Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Chris Vermeulen took provisional World Supersport pole in Friday’s timed qualifying at Phillip Island.

With light rain falling intermittently at various parts of the circuit it was a difficult qualifying session for all the riders. Ten Kate Honda’s Karl Muggeridge was one of the victims of the conditions when he highsided at MG after a brief shower had left the track greasy in the last few turns.

But while Muggeridge was being checked over and declared fit at the Medical Centre, his teammate – and fellow Australian – Chris Vermeulen waited until the last five minutes before lapping at 1:36.161 to knock his championship rival Katsuaki Fujiwara off the provisional pole.

“It was raining in the session and the track was greasy in a few turns,” explained Vermeulen I didn’t want to do what Karl did so I held back hoping that it would get better late in the session – I would have been in trouble if it hadn’t!”

His plan worked perfectly, Chris got in a fast lap and grabbed pole right at the end. If it rains on Saturday, Chris has an obvious advantage.

Behind Fujiwara in second spot was Dutchman and ex-GP racer Jurgen Van Der Goorbergh. A surprise fourth on the grid went to reigning Champion Fabien Foret, despite an obvious lack of top end on the new ZX-6RR. Foret clocked up 254.4 kph (158.1 mph), way below the 275.8 kph (171.4 mph)reached by Iain MacPherson on his Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR.

World Supersport Championship
Round 2, Phillip Island 28-29-30 March 2003.

Fastest lap times:

1. Chris Vermeulen, AUS, Honda, 1:36.161
2. Katsuaki Fujiwara, JPN, Suzuki, 1:36.531
3. Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh, NED, Yamaha, 1:36.843
4. Fabien Foret, FRA, Kawasaki, 1:36.859
5. Christian Kellner, GER, Yamaha, 1:36.971
6. Pere Riba, ESP, Kawasaki, 1:37.022
7. Iain MacPherson, GBR, Honda, 1:37.147
8. Stephane Chambon, FRA, Suzuki, 1:37.185
9. Broc Parkes, AUS, Honda, 1:37.238
10. Kevin Curtain, AUS, Yamaha, 1:37.252
11. Jorg Teuchert Jörg, Yamaha, 1:37.388
12. Robert Ulm, Honda, 1:37.728
13. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, 1:37.777
14. Alessio Corradi, Yamaha, 1:37.779
15. Gianluca Nannelli, Yamaha, 1:37.937
16. Thierry Vd Bosch, Yamaha, 1:38.038
17. Werner Daemen, Honda, 1:38.049
18. Shannon Johnson, Honda, 1:38.153
19. Gianluigi Scalvini, Honda, 1:38.349
20. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha, 1:38.952
21. Karl Muggeridge, Honda, 1:39.275
22. Kai Borre Andersen, Kawasaki, 1:40.347
23. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki, 1:40.686
24. Didier Vankeymeulen, Kawasaki, 1:40.726
25. Christophe Cogan, Honda, 1:43.218


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

VERMEULEN PUTS NEW CBR600RR ON TOP IN AUSTRALIA

Chris Vermeulen blasted to provisional pole position aboard his CBR600RR Honda during Friday’s opening qualifying session for round two of the World Supersport championship at Phillip Island, Australia.

The 20-year-old, looking for victory in his home race on Sunday, was one second inside the lap record as he took his Ten Kate team machine to the top of the leaderboard.

Vermeulen said: “It was a session which needed a little bit of thought. I was hoping it would dry out towards the end and it did but there were a few spots of rain early in the session and I’d seen Karl (Muggeridge) crash so I didn’t want to take any risks.”

Championship leader Katsuaki Fujiwara ended the day second fastest with Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh third and defending world champion Fabien Foret fourth.

Behind fifth-placed Christian Kellner and Pere Riba in sixth came the Van Zon Honda of Iain MacPherson, the British rider having no complaints as he took a provisional second row start.

MacPherson commented: “We got over one or two niggling little problems from this morning and the bike felt great. After I’d set my fastest lap I then got held up by another rider on the next lap and then managed to miss a gear and run off the track at Lukey Heights when I could’ve improved my time.”

Stephane Chambon ­ an injured absentee from the first round ­ completes the provisional second row in eighth with Broc Parkes ninth on his BKM Honda.

Parkes said: “The machine feels good but I managed to burn out the rear tyre when I was halfway through my best lap. But everything feels OK and I’m ready to try and move up the grid a bit tomorrow.”

Wild card rider Kevin Curtain completes the top 10 while Austrian Robert Ulm was 12th quickest on his Klaffi team Honda, Ulm said: “I made a couple of mistakes on my best lap and I could have done with a slipstream from someone that’s so important here.”

Werner Daemen ended the opening day¹s action in 17th on the Van Zon Honda, he said: “I’ve found a really good race tyre so we¹ve achieved something today but I got held up on my fast lap so I’m hopeful of being a lot faster tomorrow.”

Klaffi Honda’s Gianluigi Scalvini is still coming to terms with the Supersport machine after a successful 125cc career, ending Friday in 19th place, the Italian admitted: “I’m finding it very difficult and lacking the confidence to the point where I¹m only riding at 70%. The machine is fine and I can see exactly what I’m doing wrong, hopefully I can work it out overnight.”

Karl Muggeridge crashed early in the Friday afternoon qualifying session and was listed as 21st fastest. Muggeridge suffered minor ankle ligament damage and expects to be OK for tomorrow¹s action, he explained: “There was a few drops of rain around and I think it caught me out, highsiding as I exited MG.”

BKM Honda’s Christophe Cogan ­ fourth in the championship ­ crashed twice in the 45-minute qualifying session, escaping injury on both occasions but the Frenchman failed to record a time and was listed as a non-qualifier. Cogan said: “The first crash put us under pressure and from that moment onwards I didn’t settle down and it all ended with the second crash.”


More, from a press release issued by Chris Vermeulen’s publicist:

PROVISIONAL POLE AT THE ISLAND
The stocks of Australian Chris Vermeulen hit new heights at Phillip Island today with the twenty year old snatching provisional pole position in the dying stages of the opening qualifying session for the 2nd round of the World Supersport Championship.

The young Aussie waiting until his final lap of the session to go to number 1.

“We struggled for rear grip during the session but the WP Suspension guys worked on it and did a great job to get me going. We were just in time,” Vermeulen said.

He added, “I used two qualifying tyres, the first one took me to second, the last one put me in front of Fujiwara, but I was actually a bit slower through Lukey Heights after I made a mistake so I think I can get into to the 1:35’s tomorrow.”

The Queenslander posted a 1:36.16 to be 0.4 ahead of world championship series leader Katsuaki Fujiwara.

“Conditions are not very good today, it’s windy, but the bike is getting better and better and we’re going to do some work on the rear shock for tomorrow.

“I’ve got pole, now I just have to hang on to it. The support I am getting down here is just great. Things are going well but Sunday’s the only day that counts,” Vermeulen commented.

Vermeulen is currently 2nd in the race for the world championship and will continue his bid to be the youngest ever world champion in final qualifying tomorrow.


More, from a press release issued by Alstare Corona Suzuki:

Team Alstare Suzuki rider Katsuaki Fujiwara posted a lap of 1:36.531, to end up second quickest at Phillip Island at the end of the first day of qualifying.
The Japanese rider was content to sit just behind local hero Vermeulen (Honda) and is ready to attack pole position tomorrow. His team Stephane Chambon battled through the pain barrier and finished a superb eight quickest on a day that was beset by strong winds. Chambon’s ribs are still sore from the crash he had in the week before the opening round at Valencia, but the gritty Frenchman defied the pain today and is looking forward to improving his grid position tomorrow.
KATSUAKI FUJIWARA ­ 2nd, 1:36.531
I am pretty happy with second position at the end of today. The Suzuki is working very well and we are only making small adjustments for tomorrow, so I think everything is going well. The only real problem I had today was the strong wind. It can be a big problem here because we are so close to the ocean, so I took it a bit steady today. If the wind dies down tomorrow, I know I can go much quicker. Of course, I want pole position, but as long as I am on the front row of the grid, I’ll be happy.

STEPHANE CHAMBON ­ 8th, 1:37.185
Considering my ribs, I am quite happy with today. Second row of the grid is not so bad and I know there is more to come. Today, I had a lot of problems with the wind out there and because I am quite small, it was difficult for me to steer the bike as I wanted to. If the wind is less tomorrow, I can go much quicker. As for the race itself, it’s hard to know how long I can ride very hard. Hopefully, I’ll have a good idea tomorrow and be OK for Sunday. Friday qualifying


More, from a press release issued by Belgarda Yamaha:

Provisional front row for Jurgen

Team Yamaha Belgarda rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh set the third quickest time on the first day of qualifying at Phillip Island today despite suffering from the effcts of ‘flu. Last week, Jurgen had been stricken with high fevers and was forced to take antibiotics and although he is not up to full strength, he still managed to stay in touch with Chris Vermeulen (Honda) and Katsuaki Fujiwara (Suzuki). Jurgen’s team mate Simone Sanna, suffered a small crash at Siberia corner in the afternoon session and was forced to use his number two bike for the rest of the qualifying session. He ended the day thirteenth quickest overall, but will be back on his favourite number one bike for tomorrow’s final qualifying. Strong winds hampered quick times in the morning session, but in the afternoon Vermeulen posted a lap of 1:36.161 ­ a second quicker then the official lap record. Jurgen is well inside that record and Sanna is only half a second or so behind, so the prospects are good for tomorrow.

JURGEN VAN DEN GOORBERGH ­ 3rd, 1:36.843

Considering I’m only about 70%, I’m very happy with my times today. At the moment, my head feels a bit blocked and it’s difficult to concentrate, so to do these times today is very satisfying. I know this circuit and like it a lot, so I’m sort of doing good times automatically. I am definitely not riding freely at the moment, so I know I can go much faster. If my head clears a bit more and I feel a bit better, I can improve my times a lot.

SIMONE SANNA ­ 13th, 1:37.777

Unfortunately I had a small crash in the timed qualifying today and I had to use my number tow bike for the rest of the session. I am not so happy with it and so I couldn’t really push it hard and go for a quick time. I’m a bit disappointed about this, because I know I can do much better. I fell when I lost the front end ­ maybe on a little bump -at Siberia Corner, but luckily I wasn’t injured in the crash. The team have repaired the bike and tomorrow I’ll be able to chase a quick time for sure.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The FIM Superbike Commission has issued revised rules to close a loophole in the new-for-2003 World Superbike tire restrictions.

Under the previously announced tire rules observed during round one of the 2003 World Superbike Championship at Valencia, Superbike riders were limited to a total of 13 marked, rear tires during free practice, qualifying sessions and Superpole but were not limited to the number of front tires or “wet” tires used.

The new rules did not define “wet” tires or state that “wet” tires could only be used in “wet” conditions.

Evidently, some tire technicians at Valencia saw the grey area in the rule and began making a few, small, thin cuts to rear tires used in practice and calling them “wet” tires.

FIM has acted quickly to close the loophole and issued the following press release today.


Superbike & Supersport World Championships
Regulations – Decisions of the Superbike Commission

The Superbike Commission, composed of Messrs. Claude Danis (FIM), Paolo Alberto Flammini (SBK International), Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) and Giulio Bardi (Team representative), has unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Regulations for Superbike (immediate application):

– Tyres (Superbike Art. 2.4.6.7)

At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices and Superpole, a maximum of 13 rear slick tyres may be used. A Technical Steward must mark these 13 tyres. There is no restriction on the number of front tyres that may be used.

Rear wet tyres have no restriction on the number that may be used in wet conditions (*).

All types of rear tyres used in dry conditions (*) will be included in the total quantity count.

On race day, there is no restriction on the number of rear slick tyres that may be used.

During free practices, qualifying practices and Superpole, no motorcycle may enter the track without the rear slick tyre being marked (except in wet conditions*)…

(* According to Art. 1.21.5)

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

PICTURE FOR THE 2003 PRO HONDA OILS U.S. SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY SHOEI HELMETS WILL BECOME CLEARER AFTER FONTANA

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Daytona is done and the contest for the 2003 Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Helmets continues on Sunday, April 6 at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The Daytona Supersport race is almost a single-race championship unto itself, with the factories putting many of their Superbike riders on Supersport bikes to increase chances of a victory at the prestigious race. Now attention turns in earnest to the chase for the AMA Supersport title and Fontana should bring that picture much more into focus. Fontana is round two of the 11-race championship.

Honda’s Kurtis Roberts leads the series coming into Fontana after winning earlier this month in Daytona, but the 2000 series champ is not expected to contest the entire championship. That leaves Yamaha’s new man Jamie Hacking as the de facto series leader coming into California. “Hacker” is a proven entity in Supersport racing. The 33-year-old resident of Greer, S.C., is ranked fifth on the all-time AMA Supersport wins list. The only thing missing in Hacking’s impressive résumé is an AMA championship and that’s something he aims to change this year.

“I’m so ready to win a championship,” Hacking said. “It seems like every year I’m in the hunt and something happens. I feel good about the team and the position I’m in this year, so hopefully we’ll keep it under control this season, win some races along the way and bring it home number one.”

Third in the series standings is “Da Man” of AMA Supersport racing – Miguel Duhamel. Duhamel is to Supersport racing as Michael Jordan is to NBA basketball. Duhamel has nearly four times as many career wins in the class as the next rider on the list and has been brought back into the class after a year’s absence to fetch the title back for Honda.

Erion Honda Racing’s Jake Zemke comes into Fontana ranked fourth in the series. This will be Zemke’s fifth year in the series and he’s looking to improve on his highest ranking in the championship, which was sixth in 2001. Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo is the youngest of the top runners coming into Fontana. The 19-year-old former AMA Horizon Award winner is ranked fifth and is one of the pleasant surprises in the early part of the season.

Defending AMA Supersport champ Aaron Yates had a disappointing outing at Daytona and comes to Fontana ranked 14th. Yates is the defending Fontana Supersport race winner but will be concentrating on the Superbike class for the remainder of the season. As it stands Ben Spies, like DiSalvo a past AMA Horizon Award winner, comes to Fontana as the top ranked Suzuki Supersport rider. Spies is ninth in the standings.

Kawasaki’s first outing with its newly redesigned ZX-6RR was not what the factory had hoped. Tommy Hayden, who won two races and finished second in the standings last year, was pegged to be a surefire contender. He finished 13th at Daytona. On the bright side Hayden was 45th in last year’s Daytona Supersport race after getting caught up in an early-race crash, yet was able to climb back to second by series end. If Kawasaki can work out early kinks with the new bike look for Hayden to make a similar charge in the championship this year.

Privateers made some noise at Daytona in a field thick with factory and factory-backed entries. Libasci Racing’s Jamie Stauffer finished a very solid seventh at Daytona and was less than a second behind winner Roberts at the finish. Stauffer, who rides a Yamaha, is the latest is the seemingly endless string of talented Australians racing in America. He’ll be hoping to prove this weekend that his Daytona finish was no fluke. Matt Wait made a strong return to AMA Supersport racing at Daytona, where he finished 12th. Wait is riding a privately entered Yamaha backed by Kneedraggers.com.

The race will be televised on Speed Channel at 3 p.m. (EST) April 6, 10:20 p.m. (EST) and 3:20 a.m. (EST) April 8.
For immediate post-race results, points, live transponder scoring, in-depth series and rider information, regular columnists and much more, log onto www.USSuperbike.com, the official website of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship.

About AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the AMA Supercross Championship, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship and the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. Nearly 2 million race fans attended AMA Pro Racing events during the 2002 season. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

World Supersport championship
Phillip Island, Australia
Friday morning free practice

1. Chris Vermeulen, Australia, Honda, 1:38.134
2. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Japan, Suzuki, 1:38.139
3. Broc Parkes, Australia, Honda, 1:38.367
4. Pere Riba, Spain, Kawasaki, 1:38.668
5. Kevin Curtain, Australia, Yamaha, 1:38.814
6. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Holland, Yamaha, 1:38.865
7. Christophe Cogan, France, Honda, 1:38.881
8. Jorg Teuchert, Germany, Yamaha, 1:38.887
9. Alessio Corradi, Italy, Yamaha, 1:38.919
10. Karl Muggeridge, Australia, Honda, 1:39.027
11. Christian Kellner, Yamaha, 1:39.188
12. Werner Daemen, Honda, 1:39.343
13. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, 1:39.403
14. Iain MacPherson, Honda, 1:39.500
15. Gianluca Nannelli, Yamaha, 1:39.553
16. Fabien Foret, Kawasaki, 1:39.571
17. Robert Ulm, Honda, 1:39.722
18. Shannon Johnson, Honda, 1:39.876
19. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, 1:39.896
20. Gianluigi Scalvini, Honda, 1:40.815
21. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha, 1:41.335
22. Thierry Vd Bosch, Yamaha, 1:41.839
23. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki, 1:43.146
24. Kai Borre Andersen, Kawasaki, 1:43.863
25. Didier Vankeymeulen, Kawasaki, 1:45.429

From a press release issued by publicist Larry Lawrence:

Hopkins to launch and support media campaign to bolster Motorcycle Grand Prix popularity in America

RAMONA, Calif. — Grand Prix motorcycle racing is among the most popular motor sports on the planet – that is except for in the USA.

John Hopkins wants to do something about that.

To that end he is kicking off the Hopper 2003 MotoGP Publicity Campaign.

MotoGP attracted over 1.5 million fans last season. Huge audiences of 350 million TV viewers were able to watch each race. Last year MotoGP was televised in 208 countries, with 192 countries viewing their MotoGP programming live. Furthermore, MotoGP regularly generates volumes of coverage in major newspapers and non-motorcycle related magazines throughout Europe and Asia. However, in the USA even the most basic media attention for the pinnacle of motorcycle sport is often absent

In America, MotoGP exposure could be expanded dramatically with a concerted effort. With the sights, the sounds and the spectacular show MotoGP provides, it should generate the type of exposure seen in the U.S. by other world-class sports. And if a Grand Prix is to come to America in the near future then the time is ripe to get the ball rolling on helping Americans learn more about the sport, its teams and riders.

A window of opportunity has opened for America GP fans. With Americans Kenny Roberts, Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden and John Hopkins all part of one of the most exclusive fields in motor sports, MotoGP is primed for the media’s attention in America. Not since the 1980s has there been so many U.S. riders in the highest form of motorcycle racing.

Never before has the sport of Grand Prix racing been more poised to put forth a PR effort in America. John Hopkins along with his manager, Douglas Gonda will develop and implement a PR campaign to generate publicity for Grand Prix motorcycle road racing in the US.

“I’m willing to invest my time and money to help publicize motorcycle racing in America,” remarked 19-year-old Suzuki Grand Prix rider John Hopkins. “I‘ve seen how big this sport is in other parts of the world. I don’t think NASCAR has anything on MotoGP. But we need to start promoting this sport over here.”

The Hopper 2003 MotoGP Publicity Campaign is working to increase the visibility for the sport in America. This publicity program will include the following:

1. Retain one of the most experienced publicists in motorcycle racing in America to implement the campaign.

2. Provide for MotoGP Race And Qualifying Results to be filed with major news services.

3. Provide for MotoGP Race And Qualifying Results to be filed with USA Today and other major American Newspapers.

4. Pitch Stories to significant American sports and men magazines.

5. Pitch various TV programs on MotoGP related feature stories.

6. Coordinate PR efforts with other related PR efforts by Dorna, Suzuki and Red Bull.

7. Develop industry support.

8. Develop interest in an American Grand Prix event.

“An increase in the coverage for MotoGP will undoubtedly increase interest for the entire sport of motorcycling,” said Douglas Gonda, president of Protac and Hopkins’ manager “It’s gratifying to see that John, at just 19, recognizes the importance of stepping up the publicity of MotoGP racing in America. He is initiating this project with his own investment and hopes to show the value this type of effort can bring to his sponsors. This is one of the most innovative things I can remember a rider doing not only to bring added value to his own sponsors, but to unselfishly try to raise awareness of the sport in general.”

The Hopper 2003 MotoGP Publicity Campaign will jump into gear with the first MotoGP race of 2003 at Suzuka, Japan, on April 6.

From a press release issued by the Daytona International Speedway Public Relations office:

DIS Announces Changes to Public Relations Staff

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 27, 2003) – Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced today that David Talley has been named Director of Media Relations for the Speedway.

Talley, who recently served as International Speedway Corporation’s Director of Corporate Communications, will continue his Corporate Communications duties, as well as focus on media relations, public relations and consumer programs for the Speedway.

“As Director of Corporate Communications for the past 5 years, David brings a unique PR insight to an already talented team,” said Braig. “His contributions and past accomplishments will be invaluable as we continue to position Daytona International Speedway as the highest level of motorsports entertainment.”

Talley has a degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Prior to joining ISC, he served in the Public Relations department at CNN in Atlanta for 9 years. He has also had prior jobs at several news organizations.

Glyn Johnston, who has managed Daytona International Speedway’s communication efforts for the past four years, will focus on both DIS and ISC special initiatives.

“Leveraging Glyn’s experience in this new role will further enhance ISC’s position as the leader in motorsports entertainment” said Braig.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy focus on Phillip Island progress

Carl Fogarty is hoping for more progress from his Foggy PETRONAS Racing team when action in round two of the World Superbike championship starts at Phillip Island tomorrow.

Riders Troy Corser and James Haydon both scored points when the FP1 made its race debut at Valencia in the first round. And, with native Australian Corser finishing seventh in the second
race after qualifying on the front row, Carl is expecting further strides forward – from both riders.

Foggy, who had to return to England for family commitments after riding the FP1 at the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix last weekend, said: “Troy knows the track like the back of his hand and James went well in our test there after Christmas – so it would be great to think they will both be challenging for a top six finish. It was obvious that we were still lacking a bit of punch coming out of the slow corners but the fast flowing curves of Phillip Island should suit our bike a bit better, as the chassis is good at holding corner speed. We have also made one or two changes for this round, with a slight development of the exhaust system, which will hopefully improved torque at low revs.”

Troy, who has raced at Phillip Island every year since 1989 and who still holds the fastest race lap of 1:33.019 from 1999 – when he beat his current boss in both races, is relishing the return to action on home territory. “Everyone enjoys racing on their home circuit and I think the benefit for me is that it’s a circuit that suits my racing style. I find it easy to race here because I know it so well and I can almost ride without having to think where I am going.

“That means I can concentrate on what’s happening with the bike – which is important because the FP1 is still very new. I think the races will be a lot closer here – nobody will be finishing nine seconds in front of anyone. My expectations are to make the front row, or the front two rows after qualifying, and then catch the four guys expected to be at the front on the Ducatis. My next goal is to be the first Australian.”

James said: “I loved being back in a race situation at the first round and I can’t wait to get going again here. I just want to get in there and start showing what I can do and the bike can do. We had a good test here and the track will suit our bike better than Valencia at this stage of the development.”

Both FPR riders will be wearing black armbands for Sunday’s races as a mark of respect for Barry Sheene, who died earlier this month.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

DUHAMEL LEADS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP COMING INTO FONTANA DOUBLEHEADER

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Miguel Duhamel is in his 15th season of AMA professional racing, but the 34-year-old native of Montreal shows signs of being in the racing form that enabled him to win the 1995 AMA Superbike title. Duhamel, the all-time AMA Superbike wins leader, is coming off his 26th-career victory in the season opener, the Daytona 200, at Daytona International Speedway on March 10. Duhamel and the rest of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike competitors are heading to California Speedway, in Fontana, Calif., on April 4-6, for the Yamaha Superbike Challenge, rounds two and three of the 18-race championship.

This is the first time in four years that Duhamel has been atop the AMA Superbike standings. The veteran factory Honda rider is hoping to keep his momentum going as the series comes to Southern California.

“I’m feeling as strong as ever and my team has my Honda RC51 dialed in so well,” Duhamel said. “It’s going to be tough because of the great competition in the series, but I think I have a real shot at winning the championship this year. It’s been eight years, so I think it is about time I win it back.”

If Daytona was any indication, this year’s series could be the most competitive in years. In the series opener, six riders led the race on three different brands. One of those riders who led at Daytona was Anthony Gobert. Gobert won the Saturday Superbike race last year in Fontana and is looking to get his season back on track after engine problems forced him to retire at Daytona.

“I’m looking forward to Fontana,” said Gobert, a former Australian Superbike champ who rides for Ducati Austin. “We’ve got some points to make up after Daytona, but with 18 rounds this year, we have plenty of races to catch up. My goal is to go out and start winning races. If I do that then everything should fall into place for us.”

Duhamel’s Honda teammate Ben Bostrom is back in the AMA Series after three years in World Superbike. “I can’t wait for a race where we have to hang it out the entire way,” said Bostrom, referring to the normal 62-mile length of AMA Superbike races, versus the 200 miler at Daytona. “I haven’t raced at Fontana, but we have tested there. I came out of Daytona second in the points, so I feel good about where I am heading into the rest of the season.”

Kurtis Roberts has been close many times, but has yet to win his first AMA Superbike race. The 24-year-old son of legendary multi-time world champion Kenny Roberts, finished a very close third at Daytona and he is more than ready to get his first win in the books. He rides a Honda RC51 factory Superbike for Erion Racing.

While the factory Honda riders and Gobert are good bets at Fontana, the wildcards are factory Suzuki riders Mat Mladin and Aaron Yates, and Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom. Mladin and Yates are riding the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbikes. The new Suzukis were mega-fast at Daytona, but with so much power on tap, the challenge was to manage tire wear. Yates had the equation figured out at Daytona and was running in the lead group before an attempted pass on a lapped rider went awry forcing Yates to run off the track. He recovered and was charging towards the leaders and finished fourth at the drop of the checkered flag. Mladin and Yates each earned podium finishes at Fontana last year, so they know what it takes to do well there. Look for the Yoshimura Suzukis to be up front.

Eric Bostrom is riding one of the established Kawasaki ZX-7-based Superbikes. Bostrom’s bike is a nimble handling machine and both rider and bike are proven winners. Eric, the younger brother of Ben, comes to Fontana ranked fifth in the standings. He thinks he’ll be able to improve on that after the California Speedway doubleheader. Plus, Eric’s coming off an extremely successful session at Infineon Raceway where top riders tested several track changes. That momentum should bode well for Eric at Fontana.

Another rider to watch at Fontana is Larry Pegram, who won an AMA Superbike race in Southern California in 1999. Pegram is on the Dream Team Racing Ducati.

Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 has proven to be the Superbike choice of top privateers. Formula Xtreme champ Jason Pridmore could easily get up amongst the factory machines at Fontana on his Attack Suzuki GSX-R1000.

The first California Speedway Superbike doubleheader will run on Saturday, April 5 and the second race on Sunday, the 6th. Both rounds will be televised Live on Speed Channel (5 p.m. April 5 and 6 p.m., April 6 EST).

From a press release issued by the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

Mendell to chair Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s Board of Directors

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced that Mark R. Mendell, of Boston, Massachusetts, has been named Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Directors.

Mendell was named to the Board in 2000, and most recently was its Vice Chairman. He replaces Don Emde, who stepped down from the Chairman’s position to devote more time to his publishing business. Emde will continue to serve as a member of the Board.

A life-long motorcyclist and a Life Member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Mendell and his son have owned more than 25 motorcycles over the years. He became involved with the Museum in the early 1980s when it was still only a concept and, in the late 1990s, he led the team of architects and engineers responsible for designing the Museum’s current home on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

“It’s a privilege to serve the American motorcycling community as a member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s Board of Directors,” said Mendell, “and I look forward to new challenges and opportunities in my role as Chairman.

“Don Emde has my admiration and gratitude, and that of the entire Board, for his leadership during an important time in the life of the Museum,” Mendell continued. “I’ll continue to rely on his experience and contribution as a member of this Board.”

In his professional life, Mendell is President of Cannon Design, one of the nation’s largest architectural firms. He was recently elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, recognizing his personal achievements and contributions to architecture.

Long committed to volunteerism in public service, Mendell serves in various capacities on a number of boards and committees, including as a Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. In addition, he serves on the International Board of Advisors of the University of the Middle East.

From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

HM Plant Ducati targets race wins down under

The Superbike World Championship moves to the other side of the globe this weekend for the second round at Phillip Island, near Melbourne, Australia. Ducati Corse’s Neil Hodgson won both races at the first event in Valencia three weeks ago, but a third and fourth place in each race for fellow British riders James Toseland and Chris Walker sees them sharing third place in the points table.

The HM Plant Ducati riders rode impressively to record joint best results in the World Superbike series. Walker had previously finished third at the British round at Donington Park in 2000, and Toseland matched this feat at Assen in Holland last season. However, the challenge for the HM Plant Ducati duo is to move further up the podium towards that elusive first win.

Walker took third in the first race at Valencia and is already excited about his prospects in Australia: “I really like Phillip Island,” he said. “It has to be one of my favourite circuits on the World Superbike calendar. Despite the fact that I didn’t do that well on my first visit last year, I love the place. It’s such a long track that it almost becomes a new experience on every lap.

“After running so well at Valencia, I’m also looking forward to getting back on the HM Plant Ducati. After racing at Phillip Island last year on a four-cylinder machine, I am in eager anticipation of what the power and handling of the V-twin can do. I feel a bit like a sponge – I keep soaking up more and more information about the HM Plant Ducati, which in turn is helping me to improve my times.”

Toseland matched his team-mate’s performance in race two at Valencia and is also looking forward to the prospects for the Australian round: “I really like Phillip Island. It’s a fast and flowing circuit, and holds some really good memories for me – it was the first overseas track I tested at in 1998.

“I had an excellent start to the season in Spain, but I feel sure that Chris and I are going to get an extra boost in Australia. Our Chief Technician Stewart Johnstone has prepared some powerful engines for the HM Plant Ducatis, so we’ll be aiming to close the gap on the Ducati Corse machines of Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus this weekend.”