From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI SET TO RE-SIGN ROBERTS

Suzuki has agreed terms with Kenny Roberts Jr. that will keep the former world champion racing with the factory team for at least the next two years.

Roberts joined Suzuki for the 1999 season and the partnership proved to be an immediate success, with the Californian winning his first two races on the factory RGV-G machine and taking second place in the title hunt. The following year the Suzuki and Roberts combination improved yet again and swept to the 500cc world championship in dominant style.

Both Suzuki and Roberts have been keen to continue their successful relationship and the new two-year agreement clears the way for the continuation of the development program of the ever-improving new GSV-R MotoGP four-stroke machine.

Garry Taylor. Team Manager:
“We are already moving on with the next phase in the development program of the new GSV-R, so it was important to agree terms with Kenny in order that we can concentrate on the way forward. On top of being one of the very best riders in the world, Kenny is also an exceptional development rider with a rare grasp of all the technical aspects involved in making a bike work on the racetrack.

“A year ago the GSV-R didn’t even exist and now we are already in a position where we can lead races and win podium positions. We’ve come a long way in a very short space of time, but we are totally committed to making the GSV-R a race winner. With Kenny now agreeing terms a major part of the program is now in place and we can get on with the job.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The new Ducati 999 will make its racing debut at the final round of the 2002 World Endurance Championship at Vallelunga, Italy October 4-6, reports Octagon Motorsports, organizer of the FIM Endurance World Championship.

A press release issued by Octagon states that the new machine will be entered by Ducati France and will enjoy direct support from Ducati Corse, the racing arm of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

Zongshen 2 has already clinched the 2002 World Endurance Championship, but Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zongshen wants to finish the season with its two teams 1-2 in the final standings. To that end, Zongshen 2’s normal riders, Stephane Mertens and Warwick Nowland, will ride on the Zongshen 9 Suzuki GSX-R1000 while Bruno Bonhuil, Igor Jerman and Pierrot Lerat will man the Zongshen 2 machine.

With 25 points available at the final round, Zongshen 9’s position in the standings is within reach of Yamaha YZF-R1-mounted Endurance Moto 38 and Suzuki GSX-R1000-equipped GMT94, third and fourth in the current Endurance World Championship point standings, respectively.

QB Phase One, fifth coming into the final round, will do without the services of AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Jason Pridmore; his teammates Frederic Moreira and Mike Edwards will try to hold the team’s ground in the standings.

American/Belgian team Herman Verboven Suzuki has a chance to take fifth from QB Phase One and has re-secured the services of Americans Michael Barnes and Mike Ciccotto to ride the team’s Pirelli-equipped Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the final race.

From a press release issued by Castrol Honda:

EDWARDS EYES POWERBOAT FUTURE

Castrol Honda’s newly-crowned World Superbike Champion Colin Edwards is contemplating a switch to powerboat racing at the end of his motorcycle racing career.

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Edwards tested the 2.4-litre boat of seven times Formula One (boat) World Champion Guido Cappellini on Lake Como in Italy on Tuesday.

“I¹ve just lived another day,” said Edwards after the test. “That was incredible. It was awesome and a lot of fun. I would definitely think about racing one of these.”

The £150,000 boat travels at 160 mph and Edwards’ tutor Cappellini believes the 28-year-old Texan is a natural.

“If Colin had another three or four hours training on the water he’d be ready to race. He definitely has the natural talent. He is very, very good,” said Cappellini.

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The pair were brought together on a Castrol promotional day at the picturesque setting and Edwards was impressed by the 400-bhp machine.

He added: “I was amazed to get the opportunity. Guido was on the radio telling me where to go but it was a real free for all ­ I was doing anything I wanted. When I turned the boat sharp left the G-force felt like it was going to pull my right cheek off.

“Being in Guido’s powerboat was a real thrill. I’ve never experienced anything like it, the only thing that came close was a fighter plane I went up in last year. Guido might have a new teammate soon!”

Edwards made the journey to Lake Como after winning his second World Superbike crown in dramatic fashion at Imola.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from Jeff Wood:

I found a wheel on the pit wall at the last F-USA race, at Portland, on Sunday night. If you can, please post a note to see if anyone is missing it. Have them call me and identify it. If no one claims it by Daytona, I will sell it to finance my entire race program for 2003. Just kidding…

Jeff Wood
(508) 339-4673

From a press release issued by WERA:

Proforma To Represent WERA Motorcycle Roadracing

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing announced today that an agreement has been reached with Proforma Services to represent WERA with regard to marketing and sponsorship of their racing properties.

Evelyne Clarke, president of WERA, said, “We’re excited about Proforma coming on board with WERA. There is so much that WERA has to offer, and Proforma can help us tell the motorcycle industry what a great marketing tool WERA is and how their involvement in our many programs can result in more exposure and profits for their companies.”

“Proforma is very pleased to be representing WERA,” said Bill Syfan, president of Proforma Services. “With over 3,000 licensed riders and a rich 28-year history, WERA is a great way for companies to reach sportbike enthusiasts of all types and ages. WERA has a strong regional series, and WERA’s National Challenge and National Endurance Series are where tomorrow’s racing stars will come from.”

The Agreement begins immediately and anyone interested in WERA sponsorship opportunities should contact Proforma Services at (817) 239-0739.

From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

FUCHS KAWASAKI BID A FOND FAREWELL TO WORLD SUPERBIKES

This weekend’s final round of the 2002 World Superbike and Supersport Championships at Imola has special significance for the Harald Eckl-run Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team, marking as it does their last appearance in the world’s premier production championship.

Andrew Pitt’s 2001 World Supersport title was undoubtedly the highlight, of what has been a successful six year association with the World Superbike series for the Fuchs Kawasaki team. But at Imola, the team bid farewell to the World Superbike paddock, as they prepare to move to MotoGP in 2003.

Team Manager, Harald Eckl: “We’ve enjoyed six fantastic years in World Superbikes and we will take a lot of good memories of this series, and the people involved with it, to the MotoGP paddock next season. The list of people I’d like to thank is endless, but a special mention must go to all our riders, who have always given their all, despite the fact that, at times, the regulations have made it difficult for us to be as competitive as we’d have liked.

“This never-say-die attitude is epitomised by Chris Walker’s approach to his racing this year. He’s battled against considerable odds this season, like the Bell’s Palsy with which he’s been afflicted since pre-season testing, but he has never, ever given up. It is this sort of attitude that has allowed every member of the team to maintain their motivation, regardless of the problems encountered both on and off track. So, to the people who have been a part of the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team over the past six years, I’d also like to say a big thank you.

“And then of course, there are our partners and sponsors, without whom there would have been no Kawasaki Racing Team. They also deserve our warmest thanks, although it is hoped that the relationships we’ve built up through six years of World Superbike competition will continue in MotoGP next season.

“Finally, I’d like to say a big thank you to Maurizio and Paolo Flammini, and all at Octagon who have made the World Superbike Championship what it is today. As professional as the series has become, they have never lost sight of the fact that it’s the fans that make the championship the success it is. More than any other race series, World Superbike has remained accessible to the race fans, with the result that a real family atmosphere pervades every race meeting. On our departure to MotoGP, we wish Paolo and the World Superbike Championship every success for the future.

“I sincerely hope that the loyal fans who’ve followed our progress in World Superbike over the years will continue to support the team as we move to MotoGP next season. I also hope they will extend the same level of support that we’ve enjoyed to Kawasaki’s new World Supersport team, who will campaign the brand new ZX-6RR in the series during 2003.

“2003 promises to be an exciting year for Kawasaki fans worldwide so, to coin a phrase: ‘Let the good times roll…'”

From a press release issued by Triumph:

Six months after fire damaged their factory in Hinckley and following extensive trials to test all areas of manufacturing, Triumph are building motorcycles again.

Key production areas have been rearranged and these improvements combined with the latest technology, are enabling Triumph to produce bikes in the most advanced motorcycle factory in the world.

Triumph did not merely replace equipment which had been lost or damaged in the fire, but took the opportunity to relocate and upgrade many processes:

Most functions have more space allowing Triumph to optimise the layout for maximum production efficiency.

The chassis assembly line is completely new and includes numerous tooling and equipment upgrades, revised sub-assembly stations and several labour saving enhancements. Together these have increased Triumph’s efficiency and accuracy and have improved the ergonomics for employee work stations.

The chassis assembly area now has two rolling roads to test bikes at the end of the assembly line.

The relocation of engine component machining lines and the engine assembly line to Triumph’s second factory so that all engine manufacturing processes take place under one roof. Finished engines are then transported to Factory 1 for fitment to the chassis.

“All our staff are back at work and delighted to be doing what they do best – building motorcycles which are a superb symbol of British manufacturing throughout the world,” says Karl Wharton, Managing Director of Triumph Motorcycles.

Development of new motorcycles has continued apace throughout the rebuilding programme.

Triumph have unveiled their new 2003-model line-up, including the new Speedmaster model, at Intermot, the international trade fair in Munich. The company plans to launch other exciting new bikes in the near future.

“Worldwide support for the Triumph brand has been enormous during the rebuilding programme, which has been achieved in record time thanks to close-co-operation with our insurers, the efficiency of the contractors and the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff,” says Karl Wharton.

“It is a remarkable achievement to be back in production six months after the fire destroyed a third of our production facility. This is a testament to Triumph’s character. Our new facilities are fantastic and the future for Triumph is brighter than ever.”

Initially production will start at 25% of pre-fire levels, building up to 100% by Christmas.

“As part of the installation process we have bikes covering all models in the current Triumph range and it was a thrill for everyone involved when the first full production bike rolled off the line on September 17,” says Karl Wharton.

“Our sales and administration staff will be exceptionally busy over the next few months processing orders from our world-wide network of dealers. We will be building bikes for all markets to ensure a proportional supply of motorcycles to Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and, of course, our home market in the UK.”

Since March, Triumph have been in constant contact with their network of dealers at home and abroad, informing them about all the arrangements which have been made to ensure a continuous supply of parts, accessories and a warranty service throughout the reconstruction period. Additionally wherever possible motorcycle stock has been relocated between markets to meet retail orders.

“Our spare parts, accessories and clothing distribution operations were unaffected by the fire and have been supplying stock as usual to meet demand. We have also been able to build up stocks of components needed for production to resume this week,” adds Karl Wharton.

Triumph supply motorcycles, parts and accessories to over 25 different countries, including those in western Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and several markets in Latin America.

From a press released issued by MS Aprilia:

MS Aprilia Racing Press Information

PREVIEW

Tuesday 1 October 2002

Bikes over the oceans: Japan, Malaysia, Australia.

The great exodus to the other ends of the Earth has Motegi in Japan as the first venue, the first of three rounds outside Europe before the grand finale in Valencia. The Twin Ring circuit, made by Honda in 1997 originally as its test track, has everything it takes to make this one of the great rounds of the World Championship: a “classic” circuit, four kilometres and eight hundred metres in length, and a high-speed oval circuit of 2.5 km specially designed for motorcar racing. Since 1999, the Twin Ring – a sort of ‘motor-city’ – has become a regular rendezvous for the MotoGP. The colossal facility contains a museum, cars and bikes of all periods, kart tracks and dirt tracks, as well as a vast range of services for enthusiasts who follow its exciting programme of motoring shows. On a plateau north of Tokyo, in the district of Kanto, Twin Ring is a very technical circuit. It has all the technical characteristics it takes to put technicians and riders of all categories to the test.

The circuit. Length: 4,801 metres – 6 left corners – 8 right corners – longest straight: 762 metres – Maximum width: 15 metres – year of construction: 1997.


2001 winners. 125 Class: Ui (JAP) Derbi – Class, 250 Class: Harada (Jap) Aprilia – 500 Class: Rossi (Ita) Honda.


Circuit records – 125: 1:58.816, Locatelli 2000 – 250: 1:52.253, Nakano, 2000 – 500: 1:50.591, Rossi, 2000.


APRILIA MANUFACTURERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER in 250 Class

Four races from the end, Aprilia has conquered the manufacturers’ title in the 250 Class. This is the 16th championship title for the Venetian company in the World Road Racing Championship, and the 18th in the history of Aprilia when the two Trial world titles are considered. The 250 championship of 2002 was conquered thanks to the 7 wins by Marco Melandri, 3 wins by Nieto, De Puniet’s third place in Suzuka and Franco Battaini’s third place in the recent race at Rio, Brazil.. This the 9th world success for Aprilia in the 250 championship, in which it has won 5 riders’ championships: ‘94, ‘95, ‘96, ‘98, ‘99, and 4 manufacturers’ titles, in ‘95, ‘98, ‘99, 2002.


APRILIA STILL AHEAD IN 3 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Noale-based Aprilia is still leading the way in another 3 World Championships in the MotoGP:

1st in the 250 Class riders’ championship with Marco Melandri

1st in the 125 Class riders’ championship with Arnaud Vincent

1st in the 125 Class manufacturers’ championship


The secret dream is naturally to win all three categories and go for an absolute first in the history of Aprilia: 4 World titles in the same year.


125 CLASS

In the 125 class, Arnaud Vincent (Aprilia – 214 points) made second place at Rio and thus increased the gap separating him from his closest rival, Manuel Poggiali (Gilera), third at Rio, and now has a 27-point lead. So far, Vincent has achieved four victories this season, more than any other rider, and is in the running for the title. The next four races will thus be crucial and the final rush could indeed be a close-run thing.

Aprilia is leading the manufacturers’ championship (260 points). It has won 7 out of 12 races so far, and has a 52 point lead over the “winged” bikes from Japan. However there are still 100 points to be won in the 2002 Championship. In theory, the title could be won before the return to Europe.


250 CLASS

After his shrewdly ridden race in Brazil, and fellow Aprilia rider Fonsi Nieto’s error, Marco Melandri (Aprilia) now has forty-five points to juggle with. Not a bad lead four races from the end, but the Spaniard has plenty of talent and could make a comeback. With 100 points still to be won, the two contestants are now coming into the hottest phase of the season. The World Manufacturers’ Championship has already been won by Aprilia. The RSW 250 has won 10 out of 12 races so far this year: Marco Melandri has achieved 7 victories and Fonsi Nieto 3, so with the addition of two excellent placings by De Puniet and Battaini, Aprilia has won the international laurels four races from the end.




MARCO MELANDRI – 250cc Class – Aprilia RSW 250

Marco Melandri rode another “tactical” race in the wet at Rio and got what he was going for. The race started on a partly wet track and ended in the driving rain, with Macio adopting an intelligent, long-term strategy. He was the fourth to pass under the chequered flag and thus increased his advantage over his closest rival Fonsi Nieto to 45 points. There are still 100 points to be assigned. It is worth noting that tactical races like the one in Brazil can pave the way for a chance of absolute victory. And Macio is perfectly aware of this fact. Montegi (Japan) will be the venue for the first of three races – one each week – leading up to the closing event of the 2002 World Championship on 3 November in Valencia (Spain). Right after Brazil, Marco flew off for a period of total relaxation. He chose Honolulu in Hawaii, an island that has always been one of his dreams. Far from the maddening rider market and pre-race stress, Marco opted for absolute repose in order to get ready to face the final part of the championship and the struggle for the world title, now increasingly within his grasp. He will soon be flying directly to Japan to join his team and prepare for the Pacific Grand Prix.


“I’ve always been crazy about the idea of Hawaii and this seemed just the right opportunity to go there. A bit of rest before the final rush begins. Far from the stress, far from Europe. This is a sort of earthly paradise, where I’ve been able to live the outdoor life, practice sport and just relax completely. We’re coming up for the final push now – three races one after the other – and it’s time to aim for the title before going back to Europe. I can’t deny that what I’d really love to do is to bag the laurels before we get to the last race in Spain. I’d really rather not to have to fight Fonsi for the title in his home country Spain.”


REGIS LACONI – MotoGP – Aprilia RS3

Régis Laconi too has been catching up on some total rest and sport since he returned to Switzerland from Brazil, but at the moment he is on his way out towards Motegi.


“I’ve been getting almost total repose to get over the effects of the fall in the race at Rio. I’ve done some targeted training but not too much, to get over the fatigue. But I’ve also been taking care of the cervical trauma I got when I went for that slide in Brazil. I’m back in fighting form now and ready for the Pacific Grand Prix. Motegi’s a smooth, technical track with plenty of slow corners followed by imperative accelerations. I like it and think we should be able to do a good race. The tarmac normally gives the tyres good grip: you could say it’s an ‘abrasive’ track in that the quality of the surface normally lets the bike go where you want it to. The temperature should be around 20° Centigrade, but there’s quite a risk of rain. We’ll see. There’ll also be a couple of Japanese wildcards I expect will be as fast as ever, even though on the Twin Ring at Montegi there are few really effective trajectories and the inventiveness of local riders can help, but it certainly isn’t decisive.”

From SPEED:

Two-wheel Tuesday Program Line-up For October 1:

2:00 p.m. World Supersport, Assen
3:00 p.m. FIM 125cc Grand Prix, Estoril

7:00 p.m. Bike Week
7:30 p.m. Motorcyclist
8:00 p.m. World Superbike, Imola Race One
9:00 p.m. World Superbike, Imola Race Two
10:00 p.m. World Supersport, Assen
11:00 p.m. Corbin’s Ride On
11:30 p.m. American Thunder
12:00 a.m. Bike Week
12:30 a.m. Motorcyclist
1:00 a.m. World Superbike, Imola Race One
2:00 a.m. World Superbike, Imola Race Two
3:00 a.m. World Supersport, Assen

All times are Eastern Time.