Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Gregorio Lavilla will ride a Dunlop-equipped GSX-R1000 in the 2003 World Superbike Championship for Alstare Corona Suzuki.

Patricia Batta, Alstare Corona Suzuki Account Manager and wife of Team Owner Francis Batta, confirmed the 29-year-old Spainard as the team’s only full-time Superbike rider in an e-mail to Roadracingworld.com Tuesday.

Batta added that 20-year-old 2002 European Superstock Champion Vittorio Ianuzzo (Italy) will race a GSX-R1000 Superbike at Monza, Misano, Imola, Assen and one other round of the 2003 World Superbike series. In addition, Ianuzzo will race a GSX-R1000 in the Italian Superbike Championship in preparation for a possible full-time World Superbike ride in 2004.

Katsuaki Fujiwara and Stephane Chambon will both return to race in the 2003 World Supersport Championship on Dunlop-sponsored Alstare Corona Suzuki GSX-R600s. Fujiwara and Chambon finished second and third in the 2002 World Supersport Championship respectively.

Batta also said that Lavilla will join the Suzuki MotoGP team and the Yoshimura Suzuki AMA Superbike/Formula Xtreme team for a test at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia January 12-18.

From a press release issued by Rich Oliver:

Young Gun Nicky Wimbauer, 14, was chosen by Rich Oliver and Sean Edin, who run the Mystery School, to be their Scholarship student for 2002.



The scholarship is designed to give young gun racers a healthy push forward toward understanding their potential abilities in the world of motorcycle racing, and in life in general. The Mystery School teaches mental and physical toughness, with dirt track and motocross riding, aerobic conditioning, hand eye coordination exercises, gym workouts, and nutritional analysis and guidance.



Nicky had this to say about his experience, “I am a very lucky young gun who wants to be the best, and I hope every other young gun has the opportunity to learn what Rich is able to teach before he or she develops the wrong style and attitude. It’s important to have the right things in the beginning. Rich made me feel good about myself while I pushed hard, and my goal is to be in a Mystery School every year. Rich Oliver, one of the greatest racers called me a Super Star and that’s exactly what I want to be in the world of road racing. Thank you Rich and Sean, for caring about the up and coming young racers and giving me this great opportunity. I promise to make the best of it and of all you have taught me.”



Nicky’s stepmother Connie Kassel had these comments, “I am totally convinced after observing the Rich Oliver Mystery School that any young gun thinking of taking racing all the way should make this school the first on on their list.”



Nicky’s Dad Jurgen had this to say after Nicky returned home to Colorado. “I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help, support and effort you’ve invested in Nicky. He came back with a whole different attitude and look in his eyes. Again, I can’t thank you enough.”



Rich Oliver would agree, “Nicky really impressed both Sean and I. He is a quiet, well mannered young man who just soaked up all we had to teach him. His riding dramatically improved over the 5 days, and his ability to concentrate his focus on the task at hand was remarkable for someone of his young age. I will definitely be recommending that he be watched by the factory teams in the future.”

From a press release issued by AGV:

AGV CROWNS WORLD CHAMPION WITH 24K GOLD HELMET

Gold, Diamonds and Platinum AGV Helmet Honors World Motorcycle Racing Legend Valentino Rossi

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca., January 6, 2003 – AGV USA reported today that during the annual “Golden Helmet” ceremony in Bologna , Italy, AGV Helmets awarded Valentino Rossi, current World MotoGP Champion and recent 125cc, 250cc and 500cc World Champion, with the company’s new, state-of-the-art “Ti-Tech” helmet which had been specially designed for the conquering leader in 24K gold, diamonds and platinum.

The “Ti-Tech” masterpiece appointed for Rossi was one hundred percent handmade in 24K gold (1.5 millimeters of thickness throughout the shape) with the front and rear air extractors in one hundred percent platinum, with the AGV logo set in diamonds and a very special stone called “agata.” Along with AGV helmet stylists, Italian goldsmith masters Selene Gioelli assisted in developing the three-dimensional project and dedicated more than three hundred and fifty manufacturing hours to reproduce the helmet shape as a single crown of jewelry. While no official estimates have been issued, initial estimates value the trophy helmet at approximately $150,000 and the helmet has been secured in a vault off-site for safekeeping.

Last season Valentino Rossi, won the inaugural World MotoGP championship, after having won last year’s 500cc World Championship. Rossi also has World titles in the 125cc and 250cc classes, becoming only the second rider in the history of World Championship racing to capture all three titles. “This is an amazing, world-class motorcycle racing — and athletic — accomplishment captured only by great champions,” stated AGV Helmets MKT officers, “and AGV wanted to recognize his brilliant career in a distinctive manner at the Golden Helmet Awards.”

“I am speechless in appreciation of such a fantastic gift,” stated Valentino Rossi, during the presentation, “the only thing to say is ‘unbelievable’ and thanks to AGV for this amazing helmet in recognition of my achievements.” Over the course of Rossi’s racing career, his personally designed AGV helmet graphics have become one of his distinctive signatures and AGV commissioned designers to inspire and complement the champion for this award.

“Rossi’s natural skill and flair has already made him a huge fans’ favorite,” stated AGV Helmets MKT officers, “and our helmet stylists are masters of design that focused on creating a golden crown befitting the champion.”

In 2003, Valentino Rossi will wear the new “Ti-Tech” helmet constructed with titanium and a superlight shell construction. Rossi is working with AGV designers on creating his 2003 helmet graphics and AGV will be releasing the Ti-tech and Rossi graphics in April 2003.

Established in 1954, AGV helmets is one of the leading manufacturers of top safety standard and comfortable helmets with leading modern designs and graphics. The style department of AGV Helmets is constantly creating new designs, graphics and colors to satisfy sponsored racers and the needs of AGV customers worldwide. Whether on a high-speed circuit, daily traffic, or cruising the boulevard or the off-highway trails, AGV Helmets is committed to consistently produce a hallmark of quality. www.agv.com

AGV Helmets are distributed throughout the United States by Parts Unlimited, the world’s leading distributor of parts and accessories for recreational motorsports. The Parts Unlimited world headquarters and largest warehouse is located in Janesville, Wisconsin with fully stocked warehouses nationwide. www.parts-unlimited.com

From a press release issued by Clear Channel:

Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports Division Signs Nissan as Official Truck of Motorcycle Racing Series

Automotive Giant Continues Sponsorship Commitment for Third Year in a Row

AURORA, Ill. (January 6, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division today announced Nissan North America as the “Official Truck” of the AMA Supercross Series events that are produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment which events are part of the THQ World Supercross GP. Nissan is also the “Official Truck” of Clear Channel Entertainment’s National Arenacross Series and the prestigious U.S. Open event held annually in Las Vegas. This decision by Nissan marks the third year in a row that Nissan has expanded its sponsorship of the growing sport of supercross, and Nissan’s involvement for the first time in Clear Channel’s arenacross program further signifies Nissan’s enthusiastic support for motorcycle racing.

Supercross, the premier motorcycle racing series, features the world’s top riders competing inside football and baseball stadiums. National Arenacross, the arena version of supercross, is the launching platform for tomorrow’s supercross stars.

According to the deal terms, Nissan will receive significant onsite exposure including signage at each venue and the opportunity to showcase its impressive line of trucks at pit displays and in opening ceremonies at supercross events and National Arenacross events produced by Clear Channel Entertainment in North America for the 2003 season. Nissan will also be included in local market TV and radio advertising and share visibility in all televised programming of such events, including more than 30 hours of original programming covering the AMA Supercross Series events on ESPN2. The combined supercross and arenacross series includes 34 live events, which will reach an estimated 1.1 million live fans throughout North America and be broadcast in more than 50 countries.

“We are thrilled that Nissan has increased its sponsorship commitment with us each year since 2001, signifying their belief in the growing impact that supercross and National Arenacross have on consumers continent-wide,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of marketing, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “With this program, Nissan will be able to interact with our live audiences, and also be part of our print, radio and TV ads and programming.”

“Our sponsorship of supercross and National Arenacross has helped us to penetrate a large portion of an important audience: 18 to 34 year old males,” said Wayne Adair, marketing director, Nissan North America. “The excitement and growing popularity of these sports make them a natural ‘platform’ by which we can market our trucks in an interactive, relevant environment.”

Additionally, Nissan has demonstrated tremendous grassroots encouragement for the continued growth of supercross by providing support to the THQ World Supercross Privateer Race Team program. The program assists private riders who do not receive financial backing from motorcycle factories. This year, Nissan will award a 2003 Nissan Frontier to the top ranked privateer.

The National Arenacross Series began November 1, 2002 at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Des Moines, Iowa, the THQ World Supercross GP began on December 7, 2002 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, and the first event in the AMA Supercross Series took place Saturday, January 4 in Anaheim, Calif.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA team testing scheduled for Monday, January 6 at California Speedway in Fontana, California was postponed due to high winds.

American Honda, Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda, Annandale Honda and the Kawasaki factory team planned on starting a two-day test Monday, but wind gusts measuring as high as 90 mph prevented riders from attempting any laps of the 2.36-mile infield road course.

“Not only is the wind blowing too hard to ride,” said Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda rider Kurtis Roberts, “it’s very inconsistent. It’s hard enough just to walk around here.”

“We thought the roof was going to come off the garage, at one point,” said Roberts’ crew chief, former racer David McGrath.

Wind gusts did begin to tear away the metal roof of the paddock garage sheltering the Annandale Honda team. California Speedway personnel responded by using the lifting portion of a large fork lift/loader to place weight on the loose roof edge, which was facing directly into the wind.

High winds have played havoc with the greater Los Angeles area beginning Sunday night, resulting in several wind-driven brush fires. While one fire threatened homes in the Malibu area, another fire forced Interstate 15 — a major North-South throughfare near California Speedway — to be closed for several hours Monday afternoon. Overturned trucks, downed powerlines and fallen trees were some of the other problems caused by the extreme winds.

According to reports on the Weather Channel, the warm, dry winds are being caused by “El Nino,” a cyclic weather phenomenon in which the temperature of the Eastern Pacific Ocean rises, with dramatic effect on the weather of the United States.

Forecasters say the high winds will continue Tuesday; McGrath said that American Honda, which organized the test, is working on rescheduling for next Monday and Tuesday, January 13-14.

From a press release issued by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

PARKER HEADLINES MUSEUM’S DAYTONA BREAKFAST

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced that Scott Parker, winner of 94 AMA Grand National races and 9 series titles, will be the keynote speaker at the 15th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Friend-Raising Breakfast, to be held during Daytona Bike Week at the Holiday Inn in DeLand, Florida, on Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 a.m.

Parker, a native of Flint, Michigan, is arguably the greatest dirt-track racer of all time. After breaking the legendary Joe Petrali’s all-time win record — a mark that had stood for 55 years — Parker went on to nearly double Petrali’s total. He won the Sacramento Mile 13 times, the Springfield Mile 14 times, and was the youngest rider ever to win an AMA National. Earning Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 1979, Parker retired from professional racing after the 2000 season.

At this year’s Friend-Raising Breakfast, Parker will be joined on stage by Speed Channel personality and well-known racing announcer J.B. Norris.

Admission to the 15th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Friend-Raising Breakfast is $15 per person. Associate Sponsorships are available for an additional tax-deductible donation of $50 or more; Event Sponsorships are available for an additional tax-deductible donation of $500 or more. Donors will be recognized in the event program.

To make reservations, call the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at 614-856-2222, or e-mail [email protected]. For information about sponsorships, contact Dan Smith at 614-856-2222 ext. 1198 or [email protected].

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

We’re been inundated with e-mails requesting contact info since we posted a story mentioning that Yoshimura Suzuki is looking for a data acquisition guy.

To save everybody time, Yoshimura Suzuki’s Don Sakakura can be contacted at 909-364-0186, ext. 312.

From a press release issued by USGPRU:

USGPRU Will Not Add a South Central Region

The USGPRU has decided not to add the South Central Region comprised largely of Texas after failing to reach an agreement with regional race organizers.

“We understand the problem faced by organizers but we are very disappointed not to be adding the region, there was so much support from the riders for expansion of the USGPRU into this region,” said Series Director Jonathan Flack.

“Growth in the non-traditional motard classes has obviously put a pinch on the scheduling during race weekends for race organizers, we fully understand the financial incentives, but I feel that we are doing riders a real injustice by limiting development of what has proven the most successful development class in road racing, especially in Texas.

“It’s easy to forget that many of the top riders in road racing today including Nicky Hayden, Jason DiSalvo & Chris Ulrich (not to mention Valentino Rossi, Toni Elias, and countless others) all cut their teeth racing in the 125GP Class and there is really no other place for riders to develop like they can in the 125s,” says Series Director Flack.

“The 125 is a very easy bike to ride – but a tremendously difficult bike to ride fast, and that’s what makes it such a great tool when developing young riders.

“It’s so easy to identify talent in this class because it’s so difficult to ride at the front of the field. These qualities transfer so well to larger bikes, yet young riders develop these skills so much more quickly on a 125, so it’s the obvious place to start young riders.

“Nearly every great rider at the World Championship level has spent time on a 125 and that’s not a coincidence. Young local riders like Ryan Andrews were beginning to show tremendous potential at USGPRU events in 2002 so the decision to drop the region is especially disappointing because young riders like Ryan are really the focus of the USGPRU.

“With the extension of the 125GP Class in World Grand Prix to 2008 we had hoped other organizations would recognise the continued value of the class. Only Hallett was a disappointment for us last season, at some events the grids reached over 40 bikes,” noted Flack. “The Western region consistently had the largest grids most weekends.”

The USGPRU hopes to move forward with addition of the region in 2004 but for 2003 Flack says “We have to go with a secure program or we risk over-extending the series. With races scheduled in three regions and a total of 16 events on the National Championship schedule we feel that there will be ample opportunity for riders in the South Central US to get their six required races in for the Championship.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS Florida boss Henry Degouw says that four CCS Florida officials have announced their engagement:

Brian Klingensmith and Stacey Shackelford, with no wedding date set.

Wes Green and Mary Beth Bannon, with a May wedding planned.

From a press release issued by Fastrack:

Fastrack Riders Association Announces 2003 Schedule and Frequent Rider Program

Fastrack Riders Association (FRA) is pleased to announce its 2003 schedule. After a tremendously successful first year at California Speedway, FRA will continue its success at the speedway with 22 track day events. FRA will host an additional race event Practice Day at the speedway on April 3rd, before the AMA race. In addition, we currently have one weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway in April. FRA is in the process of securing dates at additional tracks in the Southeast U.S.

A last-minute entry to the schedule is the bonus date of April 3rd which provides AMA racers with a golden opportunity to sort out their bikes and learn the track for the following weekend’s race at the speedway.

David Pyles, President of Fastrack, says, “California Speedway is a world-class facility, and we’re glad to have it as our home track next year. The pits are great and the garages have everything you could ever want. In fact, last year we were able to tune in and watch the Laguna AMA race on the TVs overhead. How many tracks can you do that at? In addition, California Speedway has an on-site medical facility and doctor available at all Fastrack Riders events. We are also happy to have an event at Buttonwillow, and the possibility of more dates at tracks on the East Coast.”

Fastrack puts on a good show. Lunches are included and instructors are available for those who want to improve their riding skills. Digital photographers will be at each event next year so riders can go on-line and order prints later.

Larry Pointer, Vice President of Operations at Fastrack says, “This year, we are introducing our Frequent Fastracker Pass where riders sign up for 10 events and get one date free. This is a great way to reward our loyal customers and encourage greater participation.”

For more information on FRA activities, visit the website at www.fastrackriders.com, or call David Pyles at (949) 488-0543.

FRA TRACK DAYS:

March 10th @ California Speedway Infield Course (Monday)

March 28th, 29th, 30th @ California Speedway AMA Track (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

April 19th, 20th @ Buttonwillow Raceway

May 5th @ California Speedway Infield Course (Monday)

May 23rd, 24th, 25th @ California Speedway AMA Track (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

June 16th @ California Speedway Infield Course (Monday)

June 27th, 28th, 29th @ California Speedway AMA Track (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

July 25th, 26th & 27th @ California Speedway AMA Track (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

August 11th @ California Speedway Infield Course (Monday)

August 29th, 30th, 31st @ California Speedway AMA Track (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)

September 27th & 28th @ California Speedway Infield Course (Saturday & Sunday)

FRA PRACTICE DAY

April 3rd @ California Speedway AMA Track (Thursday before AMA race weekend)



From a press release issued by Team Pro-Motion:

Team Pro-Motion Track Days 2003 Schedule:

3/1-2 Virginia Int’l Raceway (North Course), Alton, VA

4/12-13 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

4/18-19 Beaverun Motorsports Complex, Wampum, PA

4/20 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

5/3-4 Summit Point Raceway (Jefferson Circuit), Summit Point, WV

5/5 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV

5/11 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

5/13 Pocono Int’l Raceway (F-USA Course), Long Pond, PA

5/31-6/1 Virginia Int’l Raceway (South Course), Alton, VA

6/7-8 Summit Point Raceway (Jefferson Circuit), Summit Point, WV

6/9 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV

6/17 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

6/26 Pocono Int’l Raceway (North Course), Long Pond, PA

7/3-4 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

7/5-6 Virginia Int’l Raceway (South Course), Alton, VA*

7/11-12 Beaverun Motorsports Complex, Wampum, PA

7/18 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

7/26-27 Virginia Int’l Raceway (South Course), Alton, VA

8/4 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

8/7 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

8/15 Pocono Int’l Raceway (F-USA Course), Long Pond, PA

8/22-23 Beaverun Motorsports Complex, Wampum, PA

8/30-31 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

9/13 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

9/20-21 Summit Point Raceway (Jefferson Circuit), Summit Point, WV

9/22 Summit Point Raceway (Shenandoah Circuit), Summit Point, WV

9/26 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

10/4-5 Beaverun Motorsports Complex, Wampum, PA

10/11 Pocono Int’l Raceway (North Course), Long Pond, PA

10/12 Pocono Int’l Raceway (East Course), Long Pond, PA

11/2 Summit Point Raceway (Jefferson Circuit), Summit Point, WV

11/3 Summit Point Raceway (Shenandoah Circuit), Summit Point, WV

11/22-23 Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

* Held in conjunction with Sportbike Track Time.

For additional info, call (215) 671-8660, FAX (775) 242-5720, e-mail [email protected], www.teampromotion.com.