From Shawn McDonald:

The Alan Schwen cancer fund-raising party at the Paragon Restaurant on April 7 was a smashing success, collecting $19,000 on silent bids, live auctions and entrance fees.

The event coordinated by Rick Salmon of SB Motorsports and the Cunio brothers from Paragon restaurant saw over 300 people jam the restaurant to talk and enjoy the free food and beverages.

Almost all the items for auction were donated by motorcycle dealers in the Washington state area. Among the top items for bidding were a Honda XR50R from South Sound Honda; a Malaguti Fogarty Replica scooter from Malaguti USA, Seattle Ducati and Darryl and Sherri Havens; and a framed, autographed GP Heroes print and frame of Schwantz, Doohan and Rainey from Shawn McDonald.

Alan was more than surprised by the support from the local motorcycling community and thanks everyone who helped and participated in the event.

Alan is planning on racing next week at Pacific Raceway in Kent, Washington next week in an attempt to retain his WMRRA #1 plate. Alan said that after waiting a suitable amount of time in case of a relapse, any funds that remain will be donated to the WMRRA injured rider fund.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

American Honda Racing Teams Manager Chuck Miller called Roadracingworld.com Wednesday to update the medical conditions of Kurtis Roberts, who injured a knee and an ankle Friday, and Nicky Hayden, who underwent LASIK surgery Tuesday.

“There is no major damage in the knee,” said Miller of Roberts. “He went back (to Dr. Art Ting’s clinic Wednesday). They did another MRI again. He did have some more fluid on it, and they drained out a little bit more fluid. It continues to swell up like that, but there’s no internal damage. They’re not planning on doing any kind of surgery.

“He will take this week off and have no activity and keep it elevated and iced and things like that. Then next week, they’re going to put together a rehab program for him. He will not attend the Road Atlanta test (next week). He will stay home and start his rehabilitation. So that’s where we’re at. Kind of good news. We most definitely expect to have him back on the bike at Sears.”

Roberts suffered injuries to his right knee and left ankle in a highside crash Friday, April 5 during Superbike qualifying for the AMA Superbike race at California Speedway. The injury to Roberts’ right knee prevented him from racing in rounds two and three of the AMA Superbike series, but Roberts also hurt his left ankle in the fall.

“It’s improving too,” said Miller. “He had shattered that ankle a long time ago. He said anytime he ever hits it or bangs it, the thing wants to swell up big.”

When asked about Nicky Hayden’s LASIK eye surgery, Miller said, “That all went good. He went back to the doctor today. Everything came out fine, him and Roger both, actually.”

In a separate phone interview, American Honda Motorsports Media Manager Greg Wright told Roadracingworld.com that he had planned on Roberts taking part in an autograph session for American Honda employees at the company’s Torrance, California campus Thursday, April 11 but didn’t expect Roberts to make the event now. The meet-and-greet session is still slated to include Honda Superbike racers Miguel Duhamel and Nicky Hayden along with Honda’s Team Kool Green CART race car drivers Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti, who are in town for the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

From a Team America press release:

PODIUM AND POINTS FOR DISALVO

Team America Grand Prix Racing Team rider Jason DiSalvo defied the pain barrier to record a superb third place finish in the second round of the 250cc AMA Championship held at Fontana in California at the weekend.

The 18-year-old from Batavia, New York wrenched his right arm during practice causing damage to the tendons but he bravely decided to battle on despite the considerable discomfort.

With inclement unsettled weather causing unseasonably cool temperatures, DiSalvo posted third fastest time in Friday’s opening 250cc practice session – after topping the times at one point – as well as finishing fourth in his qualifying group aboard the 750cc four-stroke.

With rain washing out all of Saturday’s action, DiSalvo had a hectic schedule on Sunday but managed to qualify the 250cc machine in second position and on row three with the 750cc bike in ninth place overall.

Despite missing the sighting lap on the 250cc Honda, which meant he started the race on shiny rubber, DiSalvo dropped to fifth place in the early stages as he wisely bedded the tires in before charging back up the leaderboard. As he homed in on the leaders, Jason set consecutively fast laps before the pain started to tell and he dropped off the pace a little by lap ten but still held on to claim third place at the checkered flag.

“I was in a lot of pain towards the end of that race and I was glad when it was all over. I couldn’t even lift the champagne bottle up on the rostrum and I can’t even remember what I said to the commentator” declared DiSalvo after his first professional and first AMA rostrum placing.

Having treatment by a chiropractor between races helped Jason enormously and despite not getting his trademark fast start in the 750cc Superstock Race, he battled back through the field to finish in 11th place to score his first points on the four-stroke machine.

“We’ve had what you can call a stressful week,” said Team Owner Jim DiSalvo. “We were very concerned about Jason after the 250cc race as he didn’t look well at all but it’s a true measure of him that he’s come through it and scored two important finishes” he continued.

The team and Jason will take a few days rest before heading north to Sears Point Raceway for a test session in preparation for round three of the AMA series at the track near Sonoma over the weekend of May 2nd thru 5th.


From a Suzuki Racing press release:

Lavilla Beats Qualifying Position

Superbike World Championship, Round 3, Kyalami, South Africa Sunday 7th April 2002

TEAM ALSTARE SUZUKI Superbike rider Gregorio beat his qualifying position of 14th by finishing 11th in the second race at Kyalami today, the third round of the World Superbike Championship.

In the first race he was hit by Pedercini at Wesbank corner and crashed out of the race – fortunately without injury. In the second, he began to lose rear grip after about 10-laps and was then unable to make any impression on the group battling for fourth place.

It was always going to be a difficult day for Gregorio and the team – thanks to his fourth row grid spot – but the crash just made a hard day even harder. Both 25-lap races were won by Aussie Troy Bayliss (Ducati), taking his tally to six consecutive race wins – a feat never achieved before in World Superbike history.

GREGORIO LAVILLA – Race 1: DNF, Race 2: 11th “Pedercini was a nuisance because he has a fast bike, but he rides slowly in the corners. I tried to pass him many times and on the downhill chicane he made a mistake and I was able to get by. By the time we approached Wesbank corner at the top of the hill, I was about half a bikelength ahead of him. He came across me and his handlebar hit me in the ribcage and both of us went down – it was so unnecessary. Before the crash, I was catching Walker and I was thinking about a top six place – then boom. In race two, I made an OK start – considering my grid position – and everything was fine and I was catching Toseland. Then, after about six laps, the bike started to lose grip and I couldn’t go any quicker. Borja came past me and I tried to hold on to him, but it just wasn’t possible. Later I had a couple of really big slides, so I thought it would be better to stay onboard and ride for some points. My only consolation this weekend is that I didn’t get hurt in the fall and that the bike went round Kyalami quicker then last year.”

From a press release:

Chambon Tastes Champagne

Supersport World Championship, Round 3, Kyalami, South Africa, Sunday 7th April 2002

TEAM ALSTARE SUZUKI star Stephane Chambon tasted champagne at the third round of the World Supersport Championship when he finished an impressive third in the race.

Chambon led the race on the first lap and then was involved in a terrific dogfight with Pitt (Kawasaki) and Whitham (Yamaha) for the rest of the 25-lap race. The Frenchman tried his hardest, but towards the end of the race Pitt and Whitham pulled out the smallest of margins and fought each other all the way to the flag. Pitt took the win – by a 10th of a second – ahead of Whitham, with Chambon one and a half seconds behind.

Chambon’s third was a result of a tremendously gritty ride. All weekend he had been suffering from lower back pain and had to have daily massages and painkillers just to ride the bike.

Chambon’s team mate Katsuaki Fujiwara’a amazing run of bad luck seems to show no sign of ending and he was forced to pull out of the race.

STEPHANE CHAMBON – 3rd

“It was very hard work out there. Twenty-five laps round here is very tough and the battle between us three at the front was very intensive. The suspension on my bike wasn’t quite perfect and I was losing grip a bit in the race. The two guys in front rode very fast today and it was hard to keep pace with them. I am disappointed not to win the race, but I’m happy to finish on the podium.”

KATSUAKI FUJIWARA – DNF

“I am unlucky again. After the good job we did yesterday, today was not good. I decided it was too dangerous to continue, so I pulled in. Of course, I am very, very disappointed because I thought I could get a good result here today. Now I have to hope that I can do well in front of my home fans in the next round at Sugo.”


From a Suzuki racing press release:

New Suzuki Makes Stunning Rostrum Debut At Suzuka

Japanese GP, Suzuka – April 7, 2002

Suzuki’s brand new V4 four-stroke MotoGP racer made a superb debut at today’s Japanese GP, with factory rider Akira Ryo leading from the line and for 15 of the 21 laps of the classic 5.821 km figure-eight circuit. Although eventually overtaken by race winner, defending champion Valentino Rossi, Ryo’s Telefonica Movistar machine was still challenging all the way to the finish, crossing the line just 1.5-seconds behind pole starter Rossi.

Telefonica Movistar team regulars Kenny Roberts, Jr. and Sete Gibernau had mixed fortunes in a race run on a streaming wet track. Both failed to finish after crashing out.

For Roberts it was the culmination of a variety of small problems that had started before the race. He was eighth position when he fell – one of nine riders to fall victim to treacherous conditions.

Gibernau had a superlative ride. He was challenging Rossi for second place, to tag on behind Ryo, when the Italian rider slowed suddenly mid-corner inches in front of him. With nowhere to go, Gibernau had to brake hard while leaned over, and also crashed out. Until that point, he had entertained the crowd and thrilled his team with a display of daring and sideways riding that took him from seventh on the first lap to third by half-distance, and deserved a better finish.

Official factory tester Ryo (34), who is reigning All-Japan Superbike champion on a Suzuki, was born in Tokyo, but now lives in Kobe, with his wife Shiho and seven-year-old daughter Haruka.

The Japanese GP was the first of 16 rounds in the all-new MotoGP World Championship, pitting 990cc four-stroke prototypes against the established 500cc two-strokes. The new machines took the first four positions in the race.

The next round is in two weeks time, at Welkom in South Africa.

AKIRA RYO – Second Position

“I only started testing this bike barely two months ago. Obviously the team would prefer to win, but for me personally, I am very happy to have achieved second place. In qualifying, the other teams were very strong. I have never tested the bike in the rain, but I was quite happy that it was wet, because that made it more equal for everybody. Early in the race I was happy to lead, but towards the middle I knew Rossi was behind, and I was waiting for him to take over…and waiting and waiting. I wanted to see his race strategy, but he took his time. I had two chances to attack on the last two laps, and I tried my best, but I couldn’t get quite close enough.”

KENNY ROBERTS – Did Not Finish

“I had a vibration on the warm-up lap, so we changed both front and rear tyres. It seemed to me the front tyre never came in, and every time I tried to turn hard it would try to tuck under and put the bike on its side. I was riding round that, and also having problems with my visor fogging, with the extra heat coming off the four-stroke engine. that started to get better, and I was settling in when Nakano came by me. We both got into the Spoon curve a bit hot and I was real wide, and when I tried to turn, even though I felt like I couldn’t go much slower, the front tucked under and I was down. It was a great start for the new bike, though – for the factory and the team.”

SETE GIBERNAU – Did Not Finish

“I was really enjoying the race, and moving forwards. The bike was sliding a lot, but I was quite comfortable. Even under braking, the front wasn’t so strong, but I was able to back it in sideways to get it slowed down that way. I was right behind Rossi and looking for a way past into the second Degner. We’d finished braking and were leaned over already when he seemed to virtually stop. I had to brake again to avoid hitting him, and that put me down. It lost me a potentially really good result, but it showed the potential of our new bike all the same.”

GARRY TAYLOR – Team Manager

“Nobody can be in any doubt now about the competitiveness of our machine. You can’t help wondering what would have happened if Kenny hadn’t had a couple of problems, and if Sete hadn’t been baulked by Rossi. Today was a great result for the factory, after a great deal of hard work. We also know that there is more to come. A great start.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA District 37 Board of Directors voted Tuesday night to take the lead in a new lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), seeking an injunction to stop the fencing off of public land in the Rand Mountains of the California desert.

BLM work crews are installing chain-link fences to close off previously-open dirt roads and trails used by off-road enthusiasts in the area.

No public comment was allowed prior to the fence installation beginning.

CORVA, the California Off-road Vehicle Association, will also be involved in the litigation.

Off-road enthusiasts who wish to help D-37 fight land closures in the California desert can contribute to the Save Our Trails Fund by contacting AMA national headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.

Every dollar donated to the Save Our Trails Fund in the next 12 months will be matched by the AMA, up to $50,000, and will be transferred to D-37 for use in the legal fight to keep open lands open.

More information is available from AMA headquarters at (614) 856-1920 or online at www.ama-cycle.com.

From an AMA Pro Racing press release:

AMA PRO RACING STEPS UP CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing will be stepping up its communications efforts for the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship. AMA Pro Racing has hired veteran media relations specialist Larry Lawrence to spearhead the initiative. Lawrence, former communications manager for AMA Pro Racing, has worked in media relations for the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship in recent years.

“We are hoping to bring more attention to our U.S. Motocross Championship,” said Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing’s CEO. “This championship rivals any in the world in terms of depth of talent and sheer racing excitement. Larry has a proven track record of helping to bring great press coverage to our events as proven in the U.S. Superbike Championship. He will work with the promoters in focusing even more of a spotlight on this already strong series.”

The 12-event AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship kicks off on May 12 in San Bernardino, Calif., and concludes on September 1 in Delmont, Pa. Adding to Lawrence’s media relations efforts will be a new AMA Pro Racing website — USMotocross.com — that will cover the series like never before and is set to launch in the coming weeks.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work in the motocross series,” said Lawrence. “The riders in motocross are among the best athletes in all of sports. My goal is to help the general media get to know the story of these riders and to help widen the audience for the series. I’ll be working closely with NPG media director Pat Schutte. Pat and I are already working on plans to heighten the awareness of professional motocross in America.”

Lawrence’s hiring is the latest step in AMA Pro Racing’s overall plan to improve its communications efforts. AMA Pro Racing recently added Dorina Clarke to conduct media relations in the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship.
Lawrence can be reached at (317) 852-2896 or at [email protected].

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Nicky Hayden, after AMA Superbike qualifying last Friday afernoon at California Speedway:

“This morning there were a few guys, it was crazy, the speed difference,” said Hayden. “I’m all for having promoter practice on Thursday. A privateer on a small budget can’t afford to come test here. Here it’s not so bad, but some places (like) Road America where there’s a lot of blind stuff. We watched Formula Xtreme practice this morning and there were guys coming down the front straightaway 30 miles an hour slower than some people because they didn’t know where the track went. I thought there might be more people crashing in the morning session with the speed difference being so great. The AMA said they need the extra day to set up, but to me it looks like they should just come in a day earlier and have promoter practice (on Thursday).”

From a press release:

ERIC BOSTROM SELLS HIMSELF

April 10, 2002 – Las Vegas, NV. Eric Bostrom is pleased to announce the launch of his first dedicated line of merchandise. For the first time, fans will be able to show their support for Eric by wearing specially designed Eric Bostrom gear. An agreement with AMA Pro Racing’s new merchandising partner, Wateree Sports Group, will allow fans to purchase his gear at AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike events and also online at www.amaproracacing.com/speedshop.

“We are very excited about Eric joining our new AMA Pro Racing merchandising project. Eric is the calibre of rider that we hoped would join our team when we partnered with AMA Pro Racing. As a new cross-license partner, we will be able to help Eric build his presence here and around the world. He already has established (from Airtrix.com) a great logo and brand that really depicts his image and has already been displayed on his website, his leathers and his helmet. But just having Eric is a great first step in authenticating our efforts in the sport,” said Jeff Reeves, vice president of Wateree Sports Group.

AMA Pro Racing’s Associate VP of Commercial Development, Chris Bradley, shares in Jeff’s excitement. “One of our goals in launching a licensed merchandise program was to showcase the tremendous athletes who participate in our sport. Adding a personality such as Eric Bostrom to the line-up is certainly a major step in that direction. And having a merchandising partner in Wateree is the other vital component. The company has a history of executing high-visibility licensing programs for top-level racers. Combine that with its high quality in-house productions, distribution, and fulfilment capabilities, and it makes for an exciting opportunity.”

No one is more excited about this new venture, however, than Eric himself. “With attendance figures going up, and more interest in motorcycle racing in general, it’s really complimentary that fans can sport my apparel and merchandise. I’m just stoked that we’ll have our own merchandise that people can support us with. When I’m in the pits and signing shirts for people, it’ll pump me up to see people wearing shirts with my name and logo on it!”

From a press release:

See Rare Harley-Davidson V-Rod Drag Bike

Rev up for “Power Tuning for Race Bikes” seminar with Harley-Davidson engineer

DENVER — If you’re into race bikes and the technology that makes them go fast, you won’t want to miss an exclusive seminar coming to New Berlin, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee) on Saturday, April 27, 2002. The all-day technical seminar will feature Jamie McNaughton, Powertrain lead development engineer for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. McNaughton worked in Harley-Davidson’s Performance Development and Emissions Department as the lead development engineer for the Revolution Powertrain in the company’s new V-Rod motorcycle. An expert on improving the performance of engines used in race bikes, McNaughton will discuss state-of-the-art engine dynamics as applied to a variety of dirt track bikes and race bikes. Seminar attendees will be able to get a first-hand look at a Harley-Davidson V-Rod Drag Bike, one of the company’s rarest race bikes, at the event.
The seminar, which lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is being hosted by Hal’s Harley-Davidson, 1925 S. Moorland Rd. in New Berlin. The cost is $250 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch, as well as handouts. Payment by check or credit card is due upon registration, and there will be no refunds due to limited space availability.

This is the second in a series of events being produced by Power Curves, a Denver-based company that specializes in producing technical seminars on all aspects of performance-engine building. Future seminars will feature leading experts in advanced engine technology speaking on engine management systems, IC engine power development, understanding dynamometer testing and data, induction systems and fuel injection, and other topics. Many seminars will be hosted by engine builders and other industry professionals at their own shops, giving attendees an up-close-and-personal look at the latest technology and innovations.

To register for the “Power Tuning for Race Bikes” seminar, or for more information on upcoming Power Curves seminars, contact Mike Waller at 719.687.7803 or by e-mail at [email protected].



(Editorial note: McNaughton also built and tuned engines for road racer Rad Greaves, in his spare time.)

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA 250cc Grand Prix racer Greg Esser, 42, says that doctors have told him he may never race again, due to the damage he suffered to his left ankle in a crash during practice on Friday, April 5 at California Speedway.

Esser lowsided his Honda RS250 entering turn nine and crashed into a man-made wall of haybales and plastic traffic barriers that was erected to prevent crossovers between turns nine and four. Esser says that the last thing he remembers is seeing his lap timer, and the next thing he remembers is seeing the rotor blades of the helicopter that evacuated him to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

In addition to a concussion and a dislocated right shoulder, Esser badly broke his left ankle. “The doctor, an ankle specialist, said it was a ‘terrible, terrible ankle injury’,” said Esser in a telephone call to Roadracingworld.com on Monday, April 8.

Esser said that he had surgery to plate and screw the ankle together Friday night at Loma Linda. According to Esser, the doctor said that he had removed “a bunch” of cartilage and bone that was damaged too badly to repair. The doctor went on to tell Esser that the result would be a loss of movement and a possible need to fuse the ankle into position in the future. Esser will be forced to use a wheelchair for at least ten days until his separated shoulder heals enough to use crutches. The 20-year racing veteran said he will be on crutches for the next three months.

Before flying home to Pompano Beach, Florida Monday evening, Esser said that he planned to see his family doctor, who just happens to be a wrist and ankle specialist, on Tuesday, April 9 for further evaluation.

“I’m not 16,” said Esser, the owner of Fab Weld, a small welding and machine shop. “I’m going to do what the doctor says. If I have enough movement to race, I’m going to race. If not, if I’m done, then I’m OK with that. I’ll still be at the track. I’ll be hanging out at Road Atlanta for sure.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

A viewing of Ricky Lundgren will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11 at the El Camino Memorial Mortuary at 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, California 92121. A memorial service will be held at the same location at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 12.

Advanced Motor Sports Ducati’s Jeff Nash called Roadracingworld.com Tuesday to give service information and to also announce that he was establishing a memorial fund to benefit Lundgren’s family–wife Kelly and twin, two-year-old sons.

“I know he was a stockbroker and all, but he was a motorcycle racer and none of us have a pot to piss in,” said Nash, one of Lundgren’s sponsors. “I know it won’t be much, but I just wanted to do something for his wife and little boys.”

Contributions for the Lundgren family can be made out to Kelly Lundgren and sent c/o AMS, 11550 East F.M. 917 Alvarado, TX 76009, phone (817) 790-0200, FAX (817) 783-8883.

Lundgren, 40, of La Mesa, California, died Friday, April 5 during a Superstock qualifying session after being hit by a crashed motorcycle tumbled over a barrier into oncoming race traffic during the AMA Superbike weekend at California Speedway in Fontana, California.