Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The Alstare Corona Suzuki team will race in the 2003 World Superbike Championship on GSX-R1000 Superbikes.

That’s the word from Corona Extra Suzuki AMA team principal Tim Saunders, who has close ties to the Alstare Corona Suzuki team, and from Yoshimura Suzuki’s Don Sakakura, who says the Alstare Corona Suzuki team will test with other factory Suzuki teams at Sepang, Malaysia January 12-18.

Neither Saunders nor Sakukura knows who will ride for Alstare Corona Suzuki in 2003.

In 2002 Alstare competed in World Superbike with Gregorio Lavilla and in World Supersport with Katsuaki Fujiwara and Stephane Chambon, but the team has made no announcement regarding its 2003 riders.

In related news, Frenchman Jean-Michel Bayle tested a Corona Extra Suzuki AMA Formula Xtreme GSX-R1000 in California in December.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Dema Elgin and Allan Lockheed are hosting an Engine Performance Seminar January 18-19 in Topeka, Kansas.

Topics covered will include:

–timing and flow requirements of an operating engine, and the priority of valve events

–airflow and comression ratio vs. cam events

–the importance of valve seating velocity

–2-valve, 4-valve, supercharger and turbocharger airflow, valve events and engine operation

–tappets and cam lobes, how to recognize and avoid problems

–valve spring designs and evolution

–oil and lubrication, fuels, crankcase vacuum, pistons rings, connecting rods

–how to select cam lobes for custom cams

–managing six regulators of engine performance

–tailoring the horsepower curve to the application

–exhaust design tailored to the power curve

–identifying pressure and velocity wave models for good engine performance

–balancing airflow, cylinder filling vs. airflow and velocity, plus velocity/port sizes for each engine and powerband

–airflow requirements vs. rod length, engine speed, cylinder size and stroke length

More information is availble from Elgin at (650) 364-2187 or Lockheed at (303) 238-2414.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mat Mladin, Aaron Yates and Ben Spies will test alongside Suzuki MotoGP riders Kenny Lee Roberts and John Hopkins January 12-18 at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.

“That’s what the plan is at this point,” Yoshimura Suzuki team manager Don Sakakura told Roadracingworld.com Friday. “Suzuki’s MotoGP team has the course rented for the week, so we felt it was in our best interest, especially with as much rain as we saw at Daytona; we didn’t see adequate time on the track. And as you know once we start racing, it’s hard to find any time to test.

“We’ll spend this week shipping some product (bikes and parts) out and some crew and spend the week out in Malaysia. We’re going to try and simulate some of the summer (weather) conditions that we see here – hot with humidity in the air. Obviously, the course condition is going to be a little different than what we see here.

“It’s just mainly getting some time on the motorcycle, making some changes to the geometry and suspension settings and seeing how the motorcycle responds. We just didn’t have time at Daytona to go through the normal tuning and adjustments we wanted to look at. Just some good solid track time, a good solid week of running will be a huge benefit.”

Unlike the other AMA Superbike teams, Yoshimura Suzuki is tasked with developing a brand new Superbike from the ground up in 2003. “It’s exciting, brand new motorcycle,” said Sakakura. “I think the motorcycle has huge potential. We’re just trying to run through as many engine, transmission and suspension configurations as possible. A big concern there with us, obviously, is the transmissions, because we’re limited to ratio selection. We’re just trying to get an idea of how the motor responds at certain rpm at this point. I think the factory has found a few things to do to the engine as well (since the Daytona test). So I’m expecting we’ll be very competitive speed-wise this coming season.”

Since deciding to make the trip to Sepang, Yoshimura Suzuki has canceled a private test planned for January 16-17 at Pahrump, Nevada and will not attend a multi-team test to be held at Laguna Seca January 21-23. “With the California tests at Laguna Seca and Fontana,” explained Sakakura, “it’s still pretty questionable there with weather and temperatures. We go to Laguna every year and stand around with our hands in our pockets all morning and get to run a few laps in the afternoon. It’s actually not that productive. Our next test after this Malaysian run will be at California Speedway 5-6 of February.”

One problem Sakakura still faces is finding a data acquisition specialist. “I’m still looking,” said Sakakura. “The systems are built already. The systems are up and running. The (wiring) harnesses are built. The crew chiefs can handle it pretty much on their own from here. They can plug in and download, and the analysis is all done by the crew chiefs. I’m really looking for an individual to manage and maintain the systems, troubleshoot as needed. Not a really high-experience individual at this point is what I’m looking for. More of a computer guy than a motorcycle guy, someone with some general computer skills. My plan is to maybe send them to some seminars. They should be able to pick up the system fairly quickly.”

Mladin and Yates will test their new GSX-R1000 Superbikes, and Spies will test his new GSX-R1000 Formula Xtreme bike at Sepang. The team will not ship GSX-R600s to the test.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Pro Racing has changed practice restrictions that have kept privateers like Brian Livengood from participating in Thursday practice prior to AMA Nationals.

The restrictions, originally enacted by AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice “to save the factory teams from themselves,” were meant to keep factory team riders out of Thursday practice. But instead of directly targeting factory riders, the restrictions banned riders who were in the top 10 in points in the Superbike and 600cc Supersport classes. Which meant, for a 2002-season example, that non-factory-team riders like Livengood who made it into the top 10 in Superbike points were forced to sit out Thursday practice at tracks they’d never seen before.

But according to a Pro Bulletin dated December 30, new language brings the restrictions back to the orginal target, factory riders.

The new language, as printed in the bulletin, reads:

Unofficial Practice

Riders in the following categories are not permitted to take part in any practices or schools at a track within ten days preceding the first day of official practice of a national road race:

(a) Riders who are employed or contracted by the manufacturers or their US distributors as factory team members in Superbike or Supersport.

(b) Former national champions of Superbike and Supersport within the preceding 5 years.

From a press release issued by Dream Team Racing:

For Immediate Release:

Dream Team Racing Enters the AMA Superbike Wars.

Dream Team Racing is pleased to announce its entrance into the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship series. Based out of Camarillo, California, Dream Team will campaign rider Larry Pegram on 2003 Ducati 998RS motorcycles. Long time AMA regular Pegram is coming off a successful season that saw him win Formula-USA Unlimited Superbike races at Summit Point and Portland International raceways, while finishing second overall in the Sportbike and Grand National Championships.

The team realizes the aspirations of co-owners Kaming Ko and DeVeaux Hill. “It is an American Dream come true for DeVeaux and me to compete in the AMA Superbike series,” Mr. Ko says.

Unique to the AMA series, Dream Team Racing is a model of cultural diversity. Mr. Ko, a second generation Chinese-American, is a former motorcycle and car racer. In the 1970s he campaigned H2R Kawasakis in the American Federation of Motorcyclists and served as a development rider in the early days of the Yoshimura Superbike program. After retiring from motorcycles, he found success in racing cars, competing in the Formula Atlantic series and at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the early 1990s. Currently, Mr. Ko represents various Chinese manufacturing concerns that supply the U.S. auto-parts market. Mr. Hill, an African-American, is also an avid motorcycle enthusiast who races with the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club. An entrepreneur and investor, Mr. Hill’s main interests lay in the restaurant industry.

Dream Team Racing has secured full technical support from the Bologna factory and is the only independent team to receive such support from Ducati for the 2003 AMA season. Additionally, Mr. Ko and Mr. Hill have personally guaranteed the team one million dollars in funding. This has allowed Dream team Racing to secure the services of the best personnel. Crew chief Kazuhiko “Maci” Matsumoto is a 20-year veteran of the Grand Prix scene with two world championships to his credit. Engine builder and mechanic Mike Velasco, a truly legendary fixture in American road racing, will be responsible for the team’s engine development program as well as providing his services at the track. Team manager and engineer H. Elliot Cho is a long time member of the Pegram camp with a background ranging from wrenching on Top-Alcohol Funny-cars to tuning factory superbikes. Bologna-based Gabriele Raccio will act as the liaison to Ducati Corse, providing technical support from the factory. Dream Team will have two new 998RS03s and four complete spare engines in its arsenal.

Demonstrating its commitment to the future of the sport, Dream Team Racing will also field two up-and-coming riders in the AMA Honda Pro Oils U.S. SuperSport Championship. The riders for this “farm team” will be Thad Haslmer and Quentin Wilson. They will be provided with workspace at Dream Team’s 5,500 square-foot Camarillo facilities and logistical support, including transportation to the races and product sponsorship for fuel, oil, tires and brakes.

Mr. Ko and Mr. Hill are determined to make Dream Team a contender for the AMA Superbike championship. “By putting everything we possibly can into this effort, we are sure Larry can be on top of the box,” Mr. Hill says. So this spring look for the red, white and blue Dream Team hauler in the paddock–and for Pegram leading the pack into turn one.

For further inquiries please contact Dream Team Racing at (805) 384-9666.

From a press release issued by show organizers:

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2003

TORONTO, ONTARIO – Over 60,000 Motorcycle Enthusiasts are expected to converge on The Toronto International Centre this weekend to mark the opening of the 2003 Motorcycling Season at the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW.

The SUPERSHOW is the largest motorcycle consumer show in North America encompassing more than 300,000 square feet. Spanning over six buildings, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view more than 1,000 motorcycles and talk to over 400 exhibitors.

There will be an amazing selection of new 2003 motorcycle models at this year’s SUPERSHOW as seen throughout the Dealer Displays. Motorcycle consumers will have a chance to view these beauties as well as talk directly to the Motorcycle Dealers to find out more information. The big news is that motorcycle riders can now purchase their new motorcycle directly from the floor at SUPERSHOW 2003.

A true shopping extravaganza, the SUPERSHOW hosts hundreds of exhibits showing the latest in aftermarket parts and accessories, motorcycle rider apparel, performance equipment, custom painters, plating shops, custom bike builders and leather fashion designers.

This year’s Hall 4A entertainment stage will play host to live bands, the “On The Fringe Custom Leathers” fashion show and new for 2003 the outrageous celebrity chef “Biker Billy” who will be cooking up a storm for visitors.

At the “Joe Rocket Racing Stage” visitors will have a chance to see some of Canada’s Champion Racers being interviewed by Daytona Track Announcer, Pat Gonsalves. Jordan Szoke, Francis Martin, Steve Crevier and Michael Taylor – all National Champions in the Canadian Series will be on hand all three days of the show to meet fans and sign autographs. And for those truly committed to the motorcycling community, they won’t want to miss the 24th annual presentation of the Motorcycle Awards of Excellence on Saturday.

For some interactive fun, motocross fans will want to visit the MX Performance/Xbox display. Champions Darcy Lange and Marco Dube will be signing autographs and racing against fans on the Xbox Motocross simulator.

More than $10 million dollars worth of show bikes will be competing for this year’s top prize of $5,000. in the Mid-USA Show Bike Awards Competition. A product prize valued at $1,000. from Excel Components has been added for 2003. This is an opportunity to view some the finest custom bikes in North America.

Staying true to the community aspect of motorcycling, 2003 will see the largest gathering of clubs, associations and charity rides ever assembled at the SUPERSHOW. Almost seventy of these organizations will be at the show ready to answer questions and welcoming new members.

There will also be an incredible display of rare and collectable bikes at the Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum.

New or used, touring or racing, custom or collectable, the SUPERSHOW will provide an unprecedented marketplace for motorcycle enthusiasts to shop, compare and save.

Complete show details, a schedule of appearances and events and $2 off admission coupons are available on the SUPERSHOW website, www.supershowevents.com.

The 27th Edition of the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is the flagship in a series of motorcycle events produced annually by Bar Hodgson Productions Inc.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment–Motor Sports:

McGrath’s Retirement From Supercross Racing Official

AURORA, Ill. (January 2, 2002) – Seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath today announced his retirement from supercross racing at a press conference in Anaheim, Calif., at Edison International Field.

After winning 72 250cc main events and taking supercross into the mainstream, McGrath, 31, made the official announcement to a room full of motocross industry members and a host of media inside Edison International Field’s Diamond Club. McGrath’s storybook career places him at the top of the leader list for a host of records, including all-time wins and career championships.

While McGrath has hung up his helmet, he will remain active on the supercross scene, working with Clear Channel Entertainment and his sponsors throughout the season.

“After injuring my hip before the season, I started to evaluate my career and decided it was time to retire,” said McGrath. “This is a very difficult decision but the right one …I have had a lot of people support me throughout my career, but most importantly my first sponsor, my parents.”

“To measure what Jeremy has meant to the sport of supercross you only need to look at the number of people in the stands, the length of the lines at his autograph sessions, the roar of the audience when he is introduced, and the incredible strobe of flashbulbs during his hot laps,” said Charlie Mancuso, president, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “He has the looks of a movie star, the charisma of a rock star and he is humble and accessible unlike most world class athletes. The records he set in supercross pale in comparison to the impact he had on the motorcycle industry. Those of us that know him are privileged; he is so much more than the greatest racer ever.”

Dave Coombs, Racer X Illustrated, editor in chief, on Jeremy McGrath: “The record book shows Jeremy McGrath at the top of almost every category: 89 career wins; 72 supercross main event wins; eight major titles; 13 main event wins in a row; 17 total race wins in a row; 15 wins and a pair of supercross titles in the 125 class.

“Obviously, his record speaks for itself. But it will be years before we can fully appreciate his contributions to the sport and what he really meant to supercross. Jeremy ushered in a new era of popularity and professionalism in supercross. His technique, his charisma, his everything has made the sport better, stronger and faster. There is no way one could oversell what he’s meant to supercross directly and the industry in general. Jeremy McGrath is Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, all rolled into one.

“When he was coming up through the ranks, Jeremy’s nickname was ‘Showtime,’ which matched both his style and his personality. It was the industry – the media, the fans, his friends and his competitors – that changed it to the ‘King of Supercross.’ Because if anyone ever deserved a nickname of royal origins, it’s Jeremy McGrath.

“He even changed the way supercross was actually ridden. Coming from a BMX background, he incorporated those low-jumping techniques into his approach. This revolutionary style saw him dominate the sport for almost a decade before the next generation of riders – all of them employing some of his trademark technique – finally started to catch up.

“Jeremy McGrath was also the single most influential person in the freestyle motocross movement. His signature nac-nac trick, another BMX-inspired move, ushered in the video and contest era. And his remarkable ability to whip the bike around in the air thrilled supercross fans all over the world. Whether it was the parade lap, the first lap or the last lap of a race, everyone was watching Jeremy to see what he would do next.

“His success on the track was matched by his charisma off it. He brought a new era of professionalism to our sport by breaking into the mainstream almost single-handedly. When fans look out across the pits at all of the big rigs with outside sponsors and long lines of fans waiting to get autographs, the TV trucks and the mainstream media, and know that the first time most of them ever heard about supercross, it was because of Jeremy McGrath. It is impossible to quantify what the supercross tour owes Jeremy McGrath.”

When asked if McGrath would ever make a return to racing to retain his national number, he said: “I think everybody knows my number.”