From a press release:

TORONTO, ON – North America’s top Amateur motorcycle racers will get their moment to shine when the Auto Trader and Pro Cycle sponsored Can-Am 125GP Challenge event from Shubenacadie, NS’s Atlantic Motorsport Park makes its debut on The Sports Network (TSN) later this month.

The half-hour program, featuring the fourth round of the Diablo Paintball Can-Am 125GP Challenge Series, will air on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

The show will repeat on Friday, Nov. 29 at 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4:00 a.m.

The event was also supported by Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Honda Canada, Suzuki Canada and Yamaha Motor Canada. TSN acted as a presenting sponsor.

The 125 Grand Prix category has been a popular training ground for motorcycle racers around the world and the Diablo Paintball Can-Am 125GP Challenge Series was established to give up-and-coming North American racers a venue to display their talents.

Calgary’s Chris Peris, winner of three of the six series rounds in 2002, recently made his 125 Grand Prix World Championship debut in Valencia, Spain.

“The Diablo Paintball Can-Am 125GP Challenge Series provided exciting racing all year,” said series organizer John Bickle. “This race on TSN will give viewers a real feel for the drama of this class.”

The Atlantic Motorsport Park race attracted a field of 31 riders from Canada, the United States and Bermuda and featured a purse of just over $6,000.

The race was sanctioned by the sport’s international governing body, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) through its Canadian arm, the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) and the North American Motorcycle Union (NAMU).

“The event came off just as we had hoped,” said race promoter Martin Singleton. “The aim was to bring a fresh and competitive racing class to our fans and I’m sure TV viewers across Canada will enjoy the action.”

Television coverage of the 125 Grand Prix event was handled by Toronto’s Professional Motorsports Productions, the same company that organizes and televises the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

“We were happy to do our part to assist in the development of Canada’s future racing stars,” said PMP’s Colin Fraser. “John Bickle and his staff did an outstanding job with the Diablo Paintball Can-Am 125GP Challenge this year and Martin Singleton should be commended for organizing a first class event at AMP.”

TSN provided coverage of each round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in 2002.

“TSN is proud to present this exciting brand of Canadian motorsport,” said Stewart Johnston, director of programming, TSN. “The Can-Am 125 Grand Prix Series provides sensational action and will undoubtedly be a hit with our viewers.”

From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

One step back, two steps forward

HM Plant Ducati’s new signing Chris Walker has had a further operation on his injured left leg and ankle. The Nottingham-based rider had been convalescing after a Supermoto accident at Mettet in Belgium last month when he was advised by his doctor to go under the surgeon’s knife for a second time.

“When I had the crash, the medical team in Belgium suggested that I should have what was a relatively simple operation so that I could travel home in relative comfort,” said Walker. “They pinned my ankle and inserted a plate with two screws into my leg. It felt comfortable, but I decided to see my regular doctor for a second opinion when I returned home.

“Unfortunately, the screws had come slightly adrift and he recommended that the best thing to do would be to have a stronger plate fitted. That operation has been carried out now and the restriction on my ankle won’t be too severe.”

Walker will be making his debut on the HM Plant Ducati at a pre-season test in Valencia on 7-9 December. Then, he will return to hospital to have one of the screws removed, so that he can begin his personal training regime in time to continue the test programme and focus on the first round of the 2003 Superbike World Championship at Valencia in March.

“I have met with Chris and am sure that this was the best course of action to take under the circumstances,” said HM Plant Ducati Team Manager Colin Wright. “While we are concerned about his fitness in the short term, it is more important to adopt a mid to long-term view. So, rather than being a setback, I would prefer to look positively on the situation and ensure that he is well on the road to a full recovery. In this case, it is better to take one step back before taking two steps forward.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.


I am writing this in response to a letter written by a Mr. Tony Bell and posted on the Roadracing World magazine web site on 11 November 2002. I realize space is money in your publication, so I would be extremely grateful if you could please publish this response. Or better, please post it on your web site. I think this letter is relevant to the work you do at Roadracing World, be because I see your publication as one that embraces the culture of motorcycling racing.

I am a subscriber to your magazine and I am always impressed by the content of your publication. It is the only magazine I know of that consistently documents the multicultural and multiethnic character of the motorcycle racing community. More significantly, you also emphasize the presence and importance of women motorcycle racers. I am appalled by the last line in Mr. Bell’s letter: “but until then I think it looks like we will have to travel down to Cuba, oh sorry, I mean Homestead.” I realize the posting is a letter written by an individual and does not reflect the views of Roadracing World, but I am disappointed and very surprised that you would post a letter which blatantly insults a large community that has a large number of road racers. I am writing this letter because I feel strongly that comments like Mr. Bell’s contributes significantly to the proliferation of bigotry, and someone needs to bring attention to the issue.

I am a first generation Cuban American and I have been hearing those kinds of comments for my entire life, and I have no tolerance for that crap. Yes, there has been a strong Cuban AMERICAN community in South Florida since the early 1960s, and that led to the development of South Florida as a culturally diverse community. Cuban Americans are extremely proud citizens of this country, and just as American as Mr. Bell. (As Americans we should be embarrassed for one of us to have to write words like that last sentence that in year 2002). If Mr. Bell wants to know why Homestead is presently the favored site to host the USGP, the reasons have been clearly explained by Mick Doohan and Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Please feel free to print this if you want: I was born in Miami in 1965 and lived there until I was 17. I live in California now because I am a geologist, I love riding motorcycles, and I love surfing. California is a much better place than South Florida to practice these disciplines.

Antonio F. Garcia
Cal Poly State University
Physics Department
San Luis Obispo, California



I thought Tony Bell stated his case quite well and I was quite impressed, right up until his last statement: “Cuba, oh sorry, I mean Homestead.”

Where did that come from?

I’m not Cuban, but I do live in Miami and, I enjoy the diversity of culture here.

Mr Bell, as motorcycle racers we deal with enough bigotry on a day-to-day basis as it is, I can’t help that you’re a racist, and I don’t care, but out of respect for the rest of us, please keep your views to yourself.

Joe Delaney
Miami Beach



(Editor’s note: Tony Bell is a naturalized American citizen of English origin.)

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Reports of Dorna Sports, (rights holder to the FIM-sanctioned MotoGP World Championship series), and International Speedway Corporation (ISC), (owner of several American racetracks including Daytona International Speedway), working together to bring a round of the MotoGP series to Homestead-Miami Speedway as soon as 2004 broke during the final round of the 2002 MotoGP series, November 1-3 at Valencia in Spain.

In an interview with Roadracingworld.com November 5, ISC Corporate Communications Director David Tallie confirmed that the reports were basically true.

To get more on the story, Roadracingworld.com contacted Dorna Sports’ office in Spain via e-mail, sending a list of questions for Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. The following is the response, sent via e-mail, from Dorna Sports Communications Director Paco Latorre:

“We have gone through your long questionaire with Dorna Sports’ CEO Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta and the statement that can be made at this stage is no further from what was explained [to reporters], during the recent Grand Prix in Valencia.

“As Mr. Ezpeleta said in that interview, there are conversations with Homestead with the possibility that this racetrack may stage a round of MotoGP in the near future, but there is nothing definitive, so most of your questions cannot be answered yet.

“Dorna (through Carmelo Ezpeleta) and ISC (through Jim France) have been having talks since the start of the summer, as it has happened with other promoters and circuit owners in the USA for the past few years. It is no secret that one of Dorna’s intentions is to have a GP in America, always thinking of somewhere that can host a successful event, especially from the spectators’ attendance point of view, and also that the circuit matches all safety issues by the FIM standards for MotoGP races.

“Different options have been studied in the past, and are still being studied. Today the best option seems to be Homestead, but until an agreement is signed, other doors must be kept open. In any case, there’s still many conversations, inspections, and discussions to be carried on in the next few months before any final announcement can be made.

“The fact that there are many more Americans in the MotoGP series is definitely a factor in deciding to take MotoGP to America because it has the momentum to be more popular. However, even when they were less American riders involved, Dorna wanted to have a USGP.

“The statement about Dorna’s thoughts on the GP series returning to America after a long absence (the last time was in Laguna Seca in 1994) is that we would be thrilled about the possibility for this return, but only if the proper conditions are fulfilled. There are two key matters: First the security of the racetrack for the riders, and second a good promotion of the event and a good crowd attendance. Considering these facts, it will be very important for MotoGP to be in the USA, as it is a key market in the world of sport.”

Paco Latorre
Communications Director
Dorna Sports

From a press release issued by The PR Group on behalf of Keith Code:

Keith Code Rolls Out First Ever Wheelie School

The world’s top motorcycle riding instructor, Keith Code, says “doing wheelies ranks high on the list of the most frivolous and decadent things in the history of Mankind!

“I look at it from the perspective of skill and control,” says Code. “It just happens to be one of the skills every top rider I have ever worked with has perfected.”

Riders have more confidence in themselves when they know they can handle the motorcycle, especially in extreme circumstances and a wheelie is an extreme circumstance. “The Wheelie School, appropriately named On One Wheel, will reduce fear… which is the best part,” says Code.

The highlight of the school will be Code’s newest invention, the Wheelie Training Bike which has two ANTI FLIP-OVER mechanisms: One kills the power and the other applies the rear brake. “Your eyes will pop out of your head when it goes up–but flipping it won’t be easy,” says Code.

The first Wheelie Schools will begin November 18th at the Irwindale Raceway, Irwindale, California (20 minutes from downtown LA). The school will hold a maximum of 8 students per school-day session. All students are guaranteed to wheelie and will have the opportunity for dozens of runs.

Along with the rest of his motorcycle training devices —the Brake Rig, the Onboard Camera Bike, the No B.S. Bike, the Braking Trainer and the Lean/Slide Machine –the Wheelie Bike will give students a whole new level of control over their riding.


ABOUT KEITH CODE

Keith Code is founder of the the legendary California Superbike School, a travelling motorcycle academy that teaches state-of-the-art riding and safety techniques to cyclists in all skill categories – from national champion racers to weekend pleasure riders.

More than 75,000 motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels have learned and practiced the fundamentals of motorcycle control for both the highway and the racetrack from Code’s school.

He is the author of the books “A Twist of the Wrist” and “The Soft Science of Road Racing Motorcycles. Website: www.superbikeschool.com

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in, via e-mail from Kenny Abbott of F-USA:

Subject: AMA Pro Thunder & Formula USA Thunderbike Pro Classes

Pro Thunder Alternative: With all of the disappointment from the Pro Thunder’s move or elimination from the AMA program, remember that the Championship Cup Series has always maintained a class for single, twins, and triples called “Sportsman”, which was also added to the Formula USA National Road Race Series in 2001 and renamed “Thunderbike”. The “Thunderbike” class has shown great competition between Buell Lightnings, Suzuki SV650s, Ducati 750s, Triumph triples and everything else that fits into the class. The benefit of the “Thunderbike” and/or “Sportsman” class for the smaller displaced machines is that they don’t have to worry about the Ducati 748 or other overpowering twins or triples. This class is designed to reduce the cost of racing for twin racers and eliminate the exotic money monsters that the Pro Thunder class has produced, without losing the competitive edge of limited modification singles, twins, and triples piloted by regional or national level privateers. Bryan Bemisderfer won the 2001 National Thunderbike Championship over Jeff Johnson, who won in 2002 on a Buell Lighning.

The “Thunderbike” class also pays a purse at the Formula USA National Road Race Series events of $5,000. It may increase for 2003 depending on sponsorship agreements, however contingencies are also available, and the “Thunderbike” class is featured in the Sunday feature race program alongside the Pro Honda Oils Sportbike event (which does include the Ducati 748 and pays a $10,000 purse), the Buell Lightning Series ($10,000 purse in 2002), and Unlimited Grand Prix ($5,000 purse in 2003).


2002 & 2003 Proposed Thunderbike Rules…
6.5 THUNDERBIKE – Thunderbike machines, except single cylinder machines, are based upon production models, sold by manufacturers and their dealers in North America for street use. Proof of compliance rests with the competitor entering the motorcycle. Single cylinder machines are exempt from production and street use requirements. Single cylinder 2 stroke GP road race machines are not allowed in this class. All machines must have unaltered VIN numbers. NOTE: Ducati 748 Series machines are excluded from this class.
6.5.1 Production machines not sold by manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels may be approved on an individual basis. NRRS will maintain a list of non-standard approved models and that list will be available at each event from the Race Director/Referee.
6.5.2. All machines must meet the equipment standards of Section 5, as well as the following:
A. Frame, cylinder head(s) and engine cases must be from the same production model motorcycle. Single cylinder motorcycles may use any frame and engine.
B. The frame must be as originally supplied by the manufacturer on the approved model. Strengthening gussets or tubes may be added. Only brackets or tubes not supporting suspension, engine, or drive line components may be removed. Swing arms may be modified or replaced and rear shocks may be replaced or relocated. Single cylinder motorcycles are excluded from this restriction.
C. Reducing engine size of machines from stock displacement to meet Thunder class displacement limits is not allowed.
D. Fairings that meet the requirements of Section 5 may be used.
E. Liquid cooling is not allowed unless original equipment on the model being used.
F. Original type of induction system must be retained. If a machine originally was sold with fuel injection, then it must remain fuel injected. If the machine originally came with carburetors, then it must use carburetors, however they need not be the original type or size.
6.5.3- CCS Thunderbike Class displacement limits are absolute and are set as follows:

THUNDERBIKE (Amateur and Expert)
Single cylinder, Unlimited displacement
Two stroke, Unlimited displacement
Twin cylinder, air cooled, Unlimited displacement
Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 3 or less valves per cylinder, Unlimited displacement
Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valve per cylinder, non-desmodromic valves, up to 800cc
Three cylinder, non-fuel injected, up to 1200cc
Four cylinder, air-cooled, up to 1200cc
Four cylinder, liquid cooled, 1990 to 1992 model year, up to 650cc
Four cylinder, liquid cooled (oil or water), pre-1990 model year, up to 860cc
All air-cooled, 2-valve, unlimited displacement

For information & coming events visit:
www.FormulaUSA.com
www.CCSracing.com

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in, from Tony Bell:

I would like to comment on the suggestion that Homestead is the best option for a USGP. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe all the venues looked at by Dorna and its representatives are ISC (NASCAR) racetracks and first let me immediately point out that I am a NASCAR fan.

In 1997 I approached Dorna through MotoGP commentator Denis Noyes to see if it was possible to host a USGP at the Las Vegas Motorspeedway. Although not a full road race circuit the venue would be very attractive as Las Vegas is a destination resort city with more than adequate accommodation and the weather is almost guaranteed to be good. From a long-term perspective it was a good investment as the venue has easy access to the track from the freeway and additional “GP Week” events could be planned in conjunction with the race for non-sportbike riders similar to those at Daytona, i.e “bikes, boobs and fun in the sun.” All of these attributes would almost assure a crowd big enough to meet Dorna’s financial needs and still leave the promoter a chance of making profit. Also all of the Japanese manufacturers involved in GP have their American headquarters only a four-hour drive away which would provide an excellent staging area for the first date on the GP calendar or the last event of the year.

Dorna informed me that the speedway would not be suitable as GP venue because in the event of a crash on the oval there would only be access to downed riders or crashed bikes from one side of the track and that was not acceptable to Dorna or the FIM. I have not seen the layout for the track at Homestead but I am certain part of the oval would have to be used. If that is the case the criteria used to suggest Las Vegas would not be suitable must have changed completely. Perhaps Roadracing World could find out if this is the case.

Also I believe there was comment from some parties involved that Homestead is convenient because it was just a few hours from Europe. Surely “fly away” events as MotoGP call them must rely on the population of the host country for its attending spectators, so I am at a loss to see how the proximity of Europe has a bearing on the eligibility or suitability of the event. It is like saying Korea is close to Japan so it makes sense to have a GP there. If an oval track with an infield layout is suitable to Dorna and the FIM, Las Vegas is a far more suitable than Cal Speedway or even Daytona plus the venue is nothing short of fantastic for all the aforementioned non-racetrack activities. I don’t think Homestead comes close.

In a perfect world an ideal venue for a USGP would be a purpose built track with the same characteristics and topography as Philip Island, located next to a large area of water with no wind and 70-degree weather, but until then I think it looks like we will have to travel down to Cuba, oh sorry, I mean Homestead.

From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Two Weeks Left in Thanksgiving Food Drive at Infineon Raceway

TRADE FOOD FOR AMA SUPERBIKE RACE TICKETS

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – The clock is ticking as Infineon Raceway is fast approaching the deadline for its 2nd annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

The public has two weeks left to help those in need while helping themselves to race tickets for the AMA Supercuts Superbike Challenge, presented by Honda of Milpitas, May 2-4. Those who donate three or more non-perishable food items by Monday, Nov. 25, will be rewarded with a free ticket to AMA qualifying on Friday, May 2. To receive your ticket voucher, simply present a photo ID with your non-perishable food items at Infineon Raceway. Only two tickets are allowed per family. Those who donate food at any of the satellite locations listed below, or by mail, will receive their ticket vouchers by mail.

The public is encouraged to bring food items to the raceway during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) through Nov. 25. Items can be dropped in bins located in the main office. Those who cannot make the trip to Infineon Raceway still have a chance to participate in the food drive. Satellite food drop-off locations are located at:

· The Destination RKA store in Healdsburg at 1423A Grove St. RKA is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For directions, please call (707) 433-3727.
· Froggy 92.9 FM and The Fox 101.7 FM, located at 1410 Neotomas Ave., Suite #200 in Santa Rosa.
· In the Bay Area at select Cycle Gear locations, including Cycle Gear stores in Pleasanton (5755 Johnson Dr., (925) 251-1110), San Francisco (2nd & Townsend, (415) 546-0212), Hayward (22249 Mission Blvd., (510) 888-9100) and Concord (2350 Monument Blvd. (925) 680-8018).
· Nine Mary’s Pizza Shack locations in Sonoma County. Please visit www.maryspizza.com for restaurant locations.

Food items can also be sent by mail to: Diana Rose, Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 and 121, Sonoma, CA, 95476.

Infineon Raceway has partnered with Froggy 92.9 FM, The Fox 101.7 FM, Cycle Gear, Destination RKA and Friends In Sonoma Helping (FISH) in this community project designed to help feed the needy in Sonoma County. Infineon Raceway was able to donate more than 1,000 pounds of food in 2001 thanks to generous donations, and the goal is to eclipse that record this year. FISH works to provide emergency and temporary assistance to Sonoma Valley residents experiencing times of need. Each year, FISH supplies 1,853 households with three days of groceries, and calls for assistance continue to come in at a rate of more than 12 calls per day.

For more information, please contact Diana Rose at (707) 938-8448 ext. 118 or by e-mail at [email protected]

From a press release issued by BMW:

BMW Motorcycles BoxerCup Race Series Coming to Daytona USA in 2003

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 8, 2002 … After four successful years in Europe, BMW is proud to announce the arrival of the BoxerCup race series to America. BMW motorcycle fans will now be able to hear the familiar four-stroke sound of the flat-twin Boxers on their home turf. The inaugural BMW Motorcycles BoxerCup race will take place at Daytona USA International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida concluding the week-long festivities of Daytona Bike Week. The American Motorcycle Association will host the BoxerCup race, which is run on production R 1100 S models with minimal modifications, on March 9, 2003 prior to the Daytona 200 by Arai.

The BMW Motorcycles BoxerCup is a motorcycle road racing series offering substantial prize money and is currently an established feature of the international motorcycle racing scene with the MotoGP Motorcycle World Championships, British National Superbike and endurance races. Since the series inception, spectator attendance has grown to nearly 100,000 per race event.

Originally, the BoxerCup series was conducted on a national level in France and Belgium. In 2001, it was then expanded to an international scale throughout Europe. Now in 2002, the races are characterized by participants with extremely high levels of riding skills from all corners of the globe.

Nine races are planned for Europe in 2003, five of which will be held as part of the MotoGP Motorcycle World Championship race series. The dates have not yet been set, but the locations are definite. The first race is scheduled in Daytona Beach, Florida in early March with the remaining races to be held in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

Former champion and racing legend, Randy Mamola will again function as official ambassador and spokesperson for the 2003 International BoxerCup Series. For the BMW BoxerCup enthusiast, BMW Motorcycles will offer two new versions of the R 1100 S for the American public. The 2003 R 1100 S BoxerCup Replika ($13,490 MSRP) will have unique trim and equipment to celebrate the arrival of the BoxerCup race series to the U.S. A special graphics package, which mimics the BoxerCup racebike as ridden by Randy Mamola, will grace the Pacific Blue and Alpine White paint scheme. Clear turn signal lenses replace the amber turn signal lenses found in the R 1100 S. Additionally, a pair of carbon-fiber cylinder head covers and a lower engine spoiler distinguishes this S as one of only 200 units that will be produced for the U.S. market. Those who wish to own the basis for a track-ready racebike should opt for the strictly-business R 1100 S BoxerCup Prep. Like the Replika model, this lightweight version of the R 1100 S does not include ABS and features a high-output alternator, sport suspension and 5-1/2 inch rear wheel. The BoxerCup Prep is available in two color schemes-Titan Silver Metallic or Titan Grey/Mandarin Metallic two-tone (which includes Mandarin-colored wheels). The Prep version will be offered for $11,990 MSRP.


BMW Group In America

BMW of North America has been present in the United States since 1975. Since then, the BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations for the BMW and MINI brands; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.

The BMW Group is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW car, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, 148 BMW Motorcycle retailers and 69 MINI car dealers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group’s headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.