Reader Jason D. Fellingham of Seattle, Washington forwarded us a copy of this letter, which he sent to local news outlets in his area:

I am writing this letter to voice my concerns about an upcoming movie and the likely negative media it may generate towards an activity that I deeply enjoy.

The movie is “Biker Boyz”, due for release on January 31st, and the activity is motorcycling, sport riding in particular. I have only seen the trailer for this movie but, from that and knowing Hollywood’s tendency to glorify absurd and reckless behavior, I am sure that this movie will portray sport riders in a very negative fashion. This movie will likely show illegal street racing, wheelies, burn-outs and general hooliganism in a “cool” and rebellious way. I am also sure that it will have some sort of media impact, much like that of the movie “The Fast and The Furious”.

I have been riding for a number of years, and racing for the past three. I know hundreds of riders and racers up and down the west coast, mature, responsible riders who have spent a good deal of time and effort trying to shed the “Bad-Boy” image and animosity towards motorcyclists that comes with it. Most of the riders I know are productive members of our community, some are parents and many are involved in local charities, but it’s hard to see that thru a helmet and riding gear.

My chief concern over this movie is that it will influence younger, less experienced riders to engage in extremely dangerous and illegal actions with no true understanding or concern for the inevitable repercussions, but I am also very concerned about how you in the media will deal with this. I bring to point an article printed in the LA Times on June 5th, 2002 entitled “Filling the need for speed” which painted a picture of sport riders as reckless daredevils, based on interviews with two absolute morons and a number of incorrect and exaggerated statistics. The writer of this story carried a bias through the entire article, neglected to contact any local clubs, magazines or manufacturers for information nor did she provide any sort of positive information about motorcyclists or motorcycling. Needless to say, the LA Times received thousands of letters in response to this pointed story, mine included, one of which, written by a local man, made it to the pages of Cycle World magazine.

I am not asking you to cover this matter nor do I presume that you would do so in the unprofessional manner displayed by the writer of the article I noted. I only ask that if it does happen that you do a story regarding this movie, the actions in it or sport riding in the region that you do so responsibly, keeping in mind the influence you have over the views of the general public. I assure you that any negativity carried by motorists is and will be seen on the road, where we are already in a vulnerable and potentially dangerous position. I would also ask that you provide some information about local clubs and organizations and help to show our younger riders that there is in fact a safe and appropriate place for racing i.e. the race track.

I thank you for taking the time to read this and humbly offer myself as a resource for any contacts or information you may need regarding local clubs and racing organizations.

Regards,

Jason D Fellingham
Seattle, Washington

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Monday Sepang test times compiled from press releases, which, let’s face it, for all we know could be sort of like horsepower ratings at the brochure:

1. Daijiro Kato, Honda, 2:05.02

2. Loris Capirossi, Ducati, 2:05.3

3. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 2:05.76

4. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 2:06.0

5. Max Biaggi, Honda, 2:06.0

6. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 2:06.5

7. Sete Gibernau, Honda, 2:06.6

8. Shinichi Itoh, Honda, 2:07.5

9. Nicky Hayden, Honda, 2:07.76

10. Makoto Tamada, Honda, 2:09.2

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Japan’s famed Suzuka Circuit is undergoing two major course revisions, according to the track’s official website, www.suzukacircuit.co.jp.

The “130R” corner, the high-speed sweeper at the end of the back straightaway named for its 130-meter radius, will now have two-radii, an 85-meter initial radius and a 340-meter exit radius. Judging from diagrams on the website, the sweeper will begin sooner and should be faster due to the more open radius.

Another effect of the alteration is increased run-off room, which will include a new, paved recovery area at the exit of the turn.

The “130R” sweeper leads into the “Casio Triangle,” or the tight chicane before the start/finish straightaway. The new chicane’s entrance, a right-left transition, will be more open and closer to the exit of “130R.” After a short chute similar to the one in the old Daytona chicane, motorcycle racers will be funneled through a tighter, left-right transition, which exits into the sweeping entrance to start-finish straight.

Theoretically, the changes to the chicane will result in lower speeds into the following sweeper and a straighter shot onto the start/finish straight.

Automobiles racing at Suzuka will only use the first portion of the new chicane.

Both changes, which are scheduled to be completed in February, will result in about 10 feet being added to the overall length of the motorcycle course, which now measures 3.619 miles (5.824 km).

From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Jerez, Spain
20/21/22 January, 2003

STEADY RETURN TO ACTION FOR CHECA AND MELANDRI IN COLD AND WINDY JEREZ

The new Fortuna Yamaha Team pairing of Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri made a discreet start to their first tests of 2003 today in Jerez. In cold and blustery conditions the track temperature did not rise above 19ºC during the first of three days of testing.

Spaniard Checa completed 55 laps and recorded a best time of 1:44.3, which is over a second slower than his qualifying time at last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. Having worked on dialling-in the new fuel injection system and suspension settings on his YZR-M1 he was prevented from having his usual run of fast laps towards the end of the day by a problem with one bike.

New-boy Marco Melandri has again made good progress as he familiarizes himself with the powerful Yamaha YZR-M1 four-stroke. The 20-year-old Italian has joined the Fortuna Yamaha Team in the premier MotoGP class having become the youngest ever winner of the 250cc World Championship in 2002. He completed a total of 50 laps today with a best time of 1:43.8.

The team is testing with black fairings and neutral leathers ahead of the 20th February launch of its new Fortuna Yamaha livery.

Commenting on the day, team director Davide Brivio said: “Both riders needed today just to get back into riding after the long Christmas break. We were doing some work on the fuel injection with Carlos but Marco was just concentrating on riding and suspension settings. The weather forecast is not great for our three days here but I hope the rain stays away.”

LAP TIMES

Carlos Checa, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:44.3
Marco Melandri, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:43.8

Alex Barros, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:42.9
Olivier Jacque, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:47.8

Shinya Nakano, D’Antin Yamaha 1:45.2

From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Monday 20 January 2003

Walker’s successful test

HM Plant Ducati’s Chris Walker completed a successful two-day test at Valencia in Spain on Saturday as the countdown to the start of the 2003 Superbike World Championship continues. However, James Toseland was unable to complete the team’s second pre-season test at the Spanish circuit after injuring a hand in a crash on Friday morning.

Walker is making good progress from the injuries he sustained after breaking an ankle in a Supermoto crash in Belgium three months ago. After undergoing a series of operations, the Nottingham rider is returning to full fitness and getting to grips with the power and handling characteristics of the factory HM Plant Ducati.

“I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made since we were here in December,” said Walker. “I’ve been working hard on all aspects of my fitness and it appears to be paying off. At last I feel that I can ride the bike in anger and I was delighted with my best time of 1:35.3 set on Friday afternoon. The conditions proved to be more difficult on Saturday but we were still able to do a lot of tyre testing with Dunlop.”

Toseland was frustrated after his crash: “It was my own fault, as I was coming into the pits and on a slowing down lap when it happened. I high-sided on the exit of the fast left-right chicane on the approach to turn 15. My hand smashed quite heavily onto the tarmac and I also banged an elbow. Fortunately, the local hospital gave me the all clear, but it was too swollen [the hand] to take any further part in the test. I’m resting it over the next few days and hope I’ll be back to normal for the Almeria test at the weekend.”

HM Plant Ducati Team Manager Colin Wright reflected on the two Valencia tests: “Overall, I’m really happy with the outcome of our pre-season testing to date. Chris worked hard over the past two days and is already on the pace. James was unlucky but he had already put in a lot of good testing before Christmas.

“James and Chris have completed 250 and 200 laps of Valencia respectively on the new HM Plant Ducatis. Both riders are pleased with their settings and have found the work they have done with Dunlop to be extremely productive. It was much windier on Saturday and the track temperature was around 10*C, so the conditions weren’t as good as they were in December. HM Plant Ducati and Dunlop are in good shape for Almeria this weekend – and for our return to Valencia next month.”

For immediate release:

As reported previously the Wegman Benefit Fund and Central Roadracing Association have teamed to raise money for injured road racers.

CRA recently sent checks totaling $4,696 to the Wegman Fund, the proceeds from the annual silent auction held at the CRA awards banquet.

Information about the Wegman Fund may be found at www.wegmanfund.org or from [email protected].

From a press release issued by Honda:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

HRC winter Test Sepang – Malaysia, January 20, 2003.

Honda Riders at Sepang for Their First Test Session of 2003.



Nicky Hayden

The Honda RC211V riders contesting the 2003 MotoGP Wold Championship were all present at the Sepang circuit for the first test of the year. Seven riders, led by reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, will race the five-cylinder, 990cc four-stroke machine in the 16 round championship which kicks off at Suzuka, Japan, on April 6.

Rossi, and his new Repsol Honda teammate, Nicky Hayden, the American Superbike Champion, were testing with different aims in mind today, the first of three days of testing. Champion Rossi evaluating the machine under braking, while Hayden spent the day learning the Sepang circuit.

Valentino Rossi: “Today we did only 23 laps. We only have one bike and started with the set up we had at the GP in Sepang last year. We concentrated on braking today and the transmission performance while under braking. But if I need adjustments made it’s difficult with only one bike, I have to wait while the mechanics get it ready. This afternoon when we came in to make changes it was dry, when the bike was ready it was raining. So we decided to stop. This is just the first day and we hope for a full days testing tomorrow.”

Nicky Hayden: “This is another good chance for me to get in some training on the bike. This is my first time at Sepang and I like it, it’s a real GP circuit, fast and safe. I didn’t push so hard today I just concentrated on finding a set up for the circuit and trying to find a good rhythm out there. I need the experience.”

The Telefonica MoviStar Honda Gresini team began the Sepang test as a full team, with team riders, Daijiro Kato and Sete Gibernau testing their RC211V machines at the 5.548km circuit. New boy to the RCV camp, Sete Gibernau, who had only once briefly tested the RCV prior today, spent the opening day of the test finding a base set up to work from.

Sete Gibernau: “This is my first full test on board the Honda RC211V, and obviously it will take time to adapt to the new machine, but there is no rush. There are a few little things, mainly electronics, that need setting up to suit me, but little by little it will come. Also, after a break such as the one I’ve just had, you need to get back into the mindframe of racing once again, to pick up the rhythm where you left off. This is obviously harder when you have to get used to a new bike too, but for an initial test, I’m very satisfied indeed. The team is very good and very supportive, and I’m excited about the year ahead, and about fighting for the top positions once again.”

Teammate Kato concentrated his efforts on suspension work, an area the diminutive, lightweight Japanese feels vital to his success in 2003.

Daijiro Kato: “I feel refreshed after the short winter break, but I picked up a bit of a stomach upset yesterday, and I still feel a little under the weather today, so that didn’t help me, even though I set a good lap time. We are working mainly on the suspension settings for the bike, which is where I need to focus most. We do not have the new parts for this season to test yet – they will arrive in February at the next session. I’m looking forward to 2003 now, and although it rained here this afternoon I decided against going out, because I got lots of rain laps in during the test we did in Jerez.”

Third place finisher in the MotoGP Championship last season, Tohru Ukawa, was at Sepang with his new team. Ukawa completed put in 56 laps aboard the Honda Pons RCV during the opening day of the test.

Tohru Ukawa: “Everything is going okay here in Sepang, where we are currently working mainly on both the front and rear suspension settings. We have already improved it considerably and will be working on it more tomorrow. This afternoon I was going to dedicate to tyre testing, but then the rain came, so I couldn’t do any of that, hopefully the rain will stay away for the next two days. We are still using the same machine as last year, testing some of the new parts added whilst they construct a whole new bike in Japan. Overall though, I am happy with how everything is going with my new team, communication is good and we work well together.”

Italian Max Biaggi returns to the Honda camp in 2003 racing an RCV for the Pramac Honda Team. Biaggi completed 27 laps today, primarily trying various adjustments to the seating position, footrests, and the controls, in a bid to find the most comfortable riding position.

Max Biaggi: “Today was the first time I sat on a motorcycle for over two months. I didn’t do so many laps today, it’s a new bike and we have a lot of testing before we start the season. We were working on the electronics today and we needed some help form the Japanese technicians. They had many riders to look after so it took time. We spent time on my seating position on the bike, footpegs, levers, I have yet to feel comfortable on the bike. The important thing now is for me to understand the strong and weak points of the motorcycle. Right now I feel the strong point is the power and the delivery, the weak point is the clutch.”

Makoto Tamada makes his MotoGP debut in 2003, riding the second Pramac liveried RCV. Tamada’s machine will be equipped with Bridgestone tyres as the Japanese manufacturer steps up its tyre development programme, working with four-stroke MotoGP machines for the first time. Tamada completed 56 laps of the track today.



Makoto Tamada

Makoto Tamada: “The first day of testing was, as always, dedicated to the set-up of the bike, partly because it’s the first time I’ve ever been to Sepang and I need to understand and interpret the circuit. I’m pleased with the way things went today, as I’ve been able to prepare well for the days ahead. There’s plenty of room for improvement, and we’ll be carrying on with the test programme tomorrow.”

Bridgestone have also recruited the services of former grand prix rider Shinichi Itoh to assist with their winter testing programme. Itoh, now an HRC test rider, has been working on various Bridgestone testing projects in recent years and his vast knowledge of grand prix racing and Bridgestone tyres will be invaluable to new boy Tamada as he approaches the most important season of his young career.

Shinichi Itoh: “I hadn’t ridden at Sepang for a year – and last time I was using tyres from a different manufacturer. I noticed the difference, and after trying out a few solutions we drew up the work programme for the coming days. It’s going to be pretty intense but I’m not worried about the quantity of work as I’m sure we’ll be able to achieve some excellent results.”

Testing times Sepang January 20, 2003.

Daijiro Kato, JPN Telefonica MoviStar Honda 2:05.02 – 29 laps.

Valentino Rossi, ITA Repsol Honda 2:05.76 – 23 laps.

Tohru Ukawa, JPN Honda Pons 2:06.0 – 55 laps.

Max Biaggi, ITA Pramac Honda Team 2:06.0 – 27 laps.

Sete Gibernau, SPA Telefonica MoviStar Honda 2:06.6 – 28 laps.

Shinichi Itoh, JPN HRC Honda 2:07.5 – 55 laps.

Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda 2:07.76 – 58 laps.

Makoto Tamada, JPN Pramac Honda Team 2:09.2 – 56 laps.




More, from a press release issued by Pramac Honda Press Information:

Sepang – (Malaysia) – 20/21/22 January 2003

Private tests

Monday 20 January

Pramac Honda team make debut at Sepang. Makoto Tamada joined by Shinichi Itoh.

Pramac Honda team forces are being doubled for the entire pre-Championship test period: Makoto Tamada, the Pramac Honda team challenger for 2003 made his track debut together with Shinichi Itoh, official test rider. Itoh will be taking part in all the test sessions from now until the Championship gets under way. The aim is to enable Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone to intensify its development programmes before the season officially starts up on 6 April in Suzuka.

After the fine but constant rain of the last few days in Sepang, the 5,548-metre track was dry and the riders were out on their bikes right from nine in the morning. Testing was unfortunately stopped by rain at 3:30 p.m.

The test programme is absolutely essential for Bridgestone, whose technicians are gathering their very first data from four-stroke motorcycles. The material, all to 2003 spec, was tested today by Shinichi Itoh, while Makoto Tamada focused mainly on trying out different settings on the suspension system of his RC 211V.

Bridgestone has an ambitious goal but even this very first day out made it possible to gather a considerable about of data that will now be carefully analysed to find out what exactly needs to be developed.


Makoto Tamada: 2:09.2 – “The first day of testing was, as always, dedicated to the set-up of the bike, partly because it’s the first time I’ve ever been to Sepang and I need to understand and interpret the circuit. I’m pleased with the way things went today, as I’ve been able to prepare well for the days ahead. There’s plenty of room for improvement, and we’ll be carrying on with the test programme tomorrow.”


Shinichi Itoh: 2:07.5 – “I hadn’t ridden at Sepang for a year – and last time I was using tyres from a different manufacturer. I noticed the difference, and after trying out a few solutions we drew up the work programme for the coming days. It’s going to be pretty intense but I’m not worried about the quantity of work as I’m sure we’ll be able to achieve some excellent results.”


Rain stopped the test sessions at 3.30 p.m., but the track had dried up by the evening so the prospects for tomorrow are good.


Times/results of the 2002 Sepang (Malaysia) GP:

Pole Position: Barros – 2:04.487 – Race winner: Biaggi – Fast lap in race Biaggi – 2:04.925



More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

HRC Winter Test Sepang, January 20, 2003.

Repsol Honda Riders return to the Fray at Sepang

The Christmas and New Year holidays are well and truly over and it’s back to work for the Repsol Honda MotoGP Championship team as they prepare for the 2003 season. Team riders Valentino Rossi, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, and American Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden, completed day one of the three day Honda winter test at the 5.548km Sepang circuit, Malaysia, today.



Nicky Hayden

Champion Rossi spent the day evaluating the braking performance of his RC211V five-cylinder, 990cc four-stroke, while 2003 MotoGP debutante Hayden made his acquaintance with the fast grand prix circuit.

Valentino Rossi: “Today we did only 23 laps. We only have one bike and started with the set up we had at the GP in Sepang last year. We concentrated on braking today and the transmission performance while under braking. But if I need adjustments made it’s difficult with only one bike, I have to wait while the mechanics get it ready. This afternoon when we came in to make changes it was dry, when the bike was ready it was raining. So we decided to stop. This is just the first day and we hope for a full day’s testing tomorrow.”

Nicky Hayden: “This is another good chance for me to get in some training on the bike. This is my first time at Sepang and I like it, it’s a real GP circuit, fast and safe. I didn’t push so hard today I just concentrated on finding a set up for the circuit and trying to find a good rhythm out there. I need the experience.”

Repsol Honda rider lap times Sepang January 20, 2003.

Valentino Rossi, ITA Repsol Honda 2:05.76 – 23 laps.

Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda 2:07.76 – 58 laps.

From a press release issued by Ducati:

POSITIVE DEBUT FOR THE DUCATI DESMOSEDICI AT SEPANG – CAPIROSSI (2:05.3) AND BAYLISS (2:06.5) RIGHT ON THE PACE



Ducati Marlboro Team started an important three-day test at Sepang, Malaysia today with Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss continuing development and set-up work on the Ducati Desmosedici in view of this year’s MotoGP championship. This is Ducati’s first ever appearance at the Malaysian circuit, and Troy Bayliss, unlike Loris Capirossi, is also getting to grips with the Sepang track for the first time.

On arrival, the Ducati Marlboro Team was greeted with average temperatures of 30° C (35° C track) in addition to stifling humidity and the test session was later interrupted by a violent tropical downpour in the afternoon.


Loris Capirossi

The first day of testing however allowed the Ducati engineers to continue with set-up work on the bike and the riders to gain more experience with the Desmosedici prototype. Using the positive tests at Phillip Island as a basis, the riders undertook several test sessions, and by the end of the day Capirossi had completed 38 laps and Bayliss 39.


Troy Bayliss

The results obtained with very few modifications were positive, with both Capirossi and Bayliss setting encouraging lap times. The Italian’s quickest lap was 2:05.3, while Troy got down to 2:06.5. After the first session, it was decided to modify the gear ratios and this change allowed Capirossi to set his best time of the day. Bayliss was forced to interrupt testing due to a violent storm that lashed the circuit and the Australian, who was pleased with his debut in Malaysia, will only benefit from this modification tomorrow.


Loris Capirossi

“We are all really satisfied with the way things went” declared Capirossi. “Today was important because we didn’t have any reference data on this track. We started from scratch and, if this is the starting-point, then we can only be pleased. We still have to get the bike fully set up, but we are already at the same level as the competition. We are improving all the time, the team is working well and the 38 laps completed today have already provided us with some important data. There are still two more hard days to come, after which we will have a better idea of where we stand.”


Troy Bayliss

“I’d never been to this circuit before” declared Bayliss at the end of the session, “so I bought myself a Playstation and F1 game and tried to learn the track as best as I could. I’m only joking though, because today was an important debut and I’m pleased with the way it went. I did 39 laps, looking for the best lines on this wide and long track, and tried to set a good time. Seeing as we didn’t have any data to go on, we used the Phillip Island set-up as a starting-point and so my best time of 2:06.5 is an excellent result. Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to test with the different gear ratios because of the rain, but I’m sure tomorrow will be another difficult and productive day.”

From a press release:

Spiegler Brake Systems adds two more outstanding European companies to their exclusive line of top quality motorcycle accessories.

Spiegler Brake Systems USA, LLC is proud to announce that they have finalized negotiations, and are now the exclusive North American importer/distributor for LightCon wheels and BOS performance exhaust systems.

LightCon uses state of the art design and manufacturing processes to produce their lightweight, DOT and TÜV motorcycle wheels. LightCon manufactures wheels with technologies such as, their patented ultra high pressure casting process (19,000 psi) and electron beam welding, to allow wall thickness as thin as 2mm without sacrificing strength. LightCon wheels are as strong as forged wheels, and lighter than most competing brands. A standard street approved 3.5X17 front wheel weighs 4.13kg and a 5.5X17 rear wheel weighs 4.99kg. LightCon bike specific front and rear wheel kits include all hardware required for mounting, such as: bearings, seals, air valves, adapters (if req.), and sprocket (if req.). Wheels are available in four standard colors, as well as SLC (surface like chrome), and polished. LightCon provides a 2-year warranty on material and production failures.

BOS is one of Europe’s premiere motorcycle exhaust manufacturers. Based in the Netherlands, BOS manufactures their exhausts using only the best quality materials and the finest hand craftsmanship to produce one of the best looking and performing exhausts on the market. BOS’ heavy involvement in many of Europe’s endurance, and “Cup” racing series’ bring racetrack proven performance and durability to the street. From the custom look of their under-seat exhaust systems to the high-tech design of the GP-1 exhaust, only the finest materials are used to manufacture BOS performance exhaust systems. Such as, hand polished stainless steel pipe-work and end caps, stainless steel baffles and dB-eaters, as well as high-grade aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber for canister wraps. Several exhaust styles are available for current sport-bike and naked-bike applications.