Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Dema Elgin and Allan Lochkeed have scheduled additional Engine Performance Seminars in Topeka, Kansas August 9-10 and in Morro Bay, California August 30-31.

Covered topics will include cam design, airflow and compression ratio vs. cam events, valve seating velocity, valve spring design, oil & lubrication, fuel, crankcase vacuum, piston rings, connecting rods, making the power curve suit the application, exhaust design for power curve, pressure and velocity wave models, balancing airflow with cylinder filling and port sizes vs. airflow, and determining air flow requirements.

More information is available from Allan Lockheed at (303) 238-2414 or Dema Elgin at (650) 364-2187.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

DUCATI ISLAND RETURNS TO LAGUNA SECA

Ducati North America announces the eighth annual presentation of Ducati Island during the 2003 World Superbike Championship round at Laguna Seca Raceway.

The North American round of the 2003 F.I.M. World Superbike Championship scheduled for July 11–13 at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California will once again set the stage for the annual presentation of Ducati Island. Located in the infield of the racetrack between turns two and three, Ducati Island is so-named because it is surrounded by water on three sides. Although access to Ducati Island is open to all race fans, parking on the Island is restricted exclusively to Ducati motorcycles.

Now in its eighth consecutive year, this unique event has evolved into the much-anticipated tradition that it is today. With less than six weeks remaining until the event, Ducati North America is eager to announce many of the unique attractions planned for the Island.

Ducati Owner Hospitality
Ducati owners will be treated to a variety of complimentary services from Ducati North America, including a riding gear and helmet check service, exclusive grandstand seating in turn two of the racetrack to view the racing action, and a bottle of water. To receive these hospitality services, individuals need only to present their Ducati key or DOC owner’s card.

Ducati Motorcycle Display
Visitors to the Island will have the chance to see the entire 2003 Model Year Ducati line-up of motorcycles. Ducati will also be presenting the exciting new Model Year 2004 Multistrada and Monster S4R in what is the first official public presentation of either bike in North America. Finally, as a special treat for all race fans, Ducati will bring the flavor and color of the racing action onto the Island with a display of a Ducati 999 “FILA” Superbike.

Ducati Dealers
Race fans will be able to shop—or just browse—from among the group of authorized Ducati Dealers who will be setting up shop on the Island to sell the latest in Ducati parts and accessories.

Autograph Signings with Ducati Team Racers
Special autograph signings have been arranged with official Ducati Team racers from both the AMA and World Superbike Championship series at various times throughout the weekend to sign autographs and talk with fans.

Moto Euro Magazine Concours D’Elegance
Over the course of the weekend, a panel of judges from Moto Euro magazine will select the best examples of Ducati motorcycles from among the hundreds parked on the island. Categories include: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Vintage and Best in Show. The winner in each class will be chosen on Sunday and awarded with a special plaque. The winner of the Best in Show class will be the subject of a feature article in an upcoming issue of Moto Euro magazine.

More attractions and events will be added as the event draws closer. Please visit www.ducatiusa.com for the latest updates and announcements about Ducati Island 2003.

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