From a press release issued by the FIM:
Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
2004 calendar: changes of dates
The British Grand Prix will be held on the circuit of Donington Park on July 25 (instead of July 11). The date of the Rio Grand Prix has also changed; it will take place on Sunday 4 July (instead of Saturday 31 July) on the Autódromo Nelson Piquet in Jacarepaguá.
From a press release issued by CMRA’s Brooks Gremmels:
In a Board of Director’s meeting, following the CMRA’s now annual All Member’s meeting on December 6, Steven McNamara was elected President of the club. Steve is a founder of Texas-based, Lone Star Track Days. He races in both the CMRA’s sprint and endurance series. Brooks Gremmels, formerly CMRA president, was elected to the Chairman of the Board and Chuck Ergle retained his role as Vice President. McNamara and Gremmels say they are “Looking forward to sharing the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the club in the coming year.”
Returning Board members Gremmels, Ergle, Keith Hertell and Barry Nichols are being joined by newly elected members McNamara, Jess Johnson and Lindsey Leard.
The CMRA is a thirty year old organization with an average of 500+ members who race on tracks in Texas and Oklahoma. The club elected two months ago to return to Independent status beginning with the 2004 racing season. As the first step in what the club hopes will become the path towards opportunities for club racers to compete outside their home regions or sanctioning bodies, the CMRA and WERA announced last week a limited plan whereby their respective members can race in the other’s events.
2003 was a banner year for the CMRA with the most entries ever, the acquisition of a new AMB timing and scoring system, a successful replacement of the many retiring staff members and the introduction of motard and junior motard (ages 8 to 12) classes. Next year will bring further changes including revision of the club’s medical insurance program, the purchase of additional transponders, introduction of an integrated registration and accounting system and an expanded contingency program.
Looking to next season, President McNamara said it all, “I can assure you that we will continue to keep the best interest of the membership in mind.”
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
A report from a U.S. Army 2nd Lt. we know, who is stationed in Baghdad and who will remain anonymous:
While I do appreciate all the kudos for the capture of Saddam, our unit had absolutely nothing to do with it, and were in fact as suprised as the rest of the world when they caught him. We watched it on TV like everyone else.
However, it was pretty interesting seeing the reaction of all the Iraqis here who work in our compound. At first, before it was confirmed, they were all just sitting watching the Arab news channels really quietly, but when they showed his pictures and said it was him, this place went crazy. They were yelling and cheering and the women were sobbing. It was really amazing. The absolutely insane thing was the celebratory fire. All non-essential missions were canceled–everyone had to stay indoors. It sounded like the Tet offensive.
However, not everyone here is happy. We had a rash of protests–a couple of people supporting the US, but in one area, a lot of pro-Saddam ones. Some of them turned violent and we actually had the worst firefight in our area since we got here. A bunch of MPs were wounded and they had to call for backup–they were attacked with grenades and small arms and RPGs. We ended up arresting a whole bunch of people and killing some other ones. It was absolutely crazy. I’m sure tonight will be nuts, too.
Anyway, it was pretty cool, though. I honestly didn’t believe we would ever find the yahoo, and it feels like we have at least accomplished something over here. Maybe now the Iraqi people can truly go forward instead of worrying about when Saddam is going to come back.
In other news (some of you already know this) we had some Christmas season festivities, which was nice. They got a tree somewhere in Northern Iraq where they actually have fir trees and they drove it down here. Some of the soldiers decorated it and we had a tree-lighting ceremony and the band came and played and sang carols. It was really nice. Of course, the tree had been on the road for six hours and then dragged down a big circular staircase, so it was kind of Charlie-Brown-like on one side where a bunch of branches are missing, but it’s the thought that counts! We have decorated our command center with a fake tree and lights and little ornaments and they are constantly playing carols so at least I feel somewhat Christmassy. Still, this is two years in a row I’ve been deployed at Christmas and I really miss being home.
Well, I have officially reached the two-month mark and I am counting down the days. I don’t think I will ever be so glad to get back to a snowy winter in my life!
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great holiday season. I’m thinking of you all.
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:
YOSHIMURA’s EURO RACE PARTS SEMINARS
Fujio Yoshimura, the head of the famous Japanese tuning house, has been holding a number of European Suzuki importer tuning and set-up training schools over the past two weeks, introducing the factory racing kit parts for Suzuki’s all-new 2004 GSX-R range of machines.
Three separate seminars in Italy, France and the UK have seen invited Suzuki race teams, Suzuki dealers and press attending the day-long introduction to the 2004 tuning kits.
Yoshimura has been manufacturing the Factory race kit parts for Suzuki since 1997.
Fujio Yoshimura, 55, said: “I have come to Europe to give a series of seminars on our 2004 Yoshimura race kit parts for the new GSX-R range of machines. It is important to both Yoshimura and Suzuki that teams and individuals are fully trained in the fitting and set-up of our race parts and we are confident that 2004 will repeat the outstanding results achieved by Yoshimura and Suzuki over the past few years.”
From a press release issued by California Speedway:
RACE FOR RELIEF EFFORTS LED BY OVERWHELMING FAN SUPPORT
Ticket holders donated price of ticket to disaster relief efforts – totaling close to $100,000
FONTANA, Calif. (December 16, 2003) — California Speedway and the American Red Cross today announced the “Race for Relief” monetary donation total of $143,284.29 to the Southern California Fire Disaster Relief fund, which is being administered by the American Red Cross.
“On behalf of all the people we serve, staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross, we would like to thank California Speedway for the support and commitment to the community,” Sandy Silva, Inland Valley Chapter CEO of the American Red Cross, said. “The speedway should be commended for helping the fire victims rebuild and get back on their feet.”
The largest of the monetary donations, $93,462.50, came from California Speedway ticket holders who donated the cost of their Champ Car weekend tickets to the disaster relief efforts following its cancellation. Close to 500 ticket holders responded with ticket totals averaging at $200, with some as high as $900.
“The real victory here lies in the hearts and hands of our ticket holders who gave unselfishly to the disaster relief efforts,” California Speedway President Bill Miller said. “The outpouring of generosity from so many people made this community effort a very humbling experience.”
With wildfires raging in the nearby mountains, and throughout Southern California, California Speedway turned to relief mode to help those affected by the fires. On November 1st and 2nd, California Speedway opened its facilities to raise funds and act as a drop-off site for much needed items for fire victims.
“I would like to express the Board’s and my appreciation to all those who contributed to this relief effort, in particular the ticketholders of California Speedway,” said Paul Biane, second district supervisor for the County of San Bernardino. “For this relief effort, the ticketholders turned their love of racing into tangible gifts that were most needed in our communities after the Grand Prix and Old Fires.”
The outpouring of support kicked off on Wednesday at the SpeedFreaks Party at Dave & Busters. The SpeedFreaks, Kenny Sargent, Crash Gladys, Lugg Nuttz and Statt Mann, host parties to kick-off the speedway’s events, however with the King Taco 500 canceled, the crew conducted an auction to jump start the “Race for Relief” effort. Motorsport professionals from across the country over-nighted autographed items with short notice for the auction.
The next event was the two-day “Race for Relief” donation site at the speedway where people could donate money, food and clothing. The two-day donation total surpassed $20,000 from the community and speedway partners. Included in the two-day total were donations from California Speedway ($5,000), Penske Automotive Group ($5,000) and Kawasaki Road Racing employee and company match ($2,400).
KFRG radio station was on-site during the two day event and played a key roll in the promotion of the relief efforts in the days leading up to “Race for Relief.” As well, more than five truckloads of clothing, diapers, toys, toiletries and houseware items were collected and donated to area shelters and the Salvation Army. With food donations from Americrown, the speedway’s on-site food and beverage company, and several CART Champ Car teams, a 24-ft. Penske truckload of food, enough to serve 3,000 meals, was distributed to 11 shelters with the help of Inland Harvest.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, Gatorade, Gate City Distributors and Red Bull donated beverages to the firefighters. Bottled juices, waters, sports and energy drinks in excess of 1,500 cases were distributed to fire base camps to refresh those fighting the blazes.
Other miscellaneous donations included Dewalt Tools (two pallets of power tools), Michigan International Speedway (clothing and 400 die-cast cars) and Lucas Oil Products (linens, books, hairbrushes and a $250 Target giftcard). Monetary donations were also received from Bridgestone ($10,000), CARA Charities ($1,000), Indy Racing League ($10,000) and Searing Industries ($1,000).
From a press release issued by MotoEvents:
MotoEvents Inc. is pleased to announce that in 2004 we will be focusing solely on development of the new Super Moto series for British Columbia.
In ’03 we worked on both road racing and super moto and found it very challenging. We decided that, in order to grow super moto, we had to focus
all our energy there. We are working towards a semi-permanent facility so as to guarantee a minimum of race dates. We will also work towards events out of the Lower Mainland (in ’03 we raced in Merritt, BC) in order to achieve our goal of a truely Province-Wide series.
We are currently seeking series sponsorship and look forward to being at the January motorcycle show at Tradex in Abbotsford.
For involvement please contact Andii Adamick, [email protected]
For more information on SuperMoto go to…
www.supermoto.ca
www.motoevents.ca
From a press release issued by Advanstar:
Mike Vaughan Named Publisher of Dealernews Magazine
30-Year Powersports Industry Veteran Takes the Helm At Popular, Dealer-Focused Trade Magazine
Santa Ana, CA. – The magazine setting the standard for the powersports industry has just added another 30 years of experience to its well-reputed brain trust: Dealernews magazine today announced Mike Vaughan – former CEO of Triumph Motorcycles (America), Ltd. – as its new Publisher.
“Mike Vaughan reflects the solid industry know-how and forward-thinking innovation Dealernews is known for,” says Powersports Group Vice President, Mike Webster. “But he also brings a unique perspective to the magazine – significant experience on the OEM side of things – which will round out the quality and breadth of the publication, nicely. His dedication to the industry and his big-picture perspective will be instrumental to the future of Dealernews.”
Mike Vaughan’s experience spans the powersports industry. He’s served as a district manager, market researcher, and marketing manager, as well as CEO of a major OEM. According to Vaughan, he’s not only ridden out the business highs and lows of the industry, but also benefits from his perspective as a true, life-long enthusiast.
“I’m anxious to get started,” says Vaughan. “Together with the rest of the Dealernews team, my focus will be on taking the magazine to new heights. But before we can do that, we need to evaluate the needs of the industry. So my first order of business will be to get out and meet face-to-face with the industry – including dealers and manufacturers – to evaluate their needs and field their input.”
Mary Slepicka, former Publishing Director for the magazine, will now assume a new role as Editorial Director. Mary will head up a staff of long-time columnists – including industry veterans Don Brown and Eric Andersen – along with a growing stable of industry experts committed to taking Dealernews to new heights, editorially.
“This is a new and exciting time for the powersports industry, with all the new product growth, improvements and opportunities,” adds Tracy Harris, General Manager of the Powersports Group. “Dealernews is readying itself to face this new era hand-in-hand with the industry. Mary’s 20+ years of experience as a journalist and business editor, combined with Mike’s 30+ years of experience in the powersports business, gives Dealernews the strongest leadership of any trade publication in the marketplace.”
As for other structural changes to the Dealernews staff line-up, long time National Sales Manager Teri Aikin and Account Executive Tim Lee will be reporting directly to Mike Vaughan effective December 8th – along with a third “to be hired” Account Manager rounding out the sales team.
For more information on Dealernews magazine, please call Mary Slepicka at: (714) 513-8419 or visit: www.dealernews.com.
About Dealernews and the Powersports Group
Dealernews is The Voice of the Powersports Industry and the flagship magazine for powersports dealers. For nearly four decades, Dealernews has been delivering industry news, retail information, dealer profiles, market research and new product information to powersports dealers. The Dealernews family of publications includes the annual Sturgis Guide, Powersports Magazine and the Top 100 Yearbook. Visit www.dealernews.com for more information.
Dealernews is part of Advanstar Communications’ Powersports Group, which also produces the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks, the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, Big Twin East, Big Twin West and the Dirt Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
About Advanstar
Advanstar Communications Inc. is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high-quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 105 business magazines and directories, 80 trade shows and conferences, numerous websites, and a wide range of direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in such industries as art, automotive, beauty, collaboration/e-learning, CRM/call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, fashion, healthcare, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality. The company has nearly 1,300 employees and operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.
From a press release issued by California Race Services:
New California Race Services partner John Grant, 45, was killed early Monday morning 12/15/03 in Aliso Viejo, California, when a 19-year-old women in a pick-up truck struck him while he was crossing Aliso Creek Rd. on foot, near his home.
He will be missed by all us at California Race Services. He is survived by his wife Jenny and he is a Rome, Georgia native.
Godspeed, John.
Jerry Jirkovsky
California Race Services
web: http://www.crstires.com
tel: 1-800-620-1277
tel: (714) 960-4855
fax: (714) 960-4855
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
DUCATI AT THE 2003 FIM WORLD CHAMPIONS’ AWARDS
The 2003 FIM World Champions’ Awards Ceremony was held Saturday evening at the spectacular Hotel Mina A’Salam in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In the presence of FIM delegates and many guests, the World Champions received their medals and trophies from FIM President Francesco Zerbi, while representatives of the Manufacturers’ World Champions were awarded with diplomas.
Champions from all categories of two-wheeled motor sport were present amongst the 250 guests invited for the ceremony and gala dinner in Dubai, including Ducati Fila rider Neil Hodgson who picked up his FIM medal for winning the 2003 World Superbike championship.
Paolo Ciabatti, representing Ducati Corse, took home the diploma for Ducati’s twelfth Manufacturer’s win in the World Superbike championship.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Australian Garry McCoy has agreed to terms with the NCR Ducati team to ride in the 2004 World Superbike Championship series, according to an announcement on the team’s official website.
McCoy, 31, made his World Championship debut in the Australian Grand Prix on a 125cc machine in 1992. He spent six years (1992-1997) on a 125cc, winning two races. He switched to the 500cc class in 1998 and had a career year in 2000, winning three races on the Red Bull Yamaha YZR500. After two years spent struggling with injuries, McCoy joined the new Fuchs Kawasaki team for the 2003 MotoGP season and recorded a best result of ninth on the Ninja ZX-RR.
NCR Ducati fielded Regis Laconi and David Garcia on Dunlop-equipped Ducati 998RS in the 2003 World Superbike Championship.
Laconi, a former World Superbike and 500cc Grand Prix race winner, finished fourth in the final standings with one pole position and five podium finishes in 24 races last season.
From a press release issued by the FIM:
Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
2004 calendar: changes of dates
The British Grand Prix will be held on the circuit of Donington Park on July 25 (instead of July 11). The date of the Rio Grand Prix has also changed; it will take place on Sunday 4 July (instead of Saturday 31 July) on the Autódromo Nelson Piquet in Jacarepaguá.
From a press release issued by CMRA’s Brooks Gremmels:
In a Board of Director’s meeting, following the CMRA’s now annual All Member’s meeting on December 6, Steven McNamara was elected President of the club. Steve is a founder of Texas-based, Lone Star Track Days. He races in both the CMRA’s sprint and endurance series. Brooks Gremmels, formerly CMRA president, was elected to the Chairman of the Board and Chuck Ergle retained his role as Vice President. McNamara and Gremmels say they are “Looking forward to sharing the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the club in the coming year.”
Returning Board members Gremmels, Ergle, Keith Hertell and Barry Nichols are being joined by newly elected members McNamara, Jess Johnson and Lindsey Leard.
The CMRA is a thirty year old organization with an average of 500+ members who race on tracks in Texas and Oklahoma. The club elected two months ago to return to Independent status beginning with the 2004 racing season. As the first step in what the club hopes will become the path towards opportunities for club racers to compete outside their home regions or sanctioning bodies, the CMRA and WERA announced last week a limited plan whereby their respective members can race in the other’s events.
2003 was a banner year for the CMRA with the most entries ever, the acquisition of a new AMB timing and scoring system, a successful replacement of the many retiring staff members and the introduction of motard and junior motard (ages 8 to 12) classes. Next year will bring further changes including revision of the club’s medical insurance program, the purchase of additional transponders, introduction of an integrated registration and accounting system and an expanded contingency program.
Looking to next season, President McNamara said it all, “I can assure you that we will continue to keep the best interest of the membership in mind.”
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
A report from a U.S. Army 2nd Lt. we know, who is stationed in Baghdad and who will remain anonymous:
While I do appreciate all the kudos for the capture of Saddam, our unit had absolutely nothing to do with it, and were in fact as suprised as the rest of the world when they caught him. We watched it on TV like everyone else.
However, it was pretty interesting seeing the reaction of all the Iraqis here who work in our compound. At first, before it was confirmed, they were all just sitting watching the Arab news channels really quietly, but when they showed his pictures and said it was him, this place went crazy. They were yelling and cheering and the women were sobbing. It was really amazing. The absolutely insane thing was the celebratory fire. All non-essential missions were canceled–everyone had to stay indoors. It sounded like the Tet offensive.
However, not everyone here is happy. We had a rash of protests–a couple of people supporting the US, but in one area, a lot of pro-Saddam ones. Some of them turned violent and we actually had the worst firefight in our area since we got here. A bunch of MPs were wounded and they had to call for backup–they were attacked with grenades and small arms and RPGs. We ended up arresting a whole bunch of people and killing some other ones. It was absolutely crazy. I’m sure tonight will be nuts, too.
Anyway, it was pretty cool, though. I honestly didn’t believe we would ever find the yahoo, and it feels like we have at least accomplished something over here. Maybe now the Iraqi people can truly go forward instead of worrying about when Saddam is going to come back.
In other news (some of you already know this) we had some Christmas season festivities, which was nice. They got a tree somewhere in Northern Iraq where they actually have fir trees and they drove it down here. Some of the soldiers decorated it and we had a tree-lighting ceremony and the band came and played and sang carols. It was really nice. Of course, the tree had been on the road for six hours and then dragged down a big circular staircase, so it was kind of Charlie-Brown-like on one side where a bunch of branches are missing, but it’s the thought that counts! We have decorated our command center with a fake tree and lights and little ornaments and they are constantly playing carols so at least I feel somewhat Christmassy. Still, this is two years in a row I’ve been deployed at Christmas and I really miss being home.
Well, I have officially reached the two-month mark and I am counting down the days. I don’t think I will ever be so glad to get back to a snowy winter in my life!
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great holiday season. I’m thinking of you all.
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:
YOSHIMURA’s EURO RACE PARTS SEMINARS
Fujio Yoshimura, the head of the famous Japanese tuning house, has been holding a number of European Suzuki importer tuning and set-up training schools over the past two weeks, introducing the factory racing kit parts for Suzuki’s all-new 2004 GSX-R range of machines.
Three separate seminars in Italy, France and the UK have seen invited Suzuki race teams, Suzuki dealers and press attending the day-long introduction to the 2004 tuning kits.
Yoshimura has been manufacturing the Factory race kit parts for Suzuki since 1997.
Fujio Yoshimura, 55, said: “I have come to Europe to give a series of seminars on our 2004 Yoshimura race kit parts for the new GSX-R range of machines. It is important to both Yoshimura and Suzuki that teams and individuals are fully trained in the fitting and set-up of our race parts and we are confident that 2004 will repeat the outstanding results achieved by Yoshimura and Suzuki over the past few years.”
From a press release issued by California Speedway:
RACE FOR RELIEF EFFORTS LED BY OVERWHELMING FAN SUPPORT
Ticket holders donated price of ticket to disaster relief efforts – totaling close to $100,000
FONTANA, Calif. (December 16, 2003) — California Speedway and the American Red Cross today announced the “Race for Relief” monetary donation total of $143,284.29 to the Southern California Fire Disaster Relief fund, which is being administered by the American Red Cross.
“On behalf of all the people we serve, staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross, we would like to thank California Speedway for the support and commitment to the community,” Sandy Silva, Inland Valley Chapter CEO of the American Red Cross, said. “The speedway should be commended for helping the fire victims rebuild and get back on their feet.”
The largest of the monetary donations, $93,462.50, came from California Speedway ticket holders who donated the cost of their Champ Car weekend tickets to the disaster relief efforts following its cancellation. Close to 500 ticket holders responded with ticket totals averaging at $200, with some as high as $900.
“The real victory here lies in the hearts and hands of our ticket holders who gave unselfishly to the disaster relief efforts,” California Speedway President Bill Miller said. “The outpouring of generosity from so many people made this community effort a very humbling experience.”
With wildfires raging in the nearby mountains, and throughout Southern California, California Speedway turned to relief mode to help those affected by the fires. On November 1st and 2nd, California Speedway opened its facilities to raise funds and act as a drop-off site for much needed items for fire victims.
“I would like to express the Board’s and my appreciation to all those who contributed to this relief effort, in particular the ticketholders of California Speedway,” said Paul Biane, second district supervisor for the County of San Bernardino. “For this relief effort, the ticketholders turned their love of racing into tangible gifts that were most needed in our communities after the Grand Prix and Old Fires.”
The outpouring of support kicked off on Wednesday at the SpeedFreaks Party at Dave & Busters. The SpeedFreaks, Kenny Sargent, Crash Gladys, Lugg Nuttz and Statt Mann, host parties to kick-off the speedway’s events, however with the King Taco 500 canceled, the crew conducted an auction to jump start the “Race for Relief” effort. Motorsport professionals from across the country over-nighted autographed items with short notice for the auction.
The next event was the two-day “Race for Relief” donation site at the speedway where people could donate money, food and clothing. The two-day donation total surpassed $20,000 from the community and speedway partners. Included in the two-day total were donations from California Speedway ($5,000), Penske Automotive Group ($5,000) and Kawasaki Road Racing employee and company match ($2,400).
KFRG radio station was on-site during the two day event and played a key roll in the promotion of the relief efforts in the days leading up to “Race for Relief.” As well, more than five truckloads of clothing, diapers, toys, toiletries and houseware items were collected and donated to area shelters and the Salvation Army. With food donations from Americrown, the speedway’s on-site food and beverage company, and several CART Champ Car teams, a 24-ft. Penske truckload of food, enough to serve 3,000 meals, was distributed to 11 shelters with the help of Inland Harvest.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, Gatorade, Gate City Distributors and Red Bull donated beverages to the firefighters. Bottled juices, waters, sports and energy drinks in excess of 1,500 cases were distributed to fire base camps to refresh those fighting the blazes.
Other miscellaneous donations included Dewalt Tools (two pallets of power tools), Michigan International Speedway (clothing and 400 die-cast cars) and Lucas Oil Products (linens, books, hairbrushes and a $250 Target giftcard). Monetary donations were also received from Bridgestone ($10,000), CARA Charities ($1,000), Indy Racing League ($10,000) and Searing Industries ($1,000).
From a press release issued by MotoEvents:
MotoEvents Inc. is pleased to announce that in 2004 we will be focusing solely on development of the new Super Moto series for British Columbia.
In ’03 we worked on both road racing and super moto and found it very challenging. We decided that, in order to grow super moto, we had to focus
all our energy there. We are working towards a semi-permanent facility so as to guarantee a minimum of race dates. We will also work towards events out of the Lower Mainland (in ’03 we raced in Merritt, BC) in order to achieve our goal of a truely Province-Wide series.
We are currently seeking series sponsorship and look forward to being at the January motorcycle show at Tradex in Abbotsford.
For involvement please contact Andii Adamick, [email protected]
For more information on SuperMoto go to…
www.supermoto.ca
www.motoevents.ca
From a press release issued by Advanstar:
Mike Vaughan Named Publisher of Dealernews Magazine
30-Year Powersports Industry Veteran Takes the Helm At Popular, Dealer-Focused Trade Magazine
Santa Ana, CA. – The magazine setting the standard for the powersports industry has just added another 30 years of experience to its well-reputed brain trust: Dealernews magazine today announced Mike Vaughan – former CEO of Triumph Motorcycles (America), Ltd. – as its new Publisher.
“Mike Vaughan reflects the solid industry know-how and forward-thinking innovation Dealernews is known for,” says Powersports Group Vice President, Mike Webster. “But he also brings a unique perspective to the magazine – significant experience on the OEM side of things – which will round out the quality and breadth of the publication, nicely. His dedication to the industry and his big-picture perspective will be instrumental to the future of Dealernews.”
Mike Vaughan’s experience spans the powersports industry. He’s served as a district manager, market researcher, and marketing manager, as well as CEO of a major OEM. According to Vaughan, he’s not only ridden out the business highs and lows of the industry, but also benefits from his perspective as a true, life-long enthusiast.
“I’m anxious to get started,” says Vaughan. “Together with the rest of the Dealernews team, my focus will be on taking the magazine to new heights. But before we can do that, we need to evaluate the needs of the industry. So my first order of business will be to get out and meet face-to-face with the industry – including dealers and manufacturers – to evaluate their needs and field their input.”
Mary Slepicka, former Publishing Director for the magazine, will now assume a new role as Editorial Director. Mary will head up a staff of long-time columnists – including industry veterans Don Brown and Eric Andersen – along with a growing stable of industry experts committed to taking Dealernews to new heights, editorially.
“This is a new and exciting time for the powersports industry, with all the new product growth, improvements and opportunities,” adds Tracy Harris, General Manager of the Powersports Group. “Dealernews is readying itself to face this new era hand-in-hand with the industry. Mary’s 20+ years of experience as a journalist and business editor, combined with Mike’s 30+ years of experience in the powersports business, gives Dealernews the strongest leadership of any trade publication in the marketplace.”
As for other structural changes to the Dealernews staff line-up, long time National Sales Manager Teri Aikin and Account Executive Tim Lee will be reporting directly to Mike Vaughan effective December 8th – along with a third “to be hired” Account Manager rounding out the sales team.
For more information on Dealernews magazine, please call Mary Slepicka at: (714) 513-8419 or visit: www.dealernews.com.
About Dealernews and the Powersports Group
Dealernews is The Voice of the Powersports Industry and the flagship magazine for powersports dealers. For nearly four decades, Dealernews has been delivering industry news, retail information, dealer profiles, market research and new product information to powersports dealers. The Dealernews family of publications includes the annual Sturgis Guide, Powersports Magazine and the Top 100 Yearbook. Visit www.dealernews.com for more information.
Dealernews is part of Advanstar Communications’ Powersports Group, which also produces the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks, the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, Big Twin East, Big Twin West and the Dirt Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
About Advanstar
Advanstar Communications Inc. is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high-quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 105 business magazines and directories, 80 trade shows and conferences, numerous websites, and a wide range of direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in such industries as art, automotive, beauty, collaboration/e-learning, CRM/call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, fashion, healthcare, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality. The company has nearly 1,300 employees and operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.
From a press release issued by California Race Services:
New California Race Services partner John Grant, 45, was killed early Monday morning 12/15/03 in Aliso Viejo, California, when a 19-year-old women in a pick-up truck struck him while he was crossing Aliso Creek Rd. on foot, near his home.
He will be missed by all us at California Race Services. He is survived by his wife Jenny and he is a Rome, Georgia native.
Godspeed, John.
Jerry Jirkovsky
California Race Services
web: http://www.crstires.com
tel: 1-800-620-1277
tel: (714) 960-4855
fax: (714) 960-4855
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
DUCATI AT THE 2003 FIM WORLD CHAMPIONS’ AWARDS
The 2003 FIM World Champions’ Awards Ceremony was held Saturday evening at the spectacular Hotel Mina A’Salam in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In the presence of FIM delegates and many guests, the World Champions received their medals and trophies from FIM President Francesco Zerbi, while representatives of the Manufacturers’ World Champions were awarded with diplomas.
Champions from all categories of two-wheeled motor sport were present amongst the 250 guests invited for the ceremony and gala dinner in Dubai, including Ducati Fila rider Neil Hodgson who picked up his FIM medal for winning the 2003 World Superbike championship.
Paolo Ciabatti, representing Ducati Corse, took home the diploma for Ducati’s twelfth Manufacturer’s win in the World Superbike championship.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Australian Garry McCoy has agreed to terms with the NCR Ducati team to ride in the 2004 World Superbike Championship series, according to an announcement on the team’s official website.
McCoy, 31, made his World Championship debut in the Australian Grand Prix on a 125cc machine in 1992. He spent six years (1992-1997) on a 125cc, winning two races. He switched to the 500cc class in 1998 and had a career year in 2000, winning three races on the Red Bull Yamaha YZR500. After two years spent struggling with injuries, McCoy joined the new Fuchs Kawasaki team for the 2003 MotoGP season and recorded a best result of ninth on the Ninja ZX-RR.
NCR Ducati fielded Regis Laconi and David Garcia on Dunlop-equipped Ducati 998RS in the 2003 World Superbike Championship.
Laconi, a former World Superbike and 500cc Grand Prix race winner, finished fourth in the final standings with one pole position and five podium finishes in 24 races last season.
