Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Eric Wood will race a Buell XB9R in the Sportbike class during the F-USA National at Loudon, New Hampshire June 14-16.

Wood won the AMA Pro Thunder race at Loudon last year and is a past F-USA Sportbike Champion.

In related news, the New Hampshire International Speedway is now equipped with 135 soft barrier sections, 85 more than last year, and the recent redesign of the NASCAR oval has eliminated the transition bumps where the road course crosses the oval, according to racer and NHIS motorcycle safety director Jerry Wood, father of Eric Wood.

Formula USA will bring an additional 20 sections (about 560 linear feet) of inflatable Air Fence, provided by the Roadracingworld.com Action Fund, to the track.

An LRRS race at the track last weekend drew 970 entries despite snow flurries on Saturday.

From press releases:

From Ducati:
WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 6 – Silverstone (UK)
Wednesday Pre-Race Testing

WORLD SUPERBIKE CONTENDERS MAKE DEBUT AT SILVERSTONE IN PRE-RACE TESTING

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) set third quickest time today at Silverstone as the World Superbike contenders completed a one-day test session in preparation for Round 6 of the championship here on Sunday.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) was one place behind in fourth, with Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) in twelfth position, as the Grand Prix circuit was hit by changeable weather.

First qualifying for the Silverstone race gets underway on Friday 24th May, with the second session and the grid-deciding Superpole scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s two races will be held at 1200 and 1530 (1300 and 1630 CET).

OFFICIAL TIMES
1. Colin Edwards (Honda) 1:49.55; 2. Steve Hislop (Ducati Monster Mob) 1:49.74; 3. Ruben Xaus (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:49.78; 4. Troy Bayliss (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:50.06; 5. Neil Hodgson (HM Plant Ducati) 1:50.08; 6. Rutter (Ducati Renegade) 1:50.36; 7. Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia) 1:50.40 … 10. James Toseland (HM Plant Ducati) 1:50.78 … 12. Ben Bostrom (DUCATI L&M) 1:51.35.



From Honda:

HONDA RACING NEWS

Silverstone, GB – 2002 World Superbike championship round six / 2002 World
Supersport championship round six – Sunday May 26

New circuit brings new hope for Edwards

Castrol Honda World Superbike rider Colin Edwards believes Sunday’s sixth round of the championship at the Silverstone circuit near Northampton, GB may be the turning point in the 2002 season.

Edwards, second in the championship, has never raced at Silverstone but the 28-year-old former world champion is hoping the circuit layout will benefit his SP-2 machine.

“From what I’ve seen of the circuit I should be in with a good chance of winning,” Edwards reports. “There doesn’t seem to be too many slow, stop-start corners, more sweeping, high speed bends.

“That style of circuit should be good for the SP-2. We’ve plenty of mid range and top end power and it looks like those are the ingredients needed at Silverstone.”

Edwards is 38 points behind series leader Troy Bayliss as the pair have eased away at the head of the championship. Edwards adds: “It looks a bit of a two horse race at the moment but this is motorsport, anything can happen.

“A couple of weeks ago I would have expected Neil Hodgson to be a contender at Silverstone, which I still believe, but then he popped up at Monza and was battling for the race wins.”

Edwards concluded: “Everyone keeps telling me I’m riding well enough so I’m pretty relaxed and have got the feeling that my time will come to win some races and start challenging Troy (Bayliss) for the championship lead.”

Edwards is 55 points clear of the battle for third, a four-way tussle between the factory Ducatis of Ben Bostrom and Ruben Xaus, the factory Aprilia of Noriyuki Haga and GSE Ducati team rider Neil Hodgson.

The Silverstone wild card riders include Steve Hislop the veteran Scotsman took a shock pole position for the British round of the championship last year then held at Donington Park.

Victory for Honda’s Fabien Foret in the last round of the World Supersport championship at Monza the fourth win of his career – has thrown the battle for the championship wide open.

Just five points now separate the top three riders as 1999 champion Stephane Chambon leads the way, by four points from Foret with defending champion Andrew Pitt one point behind the CBR600-riding Frenchman.

Foret commented: “Silverstone is new to every rider so I don’t see that we will have any specific problems. I’ve heard the circuit is very fast that will suit the CBR600 machine.”

Talented young Australian Chris Vermeulen is up to sixth in the championship on his van Zon Honda after the 19-year-old took his first pole position and his first podium finish, with second place, at Monza two weeks ago.

“I’ve raced at Silverstone before but only the national circuit,” said Vermeulen. “I’m like every other rider out there, looking forward to the fast, sweeping corners around the back of the circuit that only Formula One cars have used before.”



More, from Honda:

World Superbike – Wednesday test times:
1. Colin Edwards, Castrol Honda, 1:49.554
2. Steve Hislop, Ducati, 1:49.742
3. Ruben Xaus, Ducati, 1:49.789
4. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:50.067
5. Michael Rutter, Ducati, 1:50.363
6. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 1:50.403
7. Shane Byrne, Ducati, 1:50.433
8. Neil Hodgson, Ducati, 1:50.707
9. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki, 1:50.770
10. James Toseland, Ducati, 1:50.785

From a press release:

E. BOSTROM TAKES MOMENTUM TO ENGLAND

May 22, 2002 – Atlanta, GA. After an exciting race weekend at Road Atlanta for rounds six and seven of the Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike Championship, Eric finds himself in Europe. Again. Filling in for Izutsu and Harald Eckl’s Kawasaki team, Eric is looking forward to putting in a solid result for Kawasaki at the British round, just as he did a few weeks ago at the Italian round (Monza).

He’s taking to Silverstone the momentum and excitement from his inspiring ride at Road Atlanta (AMA) last Sunday. A ride that saw him reel in the fast Honda twin of Nicky Hayden with just a few laps to go, and make a pass in the penultimate corner of the last lap that got 55,000+ fans on their feet screaming with excitement. Although Nicky’s drive into the last corner ultimately sealed Eric’s fate, it was one of the best races of the season, and it showcased what Eric has been learning from his World Superbike races. All that travelling is starting to pay off.

Quite possibly the busiest rider in the paddock, Eric hasn’t gone home to Las Vegas in quite awhile. Since the Fontana, California (AMA round) almost 2 months ago, he has been a man on the move. Eric flew immediately to Australia to train and hang with brother, Ben. Then he flew to Japan for the Sugo World Superbike round. Then back to California for the Sears Point (AMA) round. Then immediately to Italy for the Monza round. Then to Atlanta for the Road Atlanta (AMA) round, where he left two days ago to arrive in time for the Silverstone practice today. But wait folks, there’s more. As soon as the Silverstone round ends, Eric flies to Colorado for the Pikes Peak (AMA) round. Then to Wisconsin for the Road America (AMA) round. And there remains the possibility that Eric will wrap up June with the Misano World Superbike round, as well. Quite a busy, pressure-packed few months for the 25 year-old California native. But he’s taking it all in stride. “Riding these events, is helping the riding, for sure. It’s making me dig deeper and try harder,” says Eric.

And his American fans are certainly seeing improved riding, especially in the form of qualifying and race starts. “It seems like we have better qualifying tires across the pond. So I’m still coming to terms with how much grip we have over there versus over here. And those guys in WSB start so HARD. Here, a good start means a holeshot. There, a good start means you might be even with everyone else.” His American fans are also seeing a more aggressive Eric Bostrom, although seemingly not at the expense of his trademark composure.

The upcoming Silverstone World Superbike round should prove interesting, as this is the first time a World Superbike race is being held at the Silverstone circuit, leveling the playing field a bit. “I think it’ll be fun. It should close the gap a bit since the WSB regulars haven’t been there yet. The British locals are going to go good and be tough to beat, and they are on fast bikes. But it should be fun.”

And Eric has a little streak to protect at Silverstone, having qualified on the outside of row 2 (in 8th position) in both of the prior World Superbike races (Sugo and Monza). Will Silverstone mean another 8th place Superpole lap? “I don’t mind starting from row two. It’s not such a bad qualifying position. I’d like to qualify better, of course. But in AMA, I’m unhappy if I’m not on pole. In WSB, I’m happy to start 8th! At least, for the moment.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Purse payout for this weekend’s Formula USA race at Summit Point follow:

Lockhart Phillips Superbike
Position, Race 1, Race 2, Combined
1. $1250, $3750, $5000
2. $925, $2775, $3700
3. $675, $2025, $2700
4. $450, $1350, $1800
5. $325, $975, $1300
6. $250, $750, $1000
7. $225, $675, $900
8. $200, $600, $800
9. $175, $525, $700
10. $150, $450, $600
11. $125, $375, $500
12. $100, $300, $400
13. $75, $225, $300
14. $50, $150, $200
15. $25, $75, $100

Pro Honda Oils 600 Sportbike & Buell Lightning Series (each)
1. $2000
2. $1500
3. $1200
4. $1000
5. $800
6. $700
7. $600
8. $450
9. $400
10. $350
11. $300
12. $250
13. $200
14. $150
15. $100

Team Challenge GTO, GTU, GTL (each)
1. $500
2. $300
3. $200

600cc Supersport Amateur & Open Supersport Amateur (each)
1. $350
2. $250
3. $175
4. $125
5. $100

Unlimited Grand Prix & Thunderbike (each)
1. $1000
2. $500
3. $275
4. $250
5. $225
6. $200
7. $175
8. $150
9. $125
10. $100

From an AMA Pro Racing press release, issued about 24 hours after our posting of the results of yesterday’s Appeal Board hearing:

APPEAL BOARD DETERMINES YAMAHA R1/R7 HYBRID
NOT LEGAL FOR FORMULA XTREME RACING

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — An appeal board that met at AMA Pro Racing headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, on May 21, 2002, has determined that the Yamaha R1/R7 hybrid motorcycle used by Graves Yamaha in AMA Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme competition is not legal.

The board’s statement is as follows:
“It is our opinion that the Yamaha R7 does not meet the criteria set forth in Rule No. 24 (d) (2) in spirit or intent. It is also our finding that due to the error by AMA Pro Racing in including the R7 on the list of approved equipment, no team or rider should be penalized for awards received prior to May 21, 2002. The Yamaha R-7 is not legal for competition in Formula Xtreme.”

The board specifies that racers who have competed on the R1/R7 hybrid this season will be able to keep the points and purse money earned to date in Formula Xtreme.

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for professional motorcycle sport in the United States. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

From a press release:

New look, new sponsor, new bike equals new confidence!

A recent Hollywood film projects the story of a baseball coach who looses a bet to his team of kids and must in turn chase his own dream of becoming a major league pitcher. Well, Blackmans Racing Aprilia rider Michael Himmelsbach will be sporting a new look for the Formula USA Summit Point National and how did he get this new look? “As a coach of the Quakertown Youth Wrestling team, I am really close to a couple key members and occasionally I like to encourage them with bets or incentives. We had an incredible season going unbeaten and winning 14 matches so I put out a challenge and lost. Four days later I went blonde. I think it brought the kids closer together and next year I am looking forward to an all blonde team,” said Michael Himmelsbach

Blackmans Racing is also debuting the latest Akrapovich Racing Exhaust and New Lockhart Phillips sponsorship for the Summit Point National. “The Akrapovich exhaust makes a significant increase in our mid-range power without a loss at the top and it also features a set of carbon canisters helping us to reduce the weight of the machine by 1.5 pounds. This should help Mike in accelerating off the corners better,” said Bill Himmelsbach.

Armed with a new bike built by crew chief Bill Himmelsbach the Blackmans Racing squad is looking forward to returning to Summit Point were Michaels racing career started back in 1988. The team took part in two testing sessions at Summit with very positive results and getting to within ½-second of the overall motorcycle lap record.

“Yeah, I am really excited to be returning to Summit. I kicked off my career here and have had much success at this place. I really like the track layout, its atmosphere and of course the fans are great. Our Aprilia suits this track and the latest bike my father developed is just awesome and I can’t wait. I know it will be a tough race but I think we are in a great position for a double win,” said Michael Himmelsbach.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Appeal Board hearing on the denied protests of Damon Buckmaster’s Yamaha YZF-R7 Formula Xtreme bike is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. today at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

MotoGP racer John Hopkins celebrated his 19th birthday today in Paris, with his girlfriend, Desiree Crossman.

Hopkins and Crossman are living in Clermont Ferrand, France during the MotoGP season.

From a May 20 press release issued by Roger Lyle:

We’re having a blast!

The report just in from Greg Harrison of WGH Excavation Inc. at Summit Point Raceway with the Move the Mountain Safety Project.

Rock in the Turn 4 embankment was blasted today. A small piece of red, blue, and white body plastic with a 1985 AMA/CCS sticker was found in the chute area. The piece is believed to be from Bart Peterson’s Yamaha FJ600 when he lost control and put him and the bike into the embankment after turn 4! Bart did take a ride to the hospital on that one!

More rock will be drilled and blasted tomorrow along with excavation of more dirt and rock. Greg said you will not recognize the old turn four when you come back to Summit. The track has not changed but the run-off area is being expanded tremendously. Hopefully Greg will take some digital shots and have them here for you soon.

The project should be finished by this Thursday, May 23 when Formula USA, XSBA, and Team Hammer School rolls into Summit Point for the big Cycle Fest through Sunday the 26.

We are nearing our goal of raising money for the project. The Woodbridge Kart Club,WKC Board of Directors has pledged $5,000 along with the Washington DC Region SCCA kicking in $5,000. The MTM site and the donations from motorcycle racers and enthusiasts have raised almost $7,000. Thanks to everyone who has helped out in any way to make this project a reality. More run-off room should save many racers from serious injuries. We are also looking at other hazardous areas; the exit of turn 3, the exit of turn 9, the tirestacks at the edge of turn 8. With a little more time and money these areas will be addressed. Check out the supporters list at www.mtm.nbinteractive.com

You can donate now if you like. Take care and race safe!

Roger Lyle

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

An AMA Pro Racing Appeal Board ruled today that Damon Buckmaster’s Yamaha YZF-R7 is not legal for the Formula Xtreme class, but that Buckmaster will be allowed to keep his race finishes and points earned to date.

The bike will not be allowed to compete again in Formula Xtreme, the Board ruled.

Buckmaster’s YZF-R7 was protested following his win at the opening round for the Formula Xtreme class, at Fontana on April 7.

Critical evidence presented at the hearing included an e-mail sent to an AMA member by AMA Pro Racing Technical Manager Rob King, dated September 7, 2001, in which King stated that the R7 had been allowed to race in 2001 under special dispensation and that it would not be allowed to compete in 2002, when the new R1 was introduced.

Other evidence included an MSO for a YZF-R7 sold in the U.S., which was clearly marked that the bike was not legal for street use.

The Board rejected AMA Pro Racing’s contention that the rule requiring machines to be sold for street use in the United States was unclear, and the contention that a bike being legal for street use anywhere in the world made it legal for AMA Formula Xtreme. The Board blamed Pro Racing for not better communicating with teams, and it was because Graves Motorsports Yamaha was not clearly warned that its R7 would not be allowed in 2002 that the Board allowed Buckmaster to keep his finishes and points earned to date despite finding the bike clearly illegal.

The Board also faulted the protesting teams and riders for not filing protests of the machine in 2001, and, when told that AMA Pro Racing officials would not accept protests of the bike in 2001, demanded the paperwork showing that a protest had been written and rejected. No such paperwork was produced.

AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice deflected blame for the controversy over R7 eligibility onto the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors as it existed in 2001, claiming that he was forced to allow the bike to race, and that actually enforcing the rule was out of his hands.

AMA Pro Racing was represented at the hearing by Vanderslice, King and Ron Barrick. Others attending or testifying at the hearing, held at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, included Keith McCarty of Yamaha Motor Corp., Morgan Broadhead and Pat Alexander of American Suzuki Motor Corp., Attack Suzuki’s Richard Stanboli, Erion Racing’s Kevin Erion and Mike Hale, Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Keith Perry, and Corona Extra Suzuki’s Steve Rapp.

The Appeal Board hearing focused on appeals filed by Hale and Rapp after their initial protests at Fontana were denied.