From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

HRC winter test Valencia, December 2, 2002.

Changeable Weather Conditions for HRC RC211V Test at Valencia

The first day of the two-day HRC winter test at Jerez got underway in less than ideal conditions at the 4.005km Ricardo Tormo Circuit, close to Valencia. The test, the first of two scheduled for Spain this month, was scheduled to evaluate recent development work on the Honda RC211V five-cylinder 990cc four-stroke machine, which ran away with the 2002 MotoGP World Championship.

Japanese MotoGP stars Tohru Ukawa and Daijiro Kato were joined at the tight and demanding track by American Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden, who was riding at a European circuit for the first time. Lap times became irrelevant as track conditions prevented direct comparisons with the lap times set by RC211V riders at the grand prix.

What hampered the riders today was a less-than-ideal track surface. Formula One teams held both wet and dry tests at Valencia last week, the cars coating the corners in rubber in less than ideal places. All three riders commented that the track was very slick in the morning, but became progressively more adhesive.

Hayden was impressive on his first outing considering the conditions, and that he hadn’t ridden at the track or on this motorcycle. Hayden had tested the Honda RC211V twice previously, once at Motegi and last week in cold, wet, and windy conditions at Suzuka, Japan. Both times he rode test motorcycles. The technical specifications of the RC211V he tested today closely match the set-up HRC riders raced with at the recent grand prix.

Hayden, who completed 80 laps today, said. “It’s quite a bit different than Motegi and Suzuka. We tested a couple of tyres, a little bit of suspension stuff, a little bit of offsets, shock specs. HRC have a bit of a plan. They had a couple of different engine parts to test.

“It’s pretty good for the first day on a new track with a new bike. I’m making up time just everywhere. There’s not just one spot. I like the wicked left-hander in the back. The traction control is new for me. I used it pretty much all day. It just mellows it out,” concluded Hayden.

While Hayden was getting used to a new track and new bike, Ukawa was comparing modifications made since the last race of the 2002 season, Valencia in early November.

“Basically we tried some suspension settings, and gearbox settings,” Ukawa said. “On some parts of the track it was better, on some parts it was worse. It was a little bit of an improvement, but my lap times were a little bit slow.”

Daijiro Kato, testing suspension, chassis and engine parts on his Gresini Honda RC211V, had much the same experience. “The conditions are not perfect,” Kato, who also hadn’t ridden since the end of the season, said. “Normally this track, is very slippery on the first day. Not so happy, not so angry.”

The test continues on Tuesday with the teams moving south next Monday for a three-day test at the Jerez Circuit, where they will be joined by MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Rumi Honda is considering racing a Honda CBR954RR in the 2003 World Superbike Championship. That’s the word from Roadracingworld.com’s European correspondent Glenn LeSanto.

Team owner Oscar Rumi has had discussions with Brit Mark Heckles to return to the team to ride a 954 next season, reports LeSanto. Heckles campaigned a Honda RC51 for Rumi Honda in 2002.

With only two true factory teams committed to the 2003 World Superbike Series(Infostrada Ducati and Foggy Petronas), private teams see this as a big opportunity to score podium finishes in races and to finish well in the Championship, results which could be parlayed into more support from sponsors.

According to LeSanto, Heckles describes the situation as “back to the future” because World Superbike started as being private-team-based, not factory-based.

From a press release issued by Aprilia Racing Press Information:

Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)

Private Tests

2/3/4 December 2002

Monday 2 Dec 02

Second session of winter tests at Jerez for the RS Cube

The Aprilia RS Cube from the Racing Department of Noale has been through its second session of winter tests, again at Jerez de la Frontera. Out on the track today were Colin Edwards and Marcellino Lucchi, with Noriyuki Haga not taking part in this session as yesterday he was celebrating his wedding in Japan – he will be back on the saddle of the three-cylinder from Noale in mid December. Since the track was not in perfect condition – damp until mid-day and made slippery by traces of oil left by recent motor-racing tests, the riders first went out onto the circuit only in the early hours of the afternoon. Even so, works rider Colin Edwards, for the first time out on the test track in conditions that were close to ideal, and Aprilia test rider Marcellino Lucchi managed to complete today’s work schedule. A whole series of other tests are slated to be carried out on the team bikes over the coming days.

After his initial sorties to fine tune power delivery the way Edwards needs it, the Texan rider then turned his attention to the set-up of the bike, completing a number of laps in less than 1:46 and making the best afternoon time of 1:45.1.

The programme also included tyre tests, with Michelin race tyres being subjected to distance testing of about 20 laps: Colin again made lap times very similar to those of all the laps in the session. Marcellino Lucchi went for a harmless slide, without causing any damage either to himself or to his bike. Marcellino’s schedule included engine and set-up tests on the RS Cube from the Racing Department of Noale.

Testing will carry on until Wednesday.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

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Photos courtesy Michelin Sport.

Team USA’s Jimmie Johnson, Colin Edwards and Jeff Gordon won the fourth Michelin Race of Champions Nations’ Cup at the Circuit Ciudad Deportiva Islas Canaries in Telde, Gran Canaria (of the Canary Islands) Saturday, November 30. Team USA beat out Team Italy’s Marco Melandri (FIM 250cc Grand Prix Champion), Fabrizio Giovanardi (2002 European Touring Car Champion) and Renato Travaglia in the final round, three heats to two.

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Having raced at the Michelin ROC in years past, Edwards drew on his experience to win both of his final heats, Gordon beat Giovanardi head-to-head, and Johnson came second to Travaglia by a small margin in the final round to earn Team USA the Nations’ Cup.

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A field of 36 drivers (including 16 current or former World Champions) of auto “circuit” racing, auto rally/off-road racing and motorcycle racing from nine different countries faced off, head-to-head, in Peugeot 206s, SEAT Cordobas, Mitsubishi Evo VIs and Honda CBR1100XX-powered buggies on parallel 1.6-mile asphalt/gravel courses.

Colin Edwards replaced original Team USA selection Travis Pastrana.

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In addition to Edwards and Melandri, other motorcycle road racers in the Michelin Race of Champions included Britain’s James Haydon (Foggy Petronas Racing, World Superbike), Spain’s Carlos Checa (Fortuna Yamaha, MotoGP) and Brazil’s Alex Barros (Galouises Tech 3 Yamaha, MotoGP).

2002 CART Champion Cristiano da Matta (Brazil) and fellow CART racers Dario Franchetti (Britain) and Kenny Brack (Sweden) also participated in the event.

2002 World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm (Finland) won the Michelin Champion of Champions contest, to determine the fastest individual driver, on Sunday, December 1.

From a press release:

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2003

January 3 – 5, 2003

Toronto International Centre

SUPERSHOW 2003. ‘EVERYTHING IN MOTORCYCLING’

TORONTO, ONTARIO – The motorcycling season may be months away, but avid enthusiasts are counting the days to the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, the traditional season opener. Running January 3rd to 5th at the Toronto International Centre, this 27 year tradition ranks as the largest, most diversified, motorcycle consumer show not only in Toronto but in all of North America.

With more than 400 exhibitors and 1,000 motorcycles on display, the SUPERSHOW has firmly established itself as the pinnacle of North American Motorcycle Shows. More than 60,000 people will head for the SUPERSHOW to shop and explore everything that’s new in motorcycling.

For consumers on the hunt for a new motorcycle, the first stop should be the Dealer new bike displays. New for 2003, motorcycle consumers will have the opportunity to buy right off the show floor. Be it a new 2003 model, non-current or used motorcycle, buyers will find an array of makes and models to choose from.

A true shopping extravaganza, the SUPERSHOW hosts hundreds of exhibits showing the latest in aftermarket parts and accessories, motorcycle rider apparel, performance equipment, custom painters, plating shops, custom bike builders, and leather fashion designers.

Race fans will not only have the opportunity to see the latest in racing machines but will also be able to meet the Joe Rocket Racing Team riders, current Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke, multi-time Canadian Champion Steve Crevier and former Canadian Champions Michael Taylor and Francis Martin at the ‘Joe Rocket Racer Stage’. As the ‘Stars’ of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship sign hero cards and posters for fans, Daytona Track Announcer, Pat Gonsalves will be on hand interviewing the champions and other racers during all three days of the show at the ‘Joe Rocket Racer Stage’.

Set in an atmosphere of fun and excitement, the SUPERSHOW has an assortment of entertainment lined up. Motorcycle enthusiasts can take a break from cruising the 300,000 square foot show by taking in the live bands or seeing the latest in motorcycle fashions presented by ‘On the Fringe Custom Leathers’. And for those looking for something completely different they won’t want to miss the new cooking stage in the Harley-Davidson Dealer display that will be featuring outrageous celebrity chef ‘Biker Billy’ who will be ‘cooking with fire’.

The largest display of show bikes ever assembled at the SUPERSHOW will be competing for the Mid-USA Show Bike Awards and the Super Cash Awards for Designer class bikes totaling over $25,000 in cash and awards. A top product prize valued at $1,000 from Excel Components has been added for 2003. Over $10 million worth of racing, vintage, custom & touring motorcycles will be on hand for this competition.

Visitors will have the opportunity to speak to fellow motorcyclists and have a chance to plan their spring rides by visiting the clubs, associations and charities who will be displaying at the show. The motorcycle community will be represented by more than 50 of these organizations who are committed to safe riding and helping their local communities through charity rides.

This year’s official show charities include The Ride for Sight that has raised more than $11 million nationally for the fight against blindness and The B.A.D. Ride – Bikers Against Despair which are the largest annual fundraiser for the Distress Centres of Toronto. The Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum will be kicking off its RoadShow season with a new line up of rare and collectible bikes acquired for the museum. While taking a walk in history, consumers will have a chance to meet authors Max Burns and former Gran Prix Racer Michelle Duff who will be conducting book signings in the Museum display.

For those who are just about to endeavor into the passion of motorcycling, there will be a host of rider training programs on display including Humber College who will educate new riders on their training programs and explain the licensing system.

True to its commitment to the motorcycling community, the SUPERSHOW will host the 24th annual Motorcycle Awards of Excellence on Saturday, January 4th at 3:00 p.m. The MAX Awards are presented in over 45 categories including Canadian Racing Champions, Rider Achievement and Media and Sponsorship. The awards are presented to select ‘Ambassadors’ of Motorcycling for their achievements throughout the year.

The North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is the flagship show in a series of motorcycle events produced over the last twenty-seven years by Bar Hodgson Productions Inc.

Show dates: Friday, January 3rd through Sunday, January 5th, 2003

Location: Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road

Hours:
Friday, January 3, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 4, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 5, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission: Adults – $12.00, Youths (6-12) – $5.00, Children 5 years and under – Free

Tickets: Advance adult admission tickets available through ticketmaster.

Parking: Free parking for over 7,000 vehicles

GENERAL INFORMATION: 905-655-5403 or www.supershowevents.com

From a press release issued by Yamaha Belgarda:

CASOLI BACK HOME. MAYBE ON A BIKE IN TWO MONTHS!
Here is the news everybody has been waiting for: Paolo Casoli is recovering well and may be back onboard the YZF-R6 Yamaha within two months.

GASOLIO RETURNS
Last Monday, as expected, Paolo left Valencia hospital, where he had been thirteen days suffering from a cranial trauma, and flew back to Italy. He went straight to the Clinica Villa Serena – the same clinic which has looked after Mick Doohan and many other racers – for specialist treatment and rehabilitation which is scheduled to last two weeks.

After December 8th, he will be able to start training again and by the middle of January he should be back to full fitness. He will undergo tests to make sure everything is OK, before being given the go-ahead to get back on a bike.

DANGER PAST
The worst is now over. And now, two weeks after the accident, Paolo has returned to Monte Carlo to continue his recovery. His condition is good and has been greatly helped by the support and good wishes of friends, colleagues and of course – his fans. On www.yamaha-racing.it there is a special area with hundreds of messages of goodwill – from Italy and the rest of the world.

BACK ON TRACK
Considering Casoli’s improving condition, Team Yamaha Belgarda Supersport have decided not to bring in a substitute rider. In the next test, scheduled for the 19th and 20th December at Valencia, Jamie Whitham will carry on the job of developing the new bike, but it’s possible that another tester will be brought in to speed up the work that has to be done.

The team hopes Paolo Casoli will be able to take part in the private tests at the end of January – once again at Valencia.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

David Swarts

Organizers of the second annual, $150,000 WSMC Toyota 200 race say they are not concerned that AMA Pro Racing has scheduled its Superbike season finale at Barber Motorsports Park on the same date, September 21, 2003.

“I don’t think that really matters to us one way or another,” said Willow Springs International Raceway Operations Manager Chris Huth. Starting in October 2002, WSIR began printing posters to promote the 2003 Toyota 200, before AMA Pro Racing announced its 2003-season-ending date at the AMA Pro Racing awards banquet November 23. “I don’t think there was any intent for the AMA to do it on that date. But who knows? I’m not privy to that.

“Everybody’s kind of like, ‘What is the AMA doing?’ They want to blame people right off the bat or think that there’s some kind of reason. I take it as kind of a compliment or flattery that somebody would think we’re a big enough deal to upset the AMA National final, big-deal race.

“But on our part, we’ll still go for it. It’s tough to get those factory guys out anyway. Seeing as how the final’s back East, we’ll get a good group of the privateers and support from the other classes. I’m looking for the same or better support as we had last year regardless of when AMA holds their last race.

“It’s sort of unfortunate, I guess would be the best way to put it. It would be better if it wasn’t, naturally, but it makes no difference. We’re going to go on with our deal. We’re in bad shape when we start having to plan our deal around what everyone else does. It’s better just to focus on what you do and do the best you can.

“We’ve been through this scheduling thing, not just with motorcycles, but with club car races and different things. It’s always a pain. There’s always going to be some conflict somewhere. You jockey things around too much and that takes away from it, I think.

“The riders will probably have a big say in what happens, people that would intend on racing in the (Toyota 200) race. If I get some input from people saying, ‘It would be great to come back, but we need to do the AMA thing.’ Then that would probably be the only thing to make us change the date.

“We could (re-schedule), of course. It wouldn’t be any problem at all. We could re-schedule it to October or whenever, but it’ll remain the same. I’m pretty sure.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Nicky Hayden on a Honda RC211V was the fastest rider in two days of testing at Suzuka Circuit, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to reader Naoko Ota, who e-mailed:

“Tuesday was very, very cold. No sunshine! Nicky’s face was red with cold. According to the news, air temperature 10 degrees C.

“Nicky marked the fastest lap time on 2:08.9 (46 laps)
“Kawasaki, Pitt, 2:11.0 (50 laps)
“Moriwaki, Okuno 2:11.1 (58 laps)

“Wednesday was very windy and cold. According to the news, air temperature 12 degrees C.

“Nicky, 2:07.2 (45 laps)
“Kawasaki, Pitt, 2:11.2 (50 laps)
“Moriwaki, Okuno, 2:12.2 (40 laps)”