From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team:

FUCHS KAWASAKI CONCLUDE PHILLIP ISLAND TEST EARLY

With the test schedule completed, and Shinya Nakano having improved on his first day lap time by almost two seconds, the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team concluded their Phillip Island test this afternoon, one day earlier than originally planned.

A lack of rear grip caused problems for Nakano during the first two days of the test, with the 26-year-old Japanese rider struggling to feel comfortable on his Ninja ZX-RR around the ultra-fast Phillip Island circuit. But, improvements in rear set up this morning, combined with near perfect test conditions, allowed Nakano to regain his confidence and set his fastest lap time of the test.

Nakano’s Fuchs Kawasaki teammate, Alex Hofmann, has also suffered problems with rear traction at the Phillip Island circuit, with the result that he missed out on ideal test conditions this morning, as he and his pit crew worked to solve the problem. A change of set up led to an improvement in the afternoon, but while the 23-year-old German managed to improve upon his previous best lap time, he was frustrated not to have been closer to the time of his teammate.

Shinya Nakano: 1:31.75 (62 laps)
“I wasn’t really confident with the feeling of the bike on the first two days of the test, but I’m happy with the fact that we’ve made some progress today. The main problem has been a lack of rear grip, but we found a good setting on the rear this morning when the conditions on track were near perfect, and this allowed me to set my fastest time of the three days. This afternoon we concentrated on tyre testing, as it’s important that we give the Bridgestone technicians as much feedback as possible for their development programme. Overall I’m happy with the progress we’ve made today, and the fact that we’ve continued to make improvements to the bike here gives us added confidence as we start preparations for the IRTA tests at Catalunya.”

Alex Hofmann: 1:32.61 (82 laps)
“To be honest, today has been frustrating for me. Conditions were perfect his morning, but I was still having problems finding rear traction, with the result that the bike was sideways everywhere. We were in and out of the pits all morning, which meant I wasn’t able to get into a good rhythm. This afternoon we managed to make a small step forward, but it was difficult to assess how much of an improvement we’d made because I was out on tyres that already had 17 laps on them. Ideally I’d have liked to have tested the set up with a fresh set of tyres, but we simply ran out of time. But, however small it might have been, it was a step forward and that will stand us in good stead when we get to Catalunya.”

Harald Eckl – Team Manager
“This test has shown us the current limits of our bike, but I’m confident that our development plan will allow us to continue the process of improvement between now and the IRTA tests at the end of March, especially in the area of engine performance. I’m also quite happy that Shinya managed to put in a good lap time today, as conditions over the three days have been less than ideal for fast laps. The test has also allowed Bridgestone to collect a lot of data on the performance of their race tyres and I’m confident that this is also an area in which we’ll see significant progress before the IRTA test at Catalunya.”

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE 2004

Ducati riding school to recommence on 24th March 2004

Few things can compare to the thrill of riding a motorcycle. But with great pleasure comes great responsibility and Ducati wants to make sure you get your thrills safely.

With that in mind, Ducati has organized a series of riding classes for 2004. Combining track and classroom instruction, they are specifically designed to improve your technical riding skills. Reservations are open to men and women from beginner to expert: the courses will be conducted in Italian and English.

Participants will be instructed by an incredible line-up of professionals with extensive training and track experience, including legendary ex-champions Mario Lega, Marco Lucchinelli, and head instructor Dario Marchetti.

The courses will run from March to October, during 13 dates, and will take place at three renowned tracks: The Enzo and Dino Ferrari track at Imola, the Vallelunga track and the Misano track. The courses will last the entire day, covering both theory and practice.

WOMEN RIDING SCHOOL: This course is intended to allow women with an interest in motorcycling to learn the basics in a safe non-street environment with experienced instructors.

Courses will take place in the paddock on reduced-power Monster 620 i.e.’s with a maximum of 30 participants.

WOMEN ADVANCED RIDING SCHOOL: This course is intended for women who already have basic riding skills, and want to refine their skills with advanced riding theory and practice in the paddock area. The course will culminate in a ride on the racetrack. This course will use Ducati Monster 800 and Ducati Multistradas, maximum 24 participants.

DUCATI ADVANCED RIDING SCHOOL: Like the Women’s Advanced Riding Course, this course is intended for riders who have basic riding skills and road experience, and want to refine those skills through advanced riding theory and practice in a safe environment. The course will culminate in a ride on the racetrack.

Students must be riders who have fully mastered basic riding skills. This course will use Monster 800 and Ducati Multistradas, maximum 24 participants.

DUCATI RACING SCHOOL: For expert riders (men and women) who want to further develop their racing skills. The course will take place on the track using the Ducati 999 with a maximum of 60 participants, divided into groups of 5 or 6 on the basis of declared experience.

Reservations are open to men and women from beginner to expert: the courses will be conducted in Italian and English.

Booking will open on February 9th and will be made exclusively on Ducati.com.

Payment may be made with credit card or money transfer.

The Ducati website will also be the principal method of communication for DRE and will offer complete and updated information and details on the courses.

From a press release issued by Vesrah:

Vesrah brake pads for 2004-model Suzuki GSX-R600s, 750s and 1000s will be available at Daytona International Speedway through through Trackside Racers Supply.

Vesrah is offering over $125,000 in contingency for 2004 with the following racing organizations: WERA, Formula USA, CCS, WSMC, CMRA and MRA.

Vesrah contingency certificates are redeemable for any Vesrah products carried by your race vendor, including: brake pads, rotors, complete clutch kits, and oil filters.

Any questions about Vesrah’s contingency program can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

From a press release issued by Galfer:

Galfer performance braking systems will have complete steel braided brake lines kits available for all 2004 models including the R1, ZX-10R, CBR1000RR and all Suzuki’s. Brake pads and our Patented Wave rotors will also be available for the new 2004 models. All products will be available on vendor row during Bike
Week, or from your local Galfer Dealer.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

New season, new website for Foggy PETRONAS Racing

Foggy PETRONAS Racing will start the season in style with the launch of a revamped website.

The site will rev into action at 0930hrs (GMT) on Friday, February 27, to coincide with the
first free practice action of the 2004 World Superbike season at Valencia in Spain.

The existing www.foggyPETRONASracing.com address remains the same but the site, designed by Wrexham-based company Data Pacific, will have a totally new look, feel and functionality.

Featuring the team’s new fan club – Club FPR – the website is designed to allow fans to feel
part of the team through a range of innovative interactive features.

In addition to accessing the fastest online news and results service, fans of Foggy, Troy
Corser and Chris Walker can also create their own computer wallpapers and download video and audio messages direct from the race circuits.

Visitors will be also able to tour our UK
headquarters on-line and receive live images from the workshop webcam.

Access to the whole site can be gained by becoming a member of Club FPR. This gives fans
sms text news updates (adults only) and free emails, a welcome pack featuring free merchandise, discounts on future merchandise purchases, a quarterly newsletter, entry to
exclusive competitions and the chance to visit the team HQ. For more details, please click on
the Club FPR section of the new site.

New features, including an FPR Auction and discussion forum, will be added regularly
throughout the season.

From a press release issued by the Rich Oliver Mystery School:

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School proudly announces a new association with Drive Systems USA, Inc.!

Long time Team Oliver Yamaha sponsor Drive Systems USA, Inc., the official distributor of AFAM products, is now the “Official Handlebar, Chain and Sprocket Supplier” for Rich Oliver’s Mystery School fleet of Yamaha training motorcycles.

Their lightweight yet strong aluminum M5 Works Bars are perfect for Rich Oliver’s Mystery School. Three different bends with padded cross bars allow the rider to gain maximum performance in the dirt.

Their chains are made to exacting specifications by the world’s leading chain makers from Italy and Japan. Their close technical liaison with the chain manufacturers has enabled Drive Systems USA to offer chains of the highest quality for all motorcycle applications providing total satisfaction and outstanding performance.

Drive Systems USA also provides Rich Oliver’s Mystery School with AFAM sprockets which are more than twice as accurate as the industry standard.

Mystery School owner Rich Oliver is proud to have Drive Systems USA, Inc. as a sponsor. He says, “To tell you the truth, we need the strength and durability of the AFAM products. The thick walled aluminum bars are almost indestructible and allow me to spend more time instructing instead of replacing bent handlebars. The same goes for the chain and sprocket kits which are heavy duty. The true running sprockets and chains from Drive Systems USA, Inc. keep our fleet of Yamaha’s on the track and out of the shop.”

You can see all the products and services Drive Systems USA, Inc. has to offer at their web-site, www.drivesystemsusa.com or contact them at:

Drive Systems USA, Inc.
5953 Engineer Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649 USA
Phone: (800) 290-9040 or (714) 379-9040

For more information about Rich Oliver’s Mystery School programs or to request our 2004 brochure, visit us at www.richoliver.net or via phone at (559) 855-3089.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

HACKING HOPING TO FINALLY EARN DAYTONA SUPERSPORT WIN

Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei champ begins title defense

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (February 25, 2004) — After seven years of trying Jamie Hacking finally broke through to win his first AMA championship last year and he did it in one of the most competitive classes – the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei. This year Hacking would love to defend his AMA Supersport title, but almost as important to him is winning at Daytona International Speedway. On Saturday, March 6, Hacking will try once again to finally take that final step to the top of the winners’ podium at Daytona’s Supersport final.

Since the introduction of AMA Supersport at Daytona in 1987, this race has always been one of the closest in all of Daytona’s Bike Week events. Last year was no different. Honda’s Kurtis Roberts came out on top of a five-rider draft to the checkered flag. Hacking came up just a bike-length short on his factory Yamaha R6. Hacking later said it was one of the most frustrating losses in his racing career. “I don’t know if I’m ever going to win at Daytona,” the British-born Carolinian said in anguish in the post-race press conference last year.

Four times during his career Hacking has been in the lead pack of the Daytona Supersport final, only to get shuffled back in the famous last lap drafting maneuvers. This year will mark Hacking’s seventh try at winning the elusive Daytona race. The one thing he’s not worried about is his bike – the Yamaha YZF-R6. “That bike was so good last year I don’t know how they’ve made it better, but they have,” said Hacking, who is entering his eighth season of AMA Pro Racing. In 2003 Hacking moved into a tie with Doug Polen for fourth on the all-time AMA Supersport wins list with 10-career victories. He could easily move into second sometime this season. Miguel Duhamel, the king of Supersport racing, is far ahead atop the list with 41-career wins. Duhamel is not slated to compete in Supersport this season.

Hacking expects his biggest challenge to come from his own team. Damon Buckmaster may be the hungriest rider on the grid at Daytona this year. The Aussie racing veteran has finished championship runner-up several times in his career in both Formula Xtreme and Supersport. Last year in Supersport, Buckmaster posted a win and five more podium finishes en route to second overall, behind Hacking, in the series standings; Buckmaster finished no worse than sixth in the 11 rounds of competition. In addition to the experienced vets on the team, Yamaha also has a pair of young guns in Jason DiSalvo and Aaron Gobert. Both could likely break through to win their first Supersport race this year.

If Yamaha wasn’t loaded enough, 1997 Daytona Supersport winner Pascal Picotte will be making the trek down from Canada with a factory Yamaha Canada R6. Picotte, who’s been winning titles in Canada over the last several years, would love to show up his southern neighbors.

Kawasaki’s Supersport effort will feature the Hayden brothers Tommy and Roger Lee, as well as up-and-coming Tony Meiring on ZX-6Rs. Tommy Hayden is a proven winner in AMA Superstock. He’s fifth on the all-time wins list and finished third in the standings last year. Roger Lee Hayden and Meiring are two more young riders who seem to have a bright future in the series.

Suzuki will be headed by Aaron Yates, 2002 Daytona Supersport winner and third on the all-time class wins list. His Yoshimura Suzuki teammate Ben Spies broke through to earn his first Supersport win last year and is expected to be a leading contender for the championship. Valvoline EMGO Suzuki has veteran Steve Rapp and young Canadian Chris Peris. Jason Pridmore is pre-entered on the No Limits Suzuki, as is Lee Acree on the Empire Racing Suzuki team. All will be riding Suzuki’s latest generation GSX-R600.

Honda is not fielding an official factory team, but several privateer teams will be on Hondas. Another interesting development is that Augusta Triumph has entered Steven Brekenridge and Mark Crozier on Triumph Daytona 600s.

The 2004 Daytona Supersport race will be televised live on Saturday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern on Speed Channel.

For additional information on the race contact Daytona International Speedway at (386) 253-7223 or visit the website
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI HONOURS ITS CHAMPIONS

Team Suzuki Press Office – Suzuki celebrated its success of 35 global championship titles in 2003 with a special ‘Day of Champions’ event in Hamamatsu, Japan at the weekend.

Thirteen of the 32 champions attended the awards ceremony – which also attracted 81 media publications and television companies – hosted by Suzuki President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Hiroshi Tsuda.

All the awarded riders expressed their gratitude to Suzuki for supplying such excellent machinery and technical knowledge and looked forward to further world and national domination in 2004.

Other notable dignitaries in attendance included Suzuki former World Champion Kevin Schwantz, Isle of Man TT winner in 1963 Mitsuo Ito, Yoshimura president Fujio Yoshimura and former 500cc Japan Champion Masaru Mizutani.

It was also announced by Isao Terada, group leader of Suzuki´s Planning Group, that the 2004 GSX-R Cup will take place on October 15-17 at Road Atlanta in America with GSX-R 750s. And the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School (KSSS) will be held in July and August in Europe.

Suzuki Championship list:

World Endurance Championship: (Jason Pridmore/ James Ellison/ Jimmy Lindstrom).

European Superstock Championship: (Michel Fabrizio).

British Superstock Championship: (Andy Tinsley.

Formula 1 TT/ Senior TT: (Adrian Archibald).

Production 1000 TT/ Production 600 TT: (Shaun Harris).

World Masters of Endurance: (Vincent Philippe/ Olivier Four/ Philippe Dobe/ Brian Morrison).

German Superbike Championship: (Stefan Nebel).

German 4-Stroke Enduro Championship: (Thomas Ramsbacher).

GSX-R Cup Final Race: (Herbert Kaufmann).

Formula Extreme Spanish Championship: (Jose David De Gea).

WERA Endurance Championship: (Mark Junge/ Tray Batey/ John Jacobi).

WERA Open Superstock/ 600 Superstock/ Sportsman Superstock: (Mark Junge).

WERA 750 Superstock/ Heavyweight Twins/ Formula 1/ Sportsman Heavyweight Twins: (Tray Batey).

NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing Championship: (Geno Scali).

AMA Superbike Championship: (Mat Mladin).

AMA Formula Extreme Championship: (Ben Spies).

AMA Superstock Championship: (Josh Hayes).

AMA 125cc East Coast Supercross Championship: (Branden Jesseman).

Australian Superbike Championship: (Craig Coxhell).

Australian Superbike Manufacturers Championship: (Suzuki/ Shawn Giles).

Australian Superstock Championship: (Leigh Mckenzie).

New Zealand Production Superbike Championship: (Andrew Stroud).

New Zealand Sport Production Championship: (Craig Shirriffs).

Japan Road Race Championship: (Keiichi Kitagawa).

Japan 250cc Motocross Championship: (Akira Narita).

Japan IB250/ IB125 Championship: (Hayato Ueda).

Japan Ladies Motocross Championship: (Saya Suzuki).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional F-USA Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Michael Barnes, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:26.491
2. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:27.494
3. Shawn Conrad, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:27.611
4. Scott Greenwood, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:27.714
5. Robert Jensen, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:27.767
6. unknown, 2:28.066
7. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:29.298
8. Jeff Wood, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:29.500
9. Nick Cummings, Honda CBR600RR, 2:30.693
10. Jesse Janisch, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:30.890
11. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:30.961
12. Mike Himmelsbach, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:30.970
13. Des Conboy, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:31.700
14. A. Dolney, 2:32.277
15. Geoff May, 2:32.664
16. Brian Baker, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:33.620
17. Joe Spina, 2:33.629
18. Dave Rosno, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:34.076
19. Jason Smith, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:34.079
20. A. Feuershaler, 2:34.651
21. D. Tullier, 2:35.949
22. J. Hayes, 2:36.463
23. D. Ortega, 2:36.497
24. S. Hill, 2:40.637
25. Mark Stiles, Yamaha TZ250, 2:43.930
26. Stephen Hewitt, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:44.164
27. J. Bentz, 2:45.593
28. J. Walsh, 2:46.738
29. S. Wyatt, 2:53.939

The temperature at Road America at the time of Superbike qualifying was 40 degrees Fahrenheit with a 15 mph wind from the northeast making it feel as though it is 32 degrees F, according to weather.com.

From a press release issued by Avon:

Avon named official tire of AMA Sports Supermoto

Avon has been named The Official Tire of the 2004 AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships. The distinction is the result of a sponsorship agreement between AMA Sports, SuperMoto USA and Avon Tyres North America.

“This looks pretty exciting to me, Avon Tyres has stepped up to the plate with a full line of SuperMoto Xtreme race slicks and DOT products for consumers” said Carl Blake, CEO of SuperMoto USA. “We’re happy to welcome Avon Tyres as the official tire of this exciting series.”

“It’s clear that Supermoto is the next ‘big thing’. As interest in SuperMoto rapidly grows, Avon Tyres continues to strengthen it’s position at the forefront of tire development for this exciting segment,” said Avon Tyres’ spokesman John Leach. “We’re looking forward to a long-term relationship with SuperMoto USA and the AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships.”

Avon Tyres, known throughout the world for their leading edge product development and quality, are available only through Avon retail partners. For more information, call 1-800-624-7470, [email protected] , or write to Avon Tyres, PO Box 336, Edmonds, Wa 98020 USA.

AMA Sports presents the 2004 AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships in cooperation with AMA-chartered promoting organizations Supermoto USA and Supermotard USA. For more information on these promoters and their events visit www.supermotousa.net or www.supermotard-usa.com .