Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to Tom Houseworth, Yoshimura Suzuki Crew Chief for Ben Spies, electronic quick-shifters are “the best bang for the buck” that a privateer can buy.

In a phone call to Roadracingworld.com Wednesday morning, Houseworth said, “Don’t people understand that once they’re set up, and their bikes are set up, with their engine and their suspension, that those things (electronic quick-shifters) are worth half-a-second a lap?

“That thing is the best bang for the buck. What else are you gonna spend $800 for that will get you half-a-second?

“Once your bike is set up and you have the engine you think you need, the suspension is tuned up, you’re set up and ready to go, what’s the next step? The shifter is the shit. Those things are worth half-a-second.

“I think some of them are worrying about spending their money in the wrong place.”

From a press release issued by Mid-Ohio:

2003 MID-OHIO SCHEDULE FEATURES SIX WORLD-CLASS MOTORSPORTS EVENTS

DUBLIN, Ohio (November 12, 2002) – TrueSports, Inc., parent company of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, announced today that Mid-Ohio will provide road racing fans six world-class motorsports events in 2003. Sports car racing’s past and present will be featured in June, with July giving way to two-wheeled action for the 21st consecutive year. The world’s best professional drivers converge on the track in August and set the stage for the top amateur drivers in the country competing for twenty-four national championships in late September.

The green flag waves on the 2003 season with the Sprint Vintage Grand Prix, June 20-22. The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association will turn the racetrack into a live action museum with ten classes of racing.

This year’s featured marque of the event will be Corvette, commemorating its 50th anniversary of production. Two Corvette-only races will be run on the weekend, assuring fans of the muscle car will see plenty of action on and off the track during its golden anniversary. The 5th annual British Car Showdown will bring automotive history from across the Atlantic to Mid-Ohio on Saturday.

“Daytona comes to Mid-Ohio” one week later as modern sports cars rumble onto the track for the Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic, led by the Rolex Sports Car Series, June 27-29. The series will feature the new Daytona Prototypes, making their debut in February at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. These two seat, closed-cockpit cars will be powered by many of the world’s major car manufacturers, including Ford, Toyota, Porsche, and BMW.

The Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic will provide a unique twist for fans. The Rolex Series race will be held on Saturday evening for the 400 kilometer (110 lap) endurance race. Also participating during the weekend is the Grand-Am Cup Street Stock Series, featuring actual production sports cars with only minimal racing modifications. The Grand-Am Cup will treat fans to twin 200 mile races, with two Grand Sport classes in one race, and two Touring classes in the second.

Harley-Davidson is currently enjoying the year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary, and will serve as the focal point of the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 18-20. While the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s (AHRMA) road racing would provide a full day of activity alone, enthusiasts should also make time to visit the many off-track activities. Mid-Ohio’s natural terrain provides course for vintage motocross time trials. The annual Will Stoner Swap Meet provides an opportunity to find that rare part to finish rebuilding a bike, or the opportunity to begin a new project. Many other activities and seminars will also be occurring simultaneously around the track’s facilities.

The sounds of history will have barely cleared the air around Lexington when the modern machines begin to rev their engines for the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire, July 25-27. Annually one of Mid-Ohio’s largest crowds and most exciting race weekends, 2003 will once again feature two Wiseco Superbike 100 races. Miguel Duhamel, the winningest rider in AMA Superbike history, returns with teammate Kurtis Roberts on the HRC Honda Team. 2002 series champion Nicky Hayden has taken his skills to the MotoGP circuits, so Honda has signed former rider Ben Bostrom as their third factory rider. Bostrom, who captured the AMA title in 1998 before testing his skills in Europe, has a built-in rival on the circuit already in younger brother Eric, who captured the Saturday event at Mid-Ohio on his way to a runner-up finish in the 2002 standings on the Kawasaki factory team. Also returning is three-time champion Mat Mladin and Suzuki teammate Aaron Yates. Yates swept both Wiseco Superbike 100 races in 2000 at Mid-Ohio.

Mid-Ohio’s 13th annual dealer ride will once again provide spectators a chance to parade around Mid-Ohio’s 15-turn, 2.4 mile circuit just like their favorite riders. One of the most popular events during the season, the track fills with motorcycles during the lunch break on Sunday.

Defending race champion Patrick Carpentier will lead Bruno Junqueira, Paul Tracy and the rest of the Championship Auto Racing Teams participants to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the 22nd time for the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, August 14-17. Wins have historically come in pairs at Mid-Ohio, as Carpentier will attempt to add his name to a list of back-to-back champions that include Bobby Rahal (1985 & 1986), Michael Andretti (1990 & 1991), Emerson Fittipaldi (1992 & 1993), Al Unser, Jr (1994 & 1995), Alex Zanardi (1996 & 1997) and Helio Castroneves (2000 & 2001).

The 40th edition of the Valvoline Runoffs® will celebrate 10 years at Mid-Ohio by crowning this year’s SCCA National Champions September 15-21. Amateur racers from all over the United States will compete throughout the summer to be invited to the “Olympics of Motorsports”, where the qualifiers of each of the twenty-four classes will race for 20 laps for the right to be called National Champion. Among the former Valvoline Runoffs® champions are Bobby Rahal, Jimmy Vasser, Skip Barber, Elliot Forbes-Robinson, Roger Penske and Jim Trueman.

Fans wishing to make Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course their motorsports destination this summer should act soon to take advantage of Mid-Ohio’s All Access Pass. An All Access Pass is available for $200 if purchased before February 14, 2003 and still a tremendous deal for motorsports enthusiasts at $250 after that date. Each pass holder will receive admission, reserve grandstand seating, and paddock pass to each of the events, and a pit pass to the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. Pass holders will also receive infield parking during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire and the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.

As an added bonus, each pass will include admission to two Dart Kart and all SCCA Regional and National Club events not open to the general public. All Access Pass holders wishing to test their skills behind the wheel will also receive a $50 gift certificate to any driving course offered by The Mid-Ohio School, including the popular Acura High Performance Course. To gather more information or purchase an All Access Pass, call 1-800-MID-OHIO or visit wwww.midohio.com.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is located approximately halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio off of Interstate 71. Commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.”, Mid-Ohio hosts six motorsports events throughout the summer, beginning with the Sprint Vintage Grand Prix and including the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire July 25-27. For event information or tickets, call 1-800-MID-OHIO or visit us on the web at www.midohio.com.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This answer just in from Tony Bell, along with more comments from assorted readers:

In response to the replies regarding my comments on the wisdom of having a USGP in the further-most tip of the United States, I apologize if my comments were construed as bigoted, but have no idea how anyone could jump to such a conclusion.

There was no reference to race or color nor was it directed to any person or group of people. My comment as to the venue was to imply it was about as far away from the rest of the country as one could get and has little or no “feel” for a venue.

Tony Bell
San Clemente, California




So let me get this straight. Suppose Dorna suggested that a venue in Canada (relax people, I know it’ll never happen) would be ideal for hosting a GP, and Terrible Tony Bell says, “It looks like we will have to travel up to Iceland, oh sorry, I mean Canada,” does this mean that I, too, can whine about racist statements? Give me a break, will ya? Obviously, some people’s lives are so empty that they are constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to cry about their unfortunate place on this planet. Life’s unfair. Get over it. If you actually read the whole article you probably got the gist of what he was trying to say unless, of course, your inferiority complex fuels your need to be heard today. So if a guy from Soviet Canuckistan gets the geography spin, then surely you can, too.

Jeff Wuirch
Calgary, Alberta, Canada




I never got to the Cuba reference. I stopped reading at the words “I’m a NASCAR fan” in the first paragraph.

James Gaal
Ashburn, Virginia




I cannot believe the reaction to the letter I wrote. If possible, I would like to briefly clarify a few points. If you have had enough of all of this, and don’t post this, I understand.

First of all, Mr. Granados, I never said “as a Cuban-American I am offended.” I stated my heritage to make it clear where I come from, and to let readers know of my background – I was being honest. Some people said they do not understand why the comment is offensive, so I will explain why it is offensive to me: In the statement, Mr. Bell excludes South Florida from the rest of the USA, presumably because of the dominantly hispanic population. That is offensive to me.

Antonio F. Garcia
San Luis Obispo, California




I’m not going to try and judge Mr. Bell because of one comment. In this day of Political Correctness, his very public comment was more then anything a bad judgment with his use of words. Especially for someone in his position. To take it any further than that, given what was contained in the comment, is my opinion over-reacting in a lot of ways. For sure we are ALL probably guilty of making comments that could easily be considered racist or sexist.

Regarding Dennis Presiloski’s attempted defense of Mr. Bell’s “Cuba” statement. I don’t understand your references at all. How is a city like Miami considered remote? There is huge deference between his comment and your “desert, Willow Springs” example. Desert would be seen as describing the area around Willow, just as I consider Phoenix, Arizona a city in the middle of a desert. Of all the things that could have been used to reference Miami, why Cuba? Last time I checked the city wasn’t under a dictator or communist party. Most of us are very aware of the ethnic makeup of Miami, and the unfortunate way the Cuban culture/population there is usually portrayed by the media. Calling Miami, Cuba was obviously an attempt to put that city on a lower level than “Glamorous” Vegas.

I wasn’t offended by Mr. Bell’s comments but I was more than a little amused by Mr. Presiloski’s attempt to clean up the content.

Travis Poole
Chicago, Illinois




Homestead?! What a nowhere type of place with nothing to do! If it weren’t for the fact that I’ve driven through Homestead, I’d ask where the heck is it. But I have. That place is a 10+ hour drive from NORTH Florida. Add that time to driving from anywhere else in the country. Another issue is of lodging; is there any? Sure it was a while ago that I was there, but even 15 years couldn’t have turned a backwater town into a suitable host for a GP.

Tony Bell’s Cuba remark sure was a faux pas and took the wind right out of his sails. With a credibility buster like that, who cares what he thinks about Vegas? Vegas?! wow, give all the visitors to the US a dream resort destination! I think that alone would draw more visitors. Some good old fashioned sin to fill their leisure time: gambling, booze, and sex.

Chris Kelley
San Diego, California





I have to admit I cringed when I read the Cuba comment. I don’t buy the theory that it referred to Homestead as being remote. I don’t see how Miami could be considered remote. I think Mr. Presiloski uses a poor analogy in his letter. The desert does not invoke an image of people, where Cuba does. I don’t see the comparison.

Tony Bell seems to be a bit of a whiner and he even admitted that he didn’t check the layout of the Homestead track. I found it on the web in about 2 minutes and it doesn’t seem to me that they will need to use the banking, but of course I could be wrong. In the end, I don’t think he meant to offend anyone, but I don’t know how he could think he wouldn’t. It was a dumb comment to make. Period.

Justin Temme
Chicago, Illinois






I am sure I am at great risk of alienating myself with these comments but I think it’s time someone come to the rescue of Tony Bell and set some of the record straight with regard to some of his commentary in his recent letter to Roadracingworld.com.

Tony Bell is without question –NOT– a racist or a bigot. What Tony Bell is, without much argument, a fine, well intentioned, extremely knowledgeable, well respected member of the GP community. He is regarded as one of the finest GP125 tuners in the US, is well connected with numerous people in the international WGP community and above all husband to one of the finest 125GP riders (and former National Champion), Vicki Bell. He has extended his knowledge and advice to numerous riders who have pursued racing careers or Wild Card entries in Europe and has always done so without hesitation or concern for the time or effort required on his part. His advice, connections and expertise has proven an invaluable asset to many of these riders. Both American and Canadian.

Many of us the US who actively race and promote Grand Prix racing in the United States, including those of us like Tony who have worked diligently to create race series’ and events that continue to promote development of Grand Prix racing in the US, were shocked (and to some extent horrified) by the recent USGP announcement. The fact that two of the premiere classes are excluded from this event (at Homestead) raises additional questions as to the value of hosting a World Grand Prix event here in the US.

Don’t get me wrong, I would like nothing more than to see the US host a World GP event, however, what does it say about America and the state of racing in the US when promoters and DORNA both agree that excluding 2/3rds of the top riders in the world from an event is what is necessary to have a successful WGP event here in the US?

Many of us would have been far happier to see DORNA pursue an event and a venue (like the new FIM Specification track Skip Barber developed in Alabama for one) that would have been capable of hosting the entire WGP field, 125 and 250 included as well as met the FIM’s complex and detailed Circuit Standards.

As someone with some very specific knowledge of these circuit Standards I cannot for one second understand how Homestead meets most of these requirements without undergoing major renovations.

It seems even stranger that, in a US event, the two classes most represented by American Grand Prix racing have been so summarily dismissed by race organizers and DORNA.

The hopes of American Wild Card hopefuls were smashed that day, just when the level of riding and competition in America is poised to raise itself to a level where Wild Card entries are a reality for many American riders.

Am I disappointed in the decision reached by promoters and DORNA? Yes; but more so, I am ashamed that the AMA has not made this most obvious argument more of an issue with race promoters and DORNA when an event of this type has such a historic opportunity to benefit riders here in the US.

As a final word in defense of Tony Bell, I would hope that more people would spend more time trying to understand the intent of Tony’s comments and focus on the true issues with a Homestead GP than questioning the character of someone who has so selfishly worked to benefit riders and GP racing in general here in the US.

Best regards,

Jonathan Flack
Director, USGPRU 125 Road Racing Grand Prix National Championship
Seattle, Washington




Having another South American GP in Homestead would be great! Can’t wait to see what kind of deals on “Slightly used MotoGP” equipment will be available at the local pawn shops on Monday.

At least there is a tunnel under the track to get in and out of, unless it fills with water again.

Wouldn’t it be better to have a GP at a real racetrack?

John France
West Melbourne, Florida





Who cares what the hell he said. It is like Little Cuba down there. Is that so bad to say? Too many PC police in this world today.

Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t there a place in New York where there is a large concentration of Italians called Little Italy? I hope I’m not a racist for saying that. Is Miami close to Cuba? Last time I checked it was. About 90 or so miles. Is there a large concentration of Cubans in Miami? You people jumping on this man’s back make me laugh. To call him a bigot and a racist, from that comment, HAH! Mr. Bell, don’t sweat it.

Lance Sudano
Charleston, South Carolina





I have been waiting for several years for a US GP. I read Tony Bell’s statement with great interest. I myself took his meaning about having the GP in Cuba as to refer to its location. I really do not care if Mr. Bell is a racist or not. As far as I know, his right to be a racist (if he currently is one or wants to be one) is guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of the United States. Just like the people’s right to think that he is a racist.

Kevin Fegan
Franklin, Massachusetts




I have to say that the past posts regarding the USGP and especially the not-so-savvy racial remarks and feedback are quite amusing. However, I fail to see how everyone is missing the boat on DORNA and their decision making process for a USGP? Homestead, like others have mentioned, is too far removed from the normal motorcycle racing community. Sports Cars are the mainstay in Miami. IRL cannot even sell the place out. Last I checked the largest motorcycle dealer wasn’t from southern Florida. And Vegas is absolutely the most ridiculous track I have heard, besides Homestead, to hold a GP event. If anyone has ever checked into Lose Vegas and their inability to hold professional sports, you would agree that it is all about Boxing in the Big Casinos on the Strip and NASCAR one time a year. AMA, AMLS, IRL, you name the series, it equals very low attendance and do not return next year unless you want to Lose Money. Name me another professional team from Vegas in the NBA, NFL, NHL or Baseball. Nobody cares about sports in Vegas except the bookies, regardless of the amount of sin and glamour. They cannot even keep an Arena Football team or Double A Hockey franchise afloat in Vegas.

So my long-winded point is what ever happened to the only FIM sanctioned track in the US – Indianapolis Motor Speedway. What happened to Tony George and his negotiations with DORNA. If any place was more appropriate, it would be Indy! They would host every major racing series. The tight twisty infield would be more suited for bikes than cars. And the long straight would surely please all of the people who think a bike is best evaluated by top end speed, and drafting, need I say more! Plus there is a local favorite in Nicky Hayden and his whole family and friends that would alone would fill up the front straightway! Maybe I missed the post as to why Indy didn’t materialize, but if anyone can think of a reason this wouldn’t work, well, let them go back and respond to the so-called racist or PC remarks on the previous post!

Regards,

Alexander Martin
Galt, California

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from track designer Alan Wilson:

A comment on the reports about MotoGP and American circuits.

Ultimately the choice of where a GP goes is not a question of circuit but of the promoter. Hence only ISC circuits are being reviewed as part of the latest round of discussions because they are considered by Dorna to be the only credible promoters who can prove the financial and organizational ability and who have also made an effort to negotiate with them. Obviously any circuit chosen still has to meet FIM specifications but ISC have the resources if they chose to apply them to meet these specs.

Personally, I believe that Las Vegas could easily be brought up to and obviously Barber, already does, meet MotoGP standards but unless the promoters of these facilities chose to start negotiating with Dorna themselves there would be no hope of a GP ending at these tracks. No factors other than money and circuit specs apply. Distance, from Europe, market, etc., have no significant bearing on a decision.

Note on Vegas. Although the AMA used the banking, I specified a 40ft wide track at the base of the banking that can be used equally effectively. Response could then be from the outside of the lower course, with some temporary safety facilities added for the event. In most other respects Vegas already meets FIM standards.

Alan Wilson

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

More reader comments:

OK, it is obvious that Tony Bell is a bigot and a child crying because he did not get his cookie. I agree the comment was wrong but, come on “As a Cuban-American I was offended.” Give me a break, be a big boy. I was offended as a fellow racer that someone in Bell’s position would say something so stupid! He is an embarrassment to us all.

The comment just shows how immature Bell is and how he should never be a spokesman for anything. I was more offended when the AMA decided to get rid of the 250GP class than this stupid comment. The motorcycle community is killing itself and comments like Bell’s don’t help.

Craig Granados
Glendale California



I just read the complaints about the Cuba comment and then went and reread the ‘offending’ article, and have a comment to make.

I don’t see anything offensive in the comment. As far as I can tell Mr. Bell refers to Homestead as Cuba to emphasize its remoteness, there is nothing in the article to suggest otherwise. What I do find offensive is the personal assault on Mr. Bell labeling him as a racist with little foundation. I don’t see anything racist in the comment at all! It makes no negative stereotype against Cubans or Cuba, such vehement reactions are oversensitive political correctness.

If I said let’s have the GP in the middle of the desert, oops I mean Willow Springs is that racist against people who live in the desert! NOT! I think the respondees owe Mr Bell an apology, not the other way around.

Dennis Presiloski
Mountain View, California




In response to all the banter about a possible USGP return I have to agree with other readers on Mr. Bell’s final line comment. It was possibly meant in jest but best, in hindsight, left out. Too late now and just goes to show his character.

Mr. Wilson was much more accurate and direct to the point and anyone who has reviewed the FIM’s SRRC manual (Standards for Road Racing Circuits –
http://www.fim.ch/en/) knows that the track is only half of what needs to be in place at a facility to host a GP.

As a long-time hardcore motorcycle race fan I always believed that a GP in central or eastern United States would bring in a much larger attendance than Laguna Seca ever did. For us on the west coast (I am from B.C.) it was an attractive and easy trip, but a large number of registered (in one state) motorcycles does not always equate to race attendance. There are a some great road courses in the U.S. that are capable of holding a GP, provided that the facility owners and promoters are willing to invest in the long term, and a lot more race fans (Correct me if I am wrong but didn’t Loudon consistently pull 30-40,000 race day spectators to an AMA National).

And finally, I was saddened to read that ISC did not want to spend to improve Watkins Glen. As a road race fan I find that races at oval tracks are a temporary solution. Yes, Dorna and a US promoter need to look at the financial package, but let us not forget the esoteric part of racing and why we love it. A great race at a great facility will draw great support.

Andii Adamick
Events Coordinator
MotoEvents Inc.
British Columbia, Canada



Let me start out by saying awsome magazine. Now on to Mr. Bell and Mr. Garcia. Although I do not agree with Mr. Bell’s comments, this is America and he has every right to say what he feels. Which also gives Roadracing World the right to print his views. I am suprised that an educated person such as yourself, Mr. Garcia, do not recognize this. Just because they printed this does not mean they agree. You showed just as much bigotry by expressing your displeasure. If you would not be so bitter you would have noticed that they gave him a rope from which to swing.

James Beard
West Palm Beach, Florida



Tony Bell’s point re Las Vegas is valid and his position understandable…and he had me on his side right up to his final comment. I’d be interested in a little further explanation from him as to the relevancy of the Cuban issue.

Reg Kittrelle
Scotts Valley, California

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AHRMA’s 2003 Road Race Schedule, from a press release:

2/28 North Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings, FL

3/3-4 Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

3/29-30 Firebird Int’l Raceway, Chandler, AZ

4/19-20 Sandia Motorsports Park, Albuquerque, NM

4/26-27 Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, Pahrump, NV

6/7-8 Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

6/21-22 Grattan Raceway Park, Grattan, MI

7/19-20 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH

8/16-17 Putnam Park Road Course, Putnam Park, IN

9/13-14 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex, Wampum, PA

10/4-5 Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

Late October, TBA

From a press release issued by Yamaha on a slow news day:

PATRICK RACING YAMAHA WARRIOR WINS HOT ROD CRUISER DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

Sets Lowest ET and Fastest Top Speed

CYPRESS, Calif., November 12, 2002—Powered by an air-cooled, push rod engine producing over 150 horsepower, the Patrick Racing tuned Yamaha Road Star Warrior scalped the competition in the final round of the AMA Prostar Hot Rod Cruiser drag racing series.

Early qualifiers set the stage for the final when rider Mark Underwood ran a number one qualifying time of 9.75 seconds at 135.13 mph. In the final, the Warrior’s thunderous V-twin stormed across the line in first place, clinching the championship for team owner Nigel Patrick, and solidifying records for the lowest elapsed time (9.86 seconds) and highest top speed (133.51 mph).

Commenting on the victory Patrick said, “It has been a hard fought season and we are very proud to come away with a decisive win at this event.” According to Patrick, there is still more performance potential waiting to be unlocked from the Road Star Warrior. “We can’t wait to tap into it for next year.”

The Hot Rod Cruiser class continues to grow in popularity and participation with a 50% growth in entries over last year, according to Yamaha racing manager Keith McCarty.

He added, “This is an exciting class because these nearly street legal V-twin motorcycles put up some very impressive numbers. Patrick Racing’s championship win and the second place finish for Orient Express really says a lot about the Road Star Warrior’s performance potential.”

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI SIGN HOPKINS

Edenbridge, England – Wednesday, November 12.

Teenage American road racer John Hopkins will join the factory Suzuki GP team in 2003, after agreeing terms in Valencia at the final round of 2002. Hopkins completed his debut GP season at Valencia and is due to test the latest version of Suzuki’s GSV-R machine in Malaysia this week.

Hopkins (19) will be team-mate to 2000 World Champion and fellow-Californian Kenny Roberts Jr. to make an all-American rider line-up for the factory Suzuki team. Hopkins takes the place of Sete Gibernau, racing the 990cc V4 Suzuki GSV-R

“I am really pleased to have a full factory contract in only my second year of GP racing,” said Hopkins, who rapidly shot to prominence in the USA, racing a Suzuki GSX-R750 to AMA Supersport success in 2000, then switched to the Suzuki GSX-R1000 to add the Formula Xtreme title to his fast-growing portfolio at the age of 18 in 2001.

“It’s been my dream to be a full factory rider – and it all seems to have happened so fast,” said Hopkins, who first raced motocross at the age of five, but has only been full-time road-racing for four years.

“I want to thank Suzuki for their faith in me. I’ve had a lot of success with Suzuki in the past, and I know this team gives me the potential to get to the top,” continued Hopkins.

Team manager Garry Taylor echoed his optimism. “We see in John a rider with a very bright future. His first rookie year was very impressive, and there is clearly more to come.

“Suzuki has a history of looking for young riders like John – we picked up both Barry Sheene and Kevin Schwantz at early stages of their careers, and both went on to win many races and three World Championships with the factory Suzuki team.

“John gives off much the same sort of energy as the young Kevin – obviously very talented, but also very determined to reach the top,” concluded Taylor.

Hopkins was born in Ramona in southern California, but counts himself as more than just part British. His parents were both from Acton in West London, emigrating shortly before John was born on May 22, 1983.

His father was a keen motorcyclist and former road racer, including at the Isle of Man TT. When John was barely walking, he was getting lifts on the tank of his father’s machines. He grew up riding dirt bikes in the desert every weekend, and first raced at the age of five, in a motocross event.

Hopkins lost his father at the age of 12. By then, Hopkins Senior had already introduced his son to road racing, and John became fascinated with the sport in his early teens. However, frustrated by a string of mechanical problems, he had returned to motocross when US talent scout John Ulrich invited him to test a Suzuki GSX-R600 racer, and signed him up for 1999. Ulrich also originally discovered Kevin Schwantz for Suzuki.

From that point Hopkins was on an express train, winning a championship in each of his three full seasons as he moved to bigger and bigger machines. In 1999, he won the Aprilia RS250 Cup, in 2000 the national AMA 750 Supersport Championship, and in 2001 the AMA Formula Xtreme title, on the big Suzuki GSX-R1000.

In 2002, Hopkins moved straight to the premier class of World Championship GP racing, racing a two-stroke in a learning season up against the new 990cc MotoGP prototype four-strokes. He made an impression from the start, not only consistently finishing in the points – but also showing great determination. In his first race, in treacherous wet conditions, he finished in the points in spite of falling off twice, and stopping to fit new bodywork. He repeated the feat of remounting to score points in Rio, and almost once more at Phillip Island in Australia, where he finished 16th.

From a press release issued by AMA:

AMA ANNOUNCES 2003 AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2003 will be held July 18 – 20 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The AMA also has announced that Harley-Davidson will be the Featured Marque at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2003. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the event will feature an exhibit of classic motorcycles and memorabilia. Motorcycles previously honored with this distinction include BSA, Honda, Norton, Penton, Vincent, Indian and, most recently, Spanish motorcycles.

The first annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event was held in 1992; a companion event, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days West, was held from 1997 through 2002.

The AMA will announce more details about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2003, including the name of the event’s Grand Marshal, in the coming months.

Spectator tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2003 are available from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course at 1-800-MID-OHIO or www.midohio.com. For more information, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.