From a press release issued by FGSport:
Valencia:
Thursday 18 December
Friday 19 December
Valencia:
Wednesday 11 February
Thursday 12 February
Friday 13 February
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
World Superbike Official Tests Scheduled
PR Agent Says Interview With Ben Bostrom Will Be On The Radio, But He’s The Same Guy Who Said Eric Wasn’t Going To Ducati…
From a press release issued by Norm Viano of Lawdog Sports Management:
Ben Bostrom fans in the New York City area will want to tune into 92.7 WLIR on their FM dial tomorrow at approximately 4:30pm (EST) to catch up with the Honda Superbike rider. Radio sensation and personality, Orli (aka ‘The English Muffin’) will be airing a previously taped interview of Ben for her popular afternoon radio show (which runs weekdays from 3pm-7pm).
A big race fan, “The English Muffin” often promotes motorcycle racing on her show by broadcasting race results and discussing road racing with her listeners. When asked why she promotes motorcycle road racing to her sizeable audience of mainstream listeners, she answered in this way: “It makes every other sport look like waltz dancing. It’s sex on wheels. Really seems like a no-brainer to me.”
You can visit the station’s website at www.wlir.com and view the English Muffin’s profile under “JOCKS”. The rock station will also be providing a link on their website for fans to listen to the interview if they are unable to catch the interview by radio.
MonsterMob Ducati Signs Laverty For British Supersport
From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:
LAVERTY JOINS MONSTERMOB DUCATI
Paul Bird Motorsport has today announced that young Ulsterman Michael Laverty will be joining the championship winning MonsterMob Ducati team to front their assault on the 2004 British Supersport Championship.
The 22 year old from Toomebridge, who finished fourth aboard a Honda in the 2003 series winning two races including the final round at Donington, will have at his disposal a pair of brand new 749cc Ducati machines as he aims to reclaim the prestigious title for the 2002 champions.
Now in his sixth season of road racing, the former double Irish motocross champion is looking forward to the forthcoming season and is glad to have secured one of the most coveted of rides in the series:
“I’m delighted to be joining such a professional team which has such a proven pedigree in the British Championship paddock. This will give me the best chance of winning with riding the best bike and on the best tyres and with the best team behind me. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m really excited about it”.
Team owner Paul Bird had been keeping tabs on Laverty for much of the 2003 season and despite him being in demand, the Cumbrian businessman offered him a deal before flying out to the Macau Grand Prix. Upon his return this week, Laverty had already put pen to paper to finalise the deal:
“Michael has been in our plans for a long time and we have always rated him. We know how he works and what makes him tick and we feel we can give him the best chance to win the title back for us. I’ve been impressed with him sufficiently to offer him a two year deal so that we can continue to the next level as he has proved that he is championship material without doubt. The whole team is very happy that Michael has decided to join us and we are all looking forward to working together” said Bird.
Bird expects to announce his rider for the 2004 British Superbike Championship at a Press Conference within the next two to three weeks.
It’s Official: Eric Bostrom, Ducati, Michelin In AMA Superbike
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
ERIC BOSTROM TO HEAD FACTORY-SUPPORTED DUCATI AMA
SUPERBIKE CHALLENGE
Bologna (Italy), Wednesday, 19 November 2003: Eric Bostrom is set to spearhead the Ducati attack on the 2004 AMA Superbike championship in one of the most exciting challenges seen in North America’s premier motorcycle racing series for many years.
The 27 year-old from San Francisco, who celebrates his birthday today, could not have wished for better news as it was announced that he will form part of the factory-supported Ducati effort to claim the AMA title for the first time since 1994.
The world-famous racing division from Bologna will be providing the machines and the technical support for the factory-supported team, which will take part in the 18-race 2004 AMA Superbike schedule with the new Ducati 999
“We are extremely satisfied to have reached a two-year agreement with Eric Bostrom to take part in the AMA championship” declared Ducati Corse Superbike Director Paolo Ciabatti. “As well as being an extremely talented rider, Eric will also be an excellent ‘ambassador’ for Ducati in one of the most important strategic markets for our company.
“Thanks to the collaboration with Terry Gregoricka of Ducati Austin, who will make available the logistics structure, technicians and the experience of his team at their new Road Atlanta premises in a two-year deal, and with the appointment of a Ducati Corse engineer as technical director, we are certain that next year will see us obtain some important results”.
Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO, added: “This is the good news that we have been expecting for some time. Finally Ducati will have the right package of rider, team and machinery to be able to put together a serious challenge for the AMA title. We are sure that Eric’s talent and popularity will help Ducati achieve major visibility in the North American market”.
Las Vegas resident Bostrom, who has four US National titles to his name, finished seventh overall in the 2003 Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike championship with 350 points, but would surely have finished higher up the table had he not suffered a badly-dislocated right shoulder in a first turn pile-up during the opening lap of the Laguna Seca World Superbike race.
“I’m totally pumped to sign with Ducati. They’ve shown a huge commitment to step up their American Superbike campaign” declared Eric Bostrom. “Obviously, jumping onto the World Championship machine brings high expectations, but at the moment I just can’t wait to get on the bike. Between the 999, myself, and the Michelins, 2004 is going to be an exciting year. A year that will hopefully see a Ducati twin back on top in the U.S. and give the Ducatisti something to cheer about.
“I’d also like to thank all of my fans and sponsors for their support during this time of change in my career. I’ve received lots of encouraging e-mails from my fans and hope to continue giving everyone something to cheer about as my career continues to progress forward.
“Obviously leaving Kawasaki USA was a tough decision. We really had great successes over the years and I really felt comfortable there, but I believe that joining the Ducati family is a positive step in the right direction for my career”.
The Ducati 999, which will be racing for the first time in the AMA championship, will be able to count on the support of French tyre manufacturer Michelin, recreating a successful long-term partnership that has brought the two companies a total of seven world Riders’ titles, including the 2003 crown for Neil Hodgson in the Ducati 999’s debut season.
“We are delighted to be able to continue our successful collaboration with Ducati, also in the AMA championship” declared Nicolas Goubert, Michelin’s Head of Motorcycle Competition. “With its different circuits and conditions, the AMA Superbike championship will offer a major technical challenge for us and we are happy to face up to it with our long-term partner Ducati”.
With over three months to go before the start of the 2004 season, Eric will be seen in action on the Ducati 999 for the first time at Daytona tyre testing on 4-6 December, but already expectation is high over the combination of one of the USA’s most talented riders and one of the world’s most exciting Superbike racing machines.
See related posts:
11/14/2003 Kawasaki Makes Its 2004 Season Plans Official, And They Don’t Include Bostrom
11/13/2003 Kawasaki Tests At Thunderhill, Without Bostrom
11/13/2003 Manager Denies That Eric Bostrom Is Considering U.S. Superbike Deal With Ducati
GP City Expands, Changes Name
From a press release issued by GPC Motorsports:
GP City Expands
GP CITY becomes GPC Motorsports in its latest expansion. GPC has been a reliable source for GP motorcycles, OEM parts, and accessories for the
last 4 years.
GPC now distributes 4-stroke kit parts, 50-80cc minibikes/accessories, and is the leading source for 400cc racebikes/accessories.
GPC Motorsports
3245 Elkhorn Blvd, Suite #5
North Highlands, CA 95660
916-331-6285
916-331-6286 FAX
www.gpcmoto.com
Book On Canadian Superbike Planned
From a press release:
SUPERBIKE BOOK ON THE WAY
TORONTO, ON – One of Canadian motor racing’s great success stories will appear in print early next year.
Professional Motorsports Productions, organizer of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and Canadian motorcycle magazine Inside Motorcycles have announced plans to produce a commemorative book celebrating the first 25 years of Canadian Superbike racing.
Titled “25 Years of Canadian Superbike”, the book will trace the roots of the sport in this country from its inauspicious debut as a support event at Mosport Park in the fall of 1978 to the completion of this year’s dramatic battle for the Parts Canada Superbike crown.
“It’s the right time for a book like this,” said Professional Motorsports Productions’ Colin Fraser, who has followed Canadian Superbike racing in some official capacity since its inception. “Superbike is what focused Canadian racing. It’s a story worth telling and this is a unique opportunity to tell the story.”
The book will be a chronological review of the growth of Superbike racing in Canada, with added focus on the people, motorcycles and events that helped turn the class into one of the most popular forms of racing around the world.
“Superbike is one of the great success stories of Canadian motor racing,” said Inside Motorcycles editor John Hopkins, who has attended every Canadian national round but two since 1997. “Few forms of racing have enjoyed such ongoing popularity in this country or developed Canadian talent for the international scene with such consistency.”
Fraser’s 25 years of race files, notes, interviews and photos will form the basis of the book. Inside Motorcycles will provide editing, organizational and design services.
A spring, 2004 launch is anticipated.
Professional Motorsports Productions has produced the television coverage of the Canadian national Superbike series since 1995 and took over organizational duties for the entire tour at the start of the 1997 season. Its offices are located in Toronto.
Inside Motorcycles is published by Toronto-based Inside Track Communications, Inc. Inside Track also produces Inside Track Motorsport News, Inside Karting, Sport Compact National and IMX magazines.
Birthdays: Steve Rapp, Jim Filice
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp is 31 years old today.
Three-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Jimmy Filice was born on this date 41 years ago in San Jose, California. Filice currently works as a rider representative with OMS Sports.
Race Support
From a press release issued by Suomy USA:
Suomy USA is now accepting race resumes for the 2004 road race season.
Please e-mail resumes (1pg) to Donny Schmidt at [email protected] or mail to 2236 Mariner Square Dr. Suite 104, Alameda, CA 94501.
Deadline is Dec 31.
American Youngsters Herrin And Aquino To Race World Mini GP In Spain
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Americans Josh Herrin, 13, and Tommy Aquino, 11, will represent the United States in the World Mini GP Festival on December 13-14, in Valencia, Spain.
Sanctioned by the Spanish Motorcycle Federation, the event will see 49 racers from eight countries, between the ages of six and 14, compete on identical 50cc Ozbike Metrakit Mini GP motorcycles.
Cycle Imports, Inc., the US importer and distributor of the Ozbike Metrakit Mini GP, will bring Herrin and Aquino to Spain.
Both Herrin and Aquino reside in Southern California, are the sons of racers, and are sponsored by Cycle Imports and Ozbike USA.
Long Island’s SMI Becomes Authorized Ducati Dealership
From a press release issued by SMI:
SMI (SuperMoto Italia) of Long Island, New York, has recently been appointed Fully Authorised Ducati Dealers by Ducati North America and will now have availability of all Ducati Performance Parts and Ducati OEM parts for their customers throughout the States and Canada.
SMI is located at 815 Middle Country Rd., St. James, NY 11780, phone (631) 584-4347.
World Superbike Official Tests Scheduled
From a press release issued by FGSport:
Valencia:
Thursday 18 December
Friday 19 December
Valencia:
Wednesday 11 February
Thursday 12 February
Friday 13 February
PR Agent Says Interview With Ben Bostrom Will Be On The Radio, But He’s The Same Guy Who Said Eric Wasn’t Going To Ducati…
From a press release issued by Norm Viano of Lawdog Sports Management:
Ben Bostrom fans in the New York City area will want to tune into 92.7 WLIR on their FM dial tomorrow at approximately 4:30pm (EST) to catch up with the Honda Superbike rider. Radio sensation and personality, Orli (aka ‘The English Muffin’) will be airing a previously taped interview of Ben for her popular afternoon radio show (which runs weekdays from 3pm-7pm).
A big race fan, “The English Muffin” often promotes motorcycle racing on her show by broadcasting race results and discussing road racing with her listeners. When asked why she promotes motorcycle road racing to her sizeable audience of mainstream listeners, she answered in this way: “It makes every other sport look like waltz dancing. It’s sex on wheels. Really seems like a no-brainer to me.”
You can visit the station’s website at www.wlir.com and view the English Muffin’s profile under “JOCKS”. The rock station will also be providing a link on their website for fans to listen to the interview if they are unable to catch the interview by radio.
MonsterMob Ducati Signs Laverty For British Supersport
From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:
LAVERTY JOINS MONSTERMOB DUCATI
Paul Bird Motorsport has today announced that young Ulsterman Michael Laverty will be joining the championship winning MonsterMob Ducati team to front their assault on the 2004 British Supersport Championship.
The 22 year old from Toomebridge, who finished fourth aboard a Honda in the 2003 series winning two races including the final round at Donington, will have at his disposal a pair of brand new 749cc Ducati machines as he aims to reclaim the prestigious title for the 2002 champions.
Now in his sixth season of road racing, the former double Irish motocross champion is looking forward to the forthcoming season and is glad to have secured one of the most coveted of rides in the series:
“I’m delighted to be joining such a professional team which has such a proven pedigree in the British Championship paddock. This will give me the best chance of winning with riding the best bike and on the best tyres and with the best team behind me. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m really excited about it”.
Team owner Paul Bird had been keeping tabs on Laverty for much of the 2003 season and despite him being in demand, the Cumbrian businessman offered him a deal before flying out to the Macau Grand Prix. Upon his return this week, Laverty had already put pen to paper to finalise the deal:
“Michael has been in our plans for a long time and we have always rated him. We know how he works and what makes him tick and we feel we can give him the best chance to win the title back for us. I’ve been impressed with him sufficiently to offer him a two year deal so that we can continue to the next level as he has proved that he is championship material without doubt. The whole team is very happy that Michael has decided to join us and we are all looking forward to working together” said Bird.
Bird expects to announce his rider for the 2004 British Superbike Championship at a Press Conference within the next two to three weeks.
It’s Official: Eric Bostrom, Ducati, Michelin In AMA Superbike
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
ERIC BOSTROM TO HEAD FACTORY-SUPPORTED DUCATI AMA
SUPERBIKE CHALLENGE
Bologna (Italy), Wednesday, 19 November 2003: Eric Bostrom is set to spearhead the Ducati attack on the 2004 AMA Superbike championship in one of the most exciting challenges seen in North America’s premier motorcycle racing series for many years.
The 27 year-old from San Francisco, who celebrates his birthday today, could not have wished for better news as it was announced that he will form part of the factory-supported Ducati effort to claim the AMA title for the first time since 1994.
The world-famous racing division from Bologna will be providing the machines and the technical support for the factory-supported team, which will take part in the 18-race 2004 AMA Superbike schedule with the new Ducati 999
“We are extremely satisfied to have reached a two-year agreement with Eric Bostrom to take part in the AMA championship” declared Ducati Corse Superbike Director Paolo Ciabatti. “As well as being an extremely talented rider, Eric will also be an excellent ‘ambassador’ for Ducati in one of the most important strategic markets for our company.
“Thanks to the collaboration with Terry Gregoricka of Ducati Austin, who will make available the logistics structure, technicians and the experience of his team at their new Road Atlanta premises in a two-year deal, and with the appointment of a Ducati Corse engineer as technical director, we are certain that next year will see us obtain some important results”.
Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO, added: “This is the good news that we have been expecting for some time. Finally Ducati will have the right package of rider, team and machinery to be able to put together a serious challenge for the AMA title. We are sure that Eric’s talent and popularity will help Ducati achieve major visibility in the North American market”.
Las Vegas resident Bostrom, who has four US National titles to his name, finished seventh overall in the 2003 Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike championship with 350 points, but would surely have finished higher up the table had he not suffered a badly-dislocated right shoulder in a first turn pile-up during the opening lap of the Laguna Seca World Superbike race.
“I’m totally pumped to sign with Ducati. They’ve shown a huge commitment to step up their American Superbike campaign” declared Eric Bostrom. “Obviously, jumping onto the World Championship machine brings high expectations, but at the moment I just can’t wait to get on the bike. Between the 999, myself, and the Michelins, 2004 is going to be an exciting year. A year that will hopefully see a Ducati twin back on top in the U.S. and give the Ducatisti something to cheer about.
“I’d also like to thank all of my fans and sponsors for their support during this time of change in my career. I’ve received lots of encouraging e-mails from my fans and hope to continue giving everyone something to cheer about as my career continues to progress forward.
“Obviously leaving Kawasaki USA was a tough decision. We really had great successes over the years and I really felt comfortable there, but I believe that joining the Ducati family is a positive step in the right direction for my career”.
The Ducati 999, which will be racing for the first time in the AMA championship, will be able to count on the support of French tyre manufacturer Michelin, recreating a successful long-term partnership that has brought the two companies a total of seven world Riders’ titles, including the 2003 crown for Neil Hodgson in the Ducati 999’s debut season.
“We are delighted to be able to continue our successful collaboration with Ducati, also in the AMA championship” declared Nicolas Goubert, Michelin’s Head of Motorcycle Competition. “With its different circuits and conditions, the AMA Superbike championship will offer a major technical challenge for us and we are happy to face up to it with our long-term partner Ducati”.
With over three months to go before the start of the 2004 season, Eric will be seen in action on the Ducati 999 for the first time at Daytona tyre testing on 4-6 December, but already expectation is high over the combination of one of the USA’s most talented riders and one of the world’s most exciting Superbike racing machines.
See related posts:
11/14/2003 Kawasaki Makes Its 2004 Season Plans Official, And They Don’t Include Bostrom
11/13/2003 Kawasaki Tests At Thunderhill, Without Bostrom
11/13/2003 Manager Denies That Eric Bostrom Is Considering U.S. Superbike Deal With Ducati
GP City Expands, Changes Name
From a press release issued by GPC Motorsports:
GP City Expands
GP CITY becomes GPC Motorsports in its latest expansion. GPC has been a reliable source for GP motorcycles, OEM parts, and accessories for the
last 4 years.
GPC now distributes 4-stroke kit parts, 50-80cc minibikes/accessories, and is the leading source for 400cc racebikes/accessories.
GPC Motorsports
3245 Elkhorn Blvd, Suite #5
North Highlands, CA 95660
916-331-6285
916-331-6286 FAX
www.gpcmoto.com
Book On Canadian Superbike Planned
From a press release:
SUPERBIKE BOOK ON THE WAY
TORONTO, ON – One of Canadian motor racing’s great success stories will appear in print early next year.
Professional Motorsports Productions, organizer of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and Canadian motorcycle magazine Inside Motorcycles have announced plans to produce a commemorative book celebrating the first 25 years of Canadian Superbike racing.
Titled “25 Years of Canadian Superbike”, the book will trace the roots of the sport in this country from its inauspicious debut as a support event at Mosport Park in the fall of 1978 to the completion of this year’s dramatic battle for the Parts Canada Superbike crown.
“It’s the right time for a book like this,” said Professional Motorsports Productions’ Colin Fraser, who has followed Canadian Superbike racing in some official capacity since its inception. “Superbike is what focused Canadian racing. It’s a story worth telling and this is a unique opportunity to tell the story.”
The book will be a chronological review of the growth of Superbike racing in Canada, with added focus on the people, motorcycles and events that helped turn the class into one of the most popular forms of racing around the world.
“Superbike is one of the great success stories of Canadian motor racing,” said Inside Motorcycles editor John Hopkins, who has attended every Canadian national round but two since 1997. “Few forms of racing have enjoyed such ongoing popularity in this country or developed Canadian talent for the international scene with such consistency.”
Fraser’s 25 years of race files, notes, interviews and photos will form the basis of the book. Inside Motorcycles will provide editing, organizational and design services.
A spring, 2004 launch is anticipated.
Professional Motorsports Productions has produced the television coverage of the Canadian national Superbike series since 1995 and took over organizational duties for the entire tour at the start of the 1997 season. Its offices are located in Toronto.
Inside Motorcycles is published by Toronto-based Inside Track Communications, Inc. Inside Track also produces Inside Track Motorsport News, Inside Karting, Sport Compact National and IMX magazines.
Birthdays: Steve Rapp, Jim Filice
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp is 31 years old today.
Three-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Jimmy Filice was born on this date 41 years ago in San Jose, California. Filice currently works as a rider representative with OMS Sports.
Race Support
From a press release issued by Suomy USA:
Suomy USA is now accepting race resumes for the 2004 road race season.
Please e-mail resumes (1pg) to Donny Schmidt at [email protected] or mail to 2236 Mariner Square Dr. Suite 104, Alameda, CA 94501.
Deadline is Dec 31.
American Youngsters Herrin And Aquino To Race World Mini GP In Spain
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Americans Josh Herrin, 13, and Tommy Aquino, 11, will represent the United States in the World Mini GP Festival on December 13-14, in Valencia, Spain.
Sanctioned by the Spanish Motorcycle Federation, the event will see 49 racers from eight countries, between the ages of six and 14, compete on identical 50cc Ozbike Metrakit Mini GP motorcycles.
Cycle Imports, Inc., the US importer and distributor of the Ozbike Metrakit Mini GP, will bring Herrin and Aquino to Spain.
Both Herrin and Aquino reside in Southern California, are the sons of racers, and are sponsored by Cycle Imports and Ozbike USA.
Long Island’s SMI Becomes Authorized Ducati Dealership
From a press release issued by SMI:
SMI (SuperMoto Italia) of Long Island, New York, has recently been appointed Fully Authorised Ducati Dealers by Ducati North America and will now have availability of all Ducati Performance Parts and Ducati OEM parts for their customers throughout the States and Canada.
SMI is located at 815 Middle Country Rd., St. James, NY 11780, phone (631) 584-4347.