Home Blog Page 6973

Racing Manager Munson Leaves Pirelli

newspaper
-
0
Racing Manager Munson Leaves Pirelli

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Rich Munson has resigned as Pirelli Racing Manager for Metzeler North America after about five years in the position. Sources within the company characterized Munson’s resignation as being related to a contract-renewal dispute. Jeff Johnston, who handled racing for Metzeler/Pirelli prior to Munson and who now works in motorcycle tire marketing for the company, will fill Munson’s role at least in the short term. During Munson’s time with Metzeler/Pirelli, the company developed the SuperCorse DOT-labeled racing tire, which has proved very successful at all levels of motorcycle road racing, including winning AMA Superstock Nationals. The tire was sold under both Metzeler and Pirelli brands, and the company’s percentage of U.S. grid fitment increased substantially during Munson’s administration. The company recently concentrated its racing efforts under the Pirelli brand. Attempts to reach Munson for comment were unsuccessful at post time.

Top Riders Impressed With Mid-America Motorplex Track

newspaper
-
0
Top Riders Impressed With Mid-America Motorplex Track


Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Top riders in the Formula USA National series say they are impressed with the new Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa, about 20 mile south of Omaha, Nebraska.

“We should have an AMA National here!” said Kneedraggers.com Yamaha’s Matt Wait. “I love this place. It’s the closest thing I’ve ridden here in the States to a GP track, as far as grip, width, corners that require corner speed, there’s double-apex corners, it flows and there’s tons of run-off room. My only complaint is it’s too flat.”

“I’m enjoying it,” said Kosco Buell’s Eric Wood. “I think it’s a lot of fun. I wasn’t excited about it being so flat, but there’s plenty of room to pass inside and outside in every corner. But there are some rough patches from the cars, and it’s a little tough on tires. At least some guys I’ve been talking to have been having tire issues.”

“Tire wear is an issue,” said Bettencourt/Argo Cycles’ Jeff Wood. “I like the layout; it’s fun, it’s fast, it has fast, sweeping corners, very GP-like. If I didn’t have tire issues, I’d love it.” Jeff Wood said he tried 11 different Dunlops, including “the hardest thing they had in the truck,” and couldn’t find a rear tire that would go Formula USA Sportbike race distance, 100 kilometers, 62 miles or 28 laps of Mid-America.

The Alan Wilson-designed Mid-America Motorplex road course sits on a flat piece of farmland adjacent to Interstate 29. It offers 15 flowing turns with motorcycle-friendly, low-profile curbs and a 2.23-mile-long, 40-foot-wide polymer-asphalt racing surface. Level run-off areas are plentiful and gravel traps provide increased safety. Competitors pit on a 13-acre paved paddock area, which includes a permanent concession stand, gift shop, restroom and shower building; race fuel, air, water and grandstand seating are also available. Canopy Sun Shelters in the paddock are available for rent, and camping is allowed in the paddock.

An one-eighth-mile dragstrip is located beside the road course, and a go-kart track and “jet boat lake” are also planned, according to the track’s website, www.midamericamotorplex.com.

What the track is lacking to hold an AMA National road race event is infrastructure, specifically spectator viewing areas, restroom facilities, a media center and a paved road leading from the Interstate to the racetrack.

Jeff Wood, Greenwood, Ebben, Conrad, Estok Win CCS Races At Rainy Mid-America Saturday

newspaper
-
0
Jeff Wood, Greenwood, Ebben, Conrad, Estok Win CCS Races At Rainy Mid-America Saturday

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Jeff Wood, Scott Greenwood, Dave Ebben, Shawn Conrad and Dave Estok each won a CCS sprint race in variable conditions Saturday at Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa. Bettencourts/Argo Cycles’ Jeff Wood and teammate Greenwood lined up against a sparce field of riders in the Middleweight Supersport race. Wood got the holeshot and immediately asserted his dominance in the wet conditions by pulling out a three-second lead by the end of the first lap. From there, Wood steadily pulled away on his new, 2003 Honda CBR600RR to win the race by over nine seconds and win $1500 in Honda contingency money. Greenwood, who rode a Suzuki GSX-R600, was alone in second from the second lap to the checkered flag. James Milroy, Jr., an instructor with the Mid-America Motorplex Rider School, passed Darrin Mitchell on the third lap and came home in the show position. Greenwood remembered at the last moment that there was Suzuki contingency money available in the CCS sprints at Mid-America and pulled his GSX-R750 out of the trailer and entered the Heavyweight Supersport class. Riding on Dunlop rain tires on a drying track, Greenwood pulled a big lead within the first 2.23 miles and cruised home to win by over 12 seconds with a best lap time of 1:46.18. After the race, Greenwood said his rain tires “were destroyed” by the drying track. Daniel Doty and David Lacavich fought over second place from the green flag until the final corner. Lacavich had led most of the way but spun up on a wet patch at the exit of turn 10, the final corner, and Doty was able to drive past to take second. After the race, however, Doty failed to report to post-race technical inspection and was disqualified. Lacavich got second and Steven Diver was promoted to third. National Precious Metals’ Dave Ebben ran away with the Unlimited Supersport race win on his GSX-R1000, winning the seven-lap race by nearly 20 seconds. Ebben also took fifth in the Middleweight Supersport contest. Shawn Conrad missed the warm-up lap for the dry Middleweight Superbike race, allowing Smith Brothers’ Harley-Davidson’s Jason Smith to take the early lead on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Smith chose to run used Pirelli tires to get a feel for riding on worn tires in preparation for the long, 28-lap Formula USA Sportbike race on Sunday. Still, Smith held the lead over the racing dentist Dr. Jeffrey Purk and slow-starting Conrad after three laps and looked to be riding very well. Conrad pushed forward on lap four of seven, passed Purk in turn one and got by Smith going into the turn six double-apex right-hander. Conrad extended his lead with low-1:35 lap times and won by nearly four seconds. Smith held off Purk for second. After the race, Conrad said he was riding injured after a crash the previous weekend at Grattan. He said he thought his left collarbone was cracked and his right thumb was broken. Dave Estok checked out from the Lightweight Grand Prix field on his Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell X-1 tube-framed bike, winning the seven-lap sprint by 25 seconds. Behind Estok, Mark Stiles, riding a Yamaha TZ250; Key, riding a Suzuki SV650; Jesse Janisch, on a Suzuki SV650; Brian Lacy, on another Suzuki 650; and Harding H-D’s Bryan Bemisderfer, on his new Buell Firebolt XB9R, had a terrific battle. At the front of the pack, Stiles and Key exchanged second whenever Key wasn’t fighting off Janisch’s advances in the tight turn 10 leading onto the start/finish straight. At the back of the group, Bemisderfer worked hard in the corners to make up for his bike’s power disadvantage to Lacy’s Suzuki. The action-packed five-way battle came down to the final lap with Bliss Machines’ Stiles taking second place in front of Motorcycle Performance’s Key, 4&6 Racing’s Janisch, Bemisderfer and Lacy. Bemisderfer won the full-wet Lightweight Supersport race over Jason Jenkins, Janisch and Key, but Bemisderfer was disqualified when, in post-race technical inspection, he was found to not have an airbox or air filter in his Buell. After his rider was disqualified, Bemisderfer’s team owner Jeff Harding said they were having trouble getting horsepower out of the new bike and were testing some things in the race and didn’t think about the class rules. The Lightweight Supersport win went to Jenkins. Janisch later won the SuperTwins race on his Suzuki SV650. Westminster, Colorado’s Rich Deeming won the wet Unlimited Grand Prix on a 2003-model Suzuki GSX-R1000 over Purk. Saturday’s CCS Race Results: Expert Unlimited Grand Prix: 1. Rich Deeming (Suz GSX-R1000); 2. Dr. Jeffrey Purk (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Matt Malterer (Suz GSX-R750); 4. Daniel Doty (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Steven Diver (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6). Expert Unlimited Supersport: 1. Dave Ebben (Suz GSX-R1000); 2. Matt Malterer (Suz GSX-R750); 3. Rich Deeming (Suz GSX-R1000); 4. Jason Swan (Suz GSX-R1000); 5. Matt Drucker (Suz GSX-R1000); 6. Steve Koebernick (Suz GSX-R750). Amateur Unlimited Supersport: 1. Robert Collins (Yam YZF-R1); 2. Michael Shallcross (Suz GSX-R750); 3. Mike Roeser (Suz GSX-R750); 4. Rob Dearden (Suz GSX-R750); 5. Henry Chin (Suz GSX-R1000); 6. Todd Bohnsack (Suz GSX-R750). Expert Heavyweight Supersport: 1. Scott Greenwood (Suz GSX-R750); 2. David Lacavich (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Steven Diver (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Mike Williams (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Robert Borowicz (Hon CBR600). Amateur Heavyweight Supersport: 1. Benjamin Thornton (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Kyan Liu (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Michael Shallcross (Suz GSX-R750); 4. Randy Frost (Hon CBR600); 5. Robert Collins (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Alfredo Collins (Yam YZF-R6). Expert Middleweight Supersport: 1. Jeff Wood (Hon CBR600RR); 2. Scott Greenwood (Suz GSX-R600); 3. James Milroy, Jr. (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Darrin Mitchell (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Dave Ebben (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Brian Baker (Suz GSX-R600). Amateur Middleweight Supersport: 1. Michael Pruitt (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Corey Schweich (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Corey Vuagniaux (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Benjamin Thornton (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Josh Lenz (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Randy Frost (Hon CBR600). Expert Lightweight Supersport: 1. Jason Jenkins (Suz SV650); 2. Jesse Janisch (Suz SV650); 3. Ed Key (Suz SV650); 4. Aaron Stein (Suz SV650). Amateur Lightweight Supersport: 1. Paul Buxton (Suz SV650); 2. Tom Short (Suz SV650); 3. Robert Heege (Hon 650); 4. Brian Shear (Suz SV650); 5. Craig Schock (Suz SV650). Expert Sportbike: 1. Adam Dolney (Yam YZF-R6); 2. Scott Ackerman (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Dr. Jeffrey Purk (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Jason Jenkins (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Robert Borowicz (Hon CBR600). Amateur Sportbike: 1. Omar Deida (Hon CBR600); 2. Simon Kowalski (Suz GSX-R600). Expert Heavyweight Superbike: 1. James Milroy, Jr. (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Matt Malterer (Suz GSX-R750); 3. Ray Bowman (Hon CBR600); 4. Kyle Knutson (Kaw ZX-6); 5. Jessica Zalusky (Suz GSX-R750); 6. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6). Amateur Heavyweight Superbike: 1. Michael Shallcross (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Michael Pruitt (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Rob Dearden (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Edward Nash (Suz GSX-R750); 5. Benjamin Thornton (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Mike Roeser (Suz GSX-R750). Expert Middleweight Superbike: 1. Shawn Conrad (Yam YZF-R6); 2. Jason Smith (Kaw ZX-6RR; 3. Dr. Jeffrey Purk (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Brett Johnson (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Daniel Doty (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Brian Baker (Suz GSX-R600). Amateur Middleweight Superbike: 1. Michael Pruitt (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Corey Vuagniaux (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Josh Lenz (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Rob Dearden (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Ryan Sohn (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Robert Collins (Yam YZF-R6). Expert Lightweight Grand Prix: 1. Dave Estok (Buell 1200); 2. Mark Stiles (Yam TZ250); 3. Ed Key (Suz SV650); 4. Jesse Janisch (Suz SV650); 5. Bryan Bemisderfer (Buell XB9R); 6. Brian Lacy (Suz SV650). Amateur Lightweight Grand Prix: 1. Matt Hall (Yam TZ250); 2. Tom Short (Suz SV650); 3. Craig Schock (Suz SV650). Expert SuperTwins: 1. Jesse Janisch (Suz SV650); 2. Josh Guyer (Apr RSV1000); 3. Christopher Kinman (Duc 998); 4. Christopher Merklein (Hon 1000); 5. Michael Schock (Hon 1000). Amateur SuperTwins: 1. Robert Oliva (Hon 1000); 2. Finbar Gilsenas (Duc 916); 3. Aaron Gerlach (Hon 1000); 4. Brian Shear (Suz SV650); 5. Kris Younger (Hon 1000); 6. Craig Schock (Suz SV650). Expert Formula 40: 1. Edward Bingham (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Brian Lacy (Suz SV650); 3. Michael Schock (Hon 1000); 4. Chris Onwiler (Kaw ZX-6); 5. Ron Springfloat (Hon CBR600); 6. Christopher Kinman (Duc 998). Amateur Formula 40: 1. James Swan (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Kevin Clark (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Mike Peters (Hon CBR600); 4. Craig Schock (Hon CBR600).

Wedding Today

newspaper
-
0
Wedding Today

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Greg “Jakes” Jacob is scheduled to get married to long-time girlfriend Amanda Schlachter today, in New Jersey.

Protons 1-2 In Wet Saturday Morning MotoGP Practice In France

newspaper
-
0
Protons 1-2 In Wet Saturday Morning MotoGP Practice In France

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning’s MotoGP Practice Times:

1. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR3, 1:52.120
2. Nobustau Aoki, Proton KR3, 1:52.828
3. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 1:52.979
4. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 1:53.380
5. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:54.543
6. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 1:54.555
7. Norick Abe, Yamaha, 1:54.640
8. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki, 1:54.765
9. Alex Barros, Yamaha, 1:55.413
10. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 1:55.964
11. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 1:56.448
12. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 1:56.589
13. Max Biaggi, Honda, 1:56.762
14. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 1:56.796
15. Makoto Tamada, Honda, 1:56.927
16. John Hopkins, Suzuki, 1:57.255
17. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 1:57.426
18. Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 1:57.829
19. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 1:58.070
20. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 1:59.583
21. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 1:59.964
22. Colin Edwards, Aprilia, 2:00.255
23. Marco Melandri, Yamaha, 2:00.666

Battaini Fastest In Wet 250cc Grand Prix Practice Saturday At Le Mans

newspaper
-
0
Battaini Fastest In Wet 250cc Grand Prix Practice Saturday At Le Mans

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning 250cc Grand Prix Practice Times:

1. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 2:03.682
2. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, 2:03.789
3. MAnuel Poggaili, Aprilia, 2:04.439
4. Anthony West, Aprilia, 2:04.742
5. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 2:05.252
6. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 2:05.594
7. Sebastien Porto, Honda, 2:05.703
8. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, 2:05.943
9. Alex Debon, Honda, 2:06.342
10. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 2:06.427
11. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 2:07.285
12. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, 2:07.335
13. Jaroslav Hules, Yamaha, 2:07.459
14. Eric Bataille, Honda, 2:07.586
15. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 2:07.724

18. Katja Poensgen, Honda, 2:09.272

New Sunday Ride Destination Opens On Angeles Crest In Southern California

newspaper
-
0
New Sunday Ride Destination Opens On Angeles Crest In Southern California

From a press release:

Cal-Sportbike Grand Opening Party May 25th, 12-4PM

Cal-Sportbike has moved into its new retail shop just off Angeles Crest Highway at 6020 Park Drive #2 in Wrightwood (one block up the hill on the right just behind the Picnic Basket).

Starting with a grand opening party on May 25th Cal-Sportbike will host weekly “Superbike Sunday” parties showing the latest MotoGP, WSBK, and AMA Superbike racing with special food deals for riders from the neighboring eatery! The grand opening party will include a viewing of the MotoGP round from LeMans, lots of free food, cycle-only parking, track day giveaways, and special prizes!

Cal-Sportbike encourages riders looking for a weekend ride destination to be sure to come visit on the world famous Angeles Crest…hang out and chat a while, watch some racing, and enjoy a friendly shop where the staff eats, sleeps, and breathes motorcycles!

ABOUT CAL-SPORTBIKE

Cal-Sportbike is owned by Todd Robinson (co-founder of Pacific Track Time). The firm specializes in parts and accessories for modern high performance sportbikes including Honda CBR/RVT, Suzuki GSXR/TL/SV, Yamaha R1/R6, and
Ducati 748-999 motorcycles. Cal-Sportbike carries apparel, riding gear, gift items, and performance aftermarket parts and accessories. Cal-Sportbike is actively involved in the racing world, sponsoring several racing teams across the country including WSMC, AMA, WERA, AFM, MRA, FASTRAXX, and CCS.

Cal-Sportbike is located at 6020 Park Drive #2 (just behind the Picnic Basket Restaurant) in Wrightwood, just 100 yards from Angeles Crest Highway.

Phone: 760-249-8890
Fax: 760-249-9917
Online Store: calsportbike.com
Email: [email protected]

Vesrah Suzuki Wins Wet WERA 4-Hour At VIR, 21 of 35 Teams Crash

newspaper
-
0
Vesrah Suzuki Wins Wet WERA 4-Hour At VIR, 21 of 35 Teams Crash

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

Vesrah Suzuki won a rain-soaked Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series 4-hour race at Virginia International Raceway Friday. Tray Batey, John Jacobi and Mark Junge rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a two-lap margin of victory.

Army of Darkness finished second overall and first in the Mediumweight Superbike class, with riders Sam Fleming and Mark Crozier on a Suzuki GSX-R600.

Team Xtreme’s Billy Ethridge and Mark Edwards rode a Suzuki GSX-R1000 to third overall, second in the Heavyweight Superbike class, crossing the finish line three laps down from Army of Darkness.

The race started in the rain, which continued through the first two hours. As the track began to dry, teams had to decide whether to continue on rain tires or to pit for slicks or DOT-labeled tires.

The red flag came out once, with 52 minutes on the clock, when a crashed bike ended up in the middle of the track. The race was restarted 20 minutes later.

Team Xtreme II earned a second consecutive Heavyweight Superstock class victory. Edwards, who also rode with Team Xtreme, shared the Team Xtreme II Suzuki GSX-R750 with George Gentle. Despite crashing, the team still managed to win in class and finish 10th overall.

In Mediumweight Superstock, Ricochet Racing took its first class victory, finishing fifth overall. Brian Suffridge, Lee Fields and Greg Ford rode the team’s Suzuki GSX-R600.

Tight Squeeze II won for the fourth consecutive time in the Lightweight Superbike class. The Suzuki SV650 shared by Martin Musil and Chris Normand has won every round this season, and Normand ran as high as fourth overall during the first hour of the race. The pair finished ninth overall.

The rain contributed to an unusual number of crashes, with only 14 out of 35 entries not crashing during the race. Several teams crashed twice and even three times during the 4-hour race.

OVERALL RESULTS:

1. Vesrah Suzuki, Heavyweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R1000, 124 laps

2. Army of Darkness, Mediumweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R600, 122 laps

3. Team Xtreme, Heavyweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R1000, 119 laps

4. Velocity Crew Racing, Mediumweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R600, 117 laps

5. Ricochet Racing, Mediumweight Superstock, Suz GSX-R600, 116 laps

6. Spanky Racing, Heavyweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R750, 116 laps

7. Ridge Racing, Mediumweight Superstock, Kaw ZX6, 115 laps

8. Bells Suzuki II, Mediumweight Superstock, Hon CBR600F4, 115 laps

9. Tight Squeeze II, Lightweight Superbike, Suz SV650, 115 laps

10. Team Xtreme II, Heavyweight Superstock, Suz GSX-R750, 115 laps

Tire-warmer Company Supports Push For More Soft Barriers

newspaper
-
0
Tire-warmer Company Supports Push For More Soft Barriers

From an e-mail:

In the spirit of keeping this thing moving in the right direction, we’ll donate $25 (to the Roadracing World Action Fund) for every set of Hi-Side Racing tire warmers that are sold through the end of the year.

Hi-Side Racing tire warmers were developed with Bickle Racing and are rebranded for the U.S.

They can be seen and ordered at http://hisideracing.safeshopper.com/5/cat5.htm?59.

For more information [email protected] or call 602-818-6953.


Terry Embury
Hi-Side Racing
The Racer’s Source
Goodyear, Arizona
www.hi-sideracing.com
[email protected]
602-818-6953




FIM: No, WCM Can’t Race At Le Mans, And A Reader Asks, Where’s The Production Petronas?

newspaper
-
0
FIM: No, WCM Can’t Race At Le Mans, And A Reader Asks, Where’s The Production Petronas?

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Le Mans, May 23

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
French Grand Prix: decision of the Race Direction and the FIM Stewards

Following the decision taken at the South African Grand Prix to disqualify the Harris WCM motorcycles (see Press Release of April 25), the Technical Director decided to refuse the Harris WCM motorcycles as eligible for the French Grand Prix, for non conformity to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Technical Regulations, Art. 2.2.1. The machines were found to be of the same design as those disqualified in Welkom (South Africa Grand Prix) and Jerez (Spanish Grand Prix).

A protest lodged by the manager of the WCM team against this decision was declared not founded by the Race Direction. This decision of the Race Direction was subsequently confirmed in appeal by the FIM Stewards.

The decision of the FIM Stewards is final.



More, from a reader, via e-mail:

Just curious–how the FIM can keep a straight face when saying that World Superbike is based on “mass produced” motorcycles when they allow Benelli and Petronas to race there?

Was there a lump in (FIM President) Zerbi’s cheek (caused by his tongue), or is this for real?

Ryan Stefani
Fort Worth, Texas

Racing Manager Munson Leaves Pirelli

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Rich Munson has resigned as Pirelli Racing Manager for Metzeler North America after about five years in the position. Sources within the company characterized Munson’s resignation as being related to a contract-renewal dispute. Jeff Johnston, who handled racing for Metzeler/Pirelli prior to Munson and who now works in motorcycle tire marketing for the company, will fill Munson’s role at least in the short term. During Munson’s time with Metzeler/Pirelli, the company developed the SuperCorse DOT-labeled racing tire, which has proved very successful at all levels of motorcycle road racing, including winning AMA Superstock Nationals. The tire was sold under both Metzeler and Pirelli brands, and the company’s percentage of U.S. grid fitment increased substantially during Munson’s administration. The company recently concentrated its racing efforts under the Pirelli brand. Attempts to reach Munson for comment were unsuccessful at post time.

Top Riders Impressed With Mid-America Motorplex Track


Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Top riders in the Formula USA National series say they are impressed with the new Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa, about 20 mile south of Omaha, Nebraska.

“We should have an AMA National here!” said Kneedraggers.com Yamaha’s Matt Wait. “I love this place. It’s the closest thing I’ve ridden here in the States to a GP track, as far as grip, width, corners that require corner speed, there’s double-apex corners, it flows and there’s tons of run-off room. My only complaint is it’s too flat.”

“I’m enjoying it,” said Kosco Buell’s Eric Wood. “I think it’s a lot of fun. I wasn’t excited about it being so flat, but there’s plenty of room to pass inside and outside in every corner. But there are some rough patches from the cars, and it’s a little tough on tires. At least some guys I’ve been talking to have been having tire issues.”

“Tire wear is an issue,” said Bettencourt/Argo Cycles’ Jeff Wood. “I like the layout; it’s fun, it’s fast, it has fast, sweeping corners, very GP-like. If I didn’t have tire issues, I’d love it.” Jeff Wood said he tried 11 different Dunlops, including “the hardest thing they had in the truck,” and couldn’t find a rear tire that would go Formula USA Sportbike race distance, 100 kilometers, 62 miles or 28 laps of Mid-America.

The Alan Wilson-designed Mid-America Motorplex road course sits on a flat piece of farmland adjacent to Interstate 29. It offers 15 flowing turns with motorcycle-friendly, low-profile curbs and a 2.23-mile-long, 40-foot-wide polymer-asphalt racing surface. Level run-off areas are plentiful and gravel traps provide increased safety. Competitors pit on a 13-acre paved paddock area, which includes a permanent concession stand, gift shop, restroom and shower building; race fuel, air, water and grandstand seating are also available. Canopy Sun Shelters in the paddock are available for rent, and camping is allowed in the paddock.

An one-eighth-mile dragstrip is located beside the road course, and a go-kart track and “jet boat lake” are also planned, according to the track’s website, www.midamericamotorplex.com.

What the track is lacking to hold an AMA National road race event is infrastructure, specifically spectator viewing areas, restroom facilities, a media center and a paved road leading from the Interstate to the racetrack.

Jeff Wood, Greenwood, Ebben, Conrad, Estok Win CCS Races At Rainy Mid-America Saturday

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Jeff Wood, Scott Greenwood, Dave Ebben, Shawn Conrad and Dave Estok each won a CCS sprint race in variable conditions Saturday at Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa. Bettencourts/Argo Cycles’ Jeff Wood and teammate Greenwood lined up against a sparce field of riders in the Middleweight Supersport race. Wood got the holeshot and immediately asserted his dominance in the wet conditions by pulling out a three-second lead by the end of the first lap. From there, Wood steadily pulled away on his new, 2003 Honda CBR600RR to win the race by over nine seconds and win $1500 in Honda contingency money. Greenwood, who rode a Suzuki GSX-R600, was alone in second from the second lap to the checkered flag. James Milroy, Jr., an instructor with the Mid-America Motorplex Rider School, passed Darrin Mitchell on the third lap and came home in the show position. Greenwood remembered at the last moment that there was Suzuki contingency money available in the CCS sprints at Mid-America and pulled his GSX-R750 out of the trailer and entered the Heavyweight Supersport class. Riding on Dunlop rain tires on a drying track, Greenwood pulled a big lead within the first 2.23 miles and cruised home to win by over 12 seconds with a best lap time of 1:46.18. After the race, Greenwood said his rain tires “were destroyed” by the drying track. Daniel Doty and David Lacavich fought over second place from the green flag until the final corner. Lacavich had led most of the way but spun up on a wet patch at the exit of turn 10, the final corner, and Doty was able to drive past to take second. After the race, however, Doty failed to report to post-race technical inspection and was disqualified. Lacavich got second and Steven Diver was promoted to third. National Precious Metals’ Dave Ebben ran away with the Unlimited Supersport race win on his GSX-R1000, winning the seven-lap race by nearly 20 seconds. Ebben also took fifth in the Middleweight Supersport contest. Shawn Conrad missed the warm-up lap for the dry Middleweight Superbike race, allowing Smith Brothers’ Harley-Davidson’s Jason Smith to take the early lead on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Smith chose to run used Pirelli tires to get a feel for riding on worn tires in preparation for the long, 28-lap Formula USA Sportbike race on Sunday. Still, Smith held the lead over the racing dentist Dr. Jeffrey Purk and slow-starting Conrad after three laps and looked to be riding very well. Conrad pushed forward on lap four of seven, passed Purk in turn one and got by Smith going into the turn six double-apex right-hander. Conrad extended his lead with low-1:35 lap times and won by nearly four seconds. Smith held off Purk for second. After the race, Conrad said he was riding injured after a crash the previous weekend at Grattan. He said he thought his left collarbone was cracked and his right thumb was broken. Dave Estok checked out from the Lightweight Grand Prix field on his Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell X-1 tube-framed bike, winning the seven-lap sprint by 25 seconds. Behind Estok, Mark Stiles, riding a Yamaha TZ250; Key, riding a Suzuki SV650; Jesse Janisch, on a Suzuki SV650; Brian Lacy, on another Suzuki 650; and Harding H-D’s Bryan Bemisderfer, on his new Buell Firebolt XB9R, had a terrific battle. At the front of the pack, Stiles and Key exchanged second whenever Key wasn’t fighting off Janisch’s advances in the tight turn 10 leading onto the start/finish straight. At the back of the group, Bemisderfer worked hard in the corners to make up for his bike’s power disadvantage to Lacy’s Suzuki. The action-packed five-way battle came down to the final lap with Bliss Machines’ Stiles taking second place in front of Motorcycle Performance’s Key, 4&6 Racing’s Janisch, Bemisderfer and Lacy. Bemisderfer won the full-wet Lightweight Supersport race over Jason Jenkins, Janisch and Key, but Bemisderfer was disqualified when, in post-race technical inspection, he was found to not have an airbox or air filter in his Buell. After his rider was disqualified, Bemisderfer’s team owner Jeff Harding said they were having trouble getting horsepower out of the new bike and were testing some things in the race and didn’t think about the class rules. The Lightweight Supersport win went to Jenkins. Janisch later won the SuperTwins race on his Suzuki SV650. Westminster, Colorado’s Rich Deeming won the wet Unlimited Grand Prix on a 2003-model Suzuki GSX-R1000 over Purk. Saturday’s CCS Race Results: Expert Unlimited Grand Prix: 1. Rich Deeming (Suz GSX-R1000); 2. Dr. Jeffrey Purk (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Matt Malterer (Suz GSX-R750); 4. Daniel Doty (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Steven Diver (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6). Expert Unlimited Supersport: 1. Dave Ebben (Suz GSX-R1000); 2. Matt Malterer (Suz GSX-R750); 3. Rich Deeming (Suz GSX-R1000); 4. Jason Swan (Suz GSX-R1000); 5. Matt Drucker (Suz GSX-R1000); 6. Steve Koebernick (Suz GSX-R750). Amateur Unlimited Supersport: 1. Robert Collins (Yam YZF-R1); 2. Michael Shallcross (Suz GSX-R750); 3. Mike Roeser (Suz GSX-R750); 4. Rob Dearden (Suz GSX-R750); 5. Henry Chin (Suz GSX-R1000); 6. Todd Bohnsack (Suz GSX-R750). Expert Heavyweight Supersport: 1. Scott Greenwood (Suz GSX-R750); 2. David Lacavich (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Steven Diver (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Mike Williams (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Robert Borowicz (Hon CBR600). Amateur Heavyweight Supersport: 1. Benjamin Thornton (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Kyan Liu (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Michael Shallcross (Suz GSX-R750); 4. Randy Frost (Hon CBR600); 5. Robert Collins (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Alfredo Collins (Yam YZF-R6). Expert Middleweight Supersport: 1. Jeff Wood (Hon CBR600RR); 2. Scott Greenwood (Suz GSX-R600); 3. James Milroy, Jr. (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Darrin Mitchell (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Dave Ebben (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Brian Baker (Suz GSX-R600). Amateur Middleweight Supersport: 1. Michael Pruitt (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Corey Schweich (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Corey Vuagniaux (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Benjamin Thornton (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Josh Lenz (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Randy Frost (Hon CBR600). Expert Lightweight Supersport: 1. Jason Jenkins (Suz SV650); 2. Jesse Janisch (Suz SV650); 3. Ed Key (Suz SV650); 4. Aaron Stein (Suz SV650). Amateur Lightweight Supersport: 1. Paul Buxton (Suz SV650); 2. Tom Short (Suz SV650); 3. Robert Heege (Hon 650); 4. Brian Shear (Suz SV650); 5. Craig Schock (Suz SV650). Expert Sportbike: 1. Adam Dolney (Yam YZF-R6); 2. Scott Ackerman (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Dr. Jeffrey Purk (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Jason Jenkins (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Robert Borowicz (Hon CBR600). Amateur Sportbike: 1. Omar Deida (Hon CBR600); 2. Simon Kowalski (Suz GSX-R600). Expert Heavyweight Superbike: 1. James Milroy, Jr. (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Matt Malterer (Suz GSX-R750); 3. Ray Bowman (Hon CBR600); 4. Kyle Knutson (Kaw ZX-6); 5. Jessica Zalusky (Suz GSX-R750); 6. Aaron Stein (Yam YZF-R6). Amateur Heavyweight Superbike: 1. Michael Shallcross (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Michael Pruitt (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Rob Dearden (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Edward Nash (Suz GSX-R750); 5. Benjamin Thornton (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Mike Roeser (Suz GSX-R750). Expert Middleweight Superbike: 1. Shawn Conrad (Yam YZF-R6); 2. Jason Smith (Kaw ZX-6RR; 3. Dr. Jeffrey Purk (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Brett Johnson (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Daniel Doty (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Brian Baker (Suz GSX-R600). Amateur Middleweight Superbike: 1. Michael Pruitt (Suz GSX-R600); 2. Corey Vuagniaux (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Josh Lenz (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Rob Dearden (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Ryan Sohn (Yam YZF-R6); 6. Robert Collins (Yam YZF-R6). Expert Lightweight Grand Prix: 1. Dave Estok (Buell 1200); 2. Mark Stiles (Yam TZ250); 3. Ed Key (Suz SV650); 4. Jesse Janisch (Suz SV650); 5. Bryan Bemisderfer (Buell XB9R); 6. Brian Lacy (Suz SV650). Amateur Lightweight Grand Prix: 1. Matt Hall (Yam TZ250); 2. Tom Short (Suz SV650); 3. Craig Schock (Suz SV650). Expert SuperTwins: 1. Jesse Janisch (Suz SV650); 2. Josh Guyer (Apr RSV1000); 3. Christopher Kinman (Duc 998); 4. Christopher Merklein (Hon 1000); 5. Michael Schock (Hon 1000). Amateur SuperTwins: 1. Robert Oliva (Hon 1000); 2. Finbar Gilsenas (Duc 916); 3. Aaron Gerlach (Hon 1000); 4. Brian Shear (Suz SV650); 5. Kris Younger (Hon 1000); 6. Craig Schock (Suz SV650). Expert Formula 40: 1. Edward Bingham (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Brian Lacy (Suz SV650); 3. Michael Schock (Hon 1000); 4. Chris Onwiler (Kaw ZX-6); 5. Ron Springfloat (Hon CBR600); 6. Christopher Kinman (Duc 998). Amateur Formula 40: 1. James Swan (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Kevin Clark (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Mike Peters (Hon CBR600); 4. Craig Schock (Hon CBR600).

Wedding Today

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Greg “Jakes” Jacob is scheduled to get married to long-time girlfriend Amanda Schlachter today, in New Jersey.

Protons 1-2 In Wet Saturday Morning MotoGP Practice In France

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning’s MotoGP Practice Times:

1. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR3, 1:52.120
2. Nobustau Aoki, Proton KR3, 1:52.828
3. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 1:52.979
4. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 1:53.380
5. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:54.543
6. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 1:54.555
7. Norick Abe, Yamaha, 1:54.640
8. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki, 1:54.765
9. Alex Barros, Yamaha, 1:55.413
10. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 1:55.964
11. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 1:56.448
12. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 1:56.589
13. Max Biaggi, Honda, 1:56.762
14. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 1:56.796
15. Makoto Tamada, Honda, 1:56.927
16. John Hopkins, Suzuki, 1:57.255
17. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 1:57.426
18. Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 1:57.829
19. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 1:58.070
20. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 1:59.583
21. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 1:59.964
22. Colin Edwards, Aprilia, 2:00.255
23. Marco Melandri, Yamaha, 2:00.666

Battaini Fastest In Wet 250cc Grand Prix Practice Saturday At Le Mans

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning 250cc Grand Prix Practice Times:

1. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 2:03.682
2. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, 2:03.789
3. MAnuel Poggaili, Aprilia, 2:04.439
4. Anthony West, Aprilia, 2:04.742
5. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 2:05.252
6. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 2:05.594
7. Sebastien Porto, Honda, 2:05.703
8. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, 2:05.943
9. Alex Debon, Honda, 2:06.342
10. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 2:06.427
11. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 2:07.285
12. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, 2:07.335
13. Jaroslav Hules, Yamaha, 2:07.459
14. Eric Bataille, Honda, 2:07.586
15. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 2:07.724

18. Katja Poensgen, Honda, 2:09.272

New Sunday Ride Destination Opens On Angeles Crest In Southern California

From a press release:

Cal-Sportbike Grand Opening Party May 25th, 12-4PM

Cal-Sportbike has moved into its new retail shop just off Angeles Crest Highway at 6020 Park Drive #2 in Wrightwood (one block up the hill on the right just behind the Picnic Basket).

Starting with a grand opening party on May 25th Cal-Sportbike will host weekly “Superbike Sunday” parties showing the latest MotoGP, WSBK, and AMA Superbike racing with special food deals for riders from the neighboring eatery! The grand opening party will include a viewing of the MotoGP round from LeMans, lots of free food, cycle-only parking, track day giveaways, and special prizes!

Cal-Sportbike encourages riders looking for a weekend ride destination to be sure to come visit on the world famous Angeles Crest…hang out and chat a while, watch some racing, and enjoy a friendly shop where the staff eats, sleeps, and breathes motorcycles!

ABOUT CAL-SPORTBIKE

Cal-Sportbike is owned by Todd Robinson (co-founder of Pacific Track Time). The firm specializes in parts and accessories for modern high performance sportbikes including Honda CBR/RVT, Suzuki GSXR/TL/SV, Yamaha R1/R6, and
Ducati 748-999 motorcycles. Cal-Sportbike carries apparel, riding gear, gift items, and performance aftermarket parts and accessories. Cal-Sportbike is actively involved in the racing world, sponsoring several racing teams across the country including WSMC, AMA, WERA, AFM, MRA, FASTRAXX, and CCS.

Cal-Sportbike is located at 6020 Park Drive #2 (just behind the Picnic Basket Restaurant) in Wrightwood, just 100 yards from Angeles Crest Highway.

Phone: 760-249-8890
Fax: 760-249-9917
Online Store: calsportbike.com
Email: [email protected]

Vesrah Suzuki Wins Wet WERA 4-Hour At VIR, 21 of 35 Teams Crash

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

Vesrah Suzuki won a rain-soaked Dunlop/WERA National Endurance Series 4-hour race at Virginia International Raceway Friday. Tray Batey, John Jacobi and Mark Junge rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a two-lap margin of victory.

Army of Darkness finished second overall and first in the Mediumweight Superbike class, with riders Sam Fleming and Mark Crozier on a Suzuki GSX-R600.

Team Xtreme’s Billy Ethridge and Mark Edwards rode a Suzuki GSX-R1000 to third overall, second in the Heavyweight Superbike class, crossing the finish line three laps down from Army of Darkness.

The race started in the rain, which continued through the first two hours. As the track began to dry, teams had to decide whether to continue on rain tires or to pit for slicks or DOT-labeled tires.

The red flag came out once, with 52 minutes on the clock, when a crashed bike ended up in the middle of the track. The race was restarted 20 minutes later.

Team Xtreme II earned a second consecutive Heavyweight Superstock class victory. Edwards, who also rode with Team Xtreme, shared the Team Xtreme II Suzuki GSX-R750 with George Gentle. Despite crashing, the team still managed to win in class and finish 10th overall.

In Mediumweight Superstock, Ricochet Racing took its first class victory, finishing fifth overall. Brian Suffridge, Lee Fields and Greg Ford rode the team’s Suzuki GSX-R600.

Tight Squeeze II won for the fourth consecutive time in the Lightweight Superbike class. The Suzuki SV650 shared by Martin Musil and Chris Normand has won every round this season, and Normand ran as high as fourth overall during the first hour of the race. The pair finished ninth overall.

The rain contributed to an unusual number of crashes, with only 14 out of 35 entries not crashing during the race. Several teams crashed twice and even three times during the 4-hour race.

OVERALL RESULTS:

1. Vesrah Suzuki, Heavyweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R1000, 124 laps

2. Army of Darkness, Mediumweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R600, 122 laps

3. Team Xtreme, Heavyweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R1000, 119 laps

4. Velocity Crew Racing, Mediumweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R600, 117 laps

5. Ricochet Racing, Mediumweight Superstock, Suz GSX-R600, 116 laps

6. Spanky Racing, Heavyweight Superbike, Suz GSX-R750, 116 laps

7. Ridge Racing, Mediumweight Superstock, Kaw ZX6, 115 laps

8. Bells Suzuki II, Mediumweight Superstock, Hon CBR600F4, 115 laps

9. Tight Squeeze II, Lightweight Superbike, Suz SV650, 115 laps

10. Team Xtreme II, Heavyweight Superstock, Suz GSX-R750, 115 laps

Tire-warmer Company Supports Push For More Soft Barriers

From an e-mail:

In the spirit of keeping this thing moving in the right direction, we’ll donate $25 (to the Roadracing World Action Fund) for every set of Hi-Side Racing tire warmers that are sold through the end of the year.

Hi-Side Racing tire warmers were developed with Bickle Racing and are rebranded for the U.S.

They can be seen and ordered at http://hisideracing.safeshopper.com/5/cat5.htm?59.

For more information [email protected] or call 602-818-6953.


Terry Embury
Hi-Side Racing
The Racer’s Source
Goodyear, Arizona
www.hi-sideracing.com
[email protected]
602-818-6953




FIM: No, WCM Can’t Race At Le Mans, And A Reader Asks, Where’s The Production Petronas?

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Le Mans, May 23

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
French Grand Prix: decision of the Race Direction and the FIM Stewards

Following the decision taken at the South African Grand Prix to disqualify the Harris WCM motorcycles (see Press Release of April 25), the Technical Director decided to refuse the Harris WCM motorcycles as eligible for the French Grand Prix, for non conformity to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Technical Regulations, Art. 2.2.1. The machines were found to be of the same design as those disqualified in Welkom (South Africa Grand Prix) and Jerez (Spanish Grand Prix).

A protest lodged by the manager of the WCM team against this decision was declared not founded by the Race Direction. This decision of the Race Direction was subsequently confirmed in appeal by the FIM Stewards.

The decision of the FIM Stewards is final.



More, from a reader, via e-mail:

Just curious–how the FIM can keep a straight face when saying that World Superbike is based on “mass produced” motorcycles when they allow Benelli and Petronas to race there?

Was there a lump in (FIM President) Zerbi’s cheek (caused by his tongue), or is this for real?

Ryan Stefani
Fort Worth, Texas

1...6,9726,9736,974...7,564Page 6,973 of 7,564
0FansLike
0FollowersFollow
0FollowersFollow
1,620SubscribersSubscribe

Latest Posts

Follow us

43,094FansLike
19,223FollowersFollow
16,430FollowersFollow
1,200SubscribersSubscribe

Menu

Information

© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AUTHOR LOGIN