From a press release issued by Dr. Rob Tuluie:

Tul-aris Racing Team Business Registered; New Tul-aris Sponsors


Minneapolis, MN: Dr. Rob Tuluie’s Tul-aris racing team will continue its design and development of racing motorcycles, in particular the day-to-day operation of the Tul-aris racing team under the name MotoLab.

In addition, we welcome as new official sponsors:

Carbon Fiber Specialty Products, a business specializing in carbon fiber and other composites products for motorcycle

DCM Services, a manufacturer of limited production, high-performance machined components

Deus Ex Machina Engineering, Inc., an electronic design and embedded software consulting business

Look for their logos as well as our regular sponsors’ decals on the side of the Tul-aris fairing.

In other news, the Tul-aris will be on display at the Cycle World Motorcycle Show from January 24-26th.

MotoLab and the Tul-aris project is sponsored by:

Michelin Tires – Walt Schaeffer Michelin Racing Tires
Nutec Racing Fuel
Hot Seat Performance
Ohlins USA
Lofgren Racing/Manley Cycle
Mason Racing Tires
MTS Systems Corporation
Yoyodyne Titanium
GP Tech
Carbon Fiber Specialties Products
DCM Services
Deus Ex Machina

Special thanks to:
Chad Pierce and Eric Christensen (Polaris) for engine parts
Arrowhead Printing

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, January 7

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
Main changes to the Rules for the 2003 season

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Sito Pons (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Mr Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, among which the introduction of the neutralisation of the race in the MotoGP class for climatic reasons, with safety car, pit stop and rolling start. For immediate application:

SPORTING REGULATIONS

1.18 Start Procedure
(…) On returning to the grid the riders must take up their positions with the front wheel of their motorcycle up to or behind the front line and between the side lines defining the grid position and keep their engines running.
(…) Anticipation of the start is defined by the motorcycle moving forward when the red lights are on.

1.20 “Wet” and “Dry” Races
(…) Dry Races – A race classified as dry will be interrupted (125cc/250cc) or neutralised (MotoGP) by the Race Director, if he considers that climatic conditions affecting the surface of the track makes it likely that riders will wish to change tyres.
Wet Races – A race classified as wet, usually commenced in varying or wet conditions, will not be interrupted (125cc/250cc) or neutralised (MotoGP) for climatic reasons and riders who wish to change tyres must enter the pits and do so during the actual race.
In all cases where the first race is interrupted (125cc/250cc) or neutralised (MotoGP) for climatic reasons, then the restart will, automatically, be a “wet” race.

1.22 Flags and Lights used to provide information
Green Flag: (…) Two green flags will be waved at the start line (one at each side) to resume a neutralised race.
Flashing Blue Lights: Will be switched on at the pit lane exit at all time during practices and races.
White Flag with diagonal red cross: Shown motionless at each flag marshal post. The race is neutralised. Riders must slow down. A SAFETY CAR is on the race track. Riders may enter the pit lane at the end of the current lap or may continue on the track to catch up the SAFETY CAR. Overtaking the SAFETY CAR is forbidden.

1.25 Interruption of a race
If the Race Director decides to interrupt a race, then red flags will be displayed at the finish line and at all marshals’ posts and he will switch on the red lights around the circuit. Riders must immediately slow down and return to the pit lane. (…)
If three laps or more have been completed by the leader of the race and all other riders on the same lap as the leader, but less than two-thirds of the original race distance, rounded down to the nearest whole number of laps, then for the 125cc/250cc class, the race will be re-started according to art. 1.26 with the laps and times of the two races added together to arrive at a final result. For the MotoGP class, the race will be resumed according to art. 1.28.
If it is found impossible to re-start or to resume the race, then the results will count and half points will be awarded in the Championship.
If the results calculated show that two-thirds of the original race distance rounded down to the nearest whole number of laps have been completed by the leader of the race and by all other riders on the same lap as the leader, then for the 125cc and 250cc classes the race will be deemed to have been completed and full Championship points will be awarded. For the MotoGP class, the race will be resumed according to art. 1.28. If it is found impossible to resume the race, then the results will count and full Championship points will be awarded.

1.26 Re-Starting a race that has been interrupted
If a race has to be re-started, then it will be done as quickly as possible, consistent with track conditions allowing. As soon as the riders have returned to the pits the Clerk of the Course will announce a time for the new start procedure to begin which, conditions permitting, should not be later than 10 minutes after the initial display of the red flag. (…)

1.27 Neutralisation of a Race (MotoGP only) – New article
According to circumstances a MotoGP class race may be neutralised several times.
If the Race Director decides to neutralise a race due to climatic conditions or some other reason then the following procedure will apply:
1. White flags with a diagonal red cross will be displayed motionless at each flag marshal post.
2. A safety car will leave the pit lane and make one lap. The pit lane exit will be closed with red lights and red flag.
3. Riders may enter the pit lane at the end of their current lap or make one more lap to check the conditions of the track and then enter the pit lane.
4. Riders who decide to make one more lap must prepare to catch up the safety car. Overtaking the safety car is forbidden.
5. At the end of his lap the safety car will enter the pit lane and the track will be closed with red flags. Riders following the safety car must enter the pit lane.
6. The safety car will stop approximately 50 metres beyond the exit of pit lane.
7. In the pit lane riders may change tyres, make adjustments to the motorcycle, refuel or change machine.
8. If the race is neutralised before the last lap, a provisional race classification will be published. The provisional race classification will be the results taken at the last point where the leader and all other riders on the same lap as the leader had completed a full lap without the neutralisation flags being displayed calculated as in the principle set out in article 1.25.1. Riders already in the pit lane can be classified. Riders who did not complete 75% of the laps completed by the leader will not be classified. The race will be resumed according to article 1.28.
9. In case of neutralisation during the last lap the following procedure will apply:
if at least one rider has completed the scheduled number of laps of the original race, the race classification will be calculated as in the principle set out in the exception in article 1.25.1 and race will not be resumed.
if no rider has completed the scheduled number of laps of the original race, the provision of article 1.27.8 will apply and the race will be resumed according to article 1.28.
10. In the case of more than one neutralisation the provisional race classification for positions and eligibility to take part in the resumed start will always be those based on the provisional race classification taken at the latest neutralisation.
11. In all cases the provisional race classification will be displayed on the official timekeeping monitors.

1.28 Resuming a race that has been neutralised (MotoGP only) – New article
1. The Race Direction will announce when the Safety Car will leave the pit lane to resume the race.
2. The number of laps to go will be the difference between the scheduled number of laps of the original race and the number of laps of the provisional race classification. If the difference is less than 3 the number of laps to go will be 3 laps.
3. In the case of more than one neutralisation, the number of laps to go will be the difference between the scheduled number of laps of the original race and the number of laps completed in all the previous parts. If the difference is less than 3, the number of laps to go will be 3 laps.
4. Only riders included in the latest provisional race classification may resume the race.
5. 2 minutes before the Safety Car leaves the pit lane, the pit lane exit will be opened with green lights and flags to allow the riders to form up behind the safety car in the order of the provisional race classification.
6. 30 seconds before the Safety Car leaves the pit lane, all riders should be ready behind the safety car in the order of the provisional race classification.
7. At the time announced by the Race Direction, the pit lane exit will be closed with red flags and lights and the safety car will make one lap followed by the riders. Overtaking the safety car is forbidden. Any riders remaining in the pit lane will resume the race from the pit lane.
8. In all cases the time to go before the safety car departs and the pit lane exit closes will be displayed on a countdown board or clock at the pit lane exit and on the official timekeeping monitors.
9. At the end of his lap the safety car will enter the pit lane whilst the riders continue on the track.
10. The race will resume by rolling start when the riders cross the start line where two green flags (one at each side) will be waved and the green start lights will be switched on. At that time a time penalty may be imposed by the Race Direction on any rider:
* who is not behind the rear wheel of the motorcycle in front of him.
* who is in a higher position than in the provisional race classification.
* who is more than 3 seconds behind the rider in front of him.
11. After the last rider in the file has passed the pit lane exit the green lights will be switched on and the green flag will be waved to allow the riders who are still in the pit lane to resume the race.
12. The final race classification will be established according to the position and the consolidated number of laps of each rider at the time he crossed the finish line at the end of the race. Provisions of article 1.23.5. will apply.

TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.5 Weights
The following are the minimum weights permitted:
– 125cc motorcycle + rider 136 kg
– 250cc 1 cylinder motorcycle 100 kg
2 cylinders motorcycle 100 kg
(…) For the 125cc class the weight checked will be the total of the rider with full protective clothing plus the weight of the motorcycle. Random weight controls may be carried out during practice in a designated weighing area.

2.6 Fuel Tanks
The fuel tank capacities for prototype motorcycles are:
(…)- 4-stroke engines: maximum 24 litres

2.7.3 Brakes
(…) In the 125cc and 250cc classes, only brake discs of ferrous materials are allowed.

2.9 Numbers and Backgrounds
(…) Numbers must be a minimum height of 140mm.
Backgrounds must be of one single colour over an area large enough to provide a minimum clear area of 25mm around the numbers.

From a press release issued by Kneedraggers.com:

Kneedraggers.com Race Team Signs Crew Chief for 2003

The KneeDraggers.com team has retained the services of Chuck Giachetto to be their crew chief and tuner for the 2003 season. Giachetto, based in Dallas, Texas, will be working with Matt Wait, the 2002 Formula USA Grand National Champion, in both the AMA and FUSA series.

“We felt Chuck’s previous experience in road racing would prove invaluable to a new team like ours,” commented KneeDraggers.com’s president Sam Lehrfeld. “Aside from his knowledge about motors and setup, his familiarity with running a team is going to give us a real advantage that we wouldn’t have had without him.”

“First I would like to KneeDraggers.com for the great opportunity to work with a national championship winning team,” said Giachetto. “I am definitely excited to be working with Matt in 2003. I think people will see a real difference in our program. We aim to retain the Grand National Championship and to be a dominant force in 2003 and beyond.”

“I am very happy and excited to have Chuck on the Kneedraggers.com Yamaha team as my mechanic and crew chief. I feel that we will definitely have what it takes to get the job done and retain our championship in 2003,” added Matt Wait.

The team will have their first outting this weekend doing testing in Louisiana.

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.