Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The biggest problems for Seven Stars Honda’s Nicky Hayden so far at the Suzuka 8-Hours are learning how to stretch the fuel load of his Honda RC51 and remembering how to deal with lapped riders.

“Right now, we’re just trying to work on my fuel consumption,” Hayden told Roadracingworld.com Thursday on Suzuka’s pit lane. “That’s the most important thing, to get my mileage up there. I’m braking too deep right now, and that’s kind of hurting me.”

The other big problem Hayden faces is dealing with the backmarkers he thought he had left behind in AMA Pro Racing.

“I kind of forgot about riding around backmarkers since I started riding GP. They just weren’t there anymore,” laughed Hayden. “I didn’t notice it, but coming back here where there’s a lot of backmarkers it’s a big deal.

“There’s a lot of different classes here – production bikes and some quite slow bikes. I forgot how much it sucks to come up on a guy on a completely different bike. I’ve already almost cleaned one guy out. So I definitely have to get into the rhythm of going through lappers again. That’s something I have to work on, and my in and out laps. I need to work on those, too.”

Hayden said his team is planning to do the 8-hour race on six fuel stops in between seven, 75-minute riding stints. And four of those stints will be Hayden’s.

“Sure, it’s not going to be easy,” said Hayden. “If we go 1:15 stints and it’s so humid here, it’s definitely going to be a chore. After riding the V5 (Honda RC211V MotoGP bike), this thing here is a lot more mellow. So it’s kind of like not hard to hang on to. The biggest thing is to stay focused in traffic and not take one of the slower riders out.”

From a press release issued by event promoters RPM:

McGrath and Ward to race at the Fay Myers Suzuki Supermoto Classic

DENVER, CO – RPM (Race Promotion Management) has announced that 7-time Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath and multi-time Supercross/Motocross Champion Jeff Ward will compete in the Fay Myers Suzuki Supermoto Classic, August 23 and 24 at CycleFest in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

Troy Lee of Troy Lee Designs confirmed their entry. “This is huge news for the event, these are 2 of the biggest names in motorcycle racing and not coincidently 2 of the top guys in Supermoto here in the US”, says Cameron Gray of RPM, “this sets the stage for a first class event and we expect more riders of the same caliber to be signing on soon.”

The Fay Myers Suzuki Supermoto Classic will feature a double header format with a main event on both Saturday and Sunday with riders competing in one 450cc class for an overall purse of $20,000 that pays down to 20th place in both mains. The overall winner for the weekend will be crowned the Big Kahuna and receive an additional $2000. The race will be aired on Speed Channel later this year.

Riders interested in registering for the Fay Myers Suzuki Supermoto Classic should contact Kerri Gunderman of RPM at 303-377-3278.

CycleFest is the largest motorcycle event to hit the Colorado Rockies in years. All disciplines of motorcycling are invited to gather for a weekend of organized rides, motorcycle and ATV demos, new gear and accessory displays, live music and thousands of dollars of merchandise and equipment giveaways. For more information visit www.cyclefestco.com.


From a press release issued by Kurt Marmor’s publicist:

MARMOR SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH HALL’S GAS GAS

(Springfield, IL) Springfield native and Professional AMA motorcycle racer Kurt Marmor is pleased to announce his new relationship with Hall’s Gas Gas of Springfield, Illinois and motorcycle manufacturer, “Gas Gas of North America”.

Marmor becomes the first factory support rider from Gas Gas in AMA Pro Racing.(Gas Gas is a company based out of Spain) Gas Gas will offer full factory support with the latest bikes, technology and mechanics thru Hall’s in Springfield, IL for Marmor to compete in the American Motorcyclist Association’s national racing series, “The Red Bull Supermoto Series”. The new series, which will be shown on the Outdoor Life Network, is wildly popular in Europe. It combines dirt, road and jumps on one race track 3/4ths of a mile long.

Kurt Marmor, who resides in Springfield, IL and is in his 12th year of professional motorcycle racing, has spent the last 5 years competing in the AMA Superbike Series. Before that he could be found taking the checkered flag on the dirt tracks of the Midwest, including the Springfield Mile.

Marmor says he is happy the deal is done early so that he can now concentrate on the remaining races this year and assist in the search for a major sponsor. “I’m very excited about my new relationship with Hall’s and Gas Gas. The guys at Hall’s believe in me and I believe in them and their products”, Marmor said.

“With their assistance and my experience we can’t help but win”, he said.

“This new series will take America by storm in popularity and excitement. There’s not one place on the track that the fans can’t see the action,” said Kurt.

Marmor’s first race for Hall’s and Gas Gas will be August 30 at South Boston Virginia. He will then finish out the rest of the 2003 season and prepare for a full season in 2004.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Anthony Gobert is present and happy to be riding for the Corona Extra TiForce Endurance team in practice for the Suzuka 8-Hours Thursday in Japan after surviving a recent car accident.

“I was involved in a pretty bad car accident about three weeks ago in Australia,” said the Australian Thursday at Suzuka Circuit in Japan. “I don’t want to go into all the details, but I banged my head and my back up pretty good. I’ve been out of action for the last few weeks; I haven’t been able to train like I’ve wanted to. I would’ve liked to have been in better shape.”



Gobert said he felt a little out of shape on the #68 Corona Extra TiForce Suzuki GSX-R1000 XX-F Division One machine and that he was taking his time getting up to full speed. “Yesterday we got a few laps in an open practice, but I struggled a lot because I haven’t been on a road race bike in so long,” said Gobert. “I’m getting more of a feel for it today. I went six seconds faster today than yesterday. I could push a little harder and go a little quicker, but we’re under strict orders not to crash the bike.”

Things are already going better in 2003 than the last time Gobert was at Suzuka when he teamed with Noriyuki Haga on a factory Yamaha YZF-R7. “When I was here last with Haga we were conflicting over every change to the bike. We just couldn’t agree on anything on the set-up. With Crusty (Adam Fergusson), we just agree on everything the bike is doing and every change we’ve made so far. I really like that.”

Corona Extra Suzuki team principal Landers Sevier, the driving force behind the team’s Suzuka effort, said he has won over $600 in bets made by AMA series regulars against Gobert showing up at Suzuka.

“I feel really fortunate to get the call from Landers,” said Gobert. “I just want to prove to everyone that this year wasn’t my fault. I’m really having a good time with the Corona guys, and that goes a long way when you’re racing.”

The second Corona bike, the #86 Corona Light TiForce Endurance Suzuki GSX-R1000, will be ridden by Jordan Szoke and Paul Young, an Australian who races a Yamaha in the British Superbike Championship and was recommended to the team by Fergusson.


More, from a press release issued by Corona Extra Suzuki:

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ENDURANCE TAKES ON THE WORLD AT SUZUKA 8 HOUR

Corona Extra Suzuki Endurance is once again competing in the world’s most prestigious race – the 8 Hours of Suzuka. For the 2003 event, CESE has assembled a team of World-class riders to go after wins in the Super Production (SP) and Xperimental Formula (XF) classes.

In 2002, CESE with riders Adam Fergusson and Jordan Szoke achieved tenth overall and third in Super Production, an amazing first time achievement. For 2003 Adam and Jordan will again be riding, this time teamed with Anthony Gobert, Paul Young and alternate Sean Giles. Fergusson and Gobert will be on the XF Corona Extra Suzuki GSXR 1000 with Szoke and Young pairing up on the SP Corona Light GSXR 1000.

From a press release issued by WERA:

WERA NATIONAL SERIES ON THE WAY TO SUMMIT POINT

SUMMIT POINT, W. Va.- The WERA National Challenge Series and the Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series will return to Summit Point Raceway for the seventh round of the season from August 1-3.

During the Dunlop National Endurance Series round at Summit Point in 2002, Semoff Brothers Racing became the only team to beat Vesrah Suzuki during the entire season. The team of Mark Junge, Tray Batey and John Jacobi is undefeated on the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 this year, and they are hoping for another victory during the six-hour race at Summit Point.

Army of Darkness will be racing for their seventh consecutive Mediumweight Superbike victory on a Suzuki GSX-R600. The Washington, D.C.-based team also hopes to be on the overall podium at their home track.

The endurance race will get underway at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 2. Many local racers will participate in the event, and the large starting grid will provide plenty of excitement.

The National Challenge Series sprint races will be held on Sunday, August 3, starting at 12:30 p.m.. The 12 races will consist of ten laps each. Expert-only classes include Open Superstock and Pirelli Formula One.

Classes for both Novices and Experts include 600 Superstock for Experts and the STAR School 600 Superstock race for Novices, 750 Superstock, 600 Superbike, 750 Superbike, Lightweight Twins, Heavyweight Twins and Formula 2.

Summit Point Raceway is a 10-turn, two-mile road course located in Summit Point, W. Va., about one hour from Washington, D.C. The location, exciting layout and excellent viewing areas make Summit Point a popular track with fans. There are plenty of grandstands located throughout the track, and campsites are located in a forested section of the infield.

Tickets for the weekend are available for $25 for all three days and just $15 for Sunday only. Camping is free. More information, including directions to the track and a listing of nearby accommodations, can be found on Summit Point’s website at www.SummitPoint-Raceway.com.

More information about WERA, including a detailed schedule for the Summit Point event, can be found at www.WERA.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ben Spies, aboard his Formula Xtreme Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000, is currently on top of the time charts halfway through the final day of team testing at Barber Motorsports Park.

As of 12:00 p.m. Thursday, the third day of a testing for the factory Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki teams as well as for Austin Ducati and Erion Honda at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama, Spies and Ben Bostrom are atop the time charts with a 1:26.008 and 1:26.018, respectively. They are closely followed by Aaron Yates at a 1:26.074 and Mat Mladin with a 1:26.113.

Spies set his best time of the test so far Thursday morning on his FX bike–which is actually a works Superbike identical to those ridden by Mladin and Yates–while Bostrom, who also did his best time to date Thursday morning, was aboard his factory Honda RC51 Superbike.

Prior to this morning Mladin led the way with times in the 1:26.1 range, nearly half-a-second better than the next closest challenger, which was Yates at a 1:26.534.

Right on Spies’ heels in FX action is Damon Buckmaster on the Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 at a 1:26.030, set Wednesday afternoon. He is followed by Erion Honda CBR954RR pilot Jake Zemke with a 1:26.774, which he also did late Wednesday afternoon.

In 600cc Supersport action, Tommy Hayden has dominated the charts. Hayden and his Kawasaki ZX-6RR have been fastest throughout the test, with a best time of 1:28.360 set yesterday afternoon. Hayden is followed by a trio of factory Yamaha R6 riders, in the form of Jamie Hacking at a 1:28.450 set this morning, Damon Buckmaster at a 1:28.535 set yesterday afternoon, and Jason DiSalvo at a 1:28.851 also set yesterday afternoon.

Times continue to drop as the riders familiarize themselves with the track, and it’s almost certain a handful of Superbike and FX riders will be in the 1:25s by day’s end. It also looks like a good possibility that the top Supersport riders could be in the 1:27s.

From a press release:

First-year Expert Greg Moore broke his right humerus at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during Saturday’s AMA Superstock race. Moore left Mansfield Medical Center to make the long drive back to University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, which is located near Moore’s residence.

UAB’s Head of Orthopedic Trauma, Dr. George Alonso, suggested that Moore try a special brace that will allow the bone to adhere without having surgery.

When asked about the race, Moore said, “I felt like I was running some pretty good lap times. As I exited turn eight, the back end (of the bike) stepped out and I highsided. I really didn’t know what else happened until I arrived at the hospital and was told that I was run over. It should take about five or six weeks to heal, so I should be ready for Barber, if not VIR (Virginia International Raceway).”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. According to British news reports, reigning British Superbike Champion Steve Hislop, 41, died in a helicopter crash in Scotland Wednesday. Hislop is believed to have been at the controls when the helicopter crashed. Hislop lost his ride with MonsterMob Ducati after winning the 2002 British title; he had recently left the Virgin Yamaha team after a difficult 2003 season-to-date, and was about to start riding for ETI Ducati. Hislop was also the 1990 British 250cc Champion and the 1995 British Superbike Champion, and had won at the Isle of Man 11 times.

From a press release:

Richie Morris will return to ride the Hoban Brothers-prepared Daytona Buell at Heartland Park August 8-10.

Morris missed the June F-USA race at VIR due to injuries sustained June 15th at Loudon, New Hampshire.

“I should be OK, although my recovery has been rather complicated,” said Morris. “I had a second surgery two weeks ago due to infection and I just haven’t regained the movement I need. The shoulder was separated by over two inches and the end of the clavicle was broken off. They pulled the joint, ligaments, and muscle back together with stitches, then plated my clavicle. That’s all I needed–more metal in my body.

“However, I am looking forward to getting back on the bike. Mike Arrington with Millennium Technologies is working hard to make my bike more comfortable. It is without a doubt the best Buell I have ever ridden and I mean that. Maybe we can use adrenalin and get on the box in Topeka, then with more time to heal, look to win the last two races of the season,” Morris stated.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

OLIVER WINS HIS FIFTH AMA CHAMPIONSHIP

AMA MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 30, 2004) — Rich Oliver clinched his fifth AMA 250 Grand Prix Series title with his victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio on July 27. For Oliver, it marked a successful bid to win back the championship he last won in 1997. Like many of his previous championships, this year’s title run was marked by domination. Oliver is undefeated in nine rounds this season and wrapped up the series crown with two races remaining.

Oliver’s fifth championship is the culmination of an incredible racing career. He started his professional racing vocation in 1980 and quickly became a leading privateer in the AMA Superbike Series. Oliver seemed destined to become a factory Superbike rider, but factory rides became a rare commodity in the mid-1980s and Oliver turned to 250 Grand Prix racing in 1986. He was instantly successful on the GP bikes. In his first year in the series he won his first race at Pocono, Pa., and finished runner-up to Donnie Greene in the final standings. That victory would be the first of many for Oliver, who would go on to become the all-time wins leader of AMA 250 Grand Prix.

“It feels so good to get Robert (Ward, Oliver’s tuner) that championship,” Oliver said at the scenic Mid-Ohio racetrack after winning the title. “He’s worked for me in 2000, 2001, 2002 and now 2003, so I’ve missed out every single time for him. This year I really wanted to make sure I won the thing. I just feel good about accomplishing something that I’ve been trying to accomplish since I came back to 250s from Superbike. It feels good. I’m not really jumping up and down today, but I probably will tomorrow when it sinks in a little more.”

If Oliver manages to win the final two rounds of the series it will mark the third time he has been undefeated in the championship. He is the only rider in the history of the series to accomplish that feat. He has twice been nominated for AMA Speed Channel Pro Athlete of the Year.

Oliver has announced he will retire from racing full time after this season. He plans to continue expanding his racing school and perhaps run a team sometime in the future.

From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia USA Announces Date and Location for
Colin Edwards Riding Experience

Aprilia RSV Mille R Colin Edwards replica owners get to spend some Quality time with 2003

Aprilia Moto GP Pilot and 2002 World Superbike Champ – on the track in the US!

Woodstock, GA – Registered owners of the Colin Edwards replica RSV Mille will enjoy a day on the track with the “Texas Tornado” courtesy of Aprilia USA. The event will happen on Sunday August 31st, 2003 at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump, Nevada (about 40 miles from Las Vegas).

“We wanted to recognize the top Aprilia owners in America,” says Aprilia USA PR Manager, Robert Pandya. “We expect the track day with Colin to be the highlight of the year for us.”

There are limited supplies of the 50 Colin Edwards replicas still available in dealers. “We have extended the invitation date to August 29th due to our later than expected announcement of the track day,” says Pandya. “Getting a hold of Colin for any time in the US is tough with his heavy testing and racing schedule – we do know he’s looking forward to spending some time in the States – and especially with the C.E. Replica owners. So we extended the purchase date to allow more buyers to join us.”

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.

Warranty –registered Edwards replica owners will receive an application to attend the event via mail. Upon confirmation of the sale, they will receive a pass that will allow them into the track that morning. Passes will include one guest pass for a friend or family member – however, only the Edwards Replica owner will be allowed to ride the track with the champ. Riding sessions will start as soon as possible in the morning, with Colin available all day for his biggest fans. The Aprilia demo rig will be on-hand to provide an air-conditioned place to cool off after the on-track session.

Track information is available at http://www.bragg-smith.com or (775) 727-6363.
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.