From AMA Pro Racing:

DOUG CHANDLER SIGNS ON FOR AMA PRO RACING’S
OFFICIALLY LICENSED MERCHANDISE PROGRAM

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Three-time AMA Superbike champion Doug Chandler has signed on to AMA Pro Racing’s official merchandise program, it was announced today. Chandler has reached an agreement with AMA Pro Racing’s new merchandising partner, Wateree Sports Group, that will allow fans to purchase his gear at AMA Superbike events and also online at www.amaproracing.com/speedshop.

Chandler’s line of merchandise will be available for sale this weekend at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca for the World Superbike/AMA Superbike racing weekend.

“Yesterday, we announced the signing of Anthony Gobert to our merchandising program, and today we are pleased to announce the signing of Doug Chandler,” said Jeff Reeves, vice president of Wateree Sports Group. “This is a very exciting time for us, as more and more of the top riders sign on to our project. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Chris Bradley, AMA Pro Racing associate vice president of commercial development, said, “As a three-time AMA Superbike champion, Doug has earned a legion of loyal fans and is clearly one of the most respected men in the series. Having him in our program is a definite boost.”

Chandler is excited about the cross-license program. “I am proud to be associated with Wateree Sports Group as the company has such high standards and proven performance in the NASCAR community.”

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.

For more information about the new merchandise program, contact Wateree Sports Group’s Jeff Reeves at (803) 327-2776.

For immediate post-race results, points, and live transponder scoring from each race in the championship, log on to amaproracing.com’s Superbike Mediacenter, the official home of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship.

About Wateree Sports Group
Wateree Sports Group, founded in 1990, is a merchandise company specializing in the development and implementation of programs for corporate, sports and entertainment properties. WSG helps clients achieve their goals through various distribution channels. These channels include event distribution, corporate identity programs, direct mail, e-commerce and retail based POS programs. Current corporate clients include General Mills, Sprint, Georgia Pacific, Schneider Electric, Petty Enterprises, Lockheed Martin and Conseco Financial Services. Wateree’s driver list includes the 7-time Winston-Cup Champion Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, AJ Foyt, John Andretti, Buckshot Jones and aerobatic pilots Sean Tucker and Patty Wagstaff.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Superstock Qualifying Results (all on Suzuki GSX-R750 unless noted):

1. Jimmy Moore, 1:30.141
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:30.247
3. Jason DiSalvo, 1:30.495
4. Vincent Haskovec, 1:30.578
5. Craig Connell, 1:30.698
6. Lee Acree, 1:30.822
7. Robert Jensen, 1:30.899
8. Brian Parriott, 1:30.907
9. Ty Howard, 1:31.256
10. Chris Ulrich, 1:31.262
11. Chris Caylor, 1:31.376
12. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.528
13. Christopher Rankin, 1:31.545
14. John Dugan, 1:31.878
15. Rich Conicelli, 1:31.924
16. Alan Schmidt, 1:32.507
17. Brian Livengood, 1:32.615
18. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.029
19. Jeremy Toye, 1:33.182
20. Owen Richey, 1:33.460
21. Giovanni Rojas, 1:34.105
22. Marco Martinez, 1:34.109
23. Jacob Holden, 1:34.283
24. Justin Blake, 1:34.529
25. Jeremy Chisum, 1:34.782
26. Scott Jensen, 1:34.875
27. Jeff Bostrom, 1:34.974
28. Tom Wertman, Suzuki, 1:34.988
29. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:35.191
30. J.J. Roetlin, 1:35.224
31. Matt Zurbuchen, Suzuki, 1:35.241
32. John Scott Wilson, Suzuki, 1:35.313
33. Jeffrey Tigert, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:35.416
34. Jason Chisum, Suzuki, 1:35.568
35. Scott Simpson, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:35.594
36. Robert Campbell, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:35.682
37. Kevin Pate, 1:35.789
38. G. Hugh Pestes, Suzuki, 1:35.825
39. Michael Kosta, Suzuki, 1:36.350
40. Kevin Burgess, Suzuki, 1:36.496
41. Lance Williams, Suzuki, 1:37.365
42. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki, 1:37.748
43. Marty Sims, Suzuki, 1:37.890
44. James Lickwar, Suzuki, 1:38.148
45. Tyler Sandell, Suzuki, 1:38.868
46. Tyler Alexander, Kawasaki, 1:40.166
47. Josh Bryan, Ducati 748, 1:43.258

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The first World Superbike free practice session was halted with 1:54 remaining as a result of two crashes in turn ten.

HM Plant Ducati’s James Toseland crashed in turn ten and ran away, apparantly uninjured, as his Ducati 998 burst into a ball of fire.

Corner workers were on the scene of Toseland’s crash with fire extinguishers instantly and began to tame the flames when World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss lost the front end of his Ducati and slid into the corner at high speed.

The view on a closed-circuit television feed made it appear as if Bayliss’ bike narrowly missed the corner workers fighting the Toseland fire.

Bayliss appeared uninjured and was seen walking back to pit lane with Toseland.

Noriyuki Haga also crashed, a lowside, in turn 11 early in the session. Haga also escaped his fall without major injury and continued to ride during the practice.

Colin Edwards turned his fastest lap, faster than Eric Bostrom’s AMA Superbike pole time of 1:25.716, in the final seconds of the re-started practice session.

American wild cards did not participate in Friday morning’s World Superbike practice.

Friday Morning’s World Superbike Practice Times:

1. Colin Edwards, Honda RC51, 1:25.419
2. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 998F01, 1:25.760
3. Troy Bayliss, Ducati 998F02, 1:26.264
4. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia RSV1000, 1:26.594
5. Ben Bostrom, Ducati 998F02, 1:26.778
6. James Toseland, Ducati 998F01, 1:26.871
7. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 998F02, 1:27.387
8. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.520
9. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.041
10. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.519
11. Chris Walker, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.545
12. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.547
13. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.775
14. Peter Goddard, Benelli Tornado 900, 1:28.893
15. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.965
16. Broc Parkes, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.346
17. Serafino Foti, Ducati 996RS, 1:29.814
18. Alessandro Antonello, Ducati 998RS, 1:30.437
19. Bertrand Stey, Honda RC51, 1:30.880
20. Mark Miller, Honda RC51, 1:31.191
21. Mark Heckles, Honda RC51, 1:32.546
22. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:33.308
23. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 996RS, 1:33.539

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Pro Thunder Race Results:

1. Mike Ciccotto, Buell Firebolt XB9R, 17 laps
2. Kirk McCarthy, Ducati 748 RS, -0.712 second
3. Tom Montano, Ducati 748R, -6.154 seconds
4. Vincent Haskovec, Ducati 748RS, -15.632 seconds
5. Dean Mizdal, Ducati 748, -41.823 seconds
6. Heath Small, Ducati 748, -51.209 seconds
7. Shane Turpin, Ducati 748, -58.03 seconds
8. Steve Smith, Ducati 748, -58.132 seconds
9. Kurt Marmor, Ducati 748, -87.709 seconds
10. M. Ben Welch, Yamaha TZF426, -97.544 seconds
11. Bradley Champion, Suzuki SV650, -97.631 seconds
12. Wendell G. Phillips, Ducati 748, -1 lap
13. Clark Freatman, Ducati 748, -1 lap
14. Charlie Hewett, Ducati 748, -1 lap
15. Paul Wood, Ducati 748, -1 lap
16. Josh Bryan Ducati 748, -1 lap
17. Reagan Jobe, Ducati 748, -1 lap
18. Norman Dehm, Ducati 748, -1 lap
19. Tom Hull, M-G1000, -1 lap
20. Jody Hendley, H-D 1200, -1 lap
21. David Mones, Honda Hawk 840, -1 lap
22. Tyler Sandell, Suzuki SV650, -1 lap
23. Michael Hardin, Ducati 748, -1 lap
24. Paul Bergstrom, Ducati 748, -1 lap
25. Ryan Meskimen, Suzuki SV650, -1 lap
26. Jason Butler, Suzuki SV650, -1 lap
27. Dale Pestes, Ducati 748, -1 lap
28. Jay Jacobson, Suzuki SV650, -2 laps
29. John Fisher, Ducati 904, -2 laps
30. Charles Sipp, Buell 1200, -2 laps
31. Tom Chauncey, Ducati 748, -2 laps
32. Jessica Zalusky, Ducati 748, -2 laps
33. Calvin Sprenger, Ducati 748, -2 laps
34. Leo Venega, Ducati 748, -3 laps
35. Mike Krynock, Ducati 748, -5 laps
36. Stephen Lilliott, Ducati 748, -5 laps
37. Brian Long, Suzuki SV650, -6 laps
38. David Estok, Buell Firebolt XB9R, -7 laps, DNF, crash
39. David Lanigan, Suzuki 744, -7 laps
40. John Dierickx, Ducati 748, -11 laps
41. Tripp Nobles, Buell Lightning X-1, -14 laps, DNF, crash
42. David Gallant, Ducati 748, -14 laps
43. David Bell, Ducati 748, -16 laps


Note: Haskovec jumped the start and served a stop-and-go penalty.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Supersport Race Results:

1. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki, 17 laps
2. Aaron Yates, Suzuki, -8.968 seconds
3. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, -10.875 seconds
4. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda, -13.974 seconds
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, -14.542 seconds
6. Jake Zemke, Honda, -14.697 seconds
7. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, -20.595 seconds
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki, -23.971 seconds
9. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha, -24.488 seconds
10. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, -26.175 seconds
11. Tom Kipp, Suzuki, -31.137 seconds
12. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki, -31.515 seconds
13. Mike Hale, Honda, -32.099 seconds
14. Josh Hayes, Suzuki, -39.542 seconds
15. Alex Gobert, Honda, -52.392 seconds
16. Andrew Nelson, Honda, -52.991 seconds
17. Ty Howard, Suzuki, -55.476 seconds
18. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki, -79.694 seconds
19. Mark Ledesma, Honda, -84.194 seconds
20. Jeffrey Tiggert, Suzuki, -84.605 seconds
21. Tyler Wadsworth, Yamaha, -94.141 seconds
22. Scott Simpson, Kawasaki, -106.901 seconds
23. Matt Zurbuchen, Suzuki, -1 lap, -1 lap
24. Chris Siglin, Suzuki, -1 lap
25. Robert Campbell, Kawasaki, -1 lap
26. Kevin Pate, Suzuki, -1 lap
27. G. Hugh Pestes, Suzuki, -1 lap
28. Tom Wertman, Suzuki, -1 lap
29. Justin Blake, Suzuki, -1 lap
30. Patrick Dowd, Suzuki, -1 lap
31. Michael Ellsworth, Kawasaki, -1 lap
32. Martin Sims, Suzuki, -1 lap
33. Daryl Woodward, Yamaha, -1 lap
34. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki, -1 lap
35. Chris Siebenhaar, Honda, -1 lap
36. David Campbell, Suzuki, -1 lap
37. Alex Flora, Kawasaki, -1 lap
38. Brian Lowe, Suzuki, -8 laps

39. Miguel Duhamel, Honda, -11 laps, DNF, crash
40. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, -11 laps, DNF, crash
41. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, -12 laps, DNF, mechanical
42. Jimmy Filice, Kawasaki, -14 laps
43.Tyrone Toloy, Honda, -16 laps

Provisional AMA Supersport Point Standings:
1. Yates, 267 points
2. Tommy Hayden, 212 points
3. Buckmaster, 194 points
4. Hacking, 192 points
5. Kipp, 180 points
6. Hale, 174 points
7. Zemke, 173 points
8. Pridmore, 172 points
9. Spies, 168 points
10. Roger Lee Hayden, 166 points

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Aprilia USA will present the RSV1000 Mille R Haga Replica and the RSV1000 Mille R Tuono to the public in a ceremony Friday, July 12 at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the presentation of the limited edition 2003 models will be made by Aprilia VIPs and Noriyuki Haga himself.

For more information, call Aprilia USA at (877) APRILIA or go to www.apriliausa.com.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning MotoGP Practice Times:

1. Valentino Rossi, Honda RC211V, 1:32.542
2. Alex Barros, Honda NSR500, 1:32.546
3. Carlos Checa, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:32.803
4. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:32.958
5. Norick Abe, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.218
6. Max Biaggi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:33.730
7. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:34.023
8. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR3, 1:34.106
9. John Hopkins, Yamaha YZR500, 1:34.112
10. Tohru Ukawa, Honda RC211V, 1:34.134
11. Daijiro Kato, Honda NSR500, 1:34.238
12. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha YZR500, 1:34.379
13. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha YZR500, 1:34.402
14. Tetsuya Harada, Honda NSR500, 1:34.800
15. Regis Laconi, Aprilia RS3, 1:34.920
16. Garry McCoy, Yamaha YZR500, 1:35.005
17. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton KR3, 1:35.012
18. Pere Riba, Yamaha YZR500, 1:35.157
19. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, Honda NSR500, 1:35.225
20. Alex Hofmann, Honda NSR500, 1:36.112
21. Akira Ryo, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:38.279

Friday Morning 250cc GP Free Practice Times:

1. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 1:34.962
2. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:34.969
3. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:34.999
4. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, 1:35.597
5. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:35.860
6. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:35.860
7. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:35.966
8. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 1:35.989
9. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:36.045
10. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, 1:36.092
11. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:36.105
12. David Checa, Aprilia, 1:36.518
13. Alex Debon, Aprilia, 1:36.578
14. Jay Vincent, Honda, 1:37.364
15. Shahrol Yuzy, Yamaha, 1:37.372

Friday Morning 125cc GP Practice Times:

1. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:38.570
2. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 1:39.024
3. Lucio Cecchenello, Aprilia, 1:39.049
4. Manuel Poggiali, Gilera, 1:39.285
5. Stefano Perugini, Italjet, 1:39.574
6. Angel Rodriguez, Aprilia, 1:39.894
7. Mika Kallio, Honda, 1:39.898
8. Masao Azuma, Honda, 1:39.911
9. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:40.125
10. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:40.173

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon AMA 250cc GP Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Honda, 1:31.659
2. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 1:32.090
3. Roland Sands, Yamaha, 1:32.105
4. Simon Turner, Yamaha, 1:32.596
5. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 1:32.968
6. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha, 1:34.528
7. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 1:35.427
8. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha, 1:36.062
9. Adrian Webb, Yamaha, 1:36.540
10. Ed Marchini, Yamaha, 1:36.940

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Series point leader Valentino Rossi and his Repsol Honda teammate Tohru Ukawa missed Friday’s MotoGP qualifying session at Donington because they were undergoing medical tests to determine the extent of injuries they suffered received in crashes during Friday morning practice crashes.

According to sources at the track, Rossi has a broken thumb and a concussion.

Meanwhile, the top six riders in Friday’s qualifying session, including 19-year-old MotoGP rookie John Hopkins, smashed Simon Crafar’s four-year-old lap record of 1:32.661.

Friday’s MotoGP Qualifying Times:

1. Alex Barros, Honda NSR500, 1:31.877
2. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:32.123
3. Max Biaggi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:32.197
4. John Hopkins, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.523
5. Carlos Checa, Yamaha YZR-M1, 1:32.541
6. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR3, 1:32.602
7. Norick Abe, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.695
8. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.810
9. Daijiro Kato, Honda NSR500, 1:32.850
10. Tetsuya Harada, Honda NSR500, 1:32.900
11. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha YZR500, 1:32.997
12. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:33.172
13. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton KR3, 1:33.290
14. Regis Laconi, Aprilia RS3, 1:33.598
15. Garry McCoy, Yamaha YZR500, 1:33.754
16. Pere Riba, Yamaha YZR500, 1:34.009
17. Jurgen vd Goorbergh, Honda NSR500, 1:34.274
18. Alex Hofmann, Honda NSR500, 1:34.728
19. Akira Ryo, Suzuki GSV-R, 1:34.941
20. Tohru Ukawa, Honda RC211V, no time
21. Valentino Rossi, Honda RC211V, no time


More, from Red Bull Yamaha WCM:

BRITISH GP – DONINGTON

Qualifying No. 1 Friday July 12th 2002

RED HOT DAY FOR HOPKINS ON THE RED BULL


John Hopkins had an amazing afternoon at Donington today, claiming 4th place on the provisional grid for the British GP. Hopkins, who is the youngest permanent Moto GP rider by over 4 years was in dazzling form today, flying onto the front row on his second-last lap. In only the 8th GP of his career this is a truly outstanding performance from the 19-year-old American.

His teammate, Australian Garry McCoy re-acquainted himself with the Yamaha and set the fastest two-stroke top speed of the session. Garry appeared relaxed, fit and strong during the session and showed no signs of pain from his previous leg break.


John Hopkins: 4th – 1:32.523

“This is a dream come true, provisional front row in only my 8th GP. I’ve been working really hard to get to this point and I’m so happy that my family are here to see me at my best yet.

“I felt like I had a little bit more to give in the last lap, I set my best time on the second last lap and on the last lap I got held up by Sete. If I could of got a good run at it, I’m sure I would have been even quicker on my last lap.

“I came to Donington on a Track Day about a month ago with Niall Mackenzie and he really helped me a lot. I rode a Yamaha R1 here in both the wet and dry conditions so I could get a feel for the track and learn my way around, that way I’m productive from the first minute I get on the bike. I’m running the track with Niall again tonight to review my lines again as there is still a lot more I can learn about the track. We’ve got a few more things to try tomorrow but I’m pretty happy with everything.”


Garry McCoy 15th 1:33.754

“My leg and ankle feel fine and I’m not even thinking about it. I’m a little surprised at my times given it’s my first day back, I thought I would have been a bit further behind. Now it’s just a matter of getting up to speed. I tried a qualifying tyre in the last few minutes but it’s been a while since I’ve been in that situation and for one lap you can’t make a mistake.”

Colin Davies (Race Engineer – John Hopkins)
“John got held up on the last lap and I know he could of improved but Sete held him up; the bike is working really well, we’ve got a good race tyre already and I know he has more to come yet. As John gets more time on the circuit he’ll continue to improve.”


Christophe Bourguignon (Race Engineer -Garry McCoy)

“It is a good step forward today and we tried a few various set-ups and tyres. We are now using a new generation Dunlop Tyre and its Garry’s first time riding on these.”


Peter Clifford – Team Manager

“Its great to have Gaz back and good to see him moving the motorcycle around. He obviously just needs a little time to get back to his awesome best. John’s front-row position is magnificent and fractionally under the lap record still held by Simon Crafer on the Dunlop-shod Red Bull Yamaha from ’98.”


More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:
First qualifying session, Laconi 14th best time

Two illustrious riders, Rossi and Ukawa, both fell during the free practice and failed to make the afternoon qualifying. The Cube went through its first paces on the Donington circuit, where some problems of grip made it hard to choose race tyres able to keep up with the enormous power delivery of the engine. The sorties using the qualifying tyres were not so hard and, as the tests were coming to a close, Régis made 14th quickest time.

# 55 Régis Laconi – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 14th – 1:33.598

“I had problems of grip using race tyres, especially round the corners where the bike stays down a lot and the angle puts the tyres under greatest pressure. The bike easily starts to skid and gets hard to control. You can get round this by controlling the bike physically but it’d be pretty hard to keep it up for a whole race. To lessen the effort, I’ve had a shim put on the saddle to bring my riding position slightly forward. I tried other race-tyre solutions – they slip less but they don’t provide the same traction. So we’ve still got lots of work to do to find the right configuration for the race. The qualifying tyres were much better, they give much better grip and we can do some good work to get a fast lap time. There’s still room for improvement.”