From a press release issued by OMRRA:
Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association would like to announce the Vicious Cycle Formula 160 Championship Series.
This Vintage racing series will take place at Portland International Raceway from April through October, and features pre-1968 Superstock 160cc four-strokes and 125cc two-stroke machines.
For more information, call (503) 295-0121 or (503) 285-8824.
This just in from former racer Dennis Smith of Sport Tire Services:
Just a short note to let your readers know that Dunlop has posted $1.95 MILLION in contingencies for this year. (Almost doubled from 2002.)
Here is some data for you and your readers. (The individual organizations have the data or you could have the racers referred to us for further information.)
Organization/POSTED CONTINGENCIES
AMA Nationals = $105,950
FUSA National = $88,550
CCS/LRRS = $723,365
WSMC = $126,000
AFM = $46,330
WERA = $534,075
CRA = $69,900
CMRA/ENDURANCE = $45,000
WMRRA = $52,650
OMRRA = $59,925
MRA = $68,350
SMRI = $31,710
TOTAL POSTED = $1,956,110
For more information:
West of Mississippi, Sport Tire Services 800-776-8473
East of Mississippi, Race Tire Services 800-772-8473
From a press release:
SERIES TAKES SAFETY STEP
TORONTO, ON – Three of Canada’s major motorcycle dealers have joined forces in an effort to improve rider safety in Canadian road racing.
McBride Cycle of Toronto, Calgary’s Blackfoot Motosports and Montreal-Based Diablo Performance have combined to purchase 310 feet of Alpina Air Modules from Austria’s Alpina Safety Systems Unlimited. The air modules are installed in front of obstacles at racetracks, providing a soft barrier for racers.
Similar barriers are already used in World Championship events and U.S. National competition.
The units will travel to each round of this year’s Parts Canada Superbike Championship and will be installed at points on each circuit that are deemed to present the highest risk of injury to racers. Cost to the tracks will be minimal, covering only shipping, installation and maintenance.
Airfence-brand inflatable soft barriers were used in volume in Canada at last year’s Parts Canada Superbike/Formula USA Road Racing Series doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway. The amount of Alpina-brand modules purchased for the Canadian series is similar to what was in place at that event.
“We all decided this project was definitely a must,” said John McBride of McBride Cycle. “There is no monetary gain for any of us in doing this. It is strictly a commitment to the safety of our competitors.”
Advertising space will be sold on the air modules and revenue will be used to fund the purchase of additional or replacement air modules.
“We are very grateful to McBride, Blackfoot and Diablo for taking the initiative on this project,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which runs the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “The use of the Alpina Air Modules at our venues will ensure that our racers compete with the highest level of safety available to them.”
The 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship will consist of seven events and six venues across the country. It opens at Shannonville Motorsport Park May 18 and concludes back at Shannonville Aug. 31.
From a press release issued by Road Atlanta:
DARK DOG IS PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR SUPERBIKE SHOWDOWN AT ROAD ATLANTA
BRASELTON, GA – Dark Dog Energy Drink is the new presenting sponsor of the popular AMA professional motorcycle doubleheader at Road Atlanta, now officially know as the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog.
Originally known as the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, the May 16-18 event includes equally-important AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike races on Saturday and Sunday.
Dark Dog (www.darkdog.com) is also the “Official Energy Drink” of Road Atlanta and will have year-round marketing and advertising opportunities at all 12 spectator events, including the Petit Le Mans Oct. 15-18.
“Dark Dog made its debut at Road Atlanta last year during Petit Le Mans and will have a greater presence at the track this season,” says Mike Swaine, President and General Manger of Road Atlanta. “We are delighted that Dark Dog has increased its involvement with us.”
“Dark Dog is excited to be a sponsor of Road Atlanta and directly involved with events like their Superbike race,” says Randy Ridenour, CEO of Dark Dog America. “Our company is the number two energy drink in brand recognition worldwide, but we are relatively new in the United States. Being associated with Road Atlanta and the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog will give us tremendous opportunities to drive new sales.”
Road Atlanta (www.roadatlanta.com) is a multi-purpose motorsports facility located in Braselton, GA, and is utilized for a variety of events. Major spectator events include The Mitty historic sports car race April 26-27, the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog May 16-18 and the Petit Le Mans Oct. 16-18. Road Atlanta is also home to the Panoz Racing School and the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School.
From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:
FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Barcelona, Spain
11 February, 2003
FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM HEADS FOR IRTA TESTS WITH QUIET CONFIDENCE
Fortuna Yamaha Team riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri will leave the Barcelona circuit this evening content with the outcome of today’s testing. Despite a nasty tumble early on yesterday, Checa returned to the track today unshaken and ready to get back to work. His team-mate Marco Melandri completed more laps than all the other Yamaha riders today, ending the test with a long run giving him some of the vital experience that he will need when the MotoGP season begins in Suzuka, Japan, on 6th April.
Checa was positive about his day’s achievements, “I still felt slightly sore today but generally I am OK,” admitted the Spaniard. “I am happy with my performance today, as I found some consistent laps. I also went the fastest that I have ever ridden at this circuit. The weather conditions today weren’t great either, so I think there is even more room to improve.” Checa completed a total of 46 laps and improved on his previous Grand Prix lap time of 1:45.2, Max Biaggi’s pole position time of 1:44.5, and the circuit lap record of 1:46.6.
Melandri came away from the test feeling much more confident than at the Fortuna Yamaha Team’s previous test in Valencia two weeks ago, where he suffered some front braking problems. The young 250cc World Champion found difficulties adjusting his style to suit the four-stroke’s heavy braking, and worked with team supplier Brembo yesterday and today to find a way towards a solution to the problem.
“At the end of today I did 16 laps in a row as a kind of a ‘race test’, to try to understand what the bike will feel like at the end of a race”, explained Melandri. “I am happy with what I achieved here, as I managed to record a best lap time of 1:45.7.” The Italian completed a total of 75 laps today.
The Fortuna Yamaha Team will leave Barcelona tonight and resume testing at the first IRTA test in Jerez on 21st February. Team Director Davide Brivio is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead, “I am pleased that we have had these two extra days, as we lost important time in Jerez last month due to the bad weather. Development is going as it should be. Carlos has had another very good day today even though he fell yesterday, and Marco has increased his confidence with the bike. Brembo have done a good job supporting him, making the changes he needed to feel more stable with front braking. We are interested to go to Jerez now to see the level we are at compared to our competitors.”
LAP TIMES
Alex Barros, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:44.0 (58 laps)
Carlos Checa, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:44.3 (46 laps)
Shinya Nakano, D’Antin Yamaha 1:44.8 (62 laps)
Marco Melandri, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:45.7 (75 laps)
Olivier Jacque, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:47.7 (49 laps)
More information will be available from the IRTA tests in Jerez (21,22,23 February).
From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:
Workers Begin Final Phase of Track Safety Redesign
for AMA Superbikes at Infineon Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE)–Infineon Raceway has completed the on-track design work for three circuit enhancements, and workers have begun the final phase of the project: placing the asphalt. These changes are designed to increase rider safety at the AMA Supercuts Superbike Challenge, presented by Honda of Milpitas, May 2-4.
The redesigned portions of track at Turns 1, 10 and 11 will be used strictly by the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Series and Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. The traditional road course will be used for all other events at Infineon Raceway, including NASCAR Winston Cup and the American Le Mans Series. The enhancements further demonstrate Infineon Raceway’s goal of becoming one of the safest AMA-sanctioned circuits in the country. A polymer-modified asphalt was used on the three portions of track. It is the same blend of asphalt that covers the entire circuit.
The changes were made with the aid of AMA Superbike riders Eric (Kawasaki) and Ben Bostrom (Honda), Miguel Duhamel (Honda), Aaron Yates (Suzuki), and AMA Road Race Manager Ron Barrick, who visited the track two months ago. The enhancements will be in place for an AMA Superbike test session at Infineon Raceway on March 20.
Turn 1 has been a sweeping left-hander, putting riders at a dangerous angle as they approach a pedestrian bridge at the apex of Turn 1. The track has been extended 50 feet in a straight line before entering Turn 1. Riders will now make a left turn at approximately 90 degrees, which is designed to direct them away from the bridge and up the circuit toward Turn 2.
The entry into Turn 10 has been altered to increase rider safety. As riders crest Turn 8A, they will no longer continue down the famous esses. Instead they will continue down a straight line for 900 feet, parallel with the Hillside Terraces at Turn 9, before making a 90-degree right-hand turn, followed by a sharp left-hand turn, which will blend them back with the original road course just before Turn 10. This alteration will slow the bikes down substantially, lowering the risk entering Turn 10, plus it should also turn into an exciting passing zone in front of the Hillside Terraces.
The final safety enhancement will occur at Turn 11, which will see the entry shortened by approximately 40 feet. The change will direct riders away from the wall as they exit the hairpin turn and direct them toward the start/finish line.
All three changes demonstrate Infineon Raceway’s commitment to rider safety. Increased run-off was added at virtually every turn on the road course during a $50 million Modernization Plan, and the racing surface has also been permanently separated from the slick drag strip.
From a press release issued by WSMC:
WSMC #1 plate holder and multi-time Willow Springs Class Champion Jeremy Toye lined up for his first amateur Supercross event Sunday, Feb. 9th in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium and came away with victory in the “Over 30” main event and a close 2nd place in the very competitive 250cc Intermediate class.
Riding a Lee’s Cycle/WSMC/Excel/Vortex supported Honda CR250, Toye rode fast and smooth throughout the day, taking top finishes in the heat races to transfer directly to the main events. It was his first motocross race in what he termed “over 5 years.”
WSMC class Champions Frank Aragaki and Kenny Kopecky also participated in the Clear Channel operated event in San Diego, as well as the previous week’s round in Anaheim, CA. Both races were run on ‘mellowed’ versions of the pro Supercross tracks used for the AMA Supercross Series on Saturday night the last two weeks.
Aragaki (WSMC’s 2002 250cc Grand Prix #1), riding his new Honda CRF-450 sponsored by WSMC and Maxima Racing Oil qualified for the “Over 30” main events directly from his heat races each week, finishing 17th in Anaheim after stalling the motor while in the top 10. In San Diego Stadium he had holeshot the main event and held off Toye briefly, and while battling for a top-5 position several laps later came up short on a large double jump and was thrown hard over the bars. He sustained severe bruising but reported Sunday night that nothing was broken.
Kopecky (WSMC’s two-time F-40 Lightweight Class Champion and #7 overall in ’02) also qualified directly to the main events each week in the “Over 40” class. At Anaheim he was lapped by several former pro motocross racers and finished 15th. In San Diego after running 4th for the first half of the final he faded to an eventual 9th place finish riding his KTM 520SX sponsored by WSMC/Maxima/O’Neal USA/Factory Effex/Excel and Vortex. He had last raced in amateur Supercross events in Southern California in 1979 to 1981.
All three riders were pleased with Clear Channel/Formula USA’s program and are hoping to see the opportunity return to race in the amateur Supercross program in 2004.
From a press release issued by Ducati:
DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM – PRESS INFORMATION
50 LUCKY DUCATI EMPLOYEES CHOSEN FOR TEAM MOTOGP LAUNCH
Borgo Panigale (Bologna) 11 February 2003 – The international launch of the Ducati Marlboro Team is scheduled for this coming Friday, 14th February. The venue for the event – reserved exclusively for accredited media, VIPs and institutional figures – will be the FilaForum, Assago, in Milan (Italy). The event marks an important moment for the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, which makes its return to Grand Prix racing after an absence of thirty years, while continuing its commitment in the World Superbike Championship, a key cornerstone of Ducati strategy.
As is Ducati’s style and tradition, the entire company will participate in this historic moment, sharing the passion and the excitement of the unveiling of the Ducati Desmosedici in its definitive colours, together with Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi, the two riders chosen to spearhead Ducati’s line-up in the MotoGP championship.
50 employees, made up of 30 from the Borgo Panigale factory plus 20 representing the six Ducati worldwide subsidiaries, have been given an opportunity to experience the event in person. The lucky ‘winners’ were chosen in a draw on Monday 10th February. A Ducati coach will take the group directly to Milan on Friday 14th February. On arrival at the FilaForum, the 50 reserved places will allow the Ducati employees to enjoy every single moment of the presentation, followed by lunch together with journalists, VIPs and riders, before returning to the factory in the afternoon.
From a press release issued by Octagon Motorsports, organizers of the FIM Endurance World Championship Series:
Important Rule Changes for Endurance in 2003
Qualifying Positions Simplified
Ahead of the announcement of the World Endurance Championship Permanent Team entries for 2003 (many interesting additions to the list are expected) some important rule changes have been confirmed.
Qualifying Positions Simplified
The most significant of these alters the way that the starting grid positions are worked out. For 2003, qualification positions will be based on the best time put in by the fastest rider of a team. This is a real improvement over the complicated system used previously which averaged the times of all of each team’s riders. With endurance qualifying often spread over a four hour period weather or track conditions could change significantly from the first rider group to the last. The new system will also make the calculation of starting position a much simpler and quicker proposition.
Refuelling and Pit Stops
Under the new regulations, refuelling of the bike must now take place after all other work has been done on the bike, but before it is restarted. If serious repairs are needed, the bike can be moved into the pit garage, but only four people may work on it.
Riding Time and Racing Classes
The maximum length of time a rider can stay on the bike without a rest period is 3 hours. The rest between riding sessions must be at least half the length of time last spent on the bike for races of less than 12 hours, and two thirds of the riding time for shorter races. The classes of bike eligible to race in the championship were brought into line with the World Superbike championship, with four cylinder bikes of up to 1 litre capacity allowed into the WSB class if fitted with air restrictors.
The confirmed calendar of the 2003 World Endurance Championship is as follows:
May 4 San Marino Imola 200 Miles
May 25 Holland Assen 200 Miles
June 15 Czech Republic Brno 6 Hours
June 28-29 Spain Albacete 12 Hours
July 20 Austria A1-Ring 6 Hours
August 3 Japan Suzuka 8 Hours
August 24 Germany Oschersleben 24 Hours
October 5 Italy Vallelunga 200 Miles
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
This just in via e-mail:
I just wanted to announce that I have resigned my position as Crew Chief at Annandale Racing due to health issues.
I was diagnosed in November 2002 as having Keratoconus in both eyes. This is a degenerative disease of the cornea which eventually results in functional blindness. In my case it has been pursuing a fairly rapid course and I underwent the first corneal transplant in December.
Since that time, Anna Johnston and Dale LeMaster have been very supportive and accommodating in regards to my visual impairment.
Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that I cannot fulfill the needs of my position in the manner that the crew at Annandale Racing deserve.
Therefore, I have resigned and have returned home to New Mexico to recover in the comfort and care of my wife Patricia. I wish the great group at Annandale all the best and I know that they have a very bright future.
Thanks,
Bruce Byrd
P.O. Box 415
Arroyo Seco, NM 87514
From a press release issued by OMRRA:
Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association would like to announce the Vicious Cycle Formula 160 Championship Series.
This Vintage racing series will take place at Portland International Raceway from April through October, and features pre-1968 Superstock 160cc four-strokes and 125cc two-stroke machines.
For more information, call (503) 295-0121 or (503) 285-8824.
This just in from former racer Dennis Smith of Sport Tire Services:
Just a short note to let your readers know that Dunlop has posted $1.95 MILLION in contingencies for this year. (Almost doubled from 2002.)
Here is some data for you and your readers. (The individual organizations have the data or you could have the racers referred to us for further information.)
Organization/POSTED CONTINGENCIES
AMA Nationals = $105,950
FUSA National = $88,550
CCS/LRRS = $723,365
WSMC = $126,000
AFM = $46,330
WERA = $534,075
CRA = $69,900
CMRA/ENDURANCE = $45,000
WMRRA = $52,650
OMRRA = $59,925
MRA = $68,350
SMRI = $31,710
TOTAL POSTED = $1,956,110
For more information:
West of Mississippi, Sport Tire Services 800-776-8473
East of Mississippi, Race Tire Services 800-772-8473
From a press release:
SERIES TAKES SAFETY STEP
TORONTO, ON – Three of Canada’s major motorcycle dealers have joined forces in an effort to improve rider safety in Canadian road racing.
McBride Cycle of Toronto, Calgary’s Blackfoot Motosports and Montreal-Based Diablo Performance have combined to purchase 310 feet of Alpina Air Modules from Austria’s Alpina Safety Systems Unlimited. The air modules are installed in front of obstacles at racetracks, providing a soft barrier for racers.
Similar barriers are already used in World Championship events and U.S. National competition.
The units will travel to each round of this year’s Parts Canada Superbike Championship and will be installed at points on each circuit that are deemed to present the highest risk of injury to racers. Cost to the tracks will be minimal, covering only shipping, installation and maintenance.
Airfence-brand inflatable soft barriers were used in volume in Canada at last year’s Parts Canada Superbike/Formula USA Road Racing Series doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway. The amount of Alpina-brand modules purchased for the Canadian series is similar to what was in place at that event.
“We all decided this project was definitely a must,” said John McBride of McBride Cycle. “There is no monetary gain for any of us in doing this. It is strictly a commitment to the safety of our competitors.”
Advertising space will be sold on the air modules and revenue will be used to fund the purchase of additional or replacement air modules.
“We are very grateful to McBride, Blackfoot and Diablo for taking the initiative on this project,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which runs the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “The use of the Alpina Air Modules at our venues will ensure that our racers compete with the highest level of safety available to them.”
The 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship will consist of seven events and six venues across the country. It opens at Shannonville Motorsport Park May 18 and concludes back at Shannonville Aug. 31.
From a press release issued by Road Atlanta:
DARK DOG IS PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR SUPERBIKE SHOWDOWN AT ROAD ATLANTA
BRASELTON, GA – Dark Dog Energy Drink is the new presenting sponsor of the popular AMA professional motorcycle doubleheader at Road Atlanta, now officially know as the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog.
Originally known as the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, the May 16-18 event includes equally-important AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike races on Saturday and Sunday.
Dark Dog (www.darkdog.com) is also the “Official Energy Drink” of Road Atlanta and will have year-round marketing and advertising opportunities at all 12 spectator events, including the Petit Le Mans Oct. 15-18.
“Dark Dog made its debut at Road Atlanta last year during Petit Le Mans and will have a greater presence at the track this season,” says Mike Swaine, President and General Manger of Road Atlanta. “We are delighted that Dark Dog has increased its involvement with us.”
“Dark Dog is excited to be a sponsor of Road Atlanta and directly involved with events like their Superbike race,” says Randy Ridenour, CEO of Dark Dog America. “Our company is the number two energy drink in brand recognition worldwide, but we are relatively new in the United States. Being associated with Road Atlanta and the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog will give us tremendous opportunities to drive new sales.”
Road Atlanta (www.roadatlanta.com) is a multi-purpose motorsports facility located in Braselton, GA, and is utilized for a variety of events. Major spectator events include The Mitty historic sports car race April 26-27, the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog May 16-18 and the Petit Le Mans Oct. 16-18. Road Atlanta is also home to the Panoz Racing School and the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School.
From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:
FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Barcelona, Spain
11 February, 2003
FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM HEADS FOR IRTA TESTS WITH QUIET CONFIDENCE
Fortuna Yamaha Team riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri will leave the Barcelona circuit this evening content with the outcome of today’s testing. Despite a nasty tumble early on yesterday, Checa returned to the track today unshaken and ready to get back to work. His team-mate Marco Melandri completed more laps than all the other Yamaha riders today, ending the test with a long run giving him some of the vital experience that he will need when the MotoGP season begins in Suzuka, Japan, on 6th April.
Checa was positive about his day’s achievements, “I still felt slightly sore today but generally I am OK,” admitted the Spaniard. “I am happy with my performance today, as I found some consistent laps. I also went the fastest that I have ever ridden at this circuit. The weather conditions today weren’t great either, so I think there is even more room to improve.” Checa completed a total of 46 laps and improved on his previous Grand Prix lap time of 1:45.2, Max Biaggi’s pole position time of 1:44.5, and the circuit lap record of 1:46.6.
Melandri came away from the test feeling much more confident than at the Fortuna Yamaha Team’s previous test in Valencia two weeks ago, where he suffered some front braking problems. The young 250cc World Champion found difficulties adjusting his style to suit the four-stroke’s heavy braking, and worked with team supplier Brembo yesterday and today to find a way towards a solution to the problem.
“At the end of today I did 16 laps in a row as a kind of a ‘race test’, to try to understand what the bike will feel like at the end of a race”, explained Melandri. “I am happy with what I achieved here, as I managed to record a best lap time of 1:45.7.” The Italian completed a total of 75 laps today.
The Fortuna Yamaha Team will leave Barcelona tonight and resume testing at the first IRTA test in Jerez on 21st February. Team Director Davide Brivio is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead, “I am pleased that we have had these two extra days, as we lost important time in Jerez last month due to the bad weather. Development is going as it should be. Carlos has had another very good day today even though he fell yesterday, and Marco has increased his confidence with the bike. Brembo have done a good job supporting him, making the changes he needed to feel more stable with front braking. We are interested to go to Jerez now to see the level we are at compared to our competitors.”
LAP TIMES
Alex Barros, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:44.0 (58 laps)
Carlos Checa, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:44.3 (46 laps)
Shinya Nakano, D’Antin Yamaha 1:44.8 (62 laps)
Marco Melandri, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:45.7 (75 laps)
Olivier Jacque, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:47.7 (49 laps)
More information will be available from the IRTA tests in Jerez (21,22,23 February).
From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:
Workers Begin Final Phase of Track Safety Redesign
for AMA Superbikes at Infineon Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE)–Infineon Raceway has completed the on-track design work for three circuit enhancements, and workers have begun the final phase of the project: placing the asphalt. These changes are designed to increase rider safety at the AMA Supercuts Superbike Challenge, presented by Honda of Milpitas, May 2-4.
The redesigned portions of track at Turns 1, 10 and 11 will be used strictly by the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Series and Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. The traditional road course will be used for all other events at Infineon Raceway, including NASCAR Winston Cup and the American Le Mans Series. The enhancements further demonstrate Infineon Raceway’s goal of becoming one of the safest AMA-sanctioned circuits in the country. A polymer-modified asphalt was used on the three portions of track. It is the same blend of asphalt that covers the entire circuit.
The changes were made with the aid of AMA Superbike riders Eric (Kawasaki) and Ben Bostrom (Honda), Miguel Duhamel (Honda), Aaron Yates (Suzuki), and AMA Road Race Manager Ron Barrick, who visited the track two months ago. The enhancements will be in place for an AMA Superbike test session at Infineon Raceway on March 20.
Turn 1 has been a sweeping left-hander, putting riders at a dangerous angle as they approach a pedestrian bridge at the apex of Turn 1. The track has been extended 50 feet in a straight line before entering Turn 1. Riders will now make a left turn at approximately 90 degrees, which is designed to direct them away from the bridge and up the circuit toward Turn 2.
The entry into Turn 10 has been altered to increase rider safety. As riders crest Turn 8A, they will no longer continue down the famous esses. Instead they will continue down a straight line for 900 feet, parallel with the Hillside Terraces at Turn 9, before making a 90-degree right-hand turn, followed by a sharp left-hand turn, which will blend them back with the original road course just before Turn 10. This alteration will slow the bikes down substantially, lowering the risk entering Turn 10, plus it should also turn into an exciting passing zone in front of the Hillside Terraces.
The final safety enhancement will occur at Turn 11, which will see the entry shortened by approximately 40 feet. The change will direct riders away from the wall as they exit the hairpin turn and direct them toward the start/finish line.
All three changes demonstrate Infineon Raceway’s commitment to rider safety. Increased run-off was added at virtually every turn on the road course during a $50 million Modernization Plan, and the racing surface has also been permanently separated from the slick drag strip.
From a press release issued by WSMC:
WSMC #1 plate holder and multi-time Willow Springs Class Champion Jeremy Toye lined up for his first amateur Supercross event Sunday, Feb. 9th in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium and came away with victory in the “Over 30” main event and a close 2nd place in the very competitive 250cc Intermediate class.
Riding a Lee’s Cycle/WSMC/Excel/Vortex supported Honda CR250, Toye rode fast and smooth throughout the day, taking top finishes in the heat races to transfer directly to the main events. It was his first motocross race in what he termed “over 5 years.”
WSMC class Champions Frank Aragaki and Kenny Kopecky also participated in the Clear Channel operated event in San Diego, as well as the previous week’s round in Anaheim, CA. Both races were run on ‘mellowed’ versions of the pro Supercross tracks used for the AMA Supercross Series on Saturday night the last two weeks.
Aragaki (WSMC’s 2002 250cc Grand Prix #1), riding his new Honda CRF-450 sponsored by WSMC and Maxima Racing Oil qualified for the “Over 30” main events directly from his heat races each week, finishing 17th in Anaheim after stalling the motor while in the top 10. In San Diego Stadium he had holeshot the main event and held off Toye briefly, and while battling for a top-5 position several laps later came up short on a large double jump and was thrown hard over the bars. He sustained severe bruising but reported Sunday night that nothing was broken.
Kopecky (WSMC’s two-time F-40 Lightweight Class Champion and #7 overall in ’02) also qualified directly to the main events each week in the “Over 40” class. At Anaheim he was lapped by several former pro motocross racers and finished 15th. In San Diego after running 4th for the first half of the final he faded to an eventual 9th place finish riding his KTM 520SX sponsored by WSMC/Maxima/O’Neal USA/Factory Effex/Excel and Vortex. He had last raced in amateur Supercross events in Southern California in 1979 to 1981.
All three riders were pleased with Clear Channel/Formula USA’s program and are hoping to see the opportunity return to race in the amateur Supercross program in 2004.
From a press release issued by Ducati:
DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM – PRESS INFORMATION
50 LUCKY DUCATI EMPLOYEES CHOSEN FOR TEAM MOTOGP LAUNCH
Borgo Panigale (Bologna) 11 February 2003 – The international launch of the Ducati Marlboro Team is scheduled for this coming Friday, 14th February. The venue for the event – reserved exclusively for accredited media, VIPs and institutional figures – will be the FilaForum, Assago, in Milan (Italy). The event marks an important moment for the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, which makes its return to Grand Prix racing after an absence of thirty years, while continuing its commitment in the World Superbike Championship, a key cornerstone of Ducati strategy.
As is Ducati’s style and tradition, the entire company will participate in this historic moment, sharing the passion and the excitement of the unveiling of the Ducati Desmosedici in its definitive colours, together with Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi, the two riders chosen to spearhead Ducati’s line-up in the MotoGP championship.
50 employees, made up of 30 from the Borgo Panigale factory plus 20 representing the six Ducati worldwide subsidiaries, have been given an opportunity to experience the event in person. The lucky ‘winners’ were chosen in a draw on Monday 10th February. A Ducati coach will take the group directly to Milan on Friday 14th February. On arrival at the FilaForum, the 50 reserved places will allow the Ducati employees to enjoy every single moment of the presentation, followed by lunch together with journalists, VIPs and riders, before returning to the factory in the afternoon.
From a press release issued by Octagon Motorsports, organizers of the FIM Endurance World Championship Series:
Important Rule Changes for Endurance in 2003
Qualifying Positions Simplified
Ahead of the announcement of the World Endurance Championship Permanent Team entries for 2003 (many interesting additions to the list are expected) some important rule changes have been confirmed.
Qualifying Positions Simplified
The most significant of these alters the way that the starting grid positions are worked out. For 2003, qualification positions will be based on the best time put in by the fastest rider of a team. This is a real improvement over the complicated system used previously which averaged the times of all of each team’s riders. With endurance qualifying often spread over a four hour period weather or track conditions could change significantly from the first rider group to the last. The new system will also make the calculation of starting position a much simpler and quicker proposition.
Refuelling and Pit Stops
Under the new regulations, refuelling of the bike must now take place after all other work has been done on the bike, but before it is restarted. If serious repairs are needed, the bike can be moved into the pit garage, but only four people may work on it.
Riding Time and Racing Classes
The maximum length of time a rider can stay on the bike without a rest period is 3 hours. The rest between riding sessions must be at least half the length of time last spent on the bike for races of less than 12 hours, and two thirds of the riding time for shorter races. The classes of bike eligible to race in the championship were brought into line with the World Superbike championship, with four cylinder bikes of up to 1 litre capacity allowed into the WSB class if fitted with air restrictors.
The confirmed calendar of the 2003 World Endurance Championship is as follows:
May 4 San Marino Imola 200 Miles
May 25 Holland Assen 200 Miles
June 15 Czech Republic Brno 6 Hours
June 28-29 Spain Albacete 12 Hours
July 20 Austria A1-Ring 6 Hours
August 3 Japan Suzuka 8 Hours
August 24 Germany Oschersleben 24 Hours
October 5 Italy Vallelunga 200 Miles
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
This just in via e-mail:
I just wanted to announce that I have resigned my position as Crew Chief at Annandale Racing due to health issues.
I was diagnosed in November 2002 as having Keratoconus in both eyes. This is a degenerative disease of the cornea which eventually results in functional blindness. In my case it has been pursuing a fairly rapid course and I underwent the first corneal transplant in December.
Since that time, Anna Johnston and Dale LeMaster have been very supportive and accommodating in regards to my visual impairment.
Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that I cannot fulfill the needs of my position in the manner that the crew at Annandale Racing deserve.
Therefore, I have resigned and have returned home to New Mexico to recover in the comfort and care of my wife Patricia. I wish the great group at Annandale all the best and I know that they have a very bright future.
Thanks,
Bruce Byrd
P.O. Box 415
Arroyo Seco, NM 87514
