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.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This is a response to the proposed “organ donor” bill in New Mexico, and the letter from Mike Hughes. As a lifelong motorcyclist, I must say that I totally agree with Mr. Hurt’s proposed bill, regarding organ donorship from non-helmet wearing riders.

I truly believe in freedom of choice. However, I also believe in Darwin’s theory of natural selection, and the fact that we reap what we sow.
The odds of a biker being killed without a helmet are much, much greater than a rider wearing a helmet. If a rider chooses to ride without a helmet, then they are accepting the risk. The taxpaying public should not have to shoulder the financial burden for the transportation and care of an for an injured, under-insured, or under-educated rider, as they often do. To be fair, in return for the freedom to choose not to wear a helmet, they should offer to give something back, something that will actually make a difference by saving lives.

This sounds like a fair trade to me. Besides, why would you need your organs if you’re dead? To keep them would be totally selfish. If you do not agree, then wear a helmet.

Then you can keep your organs to yourselves. But if you accept the risk of riding without a helmet, then you should offer your life-saving organs in trade.

I will gladly sign my organs over to somebody else who may need them if I die. However, I will also choose to wear a helmet when I ride. As a result, I most likely will never even have to worry about the issue.

Howard Halterman
Fairfield California



Just thought I would give my two cents worth. Harvesting organs from people who do not consent is a slap in the face to the whole system. People should make their thoughts and wishes known to their family. If and only if they want their organs donated should they be taken. After all I should know, I have been an avid motorcyclist and heart transplant recipient for almost 20 years now. By the way my heart came from a signed donor on a motorcycle.

Chris Fisher
Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada




Just a few thoughts on mandatory organ harvesting, helmetless, helmeted, seat belted or not.

The good that comes from organ harvesting far out weights any argument against it!

You are DEAD when the organs are taken, your loved ones can still have what ever funeral they choose.

YES,I am saying it should be mandatory when you die.

Terry Milligan
London, Ontario, Canada



(See other posts, 1/30/2003 AMA Objects To New Mexico Bill Which Effectively Classifies Helmetless Street Riders As Organ Donors and 1/31/2003 Reader Comments On New Mexico’s Proposed Forced Organ Donation Program.)

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Emerging talent Jason Perez, former AMA regular Nick Ienatsch and defending CCS Pacific and Southwest Region Champion Brian Long starred in CCS racing action Sunday, February 2 at the Streets of Willow in Rosamond, California.

After suffering a miscue that may have cost him the win in Saturday’s GTU race, Perez, 18, rebounded Sunday by winning all four races he entered. Perez won Middleweight Supersport, Middleweight Superbike, Middleweight Grand Prix and the $1000 Speedscreen Unlimited Grand Prix on his Concept Five-sponsored Suzuki GSX-R600.

Lenny Beckman took the holeshot in the Unlimited GP race on a GSX-R1000 and was followed by Long and Eric Anderson. Meanwhile, Perez, who had started on the fifth row of the grid, was up to fourth by turn four. It took Perez less than two laps before he slipped underneath Beckman on the brakes for turn two to take the lead.

Will Eikenberry, riding a Kawasaki ZX-9R, gave chase to Perez, but the youngster’s 600cc machine was more nimble in the turns than Eikenberry’s engine-case-dragging 900. With the best lap time of the weekend (1:21.57), Perez pulled away to win by 2.8 seconds over Eikenberry, who later said this was the first race in which he used new tires since 1990.

Beckman held on for third with Long fourth, Jason Catching, Corey Sarros, new Expert Garth Dillon, Jeff Tigert from the eighth row, Ryan Teixeira and Rickey Herd rounding out the top 10.

After winning two races on Saturday, Tigert’s day Sunday started badly as the AFM regular slid off the outside of turn one in the first race of the day, Middleweight Superbike. After making repairs to his GSX-R600, Tigert was only able to run in the Unlimited GP race.

Ienatsch took wins in Formula 40 and Heavyweight Supersport on his G2 Racing Suzuki GSX-R750 and won in Super Twins on the Honda RC51 he uses in his role as an instructor for the Freddie Spencer High Performance Riding School.

Late in the day, Ienatsch and Eikenberry were battling for the lead in Unlimited Supersport when Eikenberry, who was attempting to pass Ienatsch on the outside going into turn four, hit Ienatsch from behind, causing Ienatsch to crash and Eikenberry to run off. Catching inherited the lead and held off Sarros to take the win with Anderson, who was in pain from Eikenberry colliding with him in turn four earlier in the same race, slipped to third.

Ienatsch, who plans to campaign the entire CCS Pacific and Southwest regional series, called Eikenberry’s riding “really stupid,” and remounted to finish 10th. Eikenberry, who is a former instructor and current mechanic with the California Superbike School, retired from the race and expressed regret over the incident to reporters.

Spears Enterprises’ Long was the iron man of the event, however. Long rode his Suzuki SV650s and GSX-R600 in nine races Sunday – collecting wins in Lightweight Supersport, Lightweight Superbike, Lightweight Grand Prix and Heavyweight Superbike; second-place finishes in Middleweight Superbike, Middleweight Grand Prix, Super Twins and Formula 40; and fourth place in Unlimited GP.

Unsponsored Erik Dadej defeated Josh Alverson and 16-year-old Scott Jackson in an exciting three-way battle to win the 19-entry USGPRU 125cc Grand Prix event.

Another emerging talent, Nick Moore, 16, won the $1000 Sportbike sprint, the last race of the day, on his 1999 Suzuki GSX-R600. Moore came from behind and made a daring, last-corner pass on Kevin Backovich to take his first-ever 600cc victory.



This just in from Will Eikenberry:

Dear Editor:

I just saw the web posting and thought I might shed some light with a copy of the letter I sent to Mr. Kevin Elliot about the turn-four incident between Nick and myself.

And of course I would express regret about colliding with another rider and I did talk with Anderson also after the race.

I can’t explain why in the three events I have done at the Streets I have had no problems with other riders. But to say I enter turn four wide and come out low, usually at least coming alongside the rider in front but rarely making it stick, just a slow-in fast-out line to show that I’m there.

And I think it’s important to note that I was on the outside, not the low, take-it-away line.

Thanks,

Will Eikenberry
Littlerock, California


(Eikenberry’s letter to CCS Boss Kevin Elliott follows.)

Hello Mr. Elliot:

I am writing to you about an incident in race #18 at Streets of Willow February 2nd. I was racing with Nick Ienatsch for the lead and we tangled entering turn four with Nick going down and me going off. I am very aware of the riders around me and give room to race. Nick and I had vastly different lines exiting turn three, his wide and mine tight. I was on the far left of the track and Nick came from two-thirds right to a line such that I had to make a turn to the left and make the decision to run off the track in an effort to avoid a collision. This, however, wasn’t enough and as I went by Nick his handlebar caught my hip and he went down as I went off.

I know things like this can happen when racing and at the edge of control any additional inputs can be difficult at best. While I am very sad to have been involved in such an incident and end my race for the lead I was more concerned for the welfare of the other rider, and once I got my bike slowed and turned around I checked to see what had happened to Nick and he was running towards me. He came up yelling at me and then grabbed the chin bar of my helmet shaking my head about as he yelled. Then he took the key from my ignition and said “no way are you getting back in this race” not once but twice. Both times I recovered the key from his hand.

I understand that in the heat of the moment things are said that may not be what should be but his reaction to this incident was a clear violation of the rules (3.3.6 specifically).

I don’t want to attack Nick or create problems, nor do I want to be vilified as having taken him out. I take riding and racing very seriously and would never intentionally jeopardize anyone’s safety or ride in manner that was less than professional like blocking or bumping.

I know Nick is planning to run the season with you and I can only run the first and last race of the year so I don’t anticipate an on-track situation to develop. At least I have no ill will about it.

Sincerely,

Will Eikenberry
#63 Expert, CCS Pacific Region
Littlerock, California