Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts set the fastest lap time Thursday during AMA team testing at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. Despite riding his RC51 Superbike with a heavily bruised and weakened right thigh, Roberts turned a best time of 1:26.220. Roberts’ effort, however, was not good enough to take fastest-lap-of-the-test honors away from Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom. Bostrom turned a 1:26.215 on his 750cc ZX-7RR on Wednesday to lead all times from the test. As promised by Kawasaki Team Manager Michael Preston Wednesday evening, Bostrom’s crew was indeed able to revive his new 770cc engine for more laps on Thursday. Eric Bostrom’s brother Ben, on the other hand, could not solve his problems and was only able to lower his best lap time by one second over the course of the test and is nowhere near his usual form at Laguna Seca. “I’m having no fun,” said American Honda’s Ben Bostrom. “I could have easily gone home after the first hour of the first day (of the test). I haven’t been able to slide it (RC51) all week. It’s been three days of torture.” Ben Bostrom’s teammate Miguel Duhamel was fast on both his RC51 Superbike and his Honda Supersport bike, posting the fastest CBR600RR time of the test on Wednesday, a 1:29.342, backed up by his 1:29.451 on Thursday. The Yamaha YZF-R6 proved to be the fastest Supersport bike around Laguna Seca with the three fastest 600cc times Thursday belonging to R6 riders. Jamie Hacking held onto the top spot with a 1:28.757 Thursday, even faster than his sub-lap-record 1:28.808 on Wednesday. Hacking’s mechanic Jefferson Burks returned to Los Angeles Thursday to be with his pregnant wife, who went into labor. Damon Buckmaster made significant progress over the three days, lowering his time to 1:28.970 on Thursday, just off the AMA Supersport lap record of 1:28.904 for Laguna Seca. Yamaha’s Aaron Gobert appears to be regaining his past strength and speed, and recorded the third-fastest 600cc lap time Thursday at 1:29.357. The eldest Gobert brother, Anthony, did not ride his Ducati Austin 998RS Thursday due to illness. According to Gobert’s Crew Chief Vic Fasola, “Go-Show” was fighting a stomach illness all week and took a turn for the worse Wednesday evening. Tommy Hayden returned to Laguna Seca Thursday but did not ride. In fact, Dr. Arthur Ting has instructed Hayden to not do anything more strenuous than walking for at least 10 days. Hayden told Roadracingworld.com’s Bob Dragich that the concussion he suffered in his crash on Tuesday left him too dizzy to walk down stairs easily. The next known AMA team test session is at California Speedway in early February. Thursday’s Fastest Lap Times: 1. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:26.220 2. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:26.488 3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:26.764 4. Larry Pegram, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.123 5. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, 1:27.129 6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.808 7. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.757 8. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.970 9. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.357 10. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.451 11. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.515 12. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.053 13. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.064 14. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:30.681 15. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.780 Overall Fastest Lap Times of the Test: 1. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR (750cc), 1:26.215 2. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:26.220 3. Anthony Gobert, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.4713. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:26.764 4. Larry Pegram, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.123 5. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, 1:27.129 6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.808 7. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.757 8. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.970 9. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.342 10. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.357 11. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.455 12. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.945 13. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.064 14. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:30.681 15. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.770 16. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:30.927 All times provided courtesy of AMA Pro Racing Timing & Scoring.

From a press release issued by OMS Sports:

Ducati Austin Wraps Up Successful Test At Laguna Seca

Despite a stomach virus, Gobert blazes to top time on first day and “just a click off” the lead on second day – opts for rest on final day

LAGUNA SECA, Calif., (Jan. 23, 2003) – The Ducati Austin race program and rider Anthony “Go Show” Gobert cranked out some impressive lap times at this week’s Laguna Seca test session, featuring the major factories and teams participating in the 2003 AMA/Chevy Truck U.S. Superbike Championships.

Ducati Austin’s Gobert, who for a number of years held the lap time record at Laguna Seca (1999 to 2002) on the legendary Ducati 996, battled a painful stomach virus, a new fork set up and bad weather conditions, en route to the fastest time of the day on Tuesday – a 1:26.8.

“The first day we didn’t get out until about noon,” said Ducati Austin Crew Chief, Vic Fasola. “It was foggy, generally bad weather, and Anthony rode well despite being under the weather himself.”

On the second day (Wednesday), Gobert put the Ducati 998RS03 up in the lead for much of the day before being edged out by rival Eric Bostrom, 1:26.2 to 1:26.4.

“We were testing some new Ohlins forks, working on the rear shock settings, bike geometry, fuel mapping – all the typical stuff for getting going on a race track and Anthony up to speed on the Ducati,” said Fasola. “It was a very successful test. Despite being sick, Anthony was the fastest rider on the first day and only a click off the lead on the second day. And you’ve got to remember, Eric (Bostrom) was on the same bike at Laguna last year.” Note: The gas-filled Ohlins forks, fairly new to the States, are being used by many number of the World Superbike teams.

By the third day of testing (today), Gobert’s stomach flu got the best of him and the team decided to pack it in a day early. “If push came to shove, and it was race day, he’d have run,” said Fasola. “He’s gone home to see his doctor. We think it’s some kind of flu bug.”

The Ducati Austin race team’s next test session will be Feb. 5-6 at Fontana Speedway (Calif.). In the meantime, Fasola and some other members of the team will travel to Italy to visit the Ducati factory for what Fasola calls “A little show & tell.”

From a press release issued by Octagon Motorsports, organizers of the FIM Endurance World Championship series:

FISHERMAN’S FRIEND RENEW SPONSORSHIP OF
FIM ENDURANCE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Rome, Italy: 23 January 2003; The FIM Endurance World Championship has announced that Fisherman’s Friend, the international lozenge brand, has renewed its “Associate Sponsor” agreement for the forthcoming year.

“We are pleased that Fisherman’s Friend’s first involvement with motorsport has been successful and we are looking forward to achieving even greater results together in the future” said Vincenzo Lamaro, Vice-President, Octagon Motorsports.

Jon White, Area Business Manager, Fisherman’s Friend, added; “We were happy with the exposure that association with the FIM Endurance World Championship gave to Fisherman’s Friend in our first year of co-operation. I am confident that this year will beeven better”

The FIM Endurance World Championship benefits Fisherman’s Friend will enjoy as an Associate Sponsor include name and logo presence on all Championship collateral materials, VIP Hospitality and sampling rights at all events.*

About FIM Endurance World Championship
FIM Endurance World Championship is a unique and gruelling test of power and long distance motorcycle racing encapsulated in an outdoor festival. It is one of only three world road racing Championships sanctioned by the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) the sports official governing body.

The Championship comprises of 8 motorsport weekends in 8 different top circuits and is experiencing the third season of growth since its re-launch by Octagon Motorsports in 2001.
In 2002 the events were broadcast globally to over 879m potential homes across 5 continents. Eurosport, the Official Championship broadcast partner and Europe’s premier satellite sports channel, broadcast live and deferred programmes that attracted more than 10m viewers.

About Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd
Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd, a family-owned company, first created Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong Lozenges in 1865 in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Today they are now available in 120 countries worldwide, and have grown to become a major international brand.

Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong lozenges are still manufactured to exactly the same formulation as in 1865. They are now available in 8 different versions including Original Extra Strong, Aniseed, Original Tooth-friendly, Mint Sugar Free, and Lemon Sugar-Free

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Michael Hannas

Thieves stole a trailer and crashed racebike belonging to a racer who was airlifted with head injuries following a crash at Willow Springs International Raceway Sunday in Rosamond, California.

Racer Craig Raines, WSMC #68, suffered a closed head injury and was helicoptered to the hospital following a multi-bike turn-nine pile-up in the combined 750cc Superbike/Open Modified Production race late in the day during the opening WSMC weekend of 2003.

Raines’ father loaded up his son’s crashed GSX-R750 into his trailer and took it to his own house Sunday evening, where it was stolen sometime Monday night.

Raines is heavily sedated because of his injuries but is responsive; according to WSMC Operations Manager Kenny Kopecky, the family expects Raines will make a full recovery. Raines also suffered a broken collarbone and collapsed lung in the incident.

Kopecky noted that Raines’ father was rather upset but doesn’t think that the theft was related to the accident. The VIN # of the stolen bike was unavailable to Roadracingworld.com at post time, but Raines’ late-model Suzuki GSX-R750 is silver with blue trim and sported #68, and has obviously been crashed.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

HRC Winter Test Sepang, January 22, 2003.

HRC Complete Successful Three Day Sepang Test Session

The HRC RC211V winter test at Sepang, Malaysia, ended on a high note with all teams and riders satisfied with the results and the data logged for future reference. Overnight rain lingered at the 5.548km circuit during the morning of the final day but by 13.30. the track was dry enough for the riders to get in track time in good conditions.

Most riders spent the afternoon testing tyres for their 2003 suppliers. The Repsol Honda team of Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden pronounced themselves satisfied at the end of the day. Rossi happy with the amount of technical set up and tyre testing work he completed, Hayden happy with the progress he has made to date.

Valentino Rossi: “A good three days and for me the best part is to understand the problems we have had in braking. We got some good settings yesterday and today we have found some good Michelin tyres. The grip on the edge has always been a problem but today we have the tyres and the settings to get good grip on the edge. The engine and chassis feel strong and now we understand the braking better it is possible to make a good time.”

Nicky Hayden: “I’ve gotta be pretty pleased with the tests here. It’s an awesome place and although it’s been hard learning the track on the new bike – I’ve leaned heaps and the important thing is I’ve stayed upright and the times are getting faster. Things seemed to get better when we set most of the bike to standard settings and I could concentrate on the tyres and just riding the bike better. I’d like to be able to go harder into the turns. It’s a question of confidence really. I know I can be far harder on this bike than I could be on my VTR. I’m enjoying it. I’m sure it’ll come!”

Fausto Gresini’s Telefonica MoviStar Honda squad is in much the same position as their rivals at Repsol Honda. Team leader Daijiro Kato spent the day evaluating tyres for Michelin while new teammate Sete Gibernau continued to learn all he could about the RCV.

Daijiro Kato: “I wanted to go for a good time in the last hour, but I still had to work on four sets of new Michelin tyres, both rear and front pairs. When I got to the last set of tyres I was going to go for it, and try and put in a quick lap, but this last pair weren’t as good as the previous ones. Despite this, we did find out some good tyres, which of course is the most important thing. Valentino and Max were very quick, but I am happy with my performance over the past three days. I was setting constantly fast times and that is the best way to be. I get the brand new bike in a month’s time, but I don’t think it will be radically different, and as things are going well with the New parts we have tested here, I am excited about getting on it.”

Sete Gibernau: “It has been a perfect three days for me personally, and I could have stayed on longer to lower my time like all the other riders did, but we stopped early because the team felt we had accomplished everything we had set out to do. I feel that despite this morning’s delay, and Monday afternoon’s washout, that I have put in enough laps here, we were regularly doing times in the mid-fours, and that was the objective really. We have lots more time to get quicker and there is no need to rush into it, I felt more comfortable every time I was on the bike, and now look forward to the next test here in a month’s time.”

New boy at Honda Pons, Tohru Ukawa, was another satisfied with his trip to Sepang. Ukawa has been involved with testing the RC211V from the start of the project and feels he is ready for to test the 2003 version of the machine.

Tohru Ukawa: “I’m reasonably happy with my time at the end of this test, but I think it could maybe have been a little better. Anyway, the important thing is that we have done the things we needed to and we can now look forward to getting the new machine here in February and beginning work on that. Today I focused on tyre testing, when we eventually got out onto the track, and I ended up with a good compound which offered both good balance and grip, so that was pleasing. These have been a good three days with the team, as I improved with every lap on the bike.”

Max Biaggi settled on a good set up for his RCV and towards the end of the day began to increase his pace, matching or bettering the times set by his fellow Honda rides at Sepang.

Max Biaggi: “I can look back on this test and say it was very positive. Two and a half months without riding a motorcycle. But within 10 laps of riding this bike I felt comfortable, at the end of the test I felt quite good about it. Today we finalised the set up and covered a lot of kilometers. Michelin asked us to do an endurance test with the tyres. The test went well, Michelin are doing a great job for us for 2003. The last 10 minutes of the test I pushed hard looking for the limit. I got close but I didn’t want to make a mistake on the first test with the bike. The team and I are beginning to understand each other and I feel comfortable. We now have one month before we test again. I will keep my concentration, I want to ride the bike again as soon as possible. I’m having a lot of fun with it!”

As soon as conditions permitted the Pramac Honda Team took to the track on the final day concentrating their efforts on tyre testing for Bridgestone. Makoto Tamada and Shinichi Itoh completed a full afternoon of testing confirming the data already collected and testing several sets of tyre combinations.

Makoto Tamada: “I’m pleased with these three days of tests, even though I still haven’t found the perfect set-up for my bike. I’m not worried about it though, because I know my potential and these tests helped me get a better feeling for the bike and adapt it to my aggressive style of braking. We’ve got lots of information from these tests that will help us improve even further in the next sessions.”

Shinichi Itoh: “I tried out many different tyres and different solutions to get a good idea about everything we need to analyse. I think I’ve been able to do a good job, and we’ve sure got a huge amount of data. I think we’ll soon be able to bridge the gap between us and the leaders.”

Testing times Sepang January 22, 2003.

Valentino Rossi, ITA Repsol Honda, 2:02.65, 55 laps

Max Biaggi, ITA Pramac Honda Team, 2:02.8, 48 laps

Tohru Ukawa, JPN Honda Pons, 2:03.4

Daijiro Kato, JPN, Telefonica MoviStar Honda, 2:03.7

Sete Gibernau, SPA Telefonica MoviStar Honda, 2:04.3

Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda, 2:05.47, 60 laps

Makoto Tamada, JPN Pramac Honda Team, 2:06.5, 30 laps

Shinichi Itoh, JPN HRC Honda, 2:06.5, 31 laps

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts with files from Bob Dragich

Kawasaki Road Racing’s Eric Bostrom set the fastest lap time Wednesday during AMA team testing at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Bostrom rode his 750cc ZX-7RR around the 2.2-mile road course in 1:26.215 for the fastest time thus far in the three-day test. Bostrom’s new 770cc engine suffered a mechanical problem of some sort, but Team Manager Michael Preston labeled the problem a “hiccup” and said the engine should be back in service on Thursday.

Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking continued to set the standard for Supersport riders, lapping at 1:28.808, faster than Eric Bostrom’s Supersport lap record time of 1:28.904 from 2001.

No riders crashed Wednesday, but Tommy Hayden left the track early, after making a few laps, to seek a medical evaluation by Dr. Arthur Ting, according to Hayden’s Crew Chief Joey Lombardo. Details regarding what problems or injuries Hayden was concerned with were not available.

The day was relatively uneventful with riders making laps until approximately 4:30 p.m. local time when light sprinkles called for an early end to the on-track activities. Weather forecasts call for a strong chance of rain on Thursday.

Wednesday’s Best Lap Times, Provided By AMA Pro Racing Timing & Scoring:

1. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR (750cc), 1:26.215
2. Anthony Gobert, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.471
3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:26.891
4. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR (770cc), 1:27.107
5. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, 1:27.312
6. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:27.553
7. Larry Pegram, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.820
8. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.132
9. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.808
10. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.236
11. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.342
12. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.455
13. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.675
14. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.945
15. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.268
16. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.770
17. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.732
18. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:32.488

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. Superbike World Champion Colin Edwards II and wife Alyssia had a daughter, Gracie Kayte Edwards, January 22 in Conroe, Texas. Racers Debi Venega and Leo Venega had a daughter, Abby Rose Venega, January 21 in Miami, Florida. WMRRA racer John Walsh and wife Erika had a son, Trevor Kawika Walsh, January 19 in Seattle, Washington. (To submit birth notices, e-mail name of mother and father, name of baby, date of birth, city of birth and the connection of one or both parents to motorcycle road racing, i.e., racer, tuner, sponsor, vendor, etc.)

From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM LEAVE JEREZ DISAPPOINTED WITH SPANISH WEATHER

The heavy downpours that have plagued the Fortuna Yamaha Team throughout their first test of 2003 continued today. The track in Jerez, Spain was so rain-soaked that there was no opportunity for riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri to venture out on their YZR-M1s.

“We have essentially wasted two testing days but now we will have a chance to go to Valencia”, said Team Director Davide Brivio. “At least we will return to Jerez for the IRTA test in February. I think we will have a chance to do some work then. Early feedback is important in winter but there is nothing we can do. Now we will evaluate whether we are able to slightly modify our testing plans before the first GP.”

The Fortuna Yamaha Team will test in Valencia, Spain on 25, 26 and 27 January.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki:

KAWASAKI NAMES TOM ORBE TO NEW V.P. MARKETING POSITION

New addition brings extensive automotive industry experience from Nissan and Ford

IRVINE, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2003)—Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. today announced the addition of longtime automotive industry marketer, Tom Orbe, to its staff. Orbe joins Kawasaki as vice president, marketing and will, through an intermediate transition period, report to Bob Shepard, executive vice president, marketing group.

Most recently, Orbe was CEO and president of Marel, LLC, a Newport Beach-based management and marketing consulting organization. From 1982 to 2001, he held numerous positions with Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., most recently as vice president and general manager of the Infiniti Division. He also served as vice president of marketing with responsibility for both Nissan and Infiniti brand advertising, promotions, research, and pricing.

Orbe began his automotive career with Ford Motor Company, where he held several marketing and business management posts with both Lincoln-Mercury and the Ford Division.

He holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing/management from Monmouth University, and a Bachelor of Science, Marketing from Chaminade University.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki:

MCCOY RECOVERING – PITT PUSHING AHEAD

Phillip Island/AUS ­ Wednesday, January 22nd, 2003: After a heavy fall off his Fuchs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR on the first day of testing in Phillip Island, Australian Garry McCoy took the second day off in order to recover from heavy bruising and a mild concussion. Even though he didn’t feel well enough to ride, McCoy showed up at the race track in the afternoon to visit his Kawasaki Racing Team and to observe the preparations of his bike with a new chassis that finally had been released by the Melbourne customs authorities. Team-mate Andrew Pitt and test riders Akira Yanagawa and Alex Hofmann enjoyed a mainly sunny day with easing winds, and all three of them further improved their lap times.

Garry McCoy (did not ride):
“With concussion, you normally need two days of rest, and probably seven days without any sporting activities, which is why I preferred not to ride today. I do feel a little bit better, but obviously not 100 per cent, and after spending the afternoon in the paddock, I’m now going back to my hotel room. I hope to have another good night’s sleep, and we’ll see how I feel tomorrow. If I don’t feel too bad, I want to go out there and do a few laps, just to have confidence in riding the bike again. The next test is about a month away, and I would like to leave thinking about other things than just this crash. It’s the first time in my life that I have concussion, and I just want to forget about it and do some laps, even if I go slow. The other thing is that the new chassis that I wanted to use here didn’t arrive until lunchtime today anyway. Not riding gave the guys in my team a bit of extra time to get the bike fully prepared for tomorrow!”

Andrew Pitt (82 laps ­ best time in 1:33.70):
“The rear swing arm on my bike started to cause some sort of strange vibration, so we put a new one in for the afternoon, and the bike immediately felt better again. We also tried some tyres, and the ones that didn’t have that much grip were good fun, because they allowed me to slide and smoke some rubber on the exit of the fast last left-hand corner. But we also found a tyre that was working quite well, and as we made some more good steps with the set-up of the bike, I’m pretty happy. In the morning, I did my fastest lap in 1:33.7, which I couldn’t improve in the afternoon only because we were trying so many things. I¹ll have another go at a better time tomorrow morning!”

Akira Yanagawa (56 laps ­ best time in 1:33.86):
“My wife and my two children arrived today, and having my family around seems to make me faster ­ almost by another second! I did my best lap time on race tyres, because when I went out with a softer compound, it caused a small problem with the rear end pumping. This tyre has more grip for sure, but the pumping slowed me down. Today we also tried another gearbox set-up, which made the bike easier to ride. But we still have the rear end pumping and a problem with the injection system to fix. It’s not even easy to pin-point what was wrong with it, because the response when opening the throttle seemed to change all the time. We need to have a good look at our data to work it all out!”

Alex Hofmann (81 laps ­ best time in 1:35.22):
“We did a lot of tyre testing again, but the Dunlop container still seems to be full! There are a lot of details that we find here and there, and we are making steady progress. I’m happy because my lap time came down once again. I’m only one and a half seconds behind the other guys, which is certainly not bad with my older generation bike. I feel good on this track, and my only problem is that every time I go out, I have to adjust to different circumstances. But that’s what tyre testing is all about, and I keep learning a lot!”