From today’s Birmingham News: Click here for story.

From a press release issued by AMA:

AMA SAYS JANKLOW CASE PART OF DEADLY NATIONAL TREND

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The tragic accident last weekend that claimed the life of a Minnesota motorcyclist is an all-too-common occurrence on the nation’s highways, reports the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

On Saturday, August 16, motorcyclist Randolph Scott of Hardwick, Minn., was killed in a collision with a car driven by U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow (R-S.D.). The fatal accident took place at the intersection of two county roads in eastern South Dakota.

Police reports note that there is a stop sign on Moody County Road 13, on which Janklow was headed south, while County Road 14, on which Scott was headed west, is a through road with no stop sign. Reports released by police investigators indicate that Janklow’s car, traveling at speeds estimated at 70-75 mph, did not stop at the stop sign and continued into the path of the motorcycle, giving the rider no chance to avoid the fatal collision.

AMA officials point out that this type of accident, in which a car or other vehicle violates the right of way of a motorcycle, is the greatest hazard motorcyclists face on the road. The most comprehensive study ever conducted into motorcycle accidents found that nearly 75 percent of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and that in almost two-thirds of those crashes, the cause could be traced to the other vehicle violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way.

“We’ve known for a long time about the dangers of car drivers violating motorcyclists’ right-of-way,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. “That danger, combined with the excessive speed and failure to obey a stop sign reported in this case, produced reckless behavior that took the life of an innocent motorcyclist.”

For more than a year, the AMA has been involved in a campaign called Motorcyclists Matter that focuses attention on the dangers faced by motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users, including bicyclists and pedestrians, as a result of drivers who violate their right-of-way. The Association is also campaigning in Washington, D.C., for funding for a new study into the causes of motorcycle accidents — the first in more than two decades.

From a press release issued by WCM:

WCM – Test Four Stroke at Brno.

After using the two stroke 500s for three races WCM is looking forward to the rest of the season with the WCM four stroke engine.

Director of Racing Peter Clifford:

“We were thrilled with Monday’s test of the revised WCM engine at Brno. It completed a total of 70 laps without problem, I have to admit that the lack of any kind of problem did surprise us, just the kind of surprise we needed. That doesn’t mean that we will not find problems over the next few races but it certainly is a great basis to start on.

“We saw this very much as a first run with the new engine and we not looking for any kind of lap time but it was good to see that David had no problems in getting into the low 4s (2:04.2) and he was confident that there was at least a second to come even with the bike exactly as it was, just with more track time as he ‘converted’ back from riding the two stroke.

“Chris was a little hampered by his still healing collarbone but he had a good day as well and ran some back to back tests with the older version of the WCM engine. They swapped bikes at the end of the day and agreed that the new engine is stronger through the rev range.

“We have a whole batch of engines coming through now and it is an enormous relief to see that the engine runs OK because with the time pressure of having everything ready for the ‘fly away’ races we could not wait and see what happened at the Brno test. If there was a fundamental problem we were in big trouble. As things stand now we will have engines for both riders at Portugal and the rest of the season.

“The WCM engine with the cassette gearbox arrangement and four valve head could be developed into a really good MotoGP power plant. Of course we are behind the major factories and just what we do next season depends on a lot of factors but is going to be fun to see what happens in the next six races.

“There will be more dyno testing before Estoril and we hope for a little more horsepower but of course there is a testing ban during this period so we will not be on track….. fortunately we don’t need to. We are in no way underestimating the challenge that still lies ahead, racing with the best machines in the world…. a huge task… but until we got over this hurdle it wasn’t even on the horizon.”

From a press release issued by Bruce Lind Racing:

Bruce Lind Racing announces that it is ending its two year relationship, tuning and mentoring, with Ed Sorbo, Sean Wray and Steve Scott.

While Bruce has enjoyed working with these three riders in support of their ever-improving performance in the AMA 250 GP series, the effort has left him unsatisfied.

After an injury-induced two-year retirement from riding, Bruce will return to on-track competition and begin his 38th year of racing at the penultimate AMA 250 GP event at Virginia International Raceway over Labor Day weekend.

Bruce’s last race at VIR was in a 5-hour endurance event held by AAMRR in 1971!

The plan is to participate in both of the final 250 GP events of the AMA series. Bruce rode his first AMA 250 GP event at Daytona in 1972.

“I just couldn’t see the AMA end the class without me being a part of it. During the return flight from the Mid-Ohio event, I decided that I had to find a bike to rent and gain approval from my long-suffering, but understanding wife. When I approached her with the idea, she said that she had been expecting it for more than a month! I’ve already done a track day and came up to speed after a session or so. My goal is to qualify and enjoy participating in the final two events before the AMA closes the book on the 250 GP class after 40 years.”

Special thanks to:
–My wife Edith for agreeing to let me do this.
–Andy Edwards for renting me his racebike.
–Kory Gill for loaning me his racebike for the track day.
–Ed Sorbo for finding a way to stuff all my equipment into an already full transporter.
–All my long time sponsors, RC-Koshien Yamaha in Nishinomiya Japan; Nankai of Kobe and Takamatsu; Bridgestone Tires; I-90 Motorsports in Issaquah, Washington; SpeedTune by AIM Racing Products; EBC Brakes; Silkolene Lubricants and Chemicals; Barnett Clutches; Wasco Frame Service; Jun ichi Yanagahara of Magical Racing, Osaka, Japan.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I played hookey yesterday and watched the Dunlop tire test.

There were only four riders, Mladin, Duhamel, Bostrom and Yates. Mladin could turn consistant 1:49.50s – 1:50.00s on good tires. The Hondas were in the 1:52s all day.

Yates only ran a few laps in the afternoon on a bike with brand new unpainted bodywork. He ran low 1:50s on the few laps he did do.

Mladin seemed to fall off after three laps and back into the 1:50s so who knows how long they would last or if he was just done.

David White
CCS Am #106
Palm Harbor, Florida

From Egor Emery:

Corner Marshalls Needed

If you have not confirmed your position for the upcoming round of the Chevy Truck AMA Superbike race at Virginia International Raceway, you have only 7 days to contact Egor Emery phone 352-257-7104 or email [email protected].

Barber Motorsports Park September 19-21

Those interested in working the first AMA Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park, located near Birmingham AL, should contact Egor Emery now.

Fall Cycle Scene and the Race of Champions at Daytona International Speedway October 15-19

Workers should contact Egor Emery to get on the crew and reserve lodging space.

Egor Emery
35544 Estes RD
Eustis FL 32736

352-357-7104
email: [email protected]

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Roadracing World’s Steve Atlas won a kart time trial for journalists sponsored by Red Bull and held at Irwindale Raceway Wednesday.

Red Bull invited selected media representatives and a handful of Red Bull-sponsored professional athletes to Irwindale Speedway, in Southern California, for a day of racing Rotax JR Fr-125cc go-karts, on Irwindale’s grand prix road course.

Participants ran a morning warm-up session in the morning and then an afternoon time trial to determine finishing positions.

In the morning warm-up Atlas topped the time charts with a fast lap of 0:27.70. He was followed by Paul Carruthers of Cycle News at 0:28.21, and professional watercraft racer Victor Sheldon with a 0:28.27.

In the afternoon final the drivers were split into groups of five based on lap times from the morning warm-up. Each group was given a few warm-up laps and then five laps to try and set a fast time.

The final saw everyone improve their times, with the top three separated by less than 0.2-second. When it was all said and done it was Atlas on top once again with a fast time of 0:26.758, followed by Larry Mason of California Sports Car magazine at a 0:26.779, and Sheldon at a 0:26.875.

The top three drivers received prizes courtesy of Red Bull and Irwindale Speedway, including passes to attend a NASCAR-style driving experience and large quantities of Red Bull energy drink.


Top-10 Final Times:

1. Steve Atlas, Roadracing World, 0:26.758.

2. Larry Mason, California Sports Car, 0:26.779.

3. Victor Sheldon, Red Bull Jet Skier, 0:26.875.

4. Tommy Clowers, Red Bull Freestyle MX rider, 0:26.999.

5. Paul Carruthers, Cycle News, 0:27.376.

6. Shane Tritler, Red Bull, 0:27.429.

7. Jon Devore, Red Bull Skydiver, 0:27.483.

8. Chris Jonnum, Road Racer X, 0:27.662.

9. Rich Van Every, Red Bull photographer, 0:27.817.

10. Hayes Wheelless, Red Bull, 0:27.880.

From a press release issued by Triumph:

BIGGEST DISPLACEMENT STANDARD PRODUCTION CRUISER
INTRODUCED BY TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES

Triumph’s Legend Continues to Grow:
New 2.3 Liter (140 Cu. In.) Cruiser Unveiled in America

SAN ANTONIO, TX – August 20, 2003 – Ending months of speculation Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., unveiled Triumph’s new power cruiser – the Rocket III – in San Antonio, Texas, during the annual US dealer conference. It is the biggest production motorcycle currently being built.

There isn’t a benchmark or limit that hasn’t been exceeded. The first production motorcycle to break the 2-liter barrier, the potency of this powerful new machine is captured perfectly by its name – the Rocket III. But make no mistake, the Rocket III is not just another motorcycle; it’s the ride of a lifetime.

As the name alludes and paramount among the cruiser fold, the Rocket III is powered by a triple cylinder engine, an engine format that
Triumph has distinctively engineered for today’s performance enthusiast. Its fuel-injected, longitudinally-mounted, in-line three-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 2,294cc – 140 cubic inches – and uses the same size pistons as a Dodge Viper(tm).

The Rocket III produces more peak torque than two of almost any other production motorcycles combined. To be precise, a whopping 147ft.lb torque at 2,500 rpm, with 90% delivered at a mere 1,800 rpm. This stunning triple digit number means, two-up, it will accelerate faster than just about anything else on two wheels. Pulling 1.2g in the process.

From the throaty, beat of the triple-cylinder exhaust note to the Speed Triple inspired twin head lamps, the Rocket III is every inch a Triumph. Drawing styling cues from across the Triumph range, the designers fused the power and control usually associated with a sports machine with the elemental essence of our contemporary classics. To this, they added the cruiser embellishments that this customer group demands, low seat height (29.1-inches), pullback handlebars and foot-forward controls.

Riders played an integral role in the development of this power cruiser. Focus groups from around the world, and particularly within the US, confirmed that in the power cruiser world “bigger” is most definitely better. But they also made three other demands:

1. The Rocket III had to be unmistakably a Triumph and not a clone of more conventional formats

2. It must be grounded in the real world rather than a flight of fancy, with the performance to back the style

3. It had to have ‘presence’

“The Rocket III’s the ultimate power cruiser and gives Triumph a strong foot-hold in the cruiser market,” explains Triumph Motorcycles Product Manager, Ross Clifford. “It breaks the mold and will appeal to riders seeking a unique and impressive riding experience. It’s the sort of bike that enthralls the rider completely, engaging all their senses.”

And while the Rocket III’s statistics and its looks are striking, Triumphs are built to be ridden, not just admired. Usability is a core belief at Triumph and an element close to the heart of every Triumph rider, so built around the Rocket III’s motor is a chassis that’s more than a match for its monstrous output.

A tubular steel spine frame houses the motor while maintenance-free shaft drive lays power to the massive, 240/50-section rear tire. The front brakes are Daytona 955i specification – twin four-piston calipers mated with floating 320mm discs – and provide awesome stopping power. The rear brake is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc. The fuel-efficient engine coupled with a huge 6.6 gallon fuel tank, gives the Rocket III an impressive range.

Just as remarkable as the engine’s sheer motive force is the balance that’s been struck between power and control, making the Rocket III a surprisingly easy-to-manage machine. The ergonomics are such that it’s no more of a stretch to the foot or handlebar controls than it is on the Triumph America cruiser model. This relaxed riding position, along with the hugely torquey engine, provides the perfect platform for stealing the limelight close to home or for eating up countless miles on a cross-country jaunt.

The standard machine is fitted with a detachable pillion seat and comes in Jet Black or Cardinal Red. There is also a wide range of Triumph accessories available for those who want to add a touch of their own personal style to the Rocket III.

The last motorcycle to bear this name, was the 1960’s BSA Rocket, although badged as a BSA, the motorcycle was powered by the very first Triumph triple engine. Triumph’s own version of the same machine was the 1969 Trident.

Following the August, 2003 presentation to Triumph’s US dealer network and US motorcycle press, the Rocket III will make its European debut at the International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy in September. Triumph Motorcycles Limited’s press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m., September 16, 2003 in the Purricelli Room, EICMA Milan and Triumph’s full 2004 model line-up will be revealed.

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

From a press release issued by Willow Springs International Raceway:

TOYE REGAINS TOP SLOT AT WILLOW SPRINGS WITH TIGERT ON HIS TAIL

Rosamond, CA – Jeremy Toye was back in true form on Sunday as the Willow Springs points leader grabbed the top spot for his 7th time this season. AFM Formula Pacific leader Jeff Tigert, made the most of his visit to Willow Springs, with a strong second place finish, besting Burbank’s Stoney Landers, who placed third.

According to Toye, tire management was critical with the hot track conditions. “Choosing the right rubber and making it last makes all the difference. I tried to set a pace that would keep me in the lead, but not overwhelm the tire. When I discovered Tigert gaining on me, we upped the pace, but still held back a bit, to make sure we didn’t outrun the rubber.”

Fifth place finisher Jeff Stern can attest to the torture inflicted on tires this weekend, as he battled with Landers for the third spot, he had a blowout and crossed the finish line with his rear tire in shreds.

All three top finishers rode Dunlop tires and Suzuki bikes.

Jeff Tigert, while a new face at Willow Springs, hails from a lineage of roadracing excellence. His dad, Bob Tigert was a top AFM contender a generation ago. The younger Tigert started Sunday at the back of the grid but quickly worked his way up to secure the second slot.

Rounding out the top ten finishers were Las Vegas based Dale Kleffer in 4th, Robbie Dowle of Torrance in 6th, and local favorite Skye Girard of Palmdale in 7th. Bakersfield’s Clinton Whitehouse took 8th place while Stephen Hewitt of North Hollywood finished 9th. Westlake Village based Rick Spampinato finished 10th. Top finishers share in cash prizes and qualify for a chance at a new truck awarded by Toyota Motorsports at the end of the season.

The WSMC Toyota Cup is a yearlong series of motorcycle road racing events held the third Sunday of each month. These high-charged, unlimited Formula 1 races lead up to the grueling Toyota 200 race to be held October 19th. Here top riders will compete for a $150,000 purse with the winner taking home $50,000, one of the richest rewards in motorcycle road racing.

This world-class event is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the famed Willow Springs International Raceway. Founded in the fall of 1953, the track has been under the ownership of Bill Huth for over 40 years and has hosted many legendary racers.

The next round of the Toyota Cup will be held September 19th-21st. and will serve as the final warm-up to the big money October event. The weekend will include qualifying rounds for the Toyota 200 as well as a special 50-mile Solo Race on Saturday September 20th. Testing and tuning days for both street riders and club certified racers will be run on Friday, September 19th. Admission to the weekend-long event including pit passes and camping privileges is only $10/person with children admitted free of charge. For more ticket information, please call Willow Springs at (661) 256-2471. Interested racers should contact the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club at 256.1234.

From a press release issued by Pro Italia:

Join us Wednesday, August 27th 5pm – 9pm for Pro Italia’s annual Italian motorcycle show, Cafe Desmo. Map and directions are available at http://www.proitalia.com.

Italian motorcycle show
Shine up your baby and call 818-249-5707 to enter – any Italian motorcycle is eligible. There will be trophies for the best bike in each class.

Outdoor Cafe
We won’t let you go hungry. Food and beverages will be available.

See you there!

Wednesday, August 27th 5pm – 9pm

Pro Italia Los Angeles – Italian Performance, Italian Style
3319 N Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
(818) 249-5707