Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Motorcycle road racing is likely to become more important in the future for Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Road America.

CART insiders say that all three road courses are on a short list to be replaced in the CART car racing series, which is angling for street-course races in larger urban settings.

The replacement of the Road America CART race is underway, with litigation already filed by both sides in a dispute involving a revenue-sharing agreement related to the 2002 CART race at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin facility.

Racetrack officials have complained about declining income related to CART-event sponsorship deals and spectator ticket sales.

The changes could make AMA National races the largest and most important spectator events at the three targeted tracks.

From a press release:

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SPRING MOTORCYCLE SHOW OPENS THE 2003 RIDING SEASON, APRIL 5th & 6th.

The dates for the 2003 Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show are April 5th & 6th, at the Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road. Presented by SUPERSHOW Events, this is Ontario’s Spring Motorcycle Marketplace, now in its 14th year.

The Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show is a traditional season opener for motorcyclists at the beginning of the riding season as they prepare to get their bikes on the road. Vendors will have bargains on all types of riding apparel, accessories, new parts and hard to find used parts, as well as information on safety, rider training and insurance. Stage shows featuring ‘Daytona Fashions by On The Fringe’ and entertainment run both days of the show. Over 30 Clubs, Associations and Racetracks will be on hand to meet the public and present their ‘Summer 2003′ activities. The finest vintage, touring, off-road, racing and custom Showbikes will compete for over $15,000 in Mid-USA Cash & Awards, with a top prize of $3500 for Best Bike in Show.

The Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation, The Ride for Sight, and the B.A.D. Ride have been named the Official Show Charities and the Brampton Motorcycle Association is the Host Club. Show hours are Saturday;10am-9pm and Sunday;10am-6pm Admission is $12 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free. Admission also includes a 1/2 price discount coupon to the Collector Car Auction going on at the same time at the International Centre. For more information call (905)655-5403 or visit www.supershowevents.com

From a press release:

Not thrilled, but not unhappy. That would describe Eric Bostrom’s post-Daytona mood. The media-picked favorite to win the 2003 AMA Superbike Championship finished the first race in a lonely fifth position. “All in all I’m happy to step out, away from Daytona in one piece, with a race finish and with decent points. That’s pretty much what this race is all about. You know, I would like to win this race someday. Maybe next year when we have the new 1000, but right now, it’s just too difficult for us.”

The #32 rider rode strong for much of the race and was in touch with the leaders on his ZX-7RR, despite giving up horsepower to the 1000’s on the NASCAR track. “I’m happy with how the race started. I was up there battling with the guys. And then on the tire after the second pit stop, I don’t know, I just seemed to have trouble getting going on it. We had some troubles. I about tipped over a couple times. And then I just fell out of the draft, so I was done. At that point the race got pretty lonely and I just conserved it to the finish.”

Meanwhile, brother Ben, who many consider Eric’s biggest title challenger, just missed out winning his first Daytona 200 by finishing a very close 2nd. “I was disappointed for Ben. But he probably did me a favor, though, getting less points at the beginning of the season like that. I certainly anticipate him being tough all year long. And as much as I’d like to see him win the race, I think he did me a favor by not winning it because it’ll be a little bit easier for us to catch up with him.”

Indeed. Especially considering Daytona was only round 1 of 18. It’s certainly going to be a fun and interesting championship to watch.

From a press release:

Phillips Motorsport Group is proud to announce TeamPrivateer.com. This website is dedicated in providing online support for LPUSA Team Privateer members. This website will allow members to be informed about the program in a more up to date and convenient way than monthly letters.

The website features a forum section where racers and non racers can participate in communicating with Team Privateer Reps and other racers from around the country. Various Team Privateer racers on a monthly basis are selected based on their racing successes through the year and are spotlighted as “Team Privateer of the month”. This provides the Team Privateer racer the recognition he has earned and allows him to present his experience online for other racers.

Team Privateer vendors that support the program are a big part of making this program such a success. Every month a selected vendor highlights a racing product and offers sponsorship possibilities.

From a press release:

Snap-on named title sponsor

Short Track National at The Raceway at Powercom Park

FORT WORTH, TX. (March 14, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports announced today that Snap-on Tools Company would be the title sponsor of the Snap-on Short Track National to be held during Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. This spectacular event will be part of the K&N Filters Pro Dirt Track Series on Saturday, August 30, 2003 at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

“We are very pleased to take part in this exciting motorcycle event. This is a great opportunity to show our support for America’s purest form of motorcycle racing while helping celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary,” said Carl Johanson, Snap-on manager of motorsports. “We are committed to the development of high-performance tools and equipment, and we enjoy supporting these racers, as well as delighting our customers, with the quality and value of the Snap-on brand.”

“We are thrilled to have Snap-on as the title sponsor of the Snap-on Short Track National,” said Mike Kidd, a VP of Clear Channel Motor Sports. “Snap-on, one of the best toolmakers in the world, is actively involved in supporting racing and promoting professionals in the industry, so this partnership will provide a huge boost to the event.”

Snap-on Tools Company LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage, diagnostics software and other solutions for vehicle-service, industrial, government and agricultural customers, and commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and employs approximately 13,100 people worldwide.

SNAP-ON SHORT TRACK NATIONAL
Saturday, August 30th
The Raceway at Powercom Park
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Gates Open 1pm
Races 8pm

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

CAPIROSSI (1:44.7) FLIES IN DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM
TESTING AT BARCELONA

Barcelona (Spain), 13 March 2003 – The Ducati Marlboro Team put in an extra day’s testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya today, in view of the two-day official IRTA tests here on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March. The session brought an end to Ducati Corse’s development phase for the Desmosedici, four examples of which were available at the circuit for the first time, two for each rider. The tests will mark the final roll-out for the Desmosedici before the team heads to Japan for the pre-race test session and the opening round of the MotoGP championship, scheduled for April 6 at Suzuka.

Troy Bayliss, who had never seen the Spanish track before, put in as much mileage as possible, and the Australian ended the day with 95 laps to his name. His best time was 1:47.2 as he switched between his two bikes and continued with general set-up work.

“I did a lot of laps today” said Bayliss at the end of the session, “because I have to learn this circuit really quickly. It’s a great track, but is very demanding and tough to learn. It was important to test here today and now I can approach the IRTA tests in the best possible way on Saturday.”

Satisfaction was also expressed by Capirossi, who completed a total of 60 laps, constantly lapping on the pace and recording his quickest time of 1:44.7 at the end of the day. Loris also concentrated on set-up work on the two Desmosedici machines available.

“Not bad for a first day’s work” declared Loris. “Finally the weather conditions allowed us to work well and we are at a good point. The time I set gives me high hopes for the IRTA tests against all the other teams here on Saturday and Sunday.”

Both Capirossi and Bayliss used 2002 Michelin tyres, but will test with 2003 rubber at the weekend.


More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

HARD WORK CONTINUES FOR FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM

The Fortuna Yamaha Team completed two days of testing in glorious sunshine at Barcelona’s Montmelo circuit today. The squad was present along with Yamaha partners the Gauloises Yamaha Team and Team D’Antin Yamaha as well as the Ducati and Suzuki MotoGP teams. The test was scheduled to replace valuable time lost to poor weather during February. It comes ahead of this weekend’s two-day official IRTA test that should see all the MotoGP contenders go head to head for the first time in 2003.

Spaniard Carlos Checa completed a total of 54 laps today on his Yamaha YZR-M1 before a fall put an end to his track-time. He was disappointed with his time of 1:44.9 despite the fact that it is almost seven-tenths of a second faster than the lap record and a third of a second quicker than his 2002 qualifying time. Checa, who finished third in last year’s Barcelona race, explained: “Yesterday we started with the same settings we had when we tested here before, but I was struggling to go as fast. We changed a few things today and the bike was feeling better but I crashed at the last corner on a hot lap. Maybe I was just pushing too hard or perhaps the tyres weren’t quite up to temperature. It’s good in a way that we can try again on Saturday with the bike rebuilt.”

Checa’s new team-mate in the Fortuna Yamaha squad, Italian 250cc World Champion Marco Melandri, was back to fitness for the test following a shoulder injury sustained in Estoril last month. He was once again working on the fuel-injection settings on his Yamaha YZR-M1 having only recently switched from the 2002-spec carburettor version of the four-stroke machine. He completed 67 laps with a best time of 1:45.7.

“The track feels quite bumpy and the grip level is not so good which adds an extra complication to set-up,” said the 20-year-old Melandri. “We have had to make quite a few changes since last time I rode here because the weather is a lot warmer. It’s good to be back on the bike and I am feeling quite comfortable. It’s good that we have another two days here and it will be interesting to see how I am doing compared to all my new rivals.”

More information will be available from both day’s of testing at this weekend’s Barcelona IRTA Test, the first test at which all 2003 MotoGP competing manufacturers will be present.

TIMES
Alex Barros, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:44.4 (87 laps)

Carlos Checa, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:44.9 (54 laps)

Shinya Nakano, Team D’Antin Yamaha 1:45.1 (52 laps)

Olivier Jacque, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:45.4 (60 laps)

Marco Melandri, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:45.7 (67 laps)

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.