Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Afternoon Practice Times, Superstock (All Suzuki GSX-R750 unless indicated):
1. Jason Pridmore, 1:53.548
2. Mike Ciccotto, 1:53.693
3. Steve Rapp, 1:53.720
4. Jimmy Moore, 1:53.904
5. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.027
6. Chris Ulrich, 1:54.225
7. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:54.246
8. Josh Hayes, 1:54.690
9. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:54.791
10. Scott Greenwood, 1:54.918
11. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.139
12. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.205
13. Alex Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:55.278
14. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:55.415
15. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.424
16. Jordan Szoke, 1:55.636
17. Chris Caylor, 1:55.678
18. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:55.880
19. Ty Howard, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.201
20. Craig Connell, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.219
21. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.402
22. Scott Harwell, 1:56.537
23. Jamie Stauffer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:56.593
24. Hawk Mazzotta, 1:57.464
25. Brian Stokes, 1:57.672
26. John Haner, 1:57.884
27. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:58.500
28. Rich Conicelli, 1:58.573
29. John Dugan, 1:58.579
30. Jason Peters, 1:59.054
31. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:59.197
32. Jake Holden, 1:59.350
33. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:59.815
34. Kevin Pate, 1:59.821
35. Jason Perez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:00.508
36. Adam Fergusson, 2:01.105
37. Darrin Mitchell, 2:01.132
38. Dave Estok, Buell, 2:01.313
39. James Kerker, Honda CBR600, 2:01.357
40. C.R. Gittere, 2:01.594
41. Chris Siglin, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:01.643
42. Dave Alley, 2:02.106
43. Tom Wertman, 2:02.157
44. Jeff Bostrom, 2:02.507
45. Eric Haugo, 2:03.078
46. Tom Fournier, Ducati 748, 2:03.441
47. Paul Vitale, 2:04.820
48. Michael Hanley, 2:06.585
49. Crash Lowe, 2:06.702
50. Jessica Zalusky, 2:23.069

From a press release:

Honda Inks Long Term Agreement with the “World Center of Racing”

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is pleased to announce an extension of its long-standing relationship with the Daytona Motor Speedway. A new seven-year agreement will position Honda as the “official motorcycle, ATV, scooter, and personal watercraft of the Daytona Motor Speedway”.

Motorcycle Division Vice President, Ray Blank, said, “We are very excited about this new chapter in one of Honda’s most treasured relationships. Both the Daytona Motor Speedway and Honda are synonymous with racing, and we look forward to working together to ensure a bright future for our sport.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Supersport:

1. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:52.893
2. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:53.090
3. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:54.402
4. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:54.451
5. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.658
6. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.719
7. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:55.166
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:55.613
9. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.866
10. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.905
11. Craig Connell, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.053
12. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.065
13. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:56.094
14. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:56.192
15. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.362
16. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 1:56.774
17. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:56.818
18. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600RR, 1:57.006
19. Ty Howard, Honda CBR600RR, 1:57.380
20. Doug Chandler, Honda CBR600RR, 1:57.796
21. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR600RR, 1:58.130
22. Lee Acree, Suzukli GSX-R600, 1:58.198
23. Jamie Stauffer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:58.347
24. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:58.684
25. Jonathan Gomez, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:58.795
26. Jason Perez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:59.061
27. Darrin Mitchell, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:59.956
28. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 2:00.091
29. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:00.462
30. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:01.174

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

2002 AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden will be at Daytona International Speedway Wednesday, according to younger brother Roger Lee Hayden.

Nicky Hayden, who will race in the 2003 MotoGP World Championship on a Repsol-sponsored Honda RC211V, will not race at Daytona, but will be a spectator, saids the younger Hayden.

From a press release issued by No Limits Motor Sports Honda:

MEDLEY, CHANDLER & CURTIS SHAKEDOWN HONDAS @ DAYTONA CCS-FORMULA USA DATES, READY FOR AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE SERIES 2003 EVENT #1.

Superbike legend Doug Chandler, multiple AMA award winning “Tuner Of The Year” Gary Medley and the duo’s racing protégé Jason Curtis of No Limit Motor Sports Honda persevere through a week of heavy rain and high humidity in order to shakedown and test numerous variables and tech combinations on the new Honda CBR600RR & CBR954RR in their continued effort to place the first year Honda team on the podium in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike series premiere event at the Daytona International Speedway.

The 2003 AMA event marks the highly anticipated return to the famed circuit which has conceived many memorable impressions on the dynamic duo of Chandler and Medley, both of whom were displaced from their long seated Daytona environment last season.

Chandler has come ever so close to Superbike wins on numerous occasions, ultimately finishing the 200 in the runner-up position more times then he cares to remember. He has however, attained success in Daytona support classes, with many wins on 600 and 750 machines. Chandler looks forward to being back out on the banked ovals of Daytona and feels he has as good a shot at the class wins as any of his competitors.

Team Manager Gary Medley has crewed his racers to over 12 class wins @ Daytona, including the prestigious Superbike crown 3 times with the likes of John Ashmead, Scott Russell and Chandler. Medley is working diligently to make his return to Daytona in 2003, his first as the team manager of NLMS Honda, a notable one. Medley has his team focused and determined. The entire crew is definitely pumped up and ready to kick off the new AMA season with a strong showing.

Jason Curtis, a record holder in offshore powerboat racing, is entering his 3rd year on a motorcycle of any type and looks very impressive on his CBR600RR. Review of the CBR600RR data acquisition by Medley revealed strong numbers by “The Kid” also referred to around the paddock as “Rocket Boy”. Both Curtis and Chandler are excited with the characteristics of the new Honda machines. Curtis explains, “My focus during the CCS-Formula USA shakedown was on my CBR600RR. I am happy with the discovery and data from the different set-ups we were able to test, barring the rain it was a good week for the team, we definitely progressed in a positive and efficient manner. I am looking forward to my inaugural season in the Honda Pro Oils 600 Super Sport Division.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Wednesday Morning Practice Radar Speeds As Recorded By The Roadracingworld.com Stalker Sport Radar Gun In Daytona’s Tri-Oval (best pass recorded, in mph):

Supersport:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 155.5
2. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 153.3
3. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 153.2
4. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 152.5
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 152.4
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 152.2
7. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 150.4
8. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 150.3
9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R600, 149.8
10. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 148.7
11. Doug Chandler, Honda CBR600RR, 147.2
12. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR600RR, 147.0
13. Jason Perez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 146.6
Superstock:

1. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 160.6
2. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R750, 159.2
3. Michael Hannas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 157.6
4. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R7650, 157.6
5. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, 156.1
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
7. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
8. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
9. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.0
10. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 154.0
11. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 153.5
12. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 152.9
13. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 152.5
14. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 152.4
15. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 152.0
16. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 151.9
17. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 151.6
18. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 150.9
19. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 150.9
20. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 150.3


250cc Grand Prix:

1. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 148.8
2. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 147.2
3. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 146.2
4. James Worthington, Aprilia, 142.8
5. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 140.1
6. Leon Cortes, Honda, 140.1
7. Simon Turner, TSR Honda, 139.1
8. Neil Richardson, Yamaha, 138.6
9. Barrett Long, Yamaha, 135.9
10. Steve Genter, Honda, 135.5

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Well-known motorcycle racing photographer Yves Jamotte died Monday, March 3, of a heart attack.

Jamotte, 45, owned Sportsphotography, an agency which covered many types of motorcycle road racing, including the MotoGP, World Superbike and World Endurance Series.

Jamotte was based in Belgium. He is survived by his wife and two children.


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that our dear friend and colleague Yves Jamotte passed away last night. Yves, who one of motorcycle racing’s most colourful, and helpful personalities, has been associated with the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. press service for over 20 years as a racing and product photographer. His inspirational work speaks for itself, it is the man himself will be so sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of working alongside him, and the good fortune to know him as a friend.

Yves is survived by his wife Pascale, and children Kevin and Emilie. No date has yet been arranged for the funeral. The details of which we will make known to all our colleagues in racing as soon as we have them.

Yours sincerely,

Honda Europe Motorcycles and Honda Racing Corporation.

From a press release issued by Proforma’s Bill Syfan:

HAS/SHOGUN RACING TO MAKE AMA DEBUT AT DAYTONA

In a new alliance between HAS Racing and Shogun Motorsports, the team of HAS/Shogun Racing will make its debut in the 2003 AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at Daytona on March 5th. With two successful tests in the last month at No Problem Raceway and Oak Hill Raceway, the new team has gotten a chance to work together and determine baseline settings that will help make the team more competitive from the start of practice at Daytona.

“The team has really come together in the two tests that we’ve done,” said team owner Lance Small. “Our sponsors have been great about getting us the products that we need, and the crew has worked non-stop to get everything together for Daytona.”

Riders John Haner and Heath Small have had a chance to get familiar with their new machines, which in Heath’s case was quite a change. “I’ve been riding V-Twins for the last three years, so it’s taken some laps to get used to the Yamaha R6, but I’m getting really comfortable on it now,” said Small, who will focus on the AMA 600 Supersport class at Daytona on the #278 Yamaha.

John Haner, who will contest the AMA 750 Superstock class on the #44 Suzuki GSX-R750, has been training hard in preparation for the 2003 season. “I’m in better shape than ever, and my endurance is way up. I’m really looking forward to the Superstock race at Daytona!”

Both Haner and Small will also compete in the Superbike class on Yamaha R1s that meet the new 1000cc engine rules for the class. Be sure to look for the red, white and blue HAS/Shogun Racing transporter in the paddock at Daytona.

For more information on HAS/Shogun Racing, visit www.hasracing.com and www.shogunmotorsports.com.

From a press release:

AMA privateer Chris “Opie” Caylor’s fan-based
website is now officially open!

Please visit www.chriscaylor.com for information about Opie and the team.

The News section will be updated often with announcements, pictures and articles. So check in frequently.