Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Best Overall 125cc Lap Times From IRTA Test At Catalunya:

1. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia, 1:50.922
2. Fabrizio Lai, Gilera, 1:51.626
3. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:51.685
4. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:51.698
5. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:51.753
6. Youichi Ui, Aprilia, 1:51.884
7. Mike Di Meglio, Aprilia, 1:52.144
8. Andrea Ballerini, Aprilia, 1:52.154
9. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:52.503
10. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:52.537
11. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:52.540
12. Mattia Pasini, Aprilia, 1:52.870
13. I. Toth, Aprilia, 1:52.912
14. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 1:52.967
15. Marco Simoncelli, Aprilia, 1:52.991
16. Casey Stoner, KTM, 1:53.001
17. Jorge Lorenzo, Derbi, 1:53.036
18. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 1:53.070
19. Julian Simon, Honda, 1:53.249
20. Stefano Perugini, Gilera, 1:53.528

22. Gabor Talmacsi, Malaguti, 1:53.815
23. Alex Rodriguez, Derbi, 1:53.958
24. Mika Kallio, KTM, 1:54.034

26. Simone Corsi, Honda, 1:54.443


More, from a press release issued by KTM:

IRTA Test: 2nd day free practice 125cc, Barcelona
24.03.2004

The second day of the IRTA TEST was again under the sun. The 125class closed the second day of practice in Barcelona Circuit, having the Spaniard Alvaro Bautista first. KTM took the 16th result with the Australian Casey Stoner while the Finnish Mika Kallio finished 24th.

Stoner- I’m happy with the test. This morning we tried a different direction with the chassis: we are learning all the time.

Kallio- Even if the engine was always very good we had two difficult days trying to find the right setting here in Barcelona. I hope that in Jerez next Satruday & Sunday we’ll find a better setting.

Bartol – I’m happy for the engine but not for the chassis.We’ll have to work on that.

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Speedway Officials Unveil “New Look” Daytona Infield

Massive, multi-million dollar infield renovation project to begin in July

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 24, 2004) – In one of its most aggressive construction projects since Daytona International Speedway was built in 1958, track officials on Wednesday announced an exciting, multi-million dollar, multi-faceted infield renovation project – making “The World Center of Racing” not only the most prestigious track on the NASCAR circuit, but one of the most modern as well.

The immense project, scheduled to begin following the 46th running of the Pepsi 400 on July 3, will include a new tunnel, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garages, new NASCAR Busch garages, a new Gatorade Victory Lane, a Fan Zone, new waterfront specialty vehicle parking, new scoring trilons and expansion of the existing media center.

The massive undertaking is scheduled to be completed in time for the Speedway’s World Karting Association events in December. The project will not alter the layout of the track’s surface.

“Without a doubt, this is one of the most expansive and aggressive projects at Daytona International Speedway,” said DIS President Robin Braig. “Our goal has always been to make ‘The World Center of Racing’ unique and fan friendly. Our new amenities make it just that for our fans, officials, competitors and sanctioning bodies.”



Specifically, the infield ‘face-lift” includes:

· A new tunnel located in Turn One will be able to accommodate team transport vehicles and guests specialty vehicles.

· New NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garage area.

· New NASCAR Busch series garages similar to the NASCAR Nextel Cup garages.

· A new Gatorade Victory Lane which will include a “Victory Lane Club” for fans wishing to experience the excitement of the area during post-race revelry.

· A Fan Zone, located between the NASCAR NEXTEL and NASCAR Busch garages with a “Walk of Champions.”

· Expansion of the existing media center to accommodate ever-growing media covering events at Daytona International Speedway.

“The fan experience has always been a priority for International Speedway Corporation,” said ISC President Lesa France Kennedy. “Our additional fan amenities continue to keep Daytona International Speedway in the forefront of fan-friendly facilities.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2004 CCS/Formula USA Race of Champions (ROC) scheduled for October 20-24 at Daytona International Speedway will not take place at the “World Center of Racing” and will instead be moved to Homestead-Miami Speedway in south Florida.

Daytona and Homestead are both owned by International Speedway Corporation (ISC).

A large-scale construction project (scheduled to begin mid-summer and extend through December 2004) to install a new over-sized-vehicle access tunnel and renovate the entire paddock at Daytona forced the Race of Champions event to be moved.

While the Daytona banking and infield road course will not be directly affected during the construction, the only buildings in the paddock that will be left standing will be the media center and the infield care center, making it impossible to house the CCS/F-USA competitors.

Sources within CCS/Formula USA indicated that the 2004 Race of Champions will be moved to Homestead; those sources did not specify a date but did say a formal announcement of the move is expected as soon as today.

The Team Hammer Advanced Riding School, which traditionally has been the first event of the five-day ROC weekend, will also move to Homestead.

Daytona International Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth pointed out that all of the manufacturer demo rides and displays normally located in front of the Speedway during the Race of Champions are scheduled to return as always to support “Biketoberfest” in Daytona Beach.

Booth did not know if or how the paddock construction would affect the annual Dunlop motorcycle tire test, traditionally held at Daytona in early December.

From a press release issued by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing:

WERA National Series Gets Underway This Weekend at Jennings GP

JENNINGS, Fla.- The WERA National Challenge Series and National Endurance Series will kick off the 2004 race season this weekend, March 27-28, at Jennings GP in North Florida.

The six-hour WERA National Endurance Series race gets underway at 11:00 am EST. Reigning champion Vesrah Suzuki will be returning with their Suzuki GSX-R1000 to try to earn their third consecutive overall and Heavyweight Superbike championship.

The Heavyweight Superstock class will feature more competition this year, as Team Velocity Racing steps up with a Yamaha YZF-R1. Team Extreme will be entering a Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the class, but this year they are running under the Maxxis Tires banner. This weekend marks the debut of the tire manufacturer in endurance road racing.

In Mediumweight Superbike, five-time champions Army of Darkness will be one of the top teams to watch on their Suzuki GSX-R600. Mediumweight Superstock is one of the most popular classes, with stock bikes that include the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the Yamaha YZF-R6. Lightweight Superbike has grown quickly since its introduction, and showcases the Suzuki SV650.

On Sunday, the 11 WERA National Challenge Series races will get started at 12:30 pm. Each race will be 10 laps in length. Many of the riders who took victories during the Jennings round last season will once again be aiming for a win, including Vesrah Suzuki’s Tray Batey, who took home three first-place trophies. Batey won 750 Superstock, Formula 1 and Heavyweight Twins. Other races include 600 Superstock and Superbike, 750 Superbike, Formula 2, Lightweight Twins and Open Superstock.

Jennings GP is a 2-mile, 14-turn road course that is dedicated solely to motorcycle roadracing. It is located just 20 minutes south of Valdosta, Ga., 3 miles off of exit 467 on I-75. Complete directions can be found at www.JenningsGP.com or by calling the track at 386-938-1110.

Spectators are welcome to attend both the Friday practice day and the weekend’s races for only $30. Saturday/Sunday tickets are only $20, and a Sunday-only ticket is $15 after 10:00 am on Sunday. Camping is available, as well, for an additional fee.

More information about WERA, including a detailed schedule of the weekend’s activities, can be found on the Internet at www.WERA.com.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Superbike World Championship
Supersport World Championship

Phillip Island-AUS (28/03/04) : entry list –
Superbike World Championship

4, Troy Corser, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
5, Piergiorgio Bontempi, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Zongshen Team
6, Mauro Sanchini, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
7, Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Ducati 999R, Team PSG-1 Corse
8, Ivan Clementi, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
9, Chris Walker, GBR, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
12, Warwick Nowland, AUS, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Zongshen Team
16, Sergio Fuertes, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R1000, MIR Racing
17, Chris Vermeulen, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Ten Kate Honda
19, Lucio Pedercini, ITA, Ducati 996R, Team Pedercini
20, Marco Borciani, ITA, Ducati 999R, DFXtreme Sterilgarda
23, Jiri Mrkyvka, CZE, Ducati 996R, JM SBK Team
24, Garry McCoy, AUS, Ducati 999R, Team XEROX Ducati – Nortel Networks
25, Alessio Velini, ITA, Yamaha YZF R1, GiMotorsport UnionBike
41, Noriyuki Haga, JPN, Ducati 999R, Team Renegade Ducati
50, Miguel Praia, POR, Ducati 999R, Team XEROX Ducati – Nortel Networks
52, James Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999R, Ducati Fila
55, Régis Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999R, Ducati Fila
69, Giancluca Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 996R, Team Pedercini
91, Leon Haslam, GBR, Ducati 999R, Team Renegade Ducati
99, Steve Martin, AUS, Ducati 999R, DFXtreme Sterilgarda

Supersport World Championship

2, Stéphane Chambon, FRA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Suzuki Alstare Corona Extra
4, Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh, NED, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Yamaha Italia
8, Alessio Corradi, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Italia Megabike
11, Kevin Curtain, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Deutschland GMBH
15, Matteo Baiocco, ITA, Yamaha YZF R6, Team Lorenzini by Leoni
16, Sébastien Charpentier, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Klaffi Honda
18, Denis Sacchetti, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Italia Megabike
19, Walter Tortoroglio, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
20, Vittorio Iannuzzo, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Suzuki Alstare Corona Extra
22, Stefano Cruciani, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
23, Broc Parkes, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Honda
24, Matthieu Lagrive, FRA, Suzuki GSX-R600, MOTO 1
25, Giovanni Bussei, ITA, Ducati 749R, SL Racing
31, Karl Muggeridge, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Honda
37, Katsuaki Fujiwara, JPN, Suzuki GSX-R600, Suzuki Alstare Corona Extra
50, Steve Brogan*, GBR, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
57, Lorenzo Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 749R, Ducati Breil
70, Yaniv Peleg**, ISR, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
76, Max Neukirchner, GER, Honda CBR600RR, Team Klaffi Honda
77, Mark Stanley, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, MSR Liscycles.com
93, Christian Kellner, GER, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Deutschland GMBH
99, Fabien Foret, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Yamaha Italia

Wild-card riders (Nomination : MA)
74, Brendan Clarke, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Nikon Yamaha Racing
75, Joshua Brookes, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, Castrol Honda Racing

* : replacing Yaron Salinger
** : replacing Eli Chen

From a press release issued by Hodge Racing:

Hodge Racing is pleased to announce rider Dave Hodge will compete in the entire Parts Canada 600 Sport Bike Championship for 2004.

Currently hard at work in anticipation of the 2004 season, Dave is proud to be sporting his menacing number 57 on a new 2004 Triumph Daytona 600.

An encouraging win for Triumph in the Isle Of Man TT and success in the British SuperBike series have us excited to witness the promising agility of Hodge Racing’s Triumph Daytona 600 here at home.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment-Motor Sports, with no word if podium ceremonies will be broadcast on a 10-second tape delay to avoid FCC trouble:

NBC & CLEAR CHANNEL TO LAUNCH “ACTION SPORTS TOUR” STARTING IN 2005

AURORA, Ill. (March 23, 2004) -NBC Sports today announced that it will launch the Action Sports Tour (AST), the first-ever, season-long, nationally televised, competitive tour for the growing sports of skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross. Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports, which produces over 600 live events annually and is the owner/operator of successful freestyle motocross and supercross national and international tours, will co-own and operate the new tour with NBC.

Boasting the biggest competitive purse in action sports, a Million-Dollar Bonus Pool based upon year-end standings and the largest network and cable television broadcasting commitment ever, the Action Sports Tour debuts in 2005. Ken Schanzer, President, NBC Sports and Charlie Mancuso, President, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports made the joint announcement about the tour and complementary NBC/Clear Channel joint venture.

NBC Sports will produce coverage of the tour and provide live network broadcasts; marking the largest network broadcast commitment ever towards action sports. A cable television partner will be announced at a later date. The AST is in discussions regarding official Tour dates and host cities that will be announced at a later date.

The landmark Action Sports Tour represents:

* The first-ever, season-long competitive tour spotlighting the popular and growing action sports of skateboarding (vert and street), BMX (vert, street and dirt) and freestyle motocross. In addition, event-specific specialty competitions such as surfing, in-line skating and “super-moto” competitions will be added based on local appeal.

* The establishment of an April-to-October, action sports season, complete with a unified, competitive points system and the crowning of year-end champions in skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross.

* Massive, multi-platform marketing commitments by NBC and Clear Channel, utilizing both internal and external resources in support of the athletes and new tour. Marketing platforms will include various television, radio, print, online, outdoor and event marketing initiatives.


The Action Sports Tour will also include:

* Extensive amateur and grassroots action sports competitions and youth clinics designed to develop and spotlight the next generation of action sports stars.

* Lifestyle and entertainment elements at each AST stop featuring interactive events, video gaming pavilions and competitions, live music and concerts featuring headline acts.

* A dedicated commitment to the development of women’s action sports through competitions, exhibitions and clinics.

“Action sports are clearly growing globally with soaring competition, fan and sponsor support,” said NBC’s Schanzer. “The Action Sports Tour is the next chapter in the evolution of these sports and its growing legion of stars. By aligning with Clear Channel and drawing upon the growing resources of NBC, we are uniquely positioned to drive these sports towards even more dramatic growth in the future.”

Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports will lend to the AST its considerable expertise in live event touring and promotion, including a wide range of off-channel assets.

“This partnership with NBC Sports is a logical extension of our existing Clear Channel action sports initiatives in supercross and freestyle motocross,” said Mancuso. “Our event management and market expertise, together with the marketing and cross promotional opportunities of Clear Channel’s Radio, Outdoor and Music divisions, will enable us to quickly launch a successful tour.

“Our assets complement NBC and both are structured to spotlight this new tour, the athletes, sponsors and the industry. We believe live spectators and television viewers will embrace the evolution of action sports and will significantly impact the growth of these exciting sports.”

Wade Martin, who joined NBC Sports after overseeing the Gravity Games and Octagon’s Action Sports Division for the past five years, has been appointed General Manager of the Action Sports Tour. Martin will oversee tour sales, marketing, business development and operations. Martin’s Action Sports Tour team will be directly responsible for tour and competition management, athlete relations and event design.

“Our plan is to work with the athletes, sponsors and industry to bring real structure and consistency to action sports; provide better context and meaning to these sports and create the definitive tour while growing the sports and its stars,” said Martin, who will report to Clear Channel’s Mancuso and Kevin Monaghan, Vice President, Business Development, NBC Sports.

Velocity Sports & Entertainment has been retained as AST sponsorship consultant. Harlan Stone and Jeff Jonas will lead the Velocity team that is working with NBC and Clear Channel on sponsorship structure and sales.

About Clear Channel Entertainment
Clear Channel Entertainment, the world’s largest producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including: Live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.

In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading talent management businesses that specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters, including independently operated baseball, basketball and football businesses. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.

NBC Sports Ventures
NBC Sports Ventures, the business development arm of NBC Sports, produces 45 hours of programming annually for the NBC Television Network. NBC Sports Ventures owns and operates many of its properties, including the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, The ADT Golf Skills Challenge, Office Depot Father/Son Challenge & the Budweiser Boxing Series.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Motorcycle Memorabilia, Race Gear Featured at 1st Cycle Gear Motorcycle Charity Auction

SONOMA, Calif. – Signed memorabilia from top road-racers on the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship circuit will be on the line at Infineon Raceway during the 1st Cycle Gear Motorcycle Charity Auction.

There will be an online auction beginning March 29 on www.infineonraceway.com, as well as a combined live/silent auction on Sunday, May 2, in the Winner’s Circle at Infineon Raceway beginning at 11:15 a.m. All proceeds benefit needy youth organizations in Sonoma County through Speedway Children’s Charities.

The Cycle Gear live/silent auction will take place during the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend, featuring the top pavement motorcycle road-racers in the country, April 30-May 2. The weekend is presented by Cycle Gear and features the Supercuts Superbike Challenge.

Some of the items enthusiasts can expect on the internet auction, as well as at the live/silent auction at the raceway on Sunday, May 2, include:

* Lap around the twisting road course on Thursday, April 29, on a two-seat Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle at speed, courtesy of Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. AMA rider and Lafayette native Steve Rapp will be your pilot.
* Arai motorcycle race helmet.
* KBC motorcycle race helmet.
* Ben Bostrom signed race helmet.
* Dainese fitted lady’s red-leather jacket.
* Frank Thomas one-piece leather racesuit.
* Frank Thomas Strike Paddock sport jacket.
* Kawasaki crew shirt signed by Tommy Hayden.
* Kawasaki crew shirt signed by Roger Hayden.
* Race boots signed by Honda’s Ben Bostrom.
* Suzuki crew shirt signed by Mat Mladin.
* Suzuki crew shirt signed by Kevin Schwantz.
* Official Suzuki #1 Mat Mladin leather race jacket, with signature.
* Frank Thomas and Helimot racing gloves.
* Artwork of your favorite rider.
* Much, much more.

ALL ITEMS CAN BE SIGNED BY THE TOP BIDDER’S FAVORITE RIDER

Raceway officials are hopeful top AMA riders will be present in the Winner’s Circle for the auction. For more information, visit
www.infineonraceway.com.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway, which we’re running because senior citizens can be a major hazard encountered by street riders, and because we’re in favor of anything that makes them better drivers:

Senior Citizens Learn Valuable Skills at AAA Senior Safety Challenge

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Seventy senior citizens from around Northern California were treated Tuesday to a half-day course at Infineon Raceway designed to help assess their driving skills, as well as provide valuable tools when driving on the roadways.

The raceway hosted the first AAA Senior Safety Challenge, which attracted seniors from Pleasanton, Novato, Sonoma, Alameda, Napa, Santa Rosa, Fairfield, Sacramento, and other areas. The seniors received free hands-on training from instructors from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, AAA traffic safety experts and occupational therapists from the Bay Area and Southern California.

People over 65 are the fastest-growing segment of the population in the United States, and by 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers age 65 and older. That being said, senior crash fatality rates have climbed while overall fatality rates for all ages combined have remained stable since 1991. It made the AAA-sponsored program on Tuesday a great vehicle for seniors.

Instructors worked with the seniors at three different driving stations: backing up, accident avoidance and lane change. Occupational therapists, meanwhile, assessed flexibility and also provided seniors with tools they could use when behind the wheel.

“The people did well today and we’re hoping we gave them some tools that will help them become even safer drivers,” said Steve Molinari, an occupational therapist from John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. “They seemed pretty in touch with their skills.”

The seniors, who ranged in age from 65-87 years old, were pleased with the program.

“I thought this was very beneficial,” said Gretchen Berendt, an 83-year-old from Pleasanton. “They impressed upon us that we, as seniors, need to be very alert to what’s going on around us. We also need to drive defensively, but not be afraid.”

Added Napa’s Ann Fink, 71: “I learned my reactions are slower than I thought they were. This day taught me quite a bit.”

AAA, which partnered with Infineon Raceway and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School on the program, was pleased with the results.

“The day was rewarding for everyone. I hope we were able to share some great information with the seniors and give them some solutions that they can use when they get behind the wheel,” said Merry Banks, manager of community and safety services at AAA.