Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Miguel Duhamel, Ben Bostrom and Roger Lee Hayden set the pace Tuesday during AMA team testing on the revised 2.36-mile infield road course at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

Riders with American Honda, Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda, Annandale Honda and the Kawasaki Road Racing Team were greeted with reduced wind speeds, warm temperatures and a revised course layout when they arrived at the track Tuesday morning. The entrance to the first chicane on the infield straightaway, turns 10/11, has been opened up slightly, and on Tuesday afternoon speedway personnel tried an alternative version of the turn 7/8 chicane, which leads into right-hand turn nine.

The alteration to the turn 10/11 chicane was generally accepted as a good change, although the unusually tall curbing on rider’s left–which contributed to Josh Hayes’ crash during the AMA National weekend last year–is still in place.

The different turn 7/8 chicane, however, slowed riders’ times by an average of nearly two seconds and interrupted the flow of the track in exchange for increased safety in turn nine, the launching point of the crashed motorcycle that re-entered the track at turn four and killed racer Ricky Lundgren last April.

Track changes aside, American Honda’s Duhamel turned the fastest overall time of the test, a 1:27.17, on his 2002-spec RC51 Superbike Tuesday morning, faster than the 1:27.423 he recorded during qualifying for the AMA Superbike race at California Speedway in April 2002. Bostrom wasn’t far off Duhamel’s pace as he learned the track, running a 1:28.30.

In the afternoon, Duhamel concentrated on his CBR600RR, while Bostrom bounced back and forth between a 2002-spec RC51 and a RC51 updated with different brake, chassis and engine parts. In the end, Bostrom preferred and went faster on the 2002-spec bike with the second-best time of the afternoon, a 1:30.35.

The fastest overall rider in the afternoon–on the modified track–was Erion Honda’s Roger Lee Hayden on his CBR954RR Formula Xtreme bike. Hayden said he picked up a few pointers by following Ben and Eric Bostrom around the track, mounted a new 240-compound (a “hard” tire, according to Hayden mechanic Danny Hull) rear Dunlop and did a 1:30.22 to lead all riders.

“When I came in they thought I cut a chicane, but the times were so close back-to-back that you could tell it was real,” said Hayden. “It definitely feels good to be quickest, especially with the Superbike guys here. It’s a confidence booster even though it is only testing. It’s really just hats off to my crew. The Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda team have really stepped it up this year.”

Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom wasn’t feeling 100 percent physically and said he never got comfortable on the Fontana track, which was still dirty from wind-blown dust.

Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts also wasn’t feeling comfortable riding in the wind at the track where he had his worst crash. “He got pretty banged up here last year,” said Roberts’ Crew Chief David McGrath. “You just can’t dismiss that.”

Japanese racer Tamaki Serizawa made a surprise appearance at the test, riding a 2002 Erion Honda CBR600F4i to “see an American racetrack and see what we do,” according to Erion Honda Crew Chief Rick Hobbs. “It’s kind of a favor to some people we deal with in Japan, plus we had the extra bike.”

Serizawa, who speaks no English, is best known for his third-place finish in World Superbike race two at Sugo in 2001 (Ben Bostrom got fourth) and a third-place finish in the 2000 Suzuka 8-Hour with Peter Goddard. Both of Serizawa’s results came on a Kawasaki ZX-7RR. Serizawa rode a Yoshimura Tornado S-1 prototype machine in the 2002 All-Japan Superbike series and was not eligible for Championship points or finishing positions.

The next AMA team test is schedule for late January at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Morning Track Configuration Lap Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:27.17
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, 1:28.30
3. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:29.48
4. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:30.43
5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.52
6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.86
7. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.40
8. Craig Connell, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.44
9. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.60
10. Ty Howard, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.65
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:32.74
12. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 1:33.70
13. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, no times provided

Afternoon Track Configuration Lap Times:

1. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.22
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC51, 1:30.35
3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:30.72
4. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.90
5. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:31.98
6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R (636cc), 1:32.00
7. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.17
8. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:32.79
9. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R (636cc), 1:33.94
10. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:34.30
11. Ty Howard, Honda CBR600RR, 1:34.40
12. Tamaki Serizawa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:34.50
13. Craig Connell, Honda CBR600RR, 1:35.00

From a press release issued by Wilson Motorsport, Inc.:

FIRST LAPS AT ARIZONA MOTORSPORTS PARK

Gary Stiles, a senior instructor at the Team Arizona Motorcycle School became the first rider to test the brand new 2.227 mile Arizona Motorsports Park race track in Phoenix on Friday, January 3, when he helped track designer Alan Wilson determine curb, corner posts and safety system locations for the new facility.

The new track, whose final race surface was completed on Sunday is located adjacent to the Luke Airforce Base on Camelback Road in Maricopa County, approximately twenty minutes ride from Phoenix’s Skyharbor International Airport. The 40ft wide course, which incorporates two independent 1.11 mile sub-tracks into one 16 turn championship course has little elevation change but features several extremely technical and challenging corner sequences. Extensive safety zones and a minimum of barriers provide for wide open and very smoothly graded run-off areas.

Arizona Motorsports Park is expected to host several motorcycle race weekends each season and will be the new home for the Arizona Motorcycle School who will be able to use three circuit configurations and the 15 acre asphalt driving pad to conduct their multiple training programs.

The AMP facility is in easy reach of the Southern California market area and offers a brand new racing opportunity for the nation’s most competitive racers.

More information on AMP is available at their website www.arizonamotorsportspark.com.

From a press release issued by VIR:

VIR Names New General Manager

Alton, Va.–Officials at VIRginia International Raceway today announced the appointment of Cal Frye as the facility’s new general manager.

Frye, a 46-year-old native of Landis, N.C., comes to VIR from Phoenix, Ariz., where he has operated an international consulting and training business since 1994. He formerly served as general manager and instructor of the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz. He also has worked in management at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia and for the Brands Hatch America driver training facility at Miami-Hollywood Speedway in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

“It would be an understatement to say that I’m pleased to be coming to VIR,” Frye said. “It is the most impressive facility I’ve ever seen, and the staff is outstanding. VIR is everything you could imagine for a motorsports facility; a club; a school; or a park…and it’s growing and improving every day. VIR already exceeds all standards, and it keeps getting better!

“It’s very exciting for me and my family to be able to come to VIR and participate. I think anyone, in any career, wants to do their job to the best of their ability. Everyone wants to be proud of their product, service or facility. VIR provides me the opportunity to do my job without compromise, 100-percent ‘world-class’ from the beginning. I think that’s a rare opportunity that would excite anyone.”

VIR co-owner Connie Nyholm said Frye would be a perfect fit in the management hierarchy at the multi-purpose motorsports facility outside Danville.

“We are so pleased to welcome Cal, his wife Lori and their six children to the VIR family,” she said. “This particular position is a tough one to fill, as there are so many facets to our operation. We had heard great things about Cal, and they were all confirmed once we had an opportunity to get to know him. We can’t wait to get him settled in and becoming the integral part of our organization that we know he will be.”

VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River 12 miles east of Danville, Va., and just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit (which is designed to be operated as two autonomous, full-service courses), VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club, and the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park. The newest addition to the facility is the VIR Euro Rally School and Corporate Motorsport Experience, which features four rally stages plus a kart track, motocross track, ATV and SUV training grounds and an advanced safari course. Future plans include the VIR Gallery, a showroom for high-end collector and racing cars, and resort lodging.

VIR made history from 1957 to 1974 and is doing so again. The renovated original circuit has 17 challenging turns and 130 feet of elevation change. In addition to spectator events, the track is also available to rent for testing, driving schools and club days.

For more information, contact VIR at 888-RACE099 or visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com.

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.