From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

BYRNE AIMING TO CLOSE IN ON TITLE

After dominating the first half of the season, MonsterMob Ducati’s Shane Byrne is eager to get back to winning ways when round eight of the British Superbike Championship travels across the Irish Sea to Mondello Park this weekend.

‘Shakey’ won nine of the opening eleven races but has managed a just a trio of second places since although his title challenge remains well on course having increased his lead further in the last round at Rockingham to a massive 144 points.

The Minster, Isle of Sheppey rider only needs to finish fifth in all remaining ten races to clinch his first major title and considering his worst result to date is second, it shouldn’t be too hard a task but the 26 year old has his sights set on wrapping things up as soon as possible.

“I hate finishing second so it’s a case of getting back to winning again this weekend. I know that safe points are all I need in every race but it would be good to beat the record of 13 wins in a season. If I could do that I’d be champion but I’m not silly enough to throw things away. But there is no doubt, I want to win again this weekend and increase the advantage past the magical 150 points bracket. Mondello is a new track for us all so it should be interesting” said Byrne.

If Byrne does his fourth double of the season as he is hoping, it means he would need just two more wins to be sure of the title and those could come at the following round at the team’s local track, Oulton Park.

Teammate Stuart Easton is also hoping for success at the Co. Kildare circuit where he arrives 60 points adrift of British Supersport Championship leader Karl Harris (Honda). The Hawick teenager celebrates his birthday this weekend and is hoping for the best present of the lot in the form of 25 points.

“I’ve said it for a few races now but I really do need to win this weekend and hope that Karl drops some points so I can close the gap on him. I’ve had a look at the track and I think it will suit the Ducati so there should be no excuses” said the defending champion.

Team owner Paul Bird makes a welcome return to Ireland, having won the Irish Supermoto Championship three times in the late nineties and the superstitious Cumbrian is hoping that his team will have the luck of the Irish this weekend.

“I’ll not be doing anything different with regards to how I used to prepare when I raced over there, that’s for sure! If Shakey can do the business, then I’ll quite happily absorb the pressure that will be on us at the following round but there are a lot of laps to be done before then. Stuart needs to get his finger out and put the Ducati on top of the box as the Supersport trophy cabinet is looking a bit depleted but if we can have a successful weekend, we may just sample some of the black stuff afterwards” he continued.


More, from a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

BSB Round 8, Mondello Park, Eire
18-20 July
Circuit length: 2.268 miles

Hawk Kawasaki hope for the luck of the Irish at Mondello

The British Superbike Championship heads to Ireland this weekend for its first ever non-UK round, at Mondello Park. Record crowds are expected at the tight and technical track, which has played host to British Touring Car Championship rounds for a number of years, when the locals get their first taste of British Superbike action.

Despite never having ridden the 2.268 mile track before, Hawk Kawasaki’s riding trio of Glen Richards, Scott Smart and Lee Jackson are all fired-up for the challenge ahead. ‘I’m really looking forward to this weekend,’ said Richards. ‘I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’ve been told that it’s a tight, twisty and fairly bumpy track and that should suit the Hawk Kawasaki well. We went well at Thruxton, which is also pretty bumpy, so fingers crossed we can do the same again here.’

Scott Smart, who rode superbly to match his season’s best result of sixth at Rockingham two weeks ago, is equally keen to get round eight of the series underway: ‘I quite like learning tracks because I’ve had to do it throughout my career, so it tends to play into my favour,’ he explained. ‘It’s also quite tight and bumpy, so the advantage of the 1000s won’t be so acute over our 750cc Kawasakis. I’m aiming to build upon the results I achieved at Rockingham, because the bike’s getting better for me at each round. We’ve got to really work on the chassis set-up though, because when you haven’t got so much horsepower you need the chassis set up perfectly.’

Lee Jackson is also in confident mood now that his least favourite track, Rockingham, is behind him. ‘I just want to get out on my pushbike and learn the track as soon as I can,’ said the 26 year-old. ‘The Irish often come over to our championship, so it’ll be good for us to go over there and have a bit of a go in their back yard. I honestly don’t know what to expect of the track because I’ve only seen it on TV before, but I’ll give it my best no matter what.’

BSB Riders’ Championship, after 7 rounds
1) Shane Byrne: 325
2) Michael Rutter: 181
3) John Reynolds: 167
4) Yukio Kagayama: 153
5) Steve Plater: 146
6) Glen Richards: 141
7)
Gary Mason: 126
8) Steve Hislop: 122
9) Scott Smart: 89
10) Sean Emmett: 88
11) John Crawford: 74
12) Lee Jackson: 62
13) Paul Young:
58
14) Mark Heckles: 47
15) John McGuinness: 26
16) Dean Ellison: 25
17) Jon Kirkham: 25
18) Paul Jones: 22
19) Nick Medd: 19
20) Leon Haslam: 15

BSB Premier Team Championship, after 7 rounds
1) Monstermob/ETI Ducati: 1101
2) Virgin Mobile Yamaha: 1031
3) Renegade Ducati: 1022
4) Rizla Suzuki: 1015
5) Hawk Kawasaki: 991
6) TDB Recruit/Appleyard Yamaha: 805
7) Hawk Kawasaki/TDC Suzuki: 790
8) Honda Racing: 775
9) D&B/Renegade Ducati: 634

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that every time there’s a press release from Alice Aprilia, Colin Edwards’ quotes sound like they were given in English, translated into Italian, then translated back into English.

You notice the same thing? Just thought it was interesting.

Keep up the great work on the magazine and site!

Dave Grace
San Francisco, California

From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Brno, Czech Republic
Thursday July 17 2003

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM COMPLETE TWO DAY MID-SEASON TEST IN BRNO

Fortuna Yamaha Team riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri finished a two-day test at the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic today. The team came to Brno directly from last weekend’s British Grand Prix in Donington, and continued hard work on general M1 set-up and Michelin tyre testing. Track temperatures reached as high as 51 degrees C at the eastern European circuit, and testing alongside Yamaha’s factory team in the sweltering conditions were the Honda, Ducati, Aprilia, Kawasaki and Proton MotoGP outfits.

Spanish rider Carlos Checa, who currently lies in seventh position in the MotoGP World Championship, rode consistently on both days, completing a total of 136 laps. Checa spent the two days working closely with Michelin on their race tyres, and today tested the basic race set-up of his Yamaha YZR-M1 machine, with a fastest overall lap time of 2:00.50. Checa finished last weekend’s British Grand Prix in sixth place, and is looking forward to having the chance to claim the podium finish he needs to increase his points in the championship standings.

Checa’s team-mate and MotoGP rookie Marco Melandri was pleased with the extra two days riding his M1, desperate to make up for so much time lost earlier in the season after his accident in the opening round of the championship in Suzuka. Melandri made his debut with his M1 at the Brno circuit, where he will race in exactly one month on August 17, and completed a total of 130 laps, with a best lap time of 2:00.70. Honda rider Max Biaggi broke his own fastest ever lap record of 1:59.64 in today’s session, claimed at the Czech Grand Prix last year when he qualified in pole position, setting an all new lap record of 1:58.8.

“Marco didn’t finish the race in Donington so he used this test as the chance to do a race simulation,” explained Fortuna Yamaha Team Manager, Geoff Crust. “He held a good pace and his physical condition was good after 24 laps. He did the race simulation in the middle of the day when the track was at its hottest, so that was also good experience for him to test in such hot conditions. Marco’s got a good feeling with the bike at the moment which is getting better each time he rides, and he is upbeat and confident that he can do well here when he returns in a month. After he qualified on the front row at Donington last weekend, he was as disappointed as we were when he slid off and out of the race. Carlos aimed for consistent laps today and yesterday, which he achieved, and he knows now that we still need to take a step up to beat our competitors. He really needs a podium finish at this stage and we should be in a position to do just that in Sachsenring, where he has showed great promise in previous years.”

Now the Fortuna Yamaha Team will travel to Sachsenring in the east of Germany where the German Grand Prix will take place on Sunday 27 July.

Lap times (from both days)
Carlos Checa 2:00.50
Marco Melandri 2:00.70



More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM DOUBLE TEST SESSION CONCLUDES AT BRNO AND MUGELLO

The Ducati Marlboro Team have wrapped up yesterday and today’s double test session held simultaneously at the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic and at Mugello, Italy.

The two sessions involved a large quantity of equipment, bikes, vehicles and staff, including mechanics, technicians and engineers, from the Italian manufacturer.

The Brno tests, which were part of a general pre-race session involving all the major MotoGP teams, were aimed at obtaining the right set-up for the Cezech Republic Grand Prix, scheduled for August 17.

Loris and Troy continued to work on the set-up of their Desmosedici, trying out a vast number of Michelin rear tyres. Loris completed 62 laps with a best time of 1:59.54, while Troy recorded a best time of 2:00.98 in his 75 laps.

“This is the first time we have been to the Brno circuit so the tests can be viewed as positive” declared Ducati Marlboro Team technical director, Corrado Cecchinelli. “We are very pleased to have come away with lap times on race tyres that are quicker than last year’s pole time. This gives us a lot of confidence for the Brno race”.

Testing at the Mugello circuit with official Ducati Corse test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi also concluded at the same time. The Italian mainly tested new software and suspension parts for the 2004 version of the Desmosedici.

Randy Mamola, who usually rides the Ducati Desmosedici Biposto twin-seater for promotional activity during the various European GPs, was also present at the spectacular Tuscan circuit. “We had to get through such a massive amount of work in these two days, which was too much for one rider” declared Ducati Corse Technical Director Filippo Preziosi, present at Mugello.

“It’s not easy to find someone capable of riding a bike of this type, so we thought of Randy, who in fact is the only one, together with Loris, Troy and Vittoriano, to have already ridden the Desmosedici. Sincere thanks therefore to Randy, it has been a great pleasure to work with an experienced rider of such calibre”.

Before the Brno round on August 17, the MotoGP championship heads to Germany for the race at the Sachsenring on July 27.



More, from a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2003
BRNO MOTOGP TEST
17TH JULY 2003 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUCCESSFUL TWO DAY TEST FOR FUCHS KAWASAKI AT BRNO

The Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team concluded a successful two-day test at Brno in the Czech Republic this afternoon, prior to next weekend’s German Grand Prix at the historic Sachsenring circuit.

While development rider Alex Hofmann continued with the tyre testing programme in conjunction with Dunlop, regular riders Andrew Pitt and Garry McCoy spent the two days evaluating a revised crankshaft, chassis modifications and a selection of new front and rear development tyres on their Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP machines.

Although disappointed with his overall progress over the two days, McCoy was happy with the level of grip and consistency provided by the new rear slicks, with one tyre in particular allowing him to lap consistently in a time of 2:02.4s to finish the test as the fastest of the three Kawasaki riders.

Making his debut at Brno, Pitt spent the first of the two days learning his way around the ultra-fast Czech circuit, before taking advantage of the revised crankshaft and development tyres to up the pace on the second day, eventually finishing less than a second behind his more experienced team-mates.

Garry McCoy – Fastest Lap 2:02.4
“We haven’t made as much progress as we’d hoped for over the past two days, mainly due to a front end chatter problem that we just haven’t been able to dial out. However, despite the problems, we have definitely seen some improvement today; mainly in the area of the tyres. Dunlop arrived at the track with a new batch of development tyres for us to test and one rear tyre in particular felt real good around here; offering good levels of grip and consistency. No two circuits are the same, but hopefully the new rear will work as well at Sachsenring next weekend as it has here at Brno over the past two days.”

Alex Hofmann – Fastest Lap 2:03.1
“The tyre testing has gone well and we’ve been able to identify a number of front tyres that all three of us feel more confident with. The same is also true of one of the new rear tyres, which was reflected in improved lap times this afternoon. We also tried a number of different settings on the front end of the bike and progress has been made in this area also. Unfortunately none of the testing I’ve been involved here was aimed at finding a set-up for the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring, but we should be able to refine the settings I ran at Mugello and Assen during practice and qualifying next weekend.”

Andrew Pitt – Fastest Lap 2:03.3
“Overall I’m pretty happy with the progress we’ve made over the past two days. The revised crankshaft not only made it easier to get the bike stopped for the turns, but also made it steer quicker under acceleration, which is important around the Brno circuit with it’s fast changes of direction. The new front tyres seemed to offer an improved level of feel and that has increased my confidence in the front end of the bike, which has been something of a problem in the past. The improvements we’ve made over the past two days should stand us in good stead at Sachsenring next weekend; although my first priority will be to spend some time learning my way around what is another new circuit for me during free practice and qualifying on the Friday.”

Harald Eckl – Team Manager
“This has been a valuable test, and one during which we’ve made progress in a number of different areas. What we have to do know is take what we’ve learned over the past two days and ensure that we have the revised parts available in time for the race here in four weeks time. In the interim we have the German GP at Sachsenring – when once again we’ll be fielding three riders as Alex joins Andrew and Garry in the team for his fourth wild card ride of the season – and that is where we must concentrate our efforts over the next week or so.”



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

HRC MotoGP test, Brno Czech Republic
July 17, 2003

Biaggi the Fastest RC211V rider at Brno MotoGP test

The two-day MotoGP test held at the 5.403km Brno circuit, in the Czech Republic ended with Max Biaggi the fastest Honda rider over the two days. Biaggi was again in blistering form today taking full advantage of the new Michelin tyres developed for the Brno circuit, which arrived overnight. The circuit specialist set a best lap time of 1:58.8, well inside his 2002 pole position time of 1:59.646.

Repsol Honda riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden both bettered their times of yesterday. Hayden spent his day tyre testing and banking invaluable information for the Czech Republic GP at the circuit next month. MotoGP Champion Rossi was tyre testing and trying out the shorter, and much louder exhaust system on his RCV.

Sete Gibernau and his Telefonica MoviStar Honda team-mate, Ryuichi Kiyonari, got in a lot of track time. Gibernau concentrating on the new Michelin tyres developed for Brno, and the new exhaust system first tested by Valentino Rossi.

Kiyonari covered an amazing 87 laps in his continuing learning process on the 990cc five-cylinder RCV211V four-stroke while unravelling the mysteries of the fast, technical circuit and gathering crucial data at the same time.

Pramac Honda rider Makoto Tamada, and Bridgestone test rider Shinichi Itoh concentrated on tyre testing but with a less hectic programme programme today. The two-men testing only 15 different tyre combinations as against 30 yesterday. Itoh departed for Japan at lunchtime to prepare for a national Superbike race on Sunday.

That gave Tamada the opportunity to make a back-to-back test of the old and new RC211V chassis’ fitted with the same tyres. He covered a total of 86 laps putting in over 40 laps on each machine in a bid to determine which performed better at Brno. His verdict was honours even on the day but with more testing he thinks the new chassis has more potential.

Honda rider quotes:
Valentino Rossi, Repsol Honda: “Today was another good day at the circuit where we tested different compound Michelin tyres to find the best solution for the race in August. We also had the loud and shortened exhaust on one bike and we are pleased with the results. We had no new or special parts and just concentrated on getting the whole package feeling good on this circuit that is always so difficult for set up. I’m not 100% I have a cold and I will rest before the German GP next week.”

Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda: “Pretty good really. I knocked off some time from yesterday and overall enjoyed the test and learned a lot. Not just good for coming back here in August but for the whole experience on the bike. We tried some things with the Showa guys on the suspension that seemed to work and at one stage hooked up behind Loris (Capirossi), which was good for experience. I’m real glad we tested here because this is definitely the type of circuit that I could have struggled on if I hadn’t had some experience at.”

Max Biaggi, Camel Pramac Honda: “We only had a tyre test today and I finished at 3.30pm as I have to get to Nice tonight. I’m pretty happy with the work we did over the two days. We worked on the chassis and found a good set up for the track, even if I did struggle on the bumpy parts. I set my fastest time (1:58.8) on soft tyres, I wanted to try them round here. Now I need to relax for a while the last seven days have been quite hectic, from many points of view. I’m now concentrating my attention on the Sachsenring.”

Sete Gibernau, Telefonica MoviStar, Honda: “I’m happy with the new tyres from Michelin. We concentrated our time on finding the best combination with my standard machine set up. We tried the new exhaust system but we need another test at a different track to measure the performance because I ran the same lap time with both bikes.”

Ryuichi Kiyonari, Telefonica MoviStar Honda: “I ran a lot of laps today, 87. I felt like I was racing in the Suzuka 8 Hours! The test has been good for me, I learned a lot about the bike, things you don’t have time for at a GP. The best part of the test was that I will return to Brno with confidence, as I know the circuit. “

Makoto Tamada, Pramac Honda: “Today I got the chance to do a comparison test with the old and new chassis’ which we couldn’t do at Donington Park. Both bikes had identical set ups, and were on the same tyres. But it’s too early to say which is better. I put in 86 laps today and got a lot done. One thing for sure it was good to have some help from Itoh San with the testing. We found two really good front tyres and I will use them at the next two races.”

Lap times:

Valentino Rossi, Repsol Honda, 1:59.64

Nicky Hayden, Repsol Honda, 2:00.03

Max Biaggi, Camel Pramac Honda, 1:58.8

Sete Gibernau, Telefonica MoviStar, Honda, 1:59.64

Ryuichi Kiyonari, Telefonica MoviStar, Honda, 2:02.21

Makoto Tamada, Pramac Honda, 2:00.2

Shinichi Itoh, Bridgestone test rider, 2:01.2


More, from a press release issued by Alice Aprilia Racing Press Information:

SECOND DAY OF PRACTICES

Last day of tests for the Alice Aprilia Racing Team at Brno track where will take place the 10th round of the world championship next August. Three RS Cube bikes on track with Edwards riding 62 laps with a lap time of 2:00.23, Haga (2:01.34 and 50 laps) and the test rider Marcellino Lucchi. Many engagements during the whole day: Edwards concentrated his efforts on the test of the tyres using the chassis already used in the beginning of the season whilst Haga used the new chassis even if he had to stop his session at 15:30. The Japanese rider flew with his family to Japan for a short vacation. This was the first time ever for Haga with the “evolution” setting.

Project Leader Gigi dall’Igna: “These two days have been very important for us and for the development of our bikes. We tested different tyres with Michelin finding an interesting solution for the future and the development of the RS Cube will continue. We feel satisfied about the results we had here but we still need to check this performance during the races”.

From a press release issued way late by 1-888-FASTLAP, which we’re running anyway because Opie Caylor usually runs near the front of these races:

1-888-FASTLAP RIDERS CAUGHT IN FIRST-LAP CRASH; FINISH 18TH AND 19TH IN SUPERSTOCK AT LAGUNA

MONTEREY, Calif.- 1-888-FASTLAP riders Opie Caylor and Brian Stokes got caught up in a crash on the first lap of the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock race at Laguna Seca Raceway on July 13th, falling to the back of the field before working their way to finishes of 18th and 19th, respectively.

Both Caylor and Stokes got good starts that put them among the top ten. When they reached turn two, however, another rider lowsided and they and several other riders got caught up in the crash.

Caylor, who rides the 1-888-FASTLAP/Team EMGO Taiwan Suzuki GSX-R750, was unable to avoid the incident and also crashed.

“All I could see in front of me was Jason (DiSalvo) on the ground,” said Caylor. “I remember my front tire hitting his left leg, and then I went over my bars. As soon as I stood up I made sure there were no more bikes coming, and then I ran over to pick my bike up. The peg and rearset on the right were broken, but still hanging on. I cranked it up and took off. I was dead last and just started making up spots. My right foot was resting on the exhaust, so I had to take it off on the straights to let it cool down. We still got a decent number of points and moved up a place in the championship, but we were capable of doing a lot better.

“I’m looking forward to going to Mid-Ohio. I did well there last year. I like the track and the fans are a lot of fun.”

Caylor fought his way from last among the 35 remaining riders to 18th, which has moved him into sixth in Superstock points.

Stokes, riding the Team Embry Suzuki GSX-R750, was forced to run off the track to avoid the crash. He was also able to get back on the track to continue.

“I got a good start. I was eighth or ninth into turn two on the first lap,” reflected Stokes. “I went halfway through the gravel trap before I could get slowed down. We were all at the back of the field after getting back on the track and I worked my way up to 19th.”

Caylor and Stokes both ran the AMA Superbike race, held the day before. Caylor ran the race in order to work on his chassis setup, and rode to a finish of 14th. “After the Superbike race, I knew some changes that needed to be made to the bike,” said Caylor. “We made the changes that night, and the next morning I finally got down to the 1:29’s.”

Stokes was forced to retire from the Superbike race after dehydration caused his leg to cramp and go numb. He began a rehydrating regimen that allowed him to be in top form for the Superstock race the next day.

1-888-FASTLAP owner Paul Wright finished 34th in the MBNA 250 Grand Prix race after a number of difficulties. The race was red-flagged twice, first on the warm-up lap and then on the first lap, both because of crashes. Wright lost all the heat he had built up in his tires, and had to take the second restart cautiously.

Wright fell to the back of the field in the opening laps, but once his tires were warm he began to catch and pass other riders. “In the end it went okay. I was just happy to make the race,” commented Wright. “I had no crew and a lot of difficulties, but I made the race and I had a good time.”

The next race for the 1-888-FASTLAP riders will be during the AMA round at Mid-Ohio, July 25-27.

From a press release issued by AHRMA:

Vintage racing extravaganza at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

More than 1,200 members of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association will compete in four types of national-championship vintage competition during the July 18-20 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington and at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds in Ashland, Ohio.

A round of The Classic Motor Cycle/Metro Racing Dirt Track Series takes place Friday night at Ashland.

On Saturday the day begins with a Speed & Sport observed trial in the woods on the Mid-Ohio grounds, followed by a round of the Pro-Flo/Progressive Suspension Historic Cup Series on the Mid-Ohio road course.

In addition to a full array of classes for machines up to the early 1980s, AHRMA road racing also showcases modern singles and twins classes.

Road racing continues on Sunday, along with the Speed & Sport motocross national for pre-1975 machines at Mid-Ohio.

Racing legends like Jim Pomeroy, Jay Springsteen and Jeff Smith will take part in the weekend’s racing action. For full details, visit the VMD page at www.ahrma.org.

From a press release issued by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

WOMEN & MOTORCYCLING EXHIBIT TO APPEAR AT STURGIS MUSEUM DURING 2003 RALLY

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced that the traveling version of its acclaimed “Women & Motorcycling” exhibit will be on display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame during the 2003 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The exhibit centers around colorful illustrated panels, packed with information about the role of women in American motorcycling. The panels include timelines depicting milestones from the past century, quotes from notable women past and present, and the names of more than 1,500 women who are currently active in various aspects of motorcycling.

The goal of the Women & Motorcycling exhibit is to show visitors that many women have contributed to the evolution and growth of motorcycling, from the sport’s earliest days. The traveling version of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s Women & Motorcycling exhibit has been installed in 15 cities since 2000.

“After the Women & Motorcycling exhibit’s great success here at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, we were asked to show it at other locations around the U.S.,” said Mark Mederski, Executive Director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “So we adapted it to travel, and we’re pleased to loan it to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame for the next twelve months.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame exhibits motorcycles and historic information about motorcycling, with special emphasis on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and recognizes those who have dedicated much of their lives toward the sport of motorcycling. It opened its doors on June 1, 2001, moving its present location at the corner of Main and Junction, the old U.S. Post Office building, in June of 2002. It rotates exhibits often, featuring national and international marques.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Five forged magnesium wheels carrying Dunlop developmental tires and a works Showa shock stolen from the Yoshimura Suzuki tent Thursday night in the paddock at Laguna Seca have been recovered.

“One of our customers called and said he knew the group that had the wheels and shock,” said Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Don Sakakura by phone this morning. “We made arrangements to recover the goods and they were in perfect condition. It was some guys out in the campground, which is on the other side of the track, which just goes to show how bad the security level was; I don’t know if they were asleep or what. I’m surprised nothing else was missing. These guys were just free to go anywhere they wanted in the paddock.”

In fact, there were no security personnel at the gate between the food vendor area and the paddock after hours at Laguna Seca, and Roadracing World staffers staying in a motorhome in the paddock saw spectators roaming around on foot and on minibikes at all hours of the night, every night.

At night, many road racing teams leave equipment and in some cases racebikes underneath zipped-up canopies attached to their semi-trucks.

Roadracingworld.com was tipped off to the recovery of the stolen Yoshimura parts by two e-mails sent by a WSMC racer from Bakersfield. We knew it was genuine because the theft of the works Showa shock had not been reported in a previous post on the theft. The combined text of the two e-mails follows:

“I have been informed that wheels and shock have been returned to Yosh. When the good people found out what the bad people did, they made them give the parts up, contacted Yosh, and got their stuff back to them. Thankfully there are still honest people around.

“Some drunken campers (3) from Bakersfield, California took the stuff. They had no clue what to do with it, or why they took it in the first place. When they sobered up the next morning and realized what they had done, they wanted to return it. But, things had tightened up, and they didn’t want to go to jail, and get kicked out of the races, so they just sat on the stuff.

“And when all the other riders/campers from Bakersfield found out what they had done, well, we wanted to kill then, or at least hurt them real bad. So we got the parts, called Yosh, and made arrangements for it all to be returned.

“Yosh picked up the wheels and shock from one of us honest riders, we don’t want to have the world look down on us (people from Bakersfield) just because of a couple of stupid partiers.”

See related post,
7/12/2003 Equipment Stolen From Yoshimura Suzuki Pit At Laguna Seca

From a press release issued by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course:

TWO-WHEEL ROCKETS RETURN TO MID-OHIO

DUBLIN, Ohio – The AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Tour rockets back to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire, July 25-27. This year’s event promises excitement for everyone with fantastic racing action on the track, and stellar fan activities taking place around the weekend.

Mat Mladin’s recent win at Laguna Seca propelled the AMA’s all-time wins leader past Eric Bostrom, who trails Mladin by just 6 championship points. It’s been feast or famine for Mladin, who has captured 7 wins this season, but has finished out of the top-5 in each of the other five races. Honda riders Miguel Duhamel, with seven career wins at Mid-Ohio, Ben Bostrom, returning this season from World Superbike and a former winner at Mid-Ohio, and Kurtis Roberts, with a recent hot streak to place himself in the thick of the points race, are all threats to win during either of the Wiseco Superbike 100 races on Saturday and Sunday during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire.

The on-track action isn’t confined to just the Superbike series, with Supersport, Superstock, Formula Xtreme and 250 Grand Prix classes all taking to the track during the weekend.

Tommy Hayden has captured three wins in the Superstock class, but trails leader Josh Hayes after a failed technical inspection early in the year penalized the Owensboro, Kentucky native 20 championship points. Damon Buckmaster, Alex Gobert and Ben Spies are among the field that is currently looking up at Supersport points leader Jamie Hacking.

The 250 Grand Prix is a battle for second place, with competitors wondering if anyone can stop Rich Oliver. Oliver has captured all eight 250 GP races this season and could clinch the title with a seventh place finish or higher at Mid-Ohio, regardless of how the rest of the field fairs. Ben Spies and Damon Buckmaster’s Formula Xtreme duel looks like it will head down to the wire, with both looking for a leg up in the title chase with a win at Mid-Ohio.

The thirteenth annual Mid-Ohio Dealer Ride gives fans the opportunity to take a lap of the track during the lunch break on Sunday and has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the season. Riders are able to register in advance for the ride at over 90 dealerships in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. With the dealer ride comes hundreds of motorcycles that will be on display in the infield on Sunday, July 27.

The Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire is the second half of Cycle-Fest at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, following AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 18-20. Spectators wishing to attend both motorcycle events are able to purchase a combo ticket good for general admission to both the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days on July 18-20 and Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire at a savings of up to $28 when purchased in advance of Vintage Motorcycle Days. The combo ticket includes a paddock pass for the latter event.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will be hosting a Super Cycle Fanfest at PromoWest Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio’s arena district on Wednesday, July 23. Gates will open for the free event at 5:00 p.m. to give fans the chance to meet AMA superstars Josh Hayes, Vincent Haskovec, Jordon Szoke and Jessica Zalusky. The rock rumblings of bands Twin Cam and Th’ Flyin’ Saucers and prize pack giveaways from PromoWest Pavilion, A.D. Farrow Co., Harley-Davidson/Buell, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Columbus Blue Jackets, Newport Music Hall and more will provide entertainment throughout the weekend.

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 motorsports 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.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

As a long-time AMA and World Superbike fan, I have to take exception to the “press release” that Eric Bostrom’s publicist submitted to your site, as well as to a few other sites up and down “the dial.” While I appreciate the talent, drive, and determination of Eric Bostrom, especially in light of the fact that he is riding a bike with 200cc less displacement than pretty much everyone else on the Superbike grid and I also appreciate the obvious interest that Eric’s publicist has in Eric, what I do not appreciate is the publicist’s obvious need to convey his own personal opinion with regard to Aaron Yates.

So, Eric’s publicist thinks that Aaron is a bad man. We get it. Perhaps Eric also feels the same way. But the difference is, Eric’s publicist possibly saw fit to censor Eric’s true opinion of Aaron while communicating his own personal opinion.

With all due respect, we do not care what Eric’s publicist thinks of Aaron Yates. We do care what Eric thinks. So, in the future, perhaps Eric’s publicist can devote his time to publicizing Eric Bostrom and not himself.

Yes, he should.

Sean Bice
Columbus, Ohio



See related post,
7/16/2003 Badly Dislocated Shoulder Threatens Eric Bostrom’s Season



More, from publicist Dorina Clarke:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

After spending nearly the last three years doing PR for road racers, motocrossers, freestyle motocrossers and the AMA Superbike series last year I learned the proper way to inform fans about my clients. A cardinal rule was to NEVER bash a client’s competition in a press release. Everyone has a right to their opinion and if it’s going to be in print let it come from the involved parties’ mouths in an interview or press conference, not in a press release announcing the client’s results of a race weekend. I like Eric’s publicist very much but even I was surprised at the content of the press release when I read it.

“That’s racing” is a popular saying and most often, the reality of most on-track incidents. I watched the race and it appeared to me a most unfortunate accident that took out some riders, including Eric. I’m curious how many privateers out there have ever had some “unwelcome” contact with Eric when he’s trying to get through traffic in an AMA Superbike weekend.

Dare I say that the content of the press release was based on an emotional reaction of serious disappointment after hearing the extent of Bostrom’s injuries which could seriously, if not undoubtedly, take him out of contention for the Superbike championship which he is currently second in points?

Maybe the route to take for the press release should have been to focus on the positives of Eric’s weekend leading up to the incident and then switch the focus to Eric’s recovery, which may come quicker than projected simply based on Bostrom’s level of physical fitness and the sheer will and determination to get back on the bike as soon as possible.

Dorina Clarke
Olathe, Kansas

From a press release issued by the Parts Canada Superbike Championship series:

TIGHT FIGHT HITS MOSPORT

TORONTO, ON – The 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship comes to a critical stage at Mosport International Raceway this weekend.

The eight-race series reaches its halfway point at the Miller Genuine Draft presents the Chevy Trucks Mosport Double Header. With Superbike races set for Saturday and Sunday afternoon one racer could break open one of the tightest points battles in Canadian Superbike history.

Three different riders have won the first three events of the season and only 22 points separate the top six in the standings. A total of 56 points are available to the winner of each Parts Canada round.

After three events Joliette, QC’s Jean-Francois Cyr leads the Parts Canada Superbike standings. The Michelin Yamaha ace has 110 points to the 104 of Steve Crevier following his first career national win at Autodrome St-Eustache two weeks ago.

Crevier, from Maple Ridge, BC missed the St-Eustache event after suffering a crash in an earlier race. The Diablo Suzuki pilot, winner of the season opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park will be back for Mosport, however, as he bids for a record-extending 22nd career national Superbike win.

Pascal Picotte of St-Cecile de Milton, QC is third in the standings with 96 points. The Picotte Racing Yamaha rider earned a season-high second-place finish at St-Eustache.

Michael Taylor of Toronto is fourth in points with 94 and Rock Forest, QC rider Francis Martin sits fifth on 93. Riding for Orion Motorsport Honda, Taylor was victorious in round 2 of the season in Calgary, while Coors Light Racing/Blackfoot Suzuki’s Martin has a second and third place finish to his credit in the first three races.

Martin’s teammate Clint McBain of Calgary currently lies sixth in the standings with 88 points.

Kleinburg, ON’s Frank Trombino is only seventh in the rankings with 73 points, but the Brooklin Yamaha rider scored back-to-back Mosport wins in 2000 and 2001.

Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp will also be a threat on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-7RR. Kipp comes to Mosport 10th in points with 61 after a non-finish at St-Eustache.

The Mosport weekend also features the fourth round of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike national support classes.

Picotte has a commanding lead in the Pro 600 Sport Bike points with 146 to the 93 of Kars, ON’s Andrew Nelson, who rides for Z1 Cycletech Honda, and the 92 of defending class champion McBain.

In Amateur 600 Sport Bike, Jeremy Leduc of Keremeos, BC is going for his third straight victory on his Yamaha. He leads the points with 110 to the 102 of Ottawa’s Dan Henri, also on a Yamaha and the 95 of Wellsley, ON Honda rider Bill Card.

Qualifying for the first Superbike race at Mosport goes Friday afternoon, with time trials for Sunday’s event slated for Saturday morning. Qualifying for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike classes will run Saturday afternoon.

This weekend’s event will be televised on TSN in two parts. The first show will air on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 12:30 p.m. EDT with the second on Sunday, Aug. 10, also at 12:30 p.m. Mosport action will also be shown later this year on Quebec’s RDS and across Canada on the Outdoor Life Network.