From a competition bulletin issued by AMA Pro Racing:

To: All Licensed Road Racers and Season Credential Holders
From: Rob King, Technical Manager

Subject: 2003 Road Race Rule Changes and Additions

The following rule changes and additions are approved for the 2003 Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship series. If you are a pro racer and have applied for your 2003 license, you will be receiving a new rule book with your license. The book will also be posted on AMA Pro Racing’s website at amaproracing.com. Date of implementation for all changes and additions will be January 1, 2003.

The Superbike equipment regulations are listed here in a format which closely follows that of the rule book. The 1000cc multi-cylinder category is new for 2003 and should provide an excellent way for many racers and teams to step-up to Superbike. The four-cylinder 750cc Superbikes have been given a boost to 800cc in order to help match their performance to the 1000cc twins. In addition, the minimum weight requirement for all Superbikes has been increased to 370 pounds to help balance the competition between all engine configurations and displacements.

Following the Superbike regulations, the changes to Supersport and Superstock are listed showing the current rules, the changes and the reasons for the changes. Rule book text is not fully formatted at this time, but it will be very close to this wording.

Superbike Equipment Categories
The Superbike class includes two broad categories of equipment regulations. One set of rules applies to 750cc four cylinders, 900cc three cylinders and 1000cc twin cylinders. These rules can be found in Section A. A separate set of rules applies to 1000cc multi-cylinders. Those are listed in Section B.

Both categories of Superbikes are also subject to the requirements in Equipment Standards General and Approval of Motorcycles. Superseded or redesigned parts controlled by these rules must be submitted by the motorcycle’s manufacturer to AMA Pro Racing for review and approval before use in competition. In addition, such parts must then be listed in the current OEM parts list as supplied to AMA Pro Racing. Motorcycle components not specifically controlled by these rules may be modified, removed or replaced.

A. Superbike Equipment – 750cc Four Cylinders, 900cc Three Cylinders and 1000cc Twin Cylinders
1. Approval of Superbikes – 750cc Four Cylinders, 900cc Three Cylinders and 1000cc Twin Cylinders
(a) Only approved motorcycles may be used in Superbike competition. The AMA will only review applications for homologation from motorcycle manufacturers or their distributors. Homologation applications and procedures are available through the AMA Pro Racing home office.

(b) Once a motorcycle has been approved, it may be used until such time that it may be disqualified by new rules or rule changes.

(c) Compliance with homologation requirements will not guarantee AMA approval. Homologation may be withheld or withdrawn for any reason the AMA deems in the best interest of Superbike competition.

(d) 750cc four-cylinder, 900cc three-cylinder and 1000cc twin-cylinder motorcycles must be street certified in an FIM-recognized country and available through US distributors or retail dealers. A list of eligible motorcycle models is available from the AMA Pro Racing home office. Minimum import requirement is as follows:

All manufacturers – 50 units

2. Engine Displacements
551cc – 750cc 4-stroke four cylinders (See Overbore Allowance)
551cc – 900cc 4-stroke three cylinders
551cc – 1000cc 4-stroke twin cylinders

3. Overbore Allowance
(a) Engines with displacements originally within the 551 – 750cc four cylinders range are permitted to have cylinder bores increased by a maximum of 2mm, with the resulting displacement not to exceed 800cc.

(b) 551cc – 900cc three cylinders and 551cc – 1000cc twin cylinders are not allowed an overbore. Displacement limits are absolute.

4. The following engine components may not be altered from the originally approved model except as noted:
(a) Engine type, configuration and stroke
(b) Crankshaft configuration
(c) Cam drive location in the engine
(d) Number of valves
(e) Material and castings of cylinders, cylinder heads, and crankcases. Cylinder liners or coatings may be replaced or added, provided the original type cylinder casting is utilized.
(f) The major element used as material in the crankshafts and camshafts.
(g) The number of carburetors or fuel injection throttle bodies (See Superbike Component Claiming Rule)
(h) Variable-length carburetor/fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited.
(i) Fuel injection is permitted only on motorcycles on which it is standard equipment. Aftermarket systems are not permitted. Originally approved throttle bodies must be retained but may be modified.

5. The following items may not be altered from the originally approved model except as noted:
(a) Stock main frame
(1) Frame must display vehicle identification number.
(2) Strengthening gussets and tubes may be added, but none may be removed. (3) Accessory brackets (radiator, shock reservoir, stands, etc.) may be changed, relocated, added or removed. Holes may be drilled only for the purpose of attaching brackets or other components.
(4) Frames may be painted, powder coated, polished or surface treated.
(b) Fairing and bodywork may be modified or replaced with aftermarket parts which resemble the originally approved parts in design and which maintain similar dimensions.
(1) With permission from the Race Manager or the Chief Technical Inspector, fairing or bodywork may be removed only if damaged at that particularmeet.
(2) See also Fairing and Bodywork in Equipment Standards – All Road Race Motorcycles.
(c) Wheels may be replaced with aftermarket parts provided they are not constructed of carbon fiber or carbon composites. Maximum rear wheel rim width is 6.25″.
(d) Forks and shock absorbers may be modified or replaced with aftermarket parts.
(1) Shocks may be relocated but the original suspension type (dual shock or single shock) must be retained.
(2) Active, semi-active or computer-controlled suspension units are not permitted.
(3) See also Superbike Component Claiming Rules.
(e) Fuel tank, or bodywork installed in the traditional fuel tank location, may be modified or replaced with aftermarket parts provided the side view profile remains visibly the same as the originally approved model.
(1) Fuel tanks may be modified to achieve a maximum capacity of 24 liters (6.341 gallons).
(2) The fuel cap may be replaced with a quick-fill coupler and additional vent coupling. Both couplers must be installed in the top of the tank. Maximum inner diameter of quick-fill or vent coupler is 63.5mm (2.5″). See also Dump Cans for Refueling in Equipment Standards – All Road Race Motorcycles.

6. Weight: All Superbikes minimum weight requirement – 370 pounds

7. Superbike Component Claiming Rules – 750cc Four Cylinders, 900cc Three Cylinders and 1000cc Twin Cylinders
(a) The following components of 750cc four-cylinder, 900cc three-cylinder and 1000cc twin-cylinder Superbikes are subject to claiming by competitors or the AMA at the prices listed when used in Superbike competition:

Fuel injection throttle body assemblies and electronic control module:
Twin cylinders – $2,500
Four cylinders – $3,500
Four-cylinder carburetor assembly – $3,500

Fork assemblies – $7,500
Shock absorber assembly – $2,500

(b) Claims will be accepted only from riders who competed in the same final event as the rider whose equipment is being claimed.
(c) Claim form and cash or a certified check must be submitted to the Chief Steward or Tech Inspector within 30 minutes of the posting of results.
(d) Once a claim is made, it may not be withdrawn.
(e) Competitors or teams cannot claim their own equipment.
(f) Should there be more than one claim for the same equipment, a drawing will be held to determine the successful claimant.
(g) Upon notice, the rider whose equipment is being claimed must present the motorcycle for impound at tech inspection.
(h) The owner of the claimed equipment must then accept the fee and deliver the specified components.
(i) An eligible claimant is permitted only one successful claim per season.
(j) Teams or individual competitors who have had a component claimed are not subject to an additional claim for a period of four meets within a season.

B. Superbike Equipment – 1000cc Multi-cylinders

1. Approval of Superbikes – 1000cc Multi-cylinders
(a) Only approved motorcycles may be used in Superbike competition. The AMA will only review applications for homologation from motorcycle manufacturers or their distributors. Homologation applications and procedures are available through the AMA Pro Racing home office.
(b) Once a motorcycle has been approved, it may be used until such time that it may be disqualified by new rules or rule changes.
(c) Compliance with homologation requirements will not guarantee AMA approval. Homologation may be withheld or withdrawn for any reason the AMA deems in the best interest of Superbike competition.
(d) 1000cc multi-cylinder motorcycles must be street-certified in the US and available through US retail dealers. A list of eligible motorcycle models is available from the AMA Pro Racing home office. Minimum import requirements are as follows:
Manufacturers with 200 or fewer US retail dealers – 300 units
Manufacturers with more than 200 US retail dealers – 400 units

2. Engine Displacements
901cc – 1000cc 4-stroke three or more cylinders

3. The following engine components may not be altered from the originally approved model except as noted:
(a) Engine type, configuration and stroke
(b) Stock crankshaft
(1) Bearing surfaces may be polished or surface treated.
(2) Balancing is permitted but only by the same method used by the OEM. For example, heavy metal (i.e. Mallory metal) inserts are not permitted unless they were originally specified by the OEM.
(3) Attachment of aftermarket ignition components or sensors is permitted.

(c) Stock cylinders, cylinder heads and crankcases
(1) Machining, welding and the addition of material are permitted.
(2) Cylinder liners or coatings may be replaced or added.

(d) Aftermarket or modified valves, springs, retainers and other valve-train components are permitted. The original number of valves must be maintained.
(1) Valve diameter, including stem, must remain stock.
(2) Valves must be made of the same basic material as the OEM valves.
(3) Valves must remain in the same location and at the same angle as originally installed by the OEM.

(e) Aftermarket camshafts are permitted, but cam lift and the resulting valve lift must be no greater than stock. Aftermarket cam drive components are permitted, but must be in the same engine location as the OEM drive.
(f) Aftermarket or modified, stock-type clutches (wet-type cannot be changed to dry-type) with back-torque limiting capabilities are permitted.
(g) Transmission shafts and gear sets – Two options are available for these components:
(1) Stock transmission shafts and gear sets – Undercutting and surface treatments are the only modifications allowed.
(2) Approved (homologated) transmission shafts and gear sets – Each manufacturer will be permitted one alternative set of gear ratios per approved model. Only shafts and gears sold through the OEM distributor or its dealers are permitted. Approved shafts and gears may be interchanged with stock components. Undercutting and surface treatments are the only modifications allowed.
(3)Approved transmission components must be available individually and as a set to AMA Superbike-licensed riders for the entire current season (or the remaining part of the season). Orders determined to be legitimate by AMA Pro Racing and accompanied by a 50% deposit must be filled within 15 business days of receipt by the OEM distributor or dealer.
(4) Retail price of individual approved transmission components may not exceed twice the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the components they replace. If a manufacturer does not offer optional AMA-approved transmission components, then the stock components must be utilized.

(h) Fuel injection throttle-body assemblies – Two options are available for these components:
(1) Stock throttle-body assemblies – Fuel delivery through the standard injectors may be changed but no other modifications are permitted. Variable-length fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited.
(2) Approved (homologated) throttle-body assemblies – Each manufacturer will be permitted one alternative throttle-body assembly per approved model. Only throttle bodies sold through the OEM distributor or its dealers are permitted. Fuel delivery through the approved throttle-body injector nozzles may be changed but no other modifications are permitted. Variable-length fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited.
(3) Approved throttle bodies and replacement parts must be available to AMA Superbike-licensed riders for the entire current season (or the remaining part of the current season). Orders determined to be legitimate by AMA Pro Racing and accompanied by a 50% deposit must be filled within 15 business days of receipt by the OEM distributor or dealer.
(4) Retail price of throttle-body assemblies and replacement parts may not exceed twice the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the components they replace. If a manufacturer does not offer optional AMA-approved throttle bodies, then the stock components must be utilized.

4. The following items may not be altered from the originally approved model except as noted:
(a) Stock main frame
(1) Frame must display vehicle identification number.
(2) Strengthening gussets and tubes may be added, but none may be removed.
(3) Accessory brackets (radiator, shock reservoir, stands, etc.) may be changed, relocated, added or removed. Holes may be drilled only for the purpose of attaching brackets or other components.
(4) Frames may be painted, powder coated, polished or surface treated.

(b) Fairing and bodywork may be modified or replaced with aftermarket parts which resemble the originally approved parts in design and which maintain similar dimensions.
(1) With permission from the Race Manager or the Chief Technical Inspector, fairing or bodywork may be removed only if damaged at that particularmeet.
(2) See also Fairing and Bodywork in Equipment Standards – All Road Race Motorcycles.

(c) Wheels may be replaced with aftermarket parts provided they are not constructed of carbon fiber or carbon composites. Maximum rear wheel rim width is 6.25″.

(d) Forks and shock absorbers may be modified or replaced with aftermarket parts.
(1) Shocks may be relocated but the original suspension type (dual shock or single shock) must be retained.
(2) Active, semi-active or computer-controlled suspension units are not permitted.
(3) See also Superbike Component Claiming Rules.

(e) Fuel tank, or bodywork installed in the traditional fuel tank location, may be modified or replaced with aftermarket parts provided the side view profile remains visibly the same as the originally approved model.
(1) Fuel tanks may be modified to achieve a maximum capacity of 24 liters (6.341 gallons).
(2) The fuel cap may be replaced with a quick-fill coupler and additional vent coupling. Both couplers must be installed in the top of the tank. Maximum inner diameter of quick-fill or vent coupler is 63.5mm (2.5″). See also Dump Cans for Refueling in Equipment Standards – All Road Race Motorcycles.

5. Weight: All Superbikes minimum weight requirement – 370 pounds

6. Superbike Component Claiming Rules – 1000cc Multi-cylinders
(a) The following components of 1000cc multi-cylinder Superbikes are subject to claiming by competitors or the AMA at the prices listed when used in Superbike competition:
Fork assemblies – $7,500
Shock absorber assembly – $2,500
(b) Claims will be accepted only from riders who competed in the same final event as the rider whose equipment is being claimed.
(c) Claim form and cash or a certified check must be submitted to the Chief Steward or Tech Inspector within 30 minutes of the posting of results.
(d) Once a claim is made, it may not be withdrawn.
(e) Competitors or teams cannot claim their own equipment.
(f) Should there be more than one claim for the same equipment, a drawing will be held to determine the successful claimant.
(g) Upon notice, the rider whose equipment is being claimed must present the motorcycle for impound at tech inspection.
(h) The owner of the claimed equipment must then accept the fee and deliver the specified components.
(i) An eligible claimant is permitted only one successful claim per season.
(j) Teams or individual competitors who have had a component claimed are not subject to an additional claim for a period of four meets within a season.


Supersport and Superstock

1. Current rule: Electric ignition cutout shift devices are currently not permitted.

Change: Electric ignition cutout shift devices are permitted. These devices may not physically operate the shift lever or the shifting mechanism.

Reasons for Change: Aftermarket electronic ignition interrupting shift kits are reasonably priced and readily available.

2. Current rule: Stock cam chain tensioners must be utilized.

Change: Aftermarket cam chain tensioners are permitted.

Reasons for Change
This change does not affect engine power output but may positively affect reliability under racing conditions. Aftermarket units are reasonably priced and readily available.

3. Current rule: Except as noted in the rule book, cylinder heads, cylinders and engine cases must remain stock with no modifications, metal removal, blueprinting, or surface treatments.

Change: Machining of gasket surfaces of cylinder heads, cylinders or engine cases for the purpose of increasing or balancing compression only is permitted.

Reasons for Change: The increased compression may help to balance the competition between brands and will eliminate the need for technical inspections of deck heights.

4. Current rule: Cylinder head and base gaskets may be replaced only with OEM stock parts. All other gaskets may be replaced with duplicate aftermarket parts.

Change: All gaskets may be replaced with aftermarket gaskets.

Reasons for Change: With the removal of a deck height requirement, the need for stock gaskets is no longer necessary.

Should you have any questions concerning these changes, please contact Technical Manager Rob King at (614) 856-1910, extension 1230 or Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice at (614) 856-1910, extension 1262.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The AMA Superbike race scheduled for September 19-21 at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama will be a Superbike double-header with one Superbike race on Saturday and a second Superbike race on Sunday. That’s the word from AMA Superbike Operations Manager Ron Barrick, at Daytona International Raceway for Dunlop tire testing.

The announcement brings the total of 2003 AMA Superbike races to 18 spread across 11 events.

All other AMA road racing classes – Supersport, Superstock, 250cc Grand Prix — will have 11 races except for AMA Formula Xtreme, which will only have 10 rounds.

The AMA Formula Xtreme class does not race at Daytona International Speedway.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse Press:

The second day of Superbike testing at the Valencia circuit in Spain saw both Ducati’s 2003 Superbike riders, Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus, start to set some interesting times on the new Ducati 999 Factory ’03.

Today’s weather conditions were slightly worse than Saturday’s, as the temperature dropped and clouds set in for most of the day. Hodgson, who only did a few laps yesterday, today put in a considerable amount of mileage to complete the day’s schedule of general set-up work and testing new tyres developed by Michelin. At the end of the day the 29-year-old from Burnley had completed a total of 92 laps, with a quickest time of 1:35.4.

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Neil Hodgson

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“The bike feels much nicer than the last time I tested with it at Valencia in October,” commented Neil. “Now it is doing everything I want it to do and that’s important. The 999 Testastretta engine is really smooth and strong, and revs a bit more than the engine on the bike I used this year.”

Ruben Xaus also lowered his Saturday time and, despite some technical problems on his 999, the 24-year-old from Barcelona was satisfied with his 1:35.5 mark, two-tenths quicker than yesterday’s time.

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Ruben Xaus

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“Today it was my turn to stay in the garage,” declared Ruben. “The day didn’t get off to the best possible start when I had to stay in the pits early in the morning, but as soon as we solved the technical problem, I got out on the track and did 58 laps, and my time of 1:35.5 was quite good. Tomorrow, if all goes well and the weather doesn’t get worse, I’m sure I can get down under 1:35.”

The three-day Superbike test session at Valencia concludes tomorrow.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Penguin Racing School’s Jerry, Eric and Jeff Wood combined to take six CCS regional race wins Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida.

Father Jerry, age 55, won the Lightweight GP on his Yamaha TZ250 and finished third in the Heavyweight Sportsman sprint, after crashing his Ducati 944 out of the lead on the second lap and remounting.

Jeff tasted victory three times on his Suzuki GSX-R600; winning in GTU, Middleweight Supersport and Middleweight Superbike. His brother Eric won the first race of the day, GTO, and the last race of the day, Unlimited Grand Prix, on his Dunlop-slick-shod Suzuki GSX-R750 Formula USA Unlimited Superbike.

In the red-flag-interrupted GTO race, Eric Wood went from third to first when defending CCS Florida Regional Champion Marco Martinez crashed his Suzuki GSX-R1000 on lap two and second-place rider Rick Narup took evasive action to avoid Martinez. From there, Eric Wood managed to hold off Michael Barnes to take the win.

Riding Per Hogdahl’s Honda NSR500V Grand Prix bike to second place, Barnes suffered Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms in the GTO race and chose to sit out the rest of the day.

In the Unlimited Grand Prix, Eric Wood again came from behind to take the race lead from Martinez on lap two of six, turned a 1:27.40 on lap three (the fastest lap of the weekend) and pulled away to win by four seconds.

“We come down here every year. It’s a great winter break,” said Eric Wood. “This is the first time I’ve been completely healthy at the end of the year, and my bike was working great – I hardly had to touch it all weekend. So it was a lot of fun and not a lot of work, and that’s what this weekend is all about.

“Our family winning a bunch of races is good. It helps enforce all of the things we teach at the school.”

Somewhat overshadowed by the Wood family’s performance, Lucky Racing’s Darren Luck took race wins in Heavyweight Superbike and Unlimited Supersport, earned several other podium finishes and wrapped up eight CCS Florida regional class Championships, winning the 2002 CCS Florida Regional Champion. Based on his number of Championships, Luck is the winningest rider in CCS Florida region history, according to CCS Florida race boss Henry Degouw.

“Not bad for a first-year Expert, huh?” said Luck. “I couldn’t have done it without the help from sponsors like Cheetah Bodywork and Pirelli tires.” Luck said he planned to contest the Formula USA Sportbike and Unlimited Superbike classes, as well as chase local contingency money, in 2003.

Another new Expert, Alex Ferreira, won three races in his Expert racing debut on his 2wf.com-sponsored Suzuki SV650. Ferreira won in GT Lights and Lightweight Superbike and took a second in Lightweight Supersport to Erick Maillard.

Ferreira won several Amateur CCS National Championships at the CCS Race of Champions in October.

2000 Irish 600cc Champion Declan Swanton fought to finish third in GTU on a borrowed Kawasaki ZX-6R after the clutch started slipping on the second lap of the race. Swanton then borrowed a Yamaha YZF-R6 in the middle of Sunday afternoon’s race program and won the Middleweight GP race on the unfamiliar machine.

Swanton came over for the CCS races at Homestead with hopes of getting his name out in the American road racing scene and landing an AMA Supersport or Superstock ride for 2003. Swanton, age 23, finished third in the 2001 British Junior Superstock Championship and raced in the 2002 European Superstock Championship for EMS Racing on a Suzuki GSX-R1000 before breaking his back early in the season.

CCS Unlimited Grand Prix Results:

1. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 6 laps
2. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -4.1 seconds
3. Darren Luck, Suzuki GSX-R750
4. Rick Narup, Suzuki GSX-R750
5. John Dalton, Suzuki GSX-R1000
6. Jim Pihokken, Suzuki GSX-R750
7. Scott Ritchey, Suzuki GSX-R1000
8. Edward Lis, Suzuki GSx-R750
9. Charles Sandoz, Aprilia RSV1000
10. Travis Pepin, Suzuki GSX-R750

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Moto-Heaven, exclusive North American importer of Wintex leathers and safety gear, is accepting racer resumes for 2003 support and inquiries from independent product representatives at their new address.

Moto-Heaven
226 E. Main Street
Youngsville, PA 16371
Toll free (877) 416-0969
phone/Fax (814)563-7292
www.moto-heaven.com
[email protected]

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

SBK VALENCIA TEST – DAY 1

Ducati Corse Press

The first day of testing for the Ducati Corse team at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit saw Ducati’s two 2003 factory riders, Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus out on the track together for the first time. Some of the protagonists of next year’s World Superbike Championship were also at the test: James Toseland and Chris Walker with the HM-Plant Ducati team, Steve Martin, Juan Borja and Marco Borciani with Team DFX Pirelli and, with the new Anglo-Malaysian Foggy Petronas team, Troy Corser and James Haydon.

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Ruben Xaus

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Two new 999 Factory ‘03 bikes were made available for Hodgson and Xaus, who were able to test the latest modifications made by the Italian manufacturer’s engineers over the last few weeks.

The best time of the day was set by Xaus, in 1:35.7. The Spanish rider immediately got to grips with the new bike, covering a total of 58 laps, and at the end of the day Ruben said he was very pleased with the feeling he had reached with the 999.

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Neil Hodgson

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Neil Hodgson only managed to complete ten laps, due to a series of minor problems which, however, compromised today’s scheduled workload.

Testing continues tomorrow and Monday.

From a press release issued by CCS/Formula USA:

CCS/Formula USA National Series

2/27-3/2 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
5/24-26 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA
6/13-15 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
6/27-29 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA
7/TBA TBA
8/8-10 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
9/5-7 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV
10/16-19 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL


Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) Championship Sanctioned By CCS

2/22-23 Oak Hill Raceway, Henderson, TX
3/15-16 Texas World Speedway, College Station, TX
5/3-4 Motorsport Ranch, Cresson, TX
5/24-25 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK
6/14-15 Texas World Speedway, College Station, TX
6/28-29 Oak Hill Raceway, Henderson, TX
7/19-20 Hallet Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK
9/6-7 Texas World Speedway, College Station, TX
9/27-28 Oak Hill Raceway, Henderson, TX
10/12-13 Motorsport Ranch, Cresson, TX


Florida Roadracing Championship Sanctioned by CCS

2/8-9 Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL *
2/27-3/2 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
3/15-16 Moroso Motorsports Park, W. Palm Beach, FL
4/5-6 N. Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings, FL
5/3-4 N. Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings, FL
5/25-26 Moroso Motorsports Park, W. Palm Beach, FL
6/21-22 Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL
7/19-20 Moroso Motorsports Park, W. Palm Beach, FL
8/23-24 Moroso Motorsports Park, W. Palm Beach, FL
9/6-7 N. Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings, FL
9/20-21 Moroso Motorsports Park, W. Palm Beach, FL
12/6-7 Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL *


Great Lakes Roadracing Championship

4/5-6 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL *
4/25-27 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI**
5/17-18 Gingerman Raceway, S. Haven, MI
5/31-6/1 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
6/14-15 Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL
7/5-6 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA**
8/8-10 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI*
8/23-24 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
9/13-14 Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL**
9/27-28 Gingerman Raceway, S. Haven, MI*


Great Plains Roadracing Championship

4/5-6 Blackhawk Farms, S. Beloit, IL *
4/25-27 Road America, Elkhart, WI**
5/17-18 Gingerman Raceway, S. Haven, MI
5/24-26 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA*
6/14-15 Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL
7/5-6 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA**
8/16-17 Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, AL**
9/13-14 Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL**
10/4-5 Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL *


Loudon Road Race Series (LRRS) Championship Sanctioned by CCS

4/26-27 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
5/17-18 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
6/7-8 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
7/5-6 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
7/26-27 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
8/16-17 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
8/30-31 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH
9/27-28 New Hampshire Int’l Speedway, Loudon, NH


Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Championship

2/27-3/2 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
3/29-30 Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA**
4/12-13 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA
5/3-4 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV
5/24-26 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV
6/27-29 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA*
7/12-13 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV
7/26-27 Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA**
8/16-17 Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, AL**
9/5-7 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV*
9/27-28 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA
10/11-12 Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV *


Mid-West Roadracing Championship

4/5-6 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL *
4/25-27 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI**
5/10-11 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
5/23-25 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA*
5/31-6/1 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
6/14-15 – Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL
7/5-6 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA**
7/19-20 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
8/8-10 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI*
8/23-24 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
9/6-7 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL
9/27-28 Gingerman Raceway, S. Haven, MI
10/4-5 Gateway Int’l Raceway, Madison, IL*


Pacific Roadracing Championship

2/1-2 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA *
3/15-16 Firebird Int’l Raceway (East), Chandler, AZ
4/5-6 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA
5/17-18 Las Vegas Classic Courses , Las Vegas, NV
5/31-6/1 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA
7/5-6 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA
8/16-17 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA
8/29-31 Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV**
10/4-5 Thunderhill Park, Willows, CA
11/1-2 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA
11/29-30 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA*


Southeast Roadracing Championship

2/27-3/2 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
3/29-30 Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA**
4/12-13 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA
5/3-4 N. Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings, FL
6/14-15 Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA**
6/27-29 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA*
7/26-27 Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, CA**
8/16-17 Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, AL**
9/6-7 N. Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings, FL
9/27-28 Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA*


Southwest Roadracing Championship

2/1-2 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA *
3/15-16 Firebird Int’l Raceway (East), Chandler, AZ
4/12-13 Firebird Int’l Raceway (East), Chandler, AZ
5/17-18 Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV
5/31-6/1 Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA
7/5-6 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA
8/29-31 Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV**
9/27-28 Firebird Int’l Raceway, Chandler, AZ
11/1-2 Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA
11/15-16 Firebird Int’l Raceway (East), Chandler, AZ *


2003 Race of Champions XX

10/16-19 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

*double points
** twin sprint weekend

According to CCS sources, the TBA Formula USA National date in July will most likely be held in Texas or Oklahoma.

For additional information, call CCS at (817) 332-4822, FAX (817) 870-9790, www.ccsracing.com.

From a press release issued by Yamaha:

YAMAHA FACTORY TEAM TESTS
Valencia, Spain
Friday December 6 2002

CONTENTED YAMAHA FACTORY TEAM COMPLETE FINAL DAY OF TESTING AT VALENCIA

Yamaha Factory Team riders Carlos Checa and his new team-mate Marco Melandri completed a three day test at Valencia Friday. The factory team continued their hard work on the Yamaha YZR-M1, winning machine of two Grands Prix in 2002.

Reigning 250 World Champion Melandri made his debut with Yamaha on the M1 which he rode methodically on all three days, today completing a total of 67 laps. Checa spent the first two days continuing development of Yamaha’s fuel injection system and today concentrated on Michelin tyre testing. Both riders were pleased with their performance in this penultimate test of the year despite windy conditions forcing all three Yamaha teams to finish early on the second day.

“This is the first test at the start of our new project”, said Team Director Davide Brivio. “It’s important for us to have both this and next week’s test in Jerez. Our target is for Carlos to give as much information as possible to our Yamaha and Michelin engineers before Christmas in order to start with the best possible advantage for testing in 2003. Now we are going to concentrate our winter testing in Europe in order to have immediate comparisons of bike and rider information from the same circuits in January.”

Checa was generally pleased with progress during the test, “The first day I found it quite difficult to get used to the bike again after not riding for one month,” said the Spaniard who finished this season fifth overall.

“Yesterday the weather was not so good but I tried to make use of the track time anyway. Today I am much happier and was able to give good input to my engineers about the fuel injection system. I also did a tyre test to give Michelin information about how they can improve the tyres even more for us. I found a good rhythm today and I’m content with the information I have provided.” Checa completed 72 laps today.

Now the Yamaha Factory Team will travel to Jerez in the south of Spain where they will continue testing from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 December.

Lap times (from all 3 days)
CARLOS CHECA 1:33.71
MARCO MELANDRI 1:34.83

Alex Barros 1:34.0
Olivier Jacque 1:35.1
Shinya Nakano 1:34.2

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA 250cc Grand Prix racer Simon Turner is back on his feet and preparing for the 2003 AMA season after breaking his leg and a vertebrae at Daytona International Raceway October 18, during the CCS Race of Champions event.

Turner was testing Bridgestone tires on his Priority Racing/Irish Bike-sponsored Yamaha TZ250 in practice at Daytona when he suffered a highside crash at the exit of the International Horseshoe. Turner broke both the tibia and fibula in his left leg and fractured his C7 vertebrae. Turner had a rod surgically inserted into his tibia, while an external fixator was attached to his left leg; he also wore a back brace for several weeks.

“I’ve been walking on it for about a week now,” said Turner Saturday, December 7 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “I could’ve been on a bike already, but thankfully I have some more time to get ready. Actually, it’s my back that’s giving me more trouble than my leg. The muscles around where I broke the vertebrae are still a wee bit sore.”

Turner, a resident of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is currently in Florida preparing his 2002 racebikes for sale to customers, helping Tony Pogue tune Per Hogdahl’s Honda NSR500V – which Michael Barnes is racing in the CCS races this weekend – and settling his plans for the 2003 AMA 250cc Grand Prix series. Turner said he had acquired the late Randy Renfrow’s TSR Honda RS250 but does not know if he will run Dunlop or Bridgestone tires next season.

Meanwhile, Michael Barnes said his plans for 2003 are not set, but he is considering returning to the Hooters Mountain Dew Suzuki team to run the AMA Superstock series.