Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIM has released its provisional 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

The schedule does not include a U.S. round, as reported earlier this month.

The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is listed as “to be confirmed” presumably due to the pending alteration and homologation of the Casio Triangle chicane.

The current chicane layout, as used during the recent Suzuka 8-Hours World Endurance race, will not be approved, according to FIM’s Claude Danis.

“I will not accept this chicane anymore. For next year, they have to change the chicane,” Danis, the official FIM circuit inspector, told Roadracingworld.com on August 2.


Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
2004 provisional Calendar

April 4 – Suzuka, Japan (tbc)
April 18 – Welkom, South Africa
May 2 – Jerez, Spain
May 16 – Le Mans, France
May 30 – Mugello, Italy
June 13 – Catalunya, Spain
June 26* – Assen, Netherlands
July 11 – Donington Park, Great Britain
July 18 – Sachsenring, Germany
July 31* – Rio, Brazil
August 22 – Brno, Czech Republic
September 5 – Estoril, Portugal
September 19 – Motegi, Japan
October 2* – Qatar, Qatar
October 10 – Sepang, Malaysia
October 17 – Phillip Island, Australia
October 31 – Valencia, Spain

Tbc – to be confirmed

* – Saturday Race

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Brian Parriott finished first in the final round of the 2003 BMW Motorrad BoxerCup series Sunday at Brno in the Czech Republic, but the American was penalized 10 seconds for a “bad start,” according to the official BMW Motorrad BoxerCup website, and was scored as finishing eighth.

The win in the close race was then given to pole-sitter Thomas Hinterreiter on a BMW Motorrad Austria – Hinterreiter entry over Frenchman Gwen Giabbani on his Team Reseau France machine with Italy’s Roberto Panichi credited with third on a Dream Car Team-sponsored BMW.

Parriott’s BMW Motorrad Team USA teammate Jason Perez finished fourth, after Parriott’s penalty, and recorded the fastest lap of the race at 2:16.879.

Switzerland’s Andy Hofmann battled for the lead early in the race before settling back for a fifth-place finish, which was enough for the Motorrad Senger Racing Team rider to claim the 2003 BMW Motorrad BoxerCup Championship and the BMW M3 grand prize.

Parriott and Perez finished seventh and 16th in the final Championship standings, respectively.

BMW BoxerCup “ambassador” Randy Mamola crashed out of the race on lap nine.

BMW BoxerCup Round Nine Results (all on BMW R1100S):

1. Thomas Hinterreiter, AUT, 29:58.267
2. Gwen Giabbani, FRA, -0.091 second
3. Roberto Panichi, ITA, -0.158 second
4. Jason Perez, USA, -0.618 second
5. Andy Hofmann, CHE, -4.385 seconds
6. Sebastien Legrelle, BEL, -8.339 seconds
7. Richard Cooper, GBR, -8.689 seconds
8. Brian Parriott, USA, -9.963 seconds
9. Laurry Fremy, FRA, -13.763 seconds
10. Udo Mark, GER, -14.248 seconds

13. Markus Barth, GER, -24.208 seconds
14. Fernando Cristobal, ESP, -32.749 seconds

22. Andy Meklau, AUT, -48.264 seconds


2003 BMW Motorrad Boxer Cup Final Point Standings (After round nine of nine):

1. Hofmann, 147 points
2. Legrelle, 140 points
3. Panichi, 136 points
4. Hinterreiter, 123 points
5. Barth, 79 points
6. Cooper, 76 points
7. Parriott, 69 points
8. Alessandro Tomassoni, 64 points
9. Fremy, 49 points
10. Dirk Buylinckx, 40 points

16. Perez, 28 points

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TESTS AT BRNO

Brno (CZ) – Monday August 18, 2003 – MotoGP Ducati Marlboro Team Tests – After the exciting and successful Czech Republic GP at the weekend, the Ducati Marlboro Team has remained at the Brno circuit today for a busy day of testing. Tests have been carried out on the latest machine modifications and important new parts fitted to the Desmosedici starting from this GP.

After having successfully checked the efficiency of the new bodywork and chassis (these new parts were used both in practice and in the race by both the Ducati Marlboro Team riders), Bayliss and Capirossi have worked today on the new, larger diameter Ohlins forks, which had been left to test during these post-race sessions, and on a series of new Michelin front tyres.

Bayliss completed 45 laps at a stunning pace, and on two occasions recorded lap times of 1:59.4 (using the new front tyres and with the same rear tyre compound used for yesterday’s race). Unfortunately, a crash – luckily without any injury – forced him to put an early end to the second part of the test day, when he was supposed to test the new forks. “Now, this bike is perfect!” Was Troy’s comment at the end of the test. “I lapped fast and spent a lot of time on the track today. I’ll try the new forks as soon as possible but, for the time being, I’m more than happy. I’d say this trip to the Czech Republic has certainly been a positive experience.”

Overall, Capirossi completed 52 laps, with a fastest time of 1:59.0 (about 1 second faster than the best lap time recorded in yesterday’s race). Unlike his team mate, Loris used the first part of the session to test the new forks, and then focussed on the new front tyres later in the day.

“The new fork is really good,” said Loris. “The bike feels even more stable under braking and, with this fork, the new chassis and new Michelin front tyre we’ll make good progress in the next few races.”

Today at Brno new Shell Advance lubricants were also tested, especially designed for the high-performance Ducati Desmosedici engine.

The Ducati Marboro Team will next be racing at the “Grande Premio Marlboro de Portugal”, at the circuit of Estoril, on Sunday, September 7th.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

International Disciplinary Court
Appeal of team GMT94

The International Disciplinary Court (CDI), convened in a single judge phone hearing (Mr. Jos Driessen), in order to judge on the 12 August, the appeal formed by the team GMT94 against the decision taken by the FIM International Jury during the “Endurance 6Hours of A1Ring”. The GMT94 team manager, Christophe Guyot and the Jury President at A1Ring, Mr. Bruno Appolloni, took part in the hearing.

The CDI considered the appeal acceptable and took a decision by issuing a reclassification of the race.

The classification of the Endurance 6H of A1Ring is the following: 1st Zongshen1, 2nd Zongshen2, 3rd GMT94, 4th Suzuki-GB Phase One, 5th Yamaha Endurance Moto38, 6th Team 22 Police Nationale…etc.

The current corrected ranking of the Endurance World Championship is the following: 1st Zongshen1 (116 pts), 2nd Suzuki-GB Phase one (99 pts), 3rd Zongshen2 (65 pts), 4th GMT94 (59 pts), 5th Team 22 Police Nationale (59 pts), 6th Yamaha Endurance Moto38 (35 pts)…etc.

An appeal may be lodged against this decision before the International Tribunal of Appeal (TIA) pursuant to Arts. 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7.1 of the FIM Disciplinary and Arbitration Code.



Editorial Note: Suzuki GB Phase One was 14 points out of the lead 1 before the appeal ruling and points adjustment, and is now 17 points behind.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Motor Sports:

BUBBA SHOBERT AND GAVIN TRIPPE NAMED DEL MAR GRAND MARSHALS

Fort Worth, Texas–Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports is proud to announce two Grand Marshals for the K&N Del Mar Mile Weekend of racing that will include Vintage, Superbikers, Concours d’Elegance, Motorcycle Expo, Parts Exchange, Short Track, Lap of the Legends and Mile National. The events will take place at the beautiful Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California on October 3-5, 2003.

The 2003 Dirt Track Grand Marshal will be 3-Time Grand National Champion (1985-87) and 1988 Superbike Champion, Bubba Shobert. Shobert was one of the most versatile riders during the 1980’s winning at Road Race, Short Track, Mile, TT and Half-Mile.

Between 1985 and 1987 Shobert had an incredible run of three consecutive National Championship Titles while winning 20 dirt track nationals in the process. In 1988 Shobert competed in the Superbike Series where he won, while also continuing to race full-time in the Dirt Track where he finished second to Scott Parker.

Shobert was forced to an early retirement in 1989 at the U.S. World Championship Road Race Grand Prix in Laguna Seca, California due to a freak accident. Kevin Magee was doing a post-race burn out on the backside of the racetrack when Shobert ran into the back of Magee’s motorcycle. After months of rehabilitation, Shobert decided to retire from professional motorcycle racing. He is still one of the most popular figures in motorcycling and makes frequent appearances at special events.

Gavin Trippe who was one of the promoter’s of the original ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers from 1979-1985 has been named as the Grand Marshal for the inaugural Parts Unlimited Superbikers sponsored by KTM to be held on Saturday, October 4th. Gavin Trippe and Bruce Cox sold ABC Sports the idea of bringing together top Motocross/Supercross, Dirt Track and Road Racers from around the world to compete on a special race course at Carlsbad Raceway in Carlsbad, California that consisted of both dirt and asphalt sections. This event offered race fans a showdown of the Best of the Best until the restructuring of ABC Sports, which dropped the event.

Today’s version is often called SuperMotard, SuperMoto or SuperTT with various organizations running local, regional and national series. The Parts Unlimited Superbikers sponsored by KTM will have the same format as the original Superbikers with 12 invited riders from Motocross/Supercross, Dirt Track, Road Race and Off-Road/Freestyle.

Tickets now on sale at Ticketmaster.com, cc.com and selected Southern California motorcycle dealers. For event information call 817/332-4822.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

2004 AMA SUPERBIKE RULES FINALIZED

Preliminary Support Class Rules Also Announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 18, 2003) — The AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors has ratified technical rules for the 2004 AMA Superbike Championship season and approved a preliminary set of rules for support classes including Supersport, Superstock and Formula Xtreme. A refinement to the 2004 class structure has also been approved. An overview of the rules changes can be viewed at www.USSuperbike.com.

Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing CEO is confident the new technical rules will help achieve the objectives of continuing to deliver close competition and quality entertainment, maintaining adequate control of costs, and encouraging increased participation from major motorcycle manufacturers. “With the input of all major stakeholders, we have created a set of rules that will provide the ideal marketing platform for continued growth,” said Hollingsworth. “The United States represents the world’s most important motorcycle market and we’ve opened up the door for more companies to use motorcycle racing as a means to promote their products.”

Development of the final AMA Superbike rules included measures taken to improve parity among the two primary engine configurations. “Keeping the twins competitive and opening the door for increased manufacturer participation was a primary goal for 2004,” said Hollingsworth. “We expect performance of the next generation multi-cylinder models to advance even further and it’s imperative that we adjust the rules structure to account for this ongoing development. We have created an environment that provides opportunity for all manufacturers to showcase their products and remain legitimately competitive.”

In addition to finalizing the 2004 AMA Superbike rules, the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors has approved a preliminary set of rules for support classes. AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on proposed support class rule changes during a 30-day comment period beginning Monday, Aug. 18 through Tuesday, Sept. 16. Comments can be made on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. After the 30-day comment period concludes, AMA Pro Racing will review suggestions before sending the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for final ratification.

Hollingsworth confirmed that the 30-day comment period, specifically for support classes, will yield final technical rules for AMA-sanctioned road racing in the United States. “With AMA Superbike complete, we can now turn our attention to the support classes,” concluded Hollingsworth. “At the end of the process, we’ll have created a class structure and set of technical rules that best serves the needs of the entire racing community, including our fans, and allows for continued growth and commercial development of our series.”



Summary Of Superbike Rules Changes For 2004:

The following technical categories indicate the level of modifications permitted effective January 1, 2004. Actual 2004 rule book language will be posted on www.amaproracing.com at a later date.

Fuel injection throttle bodies:

Multi-cylinders – Restricted to stock throttle bodies and air intake boxes.

Twin-cylinders – In addition to the stock throttle bodies, one alternate, AMA-approved throttle body type/set is permitted as well as aftermarket air intake boxes.



Engine modifications:

Multi-cylinders – Limited modifications are permitted but such items as stock camshaft lift, stock valve sizes and lightly-modified stock crankshafts are required.

Twin-cylinders – The same limited modifications as multi-cylinders are permitted except for the following items:

Valve sizes and material are unrestricted.
Camshafts are unrestricted.



Gearboxes:

Multi-cylinders – In addition to the stock set of gear ratios, one alternate, AMA-approved set of ratios is permitted. Primary drive ratios must remain stock.

Twin-cylinders – The same rules as multi cylinders apply.



Frame:

Multi-cylinders – Limited modifications to the stock frame are permitted such as gusseting for additional strength.

Twin-cylinders – The same rules as multi-cylinders apply.


Minimum weight:

Multi-cylinders – The minimum total motorcycle weight (less fuel) is 370 lbs.

Twin-cylinders – The same 370 lbs. minimum weight applies.



Summary of proposed changes to 2004 Support-class rules:


The following rules changes were created utilizing input from AMA Pro Racing staff, AMA Pro Racing Road Race Advisory Board, AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors, participating teams and riders. The changes cover general technical aspects of Superstock and Formula Xtreme which are support classes in the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship.

As an AMA Pro Racing competitor or credential holder, you have the opportunity to express your opinions and offer suggestions regarding these proposals.

This comment period starts Monday, August 18 and ends Tuesday, September 16, 2003.

When submitting comments, please reference the proposal number and state your remarks and suggestions as briefly as possible. If you are sending your response by mail, use the following address: AMA Pro Racing – Rules Comment, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.

If you would like to fax your comments, please send to: AMA Pro Racing – Rules Comment, (614) 856-1924.

We appreciate your input and we hope that you will take this opportunity to provide feedback concerning these road racing proposals. Following a review of comments submitted and final approval of the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors, the rule changes will become effective January 1, 2004.

04-1RR. Superstock

Superstock technical regulations are unchanged with the following exceptions:

1. Engine Displacements: The displacement range is changed to 745cc-1000cc for all motorcycles. Single-cylinder motorcycles are not eligible. 1350cc air-cooled twins are not eligible. All eligible motorcycles must be homologated (AMA Pro Racing approved) per the current Superstock procedure.

2. Tires: Slick racing tires are required on all motorcycles in dry track conditions.

3. Entry Restrictions: Riders who are employed or contracted by the manufacturers as team members in Superbike are restricted from entering Superstock.


04-2RR. Formula Xtreme

1. Engine Displacements: The displacement range for multi-cylinder four-stroke motorcycles is reduced to 450cc-600cc. The range for twin-cylinder four-stroke motorcycles is 595cc-750cc. 1000cc-1350cc air-cooled twins are permitted. Single-cylinder motorcycles are ineligible. Two-stroke motorcycles are also ineligible. All eligible motorcycles must be homologated.

2. Engine Modifications: Allowable engine modifications for all Formula Xtreme motorcycles are the same as the 2004 multi-cylinder Superbike rules with the following exceptions:

Engine modifications to 1000cc-1350cc air-cooled twins are unrestricted.

Stock throttle-body assemblies and air boxes are required on all motorcycles except 1000cc-1350cc air-cooled twins.

3. Chassis/Frame Modifications: Allowable chassis/frame modifications for all Formula Xtreme motorcycles are the same as the 2004 Superbike rules with the following exceptions:

Chassis/frame modifications on 1000cc-1350cc air-cooled twins are unrestricted.

OEM swingarms must be utilized with limited modifications (gusseting, stand brackets, etc.). 1000cc-1350cc air-cooled twins are unrestricted.

4. Bodywork: Fairings, seats, fenders and side panels may be modified or changed to any aftermarket or custom type as long as “fluid retention” regulations and general equipment standards are adhered to. Stock fuel tanks with limited modifications (fuel filler, fuel valves, etc.) are required on all motorcycles except 1000cc-1350cc air-cooled twins.

5. Weight: Minimum weight limit (TBD) applies to all motorcycles.

6. Entry Restrictions: Motorcycles entered in Supersport may not be entered in Formula Xtreme.



See related post:

8/15/2003 Standard Dual-Injector Throttle Bodies Could Tip AMA Superbike Power War In Favor Of New Honda

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
Procedure for yellow flag infringement

The Race Direction has confirmed its position with regard to the penalisation of yellow flag rule infringements for the rest of the 2003 season:

– Any infraction to Art. 1.22.2 “yellow flag” during a practice session will result in the cancellation of the time of the lap during which the infraction occurred.

– Any infraction to this rule occurring during the race will be penalised with a 10 seconds penalty. After notification has been made to the team, a board will inform the rider of the time penalty and the information will also be displayed on the timekeeping monitors.

– In both cases, an extra penalty may also be imposed.

Moreover, some adjustments will be proposed by the FIM to the Disciplinary and Arbitration Code
of the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations at the end-of-year meeting of the
Grand Prix Commission for the 2004 rules.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI AND GERICOM FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP

Team Suzuki has forged a new partnership with Gericom, Austrian notebook computer manufacturers and suppliers, to upgrade still further the state of the art of electronic data processing for the factory GP team.

Gericom, the biggest suppliers in Austria and Germany, will be supplying the team with notebook computers, for the vital pit-garage task of downloading and processing data from the many information channels on each motorcycle.

“This is an area of ever-increasing importance and complexity. We’re currently using about 20 computers, and even the ones only six months old are in danger of going out of date,” said team manager Garry Taylor.

“We were looking for the best possible performance, and the new alliance with Gericom is exactly what we wanted,” he continued. “It means we will be able to speak directly to the manufacturer on any computing issues.”

Earlier this year, Gericom made their first contact with the motorcycle World Championships, becoming official supplier of notebooks to MotoGP.

Data-gathering is a vital part of running a grand prix motorcycle, and the arrival last year of the new-generation four-strokes has put even more focus on this area. Team Software Engineer and Technical Coordinator Alfred Willeke explained that the much more complex engine management programmes, adding electronic fuel injection to ignition functions, had doubled the amount of information collected by the on-board 2D data-acquisition systems.

“We are using twice as much infromation channels on the four-stroke compared with the two-stroke. We are downloading in the pits after each run,” said Willeke.

“There is much more information, so that we need more people to analyse and interpret the data. As a result, all our computers are networked, so that for example chassis and engine specialists can work on the data at the same time.”