From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

SPIES FIGHTING OVERCONFIDENCE AT VIR

Young Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series leader learning to be a champion

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 27, 2003) –The only problem young Suzuki ace Ben Spies sees in his path to the 2003 AMA Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme Series title is overconfidence. The 19-year-old Texan blames overconfidence for a mid-season hiccup that saw him go four races without a victory after winning the opening two rounds of the series.

Spies feels he learned from being a bit too smug after dominating early on and now thinks he is ready to put his head down and focus on keeping his current winning streak intact as the series moves to round 10 of 11 at Virginia International Raceway, part of the Aug. 29-31 Suzuki Lightning Nationals in Alton, Va.

Spies started the season spectacularly by dominating rounds one and two of the Formula Xtreme Series on his Yoshimura Suzuki. He believes after those surprisingly easy wins he became a bit complacent.

“I got a little too confident and sort of rested on my laurels while the rest of the riders dug in and found some extra speed,” Spies explains. “All of a sudden the other riders and teams improved while I stood still and lost my early momentum. At Laguna Seca I got back to trying to improve my riding and it paid off. I won there and at Mid-Ohio and took back the series lead. Now my goal is to keep trying to improve and stay ahead of the rest of the guys going into the final two rounds.”

Spies holds a 21-point lead over Graves Yamaha’s Damon Buckmaster, a perennial contender for the Formula Xtreme title.

Despite his fairly strong lead in the series Spies has a long way to go to secure his first AMA Championship. The top six riders in the series all have at least a mathematical shot at winning the Formula Xtreme No. 1 plate.

Buckmaster is especially hungry after having the Formula Xtreme Championship slip from his grasp each of the last two years. Look for the 30-year-old Australian racing veteran to come out firing on all cylinders at VIR in a last-ditch effort to finally secure the title he feels should have been his by now.

Corona Extra Suzuki’s Adam Fergusson is the defending Formula Xtreme winner at VIR. Fergusson, who is ranked fifth in the standings, is anxious to get a victory this season. He’s twice finished runner-up so far and favors VIR’s challenging layout.

Other riders still in the title chase include Erion Honda’s Jake Zemke, Attack Suzuki’s Josh Hayes and Steve Rapp of the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki squad. Zemke lost last year’s Formula Xtreme title on a tiebreaker to Jason Pridmore. He’s hoping his trademark consistency will put him into a position to have another shot this year. Hayes is experiencing a solid comeback season after suffering an injury-plagued 2002. He may be more focused on winning the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock title, a series he leads coming into this weekend’s event, rather than risking too much in Formula Xtreme. Rapp has nothing to lose by going for the win at VIR. Ranked sixth and recently re-signed by Valvoline Suzuki, Rapp has an outside shot at best of winning the title, so he can afford to let it all hang out in the closing rounds.


Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock

Josh Hayes just might be the comeback story of the year in AMA Pro Racing. The rider from Gulfport, Miss., was perpetually riding with injury during much of his pro racing career. He lost his ride with Valvoline Suzuki at the end of 2002 and looked to be on the verge of dropping out of the sport. Attack Suzuki signed him on the chance that he would recover from his numerous injuries and finally fulfill the promise he showed early in his career. The move turned out to be a brilliant one. Hayes started the Superstock season slowly but began gaining momentum mid-season and now appears to be a freight train that’s going to be tough to stop. Hayes has finished on the podium in five of the last six rounds and is riding a two-race winning streak coming into VIR.

Five riders are prospective champs in Superstock. Hayes leads a hot series battle that features Czech immigrant Vincent Haskovec only 10 points down in the standings on his Hooters Suzuki. Tommy Hayden is still very much in the hunt and is trying to make Kawasaki the first bike smaller than a 750 to win the Superstock title. Hayden is the defending VIR Superstock winner. Corona Extra Suzuki’s Adam Fergusson is ranked fourth in the series and is a former Formula Xtreme winner at VIR. And finally there’s young Tony Meiring, teammate to Tommy Hayden on the factory Kawasaki. Meiring won a Superstock race this year on the ultra twisty Pikes Peak circuit. He’s hoping to bag another win in Virginia.

One other rider to watch for in the Superstock race is VIR ace Lee Acree. The North Carolinian started the season with a podium finish in the Daytona Superstock race, but split with the Arclight Suzuki team. Acree formed his own team and if he enters at VIR will be among the favorites to win.


MBNA 250 Grand Prix

Rich Oliver wrapped up the MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series at Mid-Ohio to earn his fifth title. Oliver is undefeated in nine rounds this season and now turns his attention to completing a perfect season. The all-time wins leader in the history of the AMA 250 GP is looking to win his second VIR 250 race on his Team Oliver/Yamaha Mystery Schools-backed Yamaha. Last year’s VIR winner and 2002 champ Chuck Sorensen will challenge Oliver on a Stargel Aprilia as will Irishman Simon Turner on a Priority Racing Honda.

The VIR Formula Xtreme race, along with highlights from the Superstock and 250GP races, will be taped and shown on Speed Channel on Sept. 9, in primetime at 10 p.m. Eastern. For additional information on the Suzuki Lightning Nationals contact VIR at (434) 822-7700 or visit www.virclub.com.

From a press release issued by Rice Honda:

Rice Honda Sea Doo in West Covina, California would like to announce its next bike night, scheduled for Thursday August 28, 2003.

Bike night starts at 7:00 p.m. at our location at 1705 N. Garvey Avenue in West Covina. Door prizes, music, entertainment and food will be provided.

All brands and types of bikes are welcome, so come on out and celebrate our sport. Additional questions can be directed to any of our professional courteous staff at (626) 917-7423.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R is 998cc with a bore and stroke of 76 x 55mm and a wheelbase of 55-1/8 inches. Kawasaki spokesmen are claiming the new bike is about 16 pounds lighter than a GSX-R1000. It will be available in green, blue, black and orange.

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON UNVEILS 2004 MOTORCYCLES
AND ANNOUNCES NEW WARRANTY PROGRAM

MILWAUKEE (August 27, 2003) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. introduced its Model Year 2004 motorcycle line-up to the public today as it kicked off its four-day 100th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee. Key new models include a completely redesigned XL Sportster family and a new VRSCB V-Rod power cruiser, which complements the VRSCA V-Rod. These exciting new models will begin shipping to dealers in September.

Additional highlights of the 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle model line-up are listed below.

XL Sportster family is all-new with a redesigned, rubber-mounted Sportster XL Evolution powertrain, a stiffer frame, and lower seat height. Four models acknowledge 47 years of Sportster heritage while delivering a new level of comfort and performance.

VRSCB V-Rod offers a tough, new blacked-out styling interpretation of the award-winning, liquid-cooled VRSCA V-Rod power cruiser.

New Road King Custom and restyled Road Glide bring new style to the Harley-Davidson Touring line.

Dyna Glide models will now be available with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). New-look fuel tanks and consoles update the styling of the Dyna Glide line.

Springer Softail gets a fresh new look with several feature enhancements.

Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) adds a new motorcycle to its roster: the Screamin’ Eagle Electra Glide, and offers the Screamin’ Eagle Deuce in two brand new custom colors in its second year.

Harley-Davidson’s 2004 motorcycle models demonstrate the Company’s continued commitment to styling, product innovation and the riding experience. For 2004, the Company is offering 20 different color schemes, including solid colors and two-tones, after offering a limited range of color options during the 100th Anniversary model year.

Harley-Davidson also announced that all 2004 motorcycles will be covered by a two-year warranty. In addition, most service intervals have been extended from 2,500 miles to 5,000 miles.

Average suggested retail prices for 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been reduced when compared with similar 2003 motorcycles. The 2004 model prices are lower by less than one percent. The new pricing reflects the removal of 100th Anniversary content on the 2003 model year motorcycles. Information on 2004 model year suggested retail pricing is available at www.harley-davidson.com or from local Harley-Davidson dealers.

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 produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

From a press release:

2003 WILLOW SPRINGS RACEWAY TOYOTA 200 QUALIFYING INFORMATION

A) 40 riders will qualify for the TOYOTA 200 road race being held on Sunday, October 19, 2003.

B) Two (2) qualifying rounds will be held. Fri. September 19, and Fri. October 17, 2003.

C) Entry fee for TOYOTA 200 qualifying is $100. Entry is accepted as post-entry at the WSMC Office. The WSMC Office opens at 7:00 a.m. each qualifying date.

Riders may participate in as many of the above qualifying dates as they desire.

D) Rider must fill out required WSIR releases and show proof of current (i.e. 2003 season) Expert Road Race Competition License status with a recognized sanctioning body. No exceptions.

E) Tentative Friday schedule as follows:

Toyota 200 qualifying entrants only – timed practice, 10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Toyota 200 qualifying entrants only – timed practice, 1:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Toyota 200 qualifying entrants only – timed qualifying Group “A”, 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Toyota 200 qualifying entrants only – timed qualifying Group “B”, 3:35 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.

Note: Only lap times set in ‘Timed Qualifying’ will be utilized for gridding purposes.

Fastest riders from timed practice will be seeded into Group “A” each qualifying date.

F) The fastest rider from Round 1 (Sept. 19) qualifying will be guaranteed a front row grid position regardless of their lap time. Should a rider be fastest on more than one qualifying date the second fastest rider of that session will receive a guaranteed front row grid position. Note: Any tie in lap time will be decided by ‘coin-toss’.

G) Final front row assignments will be based in order of fastest lap time (not the date the lap time was set).

All four front row qualifiers will receive custom roadrace jewelry and the fastest rider at each qualifier round will receive a commemorative TOYOTA 200 Fast Qualifier trophy award.

H) Final positions of TOYOTA 200 grid will be based on all qualifying riders one (1) best lap time from all sessions combined.

I) After final qualifying session on Fri. Oct. 17 and posting of preliminary TOYOTA 200 start grid, rider must pay TOYOTA 200 race entry fee of $200 to WSIR. Deadline for filing of TOYOTA 200 entry fee is 12 Noon on Sat. Oct. 18, 2003.

J) Riders not entering the TOYOTA 200 and paying race entry fee will be replaced on the grid by alternate riders (in order of rider qualification based on lap times).

Alternate riders will have until 2:00 PM on Sat. Oct. 18, 2003 to file entry form and race entry fee.

All racers starting the TOYOTA 200 will receive a minimum of $1000 as posted by WSIR.

All racers finishing the TOYOTA 200 will receive a commemorative event award.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Anyone interested in sending a get well message to injured Rizla Suzuki rider Yukio Kagayama can do so at [email protected].

Kagayama is in a British hospital recovering from a broken pelvis. The Japanese rider suffered the injury in a crash during morning practice for a British Superbike race Monday, August 25 at Cadwell Park.

Kagayama is expected to miss the remainder of the 2003 season.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Vie e-mail:

Shaun Harris finished second in C-Superstock Expert behind Larry Denning, and second in C-Superbike Expert, also behind Denning.

Harris was gridded in the 5th row for the Superstock race, having never been to the track before, and never ridden the bike prior to that weekend. At the green flag Harris wheelied on the start which hurt his chances to catch Denning early. Denning led into the first turn and every lap thereafter. Eventually catching up to 2nd position, Harris tried to reel in Denning but Larry had managed to build a 10 bikelength lead. Lap times for Denning and Harris were in the low 1:22 range.

The C-Superbike race was a different story. The race was shortened to 6 laps after a series of earlier delays. Harris got a good start from the
5th row and caught Denning going into turn 1. From there it was one of the wildest races I’ve ever witnessed. Coming out of the hairpin turn, Harris was leading Denning through the esses, over the jump, and up into turns 4, 3, and 2 (race was counter clockwise). Coming down the front straight both bikes sounded like missiles as they entered the braking zone with Denning
making an absolutely insane late-breaking pass into the first turn. The following lap had Denning leading throught the back section and onto the front straight with Harris close behind. Harris made the same move Denning had done on the previous lap and took the lead into the first turn. From there it was a back and forth battle with Denning leading at the checker by a couple bikelengths. Lap times were 1:21:00 for Denning and 1:21:01 for Harris. Truly entertaining!

Jeffrey Agnes
WERA #123
Wooster, Ohio

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Rizla Suzuki’s Yukio Kagayama was hospitalized with a broken pelvis after crashing into a barrier during the morning warm-up for Monday’s British Superbike race at Cadwell Park in England.

According to reports out of England, Kagayama was riding his GSX-R1000 Superbike when he collided with a slower rider and hit “crash barriers,” causing the session to be red-flagged. The former All-Japan Road Race Series star was taken to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken pelvis. The other rider involved suffered a broken ankle.

Kagayama’s teammate, veteran John Reynolds, described Cadwell Park as “a dangerous place to race” and told reporters “the track could do with more safety being built in.”

Current AMA Supersport rider Jason DiSalvo described Cadwell Park as “insane” after racing there in 2000. DiSalvo said he was jumping his 125cc GP bike six inches off the ground at one point on the roller-coaster track and said Superbikes could get both wheels over 12 inches off the ground.

Just weeks ago Kagayama told reporters at the Suzuka 8-Hours that he found tracks in England to be dangerous.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Reports that a Honda V6-powered MotoGP prototype was tested recently at Motegi are not true, according to Suguru Kanazawa, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

The report, labeled as being issued by Honda, appeared in the fan forum section of one MotoGP rider’s website and quickly spread across the Internet via other fan forums.

The report in question claimed that Shin’ichi Itoh tested the next-generation, V6-powered Honda racer, the “RC214V,” at Motegi. The detailed report claimed that Itoh, riding on Bridgestones, went one second faster than the 2002 MotoGP pole time.

“The article that you mention isn’t true,” Kanazawa responded to Roadracingworld.com in an August 25 e-mail. “We at HRC don’t have any 6cyl. MotoGP machine at the moment.”