From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI TARGET ANOTHER STEP UP THE LADDER

MotoGP R2. South African GP, Phakisa Freeway, Welkom – April 27, 2003

Team Suzuki goes to South Africa for the second round of the year firmly bent on speeding the development of their all-new 2003 MotoGP machine – the GSV-R.

The second round of the year sees the exciting new machine still at a relatively early stage of its ultimate potential, and the team, riders and factory staff working on two fronts. The short-term aim is to make the most of the possibilities of the race. The longer goal entails a patient search for the crucial combinations of chassis, suspension, gearing and engine performance that will lift the GSV-R to more competitive levels.

At the first round in Japan, both Kenny Roberts Jr. and new team-mate John Hopkins finished in the points, with Hopkins 13th, and the 2000 champion inches behind. This reflected a pair of solid rides, getting the best out of the machine’s first race, with consistent fast laps.

But the position was far below each rider’s capabilities, and also below the true potential of the GSV-R, completely redesigned as a clear step forward from last year’s first-ever four-stroke GP Suzuki.

“Our new machine is a big step forward from last year, and we’d hoped and expected to be closer. But we have to face the facts. All the rivals have made a big step too, and we are in a similar position, having to make up technical ground,” said team manager Garry Taylor.

“Our task is clear. We know exactly what areas of the machine need to be improved. The factory has already shown their commitment, and the team is working hand in hand with them to make those improvements.

“It’s a big challenge,” said Taylor. “But that makes us all the more dedicated to achieving it.”

The South African GP is the second of two opening flyaway races, with the teams operating out of makeshift accommodation, their spare parts and equipment in crates at the back of the pits.

The track, on the outskirts of the gold mining town of Welkom, has other peculiarities. The chief characteristic is the altitude – at more than 4.500ft above sea level, it is by far the highest track of the year.

This altitude thins the air, sapping energy from the riders and (more significantly) power from the engines – as much as 15 percent, by some estimates.

The gold-mining location leaves another legacy … Welkom is an area with frequent if relatively minor earth tremors, and the consequence is a bumpy track surface. “It reminds me of some places in California,” said Roberts last year.

The track has been completely resurfaced for a second year in succession, but the Suzuki riders expect the ripples and stutter-bumps will still be a factor. As well as 14 technical corners and an often-dusty surface, the bumps add further complexity to the tortuous 2.6-mile lap.

There is a weekend break after the South African GP before business resumes in earnest at Jerez in Spain, the first race in the grueling European season.

KENNY ROBERTS – ONE TO GET UNDER THE BELT: We’ll have to see how well the resurfacing works on the bumps, but I’m sure it’s gonna be dirty. The first day is just going to be getting used to the track. I’m not really looking forward to the race, for two reasons. For one, it’s a long way; and secondly because our level is low at the moment. But I’ll be there to try my hardest, and we’ll do our best with what we have.

JOHN HOPKINS – BACK TO THE BUMPS: It’s a lot different from Suzuka, and I think we can fare better here than at the first race. The track is real hard work, and especially I’m not looking forward to the first day, when we’ll be clearing the dust off the racing line. I hope they got rid of some bumps with the resurfacing … though I’m pretty used to bumpy tracks from racing in the US.

ABOUT THIS TRACK: Funded by the local Free State government as a boost to the economically troubled gold-mining area, the Phakisa Freeway was built on the site of the old “Goldfields” circuit. The bold new initiative combined an international-standard banked Tri-Oval Nascar-type circuit with the road-racing course, which shares some sections as it loops back and forth, without actually using the full banking. The oval track has barely been used, but the twisting short circuit has been a regular on the GP circuit since 1999. With 14 corners ranging from medium-speed ess-bends to slower U-turns, it is a highly technical circuit. One special feature is the corner at the end of the back straight. Approached at 160mph, the bikes are still leaned over as they have to brake with increasing pressure as the corner tightens into one of the slowest bends on the track. Sited in a quiet area at the far end of the goldfields stretching southwards from Johannesburg, the 4,500ft altitude makes it the highest track of the year.

ABOUT THIS RACE: The first South African GPs ran from 1983 to 1985 at the old Kyalami outside Johannesburg. A brief revival at the new Kyalami in 1992 was a one-off event, but in 1999 the race was revived at the new Phakisa (“Hurry Up”) Freeway. The track proved challenging from the start – with a slippery and unpredictable surface only making the tight, looping layout more difficult. The track also became bumpier year by year, especially where it crosses the oval track, although a full resurfacing for this year should improve the situation. At the same time, the thin air saps at the engines’ power, and can affect throttle response.

GP DATA – Phakisa Freeway, Welkom

Circuit Length: 2.636 miles – 4.242 km

Lap Record: 1:34.834 – 100.056mph, 161.030 km/h, T Ukawa (Honda) 2002

2002 Race Winner: Ukawa

2002 Race Average: 44:39.467 – 99.159mph / 159.581 km/h

2003 Fastest Race Lap: see record

2002 Pole Position: V Rossi 1:34.660

2002 KENNY ROBERTS (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki). Race: DNF retired. Qualification: Sixth – 1:35.396

2002 JOHN HOPKINS: (Yamaha 500). Race: 14th. Qualification: 17th – 1:36.092

From SPEED:

3:00 p.m. American Thunder

3:30 p.m. BMW Globeriders World Tour

4:00 p.m. FIM World Supersport, Phillip Island

5:00 p.m. AMA Formula Xtreme, Fontana, California


7:00 p.m. Bike Week

7:35 p.m. American Thunder

8:10 p.m. FIM 125cc Grand Prix, Suzuka

9:15 p.m. AMA Superbike, Fontana, California

10:20 p.m. AMA Superbike, Fontana, California

11:25 p.m. Corbin’s Ride On

12:00 a.m. Bike Week

12:35 a.m. American Thunder

1:10 a.m. FIM 125cc Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan

2:15 a.m. AMA Superbike, Fontana, California

3:20 a.m. AMA Superbike, Fontana, California

4:25 a.m. Corbin’s Ride On

All times are Eastern.

From a press release issued by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – MAY 2003
Making the Streets Safer for Motorcyclists

IRVINE, Calif. – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s mission is to make the nation’s streets and highways safer for motorcyclists through rider training programs, operator licensing programs, and public information campaigns. As part of this mission, we often partner with other groups that have an interest in issues concerning motorcycle safety.

As you may know, the month of May is a “Special Emphasis Period” designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During this month, the focus is on highway and traffic safety issues concerning motorcyclists, providing motorists (other vehicle operators) an opportunity to become familiar with the motorcyclist’s view of the highway as well as enhancing their awareness of the motorcyclists who share the road with them.

Historically, automobile drivers are at fault in the majority of auto-motorcycle crashes. The driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash. On the other hand, when the motorcyclist is at fault, he or she has typically made a bad choice, such as riding while impaired. Working together, we can reduce both types of hazards by helping motorists become more aware of motorcycles on the road, and by ensuring motorcyclists are more aware of the consequences of their own choices.

MSF offers several types of training and educational materials for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, including:

CD with several newly developed PSA print ads and press releases that address rider training, licensing, motorist awareness, helmet use, and more.

Three PSA radio scripts.

“Cars, Motorcycles and A Common Road” VHS video; focuses on motorist awareness.

“Riding Straight” VHS video; deals with alcohol-impaired riding.

“The MSF Guide to Group Riding” VHS video.

Two 30-second television PSA’s, co-produced by MSF and RADD (Recording Artists, Actors & Athletes Against Drunk Driving).

CD with artwork for “Take It Easy” campaign posters.

CD with “Take It Easy” audio PSA’s.

MSF-branded protective gear: reflective vests and a reflective helmet band.

For a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month packet, which includes some of the print and radio ads plus an order form for the other materials, please contact Ken Glaser at (949) 727-3227 x3011 or via email at [email protected].

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Vengeance, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI ANNOUNCEMENT

April 21 2003

Suzuki Motor Corporation offers its sincere condolences to the family of Daijiro Kato, who passed away on Saturday.

Kato-san was a true racing hero and his passing is a sad loss to the world of motorcycle racing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment – Motorsports:

2002 XSBA National Champion “Thew” Blankstrom broke the previous World Record for the Longest Endo on a motorcycle at Mid-America Motorplex in Glenwood, Iowa (located near Omaha, Nebraska) by rolling 749 feet on the front wheel of his Suzuki GSXR-750!

Definition of an Endo: When the front brake is applied with force strong enough to lift the rear wheel off of the ground.

Only the distance traveled on the front wheel is measured. It took some time building on his distance throughout the day. Once over 500 ft, the distance was increased to 680 ft, 695 ft, then 731 ft, and finally the World Record distance of 749 feet.

The World Record attempt was sponsored by Tim O’Neill Motorsports, a Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Polaris dealership located at the intersection of I-29 & I-80 in Council Bluffs, Iowa along with Moturis Motorhome and Motorcycle Rentals and Stuntlife.com, both in Aurora, Illinois.

Blankstrom set his sites on breaking the World Record for the Longest Endo previously set at just over 738 feet after Craig Jones on a Buell XB-9R claimed the record held by Kevin Carmichael of 668 feet on a Suzuki 1000. Both riders have accomplished their respective records by modifying their stock handlebars to a Moto-Cross bar set-up. (Visit StuntLife.com for video footage.) Blankstrom’s machine remains relatively stock, with only aftermarket clip-on handlebars mounted in their original location.

On this stock-like set-up, Blankstrom had been consistently rolling endos over 680 feet, with his longest measured at just over 725 feet with a limited approach.

“Given the room to catch another gear, I was sure that I could get another 75 feet”, stated Blankstrom on his way home from Florida. Adding, “My goal is 800.”

This attempt will also act as a promotion for Round 1 of the XSBA National Championship Series, and the 1st Nat’l Point Round at the Mid-America Motorplex May 23-25. We expect to see another World Record attempt from TenNinety6 team member Matt Gorka who is already practicing to keep the record in the United States. We expect over 900 feet from Gorka, you won’t want to miss it! The XSBA Show will be held in conjunction with the “Mid-America Cyclefest” and Motorcycle Rally co-promoted and produced by Formula USA and the Mid-America Motorplex. The weekend will include regional and national road race competition, street freestyle competitions / demos by the top XSBA teams, drag racing, a motorcycle rally, a mechanical bull, bands Friday through Sunday nights, and much more.

“Tim O’Neil Motorsports will be the official sponsor of the event May 23-25, and we are expecting more than 5,000 enthusiasts to be a part of the Motorcycle Rally over the weekend”, stated Brian Stickle of Mid-America Motorplex. Adding, “that doesn’t even include the Road Race, Drag Race, Freestyle, or concert fans. There should be something for everyone, and we are really looking forward to the event.”

From a press release issued by the AMA:

Two-stroke Dirtbike and ATV Ban Proposed in Massachusetts

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The sale of new two-stroke off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles would be banned in Massachusetts under House Bill 1909, introduced by state Rep. J. James Marzilli Jr. (D-Arlington), the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

Under his proposal, it would be illegal for anyone to sell “a recreational vehicle containing a two-stroke engine, including, but not limited to, a snow craft, an all-terrain vehicle, a personal watercraft, or a motorboat.”

“This is the most sweeping ban ever introduced in any state,” said Royce Wood, AMA legislative affairs specialist in charge of off-highway issues.

If passed, the bill would outlaw new sales of the vast majority of motocross bikes in the state, although anyone who bought a two-stroke built before June 1, 2004, would be allowed to resell the vehicle.

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture. Letters from Massachusetts residents opposing the bill should be sent to the committee chairwoman, Sen. Pamela P. Resor (D-Middlesex), Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture, Room 473F, State House, Boston, MA 02133.

Or, Massachusetts citizens can go to the AMA Rapid Response Center at the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com to send a message opposing this bill.

From a press release issued by Honda:

Corporate Communications
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The Passing Away of Daijiro Kato

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

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

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

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

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

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April 2003

SHAKEY DOUBLES UP AS EASTON COMPLETES HAT-TRICK FOR MONSTERMOB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Superbike Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number of Students: 14

Length: 2 Days

Instructors: 8

Lessons: All hands-on racing techniques

Fun: Unlimited

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

Racing: Once or twice each day

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

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

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

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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

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

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

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