Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel broke his left collarbone in a crash during the AMA Supersport race at Infineon Raceway May 4, but after recent surgery Duhamel is upbeat about his chances of racing in the next round of the AMA National series, May 17-19 at Road Atlanta.

Duhamel was racing for third on the final lap of the 600cc race when his Honda CBR600RR slid on what the veteran racer speculated was a “green” section of Infineon Raceway’s newly-added turn 9A chicane. Duhamel crashed, fell awkwardly and broke his collarbone. Remarkably, it is the first time the AMA veteran has ever broken a collarbone.

“I had surgery on Monday (May 5) with Dr. (Arthur) Ting,” Duhamel told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “It was really a good thing that Ting was able to get me in quickly.

“I broke the bone in three pieces. He put the puzzle back together and pinned it up. I guess that’s the new procedure for it to heal quickly.”

In the past, broken collarbones have been plated together to allow racers to return to action quickly.

Duhamel is remaining in the San Francisco bay area and under the close supervision of Dr. Ting, Sports Medicine Rehab Specialist Tuan Nguyen and “nurse Linnea” (Duhamel’s girlfriend) in order to return to race fitness more quickly.

The French-Canadian is also utilizing an ice-water pressure wrap and a bone stimulator to quicken his recovery, but the relative lack of pain is encouraging to Duhamel.

“The fact that I haven’t needed the pain medication is a good sign,” said Duhamel. “The pain has never been bad enough to take pain medicine. Even when I broke it, the pain wasn’t that bad.

“It’s totally day-by-day,” Duhamel says of his outlook. “The goal is to not miss Road Atlanta, get some points and keep an outside chance of winning the Championships alive. But I don’t want to go out and do something stupid and endanger myself or anyone else. We’ll see.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Submitted via e-mail:

Despite being kept from the grid for Sunday’s race (750 Superstock) at Infineon Raceway (due to the constant rains preventing AMA from holding qualifying sessions), I did get out on track for enough practice laps to get some birds-eye views of the “goings-on” that happen on track. This was my first real exposure to AMA pro racing, despite having road raced at the club and WERA endurance series level for the last 13 years. One aspect of what I saw on track, concerned me enough that I felt it worthwhile to share it publicly on the Roadracingworld.com website.

All of us have seen occasions in TV footage from the AMA races, where certain top racers (especially those known to be more on the aggressive side) have used some form of body action to publicize their distaste for having been slowed in their progress around the track by slower privateer riders.

One of the more commonly seen body actions, is what I’ll refer to as “The Kick.” This consists of the passing AMA top-level rider taking one leg off their footpeg as they’re passing the slower rider, and kicking their foot directly in the rider’s direction. It appears that the kick usually doesn’t make actual physical contact, but comes very close, and is apparently done to project a message to the slower rider of “Get the Hell off the track and out of my way from now on.”

During one of the practice sessions this weekend, I saw one of the top 10 AMA pro riders, Jason DiSalvo, in the 750 Superstock practice just ahead of me. I was totally amazed to see him perform this very “Kick” action to a slower privateer, as he was passing him. From my vantage point I had observed the being-passed racer had done absolutely nothing erratic or wrong in their riding, holding a normal line, riding at a reasonable pace (though slower than DiSalvo on superior equipment), and not making any conscious efforts to keep anyone behind him.

In my opinion this “Kick” action by this top-level racer was TOTALLY inappropriate, and what I consider unacceptable behavior for anyone circulating a racetrack at speed ….. even at the club level … much less behavior shown by a “Professional.” Seeing this event up close and personal on track, only served to drive home the point that this form of “get out of my way, I’m a factory fast guy” physical aggression behavior is becoming more and more “the norm” these days. The fact that this “kicking” pro racer was a very young racer, only served to show that he’d likely learned this behavior from observing other older, and more long-term professional, AMA fast guys.

I can’t imagine the AMA condoning an environment on-track where all of the less-than-lightning-quick privateers (riders who do, however, more than meet the 112% lap time rule set down by the AMA) need to be in constant concern for being kicked, bumped, and punted off the track by the top pro team’s “fast guys.” In my opinion that would be nothing short of total lack of responsibility on the part of the AMA pro racing organization, to look the other way in addressing such behavior.

Thanks for letting me vent on this issue, as I suspect it’s something that many other AMA privateers can relate to, from their own personal experiences on track.

Gary Jaehne
AMA #231
Santa Cruz, California


And now a reaction from another racer, submitted via e-mail:

After reading the response of another viewer/racer, I would also like to comment on the behavior of the “fast factory” riders.

Ben Spies, a former favorite of mine (mainly because he’s not a midget, rides hard and rides a Suzuki) acted like a spoiled kid gesturing to other riders and shaking his head at them, as if to say, ‘Way to go, loser,’ during the 600 race last weekend.

Sorry, Ben, you’re not the only show on the track. If the factory guys think I would show up to see 10 bikes go around the track they are nuts.

Cory Mann
Citrus Heights, California


And now a reaction to Cory Mann’s reaction, from Ben Spies’ mother, submitted via e-mail:

Cory Mann might want to review the tapes to see the gesture that Ben Spies gave to a fellow rider was a thumbs-up for moving to the side of the track. Cory might also then consider an appointment with an eye specialist.

Mary Spies
Longview, Texas

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Zero Gravity, the aftermarket windscreen company, has moved to:

912-A Pancho Rd.
Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 388-8803
www.zero-gravity.com

From a press release:

CLEAN SWEEP


On Sunday May 4, 2003 at Shannonville Motorsport Park the Nodell Motorsports Grand Prix motorcycle team competed in round one of the RACE Superseries.

Rider Stuart Nodell qualified on the pole for the Pro 250 Grand Prix race as well as the Pro Formula race aboard their 250 Grand Prix bike.

In the 250 main event Nodell went uncontested as he led from start to finish for the teams first victory of 2003. Following the race Nodell stated, “This is a great way to start our season by winning the pole and the race in defending our championship.”

The team anticipated the task in PRO Fomula would be more difficult as Nodell was competing against the factory teams on the 250cc while they were on unlimited displacement equipment.

Nodell had a good launch as he was in second position on lap one and threatening the lead position. By turn two on the second lap Nodell took the lead and checked out immediately gapping the field. The race was stopped on lap four due to an incident in turn five. When the race was restarted Nodell immediately grabbed the lead, put his head down and checked out on the entire field winning in fine style in the 14-lap feature.

Following the race Nodell commented, “This team put me on an excellent bike that gave us the opportunity to win. The Bridgestone tires were flawless.” This is the team’s first victory in Pro Formula and it has been quite a few years since a Grand Prix team won the feature event.

Nodell Motorsports would like to thank the R.A.C.E organization and staff.

Our next event will be the opening round of the CAN-AM 125 Grand Prix North American championship on May 18 at Shannonville Motorsport Park held in conjunction with the Canadian Superbike Championship. We are the defending champions from 2002 and will be wearing the number one plate.

Pro 250
1. Stuart Nodell Hon
2. Mike MacNeil Hon
3. John Dempsey Hon
4. Christian Rose Hon
5. George Osmond Hon

Pro Formula ( feature event)
1. Stuart Nodell Hon 250
2. Matt McBride Kaw 600
3. Frank Trombino Yam 1000
4. Joel McDonald Yam 600
5. Jim Proulx Kaw 750

From a press release:Suzuki Gets Into NASCAR!

American Suzuki Partners with NASCAR Driver Kenny Schrader


BREA, Calif., May 7, 2003 – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced that the company is partnering with four-time NASCAR Winston Cup winner and longtime motorcycle/ATV enthusiast Kenny Schrader and K Schrader Racing.

Thanks to this new relationship, NASCAR fans will see Suzuki logos on the “B” post of Schrader’s NASCAR Winston West, NASCAR Southwest Tour and ARCA race cars. Suzuki logos will also be displayed on the “B” post of Schrader’s NASCAR Craftsman truck and two of his vehicle haulers.

“NASCAR fans are some of our best customers, so partnering with Kenny Schrader was a natural choice for Suzuki,” said Mel Harris, vice president of ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division. “On top of that, Kenny’s a great guy and we’re thrilled that he’ll be endorsing Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs.”

In addition to touting Suzuki on his vehicles, Schrader will provide personal endorsements of Suzuki products in national ad campaigns and billboards throughout the Southeast. He’ll also be available for making personal appearances at select Suzuki motorcycle and ATV dealerships.

“There’s so much cross-over in the motorcycle industry and NASCAR,” enthused CAS Communications President Carol Stacy, who brokered the Suzuki/Schrader deal. “Kenny’s been riding Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs for years and he’s excited to share his enthusiasm.”

Look for Suzuki signage on Schrader’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., on May 16, 2003.

From a press release:

For the eighth year in a row, American Honda Motor Corp. recently donated over $7000 worth of HondaPro chemicals and lubricants to the HonTech division of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Phoenix, Arizona.

The American Honda donation to HonTech was supervised by Motorcycle Parts and Accessories Assistant Manager, Rick Mitchell.

For more information on HonTech call (800) 528-7995.

From a press release issued by FGSPORTGROUP:

Imola 200 Mile – Race Analysis

Sunday’s 200 Miglia di Imola race – the San Marino round of the world endurance championship – was an excellent illustration of the highs and lows that accompany any form of motorcycle racing.

The Chinese Zongshen team experienced both elation and disappointment. Their No.1 bike, ridden by Warwick Nowland and Stephane Mertens, won the race by over a minute with Nowland also putting in the fastest lap of the race.

Meanwhile, the Zongshen No.2 bike, ridden by Jerman, Bonhuil and Bontempi, seemed to be in a comfortable second place until three laps from the end of the race when the bike’s clutch failed, forcing the team to retire.

The Zongshen No.2 bike’s failure played in to the hands of the other teams which had been pushing to catch it. Suzuki GB Phase One were happy to settle for their eventual second place. Brit James Ellison and Frenchman Olivier Four have formed a rider partnership capable of consistent lap times which are the envy of other teams.

Yamaha Austria were ecstatic with third place. This was the Superbike specification Yamaha R1’s first race after a winter of development, and proof that the bike could run with the best. With more racing miles under its wheels the R1 can only improve.

The Police Nationale squad arrived at Imola with only one bike ready to race and very little testing time behind them. Finishing the race in fourth place shows that their move from Kawasaki to Suzuki has paid off, and that challenging for the championship is now a real possibility.

Bolliger Team put in their usual solid performance to finish fifth, showing that team work can be moreimportant than simple lap times. Ducati DRE’s No. 5 bike finished lower in the field than expected (owing to clutch problems) but the Ducati DRE 101 bike’s seventh place shows the potential for endurance success in the new Ducati 999.

Yamaha GMT94 will be disappointed with sixth place, but the resilient and ultra-professional French team now know what they have to achieve before the next race at Assen in three weeks time. From that race Williams Costes will join again the team.

Next Endurance World Championship round will be held in Assen on May 25th .

From a press release issued by Road Atlanta:

LOCAL AMA RACER OPIE CAYLOR READY FOR THE
AMA SUZUKI SUPERBIKE SHOWDOWN AT ROAD ATLANTA

BRASELTON, GA — Chris “Opie” Caylor knows the fast way around Road Atlanta, and he hopes to use that knowledge during the AMA 750 Superstock race during the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog, May 16-18.

Caylor, a resident of Marietta, Ga., has been racing on Road Atlanta’s 2.54-mile road course since 1996. In the past, he was done well at Road Atlanta in the WERA Suzuki Cup Finals, winning an SV650 Cup race, second in the GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 races, and finishing third in the GSX-R1000 event.

Next week, Caylor will be riding his Team EMGO/1-888-FASTLAP Suzuki GSX-R 750 in the Superstock race, which will be held on Saturday, May 17.

“Road Atlanta is my home track; I have a lot of laps there,” commented Caylor. “A lot of laps doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be the fastest guy. It’s the quality of those laps that counts. I’m looking forward to the race. Home track, home crowd, the track makes me feel at home.”

For the past two years, Caylor has been competing in AMA Pro Racing’s 750 Superstock Series, one of the most exciting and popular series that runs in conjunction with AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Series.

In 2002, Caylor was the recipient of the prestigious AMA Horizon Award, given to one rider each year who shows potential as a rising star in professional roadracing.

Although the 2003 season is only just beginning, Caylor has already proved that he is one of the top privateers in the series. At the second round, held at California Speedway in Fontana, Caylor finished fourth and was the top privateer in the race. Last weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Caylor finished eighth in the Superstock race, and comes to Road Atlanta ranked eighth in the championship standings with 64 points. Tommy Hayden of Owensboro, Ky., the winner all three rounds this far on his Kawasaki, leads with 111 points.

Since its inception in 2001, Caylor has been an instructor with the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School, based at Road Atlanta. The extra track time has allowed Caylor to learn more about the challenging road course.

“Road Atlanta has a lot of character, and some lines that work better than others. As many laps as I’ve had there, I’ve had an opportunity to experiment”, said Caylor. “I’ve tried a lot of different stuff for different corners. I might have one or two or three different lines to try through a corner, so if I have to make a pass I might have a bit of an advantage.”

Caylor will take time out of his busy schedule during race week to visit Children’s Health Care of Atlanta to share the excitement of racing with the children there.

“It’s totally cool, having the support from your friends,” said Caylor about racing at Road Atlanta. “It makes a big deal for the rider, I think. It pumps me up when I see people cheering and screaming. It’s awesome to see people getting behind it and supporting it as the sport grows.”

Fans who want to cheer on Caylor and the other AMA racers can purchase one, two and three day tickets for the Suzuki Superbike Showdown presented by Dark Dog at Road Atlanta, May 16-18. Tickets are available at www.RoadAtlanta.com or by calling 1-800-849-RACE.

Fans will be treated to two rounds of the Superbike Series, one on Saturday and the second on Sunday. Additional races throughout the weekend include 750 Superstock, 600 Supersport and 250 GP.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden, winner of all three 2003 AMA Superstock races held so far, has been assessed a 20-point penalty and has been fined $2000 by AMA Pro Racing for illegal modifications to his Superstock Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Official results from the May 4 AMA Pro Racing event at Infineon Raceway were released Wednesday and list Hayden as receiving a 20-point penalty for “a technical violation,” but the penalty stems from a violation during the AMA event at California Speedway in Fontana, California April 5.

“They (AMA Pro Racing technical staff) did a teardown. They actually impounded the bike after Fontana and didn’t do the work until Infineon because of the Pro staff schedule,” Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday. “There was some illegal machining done to the cylinder head area…some material removed from the combustion chamber.”

In addition to the 20-point penalty, Hayden was fined $2000 but was allowed to keep all of his three race wins. “They (AMA Pro Racing’s Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice, Technical Manager Rob King and Road Race Series Operations Manager Ron Barrick) discussed it and made the decision based on what they felt the relative advantage that he got was and felt the 20 points and the fine was sufficient (punishment),” said Graeber.

Asked if the AMA Pro Racing staff reviewed the sanctioning body’s history of fines and penalties versus violations in determining Hayden’s punishment, Graeber said, “They did. They looked at the history, and Ron (Barrick), again, made the determination that based on his assessment of what they would have gained from this modification, if you will, that this fine and this point penalty was sufficient.”

A quick review of past violations and penalties at AMA Pro Racing road racing events would seem to contradict the AMA’s position on the current situation in Hayden’s favor.

For instance, Ben Spies, then riding for Attack Suzuki, had all of his points (32) taken away when his GSX-R600 was found to have “an illegal intake modification” after his second-place finish in the Superstock race at California Speedway in 2002.

In 2000, privateer Chuck Chouinard was stripped of his second-place 750cc Supersport finish and points at New Hampshire International Speedway when his Suzuki GSX-R750 was found to have material removed from the valves.

In contrast to AMA Pro Racing’s tendency to deduct points and issue fines rather than disqualify riders for violations, FIM disqualified Fabien Foret when a non-homologated rear axle (100 grams lighter) was found on his Honda CBR600F4i in post-race technical inspection following his World Supersport race win at Lausitzring last season. Jamie Whitham, seventh place, and Paolo Casoli, 10th place, were both immediately disqualified when their Yamahas would not start with the starter button following the same race.

A phone call seeking comment on the penalty against Tommy Hayden had not been returned by the Kawasaki team at post time.

Current 2003 AMA Superstock Championship Point Standings Following Infineon Raceway:

1. Tommy Hayden, 91 points, 3 wins
2. Adam Fergusson, 85 points
3. Vincent Haskovec, 84 points
4. Tony Meiring, 76 points
5. Jason DiSalvo, 71 points
6. Jimmy Moore, 67 points
7. Josh Hayes, 66 points
8. Chris Caylor, 64 points
9. John Haner, 55 points
10. Jordan Szoke, 54 points
11. Mike Ciccotto, 51 points
12. Chris Ulrich, 49 points
13. Jeremy Toye, 38 points
14. Matt Furtek, 37 points
15. Lee Acree, 32 points
16. Alan Schmidt, 31 points
17. Eric Wood/Rich Conicelli/Brian Stokes, TIE, 29 points
20. Steve Rapp, 27 points

More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING CONFIRMS TEAM KAWASAKI RIDER TOMMY HAYDEN PENALIZED

Pickerington, Ohio – At the conclusion of the Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock race at California Speedway on April 5, 2003, AMA Pro Racing impounded cylinder heads from #22, Tommy Hayden and #56, Tony Meiring, for further investigation. This inspection was completed Sunday May 4, 2003 at Infineon Raceway (the next round in the series). Tommy Hayden’s cylinder head was determined to have minor machining in the combustion chamber. A penalty of 20 points and a $2000 fine were applied. Tony Meiring’s cylinder head was found to be within specification.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

American Honda’s Ben Bostrom turns 29 years old today.

Bostrom was the second son born to Dave and Verna Bostrom, on May 7, 1974, in Redding, California and spent most of his life growing up in the San Francisco Bay area. The 1998 AMA Superbike Champion currently calls Las Vegas, Nevada his official home but also has a ranch near Temecula, California.