Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin unofficially recorded the fastest Superbike lap times Wednesday during AMA team testing at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

Strong wind gusts inhibited testing Wednesday morning, but Mladin went out “to just do some laps” when the winds eased somewhat Wednesday afternoon and recorded a best lap time of 1:27.60 on his Dunlop-equipped GSX-R1000 Superbike. Mladin’s fastest lap came among a string of 1:28 laps on the revised 2.36-mile road course.

“As you can see, this testing is blowing a gale, and literally nobody’s going to achieve anything as far as bike set-up goes because you can’t ride the same line twice depending on how hard the wind’s blowing,” said Mladin. “Setting up the bike for this racetrack on a day like today is a virtual waste of time, and learning anything about the motorcycle – especially a new motorcycle, testing any new stuff – is pretty much impossible as well.”

Mladin called the mid-January test the Yoshimura Suzuki squad had at Sepang in Malaysia “the most productive test I’ve ever been involved in since I’ve been racing in America…It would’ve been nice if we could’ve done four days there, then gone and joined the GP team testing in Australia at Phillip Island as well. Maybe that’s something (to consider) for the future.”

Ben Spies led all Supersport riders with a 1:30.38 on his 2003-model GSX-R600, and said, “There’s been a lot of talk about all of the new 600s this year, and everyone’s been counting out the Suzuki. I’m not saying we’ll win every race, but I think we’ll be up front in every race.

“It’s good to get the fastest time and that extra confidence, but my teammate Aaron Yates was right there, too, and he didn’t get that Number One plate for nothing.”

The previous best lap time on the course running the tighter chicane configuration leading to right-hand turn nine was a 1:30.22 turned by Roger Lee Hayden on his Erion Honda CBR954RR Formula Xtreme bike and the previous best Supersport/Superstock lap time on the revised course was a 1:32.00 recorded by Tommy Hayden on a 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Both times were set during testing under even windier conditions January 7, 2003.

Wednesday’s testers rode the entire day on what some believe will be the layout AMA will race on in April with a tighter chicane preceding the decreasing-radius, right-hand turn nine and a more open turn 10/11 chicane at the beginning of the infield straightaway.

“Obviously, they changed it after the fatality last year,” said Mladin of the tighter chicane before turn nine. “It seems better, but how can you tell in this wind? It’s alright except for all the cones and stuff. I’ve had about 10 cones (lying) in front of me already.”

Since the last AMA team test at California Speedway in early January, the overly tall curbing on rider’s left exiting the turn 10/11 chicane has been ground down, according to Ducati Austin’s Anthony Gobert.

“That’s a lot better. They took that right out; they knocked it down,” said Anthony Gobert.

“They swapped chicanes,” said Yamaha’s Aaron Gobert. “The one that was fast is slow now, where it was slow, it’s fast now.”

“It’s a shithole!” was Dream Team Ducati Racing’s Larry Pegram’s first impression of the infield road course at California Speedway. “It’s a piss-poor excuse for a racetrack when it’s such a nice facility. They could have such a good track here, but it’s just a straight, then a chicane, then a straight, then another chicane.”

Wednesday marked the first off-season testing appearance of the Graves Yamaha AMA Formula Xtreme team with Damon Buckmaster, Aaron Gobert and Jamie Hacking riding new, fuel-injected versions of the Yamaha YZF-R1-based machine Buckmaster nearly won the 2002 FX title with. One area the Graves crew worked to refine was how the bikes’ slipper-clutch worked with the new fuel-injection; Gobert and Buckmaster asked for more engine braking while Hacking asked for less engine braking.

Yoshimura Suzuki, Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki, Yamaha, Graves Yamaha, Kawasaki, Austin Ducati Racing, Dream Team Ducati Racing and Bruce Transportation Group Honda are all expected to return for a second, final day of testing Thursday.

Despite the wind, some riders made many laps, with several turning between 50 and 70 laps on the day.


Wednesday’s Best Unofficial Lap Times (as reported by the teams):

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.60
2. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.10
3. Anthony Gobert, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.80
4. Larry Pegram, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.75
5. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:29.77
6. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.38
7. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.70
8. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.70
9. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.83
10. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.90
11. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.59
12. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:31.67
13. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.71
14. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.90
15. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR954RR, 1:32.43
16. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.50
17. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.55
18. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.67
19. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:33.46
20. Marty Craggill, Honda CBR600RR, 1:35.10
21. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.86
22. Thad Halsmer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.50
23. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, no time provided by team

Another in a relentless blitz of press releases issued by AHRMA:

Nixon, Springsteen in ‘battle of 9s’ at Daytona

When Gary Nixon left the AMA Pro circuit, he entrusted Jay Springsteen with his national number 9. Nixon, a two-time AMA Grand National Champion, still carries his old number when he races vintage, and Springsteen, of course, continues to campaign the number 9 at national dirt tracks. During Daytona Bike Week in March the two 9s will square off to see who is number one.

The “battle of the 9s” will take place March 3 and 4 at Daytona International Speedway as part of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s Classics Days roadracing.

Springer, with three Grand National titles to his name (1976 through ‘78), will be aboard Keith Campbell’s Hourglass Racing Harley-Davidson XR750, while Nixon will race a Honda CR750 fielded by Mark McGrew of M3 Racing USA. They’ll go at it twice during the two-day event — in Monday’s Formula 750 race and in the Formula Vintage class on Tuesday — in a classic duel of thundering American V-twin grunt versus howling in-line four-cylinder horsepower.

Nixon entered the Grand National scene in 1960 and earned his first win three years later, at a roadrace in Windber, Pennsylvania. He won back-to-back national titles in 1967 and ‘68, amassing 19 national wins — including the 1967 Daytona 200 on a Triumph — in more than 150 starts over a 22-year period. Nixon represented the United States several times in the famous series of British-American match races in the 1970s. In 1976, he should have won the world Formula 750 roadracing title, but was denied the championship after international politics cost him a victory.

Springsteen, perennially one of the most popular riders on the Grand National circuit, has had a professional racing career that spans more than a quarter of a century. His first national win came in 1975 at a half-mile in Louisville, Kentucky, and his most recent was the Springfield, Illinois, mile in May 2000. In all, he has won 43 nationals on his was to three Grand National titles. He’s no stranger to the Daytona super-speedway either, having competed in events ranging from the AHRMA/BMW Battle of the Legends to three appearances in the Daytona 200 (finishing as high as fifth, in 1986).

For more information, visit the Bike Week preview page at www.ahrma.org.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Both Dream Team Ducati Racing’s Larry Pegram and Yamaha’s Aaron Gobert are riding while sick at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

“I have Epstein-Barr Virus,” Pegram said of the illness that has been with him for the last four weeks, including during a test at Laguna Seca in late January. “It’s in the chronic fatigue syndrome family. They took my blood two days ago, and the doctor just called to tell me the results. They say to rest for three months to get over it, but I can’t exactly do that.

“A lot of the motocross guys are getting it. You get it from kissing someone, like mono, but you can carry it around and not be affected by it. It lies dormant until you get too fatigued and then it comes out.”

“I’ve been lying in bed for the past three days doing nothing,” said Gobert, saying he can’t remember exactly what illness his doctor said he had. “I have these sores in the back of my throat, and I feel like I have the flu. I do four laps, and I’m knackered. I feel like I’ve done a moto.”

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

Matt Furtek, 18, of South Holland, Illinois has signed a contract with Team Hammer, Inc. to ride a Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 in the 2003 AMA Superstock Series. The contract includes multi-year options beyond 2003.

Furtek attracted the team’s attention in WERA National Challenge Series, WERA Sportsman and AMA Supersport races, winning and running well at a variety of racetracks during the 2002 season while traveling on his own.

In a sort of working interview, Furtek rode Valvoline EMGO Suzuki racebikes at three events late in the 2002 season, including a CMRA/CCS race at Texas World, the CCS Race of Champions at Daytona, and the WERA Grand National Finals/Suzuki Cup Finals. He was forced to withdraw from the Suzuki Cup Finals after a surgical screw backed out of his wrist during practice, but had impressed the team with his riding ability, his desire and willingness to learn, and the ease with which he fit in and worked with crew members.

The team was also impressed with the non-intrusive support Matt Furtek and his racing activities received from his father and mother, Mike and Debbie Furtek.

Furtek underwent wrist surgery in November and was recently released by his surgeon to resume riding. He is making his 2003 debut with the team during tests at California Speedway Wednesday and Thursday, February 5-6.

Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Team Manager and Crew Chief Keith Perry said, “We wanted to work with Matt based on what we saw in our outings with him last year. He was progressing every single time he was on the bike, he’s steady, and he ran very competitive times with the guys at the Cup Finals. We regret that he was unable to compete in the Suzuki Cup Finals and we’re sure he would have been somewhat of a surprise there, and we’re looking forward to his development. This year, ’03, will be a learning year for Matt with the tracks and with our procedures, getting up to speed, but we look forward to doing some serious business with him in the future.”

Furtek will be teamed with veteran mechanic Michael Tjon during the 2003 season.

The team’s 2002-season experience with Furtek contributed to the creation of the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars.

From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA “Save Our Trails Fund” coming to a close

Feb. 5 – The AMA “Save Our Trails” Fund is winding down, having paid out more than $76,000 to AMA District 37 for legal expenses in the District’s battle to protect off-highway riding areas in California.

The “Save Our Trails” Fund was created to accept donations for District 37 (Southern California) legal battles and other efforts to protect off-highway riding areas. When the program began, the AMA pledged to match contributions dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. The fund has received more than $38,000 in donations so far. That means the AMA is committed to matching roughly $10,000 more in donations before the program ends April 1.

“AMA District 37 is working hard to stop efforts in California to shut down riding areas to off-highway motorcycles and ATVs,” said AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris. “Riders in California and across the nation need to support the District’s efforts to show opponents of motorized recreation that we are a united force, no matter where our riding areas come under attack.”

Supporters can donate online by clicking here to help protect trails or send contributions to: Save Our Trails, AMA, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

From a press release issued by MARRC:

MARRC Announces Officers and Directors for 2003

Tysons Corner, VA – – The Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Club (MARRC) announced its newly elected officers and board of directors for 2003 during its annual awards banquet in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Wendy Leland, John Capen, and Randy Dalmas return as President, Vice-President, and Secretary, respectively. New board member Melinda Beggs begins her first term on the Board of Directors as the new Treasurer of the Club. Howard ‘Doc’ Weiss remains on the board and steps down as Treasurer after a very fruitful 4-year tenure. Club officers are elected annually from within the seated board of directors.

The club officers are all former racers of one kind or another, and have proven very active in the racing community inside and outside of MARRC.

MARRC welcomes new board members Will Astle and Melinda Beggs. Will received honors last year as Cornerworker of the Year, and has become legendary as the head chef for MARRC workers during race weekends. Melinda Beggs is a former motorcycle racer, and leads the planning for many MARRC events and functions. Both are well-known fixtures at Summit Point Raceway.

The 2003 members of the MARRC Board of Directors are as follows:
President Wendy Leland
Vice-President John Capen
Secretary Randy Dalmas
Treasurer Melinda Beggs
Will Astle
David Back
Rick Beggs
Glen Ouye
Howard Weiss

MARRC is dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle road racing. Established in 1983 as a not-for-profit, all-volunteer club to provide a trained and organized safety crew at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, it has expanded in membership and scope. The club boasts over 500 active members that include racers, cornerworkers, and racing enthusiasts. MARRC runs a nationally recognized safety crew, and a road racing school accredited by CCS and WERA. Last year, MARRC volunteers spent over 14,000 hours of service in the safety crew, road racing school, and racer support functions.

For more information, see the MARRC website at www.marrc.org.

Contact Information:
Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club
P.O. Box 2292
Wheaton, MD 20915
301-441-9220
E-mail: [email protected]

From a press release:

Honda Canada Inc./Orion Motorsports announce Pirelli Tire deal for 2003:

Honda Canada and Orion Motorsports are very pleased to announce a new partnership with Pirelli Motorcycle tires for the upcoming 2003 racing season. The team recently completed an early season shakedown at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on both the new-spec RC-51 and the new CBR600RR.

Riders Kevin Lacombe and Robbie Baird were right on the pace within only a few laps on the Vegas circuit. The question at hand was how would the Pirelli 17-inch slicks stack up compared to the previous set-up on 16.5-inch rubber. The answer was simple. Both riders barely noticed a difference in wheel size and commented on how much grip was available and how well even the softest compounds seemed to last.

“The tire portion of our test was extremely encouraging with both riders having only positive comments about the new tires. We were quite confident that the DOT tires were right on the money and now we are sure the slicks will also do the job,” commented team manager Kevin Graham.

This was Australian Robbie Baird’s first ride on Pirellis and he was very pleased. “The tires just stuck everywhere. Completely consistent and right on the money for traction,” he said.

The team also tested new suspension components for the new-spec RC-51 Superbikes. Traxxion Dynamics provided some modified OEM forks that performed above expectations for a stock OEM unit. Spring and damping characteristics were set up close to last years spec works forks providing excellent handling and feed-back. A variety of rear shocks were also tested with the new swingarm.

Baird and Lacombe logged some seat time as well on the new CBR600RR. While the machines were in stock form except for the addition of race compound rubber. Both riders came away from the ride very excited about the new machines and amazed how fast the bikes were with no modifications to engine or chassis.

Please click on to www.orionmotorsports.ca and www.cdnsuperbike.ca for regular updates, photos and progress with the team.

From a press release issued by Buell Motor Company:

WI MOTORSPORTS CHARITIES HONORS BUELL RACER BRYAN BEMISDERFER

MILWAUKEE, WIS. — (February 4, 2003) Buell racer Bryan Bemisderfer was recently honored at the 12th Annual Wisconsin Motorsports Charities Recognition Dinner for his championship performance in the 2002 Formula USA Buell Lightning Series. He joined auto racers Scott Wimmer, Jimmy Vasser and John Haini, among others, who were also recognized for their accomplishments.

Bemisderfer won the 2002 Buell Lightning Series Championship aboard a Buell Lightning S1 race bike. He earned a podium finish at every race he entered throughout the season, which put him in the championship lead with two races to go. He then lost his primary sponsor and missed the next round, which put him in third place overall going into the final event at Daytona International Speedway. Bemisderfer earned the championship title with a strong second place finish in that race after series points leaders Michael Barnes and Clint Brotz did not finish.

“It was a tough season, but I worked hard and am thrilled it all paid off in the end. It is a great honor for me to be recognized by Wisconsin Motorsports Charities along with such racing legends and upcoming stars,” said Bemisderfer. “And it’s even more gratifying to know that this dinner benefits such a worthwhile cause.”

The dinner benefited Ranch Community Services, which is a rehabilitation center for developmentally disabled adults who suffer the debilitating effects of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, emotional or behavioral problems, autism and brain damage. More than 250 individuals are served by learning skills for their ability level. Ranch Community Services is located in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Bemisderfer still lives in his hometown of Greencastle, Penn., where he grew up riding dirt bikes around the family farm with his brother and father. In 1986 at the age of 18, he competed in his first road race at nearby Summit Point, W.Va. He turned pro in 1990 and started racing Buell motorcycles in 1998. He plans to compete in the Formula USA Thunderbike Series in 2003 aboard his Buell S1 Lightning, sponsored by Harding Harley-Davidson in Corning, NY. The team also recently acquired a Buell Firebolt XB9R, which they plan to race-prep and enter this season.

To learn more about Buell Motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style, and performance only found aboard a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Americans Kenny Roberts and John Hopkins have completed two days of Suzuki GSV-R testing at Phillip Island in Australia and are taking a day off before continuing to test.

Roberts’ wife, Ro (short for Rochelle), and Hopkins’ girlfriend, Desiree Crossman, are also in Australia.

From a press release:

Michael Andretti Powersports recently updated the look of its homepage with brighter pictures and more of a focus on its inline store. The site is located at www.andrettipowersports.com. The design reflects the high-impact sports image and reflects the organization’s push to provide a greater array of motorcycle and ATV accessories to the online public.