From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

SPIES BACK ON TOP OF AMA LOCKHART PHILLIPS USA FORMULA XTREME SERIES COMING INTO MID-OHIO

AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series has been a back-and-forth battle all season with three different riders trading the lead in the standings. Texan Ben Spies, 19, has worked his way back atop the championship as the series comes to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, July 12 for round eight of the 10. Spies hopes to get another winning streak underway during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop, the finale of Mid-Ohio’s Cycle-Fest, which also features the AMA Road Race Grand Championships and AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

Spies and his Yoshimura Suzuki looked to be the combo to beat early in the season. The first-year factory rider easily won the first two rounds and opened up a solid lead in the series. But no one seems to want to keep hold of the Formula Xtreme lead. A crash on a wet Road Atlanta circuit cost Spies the series lead. From that point Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke took over the series lead. Zemke, who actually tied last year’s champ Jason Pridmore in the championship and lost in a tiebreaker, appeared to have control of the series until he uncharacteristically crashed at Road America. It was then Graves Yamaha’s Damon Buckmaster, a perennial contender for the Formula Xtreme title and last year’s Mid-Ohio winner, who took over the point in the series. But even the Aussie racing veteran Buckmaster found the Formula Xtreme lead a slippery proposition to hold on to. Buckmaster jumped the start of the last round in Monterey, Calif., and was forced to take a stop-and-go penalty. He minimized his losses by coming back to finish eighth in that race, yet he too lost the series lead, which was recaptured by Laguna Seca winner Spies.

Spies returns to Mid-Ohio, the track where he raced his first race as a professional when he turned 16 back in 2000. Just days before his pro debut he was named AMA Horizon Award winner at Mid-Ohio that year, signifying him as the nation’s leading amateur rider.

With just three rounds remaining, the Formula Xtreme Series should be heating up. The top five riders in the series are very much in the thick of the championship. Spies leads Buckmaster by just seven points and following closely behind are Attack Suzuki’s Josh Hayes, Erion Honda’s Zemke and Corona Extra Suzuki’s Adam Fergusson.


Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series

The competition is even hotter in the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series. Two points separate series leader Josh Hayes from third place Vincent Haskovec with former Mid-Ohio Superstock winner Tommy Hayden in between in second. Hayes has gotten stronger as the season’s progressed and took over the lead after winning the last round at Laguna Seca on his Attack Suzuki. It marked his first Superstock victory in four years. Tommy Hayden is trying to become the first rider on a machine smaller than 750ccs to win the Superstock championship. So far Hayden has three victories under his belt on the nimble-handling factory Kawasaki ZX636. Hayden could be the pre-race favorite. He won the Mid-Ohio Superstock race in 1999 on a 600cc machine. Valvoline Suzuki’s Chris Ulrich is the defending winner of the race. Ulrich comes into Mid-Ohio ranked 12th in the series and is nursing a sore shoulder.


MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series

Pressure is mounting for Rich Oliver in the MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series. It’s not the championship that he’s concerned with, he almost has that clinched, it’s the fact that Oliver is just three races away from completing a perfect season that might be causing the veteran some sleepless nights as of late. Oliver is the defending and six-time Mid-Ohio 250GP winner. He is working toward his fifth title in the class. This could be the final chance for Mid-Ohio fans to get to see Oliver race. He has suggested he may be hanging up his racing leathers after this season.


From a press release issued by Mid-Ohio:

MID-OHIO STOP CRUCIAL TO SUPERBIKE STANDINGS

DUBLIN, Ohio – With just three events left on the American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) U.S. Superbike Tour, championship points are as scarce as ever. Hosting a Wiseco Superbike 100 doubleheader as well as Supersport, Superstock, 250 Grand Prix and Formula Xtreme races, the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire will determine the fate of a number of racers at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, July 25-27.

Mid-Ohio will host rounds 13 and 14 of the 18-round AMA U.S. Superbike Tour, and if the first 12 event are any indication, the competition will be fierce throughout the weekend. Just 36 points separate first through fifth place positions and a scant 6 points separate leader Mat Mladin from Eric Bostrom, his closest competitor.

Mladin, a three-time U.S. Superbike champion, has managed to take the checkered flag in 7 races thus far. Those seven races make up the bulk of the Australian’s 356 championship points, with no other top-5 finishes in the 2003 season.

“(I) Can’t wait to get to Mid-Ohio,” said Mladin. “We got the points lead back which was good and we’re now looking forward to the double-header weekend there. We need to try and win a couple more races and work on increasing that points gap.”

Eric Bostrom, the series’ most consistent rider in 2003 with 12 top-5 finishes and wins at Pikes Peak and Road America, has had success at Mid-Ohio before. Bostrom capitalized on a fast start in last year’s first Wiseco Superbike 100 to hang on for the win, and is hoping for more of the same at this year’s event.

Third-place Aaron Yates is searching for his first AMA Superbike title after capturing the Supersport class crown in 2002, and a pair of wins at Mid-Ohio would help that goal tremendously.

“This is something I’ve been working towards my whole career,” said Yates, whose best finish in AMA Superbike was third in 2000. “Mid-Ohio is a track I like a lot and if I could manage another sweep of the doubleheader there like I did in 2000 then I have a good chance of leaving with the series lead.”

Three Honda riders remain very much in the hunt at fourth, fifth and sixth place in the points chase. Miguel Duhamel, whose season was slowed early in the year with a broken collarbone following a spill at Infineon Raceway, lies in sixth place. Duhamel started the year with a win in the prestigious Daytona 200 before the accident, and comes to Mid-Ohio with seven career wins on the 2.4-mile circuit.

Ben Bostrom is a former AMA Superbike champion who has returned from competition in World Superbike to compete for the U.S. title for Honda in 2003. With 320 points and ten top-10 finishes, a win or two at Mid-Ohio would vault the elder Bostrom brother back into the thick of the championship fight as well.

The Honda rider with perhaps the most to prove is Kurtis Roberts. Roberts, still searching for that elusive first career Superbike win, currently sits in fourth place and is climbing in the standings. Roberts has won at Mid-Ohio before, on a Formula Xtreme bike in 2000 and in the 1998 250 Grand Prix race.

Many of the support series championships could be influenced at the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire as well. With four wins this season, including a recent win at Leguna Seca, Jamie Hacking leads the AMA Supersport class with 252 points. Teammate Damon Buckmaster is looking for his first win of the 2003 season and a way to inch closer to Hacking in the standings.

The Superstock class provides the closest action at the top of the championship, with just two points separating leader Josh Hayes and third-place Vincent Haskovec. Tommy Hayden, brother of 2002 AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden, sits just between the two riders with three wins this season. Hayden won the 1999 Superstock race (then called 750 SuperSport) at Mid-Ohio. Steve Rapp, who has won two of the last three races, is trying to climb back into the hunt after missing three early-season races.

The battle in the final season of 250 Grand Prix competition is only for second place, as Rich Oliver has captured all 8 races run so far in 2003 and can mathematically clinch the championship this weekend at Mid-Ohio. The only question remaining is whether the four-time 250 GP champion can sweep the entire season.

19-year-old Texan Ben Spies is currently on top of what has been a back-and-forth battle for the Formula Xtreme championship after a win at Laguna Seca propelled the youngster to a seven point lead over Damon Buckmaster, last year’s Formula Xtreme winner at Mid-Ohio. The battle is far from a two-man race, however, with Josh Hayes, Jake Zemke and Adam Fergusson all within striking distance of the championship.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is located approximately halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio off of Interstate 71. Commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.”, Mid-Ohio hosts six events throughout the summer, beginning with the Sprint Vintage Grand Prix and including the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire and the Valvoline Runoffs®, September 15-21. For event information and tickets, call 1-800-MID-OHIO or visit www.midohio.com.

From a press release issued by AMA Sports:

RECORD ENTRIES FOR 2003 AMA ROAD RACING GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The 2003 AMA Road Racing Grand Championships have experienced a large growth spurt this season.

The AMA Grand Championships, which run this Wednesday and Thursday (July 23-24), as part of Cycle-Fest 2003 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, have more than doubled in entries over the 2002 event.

Nearly 500 pre-entries have been received at AMA Sports from aspiring racers across the country. The number of entries is a record since the event moved to midweek dates between AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike weekend, and indicates an increased awareness in the AMA Grand Championships.

“This year’s new AMA Club Team Challenge has attracted a more varied group of riders from all over the country,” said Bill Amick, Vice President of AMA Events and entertainment. “Cooperation from racing
clubs and organizations, most notably WERA, has helped increase knowledge of the event. We’re very enthusiastic about the future of the AMA Road Racing Grand Championships. We think it will continue to grow and settle into a midsummer niche within the vibrant national club racing scene.”

The AMA Road Racing Grand Championships are in their seventh year. The event first ran at Loudon, New Hampshire, 1997 and was moved to Mid-Ohio in 2000.

For the first time in 2003, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will award points at the AMA Grand Championships towards its North Central and Northeastern Championship Series. WERA is also providing the nucleus of the event’s officiating team.

Along with the new AMA Club Challenge, which will spotlight teams from road racing clubs nationwide, a highlight of the event will be announcing the 2003 recipient of the AMA Horizon Award. The Horizon Award recognizes the event’s outstanding young rider as he or she looks toward a professional racing career.


From another press release issued by AMA Sports:

AMA HORIZON AWARD WINNERS SHINE BRIGHTLY TODAY

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The AMA Horizon Award was established in 1997 to give more recognition to riders who are trying to make the transition from the amateur ranks to the world of professional racing. One of the purposes of the Horizon Award is to help make the difficult move from amateur to pro just a little easier for the AMA’s aspiring young racers. The recognition received in getting the reward could attract a sponsor, or make the factory teams aware of a rising talent. The award is only in its seventh year, but already many past recipients have made a successful jump to the pros.

As the 2003 AMA Road Racing Grand Championships begin at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course we take a look back at some of the past winners of the Horizon Award to find out what they’re doing today.

The class of 1997, the very first year of the AMA Horizon Award, set a standard that would be difficult if not impossible to match. That year Nicky Hayden (Dirt Track), Eric Wood (Road Racing) and Nicholas Wey (Motocross) were the three recipients of the award.

Hayden has gone on to be the most successful of all the Horizon winners. Always a two-sport rider (dirt track and road racing), Hayden, from Owensboro, Ky., became very successful in both disciplines. In 1999 Hayden won the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship riding for Erion Honda and also earned the AMA Ricky Graham Rookie of the Year Award for his accomplishments in the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship. Hayden was a throwback to the days of Carroll Resweber and Kenny Roberts – a rider who excelled in all forms of motorcycle racing. For his incredible athleticism across disciplines, Hayden was awarded AMA Pro Racing’s highest honor in 1999, the AMA Speed Channel Athlete of the Year Award. Hayden’s career skyrocketed from there. In 2002 he became the youngest rider ever to win the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship and was the leader in AMA Grand National wins that season, with a notable victory in the prestigious Peoria TT. He and his brothers Tommy and Roger Lee also became the first brother combination to sweep the podium at an AMA national in May of 2002 in the Springfield (Ill.) TT. Hayden now rides for Honda in the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championships.

Roger Lee Hayden followed in his brother’s footsteps in 1998 to win the Horizon Award, like his older brother, in the dirt track ranks. The youngest of the Hayden boys continued racing in the U.S. Flat Track Championships, but again made his name in road racing. Today he is a leading factory-supported rider with Erion Honda racing in Lockhart-Phillips Formula Xtreme and Pro Honda Oils Supersport.

Jason DiSalvo went from winning the Horizon Award at Loudon, N.H., in 1999 to road racing in Europe. Former World Champion Freddie Spencer recognized DiSalvo’s talent and convinced his family to bring him back to race in America. It proved to be a good move. DiSalvo now rides for Yamaha in the Pro Honda Supersport Championship and is considered on of the top up-and-coming riders in the sport. That same year Tony Meiring was co-award winner in the Dirt Track Grand Championships. Like DiSalvo, Meiring is a leading rider in the AMA Supersport and Superstock racing with Team Kawasaki.

Texan Ben Spies made a big splash at the Road Racing Grand Championships in its first year at Mid-Ohio in 2000. He was presented the Horizon that year by past winner Nicky Hayden and just a few days later Spies made his AMA pro racing debut at Mid-Ohio, finishing a solid seventh in AMA Superstock (then called 750 Supersport) on a Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. Today Spies rides for the Factory Yoshimura Suzuki squad and leads the Lockhart-Phillips Formula Xtreme Series.

These riders illustrate the realization of the talented recipients of the AMA Horizon Award. On Thursday at Mid-Ohio another rider will be presented the award and here’s hoping that he or she has as bright of a future as their predecessors and they are able to follow the footsteps of previous AMA Horizon winners.

From a press release issued by Reese & Associates:

Yuasa and Japan Storage Battery Announce Plans To Merge

Reading, PA — Yuasa Corporation (YUASA) and Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. (JSB) have agreed in principle to merge under a jointly incorporated holding company. The merger will create one of the world’s largest storage battery companies with annual sales of 264 billion yen and 12,000 employees worldwide. Subject to regulatory and shareholder’s approval, the merger will be effective on April 1, 2004, by incorporation of the new holding company.
The name of the new holding company will be GS Yuasa Corporation.

According to the leadership of the two companies, the new enterprise will focus on innovative product development, satisfying global customers and operating efficiencies initiatives. There are three reasons why the company’s executives are confident they will achieve their goals. First, the new company’s combined entities have 28 manufacturing operations in 14 countries, which can deliver high quality products on time to meet the requirements of global customers. Second, the new company has greater R&D resources to develop world-class, innovative products for the next generation of storage battery. Finally, the new company can consolidate its logistics, production, sales/marketing and procurement to significantly improve its cost structure. With its vision of innovation and leadership, the new company will have a strong platform to sustain medium- and long-term growth and become one of the global leaders among electrical storage solution providers.

Structure
Under the terms of the legally non-binding agreement in principle, approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors, the two companies will jointly establish a holding company and become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the holding company. The shareholders of each company will exchange their shares for the holding company’s shares. As a result, the shareholders of YUASA and JSB will become the holding company’s shareholders.

Exchange Ratio
The exchange ratio for the share swap will be 1:1. Under the 1:1 ratio, one share of YUASA and one share of JSB will be exchanged for same number of shares of the newly incorporated holding company. While the exchange ratio is agreed in principle, the actual allotment ratio (i.e. how many shares of the holding company will be allotted in exchange for shares of YUASA AND JSB) will be determined later in accordance with the new holding company’s capital policy. Currently, the holding company plans to pay no cash consideration to either company’s shareholders at the time of the share exchange.

Financial Advisors
Global Corporate Advisory K. K., as financial advisor of YUASA, and Mitsubishi Securities Co., Ltd., as financial advisor of JSB, performed an analysis of the share exchange ratio. The financial advisors performed their analysis from the financial viewpoint of their respective client’s shareholders and advised their clients independently. Taking the analyses and advice into consideration, YUASA and JSB had extensive discussions and came to an agreement in principle on the above exchange ratio. Should any change in assumptions of the analyses occur, the share exchange ratio may change based on further discussions between the two companies.

Listings on the TSE and OSE
The holding company’s shares are expected to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Osaka Stock Exchange. The listing is scheduled to be April 1, 2004, subject to the approval process of each stock exchange. When the new holding company listing is approved, the shares of YUASA and JSB will be de-listed.

Headquarters
Kyoto will be the legally registered headquarters. The merged entity will be headquartered in both Kyoto and Tokyo. The holding company corporate headquarters will play an active role in setting group strategy, implementing strategy, and monitoring group companies’ performance to maximize shareholder value.

Integration Plan
To achieve operational efficiencies and synergies, the two companies’ operations are expected to be integrated under the holding company. This integration may involve the mergers of operations by function. The Integration Committee, which will be launched immediately after this announcement, will discuss and determine the integration details.

Leadership
Naruo Otsubo, president of YUASA, will become president and Co-CEO of the holding company and Shinichiro Murakami, president of JSB, will become chairman and Co-CEO of the holding company. They are committed to take leadership and direct the new group to a dominant position in the global storage battery business.

About JSB and YUASA
JSB and YUASA, both incorporated in Japan have been leading companies in the manufacture and distribution of storage batteries for 85 years.

Copyright, 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Michael D. Green

In an interview with a Roadracing World reporter, AHRMA’s Race Director John Goodpaster said that he would be discussing the issue of oil-containment bellypans at the next board meeting, and he felt sure that AHRMA would adopt bellypans in the near future.

“There’s no excuse not to use them,” said Goodpaster. “Every other organization has them. People can be creative, and you won’t even notice them on the old bikes.”

Goodpaster was reacting to the death of former AHRMA 500cc Sportsman Champion Jim Swartout in practice at Mid-Ohio last Friday.

Swartout, 52, of Martinsville, Indiana, suffered fatal injuries in an accident during the afternoon of the AHRMA practice day at Mid-Ohio. As Swartout entered the sweeping turn 10, the engine of his racebike failed, and Swartout crashed at high speed, on his own oil. A second rider, Craig Murray, crashed right behind Swartout, and the two machines and riders tumbled across the track. Swartout received a blunt-force injury to the face during the melee and appeared to die almost instantly. Murray broke his arm and bruised some ribs. A third rider also crashed but was not injured and rode back to the pits.

Services for Swartout were held at the G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home in Greenwood, Indiana this morning.

Swartout was survived by his wife, Barbara, a son, James, Jr. and a daughter, Kristen.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Jim’s wife, Barbara, at 610 Crooked Creek, Martinsville, IN 46151. Contributions in his memory may be made to the AHRMA Racers Benevolent Fund, c/o David Lamberth, Executive Director, P.O. Box 1725, Goodlettsville, TN 37070.

From a press release issued by series organizers FGSport:

European Round # 9 – Brands Hatch 24 July – 27 July 2003

Brands Hatch, 23 July 2003

SIMPLY THE BIGGEST, SIMPLY THE BEST

Entitled the European Round of the World Superbike Championship, the Brands Hatch event could be well be renamed the World Round, such is the scale and importance of the second British based SBK race of the season.

Brands Hatch has hosted the biggest World Superbike races ever, with well over 100,000 spectators cramming into Brands Hatch each year, the closest race circuit to the metropolis of London. Being located in the UK, Brands Hatch can feature changeable weather conditions over the weekend, but in recent years invariably raceday has dawned dry and sunny – something all involved will welcome once more.

Brands, first used as a cycle track around the base of the natural amphitheatre which forms the basis for the short ‘Indy Circuit’, has grown in stature to become one of the classic venues of all time. The modern breed of riders share the enthusiasm for the Brands layout that their predecessors did, but this season there is another twist in the tale. The Dingle Dell Section, out in the woodland area of he track, has been remodelled to make the approach safer, and the mods have met with the approval of all those who have raced in the British Superbike Championship round, held at the end of June.

The attractions of Brands for the British race fans this season are many and various, with the biggest draw arguably the 2000 British Superbike Champion, Neil Hodgson (Ducati Fila 999F03). Leading the championship by a mammoth 122 points at this stage, Hodgson was something of an early season winning machine, taking eleven victories up to round six at Silverstone.

His rivals, especially his own team-mate Ruben Xaus, can take heart from their own recent upward swings in form. James Toseland (HM Plant Ducati 998F03) may have been the first to stop Hodgson’s winning streak (at Oschersleben) but Xaus has taken his place at the top of the podium three times so far.

It is only right that the three aforementioned riders top the current table, with the points battle between Xaus in second and Toseland in third a new and welcome dynamic in what is turning out to be a fascinating season.

The only rider other than the top three to win this year is the class veteran Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati 998RS). His win at Laguna has been the highlight of an up and down season for the 39-year-old rider, one of the most popular ever to stand on top of an SBK podium.

Chili’s privateer success is a fillip for Frenchman Regis Laconi (NCR Nortel Caracchi 998RS) a rider who has come close to a win on a few occasions in 2003, but has to go back to his factory Aprilia career in 2001 to remember his one and only SBK success.

With four-cylinder machines of 1000cc allowed into the championship this season, Gregorio Lavilla has been a constant force for the Alstare Suzuki team, taking his GSX-R1000 to five podium finishes. A win has been just out of reach but Lavilla will be buoyed by the fact that John Reynolds (former SBK race winner at Brands Hatch) has already scored a race win on the full Brands circuit, during the British Superbike round in June.

The local Brands Hatch crowd will be bellowing support for Chris Walker (HM Plant Ducati 998 F02) another rider who has scored podiums but not quite a race win yet. At Brands, the scene of many heroics for the popular rider in his previous British Superbike career, Walker will be a threat, especially after leaving what could have been difficult Laguna Seca meeting with a third place to his credit.

In overall sixth at present, Walker heads up Chili and top Pirelli-supported entrant Steve Martin (DFX Ducati 998RS). Martin is finding himself under increasing pressure from his team-mate Marco Borciani, while another top Ducati privateer, Lucio Pedercini (Pedercini Ducati 998RS) rounds out the top ten after eight meetings of the 12-round/24 race series.

Possibly the most interesting technical entry is that of the Foggy Petronas FP-1 three-cylinder. A 900c machine by regulation, the high tech triple has had good and bad results since joining the series at Valencia in round one, with a front row qualifying for 1996 Champion Troy Corser being the biggest highlight. Still developing apace, the FP-1 is moving in the correct direction, but for Corser and second rider James Haydon, the pace of progress has not allowed them to challenge for podiums.

Wild card riders will pack the Brands grid, and if their impact at the previous Silverstone round in May is anything to go by, there will be several candidates for podium success or better come Sunday afternoon.

Michael Rutter (Renegade Ducati), Leon Haslam (Renegade Ducati), John Reynolds (Rizla Suzuki), Yukio Kagayama (Rizla Suzuki), Shane Byrne (Monstermob Ducati) and Dean Ellison (Firepower Ducati) make an impressive list of wild card riders, with Byrne the best placed rider in the domestic series.

In the World Supersport Championship all the riders will be returning to the fray after a long summer lay off (the Supersport series skipped the Laguna event) and thus the series enters round eight of its 11 round duration at Brands this weekend.

Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) has been in sparkling form for most of the year, scoring four wins, but ending his most recent race at Misano with a fall. Still suffering from a dislocated right thumb, Vermeulen is the clear championship leader.

The Supersport series features a particular abundance of talent and fast machinery this season, and the top three positions in the championship are filled by machines from three different manufacturers.Katsuaki Fujiwara (Alstare Suzuki GSX-R600) lies second, Jurgen van den Goorbergh (Yamaha Belgarda R6) third
and a host of possible race winners make up the bulk of a field. No fewer than 19 full works machines feature at Brands, plus two wildcards, Jamie Robinson and Tom Sykes.

As well as Vermeulen, Fujiwara, Christian Kellner (Yamaha Motor Germany R6) and current number one plate holder Fabien Foret (Kawasaki Racing Team ZX-6RR) have also scored race wins in 2003, the lastof them a somewhat unlikely success by Foret at Misano, on a machine which is yet to reach full engine development.

Each race weekend from now on features a full card, as the season completes its calendar in Europe – the remaining rounds taking place at Assen, Imola and Magny Cours.



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

World Supersport Championship 2003 – Round Eight
Brands Hatch Race Preview
25 – 27 July 2003

HONDA MEN HEAD FOR THE BIGGEST RACE OF THE YEAR

Round eight of the World Supersport championship takes place under English skies on Sunday 27 July, at the legendary Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, a place the World Championship leader Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) knows particularly well.

Vermeulen may have been on the World scene for the past few years, but he cut his racing teeth in the British Championships after moving to the UK from his native Australia to advance his career. The young Aussie, only 21-years-old, has won four races so far this season, maturing into his long-standing status of championship leader as each race weekend has passed by.

Even allowing for a fall in the last round, Vermeulen still leads the championship by a healthy 35 points, and all despite the niggling complications of a dislocated right thumb, picked up way back at round four.

“I’ve been getting a lot of physio but it is still dislocated,” said Vermeulen. “It isn’t painful at all so I can still ride a bike. Considering what happened in Misano I am really pleased to come back from the summer break with a strong lead in the championship. If I can come away from Brands with a good top five finish I’ll be happy.”

Vermeulen may face his stiffest test yet at Brands, a track which has a habit of delivering close WSS races in recent years. The circuit layout has been subtly altered at the approach to Dingle Dell and it will be another challenge for the mass of Supersport riders to learn, especially at what is one of the most difficult circuits imaginable.

“I heard that the there are changes at Brands Hatch so I am looking forward to seeing them,” continued Vermeulen. “I understand it’s not that much different, so that should be good. I finished eighth there last year, in the really difficult race with four starts. I like the track and it’s really cool having over 100,000 people packed in around the place. The track layout itself is not my favourite one but it is up there. It’s technical and it does take a lot of time to learn. In my first year I wasn’t the quickest there.”

Commitment and rhythm are two prerequisites each rider must possess to be in with a chance of a podium at Brands, and in the strong line up of eight Honda supported riders, there are several who have already passed the test well enough to have taken podiums of some colour in national and international competition.

Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) is a former WSS winner at Brands, a fact that gives him a fillip going into this weekend.

“I was the first ever rider to win on a CBR Honda in World Supersport and it was my first WSS win as well, so I have good memories of the place. It should work out all right for us this weekend but you always have to play it by ear.”

Like Vermeulen, Muggeridge has had some exposure to his race machine during the short mid-season break in the Supersport calendar, after the last race at Misano on June 22.

“It was good to get out on the bike again before we head off to Brands but it was just a bit of steady going at the Honda rider day in Assen – nothing too stressful. It would have been good to have more of a test.”

Sitting one place ahead of Muggeridge, seventh in the championship table, is another fast Aussie, Broc Parkes (BKM Honda CBR600RR). A Supersport rookie this season Parkes scored a podium finish at the last round, boosting his morale at a crucial time in his development as a Supersport competitor.

“For the team, the sponsors and myself, the podium finish was important and I’m delighted to finally get to sample the podium at World Championship level,” said Parkes. “Next time I intend to be up a step or two! I’ve been using the gap in the calendar since Misano to work hard on my fitness to ensure that I put on a good show at Brands Hatch.”

Parkes’ more experienced BKM Honda team-mate Christophe Cogan will be going out to battle his way into the top ten of the championship at Brands.

“I’m not too far off in the championship, eleventh, and between seventh and the twelfth place in the series there are only five points of a gap. Everything is possible and my objective remains to be in the top ten,” said Cogan.

Robert Ulm (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) has great experience in World Superbike but this is his first year as a World Supersport factory supported rider. Thirteenth overall at present his form has varied, although his determination to succeed remains constant.

“I have not had any races or tests since Misano – only in my head,” quipped Ulm in the run up to the season re-start. “I like Brands, especially because of the big crowd but I have never been on a Supersport bike there before. I have three days of holiday in Italy before I fly to England, so I should be fully rested and prepared.”

For Sebastien Charpentier, Ulm’s team-mate, Brands Hatch is a short hop across the La Manche, and a hop that he always enjoys. “I like Brands Hatch and the atmosphere is just incredible at this race.” Sitting in 14th place after being a mid-season inductee into his Austrian based team, Charpentier will be looking for his first podium of the year.

Iain Macpherson (van Zon Honda CBR600RR) has already scored a third place this season, and is a previous Brands podium finisher to boot. Macpherson will be at the same disadvantage as his peer group in terms of learning the new section of the Brands circuit, however, but he thinks that few will have any problems with it.

“I haven’t seen the track mods at Brands in person but it seems to be only the top end of Dingle Dell, so it’s shouldn’t be that different. It looks quite good from what I’ve seen on TV,” confirmed the 1999 championship runner-up. “I was racing in Belgium at Zolder recently and I was only two seconds behind the leader, so I’ve had a good chance to sharpen up again for Brands – I feel pretty good on the bike already.”

Werner Daemen, Macpherson’s team-mate has enjoyed the perfect preparation for the Brands weekend, posting the best possible showing at the aforementioned Zolder race.

“Our preparations for Brands have gone well, especially by winning a race a few days ago in my national championship. I think that shows we are sharp and ready for the next round.”

Another long break in race action will feature after Brands, with the next round coming at Assen on 7 September.


More, from a press release issued by Sidecar Championship organizers:

EXPLOSIVE SIDECAR ACTION FROM BRANDS

The Superside World championship returns with a bang for round six of the action from Brands Hatch, Europe with more than 100,000 fans expected at the annual British summer festival.

After a five-week hibernation period, the three-wheeled pocket rockets resume their battle for supremacy and things could not be tighter at the top; Austrian duo, Klaus Klaffenböck and Christian Parzer, lead the series with 94 points, three points clear of Britain’s Steve Webster and Paul Woodhead.

“I love the track at Brands. It is definitely a driver’s circuit and one where you have to keep it smooth. It would be great to finish in front of Klaus and take the lead in the championship,” said Webster, who won last year’s race at the 2.66-mile (4.12km) circuit.

Reigning world champions Steve Abbott and Jamie Biggs will be looking to get their campaign back on track following an ignition problem, which forced them to retire at Misano, San Marino in the last round. “Things are looking good. We are using another engine with new settings,” revealed Abbott.

Another team creeping up the standings is the Halton Fabrications pairing of Tom Hanks and Phil Biggs. After two non-finishes at Valencia, Spain and Monza, Italy the British competitors have recorded three consecutive top five finishes: two fifth places at Oschersleben, Germany and Silverstone, GB followed by a fabulous second at Misano.

“Brands is one of my favourite tracks with its fast, sweeping bends. We will be trying another engine – our spare – and hopefully the weather will be kind,” said Hanks, who has not yet won a Superside World championship race despite four second places.

It promises to be a spectacular weekend at the legendary Kent track with the ever-popular ‘taxi’ rides taking centre stage on Friday afternoon after the second qualifying session.

Saturday’s race will be broadcast live on British Eurosport (Saturday July 26 from 5pm local time).

Superside World championship standings after five of nine rounds:

1 Klaus Klaffenböck, Austria (Yamaha) 94
2 Steve Webster, GB (Suzuki) 91
3 Jörg Steinhausen, Germany (Suzuki) 61
4 Mike Roscher, Germany (Suzuki) 53
5 Steve Abbott, GB (Suzuki) 49
6 Martien van Gils, Holland (Suzuki) 48
7 Tom Hanks, GB (Yamaha) 46
8 Bill Philp, GB (Yamaha) 34
9 Gerhard Hauzenberger, Austria (Yamaha) 30
10 Dan Morrissey, GB (Yamaha) 26.



More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy hopes for a change in fortune at Brands Hatch

Carl Fogarty is hoping for a change of fortune when his Foggy PETRONAS Racing team compete in the World Superbike championship’s showpiece event at Brands Hatch this weekend.

The four-time World Superbike champion’s fanatical home following was instrumental in making the Brands Hatch races the best-attended single-day event on the UK sporting calendar, with 126,000 at last year’s round.

Those fans were able to see the FP1 in its first track action, when Carl and his riders Troy Corser and James Haydon performed demonstration laps around the 4.221km Kent circuit.

And, after a problem-packed British debut at Silverstone in June, Foggy is eager to give those supporters something to cheer as his team, in their debut season, continue to make progress with the development of the Malaysian superbike – which received FIM homologation this week.

In particular, Foggy wants Lady Luck to shine on Haydon, whose season has been littered with misfortune, including two crashes in the previous round in the United States through no fault of his own.

Carl said: “It would be nice to see a change in luck, especially at James’ biggest round of the year in front of his home fans. I also hope we have a much smoother ride than we did at Silverstone, which was our worst weekend of the year. But Troy has been achieving regular top ten finishes and, although he will be up against fast local wild card riders, hopefully he will be able to continue with those results. The fans have all been very much behind me and this project, so I really want to send them home happy.”

Circuit information: Brands Hatch, Great Britain

Lap record: Neil Hodgson, 1:25752 (Superpole, 2002)

Fastest race lap: Colin Edwards, 1:26.711 (2002)

Pole position: Left

Circuit length: 4.221km

Corners: 3 left, 6 right

Corner radius: 180 degree maximum, 40 minimum

Race times: 1200 and 1530 hours, GMT.


More, from another press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Haydon seeks home comforts at Brands Hatch

Foggy PETRONAS Racing rider James Haydon is looking to the familiar territory of Brands Hatch, the venue for this weekend’s ninth round of the World Superbike championship, to help turn his season around.

The 28-year-old Englishman has struggled with settings for the FP1 – the Malaysian superbike – on a succession of new tracks for both bike and rider. But, with years of experience of Brands from the British domestic scene, Haydon is hopeful that a return to the circuit will signal the start of an encouraging finale to his year.

James, who qualified for the provisional front row in his last World Superbike outing at the circuit in 2000 before injury ruled him out of the races, said: “It should be really valuable for me, as it’s my first race back in the UK for a couple of years. It is really the only track on the calendar this year that I know. So I am hoping that it is going to allow me to get settings on the bike which will allow me to go quicker. So I am looking for two finishes, scoring good points. Every race has been important to me this year but I do want to put on a show in front on the home fans.”

Haydon has also had to contend with an appalling run of misfortune, including two crashes in the previous round in which he suffered new injuries to add to the neck problem that forced him out of the previous British round at Silverstone. He added: “I tweaked my knee and calf when I was wiped out in the second race at Laguna, but it won’t cause a problem on the bike. I will be wearing a new addition to my lucky necklace – a new crystal that my fiancée Jo bought for me in the States, which is supposed to bring protection and luck.”

Team-mate Troy Corser, twice a winner at the Kent circuit in 1996 and 1998, is hoping to build on a run of top ten finishes. He said: “Brands is pretty much like Laguna in character, so I expect a similar performance to the previous round. You need to have the whole package for Brands and, while the FP1 should go well through some of the faster sections, we may still struggle a little going from the slow bend onto the back straight. But Brands always has a special atmosphere and I am looking forward to it.”

Team manager Nigel Bosworth said: “There are slight modifications to the engine which we hope will bring a little more torque and we will also be using a new oil pump, which we expect to improve the bike’s cooling. If we can get James up in the top ten, at a circuit that he knows as well as anyone, and Troy can continue with his run of top ten results, then we will be happy with the weekend’s work.”


More, from a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

HM Plant Ducati planning home turf heroics


Over the years the European round of the Superbike World Championship has acquired a reputation as the most spectacular event on the calendar. Such acclaim is not without justification. This year, round nine of the championship is expected to attract 130,000 fanatical fans to the legendary Brands Hatch circuit for a three-day festival of speed – courtesy of the world’s best production-based racing teams.

The event is even more special for HM Plant Ducati. Riders James Toseland and Chris Walker will be competing in front of the massively partisan but fair-minded crowd that give unequivocal support to its favourite team. Additionally, GSE Racing, the team behind Britain’s most successful Superbike racing squad, is part of the GSE Group of companies based at nearby Ashford.

The team has enjoyed great success in the past with Neil Hodgson achieving some excellent results at the Kent circuit. Hodgson has since moved to the factory Ducati squad and is currently the man to beat in the Superbike World Championship. However, his understudy for the previous two seasons James Toseland is one of the few riders to have beaten him in 2003.

“There’s four rounds of the championship left now and with the way I’m riding at the moment, they should all be good for me,” said Toseland. “Obviously Brands is the biggest event on the calendar but it’s especially important for HM Plant Ducati because of the incredible support we get. The last time I was on the podium there was after a British Supersport race in 1997 and I’ve been dreaming of doing it again ever since. I know they’ve changed the track a bit to slow us down through Dingle Dell but I don’t think it’ll make any difference once I’ve got used to it – it didn’t bother the British Superbike riders who still managed to break the lap record earlier this year.

“It was fantastic to stand on the rostrum in front of a home crowd at Silverstone earlier in the season – although this time I want to be on there after both races. The team is fantastic and we know that we can win races, so I don’t want to let anyone – most of all myself – down this weekend. I spent Wednesday in London doing press conferences and I’m already feeling the nerves. Now I just want to get out there and get on with it.”

After a challenging start to the season Chris Walker, who in the past has enjoyed a healthy rivalry with Hodgson during some epic British Superbike Championship battles, is aiming to produce the kind of form that his legion of loyal supporters has become accustomed to. An excellent result at the previous round of the championship boosted his confidence and his return to fitness will ensure that he has all the tools necessary to challenge for his first win.

“This is going to be a very special weekend for me,” said Walker. “It was this time last year that Darrell Healey and Colin Wright asked me to ride for HM Plant Ducati in 2003 and I really want to repay the faith that they have shown in me with a big result or two on our home turf. It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for me so far because of the injuries that I’ve picked up along the way, but hopefully that’s all behind me now and I should have a fair crack of the whip at Brands Hatch.

“People have said that World Superbike is a little bit lacking this year but I can tell you that from a rider’s point of view it’s as tough as it’s ever been. Every year the pace gets hotter and hotter and although Neil Hodgson is obviously very much in charge of the championship, the racing has got a lot more interesting recently. There’s any number of riders who could be in with a shot to win this weekend and because this is the UK, there’s always the threat of the wild cards. Sean Emmett seems to have a new lease of life and Reynolds and Kagayama are going really well at the moment. Getting on the podium at Laguna Seca was good for my confidence on the run up to Brands and now I’m really revved up for this one.”


More, from a press release issued by Scuderia Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks:

David Garcia misses Brands Hatch round

Latest news from Team Caracchi NCR about Brands Hatch WSBK round. David Garcia, following his physiotherapist advice, preferred to renounce to challenge the difficult and physically engaging British circuit to accelerate his physical recovery and be finally ready for last season’s rounds in Assen, Imola and Magny Cours. The young Spanish rider, who was the true revelation in the first stage of the championship until his bad crash in Sugo, will be substituted for this event by the Italian rider Giancarlo De Matteis, born in Imperia in 1969, August 13, winner of two editions of Challenge Aprilia RS250 in the years 1998 and ’99, who will made in Brands Hatch his international debut after several seasons at national level activity.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

CRUCIAL WEEKEND AHEAD FOR DUCATI FILA AT BRANDS HATCH

Brands Hatch (England): The Ducati Fila team faces a crucial time this weekend at Brands Hatch as the World Superbike Championship moves to the legendary British circuit for round 9 of 12. The Laguna Seca results, which saw Neil Hodgson grab two excellent second places after a difficult weekend and Ruben Xaus take a race 2 win, mean that the British rider has increased his championship lead over the Spaniard to 122 points.

With four rounds and eight races left, Ducati now need just six points on Sunday to ensure that they clinch the World Superbike Constructors’ title for a record twelfth time. For the Riders’ championship, the situation is more uncertain, but if Hodgson gains 28 points on his team-mate over this weekend’s two races, then the title will go to the British rider.

Neil Hodgson, who hasn’t won since the Silverstone round in mid-June, returns to his favourite circuit on the calendar with the intention of doing the double in front of his home crowd.

“I’ve got a good lead in the championship so I can start to think about the percentage game but I’m not going to” declared Neil. “I was genuinely pleased to get two second places at Laguna, but I feel relaxed about racing at Brands. I love the place and want to get dialled in early on at the weekend. I know every bump in the road and that makes my job a bit easier. I know what to expect from the bike and know what changes to make”.

Ruben Xaus is the rider most in form at the moment, with three wins in the last four races after looking particularly impressive at Laguna Seca. “I could have had four wins from four races, but we did well at Misano and Laguna and I hope to continue that here” said Ruben. “It’s going to be tough because there are a lot of wild-cards and the racing will be impressive. I enjoy Brands, even though I haven’t had such a lucky time here. I’ve been fast so far, the bike is perfect for the race distance and I’ll be going for more wins”.


NEW SPONSOR : Ducati Corse has signed a sponsorship agreement for the Ducati Fila team, with Italian company STAYER, a leading group in the design, manufacture and distribution of power tools. Founded in Ferrara (Italy) in 1958, STAYER manufactures a wide range of electrical tools, from sophisticated professional machines to light, simple devices for high-level hobby work. The STAYER logo will be visible on the side fairings of Neil Hodgson’s and Ruben Xaus’s Ducati 999 Factory superbikes from this weekend’s Brand Hatch (UK) round onwards, while the company will provide Ducati Corse with some of its products for use in the pit garage and the racing workshop.

CIRCUIT : World championship bike racing arrived at Brands Hatch in 1993 when the circuit held the Irish WSBK Round. Since 1995 Brands Hatch has hosted the European Round in late July/early August and the event has grown in popularity year after year. The 2002 race saw a massive crowd of 126,000 spectators pour through the gates. The undulating 4.221 km track has three left-hand and six right-hand corners and a start/finish straight measuring 380 m.


POINTS (after 8 of 12 rounds):

Riders – 1. Hodgson 355; 2. Xaus 233; 3. Toseland 201; 4. Laconi 187; 5. Lavilla 166; 6. Walker 156.

Manufacturers – 1. Ducati 400; 2. Suzuki 206; 3. Kawasaki 78; 4. Petronas 75; 5. Yamaha 45; 6. Honda 25.


STATISTICS : Lap record: Bayliss (Ducati) 1:26.690 (2002); Qualifying: Edwards (Honda) 1:25.931 (2002); Superpole: Hodgson (Ducati) 1:25.752 (2002).


2002 RESULTS:
Race 1 – 1. Edwards (Honda); 2. Hodgson (Ducati); 3. Bayliss (Ducati).
Race 2 – 1. Edwards; 2. Bayliss; 3. Hodgson.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY TO HOST ROUND TWO OF AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — After a remarkably successful launch of the inaugural AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, round two of the series moves cross country to Big Daddy’s South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va., on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003.

Just a short 15-mile ride away from round 10 of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at Virginia International Raceway, AMA Superbike fans will be able to make their way over to South Boston Speedway’s Cycle Jam on Saturday night to witness AMA Supermoto under the lights.

AMA Pro Racing Associate Director of Commercial Development Chris Bradley expressed the excitement created at round one of the series. “The inaugural round of the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship was very successful. The number of fans who showed up to watch AMA Supermoto at Laguna Seca was incredible. When you consider the unprecedented amount of racing talent entered into the event, including names like Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Ward, Mike Metzger, Chris Carr, and Kevin Schwantz, it’s no surprise a large crowd was on-hand.”

South Boston Speedway regularly features NASCAR Stock Car racing on a four-tenths mile paved oval. Its graduates include Winston Cup stars Ward and Jeff Burton, Stacy Compton and Eilliot Sadler. Track plans for the AMA Supermoto event call for the course to be constructed mostly in the infield and selected sections of the oval. Bradley pointed out that South Boston Speedway will provide great viewing for fans. “With seating accommodations for up to 20,000 spectators, South Boston Speedway should prove to be a fan-friendly venue,” said Bradley. “Fans will be treated to a great show under the lights as the track will be highly visible from the grandstands.”

“We are extremely excited to host this spectacular and historic event,” said South Boston Speedway President Joe Mattioli. “With the AMA Superbike Championship at Virginia International Raceway and round two of the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship only 15 minutes away here at South Boston, racing fans will be treated to an incredible weekend of racing action.” Mattioli added that free camping and live music will also be available at the South Boston event.

AMA Supermoto is unique in that the tracks feature both dirt and pavement sections. This form of racing is derived from the original Superbikers, a made-for-TV form of motorcycle racing that debuted in the 1970s. AMA Pro Racing has reinvented Supermoto and created a national championship that kicked off as part of the combined AMA Superbike/FIM World Superbike event on July 11-13.

The new series is an instant hit with both fans and riders as a number of top caliber riders have committed to contesting the championship. In addition to the inaugural winners, Ward and Kurt Nicoll, other notable racers include the winningest rider in AMA Supercross history, Jeremy McGrath; the “godfather of freestyle motocross” and multi-time X-Games medallist, Mike Metzger; former 500cc Grand Prix World Champion, Kevin Schwantz; reigning AMA Flat Track Champion Chris Carr and a host of others.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance and save $3 by calling toll-free (877) 440-1540 or via www.tickets.com. Tickets purchased the day of the event are priced as low as $15 for adults and $10 for young adults (age 10-15), with children nine and under admitted free. Fans attending the AMA Superbike event at VIR during the day on Saturday will be given a coupon for $3 off the admission price to the AMA Supermoto event on Saturday night.

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON REPORTS RECORD SECOND QUARTER

Milwaukee, Wis. — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings for its second quarter ended June 29, 2003. Revenue for the quarter was $1.22 billion compared with $1.00 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 21.8 percent increase. Second quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were 66 cents, a 40.4 percent increase compared with last year’s 47 cents.

“We are pleased with our strong results for 2003 as we head into the second half of the year,” said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Our U.S. dealer network sold more motorcycles in this quarter than in any other quarter in our 100-year history. Retail sales grew more than 14 percent compared with last year and outpaced our wholesale shipments by over 11,000 units,” added Bleustein.

On Monday, July 14, the Company unveiled its 2004 Model Year motorcycles to its dealers at its summer meeting held in Las Vegas. “Our dealer network is enthusiastic about the new 2004 Model Year motorcycles which will be available to the public in September. They are particularly excited about the completely redesigned Sportster family, which the Company believes will be a significant factor in attracting new customers and driving demand for Harley-Davidson products well into the future,” said Bleustein.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – Second Quarter Results
Second quarter revenue from Harley-Davidson® motorcycles was $955.4 million, an increase of 25.7 percent over last year. Worldwide shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the second quarter totaled 76,025 units, up 10,485 units or 16.0 percent over last year. After exceeding its second quarter target by 600 units, the Company is increasing its full year 2003 target for Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 290,000 to 290,600. The new target represents a 10.2 percent increase over the prior year. The new factory in York, PA is scheduled to begin ramping up in the third quarter as assembly of the Softail® family of motorcycles is relocated to the new plant.

Second quarter revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $204.2 million, a 20.9 percent increase, or $35.4 million more than the year-ago quarter. Anniversary related sales accounted for $16.5 million and are not expected to be significant in the second half of the year. For the full year 2003, the Company expects P&A revenues to grow slightly faster than the motorcycle unit growth rate.

Second quarter revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes0/00 apparel and collectibles, totaled $43.7 million, down 14.9 percent or $7.6 million over the same period last year. During the second quarter of 2002, General Merchandise revenue benefited from $12 million in 100th Anniversary products. In 2003, shipments of 100th Anniversary merchandise were essentially completed in the first quarter. Given the strong prior year 100th Anniversary revenue, General Merchandise revenue for the full year 2003 is expected to be lower than in 2002.

Second quarter operating margin increased from 18.3 percent in 2002 to 21.9 percent. This increase was primarily driven by the second quarter gross margin, which was 36.4 percent of revenue compared with 33.5 percent in 2002. Gross margin was favorably impacted by wholesale motorcycle price increases, a richer product mix and foreign currency exchange rates. These positive factors were partially offset by higher retirement and health care costs.

The Company believes that gross margin during the second half of the year will be lower than that in the first half due to pricing, product mix and startup costs associated with the new factory for Softail motorcycles in York, PA. Pricing for the 2004 Model Year motorcycles will reflect the elimination of 100th Anniversary special edition features. The third quarter ramp up of the new factory will reduce the number of Softail motorcycles in the mix relative to other product families, while the redesigned Sportster® line of motorcycles will become a larger part of the product mix for the foreseeable future. Softail motorcycles are among the Company’s highest margin motorcycles, while Sportster motorcycles have lower margins.

Retirement Plan Assumptions
During the quarter, the Company adjusted its discount rate for retirement plan calculations from 7.25 to 6.5 percent. The pre-tax impact of this change was a $4.5 million expense for the quarter.

Motorcycle Retail Data – Six Month Results
Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the United States were up 6.3 percent for the period January through June 2003, when compared to the same period last year. Harley-Davidson retail sales in Europe and Japan were up 4.2 and 7.6 percent, respectively, when compared with 2002. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles have outpaced the heavyweight motorcycle industry in all of the Company’s major markets. Market data is listed in the accompanying tables.

Financial Services Segment – Second Quarter Results
Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. (HDFS) reported second quarter operating income of $44.5 million, up from $37.0 million in the year-ago quarter. The subsidiary’s performance was driven primarily by strong loan originations and a favorable interest rate environment.

The Company’s second quarter securitization of $425 million of motorcycle retail loans resulted in a gain of $22.2 million, which compares to a securitization of $586 million and gain of $21.4 million during the second quarter of 2002. The net gain as a percentage of the amount of loans securitized went from 3.65 percent in the second quarter of 2002 to 5.22 percent in the second quarter of 2003, as HDFS continued to benefit in this declining interest rate environment.

Annualized credit losses on a managed portfolio basis increased slightly in the first half of the year from 0.68 percent in 2002 to 0.75 percent in 2003.

The Company is raising its expectation for HDFS’s total year 2003 operating income to be approximately 40 percent higher than in 2002. Over the long term, the Company expects the HDFS growth rate to be slightly higher than the Company’s motorcycle unit growth rate.

Share Repurchase
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 250,000 shares of its common stock. This brings the share repurchase amount to 750,000 shares on a year-to-date basis.

Cash Flow – Six Month Results
Operations generated cash of $609.9 million. The Company invested $82.6 million in capital expenditures, paid dividends of $22.7 million and repurchased shares valued at $30.6 million.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Six Month Results
For the six month period, revenue totaled $2.33 billion, a 20.9 percent increase over the year-ago period. Diluted earnings per share were $1.28, an increase of 47.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

Through the first six months of this year, shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units were 146,633, a 12.6 percent increase over last year’s 130,209. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $1.83 billion, a 21.5 percent increase over $1.51 billion in revenue in 2002. P&A revenue totaled $364.0 million, a 21.4 percent increase over last year’s $300.0 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $100.1 million, a 7.0 percent increase compared with $93.6 million during the same period in 2002.

For the first six months, HDFS operating income was $87.8 million, a $38.6 million increase over last year’s first six months.

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.

Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company’s ability to (i) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities through the implementation of innovative manufacturing techniques and other means, (ii) successfully implement production capacity increases in its facilities, (iii) successfully introduce new products and services, (iv) avoid unexpected P&A /general merchandise supplier backorders, (v) sell all of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles it plans to produce, (vi) continue to develop the capacity of its distributor and dealer network, (vii) avoid unexpected changes in the regulatory environment for its products, (viii) successfully adjust to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, (ix) successfully adjust to interest rate fluctuations, and (x) successfully manage changes in the credit quality of HDFS’s loan portfolio.

In addition, the Company could experience delays in the operation of manufacturing facilities as a result of work stoppages, difficulty with suppliers, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Risk factors are also disclosed in documents previously filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.