From a press release:

BRITISH SIDECAR CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE AT CASTLE COMBE

The new Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship will conclude with the final round at the picturesque Castle Combe circuit in Wiltshire on September 26.

As part of the two-day “Superbike Grand National” at Castle Combe, the new-look Sidecar series will join leading British Superbike Championship
race teams for an end of season motorcycle extravaganza.

“This will be the first two-day motorcycle race event in the circuit’s 54-year history, it will be a very special occasion,” said circuit Chairman
Howard Strawford.

The inaugural Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship ­ complete with attractive new manufacturer-linked liveries ­ is expected to be a crowd-puller at the 1.85-mile circuit.

Strawford continued: “We’re very excited about the prospect of hosting the final round of the British Sidecar Championship, a double-header race format which could well decide the 2004 champion. This is, we believe, the first
British Championship round here since the early 1970s when Barry Sheene and current BSB favourite Michael Rutter’s father Tony were chasing 350cc
honours.”

Leading driver and nine times World Sidecar Champion Steve Webster commented: “I’ve never raced at Castle Combe but heard lots of good reports about the circuit, the people and the huge crowds they attract so I’m really
looking forward to it.”

The Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship will be managed by Sportscom Media Limited. Final championship details are subject to contract with British Superbike Championship organisers, MCRCB Events.

2004 Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship calendar

March 28 – Silverstone, Northants
April 12 – Brands Hatch, Kent (Indy circuit)
April 25 – Snetterton, Norfolk
May 3 – Oulton Park, Cheshire
May 23 – Mondello Park, Ireland
June 6 – Thruxton, Hants
June 20 – Brands Hatch, Kent (GP circuit)
July 4 – Knockhill, Fife
July 18 – Rockingham, Northants
August 15 – T.b.a
August 30 – Cadwell Park, Lincs
September 12 – Oulton Park, Cheshire
September 19 – Donington Park, Derbys
September 26 ­ Castle Combe, Wilts.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Insiders say that the 2004 Daytona 200 will run as usual, but that the AMA Superstock race will be cut to 12 laps instead of 15.

An announcement is expected soon from AMA Pro Racing.



See related post:

1/26/2004 Insiders Say AMA May Shorten Superstock Race At Daytona

From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA PRESENTS FIRST ‘MOTORCYCLING ADVOCATE AWARD’ TO UMBENHAUER

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has honored Charles Umbenhauer, ABATE of Pennsylvania’s state lobbyist, with the first AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, for his untiring efforts in the fight to protect motorcyclists’ rights. The award was presented by AMA Board of Directors Chairman Rick Gray on January 24, 2004, at ABATE of Pennsylvania’s annual Leadership and Legislative Seminar in Harrisburg.

The AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, the Association’s top honor for government-relations activities, was created to recognize AMA members who work as advocates before lawmakers and government officials, to promote motorcycling and protect its future.

Umbenhauer, a 22-year AMA member, has been the state lobbyist for ABATE of Pennsylvania for more than two years. He previously served as the
organization’s state legislative coordinator for 14 years, and has been active in fighting for motorcyclists’ rights since 1980. In 1986 he
founded ABATE of Pennsylvania’s BIKEPAC, the nation’s first motorcycling-related political action committee.

“Charlie Umbenhauer represents the most positive aspects of advocacy for motorcyclists,” said AMA Chairman Gray. “His interests are not
single-focused. Rather, they encompass everything from mandatory helmet laws to insurance issues and toll reductions. He has never burned political bridges by being partisan or offensive on a single issue; understanding that in the future, today’s opponent is tomorrow’s friend. He has respect from all with whom he has dealt. Motorcyclists are lucky to have him as our representative.”

AMA President Robert Rasor noted that it was particularly appropriate for Umbenhauer to be the first recipient of this award. “Individual
involvement and perseverance are the keys to success for motorcycling advocates. Charlie’s many years of commitment, unselfish involvement and dogged determination make him the ‘poster boy’ for all motorcycling advocates.”

Umbenhauer said he was surprised to receive the award, and honored not only because it was presented during ABATE of Pennsylvania’s 19th annual Leadership and Legislative Seminar, but also because it was presented by Rick Gray, a longtime friend.

“A lot of people have asked me, ‘What in the world keeps you going?'” Umbenhauer added. “It’s the love of motorcycling, and the fact that
we’ve been able to make a difference.”

From AHRMA:

Rodi returned to AHRMA board

Former long-time board member Beno Rodi of Winder, Ga., was voted back onto the AHRMA Board of Trustees in balloting that ended Jan. 15. Rodi and John Goodpaster of Hobart, Ind., both were returned for three-year terms on the board, representing the Eastern Region. Another incumbent, Tim Stancill of Fallston, Md., was not reelected.

In the Western Region, incumbents Dick Mann of Gardnerville, Nev., and Fred Mork of Martinez, Calif., won reelection.

In all, 988 AHRMA members — 18 percent of the total membership — returned ballots. Complete vote totals are shown below.


Eastern Region

Beno Rodi* 269
John Goodpaster* 264
Corky Root 193
Tim Stancill 128


Western Region

Dick Mann* 442
Fred Mork* 337
Craig Murray 201
Alan Dye 77

*Elected

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yamaha is experimenting with a new big-bang firing order for the MotoGP YZR-M1 Inline Four.

The uneven firing order is designed to improve rear-wheel traction.

Two Japanese test riders were seen trying the machine at Sepang on Monday, after Yamaha’s MotoGP teams tested at the Malaysian track.

Yamaha MotoGP engineers confirmed that the engine, which sounds like a V4, was actually the latest version of the Inline Four.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WSMC racer Tyler Paulson (WSMC #6) is opening a motorsports bar and grill called Hells Kitchen Motorsports Bar, at 32685 Ortega Highway in Lake Elsinore, California. The phone number is (909) 609-3390.

Paulson has scheduled a grand opening for Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with live music on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a big screen TV and pool tables.

An e-mail sent to various WSMC racers by the new establishment read:

“It’s finally here! The Grand Opening of Tyler Paulson’s (#6) Motorsports Bar and Grill. Show up and support his new venture or he won’t sponsor your racing next year!!! If the restaurant does well that could mean big contingencies in Tyler’s best races!!

“For those of you non-bikers…come on down and support live music and great BEER!

“Call number on flyer for any other details.

“See you there!!”

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, January 27, 2004

Superbike World Championship
Supersport World Championship
2004 Provisional Entry List


Superbike World Championship

N° Rider Nat. Machine Team
4 Troy Corser AUS PETRONAS FP1 Foggy PETRONAS Racing

5 Piergiorgio Bontempi ITA Suzuki GSX 1000R Zongshen Team

6 Mauro Sanchini ITA Kawasaki ZX10 Team Kawasaki Bertocchi

7 Pier Francesco Chili ITA Ducati 999R Team PSG-1

8 Ivan Clementi ITA Kawasaki ZX10 Team Kawasaki Bertocchi

9 Chris Walker GBR PETRONAS FP1 Foggy PETRONAS Racing

12 Warwick Nowland AUS Suzuki GSX 1000R Zongshen Team

16 Sergio Fuertes ESP Suzuki GSX 1000R MIR Racing

17 Chris Vermeulen AUS Honda CBR 1000RR Ten Kate Honda

TBA Honda CBR 1000RR Ten Kate Honda

19 Lucio Pedercini ITA Ducati 996R Team Pedercini

TBA Ducati 996R Team Pedercini

20 Marco Borciani ITA Ducati 999R D.F.X. Racing Team

23 Jiri Mrkyvka CZE Ducati 996R JM SBK Team

24 Garry McCoy AUS Ducati 999R Team Caracchi

TBA ESP Ducati 999R Team Caracchi

25 Alessio Velini ITA Yamaha YZF R1 UnionBike GiMotorsport

41 Noriyuki Haga JPN Ducati 999R Team Renegade Ducati

52 James Toseland GBR Ducati 999R Ducati Fila

55 Régis Laconi FRA Ducati 999R Ducati Fila

91 Leon Haslam GBR Ducati 999R Team Renegade Ducati

99 Steve Martin AUS Ducati 999R D.F.X. Racing Team

2004 models homologation procedure in progress



Supersport World Championship

N° Rider Nat. Machine Team

2 Stéphane Chambon FRA Suzuki GSX 600R Team Alstare Suzuki

4 Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh NED Yamaha YZFR6 Team Yamaha Belgarda

8 Alessio Corradi ITA Honda CBR 600RR Team Italia Megabike

11 Kevin Curtain AUS Yamaha YZFR6 Yamaha Motor Deutschland GMBH

15 Matteo Baiocco ITA Yamaha YZFR6 Team Lorenzini by Leoni

18 Denis Sacchetti ITA Honda CBR 600RR Team Italia Megabike

19 Walter Tortoroglio* ITA Suzuki GSX 600R Celani Team

20 Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA Suzuki Team Alstare Suzuki

22 Stefano Cruciani ITA Kawasaki ZX6RR Team Kawasaki Bertocchi

23 Broc Parkes AUS Honda CBR 600RR Ten Kate Honda

25 Giovanni Bussei ITA Ducati 749 R SL Racing

31 Karl Muggeridge AUS Honda CBR 600RR Ten Kate Honda

37 Katsuaki Fujiwara JPN Suzuki GSX 600R Team Alstare Suzuki

57 Lorenzo Lanzi ITA Ducati 749 R Ducati Breil

76 Max Neukirchner GER Honda CBR 600RR Team Klaffi Honda

TBA ITA Suzuki GSX 600R Moto 1

93 Christian Kellner GER Yamaha YZFR6 Yamaha Motor Deutschland GMBH

94 Yaron Salinger ISR Honda CBR 600RR IRT Team

95 Eli Chen ISR Honda CBR 600RR IRT Team

99 Fabien Foret FRA Yamaha YZFR6 Team Yamaha Belgarda

116 Sébastien Charpentier FRA Honda CBR 600RR Team Klaffi Honda

* Only European rounds

2004 models homologation procedure in progress

From a press release:

WEBSTER GEARS UP FOR NEW SEASON

Nine times World Champion Steve Webster is a step closer to racing in the new British Sidecar Championship as his Suzuki machine began to take shape on Monday ­sporting the GSX-R Suzuki manufacturer livery design.



Webster’s machine was given its manufacturer look over the weekend and the Yorkshire ace took delivery of the bodywork on Monday, from the specialist M & M paintwork concern in Stoke-on-Trent.



“The bodywork looks fantastic,” said Webster. “The manufacturer colours and the clean, white image are a great base to add my personal sponsor and partner brands for the 2004 season.”



He continued: “We’ve been looking at designers’ illustrations over the past few months but to see the machine complete is impressive. Tim Reeves said the same about his Suzuki paintwork last week and I’ve heard from Ben Birchall and Stuart Woodard and they’re impressed with their Yamaha looks.”



Webster will race in the 14-round championship with passenger Paul Woodhead as a major Sidecar Championship joins the British Superbike programme for the first time in more than 15 years.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A dispatch from a U.S. Army Lt. we know in Iraq:

Just wanted to send out a note to all to let you know how things are going. Things are about the same here. I’ve been busy with a couple of things–I was the investigating officer in a 15-6 investigation, after someone lost a pair of night-vision goggles, and I had to go the range to qualify, as it is one of those “everyone must do this before redeployment” tasks. The range is about a 25-minute drive from our living area and is in one of the outer areas of Baghdad. It’s pretty empty out there. The range is at the site of an actual range. It was part of a military compound at one time. Of course, the entire place was bombed to bits.

It is just so sad. There are squatters living in the wreckage–flocks of sheep, little shanty towns, people poking in the rubble. While we were shooting a bunch of little kids came up to us. They barely know any English but they can say “chocolate”, “water” and “money”. They are completely filthy and only half-clothed and completely unsupervised on a Monday morning. I gave them some dried apples I had. The crazy part, though, is that they think soldiers are great. Even though they live in the midst of all that squalor they waved at us and gave us thumbs-up and ran along behind our vehicles as we left.

And I saw an old man in traditional Arab dress poking in the rubble with a stick. But when he saw us driving by he looked up and waved. Apparently they don’t all blame us, which is nice to know. But it just makes me sad to go out.

The worst part is most of these people didn’t live any better before we bombed. It just makes you realize how much of a disparity there really is between the palaces of Saddam and the lives of the ordinary people.

Of course, driving anywhere makes me nervous. I was in an uparmored HMMWV and we still drive like bats out of hell in the middle of the road and stay as far away from the curbs as possible. The day after we were at the range they found an IED on the road right outside the range, right where we were the day before. And even uparmored HMMWVs are no match for certain IEDs. Three soldiers were killed and two were wounded just north of the city a few days ago when the Bradley they were in, which weighs about 25 tons, mind you, was blown on its side by an IED. It blew the turret off the Bradley and blew its tracks off. It was a huge IED.

Well, I am off to dinner so I will close for now. I hope all is well with everyone. Take care until the next time.



And a related message from freelance publicist Dorina Clarke:

Please put a link on the site, for IAFSupport.org

It stands for International Armed Forces Support and it’s a place where people can go and sign up to be a pen pal to a soldier in the Middle East who doesn’t have friends or family to correspond with. It’s something I feel pretty passionate about and would love to see the motorcycle industry get involved with.

There’s also a site called Operationmilitarysupport.com
similar to the other but has more information about sending care packages and needed items that soldiers would love to get while deployed.

From a press release:

Racer Perry Melneciuc has announced his new road racing school.

With three schools already completed, Jennings GP Nov. 17, 2003, Roebling Road Dec. 1, 2003 and Jennings GP Jan 17, 2004 we look forward to our upcoming weekend at Jennings GP Feb. 14-15. This would be a great time for racers to come out and warm up for Daytona!

The focus of our school is personalized instruction. We limit the number of riders to 36 each day to ensure everyone is provided the maxium amount of on track time.

We cater to first time students requiring very individualized instruction, as well as track day enthusiasts and licensed racers looking to improve their riding skills, motorcycle set up and ultimately their lap times.

2004 Schedule
Jennings GP Feb. 14-15
Roebling Road TBA Jennings GP Apr. 17-18
Jennings GP Feb. 14-15
Barber Motorsports Park TBA
Talladega GP TBA

Check out our website at rpmtrackschool.com or call Perry at (239) 369-5701.