Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from AMA Pro Racing’s Ken Rogers, in response to our post, “3/11/2003 And Now A Very Good Question About The Daytona AMA Superstock Race, And Transponder Scoring Of Close Finishes.”


Editor, roadracingworld.com:

Thanks to John Kos from Albuquerque for your observations regarding the use of transponders in timing and scoring. Your calculations are correct that at approximately 180 mph a .009 margin of victory equates to about 2.34 feet. With a physical margin of victory of about 2″ – 3″ the actual time gap should be more in the order of .000631312 seconds. Our timing system is accurate to .00010 seconds and we display times rounded up to 1/1000 of a second. The reason for the .009 margin is due to the difference in placement of the transponders. This difference in transponder placement may have an effect on a finishing margin but it would make no difference when it comes to qualifying. Each rider is timed exactly the same lap after lap so his transponder placement is only relative to himself.

Establishing a reasonable yet effective location for the transponders can be a challenge. Automobile racing organizations such as NASCAR and IRL can mandate a specific distance back from the front bumper of a car for transponder placement. This is a very exact distance such as 24″ and this is checked during technical inspection. Because most of the chassis and body designs are very similar within these series it is easier to achieve a standard location. In the AMA Superbike Championship events at Daytona we had 19 different models of motorcycles and we will have even more when the Formula Xtreme class is added at Fontana. Add to this the various bodywork manufacturers and it becomes very difficult to establish one, universal location to mount a transponder that works for everyone.

Other factors come in to play such as the orientation of the transponder and proximity to electronics and carbon fiber. The TranX 260 and TranX Pro transponders that we use are more accurate when positioned vertically. The performance of the transponder can be inhibited if it gets buried among a cluster of electronics and they definitely do not like carbon fiber. This is why in the World Superbike Series race officials hand you a transponder and ask you to mount it wherever it works best.

At the Dunlop Tire Test this past December we began testing the TranX Direct Power transponders. This transponder is about 1/3 the weight and size of the standard TranX 260 and TranX Pro transponders because it does not have a battery. The transponder runs on the 12 volts from the motorcycle’s on-board battery yet only draws about .5 mw. Because it is required to be wired into the electrical system we asked the teams to experiment with different locations. As this new transponder is smaller in size it is easier to find space within the motorcycle’s fairing. Most of the teams using these have them positioned up inside the front fairing in a spot that is too small for our standard transponder and bracket.

If we could specify one location that is ideal it would be on a front fork tube just above the axle bolt. This would put the transponder in a location that is close to universal in relationship to the front edge of the front tire. However, this may not be suitable for everyone.

The timing and scoring system that we use is manufactured by AMB of The Netherlands and is the same hardware used by the Indy Racing League, CART, NASCAR, World Superbike and MotoGP series. Moreover, we are just one of three customers in the world using their new TimeGear timing software. AMB timing systems have proven to be the most reliable and accurate systems available.

Because there is always the possibility of a discrepancy in the transponder timing for determining finishing margins, we have established a number of additional contingencies. As a backup, and as a matter of procedure, we operate a video camera at the finish line which we start recording at the halfway mark of the race. Not only will we review close finishes between first and second place but we will take a look throughout the field at any other close finishes. In addition we have made arrangements with the television production crew to be able to review their video tapes of the finish as well. In the case of the Superstock Final we took a look at both to reconfirm the transponder timing. Finally we have our manual scorekeepers who, in this case, unanimously scored Tommy Hayden as the winner.

So to John from Albuquerque and other readers who may have had the same observation I hope this helps to answer your question. As more teams and racers choose to acquire these new direct power transponders it will become easier for us to find a universal location that is safe, functional and practical for everyone. And our current transponder placement continues to be reliable and accurate for qualifying and racing.

Ken Rogers
Director of Timing and Scoring
AMA Pro Racing

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Lightning Moto Sport’s 2nd Annual Apriliapalooza runs March 14-15, featuring demo rides, food, drinks, dyno runs and door prizes.

Lightning Moto Sport is located at 1974 SW S. Macedo Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984, (772) 871-2340.

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

Ducati North America announces the appointment of Mr. John Porter to the position of Director of Marketing and Communications, effective March 17th.

Mr. Porter comes to Ducati North America with years of experience in the motorcycle industry, including Yamaha Motor Corporation and Moto Guzzi North America. He is an accomplished industry executive whose trademarks are strategic planning, effective implementation and a high involvement managerial style. We welcome him to the team.


Ducati North America also announces the resignation of Mr. Kerry McCammon, Director of Marketing.

Ducati North America would like to thank Mr. McCammon for his help during his tenure and wish him the best.

From VP Racing Fuel:

VP’s MR9 Debuts and Dominates in Daytona!

SAN ANTONIO, TX – “Dominant” is the only appropriate word to describe the recent debut of MR9, VP Racing’s newest road racing and MX fuel. It swept the 4-stroke classes in impressive fashion with wins in 600cc Supersport, 750cc Superstock and Superbike. Miguel DuHamel won the pole for the 600 class but ended up winning the Superbike race, while his teammate Kurtis Roberts won the 600 class. Despite giving up more than 110cc’s to his competitors, Tommy Hayden won the 750 class on a 636cc Factory Kawasaki bike – a testament to the power of MR9…

Proving MR9 isn’t the only weapon in its arsenal, VP’s MR8 won the 250 GP class in a runaway, with Rich Oliver finishing 10 seconds ahead of the competition. Overall, VP Racing fueled the top 8 finishers and 17 out of the top 20 in the 600 class; the top 10 finishers in 750; top 3 in Superbike; and top 2 in 250 GP!

But VP’s rout didn’t end there! Ricky Carmichael and his Honda powered to his fourth straight Daytona Supercross win on VP’s MRX01. Carmichael was followed by Chad Reed’s Yamaha on VP’s MR2 and Tim Ferry’s Yamaha on VP’s MR9. On top of that, the top three finishers in the 125 East Supercross all got their power from MRX01. Finally, the Formula USA Sportbike and Superbike classes were both won by Matt Wait, riding a Knee Draggers Yamaha fueled by VP’s MR1.

If anyone labored under the misperception that VP Racing’s expertise and prowess were limited to dragracing, their delusion was summarily shattered in Daytona. The fuels in VP’s MR Series are likely to dominate motorcycle racing for years to come.

MR9 was designed for 4-stroke road racing and MX where lower octane can be tolerated, as well as supersport and some superbike applications that can run on a lower octane fuel. Dyno tests have proven a 2% to 3% increase in power over VP’s MR1, which in turn delivers up to 6% more power over pump gas. There is nothing on the market that makes more power than MR9!

MR1 is currently VP’s most popular 4-stroke road race fuel for AMA Pro Racing, although it’s believed that will change with the introduction of MR9. The power behind Honda’s 2002 AMA Superbike Championship, MR1 can be used in Supersport, Superbike, most Formula Extreme type applications and 4-stroke motocross where the octane requirements are fairly low.

MRX01 was introduced in 2002 to meet the demands of the top professional motocross teams, who wanted the power of MR1 but with enough octane to run in 2-stroke applications. MRX01 makes 1- 2% more power than MR2 but has a lower octane value. It also is excellent in high compression or Formula Extreme type 4-stroke road race applications where the octane of MR1 is not high enough.

MR2 is still the best all-round 2-stroke MX fuel given its power to cost ratio. MR2 has a high motor octane of 102 and produces 3% more power than standard type race fuels. MR2 was designed specifically for 2-stroke motocross and has won multiple AMA Supercross and MX championships each year since its introduction in 1998 through 2001.

MR8 is designed specifically for 125cc and 250cc GP 2-stroke engines where high octane is needed. MR8 makes significantly more power than standard type race fuels.

The verdict is in — if you’re on a motorcycle these days, the surest way to the winner’s circle is VP Racing’s MR Series fuels. More information is available on the attached tech bulletin and VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com.


From Ben Bostrom News:

Leaving Daytona with a Rolex and a podium finish is one Ben Bostrom. The Las Vegas resident returned home this season from racing overseas to contest the AMA Superbike Championship with the factory Honda team, the same team he won the title for in 1998.

The race weekend didn’t quite get off to a smooth start, however. “We’ve just been struggling this week with all the rain and in the 600 race too. We have a couple of the most important races of the year here, and it rains all weekend. The thing that ended up killing us was the Supersport race. My hands fell asleep during the 2nd or 3rd lap. My hands just went numb. And I couldn’t feel the brakes so I had to follow everybody. The high frequency of that little motor is what did it. The motor is just singing, revving so much on the banking. It just put my hands to sleep. I ended up just following everyone and that was a disappointment.

“And naturally, losing the 200 race, well that was a disappointment too. A race that I really, really wanted to win. Man, that was heartbreaking. I just didn’t know where those guys were going into the last chicane there, so I hit the brakes and tried to stall them out and then gas it back up. Obviously that was the wrong move to do. And Miguel, I set it up perfectly for him! With Kurtis’ draft, the lapper’s draft, and my draft, it couldn’t have been 1…2…3…any nicer for him! As a teammate, Miguel’s great. He’s a really funny guy. And definitely a hard charger. But he beat us because he was smarter.

“But I came home to win races, to win a championship. That’s why I’m here. And my bike, it is so fast.

“It’s going to be a fun championship.”

Log onto the NEWS page on www.BenBostrom.com to see a picture of Ben with his pole-position earning ROLEX


From Dark Dog Suzuki:

Former Pro Thunder racer, Jessica Zalusky, will race the AMA 750 Superstock Championship, for the newly formed team, Dark Dog Suzuki. Jessica, who made an appearance at Daytona, is currently finishing her professional snowboarding competition season, and will be testing this month at Midamerica Motoplex in Iowa in preparation for the remaining AMA racing season.

Dark Dog Energy Drink, who is the new presenting sponsor of the AMA Suzuki Showdown at Road Atlanta, has joined the team as the primary sponsor. Dark Dog Suzuki Team has received great support from the industry, partners include Bridgestone, Kymco Scooters, Moto Primo, Midamerica Motorplex, Teknic Gear, BRP/Champion Equipment, Suomy Helmets, Galfer Brakes, Scotts Performance, Armour Bodies, Factory Pro, MaDesigns, Specialized Graphics, M4 Exhausts, VP Fuel, and Edge Performance Riding Courses.

For more information about Dark Dog Suzuki, go to www.roadracinggirl.com


From a press release issued by Corona Extra Suzuki:

SUN SHINES AT DAYTONA BUT RAIN ON THE CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI PARADE!

Though the sun shone this Monday at the Daytona International Speedway, it still rained on the Corona Extra Suzuki parade with bad luck in both races entered!

In the main event, the Daytona 200 by Arai, rider Jordan Szoke started well in his first running of this prestigious race, getting as high as ninth before a bolt from another machine punctured the Suzuki GSXR1000 oil cooler covering the bike and tires with oil. Jordan was skilled in being able to stop without mishap.

In the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock event, defending champion Jimmy Moore hit a false neutral as he tipped into turn one on the start, causing him to run straight, stop and run across a big expanse of grass covered in two inches of water. Moore left Turn One dead last. He rode like the same wind Daytona Speedway experienced over the event weekend, working his way past 16 riders but using up his tires in the process. Moore finished in 15th position by race end. Teammate Adam Fergusson, in this his first ever event at the imposing Speedway, rode very well getting as high as second during the race. Always in the lead pack of 7 bikes, Adam’s inexperience in drafting and gearing selection for his Suzuki GSXR 750, so critical at Daytona, held him back at the finish, completing the race in the lead pack and netting 7th, only 1.4 seconds behind the winner. A great first Daytona result. Jordan Szoke was never able to break from the second pack of 6-8 riders and ended the race in 14th position.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Because American Honda is paying in both the Supersport/Superstock classes and the Superbike classes at many club races, at first glance it sounds like a racer with a CBR600RR could win $3000 a weekend in just 600cc classes. However, there is a catch, (actually a couple of catches, if you’re not a U.S. citizen or don’t have a green card), as explained in the fine print for the Honda contingency program:

“Contingency awards will be paid based on the rider’s best overall finish in one class, per registered unit, per event. Contingency will not be paid for multiple classes at the same event with the same machine. A minimum of five (5) riders in a class (in any event) must race for contingency to be paid. Contingency payouts will only be issued to riders with a valid U.S. social security number, a valid U.S. mailing address and a completed W-9 form.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to a letter dated March 5 and addressed to “Benelli Dealer/Prospect,” Benelli has split with its U.S. distributor.

The letter, signed by Sandro Caparelli, Sales and Marketing Manager for Benelli SpA, states:

Thank you for your patience over the past several months as we continue to implement our introduction into the USA market.

Please be assured that Benelli Motorcycles realizes the importance of a timely introduction of the Benelli Motorcycle brand to the North American market, while at the same time building the best possible foundation for the brand’s ongoing growth and development in your country.

It is for this reason that after careful consideration, we have decided to end our relationship with Superbike Inc.

While this change will inevitably result in a delay in the arrival of our bikes in the market, we feel that it is necessary to reach the best results for our dealers and their clients in the long term.

In the meantime, please feel free to forward any correspondence directly to us, as we will make it a priority to assist you in handling any issues that may arise concerning Benelli Products.

In the near future, we will contact you again to advise you of our next steps and to provide you with our best estimate of the first arrival of USA products.

Again, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Sandro Caparelli
Sales and Marketing Manager
Benelli SpA
FAX 011-39-721-404-232
e-mail [email protected]


Benelli SpA’s address is:
Strada della Fornace Vecchia s.n.
61100 Pesaro,Italy

From a press release:

VP RACING APPOINTS NEW SALES MANAGER FOR PACIFIC REGION

SAN ANTONIO, TX – VP Racing Fuels, Inc., an industry leader in the production and distribution of racing fuels, named Kelley Hendel as Regional Manager-Pacific Region. Hendel steps in behind her husband, Bruce Hendel, who in a previously announced move, was promoted from Regional Manager to Global Sales Manager for VP.

Kelley Hendel will be based in VP’s Southern California office and is responsible for directing sales activities in VP’s Pacific region, which includes California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, western Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim. An avid motorcycle rider, racing enthusiast and 8-year veteran at VP, Hendel has been instrumental in the growth of the company’s Pacific region over the last several years, according to VP’s President, Fred Morrison. “Kelley will be a tremendous resource to our Pacific region customers due to her vast knowledge of racing fuels and the racing industry,” Morrison said. “Her customers already attest to her unbridled energy and her ability to maintain solid, mutually supportive relationships. As we continue to experience significant growth, it’s a pleasure to be able to tap an experienced professional like Kelley to ensure we don’t miss a step during these transitions.”

Over its 28-year history, VP Racing has fueled champions in virtually every racing category and class — from drag racing and circle track to motocross, off-road, off-shore and even airplane racing. VP has earned a reputation for producing high quality racing fuels with superior power and consistency – as illustrated by the 2002 AMA Supercross, Formula USA Superbike, Formula One Hydro-Prop and other champions, each of whom made VP their fuel of choice. In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes synthetic oils, 2-cycle lubricants, additives, chemicals, traction compounds and racing-related accessories – each designed to produce the most power and best performance in their respective racing applications. More information can be obtained from VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com.

From a press release issued by American Suzuki:

Former ATV Magazine Editor Joins Forces with American Suzuki Motor Corp.

BREA, Calif. – American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), announced that former ATV Magazine Editor in Chief Glenn Hansen assumes the role of advertising manager for ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division. Hansen, 39, will be responsible for media planning, coordinating advertising and dealer-support materials, budget management and more. He will report directly to Mel Harris, vice president of ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division.

“We are very excited to welcome Glenn Hansen to American Suzuki,” said Harris. “He brings years of industry experience to the table, he comes from a very creative background and he’s enthusiastic about our sport. We expect great things from Glenn.”

Before coming to American Suzuki, Hansen worked for Ehlert Publishing in Minneapolis, Minn., where he presided over ATV Magazine, ATV Sport and Rev Magazine. He was employed there for nine years, first as a managing editor on the personal watercraft magazines and later as editor in chief in the ATV group. He is a life-long motorcycle and ATV enthusiast.

“I’m really looking forward to working for American Suzuki, while still maintaining my media relationships,” said Hansen. “I’ve always enjoyed Suzuki’s products, and I like the idea of being able to contribute to Suzuki creatively and to use my knowledge of the industry and the products themselves to help Suzuki communicate and grow.”

Although Hansen and his family – wife Christine, 10-year-old son Ben and 6-year-old daughter Haley – still reside in Minneapolis, they plan to relocate to Southern California in June.

From a press release issued by Pirelli:

PIRELLI’S “LARGEST-EVER” DAYTONA AMA RACING PRESENCE YIELDS SECOND IN SUPERSTOCK, EIGHTH IN SUPERBIKE

(Daytona, FL) With 22 AMA Superbike racers, 15 Superstock, and eight Supersport racers on its tires, Pirelli enjoyed its largest-ever AMA Daytona racing presence in the just-completed 2003 Bike Week action, and came away with some impressive results.

Arclight Suzuki’s Lee Acree, riding Pirelli Supercorsa DOT radials, came within .009 of a second of catching Tommy Hayden at the line in Monday’s rain-delayed Superstock race, the closest Superstock finish ever. Teammates Vincent Haskovec and Mike Ciccotto on Pirelli-shod Hooter’s Suzukis finished fifth and sixth after swapping the lead for much of the race. Pirelli racers took seven of the top 20 Superstock finishes. In Monday’s Daytona 200 By Arai Superbike showdown, Michael Barnes, on the Prieto Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, took Top Privateer honors with his eighth-place finish on Pirelli’s latest 16.5-inch slicks. He ran as high as sixth in the race. Pirelli-equipped superbike racers captured six of the top 20 positions.

Explaining Pirelli’s increased AMA presence, Race Manager Rich Munson said it’s “a combination of some of our 2002 Formula-USA racers moving over to AMA racing for 2003, and more AMA racers making the switch to Pirelli.”

While some Pirelli F-USA racers may have made the move to AMA, enough remained to make a difference. In Daytona’s Formula USA Sunday finale on March 2, Pirelli racers won the Superbike, Sportbike, and Thunderbike races in dramatic fashion. Dave Estok, Joseph Rozynski, Richie Morris and their Buells swept the Thunderbike podium in a race that saw Pirelli take five of the top six spots. Matt Wait and Scott Harwell gave Pirelli first and second in the Superbike final. And Wait also gave Pirelli the victory in the F-USA Sportbike race.

Friday and Saturday’s CCS action saw Pirelli take 23 podium finishes, including seven race wins.


From a press release issued by Dream Team Ducati:

Dream Team Racing ends the Ducati jinx of recent years with a top 12 finish. The 200 is notoriously hard on the big V-Twin although Larry’s motor ran perfectly.

Larry Pegram led the field into the first turn from 8th place on the starting grid aboard his Ducati 998RS03. “I got a great start and it’s nice to begin my first race riding for Dream Team Racing with a holeshot.” Pegram ultimately finished 12th from a field of 79 after two unexpected extra pit stops.

Engine Builder Mike Velasco built a motor that was prepped by Elliot Cho & Maci Matsumoto that lasted the distance. In fact Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Superbike Director and Gabriele Raccio Customer Technical Assistant were very happy with the performance data on the engine. They were especially pleased that the motor was still running strong after 200 miles on the high speed banked track.

The Team is very unique in that it is owned by an African-American, Deveaux Hill and a Chinese-American, Kaming Ko. They were both on hand in the pits and were pleased with the overall result. They said, “We are very happy with the bike in general and look forward to Fontana where we had an opportunity to test in February.” Dream Team Racing (DTR) being brand new, only tested twice before the season opener. Once at Laguna Seca in January and the above mentioned Fontana test.

Speed Channel in their Daytona broadcast mentioned a rumor that a well known entertainer was interested in sponsoring DTR Ducati. It is however a Team policy not to comment on any potential sponsors. They did confirm that they are actively seeking an outside the motorcycle industry Title Sponsor and that they have been talking to several sources.