Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Rich Conicelli was released from Memorial Hospital on Friday, June 6 and drove a rental car from Colorado Springs home to Atlanta.

Conicelli suffered broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken collarbone in a crash at Pikes Peak International Raceway during practice on Thursday, May 29. He was knocked unconscious for about 10 minutes following the crash.

Doctors told him he could not fly for two weeks following his release.

He is recovering at home in Atlanta, and hopes to make the AMA National at Brainerd International Raceway June 26-29.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

In response to what they termed “too many” collisions and crashes in the chicane during a May 24-25 Japanese National race, Suzuka Circuit officials are building a new, relocated chicane for motorcycle use.

The track will be closed from June 9 through June 15 for construction of the new chicane and for general track maintenance.

The new, relocated chicane will feature a wider and longer braking area, a faster initial turn, and increased run-off area.

The course using the new chicane will be 5.821 kilometers long, slightly longer than the existing course’s 5.807 kilometers.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIM has announced the wild card riders for the MotoGP event at Catalunya in Spain and the World Superbike round at Silverstone in England, both scheduled for this coming weekend, June 13-15.

Kawasaki’s Akira Yanagawa will be the only MotoGP wild card at Catalunya, but many of the British Superbike Championship regulars will take part in the Silverstone World Superbike races.

Team Renegade Ducati’s Michael Rutter and Sean Emmett, Rizla Suzuki’s John Reynolds and Yukio Kagayama and D&B Ducati Racing’s Dean Ellison have received wild card entries for the Silverstone World Superbike round, according to the FIM.

Notably absent from the list of World Superbike wild card entries is runaway British Superbike Championship leader Monster Mob Ducati’s Shane Byrne. After 10 of 24 scheduled races, Byrne leads the British Championship by 104 points over second place Rutter.

Byrne has won eight of the first 10 races and placed second in the two races he did not win.

From a press release issued by the Church Of Speed:

Saturday June 7 and Sunday, June 8, the Church of Speed presented the second Grand Bayou Motorcycle Festival of Speed at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, LA.

After a rainy morning, the sky turned blue and was perfect for racing and spectating. During Saturday’s road racing qualifications, Pro racer Greg Moore, from Tuscaloosa, AL, caused some major excitement when he broke the track record with a 1.12.77 on a Michelin shod GSXR 1000, which bettered existing record set during last January’s Festival of Speed by John Haner by 0.13 seconds.

Saturday night, engines roared and smoke filled the air as the Drag Racing competitors leapt from the very sticky NPR starting line. The winner of the ensuing pandemonium was Jeffery Alphonse Winning the head Up class with a 8.471 second pass at 168 mph. Chris Lebou took Runner Up. In the 9.99 second or quicker top honors were captured by Chris Leboeuf from Lafayette on his backup bike with Dave Latino taking Runner Up. In the +10 seconds class, top honors went to Buddy Pravato, Runner-up in that class was Seth Duncan.

In an exciting and ground-shaking war of music competition, spectators danced and rocked to the music of seven different groups during the “Battle of the Bands”. MP79 took the honors of first place, Maven won second place and Rusty Duet took third place on the jamming PA supplied by PM productions.

Accompanied by the bands’ music and all of the spectators’ and riders’ celebrating, the pit bikes raced into the wee hours Saturday night. Topping off Saturday night’s festivities, a spectacular fireworks display by Johnny C. of Precision Pyrotechnics lit up the night sky over No Problem Raceway and the equally spectacular winner of the Trophy Girl Contest was Tasha Stubbs.

After Sunday morning practice sessions, Mike and Anna Bradford from Circuit Riders Motorcycle Ministries held Sunday services and the blessing of the bikes and riders.

Sunday was filled with breathtaking feats of speed, agility and daring as the motorcycle roadracers vied for the prizes.


The winners of Sundays Motorcycle Road Races were:

In the featured race: Heavyweight Expert 25 laps:
1st place: Greg Moore, from Tuscaloosa, AL, on a Suzuki GSXR1000 with a best time of 1:14.462
2nd place: Chad Smith, from Metairie, LA. On a Suzuki GSXR 750. (Dunlop)
3rd place: Bradley Champion, from Houston, TX. on a Suzuki SV650.

1st place Lightweight: Bradley Champion from Houston, TX, on a Suzuki SV650, with a best lap time of 1:17.982
2nd place Lightweight: Shannon Silva, from Kenner, LA on an Aprillia RS250
3rd place Lightweight: John Horton, from New Orleans on a 750 Ducati.


1st place Mediumweight Novice: Chris Murphy (CLK Racing, Dunlop), from Baton Rouge, LA on a Yamaha 600, with a best time of 1:19.530
2nd place Mediumweight Novice: Ryan Babin, from Schriever, LA on a Yamaha 600
3rd place Mediumweight Novice: Dave Chaplin, from Metairie, LA on a Suzuki 600


1st place Mediumweight Expert: Ben Thomas, Franklinton, LA, on a Suzuki GSXR 600, with a best time of 1:16.014
2nd place Mediumweight Expert: Bradley Champion, from Houston, TX, on a Suzuki SV650
3rd place Mediumweight Expert: Logan Young, from Houston, TX, on a Suzuki GSXR600


1st place Heavyweight Novice: Chris Murphy(CLK Racing), from Baton Rouge, LA, on a Yamaha R6; with a best time of 1:18.109
2nd place Heavyweight Novice: Tom Roche, from New Orleans, LA, on a Suzuki GSXR750
3rd place Heavyweight Novice: Daryll Ricks from Kenner, LA, on a Kawasaki ZX6R

Log on to www.mylaps.com for more complete race results and www.hotshotphotos.com for event pictures.

Sunday afternoon the crowds were thrilled by the awe-inspiring stunts and daring feats of courage performed by the professional stunt riders.

1st place: Jeremy Baker of Performance Extreme of Baton Rouge
2nd place: Michael Hebert of Performance Extreme of Baton Rouge
3rd place: Blaine Guidry of Voodoo Racing of Breaux Bridge (www.voodooracing.com).

The weekend culminated with Tasha Stubbs presenting the winners of the competitions with their “pieces of wood”, that were plucked from the mighty Mississippi River, and of course, the cash that went along with the trophies.

The Church of Speed would like to thank all of the volunteers’ and staff without whom the event would not have happened.

Event Sponsors included: Red Bull Energy Drink, Jagermeister, Gold Star Trophies BR, Matteis Cycles NO, Performance Extremes BR, GMD Computrack of Dallas TX, Calmes Cycles BR,

From a press release issued by Pramac Honda:

Casole d’Elsa (Siena, Italy)
Tuesday 10 June 2003

Eleven questions for Mr. Hiroshi Yamada, Motorcycle Racing Manager of Bridgestone Corporation

1) Mr. Yamada, Makoto Tamada got an impressive result last Sunday at Mugello, making fourth place in the Italian Grand Prix. Were you expecting he’d do so well?

R) In all honesty, I must say it was an unexpected result, in view of all the variables of Mugello. Tamada had never seen in the circuit until last weekend, and Mugello is a difficult track for anyone when it comes to choosing the tyres and guessing the ground temperature (which can be very high) and indeed it was much higher than we were expecting. On top of all this there was the fact that Makoto Tamada really whipped our products into shape in his extraordinary comeback from eighteenth place to fourth. It must be said it was worth the suspense: we really had no time to prepare for the race on Sunday but with two hours on Friday and two on Saturday we managed to scrape together enough information to get things going.


2) Bridgestone: your workgroup seems to be gaining incredible ground – you’ve never stopped since January. You should be pretty highly motivated by now.

R) You’re right: this result has galvanised the whole team. It’s a new boost not just for us on the MotoGP, but for all those at “home” who’ve made this whole project possible. In other words, I really mean the whole company. I think this result just goes to show that what we’ve been doing so far is really not too far off the mark.


3) Are you talking about the glorious Formula One group too?

R) Sure, we’re in constant contact and our F1 colleagues and technicians are sharing their know-how with us.


4) Do you think a great performance like this could reduce development time?

R) This is a long-term project and we’ve already been able to give an idea of our ambitious projects: for the moment, we’d just like to win a few races in 2004 and we’re aiming for the championship in 2005. As far as this season is concerned, we decided on a hypothetical date by which we thought we ought to be able to achieve some tangible results. We were thinking of the late summer of this year but I believe we’ve just got there a little bit earlier. This is going to give a great boost to our development team, even though we need to keep our wits about us and continue working to schedule. It must be said, though, that last Sunday’s result obviously makes us that much more excited about the whole thing.


5) Let’s try and look at an important factor: the former RC211V is the bike that won the 2002 world championship, and thus the best choice in terms of performance. The rider could well be a variable: he’s on his first time round in the MotoGP and on the tough tracks of the world championship. If you look at his latest performance, Makoto appears to be a rider of extraordinary talent. All this should make developing the tyres that much easier.

R) When we decided to work with Tamada we knew he was going to be the right rider, both for his potential and for his skill. The only thing we weren’t sure about was his total lack of experience on the world championship circuits. His character and his style made us quite sure, however, that he’d learn fast. And he certainly has done. Jerez and Mugello showed we were right. So we’re quite sure about the bike and the rider, and this means we’ve been able to concentrate entirely on what we are most interested in: developing our tyres.


6) We’ve seen that your materials have proved to be excellent in almost extreme conditions – in other words, really high ground temperatures – but soon we’re going to be coming up against the North European rounds where the temperatures aren’t going to be anything like as high.

R) We are quite sure about the work we’ve done so far and I’ve no reason to think we’re going to be less competitive than we have been. We’ve been studying special materials for a pretty broad range of temperatures.


7) Can you give us an idea of the key points? What you are going to have to do to develop the racing products?

R) First of all we can say that the most important thing is to study the ideal compounds for the MotoGP, since the power that the latest engines can release is enormous and it certainly puts the tyres under stress during a race. The quality of the compounds is thus a key element in being competitive rate in terms of fast lap times and in terms of endurance. If, on the other hand, we look at the various steps it takes to create a racing product and absolute top performance, we can say that the shape and profile of the tyre are the first aspects we need to look at in our development work. And then there is more to follow: the construction of the tyre and the composition of the compound. But this is pure “theory” or work method, because then we have to look at the balance between the front and rear tyre on the machine when it’s out on the track, and this is another crucial aspect. Just to give a simple example: at the moment, we’re making good progress in developing the rear tyres, but we’ve also got to keep up the momentum for the front tyres as well. This is essential if we’re to maintain the same balance of the bike and improve its level of performance.


8) Was the result at Mugello the result of some particular tyre?

R) One tyre in particular – the one we used yesterday – had everything a tyre needs to have in order to be competitive in a race. If we want to go into detail, we could say that its profile improves both control and handling while making a good front and rear balance of the bike.


9) What compounds were used at Mugello?

R) A medium-hard front with a hard rear.


10) Could you give us an idea – some actual figure – for the number of different technical solutions you’ve created and tried out on track since the beginning of the year for the MotoGP?

R) We’ve tried out pretty close to 100, I’d say, during the test sessions and during the races this year with our riders.


11) Let’s enter a more sensitive area. Could you tell us about the time it actually takes to create a tyre, or rather how long it takes to make new materials for the MotoGP?

R) It’s possible to make a tyre from scratch in about two to four weeks, while it doesn’t take longer than one to actually construct it. So a totally new compound will take two to three weeks, or much less if it’s an upgrade of an existing formula.


Mr. Yamada, thank you very much indeed.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Fortuna Yamaha MotoGP racer Marco Melandri has been fined 1000 Swiss Francs, or about $760 U.S., for violating rules during practice at the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, Italy June 8.

At the end of morning warm-up session, Melandri left pit lane, and presumably went out on track, after the “red light was switched on and the red flag shown at the pit-lane exit,” according to a press release from the FIM.

From a press release issued by F-USA:

Fort Worth, Texas–Cool temperatures, cloudy skies along with periods of showers around the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wisconsin could not keep the opening round of the K&N Filters Pro Series from coming off as a huge success.

The excitement started early in practice/qualifying at the 5th Annual Dairyland Classic with 56 riders attempting to qualify for the 48 rider field. As the riders took to the super-fast track, it became apparent the Formula USA rules based around 450cc production frame motorcycles was beginning a new era for dirt track. Of the 56 entries, 51 riders were on production frame motorcycles with 53 riders breaking the track record. A new track record of 16.249 was set by factory KTM rider Kenny Coolbeth who was over a full second quicker of the previous track record of 17.465.

Promoter Bert Sumner put together the inaugural Jim Sumner Memorial Dash For Cash where the top rider from each brand of motorcycle would qualify for the 4-lap dash. Local hero JR Schnabel on the Memphis Shades Yamaha took the honors with $1500donated from a variety of motorcycle dealers and individuals prior to the race. During the evening another $730 was donated by fans that was divided between runner-up Kenny Coolbeth and third place rider Kyle Ragsdale.

As the 18-riders who had qualified through 3-heat races and 2-semis were introduced for the 25-lap National, excitement filled air with first year rookies and veterans all having a shot of taking the win.

Joe Kopp on the factory KTM took the lead going into turn one off the start with Schnabel getting a good drive off turn two to take the early lead. After the first lap Kopp pulled off the track with apparent problems. Coolbeth had got off the line fourth and seemed to be waiting for things to settle down a bit before making a run to the front. His first challenge would be to get around Team Harley-Davidson’s Rich King riding the Buell Blast-based Harley-Davidson. King the veteran dirt tracker could feel the pressure of Coolbeth, however would never make a mistake forcing Coolbeth to get aggressive before Schnabel would pull away from the trio. Making a good run off turn 2 Coolbeth pulled along the outside of King down the back straight then made a daring, but successful, outside pass on King going into turn 3.

As riders were dicing for position, the fans were cheering for their hometown hero Schnabel knowing Coolbeth was now making a run for the lead. Coolbeth again put the same pressure on Schnabel as he did King hoping for a mistake. It did not take Coolbeth long to realize he would have to make the same pass on Schnabel. On lap 8 Coolbeth went on the outside of Schnabel going into turn 3, which seemed to surprise Schnabel. Within the next lap Coolbeth turned his fastest lap of the night at 15.923!

As the race was beginning to wind down, lapped riders would give Schnabel another shot at regaining the lead. Schnabel made a run at Coolbeth on the final lap coming up to his rear fender across the finish line.

King would hang onto third with Jethro Halbert on a Honda giving the top 4 positions 4 different brands of motorcycles.

Kenny Coolbeth on the KTM production based motorcycle made over $9000 in purse and contingency. After the races there was a great deal of support from the fans, teams, riders and sponsors for the 2003 K&N Filters Pro Series. Tom Cates, Senior Powersports Manager of K&N Filters was on hand commenting, “I was extremely impressed with the professional appearance of the event. The riders did an excellent job putting on a great show for the spectators.”

PLYMOUTH RESULTS
1. Kenny Coolbeth, KTM
2. Glen Schnabel, JR, YAM
3. Rich King, HD
4. Jethro Halbert, HON
5. Brett Landes, HON
6. Willie McCoy, HON
7. Bryan Smith, HON
8. Dan Stanley, HON
9. Shaun Russell, KTM
10. Kyle Ragsdale, HON
11. Jeremy Deruyter, HON
12. Jerad Cheney, HON
13. Terry Poovey, HON
14. Justin Filice, HON
15. Thomas McGrane, HON
16. Brian Vincent, HON
17. Kevin Atherton, YAM
18. Joe Kopp, KTM

The K&N Filters Pro Series resumes next weekend at the 11th Annual Ben Campanale Laconia 1/2 Mile on Friday night, June 13th in Rochester, New Hampshire during the 80th Annual Loudon Classic.

From a press release issued by Dan Gurney Alligator Motorcycles:

Production of the first half of the Limited Edition Gurney ALLIGATOR Motorcycle is nearing completion. This production run has sold out and most of the motorcycles have been delivered to riders and collectors around the country. The second half of production will start in the coming weeks.

The ALLIGATOR will appear for the first time in Europe during the upcoming Festival of Speed at Goodwood July 11-12-13. Dan himself will don his leathers and ride the Gator up the hill, which promises to be a historic and unique moment.

For additional information on the Alligator Motorcycles, go to www.allamericanracers.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jack and Vickie Abbott are no longer working at Barber Motorsports Park.

Jack Abbott was Track Manager, employed by Barber Motorsports Park.

Vickie Abbott was General Manager of Barber Motorsports Park, and was employed by Bruno Event Team, the company contracted to manage the racetrack on the administrative and promotions side.

An e-mail sent to Vickie Abbott on June 10 received this reply:

“This message is an auto response to an email you sent to Vickie Abbott. Vickie is no longer an employee of the Bruno Event Team. Please send all email to Crystal Trammell ([email protected] ). The email that you sent has been automatically forwarded to Crystal. Thanks, Bruno Event Team”

At post time, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Executive Director Jeff Ray had not returned a phone call requesting comment; Barber Motorsports Park is part of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

At post time, the only phone number we have for Jack Abbott was answered by another person, who declined comment, and Vickie Abbott had not returned a call to her cell phone requesting comment.

From a press release:

SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 80TH ANNUAL LOUDON CLASSIC WEEKEND
(LOUDON, N.H.) — The 80th Annual Loudon Classic weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway on Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15 will feature not only national motorcycle racers, but local racing stars as well.

The nation’s oldest motorcycle meet opens with the Loudon 100, an endurance event that will challenge riders and teams for 100 laps starting at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13.

The action starts at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, as the United States Classic Racing Association presents the always popular Sidecar exhibition.

Saturday will also see the amateurs, experts, and juniors of the Loudon Road Racing Series take to the 1.6 mile road course for the finals in the GTL, GTU, & GTO classes. The highlight of the day will be the 12-lap Super Motard final, as the riders challenge an asphalt and dirt course.

The racing on Sunday, June 15 features non-stop action with the Thunderbike, the Diablo Can-Am 125 GP, the Expert Unlimited GP, the Rising Sun 250 GP, the Amateur Unlimited GP, and the Formula USA SuperBike finals.

The highlight of the weekend will be Sunday’s Formula USA SportBike race featuring a new format for 2003. This event will consist of two 18-lap segments with a twenty minute pit stop scheduled between each segment.

Gary Bahre, NHIS President said, “This year’s Loudon Classic should be exciting. The intensity of these riders should provide our fans with the quality of racing that they have come to expect.”

In addition to the full slate of racing on Father’s Day, June 15, fans will be treated to a rider autograph session beginning at 11:00 a.m.
All races will be run rain or shine.

Tickets for the 80th Annual Loudon Classic are available at the gate. For more information and detailed schedules, please visit us online at www.nhis.com or call Speedway Guest Services at (603) 783-4931.