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Summit Point Test & Tune Days Scheduled

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Summit Point Test & Tune Days Scheduled

From a press release issued by Roger Lyle:

There will be three motorcycle Tune & Test Days at Summit Point Raceway in 2003. The first date is Thursday, April 10, followed by May 22 and September 19.

All licensed road racers and race-prepared machines are eligible for these practice days on the legendary Summit Point Raceway 2-mile circuit. This is a great opportunity for racers to dial in their motorcycles before a big race weekend.

For more information on these quality days at the track, contact Roger Lyle at 301-933-2599 or [email protected].


Richard “Wasco” Wascher Suffers Stroke

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Richard “Wasco” Wascher Suffers Stroke

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Via e-mail:

Richard Wascher (aka WASCO), 54, suffered a stroke on Thursday morning.

He has numbness on his left side. His face and left eye seem to be most affected. He has movement of his hand arm and leg but will have to undergo rehabilitation to relearn how to walk normally.

He has a good chance for a full recovery.

WASCO is in Virginia Mason Hospital in downtown Seattle and will be there for at least another week.

Richard was a national number AMA dirt tracker in the 1960s. He participated in an occasional road race and is still an avid trail riding enthusiast. WASCO Frame Service has been a mainstay in motorcycle racing in the Pacific Northwest since the 1970s.

Richard build the dirt track chassis that Mickey Fay used to win the Houston Astro dome TT event when Honda first brought out the XR500 motors.

There were also a couple of special frames built for Bob Work of Yamaha Motor Canada to carry Steve Baker’s special works OW-31 750cc engines.

For the past few years, WASCO Frame has been concentrating on doing custom work on Harleys and crash repair for street and competition frames and bikes.

Best wishes can be sent to the Hospital.

Bruce J. Lind Bruce Lind Racing LLC

On Riding At Daytona In The Rain

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On Riding At Daytona In The Rain



Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA Pro Racing does not run races in the rain at Daytona International Speedway, but Formula USA, CCS and AHRMA do run races at Daytona in the rain.

What’s it like to ride around the paint-stripe-covered, wall-lined Daytona Speedway in the rain? We talked with two of the top Formula USA racers about their recent experiences.

“I just rode around, used a lot of throttle control, tried to be real smooth,” said Kneedraggers.com Yamaha’s Matt Watt after qualifying on F-USA pole position with a YZF-R6. “The paint stripes are really super slippery. I hit one of them and the bike went sideways. So I just tried to ride around and stay off the paint….I didn’t know how hard I could go in because it was raining harder in some corners than others. But I was just trying to be careful.

“Turn one, there’s a major, big paint stripe going into turn one, so you have to make sure you stand the bike up and let off the brakes real quick when you go over it. The high-speed stuff, the kink, be careful through there. I tried to roll it and not chop it or wick it up through there. Entering the chicane, obviously. When it rains a lot there’s a big, huge puddle there that causes your bike to hydroplane. There’s grip there, but you have dodge the paint stripe.”

“Having to come off of turn six, out of the infield and out of the chicane; those two spots are real, real slick and the puddles against the dark pavement, and you can’t really see how deep the puddles are,” Formula USA Unlimited Grand Prix winner Michael Barnes said after wet qualifying. “That’s a real challenge, especially coming out of the chicane. Then to have a 170-plus-horsepower GSX-R1000 cruising around the banking in full-wet conditions, besides having the tire spinning on the banking, in the tri-oval the rear was stepped out a good foot. You could feel it, just full counter-steering through the tri-oval past the start/finish line. I can see why other organizations don’t race in the rain here.”

Another consequence of racing in the rain is that fallen riders slide much farther on wet pavement, quickly traveling through what is considered to be safe run-off room.

Tilley H-D/Buell’s Tripp Nobles crashed at the exit of the chicane during the wet Thunderbike final and slid a great distance before impacting inflatable air barriers at speed.

Earlier last week, Bettencourt Racing’s Jeff Wood crashed in the high-speed dogleg turn and nearly slid completely across the expansive run-off area and back across the west horseshoe.


Back Surgery Rules Out Craggill For Daytona

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Back Surgery Rules Out Craggill For Daytona



Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Bruce Transportation Group Honda’s Marty Craggill will not race in the AMA National event at Daytona International Speedway March 5-9 due to recent surgery on his back.

Bruce Crew Chief Joey Osowski told Roadracingworld.com that Craggill, 34, suffered with a pinched nerve in his neck during off-season testing. “It was bothering him before the last test at Fontana (California Speedway, February 5-6). That’s why he only rode the morning of the second day.”

Craggill had been seen by a doctor prior to that test, and the doctor, according to Osowski, told Craggill that the problem could get better on its own. The Bruce team then went to participate in a three-day test at Laguna Seca Raceway in late-February.

“Marty went out and did nine laps on the first morning, came in and he couldn’t lift his head, he was in so much pain,” said Osowski from his Whittier, California race shop. “At that point it was like, you have to go get this thing taken care of now, before it gets too late.”

Craggill had a MRI scan and was diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his neck. On February 20, Craggill had minor surgery to “remove a disc from his back,” reported Osowski, who did not know the name of Craggill’s doctor or which California hospital Craggill received care at.

“He’s doing a lot better,” said Osowski. “He’s up and driving and everything. He’s swimming for rehab, and has an appointment next week to see when he will be able to ride a bike again. We’re hoping to catch a track day out here (California) later this month and be ready for the Fontana race (April 4-6).”

Although the Bruce team originally considered fielding Craggill on a Honda CBR954RR in the Daytona 200 Superbike race, the team had abandoned those plans before Craggill’s injury became a problem. Craggill did intend to race in the Supersport event at Daytona and campaign the entire AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme series.

The first round of the Formula Xtreme series takes place at California Speedway.

Craggill is a former Australian Superbike Champion.


Canadian Superbike Date At Mont-Tremblant Moved

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Canadian Superbike Date At Mont-Tremblant Moved

From a press release issued by organizers of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship series:

TORONTO, ON – Parts Canada Superbike Championship officials announced today a date change for the seventh round of the series at Circuit Mont-Tremblant. The event will take place Aug. 15-17 rather than Aug. 22-24, as originally planned.

The shift came due to a late change in the CART Champ Car schedule. That series recently moved its round at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to Aug. 22-24, setting up a conflict with the Parts Canada Superbike event. Mont-Tremblant is located about an hour’s drive north of Montreal.

Since the two events will draw from the same pool of course workers, Parts Canada Superbike representatives elected to change the date
of their event.

“It wasn’t very practical to try and run two major motorsports events within about an hour of each other on the same weekend,” said Colin Fraser of Parts Canada Superbike Championship series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions. “The staff at Mont-Tremblant have been very co-operative in helping us resolve this situation and we thank them for their understanding.”

The Mont-Tremblant event, the first national Superbike round held at the classic venue, will now come one week after the Parts Canada Superbike series stop at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS. The season will conclude two weeks following the Mont-Tremblant race at Shannonville Motorsport Park Aug. 29-31.

The full revised schedule is as follows:

Round 1 May 15-18 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Pro Track), Shannonville, ON

Round 2 June 6-8 Race City Motorsport Park, Calgary, AB

Round 3 July 4-6 Autodrome St-Eustache, St-Eustache, QC

Round 4-5 July 18-20 Mosport International
Raceway, Bowmanville, ON

Round 6 Aug. 8-10 Atlantic Motorsport Park, Shubenacadie, NS

Round 7 Aug. 15-17 Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, QC

Round 8 Aug. 29-31 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Long Track), Shannonville, ON



Mooney, Roper, Struke Take Wet AHRMA Race Wins At Daytona

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Mooney, Roper, Struke Take Wet AHRMA Race Wins At Daytona

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway’s PR Department: Mooney Wins Vintage Event Named In Honor Of Mike Hailwood DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 3, 2003) — Sorrento, Fla.’s Pat Mooney was presented the Mike Hailwood Cup at a banquet on Sunday for winning the 2002 American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHRMA) 500 Premier Series. The Hailwood Cup is named in honor of former racing great Mike Hailwood. Hailwood was considered to be one of the best motorcycle racers ever. He tallied nine World Championships, 76 Motorcycle Grand Prix wins and 14 T.T Races on the Isle of Man course. One of Hailwood’s major accomplishments here in America was winning one of the first motorcycle races, the U.S. Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at Daytona International Speedway in the early 1960s. Hailwood died tragically with his nine-year-old daughter Michelle in a car accident near Birmingham, England on March 23, 1981. Hailwood’s widow and son attended the historic races Monday at Daytona as special guests of AHRMA. Mooney began his defense of the Hailwood Cup with a victory at the Speedway on Monday. “That’s three in a row (wins at Daytona) for me and I really wanted to do it,” Mooney said, “especially with Pauline and David being here (the widow and son of the late racing legend Mike Hailwood). They’re really good people.” Mooney battled through rainy conditions on the 3.56-mile road course. “I rode as fast as I needed to ride to win the race,” Mooney said. “I didn’t want to go any quicker. I kept an eye on where Josef (Brenner) was and as soon as he started closing in I upped the pace a little bit. I just kept it where it was a reasonably safe and comfortable pace. I could have gone quicker if I had to.” Vintage racing ace David Roper rode to victory in the 250 Grand Prix class aboard a 1965 Aermacchi. “It was a great race,” said Roper. “I don’t recall ever racing at Daytona in the rain, so I wanted to be quite cautious at the beginning and that proved wise. And then it was a matter of being smooth. It takes more than horsepower to win a race.” AHRMA action continues on Tuesday at the Speedway. Tickets for any of the remaining Daytona 200 Week events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223. Monday’s AHRMA Race Results From Daytona: Production Singles:

1. T. Bruce Brown, ’97 MuZ Skorpion
2. Joe Lanza, ’00 Honda XR650R
3. Kevin Brown, ’96 MuZ Skorpion
4. Paul Conley, ’96 Muz Skorpion
5. Gordan Hamilton, ’96 MuZ Skorpion
6. William House, ’96 MuZ Skorpion Super Mono 2:
1. Colin Fraser, ’01 Yamaha YZ426
2. Sophie Melcion, ’68 Matchless 200cc GP+:
1. Dennis Poneleit, ’68 Honda
2. James Swartout, ’66 Bridgestone
3. Mike Parker, ’66 Honda CB160
4. Paul Shoen, ’71 BSA Tri/Mead
5. Aaron Phinney, ’71 BSA 250
6. Gary Smith, ’68 Honda CL175 Pre-1940:
1. Alex McLean, ’32 Norton Manx
2. Will Harding, ’36 Indian
3. Art Farley, ’37 Indian Sport
4. Al Knapp, ’40 H-D
5. Willie Bertsch, ’39 BMW
6. A. “Moon” Mullins, ’38 H-D WLDR 250cc GP:
1. David Roper, ’65 Aermacchi
2. John Stephens, ’67 Ducati
3. Gary Smith, ’68 Suzuki X6
4. Larry Poons, ’65 Yetman Ducati
5. Robert Brangaccio, ’71 Ducati
6. Dennis Macaluso, ’66 Ducati Formula 125cc:
1. Greg Steinbeck, ’77 Honda MT125R
2. Sakis Vasilopoulos, ’77 Honda MTR
3. Leon Cortes, ’76 Honda MT125R
4. Richard Merhar, ’77 Honda MT125R
5. Mike Kirby, ’72 Can Am Formula 250cc:
1. Jerry Herman, ’72 Yamaha RD
2. Kevin Brown, ’72 Yamaha
3. Jim Neuenburg, ’68 Bultaco TSS
4. Steve Brown, ’71 Honda CB350
5. J. Tom Pruett, ’71 Honda CB
6. Craig Beckon, ’72 Can Am Class C Hand-shift:
1. Will Harding, ’36 Indian
2. Art Farley, ’37 Indian Sport
3. A. “Moon” Mullins, ’49 H-D WR
4. Thomas Heid, ’51 H-D
5. Dennis Leggett, ’48 Indian
6. “Doc” Batsleer, ’37 Bonneville Scout BEARS:
1. Peter Hurst, ’68 Norton Feather Bed
2. Robert Goodpaster, ’68 Norton
3. Mark Mitchell, ’71 BMW
4. Stan Keyes, ’72 Norton
5. Jon Revilla, ’72 Norton
6. Gary Maucher, ’73 Norton Dunstall 350cc GP:
1. Jim Neuenburg, ’68 Bultaco TSS
2. Stuart Carter, ’67 Seeley 7R
3. Steve Mahanes, ’68 Ducati
4. Mike Connell, ’67 H-D
5. Craig Breckon, ’69 H-D
6. Roger Swartout, ’67 Kawasaki A1 BOTT Two-stroke:
1. Kris Jepsen, ’90 Yamaha TZ
2. Chris Hurst, ’80 Yamaha TZ
3. David Hedison, ’80 Yamaha TZ
4. Sean McNew, ’01 Honda RS250R
5. Tony Smith, ’81 Yamaha
6. John Weeden, ’77 Yamaha SOS Two-stroke:
1. Jim Struke, ’97 Honda RS125
2. Dale Greenwood, ’03 Honda RS125
3. Chris Manfrin, ’98 Yamaha TZ 500cc Premiere:
1. Pat Mooney, ’62 Norton Manx
2. Josef Brenner, ’62 BSA Goldstar
3. Greg Nichols, ’61 Norton Manx
4. Alex McLean, Norton
5. Mark Loveland, ’62 Seeley
6. Wes Orloff, ‘68 Honda CR Super Mono:
1. Mark Lawes, ’91 Suzuki
2. Chris Lillingston, ’93 Ducati
3. Paul Conley, ’96 Muz Skorpion
4. Neville Hall-Reace, ’97 MuZ Skorpion Formula 750cc:
1. Jim Struke, ’72 Norton
2. Ken Nemoto, ’72 Moto Guzzi
3. John Ellis, ’72 Yamaha XS
4. Jon Revilla, ’72 Norton
5. Bob Demetrius, ’72 Triumph T140
6. Gary Maucher, ’73 Norton Dunstall

A Guide To Bike Week

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A Guide To Bike Week

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway’s PR Department:

Guide To Daytona 200 Week

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 3, 2003) ¯ Formula USA and the Championship Cup Series wrapped up five days of racing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Next up at the Speedway are this week’s AHRMA and AMA events. Here’s a
guide to all the happenings this week at the “World Center of Racing.”

The main event: Daytona 200 By Arai

The 62nd Daytona 200 By Arai on March 9 is the featured event of Daytona 200 Week and the season opener to the AMA U.S. Superbike season. Nicky Hayden is the defending champion of the race, but won’t be competing as he has moved to overseas to compete in MotoGP.

Highlighting this year’s race is the return of Honda’s Ben Bostrom, who has competed the last three seasons in World Superbike. Bostrom’s main competition will be his brother Eric, who rides for Kawasaki.

Other riders with a strong shot at a victory include three-time Daytona 200 champion Miguel Duhamel, two-time Daytona 200 champion Mat Mladin, Kurtis Roberts, Aaron Yates and Anthony Gobert.

Another storyline to keep an eye on during the Daytona 200 is the breaking of the all-time mileage mark. Floridian Rick Shaw needs to turn only two laps in this year’s Daytona 200 By Arai to break Warren Sherwood’s Daytona 200 mileage
record.

The Daytona 200 By Arai starts on Sunday at 1 p.m. Qualifying for the top-four positions is on Thursday at 2:20 p.m. while second-round qualifying is on Friday at 12:20 p.m.

Historical Daytona Supercross By Honda?

Ricky Carmichael, riding aboard a Honda, will shoot for his fourth straight Daytona Supercross By Honda victory on Saturday, March 8 on the demanding course in the tri-oval designed by Gary Bailey.

If Carmichael can win, he would tie Jeff Stanton’s mark of four straight between 1989-92 and he would also tie Stanton for most career victories at four.

Elimination heat races kick off Saturday’s Supercross activity at the Speedway at 11 a.m. followed by qualifying heat races at 1 p.m. The 125cc main event (15 laps, 22 riders) is at 3:30 p.m. while the 250cc main event (20 laps, 30 riders) starts at 4:05 p.m.

New to Daytona International Speedway

Making its first and only appearance in the United States during Daytona 200 Week is the BMW Motorrad International BoxerCup. The BMW Motorrad
International BoxerCup, which features riders aboard BMW R 1100 S motorcycles, will kick off their nine-race season on Sunday, March 9 at 11:30 a.m. before the Daytona 200 By Arai.

Other races to keep an eye on

One of the fan favorites of Daytona 200 Week is the Pro Honda Oils Supersport on Friday, March 7 at 4:20 p.m. The 18-lap race, won last year by
Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates, is always highly competitive and features many of the Daytona 200 By Arai competitors. On the same day as the Supersport is the 750 Superstock, another exciting sprint race at 2:25 p.m.

Action at the Stadium

Daytona International Speedway will host dirt motorcycle races at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium on Friday night, March 7 and Saturday night, March 8. The feature program will start each night at 8:30 p.m. On Friday is the AMA Hot
Shoe National while on Saturday is the AMA Progressive Insurance Grand National Championship kickoff.

Demo rides

The outside of the Speedway will be buzzing with activity as Daytona International Speedway offers the opportunity to try out the latest and greatest
motorcycles with free manufacturer demo rides during Daytona 200 Week. Motorcycle enthusiasts can check out displays and demo rides from manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Aprilia, Moto-Guzzi, Buell,
Harley-Davidson, Victory, Indian and Boss Hoss. Riders must hold a valid motorcycle driver license and DOT approved helmet in order to participate in the demo rides. Demo rides will run Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and on Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. – noon.

In addition to the demo rides, the Speedway will also host vendor displays such as the American Ironhorse, Ducati, Featherlite, Chevy AMA Trucks and the AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show, where riders can pick up the latest in parts, accessories and apparel. The AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show will be open Wednesday, March 5 through Sunday, March 9, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

AHRMA

On Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4, the Speedway turns back the clock with vintage road racing. The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association, the leading vintage racing series in North America, will have two days of competition for classic motorcycles dating back to the 1920s.

Hospitality

The Classic Cycle Club, the exclusive Daytona 200 week hospitality package available March 8 and 9, is the best way to enjoy the action in style.
Membership in the Classic Cycle Club touts a stellar list of amenities for motorcycle enthusiasts. Club packages include admission to private Campbell and Winston Tower Suites; food and beverage service; a reserved parking area; and
infield, paddock and garage area access on March 8 and 9. Closed circuit televisions for convenient track-action viewing and a complimentary Daytona 200 souvenir program are additional perks.

Reasonably priced, Classic Cycle Club membership costs $220 for a March 8 and 9 combination package — the days of the Daytona Supercross by Honda (March 8) and the Daytona 200 by Arai (March 9) — or $120 (plus tax) for individual
days.

Another option available to motorcycle fans in the infield is Harley Heaven. Available on Sunday, March 9 and located outside the International Horseshoe Curve, Harley Heaven provides hospitality that includes lunch, limited beverage service, infield/paddock/garage access, commemorative event pin, private grandstand and a reserved bike parking area. Harley Heaven costs $50 in advance and $55 on race day.

To take part in the Classic Cycle Club or Harley Heaven, contact the Sales and Sponsor Services department at (386) 947-6475.

If you want to go

To purchase tickets to any of the events at the Speedway, fans need to log on to http://www.daytoaninternationalspeedway.com or call the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

Bridgestone Backs USGPRU Riders At Daytona

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Bridgestone Backs USGPRU Riders At Daytona

From a press release issued by Bridgestone:

BRIDGESTONE MAKES PRESENCE KNOWN IN USGPRU 125 GP

As the checkered flag fell on the USGPRU 125 GP final at Daytona on Sunday, four of the top five riders were racing on Bridgestone rain tires. Heavy rains just prior to the start of Sunday’s FUSA final events made it a guessing game for tire choices as the skies began to clear slightly and the track started to dry. Most 125 GP riders chose rain tires to tackle the high banks.

At the end of the nine lap final, Bridgestone rain tires brought four of the top five riders across the line. Stewart Aitken-Cade fought his way to a second place, a young Scott Jackson earned third, Samantha Cotter came on strong for fourth and Mark Johnson finished fifth.

Bridgestone is proud to be a new contingency sponsor with the USGPRU and congratulates their talented riders for a fine showing at Daytona!


More, from Sportbike Madness:

You posted Bridgestone dominating in the rain for USGPRU. Two of those riders, Samantha Cotter and Mark Johnson, are using Bridgestone tires supplied by SportbikeMadnessRacing.com; we also had the 6th-place rider, all three of Team Acid.

Peter Pellack
Sportbike Madness Racing.com





Mladin Looks For Third Daytona 200 Win

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Mladin Looks For Third Daytona 200 Win

From a press release issued by Mat Mladin’s Publicist, Steve Reeves:

MLADIN CHASING THIRD VICTORY AT DAYTONA

The 2003 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship gets underway this weekend (March 9) with the traditional season opening Daytona 200 mile classic on the fast banked curves of the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, USA.

One rider who is looking forward to this weekend’s opening race is three-times American Superbike champion and two-times Daytona 200 champion, Mat Mladin.

The Australian Team Yoshimura Suzuki rider was forced to miss last year’s event after injuring his left elbow during practice for the event that required surgery and an overnight stay in a nearby hospital. The injury hampered his quest for a fourth national title last year, but he now arrives at Daytona 100% fit and looking forward to the challenges of the week and season ahead.

Spurring Mladin’s motivation will be the all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 that he will ride in this year’s championship. Rule changes made to the AMA Superbike category now allows for 1000cc 4-cylinder machines to compete and with that brings the challenges of developing a new machine to become a championship winner. Early testing with the machine has provided Mladin and his team with a lot of confidence heading into the first of 18 races that will make up this years championship.

“Daytona is a very special place and I’m really looking forward to racing there, especially aboard our new GSX-R1000,” said Mladin as he prepared for the cross-country trip to Florida. “The bike has proven to be very good during pre-season testing, but like anything, we’ll just have to wait and see how good it is in race conditions.

“The bike is producing a lot more horsepower than the previous GSX-R750 that we have ridden for the past few years and that presents itself with a new list of things that we have to prepare for. With the GSX-R1000 producing over 200hp we will have to carefully plan our strategy. For the race, it will become a juggle with how hard we can press on the backing and the infield, while trying to conserve tyre wear. After having to chase our opponents there, it might be nice to turn up with a bike that has similar horsepower to our rivals. If we are on an equal footing with that, then we will give the race a good shake.

“The Daytona 200 is the single most important race on the calendar and it is very important to win there for a number of reasons. But on the other side it is still only one race in the championship that we have to consider. I want to win there as much as the next guy, but we will still be looking at it as part of the championship as well.”

Mladin heads a strong list of nine Australian riders who are competing in various classes of the 2003 AMA Superbike Championship. He is the only Australian to have won the Daytona 200 and along with Troy Corser is the only other Australian to have won an AMA Superbike championship.

Daytona 200 by Arai, Schedule (American East Coast time)

Wednesday, March 5
Superbike practice (10:20am – 11:50am)
Superbike practice (3:20pm – 4:50pm)

Thursday, March 6
Superbike practice (10:40am – 11:40am)
Superbike Qualifying/Even (2:20pm – 3:20pm)
Superbike Qualifying/Odd (3:30pm – 4:30pm)

Friday, March 7
Superbike practice (10:40am – 11:20am)
Superbike Qualifying/Even (12:20pm – 1:10pm)
Superbike Qualifying/Odd (1:20pm – 2:10pm)

Sunday, March 9
Daytona 200 by Arai/57 laps (1:00pm)



Corona Extra Suzuki Will Field Szoke In AMA Superbike

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Corona Extra Suzuki Will Field Szoke In AMA Superbike

Three press releases issued by Corona Extra Suzuki:

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ANNOUNCES ENTRY INTO SUPERBIKE CLASS

Corona Extra Suzuki is very pleased to announce it will be entering the Superbike class for the 2003 AMA Superbike Season with support from American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Japan. Jordan Szoke will be handling the riding duties aboard the all-new 2003 GSXR1000.

Commenting on the announcement, Jordan said; “I’m really excited to get back into the Superbike class. It was great racing the class on the Harley but obviously we struggled. Now to get back in on the Suzuki with factory support should mean a really competitive package. I can’t wait for the green flag to drop!”

Corona Extra Suzuki principal Landers Sevier said; “This is going to be a terrific opportunity for the Team and Jordan. We are very honored to have been chosen by Suzuki for this important project. This will be the first time in a long while that Suzuki Factory support has been provided to a Team in the US other than Yoshimura. However it is important to note that we will be working closely with Yoshimura in the program.”

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH PARTS UNLIMITED

Corona Extra Suzuki is very pleased to announce it will be partnering with Parts Unlimited for the 2003 and 2004 AMA Superbike Seasons. Corona Extra Suzuki will work closely with Parts Unlimited to promote the Parts Unlimited brand at the racetrack and in the nationwide retail promotions being undertaken by the Team in conjunction with Corona Extra. In addition, Corona Extra Suzuki will be expanding its Superbike Series leading Corona Extra Solar Winds hospitality program to include Parts Unlimited dealers and trading partners.

Parts Unlimited Sales and Marketing Vice President Gregg Blackwell said, “Parts Unlimited is looking forward to working closely with Corona Extra Suzuki and Corona Extra to expand visibility and promotion of our brand both at the race track with the Team and to the general population with Corona Extra. Working with a major brand like Corona Extra offers us all many benefits. It should be an exciting and rewarding relationship”.

Corona Extra Suzuki principal Tim Saunders adding to Gregg’s comments said; “Parts Unlimited will be a tremendous partner for the Team to work with over the coming years. They are completely dedicated to the sport and having their support will allow us to take our program up to the next level. Additionally, we look forward to hosting their dealer VIP’s and making their time at the Superbike events special”.

Parts Unlimited is one of the nation’s largest independent distributors of Powersports related products with warehouse facilities in seven locations across the US. Parts Unlimited is well recognized in the AMA Superbike scene having frequently supported events and venues. It has been closely associated with Honda factory supported teams for many years. The partnership with Corona Extra Suzuki will be the first time Parts Unlimited has been closely involved with a Suzuki Factory supported roadrace team.

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SILKOLENE LUBRICANTS

Corona Extra Suzuki is very pleased to announce it will be partnering with Silkolene Lubricants for the 2003 AMA Superbike Season. Corona Extra Suzuki will work closely with Silkolene to promote the Silkolene brand at the racetrack and in the nationwide retail promotions being undertaken by the Team in conjunction with Corona Extra.

Silkolene USA President Trevor Kemp said, “Silkolene is excited to be working with Corona Extra Suzuki. They have a winning program and we want our specialty racing lubricants to be a key factor in their continued success both on the race track and off”.

Corona Extra Suzuki principal Landers Sevier added; “This is going to be a great partnership. Silkolene products are recognized the world over as a leader in the racing field. Having Silkolene working with us will allow the Corona Extra Suzuki racing program to continue its winning ways”.

Founded around 90 years ago, Silkolene is a world leading lubricant supplier. It has been closely associated with racing at the World level for many years. Silkolene is now starting to have a strong presence in the US. Corona Extra Suzuki should provide an effective “vehicle” for continued growth in this key market.

Corona Extra Suzuki is proud to be partnering with Corona Extra, Suzuki, EBSCO Media, MTS, Parts Unlimited, Dunlop, Yoshimura R&D, Joe Rocket, Nutec Racing Fuels, Silkolene Lubricants, Suzuki Genuine Accessories, Autocom, STR Motorsports, MotionPro, Braking, Ohlins, Stahlwille, Lindeman Engineering, Tyr Sox, FastDates.com, Yoyodyne, Sidi Boots, Hotbodies Racing, Zero Gravity, Regina Chain, Race Girl.

Summit Point Test & Tune Days Scheduled

From a press release issued by Roger Lyle:

There will be three motorcycle Tune & Test Days at Summit Point Raceway in 2003. The first date is Thursday, April 10, followed by May 22 and September 19.

All licensed road racers and race-prepared machines are eligible for these practice days on the legendary Summit Point Raceway 2-mile circuit. This is a great opportunity for racers to dial in their motorcycles before a big race weekend.

For more information on these quality days at the track, contact Roger Lyle at 301-933-2599 or [email protected].


Richard “Wasco” Wascher Suffers Stroke

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Via e-mail:

Richard Wascher (aka WASCO), 54, suffered a stroke on Thursday morning.

He has numbness on his left side. His face and left eye seem to be most affected. He has movement of his hand arm and leg but will have to undergo rehabilitation to relearn how to walk normally.

He has a good chance for a full recovery.

WASCO is in Virginia Mason Hospital in downtown Seattle and will be there for at least another week.

Richard was a national number AMA dirt tracker in the 1960s. He participated in an occasional road race and is still an avid trail riding enthusiast. WASCO Frame Service has been a mainstay in motorcycle racing in the Pacific Northwest since the 1970s.

Richard build the dirt track chassis that Mickey Fay used to win the Houston Astro dome TT event when Honda first brought out the XR500 motors.

There were also a couple of special frames built for Bob Work of Yamaha Motor Canada to carry Steve Baker’s special works OW-31 750cc engines.

For the past few years, WASCO Frame has been concentrating on doing custom work on Harleys and crash repair for street and competition frames and bikes.

Best wishes can be sent to the Hospital.

Bruce J. Lind Bruce Lind Racing LLC

On Riding At Daytona In The Rain



Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA Pro Racing does not run races in the rain at Daytona International Speedway, but Formula USA, CCS and AHRMA do run races at Daytona in the rain.

What’s it like to ride around the paint-stripe-covered, wall-lined Daytona Speedway in the rain? We talked with two of the top Formula USA racers about their recent experiences.

“I just rode around, used a lot of throttle control, tried to be real smooth,” said Kneedraggers.com Yamaha’s Matt Watt after qualifying on F-USA pole position with a YZF-R6. “The paint stripes are really super slippery. I hit one of them and the bike went sideways. So I just tried to ride around and stay off the paint….I didn’t know how hard I could go in because it was raining harder in some corners than others. But I was just trying to be careful.

“Turn one, there’s a major, big paint stripe going into turn one, so you have to make sure you stand the bike up and let off the brakes real quick when you go over it. The high-speed stuff, the kink, be careful through there. I tried to roll it and not chop it or wick it up through there. Entering the chicane, obviously. When it rains a lot there’s a big, huge puddle there that causes your bike to hydroplane. There’s grip there, but you have dodge the paint stripe.”

“Having to come off of turn six, out of the infield and out of the chicane; those two spots are real, real slick and the puddles against the dark pavement, and you can’t really see how deep the puddles are,” Formula USA Unlimited Grand Prix winner Michael Barnes said after wet qualifying. “That’s a real challenge, especially coming out of the chicane. Then to have a 170-plus-horsepower GSX-R1000 cruising around the banking in full-wet conditions, besides having the tire spinning on the banking, in the tri-oval the rear was stepped out a good foot. You could feel it, just full counter-steering through the tri-oval past the start/finish line. I can see why other organizations don’t race in the rain here.”

Another consequence of racing in the rain is that fallen riders slide much farther on wet pavement, quickly traveling through what is considered to be safe run-off room.

Tilley H-D/Buell’s Tripp Nobles crashed at the exit of the chicane during the wet Thunderbike final and slid a great distance before impacting inflatable air barriers at speed.

Earlier last week, Bettencourt Racing’s Jeff Wood crashed in the high-speed dogleg turn and nearly slid completely across the expansive run-off area and back across the west horseshoe.


Back Surgery Rules Out Craggill For Daytona



Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Bruce Transportation Group Honda’s Marty Craggill will not race in the AMA National event at Daytona International Speedway March 5-9 due to recent surgery on his back.

Bruce Crew Chief Joey Osowski told Roadracingworld.com that Craggill, 34, suffered with a pinched nerve in his neck during off-season testing. “It was bothering him before the last test at Fontana (California Speedway, February 5-6). That’s why he only rode the morning of the second day.”

Craggill had been seen by a doctor prior to that test, and the doctor, according to Osowski, told Craggill that the problem could get better on its own. The Bruce team then went to participate in a three-day test at Laguna Seca Raceway in late-February.

“Marty went out and did nine laps on the first morning, came in and he couldn’t lift his head, he was in so much pain,” said Osowski from his Whittier, California race shop. “At that point it was like, you have to go get this thing taken care of now, before it gets too late.”

Craggill had a MRI scan and was diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his neck. On February 20, Craggill had minor surgery to “remove a disc from his back,” reported Osowski, who did not know the name of Craggill’s doctor or which California hospital Craggill received care at.

“He’s doing a lot better,” said Osowski. “He’s up and driving and everything. He’s swimming for rehab, and has an appointment next week to see when he will be able to ride a bike again. We’re hoping to catch a track day out here (California) later this month and be ready for the Fontana race (April 4-6).”

Although the Bruce team originally considered fielding Craggill on a Honda CBR954RR in the Daytona 200 Superbike race, the team had abandoned those plans before Craggill’s injury became a problem. Craggill did intend to race in the Supersport event at Daytona and campaign the entire AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme series.

The first round of the Formula Xtreme series takes place at California Speedway.

Craggill is a former Australian Superbike Champion.


Canadian Superbike Date At Mont-Tremblant Moved

From a press release issued by organizers of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship series:

TORONTO, ON – Parts Canada Superbike Championship officials announced today a date change for the seventh round of the series at Circuit Mont-Tremblant. The event will take place Aug. 15-17 rather than Aug. 22-24, as originally planned.

The shift came due to a late change in the CART Champ Car schedule. That series recently moved its round at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to Aug. 22-24, setting up a conflict with the Parts Canada Superbike event. Mont-Tremblant is located about an hour’s drive north of Montreal.

Since the two events will draw from the same pool of course workers, Parts Canada Superbike representatives elected to change the date
of their event.

“It wasn’t very practical to try and run two major motorsports events within about an hour of each other on the same weekend,” said Colin Fraser of Parts Canada Superbike Championship series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions. “The staff at Mont-Tremblant have been very co-operative in helping us resolve this situation and we thank them for their understanding.”

The Mont-Tremblant event, the first national Superbike round held at the classic venue, will now come one week after the Parts Canada Superbike series stop at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS. The season will conclude two weeks following the Mont-Tremblant race at Shannonville Motorsport Park Aug. 29-31.

The full revised schedule is as follows:

Round 1 May 15-18 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Pro Track), Shannonville, ON

Round 2 June 6-8 Race City Motorsport Park, Calgary, AB

Round 3 July 4-6 Autodrome St-Eustache, St-Eustache, QC

Round 4-5 July 18-20 Mosport International
Raceway, Bowmanville, ON

Round 6 Aug. 8-10 Atlantic Motorsport Park, Shubenacadie, NS

Round 7 Aug. 15-17 Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, QC

Round 8 Aug. 29-31 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Long Track), Shannonville, ON



Mooney, Roper, Struke Take Wet AHRMA Race Wins At Daytona

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway’s PR Department: Mooney Wins Vintage Event Named In Honor Of Mike Hailwood DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 3, 2003) — Sorrento, Fla.’s Pat Mooney was presented the Mike Hailwood Cup at a banquet on Sunday for winning the 2002 American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHRMA) 500 Premier Series. The Hailwood Cup is named in honor of former racing great Mike Hailwood. Hailwood was considered to be one of the best motorcycle racers ever. He tallied nine World Championships, 76 Motorcycle Grand Prix wins and 14 T.T Races on the Isle of Man course. One of Hailwood’s major accomplishments here in America was winning one of the first motorcycle races, the U.S. Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at Daytona International Speedway in the early 1960s. Hailwood died tragically with his nine-year-old daughter Michelle in a car accident near Birmingham, England on March 23, 1981. Hailwood’s widow and son attended the historic races Monday at Daytona as special guests of AHRMA. Mooney began his defense of the Hailwood Cup with a victory at the Speedway on Monday. “That’s three in a row (wins at Daytona) for me and I really wanted to do it,” Mooney said, “especially with Pauline and David being here (the widow and son of the late racing legend Mike Hailwood). They’re really good people.” Mooney battled through rainy conditions on the 3.56-mile road course. “I rode as fast as I needed to ride to win the race,” Mooney said. “I didn’t want to go any quicker. I kept an eye on where Josef (Brenner) was and as soon as he started closing in I upped the pace a little bit. I just kept it where it was a reasonably safe and comfortable pace. I could have gone quicker if I had to.” Vintage racing ace David Roper rode to victory in the 250 Grand Prix class aboard a 1965 Aermacchi. “It was a great race,” said Roper. “I don’t recall ever racing at Daytona in the rain, so I wanted to be quite cautious at the beginning and that proved wise. And then it was a matter of being smooth. It takes more than horsepower to win a race.” AHRMA action continues on Tuesday at the Speedway. Tickets for any of the remaining Daytona 200 Week events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223. Monday’s AHRMA Race Results From Daytona: Production Singles:

1. T. Bruce Brown, ’97 MuZ Skorpion
2. Joe Lanza, ’00 Honda XR650R
3. Kevin Brown, ’96 MuZ Skorpion
4. Paul Conley, ’96 Muz Skorpion
5. Gordan Hamilton, ’96 MuZ Skorpion
6. William House, ’96 MuZ Skorpion Super Mono 2:
1. Colin Fraser, ’01 Yamaha YZ426
2. Sophie Melcion, ’68 Matchless 200cc GP+:
1. Dennis Poneleit, ’68 Honda
2. James Swartout, ’66 Bridgestone
3. Mike Parker, ’66 Honda CB160
4. Paul Shoen, ’71 BSA Tri/Mead
5. Aaron Phinney, ’71 BSA 250
6. Gary Smith, ’68 Honda CL175 Pre-1940:
1. Alex McLean, ’32 Norton Manx
2. Will Harding, ’36 Indian
3. Art Farley, ’37 Indian Sport
4. Al Knapp, ’40 H-D
5. Willie Bertsch, ’39 BMW
6. A. “Moon” Mullins, ’38 H-D WLDR 250cc GP:
1. David Roper, ’65 Aermacchi
2. John Stephens, ’67 Ducati
3. Gary Smith, ’68 Suzuki X6
4. Larry Poons, ’65 Yetman Ducati
5. Robert Brangaccio, ’71 Ducati
6. Dennis Macaluso, ’66 Ducati Formula 125cc:
1. Greg Steinbeck, ’77 Honda MT125R
2. Sakis Vasilopoulos, ’77 Honda MTR
3. Leon Cortes, ’76 Honda MT125R
4. Richard Merhar, ’77 Honda MT125R
5. Mike Kirby, ’72 Can Am Formula 250cc:
1. Jerry Herman, ’72 Yamaha RD
2. Kevin Brown, ’72 Yamaha
3. Jim Neuenburg, ’68 Bultaco TSS
4. Steve Brown, ’71 Honda CB350
5. J. Tom Pruett, ’71 Honda CB
6. Craig Beckon, ’72 Can Am Class C Hand-shift:
1. Will Harding, ’36 Indian
2. Art Farley, ’37 Indian Sport
3. A. “Moon” Mullins, ’49 H-D WR
4. Thomas Heid, ’51 H-D
5. Dennis Leggett, ’48 Indian
6. “Doc” Batsleer, ’37 Bonneville Scout BEARS:
1. Peter Hurst, ’68 Norton Feather Bed
2. Robert Goodpaster, ’68 Norton
3. Mark Mitchell, ’71 BMW
4. Stan Keyes, ’72 Norton
5. Jon Revilla, ’72 Norton
6. Gary Maucher, ’73 Norton Dunstall 350cc GP:
1. Jim Neuenburg, ’68 Bultaco TSS
2. Stuart Carter, ’67 Seeley 7R
3. Steve Mahanes, ’68 Ducati
4. Mike Connell, ’67 H-D
5. Craig Breckon, ’69 H-D
6. Roger Swartout, ’67 Kawasaki A1 BOTT Two-stroke:
1. Kris Jepsen, ’90 Yamaha TZ
2. Chris Hurst, ’80 Yamaha TZ
3. David Hedison, ’80 Yamaha TZ
4. Sean McNew, ’01 Honda RS250R
5. Tony Smith, ’81 Yamaha
6. John Weeden, ’77 Yamaha SOS Two-stroke:
1. Jim Struke, ’97 Honda RS125
2. Dale Greenwood, ’03 Honda RS125
3. Chris Manfrin, ’98 Yamaha TZ 500cc Premiere:
1. Pat Mooney, ’62 Norton Manx
2. Josef Brenner, ’62 BSA Goldstar
3. Greg Nichols, ’61 Norton Manx
4. Alex McLean, Norton
5. Mark Loveland, ’62 Seeley
6. Wes Orloff, ‘68 Honda CR Super Mono:
1. Mark Lawes, ’91 Suzuki
2. Chris Lillingston, ’93 Ducati
3. Paul Conley, ’96 Muz Skorpion
4. Neville Hall-Reace, ’97 MuZ Skorpion Formula 750cc:
1. Jim Struke, ’72 Norton
2. Ken Nemoto, ’72 Moto Guzzi
3. John Ellis, ’72 Yamaha XS
4. Jon Revilla, ’72 Norton
5. Bob Demetrius, ’72 Triumph T140
6. Gary Maucher, ’73 Norton Dunstall

A Guide To Bike Week

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway’s PR Department:

Guide To Daytona 200 Week

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 3, 2003) ¯ Formula USA and the Championship Cup Series wrapped up five days of racing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Next up at the Speedway are this week’s AHRMA and AMA events. Here’s a
guide to all the happenings this week at the “World Center of Racing.”

The main event: Daytona 200 By Arai

The 62nd Daytona 200 By Arai on March 9 is the featured event of Daytona 200 Week and the season opener to the AMA U.S. Superbike season. Nicky Hayden is the defending champion of the race, but won’t be competing as he has moved to overseas to compete in MotoGP.

Highlighting this year’s race is the return of Honda’s Ben Bostrom, who has competed the last three seasons in World Superbike. Bostrom’s main competition will be his brother Eric, who rides for Kawasaki.

Other riders with a strong shot at a victory include three-time Daytona 200 champion Miguel Duhamel, two-time Daytona 200 champion Mat Mladin, Kurtis Roberts, Aaron Yates and Anthony Gobert.

Another storyline to keep an eye on during the Daytona 200 is the breaking of the all-time mileage mark. Floridian Rick Shaw needs to turn only two laps in this year’s Daytona 200 By Arai to break Warren Sherwood’s Daytona 200 mileage
record.

The Daytona 200 By Arai starts on Sunday at 1 p.m. Qualifying for the top-four positions is on Thursday at 2:20 p.m. while second-round qualifying is on Friday at 12:20 p.m.

Historical Daytona Supercross By Honda?

Ricky Carmichael, riding aboard a Honda, will shoot for his fourth straight Daytona Supercross By Honda victory on Saturday, March 8 on the demanding course in the tri-oval designed by Gary Bailey.

If Carmichael can win, he would tie Jeff Stanton’s mark of four straight between 1989-92 and he would also tie Stanton for most career victories at four.

Elimination heat races kick off Saturday’s Supercross activity at the Speedway at 11 a.m. followed by qualifying heat races at 1 p.m. The 125cc main event (15 laps, 22 riders) is at 3:30 p.m. while the 250cc main event (20 laps, 30 riders) starts at 4:05 p.m.

New to Daytona International Speedway

Making its first and only appearance in the United States during Daytona 200 Week is the BMW Motorrad International BoxerCup. The BMW Motorrad
International BoxerCup, which features riders aboard BMW R 1100 S motorcycles, will kick off their nine-race season on Sunday, March 9 at 11:30 a.m. before the Daytona 200 By Arai.

Other races to keep an eye on

One of the fan favorites of Daytona 200 Week is the Pro Honda Oils Supersport on Friday, March 7 at 4:20 p.m. The 18-lap race, won last year by
Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates, is always highly competitive and features many of the Daytona 200 By Arai competitors. On the same day as the Supersport is the 750 Superstock, another exciting sprint race at 2:25 p.m.

Action at the Stadium

Daytona International Speedway will host dirt motorcycle races at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium on Friday night, March 7 and Saturday night, March 8. The feature program will start each night at 8:30 p.m. On Friday is the AMA Hot
Shoe National while on Saturday is the AMA Progressive Insurance Grand National Championship kickoff.

Demo rides

The outside of the Speedway will be buzzing with activity as Daytona International Speedway offers the opportunity to try out the latest and greatest
motorcycles with free manufacturer demo rides during Daytona 200 Week. Motorcycle enthusiasts can check out displays and demo rides from manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Aprilia, Moto-Guzzi, Buell,
Harley-Davidson, Victory, Indian and Boss Hoss. Riders must hold a valid motorcycle driver license and DOT approved helmet in order to participate in the demo rides. Demo rides will run Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and on Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. – noon.

In addition to the demo rides, the Speedway will also host vendor displays such as the American Ironhorse, Ducati, Featherlite, Chevy AMA Trucks and the AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show, where riders can pick up the latest in parts, accessories and apparel. The AdvanStar International Motorcycle Show will be open Wednesday, March 5 through Sunday, March 9, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

AHRMA

On Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4, the Speedway turns back the clock with vintage road racing. The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association, the leading vintage racing series in North America, will have two days of competition for classic motorcycles dating back to the 1920s.

Hospitality

The Classic Cycle Club, the exclusive Daytona 200 week hospitality package available March 8 and 9, is the best way to enjoy the action in style.
Membership in the Classic Cycle Club touts a stellar list of amenities for motorcycle enthusiasts. Club packages include admission to private Campbell and Winston Tower Suites; food and beverage service; a reserved parking area; and
infield, paddock and garage area access on March 8 and 9. Closed circuit televisions for convenient track-action viewing and a complimentary Daytona 200 souvenir program are additional perks.

Reasonably priced, Classic Cycle Club membership costs $220 for a March 8 and 9 combination package — the days of the Daytona Supercross by Honda (March 8) and the Daytona 200 by Arai (March 9) — or $120 (plus tax) for individual
days.

Another option available to motorcycle fans in the infield is Harley Heaven. Available on Sunday, March 9 and located outside the International Horseshoe Curve, Harley Heaven provides hospitality that includes lunch, limited beverage service, infield/paddock/garage access, commemorative event pin, private grandstand and a reserved bike parking area. Harley Heaven costs $50 in advance and $55 on race day.

To take part in the Classic Cycle Club or Harley Heaven, contact the Sales and Sponsor Services department at (386) 947-6475.

If you want to go

To purchase tickets to any of the events at the Speedway, fans need to log on to http://www.daytoaninternationalspeedway.com or call the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

Bridgestone Backs USGPRU Riders At Daytona

From a press release issued by Bridgestone:

BRIDGESTONE MAKES PRESENCE KNOWN IN USGPRU 125 GP

As the checkered flag fell on the USGPRU 125 GP final at Daytona on Sunday, four of the top five riders were racing on Bridgestone rain tires. Heavy rains just prior to the start of Sunday’s FUSA final events made it a guessing game for tire choices as the skies began to clear slightly and the track started to dry. Most 125 GP riders chose rain tires to tackle the high banks.

At the end of the nine lap final, Bridgestone rain tires brought four of the top five riders across the line. Stewart Aitken-Cade fought his way to a second place, a young Scott Jackson earned third, Samantha Cotter came on strong for fourth and Mark Johnson finished fifth.

Bridgestone is proud to be a new contingency sponsor with the USGPRU and congratulates their talented riders for a fine showing at Daytona!


More, from Sportbike Madness:

You posted Bridgestone dominating in the rain for USGPRU. Two of those riders, Samantha Cotter and Mark Johnson, are using Bridgestone tires supplied by SportbikeMadnessRacing.com; we also had the 6th-place rider, all three of Team Acid.

Peter Pellack
Sportbike Madness Racing.com





Mladin Looks For Third Daytona 200 Win

From a press release issued by Mat Mladin’s Publicist, Steve Reeves:

MLADIN CHASING THIRD VICTORY AT DAYTONA

The 2003 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship gets underway this weekend (March 9) with the traditional season opening Daytona 200 mile classic on the fast banked curves of the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, USA.

One rider who is looking forward to this weekend’s opening race is three-times American Superbike champion and two-times Daytona 200 champion, Mat Mladin.

The Australian Team Yoshimura Suzuki rider was forced to miss last year’s event after injuring his left elbow during practice for the event that required surgery and an overnight stay in a nearby hospital. The injury hampered his quest for a fourth national title last year, but he now arrives at Daytona 100% fit and looking forward to the challenges of the week and season ahead.

Spurring Mladin’s motivation will be the all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 that he will ride in this year’s championship. Rule changes made to the AMA Superbike category now allows for 1000cc 4-cylinder machines to compete and with that brings the challenges of developing a new machine to become a championship winner. Early testing with the machine has provided Mladin and his team with a lot of confidence heading into the first of 18 races that will make up this years championship.

“Daytona is a very special place and I’m really looking forward to racing there, especially aboard our new GSX-R1000,” said Mladin as he prepared for the cross-country trip to Florida. “The bike has proven to be very good during pre-season testing, but like anything, we’ll just have to wait and see how good it is in race conditions.

“The bike is producing a lot more horsepower than the previous GSX-R750 that we have ridden for the past few years and that presents itself with a new list of things that we have to prepare for. With the GSX-R1000 producing over 200hp we will have to carefully plan our strategy. For the race, it will become a juggle with how hard we can press on the backing and the infield, while trying to conserve tyre wear. After having to chase our opponents there, it might be nice to turn up with a bike that has similar horsepower to our rivals. If we are on an equal footing with that, then we will give the race a good shake.

“The Daytona 200 is the single most important race on the calendar and it is very important to win there for a number of reasons. But on the other side it is still only one race in the championship that we have to consider. I want to win there as much as the next guy, but we will still be looking at it as part of the championship as well.”

Mladin heads a strong list of nine Australian riders who are competing in various classes of the 2003 AMA Superbike Championship. He is the only Australian to have won the Daytona 200 and along with Troy Corser is the only other Australian to have won an AMA Superbike championship.

Daytona 200 by Arai, Schedule (American East Coast time)

Wednesday, March 5
Superbike practice (10:20am – 11:50am)
Superbike practice (3:20pm – 4:50pm)

Thursday, March 6
Superbike practice (10:40am – 11:40am)
Superbike Qualifying/Even (2:20pm – 3:20pm)
Superbike Qualifying/Odd (3:30pm – 4:30pm)

Friday, March 7
Superbike practice (10:40am – 11:20am)
Superbike Qualifying/Even (12:20pm – 1:10pm)
Superbike Qualifying/Odd (1:20pm – 2:10pm)

Sunday, March 9
Daytona 200 by Arai/57 laps (1:00pm)



Corona Extra Suzuki Will Field Szoke In AMA Superbike

Three press releases issued by Corona Extra Suzuki:

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ANNOUNCES ENTRY INTO SUPERBIKE CLASS

Corona Extra Suzuki is very pleased to announce it will be entering the Superbike class for the 2003 AMA Superbike Season with support from American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Japan. Jordan Szoke will be handling the riding duties aboard the all-new 2003 GSXR1000.

Commenting on the announcement, Jordan said; “I’m really excited to get back into the Superbike class. It was great racing the class on the Harley but obviously we struggled. Now to get back in on the Suzuki with factory support should mean a really competitive package. I can’t wait for the green flag to drop!”

Corona Extra Suzuki principal Landers Sevier said; “This is going to be a terrific opportunity for the Team and Jordan. We are very honored to have been chosen by Suzuki for this important project. This will be the first time in a long while that Suzuki Factory support has been provided to a Team in the US other than Yoshimura. However it is important to note that we will be working closely with Yoshimura in the program.”

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH PARTS UNLIMITED

Corona Extra Suzuki is very pleased to announce it will be partnering with Parts Unlimited for the 2003 and 2004 AMA Superbike Seasons. Corona Extra Suzuki will work closely with Parts Unlimited to promote the Parts Unlimited brand at the racetrack and in the nationwide retail promotions being undertaken by the Team in conjunction with Corona Extra. In addition, Corona Extra Suzuki will be expanding its Superbike Series leading Corona Extra Solar Winds hospitality program to include Parts Unlimited dealers and trading partners.

Parts Unlimited Sales and Marketing Vice President Gregg Blackwell said, “Parts Unlimited is looking forward to working closely with Corona Extra Suzuki and Corona Extra to expand visibility and promotion of our brand both at the race track with the Team and to the general population with Corona Extra. Working with a major brand like Corona Extra offers us all many benefits. It should be an exciting and rewarding relationship”.

Corona Extra Suzuki principal Tim Saunders adding to Gregg’s comments said; “Parts Unlimited will be a tremendous partner for the Team to work with over the coming years. They are completely dedicated to the sport and having their support will allow us to take our program up to the next level. Additionally, we look forward to hosting their dealer VIP’s and making their time at the Superbike events special”.

Parts Unlimited is one of the nation’s largest independent distributors of Powersports related products with warehouse facilities in seven locations across the US. Parts Unlimited is well recognized in the AMA Superbike scene having frequently supported events and venues. It has been closely associated with Honda factory supported teams for many years. The partnership with Corona Extra Suzuki will be the first time Parts Unlimited has been closely involved with a Suzuki Factory supported roadrace team.

CORONA EXTRA SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SILKOLENE LUBRICANTS

Corona Extra Suzuki is very pleased to announce it will be partnering with Silkolene Lubricants for the 2003 AMA Superbike Season. Corona Extra Suzuki will work closely with Silkolene to promote the Silkolene brand at the racetrack and in the nationwide retail promotions being undertaken by the Team in conjunction with Corona Extra.

Silkolene USA President Trevor Kemp said, “Silkolene is excited to be working with Corona Extra Suzuki. They have a winning program and we want our specialty racing lubricants to be a key factor in their continued success both on the race track and off”.

Corona Extra Suzuki principal Landers Sevier added; “This is going to be a great partnership. Silkolene products are recognized the world over as a leader in the racing field. Having Silkolene working with us will allow the Corona Extra Suzuki racing program to continue its winning ways”.

Founded around 90 years ago, Silkolene is a world leading lubricant supplier. It has been closely associated with racing at the World level for many years. Silkolene is now starting to have a strong presence in the US. Corona Extra Suzuki should provide an effective “vehicle” for continued growth in this key market.

Corona Extra Suzuki is proud to be partnering with Corona Extra, Suzuki, EBSCO Media, MTS, Parts Unlimited, Dunlop, Yoshimura R&D, Joe Rocket, Nutec Racing Fuels, Silkolene Lubricants, Suzuki Genuine Accessories, Autocom, STR Motorsports, MotionPro, Braking, Ohlins, Stahlwille, Lindeman Engineering, Tyr Sox, FastDates.com, Yoyodyne, Sidi Boots, Hotbodies Racing, Zero Gravity, Regina Chain, Race Girl.

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