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.

From a press release issued by Eckl Kawasaki:

GARRY MCCOY: READY TO ATTACK

Kawasaki Racing Team has an optimistic outlook on the MotoGP season 2003. At the official pre-race press conference for the season-opening Japanese Grand Prix in a Tokyo hotel, Garry McCoy was enthusiastic about the technical progress on his Fuchs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR.

“When I first tested the bike, I immediately noticed how powerful the engine was, but there were some problems on the chassis side to address. Thanks to the efforts of the team and the engineers in Japan, we made significant improvements over the last months. I have no doubt that it won’t take us long to be very competitive,” said the Australian ‘King of Slide.’

Kawasaki test rider Akira Yanagawa, who will take part at the Suzuka Grand Prix with a wild card entry, was also delighted with the recent modifications on the bike, including a smooth and elegant looking re-design of the fairing and the seat.

From Tokyo, McCoy and Yanagawa will travel to Jerez/Spain, where they will meet McCoy’s Australian team-mate Andrew Pitt and German test rider Alex Hofmann for the official IRTA test session on February 21/22/23.

From a Press Release by KWS:

KWS Motorsports is pleased to announce that we will be fielding Shawn Higbee and Brian Livengood in the 2003 AMA Superbike series. The team will be called ‘Millennium-Kaufman-Suzuki Team.

Millennium Technologies, Kaufman Trailers, Inc.com, and Honda Suzuki of Sanford will be the primary sponsors during the season. Shawn and Brian will be riding 2002 spec GSXR1000-based superbikes built and maintained by the staff at KWS Motorsports. We are also sponsored by B.G. Lubricants, Bakker Race Gear, Dunlop, EK Chain, EBC Brakes, GMD Computrack, Penske, Pitbull, Nutec, Sharkskinz, Traxxion Dynamics, Ti-Force Exhaust, Vortex, Wiseco, Web-Cam, Yoshimura and Yoyodyne.

KWS will be attending the Indy trade show this weekend and will have four of our GSXR1000-based superbikes on display. Shawn and Brian will also be there so say hello and meet some of our new sponsors, stop by and say hi.

From a press release issued by Namco Hometek, Inc.:

Namco Hometek Inc. Announces MotoGP3 Release Date For North America

Namco places you in the center of the intense, high-speed world of professional motorcycle racing, and adds new twists to challenge all racing game fans

San Jose, Calif. – Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that the hot new motorcycle racing sequel, MotoGP3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, is scheduled for a North American release date of March 18th, 2003.

Fully licensed and featuring new graphics, mechanics, features and updated season stats, MotoGP3 will thrust players into the high-speed world of professional motorcycle racing while adding new twists to make it more appealing to the mass audience.

“Prior MotoGP titles have been very realistic and focused primarily on simulation”, said Jim Atkiss, Namco product marketing manager. “With MotoGP3, the intent here was not only to please the existing simulator fan-base, but to broaden its appeal to a larger audience of racing game fans by adding more arcade-like features.”

The MotoGP team at Namco conducted massive research that would assure a well-rounded racing title. MotoGP3 has added five new world-class racing circuits to the existing 10. The game also includes 20 fantasy tracks that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This brings the total track count to 35.

There are six intense modes available in MotoGP3: Arcade, Season, Time Trial, Challenge, Legends, and Multi-player. Players will also have the option of selecting the new “Brake Assist” feature, if they desire, to aid in handling treacherous curves.

In Multi-player mode, up to a total of 4 contestants are allowed, using the multi-tap (for PlayStation®2). Now, they can also choose the new “Cockpit View” that replicates an actual machine cockpit and throws the players right into all the action.

As with previous MotoGP titles, there will be a plethora of unlockable treats in the Challenge mode including riders, movies and machines. A whopping 100 challenges await completion. “Thanks to new features in the game, MotoGP3 now delivers a well balanced experience that still provides a top-notch motorcycle enthusiast’s title, but will also appeal to the all-around racing game fan,” comments Stacey Hirata, Namco director of marketing.

About Namco Hometek Inc.

Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Committed to providing the ultimate entertainment experience, Namco uses cutting-edge technology and advanced electronics to take their theme parks, arcades, and home video games far beyond traditional entertainment.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.



Roadracing World Wild Card Editor Sam Fleming is dodging seagulls at Phillip Island on the 2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Read all about revisions that have reduced the overall weight by five pounds and boosted top-end power in the next print issue of Roadracing World.

From a press release issued by Libasci Racing:

Libasci Racing announces Australian rider Jamie Stauffer to ride with team as team contests the AMA 600 Supersport title. Seventeen-year-old Young Gun James Mann will also be riding on the team.

Libasci Racing is happy to announce that Australian rider Jamie Stauffer has joined the team based in Oceanside, California and will be vying for the AMA 600 Supersport title. The team will be riding 2003 Yamaha R6s that are now being prepared at the team’s shop in Oceanside, California.

Joining Jamie in the team’s efforts will be 17-year-old young gun James Mann of Silver Springs, California. James has been racing for five years and has accumulated many race wins in SCFTA,CMRRA and WSMC, recently James has been riding an Aprilia RS250 and a 1999 Yamaha 600. Tim Knutson, 2002 Heavyweight Aprilia Champion and WSMC class champion who has been a rider for the team the last two years, will also be riding a new Yamaha R6 in the Supersport series. Donnie Libasci, the fourth member of the team, will be riding his Ducati 748 in selected events.

Jamie, having just arrived from his home in Australia, is fresh off a fantastic 2002 season which saw him finishing third in the 2002 Australian Superbike series, third in the 2002 Formula Extreme Superbike series, and second in the 2002 Formula Xtreme Supersport series. He also broke the track record in both Supersport and Formula Xtreme at Oran Park in August of last year.

Jamie’s only experience in the United States came during the final round of the Aprilia Challenge at Daytona in 2000 where he finished in first place. Jamie also is the winner of over 53 State Titles and 19 National Titles in his home country. Libasci Racing is very pleased to have a rider of his caliber competing on their team.