From a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM PREVIEW

French Grand Prix
Le Mans
May 23/24/25 2003

FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM HOPE FOR NEW START IN FRANCE

This weekend the Fortuna Yamaha Team heads to Le Mans in France for the second European round of the 2003 MotoGP World Championship. The French circuit has been the scene of great success for Yamaha in the past, and the Fortuna Yamaha Team is hoping to continue that success this weekend.

The Le Mans circuit is one of the most important and historic racing venues in the world, and Fortuna Yamaha riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri will be using every effort to make history themselves with their Yamaha YZR-M1 machines, especially since both riders have had difficult starts to their 2003 seasons.

The Fortuna Yamaha Team and the MotoGP paddock will then move on to the Italian Grand Prix in the scenic Tuscan circuit of Mugello on June 8.


FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM HEAD TO LE MANS FRESH FROM TWO DAY TEST

The Fortuna Yamaha Team heads to Le Mans this week after its two day test in Mugello last week. During the test the team continued the good form that was evident in Jerez two weeks ago but sadly not able to be exploited in the race itself. The unlucky electrical problem that forced Carlos Checa out of the race, and the nagging back pain that forced convalescing rider Marco Melandri to slow his pace, are obstacles that the Fortuna Yamaha Team hopes to leave behind.

Fortuna Yamaha Team director Davide Brivio is intent on helping his riders to achieve the results he feels they and the team deserve this weekend in Le Mans, “Poor Carlos was unlucky in Jerez because we had an electrical problem that stopped him having a good race,” said Brivio. “It’s a shame that we couldn’t show our progress properly. Carlos was in a good position and doing good lap times when the problem occurred. We worked well with him during the weekend – he was in the top group of riders and had the full possibility to keep up with them in the race. We will keep using all our energy and effort to help him in Le Mans.”

Brivio is pleased that both riders had the opportunity to test in Mugello last week, “We made some improvements for Carlos as well during last week’s test. We are again evaluating the new chassis that he first tested in Suzuka and then in Mugello for the second time last week. We are seriously considering using that chassis in Le Mans – we will analyse the data and see what the results suggest.

“Marco was finally able to race for the first time this year in Jerez. On top of his leg injuries he had the added problem of his back pain but he should feel better each time he goes out on the bike. The first part of his race in Jerez was good and he was up with the top riders. We look forward to seeing how he gets on in Le Mans. I think that both of our riders have had an unlucky start to this season and I just hope that things change now and get better and better. We have every reason to remain positive and keep working hard.”

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

Due to the stop and go nature of the Le Mans circuit, engineers will dial the YZR-M1 as they did in Jerez for the previous round, so that it sports a firm front-end to deal with the aggressive weight transfer that will take place entering the circuit’s many tight hairpins. At the same time, however, the forks need to possess the ability to soak up any bumps that may litter the entrance to each of these turns.

To achieve this the spring rates and compression damping will be set slightly firmer than for Jerez, even though the bumps into the turns are not as drastic, but the braking forces are. Meanwhile the fork rebound will be dialed in to offer a more controlled return to full length. This will be done in an effort to offer stability as the rider makes the somewhat aggressive, almost ‘light switch’ like transition from the brakes to the throttle.

Since 2002 Yamaha engineers have further refined the braking stability of the YZR-M1 with each evolution of the Deltabox chassis, in addition to the improved engine braking system. This effort should pay dividends at the French circuit. To ensure the best possible chance of success Fortuna Yamaha Team riders Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri focused their efforts during the two-day Mugello test in extensive Michelin tyre tests and fine-tuning the chassis balance of the four-stroke.

Checa also used the opportunity to sample the new Deltabox chassis, first tested in Suzuka following the opening round of the championship. The unit appeared to offer some benefits over the current frame used in Jerez – the Fortuna Yamaha Team are analysing the data and it seems likely that Checa will use the new package in Le Mans.

In addition to the heavy fork springs and compression damping the M1’s attitude will be set to ensure stability with the rear under brakes. This is achieved with a lower rear ride-height, lowering the centre of gravity, in turn helping to prevent the rear tyre from rising off the track’s surface while braking. In doing so drive must not be compromised too extensively; but with the rear ride-height reduced for stability the ability to hold the line while exiting a corner will be reduced. Therefore a softer rear spring rate will feature on the M1 for good predictable feedback, but it will be dialed in with a high degree of preload to prevent the rear-end from squatting under power as the weight transfers to the back of the bike.

CHECA HOPES HE CAN TURN DISAPPOINTMENT TO SUCCESS

Carlos Checa had a disappointing home Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain two weeks ago as he was forced to pull out of the race due to electrical problems with his Yamaha YZR-M1. The popular Spaniard had had a good weekend and was riding in sixth position in the tight race when the problem happened. Checa currently lies twelfth in the championship standings but feels that he is on the way to turning his fortune around.

“I feel positive about Le Mans as my form improved during the Jerez Grand Prix and at our test last week in Mugello”, said Checa. ” I had a good position at the beginning of the race in Jerez and it’s just a shame what happened. We had a glitch that we had never had before and I had no control – it was very frustrating for me and for the team. Yamaha have worked so hard and so it’s a shame that we did not find the level we had in Jerez during the winter testing. Anyway I believe we have both the capability, hard work and determination to continue that level now, I think we can do well in Le Mans.”

Checa went straight on after the Spanish Grand Prix to test with his team at the Italian circuit of Mugello last week. Checa displayed fine form during the test, beating the circuit lap record and testing new tyres for Michelin as well as the new generation M1 chassis, which he had briefly tested before in Suzuka. Unfortunately the Catalan-born rider had a few spills during the two days and although disappointed because of that, still felt that the test showed what he can be capable of at the French Grand Prix next weekend, “Le Mans is a good track for us and I think that we are ready to fight for the top positions”, said the optimistic Checa. “I don’t think that we will have any big problems there. I hope that they will have done something to change the gravelly chicane since last year – I think it would be good to have something other than gravel there.”

Checa has good reason to be concerned about the gravel since he fell in last year’s French Grand Prix on gravel that had been scattered onto the Chemin aux Boeufs chicane by another rider’s off-track excursion, and did not finish the race. This was a bitter disappointment after starting from second place on the grid and having ridden well all weekend.

MELANDRI’S HEALTH IMPROVING DAILY

It has been a hard month for Italian youngster Marco Melandri, and probably the toughest start to any season he has known in his relatively short career. The 20-year-old 250cc World Champion has been desperate to recover from multiple leg injuries since crashing out of the first morning practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix over six weeks ago.

Forced to sit out of both the Suzuka and Welkom Grands Prix, Melandri made his comeback at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez two weeks ago. Since his accident in Japan he received extensive physiotherapy near his home town in Italy, and was given the ‘all-clear’ to return to the action in Jerez. It is no wonder the Ravenna-born racer has the nickname ‘Macio’ as this was just one month since fracturing his ankle in two places and chipping his femur.

Despite back pain, which was no doubt caused by the Italian adapting his movement to cope with his leg injuries, Melandri rode consistently during the Jerez weekend. By race day he was determined to fight hard in the fray, and impressively battled his way up to ninth position before his aching back led him to run off the track and then slow down. Melandri finally finished the race in sixteenth position, and as yet does not have any points in the World Championship. He is however relieved to have completed his first race of the season, and is revved up for this weekend’s French Grand Prix.

“I like Le Mans, I finished second there last year, and third the year before,” noted Melandri. “Last year I was injured there on the Saturday and I had some problems during the race but I still managed to finish in second position. This will be my first time there on the M1, and I remember well that Yamaha are always very competitive there. It’s not so much of a technical track, it’s one corner then a straight, one corner then another straight, and on like that. Any racing circuit is never simple but I think that it won’t be too difficult to learn this circuit quickly on the M1.”

Melandri went directly from the previous Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain to a two day test at one of his home local circuits in Mugello, Italy. The Fortuna Yamaha Team spent the two days working hard on set-up and it was an ideal opportunity for Melandri to continue his recouperation and test his riding ability again. Melandri had visited his local doctor before testing for a general check-up and was advised that the best training he could do was to get back on his bike.

“I went for an ultrasound on my back with my local doctor before the Mugello test,” explained Melandri. “The problems I had in Jerez ironically involved a bone in my back, not in my leg where I was injured. My back had not
properly straightened since Suzuka, and after one month this took its toll on the muscles and ligaments. My back felt so much better at the Mugello test last week, just a bit stiff.”


CARLOS CHECA : INFORMATION
Age: 30
Lives: Great Ayton, England
Bike: Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1
GP victories: 2 (500)
First GP victory: Catalunya, 1996 (500)
First GP: Europe, 1993 (125)
GP starts: 139 (19 x MotoGP, 92×500, 27×250, 1×125)
Pole positions: 2 (1 x MotoGP, 1 x 500)
First pole: Spain, 1998 (500)
Le Mans 2002 results. Grid: 2nd, Race: DNF

MARCO MELANDRI : INFORMATION
Age: 20
Lives: Derby, England
Bike: Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1
GP victories: 17 (10 x 250, 7 x 125)
First GP victory: Assen, 1998 (125)
First GP: Brno, 1997 (125)
GP starts: 77 (1 x MotoGP, 42 x 250, 34 x 125)
Pole positions: 8
First pole: Sachsenring, 1998 (125)

Le Mans MotoGP lap record
Valentino Rossi 1’36.846 (2002)

Circuit best lap
Valentino Rossi 1’36.046 (2002)

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Church of Speed’s Motorcycle Festival of Speed is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8 at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana.

The festival will include road racing, drag racing, a stunt-riding competition and other activities, including a battle of the bands, and a trophy girl contest. Event organizers say all events feature cash or product purses.

Road Race Purse:

Expert:
Heavyweight: 2-race format, with combined point totals form both races, 75% payback with a $1500 minimum
Mediumweight: 75% payback with a $1000 minimum

Novice:
1st–One set of tires, 3 brake cards and 15 gallons race gas
2nd–One rear tire, 2 brake cards and 15 gallons race gas
3rd–One front tire, 1 brake card and 15 gallons race gas
* Novice Heavyweight will combine the point totals from both races.

Lightweight: Combined Expert and Novice, 75% payback with a $1000 minimum

Stunt Purse, 75% payback with a $1000 minimum

Other purses include over $1000 split among three classes of drag racing, a $1500 trophy girl contest, and a $1500 battle of the bands.

For more information, call Kevin Nolde at (225) 383-7743 days, (225) 675-5879 evenings, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.churchofspeed.us

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Honda people ­ Iain MacPherson

Hard-charging Scotsman Iain MacPherson is enjoying a new-found desire for racing after opting to visit a sports psychologist ­ introducing the seemingly popular sports trend to motorcycle racing.

MacPherson arrived home from a disappointing round three of the World Supersport championship in Japan and decided to take action.

“Things weren¹t right at Sugo,” explains Van Zon Honda rider MacPherson. “I crashed too much in Japan, had no confidence on the bike and had generally lost my way.”

MacPherson chose to follow in the footsteps of many top sporting stars – leading figures in the golf and tennis claim to have rekindled their form and success from such visits.

“I didn’t have a problem with seeking a bit of help,” continues MacPherson. “I knew something wasn’t quite right in my head and it could probably be sorted pretty easily.”

MacPherson’s theory was proven right and after a discussion with his local psychologist the determined CBR600RR rider bounced back with his refreshed outlook at the Monza, Italy fourth round of the series.

He explains: “It’s nothing major that the sports psychologist guy has done, just a combination of little things ­ almost reminding me of why I go
racing!

“I arrived at Monza with a completely new outlook. I made a point of walking the track, writing notes, analysing my approach to each practice session and being more disciplined in general.”

And MacPherson is ready to ignore – with a smile – any cynics who would dismiss the use of a psychologist.

“I’m not bothered what other people think,” says MacPherson. “If you think you’ve got a problem you go and get it sorted and it’s been well worth it for me.”

And the response was impressive as MacPherson took third place in Sunday’s fourth round of the championship at Monza ­ scooping his first championship points of the 2003 campaign.

“Nobody would ever know if visiting a psychologist made any difference but my weekend at Monza was enjoyable, from start to finish,” admits MacPherson. “And the result was right too.”

While most riders’ pre-race options include suspension settings and tyres, MacPherson has just added an ingredient he hopes will set him on his way for a successful 2003 season.

“After Japan I knew it couldn’t really get any worse so visiting the sports psychologist and taking third place at Monza is probably more than a coincidence ­ I’ll be buying him a beer when I get back to Scotland!”

From a press release issued by Pirelli’s PR and advertising agency:

PIRELLI RACING ROCKS AT ROAD ATLANTA AND MONZA

1st, 3rd And 5th In Road Atlanta AMA Superstock,

First-Ever Podium Sweep in World Supersport at Monza

Monza Track Record Shattered

Four Top-10s in Monza World Superbike

(Rome, GA) Pirelli’s results for the weekend’s racing at Road Atlanta and Monza are the kind that beleaguered tire engineers, R&D alchemists, techs, builders and race-support people tack up on dark-stained, pin-pocked walls so that, in the middle of countless endless work nights, they can remind themselves that indeed, at times, it is absolutely worth it.

Pirelli’s DOT Supercorsa race tires took first, third, and fifth in the AMA Superstock final at Road Atlanta last weekend. Hooters Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec earned his first-ever AMA national win in the race, followed by Pirelli-shod Chris “Opie” Caylor on his 1-888-Fastlap/Team EMGO Taiwan Suzuki in third, and Haskovec’s Hooters teammate, Mike Ciccotto in fifth. With the win, Haskovec and Pirelli have taken over a slim AMA Superstock points lead.

At Monza, Pirelli Supercorsas not only scored their first-ever World Supersport podium sweep, but also obliterated Monza’s Supersport track record by an astounding 1.7 seconds. The race heroes of the effort were an injured Chris Vermeulen and his Pirelli-mounted factory Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR who won by over nine seconds to take his second win of the young season and build a commanding points lead in the championship. Second place went to Belgarda Yamaha’s Jurgen van den Goorbergh, and third to Van Zon Honda’s Iain MacPherson, both also on Pirelli.

In qualifying for the race pole, Vermeulen’s teammate Karl Muggeridge shattered Monza’s Supersport track record set last year by Vermeulen by 1.7 seconds. But despite he and Vermeulen breaking away to a 1.6-second lead gap within a lap of the start, Muggeridge was forced to retire from the race with a burned-out clutch.

Pirelli also continued to move up in World Superbike action, recording four top-10 finishes in Monza’s two races. DFX Ducati’s Steve Martin went ninth and seventh respectively, while Italian up-and-comer Marco Borciani gave Pirelli two eighths.

From a press release:

Round one of the 2003 CAN-AM 125 Grand Prix Challenge series took place at Shannonville Motorsport Park on May 18, 2003.

The Nodell Motorsports Motorcycle racing team came into the weekend poised and focused on winning the race on their Bridgestone shod Canada Post/The Bear Chair Co. backed Honda RS125.

For Saturday’s timed qualifying session rider Stuart Nodell put the RS125 on the pole on the final lap of qualifying with a time of 1:11.01 followed by John Dempsey, Corey Sherman, and Jim Struke. Following the qualifying session Nodell commented “the team put me on an excellent motorcycle to get the job done”. With the starting grid set the team prepared for Sunday’s final.

The ten lap final was setting up to be an exciting event. At the start Nodell grabbed the holeshot and never looked back. By lap two Nodell was breaking away from the field and was able to maintain a pace that no one else could match. From that point Nodell was able to cruise home uncontested with a solid victory. Following the win Nodell stated, “With less than ideal track conditions the Bridgestone tires were superior, providing excellent grip.”

The Ben Gartner prepared RS125 worked flawlessly throughout the race and the team’s result was a perfect weekend.

RESULTS
1. Stuart Nodell Hon RS125
2. Corey Sherman Hon RS125
3. Jim Struke Hon RS125
4. Yvon Desy Hon RS125
5. John Dempsey Hon RS125

From a press release issued on behalf of Monster Mob Ducati:

Round 5 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Knockhill

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2003


TREBLE REBEL BYRNE IN COMMAND AGAIN

MonsterMob Ducati’s Shane Byrne continued his dominance of the British Superbike Championship with yet another winning double at a wet and windy Knockhill circuit in Scotland today.

The 26 year old Kent rider made it eight wins for the season so far by taking his seventh win in succession to stamp his authority on the championship after five out of the twelve rounds and in doing so, romped to an unprecedented ‘triple double’ victory.

But the weekend wasn’t without it’s drama with a spill in practice and only qualifying in fourth on the grid meant Byrne had his work cut out but a gamble on wet tyres paid off with a start to finish victory in leg one followed by a similar display in race two, which was shortened as rain started to fall.

“What a fantastic weekend! It’s amazing and I can’t believe that I’ve done another double. My plan was to get a good lead in both races but I was willing that second race to end because it was starting to rain. I’m enjoying winning and hoping I can continue that trend at my local round at Brands Hatch next time” said Byrne.

Shakey’s championship cause was also helped by main rival Michael Rutter scoring just a single point after a problematic day and as a result, Byrne leads the series standings by an amazing 104 points.

For Supersport team mate Stuart Easton, he too endured problems in qualifying but bounced back with a superb fourth place during the race in difficult conditions.

“The track was wet to start with and I went with dry tyres but it was the right decision. It was important to score points today at my home round but a rostrum would have been good,” said the 18-year-old from Hawick.

Team owner Paul Bird was naturally pleased with his team’s dominance of the country’s premier motor sport series.

“It just gets better but I’ve been around long enough to know that our luck will change at some point. Shakey’s riding brilliantly at the moment and long may it continue. Stuart’s got his bogey circuit out of the way and will go well at Brands but we’re in a great position at the moment”

Superbike Results

Race One

1, Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 29:13.549
2, Paul Young (Yamaha) 29:28.498
3, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 29:30.984
4, Steve Plater (Honda) 29:33.763
5, Sean Emmett (Ducati) 29:34.070
6, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 29:43.203
7, Gary Mason (Yamaha) 29:44.050
8, John McGuinness (Ducati) 29:51.399
9, John Crawford (Ducati) 29:53.078
10, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 29:58.194

Race Two

1, Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 17:04.035
2, John Reynolds (Suzuki) 17:06.366
3, Steve Plater (Honda) 17:10.650
4, Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 17:11.473
5, Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 17:12.792
6, Gary Mason (Yamaha) 17:18.255
7, Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 17:19.776
8, Sean Emmett (Ducati) 16:30.969 (-1lap)
9, Paul Young (Yamaha) 16:36.990 (-1 lap)
10, John McGuinness (Ducati) 16:43.975 (-1 lap)

Superbike Championship Standings after Round 5

1: Shane Byrne (MonsterMob Ducati) 240pts

2: Michael Rutter (Ducati) 136pts

3: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 110pts

4: John Reynolds (Suzuki) 100pts

5: Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) 97pts

6: Gary Mason (Yamaha) 94pts

7: Steve Plater (Honda) 93pts

8: Steve Hislop (Yamaha) 91pts

9: John Crawford (Ducati) 62pts

10: Sean Emmett (Ducati) 58pts

Supersport Result

1, Karl Harris (Honda) 25:53.477
2, Leon Haslam (Ducati) 26:01.233
3, Rob Frost (Kawasaki) 26:04.852
4, Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 26:04.962
5, Jamie Robinson (Yamaha) 26:16.670
6, Adrian Coates (Honda) 26:18.648
7, Craig Jones (Triumph) 26:20.068
8, Tom Sykes (Yamaha) 26:25.204
9, Dean Thomas (Honda) 26:34.372
10, John Crockford (Honda) 26:34.664

Supersport Championship Standings After Round 5

1: Karl Harris 115pts

2: Stuart Easton 64pts

3: Adrian Coates 53pts

4: Simon Andrews 50pts

5: Michael Laverty 47pts

5: Leon Haslam 47pts

7: John Crockford 45pts

8: Rob Frost 41pts

9: Craig Jones 33pts

10: Tom Sykes 29pts

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.



John Hopkins, featured in the new GP movie Faster, with movie narrator Ewan MacGregor and Hopkin’s girlfriend, Desiree Crossman, during the recent Cannes Film Festival.

From a press release issued by FGSPORT GROUP:

Assen 200 Build Up

The Netherlands round of the World Endurance championship is shaping up to be another weekend of intense action. The leading contenders are relishing the challenge from World Supersport stars Ten Kate, local interest is high with many Dutch and Belgian teams taking part, and the spectators will be happy with a ticket price that includes grandstand seating and a free programme.

Championship Challenge Zongshen Team are currently leading the championship standings. Their rider Warwick Nowland was at the Monza WSB round:

“It was great to watch Chris Vermuelen win the Supersport race aboard the Ten Kate Honda. It has made me realise this weekend is going to be a very tough battle for everyone. The factory Honda CBR600 is an amazing motorcycle and is simply a smaller version of their MotoGP bike.”

Suzuki GB Phase One are second in the standings. Team manager Russell Benney was happy with their performance at Imola: “An excellent start. Olivier Four led until a quarter distance, and we finished in a well deserved position.”

Jason Pridmore will be riding with the team at Assen, fresh from his AMA Formula Xtreme success at Road Atlanta last Sunday.

Local Heroes

This will be the first World Endurance Championship round held at Assen since 1996, but the locals will be out in force for the 200 miler. MCT Flanders have entered a Ducati 748, CRT Suzuki and Lowlands Racing will campaign GSX-R1000s, RVC Racing and Team Polytech will compete on Aprilia RSV1000s and MSC Zolder have entered two Yamaha R1 based teams. The strongest challenge to the permanent teams is likely to come from Herman Verboven Racing, old hands at Endurance with their Suzuki GSX-R1000.

One to Watch

The endurance experience for Assen spectators will be enhanced by the giant Vidiwall that will be installed opposite the main grandstand, offering a close up view of the pit lane action and also allowing viewers to keep tabs on race positions throughout the 83 lap race. Entry to the grandstands and a copy of the race programme magazine is included in the ticket price on race day; there is no charge to watch Saturday’s practice sessions.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Woody Deatherage broke his back when he hit an unpadded concrete wall during an AMA Superbike race at Road Atlanta Sunday.

Deatherage didn’t discover the full extent of his injuries until he returned home to Cleveland, Ohio.

Deatherage crashed his Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the bottom of the esses section, in the turn four area, and hit an unprotected wall.

Returning a phone call to Roadracingworld.com from a hospital bed, Deatherage said “I hit a sealer strip just past the apex of turn four and lost the front. I tried to save it until I realized I was headed straight toward an unprotected barrier so I laid the bike down. The bike hit the barrier before I did and ricocheted back and landed on me. I then went into the barrier head first.

“There are three, three-inch cracks in the top of my Arai helmet,” continued Deatherage. “I know I hit the barrier because that’s what cracked my helmet. I was really surprised that there were no haybales to be seen. It’s totally ridiculous.”

Deatherage said he was worried about going to a local hospital and decided to wait until he was home to seek medical attention. Deatherage lay in his motorhome as his mechanic drove, and when the pair reached Cleveland, Deatherage went to the Cleveland Clinic where he was diagnosed with three fractured vertebrae. He is currently being fitted with a full-body cast and it remains to be seen if surgery will be required.

“I think my career is about over,” Deatherage said. “I’m not sure, but the bike’s destroyed, I’m not getting any younger, and three months in the body-cast, (it’s) not a good situation.”

Deatherage has been a consistent top-15 finisher in the AMA Superbike series for years and was 11th in 2002 points.

Steve Rapp crashed on Friday in the same area as Deatherage did, and while the impact with the bare wall destroyed Rapp’s Suzuki, Rapp himself bailed out early and did not reach the wall. Haybales and/or soft barriers were not deployed in the area after Rapp’s bike hit the wall.

Crashes into the wall where Deatherage and Rapp’s bike hit were not a common problem until a chicane was installed to keep riders farther away from the wall between turn two and the esses.

The new chicane changes the approach to the turn four area, raising speeds, and makes it easier for out-of-control motorcycles to hit the wall on the rider’s right after a front-end slide.

At post time, AMA Pro Road Racing Manager Ron Barrick had not returned a phone call seeking official comment.

Cards may be sent to Deatherage at 811 Sable Rd., Cleveland, OH 44119. His e-mail address is [email protected].