Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Mat Mladin will ride the new 2004 Suzuki GSV-R Suzuki MotoGP racebike at Sepang tomorrow.
Mladin and Aaron Yates are in Malaysia testing with the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team while Kenny Roberts and John Hopkins are testing with the Suzuki MotoGP team.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Arizona Motorsports Park (AMP), a one-year-old road course located just west of Phoenix, Arizona, has been ordered to immediately cease operations by Maricopa County officials. As a result, track management has been forced to put all events at the facility on hold until further notice.
“That’s correct,” John Naughton, AMP General Manager told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “We’re working to get a temporary restraining order and file a lawsuit, which will probably keep the facility open until the litigation is finalized.”
Asked what the issue was, Naughton said, “That’s a great question…It’s a lot of backdoor politics.”
“The County Board of Supervisors voted to revoke their special use permit,” Maricopa County Communications Director Al Macias confirmed Wednesday. “It was my understanding that the applicant had not complied with the original stipulations when they had applied for the permit.”
Asked what the specific issues were, Macias said he didn’t have all of the information in front of him but said, “There was pages of them…the number of people that could be at the racetrack, the number of cars that could operate there. I believe one of the supervisors made the point this morning that the original application said it was not to be a commercial venue, effort, or whatever. Yet the attorney for the racetrack this morning said that Subaru and Porsche had contracted to use the track for testing and had indicated that Honda motorcycles was also going to be using it. Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox said that sounded like a commercial activity as opposed to the private use that the Board had originally been told was going to be used there.”
Honda held its worldwide press launch for the 2004 CBR1000RR at AMP over several days in December, and several racing organizations have scheduled dates at the track in 2004.
More, from a press release issued by Maricopa County:
WEST VALLEY RACE TRACK PERMIT REVOKED
Decision Made at Public Hearing After Much Debate
(Phoenix) – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously revoked a special use permit for the Arizona Motorsports Park citing sound, crowd, and traffic issues. The track is located on Camelback Road just west of Litchfield Park.
At least 100 citizens attended this morning’s Board meeting, many sporting bold yellow and black stickers that declared they “Support APM”, while others wore round buttons with a race car crossed out by the international sign for “No”.
District 4 Supervisor Max Wilson has taken a great personal interest in this issue. He recently held two public meetings to take comments from citizens, and his office has received literally thousands of phone calls and emails on both sides of the debate.
Mr.. Wilson said, “This was not a “pro” or “anti” racing issue. It was purely a question of whether the applicant had complied with the requirements of the original application. Today’s decision by the Board of Supervisors says the applicant did not.”
A video tape was shown at the start of this morning’s Planning and Zoning hearing. It was made in December, 2001 on the day the Board of Supervisors first granted the Special Use Permit to Arizona Motorsports Park. In it, then Chairman Jan Brewer is heard asking repeatedly about the plans for the race track. It was quite clear that the owner wanted to have a track for personal use, racing his own road-ready vehicles. Residents near the park have complained for months that the park was not run as a private racetrack, that the owners violated the stated hours of operation, and that huge crowds and noise were causing problems.
For more information, contact the District 4 office at 602-506-7642
And now, comments from a reader and local resident:
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
We live approximately 5 miles from the track and while it was being built kept an eye on its progress awaiting its opening and subsequently the racing events it would host.
During the building phase of the project NO ONE came forward in the community to object to its location or use. The local paper even published the track’s information and use. The track held meetings with the local government and townspeople and again NO ONE came to complain or object. The track’s website even stated that the facility would also have a skid pad besides the track and they would be used for testing and training.
Once the track opened a few elitists in the nearby communities, Goodyear & Litchfield Park, started complaining to the local government about the lack of permanent restrooms. (Port-0-johns were being used initially) A permanent restroom trailer was brought in and set up. End of issue right? Nope. Next they complained about the noise level. We have been to several events and you have a very hard time hearing the cars & motorcycles that are running from the main road, less than a mile away. So the noise issue is really a none issue. But when the complaints weren’t acted upon the neighbors began to come up with other issues; too many people/crowds, traffic, Use Permit issue, etc. It is obvious that they are looking for anything that will take “hold” and get the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ attention. We have been to several events and NEVER had to wait for admittance in any line. The parking lot is not even half full at the events. The Use Permit issue not being correct for the track’s usage has been their final complaint and subsequently they WON. The track is officially closed.
When I called the Maricopa County Board of Supervisor’s District 4 office this morning I spoke to the secretary for the District 4 Supervisor to complain about the closure. Even she was confrontational about my complaint. She didn’t stay neutral in the issue and listen to my comments, she actually stated that the District 4 Supervisor lives in the community near the racetrack. Apparently this Supervisor is against the track and its usage, if he is allowing his secretary to take such a verbal stand with callers who are ‘for’ the track. So much for his impartiality in this matter.
This track would have brought a lot to a developing community. Less than 3 miles away is a 4 Star resort, shopping and dining and it’s continuing to grow. The economic rewards would be benefical to such a community.
It’s a SAD day when a few elitists can get their way in a community. Is this what America has come to?
Mary Beechler
A Sad Motorcycle Enthusiast
Phoenix, Arizona
From a press release issued by the AMA:
JOHN HOOVER TO JOIN AMA STAFF AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that John Hoover will join its senior staff as Chief Operating Officer on March 1, 2004.
In his role with the AMA, Hoover will oversee day-to-day operations, working with the Association’s professional staff to grow the organization. He’ll report to AMA President Robert Rasor.
Hoover brings 30 years’ experience in business management, sales, and marketing to his new position. For the last 20 years he worked in sales, marketing and product management for Kawasaki Motors Corp, USA, most recently as director of product management. He’s also a former member of the AMA Board of Directors, having served as a corporate member for 11 years.
“John has a wealth of knowledge to contribute to the Association, both from his industry experience and from his service on the AMA Board,” said Rasor. “The fact that he’s familiar with the AMA is very important — that, combined with his lifelong enthusiasm for motorcycling, will make John a great addition to our team.”
Hoover is a Navy veteran and a graduate of Graceland University in Iowa, where he earned a B.A. in Education while excelling both in academics and athletics.
From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:
MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia. January 21, 2004.
Scorching second day for Honda men in Sepang
As on the first day of tests yesterday, any trace of the overnight rain was dissipated by the time the Honda riders made it to the Sepang International circuit at nine o’clock this morning, local time. Blazing sunshine sent the mercury rising once more, with temperatures reaching 36º Celsius, with the track surface itself a baking 56ºC at times, as Honda completed day two of three in their current MotoGP test session at the Malaysian track.
The six Honda men here this week continued in the same vein as yesterday, working with their respective teams testing material for the upcoming 2004 season. Fastest rider out on the track today was once again Camel Honda’s Max Biaggi, who set a blistering time of 2:02.96 in his 59 laps, after focusing on getting a good set-up of his machine on 17-inch front tyres before moving to the smaller 16.5-inch tomorrow to see the difference.
Telefonica MoviStar rider Sete Gibernau, meanwhile, also improved his time from yesterday and continued his work on the 16.5-inch front as requested by Michelin.
Camel Honda’s Bridgestone equipped rider Makoto Tamada could in turn be proud of his performance today, going under the circuit race record time on his Japanese tyres, and still managed to squeeze in some testing of major changes to his motorcycle, to find out what effect they had on the bike as a whole.
Colin Edwards wasn’t as happy with his performance today, and is feeling the effects of the long journey over to steamy Malaysia after a few weeks in the cold Wyoming Mountains, despite having improved his time from yesterday considerably. HRC tester Tohru Ukawa continues to get quicker on the Honda development bike, and judging by comments from his Honda colleagues, as well as Ukawa himself, it seems as though the bike is another step forward on the already dominant machine. Finally, Repsol Honda’s Nicky Hayden continued his work re-acclimatising himself to the RC211V, after a long rest break since the last race of 2003 in Valencia.
Max Biaggi – 2:02.96. 54 laps
I have tested only 17-inch front tyres since my arrival here, it was my choice because I wanted to get a good set-up first before testing the 16.5-inch tomorrow. Now my set-up is good I will feel the difference tomorrow, and it will all be coming from the tyres. This newer bike is definitely one step ahead of the 2003 machine, with better power-delivery and more of it. However, we are two or three months from the start of the season, and the key is getting the new material as soon as possible.
Sete Gibernau – 2:03.30. 64 laps
Michelin requested that I try the 16.5-inch tyre for them today. I was having problems with it until now, and I still think after today that the tyre does need some more work on its construction perhaps to be more suited to the Honda. The problem is that the tyre is used in four or five laps, and for the next test they must try to make some new developments. Otherwise though I am happy to be riding fast consistently, this bike is even smoother than before and has a clutch that works better, so the factory is going in the right direction.
Makoto Tamada – 2:03.40. 54 laps
This morning we tried some major part changes to see what it did to my bike and performance. We changed things like the wheelbase or the linkages, because you don’t get time to do that normally in a race weekend. The results were as we expected, but it was worthwhile nonetheless to know that. In the afternoon I worked on some endurance tyre testing with the Bridgestones.
Colin Edwards – 2:03.60. 54 laps
Today we went everywhere but the right way perhaps. I lost a bit of confidence in the 16.5 inch tyre that I have been riding for so long now, just because we were chopping and changing it with the 17 a lot. Today was the first time I have got good laps in on a 17 in a while, and there is some good and bad in both types of tyres. I just think I was a little off-kilter today, the first time for a long time, but I think I’m just tired from the travelling over here and the change in conditions.
Tohru Ukawa – 2:03.63. 87 laps
It’s getting better and the lap times are better too, so that’s good to see. Today I tyre tested with the new machine – it has a different engine character so there is a different feeling in the rear, that’s where we worked today. I found a good tyre and some good settings, yesterday we had a bit of gearbox confusion, and I chose a new one today, which worked better. Also I tried a new injection setting, we’ve done a lot of laps today. Tomorrow is endurance, and we will work on engine mapping, it’s going to be a difficult day.
Nicky Hayden – 2:03.69. 84 laps
I wanted to put a lot of laps in today to get comfortable again with the bike; I also tried the 16.5-inch Michelin front, which has its plus points, but I’d like to wait to say more on it. Today I went faster than in the race here which was pleasing; we did some work with the chassis too, which helped me get back into the groove. There’s lots to work on for us now still though, the new engine I have tried is good, it’s got a very different feel when you put the power down, but I made good advances with suspension ride height settings which has helped me go better.
From a press release issued by Yamaha:
YAMAHA CONFIRMS FINAL LINE-UP AHEAD OF FIRST TEST OF 2004
Yamaha will carry out its first test of the 2004 MotoGP season this weekend with a new-look line-up. Spaniard Carlos Checa and his new team-mate, MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, will compete for the Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team, Yamaha’s wholly-owned Factory Team. Norick Abe and Marco Melandri will ride for the Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 Team, the privately-owned French team.
Both teams will be running Factory Yamaha YZR-M1 motorcycles and will be running under the Altadis-Yamaha sponsorship program. Valentino Rossi will ride in the blue of Altadis’ leading international Gauloises brand. Team-mate Checa’s Yamaha YZR-M1, on the other hand, will sport the red and silver of Altadis’ Fortuna, the market leading tobacco brand in Spain, and strongly developing internationally.
Similarly in the Tech 3 team Marco Melandri will ride in Fortuna colours with Norick Abe in Gauloises. The unusual move suits Altadis’ marketing strategy with Rossi representing their leading international brand while Checa stays linked to Fortuna for a second year. The Fortuna brand is also present on the Italian market and hence Melandri’s 2nd year in Fortuna colours while Norick Abe is important for Gauloises in the Japanese market where the brand was recently relaunched in autumn 2003.
The four Yamaha riders will start their 2004 testing programme with three days at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia from 24 to 26 January. The test will be Valentino Rossi’s first on the Yamaha YZR-M1.
This announcement also confirms that Brazilian rider Alex Barros will leave the Altadis-Yamaha set-up despite being halfway through a two-year contract with the Franco-Spanish tobacco group. The breach of his contract with sponsor Altadis is currently being discussed by the parties concerned and a final agreement of terms has yet to be reached.
Yamaha is expecting considerable media interest in Rossi’s first ride for the Japanese manufacturer but media should contact the teams’ press officer if they wish to attend organised media events in Sepang.
From a press release issued by Sport Bike Night Racing:
Of Sponsors and Friends
On July 11th of 2003, I suffered serious leg and foot injuries on the opening lap of the 600cc AMA National at Laguna Seca. I have spent a total of two and a half months in Stanford University Hospital and have undergone four surgeries. The most recent, to remove hardware from my leg and to deal with two separate infections. I have started to walk again and have begun physical therapy in hopes of increasing the movement of my ankle allowing me to have a normal stride. I am at home again but have IV lines inserted in my arm to inject antibiotics five times a day. Needless to say, 2003 was not my year.
When my dad and I put together our racing program last year we signed on with those sponsors we felt we could best represent and who, in turn, could provide us the necessary support. At that time we did not know we had chosen a group of individuals who would go “above and beyond” the call of sponsorship.
Immediately after my crash, and it was quite apparent that my racing was done for the year, the phone began to ring with calls of support and assistance from these same sponsors. I also got calls from friends and over 100 emails from race fans who saw the incident on Speed TV.
I would like to thank those sponsors and friends who stepped up when things looked bleak and the racing was over. Jeff Norman of GPR Stabilizers, you are “DA MAN”, thank you so much. Scott Link of Alpinestars and Bruce Porter of Arai Helmets. Terry Newby and Dennis Smith of Dunlop Tires, Sandro Milesi of Galfer Brakes and Mike Doran of D&W Images. Additionally, I would like to thank Chuck and Cory Eaton, Tony Meiring, Steve Rapp, Umbrella Girls USA, my crew chief Rich Serne, Wayne Rainey, David Perez, PCP Motorsports, Kenny Roberts Jr. and Rick Briggs of Offbeat Productions. And, of course, my family for their love, support and countless hours at the hospital.
This incident has shown me what a great group of people are involved in our sport and how much they care about folks on an individual basis. They are not “just sponsors.”
I hope to back on a bike by the end of February and racing soon afterward. I’ll be the guy limping around on the starting grid. Come on by and say hello. Again, thank you all.
Shaun Summers
AMA Supersport #41
Sport Bike Night Racing
Sacramento, California
From a press release issued by CMRA’s publicist:
Haner Inks with Hooters Suzuki
John Haner inked a deal with Hooters Suzuki that will see the Pearland, Texas resident running Hooters Suzuki-backed GSX-R1000s in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike Series in 2004. Haner’s deal also involves a CMRA board member and three former-CMRA racers who will provide travel and expense money.
“It’s gonna be excellent support and there is pretty good money behind the team so everything looks really good,” said Haner of the deal. “We’ll be running Superstock and Superbike classes and I will have two brand new Superstock bikes and one Superbike at every event. Mike Fargnoli, who was with Corona Suzuki last year, is the crew chief for my Hooters Suzuki team this year and has put together an exciting package.”
Haner and the Hooter’s Suzuki Team will open the season at Daytona in March, however the team will be testing at the CCS Formula USA event the week before.
“I think it’s going to be the best year yet,” added Haner, who is spending the winter training with fellow Texan and AMA pro Ben Spies. “I got that first year underneath my belt and we know we can run the times that are needed to meet our goals, now we’ll have a little faster motor, a good suspension and I think it’s gonna be my best year yet. Everybody better watch out because I’ve been training and I am ready and I’m in the best shape of my life.”
From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:
HONDA CONFIRMS BARROS FOR TOP RIDE
Following the recent announcement by Alex Barros in Brazil that he is free to seek a new MotoGP ride for the 2004 season, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) today (Tuesday, 20 January 2004) can confirm that the 33-year-old Brazilian will ride alongside Nicky Hayden in the official HRC Repsol Honda Team for 2004.
Barros is making a good recovery following surgery before Christmas on a past shoulder injury and is due to ride the 2004 Honda RC211V at Sepang, Malaysia on February 11, 12 and 13 before moving down to Phillip Island, Australia on February 17, 18 and 19 taking part in the official HRC Winter Testing Programme.
His new team under Crew Chief, Ramon Forcada, is working in Sepang at the moment with a view to making a flying start with Barros in the February tests. Forcada worked with Barros for two years in the West Honda Pons team in 2001 and 2002 and guided the Brazilian to two victories and two podiums in the last four races of 2002 when he was given the opportunity to ride the 4-stroke RC211V.
From a press release issued by Camel Honda Press Information:
First day of tests in 2004 for Makoto Tamada in Malaysia
Makoto Tamada went out today onto the circuit at Sepang in Malaysia for the first of three days of tests. Thanks to the ideal weather conditions – 30°C (86°F) air temperature, 35° (95°) on the tarmac, and moderate 70% relative humidity, he was able to work well and intensely right from the first sortie of the year. Makoto Tamada concentrated on the 2004 chassis settings of his RC211V, focusing on a number of details involving the frame and suspension. As for the engine of his Honda, the Camel Honda Team rider went out today with a power unit identical to the one used for the Valencia tests in December, and thus an intermediate step. The definitive 2004 version, which is undergoing constant development, will be used later on, as from the forthcoming tests in February.
Using Bridgestone tyres, Tamada was trying out materials that he knows and has tested at length in the past. This solution was chosen so that Makoto could concentrate entirely on the variations in chassis settings.
Shinichi Itoh, Bridgestone’s official test rider, was also out on the circuit at Sepang. The expert Japanese rider is working with the aim of continuing the development of materials made by the Japanese giant for the 2004 MotoGP. He has an intense work programme for the three days of tests that should help select the latest tyres for the season that is about to begin.
Luca Montiron (Team Manager Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda Team)
“We started off with a very successful first day of work, and the experience that Makoto Tamada acquired last year means he has been able to start the season extremely well and with great determination. Makoto made his debut in the MotoGP right here at Sepang in last year’s winter tests. Seeing him perform so well, one year later, on the very first day of tests is certainly reason for great satisfaction. We’ve got lots of work to do and this is only the first in a long series of tests leading up to the competition, so we’re tackling this period of the year with great motivation, as it’s the basis for our future results.”
Makoto Tamada (# 6 – Camel Honda Team – Bridgestone Tyres)
“I’m just raring to go and more determined than ever. The new World Championship season is starting up and I just couldn’t wait to get back onto my bike. The good weather on this first day of work gave excellent results and I was able to gain new knowledge, which I started acquiring in the December tests, of an even more advanced RC211V. We’ll take time to analyse all the details so we can make the most of all the new features that are gradually being introduced to the bike. I’m already pleased with my lap times, but over the next couple of days we’ll also be working to get the best possible performance.”
Times on first day of tests:
Makoto Tamada – 41 LAPS – 2:04.0
Shinichi Itoh – 56 LAPS – 2:05.1
From a press release issued by Proton Team KR:
Kurtis Signs
Kurtis Roberts joins Proton Team KR
Kurtis Joins Proton Team KR to Continue Roberts GP Dynasty
Kurtis Roberts – second son of legendary triple champion Kenny Roberts – will race for his father in the MotoGP World Championship in 2004, joining established Proton Team KR rider Nobuatsu Aoki for the two-man assault on the 16-race calendar.
Kurtis and the team reached final agreement this week, after the 25-year-old ex-AMA Superbike race winner tested the all-independent Proton KR V5 machine at Valencia late last year.
His first outing on a 990cc MotoGP machine showed he has inherited all the family talent to surprise and impress. The younger of the racing Roberts brothers set a faster lap time than the howling four-stroke had run at the GP only a few weeks earlier.
It is a return to GP racing for Kurtis, who campaigned a privateer 250 in 1997, at the age of 18.
Kurtis raced in the USA thereafter, winning three AMA titles (SuperSport 600 and twice Formula Xtreme) by the age of 21. Moving to the AMA Superbike class, he won two races last year on the way to a second successive top-three championship finish.
“I’m very excited about MotoGP. It’s like going home for me – the tracks, the people and the atmosphere. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where every racer wants to be,” said the son of a legend.
“I was very happy with the bike at Valencia tests. It seems like a good starting point. It’s very neutral, and doesn’t do anything funny. It’s obvious we can go round the race-track fast. We don’t go down the straightaway nearly as fast as I’d like to yet, but that’s getting better all the time,” he said.
For Kenny Roberts, this is the second time he has had the extra burden of a son in his racing team. Kenny Junior raced for his father on a Yamaha, and then on the 500 two-stroke Modenas KR3. The first GP motorcycle made by the then-new GP Motorsports Corporation in Banbuy in England.
“Little Kenny” went on to win the 500cc World Championship in 2000, riding a Suzuki.
Kenny Senior reflected on the “good and bad sides” of his latest signing.
“We needed a younger and more aggressive rider, and Kurtis is one of those guys, on a very short list. The down side is that he is my son, and I am responsible for the equipment he will race. That puts a lot more pressure on me.
“One thing is we’re a much better company now than when Kenny rode our bike. That gives me more confidence – I know we are a lot more capable now than we were then.
“Kurtis is a very talented kid, and he is maturing very quickly. When you have talent and once you get maturity you’re ready for GP racing. He will have to up his game. When I came to Europe, I also had to get faster. That happens when you come into an arena with more and better competition.
“I think he’s ready for it, as Nicky Hayden was ready,” concluded Kenny.
Kurtis will have the benefit of a highly experienced team-mate in the popular Japanese star Nobu Aoki, who agreed terms with Proton Team KR earlier in January for a third year with the team. Aoki raced the first KR V5 prototype in 2003, claiming the all-new machine’s first championship points.
In 2004, the pair will compete on the second-generation Proton KR V5. The original engine, fully designed in house, has been upgraded, and an all-new chassis incorporating techniques and forward thinking direct from F1 racing will take the project another step forward for its second season.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Mat Mladin will ride the new 2004 Suzuki GSV-R Suzuki MotoGP racebike at Sepang tomorrow.
Mladin and Aaron Yates are in Malaysia testing with the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team while Kenny Roberts and John Hopkins are testing with the Suzuki MotoGP team.
Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Arizona Motorsports Park (AMP), a one-year-old road course located just west of Phoenix, Arizona, has been ordered to immediately cease operations by Maricopa County officials. As a result, track management has been forced to put all events at the facility on hold until further notice.
“That’s correct,” John Naughton, AMP General Manager told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “We’re working to get a temporary restraining order and file a lawsuit, which will probably keep the facility open until the litigation is finalized.”
Asked what the issue was, Naughton said, “That’s a great question…It’s a lot of backdoor politics.”
“The County Board of Supervisors voted to revoke their special use permit,” Maricopa County Communications Director Al Macias confirmed Wednesday. “It was my understanding that the applicant had not complied with the original stipulations when they had applied for the permit.”
Asked what the specific issues were, Macias said he didn’t have all of the information in front of him but said, “There was pages of them…the number of people that could be at the racetrack, the number of cars that could operate there. I believe one of the supervisors made the point this morning that the original application said it was not to be a commercial venue, effort, or whatever. Yet the attorney for the racetrack this morning said that Subaru and Porsche had contracted to use the track for testing and had indicated that Honda motorcycles was also going to be using it. Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox said that sounded like a commercial activity as opposed to the private use that the Board had originally been told was going to be used there.”
Honda held its worldwide press launch for the 2004 CBR1000RR at AMP over several days in December, and several racing organizations have scheduled dates at the track in 2004.
More, from a press release issued by Maricopa County:
WEST VALLEY RACE TRACK PERMIT REVOKED
Decision Made at Public Hearing After Much Debate
(Phoenix) – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously revoked a special use permit for the Arizona Motorsports Park citing sound, crowd, and traffic issues. The track is located on Camelback Road just west of Litchfield Park.
At least 100 citizens attended this morning’s Board meeting, many sporting bold yellow and black stickers that declared they “Support APM”, while others wore round buttons with a race car crossed out by the international sign for “No”.
District 4 Supervisor Max Wilson has taken a great personal interest in this issue. He recently held two public meetings to take comments from citizens, and his office has received literally thousands of phone calls and emails on both sides of the debate.
Mr.. Wilson said, “This was not a “pro” or “anti” racing issue. It was purely a question of whether the applicant had complied with the requirements of the original application. Today’s decision by the Board of Supervisors says the applicant did not.”
A video tape was shown at the start of this morning’s Planning and Zoning hearing. It was made in December, 2001 on the day the Board of Supervisors first granted the Special Use Permit to Arizona Motorsports Park. In it, then Chairman Jan Brewer is heard asking repeatedly about the plans for the race track. It was quite clear that the owner wanted to have a track for personal use, racing his own road-ready vehicles. Residents near the park have complained for months that the park was not run as a private racetrack, that the owners violated the stated hours of operation, and that huge crowds and noise were causing problems.
For more information, contact the District 4 office at 602-506-7642
And now, comments from a reader and local resident:
FIRST PERSON/OPINION
Via e-mail
We live approximately 5 miles from the track and while it was being built kept an eye on its progress awaiting its opening and subsequently the racing events it would host.
During the building phase of the project NO ONE came forward in the community to object to its location or use. The local paper even published the track’s information and use. The track held meetings with the local government and townspeople and again NO ONE came to complain or object. The track’s website even stated that the facility would also have a skid pad besides the track and they would be used for testing and training.
Once the track opened a few elitists in the nearby communities, Goodyear & Litchfield Park, started complaining to the local government about the lack of permanent restrooms. (Port-0-johns were being used initially) A permanent restroom trailer was brought in and set up. End of issue right? Nope. Next they complained about the noise level. We have been to several events and you have a very hard time hearing the cars & motorcycles that are running from the main road, less than a mile away. So the noise issue is really a none issue. But when the complaints weren’t acted upon the neighbors began to come up with other issues; too many people/crowds, traffic, Use Permit issue, etc. It is obvious that they are looking for anything that will take “hold” and get the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ attention. We have been to several events and NEVER had to wait for admittance in any line. The parking lot is not even half full at the events. The Use Permit issue not being correct for the track’s usage has been their final complaint and subsequently they WON. The track is officially closed.
When I called the Maricopa County Board of Supervisor’s District 4 office this morning I spoke to the secretary for the District 4 Supervisor to complain about the closure. Even she was confrontational about my complaint. She didn’t stay neutral in the issue and listen to my comments, she actually stated that the District 4 Supervisor lives in the community near the racetrack. Apparently this Supervisor is against the track and its usage, if he is allowing his secretary to take such a verbal stand with callers who are ‘for’ the track. So much for his impartiality in this matter.
This track would have brought a lot to a developing community. Less than 3 miles away is a 4 Star resort, shopping and dining and it’s continuing to grow. The economic rewards would be benefical to such a community.
It’s a SAD day when a few elitists can get their way in a community. Is this what America has come to?
Mary Beechler
A Sad Motorcycle Enthusiast
Phoenix, Arizona
From a press release issued by the AMA:
JOHN HOOVER TO JOIN AMA STAFF AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that John Hoover will join its senior staff as Chief Operating Officer on March 1, 2004.
In his role with the AMA, Hoover will oversee day-to-day operations, working with the Association’s professional staff to grow the organization. He’ll report to AMA President Robert Rasor.
Hoover brings 30 years’ experience in business management, sales, and marketing to his new position. For the last 20 years he worked in sales, marketing and product management for Kawasaki Motors Corp, USA, most recently as director of product management. He’s also a former member of the AMA Board of Directors, having served as a corporate member for 11 years.
“John has a wealth of knowledge to contribute to the Association, both from his industry experience and from his service on the AMA Board,” said Rasor. “The fact that he’s familiar with the AMA is very important — that, combined with his lifelong enthusiasm for motorcycling, will make John a great addition to our team.”
Hoover is a Navy veteran and a graduate of Graceland University in Iowa, where he earned a B.A. in Education while excelling both in academics and athletics.
From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:
MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia. January 21, 2004.
Scorching second day for Honda men in Sepang
As on the first day of tests yesterday, any trace of the overnight rain was dissipated by the time the Honda riders made it to the Sepang International circuit at nine o’clock this morning, local time. Blazing sunshine sent the mercury rising once more, with temperatures reaching 36º Celsius, with the track surface itself a baking 56ºC at times, as Honda completed day two of three in their current MotoGP test session at the Malaysian track.
The six Honda men here this week continued in the same vein as yesterday, working with their respective teams testing material for the upcoming 2004 season. Fastest rider out on the track today was once again Camel Honda’s Max Biaggi, who set a blistering time of 2:02.96 in his 59 laps, after focusing on getting a good set-up of his machine on 17-inch front tyres before moving to the smaller 16.5-inch tomorrow to see the difference.
Telefonica MoviStar rider Sete Gibernau, meanwhile, also improved his time from yesterday and continued his work on the 16.5-inch front as requested by Michelin.
Camel Honda’s Bridgestone equipped rider Makoto Tamada could in turn be proud of his performance today, going under the circuit race record time on his Japanese tyres, and still managed to squeeze in some testing of major changes to his motorcycle, to find out what effect they had on the bike as a whole.
Colin Edwards wasn’t as happy with his performance today, and is feeling the effects of the long journey over to steamy Malaysia after a few weeks in the cold Wyoming Mountains, despite having improved his time from yesterday considerably. HRC tester Tohru Ukawa continues to get quicker on the Honda development bike, and judging by comments from his Honda colleagues, as well as Ukawa himself, it seems as though the bike is another step forward on the already dominant machine. Finally, Repsol Honda’s Nicky Hayden continued his work re-acclimatising himself to the RC211V, after a long rest break since the last race of 2003 in Valencia.
Max Biaggi – 2:02.96. 54 laps
I have tested only 17-inch front tyres since my arrival here, it was my choice because I wanted to get a good set-up first before testing the 16.5-inch tomorrow. Now my set-up is good I will feel the difference tomorrow, and it will all be coming from the tyres. This newer bike is definitely one step ahead of the 2003 machine, with better power-delivery and more of it. However, we are two or three months from the start of the season, and the key is getting the new material as soon as possible.
Sete Gibernau – 2:03.30. 64 laps
Michelin requested that I try the 16.5-inch tyre for them today. I was having problems with it until now, and I still think after today that the tyre does need some more work on its construction perhaps to be more suited to the Honda. The problem is that the tyre is used in four or five laps, and for the next test they must try to make some new developments. Otherwise though I am happy to be riding fast consistently, this bike is even smoother than before and has a clutch that works better, so the factory is going in the right direction.
Makoto Tamada – 2:03.40. 54 laps
This morning we tried some major part changes to see what it did to my bike and performance. We changed things like the wheelbase or the linkages, because you don’t get time to do that normally in a race weekend. The results were as we expected, but it was worthwhile nonetheless to know that. In the afternoon I worked on some endurance tyre testing with the Bridgestones.
Colin Edwards – 2:03.60. 54 laps
Today we went everywhere but the right way perhaps. I lost a bit of confidence in the 16.5 inch tyre that I have been riding for so long now, just because we were chopping and changing it with the 17 a lot. Today was the first time I have got good laps in on a 17 in a while, and there is some good and bad in both types of tyres. I just think I was a little off-kilter today, the first time for a long time, but I think I’m just tired from the travelling over here and the change in conditions.
Tohru Ukawa – 2:03.63. 87 laps
It’s getting better and the lap times are better too, so that’s good to see. Today I tyre tested with the new machine – it has a different engine character so there is a different feeling in the rear, that’s where we worked today. I found a good tyre and some good settings, yesterday we had a bit of gearbox confusion, and I chose a new one today, which worked better. Also I tried a new injection setting, we’ve done a lot of laps today. Tomorrow is endurance, and we will work on engine mapping, it’s going to be a difficult day.
Nicky Hayden – 2:03.69. 84 laps
I wanted to put a lot of laps in today to get comfortable again with the bike; I also tried the 16.5-inch Michelin front, which has its plus points, but I’d like to wait to say more on it. Today I went faster than in the race here which was pleasing; we did some work with the chassis too, which helped me get back into the groove. There’s lots to work on for us now still though, the new engine I have tried is good, it’s got a very different feel when you put the power down, but I made good advances with suspension ride height settings which has helped me go better.
From a press release issued by Yamaha:
YAMAHA CONFIRMS FINAL LINE-UP AHEAD OF FIRST TEST OF 2004
Yamaha will carry out its first test of the 2004 MotoGP season this weekend with a new-look line-up. Spaniard Carlos Checa and his new team-mate, MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, will compete for the Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha Team, Yamaha’s wholly-owned Factory Team. Norick Abe and Marco Melandri will ride for the Fortuna Gauloises Tech 3 Team, the privately-owned French team.
Both teams will be running Factory Yamaha YZR-M1 motorcycles and will be running under the Altadis-Yamaha sponsorship program. Valentino Rossi will ride in the blue of Altadis’ leading international Gauloises brand. Team-mate Checa’s Yamaha YZR-M1, on the other hand, will sport the red and silver of Altadis’ Fortuna, the market leading tobacco brand in Spain, and strongly developing internationally.
Similarly in the Tech 3 team Marco Melandri will ride in Fortuna colours with Norick Abe in Gauloises. The unusual move suits Altadis’ marketing strategy with Rossi representing their leading international brand while Checa stays linked to Fortuna for a second year. The Fortuna brand is also present on the Italian market and hence Melandri’s 2nd year in Fortuna colours while Norick Abe is important for Gauloises in the Japanese market where the brand was recently relaunched in autumn 2003.
The four Yamaha riders will start their 2004 testing programme with three days at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia from 24 to 26 January. The test will be Valentino Rossi’s first on the Yamaha YZR-M1.
This announcement also confirms that Brazilian rider Alex Barros will leave the Altadis-Yamaha set-up despite being halfway through a two-year contract with the Franco-Spanish tobacco group. The breach of his contract with sponsor Altadis is currently being discussed by the parties concerned and a final agreement of terms has yet to be reached.
Yamaha is expecting considerable media interest in Rossi’s first ride for the Japanese manufacturer but media should contact the teams’ press officer if they wish to attend organised media events in Sepang.
From a press release issued by Sport Bike Night Racing:
Of Sponsors and Friends
On July 11th of 2003, I suffered serious leg and foot injuries on the opening lap of the 600cc AMA National at Laguna Seca. I have spent a total of two and a half months in Stanford University Hospital and have undergone four surgeries. The most recent, to remove hardware from my leg and to deal with two separate infections. I have started to walk again and have begun physical therapy in hopes of increasing the movement of my ankle allowing me to have a normal stride. I am at home again but have IV lines inserted in my arm to inject antibiotics five times a day. Needless to say, 2003 was not my year.
When my dad and I put together our racing program last year we signed on with those sponsors we felt we could best represent and who, in turn, could provide us the necessary support. At that time we did not know we had chosen a group of individuals who would go “above and beyond” the call of sponsorship.
Immediately after my crash, and it was quite apparent that my racing was done for the year, the phone began to ring with calls of support and assistance from these same sponsors. I also got calls from friends and over 100 emails from race fans who saw the incident on Speed TV.
I would like to thank those sponsors and friends who stepped up when things looked bleak and the racing was over. Jeff Norman of GPR Stabilizers, you are “DA MAN”, thank you so much. Scott Link of Alpinestars and Bruce Porter of Arai Helmets. Terry Newby and Dennis Smith of Dunlop Tires, Sandro Milesi of Galfer Brakes and Mike Doran of D&W Images. Additionally, I would like to thank Chuck and Cory Eaton, Tony Meiring, Steve Rapp, Umbrella Girls USA, my crew chief Rich Serne, Wayne Rainey, David Perez, PCP Motorsports, Kenny Roberts Jr. and Rick Briggs of Offbeat Productions. And, of course, my family for their love, support and countless hours at the hospital.
This incident has shown me what a great group of people are involved in our sport and how much they care about folks on an individual basis. They are not “just sponsors.”
I hope to back on a bike by the end of February and racing soon afterward. I’ll be the guy limping around on the starting grid. Come on by and say hello. Again, thank you all.
Shaun Summers
AMA Supersport #41
Sport Bike Night Racing
Sacramento, California
From a press release issued by CMRA’s publicist:
Haner Inks with Hooters Suzuki
John Haner inked a deal with Hooters Suzuki that will see the Pearland, Texas resident running Hooters Suzuki-backed GSX-R1000s in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike Series in 2004. Haner’s deal also involves a CMRA board member and three former-CMRA racers who will provide travel and expense money.
“It’s gonna be excellent support and there is pretty good money behind the team so everything looks really good,” said Haner of the deal. “We’ll be running Superstock and Superbike classes and I will have two brand new Superstock bikes and one Superbike at every event. Mike Fargnoli, who was with Corona Suzuki last year, is the crew chief for my Hooters Suzuki team this year and has put together an exciting package.”
Haner and the Hooter’s Suzuki Team will open the season at Daytona in March, however the team will be testing at the CCS Formula USA event the week before.
“I think it’s going to be the best year yet,” added Haner, who is spending the winter training with fellow Texan and AMA pro Ben Spies. “I got that first year underneath my belt and we know we can run the times that are needed to meet our goals, now we’ll have a little faster motor, a good suspension and I think it’s gonna be my best year yet. Everybody better watch out because I’ve been training and I am ready and I’m in the best shape of my life.”
From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:
HONDA CONFIRMS BARROS FOR TOP RIDE
Following the recent announcement by Alex Barros in Brazil that he is free to seek a new MotoGP ride for the 2004 season, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) today (Tuesday, 20 January 2004) can confirm that the 33-year-old Brazilian will ride alongside Nicky Hayden in the official HRC Repsol Honda Team for 2004.
Barros is making a good recovery following surgery before Christmas on a past shoulder injury and is due to ride the 2004 Honda RC211V at Sepang, Malaysia on February 11, 12 and 13 before moving down to Phillip Island, Australia on February 17, 18 and 19 taking part in the official HRC Winter Testing Programme.
His new team under Crew Chief, Ramon Forcada, is working in Sepang at the moment with a view to making a flying start with Barros in the February tests. Forcada worked with Barros for two years in the West Honda Pons team in 2001 and 2002 and guided the Brazilian to two victories and two podiums in the last four races of 2002 when he was given the opportunity to ride the 4-stroke RC211V.
From a press release issued by Camel Honda Press Information:
First day of tests in 2004 for Makoto Tamada in Malaysia
Makoto Tamada went out today onto the circuit at Sepang in Malaysia for the first of three days of tests. Thanks to the ideal weather conditions – 30°C (86°F) air temperature, 35° (95°) on the tarmac, and moderate 70% relative humidity, he was able to work well and intensely right from the first sortie of the year. Makoto Tamada concentrated on the 2004 chassis settings of his RC211V, focusing on a number of details involving the frame and suspension. As for the engine of his Honda, the Camel Honda Team rider went out today with a power unit identical to the one used for the Valencia tests in December, and thus an intermediate step. The definitive 2004 version, which is undergoing constant development, will be used later on, as from the forthcoming tests in February.
Using Bridgestone tyres, Tamada was trying out materials that he knows and has tested at length in the past. This solution was chosen so that Makoto could concentrate entirely on the variations in chassis settings.
Shinichi Itoh, Bridgestone’s official test rider, was also out on the circuit at Sepang. The expert Japanese rider is working with the aim of continuing the development of materials made by the Japanese giant for the 2004 MotoGP. He has an intense work programme for the three days of tests that should help select the latest tyres for the season that is about to begin.
Luca Montiron (Team Manager Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda Team)
“We started off with a very successful first day of work, and the experience that Makoto Tamada acquired last year means he has been able to start the season extremely well and with great determination. Makoto made his debut in the MotoGP right here at Sepang in last year’s winter tests. Seeing him perform so well, one year later, on the very first day of tests is certainly reason for great satisfaction. We’ve got lots of work to do and this is only the first in a long series of tests leading up to the competition, so we’re tackling this period of the year with great motivation, as it’s the basis for our future results.”
Makoto Tamada (# 6 – Camel Honda Team – Bridgestone Tyres)
“I’m just raring to go and more determined than ever. The new World Championship season is starting up and I just couldn’t wait to get back onto my bike. The good weather on this first day of work gave excellent results and I was able to gain new knowledge, which I started acquiring in the December tests, of an even more advanced RC211V. We’ll take time to analyse all the details so we can make the most of all the new features that are gradually being introduced to the bike. I’m already pleased with my lap times, but over the next couple of days we’ll also be working to get the best possible performance.”
Times on first day of tests:
Makoto Tamada – 41 LAPS – 2:04.0
Shinichi Itoh – 56 LAPS – 2:05.1
From a press release issued by Proton Team KR:
Kurtis Signs
Kurtis Roberts joins Proton Team KR
Kurtis Joins Proton Team KR to Continue Roberts GP Dynasty
Kurtis Roberts – second son of legendary triple champion Kenny Roberts – will race for his father in the MotoGP World Championship in 2004, joining established Proton Team KR rider Nobuatsu Aoki for the two-man assault on the 16-race calendar.
Kurtis and the team reached final agreement this week, after the 25-year-old ex-AMA Superbike race winner tested the all-independent Proton KR V5 machine at Valencia late last year.
His first outing on a 990cc MotoGP machine showed he has inherited all the family talent to surprise and impress. The younger of the racing Roberts brothers set a faster lap time than the howling four-stroke had run at the GP only a few weeks earlier.
It is a return to GP racing for Kurtis, who campaigned a privateer 250 in 1997, at the age of 18.
Kurtis raced in the USA thereafter, winning three AMA titles (SuperSport 600 and twice Formula Xtreme) by the age of 21. Moving to the AMA Superbike class, he won two races last year on the way to a second successive top-three championship finish.
“I’m very excited about MotoGP. It’s like going home for me – the tracks, the people and the atmosphere. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where every racer wants to be,” said the son of a legend.
“I was very happy with the bike at Valencia tests. It seems like a good starting point. It’s very neutral, and doesn’t do anything funny. It’s obvious we can go round the race-track fast. We don’t go down the straightaway nearly as fast as I’d like to yet, but that’s getting better all the time,” he said.
For Kenny Roberts, this is the second time he has had the extra burden of a son in his racing team. Kenny Junior raced for his father on a Yamaha, and then on the 500 two-stroke Modenas KR3. The first GP motorcycle made by the then-new GP Motorsports Corporation in Banbuy in England.
“Little Kenny” went on to win the 500cc World Championship in 2000, riding a Suzuki.
Kenny Senior reflected on the “good and bad sides” of his latest signing.
“We needed a younger and more aggressive rider, and Kurtis is one of those guys, on a very short list. The down side is that he is my son, and I am responsible for the equipment he will race. That puts a lot more pressure on me.
“One thing is we’re a much better company now than when Kenny rode our bike. That gives me more confidence – I know we are a lot more capable now than we were then.
“Kurtis is a very talented kid, and he is maturing very quickly. When you have talent and once you get maturity you’re ready for GP racing. He will have to up his game. When I came to Europe, I also had to get faster. That happens when you come into an arena with more and better competition.
“I think he’s ready for it, as Nicky Hayden was ready,” concluded Kenny.
Kurtis will have the benefit of a highly experienced team-mate in the popular Japanese star Nobu Aoki, who agreed terms with Proton Team KR earlier in January for a third year with the team. Aoki raced the first KR V5 prototype in 2003, claiming the all-new machine’s first championship points.
In 2004, the pair will compete on the second-generation Proton KR V5. The original engine, fully designed in house, has been upgraded, and an all-new chassis incorporating techniques and forward thinking direct from F1 racing will take the project another step forward for its second season.
