From a press release issued by Traxxion Dynamics:

Traxxion and Thermosman Split; Free Product Update Results

In February of 2003, our General Manager, Mike Fitzgerald left Traxxion Dynamics, Inc. and started an Axxion Center called Thermosman Suspensions, Inc., to provide trackside support to racers in the Southeastern United States. Our goal was a long and profitable alliance.

In very short order, the suspension philosophy of Thermosman Suspensions,Inc. became inconsistent with that which has brought Traxxion Dynamics hundreds of AMA, FUSA, WERA, and CCS National Championships over the last six years. Although no formal date of dissolution exists, it is safe to say that we have had no dealings in the last two months. I have long felt a public release of this sad news would benefit neither company. Our separation saddens me greatly, as I feel our alliance could have contributed greatly to racers in the Southeast.

Many Traxxion Dynamics customers have purchased our products from Thermosman Suspensions, since we were allied through Axxion Centers, Inc. It has come to our attention that some of our Axxion Valve Kits were modified and installed in a manner inconsistent with the configuration in which the products were delivered, and intended to perform. Axxion Centers are not franchises, but rather stand alone businesses, only authorized to install Traxxion Dynamics products. As a result, Traxxion Dynamics, Inc. and Axxion Centers, Inc. can assume no liability for the actions of Thermosman Suspensions, Inc.

However, to remain consistent with the service that has made our company famous, Traxxion Dynamics, Inc. is offering a FREE PRODUCT INSPECTION to any customer who believes they had Traxxion Dynamics Axxion Valves installed by Thermosman Suspensions, Inc. between February 6, 2003 and July 6, 2003.

The Free Product Inspection will include a complete disassembly and inspection of your fork cartridges, to insure the proper build and installation of any Traxxion Dynamics products. Labor, oil, and cleaner will all be included and paid for, as a courtesy to our long standing and loyal customers. We will even pay return ground freight at no cost. This courtesy offer is available until 10/31/03.

Our goal has always been to offer our customers uncompromised suspension performance. We want to make sure they receive the performance they deserve whether they have purchased our products in the past, in the present, or in the future.

Max McAllister
President
Traxxion Dynamics, Inc.
Axxion Centers, Inc.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A group of motocross promoters irate at AMA Pro Racing is running a slate of three candidates for the three AMA Board of Directors seats up for election this fall.

The seats, representing the northern half of the country, are currently held by lawyer Dal Smilie (North West), retired executive Jeff Smith (North Central) and lawyer Rick Gray (North East).

The promoters are angry at what they see as a lack of responsiveness and an attitude of arrogance on the part of AMA Pro Racing, which is a for-profit subsidiary of the non-profit AMA.

Two years ago, a slate of road racers ran for the AMA Board under the Take Back The AMA slogan, defeating three incumbents representing the southern half of the country by wide margins. That slate also cited a lack of responsiveness and an attitude of arrogance on the part of AMA Pro Racing.

John Ulrich was elected to represent the South West region, Jeff Nash was elected to represent the South Central region and Kevin Schwantz was elected to represent the South East region. Schwantz subsequently moved his primary residence out of his region and back to Texas, and resigned his Board seat. The incumbent he had defeated, Carl Reynolds, was then appointed to the South East seat on the Board; Schwantz retained an appointed seat on the separate AMA Pro Racing Board.

Since the election of Ulrich and Nash, the 12-member main AMA Board has sent several resolutions ordering AMA Pro Racing to improve communications, rider safety and operations, with limited success, but the AMA Board majority has not backed calls for fundamental change in the structure and operations of AMA Pro Racing.

Nash was recently appointed to the eight-man AMA Pro Board, where he has been outvoted.

The dynamics of the AMA Board and the fundamental relationship between the non-profit AMA and for-profit AMA Pro Racing could change dramatically if the motocross slate of candidates is elected this fall.

Stay tuned for developments.

Click here to read the complete AP story at AberdeenNews.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

More from an Army Captain we know, who is stationed in Iraq and who will remain anonymous:

Hello to everyone from the unemployment capital of the world.

First week of September is down, and no signs of slowing down. This week I was granted another project by our Commanding General.

Next to my building there is an abandoned lot that has become some what of an impromptu dump site. I am going to put in a basketball gymnasium, a soccer stadium, and a playground for kids.

My Colonel is new and has only known me for two months, and is not accustomed to my bigger-is-better philosophy. So when I told him I had a hydraulic catapult ride coming in from Six Flags he almost had a heart attack. All kidding aside, though, I am going to try my darndest to make a miniature Disney.

And the soccer field–I am working on a little surprise there as well. I am working on getting Astroturf flown into Baghdad to make the first artificial soccer field in all of Iraq.

So now I am heading this unemployment beast, and trying to work on the soccer field. Makes the time go by quickly.

A couple of the Captains I live with play guitar also, so we chipped in and bought two guitars. Our first album should be out shortly. Guitar fits nicely somewhere between Arabic lessons, weight-lifting and chow.

This week I also convinced an American contractor that came to Iraq to make buildings for the soldiers to recruit their workers exclusively through me. So that will be several thousand more jobs that will come through this office.

Every morning there are at least 600 people who show up at my gates. It sucks to tell them we don’t have any jobs left for today. Come back tomorrow.

Well, that is it for now. Back to the grind for me.



(Editorial note: As explained in previously published messages from the Captain, projects such as the above designed to pacify the local population and to provide local employment are paid for using money found in caches in Iraq, not American tax dollars.)

From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia USA is announcing the MSRP of its two newest motorcycle models introduced to the public at the end of August, 2003.

The all-new 2004 Mille R will list for $13,999 representing a $500 (3.7%) increase of the 2003 model. The track-oriented version, the RSV Mille R Factory, will list for $17,899, a $600 (3.5%) increase over the equivalent 2003 model.

Both 2004 model Mille’s feature the latest CAN wiring technology, new frames and swingarms, and the new V 990 Magnesium motor. Of course traditional Aprilia features such as the pneumatic slipper clutch, close-ratio transmission, Brembo brake components, ease of maintenance and stunning Italian design continue to be the foundation of the premier series motorcycles from Noale, Italy.

Anouncements concerning the rest of the 2004 Aprilia line will come after the September 15th International Motorcycle show (EICMA) in Milan, Italy.

From a press release issued by Erico Motorsports:

Denver, Colorado. Erico Motorsports is proud to announce themselves as the #1 Triumph Dealer in North America, as well as the #1 Clothing & Accessories Sales in the Western Region. Owners John & Tai Beldock received these top honors at the Triumph Dealer Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Being number one in bike sales for all of North America is really an incredible achievement considering that Erico Motorsports has only been a Triumph dealer since January 2000. The Beldocks want to thank their incredible staff and all the customers who have made this dream a reality.

From a press release issued by GSE Racing, which races as HM Plant Ducati in the 2003 FIM World Superbike Championship:

GSE Racing issues statement of intent

GSE Racing has issued a statement of intent with regard to its future racing activities in the immediate aftermath of the Dutch round of the Superbike World Championship at Assen.

The team has been inundated with requests and speculation with regard to its immediate future in the sport. The objective of this statement is to reveal the facts behind GSE Racing’s current position for the overall benefit of team personnel.

Team Principal Darrell Healey said: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, GSE Racing is unclear about certain key aspects of the 2004 Superbike World Championship. In addition, due to the uncertainty surrounding the technical rules, we are not in a position to confirm manufacturer support next season.

“These circumstances are unacceptable to GSE Racing’s existing partners – most notably HM Plant and Hitachi Construction Machinery – stakeholders and staff. Therefore, after consulting with all relevant parties, we have decided to make our position clear. It is the very least that we can do and comes out of respect for our riders and the other loyal members of the team who have shared in our past and current success.

“This is a serious situation which we feel other teams may also have to face in the immediate future. At present, GSE Racing are unable to confirm which championship it will be competing in next season, which machines it will be using and who the sponsors, riders and other personnel will be. We are being open and fair with everyone concerned so that they can explore other opportunities within the sport.

“However, that is not to say that GSE Racing has any wish to withdraw from the sport. On the contrary, we will be continuing to investigate other opportunities over the coming weeks. In addition, I know that the reputation of GSE Racing in its pursuit of excellence and World Championship success has not gone unnoticed and there may be other possibilities for us to explore after this statement has gone public.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Sunday Morning Practice Times:

MotoGP:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 1:39.283
2. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 1:39.52
3. Max Biaggi, Honda, 1:39.639
4. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 1:39.838
5. Marco Melandri, Yamaha, 1:40.063
6. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 1:40.102
7. Alex Barros, Yamaha, 1:40.130
8. Shinya Nakanao, Yamaha, 1:40.142
9. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 1:40.172
10. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 1:40.285
11. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 1:40.327
12. Colin Edwards, Aprilia, 1:40.340
13. Makoto Tamada, Honda, 1:40.371
14. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:40.667
15. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 1:40.706
16. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 1:40.916
17. John Hopkins, Suzuki, 1:41.299
18. Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 1:41.430
19. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton, 1:41.472
20. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 1:41.934
21. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton, 1:41.944
22. Garry McCoy, Kawasaki, 1:41.952
23. David De Gea, Harris WCM, 1:43.163
24. Chris Burns, Harris WCM, 1:43.703


250cc:

1. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:42.661
2. Sebastian Porto, Honda, 1:42.928
3. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:42.958
4. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:43.388
5. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:43.514
6. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, 1:43.587
7. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, 1:43.628
8. Eric Bataille, Honda, 1:43.775
9. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:43.809
10. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:44.387
11. Anthony West, Aprilia, 1:44.589
12. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, 1:44.731
13. Alex Baldolini, Aprilia, 1:44.859
14. Chaz Davies, Aprilia, 1:44.910
15. Alex Debon, Honda, 1:44.943
16. Hector Faubel, Aprilia, 1:45.077
17. Hugo Marchand, Aprilia, 1:45.101
18. Joan Olive, Aprilia, 1:45.231
19. Christian Gemmel, Honda, 1:46.063
20. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, 1:46.139

28. Katja Poensgen, Honda, 1:49.635


125cc:

1. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:46.072
2. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:46.340
3. Stefano Perugini, Aprilia, 1:46.626
4. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:46.730
5. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 1:46.746
6. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 1:46.868
7. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:46.872
8. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 1:47.174
9. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:47.340
10. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 1:47.353
11. Marco Simoncelli, Aprilia, 1:47.420
12. Fabrizio Lai, Malaguti, 1:47.501
13. Roberto Locatelli, KTM, 1:47.501
14. Gabor Talmacsi, Aprilia, 1:47.518
15. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:47.623
16. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:47.633
17. Simone Corsi, Honda, 1:47.762
18. Manuel Manna, Aprilia, 1:47.841
19. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia, 1:47.874
20. Mika Kallio, KTM, 1:47.875
21. Youichi Ui, Gilera, 1:48.145

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

World Supersport Race Results:

1. Karl Muggeridge, Honda, 16 laps, 34:05.948
2. Chris Vermeulen, Honda, -0.263 second
3. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki, -3.959 seconds
4. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki
5. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda
6. Fabien Foret, Kawasaki
7. Jorg Teuchert, Yamaha
8. Gianluca Nannelli, Yamaha
9. Werner Daemen, Honda
10. Barry Veneman, Honda
11. Alessio Corradi, Yamaha
12. Michael Laverty, Honda
13. Dean Thomas, Honda
14. Jan Hanson, Honda
15. Robert Ulm, Honda
16. Christian Kellner, Yamaha
17. Thierry Vd Bosch, Yamaha
18. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha
19. Didier Vankeymeulen, Kawasaki
20. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki

27. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, -3 laps, DNF
28. Iain MacPherson, Honda, -8 laps
29. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha, -10 laps
30. Pere Riba, Kawasaki, -14 laps

Fastest Lap: Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki, 2:06.922


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

HONDA’S MUGGERIDGE LIFTS ASSEN WIN

Honda CBR600RR rider Karl Muggeridge took a spectacular win–his first for three years–in Sunday’s ninth round of the World Supersport championship at Assen in Holland.

The Ten Kate team, CBR600RR ace snatched the lead from team-mate Chris Vermeulen with half a lap to go in the 16-lap battle to secure a welcome win and the second successive Assen 1-2 finish for the Ten Kate Honda squad.

Winner Muggeridge said: “It’s been a long time and it feels absolutely brilliant to win again. I knew I was capable of it when I held the lead in the early stages of the race and was comfortable with the pace. It’s all credit to the team and the work they’ve done on the CBR600RR motor in the build-up to Assen.”

Runner Vermeulen now leads the championship by 42 points–needing an eighth place finish from either of the final two rounds to be crowned champion. He commented: “I wanted to win but, at this stage of the championship and with the situation as it was on the last lap, I’ll take second.

“I was lucky to finish. When Jurgen van den Goorbergh crashed he hit my machine and damaged the exhaust. It reduced the power a little and I was confused as to what was happening.”

The Suzuki pairing of Katsuaki Fujiwara and Stephane Chambon were third and fourth with Klaffi Honda’s Sebastien Charpentier fifth after holding third place on the opening lap.

“I would have liked to have been on the podium like the last round at Brands Hatch but I’ll take fifth,” said Charpentier. “I chose the wrong rear tyre but the result moves me into 11th place in the standings and I’m happy with that.”

Fabien Foret was sixth aboard his Kawasaki with Jorg Teuchert winning an epic 11-rider battle for seventh place. Gianluca Nannelli was eighth with Van Zon Honda¹s Werner Daemen ninth and Barry Veneman 10th on his wild card Kobutex Honda.

Daemen commented: “That was a terrific battle I was involved in. I chose the wrong front tyre but I’m still happy with ninth place. It’s a good finish for us and the new motor we got from Ten Kate was very, very strong.”

Robert Ulm, on the second of the Klaffi Hondas, took the final world championship point for 15th place, the Austrian said: “Now the machine is perfect but it’s taken us to the race to find the right set-up ­ just because of the wet practice yesterday. I was in the battle for the places between seventh and 15th ­ I suppose I was the loser!”

Van Zon Honda’s Iain MacPherson crashed out on the ninth lap after holding sixth place, he escaped injury and commented: “I chose the wrong front tyre and that’s what caused the crash. It’s my own fault but we weren’t helped by the weather conditions during qualifying yesterday.”


More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Belgarda:

DAY OF DISASTER FOR YAMAHA BELGARDA AT ASSEN

The ninth round of the 2003 Supersport World Championship is one that Yamaha Belgarda would be happy to forget, though the early signs were full of promise. But today’s sixteen lapper saw both Yamaha Belgarda riders Jurgen van den Goorbergh and Simone Sanna crash and end the day without a point to their names. Jurgen made a good start and was second after one lap and looked as if he was settling in for an attack on the lead, but then crashed out on seventh lap – fortunately without serious injury. His team mate Simone Sanna managed a further seven laps, but he too took a tumble and ended up in the dirt. Karl Muggeridge won the race, with Honda team mate Chris Vermeulen second and Katsuaki Fujiwara (Suzuki)) third, Stephane Chambon (Suzuki) fourth, Sebastien Charpentier (Honda) fifth and Fabien Foret (Kawasaki) sixth.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH – DNF
Well that wasn’t what I planned at all! I made a good start and was happy in the top three when, on the seventh lap, I think I braked a little later then usual and got into a bit of trouble. I was very, very close to Vermeulen and I didn’t want to take him out, so I also used the rear brake and that was enough to crash. I banged my left elbow and a blued a fingernail, but otherwise I was OK. I’m very disappointed because I wanted to do well in front of my home fans and also keep up title challenge. But this time Assen wasn’t kind for me and I now will have to try and make up for it in the next two races.

SIMONE SANNA – DNF
I didn’t get a good start and soon I was involved in a battle with a lot of other riders. I was fighting to get past, but it wasn’t easy, so maybe I was pushing a bit too hard and then I lost the front end and that was that. I like this track a lot, but today was not my day here. Imola is next for us and that will be a ‘home’ race for us, so I really have to do well there.