Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Alice Aprilia’s Colin Edwards II lapped at a 1:42.3 during recent testing with Michelin at the Jerez Circuit in Spain.

The two-time Superbike World Champion reported the news to fans in the forum of his website, www.ceracing.com, Thursday and wrote, “For those of you that know that is .5 faster then I’ve ever gone around there.” Edwards also stated that he was the only MotoGP rider present at the test but did not give much detail about the test.

Edwards’ reported lap time from the test was faster than Valentino Rossi’s fastest race lap (1:42.788) from the 2003 Grand Prix at Jerez, much faster than Edwards’ best race lap time (1:44.451) and even better than Edwards’ qualifying time (1:42.761). Edwards’ time was just off the overall circuit best record for Jerez, Loris Capirossi’s 1:41.983.

Edwards told his fans that he will be spending three days at home in Conroe, Texas before heading to Rio, Brazil for round 12 of 16 in the 2003 MotoGP World Championship. Edwards is currently 13th in the Championship with 48 points.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Aaron Gobert, 22, has re-signed to race with the Yamaha factory team through the 2005 season.

“I’m just really happy where I am. It’s good to stay at home,” said Gobert Thursday in a call to Roadracingworld.com. “It’s good because they really stood by me when I broke my legs and everything, so I’m really happy to stand by them, you know? It gives me a lot of encouragement to know I have a lot of people behind me.”

Gobert said he will race the YZF-R6 in AMA Supersport but Yamaha still doesn’t know if it will race the new, 2004 YZF-R1 in AMA Superbike or Superstock.

“They haven’t decided yet whether it’s worth doing a Superbike-spec version of it yet or Superstock. We probably won’t know until Daytona [Dunlop tire test], I guess,” said Gobert, who called the new R1 “a pretty impressive bike.”

Gobert’s signing means Yamaha will bring back its entire 2003 four-rider lineup. Damon Buckmaster, Jamie Hacking and Jason DiSalvo already have commitments to Yamaha for 2004.

From a press release issued by WERA:

WERA NATIONAL SERIES GOES TO BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The WERA National Challenge Series and the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series will visit Barber Motorsports Park for the first time this weekend, September 13-14, for the ninth round of the season.

Barber marks the penultimate round of the WERA National Series, and has been one of the most anticipated races of the season. The excitement of racing at the new world-class track is coupled with the challenge of racing against a number of AMA Pro Racing competitors, who will be participating in the WERA event to gain practice prior to the AMA’s round at Barber.

The Dunlop/WERA National Endurance race starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13. Teams will race for four hours around the 2.3-mile, 16-turn road course.

Saturday will also feature a timed practice to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s Suzuki World Cup Qualifier race. The winner of the race will be one of three U.S. representatives at the Suzuki World Cup race in France.

Sunday, September 14 will feature 12 sprint races in the WERA National Challenge Series, beginning at noon. The 8-lap races will include Open Superstock, Pirelli Formula 1, 125 GP, STAR School 600 Superstock Novice, 600 Superstock Expert, and expert and novice divisions for 750 Superstock, Lightweight Twins, Heavyweight Twins, 600 Superbike and 750 Superbike. The Suzuki World Cup Qualifier race will also be held.

Tickets for the weekend are available for $20, or $15 after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Camping at the track is also available.

Barber Motorsports Park is located about ten miles east of downtown Birmingham, making it convenient for race fans from both the Birmingham and Atlanta areas. Directions to the track and a directory of local hotels can be found on the track’s website, www.barbermotorsports.com.

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

From a press release issued by Panini S.p.A.:

The first Panini Collection focused on MotoGP!

Panini will provide motorcycle fans with a high quality cutting-edge collectible including images, stats and bios of the top drivers and motorbikes.

Features

The collection features all the riders of the current season for the three classes (125cc, 250cc and MotoGP), each rider is featured in an action/race shot and a head & shoulder shot. MotoGP 2003 Riders are represented twice, both in the regular cards and in a special STARS section.

The Review 2002 sections highlight the pivotal moments of the 2002 Championship for the three classes, showing two highly dramatic shots of the event on each card. Interesting technical data, the map and an aerial shot of all circuits of the MotoGP 2003 championship are featured in the circuit subset.

Heroes of the past, with their honours list are featured in the Legends section Special materials The Legends section is printed on mirror foil with an embossing effect; the MotoGP Star Riders 2003 subset features a unique, thick, rubber-like ink which produces an embossed pattern on the cards and reflects the texture of motorcycle handles.

Release date: August 2003.

Editorial note: The U.S. importer for Panini, Imperial Toy Corporation, has no plans to import the MotoGP trading cards to America, but interested parties should e-mail Panini’s David Matalon at [email protected].

From a press release issued by American Honda:

Here’s the first look at Honda’s new Superbike platform, the all-new CBR1000RR.



*Powered by an all-new liquid-cooled 998cc four-cylinder engine.



*All-new aluminum frame patterned after the RC211V MotoGP racer.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2004 Honda CBR1000RR features what Honda calls DSFI (Dual Stage Fuel Injection) with two injectors per cylinder.



The 998cc sportbike has a bore and stroke of 75mm x 56.5mm and a compression ratio of 11.9:1. It has a six-speed cassette type transmission, which Honda press materials says “is easily accessible for rapid gear ratio changes and maintenance at racetrack,” just in time for AMA Superbike rules that don’t allow that type of tranmission changes anymore.



It carries a 120/70-17 front tire and a 190/50-17 rear tire and has a 55.6-inch wheelbase.

The bike has a rotary steering damper with an electronically controlled pressure relief valve, providing less damping at slower road speeds and more damping at higher road speeds.

Like the CBR600RR, the CBR1000RR has Honda’s Unit Pro Link rear suspension layout. Unlike the smaller CBR, the CBR1000RR has radial front brake calipers, with 310mm discs.

The new bike also has undertail mufflers, and comes with a “centrally mounted…fuel tank is positioned low in the frame, increasing mass centralization…”

In what may be a telling sign, Honda press materials released today do not include a claimed dry weight.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Supersport Championship points leader Jamie Hacking has re-signed with Yamaha for 2004 and is excited about the new YZF-R1 he will be racing.

“Yeah, I’ve already signed my contract, and it’s already back in their hands. That happened the week after Virginia,” said Hacking in a telephone interview Wednesday. “Supersport and we don’t know if it’s going to be Superstock or Superbike. It’s whatever the rules turn out, you know? It’s a one-year deal.

“I’m really happy. I couldn’t be any happier and wouldn’t want to be any other place. Those guys treat me good over there.”

Hacking said he just returned to his home in Greer, South Carolina after attending a special presentation of the new 2004 Yamahas. The event was held at Rancho Los Palmas Marriott Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California near Palm Springs Monday, September 8.

“We just did the introduction for the new R1 and R6 for the regional sales managers of Yamaha,” said Hacking.

When asked about the new YZF-R1, Hacking could not hide his enthusiasm. “That thing’s pretty nice. (laughs) It’s a small motorcycle! It’s smaller than my 600. I was just tickled to death when I sat on it. I don’t like big motorcycles. They don’t suit my riding style. I sat on that thing and I was like, Holy Shit! The seat where it meets the tank is only three inches wide. It’s like a damn dirt bike with street tires. It makes that thing (the existing YZF-R1) feel like a Gold Wing. It’s very impressive. They did a good job with it. I think it’s going to give us a really good base to work with.”

Hacking said he hadn’t ridden the bike yet (there’s only one pre-production model in America, being used for brochure photos), but he did stop to take his own pictures of the bike during Monday night’s ceremony.

“Yeah, I took pictures of it to show my buddies back home, because they’ve all got R1s,” said Hacking. “I was pretty impressed with it. I called ‘em up and told them they better get rid of them so they can get this one.”

From a press release:

The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® Presented By Toyota Trucks Announces 2003/2004 Schedule

Fun For Motorcycle Fans This Winter In Thirteen U.S. Cities

Santa Ana, CA — September 10, 2003 — This winter, powersports fans, manufacturers and dealers are coming together to celebrate a common passion: motorcycles. The Powersports Group, producer of the popular Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks, has just announced its 2004 show schedule. Traveling to 13 major cities across the country, the series is an unparalleled opportunity for bike buffs along with casual enthusiasts to experience the cutting-edge of powersports vehicles, products, and services.

SAN FRANCISCO
November 7-9,
San Mateo County Exposition Center

DALLAS
November 21-23
Dallas Convention Center

SEATTLE
December 5-7
Seahawks Exhibition Center

LONG BEACH
December 12-14
Long Beach Convention Center

DENVER
December 19-21
Colorado Convention Center

NEW YORK
January 2-4
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

WASHINGTON
January 9-11
Washington DC Convention Center

ATLANTA
January 16-18
Cobb Galleria Centre

OHIO
January 30-February 1
IX Center (Cleveland)

CHICAGO
February 6-8
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

DETROIT
February 20-22
COBO Conference/Exhibition Center

DAYTONA
March 3-7
Daytona International Speedway

MINNEAPOLIS
March 26-28
Minneapolis Convention Center

Popular with powersports fans across multiple segments and skill levels, all thirteen shows are fully supported by the industry’s major Original Equipment Manufacturers—Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha. Also, for the very first time, the Powersports Group announces the support of Indian Motorcycles for the complete 2004 tour. Their commitment to the tour adds to the already impressive vehicle line-up featured at the shows. The Powersports Group is also pleased to welcome back KTM, as well as Ducati, and Moto Guzzi this time for the full tour. As always, an onslaught of the hottest sportbikes, cruisers, scooters, dualsport machines, off-road bikes, motocross and 4-wheel ATVs will be represented.

Show attendees who want in-depth information on motorcycle parts and accessories can visit the expert staff in “The Factory,” a showcase of the latest aftermarket products and essential riding gear where they can compare and discuss everything from performance parts to the latest communications hardware with manufacturer representatives. We are please to have the following companies participating in the Factory: Arai Helmets, Avon Tyres, Bell Powersports, Inc., Chatterbox, Cobra Engineering, Desser Tire & Rubber Co., Dowco, Inc.

Dunlop North America, HJC America, K & N Engineering, Kendon Industries, Metzeler Motorcycle Tire, Pirelli Motorcycle Tires, Progressive Suspension, Shoei Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Top Gear Accessories, Travelcade, Ventura and Yuasa Battery, Inc.

Show highlights will include stunt riders, special demonstrations and interactive features. This year’s series premiers the Ball of Steel Stunt Show complete with gravity-defying stunts and caged performances by extreme motorcycle riders in an enclosed steel ball. Attractions will also include vintage displays highlighting vehicles of all makes and models, the innovative Video Lounge showing the latest extreme motorcycle videos on the market, and the all-new Club House with special features, message boards, and contests targeting motorcycle club members.

“We’ve got big plans for this year’s International Motorcycle Shows,” enthuses Show Director, Jeff D’Entremont. “After 23 years, the series has taken on a life of its own and has become an annual tradition for most attendees. Drawing folks from every walk of life – from families with kids to hard-core, 20-something riders – the series will be this winter’s must-see event for motorcycle fans across the nation.”

The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks kick off this November in San Francisco, with later stops across the U.S. including: Dallas, Seattle, Southern California, Denver, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Ohio, Chicago, Detroit, Daytona, and Minneapolis.

Tickets are available in advance at www.motorcycleshows.com and on-site at the box office. Members of the American Motorcyclist Association who show their membership cards when purchasing tickets at the box office on-site are eligible for a $1 rebate coupon redeemable at the AMA booth inside the show. Discount coupons are also available at participating local dealers. Visit www.motorcycleshows.com for a complete list of participating dealerships. Only one discount will be granted per ticket; no discount offers may be combined.

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

SHAKEY LOOKS TO CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The new British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne heads for home ground this weekend aiming to celebrate his recent title success with another pair of wins at Brands Hatch where the penultimate round of the 2004 series takes place on Sunday (14th September).

Last time he was at the Kent track, ‘Shakey’ took a resounding double in the World Superbike Championship to add to his BSB win there back in June and the rider who hails from the Isle of Sheppey just down the road is planning on putting on another show for his home fans:

“I have great memories of Brands from 2003 and I aim to round that off with another double win this weekend. I’m still hoping for the record of 14 wins in a season and if I can get the wins at Brands I’m still in the frame. Now the pressure of the championship is off I can start to enjoy myself and relax a little, just as I did in the World Superbike races and look what happened there!” quipped the 26 year old who clinched his first and MonsterMob Ducati’s second successive British Superbike title at Cadwell Park in the last round.

Meanwhile, reigning Supersport champion Stuart Easton relinquished his title at the last round but the young Scot is eager to clinch second in the title race with a win around the short Indy circuit aboard his 748 MonsterMob Ducati.

The Hawick racer took an audacious debut win on the same track last season and scored a rostrum on the long track earlier on in the season but ‘Rat Boy’ is aiming for success for different reasons this time out:

“I’m still waiting to get sorted out with what’s happening for next season and the best thing I can do is go out and win. I like Brands and scored a double win there last season so there is no reason why I can’t top the rostrum this time out” said Easton.

Team Owner Paul Bird, who will be testing his newly acquired Hyundai Accent World Rally Car on his way south, commented:

“We’ve done the hard work as far as the Superbike title is concerned and now it’s just a case of ramming home our advantage. We don’t need to win but we’ll be aiming to show anyone who is in doubt just what we are capable of. We may have are one or two surprises up our sleeves just yet” said the Cumbrian who next week will embark for further talks at the Milan show with regards to his team’s plans for 2004.

Recent British Superbike Champions

1996, Niall Mackenzie, Yamaha

1997, Niall Mackenzie, Yamaha

1998, Niall Mackenzie, Yamaha

1999, Troy Bayliss, Ducati

2000, Neil Hodgson, Ducati

2001, John Reynolds, Ducati

2002, Steve Hislop, MonsterMob Ducati

2003, Shane Byrne, MonsterMob Ducati