From a press release:

SCHWANTZ IS BACK: AMA RED BULL SUPERMOTO SERIES



Austin, Texas – – Kevin Schwantz makes his return to national competition in the newly formed AMA Red Bull Supermoto championship. Schwantz will ride a self-prepared DRZ400 with support from American Suzuki, Yoshimura R&D, Michelin, Ohlins, White Brothers, VP Fuels, Joe Rocket, Parts Unlimited, Alpinestars, Braking, Motion Pro, Motul, Arai, Cytomax, ClifBar and Brand 34 apparel.

The six-race Supermoto championship series is based on the original Superbikers made-for-television series and is an interesting mix of road racing, flat track and motocross disciplines. Though known mostly for his World Championship road racing exploits, Schwantz’s roots in off-road experience run deep. Supermoto’s unique cross-discipline appeal inspired Schwantz to return to national-level competition. “I think Supermoto’s an exciting type of racing,” said Schwantz, “its mix of dirt and pavement with the possibility of a jump draws from three different types of competition. It should be an interesting new championship and I am excited to be involved with it. It’s been eight years since I have competed in a full series championship, and this time I am doing it just for fun!”

The 2003 schedule kicks off at the AMA Superbike/World Superbike Laguna Seca event and wraps up with a winner-take-all championship finale at Las Vegas held in conjunction with the AMA Championship Awards Banquet.

For more information go to schwantzschool.com, kevin-schwantz.com and amaproracing.com.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

AFM Kicks Off New Season This Weekend at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif.–The battle for the coveted No. 1 plate begins this weekend at Infineon Raceway when the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) begins the new season on the twisting Sonoma Valley road course.

Practice will take place on Saturday, with feature events in more than 15 divisions planned for Sunday. Admission is free on Saturday and $10 on Sunday. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day.

Lafayette’s David Stanton currently holds the No. 1 plate after winning the premier Formula Pacific Division in 2002, but he’ll be tested this season by standout riders like James Randolph (Santa Rosa). Randolph was the 2001 AFM champion.

“I think James is a good rider and I know it’s not going to be a cakewalk, but I hope I can position myself to be there at the end and get the No. 1 plate again. That’s my goal,” Stanton said.

The AFM was founded in 1954 and is the oldest motorcycle club organization in the country, with more than 850 competitive members. The AFM series will feature seven events in 2003, three taking place at Infineon Raceway. Over the years, the AFM has produced such AMA Superbike stars as Eddie Lawson, Fred Merkel and Steve Rapp.

For more information, please visit www.afmracing.org.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Road Racing World Classic Series
Entry list and calendar for the 2003 season

The 2003 Road Racing World Classic Series includes a round in Assen on August 3. The final calendar with five rounds is the following:

Date Country Circuit

March 30 Great Britain Silverstone
June 8 Austria A1-Ring
July 13 Great Britain Donington Park
August 3 Netherlands Assen
August 31 Czech Rep. Most

The riders’ entry list for the 2003 World Classic Series and the wild-card riders for the first round in Silverstone are the following:

Start Number Rider Nationality Machine

1. CRONSHAW, John GBR Unity BSA
2. DE RIDDER, Adrie NED Seeley G50 Mk2
3. RADEMAKER, Jan NED Ducati Mk 3
4. NEUMAIR, Reinhard GER Norton Petty Manx
5. MERZ, Thomas GER Seeley G50
6. BAUMANN, Sandro SUI G50/Seeley Mk3
7. GROOT, Ton NED Seeley Manx
8. PASOP, Roel NED Seeley Triumph 500
9. HUGHES, David GBR Norton Manx
10. DE RIDDER, William NED Seeley G50 Mk 2
11. SCHOLL, No NED Matchless G50
14. FURBOCK, Johann AUT Seeley BSA
15. KONING, Jan NED ABSAF Goldstar
17. KOREVAAR, Jan NED Seeley Mk II
18. LOCKWOOD, Peter GBR Manx Norton
19. DOBSON, Charlie GBR Norton Manx
20. ANTONINI, Federico SUI Seeley Mk III
21. CRAUWELS, Bart BEL Matchless G50
22. VERBOVEN, Herman BEL Matchless G50
23. TURNER, Nick GBR Norton Manx
25. ENGLISH, Glen GBR FWD Molnar Manx
26. MOONEY, Pat USA ABSAF Gold Star
27. TOMES, Steve GBR FWD Molnar Manx
28. MORRISON, Les GBR SeeleyABSAF
29. OVERSBY, Allan GBR Norton Manx
30. MORGAN, Paul GBR Molnar Norton
31. TANNER, Peter GBR Seeley G50
32. ANSORGE, Herman AUT Matchless G50
33. BAKKER, Jan-Frank NED ABSAFSeeley Goldstar
34. FOY, John GBR Seeley G50
35. JENSON, Vagn DEN Norton Molnar Manx
36. KRENN, Markus AUT Aermacchi Ala D’Oro
37. MENDES, Fernando GBR FWD Molnar Manx
38. SCHARL, Georg AUT Aermacchi Ala d’Oro
39. VOGELZANG, Jan NED Aermacchi 500 Metisse
40. CARTER, Michael GBR Seeley Mk2 G50
41. VERBERST, Jan BEL Ducati 350 Aesno
42. MORTIMER, Chas GBR Matchless G50
43. POLITIEK, Peter NED Seeley Matchless G50
77. SHARP, Phil GBR Tickle T5

Wild-card riders

50. CLARK, Malcolm GBR Matchless G50
51. BREW, Allan GBR Seeley G50
52. GLASHIER, Vernon GBR Tickle Manx T5
54. RAYBOULD, John GBR Matchless G50

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Lee Acree has won multiple WERA National Championships, three Suzuki Cup Championships, back-to-back Formula USA Sportbike titles, topped two AMA Superstock races in 2002, finished third in the 2002 AMA Superstock Championship, nearly won the recent AMA Superstock race at Daytona and yet he doesn’t have a full-time ride for 2003.

“Right now, I don’t have a ride,” said Acree at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. “I worked something out with Chuck Warren and Arclight Suzuki to ride with them for the AMA weekend down here (at Daytona). Beyond that, I’m looking for a job.”

After an exhausting schedule of racing both the Formula USA and AMA National series in 2002, Acree said at the WERA Grand National Finals last October that he did not want to continue racing in Formula USA and would prefer to race only in the AMA series.

“Yeah, my interest was to go to the AMA,” said the 32-year-old Jamestown, North Carolina resident. “If my only choice had been Formula USA, I would have taken it. I guess I was led to believe there were some opportunities in the AMA, and they didn’t come together. The opportunity for me in Formula USA was closed out before…there was just a lack of communication primarily between myself and (American) Suzuki. It didn’t go the way I wanted it to. Either I misunderstood or things were said, I don’t know. It just led to not having anything. (American) Suzuki, I guess, misunderstood that I said I would quit racing before I would run Formula USA, and that’s just not the case. That’s where that opportunity was dropped, and nothing else came about.”

With his racing resume and high level of professionalism, it would seem possible that Acree could build his own team to go racing. “I could come up with bikes to ride. I think Chuck (Warren) was going to help me out with some of last year’s bikes, but the main problem is coming up with cash funding,” said Acree. “I looked at doing it myself, and if everything went according to plan, I could pull it off financially. But you know how racing is, it rarely goes according to plan. I just feel like I would be biting off more than I can chew doing it on my own.

“I can go out and run select AMA stuff, which is what I may end up doing, then just filling in with some contingency races. I just don’t have the funding to be able to go run the whole series on my own.

“(By coming to Daytona) I just hoping to make people aware that I’m still available and still want to ride. There seemed to be some rumors going around that I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue to race. That’s just not accurate. I’d be willing to entertain any offers. I just want to ride.”

Riding 2002 Suzukis not built to take advantage of the new 2003 rules, Acree took a photo-finish second in the AMA Superstock final at Daytona just behind race winner Tommy Hayden. Acree also finished 17th in the AMA Supersport race at Daytona, the second-highest privateer and the highest non-factory Suzuki rider.

But at post time, Acree’s time in the wilderness looks like it will end soon, with a full-time paid ride in the F-USA Series. An official announcement is expected by the end of the week.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Motorcycle manufacturers have cancelled events and changed plans related to travel as a result of the pending war between the United States and Iraq.

Ducati has abandoned plans to bring U.S. reporters to a press launch of the new Multistrada model, scheduled for April 10-11 in Italy, and has instead decided to schedule a second launch for the North American press at a yet-to-be-determined location in the U.S., on a yet-to-be-determined date.

Suzuki Japan has recalled Japanese employees working on temporary assignment in the U.S. and has cancelled other international travel.

And both Yamaha and Honda have put a hold on non-essential international travel by employees.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING AND TWI EXPAND GLOBAL TELEVISION COVERAGE OF AMA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Pro Racing and TWI, the television arm of International Management Group (IMG), have expanded their international television rights partnership. The agreement increases broadcast delivery of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship to more fans worldwide, and now includes the prestigious Daytona 200 as part of the distribution available to international viewers.

“We are pleased with the growth of international television distribution of the AMA Superbike Championship,” said AMA Pro Racing CEO, Scott Hollingsworth. “In only our second year of actively managing TV rights, AMA Pro Racing and TWI have made a significant impact in terms of delivering AMA-branded road racing to TV viewers worldwide. Plus, the inclusion of the Daytona 200 into this package makes it even more attractive to viewers around the globe.”

Currently, fans in Australia, Canada, France, Korea and the United Kingdom can view coverage of AMA racing in their local markets. Approximately 46 million international households can receive coverage. Negotiations with additional distribution networks are underway and will be announced soon.

The AMA Superbike Championship has become the premier road-racing series for production-based motorcycles and both riders and manufacturers benefit from this dramatically-expanded global exposure. Riders from some 17 countries participated in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway and the fan base for the series extends worldwide.

Chris Bradley, Associate Director of Commercial Development at AMA Pro Racing is optimistic about the continued growth of the series. “As a sanctioning body, it is important to consider the popularity of AMA racing both domestically and globally. The demand for our television product internationally is a good indicator of the health and marketability of our sport,” said Bradley.

TWI International Senior International Vice President, Peter Smith shares those sentiments. “We have seen strong interest from buyers and programming directors at top international networks and we expect this to continue,” stated Smith. “The viability of the AMA Superbike Championship is evident and we expect to be able to expand into additional overseas markets.”


About AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the AMA Supercross Championship, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship and the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. Nearly 2 million race fans attended AMA Pro Racing events during the 2002 season. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

About TWI
TWI is the largest independent producer, packager and distributor of sports program in the world and produces 6,000 hours of original programming each year for distribution to more than 200 territories. It is the program making arm of Mark McCormack’s IMG and has production centers in London, Hong Kong, New Delhi, New York, Seoul and Sydney plus over 40 sales offices around the globe.

TWI’s sports agency collaboration with APTN, SNTV, serves 200 broadcasters worldwide with a reach of 850 million and TWI produces web sites for international brand names like the Brazilian National Football Team, Manchester United, the Chinese Premier League and the Indian Cricket Team.

TWI’s Features and Documentaries Division has a wide range of international successes under its belt including Century, a 14-part co-production with British Pathe and the multi-award winning The Second World War in Colour, which has sold throughout the globe. Its documentary series, Britain at War in Colour, won the British Academy Award for Best Factual Series (BAFTA) in 2001.

A couple of $1000 contributions donated during Bike Week at Daytona this month helped to boost the total funds collected by the Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. to buy and deploy soft barriers for road racing use to a grand total of $231,994. Cheryl Mazzotta, mother of racer Hawk Mazzotta, donated $1000, as did the Millenium-Kaufman Suzuki team.

Ed Meyer Photography and SoulRacer.com donated $339.25, the proceeds from the sales of benefit calendars featuring WERA racers, their wives and friends.

Racer Marcus McBain added another $325 to his many Airfence donations, for a total of $2425. Other contributions include Twig Segura/In Honor of injured fellow SMRI racer Dennis Branch, $200; Kansas City, MO-based Heart of America Motorcycle Enthusiasts (H.O.A.M.E.), $100; Phillip R. Sharpe, $100; Diane Thompson/Black Tie Racing/In Memory of all our fallen racers, $100; James Nosler, $50; Matt Rehm, $25; George Moroz, $25; Gerald Montanari Jr., $20.

Craig A. Stewart donated $100 in memory of the late John O. Ulrich, father of Roadracing World Action Fund founder John D. Ulrich.

Cmh-moto donated $200 toward soft barriers for dirt track use, and John Bishop’s dirt track contribution of $20 was made in memory of Toby Jorgensen. Jack Lange gave a total of $100, $50 each to dirt track and road race. Dirt track contributions now total $18,597.

The Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. has financed $192,954 worth of Airfence and Alpina brand soft barriers for road racing use nationwide, as part of an educational program designed to demonstrate the economic, social and moral benefits of using soft barriers to reduce rider injuries.

The Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. has again notified AMA Pro Racing that it stands ready to provide soft barriers–and to raise money for additional soft barriers–and related educational materials for dirt track use. AMA Pro Racing has not officially responded to date.

Racer Phillip Sharpe wrote, “During a club race held by WMRRA in June last season (2002), I lost it going into turn eight at Pacific Raceway. I was at the mercy of whatever object the club chose to put in my path of the dirt berm that surrounds the whole corner. Due to a hefty contribution by a certain Roadracing World Action Fund, a fresh, brand-spanking-new section of Airfence awaited me, which I greeted with my backside at top speed. My SV sustained all the major damage while I received only one little scratch. After the dust settled and the safety crew deemed the Airfence worthy, I immediately donated $100 to our local fund and got to sign my splotch on the section I tagged. Because of Airfence, I am able to race another day and more importantly, live on and do my work. I hope your cause accepts my small donation as a token of my gratitude. Thank you very much.”

Mark Hatten of cmh-moto wrote, “This contribution started back when I won the 2002 Daytona pool that our local internet riding group, cmh-moto, sponsored. I won, and said I’d donate my $40 winnings to the Airfence fund if other folks would step forward and match it. Over this past year, they have. I kicked in a few more bucks to round it out to an even $200, and here it is. Even though most of us are road racers or sportbike riders, we all dig watching dirt track and wanted to funnel our contribution towards that sport (where every track suffers from a lack of run-off room.) Plus, most of us have contributed individually to the road race Airfence fund. Keep up the good work!”

Jack Lange wrote, “I am enclosing a check in the amount of $100, which I hope can be split equally between the road racing and dirt track funds. I have been a motorcycle rider and enthusiast for more than 30 years and have enjoyed countless entertaining racing events at Summit Point and Pocono during that time. My vicarious pleasure at those venues has been great fun and has in some way made me a better rider. Until I find the time and resources to embark upon track activities myself, I would at least like to help make the racing arena a safer place for those who do. Al Knapp is one of my heroes, so there is plenty of time for me to begin a second career.
“Even though my cycling interest is asphalt-oriented, I would like to help support the dirt track fund as that discipline is one of the best kept secrets in motorsports.
“Keep up the good work! Everyone , including those of us enjoying racing events from the sidelines, is better off as a result.”


Summary of New Contributions Recently Posted

Road race
Cheryl Mazzotta $1000
Millenium-Kaufman Suzuki $1000
Soul Racer Benefit Calendar $339.25
Marcus McBain $325
Twig Segura/In Honor of injured SMRI racer Dennis Branch $200
Heart of America Motorcycle Enthusiasts (H.O.A.M.E.) of Kansas City MO $100
Phillip R. Sharpe $100
Diane Thompson/Black Tie Racing/In Memory of all our fallen racers $100
Craig A. Stewart/In Memory of John O. Ulrich $100
James Nosler $50
Jack Lange $50
Matt Rehm $25
George Moroz $25
Gerald Montanari Jr. $20


Dirt Track
cmh-moto $200
Jack Lange $50
John Bishop/In Memory of Toby Jorgensen $20

The Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit corporation and all contributions are tax deductible.

Accounting details for funds raised and spent so far appear below.


Accounting to Date
Road Racing Expenditures

Direct purchase of soft barriers: $88,850
Shipping/Customs: $2937.04
Bank Fees: $314.05
Airfence* Deployment Crew Training: $700
Transportation & Installation: $4689.47
Corporation/Business Fees: $592
Online Auction Fees: $221.99
Misc Supplies: $19
Donation to AMA Pro Racing for Airfence: $104,104

Total Spent: $202,427.55

Total Donations Collected $231,994.25
Misc. Income $67.27

Cash on hand: $29,633.97


Dirt Track Expenditures

Total Spent: $0
Total collected: $18,597
Cash on hand: $18,597

All administrative costs, including the percentage taken by credit card companies on credit card donations, have been absorbed by Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Airfence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems Australia.

From a press release:

Colorado Springs Company Acquires GP Composites

Colorado Springs, CO – GP Composites of Tampa Florida, a manufacturer of quality racing bodywork for over ten years, has been acquired by a new company in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The company, GP Composites, LLC, will continue in the fine tradition that has made GP composites a recognized name in motorcycle racing.

“Our model is to offer our customers superior customer service coupled with reasonable prices for the same great products that have been GP’s trademark” says Lenny Piazza, President and CEO.

The company is currently adding new racing bodywork to their inventory and has already received orders from Team InfoTech for the upcoming racing season.

In addition, the GP website is being enhanced in the next couple of weeks to accept online credit card orders. You can visit the site at www.gpcomposites.com or call (719) 598-3587.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment:

RIDE FOR A CURE
Join Mike Morris in a Motorcycle Ride to Benefit FSMA

Bloomington, Minn – Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts will dust off their rides Saturday May 17th in Minnesota to benefit Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Grand marshal Mike Morris, who is morning show host on KFAN radio and a former Minnesota Viking will lead the pack of riders from its origination point at Toohey’s Bar & Grill in Savage, Minn.

“This is another great opportunity to help Families of SMA, I look forward to joining motorcyclists at the selected stops along the way. Minnesota has such a tremendous motorcycling population and some of the best riding roads”, said Mike Morris.

The Ride for A Cure event will begin at 10AM, followed by a scenic ride to selected stops through the rural Minneapolis / St. Paul areas including a rest at Indian motorcycle dealer, Fury Motors in South St. Paul. Participating riders in ‘Ride for A Cure’ will be asked to donate a minimum of $10 to benefit FSMA. The event will conclude at Toohey’s Bar & Grill where a live auction of motorcycle memorabilia and other prizes, along with live music and a BBQ will top off the days festivities.

The event is one of three fundraisers spearheaded by Mike Morris and KFAN to benefit Families of SMA. Families of SMA was founded in 1984 for the purpose of raising funds to promote research to find a cure for the Spinal Muscular Atrophies, and to support families affected by SMA. Since then, this volunteer-driven, non-profit organization has become the largest private funder of SMA research and the largest non-profit organization dedicated solely to finding a cure for SMA. FSMA has committed $3.5 million to SMA research in 2003 and over $10 million within the next 3 years. Other KFAN events that benefit FSMA are the Aim For A Cure Celebrity Clayshoot and the Superstar ‘ s Celebrity Golf Classic. For more info, visit www.fsma.org .

For further event information, visit www.kfan.com