Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Cinzano Rio Grand Prix provisional pole sitter Max Biaggi, Pramac and Honda Racing Cooperation (HRC) announced a new three-year deal Thursday in Rio. According to sources in Brazil, Biaggi will ride an official HRC Honda RC211V for Pramac.

Pramac, an Italian engineering company, currently sponsors Tetsuya Harada on a Dunlop-shod Honda NSR500. Which brand of tire Biaggi will use has not been announced.

Biaggi currently rides a Michelin-equipped YZR-M1 for the Marlboro Yamaha factory team.


Current Confirmed MotoGP Rider/Brand Combinations:

Honda:
Valentino Rossi
Nicky Hayden
Daijiro Kato
Max Biaggi


Moriwaki Honda:
Garry McCoy
John Hopkins

Ducati:
Troy Bayliss
Loris Capirossi

Yamaha:
Carlos Checa

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday Morning 125cc Grand Prix Practice Times:

1. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:59.867
2. Manuel Poggiali, Gilera, 1:59.904
3. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 2:00.106
4. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 2:00.233
5. Joan Olive, Honda, 2:00.698
6. Youichi Ui, Derbi, 2:00.776
7. Simone Sanna, Aprilia, 2:00.822
8. Noboru Ueda, Honda, 2:00.837
9. Masao Azuma, Honda, 2:00.997
10. Gabor Talmacsi, Honda, 2:01.357

From a press release issued by organizers of the Superbike World Championship:

Yamaha will present the new race version YZF-R6 for 2003 at Imola, Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit on Saturday 28 September at 12:15 in the SBK Paddock Show.

Yamaha riders Paolo Casoli, Jamie Whitham, Jörg Teuchert and Christian Kellner will be in attendance for the photocall, plus information on racing kit parts will be made available at this time.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

After winning what may have been the largest cash purse ever in motorcycle road racing, WSMC Toyota 200 winner Jason Pridmore told reporters he plans on entering at least one Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) golf tournament.

“Didn’t I tell you? I’m on the PGA Tour next year. I’m not going to come back to race,” joked Pridmore when asked by a reporter about his 2003 plans. “I’m going to take some time off right now and play golf a lot over the next six months. I want to just train, and I’m probably going to play in some tournaments during the off-season. Maybe when I’m done racing in another year or two that will be something I will pursue because it’d be kind fun to see how competitive I could get at that. We’ll see how it goes.

“I’m going to go try and Monday–qualify for a Buy.com event here later in the year. All my friends are pushing me to do it, and they’re all really good players. I don’t put myself at their level yet, but the only way I’m going to find out what that level is is by getting out there and taking a look at it. I’m just going to go out there and just see what happens. It’ll be kind of fun, you know.”

Pridmore, age 32, said he plans to try and qualify for the Gila River Classic October 7-13 at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona. The Buy.com PGA Tour event features multi-day coverage on the Golf Network and a $425,000 purse with $76,500 going to the winner.

Because he does not have a PGA Tour card, Pridmore will have to play in a qualifying round on the Monday before the tournament to earn an entry. Pridmore, a serious golfer since his teenage years, said that qualifying on Monday is a long shot, explaining “They only take two or three.”

After his off-season of golf, 2002 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Pridmore looks forward to a continued relationship with American Suzuki, saying, “For sure, I want to be with Suzuki again. I think the year that we had is not going to hurt that opportunity at all. I want to stay with the team I’ve got because they’re the best ones out there.

“I mean, I was out riding around (Saturday, September 14) at 9:30 at night, coming back down from watching the Oscar De La Hoya fight up there in turn four (at Willow Springs), there was only one team in the paddock practicing pit stops and it was mine. They’re so dedicated to me, and they’re so dedicated to winning. I think Richard (Stanboli, Attack Suzuki team owner) would tell you the same. He’s had a long road, too, before winning anything. It’s something we can get used to.

“I think if we get to go testing this off-season, we’ll be even tougher to beat next year, once we figure out what the AMA’s doing with their rules, if they ever make a decision. Hopefully they’ll tell us before March, before Daytona comes along, because of the history those guys have got.

“I think it has to be said that Bill Huth (Willow Springs owner) stepped up to the plate and he ran an event (WSMC Toyota 200) that was worthy of what he wanted it to be,” continued Pridmore. “I think maybe he felt the AMA should have continued their relationship here, and they didn’t. And he wanted to show them that he could run an event on his own.

“I would’ve liked to have seen it better supported as far as the riders go. I think next year they’ll have a bigger spectator turnout than they did this year. It wasn’t horrible, but I know they could always use more people. I think a lot of times when you have a first annual event like this everyone doesn’t really know what to expect especially with the economy and stuff like that it probably scared a few people off.

“But he did a great job with the event. And to win $50,000 after spending $300 to get in the thing, that’s a pretty good return. We need more races like this. It makes you really wonder how we’re winning Superbike nationals and only getting paid $3500 or $4000. It’s an embarrassment, really. We’re professional athletes and this is what it should be about. Yeah, we’re not up there with the other top-dollar athletes. I get frustrated when I read about guys sitting out eight weeks with an ingrown toe nail and they’re getting paid their seven million. It pisses you off, but bottom line is I’m doing what I want to do for a living. I’m able to make a living doing it.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Thursday 250cc Grand Prix Qualifying Results:

1. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 1:54.312
2. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 1:54.328
3. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:54.823
4. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 1:54.962
5. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:55.063
6. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:55.349
7. Alex Debon, Aprilia, 1:55.743
8. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:55.923
9. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, 1:55.942
10. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:56.044
11. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 1:56.063
12. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:56.164
13. David Checa, Aprilia, 1:56.876
14. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, 1:57.001
15. Jay Vincent, Honda, 1:57.083


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Marco “Macio” Melandri on front row: second quickest time in Rio qualifying session.


Marco Melandri brought out his claws during the closing stages of the session. Leading the provisional ratings until just 13 seconds from the end, Marco finally lost the top spot to Elias (Aprilia), who today came away with provisional pole. In the final rush, Marco made a slight skid and hit the front fairing with his helmet, sending a conspicuous piece of plexiglass flying. Working hard on details, Macio managed to find an excellent set-up for his Aprilia RSW 250 and declares he’s feeling quite relaxed about Saturday’s race, even if the weather decides to change. Three Aprilia 250s on the front row, in the following order: Elias, Melandri, Nieto


# 3 Marco Melandri – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 2nd – 1’42.106


“We did some really good work in the afternoon and made some good progress. The bike’s going like a bomb and I can say I’m pretty pleased. It’s very hot here and after a few laps the tyres start slipping, but of course it’s the same for everyone. I’m pleased with the settings we’ve managed to work out for the bike on the first day of practice because, if it decides to rain tomorrow (as they’re forecasting) and then we find ourselves racing in the dry on Saturday, I should be ok as from now. I was very fast today in the third and fourth intermediates – and these are really crucial points as far as the Rio track’s concerned.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Earlier this week it was officially announced that Loris Capirossi and reigning Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss would ride the Ducati Desmosedici in the 2003 MotoGP series.

In the September 18 entry of his online diary, Bayliss said that he had felt in the past that it would be too difficult to switch from Superbike to Grand Prix. “I figured that maybe it would be too strange to change from riding a Ducati to a 500 two-stroke,” wrote Bayliss on www.troybayliss.com. “I was happy enough to stay in the World Superbike Championship but as soon as I heard that Ducati were building a MotoGP bike my mind has been in that place.

“I’m pretty keen to ride it, but before I do, I’ve got one more small, little obstacle to get over and that’s the showdown at Imola.”

Bayliss went on to say his recent test at Mugello got the bad taste of his Assen crash out of his mouth and helped him regain a feel for his bike that he had been lacking in recent World Superbike rounds.

From a press release issued by Suzuki Canada:

SUZUKI SWEEPS CANADIAN SUPERBIKE SERIES
THE Suzuki Slogan – “Own the Racetrack” rang true in the 2002 Canadian Superbike Championship Series, with Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki riders bringing home the Championship in all three Pro classes and numerous other Suzuki riders showing strong performances.

Although Jordan Szoke had already secured the #1 plate in the Superbike class, he was intent on extending his winning streak at the Shannonville final round. It looked like his plan was on track when Jordan went out in qualifying and recorded the Pole setting time after just two laps.

Teammate Francis Martin qualified his GSX-R1000 in fourth, putting two Suzukis on the front row. As it turned out, Jordan’s race was a short one when he lost traction and slid off the track.

But the Superbike victory podium belonged to Jordan when he was presented with the “Canada Cup” and his #1 Plate in front of a capacity filled grandstand. Congratulations again to Scott Miller of Fast Company and his hard working crew for their outstanding effort with Jordan’s GSX-R1000 Superbike and the championship quest.

The Pro 600 Sportbike title was still up for grabs entering the final round with Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki rider Clint McBain leading the series by 6 points over Kevin Lacombe. Clint had led the series right from the first round and was not about to see his efforts go un-rewarded. To add to the drama, Jordan Szoke and Andrew Nelson had also entered the race and, back from an early season injury, veteran Steve Crevier was looking to prove his abilities.

The Championship battle ended quickly when Clint’s closest rival, Kevin Lacombe crashed in the second lap. Knowing the #1 plate was his; Clint rode to a safe 5th place finish. Further up the field, Ugo Levert scored a 2nd place finish on his Diablo Suzuki GSX-R600 and secured the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year Award with Jordan Szoke finishing 3rd after letting Ugo by in a very sportsmanship like gesture to ensure Ugo’s high placing.

The Pro Open Sportbike title would also be decided at the Shannonville round with Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki rider Francis Martin holding an 11-point advantage over Clint McBain and his Blackfoot GSX-R1000. The outlook was promising as it looked like a Suzuki would wear the #1 plate, but which rider was still unknown. With traction being a concern as the track surface was becoming slippery as the day progressed, Francis knew he had to ride smartly and stay upright for the Championship to be his. Closest non-Suzuki rider to have a shot at the title was J-F Cyr who would have to finish well ahead of Francis and just ahead of Clint if he was to have any chance. For the Suzuki riders, position would be key as well as finishing the race. The race itself was a test of nerves for the crews as positions juggled back and forth and all the “what if” scenarios played out. In the end, Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki rider Francis Martin brought his Fast Company prepared GSX-R1000 home to a safe 5th place finish and secured a Championship Victory.

Adding to the Suzuki Sweep, the Inside Motorcycle “Tuner of the Year” award was presented to Blackfoot Suzuki Racing’s Chuck Downie. Chuck and his Team did an outstanding job all season long on Clint McBain’s GSX-R600 and GSX-R1000.

With all three #1 plates in Canadian Pro racing being awarded to the Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki riders, the Suzuki GSX-R has definitely proven the “Own the Racetrack” slogan is more than just words.

From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Get the kit!

HM Plant Ducati’s official website, hmplantducati.com is offering visitors the chance to own a piece of SBK history.

Neil Hodgson and James Toseland have each donated a set of their own custom-made Axo Sport race leathers, boots and gloves. Included in the list are the riders’ two Suomy Gunwind helmets. These items, which have been seen in action by millions during the 2002 Superbike World Championship, will go to the successful bidders in an exclusive charity auction currently taking place on the team website.

All proceeds from the sale of this priceless collection of HM Plant Ducati memorabilia will be donated to the Bishop Auckland Children’s Hospice, registered charity number 1044816. This is the official charity of GSE Racing’s title sponsor HM Plant, so not only will the highest bidders be getting their hands on some historic kit, they will also be donating much-needed funds to an extremely worthy cause.

Riding like Neil and James may only be a dream, but looking like them could easily become a reality. These items are not replicas and cannot be purchased anywhere other than at hmplantducati.com.

Bidding is underway now and will continue until midnight on 5 November.

Log on to www.hmplantducati.com and click on the banner on the top right of the page when it flashes up the auction details.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

REDUC Sportbike Association has organized a raffle to benefit seriously injured racer/motojournalist Papa Thiam.

A $25 entry earns a chance in a random drawing for a grand prize package valued at over $4000. The package consists of a set of Kushitani leathers courtesy of Kneedraggers.com, Sidi racing boots donated by Sidi, Teknic racing gloves provided by Teknic, an Arai Quantum helmet from REDUC’s Bob Buchsbaum, one free set of Pirelli tires donated by Pirelli and a free, 2003 REDUC membership with unlimited REDUC track days during 2003. Entries must be received by Friday, September 27 for the drawing, which will be held September 28 at a REDUC track day at Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Winners need not be present to win.

To enter, send a check or money order payable to Papa Thiam with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and any other necessary contact information on a business card or business-card-sized piece of paper or index card via U.S. mail to:

Papa Thiam
P.O. Box 1180
Forked River, NJ 08731-6180

Multiple entries should include one piece of paper with contact information for each entry.

All proceeds from the raffle go to Papa Thiam.

Thiam suffered spinal injuries in a crash at Summit Point Raceway in Summit Point, West Virginia Sunday, June 9 during a WERA Regional weekend and was paralyzed from the neck down. Thiam, 30, fell during a race and hit a tire wall in front of a dirt embankment in turn three, suffering damage to his C4 and C5 vertebrae. Thiam, originally from Senegal, is a financial analyst for an airline and is based in Washington, DC. His writing has been published in Roadracing World, Sport Rider and the now-defunct American Roadracing. Thiam was also very active with the REDUC track day club.

For additional information on the REDUC raffle for Papa Thiam, call REDUC at (215) 413-3825, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.reduc.com.