From a press release issued by FGSport:

2004 World Superbike Championship

VALENCIA HOSTS TESTS FOR KEY SBK TEAMS

Pre-Season Update

With the factory Ducati Fila and Foggy Petronas teams having tested at Phillip Island in Australia recently, it was the turn of those teams and riders who elected to stay in Europe to conduct their latest series of shakedown tests. Valencia, always a popular testing venue and the scene for the first races of the new season on Sunday 29 February, played host to a number of SBK entries on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 February. It also proved to be the scene for the return of a glittering SBK star from the East – Noriyuki Haga.

The Renegade Ducati rider took his first steps on his Ducati 999R, alongside his new team-mate Leon Haslam, on Monday 2nd, and followed that up with a second day of familiarisation with the big capacity vee-twin and Pirelli tyres.

Haga, an 11-time World Superbike race winner, has had previous SBK seasons on Yamaha and Aprilia machinery and he and his Renegade team, by contrast in its first season of SBK competition, have high hopes for their immediate future in the series.

Another SBK first presented itself at Valencia, when current World Supersport Champion Chris Vermeulen took tentative steps on the Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, another machine and rider combination expected to be in the forefront of the action once the racing starts for real. At Valencia the team’s race spec wheels did not arrive on time and thus Vermeulen had to ride a virtually stock chassis set-up for the two-day test, settling for gathering valuable engine data, if not low lap times.

Having gone fastest in pre-season testing at Valencia in December, DFX Ducati runner Steve Martin repeated the feat over the two days of this test, setting a best of 1:36.2 on day two. With no transponders fitted to the machines in this unofficial test session, the lap times were taken manually and Martin’s team-mate Marco Borciani was somewhat shy of his Australian team-mate’s pace, setting a best of 1:37.6.

Second fastest riders on show were the aforementioned Haslam and PSG-1 Ducati rider Pierfrancesco Chili, both on 1:36.8. Chili was giving his 999 a shakedown run in preparation for the final test of the year, again at Valencia on 11-13 February.

Haga came next on the stopwatch, with a 1:37.2, Vermeulen tying with Kawasaki Bertocchi rider Mauro Sanchini on 1:38.3. Ivan Clementi secured a best time of 1:38.6 on his big Kawasaki.

Garry McCoy was not present on the NCR Ducati 999R machine at Valencia, as the team makes preparations for their high-profile assault on the championship.

In World Supersport the current World Champions, Ten Kate Honda, fielded their dynamic 2004 duo, Karl Muggeridge and Broc Parkes. Each was fully on the pace, with Muggeridge fastest of the Supersport riders on 1:38.2. Fabien Foret went second fastest in his debut for the Belgarda Yamaha team, his time of 1:38.3 beating Parkes by 0.4seconds.

Any one of the before mentioned riders could be thought of as a championship favourite and another, Belgarda Yamaha rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh, set a best time of 1:38.8 before crashing and being taken to hospital for checks. His suspected broken ribs proved to be painfully bruised, but luckily not fractured.

All SBK and WSS teams are expected at what will be a closely fought and tense official FGSPORT Winter Test next week, with the final preparations and tyre choices being made in readiness for the 17th straight season of SBK competition – a competition which will commence with the first untimed practice session on Friday 27 February.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Several AMA teams are completing the second day of a two-day Dunlop-team-only test today at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

Yoshimura Suzuki is present with four-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin, Aaron Yates and 2003 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Ben Spies. Mladin and Yates are riding GSX-R1000 Superbikes, and Yates is also riding a GSX-R600 Supersport machine. Spies is splitting his time between his new GSX-R1000 Superstock bike and his new GSX-R600 Supersport racer, which he has tested previously at Laguna Seca and Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump, Nevada.

This is Yoshimura Suzuki’s first testing appearance as a full team this winter.

Kawasaki has brought Tommy Hayden and Roger Lee Hayden to ride their ZX-10R Superstock and ZX-6RR Supersport racebikes. The Kawasaki factory team has had several tests previously this off-season.

Attack Kawasaki’s Tony Meiring is testing brake pads on his ZX-6RR Supersport bike and also making a few laps on Josh Hayes’ ZX-10R Superstock machine. Hayes is at the test, walking with the assistance of crutches, but will not ride.

No Limits Suzuki is also at California Speedway, making its first real test appearance of the off-season. Jason Pridmore and Jason Curtis are riding GSX-R1000 Superstock bikes only. The team’s 2004 model GSX-R600s are expected to arrive at its shop as soon as today, according to Team Coordinator Richie Alexander.

Two-time AMA Superstock Champion Jimmy Moore rode for No Limits Suzuki on the first day of the test but returned to his home in Oregon today to continue working on building up strength in areas of his body he found to be weak while riding on day one of the test, according to Alexander.

The test is also being attended by Dunlop’s Jim Allen, who runs the company’s road racing program, and several Dunlop tire technicians and engineers.

The weather at California Speedway is good with mild temperatures in the 60s, sunny skies and relatively light winds, much better than day one, according to some at the test.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Melvyn Record Awarded Promotion at Infineon Raceway; Jerry Wheeler Named Hospitality Coordinator

SONOMA, Calif. – Infineon Raceway employees Melvyn Record and Jerry Wheeler have been awarded promotions within the company, raceway officials announced.

Record has been named Vice President of Marketing. He will oversee the raceway’s overall marketing efforts and will work to expand the fan base in Northern California and outlying markets. Record will also continue research into the makeup and motivation of the fan base and explore new methods for reaching the raceway’s core customers.

Record began at Infineon Raceway in 2000 as the Director of Marketing and has since dramatically increased the raceway’s exposure via special
newspaper sections and relationships with radio and television partners. He previously worked for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for 10
years and is a resident of Vacaville.

Wheeler, previously a part-time employee, has been named to the full-time position of Hospitality Coordinator. In her new roll, Wheeler
will assist with all aspects relating to the coordination of hospitality, track rental, corporate and community relations events. Wheeler is also a board member for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities and had been involved with the raceway for more than 10 years as a community volunteer. Wheeler is a Sonoma resident.

From a press release issued by Suomy USA:

TAMADA SELECTS SUOMY

Suomy, the bold emerging name in helmets, continues its trailblazing history of firsts: Suomy is extremely pleased to announce that it has signed Makato Tamada and that he will compete the 2004 Moto GP season in a Suomy Helmet.

This is an historic event! Never before has a high profile Japanese rider not been sponsored by a Japanese helmet manufacturer. Tamada is the very first such racer to sign with a non-Japanese helmet, and he has selected the premier Italian helmet, Suomy, based on its stellar reputation and record. “We are very proud of this development and we firmly believe in our new rider”, stated Rick Marlin, president of Suomy USA.

Tamada is excited to race under the Suomy colors, and appeared for the fist time in public with his new helmet in Malaysia along with fellow Suomy teammate Max Biaggi. He joins a growing rank of the very best riders in the world who have chosen Suomy as their primary source of head protection.

The new Tamada helmet will be available from dealers nationwide this spring. MSRP is $499.95.

For more information, contact: Rick Marlin, Suomy USA: 800-524-9938.

From a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:

TESTS IN VALENCIA / 2ND DAY

A cloudy day and some rain that wet the asphalt did not stop the test day in Valencia. Despite the bad weather and the reduced number of laps the day was positive for the Aprilia MotoGP protagonists; Shakey did a good performance on his RS3 showing his confidence but the attention was focused of course on Jeremy Mc Williams who improved his first performance getting along pretty well with the Cube’s 200 H.P.

It definitely was a positive day for what concerns the data collecting and the materials’ test, a common aim for all 250′ riders; Manuel Poggiali devoted several laps to test the tires, trying different solutions in sight of the on-coming season.

Timing in MotoGP:

Shane Byrne 1.35.7
Jeremy Mc Williams 1.36.2

250cc Timing:

Sebastian Porto 1.36.1
Alex De Angelis 1.36.4
Fonsi Nieto 1.36.7
Manuel Poggiali 1.36.5

Aprilia Racing’s press release from Day One of the test:

Here we are again. Under Valencia’s sun, the Aprilia MotpGp is back on track after the long xmas pause. It’s test time, in order to coordinate the technical developments and re-create the feeling between riders and motorbikes.

In the first, important day of test the appointment is very special for Jeremy McWilliams, on his debut on the RS3 towards a season that will see him as a protagonist of Noale’s 3 cylinders side by side with the young Shane Byrne. For both of them, the test day was surely positive.

Jeremy has worked a lot on the set up, including the personal regulation of each part of the cube, from the handle to the engine brakes. The first meeting with the RS3 was quite good, except a little slide in the end, the motorbike gave to the British guy some good vibrations. Shakey keeps on going well improving his performances progressing his time of two tenths less than the previous December.

Good timing also in the 125, you can have a look at the right below.

Tomorrow, thanks to the good weather, riders will be on track again: MotoGP has just begun!

MotoGP timing:
Shane Byrne 1.35.1
Jeremy McWilliams 1.37.0

250cc timing :
Sebastian Porto 1.36.2
Manuel Poggiali 1.36.6
Fonsi Nieto 1.37.2

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to a January 30 memo sent by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. to dealers and obtained by Roadracingworld.com today, production of the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R has been delayed.

The memo states, “Shipments to dealers are expected to start aproximately 60 days later than indicated in your Vehicle Confirmed Delivery Schedule, and to continue at that rate.”

The delay means that ZX-10R Kawasakis should start arriving at some dealers late in March, 2004.

At post time, Roadracingworld.com was unable to reach a Kawasaki spokesperson and was awaiting a return phone call.

From a press release issued by Yamaha:

Yamaha Motor Racing will again play host to its popular Yamaha Racing Training event –– which takes place between March 21 and 25 at the Nogaro circuit in France.

This year’s event is open to competitors having a racing license and running either a 2004 model YZF-R1 or a 2003/2004 model YZF-R6 in a recognised national or European Superbike, Supersport or Superstock championship. What is so unusual about the Yamaha Race Training – in short YRT – is that the event is free of charge. The only costs incurred by participants are traveling to and from the event, overnight accommodation, food, fuel, tyres and other machine consumables.

Yamaha Motor Racing’s technical coordinator (and former GP and World Supersport winner) Wilco Zeelenberg is hosting the event. Wilco is joined by race engineers from Yamaha’s Japanese headquarters, Yamaha service staff and technicians from some of the leading tyre and suspension manufacturers, while the hospitality set up from the Yamaha Belgarda World Supersport team will provide participants a warm central home for the duration of the event.

YRT first saw the light of day in the mid-nineties as a classroom-based programme for racing customers. It was reintroduced last year at the Almeria circuit in southern Spain, with a new format that combined the theory with practical assistance in the form of free track time.

Last year’s YRT proved an undoubted success, with competitors from 11 countries traveling to Spain. The main difference between the 2003 and 2004 events, apart from the more central location, is that this year the event has been opened up to R1 riders, due in no small part to the high number of competitors choosing to race the for 2004 new 1000cc model in the Superbike, Endurance and Superstock classes. This year’s format also offers participants more track time, with one day of theory and three days on track.

Yamaha’s theory tuition will ensure that the competitors get the most out of their new steeds and the YEC (Yamaha Engineering Corporation) kit parts, while the free track time acknowledges the fact that it can often be difficult for national level riders to get sufficient practice to go into the season with a bike set-up they are totally confident in.

“National riders sometimes only get 20 or 25 minute practice sessions before races,” explains Zeelenberg. “That makes it especially important for them to find the correct set-up quickly. If they follow our guidelines they should be able to find good settings for every track, and go faster quicker.”

Registration

Competitors wishing to find out more information about YRT or who wish to register should contact their national Yamaha distributor prior to 23rd February. Details of local distributors can be found on the Yamaha Motor Europe website http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com or can be obtained by contacting us by the following email address: [email protected]

From a press release issued by Stockton Motorplex Park:

New Northern California Mini Road Racing Club!

Matt Myers, the Director of Events (motorcycle
division) at the Stockton Motorplex Park located in Stockton, California, along with track owner Chris Ranuio, have developed a new mini road race club and series called Stockton Mini Road Race Club (SMRRC) scheduled to start on March 7th, 2004.

A little about Mr. Myers, Matt has been an avid motorcycle rider and racer for over twenty years, mostly on street bikes, including some amateur and semi professional road racing. Myers has also had experience running several local motorcycle racing series and organizations, including the position of race director for SupermotoUSA at the Stockton facility. Matt’s position at the Stockton track, among other things, is to develop and oversee new ways of showcasing their facility and to bring motorcycle riders an opportunity to experience motorcycle riding and racing in a safe controlled environment. “We have already earmarked 7 race dates starting in March 2004” says Myers, with all races scheduled to be held on Sundays. One of the new clubs many focuses will be to support and nurture junior road racers. With that in mind, they have developed several youth classes. One inparticular has been dubbed “Jr. Stars” where kids as young as 5 can compete on small displacement minibikes. Matt feels the timing is right for a new series to begin. “With the emergence of Supermotard racing coupled with the latest minibike and mini road racing craze we’re sure to have a hit, especially since the track is so motorcycle friendly.”

“I would love to hear some feedback from riders and racers who would be willing to support and join this new club” says Myers. Please feel free to contact Matt with questions or comments.

Matt Myers
Director of Events, Stockton Motorplex Park
(209) 914-3697
e-mail @ [email protected]
2827 Cherry Hills Dr. Discovery Bay, CA 94514

Below is a quick overview of the class structure, more about class details, and or membership can be found by obtaining our 2004 series rulebook at the tracks official website www.in2higear.com or www.teamcalamari.com

Stockton Mini Road Racing Club (SMRRC)

Basic Class Structure

12″ wheel classes YSR, NSR, Metrakit…
(1) Stock YSR
(2) Modified
(3) Super Modified
(4) Unlimited

Pocketbikes
(5) Pocketbike Production & Mini Sidecars

GP Classes…
(6) 80GP Junior (ages 10-13)
(7) 80GP Expert-(ages 14-up)

Big Wheel
(8) Modified Production (production based modern
street bikes)
(9) Unlimited Production (production based modern
street bikes)

4 Stroke Classes…
(10) Junior Stars-(ages 5-9)
(11) Unlimited XR50- (ages 10-up)
(12) Stock Thunder
(13) Unlimited Thunder

Womens
(14) Big Wheel, Stock Thunder

From a press release issued by Sport Tire Services:

Feb. 3rd 2004

Sport Tire Services/Dunlop race tires
Paso Robles, CA

We at Sport Tire Services are proud to announce Dunlop’s release of the all new AMA Supersport ready, 17-inch racing slicks. These tires will fit a 5.50X17 to a 6.00X17 inch rear rim and a 3.50X17 inch front.

The all new sizes are; 120/70X17 front and 195/70X17 rear.

These tires are currently available in Soft, +1 and +2 compounds.

The same tires that are being used by factory Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki for their AMA Superstock 1000cc machines, are now in stock and ready for club racer use.

They will be on sale at the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club races during the Valentine’s Day weekend.

The new 190/60X17 D208 GP “A” is soon to follow!

Call 805-434-4810 for details and pricing.