Pirelli North America Marketing Manager Alberto Warburg and wife Alessandra had a daughter, Rachele, September 4, 2002 in Rome, Georgia.
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
With RPM Out, AMA Pro Racing Makes Deals With Road Atlanta And Barber Motorsports Park
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
AMA Pro Racing has made direct deals with Road Atlanta and with Barber Motorsports Park to hold AMA Nationals in 2003 and beyond, eliminating Race Promotions Management (RPM), the company responsible for promoting the Road Atlanta event for the last five years.
That’s the story from RPM’s Dan Murphy.
RPM originated the Superbike double-header program now used at most AMA Nationals.
Murphy said Monday that his company will not promote AMA road races in the future, other than the AMA National that runs combined with the World Superbike race at Laguna Seca.
“If we’re gonna build up races only to have them taken away and given to the track, there’s no incentive for outside promoters…to build an event up to have it go somewhere else,” Murphy said.
Murphy said that he had proposed holding an AMA National at the Barber track and in the course of negotiations revealed confidential financial information related to the event at Road Atlanta; track officials subsequently made a deal directly with AMA Pro Racing officials, who agreed to give the Barber track the May date that was supposed to go to the Road Atlanta race–to avoid a conflict with a football game in the Birmingham area.
AMA Pro Racing officials then contacted Murphy, told him he had lost his May date, and added that the sanction fee for the Road Atlanta race would go up 78% for 2003. Murphy said the new sanction fee wouldn’t work financially, and AMA Pro Racing subsequently decided to do a deal directly with Road Atlanta.
Earlier this year, Murphy had proposed an AMA Safety Commission to work on ways to improve track safety, including AMA homologation of tracks, and had committed to paying to make changes in the turn three-four area at Road Atlanta where Anthony Gobert got hurt, i.e., moving the wall back 40-50 feet.
Oliver Will Skip This Weekend’s Big-money Race At Willow In Favor Of F-USA Dirt Track
From a press release issued by Team Oliver Yamaha:
Rich Oliver to race the Formula USA Dirt track Pro Singles event September 14th, at the famed Sacramento Mile.
Rich Oliver will make his Formula USA Dirt track debut in Sacramento, Ca. on the mile racing a Yamaha YZ426F. The ride was put together by Bob Hill and Mearl Barnett, who currently race in Pro Singles and wanted to help Oliver get involved in the growing Formula USA series.
Mike Kidd from Clear Channel Entertainment was also very helpful and supportive of Oliver’s desire to add to his Grand Prix road racing skills by entering into the Dirt Track racing discipline. Rich comments about the attitude at Formula USA and Clear Channel, “Mike Kidd has been just great; he has welcomed me into the series and has really made me feel that I can find a home there, it’s a nice change from what I’m used to dealing with.”
Rich comments on his upcoming race, “It’s going to be very exciting to be out on the mile track, and to try my hand at something new. I’ve flat tracked mini bikes for years, I was taught by Kenny Roberts when I rode for his US team, but this is no mini bike or mini bike track! I really want to thank Mearl for loaning me his bike, and Bob for all the help and advice. I just want to do the best I can and learn as much as possible, I don’t have too many unrealistic expectations at this point, but if it goes well I’d sure like to race more of these Pro Singles events next season. I can’t wait to try a TT race; I’ll feel more at home when I get to use the front brake and turn right!”
In the one short week remaining, last minute work is going on with the Yamaha 426 to prepare as much as possible for the race. Kosman Racing is putting together some adjustable fork crowns and racing wheels, and Lindemann Engineering is lowering the suspension and working on the internal valving and spring rates to match the Yamaha to Rich’s weight. VP has sent racing fuel and Oliver’s mechanic Robert Ward will have one day on the Wilson’s dyno in Fresno to jet the bike to the fuel. AFAM has sent all the gearing and handlebars.
Rich will wear his Troy Lee Designed Shoei Replica helmet and Kushitani leathers. Laughing, Rich tells us, “I’ll take of the knee sliders!”
That’s about all that can be done in time for this race, but Rich plans to build his own new YZ450 Yamaha for next season over this winter, and get on the track again as soon as possible.
American Delegation Heads To GSX-R World Cup
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
An American delegation of riders and mechanics left the United States Monday, for next weekend’s GSX-R World Cup at Magny Cours, France.
The group included riders Jason DiSalvo, Brian Livengood and John Dugan.
Pat Alexander and Morgan Broadhead will represent American Suzuki Motor Corp. at the event, which will feature riders on identical GSX-R750s fitted with Michelin tires.
Yamaha Belgarda Keeps Casoli And Whitham For 2003 World Supersport Series
From a press release:
YAMAHA BELGARDA CONFIRM CASOLI AND WHITHAM FOR 2003
Paolo Casoli and Jamie Whitham will be Yamaha Belgarda’s riders in the Supersport World Championship in 2003. Both riders will be using the new Yamaha R6, which will be presented to the public at the Munich motorshow (Intermot).
WORLD TITLE THE GOAL
Yamaha Belgarda Racing Division Manager Claudio Consonni said, “We are very satisfied with he performance of our squad this season and decided to keep the whole team together for 2003. Casoli and Whitham work very well with the team and their co-operation will be vital as we chase the World title in 2003.”
Thirty-six year old Jamie Whitham first rode for Yamaha Belgarda at Donington in 1998 and scored a tremendous victory on his debut. In 2000, he
finished sixth and followed that with fourth in 2001. Casoli rode for Yamaha Belgarda in 2001 and would’ve won the title if he hadn’t been the
victim of unfortunate circumstances. Casoli and Whitham have won eight races between them and have taken pole three times. Together they have
helped Yamaha to the constructor’s title.
Bayou Group Promises Cash For Experts, Free Tires For Novices
We have no idea how these guys can pull this off, and we are suspicious of their use of vaguely familiar titles like Minister of Information, but according to the “Church of Speed,” they are essentially re-inventing club road racing with free entries for top qualifiers, purses for Experts and free tires and fuel for Novices/Amateurs. Excuse our ignorance, but didn’t GLRRA try this once? At any rate, a press release issued by Kevin Nolde, Minister of Information, follows:
The Church of Speed is announcing a race in January by racers for racers. Due to another year of poor payouts, no promotions/advertising, and no spectators we have now decided to act. We have created the Grand Bayou Festival of Speed. The event is scheduled for the weekend of January 10-12 and we will hold our premier race on January 12, 2003. On Friday we will hold practice and new rider’s school, and on Saturday we will be holding qualifying rounds for the race on Sunday. The cost is:
• $80 for practice Friday
• $80 for qualifying on Saturday
• No charge for the 45 top qualifying riders to participate on Sunday
As it stands now, we will have amateur middleweight and heavyweights (allowing open class bikes). The experts will have Middle and Heavyweight classes with the second heavyweight race being the premier top paying race. The purses at this time will be:
• $2500 for the expert middle, and heavy weight races
• $3000 for the premiere race
Races will be 30 minutes with the top race being 40 minutes. The novice group will receive tires and other consumables. All qualifiers will get their gate fees returned. The purses will increase as more advertisers are found and will be posted on our website at www.churchofspeed.us. The weekend will also feature Bracket drag racing at night and a stunt competition. Please check out the website as pre-registration information will soon be posted.
Some Day Every Racer Will Hold A Riding School
From a press release:
Lone Star Track Days is proud to announce its partnership with John Haner in order to bring you The John Haner Advanced Racing School – Monday, September 16th @ Texas World Speedway.
John currently holds track records at Texas World Speedway, The MotorSport Ranch, Oak Hill Raceway and Hallet Motor Racing Circuit.
In his school, John will share his techniques that have enabled him to master race tracks and will answer any questions you may have about racing a motorcycle and going faster. John dissects the track for the class and teaches the class how to dissect it themselves. John will work to gradually and safely bring each rider up to a higher level of understanding, control, and speed on their motorcycle.
Only 12 people will be permitted to take the class so that a more personal approach can be given to each rider.
Fee: $340 per person (This fee includes the normal $140 LSTD participation fee)
Requirements to Participate:
a. Each registrant must have at least one season of racing experience.
b. The bike being ridden in the school must undergo a brief tech inspection and adhere to the requirements set forth by the Lone Star Track Days staff. (See web site for details and visit the “Requirements” section).
This option is separate from the Lone Star Track Days Riding School and the CMRA/CCS racing license school and is intended for individuals who are already racing.
Find more information at http://www.lonestartrackdays.com
Motion Pro Announces 2003 Rider Support Program
From a press release:
Motion Pro/Braking USA is now accepting resumes for rider support for the 2003 season.
Historically, Motion Pro has been primarily involved in supporting off-road and dirt track racers, but with the addition of Braking USA, we now have a product line that directly interests road racers. Our Wave rotors and CM66 Carbon Metallic pads are the best brake combination hands down. Our products have achieved great success in World Supersport, and are now widely available here in the US.
Motion Pro Tools, Cables and Controls are in a class of their own as well. Both Motion Pro and Braking have a long history of involvement in and support of motorsports competition, and wishes to extend an invitation to road racers in the US and Canada to apply for support. Please send resumes to:
Motion Pro/Braking USA
867 American St.
San Carlos, Ca. 94070
Braking USA pays contingency in F-USA and CCS, and Braking Wave rotors are legal in all classes of F-USA, CCS and WERA. Our rider support program offers product discounts, and support.
Fasola May Take Another Crew Chief Gig
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Aaron Yates’ long-time Crew Chief, Vic Fasola, has left Team Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki. But while Fasola originally planned on moving to South Carolina to work with a long-time friend, he’s now considering staying in professional road racing.
“I was trying to get away from some of the stress,” Fasola said via phone from his home in Ontario, California. “Being a Crew Chief must be the most thankless job on earth.”
But Fasola admitted that he has received some very good offers from other professional teams and is giving those offers serious consideration.
“I have to decide if I want to jump right back into it,” said Fasola, adding that he is currently taking a vacation, including some golf.
Chris Weidl is likely to take over as Yates’ Crew Chief on the Yoshimura team.
Marlboro Yamaha Tests At Estoril
From a press release issued by Marlboro Yamaha:
MARLBORO YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Estoril, Portugal
Monday, September 9, 2002
MARLBORO YAMAHA MEN COMPLETE FINAL TEST SESSION OF 2002
Marlboro Yamaha Team riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa stayed on at Estoril today to continue fine tuning the chassis performance of the ever-improving YZR-M1. Both men were happy with progress in this, their last test of 2002, conducted in bright sunshine following yesterday’s rain-lashed Marlboro Portuguese GP.
“This was a useful day for us, even though the track surface was pretty dirty after all that rain,” said Marlboro Yamaha Team manager Geoff Crust. “Carlos tested some new suspension parts, while Max wanted to evaluate some different chassis settings which the weekend’s weather prevented him from trying. Both of them seem pretty satisfied with progress.”
Biaggi, who finished Sunday’s race in sixth place, worked at further improving the new chassis he received at last month’s Czech GP. “The new chassis is better but we had some trouble with set-up over the weekend, so I wanted to try a few different directions with settings,” said the Italian, currently third in the MotoGP World Championship. “We have definitely improved the balance of the bike today, and our findings should be a big help in case we run into any set-up difficulties at the last few races.”
Checa, who started Sunday’s race from pole and finished a brilliant second, was impressed with the parts he tried. “We learned plenty today, although these parts won’t be used for a while,” said the Spaniard who holds fourth in the title chase. “The bike worked really well over the weekend but we’re always looking for improvements. I think we need to keep working in this direction and now I’m just looking forward to the last few races of 2002.”
After the tests the Marlboro Yamaha Team crew packed their eight tonnes of freight that will be flown from Lisbon to Brazil for the Rio GP, which takes place on Saturday September 21. The race is the first of four out-of-Europe ‘flyaway’ races which take the team to Japan, Malaysia and Australia during October. The 16-round season ends at Valencia, in Spain, on November 3.
Recent Birth: Rachele Warburg
Pirelli North America Marketing Manager Alberto Warburg and wife Alessandra had a daughter, Rachele, September 4, 2002 in Rome, Georgia.
With RPM Out, AMA Pro Racing Makes Deals With Road Atlanta And Barber Motorsports Park
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
AMA Pro Racing has made direct deals with Road Atlanta and with Barber Motorsports Park to hold AMA Nationals in 2003 and beyond, eliminating Race Promotions Management (RPM), the company responsible for promoting the Road Atlanta event for the last five years.
That’s the story from RPM’s Dan Murphy.
RPM originated the Superbike double-header program now used at most AMA Nationals.
Murphy said Monday that his company will not promote AMA road races in the future, other than the AMA National that runs combined with the World Superbike race at Laguna Seca.
“If we’re gonna build up races only to have them taken away and given to the track, there’s no incentive for outside promoters…to build an event up to have it go somewhere else,” Murphy said.
Murphy said that he had proposed holding an AMA National at the Barber track and in the course of negotiations revealed confidential financial information related to the event at Road Atlanta; track officials subsequently made a deal directly with AMA Pro Racing officials, who agreed to give the Barber track the May date that was supposed to go to the Road Atlanta race–to avoid a conflict with a football game in the Birmingham area.
AMA Pro Racing officials then contacted Murphy, told him he had lost his May date, and added that the sanction fee for the Road Atlanta race would go up 78% for 2003. Murphy said the new sanction fee wouldn’t work financially, and AMA Pro Racing subsequently decided to do a deal directly with Road Atlanta.
Earlier this year, Murphy had proposed an AMA Safety Commission to work on ways to improve track safety, including AMA homologation of tracks, and had committed to paying to make changes in the turn three-four area at Road Atlanta where Anthony Gobert got hurt, i.e., moving the wall back 40-50 feet.
Oliver Will Skip This Weekend’s Big-money Race At Willow In Favor Of F-USA Dirt Track
From a press release issued by Team Oliver Yamaha:
Rich Oliver to race the Formula USA Dirt track Pro Singles event September 14th, at the famed Sacramento Mile.
Rich Oliver will make his Formula USA Dirt track debut in Sacramento, Ca. on the mile racing a Yamaha YZ426F. The ride was put together by Bob Hill and Mearl Barnett, who currently race in Pro Singles and wanted to help Oliver get involved in the growing Formula USA series.
Mike Kidd from Clear Channel Entertainment was also very helpful and supportive of Oliver’s desire to add to his Grand Prix road racing skills by entering into the Dirt Track racing discipline. Rich comments about the attitude at Formula USA and Clear Channel, “Mike Kidd has been just great; he has welcomed me into the series and has really made me feel that I can find a home there, it’s a nice change from what I’m used to dealing with.”
Rich comments on his upcoming race, “It’s going to be very exciting to be out on the mile track, and to try my hand at something new. I’ve flat tracked mini bikes for years, I was taught by Kenny Roberts when I rode for his US team, but this is no mini bike or mini bike track! I really want to thank Mearl for loaning me his bike, and Bob for all the help and advice. I just want to do the best I can and learn as much as possible, I don’t have too many unrealistic expectations at this point, but if it goes well I’d sure like to race more of these Pro Singles events next season. I can’t wait to try a TT race; I’ll feel more at home when I get to use the front brake and turn right!”
In the one short week remaining, last minute work is going on with the Yamaha 426 to prepare as much as possible for the race. Kosman Racing is putting together some adjustable fork crowns and racing wheels, and Lindemann Engineering is lowering the suspension and working on the internal valving and spring rates to match the Yamaha to Rich’s weight. VP has sent racing fuel and Oliver’s mechanic Robert Ward will have one day on the Wilson’s dyno in Fresno to jet the bike to the fuel. AFAM has sent all the gearing and handlebars.
Rich will wear his Troy Lee Designed Shoei Replica helmet and Kushitani leathers. Laughing, Rich tells us, “I’ll take of the knee sliders!”
That’s about all that can be done in time for this race, but Rich plans to build his own new YZ450 Yamaha for next season over this winter, and get on the track again as soon as possible.
American Delegation Heads To GSX-R World Cup
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
An American delegation of riders and mechanics left the United States Monday, for next weekend’s GSX-R World Cup at Magny Cours, France.
The group included riders Jason DiSalvo, Brian Livengood and John Dugan.
Pat Alexander and Morgan Broadhead will represent American Suzuki Motor Corp. at the event, which will feature riders on identical GSX-R750s fitted with Michelin tires.
Yamaha Belgarda Keeps Casoli And Whitham For 2003 World Supersport Series
From a press release:
YAMAHA BELGARDA CONFIRM CASOLI AND WHITHAM FOR 2003
Paolo Casoli and Jamie Whitham will be Yamaha Belgarda’s riders in the Supersport World Championship in 2003. Both riders will be using the new Yamaha R6, which will be presented to the public at the Munich motorshow (Intermot).
WORLD TITLE THE GOAL
Yamaha Belgarda Racing Division Manager Claudio Consonni said, “We are very satisfied with he performance of our squad this season and decided to keep the whole team together for 2003. Casoli and Whitham work very well with the team and their co-operation will be vital as we chase the World title in 2003.”
Thirty-six year old Jamie Whitham first rode for Yamaha Belgarda at Donington in 1998 and scored a tremendous victory on his debut. In 2000, he
finished sixth and followed that with fourth in 2001. Casoli rode for Yamaha Belgarda in 2001 and would’ve won the title if he hadn’t been the
victim of unfortunate circumstances. Casoli and Whitham have won eight races between them and have taken pole three times. Together they have
helped Yamaha to the constructor’s title.
Bayou Group Promises Cash For Experts, Free Tires For Novices
We have no idea how these guys can pull this off, and we are suspicious of their use of vaguely familiar titles like Minister of Information, but according to the “Church of Speed,” they are essentially re-inventing club road racing with free entries for top qualifiers, purses for Experts and free tires and fuel for Novices/Amateurs. Excuse our ignorance, but didn’t GLRRA try this once? At any rate, a press release issued by Kevin Nolde, Minister of Information, follows:
The Church of Speed is announcing a race in January by racers for racers. Due to another year of poor payouts, no promotions/advertising, and no spectators we have now decided to act. We have created the Grand Bayou Festival of Speed. The event is scheduled for the weekend of January 10-12 and we will hold our premier race on January 12, 2003. On Friday we will hold practice and new rider’s school, and on Saturday we will be holding qualifying rounds for the race on Sunday. The cost is:
• $80 for practice Friday
• $80 for qualifying on Saturday
• No charge for the 45 top qualifying riders to participate on Sunday
As it stands now, we will have amateur middleweight and heavyweights (allowing open class bikes). The experts will have Middle and Heavyweight classes with the second heavyweight race being the premier top paying race. The purses at this time will be:
• $2500 for the expert middle, and heavy weight races
• $3000 for the premiere race
Races will be 30 minutes with the top race being 40 minutes. The novice group will receive tires and other consumables. All qualifiers will get their gate fees returned. The purses will increase as more advertisers are found and will be posted on our website at www.churchofspeed.us. The weekend will also feature Bracket drag racing at night and a stunt competition. Please check out the website as pre-registration information will soon be posted.
Some Day Every Racer Will Hold A Riding School
From a press release:
Lone Star Track Days is proud to announce its partnership with John Haner in order to bring you The John Haner Advanced Racing School – Monday, September 16th @ Texas World Speedway.
John currently holds track records at Texas World Speedway, The MotorSport Ranch, Oak Hill Raceway and Hallet Motor Racing Circuit.
In his school, John will share his techniques that have enabled him to master race tracks and will answer any questions you may have about racing a motorcycle and going faster. John dissects the track for the class and teaches the class how to dissect it themselves. John will work to gradually and safely bring each rider up to a higher level of understanding, control, and speed on their motorcycle.
Only 12 people will be permitted to take the class so that a more personal approach can be given to each rider.
Fee: $340 per person (This fee includes the normal $140 LSTD participation fee)
Requirements to Participate:
a. Each registrant must have at least one season of racing experience.
b. The bike being ridden in the school must undergo a brief tech inspection and adhere to the requirements set forth by the Lone Star Track Days staff. (See web site for details and visit the “Requirements” section).
This option is separate from the Lone Star Track Days Riding School and the CMRA/CCS racing license school and is intended for individuals who are already racing.
Find more information at http://www.lonestartrackdays.com
Motion Pro Announces 2003 Rider Support Program
From a press release:
Motion Pro/Braking USA is now accepting resumes for rider support for the 2003 season.
Historically, Motion Pro has been primarily involved in supporting off-road and dirt track racers, but with the addition of Braking USA, we now have a product line that directly interests road racers. Our Wave rotors and CM66 Carbon Metallic pads are the best brake combination hands down. Our products have achieved great success in World Supersport, and are now widely available here in the US.
Motion Pro Tools, Cables and Controls are in a class of their own as well. Both Motion Pro and Braking have a long history of involvement in and support of motorsports competition, and wishes to extend an invitation to road racers in the US and Canada to apply for support. Please send resumes to:
Motion Pro/Braking USA
867 American St.
San Carlos, Ca. 94070
Braking USA pays contingency in F-USA and CCS, and Braking Wave rotors are legal in all classes of F-USA, CCS and WERA. Our rider support program offers product discounts, and support.
Fasola May Take Another Crew Chief Gig
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Aaron Yates’ long-time Crew Chief, Vic Fasola, has left Team Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki. But while Fasola originally planned on moving to South Carolina to work with a long-time friend, he’s now considering staying in professional road racing.
“I was trying to get away from some of the stress,” Fasola said via phone from his home in Ontario, California. “Being a Crew Chief must be the most thankless job on earth.”
But Fasola admitted that he has received some very good offers from other professional teams and is giving those offers serious consideration.
“I have to decide if I want to jump right back into it,” said Fasola, adding that he is currently taking a vacation, including some golf.
Chris Weidl is likely to take over as Yates’ Crew Chief on the Yoshimura team.
Marlboro Yamaha Tests At Estoril
From a press release issued by Marlboro Yamaha:
MARLBORO YAMAHA TEAM TESTS
Estoril, Portugal
Monday, September 9, 2002
MARLBORO YAMAHA MEN COMPLETE FINAL TEST SESSION OF 2002
Marlboro Yamaha Team riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa stayed on at Estoril today to continue fine tuning the chassis performance of the ever-improving YZR-M1. Both men were happy with progress in this, their last test of 2002, conducted in bright sunshine following yesterday’s rain-lashed Marlboro Portuguese GP.
“This was a useful day for us, even though the track surface was pretty dirty after all that rain,” said Marlboro Yamaha Team manager Geoff Crust. “Carlos tested some new suspension parts, while Max wanted to evaluate some different chassis settings which the weekend’s weather prevented him from trying. Both of them seem pretty satisfied with progress.”
Biaggi, who finished Sunday’s race in sixth place, worked at further improving the new chassis he received at last month’s Czech GP. “The new chassis is better but we had some trouble with set-up over the weekend, so I wanted to try a few different directions with settings,” said the Italian, currently third in the MotoGP World Championship. “We have definitely improved the balance of the bike today, and our findings should be a big help in case we run into any set-up difficulties at the last few races.”
Checa, who started Sunday’s race from pole and finished a brilliant second, was impressed with the parts he tried. “We learned plenty today, although these parts won’t be used for a while,” said the Spaniard who holds fourth in the title chase. “The bike worked really well over the weekend but we’re always looking for improvements. I think we need to keep working in this direction and now I’m just looking forward to the last few races of 2002.”
After the tests the Marlboro Yamaha Team crew packed their eight tonnes of freight that will be flown from Lisbon to Brazil for the Rio GP, which takes place on Saturday September 21. The race is the first of four out-of-Europe ‘flyaway’ races which take the team to Japan, Malaysia and Australia during October. The 16-round season ends at Valencia, in Spain, on November 3.