From a press release we received today for reasons which escape us, since some of these screenings have already come and gone:

AWARD-WINNING FASTER COMES TO THE BIG SCREEN!!

Action-Packed Motorcycle-Racing Movie
Narrated by Ewan McGregor Will Zoom into 10 American Cities in April-May 2004

DVD Release Moves to Early Summer

Special Screenings Scheduled Alamo Draft House in Houston on March 13 and 14, With Special Appearance by MOTO GP CONTENDER COLIN EDWARDS

And at the Sonoma Film Festival in California on April 3 and 4

(Los Angeles, CA) – FASTER, the highly anticipated documentary about the glamorous, dangerous world of grand prix motorcycle racing, will come to theaters in at least ten American cities in April and May. The news was announced today by FASTER’s director and executive producer Mark Neale, and by fellow producer and racing- world veteran Ian MacLean. The deal to distribute the award-winning movie in theaters will push release of the DVD from March, as previously announced, to early summer.

FASTER is the most true-to-life look at motorcycle racing ever brought to screen, a look into a world of men who ride machines so fast and so dangerous that even the experts call them ‘evil.’ The film is narrated by Ewan McGregor (“Star Wars,” episodes I, II, III, “Big Fish,” “Black Hawk Down”), and set to a pulsing soundtrack by tomandandy and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. FASTER follows MotoGP world championships through the 2001 and 2002 seasons -a landmark period for the sport, which saw the switch from two-stroke to four-stroke engines, and the shattering of the 200 mph barrier.

Crossing five continents, FASTER features today’s top riders, including Valentino Rossi, called “the most sought after racer in the world,” and his archrival Maxi Biaggi; the brilliant but injury-prone Garry McCoy; and rising American star John Hopkins, the youngest rider on the circuit. FASTER also features a raft of former champs who have shaped the way racing is done today, along with the doctor who patches the riders together and puts them back on the track, and the experts in the bleachers who write the history of the sport.

FASTER won the prestigious 2003 award for Documentary Reportage, Individual Sport (Mention D’honneur) at the 21st Annual Sport Movies & TV Festival in Milan, Italy. It has been hailed by Track Junkie as “The real deal–with a backdrop of incredible action,” and by One Wheel Drive as “Raw, manic and very honest — it feels driven like the sport it’s chronicling.”

The list of cities where FASTER will screen will be determined in coming weeks, and unveiled as plans are finalized. In other news, special screenings have been scheduled for March 13 (7pm, 9:45pm) and March 14 (4pm) at the Alamo Draft House, West Oaks Mall in Houston, Texas (see www.drafthouse.com). Colin Edwards, one of the most closely watched contenders for this season’s Moto GP, will be making a special appearance at the March 14 screening.

The film also has been selected by the Sonoma Valley Film Festival in California, and will screen on April 3 (3pm) and April 4 (3pm) in Sonoma, California (www.sonomafilmfest.org).

At the end of January, motorcycle fans turned out in number to see FASTER at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, making the film one of the top box-office draws at the festival. “We have to thank our fans for helping us get this distribution deal. Their response at Slamdance, and the daily requests for screenings we get from all over have shown that there’s a hungry audience out there for FASTER,” noted Neale, who added “It’s great that people are going to have the chance to see this on the big screen – in a theater, the action is going to blow their minds.”

Mark Neale is a multiple award-winning filmmaker. As a music video director, he worked numerous times with U2, earning a Best Director nomination at the 1994 MTV Awards for the video ‘Stay (Faraway So Close)’, co-directed with Wim Wenders, and has teamed with artists including Counting Crows, Paul Weller and The Verve Pipe, Peter Gabriel and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. FASTER is Neale’s second feature-length movie, following his acclaimed, William Gibson: No Maps For These Territories, called “The best documentary of 2001” by the Los Angeles New Times.

FASTER is a film by Spark Productions in association with Dorna Sports SL.

Executive producers are Ian MacLean, Mark Neale and Chris Paine.

Produced by Stephen Lim.

www.fastermovie.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Photos by Jeffrey E. Cobble.


Aaron Yates fell under fire amid a post-crash incident.


Yates was hopping mad!


Anthony Fania flips Yates off just after Yates drop-kicked him.


Fania falls on hay bales after Yates’ head-butt.


Officials intervene.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Courtesy www.cdnsuperbike.com:

Calgary based Blackfoot Racing Inc. announced yesterday the continuation of their relationship with Suzuki Canada Inc., Coors Light Racing, and Parts Canada for the 2004 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

“Suzuki has always been a leader in motorcycle road racing with their GSX-R series of motorcycles,” stated Team Manager Pat Chambers. “This will be the second year that Suzuki Canada has assigned Blackfoot Racing Inc. with the responsibility of managing their National Road Racing Team and we are confident that the new GSX-Rs will be dominant again this season. We have the privilege of working with a strong team of sponsors, who have made a huge impact on our success. On behalf of the Team, I would like to thank Parts Canada, Dunlop, HJC, WestJet, Yoshimura, Motorex, Alpinestars, Galfer, Ohlins, T&S, Oakley, D.I.D., VP, Sunstar, K-Tech and Flexi-Glass for their continued support in 2004.”

2002 600 Sportbike Champion Clint McBain is returning to the team for 2004. With his determination to win and enthusiasm for the sport, McBain finished 2nd overall in the 2003 Hindle Pro 600 Sportbike, and 5th overall in the 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Coors Light Racing Blackfoot Team Suzuki is welcoming a new-comer to the team. Australian rider Craig Connell comes with a 2002 Formula USA Pro Honda Oils 600 Superbike Championship under his belt, and a 2nd place overall in the 2002 Formula USA Lockhart Phillips Superbike Championship. Connell’s only history on Canadian ground was with Arclight Suzuki during the CAN/AM race in Mosport on July 21, 2002.

Although Connell was unfamiliar with the track, he came away with both wins. Connell was also crowned 2002 King of Mosport after winning the Yoshimura Pro 600 and the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Open Sportbike race. Connell is sure to prove to be a strong competitor in the 2004 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Racing Director Joe Skidd and Lead Technician Chuck Downie will continue their relationship with the team in 2004.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has been named to Fortune magazine’s 2004 list of America’s Most Admired Companies.

Harley-Davidson was ranked fourth among motor vehicle companies in a poll of 10,000 corporate executives, directors and analyists, according to a press release issued by Harley-Davidson.

Form a press release issued by Midwest Café Racing Association:

Midwest Cafe Racing Association Announces Track Days at Gateway International Raceway:

Saturday,May 15th 2004.

Lockhart Phillips Track Day, to be followed by CCS Road Racing action May 16th

Saturday, June 5th 2004.

Midwest Cafe Racing Association Track Day the same weekend as the AMA Pro Drag races at Gateway.

Friday, August 20th 2004.

Midwest Cafe Racing Association Track Day

Registration fees:

MCRA Members $110.00 over one week in advance. $130.00 the week before, and the day of the event.

Non-MCRA Members $130.00 over one week in advance. $150.00 the week before, and the day of the event. A MCRA membership is included in this fee. Your second track day will be at the member rate.

To register visit the MCRA site http://www.mcraracing.com and click on the Track Days in St. Louis link.

From a Press release issued by Center of Gravity:

OGK comes to North America

Revolutionary helmets available from Center Of Gravity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (MAR. 10) Center Of Gravity of Huntington Beach, CA is now importing OGK’s FF4 helmets into North America. The helmets the standard FF4 and the FF4 Polen are DOT and Snell 2000 approved for North America.

The helmets feature a patented ‘Top Aero Ventilation’ system, carbon composite shell, quick-change shield, washable inner liner system and shield post tear-off arrangement.

Center of Gravity also distributes the Arata exhaust system in North America.

The FF4’s ‘Top Aero Ventilation’ system is a development of OGK’s patented ‘Top Ventilation’ method, in which warm internal air is forced from the rear of the helmet at the same time as cooler external air flows in. With the ‘Top Aero Ventilation’ system, a ‘stream plate’ prevents turbulent air from collecting at the rear of the helmet and putting pressure on the rider’s neck. The FF4’s carbon composite shell uses carbon fiber and KEVLAR® to improve the strength and stiffness of the helmet while at the same time reducing weight.

OGK has also patented its ‘Quick Change Shield System’, which allows the shield to be removed with the press of a single button and quickly replaced, a useful feature for both racing and general riding applications.

The FF4 also uses the ‘Inner Joint System 2′ for improved comfort and cleanliness. The cheek pad, inner pad and chinstrap pad can be easily removed and washed, and fresh pads can be purchased as aftermarket items as well. The shield post tear-off system is standard equipment on the FF4. This enables the rider to easily switch from a clear to smoked shield for different riding conditions.
The standard FF4 retails for $389.00 (U.S.) while the FF4 Polen is available for $449.00 (U.S.)

Center Of Gravity has sponsorship opportunities available for both the OGK helmets and Arata exhaust systems. More information is available by contacting Center Of Gravity at 714-374-9491, or email to [email protected].

Center of Gravity
19744 Beach Blvd.
Suite 415
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

714.374.9491 office
714.374.9469 fax

www.ogk-helmet.com

From a press issued by Matsushima Performance and Tuning:

For immediate release:

Matsushima Performance and Tuning, a shop dedicated to providing factory performance to the privateer, is officially launching their new website. MPTRacing.com will feature the shop’s services and racing efforts. Matsushima Performance and Tuning is proud to be a supporting partner in the new Suzuki Empire Racing road racing team. Grant Matsushima is crew chief and engine builder for the two-rider team of Chris “Opie” Caylor and Lee Acree. Matsushima Performance and Tuning is pleased to debut their new website in conjunction with Suzuki Empire Racing’s successful debut into road racing at the AMA’s first round in Daytona, Fl, where both riders finished in the top ten of the Daytona 200 Superbike race.

From a press release issued by series organizers:

SAASC Supersport Showdown hots up at Eastern Creek

The battle for the 2004 Shell Advance Australian Supersport Championship begins at Eastern Creek Raceway over March 12-14, with a number of privateer teams threatening the distributor-backed squads on the road to championship glory.

The much-fancied factory-backed brigade is headed by Castrol Honda guns Josh Brookes and Adam Fergusson, Nikon Yamaha star Brendan Clarke, and the fast and experienced Team Kawasaki Australia duo of Robbie Baird and Jamie Stauffer.

Whilst anyone of these riders has a shot at the championship, their cause will be made all the more difficult by a number of hungry privateers eager to break into the factory-backed ranks.

Heading the charge will be the spectacular and fearless Glenn Allerton, who heads Sydney City Motorcycles’ DataDot Yamaha YZF-R6 squad alongside teenage sensation Josh Waters.

“My objective for this year is to win the championship, and I believe I have the team to do it with,” said Allerton, 23, who was the top-running Supersport privateer in 2003.

“The testing we’ve done has been really good, and the whole set-up with Sydney City [Motorcycles] is unreal – I couldn’t be happier.”

With a gaggle of factory bikes to contend with, Allerton sees just one obstacle in front of him.

“Josh Brookes and Honda – that is combination that I have to beat,” he declared.

“I’ve worked with Josh and I even went to school with him, so I know how good he is, but I beat him a few times last year so that gives me confidence for this year.”

Allerton also didn’t discount his own 17-year-old team-mate, Josh Waters, as a threat.

“I just can’t believe how fast Josh has been going in testing. He’s only a baby really in terms of experience but he definitely has a big future. I wish I started road racing that young,” said the ex-motocross gun.

Other promising challengers include former Team Kawasaki Australia rider Russell Holland (Action Motorcycles Honda CBR600RR), who will be out to prove a point in his bid to regain a distributor-backed seat for 2005; newcomers Caleb Stalder (Taree Motorcycles Honda CBR600RR) and Jai Curtis (Steve Wise Yamaha YZF-R6); and rising stars Josh Forster (troycorser.com/Peels Honda CBR600RR), Mark Stanley (Lismore Motorcycles Yamaha YZF-R6) and dual Australian dirt track champion Chris Seaton (Floyd Parkes Kawasaki/Castrol ZX-6RR).

In addition to the 47 Supersport entrants, the Superstock class for C&D graders has attracted 38 entries, who will be going all out to progress to the Supersport ranks in the future.

The Nakedbike category sees the return of wheelie king Matt Waldron (Mycontrolroom.com.au Yamaha FZ-1) while previous Nakedbike champ John Allen (Aluma-lite Aprilia Racing Tuono) and teammate Benn Archibald are sure to battle it out, with two newcomers adding to the mix.

Former Supersport star Simon Rattenbury (Australian Security Concepts Yamaha FZ-1) and former leading Superstock punter Sam Maclachlan (Australian Motorcycle News Kawasaki Z1000) will both make their Nakedbike debuts at Eastern Creek, while one of the category’s stalwarts, Graeme Wilshaw (Procycles BMW), will make his debut in the NK-Lites on a BMW1100 S.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

WORLD DUCATI WEEK 2004 IS COMING

A vast range of racetrack activities and special events await sportbikers from around the world Bologna, 20 February 2004: The offices at Borgo Panigale are a whirl of activity in preparation for Ducati’s fourth international meeting, to be from May 17 to 23 at the Santa Monica track, Misano.

WDW 2004 is a full week of activity dedicated to the passion for sport motorcycles. Tens of thousands of Ducatisti are expected but lovers of sportbiking in general are also invited. The event is open to motorcyclists of all ages, tastes and abilities. For those without a Ducati, WDW2004 gives them the opportunity to test the bikes that have made Borgo Panigale – the home of Ducati – world famous.

The following activities have already been scheduled:

TRACK AREA: An exciting aspect of this year’s event is the use of the track for the entire week; participants will be able to ride the track on all 7 days.

TEST RIDE AREA: From Tuesday to Sunday, participants will be able to try out the new Ducati 2004 range of motorcycles on the test ride track.

TECHNICAL AREA AND SALES AREA: A technical area will be created in the track pits to support events on the track itself. Furthermore, a 1100 square metre sales area for Ducati products will be provided, with the entire range of Ducati accessories and apparel on display.

RELAXATION AREA: In conformity with the principles of Zen philosophy, a relaxation area will be provided where participants can listen to chill-out music, relax on Stokke ergonomic chairs and enjoy free massages by professional masseurs using the “fast massage” technique. The massages will last for around fifteen minutes, using traditional Chinese micro-massage, reflexology, decontraction, anti-stress and shiatsu techniques. A gym will also be made available for all participants, with the most modern Technogym equipment.

DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE: The first day, Monday 17 May, will be a Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) day, dedicated to the motorcycle riding course organised by Ducati. Participation depends on purchase of a WDW week ticket at a special rate. On subsequent days brief basic and advanced courses will be held to give everyone the opportunity to experience the unique sensations of the DRE.

BIKE WASH: A stand will be provided where participants can have their motorcycles washed by young assistants. You will also be able to immortalise this unique moment and send your pictures to your friends via MMS.

BEACH AREA: For participants who enjoy sports, an area of the paddock will be outfitted for beach sports, including beach soccer and beach volley. There will also be a genuine Mexican bar where you can enjoy colourful cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere with cool music.

TOURS: Three types of tour will be organised in collaboration with “Curve e Tornanti”, which will visit the most beautiful areas of Emilia Romagna, especially designed for riders who enjoy exploring the world on their motorcycles.

A range of ticket options are available:

– week ticket for Ducati owners: reservations by 18 April, 95 euro; after 18/04, 110 euro.

– weekend ticket for Ducati owners: reservations by 18 April, 50 euro; after 18/04 60 euro.

– week ticket for non-Ducati owners: 120 euro.

– weekend ticket for non-Ducati owners: 70 euro.

– week ticket for guest without motorcycle or passenger: 90 euro.

– weekend ticket for guest without motorcycle or passenger: 45 euro.

All participants who reserve their week tickets (of any type) by 18 April, will qualify for a lottery for 100 guest places at a dinner with the official Ducati Corse riders.

Registration and further information about the event: www.wdw2004.com.