole, but we’re not too concerned over that as it is just as important to be on the front row of the grid.”

The second of the weekend’s 28-lap AMA Superbike nationals takes place tomorrow afternoon.

More, from a press release issued by Corona Extra Suzuki:

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI GRABS TWO FIFTHS AT RAIN DRENCHED VIRGINIA

The weather Gods that have tormented the 2003 AMA season returned with a vengeance this past weekend, delaying the final Superbike race until today, Memorial Day. In between torrential rain and 60 MPH gales, Corona Extra Suzuki riders Jordan Szoke and Adam Fergusson both garnered fifth places in their classes.

In the Superbike class Szoke started on the second row, 8th, his best qualifying position of the season so far. In the race he got a good start and quickly settled down to a solid sixth position. Towards the end of the race, when fifth place rider went out he inherited the spot, holding it to the finish. Jordan now has two fine fifth places to his credit this season against very tough opposition.

In the Superstock event, Fergusson, who qualified in third, got a good start and was holding down second when a vicious high side had him waaaay out of the saddle. Adam saved it but unbeknownst to everyone had aggravated an old injury – dislocating his hip. He was able to finish the race but lost three positions, ending up with fifth, an amazing feat considering the pain he must have been in. The joint went back after the race but Adam was unable to make the Formula Extreme event. Fergusson is 4th in the Suzuki Genuine Accessories Superstock championship. Jimmy Moore got back on his bike at VIR but found that his left arm, broken at the Brainerd round, did not have enough strength under breaking so opted not to race. Moore is 12th in the championship.

Torrential rain and gale force winds late Saturday afternoon which came seemingly from nowhere, nearly destroyed the Corona Suzuki Team Canopy and damaged a number of the team’s hospitality tents. Afterwards the paddock looked as if a tornado had gone through it! The rains continued through Sunday forcing the second Superbike race to be run on Monday. Jordan started again form the second row and put his head down in a very fast paced race. He was holding down eighth right up until the end when he slowed for a yellow flag and was passed. Track officials did not see or penalize the other rider, leaving Jordan with ninth. This weekends results puts Szoke 9th in the Superbike championship.

Both Fergusson and Moore were unable to start the Formula Extreme race. Fergusson holds 5th in the Championship with Moore 12th.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:27.692
2. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.028
3. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.731
4. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.745
5. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.816
6. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.870
7. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.139
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.199
9. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.824
10. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.023
11. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.137
12. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.342
13. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.522
14. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.729
15. Jason Peters, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.159
16. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.255
17. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.844
18. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.913
19. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.166
20. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:32.612

Top trap speed: Jeremy Toye, Suzuki, 162.338 mph

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Tommy Hayden won the Superstock race at VIR, passing early leader Josh Hayes when Hayes was balked by traffic on lap 12. Hayes finished second, 2.046 seconds behind.

Tony Meiring was third, 10.5 seconds behind Hayes, and Steve Rapp came from the third row of the grid to finish fourth, passing Adam Fergusson on the run to the white flag. Fergusson had run second early-on, but lost the position to Hayden and started fading after a heart-stopping near-highside.

Unofficial Results:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, Dunlop
2. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, Dunlop
3. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, Dunlop
4. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, Michelin
5. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, Dunlop
6. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, Dunlop
7. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, Pirelli
8. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, Pirelli
9. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, Dunlop
10. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, Dunlop
11. Opie Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, Pirelli
12. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, Dunlop
13. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, Pirelli
14. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, Michelin
15. Lee Acree, Yamaha YZF-R6, Pirelli
16. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, Dunlop
17. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R750
18. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750
19. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, Pirelli
20. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750
21. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, Michelin
22. Jason Peters, Suzuki GSX-R750
23. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki ZX-6
24. Nathan Dressman, Yamaha YZF-R6, -1 lap
25. Mickey Lane, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
26. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
27. Giovanni Rojas, Triumph Daytona 600, -1 lap
28. Crash Lowe, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
29. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, -2 laps
30. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, -3 laps
31. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R750, -4 laps, DNF, crash
32. Steve Atlas, Suzuki GSX-R750, -6 laps
33. Adrian Jones, Suzuki GSX-R600, -7 laps
34. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600RR, -17 laps, DNF, crash


Superstock Point Standings:

1. Hayes, 298 points
2. Tommy Hayden, 290 points
3. Haskovec, 279 points
4. Fergusson, 259 points
5. Meiring, 247 points
6. Rapp, 211 points
7. Ciccotto, 200 points
8. DiSalvo, 196 points
9. Caylor, 195 points
10. Haner, 185 points
11. Ulrich, 172 points
12. Jimmy Moore, 142 points
13. Roetlin, 136 points
14. Stokes, 116 points
15. Holden, 107 points
16. Toye, 93 points
17. Furtek, 93 points
18. Wertman, 86 points
19. Eric Wood/Jordan Szoke/Peris, TIE, 76 points


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

RAPP CHARGES TO FOURTH IN VIRGINIA

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp scored another top five finish at Virginia International Raceway on Saturday, charging to fourth place in the Superstock event. For Rapp, it was the five top five finishes in a row in a hot streak that includes two victories for the likeable Californian, who fought to the position from the third row of the grid. His teammates, Chris Ulrich and Matt Furtek, also completed the 17 lap event, finishing in 14th and 21st positions,
respectively.

“I was disappointing to have qualified eleventh for this race after usually being on or near the front row most of the year. I have to give credit to the team because they really fixed the bike for today after we struggled a bit on Friday,” Steve said.

One of the characteristics of Rapp’s career has been his never-say-die attitude, a trait that served him well on Saturday. “Off the line, I was twelfth or 13th. After that, I slowly worked my way up to the front, picking off one guy at a time, slowly working my way up towards the front. The Michelin tires worked fine. Despite the hot weather, I had enough grip.” Steve was the fastest Superstock rider through the final split time in the race. “Still, it would have been much better if we had finished on the podium.”

Ulrich and Furtek, two riders who have struggled with injuries this season, showed grit in finishing one of the hottest Nationals of the year.

“I didn’t get the best start, then I got caught up back in the pack and the result we earned didn’t really show the progress we’ve made this weekend,” Ulrich said. “Yes, my shoulder bothered me at the end, but that’s part of racing. At the next one at Barber, I need to do a better job in qualifying so we can go to the front and get the kind of result I think the team and I deserve for our hard work this year.”

Furtek, who underwent more surgery on his troublesome wrist a month ago, faded with fitness problems related to being unable to train while recovering from surgery.

Rapp is hopeful to add to his season’s victory total at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama — just a short drive from the team’s home base — next month. “It would have been great to get on the podium but unfortunately we were one position short. I can’t wait ’til we get to Alabama, let’s put it that way.”


More, from a press release issued by Marietta Motorsports:

1-888-FASTLAP’S CAYLOR FINISHES 11TH IN SUPERSTOCK AT VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY; SUPERMOTO RAINED OUT FOR WRIGHT

ALTON, Va.- Opie Caylor put the 1-888-FASTLAP/Team EMGO Taiwan Suzuki GSX-R600 on the front row for the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock race at Virginia International Raceway on Saturday, August 30, eventually finishing 11th after his tires wore out early.

Caylor qualified fourth with a time of 1:28.037. His time was quicker than the pole time set in 2002 for the Superstock class, and allowed him to get a front row start.

As the race progressed, Caylor dropped back to 11th as his tires began to degrade and slide. He finished the race in that position.

“We tested some different tires this weekend, and I went with something that was a bit harder than the softest compound,” said Caylor. “We tried them in practice and they seemed to be the best choice. But in the race I started sliding around after only the third lap. I feel like we had a legitimate shot at the win, so I’m disappointed.”

1-888-FASTLAP’s Brian Stokes qualified 16th with a time of 1:29.623 on the Team Embry/FREEWEBTOWN.com Suzuki GSX-R600. His best lap time at VIR before the weekend was a 1:31.0.

Stokes was forced to retire early from the Superstock race when his fuel pump broke. “I got a good start and got up to 11th or so,” commented Stokes. “On the third lap the bike wasn’t driving well out of the corners and I couldn’t get it to rev out on the straights. The problem got a lot worse at the end of the race and I had to pull in with only one lap to go.”

Paul Wright, owner of 1-888-FASTLAP, brought his KTM 520 to compete in the Red Bull Supermoto race at South Boston Speedway, a nearby track that had been converted into combined dirt and road course for the Supermoto event. Practice, qualifying and the race were to be held on Saturday.

Wright rode in the first heat race, a 3-lap event, and then proceeded to the semi-finals. He was ready to ride when rain began to fall and the semi-finals had to be postponed. The rain continued and the race had to be rescheduled for Monday, September 1.

Wright has been winning numerous races on his motard in CCS and WERA events, and he is looking forward to racing on the professional level in the Supermoto Series.

More information about 1-888-FASTLAP can be found on the web at 1888FASTLAP.com.


More, from a press release issued by Proforma:

HANER FIGHTS TO EIGHTH PLACE IN AMA SUPERSTOCK AT VIRGINIA

HAS/Shogun Racing rider John Haner finished eighth yesterday in the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock race at Virginia International Raceway at round ten of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship. Haner had qualified seventh on Friday afternoon, putting him on the second row of the grid.

“I got a good start and had a plan of going down to turn one in third gear so I didn’t have to make extra downshifts, and that went well,” said John.

“About the fourth lap, my tires didn’t seem to hold up like I originally planned for them to. I almost crashed on the fast downhill and (Steve) Rapp got around me. I stayed behind him, and then I lost the front and the tires were going away pretty bad. Then Jason (Disalvo) got by, and he got a little gap and got up to Vincent (Haskovec), and I just didn’t have the tires to get by Vincent. Considering everything, we finished where we did and I can’t really complain too much.”

John’s teammate Heath Small elected not to race in Sunday’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport race after the tendons in his hand became too painful to ride. Small is still recovering from surgery to his left hand after crashing at Pikes Peak Raceway in June. Heath rode throughout practice on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning Supersport AMA Practice Times:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha, 1:28.272
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:28.332
3. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:28.887
4. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:29.124
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:29.174
6. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:29.386
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, 1:29.450
8. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, 1:29.833
9. Jake Zemke, Honda, 1:29.931
10. Marty Craggill, Honda, 1:30.034
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:30.143
12. Lee Acree, Yamaha, 1:30.431
13. Ty Howard, Honda, 1:30.543
14. Jeff Wood, Yamaha, 1:31.481
15. Chris Rankin (of Texas), Honda, 1:31.726
16. Mike Hale, Yamaha, 1:31.732
17. Chris Peris, Honda, 1:32.266
18. Jamie Stauffer, Suzuki, 1:32.279
19. Jason Curtis, Honda, 1:32.335
20. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:32.753

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

HODGSON (DUCATI FILA) FACES UP TO TOUGHEST WEEK OF HIS LIFE

Ducati Fila’s Neil Hodgson is currently experiencing the proverbial ‘calm before the storm’ as he faces up to one of the biggest challenges of his career next week.

But for the Isle of Man resident, who needs just ten points to clinch the World Superbike championship title with three rounds to go, the month of August has been anything but calm.

The small matter of winning the 2003 crown pales into insignificance when compared with the exhausting and potentially nerve-wracking experiences of moving house, which Neil and wife Kathryn completed in mid-August, and the birth of their first child, which is scheduled for the first week in September.

Despite the pressure, Neil is bearing up under all the strain and with just a couple of days to go before Kathryn enters hospital and a week before Neil arrives in Holland for the crucial Dutch round of the championship, we caught up with him during final preparations for the biggest challenge of his life.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ON THE EVE OF POSSIBLY THE BIGGEST RACE OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I feel really awesome and my batteries are totally recharged. After Brands Hatch I didn’t realise how run-down I was and how much the pressure of leading the championship and the obligations of riding for a manufacturer like Ducati were taking on me. With all that has happened since Brands Hatch, I have only been able to recharge my batteries this week and now I am ready to come out fighting, like I was at the start of the season.

AT THE MOMENT THOUGH YOUR MIND IS ALSO FOCUSSED ON THE BIRTH OF YOUR FIRST CHILD. HAS THAT HELPED IN ANY WAY?

It’s actually been really nice. Obviously it’s a lifetime ambition for me to win the title and in the last five weeks since Brands the pressure has certainly been on, but with Kathryn expecting our first child and us moving house, it has all taken my mind off it. It’s a period of joy, our families are very close and I need the support of the family around me to keep sane with all the pressure.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDER?

There’s just no point in doing it any differently to any other race. I’ve been training like I was at the start of the season, and cycling like a lunatic – I reckon I could enter the Tour de France! After Brands I felt weak and drained but I’ve also been doing some weights and feel stronger than I was one month ago. When you are physically fit, it helps you to be mentally fit as well, so now I feel I’m back up to full strength.

HAS THE ARRIVAL OF FABIANO STERLACCHINI AS YOUR RACE ENGINEER TO REPLACE THE INJURED ERNESTO MARINELLI MADE ANY DIFFERENCE TO YOUR APPROACH?

It was a bit of a setback to hear that Ernesto Marinelli had been injured in a road accident just before Brands Hatch, but Fabiano did a great job in England and together we’re feeling confident for Assen. I also want to win the title in Holland for Ernesto, with whom I’ve managed to establish a great working relationship since the start of the year.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ASSEN CIRCUIT?

Assen is a fast track and it carries a lot of corner speed so good upper body strength is needed as you have to wrestle the bike around the circuit.

AND THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE TRACK?

The middle part, which is called a straight but is anything but. It’s flat-out but it’s difficult to move the bike around as it’s very physical. The weather always plays a hand at Assen as well. It’s a bit of a mixed bag with rain showers and sun all the time but despite that the track is still pretty grippy.

WHAT’S YOUR FORM AND BEST RESULTS SO FAR AT ASSEN?

My form is average but that actually seems to be a good omen. It’s been a most bizarre year because the tracks I’ve been dreading like Valencia I’ve done real good at, while Brands Hatch and Laguna Seca, which are my favourite circuits, I really had to struggle. My best position at Assen is fourth last year but I was on for a third before Haga ran into me.

YOU HAVEN’T WON SINCE SILVERSTONE. HAS THIS BEEN ON YOUR MIND IN THE LAST FEW ROUNDS?

Yeah, absolutely, I don’t get any enjoyment from just riding around and not winning. Brands Hatch was a killer, we knew it was going to be tough with the bad weather over the weekend and all the wild-card riders so second place in race 1 was like a win for me. It wasn’t the best weekend but it was a step closer to winning the title.



YOU ONLY NEED TEN POINTS FOR THE TITLE. DO YOU AIM TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP BY PLAYING IT SAFE OR GOING ALL OUT TO GET THE 25 POINTS?

Going all out for the win is the plan but if that doesn’t work and I get eleven points for fifth place then I’ll say that I had it planned all along!

THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF RUMOURS FLYING AROUND AT THE MOMENT. HAVE YOU HAD ANY FURTHER THOUGHTS ON YOUR FUTURE?

It’s a strange situation, nothing has changed recently. At the moment, although nothing has been decided, it’s looking like MotoGP but in any case I’m really excited about the future and about being on the grid next year with a Ducati!

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.141
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.205
3. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.231
4. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.366
5. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.537
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.029
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.288
8. Ty Howard, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.665
9. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.640
10. James Ellison, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.784
11. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.856
12. Monte Nichols, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.039
13. Doug Duane, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.254
14. Nate Kern, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.563
15. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.564
16. Anthony Fania, Jr., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.701
17. Kevin Hanson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.711
18. David Bell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.434
19. Shane Gonyea, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.536
20. Bob Siebenhaar, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:38.046

The current AMA Formula Xtreme lap record for VIR belongs to Adam Fergusson at 1:26.632.