From a press release issued by the AMA:

IDAHO GOVERNOR WRITES NHTSA CHIEF, JOINS CALL FOR MOTORCYCLE-ACCIDENT STUDY

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has learned that Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has joined the AMA’s call for comprehensive research into the causes of motorcycle crashes.

In an April 21 letter to Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Gov. Kempthorne said that, “Along with many other governors who are motorcycle enthusiasts, I am concerned about the upturn in motorcyclist fatalities over the past several years.

“Merely announcing fatality totals each year is not the way to gain credibility with motorcyclists or promote safer riding. It troubles me that motorcycle safety gets little attention nationally. When addressed at all it is with an almost singular focus on helmet laws, a very divisive issue politically that distracts resources from other safety measures, such as skills training to prevent crashes from occurring in the first place, and strong messages about not using alcohol when riding.”

Gov. Kempthorne, an avid motorcyclist and an AMA member, then echoed the AMA’s call for research: “Over the longer term, a comprehensive motorcycle accident causation study is needed to better understand the nature of crashes and the most effective countermeasures.”

Reacting to the Idaho governor’s letter, Edward Moreland, AMA Vice President for Government Relations, said, “Motorcyclists nationwide benefit from Gov. Kempthorne’s eloquent advocacy, and we’re gratified that he’s added his voice to ours.”

Moreland and his staff in the AMA’s Washington, D.C., office are working to get $3 million for such a study, funding that would be part of congressional reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, commonly called “TEA-21.”

The AMA urges motorcyclists to contact their members of Congress and ask them to support funding for a comprehensive study of motorcycle-accident data. More information about this important issue is available on the AMA’s website at www.AMADirectlink.com, where motorcyclists can use the AMA Rapid Response Center to send messages to their congressional representatives.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin and Aaron Yates are riding their GSX-R1000 Superbikes in Formula Xtreme practice at Infineon Raceway.

“We missed that one test (at Infineon Raceway),” said Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Don Sakakura. “We’ll use the Formula Xtreme practice to get used to what’s been changed on the track.”

Under the new-for-2003 rules, most AMA Superbikes are legal to run in AMA Formula Xtreme, but some heavily-modified AMA Formula Xtreme bikes are not legal to run in AMA Superbike.


Ducati North America/Munroe Motors’ Thomas Montano has a 2003 Ducati 999S/R at Infineon Raceway but cannot run the new Italian machine in the AMA Superbike class because Ducati has not homologated the 999 for AMA Superbike, says Montano. As a result, Montano will run the Ducati 999S, equipped with 999R Ohlins forks and radial-mount Brembo brakes, in the more liberal Formula Xtreme class.


Kawasaki Canada’s Owen Weichel may not be running in any class at Infineon Raceway. During promoter practice Thursday, Weichel collided with fellow Canadian Clint McBain entering turn 11. McBain escaped relatively uninjured, but Weichel staggered away from the crash scene holding his left arm and appearing to be in considerable pain. Unconfirmed reports from sources close to Weichel indicate he broke bones in his left arm/wrist. Weichel could not be reached at post time.

Weichel plans to contest the 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship on a ZX-7RR and the Hindle 600cc Sport Bike Championship on a ZX-6RR.


Canadian young gun Chris Peris will trade his private Honda CBR600F4i for Roger Lee Hayden’s Erion Honda CBR600RR this weekend.

“He’s 17, good looking, shows some positive results; so we’ll see what he can do on some good equipment,” said Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda Team Owner Kevin Erion.

Hayden plans to attend the races at Infineon Raceway but will not ride due to recent surgery to his left hand. Erion says Hayden will be back on his bikes when he is ready.


Lee Acree is making his official return to the Arclight Suzuki team this weekend. Acree tested the GSX-R600 Superbike he will race in the 2003 Formula USA series during Thursday’s promoter practice, but the North Carolina rider will race an ex-Formula USA Unlimited Superbike GSX-R750 in the two AMA Superbike races. Acree won the AMA Superstock race at then Sears Point in 2002.

Arclight Suzuki raced in every Formula USA and AMA National event in 2002, but plans to only race in Formula USA with selected AMA appearances in 2003.


New Yoshimura Suzuki signee Jamie Stauffer says the Yamaha YZF-R6 he built accelerated a little better than his new factory GSX-R600. Stauffer added that the Suzuki has more top-end power and handles better and said that he is confident that he will be able to go faster on the Suzuki than on his private Yamaha.


Rain stopped Formula Xtreme practice at Infineon Raceway at approximately 12:25 p.m.

Formula Xtreme was the second practice group of the day.


When the session ended, Damon Buckmaster was fastest on his Yamaha YZF-R1. More times follow:

1. Damon Buckmaster, YZF-R1, 1:40.187
2. Ben Spies, GSX-R1000, 1:40.216
3. Aaron Yates, GSX-R1000, 1:40.415
4. Adam Fergusson, GSX-R1000, 1:41.321
5. Mat Mladin, GSX-R1000, 1:41.402
6. Steve Rapp, GSX-R1000, 1:41.834
7. Jamie Hacking, YZF-R1, 1:41.875
8. Aaron Gobert, YZF-R1, 1:42.061
9. Doug Chandler, CBR954RR, 1:42.225
10. Lee Acree, GSX-R750, 1:43.671
11. Chris Ulrich, GSX-R1000, 1:43.671
12. Jason Curtis, CBR954RR, 1:44.452
13. Jimmy Moore, GSX-R1000, 1:44.872
14. Stoney Landers, GSX-R1000, 1:45.048
15. Mickey Lane, 1:46.971

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts



Seven San Francisco bay area media representatives took rides on the back of a specially-modified AMA Formula Xtreme racebike during a break in promoter practice Thursday, at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

The Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Formula Xtreme racebike, which had been clocked at 188 mph last season at Brainerd International Raceway, was fitted with a stock rear subframe, a stock tailsection, a passenger seat and passenger footpegs for the guest rides. Participating media reps who didn’t have their own gear were outfitted in full racing leathers, boots, gloves, helmets and back protectors supplied by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki and given two-lap rides with Steve Rapp at the controls. Rapp’s teammate, Chris Ulrich, rode with Rapp so the media representatives would get the experience of being passed at close quarters.

“Just being on that thing, it’s almost scary. Even at the speeds we were going two-up like that, it’s a little hair-raising,” said Henry Coleman, Sports Editor of Sonoma, California’s Sonoma Index Tribune newspaper.



Coleman, who has ridden his personal Honda Hawk at several track days– including taking a riding school with Rapp in the past–was asked what he thought the other journalists without much motorcycling background would get out of the experience.

“What they are going to get out of this is really what these guys go through and take a look at motorcycle racing with a whole new set of eyes,” said Coleman. “You’re out there on that thing, and not only are you out there on a motorcycle, you’re out there with 20 or 30 other guys who want to be in the same place you are. And to have the experience of riding something at that speed and then seeing the ballet these guys do in a race situation, they’re going to have a whole new appreciation for it. I think their writing is going to show it, too.”



Coleman’s take was verified in the excited words of the other reporters. Nate Christo of Navato, California’s Navato Advance newspaper, had never ridden a motorcycle before but volunteered to go first. After his ride Christo came back with an ear-to-ear grin and said, “Awesome! It was amazing. It’s such a rush sitting on one of those bikes; I can see why these guys love it so much.

“You start to lean, and you’re almost parallel with the ground. It’s such a rush. Then when he gets on the throttle and you just hold on for dear life. It’s amazing. It’s hard to describe. I definitely see why those guys love it so much, especially when those guys are out there by themselves. It’s such a thrill…I don’t think I knew really how hard it was. I have even more respect for them now than I ever had before.”



The experience even left an experienced reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco’s largest daily newspaper, searching for words. “Wow! That’s exhilarating. I don’t know how else to put it,” said Chuck Squatriglia. “I’ve driven cars hard, I have a motorcycle, but I can’t even describe it, the adrenaline rush.

“It’s almost a feeling of weightlessness. The sensation of leaning side-to-side is so smooth. Then he goes down the straight and pulls this wheelie. But it was so smooth! That’s what’s so amazing. Just the whole ride was so smooth. And his skill as a rider to be able to do that with a person on the back is just amazing.”



“That was the most unbelievable experience. It was the chance of a lifetime,” said KFTV television news reporter Kymberlie McNichols. “It almost felt unreal. It almost felt like I was in one of those fake movie sets where you’re pretending like you’re flying. It was almost like pretend; that’s how unreal it was. I want to go again. I was so nervous before, and now I’m excited about it. It’s great!”

McNichols, who said her ride with Rapp wasn’t anything like the one time she rode on the back of a Harley, was amazed when Rapp and Ulrich passed each other back-and-forth during her stint.

“We were really close, shoulder-to-shoulder with the other guy on the motorcycle. We were so close!” said McNichols. “I was so surprised we didn’t fall over. I almost thought I could use my knee pad (slider) in the corner a little bit. I was looking forward to using my knee pad.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki offered the rides to Infineon Raceway Public Relations Manager John Cardinale several weeks before the Super Cuts Superbike Challenge presented by Honda of Milpitas.

“(Team owner) John (Ulrich) told us he had this two-seat bike set up to give rides to local media to help publicize AMA events,” said Cardinale. “We love the trade publications, but we’re always trying to attract the mainstream media. I knew the bike would draw them out. We got several newspapers and two of the local television affiliates.”

In addition to Coleman, Christo, Squatriglia and McNichols, the ride opportunity also attracted Christo’s associate Thomas Sorensen, McNichols’ cameraman Serapio Andrade and Rick Quan from CBS affiliate KPIX-TV, the San Francisco CBS affiliate.

“John Ulrich gave us the tools, and we made the most out of it,” said Cardinale. “It turned a day that we didn’t really have much planned into a pretty good media event. We also had people who weren’t experienced in motorcycles come out, and hopefully they’ll come back out for the races.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki plans to bring the two-seater and sets of gear to other AMA Nationals and has already scheduled a media ride during the Road America AMA National.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The New FX…

With all due respect to the 250 racers who wish to maintain the status quo, I offer my support of the new AMA Formula Extreme class. I think it will be much more entertaining than the 250s alone have been. No offense, but people just don’t pay much attention to the 250 race anymore, especially if Rich Oliver is in it. The outcome is a foregone conclusion, so people cruise around the paddock looking for Superbike stars.

I think the AMA made a good decision on this one. With the new Superbike rules, Formula Extreme had to change or go away because the two classes would be nearly identical. If a 250 rider feels that he will not be competetive on a 250, then perhaps he should consider a different bike. Using Honda as an example; when the company felt that the RC45 was at a disadvantage to the Ducati, they built a 1000cc twin, and won! Likewise in MotoGP, when the rules changed Honda studied the new rules and then built the fastest bike they could, within those rules, and won! The point is to use the rules to your advantage and not be so sentimentally attached to your bike that you can’t let go and race something else.

Still, I would wait and see how it all pans out. The 250s have a 150 pound weight advantage over the 600s. This might not help at Daytona, but it’s got to be worth something everywhere else. As far as the general public being confused about the different bikes on the track, that is poppycock! The public is smarter than one of your readers would care to give credit. In GT car racing they actually run different classes on the track simultaneously – essentially separate races happening at the same time. The public has no problem following this.

Formula Extreme is one race, one class. Simple. No problem.

Just my opinion,

Tony Vaughn
CMRRA #63
Lemon Grove, California


More On The New FX…

Just read readers’ comments on the “new” Formula Xtreme “grab-bag” class. This is pure AMA doddering idiocy! Anyone who has ever ridden at club level in a class like this knows why this is a seriously bad idea. Different power, weight, capacity, handling and braking characteristics will not lead to close racing, just close calls.

I think the AMA just realized they didn’t want to lose all those licensing and entry fees they so easily are turning away by closing down viable classes.

The Pro Thunder and 250 racing classes were viable, closely-matched and exciting races with a variety of machinery – why fix something that wasn’t broken?

Regards,

Richard F. Haas
Palo Alto, California


Yet More On The New FX…

Oh, come on now, you guys have gotten a little lazy these days. Just ’cause you can’t pick up the phone and order the parts, send them a nice fat chunk of change on the ol’ credit card today to get the “proper parts” does not mean it is impossible to be competitive on a 330cc two-stroke. Besides if the market exists somebody will make them, heck let’s go 400cc and the old RD400 motors will be “the hot set-up”.

Face it, two-strokes are as competitive as the twin-shock rear suspension and carbureted four strokes. Retire the two-strokes to AHMRA and let the old dogs ride them. Except in Massachusetts where they are illegal, you know.

Regards,

Al Gnuschke
Loveland, Colorado

Editor’s note: Uhh, Al, you realize that the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike had carbs through 2002 and the latest version has dual shocks, right? As for overbore two-strokes, the power-valve systems in the exhaust ports will stick out into the cylinder if it’s overbored.


Even More On The New FX…

Do you guys think that it would be a good idea for the AMA to allow the Buells into Formula Extreme for next year? It looks like the Ducatis will be running in it. This could make a reunion of sorts for the Pro Thunder guys as well as give the Buells a more competitive class to run in as opposed to running Superstock.

I know there are several Buell teams, mine included, that would love a shot to get back in the AMA.

Walt Sipp
Kansas City, Missouri


Still More On The New FX…

Okay, so I’ve read and read about this and I know it probably doesn’t mean much at this point but I felt I had to say something. Something in the face of the consistently near sighted and obscure AMA racing think-tank. I continually try in situations like this to find a way to the reasoning behind these decisions. I am continually surprised and dumbfounded by the direction taken in regards to the future of Road Racing in America that AMA racing takes.

I can see it now – a group of fairly intelligent (benefit of the doubt here) Pro Racing Directors and marketing personnel sitting around the table hashing out the future of the sport and how they can remain competitive and keep on the top of the Road racing event promotion pile (…pile – uhuh)

First we don’t allow the 748 Ducati in 600 Supersport because we are coerced/spoon fed (depending I suppose on your position at the time in relationship to the…uh other manufacturers). So we make a class for them and the Harleys in ProThunder. Oh yah. We have a great Harley class that spawns more than a few of the world’s best and exciting racers (and we trash that, too) ProThunder becomes attractive to fans and people start building some cool bikes to run…. SV Suzukis and exotic singles, some Harleys and, and, and…. We trash that just because and oh yah we need to simplify the schedule. At the same time we have a pseudo unlimited class called Formula Extreme that seems kind of good for us so lets take it over and… Wow. Great bikes, Manufacturer support, exotics like the Muzzy Raptor and, and, and…Erion etc. and the class spawns some of the most exciting and monstrous racing to date (not to mention a few other world class riders looking for a way to get experience of some heavy duty horse power) Manufacturers like it and we can watch a 16 year old kid run 200hp under his ass….. on his way to a Superbike ride. I still can think of no better way to get anyone used to the demands and power of a modern MotoGP or Superbike. But, alas no one is buying 750s anymore so we change the face of Superbike and make it a 1000cc class and what? Formula Extreme is orphaned…. At the same time we think that there is no place for 250cc two strokes. Despite our AMA’s constant fight against the misguided environmental issues surrounding two strokes and in the face of more manufacturer pressure (not to mention the marketing guy saying… what is that little bike and I don’t think it is relevant) Wait, the grids are full and the fans like it and yah more than a few future racers hopping off of them onto….etc. etc. etc. (I will only just mention the BMW Cup – although it was a fantastic race but…)

So, now they are sitting around a table thinking what can we do? Let’ make a class that combines all of that together and everyone will be happy. Can you say – Fill the big hole (sorry)… or how about Knee Jerk. And, it is obvious to everyone who has written that the relevance of that is as obscure as any decision made by AMA racing to date.

Well, I should have some suggestions shouldn’t I? I have put in only a little more thought than the AMA seems to have but I will give it a try.

F1 class, unlimited size and unlimited modifications – no restrictions (normally aspirated only) – DOT tires (limited to a few sets a weekend – this will keep the costs down and make it harder for the Pro Superbikes to just hop in and dominate) with a provision for dedicated rain tires. I know, I know it sounds crazy but it might just work. And for fans we might see some crazy racing and bikes. We could see some big bore production based Superbikes, 500cc ex-GP V4s (lots around) 600cc Supersports in the hands of a quick rider (don’t forget no restrictions) the Tularis, Britten (we can hope) you get the picture.

This would open up the cottage industry that is just waiting to find an outlet for building etc. We might see some interest again from the likes of TigCraft and Spondon and the multitude of Japanese aftermarket manufacturers.

The point is we would see some incredible engineering and innovation from garages all over America. We would see some bikes we would never ever get a chance to see. Honda could drop a MotoGP bike in the mix for Daytona or another big event. Or we might even get to see Kenny Roberts Proton make an appearance.

Maybe I am nuts but I would watch. For that matter if might get me racing again.

Dean de St. Croix
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What? More On The New FX?

Here is another viewpoint from a current AMA 250 GP racer. Currently we are the only class in AMA that have no full factory teams. Because of this, privateer teams can enter and be competitive for a relatively low cost. What the AMA has effectively done is create yet another class for the manufacturers to showcase their 600cc super sport products. They have stated that 250 GP bikes can now have a 330cc displacement, however, unless I am missing something, big bore kits are not available for GP bikes. I have done the calculations and an increase in bore of just over 8mm would be necessary to reach 330cc. This makes modifying stock cylinders impossible. Add to that the fact that well funded, factory supported teams such as Attack, Graves, No Limit, etc. could easily develop 600cc superbikes with all the goodies like Brembo radial brakes, carbon bodywork, titanium parts as well as highly developed superbike spec engines and you have yet another class where money and factory connections rule.

What the AMA has really done is create another class where the average privateer team has little chance of success. It’s my opinion that the AMA wants to get rid of the 250 GP class. These new rules seem to be a half-hearted attempt to quiet both the racers and fans of grand prix motorcycles for one more year.

Just my humble opinion.

Rich Denman
Palo Alto, California



And Now Something On The New Infineon…

A couple of things I noticed after watching the AFM races this weekend at Sears (whoops, I mean Infineon). The turn 1 bandaid seems ill-conceived. The idea was to slow down the turn and keep the riders from shooting up into the bridge abutment, but the result is that the racers have to squeeze into a narrow gap between the old turn 1 edge and the dragstrip wall, then hook left 90 degrees with no apron on the runoff, just loose dirt and rocks.

Issue 1: Debris: By the end of each 8-lap AFM race the cornerworkers had to come out to sweep away a lot of fresh dirt and rocks (up to 3-inch diameter in some cases, by my reckoning) that get kicked onto the track surface as riders exit the corner hard. My guess is that by the end of a 28-lap AMA race that corner will be covered in rocks and dirt.

Issue 2: Track width: Seems to me the worst place to have a turn entrance that is narrower than the rest of the track would be in a tight turn at the end of a long straight. Braking duels going into that turn are going to be brutal on the riders, because there’s only space for one successful line through.

Issue 3: Proximity to start/finish: During most of the race, the racers brake just before the start/finish line in preparation for the tight turn 1, but on the last lap nobody wants to let off the gas as they’re racing for position. This caused at least one crash over the weekend as riders passing the checkered flag couldn’t slow down enough to make the turn. An ambulance when there should be a victory lap is a terrible end to a race.

In retrospect, I think the old turn 1 was safer, but I certainly can’t claim to be an expert; I’d be interested to hear other opinions.

Dave Grace
Race Fan
Montara, California

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Purse for the AMA National at Infineon Raceway, May 2-4

Chevy Trucks Superbike
$60,000 total purse
Half paid for each of two Superbike races
1. $4500
2. $3800
3. $3300
4. $3000
5. $2800
6. $2600
7. $2500
8. $2400
9. $2300
10. $2250
11. $2200
12. $2150
13. $2100
14. $1950
15. $1900
16. $1850
17. $1800
18. $1750
19. $1700
20. $1650
21. $1550
22. $1450
23. $1350
24. $1250
25. $1150
26. $850
27. $750
28. $650
29. $550
30. $450
31. $400
32. $350
33. $300
34. $250
35. $200


MBNA 250 Grand Prix, Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport, Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme, Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
$10,000 paid for each class
1. $1500
2. $1200
3. $900
4. $700
5. $650
6. $600
7. $525
8. $475
9. $425
10. $400
11. $375
12. $350
13. $325
14. $300
15. $275
16. $250
17. $225
18. $200
19. $175
20. $150

From a press release issued by Team Renegade Ducati:

BRITISH SUPERBIKE & SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003
ROUNDS 7 & 8 – OULTON PARK
30TH APRIL 2003 – EVENT PREVIEW

RENEGADE HEAD FOR OULTON CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS

Oulton Park plays host to rounds seven and eight of the British Superbike Championship this Bank Holiday Monday and Team Renegade Ducati head for their home circuit confident of success after a disappointing weekend at Thruxton a fortnight ago.

For Michael Rutter, currently lying second in the Championship standings, Oulton Park ranks high on his list of favourite circuits. The 30-year-old West Midlander racked up a race win and a brace of podium finishes at the Cheshire circuit last season; a performance he is determined to improve upon this time around, as he sets about closing the gap on Championship leader, and former Renegade Ducati teammate, Shane Byrne.

“We’re almost a quarter of the way through the season and there’s no denying the fact that Shakey’s had it all his own way so far,” declared Rutter. “Hats off to him, he’s riding really well at the moment, but I do think that we’ve been guilty of making things a little too easy for him. We made a big breakthrough with the factory bikes at Thruxton and I’m confident that this will allow us to compete on a level playing field this weekend. It’s time Shakey learnt that this championship isn’t over yet, and hopefully we’ll be able to teach him that lesson this weekend at Oulton Park.”

Sean Emmett knows that he needs to turn his season around at Oulton Park if he is to realise his ambition of challenging for this year’s British Superbike Championship title. Cruel luck robbed the 33-year-old Renegade Ducati rider of a finish in the opening round at Silverstone, but Emmett will be looking to build on a second place at Snetterton and two strong finishes at Thruxton when the racing gets underway this Bank Holiday Monday.

“We’ve had some problems so far this season, but I think it’s finally all going to come together this weekend,” commented Emmett. “Oulton Park is a fantastic circuit, I really enjoy racing there and the fast flowing nature of the track really suits the Ducati. The inherent problem we’ve had with the factory 998F02 since the start of the season has now been sorted and it will definitely be the bike to be on this weekend. I just can’t wait to get out there and start racking up some points.”

An intermittent electrical fault exacerbated set-up problems for Nick Medd last time out at Thruxton, but after a full day of testing at Oulton Park last week, the 22-year-old Beverley rider is confident that his Ducati 998 Testastretta will work well around the 2.8-mile Cheshire circuit this weekend.

“We made some big improvements to the suspension set-up during the test we had at Oulton a week ago, and it was a big help having Michael on hand to offer advice about how to get the best from the Ducati,” said Medd. “Oulton Park is definitely one of my favourite circuits, a real riders’ track, and I’m really looking forward to racing there this weekend.”

Team Renegade Ducati’s sole Supersport contender, Leon Haslam, also fell foul of electrical gremlins at Thruxton, but the 19-year-old former GP rider heads for the next round of the hotly contested Supersport Championship at Oulton Park confident that, come race day, he’ll be on the pace and battling for the race win.

“We’ve suffered with bad luck at the last two rounds, but we’re heading for Oulton Park determined to make a return to the podium,” declared Haslam. “Set-up is all important at Oulton and the fact that we made some progress in this area when we tested at the circuit last week should stand us in good stead this weekend. The top speed advantage the four-cylinder bikes enjoyed at places like Snetterton and Thruxton won’t be so apparent around Oulton, so I’m confident that if we can get the bike dialled in fully during practice and qualifying, we’ll be up there come race day. I’m really looking forward to the weekend ahead.”

From a press release issued by Henry DeGouw, President of CCS Florida:

A new pre-entry record for races at the JenningsGP track has been set for this weekend’s CCS Florida/Southeast regional race. Both Honda and Suzuki money are offered at this event.

More than 300 pre-entries have been received and this should translate into over 500 total after post entries have been added.

This remote northern Florida track is a long way for most riders to travel. But they do it to take advantage of the smooth and beautifully designed race course that is for motorcycles only.

Henry DeGouw
President
CCS Florida

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Freelance motorsports journalist Evan Williams is engaged to marry Tabatha Winfree on June 14, in Gallatin, Tennessee.