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]

From a press release issued by BeaveRun:

BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex Introduces

The Perfect All-Season Gift for Motorsports Fans–Membership in the New BeaveRun MotorSports Club

(Big Beaver Borough, PA) – BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex, the country’s newest multi-use destination for motorsports enthusiasts, is offering a select group of driving and riding aficionados an exclusive key to its world-class 400-acre facility. Initially available to only 60 individuals, annual membership in the newly-formed BeaveRun MotorSports Club (BMC) is the perfect gift for anyone who is passionate about driving and riding. The extensive BMC benefits package includes unique services, valuable savings and four-season use of BeaveRun’s extraordinary facilities, from reserved time on BeaveRun’s two acclaimed race tracks to members-only lounges, events and VIP hospitality during major races.

“It is a rare opportunity for a motorsports fan to be able to take a personal stake in a major race track facility,” said Tim Silbaugh, co-founder of BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex. “In the past, those of us who love to drive or ride have usually found it next to impossible—as well as cost-prohibitive—to rent time on a single track, let alone have access to two.” While weekly use of BeaveRun’s tracks is one of the key benefits of BMC membership, Silbaugh said that another major draw is the camaraderie that a motorsports club offers. “If you enjoy the spirit of competition, the adrenaline rush of speed and bench racing with fellow motorsports enthusiasts, BMC membership is a great investment,” he said.

Valuable benefits like regular use of BeaveRun’s two world class tracks, the 1.6- mile North Course road race circuit and the challenging 8/10-mile Wilson Circuit-home of the BeaveRun Karting Center-is not just limited to cars. All types of driving, karting and riding interests are enthusiastically accommodated, and members can choose to practice—or learn—the sport or hobby of their choice. Add rallycross and autocross events, training programs and panoramic spectating areas, and members will enjoy an environment that provides no shortage of exhilarating adventures and entertainment.

In addition to one evening per week and two full days per month of free track time, exclusive benefits include free use of BMC club facilities, such as a members-only, satellite television-equipped lounge and a motorsports library. Members also receive two season passes to all of BeaveRun’s races and events, including SCCA Pro Racing, the WKA Karting Championship series and special family festivals like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. BMC members can also take advantage of member-only discounts on merchandise and services, from logo wear to kart rentals and driving schools. Members *** also have preferred access to future amenities and facilities, such as garages, lofts and banquet facilities. And, only members will be hosted at a number of special annual events, from an early summer Le Mans party to a year-end member appreciation banquet.

The cost of becoming a BeaveRun MotorSports Club member can be quickly recouped through even limited use of benefits. The initiation fee for an individual membership is $6,995. If sign-up is completed by December 31, 2002, the monthly membership fee of $100 (or $1,000 annually, if pre-paid by January 4, 2003) is waived until 2004. For memberships after January 1, 2003, monthly or annual pre-paid dues apply effective January, 2003. For more information, contact BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex at 724.353.1000 or e-mail Krystal Barry at [email protected].

About BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex
BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex (www.beaverun.com) is conveniently located in Big Beaver Borough, Pennsylvania, just 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh on Route 18. With I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) Exit 2 just two miles south of the 400-acre destination complex, and Pittsburgh Airport only 25 minutes away, driving and motorsports enthusiasts from around the country can take full advantage of BeaveRun’s world-class, multi-use facilities. BeaveRun MotorSports ComPlex encompasses some of the most scenic terrain in western Pennsylvania, and features premium facilities that create an unmatched experience for both amateur driving enthusiasts and professional racers.

BeaveRun’s 1.6-mile road race course, the North Course, and the 8/10-mile Wilson Circuit, home of the BeaveRun Karting Center, are fully operational. A third track, the 2.2-mile South Course is planned for completion in 2003/2004. Also open for public and private use are the testing and training facilities of the six-acre BeaveRun Vehicle Dynamics Center, home of the BeaveRun Vehicle Dynamics Academy. Future plans call for continued expansion of facilities, including the addition of a private Track Club, expansive pit areas, panoramic spectator areas and a motocross track.

From Willow Springs Motorcycle Club:

2003 WSMC RULE REVISIONS:

Class Change: Aprilia Challenge class will allow aftermarket rear shock.

Class Change: Super Stock classes – Seat, seat base and associated bodywork may be replaced with parts similar in appearance to the original stock parts. Seat brackets may be added but none removed from the frame.

General Motorcycle Rule addition: Should either the original bodywork or replacement bodywork not include the required 10″ x 12″ number display area, a separate number plate of those dimensions must be attached in a secure manner.

Additional 2003 WSMC Rule Book additions:

Riders passing through the pre-grid check-in will not receive a carry-over of that race entry should the machine fail or rider crash on warm-up lap.

Riders must accept the green flag for a race event on a properly teched and properly operating motorcycle in order to receive credit for starting the race event.

Boots must NOT use any slider/protective device using metal, steel, titanium or a similar material that creates sparks.

The online WSMC Rulebook will be updated shortly to reflect these additions.

The 2003 WSMC Rule Books will be available at the January event.

For additional info, call (661) 256-1234, e-mail [email protected], or go to www.race-wsmc.com.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, December 22

2002 FIM World Champions’ Awards

The 2002 FIM World Champions’ Awards Ceremony, organised by Dorna, was held yesterday evening at the Grand Hotel Billia in St-Vincent, Val d’Aosta (Italy). In the presence of FIM delegates and many guests, the World Champions received their medals and trophies from FIM President Francesco Zerbi and the respective Presidents of Commissions. Representatives of the Manufacturers’ World Champions received their diplomas.

Two FIM Environmental Awards were awarded in St Vincent: One was received by Mr. Dieter Junge, UEM President, on behalf of his brother Peter Junge for his work and dedication to the CIE from the founding of the Environmental Working Group in 1992 to his death in April 2002; and the other by Mrs. Sarah Claire Ahlers on behalf of the Northland Motorcycle Riders Association for their very efficient work in favour of the environment during the American round of the Individual World Championship for Trial in Duluth, Minnesota.

World Champions present in St Vincent:

Road Racing: Valentino Rossi (ITA-MotoGP), Marco Melandri (ITA-GP 250), Colin Edwards (USA-Superbike), Fabien Foret (FRA-Supersport), team Zongshen (CHN-Endurance), Steve Abbott & James Biggs (GBR-Sidecar), Team Repsol Honda (MotoGP Team); Arnaud Vincent (FRA-GP 125) not present due to injury (broken ankle).

Motocross: Stefan Everts (BEL-500), Mickael Pichon (FRA-250), Mickael Maschio (FRA-125), Kristers Sergis & Artis Rasmanis (LAT-Sidecar Cross), Thierry Van Den Bosch (FRA-Supermoto).

Trial: Dougie Lampkin (GBR).

Indoor Trial: Albert Cabestany (SPA).

Women’s Trial Cup: Laia Sanz (SPA).

Enduro: Petteri Silvan (FIN-125), Samuli Aro (FIN-250 2st/2T), Peter Bergvall (SWE-250 4st/4T), Juha Salminen (FIN-400 & overall), Anders Eriksson (SWE-500).

Track Racing: Tony Rickardsson (SWE-GP Speedway), Per-Olov Serenius (SWE-Ice Racing), Robert Barth (GER-Long Track), Lukas Dryml (CZE-Speedway Junior).


Manufacturers/Constructeurs:
Road Racing: Honda (MotoGP), Aprilia (GP 250, GP 125), Suzuki (Supersport, Endurance), Ducati (Superbike), Yamaha (Sidecar).

Motocross: Suzuki (250), KTM (500, 125, Supermoto).

Enduro: Husqvarna (125, 250 2st/2T, 500, overall/scratch), KTM (400), Yamaha (250 4st/4T),

From a press release issued by Octagon Motorsports, organizer of the FIM Endurance World Championship:

Imola 200 Confirmed for 2003 World Endurance Championship

The 200 Miglia di Imola will open the World Endurance Championship next year. The classic 70s event has re-established itself as the season opener for the revitalised World Endurance Championship.

The race – the San Marino round of the championship – will take place on May 4th 2003 at the historic Imola circuit close to Bologna in Italy.

The dates for the Oscherslehen 24-Hour German round of the championship have also been confirmed as the 23rd and 24th of August. The new dates for the Oschersleben round will be popular with teams, allowing them more time to travel back from the Japanese Suzuka 8-Hour race before moving on to Germany.

With support from the FIM, the Octagon Motorsports-organised series now visits eight countries during the season, with Spain and Austria added this year. The championship has already attracted entries from 14 nations, with permanent team applications still coming in.

The final calendar is as follows:

May 4, 200 mi, Imola, San Marino
May 25, 200 mi, Assen, Holland
June 15, 6hr, Brno, Czech Republic
June 28-29, 12hr, Albacete, Spain
July 20, 6hr, A-1 Ring, Austria
August 3, 8hr, Suzuka, Japan
August 23-24, 24hr, Valencia, Germany
October 5, 200 mi, Vallelunga, Italy

From a e-mail from reader Keith Lewis:

Thomas (Tom) Botsford from Michigan was killed in a traffic accident in Indianapolis, Friday, December 14th. Tom lived in Fishers, Indiana and competed in CCS in the Midwest area for several years.

Tom didn’t race the last 2 years but was still active with track days and was very fast. He was a super nice guy and he’ll be missed in our shop and at track days as a friend.

Sorry to bring the bad news but you guys can print and let his friends and fellow competitors know about his passing.

Thanks,

Keith A. Lewis


Editorial note: Lewis is a racer with WERA and CCS and a Suzuki dealer from Anderson, Indiana.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) is offering an open practice day Saturday, December 28 for the special low price of $50 for WSMC racers who have renewed their racing licenses for 2003. Current WSMC who have not renewed their license for 2003 may still participate for $100. The price is per rider, not per bike.

During the track day, WSMC will also offer free water, soda, sports drinks and candy, while supplies last.

For additional information, call (661) 256-1234, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.race-wsmc.com.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
Phillip Island (Australia)
Friday 20 December 2002

THIRD AND FINAL DAY OF TESTING FOR DUCATI CORSE MOTOGP TEAM AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Fog and damp conditions delayed the start of the final day at Phillip Island for the Ducati Corse MotoGP team, but testing continued in perfect conditions (air 21°C / track 27-38°C) once the sun came out.

Both Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss were scheduled to complete a race simulation today as well as tests with different chassis and rear suspension settings.

Loris completed a 27-lap long run without any problems and constantly lapped in competitive times. The Italian was pleased with the results of the race simulation and the three-day test session and was satisfied with his choice of a new chassis. Despite being at the start of his experience with a four-stroke MotoGP bike, he now feels perfectly at home with the new Desmosedici. Loris also focussed on tests with race tyres, setting a quickest time of 1:32.1.

Troy has come to terms with the increased power and lower weight of the Desmosedici with respect to the Ducati 998 Superbike he has raced for the past year. The Australian rider encountered no problems during his race simulation, and was also able to lap at a competitive pace. Troy’s schedule today revolved around different rear suspension settings and testing of new Michelin race tyres. His best time was 1:32.3

“We can only be satisfied with the results of these tests in Australia” declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing Director. “It has been a very demanding year and I am happy that it has come to an end with positive results, both for the brand-new Desmosedici and the 999 Superbike, which lapped under the track record at Valencia last week.

“Next year we will be involved for the first time ever in Superbike and MotoGP” he added, “and we will have to rely on all our passion to face up to
the commitments that are awaiting us. The results are positive, but winter testing is one thing and the races are another. For sure our competitors are also working to improve and the challenge that lies ahead is going to be a very difficult one. A big thanks to all the guys in Ducati Corse: They have done an outstanding job and deserve a few days rest”.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Superbike World Championship Regulations – Decisions of the Superbike Commission

The Superbike Commission, composed of Messrs. Claude Danis (FIM), Paolo Alberto Flammini (SBK International), Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) and Giulio Bardi (Team representative), has unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Regulations for Superbike (application as from 1.1.2003 only for 4-cylinder 1000cc machines):

Art. 2.4.4.1 Restrictors
1) All the air feeding the engine must pass through the air restrictor(s).
2) If the air restrictor is NOT included in the throttle body as homologated by the FIM, the air restrictor must be located somewhere between the throttle valve at the throttle body and the cylinder head (not including the cylinder head itself). The air restrictor must have a round aperture with a diameter no larger than 50 mm for 2-cylinder engines (as from 2004) and 32.5 mm for 4-cylinder engines and must be of non-deforming metal or metal alloy with a thickness of at least 3 mm (It is necessary to check its diameter on two (or more) directions).

3) If the air restrictor is included in the throttle body as homologated by the FIM, the shape of the restrictor may be oval, but the area of the aperture must be precisely the same as for a round restrictor, as mentioned above.

NB. This modification also applies for the Endurance World Championship

From a press release issued by Proforma:

HAS RACING SET TO MAKE ITS MARK IN AMA SUPERBIKE SERIES IN 2003

HAS Racing announced today that it will field a professional motorcycle road race team with riders John Haner and Heath Small in the 2003 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Series.

Team owner Lance Small, along with Motion Cycle Sports in Dallas, Texas, will support the HAS Racing operation with motorcycles and race equipment. Steve Upchurch, James Compton and Billy Weiss will provide the chassis and engine prep along with technicians David Sanders and Richard Haner. Shogun Motorsports will supply the race transporter with custom awning and hospitality area, providing the facilities and image that will help the team be successful and make an impact in 2003.

John Haner, age 25, is arguably the fastest rider in the CMRA right now, having won many championships and setting many track records over the last three years. John has tasted success on the national level as well, winning the 2002 Suzuki Cup GSX-R1000 Final at Road Atlanta as well as three top-ten finishes, in only three appearances, in the highly competitive 2002 AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series. For the 2003 season, John will concentrate his efforts on the AMA Superstock class on a Suzuki GSX-R750 while also competing in the AMA Superbike class on a Yamaha R1. John will run #44 in all AMA classes in 2003.

Heath, age 23, has road raced for only three years, yet has already established himself as a championship winner in CMRA, while also competing in the 2002 AMA Buell Pro Thunder Series, where he finished fifth overall. For 2003, Heath will focus his efforts in the AMA Supersport and Superstock classes on a Yamaha R6 while also competing in the AMA Superbike class on a Yamaha R1. Heath will run #278 in all AMA classes in 2003.

HAS Racing will also utilize events in the CMRA Championship Series for testing and track time, providing additional exposure for sponsorship partners throughout the 2003 race season.

For more information on HAS Racing, contact Proforma at (817) 239-0739.