From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH INTRODUCES NEW FINANCING PROGRAM FOR DEALERS

New Triumph Consumer Credit Program Gives Dealers Flexible Customer Financing Options

NEWNAN, Ga., July 1, 2003-Triumph Motorcycles (America) Limited and GE Retail Sales Finance today launched a new program to help dealers sell more motorcycles, parts and accessories and build greater customer loyalty and repeat business. The new Triumph Consumer Credit program lets dealers put a Triumph-branded revolving credit card in the hands of customers looking for additional purchasing power, as well as offering a flexible closed-end financing option.

The Triumph Consumer Credit program comes with some great dealer benefits including:

· Low discount rates on everyday dealer financing options, including 90 days deferred interest/payments and low monthly payments after the promotional period

· Special seasonal promotions from Triumph

· Instant credit, easy applications, and solid customer service

· Fast credit of sales. Most funds deposited within 48 hours

· No start-up or processing costs, free terminal, customized applications, cards and in-store promotional materials

“Our dealers asked us to provide a solid, “no-gimmick” financing program for their customers and we listened,” said Don Carleo, Chief Financial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Limited. “The GE program offers our dealers the financial resources trusted by millions of consumers and thousands of other associations nationwide and great service to back it up.”

“We are extremely pleased with the opportunity to work with Triumph, one of the oldest and most recognizable names in motorcycling,” said James Ciortan, vice president, GE Retail Sales Finance.

Ciortan added that motorcycle enthusiasts can finance any new Triumph model motorcycle through the closed-end program, and can also use their Triumph credit card to purchase Triumph clothing, gear and accessories.

“Triumph riders will find that this new program is flexible and convenient and I’m certain dealers will find that it allows them to easily grow sales and drive repeat business” Ciortan said.

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Limited is the most recent member of the Power Sports industry to launch a program with GE Retail Sales Finance.

For details and further eligibility requirements, interested parties should contact GE directly at 800-244-7354.

About Triumph
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, Georgia and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

About GE Consumer Finance
GE Retail Sales Finance is a leader in providing credit services to retailers and consumers. Formed in 1932 as a provider of consumer financing for GE Appliances, GE Retail Sales Finance provides private label credit cards, commercial programs and card-related financial services for hundreds of retailers and manufacturers across North America.

GE Retail Sales Finance offers clients a full range of operational, financial and analytic support, and develops marketing programs designed to increase sales and customer loyalty. This philosophy of partnership has helped it grow to over $18 billion in total assets and to serve more than 70 million cardholders. For more information about GE Retail Sales Finance, contact 1-800-244-7354.

From a press release issued by Annandale Racing:

The Annandale Honda Formula Xtreme bike ridden by Craig Connell crashed in turn 3 at Brainerd International Raceway during Formula Xtreme qualifying on Friday afternoon. As a result of the crash, Craig Connell broke his right arm. Craig flew with his wife Helen to San Francisco on Sunday in preparation for surgery by Dr. Ting on Monday.

A preliminary review of the crashed bike by the Annandale Team leads to the conclusion that a rear wheel bearing seized, resulting in the axle backing out and causing the crash. A new process to secure the axle nut to the axle rather than the swingarm is being developed to prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate accident.

Craig and Helen Connell, along with the entire Annandale Honda Team, wish to express their thanks to the cornerworkers, medics, and AMA who quickly acted to assist Craig as well as the Speed Channel Team for sharing video footage of the crash which helped the Team to recreate the accident. The Team also really appreciates the phone calls, e-mails, and personal visits from so many fans, friends, and fellow racers. Together we all wish Craig a speedy recovery.

From a press release issued by North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club:

WORLD CHAMPION EDWARDS ROARS INTO TOWN

NYRRSC Chat Show
Club Amadeus, Northallerton
Tuesday 8th July 2003

Reigning World Superbike Champion Colin Edwards makes his annual visit to the quaint market town of Northallerton to take part in a chat show organised by the North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club next Tuesday evening (July 8th) at Club Amadeus.

Edwards, known to his legions of fans as ‘The Texas Tornado’ switched to the Alice Aprilia team in the Moto GP class for 2003 and prior to him heading off to Donington Park for the British Grand Prix, the American will be meeting and chatting with fans during the evening.

Joining Edwards on stage will be Sky Sports motorcycle racing commentator Keith Huewen, himself a former GP racer and the pair will be taking part in the aspects of the show which will include the informal chat show, an auction as well as a raffle and the ever popular “Question Time” where fans pose any manner of questions to the stars!

Also taking part in proceedings will be local ace Dennis Hobbs from Guisborough who is making a name for himself in the British Superbike Championship this season as well as Middlesbrough’s Paul Veazey who will be competing at the Donington GP as a 125cc ‘wild card’ rider.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the first of the chat shows starting at 8.00pm and admission costs just £6.00 for adults with accompanied children £2.00.

Club Amadeus is located in Elder Road near to the town centre with ample free parking nearby and further details are available from NYRRSC Secretary Sue Symons on 01904 339647.

From a press release issued by California Race Services:

Just to let you know California Race Services will be providing tire service at Laguna Seca for The AMA Red Bull Supermoto races for Pirelli.

We will have our new Supermoto rear tire on hand as well as rains, intermediates, slicks and DOTs.

Please call for special pricing for this event. (714) 305-6846 or check us out at crstires.com.

Jerry Jirkovsky
California Race Services


More, from a press release issued by Moto Britalia:

Moto Britalia and Mike Smith Team Up to Challenge the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship



WOODSTOCK, Ga.- Moto Britalia, the southeast’s largest European motorcycle dealership specializing in Aprilia, Ducati, Triumph, Moto Guzzi, Vertemati, TM and Husqvarna, is announcing a partnership with 911 Racing’s Mike Smith to compete in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship, combining their premier Supermoto center with one of the most talented motorcycle racers in the United States.

Smith’s talent and background in road racing make him the perfect choice to pilot the Team MOTOBRITALIA.COM Yamaha YZ450F. Smith has raced and helped develop models including the Ducati 916, Honda RC45, Harley-Davidson VR1000 and the Kawasaki ZX-7. With 13 National wins, Smith is also the second-winningest 600 Supersport racer.

At a highly successful test during round three of the Superbikers2 National event at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, Smith took Superpole with the best lap times of the weekend and first place in both the 450 and Unlimited classes. After proving their potential as a team, Smith and Team MOTOBRITALIA.COM are excited about the first race of the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship.

“This result is very promising for our team as this was our first race and we are still testing the equipment. The new YZ450F has an awesome power range through and off the corners,” says Smith.

“Mike is an asset to Moto Britalia,” commented team owner Jim Vecchione. “Mike joined Moto Britalia to head up our Supermoto Performance Center, and his research and development is a huge benefit to our customers. Moto Britalia is committed to performance and with the continuous development of Supermoto products by Team MOTOBRITALIA.COM, customers get the best for their motard bikes. The Supermoto Center can transform your bike into a weekend track-day motard or into a full competition ready performance machine.”

Team MOTOBRITALIA.COM will be competing in the six rounds that comprise the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship as well as select AMA 750 Superstock events.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
World Superbike/AMA Schedule

Thursday, July 10

8:30-11:50 a.m., Practice (in the following order):
Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport
Chevy Trucks Superbike
Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme

11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m., Lunch break

12:50-1:50 p.m., Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Qualifying

2:00-3:00 p.m., Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Qualifying

3:10-4:00 p.m., Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Practice

4:10-5:10 p.m., Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying


Friday, July 11

8:30-10:00 a.m., Practice (in the following order):
Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport
MBNA 250cc Grand Prix
Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock

10:00-11:00 a.m., Supermoto Practice (2 rounds of 10 minute sessions)

10:30-11:30 a.m., World Superbike Practice

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lunch break

12:30-1:20 p.m., Chevy Trucks Superbike Practice

1:00-2:00 p.m., Supermoto Practice (1 round of 12 minute sessions)

1:30-2:00 p.m., MBNA 250cc Grand Prix Practice

2:10-3:40 p.m., Supermoto Qualifying Heats (10 laps)

2:15-3:15 p.m., World Superbike Qualifying

3:30-4:30 p.m., Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Qualifying

3:45-4:00 p.m., KTM Supermoto Unlimited Semi-Final (8 laps)

4:40 p.m., Pro Honda Oils Supersport Race (60K – 17 laps)


Saturday, July 12

8:30-9:00 a.m., MBNA 250cc Grand Prix Practice

8:00-9:00 a.m., Supermoto Warm-up (8 minute sessions)

9:10-9:50 a.m., Chevy Trucks Superbike Practice

10:00-10:30 a.m., Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., World Superbike Qualifying

12:00-12:15 p.m., Stunt Show by Craig Jones on Front Straight

12:00-12:30 p.m., Lunch break

12:30 p.m., Chevy Trucks Superbike Race (100K – 28 laps)

1:30 p.m., Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme (60K – 17 laps)

2:15 p.m., Red Bull Supermoto Semi-final (8 laps)

2:30 p.m., Honda Jr. Supermoto Challenge Heat (8 laps)

3:00-3:30 p.m., KTM Supermoto Unlimited Final (24 Laps)

3:40-4:00 p.m., TBR Celebrity Challenge (10 laps)

2:45-3:45 p.m., World Superbike Practice

4:00 p.m., World Superbike Superpole

5:00-5:30 p.m., MBNA 250cc Grand Prix Qualifying


Sunday, July 13

8:30-8:50 a.m., MBNA 250cc Grand Prix practice

9:20-9:40 a.m., World Superbike Warm-up

9:50-10:20 a.m., Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock practice

10:30-11:00 a.m., Cycle Gear Fan Ride/Keith Code Lap

11:00-11:30 a.m., Stunt Show by Craig Jones on Front Straight

12:00 p.m., World Superbike Race 1 (100K – 28 laps)

12:50-1:10 p.m., Supermoto Warm-up

12:50-1:30 p.m., Lunch Break/Stunt Show by Craig Jones at Turn 4-5

1:15 p.m., Honda Jr. Supermoto Challenge Race (12 laps)

1:30 p.m., Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Race (60K – 17 laps)

2:20 p.m., Red Bull Supermoto Race (24 laps)

3:30 p.m., World Superbike Race 2 (100K – 28 laps)

4:30-5:00 p.m., MBNA 250cc Grand Prix Race (60K – 17 laps)

5:15-5:30 p.m., Stunt Show by Craig Jones on Front Straight

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former racer Phil McDonald has been moved out of intensive care into a private room but faces another 6-8 weeks of hospitalization, followed by rehab.

McDonald was seriously injured in a streetbike crash May 21, when a truck pulled out of a parking lot and hit McDonald, sending him into the center median, where he hit a signpost.

McDonald is hospitalized at St. Francis Hospital, 6161 S. Yale, Tulsa, OK 74136.

He has already undergone surgery twice, including skin grafts, and faces additional surgery in which doctors will attempt to locate and reconnect severed nerves in his left arm.

In a call to roadracingworld.com today, Phil McDonald’s father Norm said that earlier posts about Phil’s crash had resulted in the family receiving e-mails of support from all over the world, and the family greatly appreciated it.

E-mail can be sent to [email protected]

See related posts,
6/24/2003 Phil McDonald Update
6/23/2003 Phil McDonald Injured In Street Crash

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Two-wheel Tuesdays will remain on SPEED Channel’s new programming schedule, although with changes, says SPEED Senior Vice-President of Programming and Production/Executive Producer Rick Miner.

In an interview with Roadracingworld.com, Miner said the biggest change Two-wheel Tuesday viewers will notice after SPEED’s new programming schedule starts August 4 is – like all of SPEED’s new prime time programming – the removal of race replays. This includes no more replays of two- or four-wheel races which have already aired on the network.

Original delayed broadcasts of motorcycle support races – such as the FIM 125cc Grand Prix, World Supersport, and AMA Formula Xtreme, which are not broadcast live on Sundays – will air from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time each Tuesday.

At 10:00 p.m. American Thunder will air, followed by Two-wheel Tuesday from Greg’s Garage from 10:30 – 11:30 p.m. and finally Corbin’s Ride On at 11:30 p.m.

According to Miner, Greg White will host an hour-long Two-wheel Tuesday show in more of a “Bike Week style,” with highlights from the weekend’s motorcycle races and feature segments on riders, motorcycles, how-to’s, etc.

In addition, Miner says that six hours of motorcycle specials will air Wednesdays after 10:00 p.m. in the new line-up.

Live and/or same-day-delayed coverage of AMA Superbike and Supersport, FIM MotoGP and 250cc Grand Prix and World Superbike races will continue to air on Sundays on SPEED, exactly as they are now.

As of August 4, SPEED will put in place a new prime time line-up Monday through Thursday. Auto magazine-style shows (like Hot Rod TV) that have been doing well in weekend morning time slots will air 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.; 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. each evening will be NASCAR TV and 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. will be the slot for Dave Despain’s live viewer call-in show Wind Tunnel, which SPEED wants to be one of the network’s “signature shows,” according to a June 24 release from SPEED.

Miner, a life-long motorcyclist, says that the programming changes were a result of “simple economics,” that two-wheel programming needs more viewers and that the network recognizes its “very passionate and very vocal” two-wheel programming viewers.