Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

1. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:33.558
2. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 1:33.810
3. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 1:34.035
4. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, 1:34.159
5. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:34.360
6. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:34.399
7. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:34.748
8. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:34.830
9. Taro Sekiguchi, Yamaha, 1:34.961
10. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, 1:34.965
11. Alex Debon, Aprilia, 1:35.001
12. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:35.092
13. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:35.401
14. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:35.484
15. David Checa, Aprilia, 1:36.053

From an AMA Pro Racing press release:


Four more AMA Superbike racer sign on for AMA Pro Racing’s officially licensed merchandise program

7-13 – Four more AMA Superbike racers, Kurtis Roberts, Jamie Hacking, Tommy Hayden and Roger Lee Hayden, have signed on to AMA Pro Racing’s official merchandise program, it was announced today. All four riders have reached an agreement with AMA Pro Racing’s new merchandising partner, Wateree Sports Group, that will allow fans to purchase gear at AMA Superbike events and also online at www.amaproracing.com/speedshop. The lines of merchandise will also be available for sale this weekend at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca for the World Superbike/AMA Superbike racing weekend.

“Announcing these four riders caps a great week for our AMA Pro Racing merchandising program,” said Chris Bradley, AMA Pro Racing vice president of commercial development. “We were pleased to announce the signing of Anthony Gobert and Doug Chandler this week, and today we add Kurtis, Jamie, Tommy and Roger Lee to the list. The success of the program is really being shown by all the quality riders who have signed on.”

AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the U.S., has launched an officially licensed merchandise program, bringing a new level of authenticity to race fans. An official line of AMA Pro Racing products have been produced, giving race fans the opportunity to display their passion for each of the company’s U.S. Championship racing brands.

The program kicked off with the announcement of a three-year licensing deal with the Rock Hill, S.C.-based Wateree Sports Group who produces an officially licensed product and apparel line for AMA Pro Racing. The lineup includes series apparel for all AMA U.S. Championships, as well as merchandise for various manufacturers, teams and riders.

Race fans can find the new line of official AMA Pro Racing products at multiple distribution points, including all AMA U.S. Motocross and U.S. Superbike events as well as several top AMA U.S. Flat Track Championship rounds. At the races, products will be for sale under the roof of Wateree’s newly created, 18-wheel interactive merchandise tractor-trailer. Products can also be purchased online via amaproracing.com, 1800FlatTrack.com and USMotocross.com.

Located in the heart of NASCAR country, Wateree Sports Group has extensive experience in merchandise distribution and corporate identity programs. The company’s impressive list of corporate clients includes General Mills, Sprint and Conseco Financial Services; Winston Cup drivers Kyle Petty, John Andretti, Buckshot Jones; and retired drivers and teams owners A.J. Foyt and 7-time Winston Cup Champion Richard Petty.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

Edwards takes pole at home in an action packed Superpole

Colin Edwards celebrated riding at his home round in fine style at Laguna Seca, he took pole! He also set a new outright best lap pace at 1:24.888. But that doesn’t count as a lap record as WSB rules require record laps to be set in race conditions. He was the only rider into the 1:24 bracket during Superpole.

Troy Bayliss crashed heavily in turn three during free practice in the afternoon and was visibly shaken as he sat in the pits prior to Superpole. Despite the spill he still put in a fast time, lapping the twisting Laguna track at 1:25.301 to take third on the grid.

Ben Bostrom had even worse luck than his teammate Bayliss. ­Bostrom didn’t even get to start his flying lap. He had a fluke spill while cruising around on his warm up lap. “There’s no way you can crash like that,” said the disappointed Californian. “I had just removed a tear off and put my hand back on the bar and then the front end just flew away from me ­even though I was just cruising. I thought I’d got caught out by dirt or gravel but Bayliss reckoned I’d slipped on a tear-off faceshield.” The crash moves Bostrom to the back of the second row, ­one row back from his pre-Superpole qualifying position on the front row and in accordance with WSB rules. He’ll start Sunday’s races from eighth.

The other Bostrom brother, Eric, powered his Kawasaki to an impressive fifth on the grid, just behind Nori Haga who had his Aprilia working better after free practice and qualified fourth. Aaron Yates was the top wild card rider in sixth.

Neil Hodgson survived a big rear wheel slide that almost highsided him and took second on the grid alongside Edwards. “The back stepped right out,” explained the HM Plant Ducati rider. “I’m not sure if the actual slide cost me time but it did effect my confidence for the rest of the lap. I’d seen Ben (Bostrom) crash and I didn’t want to blow it!” Hodgson went on to promise to strip buck-naked if he managed to win a race on Sunday. “Normally I just strip down to my Union Jack underpants, but this year’s different, I’ll strip naked!”

Lucio Pedercini also crashed in Superpole throwing his bike away while on his Superpole lap – that relegated him to 15th. Gregorio Lavilla, who crashed earlier in the day, failed to even start Superpole. He’ll be 16th on tomorrow’s grid.

After Superpole Colin Edwards had a message for the FIM, who fined him 3,000 Swiss Franks (US$2,000 or UK£1,303) for grabbing a marshal’s flag and red flagging the morning’s qualifying session after sliding off on oil.

“I was just trying to save someone’s life!” explained Edwards. “And those generous people at the FIM fined me three grand. I’d like all you people out there to write to your local FIM representative and tell them to get f**ked!”

Before the end of the day Saturday, an official SBK Notification of a Sanction to Mr. Colin Edwards was distributed in the media center. The “motive” for the sanction is listed as “On Saturday 13th July 2002 you have acted improperly while on course.” Receipt of the sanction notification was signed for by Castrol Honda Team Manager Neil Tuxworth.

No word on if Edwards will appeal SBK’s decision.


SuperPole Results:

1. Colin Edwards, Honda RC51, 1:24.888
2. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 998F01, 1:25.189
3. Troy Bayliss, Ducati 998F02, 1:25.301
4. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia RSV1000, 1:25.429
5. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:25.668
6. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.081
7. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 998F02, 1:26.091
8. Ben Bostrom, Ducati 998F02, no time, crash
9. James Toseland, Ducati 998F01, 1:26.129
10. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.134
11. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 1:26.268
12. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.375
13. Doug Chandler, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.406
14. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.695
15. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, no time, crash
16. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R750, no time, did not ride in SuperPole

The rest of the grid:

17. Chris Walker, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:26.666
18. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:26.703
19. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.071
20. Peter Goddard, Benelli Tornado 900, 1:27.104
21. Broc Parkes, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.451
22. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:27.640
23. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:27.883
24. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.168
25. Serafino Foti, Ducati 996RS, 1:28.319
26. Alessandro Antonello, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.792
27. Mark Heckles, Honda RC51, 1:28.884
28. Bertrand Stey, Honda RC51, 1:30.304
29. Mark Miller, Honda RC51, 1:30.638

Qualifying Lap-Time (107%): 1:30.772

DNQ. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 996RS, 1:30.980

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Formula Xtreme Race Results:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 17 laps
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, -8.641 seconds
3. Michael Hale, Honda CBR954RR, -17.695 seconds
4. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -23.825 seconds
5. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -28.913 seconds
6. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -29.583 seconds
7. Lance Isaacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, -29.737 seconds
8. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, -40.277 seconds
9. David Stanton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -50.692 seconds
10. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, -64.707 seconds
11. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, -64.801 seconds
12. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -65.414 seconds
13. Robert Mesa, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -66.834 seconds
14. Marty Craggill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -87.705 seconds
15. Doug Pitcock, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -91.015 seconds
16. Jason Curtis, Yamaha YZF-R1, -1 lap
17. Jeff Bostrom, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
18. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
19. Garry Combs, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
20. Steve Smith, Ducati 996, -1 lap
21. Kevin Burgess, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
22. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
23. Sean Denver, Yamaha YZF-R1, -1 lap
24. Nathan Hester, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
25. Mickey Lane, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
26. Michael Kosta, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
27. Bob Siebenhaar, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
28. Bryan Edginton, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1 lap
29. Gregory Glennie, Yamaha YZF-R1, -1 lap
30. David Bell, Aprilia RSV1000, -1 lap
31. David McPherson, Yamaha YZF-R1, -1 lap
32. Kenyon Kluge, Suzuki GSX-R750, -2 laps
33. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -3 laps, DNF, crash
34. John Scott Wilson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -4 laps
35. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, -5 laps, DNF, mechanical
36. Shawn Reilly, Kawasaki ZX-9R, -7 laps
37. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -8 laps, DNF, mechanical
38. Michael Hanley, Suzuki GSX-R750, -11 laps, DNF, crash
39. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -12 laps, DNF, crash
40. Brian Boyd, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -17 laps, DNF, crash


AMA Formula Xtreme Point Standings:

1. Zemke, 217 points
2. Pridmore, 209 points
3. Buckmaster, 208 points
4. Hale, 187 points
5. Spies, 153 points
6. Craggill, 134 points
7. Isaacs, 128 points
8. Alex Gobert, 113 points
9. Curtis, 113 points
10. Kipp, 107 points

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.094
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:28.713
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.981
4. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.026
5. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.028
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.162
7. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.203
8. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.399
9. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.526
10. Marty Craggill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.758
11. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:30.001
12. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.290
13. Lance Isaacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:30.352
14. Tom Montano, Ducati 996R, 1:30.531
15. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.98
16. Dave Stanton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.427
17. Robert Mesa, Suzuki, 1:31.876
18. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki, 1:32.310
19. Doug Pitcock, Suzuki, 1:33.179
20. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.321

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Saturday Morning AMA Superbike Practice Times:

1. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 1:25.983
2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:25.989
3. Doug Chandler, Ducati 998RS, 1:26.037
4. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:26.166
5. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.325
6. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.613
7. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:26.862
8. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:27.085
9. Pascal Picotte, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.159
10. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:27.980
11. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.976
12. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.062
13. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.24
14. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.31
15. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.49
16. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.63
17. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.73
18. Tom Montano, Ducati 996R, 1:30.90
19. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.34
20. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.49
21. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.59
22. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.64
23. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.78
24. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.83
25. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.88

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Final MotoGP Qualifying Results:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda RC211V, 1:31.563
2. Carlos Checa, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:31.651
3. Tetsuya Harada, Honda NSR500, 1:31.803
4. Alex Barros, Honda NSR500, 1:31.828
5. Max Biaggi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:31.906
6. John Hopkins, Yamaha YZR500, 1:31.977
7. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR3, 1:32.042
8. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:32.123
9. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, Honda NSR500, 1:32.182
10. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton KR3, 1:32.361
11. Daijiro Kato, Honda NSR500, 1:32.408
12. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.446
13. Norick Abe, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.586
14. Akira Ryo, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:32.707
15. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.810
16. Regis Laconi, Aprilia RS3, 1:32.861
17. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:33.055
18. Garry McCoy, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.153
19. Alex Hofmann, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.903
20. Pere Riba, Yamaha YZR500, 1:34.009
21. Tohru Ukawa, Honda RC211V, did not qualify


More, from Red Bull Yamaha:

BRITISH GP – DONINGTON
Final Qualifying – Saturday July 13th 2002

HOPKINS HITS THE SECOND ROW

John Hopkins has claimed the British GP as his “Home away from Home” race and his brilliant performance again today is winning him plenty of English fans. In the final qualifying session, Hopper was red-hot in the closing few minutes, pushing his two stroke Yamaha to the limit, to again claim the best performing YZR500 of the day. Hopkins who is younger than the reigning 125 Champion Manuel Poggiali and the current leader of the 250 Championship Marco Melandri, is in only the 8th GP of his career, making this, his rookie year simply outstanding. “Hopper” also achieved a 6th place grid position in Barcelona in Round 6 of the Championship.

The utterly determined, super-fit, American tumbled in this morning’s free practice session after losing the front and sliding onto the grass at Craner Curve. Hopkins, who walked away unharmed was given a card from fans in the area welcoming him to the “Craner Curve Club.” John is delighted to be in the company of such other prestigious riders, such as Doohan, Lawson and Schwantz but was hoping to avoid membership for some time to come.

Garry McCoy, who returns to racing after an 8 week recuperation, is disappointed in his qualifying today, even though he has improved on his times from yesterdays session and today’s free practice. McCoy, a 3 times 500cc GP winner was on the front row of the grid here two years ago, and we know the 30 year old “Slide King” has the grit, ability and experience to finish in the front group tomorrow.

John Hopkins: 6th – 1:31.977
“I achieved the time I wanted in the session getting into the 31’s but I really was aiming for a front row start. I made a couple of mistakes in the final few hot laps when I was pushing really hard so I didn’t have a clean run all the way through. I’m on the 2nd row in 6th position so I’ve equalled my best grid position of the season. My bikes working really well here and I’m confident that I will race well.

“I’m planning to finish in the top five tomorrow and I really think its possible with the Dunlops we have, they’re working really well. I’ve got plenty of family support here this weekend and its great to see them in the crowd cheering me on.”

Garry McCoy – 18TH 1:33.153
“I’m a little disappointed. I thought I could of done better than that but maybe I’m expecting too much first time back after a long break. My best lap was on a race tyre and I really still haven’t got use to getting the maximum out of a qualifying tyre which it seems the other guys are able to do.”

Colin Davies (Race Engineer – John Hopkins)
“A great session from John today and his done a fantastic job considering he has never raced here before. The crew did a good job in getting John’s bike ready after this morning’s tumble in the free practice. We really have to thank Dunlop, they are making great progress with the tyres and we’re very pleased with the tyre-related feedback from John.”

Christophe Bourguignon (Race Engineer -Garry McCoy)
“Well, we are disappointed with our grid position but tomorrow is race day and that’s what counts. Garry did his best lap on a race tyre today and I’m confident that he will race better than he qualified today.”

Peter Clifford – Team Manager
“Another sensational day from John and Garry has obviously clicked into gear as far as the race tyres are concerned but a blinding fast qualifying lap wasn’t on the cards in his first outing.”



More, from Aprilia:


Tough time for Régis Laconi at Donington

The Italo-French rider had a good free practice on the RS Cube in the morning, coming in with 10th best time, but the afternoon qualifying session was much harder. He was attempting to improve his lap time to secure a good position on tomorrow’s starting grid, but problems of grip coming out of corners meant he was not able to improve on the 1’32.861 he made half an hour into the session (12th best performance at the time). Régis qualified sixteenth, putting him on the fourth row at the start of tomorrow’s race.


# 55 Régis Laconi – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 16° – 1’32.861

“My lap time on race tyres, during the free practice in the morning, put me into tenth place at the end of the session. But during the qualifying, it was quite clear that I’d have to reduce this time by quite a bit in order to secure a good place on the grid tomorrow. I just wasn’t able to, and I still had the problems which have beset me in both of these first two days at Donington: when it’s time to open up the gas coming out of the corners, the tyre slips and I have to do all I can to physically prevent coming a cropper. The track here is short, with rapid accelerations, and it’s clear you need to use short gears to get the most out of it, but it’s also clear that when you force all that power down onto the tarmac, you’ve just got to have adherence. That’s what I haven’t got. So it’s hard to hope for a better result and I really do have my doubts about the race. I don’t think the best tyres – the ones with the most constant grip – would last me out from beginning to end.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

125cc Grand Prix Final Qualifying Results:

1. Manuel Poggiali, Gilera, 1:38.078
2. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 1:28.216
3. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:38.437
4. Youichi Ui, Derbi, 1:38.606
5. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:38.620
6. Joan Olive, Honda, 1:38.646
7. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:38.692
8. Andrea Ballerini, Honda, 1:38.758
9. Mike Kallio, Honda, 1:38.878
10. Masao Azuma, Honda, 1:38.893

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

MotoGP Practice Times From Donington Park:

1. Alex Barros, Honda NSR500, 1:32.220
2. Max Biaggi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:32.421
3. Carlos Checa, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:32.453
4. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:32.544
5. Valentino Rossi, Honda RC211V, 1:32.576
6. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:32.817
7. John Hopkins, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.002
8. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR3, 1:33.130
9. Garry McCoy, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.193
10. Regis Laconi, Aprilia RS3, 1:33.232
11. Norick Abe, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.296
12. Tetsuya Harada, Honda NSR500, 1:33.346
13. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.510
14. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.545
15. Nobatsu Aoki, Proton KR3, 1:33.587
16. Daijio Kato, Honda NSR500, 1:33.688
17. Pere Riba, Yamaha YZR500, 1:34.032
18. Akira Ryo, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:34.359
19. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, Honda NSR500, 1:34.460
20. Alex Hofmann, Yamaha YZR500, 1:35.058
21. Tohru Ukawa, Honda RC211V, no time

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:30.527
2. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:30.765
3. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.803
4. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.881
5. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.976
6. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.012
7. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.214
8. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.427
9. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.468
10. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.753
11. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.792
12. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.846
13. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.866
14. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.882
15. Christopher Rankin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.102
16. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.348
17. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.451
18. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.817
19. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.941
20. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.949