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.”

From a press release issued by CMRA:

CMRA announces new classes for 2003

The CMRA is announcing four new classes for 2003, in an attempt to bring more variety to the its race days. In addition, another class has been divided in order to provide for more competition.

Club President Brooks Gremmels explains, “The CMRA already provides racers with great variety, but we can do better. From our big-bike endurance series, with an average of about 50 bikes on the grid and the Mini Endurance series for YSR and 80cc class machines, to our successful sprint series, the Club manages to pack a lot of variety into its race weekends. But our Board of Directors looked at our schedule and found a way to add more of the ‘fun factor.’

“The new Motard class was created in response to the growing interest in putting modified dirtbikes onto a road racing track. In 2003, the Motard series will feature all-asphalt race courses. If the participation is as high as expected, a conventional motard series combining asphalt and dirt for the track layout will follow.

“Vintage racing is something the club had lost focus on as the grids dwindled a few years ago. In the past year our members have asked for an opportunity to clean the cobwebs off of their vintage machinery and go racing. We want to welcome those riders back with a new Vintage class. There is a special camaraderie among those riders and we feel that is what club racing is all about. We were able to fit it all into our schedule and are looking forward to a fun filled and exciting 2003 race season.

“Having raced a YZ426F last season with light competition in the SuperSingles and Lightweight Sportsman classes, I have taken an active role in trying to attract other motard participants to the grid by giving them their own class. Allowing for dirt bikes or dual-purpose based machinery to participate in road racing events, the Motard class will be a new and exciting addition to the schedule. A simple rules structure provides freedom in design and a low cost entry into the sport. Both Motard and Super Motard classes are offered, with eligibility defined by engine displacement.

“In the Vintage class, the rules dictate the machinery must be 1983 or older model year. Virtually all machinery built within this timeframe is eligible. This includes GP based motorcycles. Already planning to participate in 2003 are racers aboard Triumph, Yamaha RD, and Kawasaki KZ based machines among others. Both Vintage and Super Vintage classes are offered.”

In order to promote the classes, the CMRA is offering a $20 discount per weekend for riders entering any of the Motard or Vintage classes. Sponsorship is also a possibility, but the details have not been finalized as of press time.

Alongside the new classes the CMRA has split the Classic class. Now both Mediumweight and Heavyweight classes are in the line-up which will ensure the smaller displacement motorcycles will continue to be competitive. Classic rules specify 1993 model year or older machines. GP125 motorcycles are allowed, but they must run in the Heavyweight Classic class.

Complete rules–and more information regarding the CMRA–are available at www.cmraracing.com or by calling (817) 377-1599.

From a press release issued for Team Hammer, Inc. by freelance publicist Dorina Clarke:

Texan Is First To Sign Up For Team Hammer
Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars


John Ross of San Antonio, Texas is the first racer to sign up for the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars.

Ross started racing in 1987 and co-rode to the 2002 CMRA Overall Endurance Championship, with a finances-dictated break from racing in 1991-1997.

“I’ve been watching Team Hammer win races for years,” said Ross when asked what motivated him to sign up for the Talent Search program. “I’m convinced there is much to be learned from these guys. I’ve always been a sponge when it comes to motorcycle technology. There’s plenty of other advantages to being in the Talent Search as well. It’s well worth the cost to me.

“Next year I’ll be riding a GSX-R1000 in the CMRA (CCS) Series as well as a few Nationals. The bike is a two-time Suzuki Cup Finals winner, and I’m very excited about throwing my leg over it.”

Two finalists in the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars will receive full rides in the 2003 Suzuki Cup Finals, including the use of a Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki racebike, free tires, a mechanic and entry fees. The best-finishing finalist will take home a race-prepped GSX-R750.

Information on the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented by Alpinestars is available in the News section at www.teamhammer.com.

Copyright 2002-2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Backdraft Motorsports is taking a different approach to finding sponsorship-–by auctioning off the opportunity to sponsor its team during the 2003 racing season on eBay.com.

“We’ve had a difficult time finding solid sponsors in the past, and we’re looking for other ways to get our name out there to potential sponsors,” Backdraft Motorsports team owner/rider Canaan Manley is quoted as saying in a press release. “I came across another listing on Ebay for a different sport, so I figured it would be worth a shot.”

Based in Woodbury, Tennessee, Manley is planning to race a Suzuki TL1000R in the WERA Southeast Regional sprint series in 2003 and is asking potential sponsors for $12,500 to headline his effort.

The auction started December 26, 2002 and runs until Sunday, January 5, 2003 at approximately 1:38 p.m. Eastern Time.

To view the auction, go to http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2902217001.

For more information about Backdraft Motorsports, go to www.backdraftmoto.com.

From a press release issued for Team Hammer by freelance publicist Dorina Clarke:

A race-ready Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki GSX-R750 will be presented to the best-finishing Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars finalist at the 2003 Suzuki Cup Finals.

Two finalists in the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented By Alpinestars will receive full rides in the 2003 Suzuki Cup Finals, including the use of a Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki racebike, free tires, a mechanic, entry fees and a complete set of Alpinestars leathers, boots and gloves in team colors. The best-finishing finalist will take home a race-prepped GSX-R750, and one of the two finalists will be considered for a 2004 team ride.

More information on the Team Hammer Talent Search Presented by Alpinestars is available in the News section at www.teamhammer.com.

From a press release issued by Regina USA:

Regina 2003 Road Racing Teams and Riders for the USA

Cambridge, MD – Regina USA is pleased to confirm the following sponsored racers for 2003.

In the final AMA championship of its type, Regina is pleased to announce the signing of Chuck Sorensen for the 2003 season in AMA 250 GP racing. Chuck will be defending his 2002 250 GP title again with Team Stargel Aprilia and Regina chains.

For the AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme series Regina USA has signed with the No Limit Motorsports team for the 2003 season. No Limit Motorsports riders Doug Chandler and Jason Curtis have teamed with notable tuner Gary Medley to take on the field with Honda 600 RR and CBR954 RR motorcycles.

In AMA Superbike, Regina continues its support of Ducati Austin Racing. In 2003 Ducati Austin Racing has one of the best riders on the track in Anthony Gobert. With the impressive results from the recent Daytona tire tests and the talent at Ducati Austin Racing, Anthony is sure to be a contender for the Superbike title this season.

Regina USA is elated to have such talented and well-known racers chose Regina chains to support their racing efforts for 2003. For more information on Regina motorcycle chains see
http://www.regina.it/moto/index.html on the web.

From a press release issued by Brandware PR, on behalf of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

If you’re planning on attending Daytona Bike Week 2003 this coming March, you’ll want to add the evening of Tuesday, March 4 to your agenda of “can’t miss” activities.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in cooperation with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, will host “An Evening of Heroes,” an exclusive industry and media charity preview of the Museum’s all-new exhibit, “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Insurance.” Scheduled for a May 2, 2003 grand opening, this historic exhibit will chronicle a century of Harley-Davidson people, personalities and products that transformed the Motor Company from an experiment in a backyard shed into today phenomenal success story.

“An Evening of Heroes” takes place Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 pm, in the Ocean View Room and Terrace at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. The evening includes a Silent Auction of one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including several unique Harley-Davidson donated items. All Auction proceeds will benefit Harley-Davidson’s charity of choice, the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Both present-day and past Harley-Davidson heroes will be in attendance to autograph many of the auction items.

You won’t want to miss this special opportunity to join your industry peers for a celebration of America’s premier motorcycling Museum and a century of Harley-Davidson heroes and heritage. For advance information, including ticket availability and prices, contact BrandwarePR via return e-mail, or by calling Philip Mauney at 770.938.2811.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

www.motorcyclemuseum.org