From a press release:

Spectacular Superside battle ends with Steinhausen win

Parzer falls out as Steinhausen takes championship lead

The Superside race at Lausitzring today was a memorable one, but not for all the right reasons! Jorg Steinhausen kept his head in a very difficult race to and inherited the lead on the last lap from a stricken Steve Abbott.

It was Tom Hanks who led the pack from the off, setting a blistering pace through the first few bends. But Jorg Steinhausen who was putting Hanks under heavy pressure soon caught him. Steinhausen took the lead on lap two and shortly afterwards Klaus Klaffenbock nipped by Hanks and set off after Steinhausen. Steve Webster was next to pass Hanks, recovering from a poor start. But even early in the race blue smoke could be seen issuing from his exhaust pipe. The smoke was a sign of things to come.

A classic battle ensued with the four fighting hard for position. They were soon joined by Steve Abbott as he pushed up through the field and caught the scrap for the lead. Webster streaked into the lead on lap six and immediately started to build up a gap. But it all went wrong on lap seven when Christian Parzer was thrown out of the outfit as he spun on oil. Apparently Parzer had seen the oil but Klaffenbock was so absorbed in his battle for the lead with Webster that he hadn’t noticed it.

A few corners later confusion reigned as the lead riders, spotting the oil, raised their hands in an attempt to signal an end to the race. Just as this happened Webster’s engine gave up the ghost. The race wasn’t stopped and Steinhausen, Abbott and Hanks got back on the pace to continue the battle, but now without Webster and Klaffenbock.

Hanks came of worse in the confusion, slipping back several seconds. Abbott then defeated Steinhausen, who’s engine was overheating after dumping water on the sighting lap. It looked like a dream finish to a nightmare weekend for Abbott, who had only just finished putting a replacement engine in his outfit in time for the race. But the nightmare returned as Abbott’s engine suffered an electrical fault on the last lap that cut his engine completely.

Steinhausen was far enough ahead of Hanks by now to comfortably snatch back the lead from the stricken Abbott. He also took the lead in the championship, with 90 points. Hanks took second in the race and second in the championship, with 72 points compared to Abbott on 71.

Behind the main protagonists Schlosser and Hanni took third while local hero Uwe Gottlich had the race of his life to take fourth. Gottlich’s result was true to his prediction on Friday, when he said he thought he could make a top five place in a dry race. Rob Cameron and Ian Simons also had a brilliant race to take fifth.

Abbott and Biggs managed to push their powerless outfit through the last two bends and to the line for eleventh place.

From a press release:American Suzuki Upbeat About Suzuki/Kawasaki Alliance

— Alliance Will Strengthen Suzuki’s 2003 Product Line, Competitiveness and Global Brand Equity –

BREA, Calif.-– Suzuki’s alliance with Kawasaki will directly benefit the Suzuki brand, growth rate, dealer network and expanding customer base.

That’s the theme of remarks by American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) Vice President of Motorcycle/ATV Division Mel Harris, delivered recently to replace erroneous and unconfirmed rumors with the reasons, benefits and forecasts behind the unprecedented alliance.

Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC) of Hamamatsu, Japan announced plans in August 2001 to form an alliance with Kawasaki Heavy Industry Ltd., also based in Japan.

According to Harris, the alliance will bolster current ASMC growth and competitiveness.

“ASMC provides products of superior value and considers its dealers vital partners in the company’s current growth trend. Although Suzuki has had a reputation for being a conservative company, we are becoming considerably more aggressive.”

Harris said ASMC’s retail sales have doubled in the last four years, during which time Suzuki has produced many – if not the most – new and desired high-volume models in the industry. The company has renewed its commitment to the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) market with a completely new lineup of QuadRunners and QuadSports. ASMC has also stepped-up its commitment to racing by fielding more teams and winning more championships to elevate Suzuki brand awareness both globally and in the customer’s mind.

“We will remain an aggressive, independent marketer in the future as we continue to make the Suzuki brand a very valued product,” emphasized Harris.

Other details of the alliance released by Harris to Suzuki’s dealer network include:

1. Suzuki and Kawasaki will share certain production platforms (or OEM- produced product). As an example, the DR-Z125 will be a KLX125 and a KX65 will be an RM65.

2. Suzuki and Kawasaki will share parts sourcing, which will help both independent companies remain competitive in the global marketplace.

3. Suzuki and Kawasaki will co-develop future industry-leading motorcycle and ATV models that will fill in product line gaps and create new sales opportunities.

Expanded 2003 Product Line

In product news, ASMC announced its 2003 off-road, competition, Dual Sport™ and QuadRunner (QuadSport) lineup, which has been expanded thanks to the addition of OEM models from Kawasaki. According to Harris, Suzuki dealers can now complement their current lineup of RM85, RM85L, RM125 and RM250 competition models with the RM60, RM65 and RM100.

On the off-road side, the addition of the DR-Z110 to Suzuki’s JR50, JR80, (DR-Z110), DR-Z125/DR-Z125L, DR-Z250 and DR-Z400/DR-Z400E models means that Suzuki can provide a vehicle to match any rider or riding ability.

Suzuki also offers its most comprehensive ATV lineup ever. In 2001, the company introduced the new LT-A50; the new Eiger series LT-F400, LT-F400F, LT-A400 and LT-A400F; the award-winning Vinson LT-A500F; the award-winning LT-F250 Ozark; and the chart-topping LT-Z400 QuadSport Z400. These new units, coupled with the popular LT80, LT-F300F and LTF500F, give the company a vastly improved breadth of QuadRunners for retail growth.

For 2003, Suzuki announces the new LT160 and Vinson LT-F500F. “Because Suzuki has enjoyed success in its ‘flagship’ lines GSX-R, Hayabusa, Katana, Bandit, Intruder and Marauder, the resources have been available for investment in quads and new motorcycles,” explained Harris.

Unparalleled Competitiveness

Under the alliance, Suzuki will sell OEM product to Kawasaki, which will market that product as Kawasaki models through the Kawasaki dealer network – much the same as certain Kawasaki OEM models will be sold by Suzuki dealers under the Suzuki brand. The result for Suzuki, according to Harris, will be one of – if not the – most competitive vehicle lineups in the industry.

“Suzuki will have more models for all types and skill levels of customers — making the Suzuki dealership a true ‘one-stop shopping center.’ Harris reiterated that remaining competitive is a primary objective of any business and Suzuki is no exception. “Part sourcing will allow us to update models with enhanced features and quality like never before.

“In addition, an increase in buying power should help with production components and replacement parts, as well as help us counter the volatility of currency with competitive pricing amid dollar/yen turmoil. Suzuki has always had economies-of-scale opportunities for parts with autos, marine outboards and motorcycles/ATVs,” explained Harris. “Now, with the addition of the Kawasaki alliance, our buying power has been magnified to enable us to secure the highest-quality parts at the most competitive prices. For the Suzuki dealer, the result is more product updates and features than ever before.”

Harris explained that one of the most important benefits of the alliance is the long-term co-development of new models. “More production and more parts sourcing will lead to more new motorcycles and quads in the coming years.”

The new joint effort between manufacturers, designers and engineers will translate into more new products and major model updates realized in a shorter time frame. Models involved in co-development include large cruisers, motocrossers, off-road and larger-displacement scooters. In addition, the alliance will enable Suzuki to realize the competitive advantages of adding select models not currently available in its lineup – a benefit that will be especially relevant in the 2004 product line and beyond.

One area of dealer concern has been the future of Suzuki’s flagship sportbike, the GSX-R. Harris assured dealers that they – and only they – will sell Suzuki’s increasingly popular signature series.

“No OEM collaboration on these sport models is part of the alliance. The GSX-R series represents our best-selling, most prolific vehicles, and will always be a key area of company excellence and dealer performance. Likewise, many standard and on-road Suzuki models will remain 100 percent Suzuki – forever maintaining Suzuki dealers’ status as the strongest retailers in the industry.”

Harris is quick to point out that Suzuki and Kawasaki will remain competitors by maintaining separate dealer networks and by marketing the brands separately. As an example, SuzukiFest and QuadFair will remain Suzuki marketing tools, as will Suzuki Direct Finance.

Replacement parts for the new OEM models for retail will come from Suzuki, says Harris. Dealers will order OEM parts as part of their regular Suzuki parts order. All OEM parts will be eligible to be used with all parts allowance or return programs provided by Suzuki.

Warranty on OEM units will be handled the same as Suzuki-produced units. All normal warranty periods for units will be the same as comparable Suzuki model current programs. Suzuki’s Flat Rate Manual will cover all models since the 2003 book is produced and supplied for the upcoming season.

FAQs

Q: Will a subsidiary company be established in the future?
A: Plans are to use the alliance for increased retail sales volume of each model. There are no current plans for a spin-off subsidiary company or combined brand.

Q: Are there plans for unifying companies in the future?
A: There are no plans for unifying the two companies. The alliance has been established to provide a competitive product lineup to make dealers competitive.

Q: Will the OEM product exchange cause a negative effect on the motorcycle business, as customers have a strong personal preference?
A: With 30 to 40 percent of Suzuki volume being sportbikes, which aren’t part of the alliance, OEM product with the Suzuki identity will remain strong, as these are the “flagship” models. With more models, creating more sales opportunities to keep customers on Suzuki products forever, there will be a Suzuki for all riders and all skill levels.

Q: Will racing activities be combined?
A: Suzuki will continue to race separately, as racing helps create a strong brand image. Racing also helps develop new technologies that can be used in future models.

Q: With Motocross models being part of the co-development, will Suzuki remain competitive against all other brands?
A: Motocross racing combines many factors besides the motorcycle itself. Rider techniques, tuning of bikes and management of teams all contribute to team success. Suzuki will remain competitive as racing is used to improve brand image.

Q: Will the companies advertise and promote together?
A: Both Suzuki and Kawasaki will have separate dealer networks as well as separate marketing programs. Separate branding will remain a commitment of each manufacturer.

Q: Will the co-developed (or shared OEM) product offer only “color” (for example, yellow or green for motocross) as the main differentiating factor?
A: Each company will offer specific product differences (i.e., shape of fenders and placement of instruments, for example, in addition to the paint and decals).

“As the alliance continues to materialize, benefits will become more apparent and will make Suzuki’s the most competitive and desired products in the industry.” concluded Harris.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Pro Thunder Qualifying Results:

1. Kirk McCarthy, Ducati 748RS, 2:16.586
2. Shawn Higbee, Buell XB9R, 2:19.962
3. Tom Montano, Ducati 748R, 2:21.025
4. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 2:21.238
5. Tripp Nobles, Buell XB9R, 2:21.482
6. Dave Estok, Buell XB9R, 2:21.661
7. Heath Small, Ducati 748RS, 2:23.138
8. Dan Bilansky, Buell X-1, 2:24.325
9. Richie Morris, Buell X-1, 2:24.435
10. Kevin Hanson, Ducati 748, 2:26.363
11. Josh Bryan, Ducati 748, 2:26.892
12. Chris Knight, Ducati 748, 2:28.431
13. Brian Weber, 2:29.293
14. Clark Freatman, Ducati 748, 2:29.872
15. Jessica Zalusky, Ducati 748, 2:37.251
16. Greg Avello, Buell 1200, 2:37.549
17. Alex Freeman, Suz SV650, 2:42.556
18. Charles Sipp, Buell 1200, 2:43.229
19. Michael Handegard, Suz SV650, 2:44.277

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Final Supersport Qualifying Results:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:15.650
2. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:16.542
3. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:16.902
4. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:16.912
5. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:16.919
6. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:17.238
7. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:17.499
8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:17.580
9. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:17.874
10. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:18.001
11. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:18.054
12. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:18.347
13. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:19.209
14. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:19.913
15. Monte Nichols, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:20.533
16. Tyler Wadsworth, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:21.420
17. Shawn Conrad, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:22.005
18. Scott Ruehle, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:22.017
19. Scott Hermersmann, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:23.040
20. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:23.337
21. Kevin Lehman, Honda CBR600, 2:24.237
22. Kevin Pate, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.487
23. Jason Hobbs, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:24.489
24. David Wappler, Honda CBR600, 2:24.832
25. Brian Salazar, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:25.458
26. Justin Blake, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:26.515
27. Jim Filice, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:27.075
28. Dirk Sanchez, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:27.641
29. Russ Intravartolo, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2:27.668
30. Martin Sims, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:27.712
31. Calvin Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:27.720
32. Chris Siebenhaar, Honda CBR600F4i, 2:27.778
33. Chris Weeden, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:28.891
34. Almontez Stewart, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:29.212
35. Hector Romero, Yamaha YZF-R6, 2:29.271

112% Of Fast Time: (2:31.928)

DNQ. Christopher Flores, Suzuki GSX-R600, 2:36.833

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Combined AMA Superbike Qualifying Results:

1. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 2:08.510
2. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 2:08.784
3. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:09.223
4. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 2:09.550
5. Doug Chandler, Ducati 998RS, 2:09.605
6. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:09.800
7. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:09.806
8. Jake Zemke, Honda RC51, 2:10.208
9. Pascal Picotte, Ducati 998RS, 2:10.248
10. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:15.217
11. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:15.467
12. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:15.798
13. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.065
14. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.087
15. Larry Pegram, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.342
16. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.543
17. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.575
18. Andy Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.681
19. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.210
20. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.376
21. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.460
22. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.561
23. Alan Schmidt, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.569
24. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.630
25. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.168
26. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.427
27. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.508
28. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.570
29. Dean Mizdal, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.650
30. Shane Prieto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.759
31. Shawn Conrad, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.942
32. Chris Voelker, Ducati 996RS, 2:19.025
33. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:19.051
34. Shane Clarke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:19.242
35. Dave Ebben, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:19.304
36. Randall Mennenga, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:19.334
37. Justin Blake, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:19.903
38. Scott Hermersmann, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.231
39. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.284
40. Mike Luke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.630
41. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.651
42. Douglas Duane, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.663
43. Jeffrey Purk, DDS, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.934
44. Eric Spector, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:20.943
45. Robert Christman, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:21.266
46. Leo Venega, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:22.608
47. Roger Hendricks, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:22.657
48. Jason Knupp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:22.978
49. Steve Johnson, Aprilia RSV1000, 2:23.238
50. Anthony Ruggiero, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:23.450
51. Eric Dooyema, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:23.822

112% Of Fast Time: (2:23.931)

DNQ. Mike Walsh, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:24.530
DNQ. Jason Swan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:25.117

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 2:10.196
2. Roger Hayden, Honda, 2:10.878
3. Jake Zemke, Honda, 2:11.040
4. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki, 2:11.317
5. Mike Hale, Honda, 2:11.350
6. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 2:11.932
7. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki, 2:12.078
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 2:12.149
9. Lance Isaacs, Yamaha, 2:12.669
10. Tom Kipp, Suzuki, 2:12.769
11. Alex Gobert, Honda, 2:12.795
12. Marty Craggill, Suzuki, 2:14.396
13. Shane Prieto, Suzuki, 2:18.847
14. James Compton, Suzuki, 2:19.332
15. Michael Luke, Suzuki, 2:20.211
16. Jason Curtis, Yamaha, 2:20.787
17. Jeffery Purk, DDS, Suzuki, 2:21.097
18. Doug Duane, Suzuki, 2:21.477
19. Brian Boyd, Suzuki, 2:21.569

Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Damon Buckmaster used a Dunlop qualifying tire on his new, highly-modified Yamaha YZF-R1/R7 to break his old Road America Formula Xtreme lap record with a 2:10.196 Friday.

“It’s really gratifying to give the Graves Motorsport Yamaha conglomerate another Championhip point,” said Buckmaster after bettering his own mark of 2:10.231 from 2001. “We didn’t get a lot (of points) last weekend because of the engine. This is the second time we’ve ridden this bike now, and we’ve had two poles now. It’s just really good.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning Superbike Practice Times:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:10.279
2. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:10.725
3. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:10.746
4. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 2:11.079
5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 2:11.406
6. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 2:11.763
7. Jake Zemke, Honda RC51, 2:12.370
8. Doug Chandler, Ducati 998RS, 2:12.497
9. Pascal Picotte, Ducati 998RS, 2:12.602
10. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.310
11. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.797
12. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:16.852
13. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.053
14. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.063
15. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.361
16. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:17.577
17. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.415
18. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.422
19. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 2:18.654

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Supersport Practice Times:

1. Jorg Teuchert, Yamaha, 2:00.128
2. James Whitham, Yamaha, 2:01.676
3. Chris Vermeulen, Honda, 2:02.204
4. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, 2:02.629
5. Paolo Casoli, Yamaha, 2:02.660
6. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki, 2:02.662
7. Christian Kellner, Yamaha, 2:02.999
8. Stefano Cruciani, Yamaha, 2:03.038
9. Werner Daemen, Honda, 2:03.394
10. Christophe Cogan, Honda, 2:04.112
11. Rico Penzkofer, Ducati, 2:04.118
12. Diego Giugovaz, Yamaha, 2:04.337
13. Fabien Foret, Honda, 2:02.758
14. Piergiogio Bontempi, Ducati, 2:04.813
15. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha, 2:05.019
16. Sebastien Carpentier, Honda, 2:05.337
17. Robert Frost, Yamaha, 2:05.507
18. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha, 2:05.540
19. Robert Ulm, Honda, 2:05.819
20. James Ellison, Kawasaki, 2:05.988

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning 250cc GP Practice Times:

1. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 2:17.790
2. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 2:18.881
3. Jason DiSalvo, Honda, 2:19.740
4. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha, 2:24.125
5. Chris Pyles, Yamaha, 2:24.130
6. Simon Turner, Yamaha, 2:24.356
7. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha, 2:29.388
8. John France, Honda, 2:29.746
9. Frank Aragaki, Yamaha, 2:30.012
10. Ty Piz, Yamaha, 2:31.433

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The first 25-minute practice session at Road America ended without any timing and scoring data shown on pit lane monitors.

One Crew Chief who inquired about the situation during the session for Superstock machines was told that it was “a house problem.”

Timing and scoring information popped up on the screens for the first time about 1/3 of the way through the second practice session, for 250cc Grand Prix machine.

AMA Pro Racing Timing & Scoring officials were on site at Road America on Thursday, working on the setting up the system.