From a press release:

Bay Area Riders Forum Celebrates Its First Anniversary at Honda of Milpitas

Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF), a Bay Area motorcycling organization, will be rolling in the new year by celebrating its one year anniversary at Honda of Milpitas (in Milpitas, California) on January 3rd, 2003 at 7:00 PM. The event is free and open to anyone wishing to attend. In expo style, local merchants will be present, along with many local motorcycling icons.

Better known by its acronym BARF, Bay Area Riders Forum (founded in January 2002) began as a website with a vision – bringing the motorcycling community together; getting people out from behind the computers and together to meet and ride. BARF members, a very enthusiastic and spirited group of people, meet weekly in different locations throughout the Bay Area to socialize, meet for rides throughout the week, head to the track in masses… the list goes on. The original vision has been realized and BARF has set the bar even higher with ambitious goals for 2003 that should keep BARF an exciting place for years to come.

Honda of Milpitas has been actively serving the Bay Area motorcycling community since 1979. As the largest volume Honda dealer in the Bay Area Honda of Milpitas has been, and continues to be, a dealership run BY motorcyclists and FOR motorcyclists; supporting all facets of the motorcycling experience.

Bay Area Riders Forum and Honda of Milpitas are pleased to announce this event and encourage anyone interested to attend.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Brandon Bashore of Palmyra, Pennsylvania is engaged to marry Ms. Lauren Dehart.

The wedding is scheduled for April 26th, 2003.

From a press release issued by Cindy Ivey Of Team Velocity Racing:

Team Velocity looks to ride Pirelli to top of 2003 WERA season

With new sponsors and more experience, the young Team Velocity has high hopes for the 2003 season.

Both riders – Chuck Ivey, of Augusta, Ga., and Steven Breckenridge, of Jacksonville, Fla. – armed with the will to win and a handful of new sponsors, look to make the 2003 season a successful one on Pirelli tires provided by ongoing sponsor, Jim “Moose” Kuykendall at Trackside Racer Supply. Mr. Ivey is thankful for Trackside’s great service and technical support.

“Not only do they offer a great tire, but they are knowledgeable and always ready to help with any questions,” Mr. Ivey said. “They are friendly and get your fresh tires ready in a timely manner.”

The team got into endurance racing last season and rode away with two WERA National Endurance class wins and a third in class on their 2001 Suzuki GSXR 600. They are focusing more on endurance racing in 2003.

“This is the first year we are seriously racing endurance. As a team, being in endurance racing, our goal is to win an endurance championship and to run an efficient team,” Mr. Ivey said.

Both riders ended many races on the podium last year. Between them, Mr. Ivey and Mr. Breckenridge earned a handful of second and third place finishes in WERA championships. Mr. Ivey, 25, took first in the Southeast Regional 600 Superstock and Mr. Breckenridge, 27, highlighted the season with North Florida Regional 600 Superstock and Superbike championships.

Team Velocity does enjoy the quality track time endurance racing provides, but they have bigger plans, which include new sponsors D & D Exhaust, EBC Brakes, JoeRocket, VP Racing Fuels, White Tiger Custom Silkscreen and Design and GMD Computrack, they are aiming high for next season and hoping to improve their endurance racing skills.

“In the endurance races, we hope to do well, have good pit stops and just get better at everything involved,” Mr. Ivey said.

Mr. Ivey and Mr. Breckenridge are working hard toward WERA National 750 and 600 Superbike championships respectively. Both are looking to finish in the top five of the WERA National 750 and 600 Superstock classes, top three in their National Endurance Class and top 15 in AMA races.

Team Velocity will premier in 2003 on March 29 at North Florida Motorsports Park.

From a press release:

The MCRA (Midwest Café Racing Association) would like to advise all racers and road racing enthusiasts that MCRA has initiated a raffle to raise money for those competing in CCS racing events at Gateway International in 2003. The Raffle consists of a 2003 GSX-R1000 or a $10,000 gift certificate from Widman Motorcycle Sales in St. Louis MO.

The raffle is to be drawn on March 11th at the Sports Page Tavern in Dupo IL. Only 1000 tickets will be sold at $20.00 each.

The impact of this effort will be to provide not less than $10,000 in prize money at Gateway International in addition to the regular prize money paid out by CCS.

Interested in getting a ticket, call:

Phone number (314) 481 – 8078 option # 3

Midwest Cafe Racing Association
P.O. Box 16591
St.Louis. MO. 63105.

From a press release:

PJ Jackson and Ernie Frisby were united in marraige Friday, December 20th in Asheville, NC.

PJ worked for CCS, WERA, and the AMA, and can still be found at a racetrack or two.

PJ is now the GM for The Mast General Store in
downtown Asheville, and Ernie’s a member of The Awards Center team, hmmm…check the back of your old CCS plaques, boys!

Coyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

After the “gasket” that Erik Buell blew after finding out that the BMW Boxer Cup Series would be at Daytona instead of Pro Thunder, isn’t it kind of ironic that all the Daytona Bike Week HD/Buell events listed in their latest press release are geared around the AMA Superbike weekend event at the Daytona Speedway, March 8-9, but they are not having any events centered around the Formula USA races the weekend before, March 1-2?

If Buell was really into supporting “grassroots” racing, wouln’t it make sense to direct their HOG/BRAG member events around the race weekend where Buells will actually raced in, March 1-2?

If Buell Race fans would like to see Buells out on the track, I would suggest that they show up in force for the FUSA weekend; let’s see if we can get more Buell fans in the stands than BMW fans show up for the AMA weekend.

Jose Quinones
Director, Washington DC BRAG club
(probably not for long after this one is published)
www.dcbrag.org

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES DAYTONA “BIKE WEEK” SCHEDULE

Milwaukee, WI (Dec. 18, 2002) – Harley-Davidson Motor Company brings the excitement of its 100th Anniversary to one of the best motorcycle events of the year. The Harley-Davidson schedule of events are now complete for the 62nd annual “Bike week” at Daytona Beach, Fl. February 28 to March 9, 2003.

Harley-Davidson events will run from March 3-9. Highlights include: Harley-Davidson and Buell demo rides, Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum, Ford Vehicle display, MDA Auction and Raffle, and the Ride-In Show Contest.

“I’m looking forward to next year’s event,” said Stephanie Schaefer, Manager of Event Marketing for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “With our company’s 100th Anniversary right around the corner, this is sure to be the best ‘Bike Week’ yet.”

The public is invited to enter their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Ride-In Show Contest on March 5th. The $10 entry fee will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy Association, and each participant will receive a special edition commemorative plaque designed by Willie G. Davidson. Best of Show winners will receive $200 dollars cash and $500 dollars will be awarded to the top Sportster and Big Twin motorcycles adorned with Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. Registration will be held at Ocean Center from 8-11am.

*Information subject to change.*

Monday, March 3

9AM-3PM H-D and Buell Demos, Daytona International Speedway

5PM-8PM H.O.G. & BRAG New Product Reception, Ocean Center Arena
*Open to H.O.G. members and one guest only.*

Tuesday, March 4

9AM-3AM H-D and Buell Demos, Daytona International Speedway

10AM-5PM Indoor Show, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM Traveling Museum, Ocean Center Outside East

10AM-4PM Free Bike Wash, Ocean Center Outside South

10AM-5PM The Harley Store, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM Willie G. T-Shirt Sales, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. & Co., Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. Hospitality, Ocean Center 2nd floor

10AM-5PM Ford Vehicle display, Ocean Center Arena

TBA Seminar, Ocean Center

Wednesday, March 5

8AM-11AM Ride-in Show Registration, Ocean Center East Side

9AM-3PM H-D and Buell Demos, Daytona International Speedway

10AM-5PM Indoor Show, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-4PM Free Bike Wash, Ocean Center Outside South

10AM-5PM Traveling Museum, Ocean Center Outside East

10AM-5PM The Harley Store, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM Willie G. T-Shirt Sales, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. & Co., Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. Hospitality, Ocean Center 2nd floor

10AM-5PM Ford Vehicle display, Ocean Center Arena

TBA Seminar, Ocean Center

11AM-3:30PM Ride-In Show Judging, Ocean Center East Side (new location)

4PM Ride-in Show Awards (CASH PRIZES), Ocean Center East Side (new location)

Thursday, March 6

9AM-3PM H-D and Buell Demos, Daytona International Speedway

10AM-5PM Indoor Show, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-4PM Free Bike Wash, Ocean Center Outside South

10AM-5PM Traveling Museum, Ocean Center Outside East

10AM-5PM The Harley Store, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM Willie G. T-Shirt Sales, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. & Co., Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. Hospitality, Ocean Center 2nd floor

10AM-5PM Ford Vehicle display, Ocean Center Arena

TBA Seminar, Ocean Center

Friday, March 7

9AM-3PM H-D and Buell Demos, Daytona International Speedway

10AM-5PM Indoor Show, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-4PM Free Bike Wash, Ocean Center Outside South

10AM-5PM Traveling Museum, Ocean Center Outside East

10AM-5PM The Harley Store, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM Willie G. T-Shirt Sales, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. & Co., Ocean Center Arena

10AM-5PM H.O.G. Hospitality, Ocean Center 2nd floor

10AM-5PM Ford Vehicle display, Ocean Center Arena

TBA, Seminar, Ocean Center

Saturday, March 8

9AM-3PM H-D and Buell Demos, Daytona International Speedway

10AM-4PM Indoor Show, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-2PM Free Bike Wash, Ocean Center Outside South

10AM-4PM Traveling Museum, Ocean Center Outside East

10AM-4PM The Harley Store, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-4PM Willie G. T-Shirt Sales, Ocean Center Arena

10AM-4PM H.O.G. & Co., Ocean Center Arena

10AM-4PM H.O.G. Hospitality, Ocean Center 2nd floor

10AM-4PM Ford Vehicle display, Ocean Center Arena

Noon MDA Auction & Bike raffle, Ocean Center Arena

7PM AMA Short Track National, Municipal Stadium

Sunday, March 9

8:30AM-9:30AM Parade Formation, Bellair Plaza

9AM Harley Heaven, Daytona International Speedway

1PM Daytona 200, Daytona International Speedway

From a press release issued by Fast Company Suzuki:

FAST COMPANY AND SUZUKI END SUCCESSFUL ERA

BRESLAU, ON – One of Canadian motorcycle racing’s most successful partnerships has come to an end.

Breslau, ON-based Fast Company has announced it will not run Suzuki Canada’s primary program in the 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship, bringing to a conclusion a successful and harmonious five-year relationship.

The Fast Company Suzuki partnership reached its peak in the 2002 season, with Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON claiming the Parts Canada Superbike title and Sherbrooke, QC’s Francis Martin earning the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Open Sport Bike crown. The Superbike crown was Suzuki’s first since 1987, when Michel Mercier rode Mike Crompton-prepared GSX-R750s to the title.

“Suzuki Canada has been a fantastic corporate sponsor,” said Fast Company owner Scott Miller. “They have always been supportive, in good times and bad, and above all highly enthusiastic at every level. It has been a pleasure working with them over the past five years.”

Miller joined forces with Suzuki Canada for the 1998 racing season and Kitchener, ON rider Neil Jenkins gave the program its first win in the Yoshimura 600 Sport Bike race at Mosport International Raceway. Jenkins finished third in the final class standings that year and placed seventh in Superbike points. In 1999 Jenkins improved to fifth in Superbike and took seventh in the 600 Sport Bike rankings.

Barrie, ON racer Linnley Clarke joined the Fast Company Suzuki team in 2000 and scored another 600 Sport Bike victory at Mosport on his way to fourth in points. Clarke was fifth in the Superbike standings.

Martin hooked up with the Fast Company Suzuki team in 2001 and the squad enjoyed its most successful season yet. Riding Suzuki’s new GSX-R1000 Martin won three Open Sport Bike rounds to take second in points.

In Superbike, the 1999 series champion was runner-up to Steve Crevier, standing on the podium at six of the seven series races. Martin capped the campaign with a victory at the season finale, giving Suzuki its first win in the feature class since 1991.

Last year Fast Company Suzuki was the most dominant team in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. Szoke joined the squad after the first race and reeled off five straight Superbike wins on the GSX-R1000 on his way to his second national title.

Szoke set new lap records at three venues on the Miller-prepared GSX-R1000s.

Martin added the Open Sport Bike crown to the 2002 trophy haul and picked up a win at the Autodrome St-Eustache event. He was third in the Superbike point standings.

Fast Company would like to thank its product sponsors Dunlop, Akrapovic, Ohlins, The Mortgage Centre, Fast Riding School, Pro Fuels, Motul, Ferodo, Race Tech, Steen Hansen and Body Double for their generous contributions to its race effort.

From a press release issued by Dream Engine:

MOTOGIRO D’ITALIA 2003 IS READY TO RIDE IN JULY 1-5 2003

The Motogiro d’Italia, Italy’s oldest competitive motorbike tour, returns this summer from July 1-5, 2003. Recreating the passion and excitement of Italy’s Golden Years of motorcycling, the five-day event explores the alpine regions of northern Italy, including Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio. Ducati is the main sponsor for the third consecutive year.

December 19, 2002: Dream Engine srl is excited to announce the 2003 edition of the Motogiro d’Italia, Italy’s oldest long-distance motorbike competition. From July 1 – 5, the 2003 edition will follow many of the same roads used by participants in the 1950’s version of the races. Starting and ending in Bologna, the itinerary will explore northern Italy’s twisting turns and mountain passes. The five-day race covers an average daily distance of 250 km and will include stops in the alpine retreats of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio, as well as the charming areas of Lake Garda and Verona.

Originally started in 1914, the Motogiro d’Italia quickly became the ultimate showcase for Italian motorbike manufacturers and by the 1950’s, it had become the emblem for the Golden Years of Italian motorcycling. Ducati, Morini, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, MV Agusta, Bianchi and Gilera all competed for glory on the open roads of the Italian countryside. Since its international re-launch in 2001, the Motogiro d’Italia has become a must for vintage motorcycle fans, witnessing the return of various Italian motorcycling legends—including Giuliano Maoggi, Remo Venturi and Leopaldo Tartarini—and even a Formula One Champion.

As in last year’s event, the Motogiro will be divided into the following three categories: Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class and Taglioni Memorial Class.

With a maximum of 120 participants, the Vintage Racing Class is open to bikes from the Motogiro’s Golden Years. Bikes in this class must be manufactured before 1957 (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for bikes manufactured after this date but inspired by original editions). Engines can be a maximum of 175cc. Participants in this class will be subject to timed ability trials and the winner will take home a special edition “Motogiro 2003” Ducati motorbike.

The Taglioni Memorial Class was created in 2002 in honour of the late Fabio Taglioni – “Doctor T” – the engineer who helped to create the Ducati legacy. The Taglioni Memorial Class is open to bikes of all marque manufactured between 1968 and 1978—the years in which Taglioni created his legendary two cylinder engines, such as the 750 SS which powered Paul Smart to victory in the 200 Miles of Imola in 1972.

The Touring Class follows the same itinerary as the above two classes and is open to all modern bikes (any marque and any cc). This class is ideal for those who wish to live the excitement of the Motogiro in a relaxed and non-competitive manner.

Dream Engine, the Bologna-based events and entertainment company, re-launched the Motogiro in 2001 and has produced the event for the last three years. Since the 2001 edition, the Motogiro has attracted riders from all five continents. The 2002 edition confirmed the success story and had double the number of competitor—250 in all.

Ducati Motor will be the main sponsor for the 2003 event, marking the company’s third consecutive year as main sponsor. Other sponsors include Motociclismo d’Epoca, Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, Shell, Marzocchi, and Vertours. Dream Engine produces and manages the event with technical support provided by the Terni Motorclub “L.Liberati” and additional assistance provided by the Italian Motorcycle Federation.

Numerous fans have already registered for the Motogiro and a total of 350 are expected in July. Participants are expected to attend from around the world, including: UK, Germany, France, Holland, Sweden, USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan and Italy. Over 40% of registered participants are foreign.

Don’t miss the opportunity to live the legend. Dream Engine and Ducati look forward to seeing you on the road!

For general information on the Motogiro d’Italia 2003, visit our website at www.motogiroditalia.com or contact us at:

Dream Engine
Via Saffi 4
40131 Bologna
Italia
tel. +39 051 6494472
fax +39 051 528 6378
email: [email protected]