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.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

ZEMKE ASSUMES LEAD IN LOCKHART-PHILLIPS USA FORMULA XTREME SERIES

Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock, MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series also featured

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 27, 2003) — Last season Jake Zemke tied champion Jason Pridmore in the final point standings of the 2002 Lockhart-Phillips Formula Xtreme Series, but lost the title in a tiebreaker. Pridmore had won more races than Zemke. Fast-forward to the middle of the 2003 season and Zemke once again finds himself atop the Formula Xtreme standings, but if he is to avoid a similar scenario to last year he knows he’ll have to start winning races. The Californian dirt tracker turned road racer will be looking to do exactly that this Saturday, May 31, in round four of the 10-race Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo.

Zemke has played second fiddle to other riders in the three rounds leading up to Pikes Peak, but Zemke’s steady trio of second-place finishes on his Erion Racing Honda has paid off with the series lead. Pikes Peak has been good for Zemke. He’s made the podium in Formula Xtreme each of the last three years at PPIR, the only rider to accomplish that feat. Yet he’s still looking to earn his first win at the twisty, 1.3-mile circuit.

“We should be right there again,” Zemke said. “The first race of the year we were pretty far behind, then at Sears Point (Infineon Raceway) we got a bit closer, you know we were able to hang with him (Spies) for about half the race and put a little pressure on him. Then at Atlanta I was actually able to pass him. We’ve definitely been getting closer and closer. Pikes is a good track for me. I’ve always done well there. I think it should turn out to be a good result.”

The only former winner in the field Saturday will be Jason Pridmore, who is the defending two-time winner at Pikes Peak. Pridmore had a tough start to his season and finds himself way back in 15th in the series standings. While the championship may be slipping out of reach for Pridmore, look for the defending No. 1 rider of the series to turn in a good performance at Pikes Peak. He certainly wants to salvage some race wins on his Attack Suzuki before the season is over. Many feel it will happen for the affable Pridmore.

Young Yoshimura Suzuki rider Ben Spies looks to be the class of the Formula Xtreme field. The 18-year-old Texan won the first two rounds in dominating fashion, but a tip over at Road Atlanta cost him the series lead. He now trails Zemke by seven points. Spies finished eight in the Pikes Peak Formula Xtreme race last year, but despite that unspectacular finish he does know how to win at the circuit. He won the Superstock race there in 2001. It was his first AMA professional victory.

Attack Suzuki’s second rider Josh Hayes is third in the standings and is hoping to close the gap on Zemke and Spies at Pikes Peak. Hayes was runner-up in the 1999 race to Nicky Hayden.

One other rider to watch for at PPIR will be Road Atlanta winner Jamie Hacking. Hacking is down in 12th in the point standings after crashing in the first round, but he could get on a roll and make a serious move up in the rankings. Hacking won the Supersport race at Pikes in 2000. Hacking’s teammate, Damon Buckmaster sits fourth in the points and a strong finish at Pikes Peak will keep his championship hopes alive.


Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series

A victory at Road Atlanta put Czech Republic native Vincent Haskovec atop the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series standings. The Hooters Suzuki rider has improved every year since first racing in the AMA series in 1999. The Road Atlanta win was his first AMA professional victory. Haskovec will now be looking to build on that win and series lead with a good result at Pikes Peak, but it may be tough to hold off Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden, who always is a leading contender at Pikes. The tight circuit should play right into the strength of Hayden’s factory Kawasaki ZX636.


MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series

The amazing career of MBNA 250 Grand Prix rider Rich Oliver just keeps getting better. Oliver, who is the all-time AMA 250GP wins leader with an amazing 64-career victories, brings his four-racing winning streak into Pikes Peak where he’s won the last three years. Already people are wondering if Oliver might be able to have another perfect season. It would be nothing new for the Northern California native. Oliver swept all races in both the 1996 and 1997 AMA 250 Grand Prix Series in one of the most amazing winning streaks in all of motorsports.

The Pikes Peak Formula Xtreme race, along with highlights of the Superstock and 250 Grand Prix races, will be taped and shown on Speed Channel on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 p.m. EST. For ticket information for the event call (888) 306-7223 or visit the website www.ppir.com.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

CARR LEADS AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE U.S. FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP AS IT RUMBLES INTO CHILLICOTHE, OHIO

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 27, 2003) — Defending AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr leads the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship as it heads to a new track for the series, K-C Raceway in Chillicothe, Ohio, this Saturday, May 31. K-C Raceway is listed as a short-track event, but it’s longer and wider than most short tracks and features banked turns, which should provide for fast racing action.

The championship has been very competitive so far this season with four winners in the four races leading up to this weekend’s race. This race looks to be wide open since it’s new to all the competitors and is a unique circuit. The racers will use their 505cc machines used primarily for short track and TT racing circuits.

“This is a big, wide open short track,” said Steve Morehead, AMA Pro Racing’s Flat Track Operations Manager, about K-C Raceway. “It’s a clay oval and banked so it will be the fastest short track we’ve ever raced on.”

This marks the first AMA Short Track National to be held in the state of Ohio.

Chris Carr leads the series by 14 points over Johnny Murphree and Joe Kopp, who are tied for second in the standings. Carr, the winningest active rider in the series, is hoping to become only the second rider in the history of AMA Grand National competition to win five titles. Carr comes into Chillicothe with the confidence of having won the first short-track race of year, the season opener in Daytona Beach, Fla., in March, and finishing second in the indoor short track held in Tunica, Miss., also in March. In the four races leading up to this weekend’s race, Carr has finished on the podium three times.

Murphree is no slouch on short-track circuits either. He finished runner-up to Carr in Daytona Beach and should be a leading contender Saturday night. Harley-Davidson’s Rich King is moving up in the standings after winning the Springfield (Ill.) Mile last weekend. King is also another rider in the field who has won a short-track national and he’ll be looking to move up from fourth in the series standings.

Joe Kopp is seeking his first short-track national win this weekend, as will a host of other top riders.

Practice begins at 5 p.m. and qualifying at 6 p.m.. The gate opens at 4:00 p.m. For further information call (740) 663-4141 or visit www.kc-raceway.com.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

(Although, frankly, he’s probably wasting his time, because AMA Pro Racing did not ask for comment on its already-made decision regarding class structure, instead simply allowing comment on rules regarding that already-determined class structure. Now, on to Marcello’s thoughts.)

Dear Rule Makers,

In reviewing the April 24th AMA Pro Racing press release regarding the 2004 class structure, I wish to add my comment to a sport I love dearly, and suggest a 125 Grand Prix class. I imagine a 125 class must have been overlooked in the decision making process. I say that only because I noticed two Supersport classes, and no more Grand Prix class for the future of AMA racing. If anybody had presented a strong argument for a 125 Grand Prix replacement for 250s, surely logic would prevail. Mr. Hollingsworth said, “The task of developing an all-new class structure is an extraordinarily complex process and it is impossible to satisfy everyone.”

The complexity that he refers to is the manufacturers primary focus to sell bikes, and the sanctioning body’s goal to promote the sport. There in lies the conflict of interest. Twice in this press release the importance of pleasing fans was mentioned. Two supersport classes do not indicate this line of thinking was adhered to. If you wish to follow NASCAR’s great example of success, you will have to exclude (to an extent) the manufacturers from the decision making process. If the sport is going to expand accordingly, every rider needs to be a hero. Why? Because a grid of 36 heroes can garner a larger fan base, than six different street bikes to choose from.

In order to get things all lined up and flowing for the AMA, the class structure must become stabilized. It has to become something that won’t change for the next five years and fans can follow. It needs an entry-level class for young up coming talent so fans can follow the making of a Nicky Hayden, or John Hopkins. Hence a 125 Grand Prix class seems to be screaming at the AMA for a 250 replacement class. It exists on the world scene. It won’t be going anywhere soon, and it is the safest most maniacal entry-level class you will find.

If a Pro AMA125 class had existed, the American road racing spectator could have watched Nicky Hayden, Tommy Hayden, Kurtis Roberts, and John Hopkins, while they honed their race craft as youngsters.

I won’t go into all the benefits of learning how to road race on a real grand prix bike. A 125 (when ridden properly) will go through a corner faster than anything else on the track. After you ride a 125 everything feels like slow motion in the corner. If you crash you are closer to the ground. If the bike lands on you, it only weighs 150 pounds. It seems like the logical solution, especially for relatively safer (reducing the liability of putting teenagers on heavy 600’s) entry-level pro-am class for young riders.

How do you do it? Combine a 125-250 class until the 250’s are phased out of the Moto GP in 2006. It makes the most sense since entry speeds, and cornering speeds are close enough. Call it Extreme Lites.

If you must have two stock classes, combine them.

Sincerly,

Marcello A. del Giudice
“The Man In Black”
Las Vegas, Nevada

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

There will be a promoter-run practice day at Pikes Peak International Raceway this Thursday, May 29, prior to this weekend’s AMA Nationals.

Gates open at 7:00 a.m., registration opens at 8:00 a.m., and practice runs 9:30-4:30.

More information is available from Connie Kassel at (303)548-6368.

From a press release issued by Formula Xtreme Promotions:

Event 4, 2003 Yamaha Formula Xtreme TT Series
Queensland Raceway, Queensland
Event Preview #2

QUEENSLAND FORMULA XTREME ROUND WIDE OPEN AS CURTAIN AND STAUFFER ARE RULED OUT DUE TO INJURY

The penultimate round of this year’s Yamaha Formula Xtreme TT Series at Queensland Raceway next weekend (May 31 – June 1), has been thrown wide open to a host of riders who could take overall victory after the news that the leading pair of riders in the series, Nikon Yamaha’s Kevin Curtain and Daniel Stauffer will not be competing at the event due to injury.

The pair were injured in a horrific high-speed accident at Phillip Island last weekend that left Curtain with a collarbone broken in four places and severe bruising and Stauffer with a broken left radius and fractured ankle. Both were hoping that they would be able to front the starter in Queensland, but have been ruled out by their Nikon Yamaha team as the workload for the season increases with a number of race meetings in quick succession.

“I’ve got four breaks in the collarbone and with the way it was broken, the doctors couldn’t plate it, so they’ve done what they could, but unfortunately that has ruled me out for next weekend,” said Curtain. “It’s a blow to how my season has been going, but I suppose on a positive note Daniel (Stauffer) won’t be there either, so that will leave everything nice and close for the final round at Eastern Creek.”

In their absence, the series reaches a new high point as the door is left open for a number of riders to stake their claim on victory, not only for the round, but also set themselves up for a serious series title challenge at the final round at Eastern Creek in July 12 – 13.

Those privateers who are in a position to gain from next weekend include Victorian’s Cameron Donald (Gary O’Brien Yamaha) and Nicholas Barton (SCR Yamaha), New South Wales’ David Butler (Gulf Western Oils Suzuki) and Queenslanders Robert Bugden (Gold Coast Suzuki) and inaugural Formula Xtreme champion Benn Archibald (Aluma-Lite Racing Yamaha) and with a hundred points on offer, the series is setting itself up to be of the most climatic on record.

With Curtain and Stauffer ruled out, the Nikon Yamaha team have enlisted the services of multiple New Zealand champion Tony Rees. He will join Brisbane teenager Brendan Clarke aboard the Nikon Yamaha YZF R1’s and will offer very stiff competition to the locals.

“This is a great opportunity, rather than having to prepare a machine, ship it to Aussie etc, now I just get on a plane and go racing,” said Rees from his Whakatane (New Zealand) base. “I am really looking forward to getting back out there with the top Aussies.”

A similar situation exists in the Supersport class where Curtain has been unstoppable aboard his Nikon Yamaha YZF R6 and has a perfect score of 300 points after 12 consecutive race wins in the class. In his absence, teammate Brendan Clarke could take over the series points lead if he takes a clean sweep of victories and would then lead Curtain by just five points as they head to the final round at the ‘Creek. This may not be that easy a task for Clarke as he himself is recovering from a broken rib and punctured lung that he suffered at the previous round of the series at Winton Raceway in Victoria.

It would also allow Team Kawasaki’s Russell Holland who currently lies third overall to edge much closer as it does for Mark Aitchison who is fourth after a strong season aboard the Brisbane Motorcycles Suzuki GSX-R600. Sydney Yamaha privateer Glen Allerton could be another to keep an eye on after he took out last weekend’s Australian Supersport Championship round honours and is certain to improve on his current seventh place standing.

With the top of the table dramas set to unfold in the Yamaha sponsored Formula Xtreme and Supersport classes there will be action aplenty in the supporting classes.

To add spice to a very packed field of Australian Security Concepts Ultra Lites competitors will be the inclusion of Aluma-Lite Racing’s Ben Attard. The Queenslander will back up his FX duties with a ride on the ex-John Allen Aluma-Lite Racing Aprilia RS 250.

The 250cc Aprilia 2-strokes have proven to be an equal match to the four-cylinder 4-strokes machines in the class, so the battle between Archibald and current points leader Jai Curtis (Caringbah M/C / Staintune / Honda CBR400) and Caleb Stalder (Gold Coast Aprilia and Taree M/C / Aprilia RS250) who holds down second place in the series.

One of the upsets of the season could well be looming as Roland Kruck (Doin’ Bikes Honda SP1) arrives at Willowbank holding a 23 point lead over defending champion Craig McMartin (Ducati Sydney 999s). It’s the first time the Honda has been a head of the field that has been dominated by Ducatis and more recently Aprilias. Honda took series honours in 1997 & 98 when it was formerly known as the Thunderclass, before two years of Suzuki success and then with the name change to FX Pro-Twins, the success of Ducati over the past two seasons.

The early season Aprilia challenge faltered in a major way at the last round at Winton when Shaun Geronimi (Aprilia Racing), Zac Davies (Belray / Australian Security Concepts) and John Allen (Aluma-Lite Racing) each suffered a series of mechanical problems and accidents. This battle is destined to go to the wire.

With 24-races scheduled over the two days, race fans are certain not to be spared any of the close hard fought action that Australia’s best road racers have to offer.



The 2003 Yamaha Formula Xtreme TT Series includes:

– Yamaha Xtreme

– Yamaha Supersport & Superstock

– EXEL Aprilia FX Pro-Twins & B.E.A.R’s F1

– Aluma-Lite Racing Formula Oz, 125/250 GPs & Clubsport 600

– NakedBike, Streetfighter NK Lites, Forgotten Era 2 & 4-Stroke

– Australian Security Concepts Xtreme Ultra Lites

– Formula X Unlimited

From a press release issued by Pramac Honda:

Pramac Honda Team Press Information
Le Mans (France)
PRIVATE TESTS
Monday 26 May 2003

Pramac Honda Team undergo non-stop tyre tests at Le Mans

There’s no letting up: with engines still boiling after yesterday’s tests, it’s back on the track again. Makoto Tamada and the Pramac Honda Team completed the tests on the new Bridgestone tyres they hadn’t been able to complete during last week’s races. Changeable weather conditions over the weekend made it impossible to work exclusively on “dry” tyres.

Last Friday, even though they knew the weather would quite probably change, the technicians opted for tried and tested solutions to get the best lap time, and were able to try out only a few of the new Bridgestone models they had taken to France. This means that today’s trials were of extreme importance for the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix.

Makoto Tamada tied out no fewer than 22 different types of tyres (all racing) and found two that he really liked – and that could prove to be the basis he will be working on during the Mugello weekend.

Even though track conditions were not ideal, since there was no let-up in the damp from yesterday’s thunderstorm, Makoto Tamada clocked up a speed just 1/10 of a second faster than he posted in the qualifying session last Friday, before the pouring rain took absolute hold of Saturday.

Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda Team): 81 laps – Time: 1:36.7

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Brian Livengood–who 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–is scheduled to undergo back surgery starting at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, in Atlanta.

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 Hospital in a Medevac helicopter.

Doctors plan to fuse T4 through T7 to stabilize his spine and prevent any spinal cord damage.

Livengood will probably be hospitalized for another week after the surgery.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI 1-2-3 AT ASSEN WORLD ENDURANCE

2003 World Endurance Series. Round 2. Assen. 25 May

Suzuki GSX-R1000 teams dominated the second round of the World Endurance Championship at Assen on Sunday taking all three places on the rostrum.

The Zongshen 2 Suzuki GSX-R1000 of Jerman and Bonhuil finished just 2 seconds ahead of the Suzuki GB Phase One GSX-R1000 of Ellison and Pridmore after 83 laps and 200 miles of the Dutch circuit.

The Zongshen 1 team of Nowland and Mertens was third and they now lead the championship ahead of The Suzuki GB Phase One team, followed by the Zongshen 2 team, the 22 Police Nationale team and the Fabi Corse team. All of these top five teams in the series are mounted on Suzuki GSX-R1000 machines and in fact no less than 19 of the top 25 teams are Suzuki GSX-R1000 mounted!


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

TEN KATE HONDA TAKE FOURTH IN ENDURANCE RACE

Ten Kate Honda grabbed fourth place in Sunday’s 200-mile World Endurance race at Assen in Holland aboard the new CBR600RR machine.

Riders Karl Muggeridge and Dutchman Barry Veneman – the latter replacing the injured Chris Vermeulen – stormed into the lead from pole position against a field of 1000cc-mounted World Endurance championship regulars.

But two lengthy pit stops relegated the Dutch team to an eventual fourth place on their debut in the Endurance World Championship.

Team manager Ronald ten Kate explained: “We always knew it would be difficult to perform a really fast pit stop like the World championship regulars, they have the quick release equipment for changing wheels and quick-fill gear for refuelling. We lost about two minutes on the other teams, one minute on each of the two stops so I’m sure we could have won it but the event served its purpose of giving us valuable track testing time.”

There was, however, some joy for the team as Muggeridge won the Dutch Open championship race at Assen. The Australian pipped fellow Honda rider Veneman to victory while the British Championship Vitrans Honda team took fourth place with Dean Thomas.

Vitrans rider Michael Laverty was in a safe third place but crashed at the final corner on the last lap as he came across five backmarkers. Laverty escaped injury and he and Thomas will now contest next Sunday’s fifth round of the World Supersport championship at Oschersleben in Germany.

Ten Kate concluded: “The weekend proved successful and reinforced the performance of the CBR600RR. Karl’s bike did all practice and qualifying, the endurance race and the Dutch Open race!”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Today is the birthday of American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel, but no one seems to be sure exactly how old this living legend is–or if it really matters.

The 2002 AMA Media Guide has Duhamel’s birthday listed as May 26, 1967, but the 2003 AMA Media Guide lists Duhamel’s birthday as being in 1968. Whether he is 35 or 36 years old today, Duhamel’s place in the AMA record book as the all-time leader of Superbike race wins (26), Supersport race wins (40) and Supersport Championships (5) is certain.