From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

BSB Round 9
Oulton Park
PRACTICE
Friday August 8

Track length: 2.692 miles
Weather: dry, hazy sunshine, 25°C
Track: dry, 44°C

HAWK’S UPHILL STRUGGLE AT CHESHIRE TRACK

Oulton Park once again proved to be one of the toughest circuits on the British Superbike calendar for Hawk Kawasaki, as the team’s three riders pushed hard during today’s practice sessions for round nine of the championship. Despite having arguably the nimblest chassis in the series, Hawk’s 750cc ZX-7RRs couldn’t match the drive of the 1000s up many of the Cheshire track’s uphill straights.

Glen Richards, who ended the day ninth quickest, explained: ‘We’ve got a lot of revs and power, but it’s the hills that really work against the Kawasaki here. When you’ve got a bike with less torque, because you’ve got a smaller engine, it’s going to struggle to make it up the hills as well, but that’s just the way it goes I guess. You try to pinch a bit back on some of the corners and you end up pushing a bit too hard. Then, when you push a bit too hard, you end up going slower.’

Mondello front-row qualifier Scott Smart was unable to recapture his superb form from three weeks ago due to back pain, but is hoping to settle the injury before tomorrow’s important qualifying sessions. ‘I’ve strained my back and I can’t move around the bike enough because I find it too uncomfortable,’ confessed Scott. ‘I don’t know what I’ve done to it, but I’ll get it looked at before I go out tomorrow. As far as the bike goes, we’re just missing out on horsepower here. It’s a shame because you’d think this was a riders’ circuit, but there’s only so fast you can go around the corners here.’

Lee Jackson was encouraged to be back on comparable times with his Hawk Kawasaki team mates, after struggling to get comfortable with his bike during qualifying for the last few meetings. ‘I’m much happier today because I’m a lot closer to the pace of Scott and Glen, so I can’t grumble really,’ said the Lincoln rider. ‘We struggled the first time we came here, because you need the grunt out of the corners to do a fast lap. Because we’ve not got as much grunt as the 1000s, but a good handling chassis, we’re tending to over-ride in the fast corners and we’re making mistakes. Even so, I definitely feel a lot further forward than when I was here last time. Hopefully we can build on that over the weekend.’

PRACTICE TIMES
1) Shane Byrne, Ducati: 1:37.152
2) Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki: 1:37.354
3) Michael Rutter, Ducati: 1:37.559
4) Sean Emmett, Ducati: 1:37.572
5) John Reynolds, Suzuki: 1:37.707
6) Steve Plater, Honda: 1:38.554
7) Gary Mason, Yamaha: 1:38.562
8) Mark Heckles, Honda: 1:39.075
9) Glen Richards, Hawk Kawasaki: 1:39.106
10) Dean Ellison, Ducati: 1:39.297
11) Leon Haslam, Ducati: 1:39.499
12) Dave Wood, Suzuki (P): 1:39.925
13) Scott Smart, Hawk Kawasaki: 1:40.339
14) Jason Vincent, Yamaha: 1:40.425
15) Lee Jackson, Hawk Kawasaki: 1:40.538
16) Francis Williamson (P): 1:41.440
17) Paul Young, Yamaha: 1:41.489
18) Sam Corke, Suzuki (P): 1:41.635
19) Nick Medd, Ducati: 1:42.030
20) James Buckingham, Suzuki: 1:42.166

From a press release issued by Kawasaki:

JAN PLESSNER ASSUMES MEDIA RELATIONS POSITION AT KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

IRVINE, Calif. — Jan Plessner will join Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A (KMC) as media relations manager, effective August 18, 2003. The post, which reports to Kawasaki’s director of communications, has responsibility for overseeing all of the company’s editorial media communications for the brand’s key product categories — motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, MULE™ utility vehicles, and JET SKI® watercraft. Plessner will also play an integral role in the company’s corporate communications efforts.

Most recently, Plessner served as senior manager, media relations, for the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America’s Discover Today’s All-Terrain Vehicles program. She was charged with broadening the industry’s media presence with national consumer publications, broadcast outlets, and key market newspapers.

Before joining the industry association, Plessner worked at KMC from 1992 through 2001. She was part of the company’s public affairs department, where she had specific responsibility for increasing government and public positive perceptions.

During her 10-year involvement in that capacity, she managed in excess of $4 million in annual product loans to police and lifesaving agencies around the country. She also initiated Kawasaki’s “Operation Challenge,” a community relations program that was repeated for five years and served to involve disabled people in watersports activities. The program was repeated in 36 major markets and generated substantial newspaper and television coverage.That program, along with others, was the basis for Plessner receiving the Watercraft Business Industry Leader Award in 1997.

According to Rodger Howe, director of communications, “The addition of Jan to our staff signals a move toward a broader impact for our internal media relations efforts. Her experience in community relations and public affairs will strengthen our approach to programs under development and will add a new dimension to future activities.”

Plessner holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Public Relations, from California State University, Fullerton. After graduation, she coordinated media relations, graphic design, and special event planning for Fund Raisers, Inc., Arcadia, Calif. She also worked for Freeman/McCue, Santa Ana, Calif., KMC’s public relations agency-of-record. A Laguna Niguel, Calif. resident, Plessner is active with motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, JET SKI® watercraft, MULE™ utility vehicles, power products and small engines.

Kawasaki’s tagline, Let the good times roll™, is recognized worldwide for the spirit of fun, adventure and high performance that characterizes the Kawasaki recreational vehicle line. The company and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with approximately 400 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.

From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia USA announces re-scheduling for
Colin Edwards Riding Experience

The date of the Colin Edwards riding experience must be changed due to a schedule conflict with
his MotoGP press commitments.

Woodstock, GA (August 8, 2003) – Owners of the 2003 Aprilia Mille R “Colin Edwards Replica” will have to wait a little bit longer to drag pucks with the champ. Unfortunately a television show and presentation was booked by the Aprilia racing department on top of the previously announced Colin Edwards track day, forces the re-scheduling of his US track day.

“I’m pretty bummed out about the change,” says Edwards from his Texas ranch, “but the MotoGP world is as crazy off the track as it is on the track, and at this time it’s better to change the date in the US than change the schedule in Europe. I promise that we will all get together later this year and make up for the canceled date.”

The re-scheduled event has not yet been confirmed, however the Moto GP’s schedule frees up in November, allowing the next opportunity to schedule the Aprilia Racing Moto GP pilot.

Current Colin Edwards Replica owners will receive a letter and gift from the 2002 World Superbike Champ explaining the change in date.

Due to the limited nature of the Colin Edwards Replica – only 50 were imported to the US, with Frame #45 going to Colin himself – not all dealers were lucky enough to have one on their floor. Interested customers should contact Aprilia USA to locate a dealer that may still have its replica available.

To learn more about Colin Edwards, log on to his personal site http://www.ceracing.com.

For assistance locating one of the few remaining Colin Edwards Replicas, contact Aprilia
USA at (toll free) 877-APRILIA extension 120.

About Aprilia USA
Aprilia is Europe’s second largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Noale, Italy—just outside Venice—the company is privately owned and has eight subsidiaries in key world markets. Aprilia USA is the company’s North American importer and distributor. The subsidiary is headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia, just a few miles north of metro Atlanta. Aprilia USA’s 120 North American dealerships offer a full line of performance motorcycles and scooters, as well as electric bicycles.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I wanted to extend my condolences to the Adams family. Dr. Adams was a great man and was a tremendous help to me in my racing. I began my racing career by training as Dr. Adams had suggested in a Roadracing World article and stopped him one day at the track to thank him for his advice. Dr. Adams and I spoke often at the track after that. When I got heat exhaustion during a race Dr. Adams began to counsel me on managing my heat problems. His help was invaluable.

I’ll miss Dr. Adams’ big smile at the track and seeing the joy he took in Justin’s accomplishments. I’ll miss his enthusiasm for life and commitment to change the mindset toward safety in motorcycling.

I’ll just miss him.

Joe Morris
WERA/CCS #224
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING ANNOUNCES 2004 AMA FLAT TRACK RULE CHANGES

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 8, 2003) — The AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors has approved a preliminary set of rule changes for the 2004 AMA Flat Track racing season. Designed to reflect the evolving motorcycle marketplace as well as the objectives of increased participation, expanded OEM involvement and the reduction of costs associated with racing, the rule changes are aimed at the 505 class. Bruce Bober, AMA Pro Racing flat track manager, confirms the changes are specifically geared toward the equipment raced on TT and short tracks. “The big twins used on the mile and half-mile tracks will be relatively unchanged,” said Bober. “Instead, we’ve focused on the area of flat track racing that offers the greatest opportunity for growth.”

The new rules are as follows

Engine Displacement:
350cc-450cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, multi-valve.
400cc-500cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, two valve.

Chassis: Stock frames allowing limited modifications. Exceptions: Buell* Blast* models can substitute with aftermarket frames due to the fact that this model is a true street bike never intended for off-road or racing use.
Swingarms may be changed or modified (all models).

Fuel tanks and bodywork may be replaced with aftermarket parts providing “stock appearance is maintained”. Exceptions: Buell Blast due to the frame allowance.

Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing, believes the implementation of these rules will be advantageous to the series and encourage increased participation and support from the major motorcycle manufacturers.

“One of the big obstacles to OEM support of flat track racing has been the disconnect between bikes on the track and bikes in the showrooms,” said Hollingsworth. “By consciously taking steps to make race bikes much more similar to those purchased by customers, we’re making it easier for the manufacturers to market their products as well as support flat track racing.”

Hollingsworth points to motocross and road racing as the standard where the bikes seen on the track are visibly similar to those purchased by consumers. Another added benefit is that racers can more easily modify their bikes to race and even use the same platform in different race disciplines.

“With relatively minor modifications, it will not be unreasonable to see the same bike used for flat track, motocross and even the emerging category of supermoto,” said Hollingsworth.

AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on the proposed rules changes during a 30-day comment period beginning Friday, Aug. 8, through Monday, Sept. 7. Comments can be made on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website atwww.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. After the 30-day comment period concludes, AMA Pro Racing will review any suggested changes before sending the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for final ratification.

“In order for us to see positive growth in flat track racing, we’re going to have to address the various needs of the community,” said Hollingsworth. These rule changes are a key step toward building a more viable series that will benefit those who invest in it.”

From a press release issued by Mike Metzger’s publicist:

The happiest place on earth? As he tells it, riding at the X Games Xperience at Disney’s California Adventure has made Mike Metzger the happiest freestyle motocross rider on earth.

“All summer long I’ve been able to ride with and be inspired by some of the best freestyle motocross riders in the game. Four times a day we get to put on a show for the crowd and try to out do one another.”

Metzger goes on to say “It has totally reinvigorated my passion for freestyle motocross and made me want to go to X Games in Los Angeles and see what I can add to my medal collection.”

His newest trick debuted at the X Games Xperience produced by MXi on Monday August 4th. It’s a fully inverted heel clicker that he’s dubbed the “McNasty”. It’s an instant classic, combining his original signature trick, the heel clicker with his ground breaking back flip over a gap jump. In addition to the “McNasty” Metzger is also regularly back-flipping off a standard competition ramp over a 75 foot gap jump! That feat is close to equaling his world record 80 foot back-flip during the 2002 X Games in Philadelphia.



The key to it all? Metzger says “As long as I get to ride my motorcycle and be challenged by my fellow riders I’m happy and when I’m happy I just want to push the limits of what people think can be done.”

Metzger will be performing at the X Games Experience at Disney’s California Adventure through August 10th.

From there he will go on to compete in the X Games in Los Angeles, CA. Freestyle Moto X finals will be held at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday August 16th. The Step Up and Big Air competition will be held at the Staple Center on August 15th and 17th respectively.

For the rest of the year Metzger will be pursuing a title in the Red Bull AMA Supermoto Championship.

Mike Metzger would like to thank his family of sponsors that make his quest to be the “King of the Two Wheel Deal” possible.

From a press release issued by Proforma:

CRAIG CONNELL ON THE MEND

Annandale Honda rider Craig Connell continues on the road to recovery following a broken right arm sustained in a vicious crash at Brainerd International Raceway on Friday, June 27th during AMA Formula Xtreme timed qualifying. The rear axle on Connell’s bike backed out after a wheel bearing seized, causing Craig to lose control entering Brainerd’s turn three at high speed.

Craig had surgery on Monday, June 30th by Dr. Arthur Ting, who inserted a rod in Craig’s right humerus (upper arm bone), as well as screws and two wires to stabilize the bone, which was broken in three places. Craig flew back to see Dr. Ting for a check-up on Monday, July 28th, where the doctor determined that Craig’s arm was healing properly, though slowly.

“The two ends of the bone are starting to knit together, so that’s good,” said Connell. “Dr. Ting was pretty happy with how it looked. He modified my splint so that I can start getting some movement back in my elbow, exercising it a bit.”

In the meantime, Craig continues to train and exercise those parts of his body not affected by the broken arm. “All I can do is the lower half of my body, so I do about 15 miles on the stationary bike, then I do the rest of my leg routine,” said Connell. “I do this every second day as to give them a bit of recovery time. Nothing too bad, but enough to keep the body and mind going. Other than that, I’ve been doing a bit of shopping with Helen and mum-in-law Joanie, who’s over here for a few weeks.”

Though not able to race yet, Connell hopes to join the Annandale Honda team at Round 10 of the AMA Superbike Series at Virginia International Raceway, August 29th through 31st. Craig’s return to racing will be determined during his next visit to see Dr. Ting, scheduled for the 19th of August.

From a press release issued by series organizers:

SERIES HITS HOME STRETCH

TORONTO, ON – The most dramatic points battle in Canadian Superbike history hits the home stretch this weekend with round 6 of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS.

With just three events left on the 2003 schedule, Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC comes to AMP holding a tenuous 11-point lead over St-Cecile de Milton, QC’s Pascal Picotte in the standings, 190-179. Six-time national champion Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC is another point back with 178.

A race win is worth 50 points at each Parts Canada Superbike round and points are also awarded to the top four qualifiers and the rider who leads the most laps.

Martin became the fourth different rider to lead the standings thanks to his win in the most recent round of the series at Mosport International Raceway three weeks ago. The Coors Light Racing/Blackfoot Suzuki rider also won the Canadian Superbike title in 1999.

Canadian Superbike history could also be made at AMP Sunday as the Parts Canada series looks to crown its sixth different winner of 2003. Five riders have won the five races staged so far this season, equaling the record for most winners in one year set in 1987 and matched in 1988. Picotte (Picotte Racing Yamaha), Crevier (Diablo Suzuki), Jean-Francois Cyr (CyRacing/Michelin Yamaha) and Michael Taylor (Orion Motorsports Honda) have scored wins this season in addition to Martin.

There are plenty of racers capable of adding their names to the list of 2003 winners this weekend. Martin’s Coors Light Racing/Blackfoot Suzuki teammate Clint McBain of Calgary sits fourth in points with 156, thanks in part to a pair of third-place finishes this year.

Brooklin Cycle Yamaha ace Frank Trombino, from Kleinburg, ON is currently seventh in the standings with 131 points but managed podium finishes at AMP in 2000 and 2001.

Riding for Diablo Suzuki, Harrowsmith, ON’s Jeff Williams just failed to capture the win at AMP in 1999 and is coming off a season-high fourth place finish at Mosport.

And one cannot dismiss the chances of Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki team leader Tom Kipp. The experienced Chardon, OH rider led at Mosport and has seen his results steadily improve.

This weekend’s action also sees the fifth rounds of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike national support classes.

Picotte holds a commanding 62-point lead over Trombino in Pro 600 points, 194-132, although Trombino has won the two most recent races.

In Amateur 600 Jeremy Leduc of Keremeos, BC continues to lead the standings for Yamaha with 158 points to the 121 of Ottawa Yamaha rider Dan Henri.

Qualifying for all three national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races set to go on Sunday.

This weekend’s event will be televised on TSN on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 11:30 a.m. Action from AMP will also be shown later this year on Quebec’s RDS and across Canada on the Outdoor Life Network.

All Time Atlantic Motorsport Park Superbike Wins

Steve Crevier (Maple Ridge, BC) 5
Don Munroe (Halifax, NS) 3
Rueben McMurter (London, ON) 2
Jordan Szoke (Brantford, ON) 2
Gary Goodfellow (Vancouver, BC) 1
Miguel Duhamel (Repentigny, QC) 1
Michel Mercier (Thetford Mines, QC) 1
Mark Kowalski (Kitchener, ON) 1

Atlantic Motorsport Park Fast Facts

…History is on the side of Steve Crevier at Atlantic Motorsport Park this weekend. The Maple Ridge, BC Suzuki rider has won five of the 16 previous Superbike national at the track, including three in a row between 1991 and ’93.

…On 10 occasions the AMP Superbike winner has gone on to take the national title. That has also been the case in the past three years, with Crevier winning at the track in 2000 and ’01 and Jordan Szoke taking the win last year.

…The tight and challenging AMP circuit has consistently produced some of the best races through the years. In 1989 current AMA superstar Miguel Duhamel edged Rueben McMurter for victory. In 1996 Mark Kowalski scored his only national Superbike win as changing weather conditions played a role. In 2001 Crevier outdueled Michael Taylor and Frank Trombino for the win, while last year Szoke charged from the back to beat teammate Francis Martin.

2003 Point Standings

Parts Canada Superbike: 1. Francis Martin (Suzuki) 190; 2. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 179; 3. Steve Crevier (Suzuki) 178; 4. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 156; 5. Jean-Francois Cyr (Yamaha) 138

Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike: 1. Pascal Picotte (Yamaha) 194; 2. Frank Trombino (Yamaha) 132; 3. Clint McBain (Suzuki) 124

International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike: 1. Jeremy Leduc (Yamaha) 158; 2. Dan Henri (Yamaha) 121; 3. Derek Bowker (Yamaha) 114

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Trevor Hedge (www.mcnews.com.au)

Round 4
Queensland Raceway
August 8/9/10
Preview

Nikon Yamaha’s Kevin Curtain (NSW) is on a high heading to Queensland Raceway this weekend for the penultimate round of the Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship.

The 36-year-old recently wrapped up his seventh FX Tri-State Series win and now turns his hand to the major prize in Australian road racing, the Australian Superbike Championship.

But Curtain does has some ground to make up on Team Suzuki’s Craig Coxhell (VIC), the 20 year old Shepparton rider currently leads the championship by 15 points. With their new ‘K3′ GSX-R1000 machines now up to speed they will be a force to be reckoned with in Queensland.

Fast acceleration and drive off the turns is what is needed at this circuit and the awesomely powerful Suzukis have always held an advantage in that area. And If Coxhell fails to capitalize at Queensland, you can bet that senior teammate Shawn Giles (VIC) most certainly will take the challenge to the Yamaha riders.

Giles is the reigning and three-time Australian Superbike Champion. The 33-year-old currently lies third in the championship standings, three points adrift of Curtain.

Another major force in the leading pack is Daniel Stauffer (NSW). He may be 10 years junior to Curtain but many times this year Stauffer has been able to match and sometimes surpass the pace of his more accomplished Nikon Yamaha teammate.

With Coxhell at times proving faster than team-mate Giles, and Stauffer sometimes faster than Curtain, could we be witnessing a change of the guard at the forefront of Australian motorcycle racing? Out with the old, and in with the new? Shawn Giles and Kevin Curtain may just have something to say about that…

The leading privateer effort this year is definitely the new Brown Gouge Nova Honda outfit with Scott Charlton and Brent George at the controls. The Shell sponsored duo are both proving up to the task in what is their first year in the Superbike ranks after previously competing in 250cc Production or Supersport. It is quite possible the privateers could end up as the first Honda riders home this year.

But the factory backed Honda squad will be pulling out all stops to make sure it is they who score that honor. Josh Brookes has shown brilliance many times before and will be hoping that he can find the right combination to spark that fire back in to life in Queensland. He is joined by the last man to win an Australian Superbike Championship for Honda, Kirk McCarthy, to form the factory Honda Superbike effort.

Reigning Australian Supersport Champion Shannon Johnson will be on board the new CBR600RR Honda to try and claw back the considerable 39 point advantage enjoyed by Yamaha’s Kevin Curtain in the 600cc Supersport ranks. Josh Brookes will also again ride both Supersport and Superbike, as will Kevin Curtain. All three contenders have previously won Australian Supersport Championships while young Brendan Clarke is out to try and take his first national championship. The ex-500cc Grand Prix competitor is the Supersport lap record holder at Willowbank and has shown great speed this year.

Other Supersport threats will come from hard charging Yamaha privateer Glenn Allerton and factory Kawasaki pilot Russell Holland. Judd Greedy may also threaten the front runners on his home track.

Western Australia’s Peter Taplin enjoys a considerable 96 point lead in the 250cc Grand Prix class and is likely to wrap up the Championship in Queensland. If he manages that feat Taplin will be Western Australia’s first National Road Race Champion since Alan Watts won the same Championship in 1996.

The small country New South Wales town of Taree has produced some world-class motorcycle racers over the years with current Ducati MotoGP pilot Troy Bayliss the most noted of those graduates. One of the latest riders to join the Australian scene from Taree is Caleb Stalder. The 21-year-old has been a cut above the rest in this year’s Lazer Helmets-sponsored 250cc Production Championship. Troy Elliott and Brent Sidwell will be out to put a stop to Stalder’s party.

Another youngster from the country to do well this year is Mildura’s Josh Waters. The 16-year-old has been the dominant rider in the rejuvenated 125cc Grand Prix Championship. Amazingly his chief competition is a rider even younger–15-year-old Jason O’Halloran has been a breath of fresh air this year and has figured highly in the results along with Micky Kelly, Peter Galvin and Cath Thompson. Waters has a healthy Championship lead, but the field is tight and results are impossible to forecast.

The Superstock Cup for ‘C’ and ‘D’ graded riders just starting out in their road racing career has been a major feature on the Australian Road Race event card this year. Victoria’s Leigh McKenzie is just managing to hold off charges from Alex Cudlin, yet another youngster hailing from Taree.

‘Slideways’ sidecar action adds to the attractions with the South Australian pairing of Neville Lush and Martin Scott proving the class of the field in the premier F1 class. The F2 class is also headed by South Australians, David Jones and John Cutting the front runners on a Honda powered outfit.

Practice commences at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8 with qualifying kicking off at the same time on Saturday, August 9. All classes, except Superbike, have their first race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon in the lead up to a full card of racing on Sunday, August 10.

From a press release issued by FGSportgroup:

The Suzuka Squeeze

Suzuki GB Phase One and Suzuki Police Nationale Close In

The incident packed Suzuka 8 Hour race brought highs for Phase One and Police Nationale, lows for both Zongshen bikes, and has set up the Championship for an epic finish.

Suzuki GB Phase One’s fourth place at Suzuka earned them 20 points, and moved them to within 14 points of current championship leaders Suzuki Zongshen No.1. With 75 points still to be won there is very little to split these two. Suzuki Police Nationale 22 also benefited significantly from their fifth place at Suzuka, moving up to fourth in the championship just 13 points behind Zongshen 2. Only 13 points split third to fifth place and we can expect to see Police Nationale, Zongshen 2 and Yamaha GMT94 trying to make every point count at the next two meetings.

The Oschersleben 24 Hour race is doubly important for all of these teams because the points awarded at a twenty four hour race are double those given for a shorter race. Fifty points for first place, forty for second, thirty two for third and so on. Suzuki GB is the only team to have scored points at every race so far this year, while Zongshen 1 have won four of this year’s six races – the Oschersleben race will be crucial to the championship this year.

Both Zongshen No.1 and Suzuki GB Phase One fell several times during the 2002 Oschersleben race, but Zongshen managed to complete the distance while the British were forced to retire.

With five teams still in with a chance of taking this year’s title the pressure will really be on the top two to get a good result.

Championship standings after 6 rounds

1. Zongshen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 116
2. Suzuki GB – Phase One, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 102
3. Zongshen 2, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 65
4. Police Nationale, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 59
5. Yamaha GMT94, Yamaha YZF-R1, 56
6. Yamaha Endurance Moto, Yamaha YZF-R1, 35
7. Bolliger Team, Kawasaki ZX-9R, 34
8. Yamaha Austria Rac. Team, Yamaha YZF-R1,34
9. Trackdaze, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 26
10. Team Sakurai Honda, Honda SP-W, 25