From a press release issued by Octagon Motorsports, organizers of the FIM Endurance World Championship:

Endurance Means Innovation

Racing Through the Night

The World Endurance Championship is rapidly becoming recognised as a development arena for production-based racing. We saw 1000cc four cylinder bikes competing on equal terms with WSB-spec twins in the 2001 championship – a year ahead of British Superbikes, and laying the ground for this year’s revised World Superbike regulations.

This year the championship sees the development of two new race formats. The Albacete 12 Hour round of the series will be run from nine o’clock on Saturday evening through to nine o’clock on Sunday morning. The race will run through the darkness of the Spanish night, with a massive Fiesta Espanola running in parallel to fuel the spectators.

The Brno 6 Hour and A1-Ring 6 Hour races are also revised for this year. They will both be run in two 3-hour stages, on Saturday evening and Sunday. Between the two the crowds will party into the night with music and entertainments laid on at the circuit.

Step Up to World Level

The championship is also seen as a chance to further a career in world-level motorcycle racing. Two of this year’s permanent teams have announced “junior” squads aimed specifically at developing the skills of younger riders alongside their more experienced peers, and the competition for places is fierce. With over 64 hours of racing on some of the world’s finest tracks this year, what better opportunity could there be?

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM – PRESS INFORMATION

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM LAUNCHED IN MILAN



Milan (Italy), 14 February 2003 – The Ducati Marlboro Team for the MotoGP championship was launched today at the FilaForum, Milan, in what is sure to become yet another important chapter in Ducati history. The presentation of the new Desmosedici took place in front of 400 people, including journalists and media from all over the world, institutional figures and sponsors, in a spectacular audio-video light-show display. The bike that will mark Ducati’s return to Grand Prix racing, was finally presented in its definitive colours for the season ahead, and after a thirty year absence, Ducati will now surely play a leading role in MotoGP, while continuing its commitment to the World Superbike Championship.



A series of speeches preceded the spectacular entrance of the Desmosedici on the stage, ridden by the two riders of the Ducati Marlboro Team.

With an introduction capable of relaying all the enthusiasm and passion of Ducati, Federico Minoli, president of the Bologna-based company, opened the proceedings. “We couldn’t have chosen a better date for the presentation of our team, our riders and our beautiful bikes: February 14th! In Ducati we are in love with any project that is capable of giving us excitement, pleasure and passion as a team.”

“MotoGP represents an important investment for the company, which by stimulating research and development will allow us to continue to grow and improve our products, while increasing the renown of the company name and offering a positive return in terms of sales” added Carlo Di Biagio, Ducati Motor Holding CEO.

Then it was the turn of Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing Director, who illustrated the technical details of the bike. “The Desmosedici has already carried out 12,000 kms of track tests and a further 5,000 will be completed before the first round of the season on April 6 at Suzuka. Today we know a lot more about the bike, and we are reasonably sure of our potential. Troy and Loris are proving to be a perfect team. They are working together, sharing information and both of them are a real surprise. The Desmosedici is the result of a lot of research and great passion, and is a bike that has a number of interesting technical features such as the new four cylinder V90° Desmo 16 valve engine, or the innovative and exclusive stress-bearing frame, which has been adapted from Formula 1. Although retaining Ducati’s tubular trestle design, this enables weight to be saved by using the engine as a stress-bearing member”.

Preceded by the noise of the powerful four-cylinder Ducati engine, Troy and Loris then arrived directly on the stage on the bike in its new colour scheme.

“This is a great day for Ducati and I am really proud to be a part of the Ducati Marlboro Team for the MotoGP championship” declared Troy Bayliss. “The Desmosedici looks fantastic in its new colours, testing has gone really well and all of us in Ducati can’t wait to line up on the grid at the first race of the season.”

“Now we are finally a team!” commented Loris Capirossi, “and we are ready to start the season. After the excellent results achieved in winter testing, I have finally seen the definitive version of the Desmosedici. We are all really enthusiastic and ready for the challenge that lies ahead”.

Before the start of the championship on April 6th at Suzuka (Japan), the Ducati Marlboro Team will take part in three days of official IRTA tests from 21-23 at Jerez de la Frontiera (Spain), and then Estoril (Portugal) on 26/27 February, followed by Barcelona (Spain) on 15/16 March.

From a press release issued by Dr. Rob Tuluie:

Tul-aris Smooths Powerband and Reaches 160 Rear Wheel HP Benchmark

Manley Cycle, Minneapolis, MN. The Tul-aris racing motorcycle reached the 160 rear wheel hp mark for the first time during extensive dyno testing on Doug Lofgren’s Dynojet dyno at Manley Cycle, Minneapolis. This equates to 181 hp at the crank. Furthermore, many part-throttle and full-throttle runs resulted in the smoothest powerband yet and corrected some of the powerband issues that the new 800cc motor presented during a recent magazine test at Willow Springs, California. We varied Powervalve opening rpm, increasing it back to our normal setpoint of 6800 rpm instead of the incorrect setpoint of 5700 rpm that was used during our testing at Willow Springs.


Red: Power and torque as used at Willow Springs, Dec 02
Blue: Power and torque Feb 03. Note elimination of the power drop at 6200 rpm and smoothing of power increase at 7300 rpm. Power band is now a straight line from 5700 rpm to 8200 rpm. This setup was achieved using a new ignition system and slightly shorter exhaust pipes. This particular setup produces 3 hp less than the highest result we achieved this weekend, but in return offers the smoothest powerband.

Furthermore, we varied part-throttle and full-throttle ignition timing, which is now possible thanks to the latest Polaris ignition system, which allows ignition mapping as a function of rpm, throttle position and an external input (such as gear position). We increased timing just before 7300 rpm and decreased timing just after that, in order to further smooth a step in the powerband at that rpm. Finally, a slight shortening of the exhaust pipes, suggested by Hot Seat Performance’s Steve Houle, resulted in increased rpm and power and the smoothest powerband yet. Our best figures for the day were 160.7 hp at 8200 rpm and 104.6 ft-lbs of torque, with a powerband that is an almost perfect straight line from 5700 to 8300 rpm.


An example of how things can go wrong: part throttle power with the powervalve opening set at the wrong setpoint of 5700 rpm (red). Doing nothing but changing the powervalve opening back to 6800 rpm (blue), which is what we used for most of 2002, immediately improves matters substantially.


The Tul-aris project is sponsored by: Michelin Tires, Nutec Racing Fuel, Hot Seat Performance, Ohlins USA, Lofgren Racing/Manley Cycle, Mason Racing Tires, MTS Systems Corporation, Yoyodyne Titanium, GP Tech, Carbon Fiber Specialties Products, DCM Services, Deus Ex Machina.

From a press release issued for Formula Xtreme Promotions Pty. Ltd. by publicist Steve Reeves:

Event 1, 2003 Yamaha Formula Xtreme TT Series
Eastern Creek Raceway, NSW

DEFENDING CHAMPION PERFECT AT EASTERN CREEK

The opening round of any championship is always difficult, as the competitors take time to assess their opponents, but this was not the case for the defending Formula Xtreme and Supersport champion, Newcastle’s Kevin Curtain, as he totally dominated round one of the 2003 Yamaha Formula Xtreme TT Series, held at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway this weekend.

Curtain, riding for the new Nikon Yamaha Racing Team this year, was in blistering form as he took pole position and a clean sweep of all eight races that he contested.

Changeable weather conditions made machine preparation difficult for the competitors. Saturday’s qualifying sessions and opening races were held in hot conditions, while rain showers passing over the circuit at irregular intervals affected Sunday’s races.


YAMAHA XTREME

As the defending champion and winner of four Formula Xtreme titles, Kevin Curtain was always going to start the year as the early title favourite, but no one would have expected his first round display to be as dominant as it was.

After putting his Nikon Yamaha Racing Team YZF R1 on pole position by the end of qualifying on Saturday, Curtain continued to lead from the front and took out each of the four 8-lap Yamaha Xtreme races.

The only rider that was in a position to challenge was teammate Daniel Stauffer, but even he could not get close to the champion and finished the weekend with three seconds and a third.

Stauffer’s third place finish in the final race came after what appeared to be Curtain’s first defeat of the day. Heavy rain began to fall moments before the start of the final race and it was Albury’s Alistair Maxwell who led the opening six laps aboard his Suzuki GSX-R1000. Curtain made a steady start and was in fourth place on the opening laps. He then picked up the pace and on the penultimate lap made up 3.6 seconds on Maxwell, to not only catch him, but also take the race lead in what was a masterful display of wet weather riding.

Maxwell’s result gave him third place overall for the weekend, one place ahead of Gold Coast Suzuki rider Robert Bugden and Victorian Stephen Tozer (Stafford Yamaha)

“What can I say really,” Curtain said. “The team have worked extremely hard over the past month preparing the bikes and to get them at this competitive standard in that time is fantastic. Not only were we happy with the bikes, but the Dunlop tyres as well. They performed well under all of the various track conditions that we had over the entire weekend and basically didn’t miss a trick. All in all a great weekend.”

Overall points standings after round 1 of the Yamaha Xtreme are:
1. Kevin Curtain (100); 2. Daniel Stauffer (76); 3. Alistair Maxwell(56); 4. Robert Bugden (46);
5. Stephen Tozer (45); 6. Warwick Nowland (45); 7. Nicholas Barton (32); 8. David Butler (25);
9. Luke Wicks (19); 10. Jason Kain (18).


YAMAHA SUPERSPORT

As he showed in the Xtreme class, Curtain was in race winning mode, which extended through to the four Supersport races as well.

Pole position aboard the new fuel injected Yamaha YZF R6 sent out the warning signals to his competitors.

The round was seen as the first major confrontation of the season for those in the Supersport class with manufacturers Yamaha and Kawasaki both fielding very potent new model machines for 2003. The new model Yamaha YZF R6 and Kawasaki ZX-6RR’s were equally competitive, but it was the form of Curtain that proved the difference.

“The new 2003 model Yamaha YZF R6 is so easy to ride, it actually feels as though it has less power than last years bike, but that is because the fuel injection has made the power delivery so smooth,” said Curtain. “The team has done a great job with getting the bikes so competitive and in the conditions we had today we were also able to show how good the new Dunlop tyres are. It was a great day, not only for myself, but for the whole team.”

Brisbane teenager Brendan Clarke chased his teammate home all day and was credited with second overall after scoring three seconds and a fourth (in race three).

Team Kawasaki Australia’s Russell Holland led home a trio of Kawasaki riders that filled the minor placings, finishing third overall ahead of Marty Atlee and Simon Rattenbury. Brisbane’s Mark Aitchison was the best of the Suzuki riders, finishing sixth overall, ahead of Wayne Maxwell (Rob Phillis Racing Kawasaki) and Mark Stanley aboard his Lismore Motorcycles Yamaha YZF R6.

Overall points standings after round 1 of the Yamaha Supersport are:
1. Kevin Curtain (100); 2. Brendan Clarke (65); 3. Russell Holland (60); 4. Marty Atlee (35); 5. Simon Rattenbury (33); 6. Mark Aitchison (33); 7. Wayne Maxwell (32); 8. Mark Stanley (31); 9. Christopher Seaton (27); 10. Deon Coote (25).


EXEL APRILIA FX PRO-TWINS
In the Exel Aprilia FX Pro Twins class, Shaun Geronimi (Forza Aprilia RSV1000) took the challenge up to the reigning champion Craig McMartin (Ducati Sydney / Ducati 998S), ending a 22 race winning streak by the champion.

Geronimi won the first three races ahead of McMartin despite riding with an injured right ankle after a touch football mishap, just two days prior to the meeting.

McMartin struggled with bike set up over the weekend, but managed to stay in touch with Geronimi. In the final race, rain brought both Geronimi and McMartin unstuck with both riders crashing out. Geronimi was unable to re-enter the race whereas McMartin fought back to finish fifth.

Zac Davies (BelRay / Australian Security Concepts / Aprilia RSV1000) displayed a level of maturity beyond his 18 years to finish on the podium in the first three races and finish the final race without mishap.

When the points were tallied, Geronimi leads McMartin with 75 points to 71, setting the scene for an epic battle between Aprilia and Ducati for the rest of the season.


NAKEDBIKE

Defending Nakedbike champion Craig Trinder (Nikon Yamaha Team / Yamaha FZ-1) turned the tables on fellow Yamaha FZ-1 rider Graeme Wilshaw (Procycles Yamaha) in Sunday’s races to claim the round win. The pair shared two wins apiece from the four contested over the weekend, but a crash in the third race left Wilshaw out of overall contention.

In a battle befitting any State of Origin showdown, Gold Coast resident Trinder held it over Sydneysider Wilshaw in a battle of the wills that will surely last the whole season. The pair staged a sensational dice in the wet third race, which came down to a last lap duel that unfortunately ended dramatically for Wilshaw when he crashed out at turn nine.

Wilshaw earlier captured the opening two races of the season on Saturday from Trinder, while Matthew Waldron (FTN Prod JD Concrete Yamaha FZ-1) made it a Yamaha clean-sweep overall.

John Allen brought home his Aluma-Lite Racing Aprilia Tuono in fourth overall on debut.

Rob Carrall (Doin’ Bikes Honda Hornet 600) dominated the Streetfighter category while Rex Wolfenden (T-Rex Honda CB750) clean-swept the Forgotten Era Four-stroke class from Mick Neason (Honda CB1000).


AUSTRALIAN SECURITY CONCEPTS XTREME ULTRA LITES

Jai Curtis (Caringbah MC/Keith Muir Honda CBR400) dominated the all-new Formula Xtreme Ultra Lites category after capturing three race wins. Comeback kid, Judd Greedy (Top Rider Honda CBR400) prevented a King Curtis clean sweep when he chose the right tyre in the rain-affected third race held on Sunday.

Gavin Hainsworth (RB Racing Honda RVF400) was a constant thorn in Curtis’s side and secured second overall thanks to three second-place finishes, while Caleb Stalder (Cold Coast Aprilia RS250) claimed third overall and first two-stroke home after scoring two podium finishes.

C-grader Craig White (WRP Bridgestone Honda VFR400) finished sixth overall and first in the C&D-grade privateers’ points, while Pat James (Team Caringbah Motorcycles Honda CBR400) topped the B-grade privateer ladder.


ALUMA LITE RACING FORMULA OZ

Many new riders have entered Formula OZ this year and the door has been left open for a new champion to be crowned after the winners of the past two titles, Alistair Maxwell and John Allen, have both moved on to other classes.

The first round at Eastern Creek found a new star in Kurk Dahms who with three wins from four starts, gave him the overall round win.

The fast and consistent Queensland ‘D’ grade rider, on a mildly modified Yamaha YZF R1, threw the challenge out to James Spence (Circuit Breakers Yamaha YZF R1), Michael Wright (SCR Engines Honda CBR 929RR) and the rest of the field from the very first race.

The 125/250 GP class started with only three riders but interest centred on newcomer, and the only female rider in Formula Oz, Karel Pavich, (Yamaha TZ350) who took out the class win and showed potential to move up the outright points table.

In the Clubsport 600 class, Mark Fullerton (RB Imports GSXR600) showed his speed, winning outright and throwing the gauntlet to both his fellow 600 riders and the rest of the field.

The Forgotten Era-Two Strokes were predictably outclassed by the rest of the field in all four races. Simon Bell on a well-prepared Yamaha TZ 350 took the class win.


FORMULA X UNLIMITED

Victorian C Grader Jason Cartledge (Morwell Motorcycles / Kawasaki ZX-6RR) took full advantage by a mishap by early race favourite, Queenslander Kurk Dahms Yamaha YZF R1) to take the race win in the Formula X Unlimited race, which is for C & D Grade riders only.

Cartledge had shown a lot of promise during a number of the earlier Supersport races that were held in both dry and wet conditions and continued that form with victory in the final race of the day.

Dahms crashed out of contention on lap five of the six lap race, leaving Cartledge to take the win ahead of Tony Mihaljevic (Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Jon Cartwright (Yamaha TRX850).


2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Event 1 – February 16, Eastern Creek (New South Wales)
Event 2 – March 16, Oran Park GP (NSW)
Event 3 – May 4, Winton Raceway (Victoria)
Event 4 – June 1, Queensland Raceway (Queensland)
Event 5 – July 13, Eastern Creek (New South Wales)

6-Hour Endurance Event – October 5, Eastern Creek (New South Wales)

From a press release issued by the AMA regarding the latest activities of part-time rock star Ed Moreland:

AMA Acts To End Health-Care Bias Against Riders

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Following intense efforts by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), legislation has been introduced in Congress to end health-care discrimination against motorcyclists.

In the ’90s, Congress passed a law meant to bar employers from refusing to cover motorcycle-related injuries in the health-care coverage they offer employees. But federal bureaucrats reversed that law, writing rules to allow health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and others who engage in legal activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding or horseback riding. This new legislation would correct that action.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Sens. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) on February 14, would “promote health-care coverage parity for individuals participating in legal recreational activities or legal transportation activities.”

Specifically, the bill states that “a plan or issuer may not deny benefits otherwise provided for the treatment of any injury solely because such injury resulted from participation of the participant or beneficiary in an activity such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle riding, horseback riding, skiing or other similar legal activity.”

Those words came out of meetings between aides for the senators and the AMA’s team in Washington, D.C., that also included officials of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The bill also has the endorsement of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, the American Horse Council and the American Snowmobilers Association, among others.

Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, said the threat of losing health-care benefits is enormous.

“Medical bills from an accident can easily total tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said. “Without insurance, that can amount to a devastating blow to any rider.”

Riders and others who want to end this type of insurance discrimination are urged to send letters to their federal lawmakers asking them to support the Feingold-Collins bill. An easy way to send your message is to use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com.

“We succeeded in this effort years ago, only to see our efforts reversed by federal agencies,” Moreland said. “Now, we have a second chance to protect all motorcyclists from health-insurance discrimination. We need to take advantage of this opportunity.”

From a press release issued by Ducati:

DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE

The Ducati school of motorcycling – riding skill and racing skills classes in collaboration with Motociclismo – unleashing the capabilities of high-performance Ducati motorcycles safely.

Bologna, February, 2003 – Ducati, in collaboration with the number one Italian motorcycle magazine Motociclismo, debuts the Ducati Riding Experience on 24 March at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racing Circuit in Imola.

Ducati Riding Experience is the new Ducati school of motorcycling, for anyone who wishing to enter the two-wheeled world, or enhance their riding skills, and try out the legendary high performance Ducati motorcycles, from the Monster 620 to the brand-new Ducati 999 and 749.

All participants will have the opportunity to learn to ride Ducati motorcycles in a safe and structured environment.

Anyone interested in taking part in one of the ten dates, from March to October, may book a place via the site www.ducati.com. Each class lasts one day, and are held on a weekdays.
The school boasts professional instructors who will team with participants throughout the day, separated into groups, for lessons in both theory and practice.

The DRE, aimed at both beginning women riders and experienced riders of varying skill levels who want to improve their track riding skills. The courses include: Ducati Racing School, Women’s Riding School and Ducati Advanced Riding School.


Ducati Racing School

The class is aimed at experienced motorcyclists who wish to learn more about track riding techniques, astride the legendary Ducati Superbikes — 999 and 749. Students will experience an entire day of theory and practice to safely test all of the secrets of the track. The maximum number of participants will be 60 per day for each class, divided into 12 groups. An instructor will be present for each group.

Apparel and gear

Participants are required to arrive with their own riding equipment: full leathers; helmet; gloves and boots

A valid driving licence is mandatory.

Cost (VAT included) Euro 696
(Euro 726 with one guest)


Women’s Riding School

The school, which has already gained recognition for its exciting results, is aimed at women who want to become riders, not just passengers.

The riding school classes dedicated to women are divided into two types:

Beginner’s course — dedicated to beginning women who have never ridden a motorcycle and wish to enter the motorcycling world. The classes are made up of no more than 30 participants each, divided into 5 sub-groups. An instructor will be present for each sub-group. The motorcycles used are the Ducati Monster 620, with power restricted.

Apparel

All equipments will be provided by Ducati

Cost (VAT included) Euro 216
(Euro 246 with one guest)

Advanced Riding Course — dedicated to those who already have riding experienced, but who wish to improve their riding technique to gain better fluidity, confidence and safety on the road. This class will also prepare riders for the Ducati Racing School. The class is aimed at improving practice (in the paddock), and later moves on to a session on the track, in complete safety.

Classes will consist of a maximum of 24 participants, divided into 4 groups there will be one instructor for every six people. The motorcycles used are the Ducati Monster 620.

Apparel

All equipments will be provided by Ducati
A valid driving licence is mandatory.

Cost (VAT included) Euro 240
(Euro 270 with one guest)


Ducati Advanced Riding School

The class is aimed at all those who have already a fair amount of motorcycling experience, but who wish to improve their technique and knowledge of the vehicle dynamics.

Utilizing the Monster 800, safe and easy to handle, it’s the right motorcycle to improve and gain confidence on the road and on the track.
Most of the activity takes place in the paddock, with an additional session on the track.

The maximum number of participants is 20 for each class, divided into 3 sub-groups.

Apparel

Participants are required to arrive with their own riding equipment: full leathers; helmet; gloves and boots.

The advanced track ride is the reason for the necessity of full leathers.

A valid driving licence is mandatory.

Cost (VAT included) Euro 240
(Euro 270 with one guest)


Registration can be made from next February 12, only through the official Web site, www.ducati.com, which is also the primary communication channel for DRE and offers detailed, complete and up-to-date information. For more information or if you have questions, email: [email protected], or call the toll-free number 800 55 3066.

From a press release issued by the World Superbike Press Office:

Winter Test – Superbike Provisional Entry List
Valencia 21st – 23rd February

Entry List


N° Rider/pilote Nat. Machine Team


4- Troy Corser AUS Foggy FP1 Foggy Petronas

5- Ivan Clementi ITA Kawasaki ZX7RR Team Kawasaki Bertocchi

6- Mauro Sanchini ITA Kawasaki ZX7RR Team Kawasaki Bertocchi

7- Pier Francesco Chili ITA Ducati 996R Team PSG-1

8- James Haydon GBR Foggy FP1 Foggy Petronas

9- Chris Walker GBR Ducati 998R HM Plant Ducati

10- Gregorio Lavilla ESP Suzuki GSX 1000R Team Alstare Suzuki

11- Ruben Xaus ESP Ducati 999R Fila Ducati

15- Giovanni Bussei ITA Yamaha YZF R1 UnionBike GiMotorsport

16- Sergio Fuertes ESP Suzuki GSX 1000R MIR Racing

19- Lucio Pedercini ITA Ducati 996R Team Pedercini

20- Marco Borciani ITA Ducati 996R D.F.X. Racing Team

28- Serafino Foti ITA Ducati 996R Team Pedercini

33- Juan Bautista Borja ESP Ducati 996R D.F.X. Racing Team

35-Nello Russo ITA Ducati 996R Team Pedercini

48- David Garcia ESP Ducati 996R Team Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks

51- Davide Messori ITA Yamaha YZF R1 UnionBike GiMotorsport

52- James Toseland GBR Ducati 998R HM Plant Ducati

55-Régis Laconi FRA Ducati 996R Team Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks

70- Christian Zaiser AUT Aprilia RSV 1000 Team Aprilia Austria

91- Walter Tortoroglio ITA Honda VTR 1000 SP2 White Endurance Team

99- Steve Martin AUS Ducati 996R D.F.X. Racing Team

100- Neil Hodgson GBR Ducati 999R Fila Ducati

From a press release issued for Team Hammer, Inc. by freelance publicist Dorina Clarke:

Nine Riders In Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars

Lake Elsinore, Calif. – A total of nine riders have signed up for the 2003 Team Hammer Talent Search Presented by Alpinestars.

The final four riders accepted into the program include first-year Expert Ivan Garza, 26, of El Paso, Texas; second-year Expert Paolo Mariano, 22, of Canyon Country, California; second-year Expert Darren Luck, 28, of Bonita Springs, Florida; and Jack Pfeifer, 35, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

They join previous program signees Matt Elliott, 17, a first-year Expert from Blountville, Tennessee; Greg Moore, 25, a first-year Expert from Brookwood, Alabama; John Ross, 39, of San Antonio, Texas; Chris Siglin, 22, of Clayton, California; and Mathew Wise, 24, of McKinney, Texas.

Two program finalists will be seeded into the GSX-R750 heat races and will enjoy full rides at the 2003 Suzuki Cup Finals, including the use of a Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 tended by a team mechanic, Michelin tires, entry fees and a complete set of Alpinestars leathers, boots and gloves in team colors. The best-finishing participant at the Suzuki Cup Finals will go home with a race-ready Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 racebike. Judging of finalists will be based on a number of factors, including the ability to be competitive at a variety of racetracks, rider improvement over the course of the season and race results in 2003.

One of the two finalists will be considered for a 2004 ride with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki.

The Talent Search program starts with a set-up and practice day February 26 at Daytona.

This just in from Terry Newby of Sport Tire Services:

There is some confusion about whether or not Dunlop tires will be at the WERA race this weekend at No Problem Raceway in Louisiana. We will have support for that race as well as the first CMRA race at Oak Hill Texas the following weekend. Any questions can be directed to Sport Tire Services at 805-434-4810.

Thank you.