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Pridmore, Graves, Haskovec, Toye, Hayden At Willow Lap-54 Red Flag

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Toyota 200 at Willow Springs was red-flagged on the leader’s lap 55 when Robert Campbell crashed in turn five, his bike in an impact area.

The race was stopped for about 20 minutes and is regridding now on the basis of the leader’s lap-54 running order, which follows:

1. Pridmore, 54 laps
2. Graves, 54 laps
3. Haskovec, 54 laps
4. Toye, 53 laps
5. Tommy Hayden, 53 laps
6. Pfeifer, 52 laps
7. John Pearson, 51 laps
8. Scott Jensen, 51 laps
9. Jason Perez, 51 laps
10. Dale Kieffer, 51 laps
11. Tyler Paulson, 51 laps
12. Marte Cooksey, 50 laps
13. Phil Herrin, 50 laps
14. James Kerker, 50 laps
15. Andrew Nelson, 50 laps
16. Robert Campbell, 50 laps
17. Chad Jensen, 50 laps
18. David Sanders, 49 laps
19. Stuart Smith, 49 laps
20. Ben Welch, 49 laps
21. James Randolph, 49 laps
22. Geoff May, 49 laps
23. Ed Sorbo, 48 laps
24. Clinton Whitehouse, 47 laps
25. Ricj Sampinato, 46 laps
26. John Falb, 45 laps
27. Dave Emde, 45 laps
28. Cesar Mesa, 44 laps
29. Chris Peris, 32 laps
30. Sam Carnibucci, 32 laps
31. Jacob West, 28 laps
32. Curtis Adams, 26 laps
33. Barry Burke, 26 laps
34. Jason Catching, 25 laps
35. Jeff Stern, 16 laps
36. Owen Richey, 14 laps
37. John Chen, 10 laps
38. Matt Wait, 9 laps
39. Jimmy Moore, 4 laps, DNF, mechanical
40. Michael Hannas, 2 laps, retired

Pridmore, Graves, Haskovec With 10 laps To Go At Willow

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

With 10 laps to go, Jason Pridmore led Chuck Graves by 3.75 seconds with Vincent Haskovec another 15 seconds back.

Pridmore caught and passed fast-starting Graves at the restart, finally pulling away on his visibly-faster bike after the pair dueled for several laps through traffic.

If the race ends as it runs now, Pridmore will win $50,000 with Graves earning $30,000 and Haskovec getting $10,000. They are the only riders on the lead lap.

Track Owner: WSMC Toyota 200 Was A Success, 2003 Version Will Be Bigger And Better

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Although they admit they had no idea how it would turn out, organizers of Sunday’s First Annual WSMC Toyota 200 Unlimited Motorcycle World Championship at Willow Springs International Raceway called the race a rousing success. And based on the fact that it drew as many fans as past AMA Superbike races, organizers are making plans for a bigger, better 2003 version of the event.

The origin of the first ever WSMC Toyota 200 came about in late 2001 when AMA Pro Racing opted to take away Willow Springs’ 2002 AMA Superbike event and give it to California Speedway in Fontana, California, about 90 minutes South of Willow Springs.

“That was what really brought it on,” said Willow Springs owner Bill Huth. “We had that problem having to cancel the race when they flew the airplanes into the towers last year. They (AMA) didn’t really want to cancel it. What they wanted was to keep the money. In fact, they told me they didn’t have to give back the money. They finally said, ‘Well, we’ll give you back the money.’ They screwed around and screwed around, and they finally sent the money. It was before we got the money back that they said, ‘You’re not going to have a race next year. We’re going to give it to Fontana.’

“You never had any kind of idea what it was gonna cost, anyway. If it looked like you made money, the price (the AMA sanctioning fee) went up. They said the following year it was going to be $175,000. That’s where I came up with the idea (for the Toyota 200).

“Originally when I thought of this race, I was going to put up $250,000. Then I thought, ‘That’s too much. I’ll put up $150,000 and raise it as it goes along.’ So that’s how it got started because I just got tired of it, dealing with the AMA. I think they had some hard feelings already because I started the Formula USA.

“I didn’t want to make a big thing out of (the WSMC Toyota 200) because the purse was enough. If I make a big thing out of it and it’s not really too good then people don’t like it because it’s supposed to be so big and it isn’t. It ended up doing better than I thought it would. This is good. Now it’s on its way. And it will be every year.

“Next year, we’ll move this race to October when it will be a little cooler. I couldn’t this year because I didn’t have any dates. We’re going to have a 10-race series for WSMC (in 2003) and it’s going to end in October. So we’ll have the (WSMC) Championships and this World Championship Toyota 200 the third Sunday in October. We can publicize it more because of being the Championship for both the club and this thing. It’s going to be good.” Huth ended by saying he has sponsors approaching him for next year’s race already.

“It’s hard for me to judge number-wise,” said Bill Huth’s son Chris, the Willow Springs Operations Manager, when asked about the spectator attendance of the WSMC Toyota 200 event. “It was a good turnout, I know that. As far as numbers, I don’t want to even guess. I would say it was probably comparable to one of our earlier AMA events, maybe a big Formula USA, several thousand people. I’m happy. We’re very pleased. Everything went very smoothly.

“Now that we’ve gotten our feet wet in this deal, we’ll definitely be looking at our promotions that we did. One of the things we’re gonna do (for next year’s event) is probably have a cutoff-for-entry date so we’ll have a list of people who are going to enter just to make the promotion a little easier. It was kind of tough this time not knowing anything until the day before the race in order to promote it. You hate to say somebody’s going to be here and they aren’t. It’s kind of false advertising. We prefer to say ‘top riders,’ and fortunately people believed it, came on out and we had great racing.

“I think we’re probably going to see a stronger field next year. I have a feeling that the 70-plus guys that tried to qualify for the 40 positions will be more like 100 or better next year.” Part of the anticipated increase in participation in 2003 is due to an increase in the already large cash purse.

“Oh, yeah! My father Bill has told me that he’d like to push the purse up. I’m looking at $200,000 or $250,000. Actually, what we want to do is increase the purse down the line a little bit more. I think the winner’s share was plenty. What we’d like to do is give a little bit more to those guys that make the race and fill in the field. I have a feeling next year, the guys filling in the field, it’s going to be a little tougher to fill (qualify for) the field.”

“It’s a pretty unique event, that’s for sure,” said four-time 500cc World Champion Eddie Lawson, who attended on Sunday. “I don’t know anybody else that’s done anything like this. It’s pretty cool with the rules just being open, anything goes. It’s a great chance for a privateer to make some good money. I think it’s great what Bill’s (Huth) done. I hope there’s more of that in the future.”

When asked how the WSMC Toyota 200 purse compared to racing purses he saw in his career, Lawson added, “I wish I could’ve got something like that when I was racing. This has to be the biggest one I know of anyway.”

“I think it’s awesome,” agreed three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey at Willow Springs. “$50,000, that’s a lot of money. If they have it again next year, I’m gonna put Eddie on my 500.”


Suzuki Previews Rio Grand Prix

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From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

ROAD TO RIO CONTINUES SUZUKI’S JOURNEY

MotoGP – Round 12, Jacarepagua, Brazil, September 21, 2002.

Team Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki embarks on the long trip down south to Rio de Janeiro with high hopes, after very fruitful tests followed a “best-so-far” Portuguese GP.

Fourth was former World Champion Kenny Roberts’ best result of the season on the all-new V4 four-stroke GSV-R racer, after a dogged race in appalling conditions.

But although a similar achievement remained elusive for team-mate Sete Gibernau – robbed of certain victory when he crashed out of the lead with less than four laps to go – his superb ride had until that moment also been his best yet on the new four-stroke. The Spanish rider seized the lead on the third of 28 laps, and pulled out a decisive margin on the streaming and treacherous track, before he fell with the flag almost within sight.

Gibernau flew home to Spain directly for treatment for his injuries … no fractures, but a painful collarbone dislocation.

Roberts stayed on at Estoril for a series of tests that took the still-developing bike to another level of feel and rider-friendliness.

The big step forward started before the race, with a new Suzuki-designed slipper clutch – a device that reduces the engine braking of the high-compression four-stroke.

The latest version was hailed as a big improvement by both riders even on their first outing. That was as practice began for the GP, severely limiting time both to get the sophisticated new clutch unit set up, and also to get the bike settings dialled in to the new possibilities offered for faster and more consistent corner entry.

“We knew right away it was a step forward,” said team manager Garry Taylor. “Sete proved that with a truly superb ride. He had lapped everybody up to ninth place, and had title leader Valentino Rossi beaten when unfortunately he suffered a little glitch with big consequences.

“After the race we had the time to work on integrating the clutch, and the other improvements that keep coming from the factory, with the whole package.

“Kenny was delighted. He said it made the bike feel more like a 500. In other words, he was able to ride it much more aggressively into the corners and everywhere on the track, in spite of the extra bulk and weight of the more powerful four-stroke prototype,” Taylor concluded.

The improvements should pay big dividends in Rio, the first of four “flyaway” races that continue with a gruelling schedule taking in Japan, Malaysia and Australia within the next five weeks.

Fast, wide and very bumpy, the scenically spectacular Nelson Piquet circuit at Jacarepagua outside Rio is highly technical, and exacting both on riders and on machine set-up.

The Rio race is the 12th of 16 rounds on the MGP calendar.


KENNY ROBERTS – “GETTING CLOSER THAN EVER”
“The tests at Estoril went really well. We did a lot of stuff with the new clutch, and got it so it takes a lot of pressure off the bike. It’s the closest since the first tests in January it’s been to feeling normal for me … like a 500. It’s better into the corners, but also just generally riding. It doesn’t do what it wants to do any more. It does what I want. I hope it carries over to Rio. We went pretty well there in qualifying last year, though the rain didn’t help us on race day. I believe our bike should work pretty good there.”


SETE GIBERNAU – “GOING TO RIO WITH GOOD RHYTHM”
“In the crash at Estoril, my collarbone was dislocated, but popped back in again. It was really painful, and it’s the sort of injury, like a broken rib, where you can’t really do anything except wait for it to get better. I’ve been getting treatment, and it’s still giving me trouble, but I hope it will be better in time to let me ride well. I’ve always liked Brazil, and now we are going there with a good rhythm. Maybe it will rain … but I think we need to consider doing well in the dry, like we did in Donington Park and Brno.”



ABOUT THIS RACE
The first GP in Brazil took place in 1987, at the inland circuit of Goiania. The race stayed there for two more years, then began a troubled search for a new home as that track was no longer homologated. After several false starts and cancellations, and a single round at the F1 circuit of Interlagos at Sao Paulo, the event moved to the rebuilt Nelson Piquet circuit outside Rio in 1995. The next year saw the name change to the Rio GP for 1996 and 1997. Another late cancellation in 1998 continued the oft-interrupted history of Brazilian GP racing, but it rejoined the calendar in 1999 to resume business as usual. This year’s race is the only one apart from the Dutch TT to be held on a Saturday.


ABOUT THIS CIRCUIT
The Rio circuit was an early example of a modern trend – circuits incorporating NASCAR-style banked oval tracks, with the three-mile road-racing circuit sharing part of the tarmac. Bumps and surface-changes at these junctions further complicate an already bumpy surface, of a track much more technically challenging than the simple layout suggests. Apart from a spectacular location on reclaimed marshland, among towering granite peaks, the Nelson Piquet’s plus point is its scale. With huge grandstands adding to atmosphere, looping corners are wide and fast. Like other seldom-used tracks, the surface is hard to read. Grip varies according to temperature, and though the racing line improves with use during practice and qualifying days, the track remains very slippery off line. Accurate riding is important, and overtaking difficult.


RACE DATA
Nelson Piquet Circuit – Jacarepagua

Circuit Length: 3.065 miles / 4.933 km.

Lap Record: 1:51.928 -98.588 mph / 158.662 km/h. T Okada (Honda), 1997

2001 Race Winner: V Rossi (Honda)

2001 Race Average: 45:57.414 – 96.045 mph / 154.569 km/h

2001 Fastest Race Lap: 1:53.258, Rossi

2001 Pole Position: T Ukawa (Honda) 1:51.431

2001 Kenny Roberts: 16th, qualified Third (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki)

2001 S Gibernau: 12th, qualified Sixth (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki)

Honda MotoGP Move Disappoints Edwards

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former Superbike World Champion and current World Superbike points leader Colin Edwards is seriously disappointed with Honda.

After years of being told by Honda officials that he can’t move to MotoGP with Honda because he’s an American and marketing reasons preclude putting an American on a works Honda MotoGP team, Edwards has just seen fellow American Nicky Hayden get the MotoGP ride of his dreams.

It’s left Edwards seriously disenchanted.

He’d already agreed to leave Honda and join Ducati for 2003 with a shot at the Italian company’s MotoGP team, but that ride will go to Troy Bayliss, so Edwards has lost out on a shot at a 2003 MotoGP ride twice.

This is what Edwards told Roadracing World GP Editor Mat Oxley about the news that newly crowned AMA Superbike Champion Hayden will ride a works Honda RC211V in MotoGP next year: “I’m looking forward to Imola, but after that, with all this shit that’s goin’ on with Honda, I just need to go home and relax. It feels like someone’s ripped their foot out of my ass real fast!”

Edwards confirmed that Hayden will ride in the Repsol Honda team.

Updated Post: DiSalvo Third Overall In Suzuki World Cup

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From a press release issued by Suzuki:

FANTASTIC FOUR WINS SUZUKI GSX-R WORLD CUP

Suzuki GSX-R Cup Final, Race Two Result, Magny Cours, France, September 14th:

OLIVIER FOUR won the second dramatic GSX-R Cup race and took the overall Suzuki GSX-R World Cup title for himself and France at Magny Cours today.

Four, 25, who won the first race yesterday by a convincing margin, only took the lead with one-lap to go when his Italian rival Giuseppe Fiorillo out-braked himself going on to the start finish straight.

“That was harder than yesterday,” said Four, the reserve rider for the Suzuki Endurance Race Team which will take part in the Bol d’Or 24-hour Masters of Endurance event later in the day. “As long as I finished in front of Giuseppe Fiorillo, I knew I could win the title. Giuseppe came past me with a lap to go and then made a mistake which let me back in front. I then rode defensively. I am very proud to win this event at my home track and in front of my home crowd. It is a good result for Suzuki France as well.”

Fiorillo, 32, was gutted to have finished in runners-up position. He said: “Coming to the last lap, I went down one gear too many while braking for the last corner and the bike had a big slide. I am disappointed not to win, but pleased to take second spot in the event for Italy.”

It was Fiorillo’s team mate Luca Conforti who led for most of the race. But he was knocked off his bike in yesterday’s race and was out of contention for the title. With just over one-lap to go, he let his team mate pass into the lead and then watched in despair as he made a mistake and Four went on to win.

“I had no chance for the overall victory, so I pulled over for Giuseppe with a lap to go. He made a mistake and Four won the race,” said Conforti, 27. “I could have won the race easily today. I led for the first eight-laps and my tyres were good, but I rode for my team. Maybe next-time I will win both races.”

It was between the USA’s Jason DiSalvo and the UK’s Steve Brogan for the final spot on the overall podium which is made up from the combined results of both races. DiSalvo, 18, took the fastest lap of the race and fought his way from 11th to fourth in 10-laps to edge the Englishman. DiSalvo said: “I got the hole-shot and then I went backwards to 11th. My tyres took a while to heat up but then when I got my act together, I got the fastest lap. It’s good to be on the overall podium for the USA.”

American Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 500cc World Grand Prix Champion and the 1988 winner of the Daytona 200 on a Suzuki GSX-R750, took the top three riders overall on two parade laps of the circuit after the second race. He sees a bright future for the GSX-R Cup.

Schwantz said: “I rode in the Transatlantic series in the ’80s, but it always ended up more of Britain versus America. The GSX-R Cup allows teams from all around the world to compete and everybody stands a chance of winning. It is a better mix and it makes for really exciting racing.”

Suzuki is hoping to organise another GSX-R Cup Final in 2003 after the success of this year’s event.

Race Two Result:
1: Olivier Four (France) 17:42.262
2: Giuseppe Fiorillo (Italy) +0.448
3: Luca Conforti (Italy) +1.550
4: Jason DiSalvo (USA) +3.419
5: S Charlton (Australia) +4.160
6: John Dugan (USA) +4.566
7: Steve Brogan (UK) +5.781
8: S Jond (France) +8.220
9: KH Henemann (Germany) +8.530
10: L Pini (Italy) +9.736
11: F Heidger (Germany) +12.609
12: Brian Livengood (USA) +16.926
13: J Tangre (France) +18.318
14: RDV Molen (Netherlands) +30.425
15: J Hurtado (Spain) +30.704
16: J Matrtensen (Germany) +36.897
17: RK Valderhaug (Norway) +38.441
18: Zenon Nelson (Canada) +40.870
19: Tim Easton (Canada) +41.670
20: G Roelens (Belgium) +45.991
21: C Pfeifer (Austria) +56.951.


Final Points Standings: 1: Four 40
2: Fiorillo 34
3: DiSalvo 26
4: Brogan 24
5: Dugan 21
6: Jond 17
7: Hennemann 17
8: Conforti 15
9: Charlton 13
10: Heidger 11
11: Livengood 8
12: Hurtado 8
13: J Kirkham (UK) 8
14: Pini 7
15: Tangre 6
16: T Fluckiger (Switzerland) 5
17: Molen 2.


More, from a press release issued by DiSalvo’s team:

TEAM AMERICA GRAND PRIX RACING
PRESS INFORMATION

THIRD PLACE FOR DISALVO IN SUZUKI WORLD CUP

Team America’s Jason DiSalvo emerged with a pair of fourth-place finishes to take an impressive third overall on aggregate in the Suzuki GSX-R World Cup Final at Magny Cours in France this weekend.

Spurred on by former World Champion Kevin Schwantz and in front of 80,000 fans, the 18-year-old from Batavia, New York overcame a strong international challenge to follow up his fourth-place finish in Friday’s first leg with a similar result in Saturday’s leg two to take the final rostrum position on combined points.

In the opening race, DiSalvo overcame a race stoppage before the UK’s Steve Brogan narrowly beat him after the pair enjoyed a race long battle and it took Brogan to set the fastest lap of the race – 1:44.910 – to claim the last spot on the podium.

But it wasn’t easy for third-place-qualifier DiSalvo who, despite getting a good start in the second race also, faded back in the early stages as he fought to get heat into the road-based tires but as soon as they were up to temperature, he started charging through the field going from 11th to fourth place.

“I realized that in Europe that they don’t use a white flag to indicate the final lap and I thought there was more laps to go! The tires took some time to heat up but as soon as I got going, I could pick up the pace again. To finish top American rider and beating some top Europeans is great for me,” said Jason.

Team Owner Jim DiSalvo was equally happy with the result:
“We’ve spent a lot of time in Europe and to gain this result is very satisfying. Jason rode well and to beat the likes of Steve Brogan who is a top rider in the UK is even more pleasing.”

Rutter Takes Superpole For Tomorrow’s British Superbike Race At Mallory Park

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From a press release issued by Monstermob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 12 – 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship, Mallory Park

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2002

SECOND FOR HISLOP AND EASTON

MonsterMob Ducati rider Steve Hislop kept his championship aspirations on course with second fastest time in this afternoon’s Superpole to start Sunday’s races alongside pole setter Michael Rutter.

Despite suffering from an upset stomach, Hislop became the fastest man ever around the 1.3 mile Leicestershire circuit before local ace Rutter edged him out by a tenth of a second but was happy enough after a number of niggling problems had blighted his weekend.

“I’ve struggled all weekend around the Hairpin and Bus Stop and whilst things are better, it’s not perfect. The power delivery is so unpredictable I’ve nearly been over the bars a couple of times. I was going so slow through the bus stop, it felt like I was waiting for one! But I’m happy with the front row, especially as I’ve felt ill all day, and it’s important for me to be ahead of Sean (Emmett)” said the Scot.

Indeed if Hislop manages to repeat the feat and finish ahead of Emmett in both of Sunday’s 30 lappers, it will be mission accomplished and he will land his first title since 1995.

Also gunning for glory will be Supersport rider Stuart Easton who just needs three points to be guaranteed his first championship.

The 18 year old from Hawick set second fastest time aboard the 748cc MonsterMob Ducati and is still undecided as to how to go about the task in hand which will see him clinch the title with a 13th place finish even if main rival Scott Smart wins.

“I’m confident as I did the times on a race tyre and not a qualifier. My plan for the race is to try to get a good start and play it from there. If I’m comfortable running at the front I’ll stick at it but if they’re all over me, I may have to have a rethink. I just need to finish,” said Easton.

Superpole Result:
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 46.584
2. Steve Hislop (MonsterMob Ducati) 46.692
3. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 46.813
4. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 47.231
5. Sean Emmett (Yamaha) 47.426
6. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 47.432
7. Karl Harris (Suzuki) 47.588
8. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 47.710
9. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 47.726
10. John Crawford (Suzuki) 47.763

Supersport Qualifying:
1. Simon Andrews (Honda) 49.306
2. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 49.328
3. Michael Laverty (Honda) 49.415
4. Rob Frost (Kawasaki) 49.437
5. Scott Smart (Honda) 49.485
6. Jeremy Goodall (Suzuki) 49.753
7. Danny Beaumont (Yamaha) 49.779
8. James Buckingham (Yamaha) 49.826
9. Tom Tunstall (Suzuki) 50.005
10. Ben Wilson (Honda) 50.018

Pridmore Tops Saturday Afternoon Practice For Toyota 200

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Attack Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was fastest in Toyota 200 practice Saturday afternoon at Willow Springs International Raceway, held after the day’s racing activities concluded.

Pridmore’s fastest time, a 1:22.042, came during a string of low-1:22 lap times. Using the session to test tires, Pridmore said he felt his bike set-up was complete and that he could turn 1:22 and 1:23 lap times “all day.”

Vincent Haskovec split his time during Saturday afternoon practice acclimating himself to his new Hyper Cycle Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. The Corona Extra Suzuki crew performed several pit stops with one practice stop registering just over 17 seconds.

The Tony Romo-led Graves Yamaha crew practiced several pit stops in between Chuck Graves’ practice laps with a best two-wheel-and-refueling stop of 7.95 seconds.

Graves calls the WSMC Toyota 200 “the hardest race in the world” and said “I want to win the thing more than I want to win the money.”

After practice Saturday afternoon, a meeting of team crew chiefs and WSMC officials to go over pit stop rules led to many teams working late Saturday evening on revised pit stop choreography. The main point that led to teams’ plan revisions was a rule requiring teams to not have personnel or equipment waiting on the far side of the bike. Personnel and pit equipment can only pass over to the “hot” side of pit wall as their bike enters pit lane.

Fourth-fastest in practice, Jeremy Toye and his Lee’s Cycles’ crew practiced pit stops Saturday changing both wheels and refueling in approximately 40 seconds.

WSMC veteran racer Curtis Adams recorded unusually slow lap times in Saturday practice, but explained that he was simply scrubbing in race tires. Adams also pointed out that he was taking a very cautious and conservative approach to the WSMC Toyota 200.

Only 16 of the 40 riders who qualified for the WSMC Toyota 200 took part in Saturday afternoon practice. Some racers opted to use the 20-lap WSMC solo endurance races at the end of Saturday’s schedule for practice and tire testing.

Saturday Afternoon WSMC Toyota 200 Practice Times:

1. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:22.042
2. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:22.405
3. Chuck Graves, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:22.970
4. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:23.629
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:23.739
6. Jack Pfeifer, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.499
7. James Randolph, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.513
8. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.670
9. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha TZ250, 1:25.847
10. Phil Herrin, Suzuki, 1:26.551
11. John Pearson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.853
12. Dale Kieffer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.041
13. John Chen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.910
14. Tyler Paulson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.002
15. Dave Emde, 1:36.178
16. Curtis Adams, Suzuki GSX-R1100, 1:39.680

Haskovec, Tommy Hayden And Toye Top Saturday Races At Willow

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Hyper Cycle Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec won the WSMC Toyota Cup Unlimited Race and the Open Superstock sprint on his Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R1000s; Lee’s Cycles’ Jeremy Toye was first in 750cc Supersport, 750cc Modified Production and 750cc Superbike; and Tommy Hayden won the 650cc Superbike and WSMC Formula Two races on his Kawasaki ZX-6R Saturday at Willow Springs International Raceway.

Haskovec and Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Chuck Graves dueled for 12 blistering laps–lap times in the high-1:21s–in the WSMC Toyota Cup Unlimited Race. Graves held the early lead but ran wide twice. Capitalizing on Graves’ second mistake, Haskovec took the lead from Graves on lap four. As Haskovec led the final eight laps, Graves looked to be sizing up a last-lap move. A backmarker, however, got in Graves’ way on the final lap, securing Haskovec’s win.

Further back than normal, Toye finished third on his GSX-R1000. Toye said he is still trying to set up his bike after adding new hardware to it for the WSMC Toyota 200 race on Sunday.

Riding a GSX-R1000, Team Orthopedics’ Jack Pfeifer held off Hayden to finish fourth. Hayden brought his Kawasaki 600 home in fifth with Team Embry/Roadracingworld.com’s Geoff May sixth on a Pirelli-slick-shod GSX-R750 Superbike. Jeff Stern, Andrew Nelson, Marte Cooksey and Mark Watts rounded out the top 10.

Later in Saturday’s race program, Haskovec came from behind on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to beat Yamaha YZF-R1-mounted Graves by half a wheel in Open Superstock.

After crashing unhurt in Saturday-morning practice, Graves skipped most of his WSMC races except for the Toyota Cup and Open Superstock events.

Toye turned high-1:22s on his GSX-R750 to beat Haskovec in 750cc Superstock. Toye then took a runaway victory over Frank Aragaki and Cooksey in 750cc Superbike. Toye’s third win came in 750cc Modified Production.

Young gun Jason Perez led the first lap of the 650cc Superbike race with Jacob West, Jeff Dixon, Kenny Kopecky, Robbie Dowie and Hayden in hot pursuit. Kopecky faded, but the remainder of the five-rider group battled fiercely including going into turn one five-wide at one point. After too many passes to keep track of, Hayden took control of the race on lap three. On lap four, Hayden turned a 1:23.86, the fastest lap of the race, and cruised home to win ahead of Dowie.

Perez and West were close behind Dowie on lap five when Perez fell in turn two. Perez lowsided directly in front of West, who couldn’t avoid the fallen teenager and ran over his arm. West also crashed, destroying his Yamaha YZF-R6 in the incident. The full extent of Perez’s injuries were not known at post time.

Dixon took third in 650cc Superbike with Canadian teenager Andrew Nelson closing fast in fourth. Kopecky placed fifth.

Hayden returned to win the eight-lap Formula Two event by over eight seconds. Dowie was holding off Nelson through most of the race, but a slower rider in turn four on the last lap forced Dowie to check up. Nelson made the pass and held on to take second over Dowie.

Dowie beat Nelson earlier in the day in 600cc Modified Production with Dixon third.


Vesrah Wins WERA Endurance Race And Title At Texas World

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

Vesrah Suzuki clinched the overall WERA National Endurance Championship and the Heavyweight Superbike class Championship by winning a 6-hour race at Texas World Speedway Saturday.

Tray Batey and John Jacobi rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a four-lap margin of victory.

Semoff Brothers Racing led much of the race before crashing. The SBR Suzuki GSX-R750 ridden by Glenn Szarek and Joe Prussiano wound up fifth overall.

Team Xtreme’s Suzuki GSX-R1000 ridden by Billy Ethridge and Robert Jensen finished second overall, with Army of Darkness one lap behind in third. Mark Crozier and Jim Williams shared the AOD Suzuki GSX-R600, which ran in the Mediumweight Superbike class.

Team Chicago earned its first victory of the season in the Mediumweight Superstock class on a Yamaha YZF-R6 ridden by Dan Schmitt, Steve Karson and Phil Caudill; the team finished eighth overall.

Local team Scotty’s Speed Shop won Lightweight Superbike on a Suzuki SV650 ridden by Scott Fisher, Mark Gifford, Phillip Fish, Craig Montgomery and Scott Stevens, with a two-lap margin of victory.

An Aprila RSV1000 ridden by Herd of Turtles finished 19th overall and first in the Heavyweight Superstock class. Travis Pierce, Alan Blair, Link Harris, Dustin Daniels and Scott Lapierre rode for the team.

OVERALL RESULTS:
1. Vesrah Suzuki (Tray Batey/John Jacobi), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 186 laps

2. Team Xtreme (Billy Ethridge/Robert Jensen), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 182 laps

3. Army of Darkness (Mark Crozier/Jim Williams), Mediumweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R600, 181 laps

4. Bent Racing (Jim Bishop/Ty Stranger-Thorsen), Mediumweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R600, 181 laps

5. SBR (Glenn Szarek/Joe Prussiano), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R750,
179 laps

6. Cycle Therapy (Cole Regal/Ricky Ford/Neil Mummau/Shane Stoyko), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 176 laps

7. Crash Clinic (Paul Hellawell/Bill Lesur/Scott Crawford/Larry Locklear), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R750, 174 laps

8. Team Chicago (Dan Schmitt/Steve Karson/Phil Caudill), Mediumweight Superstock, Yamaha YZF-R6, 173 laps

9. Team Life (Joe Milanesi/Kevin Warner/Justin Marm), Mediumweight Superstock, Yamaha YZF-R6, 173 laps

10. 14k The Movie (Mike Swank/David Alley/Arthur Diaz), Mediumweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R600, 172 laps

Pridmore, Graves, Haskovec, Toye, Hayden At Willow Lap-54 Red Flag

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Toyota 200 at Willow Springs was red-flagged on the leader’s lap 55 when Robert Campbell crashed in turn five, his bike in an impact area.

The race was stopped for about 20 minutes and is regridding now on the basis of the leader’s lap-54 running order, which follows:

1. Pridmore, 54 laps
2. Graves, 54 laps
3. Haskovec, 54 laps
4. Toye, 53 laps
5. Tommy Hayden, 53 laps
6. Pfeifer, 52 laps
7. John Pearson, 51 laps
8. Scott Jensen, 51 laps
9. Jason Perez, 51 laps
10. Dale Kieffer, 51 laps
11. Tyler Paulson, 51 laps
12. Marte Cooksey, 50 laps
13. Phil Herrin, 50 laps
14. James Kerker, 50 laps
15. Andrew Nelson, 50 laps
16. Robert Campbell, 50 laps
17. Chad Jensen, 50 laps
18. David Sanders, 49 laps
19. Stuart Smith, 49 laps
20. Ben Welch, 49 laps
21. James Randolph, 49 laps
22. Geoff May, 49 laps
23. Ed Sorbo, 48 laps
24. Clinton Whitehouse, 47 laps
25. Ricj Sampinato, 46 laps
26. John Falb, 45 laps
27. Dave Emde, 45 laps
28. Cesar Mesa, 44 laps
29. Chris Peris, 32 laps
30. Sam Carnibucci, 32 laps
31. Jacob West, 28 laps
32. Curtis Adams, 26 laps
33. Barry Burke, 26 laps
34. Jason Catching, 25 laps
35. Jeff Stern, 16 laps
36. Owen Richey, 14 laps
37. John Chen, 10 laps
38. Matt Wait, 9 laps
39. Jimmy Moore, 4 laps, DNF, mechanical
40. Michael Hannas, 2 laps, retired

Pridmore, Graves, Haskovec With 10 laps To Go At Willow

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

With 10 laps to go, Jason Pridmore led Chuck Graves by 3.75 seconds with Vincent Haskovec another 15 seconds back.

Pridmore caught and passed fast-starting Graves at the restart, finally pulling away on his visibly-faster bike after the pair dueled for several laps through traffic.

If the race ends as it runs now, Pridmore will win $50,000 with Graves earning $30,000 and Haskovec getting $10,000. They are the only riders on the lead lap.

Track Owner: WSMC Toyota 200 Was A Success, 2003 Version Will Be Bigger And Better


Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Although they admit they had no idea how it would turn out, organizers of Sunday’s First Annual WSMC Toyota 200 Unlimited Motorcycle World Championship at Willow Springs International Raceway called the race a rousing success. And based on the fact that it drew as many fans as past AMA Superbike races, organizers are making plans for a bigger, better 2003 version of the event.

The origin of the first ever WSMC Toyota 200 came about in late 2001 when AMA Pro Racing opted to take away Willow Springs’ 2002 AMA Superbike event and give it to California Speedway in Fontana, California, about 90 minutes South of Willow Springs.

“That was what really brought it on,” said Willow Springs owner Bill Huth. “We had that problem having to cancel the race when they flew the airplanes into the towers last year. They (AMA) didn’t really want to cancel it. What they wanted was to keep the money. In fact, they told me they didn’t have to give back the money. They finally said, ‘Well, we’ll give you back the money.’ They screwed around and screwed around, and they finally sent the money. It was before we got the money back that they said, ‘You’re not going to have a race next year. We’re going to give it to Fontana.’

“You never had any kind of idea what it was gonna cost, anyway. If it looked like you made money, the price (the AMA sanctioning fee) went up. They said the following year it was going to be $175,000. That’s where I came up with the idea (for the Toyota 200).

“Originally when I thought of this race, I was going to put up $250,000. Then I thought, ‘That’s too much. I’ll put up $150,000 and raise it as it goes along.’ So that’s how it got started because I just got tired of it, dealing with the AMA. I think they had some hard feelings already because I started the Formula USA.

“I didn’t want to make a big thing out of (the WSMC Toyota 200) because the purse was enough. If I make a big thing out of it and it’s not really too good then people don’t like it because it’s supposed to be so big and it isn’t. It ended up doing better than I thought it would. This is good. Now it’s on its way. And it will be every year.

“Next year, we’ll move this race to October when it will be a little cooler. I couldn’t this year because I didn’t have any dates. We’re going to have a 10-race series for WSMC (in 2003) and it’s going to end in October. So we’ll have the (WSMC) Championships and this World Championship Toyota 200 the third Sunday in October. We can publicize it more because of being the Championship for both the club and this thing. It’s going to be good.” Huth ended by saying he has sponsors approaching him for next year’s race already.

“It’s hard for me to judge number-wise,” said Bill Huth’s son Chris, the Willow Springs Operations Manager, when asked about the spectator attendance of the WSMC Toyota 200 event. “It was a good turnout, I know that. As far as numbers, I don’t want to even guess. I would say it was probably comparable to one of our earlier AMA events, maybe a big Formula USA, several thousand people. I’m happy. We’re very pleased. Everything went very smoothly.

“Now that we’ve gotten our feet wet in this deal, we’ll definitely be looking at our promotions that we did. One of the things we’re gonna do (for next year’s event) is probably have a cutoff-for-entry date so we’ll have a list of people who are going to enter just to make the promotion a little easier. It was kind of tough this time not knowing anything until the day before the race in order to promote it. You hate to say somebody’s going to be here and they aren’t. It’s kind of false advertising. We prefer to say ‘top riders,’ and fortunately people believed it, came on out and we had great racing.

“I think we’re probably going to see a stronger field next year. I have a feeling that the 70-plus guys that tried to qualify for the 40 positions will be more like 100 or better next year.” Part of the anticipated increase in participation in 2003 is due to an increase in the already large cash purse.

“Oh, yeah! My father Bill has told me that he’d like to push the purse up. I’m looking at $200,000 or $250,000. Actually, what we want to do is increase the purse down the line a little bit more. I think the winner’s share was plenty. What we’d like to do is give a little bit more to those guys that make the race and fill in the field. I have a feeling next year, the guys filling in the field, it’s going to be a little tougher to fill (qualify for) the field.”

“It’s a pretty unique event, that’s for sure,” said four-time 500cc World Champion Eddie Lawson, who attended on Sunday. “I don’t know anybody else that’s done anything like this. It’s pretty cool with the rules just being open, anything goes. It’s a great chance for a privateer to make some good money. I think it’s great what Bill’s (Huth) done. I hope there’s more of that in the future.”

When asked how the WSMC Toyota 200 purse compared to racing purses he saw in his career, Lawson added, “I wish I could’ve got something like that when I was racing. This has to be the biggest one I know of anyway.”

“I think it’s awesome,” agreed three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey at Willow Springs. “$50,000, that’s a lot of money. If they have it again next year, I’m gonna put Eddie on my 500.”


Suzuki Previews Rio Grand Prix

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

ROAD TO RIO CONTINUES SUZUKI’S JOURNEY

MotoGP – Round 12, Jacarepagua, Brazil, September 21, 2002.

Team Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki embarks on the long trip down south to Rio de Janeiro with high hopes, after very fruitful tests followed a “best-so-far” Portuguese GP.

Fourth was former World Champion Kenny Roberts’ best result of the season on the all-new V4 four-stroke GSV-R racer, after a dogged race in appalling conditions.

But although a similar achievement remained elusive for team-mate Sete Gibernau – robbed of certain victory when he crashed out of the lead with less than four laps to go – his superb ride had until that moment also been his best yet on the new four-stroke. The Spanish rider seized the lead on the third of 28 laps, and pulled out a decisive margin on the streaming and treacherous track, before he fell with the flag almost within sight.

Gibernau flew home to Spain directly for treatment for his injuries … no fractures, but a painful collarbone dislocation.

Roberts stayed on at Estoril for a series of tests that took the still-developing bike to another level of feel and rider-friendliness.

The big step forward started before the race, with a new Suzuki-designed slipper clutch – a device that reduces the engine braking of the high-compression four-stroke.

The latest version was hailed as a big improvement by both riders even on their first outing. That was as practice began for the GP, severely limiting time both to get the sophisticated new clutch unit set up, and also to get the bike settings dialled in to the new possibilities offered for faster and more consistent corner entry.

“We knew right away it was a step forward,” said team manager Garry Taylor. “Sete proved that with a truly superb ride. He had lapped everybody up to ninth place, and had title leader Valentino Rossi beaten when unfortunately he suffered a little glitch with big consequences.

“After the race we had the time to work on integrating the clutch, and the other improvements that keep coming from the factory, with the whole package.

“Kenny was delighted. He said it made the bike feel more like a 500. In other words, he was able to ride it much more aggressively into the corners and everywhere on the track, in spite of the extra bulk and weight of the more powerful four-stroke prototype,” Taylor concluded.

The improvements should pay big dividends in Rio, the first of four “flyaway” races that continue with a gruelling schedule taking in Japan, Malaysia and Australia within the next five weeks.

Fast, wide and very bumpy, the scenically spectacular Nelson Piquet circuit at Jacarepagua outside Rio is highly technical, and exacting both on riders and on machine set-up.

The Rio race is the 12th of 16 rounds on the MGP calendar.


KENNY ROBERTS – “GETTING CLOSER THAN EVER”
“The tests at Estoril went really well. We did a lot of stuff with the new clutch, and got it so it takes a lot of pressure off the bike. It’s the closest since the first tests in January it’s been to feeling normal for me … like a 500. It’s better into the corners, but also just generally riding. It doesn’t do what it wants to do any more. It does what I want. I hope it carries over to Rio. We went pretty well there in qualifying last year, though the rain didn’t help us on race day. I believe our bike should work pretty good there.”


SETE GIBERNAU – “GOING TO RIO WITH GOOD RHYTHM”
“In the crash at Estoril, my collarbone was dislocated, but popped back in again. It was really painful, and it’s the sort of injury, like a broken rib, where you can’t really do anything except wait for it to get better. I’ve been getting treatment, and it’s still giving me trouble, but I hope it will be better in time to let me ride well. I’ve always liked Brazil, and now we are going there with a good rhythm. Maybe it will rain … but I think we need to consider doing well in the dry, like we did in Donington Park and Brno.”



ABOUT THIS RACE
The first GP in Brazil took place in 1987, at the inland circuit of Goiania. The race stayed there for two more years, then began a troubled search for a new home as that track was no longer homologated. After several false starts and cancellations, and a single round at the F1 circuit of Interlagos at Sao Paulo, the event moved to the rebuilt Nelson Piquet circuit outside Rio in 1995. The next year saw the name change to the Rio GP for 1996 and 1997. Another late cancellation in 1998 continued the oft-interrupted history of Brazilian GP racing, but it rejoined the calendar in 1999 to resume business as usual. This year’s race is the only one apart from the Dutch TT to be held on a Saturday.


ABOUT THIS CIRCUIT
The Rio circuit was an early example of a modern trend – circuits incorporating NASCAR-style banked oval tracks, with the three-mile road-racing circuit sharing part of the tarmac. Bumps and surface-changes at these junctions further complicate an already bumpy surface, of a track much more technically challenging than the simple layout suggests. Apart from a spectacular location on reclaimed marshland, among towering granite peaks, the Nelson Piquet’s plus point is its scale. With huge grandstands adding to atmosphere, looping corners are wide and fast. Like other seldom-used tracks, the surface is hard to read. Grip varies according to temperature, and though the racing line improves with use during practice and qualifying days, the track remains very slippery off line. Accurate riding is important, and overtaking difficult.


RACE DATA
Nelson Piquet Circuit – Jacarepagua

Circuit Length: 3.065 miles / 4.933 km.

Lap Record: 1:51.928 -98.588 mph / 158.662 km/h. T Okada (Honda), 1997

2001 Race Winner: V Rossi (Honda)

2001 Race Average: 45:57.414 – 96.045 mph / 154.569 km/h

2001 Fastest Race Lap: 1:53.258, Rossi

2001 Pole Position: T Ukawa (Honda) 1:51.431

2001 Kenny Roberts: 16th, qualified Third (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki)

2001 S Gibernau: 12th, qualified Sixth (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki)

Honda MotoGP Move Disappoints Edwards

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former Superbike World Champion and current World Superbike points leader Colin Edwards is seriously disappointed with Honda.

After years of being told by Honda officials that he can’t move to MotoGP with Honda because he’s an American and marketing reasons preclude putting an American on a works Honda MotoGP team, Edwards has just seen fellow American Nicky Hayden get the MotoGP ride of his dreams.

It’s left Edwards seriously disenchanted.

He’d already agreed to leave Honda and join Ducati for 2003 with a shot at the Italian company’s MotoGP team, but that ride will go to Troy Bayliss, so Edwards has lost out on a shot at a 2003 MotoGP ride twice.

This is what Edwards told Roadracing World GP Editor Mat Oxley about the news that newly crowned AMA Superbike Champion Hayden will ride a works Honda RC211V in MotoGP next year: “I’m looking forward to Imola, but after that, with all this shit that’s goin’ on with Honda, I just need to go home and relax. It feels like someone’s ripped their foot out of my ass real fast!”

Edwards confirmed that Hayden will ride in the Repsol Honda team.

Updated Post: DiSalvo Third Overall In Suzuki World Cup

From a press release issued by Suzuki:

FANTASTIC FOUR WINS SUZUKI GSX-R WORLD CUP

Suzuki GSX-R Cup Final, Race Two Result, Magny Cours, France, September 14th:

OLIVIER FOUR won the second dramatic GSX-R Cup race and took the overall Suzuki GSX-R World Cup title for himself and France at Magny Cours today.

Four, 25, who won the first race yesterday by a convincing margin, only took the lead with one-lap to go when his Italian rival Giuseppe Fiorillo out-braked himself going on to the start finish straight.

“That was harder than yesterday,” said Four, the reserve rider for the Suzuki Endurance Race Team which will take part in the Bol d’Or 24-hour Masters of Endurance event later in the day. “As long as I finished in front of Giuseppe Fiorillo, I knew I could win the title. Giuseppe came past me with a lap to go and then made a mistake which let me back in front. I then rode defensively. I am very proud to win this event at my home track and in front of my home crowd. It is a good result for Suzuki France as well.”

Fiorillo, 32, was gutted to have finished in runners-up position. He said: “Coming to the last lap, I went down one gear too many while braking for the last corner and the bike had a big slide. I am disappointed not to win, but pleased to take second spot in the event for Italy.”

It was Fiorillo’s team mate Luca Conforti who led for most of the race. But he was knocked off his bike in yesterday’s race and was out of contention for the title. With just over one-lap to go, he let his team mate pass into the lead and then watched in despair as he made a mistake and Four went on to win.

“I had no chance for the overall victory, so I pulled over for Giuseppe with a lap to go. He made a mistake and Four won the race,” said Conforti, 27. “I could have won the race easily today. I led for the first eight-laps and my tyres were good, but I rode for my team. Maybe next-time I will win both races.”

It was between the USA’s Jason DiSalvo and the UK’s Steve Brogan for the final spot on the overall podium which is made up from the combined results of both races. DiSalvo, 18, took the fastest lap of the race and fought his way from 11th to fourth in 10-laps to edge the Englishman. DiSalvo said: “I got the hole-shot and then I went backwards to 11th. My tyres took a while to heat up but then when I got my act together, I got the fastest lap. It’s good to be on the overall podium for the USA.”

American Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 500cc World Grand Prix Champion and the 1988 winner of the Daytona 200 on a Suzuki GSX-R750, took the top three riders overall on two parade laps of the circuit after the second race. He sees a bright future for the GSX-R Cup.

Schwantz said: “I rode in the Transatlantic series in the ’80s, but it always ended up more of Britain versus America. The GSX-R Cup allows teams from all around the world to compete and everybody stands a chance of winning. It is a better mix and it makes for really exciting racing.”

Suzuki is hoping to organise another GSX-R Cup Final in 2003 after the success of this year’s event.

Race Two Result:
1: Olivier Four (France) 17:42.262
2: Giuseppe Fiorillo (Italy) +0.448
3: Luca Conforti (Italy) +1.550
4: Jason DiSalvo (USA) +3.419
5: S Charlton (Australia) +4.160
6: John Dugan (USA) +4.566
7: Steve Brogan (UK) +5.781
8: S Jond (France) +8.220
9: KH Henemann (Germany) +8.530
10: L Pini (Italy) +9.736
11: F Heidger (Germany) +12.609
12: Brian Livengood (USA) +16.926
13: J Tangre (France) +18.318
14: RDV Molen (Netherlands) +30.425
15: J Hurtado (Spain) +30.704
16: J Matrtensen (Germany) +36.897
17: RK Valderhaug (Norway) +38.441
18: Zenon Nelson (Canada) +40.870
19: Tim Easton (Canada) +41.670
20: G Roelens (Belgium) +45.991
21: C Pfeifer (Austria) +56.951.


Final Points Standings: 1: Four 40
2: Fiorillo 34
3: DiSalvo 26
4: Brogan 24
5: Dugan 21
6: Jond 17
7: Hennemann 17
8: Conforti 15
9: Charlton 13
10: Heidger 11
11: Livengood 8
12: Hurtado 8
13: J Kirkham (UK) 8
14: Pini 7
15: Tangre 6
16: T Fluckiger (Switzerland) 5
17: Molen 2.


More, from a press release issued by DiSalvo’s team:

TEAM AMERICA GRAND PRIX RACING
PRESS INFORMATION

THIRD PLACE FOR DISALVO IN SUZUKI WORLD CUP

Team America’s Jason DiSalvo emerged with a pair of fourth-place finishes to take an impressive third overall on aggregate in the Suzuki GSX-R World Cup Final at Magny Cours in France this weekend.

Spurred on by former World Champion Kevin Schwantz and in front of 80,000 fans, the 18-year-old from Batavia, New York overcame a strong international challenge to follow up his fourth-place finish in Friday’s first leg with a similar result in Saturday’s leg two to take the final rostrum position on combined points.

In the opening race, DiSalvo overcame a race stoppage before the UK’s Steve Brogan narrowly beat him after the pair enjoyed a race long battle and it took Brogan to set the fastest lap of the race – 1:44.910 – to claim the last spot on the podium.

But it wasn’t easy for third-place-qualifier DiSalvo who, despite getting a good start in the second race also, faded back in the early stages as he fought to get heat into the road-based tires but as soon as they were up to temperature, he started charging through the field going from 11th to fourth place.

“I realized that in Europe that they don’t use a white flag to indicate the final lap and I thought there was more laps to go! The tires took some time to heat up but as soon as I got going, I could pick up the pace again. To finish top American rider and beating some top Europeans is great for me,” said Jason.

Team Owner Jim DiSalvo was equally happy with the result:
“We’ve spent a lot of time in Europe and to gain this result is very satisfying. Jason rode well and to beat the likes of Steve Brogan who is a top rider in the UK is even more pleasing.”

Rutter Takes Superpole For Tomorrow’s British Superbike Race At Mallory Park

From a press release issued by Monstermob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 12 – 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship, Mallory Park

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2002

SECOND FOR HISLOP AND EASTON

MonsterMob Ducati rider Steve Hislop kept his championship aspirations on course with second fastest time in this afternoon’s Superpole to start Sunday’s races alongside pole setter Michael Rutter.

Despite suffering from an upset stomach, Hislop became the fastest man ever around the 1.3 mile Leicestershire circuit before local ace Rutter edged him out by a tenth of a second but was happy enough after a number of niggling problems had blighted his weekend.

“I’ve struggled all weekend around the Hairpin and Bus Stop and whilst things are better, it’s not perfect. The power delivery is so unpredictable I’ve nearly been over the bars a couple of times. I was going so slow through the bus stop, it felt like I was waiting for one! But I’m happy with the front row, especially as I’ve felt ill all day, and it’s important for me to be ahead of Sean (Emmett)” said the Scot.

Indeed if Hislop manages to repeat the feat and finish ahead of Emmett in both of Sunday’s 30 lappers, it will be mission accomplished and he will land his first title since 1995.

Also gunning for glory will be Supersport rider Stuart Easton who just needs three points to be guaranteed his first championship.

The 18 year old from Hawick set second fastest time aboard the 748cc MonsterMob Ducati and is still undecided as to how to go about the task in hand which will see him clinch the title with a 13th place finish even if main rival Scott Smart wins.

“I’m confident as I did the times on a race tyre and not a qualifier. My plan for the race is to try to get a good start and play it from there. If I’m comfortable running at the front I’ll stick at it but if they’re all over me, I may have to have a rethink. I just need to finish,” said Easton.

Superpole Result:
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 46.584
2. Steve Hislop (MonsterMob Ducati) 46.692
3. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 46.813
4. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 47.231
5. Sean Emmett (Yamaha) 47.426
6. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 47.432
7. Karl Harris (Suzuki) 47.588
8. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 47.710
9. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 47.726
10. John Crawford (Suzuki) 47.763

Supersport Qualifying:
1. Simon Andrews (Honda) 49.306
2. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 49.328
3. Michael Laverty (Honda) 49.415
4. Rob Frost (Kawasaki) 49.437
5. Scott Smart (Honda) 49.485
6. Jeremy Goodall (Suzuki) 49.753
7. Danny Beaumont (Yamaha) 49.779
8. James Buckingham (Yamaha) 49.826
9. Tom Tunstall (Suzuki) 50.005
10. Ben Wilson (Honda) 50.018

Pridmore Tops Saturday Afternoon Practice For Toyota 200

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Attack Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore was fastest in Toyota 200 practice Saturday afternoon at Willow Springs International Raceway, held after the day’s racing activities concluded.

Pridmore’s fastest time, a 1:22.042, came during a string of low-1:22 lap times. Using the session to test tires, Pridmore said he felt his bike set-up was complete and that he could turn 1:22 and 1:23 lap times “all day.”

Vincent Haskovec split his time during Saturday afternoon practice acclimating himself to his new Hyper Cycle Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. The Corona Extra Suzuki crew performed several pit stops with one practice stop registering just over 17 seconds.

The Tony Romo-led Graves Yamaha crew practiced several pit stops in between Chuck Graves’ practice laps with a best two-wheel-and-refueling stop of 7.95 seconds.

Graves calls the WSMC Toyota 200 “the hardest race in the world” and said “I want to win the thing more than I want to win the money.”

After practice Saturday afternoon, a meeting of team crew chiefs and WSMC officials to go over pit stop rules led to many teams working late Saturday evening on revised pit stop choreography. The main point that led to teams’ plan revisions was a rule requiring teams to not have personnel or equipment waiting on the far side of the bike. Personnel and pit equipment can only pass over to the “hot” side of pit wall as their bike enters pit lane.

Fourth-fastest in practice, Jeremy Toye and his Lee’s Cycles’ crew practiced pit stops Saturday changing both wheels and refueling in approximately 40 seconds.

WSMC veteran racer Curtis Adams recorded unusually slow lap times in Saturday practice, but explained that he was simply scrubbing in race tires. Adams also pointed out that he was taking a very cautious and conservative approach to the WSMC Toyota 200.

Only 16 of the 40 riders who qualified for the WSMC Toyota 200 took part in Saturday afternoon practice. Some racers opted to use the 20-lap WSMC solo endurance races at the end of Saturday’s schedule for practice and tire testing.

Saturday Afternoon WSMC Toyota 200 Practice Times:

1. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:22.042
2. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:22.405
3. Chuck Graves, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:22.970
4. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:23.629
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:23.739
6. Jack Pfeifer, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.499
7. James Randolph, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.513
8. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:25.670
9. Ed Sorbo, Yamaha TZ250, 1:25.847
10. Phil Herrin, Suzuki, 1:26.551
11. John Pearson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.853
12. Dale Kieffer, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:28.041
13. John Chen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.910
14. Tyler Paulson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.002
15. Dave Emde, 1:36.178
16. Curtis Adams, Suzuki GSX-R1100, 1:39.680

Haskovec, Tommy Hayden And Toye Top Saturday Races At Willow


Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Hyper Cycle Suzuki’s Vincent Haskovec won the WSMC Toyota Cup Unlimited Race and the Open Superstock sprint on his Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R1000s; Lee’s Cycles’ Jeremy Toye was first in 750cc Supersport, 750cc Modified Production and 750cc Superbike; and Tommy Hayden won the 650cc Superbike and WSMC Formula Two races on his Kawasaki ZX-6R Saturday at Willow Springs International Raceway.

Haskovec and Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Chuck Graves dueled for 12 blistering laps–lap times in the high-1:21s–in the WSMC Toyota Cup Unlimited Race. Graves held the early lead but ran wide twice. Capitalizing on Graves’ second mistake, Haskovec took the lead from Graves on lap four. As Haskovec led the final eight laps, Graves looked to be sizing up a last-lap move. A backmarker, however, got in Graves’ way on the final lap, securing Haskovec’s win.

Further back than normal, Toye finished third on his GSX-R1000. Toye said he is still trying to set up his bike after adding new hardware to it for the WSMC Toyota 200 race on Sunday.

Riding a GSX-R1000, Team Orthopedics’ Jack Pfeifer held off Hayden to finish fourth. Hayden brought his Kawasaki 600 home in fifth with Team Embry/Roadracingworld.com’s Geoff May sixth on a Pirelli-slick-shod GSX-R750 Superbike. Jeff Stern, Andrew Nelson, Marte Cooksey and Mark Watts rounded out the top 10.

Later in Saturday’s race program, Haskovec came from behind on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to beat Yamaha YZF-R1-mounted Graves by half a wheel in Open Superstock.

After crashing unhurt in Saturday-morning practice, Graves skipped most of his WSMC races except for the Toyota Cup and Open Superstock events.

Toye turned high-1:22s on his GSX-R750 to beat Haskovec in 750cc Superstock. Toye then took a runaway victory over Frank Aragaki and Cooksey in 750cc Superbike. Toye’s third win came in 750cc Modified Production.

Young gun Jason Perez led the first lap of the 650cc Superbike race with Jacob West, Jeff Dixon, Kenny Kopecky, Robbie Dowie and Hayden in hot pursuit. Kopecky faded, but the remainder of the five-rider group battled fiercely including going into turn one five-wide at one point. After too many passes to keep track of, Hayden took control of the race on lap three. On lap four, Hayden turned a 1:23.86, the fastest lap of the race, and cruised home to win ahead of Dowie.

Perez and West were close behind Dowie on lap five when Perez fell in turn two. Perez lowsided directly in front of West, who couldn’t avoid the fallen teenager and ran over his arm. West also crashed, destroying his Yamaha YZF-R6 in the incident. The full extent of Perez’s injuries were not known at post time.

Dixon took third in 650cc Superbike with Canadian teenager Andrew Nelson closing fast in fourth. Kopecky placed fifth.

Hayden returned to win the eight-lap Formula Two event by over eight seconds. Dowie was holding off Nelson through most of the race, but a slower rider in turn four on the last lap forced Dowie to check up. Nelson made the pass and held on to take second over Dowie.

Dowie beat Nelson earlier in the day in 600cc Modified Production with Dixon third.


Vesrah Wins WERA Endurance Race And Title At Texas World

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

Vesrah Suzuki clinched the overall WERA National Endurance Championship and the Heavyweight Superbike class Championship by winning a 6-hour race at Texas World Speedway Saturday.

Tray Batey and John Jacobi rode the Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a four-lap margin of victory.

Semoff Brothers Racing led much of the race before crashing. The SBR Suzuki GSX-R750 ridden by Glenn Szarek and Joe Prussiano wound up fifth overall.

Team Xtreme’s Suzuki GSX-R1000 ridden by Billy Ethridge and Robert Jensen finished second overall, with Army of Darkness one lap behind in third. Mark Crozier and Jim Williams shared the AOD Suzuki GSX-R600, which ran in the Mediumweight Superbike class.

Team Chicago earned its first victory of the season in the Mediumweight Superstock class on a Yamaha YZF-R6 ridden by Dan Schmitt, Steve Karson and Phil Caudill; the team finished eighth overall.

Local team Scotty’s Speed Shop won Lightweight Superbike on a Suzuki SV650 ridden by Scott Fisher, Mark Gifford, Phillip Fish, Craig Montgomery and Scott Stevens, with a two-lap margin of victory.

An Aprila RSV1000 ridden by Herd of Turtles finished 19th overall and first in the Heavyweight Superstock class. Travis Pierce, Alan Blair, Link Harris, Dustin Daniels and Scott Lapierre rode for the team.

OVERALL RESULTS:
1. Vesrah Suzuki (Tray Batey/John Jacobi), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 186 laps

2. Team Xtreme (Billy Ethridge/Robert Jensen), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 182 laps

3. Army of Darkness (Mark Crozier/Jim Williams), Mediumweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R600, 181 laps

4. Bent Racing (Jim Bishop/Ty Stranger-Thorsen), Mediumweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R600, 181 laps

5. SBR (Glenn Szarek/Joe Prussiano), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R750,
179 laps

6. Cycle Therapy (Cole Regal/Ricky Ford/Neil Mummau/Shane Stoyko), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 176 laps

7. Crash Clinic (Paul Hellawell/Bill Lesur/Scott Crawford/Larry Locklear), Heavyweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R750, 174 laps

8. Team Chicago (Dan Schmitt/Steve Karson/Phil Caudill), Mediumweight Superstock, Yamaha YZF-R6, 173 laps

9. Team Life (Joe Milanesi/Kevin Warner/Justin Marm), Mediumweight Superstock, Yamaha YZF-R6, 173 laps

10. 14k The Movie (Mike Swank/David Alley/Arthur Diaz), Mediumweight Superbike, Suzuki GSX-R600, 172 laps

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