From a press release issued by Honda:

Corporate Communications
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The Passing Away of Daijiro Kato

April 20, 2003 – During the first race of the 2003 MotoGP Series held at Suzuka Circuit in Japan, Daijiro Kato crashed into the crash barrier on the left side of the track just before the chicane. Kato fell into a coma and had been receiving medical attention for the past two weeks, following the accident. At 00:42am on April 20th, Daijiro Kato passed away at the young age of 26. The cause of death was brainstem infarction.

“It was with a tremendous sense of grief that I learned of the tragic passing away of Daijiro Kato. He was one of Japan’s representatives in the racing world and was recognized as one of the world’s top riders. Kato secured the 250cc Class Championship in 2001 and last year moved to the MotoGP class where he held a world ranking of #7. His performance provided all of his fans with a dream. My heartfelt prayers are with him.” (Suguru Kanazawa -Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., President, Honda Racing)

Everyone, including Daijiro Kato’s fans, have been praying for as quick a recovery as possible and it is truly heartbreaking that he has left us. Our deepest condolences are with Daijiro Kato’s family and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of Kato’s fans who were so supportive of him.

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 3 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Thruxton

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April 2003

SHAKEY DOUBLES UP AS EASTON COMPLETES HAT-TRICK FOR MONSTERMOB

MonsterMob Ducati’s Shane Byrne stormed to his first ever double victory in the British Superbike Championship at Thruxton this afternoon to take a firm grip on the title chase.

The 26 year old Minster, Kent rider beat defending champion Steve Hislop in the opening encounter before repeating the feat ahead of main championship rival Michael Rutter in race two to leave the Hampshire circuit 41 points to the good at the quarter distance stage.

In race one, ‘Shakey’ took the lead from fellow Ducati rider Rutter on lap three before pulling away from the field to win by 4.8 seconds in the 21 lap race aboard his Ducati F02. Pole setter Byrne’s cause was aided further by Hislop outpacing Rutter on the final lap.

In race two, Byrne took the lead on lap seven and went on to dominate the race once again to take victory, this time by 2.7 seconds from Rutter to complete his first ever double win in his fifth year in the premier class.

A delighted Shakey said afterwards: “I am pleased with that. A massive thanks to Birdy, Phil, my crew chief and everyone in the team. It’s a good weekend for MonsterMob.”

Team mate, Supersport rider Stuart Easton made it three out of three by scoring his first win of the season when he romped to a superb start to finish win on his 748 Ducati.

The 18-year-old Scot made easy work of the 20 lap race, taking the lead on the first lap to win by 10.6 seconds from nearest rival Karl Harris (Honda). Stuart also set a new lap record in the race of 1m17.841s to add to his pole position.

The result moves the Hawick rider up to second place in the Championship.

“That was just a fantastic weekend. We were quickest in practice, got pole and then got the lap record in the race, what more can you do? Hopefully I am starting to prove the doubters wrong who wrote me off at the start of the season. Now I’m up to second in the Championship and hopefully we can build on that” said the Scot.

Team owner Paul Bird was also delighted with his team’s performance. “It doesn’t come any better than that. It’s a gentlemen’s full set. We can now look forward to Oulton Park in two weeks’ time and hopefully continue our success there.”

The next round takes place at Oulton Park on 4/5th May.

Superbike Results

Race One
1. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 26:58.706
2. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 27:03.556
3. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 27:04.489
4. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 27:07.508
5. Steve Plater (Honda) 27:07.633
6. Sean Emmett (Ducati) 27:08.617
7. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 27:10.438
8. Mark Heckles (Honda) 27:20.136
9. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 27:20.260
10. John Crawford (Ducati) 27:21.187

Race Two
1. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 28:11.120
2. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 28:13.855
3. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 28:13.964
4. Steve Plater (Honda) 28:15.185
5. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 28:17.273
6. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 28:22.122
7. Sean Emmett (Ducati) 28:26.053
8. Mark Heckles (Honda) 28:26.480
9. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 28:39.017
10. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 28:39.366

Superbike Championship Standings after Round 3
1: Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 140pts
2: Michael Rutter (Ducati) 99pts
3: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 72pts
4: Gary Mason (Yamaha) 59pts
5: Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 58pts
6: Steve Plater (Honda) 51pts
7: Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 50pts
8: Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 40pts
9: John Crawford (Ducati) 39pts
9: Sean Emmett (Ducati) 39pts

Supersport Result
1. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 26:13.654
2. Karl Harris (Honda) 26:24.261
3.John Crockford (Honda) 26:28.923
4. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 26:29.538
5. Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 26:30.869
6. Adrian Coates (Honda) 26:33.422
7. Rob Frost (Kawasaki) 26:33.745
8. Kieran Murphy (Kawasaki) 26:34.215
9. Tom Tunstall (Yamaha) 26:39.979
10. Shane Norval (Yamaha) 26:40.504

Supersport Championship Standings After Round 3
1: Karl Harris 65pts
2: Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 41pts
3: John Crockford 36pts
4: Adrian Coates 34pts
5: Michael Laverty 33pts
5: Simon Andrews 33pts
7: Rob Frost 25pts
8: Tom Sykes 21pts
9: Craig Jones 16pts
9: Tom Tunstall 16pts

From a press release issued by the PR Group on behalf of Keith Code:

RACING IS SCARY STUFF! (IF YOU HAVEN’T DONE IT, THAT IS!)

THE FIRST CODE R.A.C.E. (Race And Competition Experience) OF THE YEAR WILL BE AT THE STREETS OF WILLOW SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA APRIL 30 & MAY 1, 2003.

The Code R.A.C.E. was started 2 years ago by Keith Code, legendary motorcycle instructor and founder of the California Superbike School.

“Racing is a totally addictive activity and it’s just this side of legal,” says Code, who has taught more than a few champions. “We do a racing program where you learn the real techniques of racing and race”.

CODE R.A.C.E. will be at the Streets of Willow Springs/CA on April 30 & May 1.

Number of Students: 14

Length: 2 Days

Instructors: 8

Lessons: All hands-on racing techniques

Fun: Unlimited

Cost: BYOB $1600–or rent a ZX-6R $2200

Racing: Once or twice each day

Code says “For those who have dreamed about racing, of getting the buzz, the rush, the absolute focus and concentration that goes with it – these are beautiful spring riding days.”

Track photos with some familiar faces can be seen on his website at www.superbikeschool.com

Interested riders may call: 323-224-2734 or register at www.coderace.com

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Daijiro Kato, 26, has died from injuries suffered when he crashed during the Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit two weeks ago.

Kato suffered head and spinal injuries, and had no pulse immediately after a huge crash into a wall at the Honda-owned track, located in Suzuka City. Doctors restarted Kato’s heart but from the beginning said that Kato faced long odds to survive.

Kato’s injuries motivated leading riders to call for the removal of the track from the Grand Prix calendar.

Kato is survived by his wife and two children, one a newborn.

From a press release issued by Monstermob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 3 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Thruxton

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th March 2003

SECOND FOR BYRNE AND POLE FOR EASTON

After setting fastest time in timed qualifying, MonsterMob Ducati’s Shane Byrne posted second fastest time to place himself second on the grid for tomorrow’s round three of the 2003 British Superbike Championship at a cool and breezy Thruxton this afternoon.

The 26 year old from Minster, Kent had to give best to fellow Ducati rider Michael Rutter in the Dunlop Super 12 but despite not clinching pole position, Byrne was satisfied with his performance:

“Hats off to Michael but he is the exponent of the one fast lap and at the end of the day it’s what you do on race rubber that counts. After 25 laps we will see but I’m confident we have a good package for the race” said Byrne.

Team mate, Supersport rider Stuart Easton blew the competition away when he qualified in pole position aboard the Ducati 748 as he set about proving those wrong who had doubted his ability after the previous round where he retired with machine problems.

The 18 year old Scot qualified in pole in a time of 1:17.258 from nearest rival Honda rider Karl Harris (1:17.689) to steal the initiative for tomorrow’s 20 lap race:

“People doubted me after last week and I hope this silences them” said Easton. “I plan on ramming home that advantage in tomorrow’s race and get a grip on this series” he continued.

Team owner Paul Bird said: “There are no points for pole position and we’re confident we have the right set up to win tomorrow’s races ” said the Penrith businessman.

Superbike Dunlop Super 12 Qualification
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 1:14.771
2. Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 1:15.133
3. Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 1:15.220
4. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 1:15.428
5. Gary Mason (Yamaha) 1:16.325
6. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 1:16.396
7. Mark Heckles (Honda) 1:16.528
8. Steve Plater (Honda) 1:16.769
9. Lee Jackson (Kawasaki) 1:16.774
10. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 1:16.788
11. Scott Smart (Kawasaki) 1:16.888
12. Sean Emmett (Ducati) 1:17.063

Supersport Qualification
1. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 1:17.258
2. Karl Harris (Honda) 1:17.689
3. Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 1:18.105
4. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) 1:18.112
5. Adrian Coates (Honda) 1:18.319
6. Kieran Murphy (Kawasaki) 1:18.366
7. John Crockford (Honda) 1:18.370
8. Mark Burr (Yamaha) 1:18.499
9. Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:18.578
10. Shane Norval (Yamaha) 1:18.894

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Vaclav “Vincent” Haskovec turns 29 years old today.

Haskovec was born in the Czech Republic and moved to America a little over six years ago to chase his dream of being a professional motorcycle road racer.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts missed tests at Road Atlanta and Barber Motorsports Park this week due to an injury sustained in a training accident, but the two-time AMA Formula Xtreme Champion says he’ll be fine for the upcoming races at Infineon Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point Raceway, May 2-4.

“I think we’ll be alright for Sears,” Roberts said Friday. “I just highsided on my flat track/TT bike (basically a stock Honda CRF150).

“It just broke loose a little earlier than I was planning on it and flicked me on my head. I had just passed a friend of mine. I went to look back to see if he was right behind me, because I figured he would hit me. When I looked back, that’s when it caught.

“It was the hardest crash I’ve had since California Speedway last year. It was surprising. I’ve ridden a lot since January and only fallen off like five times, but those five have been big ones.”

Roberts said he sought an evaluation of his shoulder by Dr. Arthur Ting, who said Roberts suffered a minor shoulder separation. But the injury has improved greatly in recent days.

“It’s getting a lot better,” said Roberts. “I feel pretty good about it. Two days ago, I was like, ‘Man, this is going to be a pain in the ass.’ But now I may even try to get on a bike this weekend.”

Roberts finished third in the Daytona 200 and currently is sixth in the AMA Superbike point standings, 20 points behind series leader Mat Mladin after three of 18 races.

From a press release:

Tom Hicks, owner of Southern California Triumph, has purchased the Ducati Franchise from Malcolm Smith Motorsports and placed it next to Southern California Triumph, in Brea. Both Southern California Triumph and Southern California Ducati will be kept separate to show our commitment and emphasis to each brand.

Southern California Ducati will follow the same principles of customer service, wide selection of motorcycles and accessories, expert service and customer satisfaction that have made Southern California Triumph the Number 1 Triumph dealer in the Country.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA Pro Racing Technical Manager Rob King issued a competition bulletin on Wednesday, April 16 to AMA licensed road racers and credential holders pointing out an omission in the General Equipment Standards section of the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Road Racing rulebook. King’s bulletin, which was dated February 13, 2003, reads as follows:

TO: All Licensed Road Racers and Season Credential Holders

FROM: Rob King, Technical Manager

DATE: February 13, 2003

SUBJECT: 2003 Rulebook Omission

Due to an editing error, the following section was left out of the 2003 Road Racing Rulebook. This information belongs at the end of the General Equipment Standards section, pages 22 through 31.

23. Telemetry and Traction Control

(a) Electronic devices designed specifically for traction control are prohibited. This includes sensors that can determine front wheel speed, and any electronic control to the brake systems.

(b) Electronic transmitting of information to or from a moving motorcycle is prohibited with the following exceptions:

(1) AMA transponders utilized for scoring purposes (mandatory equipment assigned by AMA).

(2) Data or video transmitted for the sole use by the AMA-approved event television production (mandatory equipment assigned by AMA).

(3) Radio communication in Superbike only.

(4) Automatic lap timing devices.

(c) Selected teams in Superbike and Supersport will be required to carry either an assigned camera or weight package. The selection process will be carried out by Speedvision and AMA Pro Racing.

Should you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact Rob King at (614) 856-1900 ext. 1230 or [email protected]

From a press release issued by Kurt Marmor’s publicist:

RACE TEAM MAKES MOTOR SPORTS HISTORY

(Springfield, IL) In an effort to raise awareness and support for our fighting troops a new race team has been formed. A first in motor sports history, Strike Force Racing will be funded with contributions from the American people and will compete in the AMA Superbike Series. The motorcycle road race series competes coast to coast with all races televised nationally. A website has been built to accept donations at http://www.strikeforceracing.com. Contributions are now being accepted. Sponsor’s include individual motorcycle enthusiasts, groups of friends, clubs and businesses and they are contributing $25, $50, $100, $250 and $500 dollars. Corporate packages are also available. Each contributor that signs up to be a member of the Strike Force Racing Team will receive team merchandise ranging from T-shirts, signed Posters and Hats to race tickets and names of contributors on the team transporter. Merchandise incentives are listed on the website at: http://www.strikeforceracing.com.

At the helm of the Strike Force Racing bike will be long time series veteran Kurt Marmor with Crew Chief Grant Matsushima, who has turned wrenches for past series champions. Marmor has competed in the series for the past eight years. He says this season will be his finest because he’s doing it for the troops. “We are dedicating this season to the men and women who are fighting for our country overseas. The bike, leathers, and trailer will be in the great red, white, and blue colors. We want to give the fans a chance to be a part of Team Strike Force. By giving the fans the opportunity to become a part of the team, they have a vested interest in our success. They also have a team of their own to cheer on at the races and on TV.”

Through Team Strike Force, the fans are helping a privateer battle against the factory race teams in the 600 Super Sport, and the 750 Super Stock classes.