Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Am I really seeing this? Guys complaining that another guy’s apology was inadequate! Pul-eaze, like guys know how to apologize? That would be like a guy reading a map, wouldn’t it? I’m in some weird parallel universe.

Debra Savage
Milpitas, California

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

AMA Riders Pleased with Enhancements at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. – Nine riders from manufacturers American Honda, Yoshimura Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha converged on Infineon Raceway for a two-day test session on Monday, and all were pleased with the improvements made to the raceway over the off-season.

The 12-turn, 2.22-mile road course was repaved during the off-season, and additional runoff was created at Turns 1 and 6, increasing rider safety. AMA riders traversed the twisting road course under sunny skies on Monday.

“The track has really come along in the last 12 months, and the new surface is much better,” said Suzuki’s Mat Mladin, a four-time AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike champion and the winner of the Daytona 200 earlier this month. “It’s also gotten faster.”

This will be the last test prior to the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Cycle Gear, April 30-May 2, at Infineon Raceway and riders were taking full advantage. In addition to the increased runoff, the Turn 1 bridge will be moved about 100-feet closer to Turn 2, removing the bridge abutment as a safety issue. The Turn 6 bridge at the Carousel, meanwhile, has been permanently removed.

Mladin posted the fastest time of the first day at 1 minute, 37.84 seconds and was followed by teammate Aaron Yates (1:38.25) and Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke (1:38.32). Honda’s Miguel Duhamel, a four-time Superbike winner at Infineon Raceway, ran a 1:38.70. All teams were running race-trim.

“This place is one of the best in the country,” said Honda’s Ben Bostrom. “The people here at Infineon have worked with the riders the last two-three years and that’s a big deal.”

Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo, who won the Pro Honda Oils Supersport race at Daytona on March 6, also had good things to say. “The track has really been opened up a lot more and you can carry more speed and it doesn’t feel dangerous,” he said. “It’s kind of like you’re floating out there because the track is so smooth. You don’t even realize there’s a track underneath you.”

Keith McCarty, division manager for Yamaha, also made the trek to Northern California: “I think everyone is quite happy with the resurfacing of the track,” he said. “The speeds are up but they haven’t changed dramatically and that’s good. We’re pleased with what we’ve seen.”

In addition to the manufacturers, Arclight Suzuki, Erion Honda and Team Attack Kawasaki are also attending the two-day test, which will conclude on Tuesday.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Work Begins on New Turn 1 Bridge at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. – Infineon Raceway has begun work on a new bridge at Turn 1 that will not only help with pedestrian traffic flow, but also make for a much safer circuit for all competitors on the twisting road course. The bridge is tentatively planned to be unveiled at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Cycle Gear, April 30-May 2.

The new bridge will span 180 feet and will be positioned closer to Turn 2. The new location will create an additional 120 feet of runoff at Turn 1, and remove the old bridge abutments from the runoff area in Turn 1. The new bridge will have ramps instead of stairs, which will create for smoother pedestrian flow, and feature an enclosed metal framework, a big improvement from the old wooden bridge that spanned the area for many years.

Grading for the new abutments has already been completed and footings for the bridge have been poured. The bridge is being built in Alabama and should arrive at Infineon Raceway in mid-April. Raceway officials have also announced that the Turn 6 bridge (Carousel), which was taken down two months ago, will not be replaced. This will afford race fans better sightlines of the road course and give competitors more runoff in that area.

This marks the third major off-season project at Infineon Raceway as the road course was repaved in August, and a new Medical & Care Center is currently being constructed in the main paddock area. More than $65 million of improvements have been made at the facility since September, 2000.

From a tardy press release issued by Ducati North America:

LORD & TAYLOR SIZES UP DUCATI AND FAST BY FERRACCI FOR THE ‘FAST TRACK’ – A TRUIMPHANT SHOWCASE OF THE HOTTEST SPRING TRENDS

Fifth Avenue Windows Get Racy With A Sexy Line-Up Of Ducati Motorcycles As The Backdrop, Putting The New Men’s Contemporary Sportswear Collections on Pole Position



Willow Grove, PA –Fast By Ferracci, a premier manufacturer and supplier of high performance motorcycle parts, world-famous championship motorcycle racing team and top-ranking Ducati motorcycle dealer, announced today that it is teaming up with the prestigious New York Department Store Lord & Taylor to celebrate the launch of its new Men’s Contemporary Sportswear Collections. The Fifth Avenue store windows are trickedout with Lord & Taylor’s sleek, new spring looks for men complemented by more than a dozen Ducati motorcycles supplied by Fast By Ferracci. Fast By Ferracci’s racing history with Ducati is well represented with memorabilia such as an original Factory Ducati Corse racebike, numerous Daytona trophies, and authentic race leathers from various former team riders.

“We are delighted to team up with this New York landmark to platform our newest Italian motorcycles with their latest trends for men,” comments Lawrence Ferracci, Vice-President, Fast By Ferracci. “Right from the get-go, our conversation with Lord & Taylor began on the right track and brought us to the finish line here on Fifth Avenue. Special thanks to Michael Lock, CEO Ducati North America and Ducati Motorcycles for their cooperation with making this possible.”

This spectacular promotion also comes equipped with a contest to win a brand-new 2004 Ducati M620 Dark motorcycle valued at $6,595. Lord & Taylor invites consumers to visit The Man’s Shop to register to win. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. Motorcycle provided by Ducati North America.

Featured in the March issue of GQ Magazine, the Sunday New York Times, and Lord & Taylor’s Spring 2004 catalog mailed to 1 million plus households across the country, the windows impressions alone are estimated at 250,000+ daily.

Window shoppers, from novice to professional, can enjoy this eye-candy through March 14, 2004.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CMRA racer Chris Smiley married Penny Neal Saturday, March 13th at Mt. Nebo State Park in Dardanelle, Arkansas.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

2004 CMRA Championship Series
Round two
Texas World Speedway
College Station, TX Mar. 13-14

By Shan Moore


A full 607 sprint entries and 52 endurance teams filled the grids at round two of the CMRA Championship Roadracing Series held at Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas.

Rains on Friday and then again on Saturday morning made conditions a little sketchy on the high-banked track, but that didn’t slow Michael Sanchez, who was the big money winner, claiming $4800 in purse and Suzuki contingency awards. However, Yamaha-mounted Bradley Champion made Sanchez work for every penny. Champion won the first money race of the day, the C Superstock Expert event, while Sanchez, who was making his first run on Dunlop tires, searched for the right set up. When Sanchez finally got up to speed, he topped the A Superbike Expert, A Superstock Expert, C Superbike Expert, B Superbike Expert and Formula 1 races while Champion claimed wins in the B Superstock Expert and C Superstock Expert events. Tyler McDonald (Hon RS125) and Ronnie Lunsford (Duc 999RR) won the final two money races, the 125 GP and Heavyweight Twins, respectively, each taking home $175 for their efforts.

The CMRA riders school hosted 16 new riders over the TWS weekend.

Vinyl Edge Racing took a wire-to-wire win in Saturday’s Racing Performance Services CMRA Endurance Championship Series Presented by Shogun Motorsports. The event, scheduled for 5 hours, was cut short due to four red flags. Northwest Honda rode an uneventful race to finish second overall and second Unlimited GP while Village Idiots got off to a good start with a third overall and top Middleweight Superbike. Short Bus Racing grabbed the top spot in Middleweight Supersport ahead of arch-rivals Lone Star Track Days while Desert-Rats.net finished atop the Unlimited Supersport division. Faltless Racing took the Lightweight Superbike class win and 12th overall on their Suzuki SV650.

The CMRA series returns to action at Oak Hill Raceway near Henderson, Texas on April 3-4 for a full slate of spring and mini endurance races.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

INJURED GILES ON PODIUM!

Australian Superbike Champion Shawn Giles fought his way to a solid result after a qualifying accident threatened to ruin his opening round of the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship at Eastern Creek Raceway.

The three-times champion high-sided his Suzuki in greasy conditions during the first qualifying session, injuring both ankles and requiring X-Rays on vertebrae in his neck.

His GSX-R1000 was more seriously damaged in the incident as it erupted in flames, forcing Giles to climb aboard his spare bike for the remainder of the weekend.

Despite the setbacks, Giles still secured himself a front row start in the first race, after qualifying in third place.

“I made a great start in the first race, but I got squeezed back and only managed to hold on to fourth place,” said Giles.

“It was a bit disappointing, but I only had one bike and no spare, so I had to ride carefully to make sure I was still in it for the next races.”

Qualifying in eleventh place, Giles’ team-mate, Damian Cudlin, brought his new GSX-R1000 home for a creditable eighth place in his first competitive outing with the benchmark Suzuki team.

Another scorching start in the second race saw Giles in more familiar territory – in the lead, although he had some tough competition as he duelled with fellow New South Welshman, Dan Stauffer.

The two riders traded places for the lead until lapped traffic came in to play, giving a Stauffer a gap and forcing Giles to eventually settle for second place.

Further back in the pack, Cudlin had an equally-eventful race as a hit from behind resulted in an off-track excursion, but the youngster bounced back to produce a stellar performance, working his way back through the field to recover for a top 10 finish.

“Damian was rammed in the back wheel and went off track; after slipping back to about 17th, he did a fantastic job to claw his way back to 10th,” Team Suzuki Team Manager, Phil Tainton said.

After a slow start in race three, Giles chased down the leader for the day’s most intense battle for the win, this time between Giles and Honda pilot, Josh Brookes.

“The lead changed about half a dozen times in just a few corners in the last race, with Shawn dicing for the lead. It was very exciting racing,” Tainton said.

Riding with injuries on his spare bike, Giles managed to set the fastest lap of the final race, sending an ominous warning to his rivals for the coming rounds.

“I didn’t make a very good start, but I managed to make it up and get some good speed out of the bike and take second place,” Giles said.

Fourth in the first race and two second place finishes netted Giles third place overall for the weekend, with team mate, Cudlin finishing the weekend in eighth place.

“My ankles are pretty sore and it was hard going, but the bike was good which is a credit to the team given that it was the spare bike,” said Giles.

“I wasn’t happy with fourth place in the first race, but third overall isn’t that far behind in the points, so it’s not too bad.

“Shawn did a fantastic job this weekend particularly under the circumstances,” Tainton said.

“I’m really pleased with Damian’s performance for his first round. He’s getting happier with the bike and is riding very well.

“He went faster and faster in each race and made really good progress this weekend.”

Team Suzuki newcomer, Damian Cudlin was also pleased with his debut performance on the Phil Tainton-prepared GSX-R1000.

“I kept out of trouble and brought it home for some good points,” said Cudlin.

“I’m becoming more comfortable on the bike and settling in to the team.

“I’m not where I want to be yet, but it will happen; it’s only a matter of time before I’m up the front end challenging the leaders,” he added.

Team Suzuki will contest the Australian Superbike support races for the Australian round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on 26 – 28 March.

The 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship continues with round two at Wakefield Park (NSW) on 16 – 18 April.

SHELL ADVANCE AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP:

TEAM SUZUKI RESULTS:

QUALIFYING 3rd Shawn Giles Qualifying Time – 1:32.863

11th Damian Cudlin Qualifying Time – 1:35.01

RACE 1: 4th Shawn Giles, Fastest Lap – 1:33.470

8th: Damian Cudlin, Fastest Lap – 1:34.789

RACE 2: 2nd Shawn Giles, Fastest Lap – 1:33.010

10th Damian Cudlin, Fastest Lap – 1:34.715

RACE 3: 2nd Shawn Giles, Fastest Lap – 1:32.921

8th Damian Cudlin, Fastest Lap – 1:35.059

2004 SHELL ADVANCE AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP:

CURRENT POINTS:

Josh Brookes,(Honda) 61 points, Daniel Stauffer (Yamaha) 60, Shawn Giles (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 53, Adam Fergusson (Honda) 41, Robbie Baird (Kawasaki) 36, Jamie Stauffer (Kawasaki) 35, Shannon Johnson (Yamaha) 24, Damian Cudlin (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 22, Scott Charlton (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 22, Nick Henderson (Honda) 16.

From a press release:

G.M.D. Computrack Dallas/Fort Worth will be holding a FREE Chassis and Suspension seminar on March 27, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kent Soignier from G.M.D. Computrack Atlanta will be flying in to host the seminar. The address of the DFW location is 1285 North Main Street, Suite 308, Mansfield TX 76063.

Seating is limited so call now to book your space. 877-297-8464