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Buckmaster, Hayes, Kipp Top First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice At Fontana

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:27.609
2. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.737
3. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.907
4. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.761
5. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.806
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.934
7. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.330
8. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.338
9. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.975
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.987
11. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.768
12. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.121
13. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.436
14. Chad Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.889
15. Bob Siebenhaar, Honda CBR900RR, 1:37.360
16. Lance Isaacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:37.423
17. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.774
18. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:38.192
19. D. Woodward, Yamaha, 1:38.307
20. Tyler Paulson, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.666

Five Aprilias Lead 250cc Qualifying At Suzuka

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Five Aprilias led the way in the first 250cc qualifying session for the Skyy Vodka Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit Friday, with the first Honda on the Honda-owned circuit back in ninth place.

Times follow:

1. Franco Battaini, Italy, Aprilia, 2:08.627
2. Fonsi Nieto, Spain, Aprilia, 2:08.754
3. Marco Melandri, Italy, Aprilia, 2:08.896
4. Alex Debon, Spain, Aprilia, 2:09.438
5. Randy de Puniet, France, Aprilia, 2:09.592
6. Sebastian Porto, Argentina, Yamaha, 2:10.106
7. Osamu Miyazaki, Japan, Yamaha, 2:10.444
8. Toni Elias, Spain, Aprilia, 2:10.775
9. Roberto Rolfo, Italy, Honda, 2:10.785
10. Emilio Alzamora, Spain, Honda 2:10.930
11. Roberto Locatelli, Italy, Aprilia, 2:11.042
12. Naoki Matsudo, Japan, Yamaha, 2:11.081
13. Choujun Kameya, Japan, Honda, 2:11.306
14. Hiroshi Aoyama, Japan, Honda, 2:11.530
15. Casey Stoner, Australia, Aprilia, 2:11.735
16. Taro Sekiguchi, Japan, Yamaha, 2:11.852
17. Daisaku Sakai, Japan, Honda, 2:11.896
18. Jay Vincent, Great Britain, Honda, 2:11.973
19. Leon Haslam, Great Britain, Honda, 2:12.265
20. Shahrol Yusy, Malaysia, Yamaha, 2:12.283

Racer Ricky Lundgren Dead After Crash In Fontana Superstock Qualifying Crash

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California Speedway issued the following statement:

Fontana, Calif., (April 5th, 2002) — Ricky Lundgren, 40, of La Mesa, Calif., was pronounced dead at Loma Linda University Medical Center this evening following an on-track incident during qualifying for the AMA Superstock race at California Speedway.

According to California Speedway Medical Director Dr. Jeff Grange, Lundgren suffered blunt trauma to the head and chest region.

The accident occurred in the area of turn four on the speedway’s 21-turn, 2.3-mile road course. He was airlifted from California Speedway to Loma Linda University Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m.



Additional information from roadracingworld.com reporters:

Lundgren was riding his Suzuki GSX-R750 in a qualifying session for the AMA Superstock race when the crash occurred. A financial trader by profession, Lundgren was a hobbyist racer and had finished sixth in the AMA Pro Thunder race at Daytona March 10, riding a Ducati 748 sponsored by Yahoo Sports.

Friday Afternoon Formula Xtreme Practice At Fontana Led By Hayden, Kipp, Buckmaster

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.791
2. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.923
3. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:27.997
4. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.280
5. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.437
6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.453
7. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.543
8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.756
9. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.106
10. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.933
11. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.821
12. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.966
13. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.129
14. Robert Mesa, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.282
15. Lance Issacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:34.321
16. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.736
17. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.907
18. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.090
19. Tyler Alexander, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.800
20. Chad Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.984

Hayden, Pridmore, Ulrich Quickest In AMA Superstock Practice At California Speedway

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Tommy Hayden topped the time sheets in the first Superstock (formerly 750cc Supersport) practice session at California Speedway on his Kawasaki ZX-6R Supersport bike, followed by Jason Pridmore on a Supersport GSX-R600, but Chris Ulrich was the fastest man on an actual Superstock racebike, a GSX-R750.

Due to timing and scoring system problems, some riders were unidentified on the scoring monitors.

Times follow:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:30.042
2. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.178
3. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.227
4. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.350
5. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.669
6. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.904
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.937
8. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.002
9. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.016
10. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.227
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:32.363
12. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.385
13. Unknown, 1:32.456
14. Tiger Sohwa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.514
15. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.179
16. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.247
17. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:33.401
18. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.143
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.228
20. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.384

Spies, Tommy Hayden, Hale Fastest In Superstock Practice Friday Afternoon At Fontana

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon Superstock Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.568
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.640
3. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:30.467
4. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.777
5. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.073
6. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.139
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.147
8. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.216
9. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.524
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.636
11. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.860
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.070
13. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.112
14. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.170
15. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.432
16. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.797
17. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:32.912
18. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.955
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.003
20. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.106

Updated Post: Spies, Tommy Hayden, Caylor, Howard Qualify On Front Row For AMA Superstock Race At Fontana

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Timing And Scoring Snafus, Red Flag Delay Plague Second Superstock Qualifying Session At Fontana

The standing water on the road course at California Speedway–caused when the sprinkler system was left on Thursday–and the resulting delay in starting practice came back to hinder the poor souls in the second Superstock qualifying session, for even-numbered bikes, late Friday afternoon.

The session was red-flagged due to a three-bike pile-up and barely restarted and finished before all daylight was lost.

Then a timing and scoring problem deleted the fastest times turned by Tommy Hayden and Chris Ulrich, who were first and second-fastest in the second session, demoting them to fourth and 19th fastest overall, respectively.

Timing and scoring officials quickly issued a revised second session timing sheet when the error was pointed out by roadracingworld.com, but combined sheets with the incorrect times were still being circulated in the press room.

Ulrich’s session ended early when his bike’s shift lever broke off on a curb. Defending Champion Jimmy Moore had a shock blow out in Superbike qualifying; he missed the odd-numbered session and got special AMA permission to qualify in the even-numbered session, a situation reporters couldn’t remember happening before.

AMA officials later said that they typically allow riders who miss the first qualifying session due to mechanical problems to qualify in the second session, although riders who are scheduled to qualify in the second session and miss it are just out of luck.

The session was headed by riders on Supersport bikes, using the 750cc class for extra practice.

The correct combined times follow:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:28.987
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.193
3. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.821
4. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.928
5. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.178
6. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.470
7. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.483
8. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.559
9. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.562
10. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.615
11. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.641
12. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.850
13. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.061
14. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.235
15. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.575
16. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.593
17. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.593
18. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.647
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.663
20. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.689
21. Shawn Conrad, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.741
22. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.038
23. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.532
24. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.573
25. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.047
26. Alan Schmidt, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.224
27. Takahiro “Tiger” Sohwa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.228
28. Phillip Herrin, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.250
29. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.389
30. Troy Green, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.394
31. Randell Mennenga, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.621
32. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.651
33. Rob Christman, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.665
34. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.670
35. Scott Simpson, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:34.070
36. Robert Underwood, 1:34.078
37. Aaron Clark, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.408
38. Dr. Jeff Purk, DDS, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.408
39. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.426
40. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.742


First-year Expert Matt Hartlieb crashed during the odd-numbered Superstock qualifying session. According to a preliminary medical report issued by California Speedway, Hartlieb was transported to San Antonio Community Hospital for X-rays of his left wrist.

Greg Esser crashed his Honda RS250 in Friday afternoon’s 250cc Grand Prix practice session at California Speedway. According to a preliminary medical report issued by the track, Esser was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center as a precautionary measure.

News And Notes From Thursday At California Speedway

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Pascal Picotte On A Mission On Michelins

Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati Racing’s Pascal Picotte will race his new 2001-spec Ducati 996RS on Michelin tires with motors built by Advanced Motor Sports’ Jeff Nash at California Speedway, confirmed Team Manager/Crew Chief/Truck Driver Lance Baker Thursday afternoon in his team’s garage at the Fontana, California track. With a smile of pride on his face, Baker described the hectic 11 days that brought him and Picotte to the Yamaha Superbike Challenge.

“On Monday (March 25), I got the word that the deal was done,” said Baker. “Tuesday (March 26), I flew up to Wisconsin and picked the bikes up from the HMC shop. I got back to Texas Thursday (March 28), dropped the bikes at AMS, pulled the motors and then went back to Austin. This past Tuesday (April 2), I went back to AMS, put the motors back in the bikes and started driving to California.

“A lot of things happened at the same time to get us where we are today.”

Baker said that both Ducati North America and Ducati Corse in Italy contributed to making the acquisition of the bikes happen, saying, “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here.” Baker then confirmed that his team had just finished a tire deal with Michelin’s Ron Wood, and that plans were already in the works to receive update kits from Ducati Corse that would bring the 2001 bikes up to current 2002 998RS Testastretta specification. The Austin/Bleu Bayou team expects to have the updates complete by the Sears Point round of the series.

In the meantime, the smile Picotte wore through off-season testing was replaced by a look of determination. “I’m going to kick some ass,” said the seasoned French-Canadian. “No, I mainly just want to score some points. We just put the bikes and the team together in a couple of days. We’re basically starting from scratch. I’m still new to the Ducati. I know the 2002 bike will be better when we build it, but I’m glad to be here for the double-header. I just want to score some good points in each race, have some time to build the new bikes and maybe test once before Sears.

“Riding on the Michelins is gonna be a learning curve, but in the long-term it could pay off. By going to a different tire brand we may be able to get an advantage.”

Picotte took care to point out that he wouldn’t be able to race at Fontana if it weren’t for the opportunity presented by team owner Terry Gregricka, Baker, race engineer Tom Bodenbach, mechanic John Rawls and friend Paul Fournier. Baker worked with Picotte on the Muzzy Kawasaki Superbike in 1995, and Picotte worked with Bodenbach for four years on the Gemini VR1000 Harley-Davidson team.

Picotte ended the conversation by saying, “I’ll definitely be on a mission to beat those guys (HMC).”

In other news Thursday, the American Honda Superbikes of Nicky Hayden and Miguel Duhamel were being fitted with new bodywork, freshly painted to go along with a co-promotion of Universal Studios’ “The Skorpian King” feature film.

In addition to racing his Corbin Kawasaki ZX-6R in Supersport, 2001 AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Jimmy Filice will run the Number One plate on a 2000-model Yamaha TZ250 with help from Bruce Lind and James Siddall. When asked why, Filice said, “I don’t know how many more times I’m gonna get to run a #1 plate. We’re a little behind with our 600 program and a good result would help out.”

Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki team coordinator Rich Doan will serve as Jamie Hacking’s chassis tuner at California Speedway due to a newly-hired crew member quitting the Suzuki squad shortly after last week’s test at Laguna Seca. With Crew Chief Tom Houseworth at his side, Hacking said that he had confidence in Doan’s ability to get the job done.

Anthony Gobert On Provisional Superbike Pole At California Speedway

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Session One Superbike Qualifying Times:

1. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:25.250
2. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:25.628
3. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 1:26.007
4. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.127
5. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:26.141
6. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:26.465
7. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.659
8. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:27.423
9. Doug Chandler, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.438
10. Pascal Picotte, Ducati 996RS, 1:27.631
11. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.616*
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.703*
13. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.384*
14. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.441*
15. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.502*
16. Vincent Haskovec, Ducati 748, 1:31.809
17. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.957*
18. Andy Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.991
19. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.368*
20. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.436*
*Superstock bike

Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts crashed his RC51 Superbike late in the session and was transported to Loma Linda University Hospital and Medical Center to have his right knee and left ankle X-rayed.

More information from a press release from HMC Ducati: 

Qualifying Report 

AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike Round 2
Date April 5, 2002
Circuit Fontana International Speedway, California

Cold winds brought temperatures way down to the 60s for the first qualifying session of the AMA Superbike’s second round at Fontana Speedway. HMC Ducati rider Doug Chandler finished the session in eighth position; his first day riding on the California circuit. Chandler was one of the few riders who didn’t test here pre-season.

“It’s not bad for the first day”, said Chandler. “The track’s not as easy to learn as I expected. The last half is okay but the first half has some difficult corners, they’re not blind but I can’t see the apex of the corner. Of course this will improve with more laps. I chased Yates to try and learn his lines and let Anthony [Gobert] by to take a look at his lines but ran out of time. Tomorrow I’ll fall in with a couple of the guys and see what I can learn.

“The bike feels good but there are changes we need to make. These will be easier once I get up to speed. We’re going to have to push tomorrow in the practice session before the race.”

Doug’s long time crew chief, Gary Medley, is happy with Doug’s performance today and had nothing but praise for the rider, team and bike.
“Everything’s going good,” smiled Medley. “Doug is doing fantastic for the first time here. We have a few corners to sort out and a few slight changes to make, but I know we’ll be ready for tomorrow’s race. We made very few adjustments to the bike today, but that may change tomorrow as Doug gets faster.”

The weather forecast is for warmer weather for tomorrow’s final qualifying and first race.

Even more information from an American Honda press release:
Honda Racing Goes Hollywood
Honda Racing and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group present The Scorpion King
(Torrance, CA) Honda Racing and primary team sponsor, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG), will showcase the upcoming
action-adventure film, The Scorpion King, with special motorcycle and rider graphics. Universal Pictures’ action-adventure The Scorpion King, starring World Wrestling Federation® Superstar The Rock will be released in theaters nationwide on April 19, 2002.

Team Honda’s Nicky Hayden, Miguel Duhamel and Ricky Carmichael will join in The Scorpion King excitement. Hayden and Duhamel will have specially
designed leathers and RC51’s (emblazoned with gold scorpions) at Round 2 of the AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at California Motor Speedway in Fontana, California on April 6-7. Red Rider Ricky Carmichael will debut his Scorpion King attire and specially designed bike graphics at Round 14 of the AMA/EA Sports Supercross in Irving, Texas on April 20th.

The innovative, feature-length motion picture and motorsports promotion is one of several collaborations resulting from American Honda’s multi-year partnership with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, who represent the merchandising and promotional rights to the Honda Racing Team riders, including jointly developed designs, such as The Scorpion King Honda Racing
promotion. Announced in November 2000, the sponsorship agreement also features Universal Studios’ animated character Woody Woodpecker as Team Mascot for both the Honda Motocross Racing Team and the Honda Road Racing Team.

The Scorpion King film, a spin-off of The Mummy series, is based on the character first introduced by The Rock in the 2001 film The Mummy Returns. Co-starring Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”), Kelly Hu, Steven Brand and Peter Facinelli, the exciting action-adventure was written by Stephen Sommers and Will Osborne and David Hayter, from a story by Jonathan Hales and Stephen Sommers with Chuck Russell (The Mask, Eraser) directing. James Jacks, Sean Daniel, Stephen Sommers and Kevin Misher are the producers with Vince McMahon serving as executive producer.

About Honda

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, ATVs and scooters in the United States. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through approximately 1200 Honda authorized dealers. Further information about Honda products, racing teams, programs and dealer
locations is available at the Honda Web site at http://www.honda.com/.

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, part of Universal Pictures Franchise Development is a division of Universal Pictures. Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com) is a part of CANAL+, the TV and Film division of Vivendi Universal, a new global leader in media and communications.

Did You Know They Road Race In Alaska?

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The Farthest North Racing Alliance is a grassroots club of 40-60 riders who race in Tanacross, Alaska in the southern part of the 49th state. According to Derek Bloom, the FNRA #3 plate holder for 2001, the group converges on an abandoned military air base, (which they dubbed Tanacross Raceway), four times a year to hold motorcycle road races.

“It’s about 250 miles away from everybody,” said Bloom, in a telephone call to Roadracingworld.com. “So we all go down there on Friday and set up the course. We put marks on the tarmac as to where the cones go. We use orange cones to mark the outside of the course and green cones to mark the inside. So when you’re riding, you look for the green cones.

“We race from nine in the morning until about seven at night, because it never really gets dark up here at night in the summer. The temperature can get up to the 90s in July and it usually only drops to the 60s at night. So the weather is usually pretty good. I think we’ve only been rained out once or twice in the last few years.

“The track is 3.5 miles with 36 turns. It’s actually pretty technical and safe. If you run off, you run off into miles of nothing.” One of the “handful” of Alaskan racer to ever venture outside of the state for racing, Bloom has also raced at Willow Springs, Firebird International Raceway and most recently at California Speedway.

The FNRA usually runs a 30-minute solo endurance, winner-take-all, dash-for-cash race on Saturdays followed by sprints on Sunday. “The classes are pretty much run-whatcha-brung,” said Bloom. “We have guys with Yamaha R1s and R6s, Suzuki GSX-Rs, a couple of Yamaha TZ250s and even a few old RD350s.”

Classes for Sunday sprints are 0-to-500cc, 501–650cc and 651-Open with Experts starting in the first wave followed by a second wave of Novices. Races are only three laps long.

“It’s starting to get more competitive,” said Bloom, who had returned to his home in Fairbanks, Alaska following a racing trip to last weekend’s FTA race in Fontana, California. “The core group of 15-20 guys are really starting to pay attention to how well they do. Plus we’ve been advertising a little and drawing in some G.I.’s from the military bases up here.”

For more information about the Farthest North Racing Alliance, call Derek Bloom at (907) 474 –9118, FAX (907) 474-0016 or go to www.angelfire.com/ak5/tanacross.

Farthest North Racing Alliance Race Series 2002 Schedule
6/8-9 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK
6/29-30 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK
7/27-28 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK
8/17-18 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK

Buckmaster, Hayes, Kipp Top First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice At Fontana

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:27.609
2. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.737
3. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.907
4. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.761
5. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.806
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.934
7. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.330
8. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.338
9. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.975
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.987
11. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.768
12. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.121
13. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.436
14. Chad Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.889
15. Bob Siebenhaar, Honda CBR900RR, 1:37.360
16. Lance Isaacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:37.423
17. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.774
18. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:38.192
19. D. Woodward, Yamaha, 1:38.307
20. Tyler Paulson, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.666

Five Aprilias Lead 250cc Qualifying At Suzuka

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Five Aprilias led the way in the first 250cc qualifying session for the Skyy Vodka Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit Friday, with the first Honda on the Honda-owned circuit back in ninth place.

Times follow:

1. Franco Battaini, Italy, Aprilia, 2:08.627
2. Fonsi Nieto, Spain, Aprilia, 2:08.754
3. Marco Melandri, Italy, Aprilia, 2:08.896
4. Alex Debon, Spain, Aprilia, 2:09.438
5. Randy de Puniet, France, Aprilia, 2:09.592
6. Sebastian Porto, Argentina, Yamaha, 2:10.106
7. Osamu Miyazaki, Japan, Yamaha, 2:10.444
8. Toni Elias, Spain, Aprilia, 2:10.775
9. Roberto Rolfo, Italy, Honda, 2:10.785
10. Emilio Alzamora, Spain, Honda 2:10.930
11. Roberto Locatelli, Italy, Aprilia, 2:11.042
12. Naoki Matsudo, Japan, Yamaha, 2:11.081
13. Choujun Kameya, Japan, Honda, 2:11.306
14. Hiroshi Aoyama, Japan, Honda, 2:11.530
15. Casey Stoner, Australia, Aprilia, 2:11.735
16. Taro Sekiguchi, Japan, Yamaha, 2:11.852
17. Daisaku Sakai, Japan, Honda, 2:11.896
18. Jay Vincent, Great Britain, Honda, 2:11.973
19. Leon Haslam, Great Britain, Honda, 2:12.265
20. Shahrol Yusy, Malaysia, Yamaha, 2:12.283

Racer Ricky Lundgren Dead After Crash In Fontana Superstock Qualifying Crash

California Speedway issued the following statement:

Fontana, Calif., (April 5th, 2002) — Ricky Lundgren, 40, of La Mesa, Calif., was pronounced dead at Loma Linda University Medical Center this evening following an on-track incident during qualifying for the AMA Superstock race at California Speedway.

According to California Speedway Medical Director Dr. Jeff Grange, Lundgren suffered blunt trauma to the head and chest region.

The accident occurred in the area of turn four on the speedway’s 21-turn, 2.3-mile road course. He was airlifted from California Speedway to Loma Linda University Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m.



Additional information from roadracingworld.com reporters:

Lundgren was riding his Suzuki GSX-R750 in a qualifying session for the AMA Superstock race when the crash occurred. A financial trader by profession, Lundgren was a hobbyist racer and had finished sixth in the AMA Pro Thunder race at Daytona March 10, riding a Ducati 748 sponsored by Yahoo Sports.

Friday Afternoon Formula Xtreme Practice At Fontana Led By Hayden, Kipp, Buckmaster

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.791
2. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.923
3. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:27.997
4. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.280
5. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.437
6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.453
7. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.543
8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.756
9. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.106
10. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.933
11. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.821
12. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.966
13. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.129
14. Robert Mesa, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.282
15. Lance Issacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:34.321
16. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.736
17. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.907
18. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.090
19. Tyler Alexander, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.800
20. Chad Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.984

Hayden, Pridmore, Ulrich Quickest In AMA Superstock Practice At California Speedway

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Tommy Hayden topped the time sheets in the first Superstock (formerly 750cc Supersport) practice session at California Speedway on his Kawasaki ZX-6R Supersport bike, followed by Jason Pridmore on a Supersport GSX-R600, but Chris Ulrich was the fastest man on an actual Superstock racebike, a GSX-R750.

Due to timing and scoring system problems, some riders were unidentified on the scoring monitors.

Times follow:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:30.042
2. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.178
3. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.227
4. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.350
5. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.669
6. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.904
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.937
8. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.002
9. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.016
10. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.227
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:32.363
12. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.385
13. Unknown, 1:32.456
14. Tiger Sohwa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.514
15. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.179
16. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.247
17. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:33.401
18. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.143
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.228
20. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.384

Spies, Tommy Hayden, Hale Fastest In Superstock Practice Friday Afternoon At Fontana

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon Superstock Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.568
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.640
3. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:30.467
4. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.777
5. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.073
6. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.139
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.147
8. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.216
9. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.524
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.636
11. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.860
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.070
13. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.112
14. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.170
15. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.432
16. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.797
17. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:32.912
18. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.955
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.003
20. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.106

Updated Post: Spies, Tommy Hayden, Caylor, Howard Qualify On Front Row For AMA Superstock Race At Fontana

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Timing And Scoring Snafus, Red Flag Delay Plague Second Superstock Qualifying Session At Fontana

The standing water on the road course at California Speedway–caused when the sprinkler system was left on Thursday–and the resulting delay in starting practice came back to hinder the poor souls in the second Superstock qualifying session, for even-numbered bikes, late Friday afternoon.

The session was red-flagged due to a three-bike pile-up and barely restarted and finished before all daylight was lost.

Then a timing and scoring problem deleted the fastest times turned by Tommy Hayden and Chris Ulrich, who were first and second-fastest in the second session, demoting them to fourth and 19th fastest overall, respectively.

Timing and scoring officials quickly issued a revised second session timing sheet when the error was pointed out by roadracingworld.com, but combined sheets with the incorrect times were still being circulated in the press room.

Ulrich’s session ended early when his bike’s shift lever broke off on a curb. Defending Champion Jimmy Moore had a shock blow out in Superbike qualifying; he missed the odd-numbered session and got special AMA permission to qualify in the even-numbered session, a situation reporters couldn’t remember happening before.

AMA officials later said that they typically allow riders who miss the first qualifying session due to mechanical problems to qualify in the second session, although riders who are scheduled to qualify in the second session and miss it are just out of luck.

The session was headed by riders on Supersport bikes, using the 750cc class for extra practice.

The correct combined times follow:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:28.987
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.193
3. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.821
4. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.928
5. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.178
6. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.470
7. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.483
8. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.559
9. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.562
10. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.615
11. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.641
12. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.850
13. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.061
14. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.235
15. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.575
16. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.593
17. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.593
18. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.647
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.663
20. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.689
21. Shawn Conrad, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.741
22. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.038
23. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.532
24. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.573
25. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.047
26. Alan Schmidt, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.224
27. Takahiro “Tiger” Sohwa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.228
28. Phillip Herrin, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.250
29. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.389
30. Troy Green, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.394
31. Randell Mennenga, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.621
32. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.651
33. Rob Christman, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.665
34. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.670
35. Scott Simpson, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:34.070
36. Robert Underwood, 1:34.078
37. Aaron Clark, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.408
38. Dr. Jeff Purk, DDS, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.408
39. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.426
40. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.742


First-year Expert Matt Hartlieb crashed during the odd-numbered Superstock qualifying session. According to a preliminary medical report issued by California Speedway, Hartlieb was transported to San Antonio Community Hospital for X-rays of his left wrist.

Greg Esser crashed his Honda RS250 in Friday afternoon’s 250cc Grand Prix practice session at California Speedway. According to a preliminary medical report issued by the track, Esser was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center as a precautionary measure.

News And Notes From Thursday At California Speedway



Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Pascal Picotte On A Mission On Michelins

Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati Racing’s Pascal Picotte will race his new 2001-spec Ducati 996RS on Michelin tires with motors built by Advanced Motor Sports’ Jeff Nash at California Speedway, confirmed Team Manager/Crew Chief/Truck Driver Lance Baker Thursday afternoon in his team’s garage at the Fontana, California track. With a smile of pride on his face, Baker described the hectic 11 days that brought him and Picotte to the Yamaha Superbike Challenge.

“On Monday (March 25), I got the word that the deal was done,” said Baker. “Tuesday (March 26), I flew up to Wisconsin and picked the bikes up from the HMC shop. I got back to Texas Thursday (March 28), dropped the bikes at AMS, pulled the motors and then went back to Austin. This past Tuesday (April 2), I went back to AMS, put the motors back in the bikes and started driving to California.

“A lot of things happened at the same time to get us where we are today.”

Baker said that both Ducati North America and Ducati Corse in Italy contributed to making the acquisition of the bikes happen, saying, “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here.” Baker then confirmed that his team had just finished a tire deal with Michelin’s Ron Wood, and that plans were already in the works to receive update kits from Ducati Corse that would bring the 2001 bikes up to current 2002 998RS Testastretta specification. The Austin/Bleu Bayou team expects to have the updates complete by the Sears Point round of the series.

In the meantime, the smile Picotte wore through off-season testing was replaced by a look of determination. “I’m going to kick some ass,” said the seasoned French-Canadian. “No, I mainly just want to score some points. We just put the bikes and the team together in a couple of days. We’re basically starting from scratch. I’m still new to the Ducati. I know the 2002 bike will be better when we build it, but I’m glad to be here for the double-header. I just want to score some good points in each race, have some time to build the new bikes and maybe test once before Sears.

“Riding on the Michelins is gonna be a learning curve, but in the long-term it could pay off. By going to a different tire brand we may be able to get an advantage.”

Picotte took care to point out that he wouldn’t be able to race at Fontana if it weren’t for the opportunity presented by team owner Terry Gregricka, Baker, race engineer Tom Bodenbach, mechanic John Rawls and friend Paul Fournier. Baker worked with Picotte on the Muzzy Kawasaki Superbike in 1995, and Picotte worked with Bodenbach for four years on the Gemini VR1000 Harley-Davidson team.

Picotte ended the conversation by saying, “I’ll definitely be on a mission to beat those guys (HMC).”

In other news Thursday, the American Honda Superbikes of Nicky Hayden and Miguel Duhamel were being fitted with new bodywork, freshly painted to go along with a co-promotion of Universal Studios’ “The Skorpian King” feature film.

In addition to racing his Corbin Kawasaki ZX-6R in Supersport, 2001 AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Jimmy Filice will run the Number One plate on a 2000-model Yamaha TZ250 with help from Bruce Lind and James Siddall. When asked why, Filice said, “I don’t know how many more times I’m gonna get to run a #1 plate. We’re a little behind with our 600 program and a good result would help out.”

Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki team coordinator Rich Doan will serve as Jamie Hacking’s chassis tuner at California Speedway due to a newly-hired crew member quitting the Suzuki squad shortly after last week’s test at Laguna Seca. With Crew Chief Tom Houseworth at his side, Hacking said that he had confidence in Doan’s ability to get the job done.

Anthony Gobert On Provisional Superbike Pole At California Speedway

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Session One Superbike Qualifying Times:

1. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:25.250
2. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:25.628
3. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 1:26.007
4. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.127
5. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:26.141
6. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:26.465
7. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:26.659
8. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:27.423
9. Doug Chandler, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.438
10. Pascal Picotte, Ducati 996RS, 1:27.631
11. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.616*
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.703*
13. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.384*
14. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.441*
15. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.502*
16. Vincent Haskovec, Ducati 748, 1:31.809
17. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.957*
18. Andy Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.991
19. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.368*
20. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.436*
*Superstock bike

Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts crashed his RC51 Superbike late in the session and was transported to Loma Linda University Hospital and Medical Center to have his right knee and left ankle X-rayed.

More information from a press release from HMC Ducati: 

Qualifying Report 

AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike Round 2
Date April 5, 2002
Circuit Fontana International Speedway, California

Cold winds brought temperatures way down to the 60s for the first qualifying session of the AMA Superbike’s second round at Fontana Speedway. HMC Ducati rider Doug Chandler finished the session in eighth position; his first day riding on the California circuit. Chandler was one of the few riders who didn’t test here pre-season.

“It’s not bad for the first day”, said Chandler. “The track’s not as easy to learn as I expected. The last half is okay but the first half has some difficult corners, they’re not blind but I can’t see the apex of the corner. Of course this will improve with more laps. I chased Yates to try and learn his lines and let Anthony [Gobert] by to take a look at his lines but ran out of time. Tomorrow I’ll fall in with a couple of the guys and see what I can learn.

“The bike feels good but there are changes we need to make. These will be easier once I get up to speed. We’re going to have to push tomorrow in the practice session before the race.”

Doug’s long time crew chief, Gary Medley, is happy with Doug’s performance today and had nothing but praise for the rider, team and bike.
“Everything’s going good,” smiled Medley. “Doug is doing fantastic for the first time here. We have a few corners to sort out and a few slight changes to make, but I know we’ll be ready for tomorrow’s race. We made very few adjustments to the bike today, but that may change tomorrow as Doug gets faster.”

The weather forecast is for warmer weather for tomorrow’s final qualifying and first race.

Even more information from an American Honda press release:
Honda Racing Goes Hollywood
Honda Racing and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group present The Scorpion King
(Torrance, CA) Honda Racing and primary team sponsor, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG), will showcase the upcoming
action-adventure film, The Scorpion King, with special motorcycle and rider graphics. Universal Pictures’ action-adventure The Scorpion King, starring World Wrestling Federation® Superstar The Rock will be released in theaters nationwide on April 19, 2002.

Team Honda’s Nicky Hayden, Miguel Duhamel and Ricky Carmichael will join in The Scorpion King excitement. Hayden and Duhamel will have specially
designed leathers and RC51’s (emblazoned with gold scorpions) at Round 2 of the AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at California Motor Speedway in Fontana, California on April 6-7. Red Rider Ricky Carmichael will debut his Scorpion King attire and specially designed bike graphics at Round 14 of the AMA/EA Sports Supercross in Irving, Texas on April 20th.

The innovative, feature-length motion picture and motorsports promotion is one of several collaborations resulting from American Honda’s multi-year partnership with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, who represent the merchandising and promotional rights to the Honda Racing Team riders, including jointly developed designs, such as The Scorpion King Honda Racing
promotion. Announced in November 2000, the sponsorship agreement also features Universal Studios’ animated character Woody Woodpecker as Team Mascot for both the Honda Motocross Racing Team and the Honda Road Racing Team.

The Scorpion King film, a spin-off of The Mummy series, is based on the character first introduced by The Rock in the 2001 film The Mummy Returns. Co-starring Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”), Kelly Hu, Steven Brand and Peter Facinelli, the exciting action-adventure was written by Stephen Sommers and Will Osborne and David Hayter, from a story by Jonathan Hales and Stephen Sommers with Chuck Russell (The Mask, Eraser) directing. James Jacks, Sean Daniel, Stephen Sommers and Kevin Misher are the producers with Vince McMahon serving as executive producer.

About Honda

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, ATVs and scooters in the United States. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through approximately 1200 Honda authorized dealers. Further information about Honda products, racing teams, programs and dealer
locations is available at the Honda Web site at http://www.honda.com/.

About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, part of Universal Pictures Franchise Development is a division of Universal Pictures. Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com) is a part of CANAL+, the TV and Film division of Vivendi Universal, a new global leader in media and communications.

Did You Know They Road Race In Alaska?



Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The Farthest North Racing Alliance is a grassroots club of 40-60 riders who race in Tanacross, Alaska in the southern part of the 49th state. According to Derek Bloom, the FNRA #3 plate holder for 2001, the group converges on an abandoned military air base, (which they dubbed Tanacross Raceway), four times a year to hold motorcycle road races.

“It’s about 250 miles away from everybody,” said Bloom, in a telephone call to Roadracingworld.com. “So we all go down there on Friday and set up the course. We put marks on the tarmac as to where the cones go. We use orange cones to mark the outside of the course and green cones to mark the inside. So when you’re riding, you look for the green cones.

“We race from nine in the morning until about seven at night, because it never really gets dark up here at night in the summer. The temperature can get up to the 90s in July and it usually only drops to the 60s at night. So the weather is usually pretty good. I think we’ve only been rained out once or twice in the last few years.

“The track is 3.5 miles with 36 turns. It’s actually pretty technical and safe. If you run off, you run off into miles of nothing.” One of the “handful” of Alaskan racer to ever venture outside of the state for racing, Bloom has also raced at Willow Springs, Firebird International Raceway and most recently at California Speedway.

The FNRA usually runs a 30-minute solo endurance, winner-take-all, dash-for-cash race on Saturdays followed by sprints on Sunday. “The classes are pretty much run-whatcha-brung,” said Bloom. “We have guys with Yamaha R1s and R6s, Suzuki GSX-Rs, a couple of Yamaha TZ250s and even a few old RD350s.”

Classes for Sunday sprints are 0-to-500cc, 501–650cc and 651-Open with Experts starting in the first wave followed by a second wave of Novices. Races are only three laps long.

“It’s starting to get more competitive,” said Bloom, who had returned to his home in Fairbanks, Alaska following a racing trip to last weekend’s FTA race in Fontana, California. “The core group of 15-20 guys are really starting to pay attention to how well they do. Plus we’ve been advertising a little and drawing in some G.I.’s from the military bases up here.”

For more information about the Farthest North Racing Alliance, call Derek Bloom at (907) 474 –9118, FAX (907) 474-0016 or go to www.angelfire.com/ak5/tanacross.

Farthest North Racing Alliance Race Series 2002 Schedule
6/8-9 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK
6/29-30 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK
7/27-28 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK
8/17-18 Tanacross Raceway, Tanacross, AK

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