From a press release:

Yamaha Canada, impressed with what the Can-Am series has done in two and a half years, has become an associate sponsor of the series for 2003.

John Baylis from Yamaha Canada’s racing department has been very appreciative of the racing the Can-Am series has been producing as well as the contribution it has shown to the future of the sport.

Yamaha Canada’s support will allow the Diablo Can-Am 125GP Series to purchase its own timing and scoring system. In doing so pole position will now be called the Yamaha Canada Pole Award.

Round Two of the series will be June 13-14-15 at Loudon NH running with the Formula USA series.

More information about the series can be found at the series website www.can-am125gp.com

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Vincent Haskovec will test with Ducati Austin at Pikes Peak Thursday.

“I’m going to just practice tomorrow and see how it goes,” said Haskovec, reached by cell phone in the paddock at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

“These guys called me up and asked if I want to ride the bike. They said, he (Anthony Gobert) is not practicing Thursday so you can ride it. Of course I said yes. There was no hesitation on my part.

“It’s a third bike. They have two bikes with #16 on them and a third one with just a red cross on it. They’re making fun of me, some of these guys on the crew that I know, saying I’m going to need a helicopter tomorrow. They think that thing’s gonna launch me out probably.”

Haskovec said the deal was set up by Jimmy Filice of OMS, who also represents Ducati Austin. “I signed with OMS two days ago,” said Haskovec. “They arranged this. Jimmy Filice is the guy who I’m talking to, he set it up.”

Asked about the status of his existing ride with Hooters Suzuki, Haskovec said “I’m gonna keep going. It’s not like I’m gonna race this bike or something, it’s just a test. They’re gonna see how I’m doing, see how I do, and we’re gonna go from there.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from Roadracing World contributing photographer (and Livengood family friend) Vicki Sulpy, via e-mail:

Just wanted to let you know they rescheduled Brian Livengood’s surgery for Friday, May 30th at 7:30 a.m.

They are trying to fight an infection that he has had so they had to postpone it.

They did more cultures today and said that there was a slight possibility they would be able to do the surgery on Thursday but if not, it is definitely scheduled for Friday.


Editorial Note: Racer Brian Livengood crashed and hit a concrete wall at Road Atlanta after his bike’s rear tire came apart during AMA Superbike qualifying on Friday, May 16. Livengood suffered a concussion, bruised lungs and fractures to his T5 and T6 vertebrae in the crash. He has been on a respirator in an Intensive Care Unit since he was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital in a Medevac helicopter. Doctors plan to fuse T4 through T7 to stabilize his spine and prevent any spinal cord damage.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracingworld.com got an update from Woody Deatherage via phone Tuesday.

Deatherage told Roadracingworld.com, “Basically I have a crushed vertebra, but no surgery will be required as long as I stay in the body cast they gave me. It’s a two-piece removable shell that was measured to fit me and stabilizes my torso from my hips to my neck. I will be in it for the next five weeks at which time doctors will see how everything is healing. Mobility in it isn’t bad, and the doctors said I can resume somewhat normal activities as long as I don’t go too crazy.”

When asked how he felt about the fact that Steve Rapp had crashed in the same spot earlier in the weekend, and that no haybales and/or soft barriers were deployed in the area after Rapp’s bike hit the wall, Deatherage said, “That’s real surprising. If barriers would have been there, the bike would probably have minimal crash damage and I would have walked away. I don’t want to stir the pot too much, but we (the AMA and its riders) all need to learn from our mistakes and take a pro-active approach to fixing them.

“I would like to thank everyone who contacted me, it was really overwhelming,” continued Deatherage. “And I would also like to give a big thanks to Arai helmets. That helmet saved my life.”

Deatherage is currently trying to repair his destroyed Suzuki GSX-R1000, and says he is not sure if he will continue racing.

Deatherage also said he is going to try to make it to the upcoming AMA race at Road America to say hi to everyone, and try to talk to AMA Pro Racing officials about starting some sort of riders group that would deal with track safety.

Deatherage broke his back when he crashed his Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the bottom of the esses section, in the turn four area, and hit an unpadded wall during an AMA Superbike race at Road Atlanta Sunday, May 18th. Steve Rapp’s racebike had hit the same section of unpadded wall two days earlier, during Superbike qualifying.

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES “OPERATION MISSION ACCOMPLISHED”

H-D and Buell Extend Warranty Coverage for Deployed Military Personnel in Middle East

MILWAUKEE, WI – Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced the implementation of “Operation Mission Accomplished,” a plan to extend warranty coverage to military personnel recently deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Everyone at Harley-Davidson and Buell recognizes the sacrifice made by men and women from the many nations involved in recent military efforts in the Middle East region,” said Steve Phillips, Vice President of Quality, Reliability and Technical Service. “This program will acknowledge that effort by extending the warranty on Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles owned by those who have served and been unable to ride while they were on duty.”

The program will apply to owners of Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles who are coalition military personnel from any country deployed to an area controlled by CENTCOM, or deployed in support of coalition operations in the Middle East from November 1, 2001, until June 1, 2003.

If their motorcycle is under warranty, Harley-Davidson and Buell will provide an extension of the 12-month factory warranty for the number of days they were deployed to account for the balance of the remaining warranty period. If the warranty on any of their Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycles expired while they were deployed in the designated areas, Harley-Davidson will offer additional warranty coverage for a period of time equal to the length of their deployment, but not to exceed the original 12 month factory warranty period.

Harley-Davidson and Buell owners who believe they are eligible for Operation Mission Accomplished should see their local dealer upon return from deployment for details on applying for the program.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

From a press release issued by the AMA, which owns and runs the ATVA:

All-Terrain Vehicle Association to Defend ATVs at Hearing

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will testify before federal officials on June 5, promoting rider training as an important component in ATV safety.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will hold a public hearing on ATV safety at 10 a.m. on June 5 in the Robert C. Byrd Health Science Center of West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. The hearing could be the first step toward more federal regulation of ATVs.

Doug Morris, director of the ATVA, and Royce Wood, legislative affairs specialist for both the ATVA and the AMA, will argue that there is no need for further regulation. Both organizations support increased training opportunities for ATV riders to educate them about proper riding gear, teach them safe riding techniques, and improve their riding skills. The organizations also support the creation of more controlled public riding areas for ATVs to help reduce the risk of injury.

The associations have opposed proposals to impose further limits on ATV engine sizes, noting that existing guidelines which set machine size limits for riders under 16, actually impede safety training. That’s because the federal guidelines call for those under 16 to ride ATVs with engines no larger than 90cc. As a result, most young people who are judged too large to safely ride such small machines aren’t able to take a safety training course.

Besides taking testimony on ATV safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission will listen to comments on a proposal by a coalition of groups made up of the Consumer Federation of America, the Natural Trails and Waters Coalition, the Bluewater Network and others seeking a ban on the sale of full-sized ATVs for use by children under 16. The coalition originally called for a ban on all ATV use by those under the age of 16 but the commission said that it could not enforce such a ban.

Morris questioned the motivation behind some of the groups involved in this attack on ATVs, noting that the Natural Trails and Waters Coalition and the Bluewater Network have never had any involvement with, or interest in, ATV safety. Instead, their agenda has been to block access to public lands by ATV riders and others involved in motorized recreation.

From a press release issued by Steve Reeves, Mat Mladin’s publicist:

2003 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship
Rounds 8 – Pikes Peak International Raceway, Colorado, USA
Event Preview

MLADIN CHASES ELUSIVE PIKES PEAK SUPERBIKE WIN

Fountain, Colorado, USA (Tuesday, 27 May) – The 2003 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship heads to the high altitudes of the Colorado mountains this weekend as the short and twisty Pikes Peak International Raceway plays host to the eighth round of this years series.

After a weekend of misfortune at the previous round of the championship at Road Atlanta, Australia’s Mat Mladin finds himself second in the championship, trailing Yoshimura Suzuki teammate Aaron Yates by just two points.

A dramatic high-speed tyre failure while leading the opening race at Road Atlanta, was followed a day later by his fifth Superbike race win of the season. The loss of valuable championship points left Mladin feeling uneasy, but in the style of a true champion, he will direct his energies towards regaining the valuable points lead that he had held prior to the Georgian round.

“We arrive here this weekend with the same race plan that we’ve had all year and that’s to win races,” said Mladin. “I’m not in a position in the championship that I want to be in, so after the problems that we encountered Road Atlanta, we need to get a few more wins starting this weekend.

“We tested here in April and were happy with the results. After Daytona we knew there were areas with the new bike that needed attention, so while everyone else headed to Alabama to test, we came here. It was an important test and we gained a lot from it.

“As for the circuit itself, it’s always hard doing 48 laps around here. Dealing with the effects of the higher altitude is one thing, but you also find yourself mixing with the backmarkers more often as the track is so short. You could find yourself lapping guys up to six times during the race. It’s something that we have to deal with here, so hopefully we can negotiate them with no disruption to the race.”

The Pikes Peak circuit is one that Mladin has failed to score any of his 20 career AMA Superbike race wins at. He will be aiming to better the two second place finishes that he has recorded there in 1998 and 2000.

Qualifying for this weekend’s round commences on Friday afternoon, before the Superbike competitors endure 48-laps of the 2.12km (1.315miles) circuit on Sunday.



PIKES PEAK – FAST FACTS

Circuit length: 2.12km (1.315miles)

2002 Pole position: Eric Bostrom (Team Kawasaki ZX-7RR) 0:54.391 mins

2002 Results:
1. Eric Bostrom (Team Kawasaki ZX-7RR)
2. Aaron Yates (Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750)
3. Jamie Hacking (Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750)
4. Mat Mladin (Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750)

Superbike lap record: Nicky Hayden (American Honda) 0:53.776 mins (2001)

2003 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship (points after 7 of 18 rounds)
1. A Yates 214; 2. M Mladin 212; 3. E Bostrom 202; 4. B Bostrom 194; 5. K Roberts 189; 6. M DuHamel 163; 7. L Pegram 148; 8. S Higbee 141; 9. V Haskovec 127; 10. J Pridmore 125.

From a press releas issued by the AMA Hall Of Fame Museum:

MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2003

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum today announced 13 new members for induction in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2003. The Class of 2003 includes three of today’s most widely recognized racing stars, two of yesterday’s legendary racing champions, four passionate ambassadors for the sport of motorcycling, two women who defined adventure riding, one tireless race track official and one unforgettable team of winners. They are:

C.E. Altman – Promoted the Houston Astrodome dirt track races that for many years were the kickoff for the AMA racing season. Pioneer of AMA Supercross events including Houston Astrodome and Pontiac Silverdome.

Debbie Evans – First woman to compete in FIM World Championship Trials event. Top rider in Women’s World Cup Trials competition. Motorcycle stunt rider in over 200 movies and television programs.

Tom Heininger – Co-Founder of Webco performance equipment company. Promoter of motorcycling sport and business in 1950s, ’60s, ’70s. President of Motorcycle Industry Council in 1972.

Linton Kuchler – Executive Secretary of the AMA in the 1950s and 1960s. Following a stint with NASCAR, he was brought back to lead the AMA in the mid-1970s. Helped launch the creation of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation.

Del Kuhn – 1950 AMA National Enduro Champion. Three-time winner of the Greenhorn Enduro. Class A Enduro Pacific Coast Championship winner in 1948, ’50, ’51, ’52.

Jeremy McGrath – Brought to AMA Supercross a previously unseen level of showmanship. Seven AMA Supercross Championships, Two World Supercross Championships, one AMA Motocross Championship.

Scott Parker – Nine-time AMA Grand National Champion, all-time record 94 Grand National Championship race wins, including 55 AMA National Mile wins, 35 AMA Half-Mile wins. Three-time winner of AMA Pro Athlete of the Year.

Duke Pennell – Five-time AMA “Flagman of the Year”, worked for nearly five decades as a race track official starter.

Jay Springsteen – Three-time AMA Grand National Champion with over 40 National Championship flat track race wins.

Fred Toscani – The last Class A National Champion. Won 9 AMA National titles from 1933 to 1938.

Theresa Wallach – Motorcycle adventurer and author who founded Easy Motorcycle Riding Schools, Inc. and published a training manual of the same name. First Vice President of Women’s International Motorcycle Association.

Bruce Walters – Midwestern dealer and event promoter who was largely responsible for the success of the AMA Sanctioned Peoria TT.

1981 United States Trophee des Nations and Motocross des Nations Team – Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O’Mara and Chuck Sun. This team swept the 250cc Trophee des Nations and the 500cc Motocross des Nations, beginning a 13-year period of domination by the United States of America teams. LaPorte and O’Mara are the first “double inductees” having been inducted on their individual performances in 2000, and now as part of these teams.

About The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

Each year, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering.

The Class of 2003 will be inducted on Sunday, October 5, during ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio. Supported by families, industry peers, friends, past Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees and media, the induction is an emotional celebration that brings together some of the most recognizable names in the world of motorcycling. Preceding the afternoon induction ceremony will be the Museum’s 2nd annual Concours d’Elegance, which drew over 100 juried entries in 2002-including many of the machines that Motorcycle Hall of Fame members became forever linked with.

The 2003 inductees will join 285 other legends already immortalized in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Each Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee is recognized with a plaque, and related motorcycles, photos and memorabilia which become part of the Museum’s exhibitions.

“Introducing today’s generation of motorcyclists to the living and legendary heroes of our sport is a responsibility we take very seriously,” said Mark Mendell, chairman of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “It’s these talented men and women who helped build our industry into a vibrant community that encompasses millions of riders from every corner of America. Preserving their material history, stories and achievements is a very important part of our stewardship.”

Any motorcycling enthusiast may submit a person to be considered for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame; complete biographical information should accompany the submission. Inductees are chosen by seven committees consisting of Hall-of-Famers and independent experts in various disciplines.

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $5 per person; ages 17 and under are admitted free. AMA members, members of national motorcycle organizations and senior citizens are eligible for a $1 discount off regular admission. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia USA Announces Limited Edition 147-HP Colin Edwards Replica Bike and Exclusive Customer Riding Experience



Limited edition racer replica comes standard with a unique customer care package—a chance to mix it up on the track with “The Texas Tornado”

Woodstock, GA (May 27, 2003) – Aprilia USA is getting the holeshot on the 2004 model year with the debut of a limited edition 2004 Colin Edwards Replica RSV Mille R. Only 50 editions of this race-bred superbike will be available to U.S. customers, with total worldwide production limited to 461 bikes. This exclusive machine embodies decades of racing success and celebrates the inimitable style of Aprilia MotoGP factory racer and 2002 World Superbike champion Colin “The Texas Tornado” Edwards. The aggressive design and sponsor graphics package is inspired by the revolutionary Aprilia/Alice (pronounced Ah-li’-che) GP-1 machine, currently being campaigned by Edwards on the global 2003 Grand Prix circuit. Offered at $19,399.00, the Colin Edwards Replica is scheduled to go on sale at the end of May 2003.

Customers who order their limited edition motorcycle by July 31 also receive a thoroughly unique factory accessory—an exclusive track day with Colin Edwards, at a location to be announced. “There’s nothing better than meeting fans, so I’m really looking forward to riding with Aprilia enthusiasts on U.S. soil,” said Edwards, who’ll fit the special track day into his grueling 2003 race schedule.

“We have an extremely loyal and enthusiastic customer base, and being able to offer them this once-in-a-lifetime experience is a very rare treat,” said Michael Orr, marketing manager, Aprilia USA.


Race-bred Performance, Aggressive Design and Class-Leading Value

The Edwards Replica RSV Mille R includes a number of standard components and systems that combine not only for an all-new level of performance, but make this limited edition superbike the highest value in its class.

The Edwards Replica features an SBK Superbike exhaust system designed by Akrapovic and Aprilia Racing. First seen on the 2003 Haga Replica, the suggested retail price for this system alone is $1499.99. Another standard performance feature is a new-for-the-U.S. market 57mm throttle body kit and racing carbon airbox, with a suggested retail price of $1999.99. Together, these performance upgrades boost the Edwards Replica’s output to a tempting 147 hp from the stock 130 hp.

The Edwards Replica also continues the Aprilia performance and value tradition by featuring Ohlins front/rear suspension and steering damper, carbon fiber body panels, OZ wheels, racing-inspired radial brake calipers and a close-ratio transmission, as introduced on the 2003 Mille R.

What price performance? The 2004 Edwards Replica RSV Mille R is available for just $2100 over the suggested retail price of a “standard” Mille R. That’s a fact that makes this superior superbike not only the most exclusive Aprilia motorcycle in the U.S. marketplace, but also the highest value in its class.


About Aprilia USA

Aprilia is Europe’s second largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Noale, Italy—just outside Venice—the company is privately owned and has eight subsidiaries in key world markets. Aprilia USA is the company’s North American importer and distributor. The subsidiary is headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia, just a few miles north of metro Atlanta. Aprilia USA’s 120 North American dealerships offer a full line of performance motorcycles and scooters, as well as electric bicycles. For information on Aprilia’s complete model line, visit the company’s website at www.apriliausa.com.