From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

LIVENGOOD NAMED AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

PICKERINGTON, Ohio–Brian Livengood, 30, of Snellville, Ga., has been named the 2002 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Rookie of the Year. Livengood finished the season ranked ninth in the final AMA Superbike point standings. That marks the highest finish for a privateer in the final standings since Paul Harrell also finished ninth in 1997. Livengood’s 2002 racing campaign was backed by HAS, SDI, Penske, EBC Brakes, RRR, GMD, M4, Silkolene, Bakers and Dunlop Tires. He rode a Suzuki GSX-R750.

Livengood started the year off with a bang earning a surprising eighth-place finish in the prestigious Daytona 200 by Arai.

“My goal was to get a few top-15 finishes this season,” Livengood recalled. “When I took eighth in the Daytona 200 that really gave me a big boost in confidence and I had a new outlook on the season from that point.”

In all, Livengood scored top-10 finishes 11 times with a season-best sixth in the Saturday Superbike race at Virginia International Raceway on Aug. 10. He was a consistent finisher, earning points in 14 of the 16 rounds. Livengood ran as high as fourth in the series standings after round three at California Speedway. Livengood considered his strong finishes at the California tracks as a highlight of his season.

“I’d never raced on any of those tracks before,” Livengood explained. “And tracks like Sears Point have a lot of fast local riders and I was able to finish as the top privateer there and beat all of the local specialists.”

Livengood began racing in 1995, but this was his first full season in the AMA Superbike Series. He hopes to find a ride with an established team for the 2003 season and plans to return to the Superbike ranks. Livengood is the 21st rider to earn the AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year Award.

Others who have won the title previously include AMA Superbike champions Doug Chandler (1983), Scott Russell (1988), Thomas Stevens (1990), three-time AMA Grand National Flat Track Champion, Chris Carr (1995) and the late Randy Renfrow (1984).

From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE TOP PRIZE IN VOX AND SAM ASH MUSIC PROMOTION

Vox Road Test Fall Promotion Features Triumph Bonneville America

NEWNAN, GA. – August 29, 2002 – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., VOX Amplification and Sam Ash Music have joined forces to promote two of America’s favorite means of freedom and self-expression – rock ‘n’ roll and motorcycles. During the month of October, 2002, the world’s leading music instrument retailer, Sam Ash Music will host in all of its 30 store locations nationwide, the VOX Road Test, featuring the top prize of a 2002 Triumph Bonneville America.

“VOX has a rich heritage in the rock ‘n’ roll music business as a technological music leader and with legendary associations with musical giants like The Rolling Stones and Beatles. Triumph is one of the most famous names in motorcycling on the streets today and VOX is pleased to be able to offer a Triumph Bonneville America motorcycle as the ultimate prize during this feature promotion with the Sam Ash Music Stores,” stated Joseph Bredau, vice president sales and marketing, Korg USA, national distributor of VOX Amplifications.

To become eligible to win the Bonneville America, or a VOX Valvetronix amplifier, or one of the many other prizes, interested participants – during the month of October – should visit a Sam Ash Music Store or, enter on-line at www.samashmusic.com or send name, address and daytime phone number to: VOX Triumph Contest, P.O. Box 9047, Hicksville, New York 11802.

All participants must be 18 years or older to enter. In addition, all individuals who purchase a VOX Valvetronix Amp from October 1st through October 31st at a Sam Ash Music Store will receive a Triumph Motorcycle t-shirt.

“Joining with these legendary greats, VOX and the Sam Ash Music Stores, Triumph is pleased to spotlight the motorcycle adventure with rock ‘n’ roll,” stated Mike Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.

Sam Ash Music Store Locations: VOX Road Test – October, 2002

Ontario, California 449 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764 Ph:(909) 484-3550

Cerritos, California 12651 Artesia Blvd Cerritos, CA 90703 Ph:(562) 468-1107

Canoga Park, California 20934 Roscoe Blvd Canoga Pk, CA 91304 (818)709-5650

West Hollywood, CA 8000 Sunset Blvd W. Hollywood, CA 90046 Ph:(323) 654-4922

Westminster, California 14200 Bch Blvd Westminster, CA 92683 Ph:(714) 899-2122

New Haven, Connecticut 95 Amity Road New Haven, CT 11514 Ph:(203) 389-0500

Clearwater, Florida 923 McMullen Booth Rd Clearwater, FL 33759 Ph:(727) 725-8062

Margate, Florida 5460 West Sample Road Margate, FL 33073 Ph:(954) 975-3390

Miami Lakes. Florida 5360 NW 167th St Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Ph:(305) 628-3510

Orlando, Florida 912 Lee Rd Shopping Center Orlando, FL 32810 Ph:(407) 599-1222

Sarasota. Florida 7606 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 Ph:(941) 351-7793

Tampa. Florida 13133 North Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33618 Ph:(813) 908-5556

Burbank, Illinois 7780 South Cicero Ave Burbank, IL 60459 Ph:(708) 499-3485

Buffalo Grove, Illinois 1305 W. Dundee Rd Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Ph:(847) 253-3151

Lombard, Illinois 1139 South Main Street Lombard, IL 60148 Ph:(630) 424-0767

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 2100 Route 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 8002 Ph:(856) 667-6696

Edison, New Jersey 1831 Route 27 Edison, NJ 8817 Ph:(732) 572-5595

Paramus, New Jersey East 50 Route 4 Paramus, NJ 7652 Ph:(201) 843-0119

Brooklyn, New York 2600 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11234 Ph:(718) 951-3888

Carle Place, New York 385 Old Country Rd Carle Pl, NY 11514 Ph:(516) 333-8700

Forest Hills, New York 113-25 QueensBlvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 Ph:(718)793-7983

Huntington Station, New York 269A Walt Whitman RdHuntington Stn.(631) 421-9333

New York City 160 West 48th Street New York City, NY 10036 Ph:(212) 719-2299

White Plains 178 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 Ph:(914) 949-8448

Sam Ash Professional Audio Grp 1600 Broadway NY,NY 10019 Ph:(212) 586-1100

Columbus, Ohio 1690 Morse Road Columbus, OH 43229 Phone: (614) 436-3919

Lyndhurst, Ohio 5700 Mayfield Road Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Ph:(440) 446-0850

Philadelphia, PA 1887 Franklin Mills Cir. Philadelphia, PA 19154 Ph:(215) 612-1339

King Of Prussia, PA 139 E DeKalb Pike King Of Prussia, PA19406Ph:(610)265-6444

Madison, TN 1647 Gallatin Pike North Madison, TN 37115 Ph:(615) 860-7475


About VOX Amplification
For over four decades, VOX has been a major force in defining the sound of electric guitars. Renowned for its innovative products and distinctive style, VOX has provided countless musicians with the ultimate in guitar amplification. VOX became the sonic driving force of the British Invasion bands of the 60s, and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians today. From the timeless tones of the AC30 to the groundbreaking digital modeling of the new Valvetronix combos, VOX delivers tone, features and style like no other.

About Triumph Motorcycles
Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 11 – OSCHERSLEBEN, GERMANY
29TH AUGUST 2002 – EVENT PREVIEW

CONFIDENCE HIGH AS FUCHS KAWASAKI PREPARE FOR OSCHERSLEBEN

As battle recommences in the World Superbike and Supersport Championships at Oschersleben this weekend, Fuchs Kawasaki’s Andrew Pitt knows he needs nothing less than a win if he is to retain the title he won for Kawasaki in 2001.

‘There are just three races left this season, and I need to win them all,’ declared Pitt. ‘We’ve tested at Oschersleben already this season, so we know we’ve got a good set-up and tyre for Sunday’s race, but it’s bound to be as hard fought as always. The chances are that it will come down to the last five laps once again, and I intend to be up there fighting to make sure that I’m the first across the line at the end.’

Previous experience of the Oschersleben track will also stand James Ellison in good stead this weekend, with the Fuchs Kawasaki rider keen to continue the success he had at the circuit during his two championship winning European Superstock seasons.

‘I definitely like this track,’ said Ellison. ‘I’ve won the European Superstock race here for the last two years, and I’ve also ridden in the 24-hour Endurance race, so I’ve got a few laps under my belt. It’s going to be a busy weekend here, but it will be good racing in front of the team’s home crowd.’

Currently the leading four-cylinder rider in the Championship standings, Chris Walker can’t wait to get back into action on the factory Kawasaki ZX-7RR at Oschersleben.

‘I’m really looking forward to the weekend and it will be great to get back on the bike after the summer break,’ commented Walker. ‘It’s another new track for me, but I’ve had a good look around and it looks smooth and flowing, which should suit the Kawasaki. I’m sure it will be the usual suspects breaking records every other lap, but I think we’ll be able to get the bike set up well for this circuit, which means we shouldn’t be too far behind. I’m sure we’ll also get a lot of support from the fans this weekend, as this is the team’s home round. I just can’t wait to get out there!’

Having made the most of the summer break to work on building strength in his injured wrist, Hitoyasu Izutsu returns to Europe confident that he’ll rediscover the form he enjoyed prior to his Sugo qualifying crash.

‘My wrist is much improved and I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike this weekend,’ said Izutsu. ‘It’s good to be racing in Germany, as the support for the team is always very special here, and I’m hopeful of a good result on Sunday. It’s also good to be back in Europe, as Japan is incredibly hot at the moment!’

Joining Walker and Izutsu on the grid at Oschersleben will be Eric Bostrom, returning to Europe for the first time since finishing a close second in this year’s AMA Superbike Championship.

‘This is my first time at the race track and my first time in Germany,’ said Bostrom. ‘The track looks fun to ride, with some long constant radius corners, but it does make choosing the right tyre really important, as you’re going to be on the side of it for long periods of time. All in all the track looks pretty cool, but I bet that triple left hand turn is going to take some balls!’



From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 11 – Oschersleben (Germany)
August 30-September 1, 2002

The World Superbike Championship returns to Germany for the second time this year after the one-month summer break for round 11 of 13. This time, the action takes place at the modern Oschersleben circuit in the recently flood-hit area close to Magdeburg, 150 kilometres south-west of Berlin.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) came away from the Brands Hatch round with a cracked rib and a bruised lower back but, more importantly, with his championship lead over Colin Edwards (Honda) still intact and the 33-year-old Australian goes into this weekend’s round 39 points ahead of his Texan rival. “I haven’t been on the bike for a month so I’m sure I’ll be a bit rusty, but I feel perfect, fitter than ever” commented Troy. “It was good to have a month off, I’ve been training and now I just want to get back on the bike. Last year I had a DNF here, but these things happen occasionally and I’m sure it will turn out different this year. The points difference between me and Colin is not that much and I really want to come out here with more points than what I’ve got now. It’s the same as every other weekend, I’m going to do everything I can to finish in front of Colin in both races and take whatever points I can get, but staying ahead of Colin is the most important thing”.

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) goes into the final three races knowing that last year his impressive run of two wins and four fourth places started here. “Last year I had two good races at Oschersleben, winning one and finishing second in the other, so I hope it will go the same again this year” declared Ruben. “The track is good for the Ducatis, the bike should work well and the tyres are perfect here. I just arrived here with the same mentality as every race, try to do well or win, and get as many points as possible to be in the top three at the end of the championship. Everyone in the team came back from their holidays really fired up, because we know from last year that the next three races are going to be good and so we’re really confident for some good results”.

Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) was involved in a boating accident in Sardinia in August with his brother Eric and friend Kat, but is determined to put the last couple of weeks out of his mind this weekend. “It’s been a bit of a tough vacation, but through it all I managed to stay in pretty good shape and it’s exciting to be back on the bike. Last year we were riding well here, I like this little track, it’s good for dog-fights with other riders. I’ll be aiming for third place in the championship for sure, but mainly to have a good time on the bike and if everything is working well, then I’m going to finish off the season with some positive results. I just plan to go out there and have fun riding, and if I do that then it’ll be a good end to the season”.

THE OSCHERSLEBEN CIRCUIT
The Oschersleben circuit, half-way along the Hanover to Berlin motorway, was opened in July 1997 and is the third permanent race-track to be built in Germany after Nurburgring and Hockenheim. The circuit has hosted numerous international events including 24 Hrs World Endurance, World Superbike, FIA-GT World Cup, Super Touring and Formula 3000, and the complex also hosts outdoor festivals and concerts. World Superbike came here for the first time in 2000, and while facilities are top-class, the circuit itself has numerous constant-radius curves and few places to overtake.

POINTS (after 10 of 13 rounds): Riders – 1. Bayliss (Ducati) 441; 2. Edwards (Honda) 402; 3. Hodgson (Ducati) 257; 4. Bostrom (Ducati) & Haga (Aprilia) 206; 6. Xaus (Ducati) 193

CIRCUIT RECORDS
Lap Record: Edwards (Honda) 1:27.988 (2001); Superpole: Hodgson (Ducati)1:27.325 (2001); Qualifying: Bostrom (Ducati) 1:27.610 (2001)

2001 RESULTS
Race 1: 1. Edwards (Honda); 2. Xaus (Ducati); 3. Bostrom (Ducati).
Race 2: 1. Xaus (Ducati); 2. Edwards (Honda); 3. Bayliss (Ducati).

From a press release:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

Round 11 – 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship – Oulton Park – September 1st

HISLOP SET TO RAM HOME ADVANTAGE

Following on from a superb record-breaking double victory at Cadwell Park over the recent bank holiday, MonsterMob Ducati rider Steve Hislop plans to continue his charge towards the 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship when the series makes its second visit of the year to Oulton Park in Cheshire this weekend.

Season long Championship leader Hislop, who extended his advantage to 48 points over main rival Sean Emmett after totally dominating Cadwell, has vowed to take no prisoners for the title run in after a mid season slump caused his rivals to close the gap and having been beaten only once in the last six races at Oulton, is hell bent on recording another double.

“I wanted to stamp my authority on the championship after what happened at Knockhill and Thruxton so the only way to do that was to blow the opposition into the weeds. I knew Cadwell would be strong for us, and so too will be Oulton and I’m going for it again this weekend as I really like the track. I’ll not settle for anything less than increasing my lead by ten points at least” said the Isle of Man based Scot who at 40, is riding as well as ever.

Team mate Stuart Easton will be hoping to get back to winning ways at Oulton after a run of four MB4U.com Supersport races whereby he hasn’t topped the rostrum which has followed his six straight wins that preceded it.

The 18 year old from Hawick still managed to increase his championship lead after his second place at Cadwell to 38 points and knows that a win for him and fourth place or lower for main rival Scott Smart will give his the title but he’s taking it one step at a time.

“I’m just concentrating on winning races and nothing else at the moment. I really like Oulton and won there earlier in the year so I’m feeling confident but anything can still happen so I’m taking nothing for granted”.

Team boss Paul Bird, having asked for a couple of wins, was delighted with his riders’ performances at Cadwell Park and sees no reason why they can’t carry on that success into his local track:

“Anyone doubting Steve’s commitment to winning this series will have been well and truly silenced after Cadwell. For someone to break the lap record over six times in those conditions is testimony to that and he’s fired up to repeat that at Oulton. Stuart got a lot of his confidence back after Cadwell and he should go well at Oulton with the championship there for the taking if things go our way” said the Penrith chicken farmer.

MCN British Superbike Championship
Points after Round 10 (20 races) of 13 (26)
1 Steve Hislop, MonsterMob Ducati, 370
2 Sean Emmett, Virgin Mobile Yamaha, 322
3 Michael Rutter, Renegade Ducati, 289.5
4 Shane Byrne, Renegade Ducati, 237.5
5 John Reynolds, Rizla Suzuki, 216.5
6 Steve Plater, Virgin Mobile Yamaha, 191

MB4U.com National Supersport Championship
Points after Round 11 of 14
1 Stuart Easton, MonsterMob Ducati, 203
2 Scott Smart, Norwood Honda, 165
3 Michael Laverty, Miller Honda, 104
4 Tom Tunstall, Earnshaws Suzuki, 91
5 Pete Jennings, MSS Kawasaki, 90
6 Jeremy Goodall, ZGT Suzuki, 85

From a press release issued by series organizers:

SZOKE SHOOTS FOR SIX

TORONTO, ON – He may have already clinched the 2002 title, but there is still plenty left on the agenda for Jordan Szoke at this weekend’s final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park.

The Brantford, ON rider comes to Shannonville poised to rewrite the national record book. A win in Sunday’s feature race would be the sixth of the season for the Coors Light Racing/Fast Company Team Suzuki rider and his sixth in a row, breaking the records he currently shares with Steve Crevier. Crevier won the first five races of the 1992 season on his way to the second of three consecutive titles.

After finishing third in the Parts Canada Superbike season opener, also at Shannonville, Szoke began his winning streak with a sweep of the doubleheader at Calgary’s Race City Motorsports Park June 8-9. He then added wins at Autodrome St-Eustache, Mosport International Raceway and Atlantic Motorsport Park.

The AMP win was Szoke’s most dramatic, as he charged up from 11th on the opening lap to score the victory and clinch his second national Superbike crown with an untouchable 316 points.

While the title is decided second place in the series standings is still up for grabs. Canadian Kawasaki Motors’ Owen Weichel leads Szoke’s Coors Light Racing/Fast Company Team Suzuki teammate Francis Martin by 23 points, 214-191, with 56 points available at this weekend’s final round.

There is also a tight race for fourth. Kevin Lacombe leads fellow Orion Motorsports Honda rider Frank Trombino by just one point, 145-144, with Brooklin Yamaha’s Michael Taylor and Jean-Francois Cyr close behind on 138 and 132 points, respectively.

This weekend’s event will also decide the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Open Sport Bike and Yoshimura 600 Sport Bike national support classes.

In Open Sport Bike, any one of four riders could realistically claim the title. Martin leads the standings with 172 points but Blackfoot Suzuki’s Clint McBain is close behind with 161. Also in contention are Cyr, with 153 points and Taylor on 148.

McBain holds a slim six-point advantage over Lacombe, 219-213, heading into the 600 Sport Bike finale.

Official practice for this weekend’s races begins Friday with qualifying on Saturday and all three national class races Sunday afternoon.

This weekend’s races will be televised on TSN Sunday, Oct. 13 at 3:30 p.m. EDT and on Quebec’s RDS Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:00 p.m. Extended hour-long coverage will air on the Outdoor Life Network on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6:00 p.m eastern.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Pro Racing may be backing away from plans to phase in 1000cc four-cylinder Superbikes for 2003.

A memo dated August 27 from AMA Pro Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice to members of the Road Race Advisory Board included the statement, “AMA Pro Racing is reviewing its position on equipment eligibility for 2003, and may not allow eligibility of 1000cc multi’s (sic) in AMA Superbike competition during the 2003 season. We expect to announce our 2003 and 2004 rules in September 2002.”

The memo also contained confirmation that members of the Advisory Board, which is hand-picked by Vanderslice and has been criticized as being non-representative of the paddock and as being stacked with factory team and manufacturer representatives, will vote on rules proposals.

The memo also seems to indicate that the only input being considered at this stage of rules development is input from the Advisory Board.

The memo states “There was general agreement on many suggestions. The revised proposed rules…reflect those suggestions. On other items, opinions were split. Here, we have narrowed the options to the most prominent alternatives and ask that you reconsider your position on those matters. Ultimately, AMA Pro Racing staff and its Board of Directors will determine the technical rules based on your input and the effect those rules have on meeting our objectives of balanced and affordable competition for the greatest number of participants.”


Note the phrase “based on your input” above.

The question is, of course, if the objective truly is “balanced and affordable competition for the greatest number of participants,” who represents Superbike privateers such as Brian Parriott, Brian Livengood and others, and who represents private teams such as No Limits Racing in this final stage of the process?

And given that the membership of the Advisory Board is not publicized, how is an individual rider or team owner even supposed to know who to contact to express his point of view?

Stay tuned…

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse Press Information:

Mugello, 27-28 August 2002

POSITIVE TWO-DAY DUCATI CORSE TEST AT MUGELLO FOR THE DESMOSEDICI PROTOTYPE AND THE NEW 999 SUPERBIKE

Ducati Corse has concluded another two-day test session at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany with the Ducati Desmosedici prototype. Yesterday test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi completed 36 laps in perfect weather conditions, continuing the new bike’s shakedown tests. This morning the Italian did a few laps on a damp track, which was also useful to verify the bike’s behaviour in all conditions. The track then gradually dried out and today’s testing programme was concluded, with Guareschi completing a total of 48 laps.

“Every time I went out my feeling with the new bike improved” declared Guareschi. “Even in the wet the Desmosedici is easy to ride and we are very satisfied. The bike is improving all the time and I can’t wait to get back on it again to see the progress we have made over the past few days”.

“We are making good progress with the Desmosedici prototype” commented Corrado Cecchinelli, Ducati Corse Track Technical Director, “and we are satisfied with the way the bike is behaving. In particular we are concentrating on the chassis, verifying different swing-arms, aerodynamics and general set-up. The guys back in the factory have done an excellent job and all the indications we received one month ago, when we tested for the first time at Mugello, have been put to good use. Considering that there has been a month’s holiday in between, that’s not a bad result”.

Australian rider Steve Martin also continued track testing with the new Ducati 999 Superbike. The shakedown tests are going according to plan and the heir to the legendary 998 is giving considerable satisfaction to the Borgo Panigale engineers.

Ernesto Marinelli, responsible for the development of the Superbike project, declared: “We are already at a good level of development with the 999 Superbike. The new chassis has confirmed the positive impressions from the road bike and the new 999 handles better than this year’s bike”.

Testing of the two new bikes will continue in Italy in the next few weeks and will then move on to Spain in October.

From a press release issued by Eric Bostrom’s manager:

Eric Bostrom. Germany.

August 28, 2002 – Oschersleben, Germany. This weekend, Eric Bostrom will get another chance to compete against the World Superbike regulars at the Oschersleben track in Germany. After a strong finish in AMA Superbike, winning the final race of the year at VIR and finishing a strong 2nd in the Superbike Championship, Eric is ready to ride. This despite the boating accident that he and his brother, Ben, and friend, Kat, suffered through a little over a week ago in Sardinia.

And although he has never been to Oschersleben, Eric is feeling confident. “I’m pretty pumped. From the track map, it looks like a really fun track. I’m a little bummed because my ribs are still sore from our boat accident, but I should be strong for the race. I’m looking forward to trying to get myself and the Kawasaki back in the lead of a World Superbike race (like at Laguna), but for more than three or four laps this time!”

Eric will ride the Kawasaki Superbike prepared by his US-based AMA Superbike crew and shipped to Germany especially for this race. His mechanics, crew chief, and team manager will also be in attendance.

From a press release issued by, no surprise, a PR agency contracted by Dunlop:

Dunlop Streaks

The 2002 racing season in America has returned results of epic proportions for Dunlop. No other motorcycle tire manufacturer even begins to approach the success Dunlop has earned throughout a stunningly wide variety of championship venues.

The season began with Yamaha of Troy¹s Chad Reed handily winning the 125 East Supercross title. Next came Honda¹s Ricky Carmichael, who wrapped up the 2002 AMA Supercross crown by winning 11 of 16 races‹a dominating show of force. Add a victory by his Dunlop-mounted teammate Nathan Ramsey, and the tally works out to 12 out of 16 wins in 250 Supercross for Dunlop in 2002. Carmichael then went on to win an astonishing 22 consecutive motos–11 overall event wins–to win the AMA 250 National Motocross championship before the season was even over.

On pavement, the Dunlop sweep continued, beginning with the AMA’s Pro Honda 600 Supersport championship, which was won by Suzuki’s Aaron Yates on Dunlop tires. His title marked the 16th consecutive 600 Supersport championship for Dunlop–no other tire manufacturer has ever won a single title in this wildly competitive class.

When the AMA road racing series concluded at Virginia International Raceway in August, Dunlop riders completed a sweep of every single AMA national road racing class in 2002. Honda’s Nicky Hayden took his first Superbike title, marking 13 titles in a row for Dunlop in this premier class, and became the youngest rider in AMA Superbike history to take the crown.

Meanwhile, Jason Pridmore rode his Attack Suzuki to the Formula Xtreme championship in the tightest of all the road racing title battles. Pridmore finished the season tied in points with Jake Zemke and his Dunlop-equipped Bruce Transportation Honda, but the Suzuki rider earned the crown by merit of having one more race win.

And Dunlop rider Chuck Sorensen awarded Aprilia its first-ever 250 GP title in AMA racing, a class Dunlop has historically dominated. In AMA Superstock competition, Corona Extra EBSCO Media Suzuki’s Jimmy Moore defended his Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock title.

Dunlop would like to congratulate all the 2002 champions, and the hard-working team members who helped these riders win the most coveted championships in AMA racing.


(Editorial Note: Dunlop apparently has forgotten that Kirk McCarthy won the 2002 AMA Pro Thunder Championship on an Advanced Motor Sports Ducati 748.)