From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES (AMERICA), LTD. ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF MARKETING VICE PRESIDENT

Todd Andersen Appointed to Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. Vice President Marketing Post

NEWNAN, Georgia – January 13, 2004 – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announced today that Todd Andersen has been appointed Vice President, Marketing of Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. Mr. Andersen has over 18 years of management experience expertise in consumer marketing. Taking charge this week, Todd Andersen will work directly with Tue Mantoni, Worldwide Commercial Director Triumph Motorcycles and Mark Brady, Chief Operating Officer Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., to manage the marketing activities in United States, Canada and Latin America.

“We are extremely proud to have Todd join our team,” stated Mark Brady, “he has an outstanding business leadership track record and brings a wealth of consumer marketing experience to Triumph. Todd has been an active motorcycle enthusiast most of his life and has a strong understanding of the motorcycle consumer and the US market.”

An avid motorcyclist and former road racer, Mr. Andersen has previous experience with highly recognized companies including General Mills, and McKinsey & Company. He was most recently a principal in a software and services company in New York.

“The US is the most important market for Triumph Motorcycles.” said Tue Mantoni, Worldwide Commercial Director, Triumph Motorcycles, “recruiting someone with Todd’s marketing acumen and depth of expertise to lead our US marketing activities is another step forward in our plan and commitment to meeting our goals.”

A graduate of Bates College, Mr. Andersen received his MBA in 1985 from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in Durham, North Carolina. He is in the process of relocating from New York to Newnan, Georgia.

“I am thrilled to join Triumph,” said Mr. Andersen, “we have a great line of high-quality bikes designed for real riders. With innovative new models like the Rocket III power cruiser and the classically-styled Thruxton coming out this year, we have a tremendous opportunity to grow our share of the US motorcycle market.”

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

RIZLA SUZUKI GET READY

Team Rizla Suzuki welcomes four new members to its team this month, giving it more strength in depth than ever before as it goes for British Superbike glory in 2004.

Starting the 2004 season as title favourites with double BSB Champion John Reynolds and fans’ favourite Yukio Kagayama piloting its awesome Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000s, the team is sparing no effort recruiting the best people so it can be as competitive as possible when the racing starts at Silverstone on March 28th.

Rizla Suzuki retains the vastly experienced Dave Marton as JR’s Chief Technician and the team’s Head of Engine Development. For 2004 he will be joined by Stewart Johnstone who will be Chief Technician for Yukio Kagayama.

From York, 38-year-old Stewart has more than 20-years experience in the bike racing world and has worked with riders of the calibre of Neil Hodgson, James Toseland, Chris Walker, Troy Bayliss, Niall Mackenzie, Terry Rymer, Iain Macpherson and Jim Moodie. He’s also worked with JR before – in 1992 when he claimed the British Superbike title.

“We won the BSB title in 1992 with JR and then again in 1999 with Troy Bayliss and 2000 with Neil Hodgson,” explains Stewart. “While I think JR is certainly a favourite for the BSB Championship, I think that if Yuki comes back to the team fully recovered from his injuries, then he will be a very strong contender as well. I hope to be able to help Rizla Suzuki to the title this season.”

Johnstone will be working closely with new Chassis Technician for Yuki, Mark Hanna, another experienced race mechanic with a flair for making bikes handle just the way their riders want them to. Mark, 37, from Bournemouth, has worked with Sean Emmett, John Crawford and Paul Brown in the past, as well as winning a 600cc European Championship with Jan Hannsen.

Mark said: “I will be trying to get inside Yuki’s head and figure out exactly what he needs to perform at his best. I have never met Yuki, but I know he is a hard and determined rider and I’ll match that. I’m determined to put together a bike he can win on. Working for this team is great, it is the most professional squad in BSB.”

Joining the team as back-up to the riders and technicians is new Technical Co-ordinator Simon Green. From Salisbury, the 36-year-old has a history with Crescent and motorcycle racing. As Chief Technician, he won the 2001 British Supersport title with Crescent and Karl Harris. He worked for Crescent from 1999 – 2002 and has been involved in motorcycle racing since 1990. He’s worked with other riders like James Haydon and John Crawford and his vast experience will give the team real strength in depth over a weekend.

Simon says: “I make sure that the team has everything it needs to do the job properly. All the logistics, from ordering parts to dealing with stocking levels are important parts of my job. I also help out with sponsors and because I have a background as a Chief Technician, I am able to help hands-on at the weekends if required. I am currently helping out with developing the wiring looms and slipper clutches, so I’ll definitely be getting my hands dirty.”

Supporting the entire team is new Race Team Co-ordinator Caroline Young from Poole. After spending 10-years managing nightclubs in Brighton, the party capital of the UK, and then working in administration at a legal firm, she has all the skills to organise the team’s administration and encourage everyone to have a good time in the process.

“I really only took the job so I could go to the races every weekend,” quipped Caroline. “My father used to take me to all sorts of bike races and I was bitten by the bug, I just love it. I am looking forward to being part of a winning team in British Superbikes!”

From a press release issued by Dunlop Tire Company’s advertising and public relations agency, Vreeke & Associates:

Buffalo, NY: Mike Buckley, Vice President Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, issues the following statement regarding the history and future of Dunlop tires in American racing:

“For many years, Dunlop has maintained an unequaled commitment to road racing in the United States. When other tire manufacturers chose to abandon the American road racing scene in the early 1990s, Dunlop stayed the course and continued to develop new technology and supply state-of-the-art tires to road racers in all classes and venues in the U.S. In doing so, Dunlop cultivated strong and positive working relationships with virtually every top-tier race team in America, and to this day Dunlop continues to strive to provide every advantage possible to these teams.

“To a large degree, the success enjoyed by Dunlop and the many teams sponsored by Dunlop has been the result of an incredible amount of hard work including behind-the-scenes testing during the off-season and between races. During these testing sessions, all teams enjoy a free exchange of information with Dunlop tire engineers, and this open and cooperative environment has proven most valuable, yielding new tire data that is then incorporated into next-generation tires for the race track, and street applications as well.

“This hard-earned data needs to be closely guarded, as is true of proprietary information gathered through top-level research in any other field or setting. As other tire manufacturers begin to renew their race support efforts once again in the U.S. during the 2004 season, we welcome the challenge; rigorous competition only makes for better racing.

“In a release dated December 9, 2003, Dunlop clearly stated that the company ‘has intensified its tire development program in the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship and Dunlop-sponsored tests in the coming 2004 season.’

“Having established an effective R&D/testing system for the many teams we sponsor, we will continue to implement and expand upon our program in order to give every advantage possible to the teams who have chosen to race on Dunlop tires.

“As part of the first steps to expand this program and in order to safeguard this new technology, Dunlop has taken a lead role in select off-season and pre-race testing programs. Drawing on accepted practice in European, MotoGP, and World Superbike racing, this lead role will see some tests restricted to teams supported by Dunlop. These dedicated tests will accelerate our ability to deliver next-generation product improvements to racers and street consumers alike. In no way do these steps preclude other manufacturers from securing their own dates at AMA venues to do their own development work.

“In keeping with this direction, fans of U.S. racing will see a marked increase in the number of Dunlop personnel from our international MotoGP and World Superbike staff attending American race events this year. In addition, teams and riders who have selected Dunlop for the 2004 season will have access to an unprecedented variety of tires utilizing our latest development technology.

“We look forward to the new season and we continue to pledge our support to the many race teams who have chosen to partner with Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.”

From a press release:

YOKOHAMA TO SUPPORT PRE-SEASON TEST SCHEDULE

Yokohama Tyres UK has confirmed its support for the pre-season test days for the new, Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship, on February 13 and 20.

The test days will take place at Britain¹s newest racing circuit, the Rockingham venue in Northamptonshire.

The shakedown tests offer teams a chance to prepare for the new season and will also offer the first viewing of the Sidecar machines in the new, uniformed, motorcycle manufacturer livery designs.

“Contributing to the new-look Sidecar Championship¹s testing programme is a pleasure,” said Yokohama UK’s Mark Evans. “What is happening to the Sidecar class is very exciting and everyone at Yokohama is gearing up for a great 2004 season.”

The Rockingham test days will get the championship activities under way before the series kicks off with the first two races, at Silverstone, Northants on March 28.


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

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Ambient temperatures at Irwindale, California’s Irwindale Speedway on Sunday, for the third of three consecutive sessions of Keith Code’s new one-day On One Wheel wheelie school, reached 80 degrees F.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA and AMA Pro Racing Director Mike Buckley, Vice President of Dunlop Tire Co., personally made the phone calls arranging Dunlop’s buyout of co-op AMA team test dates for the purpose of banning teams using competing tire brands from the tests.

“It came from above Jim Allen,” said a member of an AMA team sponsored by Dunlop, speaking on the condition that he would not be identified for fear of retribution by Dunlop. “Buckley called. We felt bad about it because we had already told Vic (Fasola, of Ducati Austin) that it would be no problem for them to test with us (on specific dates).”

See related post:

1/8/2004 Updated Post: Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release:

Zoom Zoom Track Days is pleased to invite all non-Dunlop AMA teams to test at our event at Infineon Raceway (previously known as Sears Point) on February 12th, 2004. Several special sessions will be reserved for AMA Pro teams only, and they will be welcome to ride with our “A” group riders as well.

“We were deeply disappointed with Dunlop’s ploy to exclude other tire manufacturers from testing,” said Chris Keane, Events Director at Zoom Zoom. “We want the AMA season to be as exciting and competitive as possible. We’re throwing open our doors to any team who wants to practice.”

Interested parties should contact Chris Keane at
[email protected] or Chris Van Andel at
[email protected] for more information.

About Zoom Zoom Track Days: Since 2000, Zoom Zoom Track Days has been a leading provider of high quality track events in Northern California. Please check our website for more information. Our 2004 schedule is posted there as well and consists of 12 dates at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Ca, and Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, Ca. We can be found on the web at www.ZoomZoomTrackDays.com and by phone at (650) 703-5523.

This just in from David Pyles of Fastrack Riders, which will run several WERA races on the West Coast in 2004:

CORRECTION!

Our first e mail announcing the 2004 WERA West Racing Series included a mistake regarding transponders!

Transponders will rent for $40 per weekend! (Not $290)

Transponders can be purchased through till June of 2004 for $260

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING STATEMENT REGARDING KEVIN WINDHAM PENALTY AT ROUND 2 OF THE AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 12, 2004) — In pre-season meetings and conversations with supercross team managers, AMA Pro Racing communicated that it would be taking a closer look at aggressive riding and begin imposing point deduction penalties instead of fines beginning with the 2004 season. This was partially in response to concerns stated by the teams over an increase in questionable riding tactics by some participants. It was generally agreed by all parties that fines were no longer an effective deterrent. This direction was communicated to riders and team personnel in rider meetings preceding Round 1 and Round 2.

In the opinion of race officials, Kevin Windham engaged in unsafe and unsportsmanlike riding by intentionally making contact with David Vuillemin on lap one of the main event. Said contact resulted in Vuillemin being pushed off the track nearly hitting a photographer standing nearby. In post race interviews, Windham all but acknowledged that he intentionally collided with Vuillemin.

As defined in the AMA Pro Racing Supercross Rulebook, this type of behavior is specifically prohibited and is punishable by (among other things) points deductions. Upon reviewing video footage of the situation, meeting with involved parties and discussing it with race officials, AMA Pro Racing Supercross/Motocross Series Manager, Steve Whitelock elected to impose a 10-point deduction to Windham’s results while allowing him to keep the win.

This decision is consistent with guidelines established in the AMA Pro Racing Supercross Rulebook. Additionally, is it consistent with the direction that had been discussed with team managers and personnel prior to the season beginning.

As stated then, it is AMA Pro Racing’s intention to minimize overly aggressive riding while maximizing safety to all riders and these actions are in line with those objectives.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.:

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL CHANGES TO MARKETING TEAM

Staff movement within the group intended to further strengthen brand’s approach to the marketplace

IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2004)—Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., coming off one of the best sales periods in its history, today announced several personnel changes that will further strengthen its management team by developing greater cross-functional expertise within the company’s marketing group.

According to Tom Orbe, vice president, marketing, “the company is actively involved in the long-term process of broadening and adding depth to the already strong capabilities of our marketing team, and shifting responsibilities of key individuals within our existing system brings a new and promising approach to our product development and outreach efforts.”

Patrick Kelly was recently promoted from product manager to director, product management and will oversee development in all product categories. He is replacing John Hoover, who last month announced his retirement after a 20-year career with Kawasaki. Kelly has been with KMC since 1989, serving as a technical instructor/instructional designer before moving to the product management group in 1996. He has since been involved with the development and introduction of numerous models, and was specifically responsible for Jet Ski® personal watercraft, and most recently the cruising and touring motorcycle product lines. Prior to joining Kawasaki, Kelly gained valuable insight into the industry as a single line Kawasaki dealer.

While Kelly’s promotion was announced internally at the end of the year, the other management changes will become effective Jan. 12. Vince Iorio assumes responsibility as U.S. product manager, all terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility vehicle (UV) model lines following a transitional assignment as national marketing manager. Iorio, who has held management positions at Kawasaki for nine years, is credited with helping revive and grow the company’s ATV and UV business into strong, industry-leading positions while serving as the national brand and marketing manager for those products under Kawasaki’s previous divisional structure. He has also held positions as media/public relations manager and national retail marketing manager.

Assuming the duties of national marketing manager is Chris Brull, who is making the move to Kawasaki from Foote Cone & Belding Worldwide, Kawasaki’s national advertising agency. Brull has worked on the Kawasaki account for six years, most recently as the management supervisor. Prior to that, he was with the Los Angeles office of D’Arcy, Masius, Benton & Bowles, where he worked on a number of accounts. He has been actively involved in the various aspects of the national brand marketing and advertising communications programs for all of Kawasaki’s consumer product categories.

Jim Williams, another veteran Kawasaki marketing staffer, will step into the position of national retail marketing manager. He has spent the past seven years in the product management group, with specific responsibility for the growth in Kawasaki’s ATV and UV categories. Williams was instrumental in the development and launch of a number of important models, including the Prairie 650/700, MULE™ 3000 series, Prairie 360 and the KFX700. While assigned to his recent position, Kawasaki’s ATV retail sales more than doubled, and utility vehicle sales grew three-fold.

“This is a very talented group of individuals with more than 35 years of combined experience working with the Kawasaki brand,” said Orbe. “Utilizing these talents to influence a wider spectrum of activities brings a new dimension to our presence within the industry as we move forward,” he concluded.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, JET SKI® watercraft, and MULE™ utility vehicles. These product lines are sold through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with approximately 400 of them located at the Irvine, Calif. headquarters.

Kawasaki’s heritage of creating high-performance recreational vehicles and its tagline, “Let the good times roll.™, are recognized worldwide. With its illustrious history of breaking performance barriers with such product lines as the world renowned NINJA® sportbikes and JET SKI® personal watercraft, Kawasaki is aggressively carrying this heritage of pioneering leading-edge design and performance products into the 21st century.

Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.