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

YEAR OF YEARS
The history ‘Circuito Enzo and Dino Ferrari’ at Imola has been as convoluted as only an Italian circuit’s could be. Originally build on public roads in 1950, Imola was the backdrop for the Gold Cup and 200 Miler, and in 1979 the circuit was turned into a purpose-build racing facility.

After hosting F1 and motorcycle GPs in the mid nineties, Imola embraced the charms of SBK racing for the first time in 2001,in an event adjudged a big success by all who were present to see some classic racing at one of the Meccas of global motorsports.

This year, as last, an open paddock has been declared on the Thursday before the race, with free entry for all those interested in having a close up look at the inner workings of the paddock, before the action cracks off for real on Friday 27th.

With only one previous SBK round at Imola, last season, the formbook may be somewhat thinner than at many other SBK circuits, however, quantity and quality should never be confused.

Two riders who had never won SBK races before took the final two wins of the 2001 year. In the first race, Troy Bayliss made an unexpected mistake and took out Aprilia’s Regis Laconi – on his way to breaking his collarbone.
Ruben Xaus therefore swept to an excellent race win from Aprilia rider Troy Corser and Colin Edwards.

With the vast majority of the 2001 Imola leading group missing this season, there will be some new podium finishers for sure.

With only Edwards, Bayliss and Japanese wild card Makoto Tamada (Honda) having won races this year, the competition will be nothing short of desperate. Especially given Imola’s fast nature and 16 distinct turns, complete with never-ending elevation changes.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada 998F02) and Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda VTR 1000 SP2) have done the lion’s share of the winning in 2002, scoring 14 and nine race wins respectively. Each rider has now smashed through the magic barrier of 500 points – even though no single rider has reached this level of points scoring in the 15 year championship – a perfect illustration of just how unique this year has been in the 15 season history of SBK racing.

Choosing the best rider, even at this late stage, is almost impossible. From Oschersleben on, Edwards has had a more powerful and refined machine to count on, regaining some of the small performance disadvantages he had laboured under for most of the year. He has made good use of his revamped machinery, helping him in the latter stages of his record seven race wins in the last seven races. 23 podiums in 24 attempts, however, has been the real secret of Edwards’ season, racking up points behind his ostensibly more successful rival.

Bayliss, for his part, was the early season winning machine, racking up full pointers almost at will, interspersed with the odd fall or reversal of fortune.

With two talents like the aforementioned American and Australian on display, it would be easy to think that they are the only class acts in the championship. Many would disagree; not least the best of the Dunlop shod riders, Neil Hodgson (HM Plant Ducati 998 F01). The Englishman has fought a couple of disadvantages bravely all year, and has racked up a lot of podium finishes and good points.

Still 200 points behind the leaders, Hodgson is a man to reckon with at Imola.

Noriyuki Haga (PlayStation2 Team FGF Aprilia RSV 1000 SP) has had a hard 2002 season so far, while Imola will mark the end of the involvement of Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M 998 F02) in SBK for the time being.

The most extreme rider in the World Superbike class is, arguably, Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada 998 F02) with a commitment to going for the win at all costs that borders on the fanatical. A winner at Imola last year, he is simply desperate to take a victory after his 2001 triumph.

The best young rider in the series has proved to be James Toseland (HM Plant Ducati 998 F01), who leads the most experienced rider in the pack, Pierfrancesco Chili (Ducati NCR AXO 998 RS).

In the world of four-cylinder 750s, one rider has been consistently the most successful, often in trying circumstances, and that man is Chris Walker (Kawasaki Racing Team ZX-7RR. His battling riding style has bested Gregorio Lavilla (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra GSX-R750 Y) as the Spaniard slugged it out over a season in a one-man team.

There is one three-cylinder entry at Imola, Peter Goddard (Benelli Sport Tornado Tre 900), with the team and rider hoping to score more points in their quest for global recognition.

In the privateer world, there will be several men with top ten ambitions.

Broc Parkes (Ducati NCR Parmalat 998 RS), Lucio Pedercini (TeamPedercini Ducati 998 RS), Marco Borciani (Team Pedercini Ducati 998 RS), Juan Borja (Spaziotel Racing Team Ducati 998 RS), Ivan Clementi (Team Kawasaki Bertocchi ZX-7RR), Mauro Sanchini (Team Kawasaki Bertocchi ZX-7RR) and Steve Martin (D.F.X. Racing Ducati Pirelli 998 RS) are all potential points scorers, while the somewhat outpaced Mark Heckles (Castrol Honda Rumi VTR 1000 SP2) combination will be hoping to make more ground on Rumi’s home tarmac.

No matter how important the prospect of securing a point or two is to the tenacious private riders, the eyes of the world will be on the man-to-man fight for the title. Edwards or Bayliss – who will overcome their nerves and opponents better after two times of asking at Imola?
In the Supersport World Championship, a similar situation exists to the Superbike class.
There are only two men capable of being crowned champion at Imola – Fabien Foret (Ten Kate Honda) and Katsuaki Fujiwara (Suzuki).

Of the two, Foret is the undeniable favourite, having 17 points in hand, and a total of four race wins to his credit. Any over-confidence from the Ten Kate camp will be tempered by the knowledge of what happened in 2001, when Paolo Casoli (Yamaha Belgarda R6) saw his almost certain world championship disappear in a shower of sparks the retribution after tangling with another rider. He is back this year, as are the usual suspects James Whitham, Christian Kellner, Karl Muggeridge, Andrew Pitt, Chris Vermeulen, Stephane Chambon and a host of others.

The tight and twisty chicanes, after some flat-out sweeps, will make Imola a challenge of nerves for the top two contenders, but whatever the outcome of the season itself, the Imola meeting is bound to be as memorable as always.



More, from a press release issued by Suzuki:

LAVILLA LOOKS FORWARD TO SUPERBIKE FINALE

World Superbike Championship – Preview, Round 13, Imola, Italy, September 29, 2002.
The thirteenth and final round of the 2002 World Superbike Championship takes place at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit at Imola in Italy this weekend. Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Gregorio Lavilla is looking forward to the Imola showdown as recently the Suzuki team have made good progress with the bike and the Spaniard has been able to push much harder during qualifying, so his season should end on a positive note.

GREGORIO LAVILLA

“It feels like a long season, but I’m happy with how we’ve performed recently. I think we’ve made some good progress in the last couple of rounds and we’ve improved our understanding of the bike. At times it has been quite frustrating this year, but the team have worked really hard and so it would be nice to end the season with a good result. Last year I was on a different bike, so we will be starting from scratch in the first practice session ­ but that¹s been the story of this season and we know the task ahead.”

2001 results

Gregorio Lavilla – Race 1: 7th, Race 2: 6th


FUJIWARA READY TO APPLY PRESSURE

World Supersport Championship – Preview, Round 12, Imola, Italy, September 29, 2002.
The final round of the 2002 Supersport World Championship takes place at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit at Imola in Italy this weekend and will be where the title is decided. Frenchman Fabien Foret holds a significant points lead in the race for the title and only one rider can now spoil his party ­ Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Katsuaki Fujiwara. The Japanese rider has been riding consistently well this season and seems to have shaken off his bad luck of the last two seasons, but he knows that Foret has to have a very bad day if he is to have a chance of the title. At the moment, Fujiwara trails Foret by 17 points but, as has happened before, anything could happen in the final round. Team-mate Stephane Chambon is currently third in the championship 14 points clear of fourth place.

KATSUAKI FUJIWARA

“With a bit more luck this year, I would’ve been even closer to Foret in the title race then I am. But I am going into the final round in a very positive frame of my mind and I am going all-out for a win. Foret has a 17-point advantage, so really I have nothing to lose. I can rid as hard as I like and put lots of pressure on him and see how he responds. Last year a crash at the first chicane completely changed the course of the title and the same thing could easily happen again, so we will have to wait and see. I’m happy with my season this year and I have really enjoyed riding the Suzuki GSXR600. It’s good to be going into the last race with the possibility of a title ­ even though it might be a slim possibility ­ and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”

STEPHANE CHAMBON

“The last round was disappointing for me and it ended my dreams of challenging for the title all. Now I want to win the last round and end the season on a high. Of course, I shall watch what is happening to Foret and team-mate Katsuaki and if I can help Kats, I will happily do it. It’s a hard task for Kats to win because he has a lot of points to catch up. But if Foret crashes or DNF’s and Kats can finish first or second then he can take the title. It’s an intriguing prospect for sure and a great way to end the season.”



More, from a press release issued by Castrol Honda:

EDWARDS LOOKING FOR IMOLA DOUBLE VICTORY

Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards believes concentrating on two race wins in Sunday’s 13th and final round of the World Superbike championship at Imola in Italy will help him clinch a second world title.

Edwards holds a one-point lead over rival Troy Bayliss heading into this weekend’s dramatic final action of the year.

“I’ve won the last seven races and we know how and why we¹ve achieved that,” says Edwards. “I don¹t see any reason to change anything and I’ll be chasing two wins to end the season on a real high.”

Edwards was 1.2 seconds inside the lap record around the 3.04-mile circuit during a test session last week, in a time of 1:48.10.

The much anticipated World Superbike action gets under way with free practice on Friday morning followed by a one-hour session in the afternoon. Saturday¹s action includes two one-hour sessions with the Superpole final qualifying competition at 4pm. Sunday’s two 21-lap races start at 12noon and 3.30pm.



MUGGERIDGE AND LAVERTY CARRY IMOLA HOPES

Karl Muggeridge and Michael Laverty are looking to give the Honda UK team success in the final round of the World Supersport championship at Imola in Italy on Sunday.

Muggeridge is looking to repeat the kind of form which gave him pole position at last year’s Imola event and the Australian starts the weekend in determined mood.

“We’ve had a real up and down year but I’m looking to bring on a celebration for the team on Sunday night,” says Muggeridge. “I really like the Imola circuit and I’m certain I can be in with a chance of victory on Sunday.”

Laverty is replacing John McGuinness for the final race of the year and the 21-year-old Ulsterman is relishing the opportunity to make his World Supersport debut.

“It’s a great chance for me,” reckons Laverty. “I’ve done a few laps today on a scooter and the circuit looks fantastic, I¹m really looking forward to getting out there.”

World Supersport action begins with a one-hour free practice on Friday morning followed by a one-hour qualifying session in the afternoon. That schedule is repeated on Saturday with Sunday’s 21-lap race starting at 1.20pm.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 13 – Imola (Italy)
27-29 September 2002

Sparks are set to fly this weekend at Imola’s Enzo & Dino Ferrari Circuit, where the final round of the 2002 World Superbike Championship takes place. After Troy Bayliss’s (Ducati Infostrada) unexpected crash during the Dutch round at Assen three weeks ago, which saw the Australian overhauled by Honda rival Colin Edwards, the one point gap between Troy and the Texan (502 to 501) means that everything goes right down to the wire this Sunday at the Santerno track.

The reigning world champion has put the Assen incident out of his mind and comes to Imola determined to reaffirm the supremacy shown during the first part of the championship, in which he picked up 14 wins in 18 races. A positive test session at Mugello last week, in which several improvements were made to his Ducati 998 F02 in view of the Imola round, has left Troy in the best possible condition for the final races of the season.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit with the feeling on my bike since Laguna and the last few rounds haven’t been like they were at the start of the year” said Troy, “but after the Mugello test, I’ve got the same feeling I had at the start of the year again and I’m really looking forward to Imola. I like the track, I was having a good time here until I broke my collarbone! There are a lot of chicanes, you just have to get your bike working well there, it’s an undulating and bumpy circuit so a good all-round package is going to be ideal. I’d say I’ve got a good chance, but my chances are as good as Colin’s. Whoever has the best weekend, will win.”

Unlike Troy, team-mate Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) has positive memories of the Imola track. Last year he picked up a win and a second place, and even though the situation is different this year, the Spanish rider will do everything possible to help the Australian in the battle for the title.

“In Assen I was really fast and it was just that we were a bit unlucky technically, but I hope this weekend nothing will happen and I will just try and do what I did last year, finish both races at the top. Colin and Troy are battling for the championship but I want to be there with them and be the same as last year, be the same Ruben Xaus as before and win races. I’m hungry for a win and hopefully I’ll have a bit of luck this weekend.”

After a difficult season in which he only stepped up onto the podium once, Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) will be aiming to displace Aprilia’s Noriyuki Haga from fourth place in the standings at one of his favourite tracks.

“Although it’s the last race of the season, I have a lot of motivation and I’m really excited now I’ve got everything sorted out for next year” declared Ben. “I’m planning to get fourth place in the championship, even though it’s not exactly what I expected at the start of the year. Imola always produces good races, the track is awesome, the people are great and I went pretty well here last year.”

POINTS (after 12 of 13 rounds):
Riders
1. Edwards (Honda) 502
2. Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) 501
3. Hodgson (HM Plant Ducati) 302
4. Haga (Aprilia) 254
5. Bostrom (Ducati L&M) 248
6. Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) 217
Constructors
1. Ducati 535
2. Honda 507
3. Aprilia 254
4. Kawasaki 197
5. Suzuki 130
6. Benelli 23
7. Yamaha 16.

THE IMOLA CIRCUIT
The history of the ‘Enzo & Dino Ferrari’ at Imola dates back to 1950 with the inauguration of a circuit obtained from roads destined for normal traffic. The most famous motorcycle event to be held here was the Imola 200 Miles in 1972, organised by Francesco Costa and won by Paul Smart on a Ducati, while changes were made to the circuit in the 1970s so that it could become a permanent venue for Formula One races from 1979 onwards. This will be the second time World Superbikes has been to Imola after the Santerno circuit hosted the final round of the championship in 2001.

CIRCUIT RECORDS
Fastest Lap: Corser (Aprilia) 1:49.398 (2001); Qualifying: Xaus (Ducati) 1:48.462 (2001); Superpole: Corser (Aprilia) 1:48.694 (2001).
RACE DISTANCE: 2 x 21 laps (2 x 103.593 km)

From a press release issued by Libasci Racing:

Libasci Racing announces 16 year old Nick Moore to ride with team for the remainder of the season.

With long time Libasci Racing rider Andre’ Castanos moving up to an AMA 750SS team, Alan Libasci has decided to go with youngster Nick Moore from Modesto, CA to replace Andre’ on the team. Nick has been riding motorcycles since he was four, he is currently racing flat track on a Rotax 600, motocross on a 125 and has also raced a Honda RS125 in several road racing events. He earned his expert road racing license at Willow springs early this year after winning his first two Novice races on a Honda RS125.

In his second WSMC race with the team Nick dominated the 550 Superbike class, finishing in first place after starting from the last grid position. Nick leaped into first place going into turn three of the racetrack and never looked back, winning by a large margin. In the Aprilia Challenge race he was also forced to start from the back as he had no points going into the races. Nick performed with the same skill passing everyone on the first lap on his way to his second victory of the day. Nick will be traveling with the team to Daytona for the Aprilia Cup National final in October.

Libasci Racing would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Aprilia-Ducati of Oceanside,VOR-USA, Maxima Performance Products, Race Tech, Airtech, Dunlop, RK Chains, Motonation (sidi), Chatterbox, Zero Gravity, Ferodo, Motion Pro, Barnett, Sprocket Specialist, Scorpion Racing, and KRS.

From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Showdown at Imola

The build-up to the final round of the 2002 Superbike World Championship has begun. The final two races of the year will take place this Sunday (29 September) and either Colin Edwards or Troy Bayliss will come away from the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola with the championship crown. This 13th round will also decide the final championship standings of HM Plant Ducati campaigners Neil Hodgson and James Toseland. Both riders have had an exceptional season but for Hodgson in particular, taking the chequered flag at the end of the second race will hold a special significance – it will conclude his last ride aboard the HM Plant Ducati for GSE Racing.

Hodgson’s Italian swansong is set to cap an incredibly successful four years of competition with GSE Racing. His partnership with the British team has yielded a British Superbike Championship title as well as World Superbike race wins and podium finishes. Last season the 28-year-old Englishman achieved an overall placing of fifth in the 2001 world championship. This weekend he is hoping to confirm his 2002 ranking of third in the world.

“I’m sure that it’s going to be an pretty emotional weekend,” says Hodgson. “I’ve had a fantastic four years with GSE Racing and we’ve achieved some amazing results. The team is definitely one of the most professional in the paddock and it’s been a pleasure working with them. I’ll be sad to leave but they’ll only be a couple of garages away next year and I expect that James will be snapping at my heels in most of the races, so it’s not like I’ll get a chance to miss them too much!

“I’m really looking forward to Imola, even though I had a couple of poor races there last year. I like the circuit and expect to be right up there with Colin and Troy when the lights go green. This will be my last chance to climb onto the podium in HM Plant Ducati colours and I’m going to make sure that that’s exactly what I do. I only need to score three points in the first race to secure my third place in the championship then I can just go for it in the second. I want to end my time with GSE Racing with another win.”

James Toseland may have signed to ride for GSE Racing for another two years but he is equally focussed on ending this season on a high. The last round of the championship at Assen saw Toseland climb onto the World Superbike podium for the first time in his burgeoning Superbike career. It is clear that this momentous event has only served to make the 21-year-old Yorkshireman more determined than ever to rack up even more big points finishes.

“I’ve had a great season on the HM Plant Ducati but Assen may have just given me the final boost that I needed to help me improve even further,” explains Toseland. “I’ve been getting top six finishes all season and hopefully I’ll be able to wrap it up with a couple of strong performances. Neil has been a great team-mate over the last couple of years – I’ve learned a lot from him and I’ll be putting everything that I’ve learned into action in both races.”

2001 results
Race one: 1. R. Xaus (Ducati) 38:42.598; 2. T. Corser (Aprilia) +3.601; 3. C. Edwards (Honda) +4.079; 10. N. Hodgson (GSE Racing) +49.078; J. Toseland (GSE Racing) DNF

Race two: 1. R. Laconi (Aprilia) 38:33.264; 2. R. Xaus (Ducati) +0.021; 3. T. Okada (Honda) +0.844; 7. N. Hodgson (GSE Racing) +38.727; J. Toseland (GSE Racing) DNS

Lap record: 1:49.398 T. Corser (Aprilia) 2001

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Jake Zemke has reached a new, two-year deal with American Honda and will ride AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme for Erion Honda in 2003. That’s the word from American Honda Racing Teams Manager Chuck Miller, who added that he is also close to coming to terms with Alex Gobert to put the 19-year-old Australian on an Erion Honda CBR600RR for 2003. Gobert, however, will not ride in Formula Xtreme.

Miller said he is currently in the process of signing crew members and arranging the composition of the different Honda teams.

Zemke is currently training with Erion Honda teammate Roger Lee Hayden in the Pacific Northwest. The pair plan to participate as guest instructors at Danny Walker’s American Supercamp flat track school September 26-30 in Vancouver, Washington before heading South to race in the Formula USA Pro Singles dirt track races in Del Mar, California October 5.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A Short Interview By Glenn LeSanto

Roadracingworld.com: Are you going to win the title this weekend, Colin?

Colin Edwards: “I’m ready, even if it rains I’ll take that, I’m confident it’s going to be the biggest turn-around of the century! We’ve got him (Troy Bayliss) well and truly mentally f–ked at the moment! Everything’s been coming together since Laguna Seca.”

RW: You’ve been publicly pretty upset about Honda signing Nicky Hayden for MotoGP recently, how do you feel about it now?

CE: “I’m over it man, I can’t be bothered with being upset any more, it’s a done deal and I don’t want to waste my energy on being upset by it anymore.”

RW: Can you confirm the Ducati deal yet?

CE: “I wish I could but I can’t. I hope I’ve got a job next year but right now I can’t even say it’s 90% certain. I don’t really know why it isn’t certain, but it’s not yet final.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Actor Matt LeBlanc, one of the stars of the hit television comedy “Friends,” helped his real-life friends at American Suzuki by participating in the opening ceremonies of the Suzuki dealer show Monday, September 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Mike Webb, who runs the (Suzuki) off-road race team, is a good friend of mine,” LeBlanc told Roadracingworld.com Tuesday. “Him and Pat Alexander and Mel Harris, they all said, ‘Will you come out and be part of the show?'”

During the opening ceremony Monday night, LeBlanc told the audience of Suzuki dealers, “I’ve been a Suzuki guy pretty much all my life.”

On Tuesday, LeBlanc said “And I wasn’t lying last night. I’ve been riding Suzukis since I was a little kid. So for me it’s kind of an honor to come be a part of (Suzuki’s) world. This is really cool.”

LeBlanc said he had several Suzuki off-road bikes, a GSX-R1000 and an Aprilia Mille R. “But I downplay that (Aprilia) at this place. I love bikes; two wheels, on the road, on the dirt, whatever.

“I ride on the roads around L.A., like Angeles Crest, or up the coast there’s great riding. I do a little desert riding, I guess it’s Northeast of L.A. I don’t really ride any of the (motocross) tracks. I’m more of an off-road, trail rider. The tracks…if I get hurt it means I can’t go to work and make money. I can’t afford to get hurt. I’m not getting paid to ride. I’m getting paid to do something else. It’s just for fun for me.”

When asked if he ever considered taking his GSX-R1000 out for a track day, LeBlanc said he was looking forward to doing that but was having a tough time fitting it into his schedule. “My schedule is just radical. I’m supposed to be at work right now. There’s a plane waiting for me right now. I need to go get on it and get the hell out of here,” said LeBlanc.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Team Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki hopes AMA Pro Racing will allow current 750cc four-cylinder Superbikes a 2mm overbore for the 2003 AMA Superbike season and announce the final rules package by mid-October, said team members Tuesday at the Suzuki Dealer Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Suzuki and Kawasaki, I think, are pushing real hard with the AMA trying to encourage them to allow a 2mm overbore on our current bikes. The thing is still going to be 200cc smaller than the Twins, but it might just help us a little bit,” said Aaron Yates.

“I don’t really know what’s going on. I kind of feel like we should be experimenting with a 1000cc and see how it is. But the team, Yoshimura, they feel like the limitations of the standard gearbox, the Superstock 1000 with stock gearbox, is not going to be competitive with a full-on 1000cc Superbike Twin.

“But they need to allow us to do something to make the racing more fair and closer. The World Superbike stuff to me and some friends at home, we don’t even care about watching it anymore because it’s just Hondas and Ducatis out there. You know who’s going to win or who’s going to be in the race. We want to see the Suzukis and the Yamahas and the Kawasakis out there and not just a two-brand race. I mean if they’re not careful and don’t even things out, people are going to lose interest in it. It’s not fun watching a race where there’s a dominant rider or bike or whatever in it,” said Yates.

“There are some certain issues we are in discussions with AMA right now for allowances for this transitional year that is upcoming, leading into the ’04 season, with the new format for Superbike,” said Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Sakakura Tuesday. “There are certain issues we’d like to see adjusted to allow more competitive machinery to compete.

“It’ll be a 1000cc format (in 2004), more of a modified production class maybe. Again they haven’t finalized the rules, but it looks like they’re going to tighten up on some of the regulations.” Sakakura said he believed the tighter regulations are aimed at keeping the cost of building a Superbike down.

“I’m hoping (the AMA announces the rules) by the middle of October. We’re just waiting. They haven’t officially said (when they will announce the rules). I think they’re close right now, and obviously, it takes time to make these decisions. So early-to-mid-October is our hope.”

Sakakura also confirmed what American Suzuki Vice President Mel Harris mentioned to dealers Monday night, that 18-year-old Ben Spies has been signed to Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki for 2003. “Ben is officially signed up for next year to ride the Supersport class, the 600cc class, as well as probably selected Superbike events. We haven’t really decided yet until we get a clear picture from the AMA on the regulations, but he will be on the big bike,” said Sakakura.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

2002 AMA Supersport Champion Aaron Yates is still facing probation and a possible race suspension during the 2003 season, in addition to a $2500 fine, for laying on an active racetrack during the August 11 AMA Superbike race a Virginia International Raceway, Yates said Tuesday at the Suzuki Dealer Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After defining the AMA’s “significant fine” as $2500, Yates told Roadracingworld.com, “I was kind of upset about you all putting the thing in there about us wanting to appeal it. The whole idea of the appeal deal was that there was other issues along…other penalties that we were concerned with and wanted to appeal, not necessarily the fine.

“I know I goofed up and did something stupid. I was expecting it (the fine). It’s just I was concerned with some additional penalties along with the fine.”

Yates said he was facing, “Probation, possible race suspension. I guess I am on probation. It’s a big concern because we don’t want some goofy little something to cause a suspension of a race and miss all those points. I mean, we’re out there racing for a Championship.

“I guess we all do things we wish we didn’t do, and that’s one of my things I did. At the time I felt like it was the thing to do. I wasn’t really thinking is what happened. I was just trying to express my opinion. I felt like the race should be red flagged. His (Kurtis Roberts’) bike was on the track.

“You know, I wish I would’ve just ran over there, picked up my bike, tried to get it started and took off, just like I did. Just the way it all worked out, I would’ve ended up right where I did because of the additional red flags we had.”

When asked if the penalty situation with AMA Pro Racing was settled and done, Yates said, “I just kind of dropped it. I just wish it would go away.”

After our interview, Yates’ manager Cliff Nobles confirmed that Yates is under a “one-year probationary period” lasting until August 11, 2003.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., USA:

YAMAHA FIELDS FOUR RIDER FACTORY ROAD RACE TEAM FOR 2003

CYPRESS, Calif., 2002-Emphasizing the “we race what we sell” approach, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA today officially announced that it will campaign a four rider team for 2003. The team will consist of Damon Buckmaster, Aaron Gobert, Jamie Hacking and Jason DiSalvo riding all-new, fuel injected, factory prepared Yamaha YZF-R6s in the AMA US 600 Supersport class. DiSalvo will also compete on his YZF-R6 in the AMA US Superstock class.

In addition to racing the YZF-R6, Buckmaster, Gobert and Hacking will battle for the AMA Formula Xtreme championship on the proven Team Graves Motorsports prepared Yamaha YZF-R1s.

According to Keith McCarty, Yamaha racing manager, “This arrangement with Graves Motorsports allows both teams to focus on one specific machine and put forth our best effort in each class.”

Commenting on the team, he added, “I expect some great results this year from the entire team that we’ve assembled. We’ve got the perfect combination of young guns and guys who have already delivered great results.”

From a press release issued by Michelin:

Down to the wire

The last round of the 2002 world superbike championship is set to be a classic. The second half of the season has seen an impressive effort by Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda-Michelin) to get back on top of the championship. A few months ago, at Laguna Seca, Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada-Michelin) was a huge 56 points ahead of archrival Edwards. But since then, the Honda rider has chipped steadily away at this points difference. Then came Assen, and an upset in the second leg which handed Edwards the series
lead by a single point!

“I don’t think anyone can believe what’s happened in this year’s championship,” admits Edwards, Superbike World Champion with Honda in 2000. “I suppose it was looking like Troy would walk the championship after he won six in a row at the start of the season. It was never easy for me and the team in some of those early races. I’d get a lead in a race and just wait for Troy to come by then have no reply. But since the second race at Laguna Seca in July we’ve moved up a gear and now we’re in the position I think we deserve.”

Even when he was finding it hard to keep up with Bayliss, Edwards was already extremely consistent. His two Assen wins mean that he has now claimed 23 consecutive podiums. The previous record was held by Carl Fogarty (Ducati-Michelin) with 12 straight podiums in 1995 and 1999. “The statistics confirm how determined we’ve been this year to cling on to hopes of winning the title,” argues Edwards. “I now want to keep the momentum going with two wins at Imola.”

Edwards is looking strong for Imola, especially with Bayliss a little downhearted after his Assen mistake. “Now I’ve got to go out and do it all again at Imola,” winces the 2001 world champion. “I’m pretty mad with myself for the crash, but what can you do? I have to admit I’d rather be in front of Colin at this point though.”

But Bayliss remains as determined as ever. “The day after Assen, Kim and I were checking in at Amsterdam airport,” recalls Bayliss. “Then some dude comes past and says, “Hey Troy, bad luck for yesterday, better luck for next year.” I just stood there and thought to myself: “This one’s not finished yet…”

An equal footing

As usual, all Michelin riders can expect exactly the same level of support from the French tyre giant at Imola. Bayliss and Edwards will both be able to choose from the same tyres. “After that, it’s up to each rider to decide what tyres to use depending on his own style and the bike he’s using,” explains Jean Hérissé, Michelin’s Superbike racing manager.

Since the start of the superbike world championship in 1988, Michelin has won 250 out of 365 races and 9 out of 13 championships.

This season alone, out of 24 races Michelin has won 23 and taken all three podium positions 8 times. A total of 72 podium positions have so far been claimed this year and 51 of those went to Michelin, even though the French tyre giant only works with four riders.


Edwards breaks lap record during Imola tests

Colin Edwards was given a crucial opportunity to test at Imola just before this weekend’s round. With a time of 1:48.10, the Texan was faster than the lap record of 1:48.462 Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrad-Michelin) set last year.

“It’s great that we could get the test time at Imola,” says Edwards. “Since we raced there last year there’s a lot changed on the machine – the chassis, motor, oil, Michelin tyres and Showa suspension… In fact, it’s a completely different motorcycle to what we raced at Imola 12 months ago.

“We’ve had a good test, I’ve done a lot of miles and now I’m ready to race, The guys from Michelin and Showa have gone home happy and I think we’re just about set for the final round here. It’s OK going fast but the main reason for the test was to find a good race set-up and we’ve pretty much done that so you have to say today¹s been a success.”

Edwards was able to test because regulations allow each team to choose two test tracks and Team Castrol Honda’s choices were Misano and Imola.

“Misano is a good, demanding test track for us and we went for Imola just in case the championship was tight going into the final round,” explains Neil Tuxworth, Castrol Honda team manager.


Ducati tests at Mugello

Troy Bayliss completed 68 laps of the Mugello circuit in Italy and set a best time of 1:53.08 using racing tyres.

“We came here to test in view of the Imola race,” Bayliss explained after the session. “In the last few rounds I’ve really had to struggle to get good results but, with the modifications we tested, the bike feels the same as it did at the start of the season. I’ve never lapped so fast around Mugello, and even though Imola is a different track altogether, I’m feeling good about the final round of the championship”.

The Ducati factory team also took advantage of the session to test the new Ducati 999 which will be used next year in world superbikes. Ruben Xaus did 70 laps on the bike.


Imola and tyres

“You need a nimble machine for Imola’s three chicanes,” says Nicolas Goubert, Michelin motorcycle racing manager. “So the tyres we bring to this circuit are designed to keep the steering light. The chicanes mean that the right-hand side of the tyre doesn’t get loaded up much under braking so grip characteristics need to be good. Combining high levels of sidegrip with light steering is hard, especially on a bumpy surface like this one.”

Troy Bayliss: “I like the circuit but it’s quite bumpy now. Imola would be a really great track if they resurfaced it. But it’s good to come here because it has a lot of history. Last year of course we all know what happened to me, I slipped off and I broke my collarbone. Actually I was trying really hard. Not many people know but I was having a problem with the bike, something wrong with the engine, and I nearly pulled into the pits, which is something I don’t do. I thought I should pull in, and then I said no, that’s what I am here to do. I still could possibly win, so I was trying very hard but it caught me up and I crashed. But it’s a good circuit.”

Colin Edwards: “Imola is a bit rough, a couple of places can be a little bit dangerous, but it’s a good track. You have chicanes, fast fifth gear corners… pretty much everything. It’s a good track, good people, good place to have a race.”

Ruben Xaus: “It’s a nice circuit. Laconi was very fast here last year. He had a lot of experience from 500 GP racing. It was my first time here. I was very happy with the bike and the tyres. Imola is fast and the bike moves around a lot because the surface is old. Finding the right pace is hard because if you try too hard, you end up going slower. There’s not that much grip either so its hard to go fast here.”

The Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari started life in 1950 as a public road circuit. Imola’s first large-scale motorcycle race was held in 1953. Imola became a permanent racing circuit in 1979 and welcomed the Formula One championship for an exhibition race (held a week after the Italian GP at Monza). The first F1 championship race happened the following year and was called the “Gran Premio Dino Ferrari”. Twelve motorcycle GPs have been held at Imola: 7 Nations GPs (1969, 72, 74, 75, 77, 79, 88), two San Marino GPs (81, 83) and three City of Imola GPs (96, 97, 98). Freddie Spencer (Honda-Michelin) took his first 500cc World Championship at Imola in 1983, beating Kenny Roberts by just one point.

Imola is one of few European anti-clockwise tracks (Misano is another). It used to be extremely fast but average speeds were greatly reduced after Ayrton Senna’s tragic 1994 crash. Imola now has five chicanes.

Imola is 35 km southeast of Bologna (home of the Ducati factory), 90 km from Florence, 16 km from Faenza and 35 km from Forili.

Michelin and Italian motosports.

Few countries have a motosports tradition as rich as Italy. Michelin has partnered the best Italian teams and the greatest Italian champions since the first F1 car GP world title Michelin took with Ferrari in 1979. In world rallying, Michelin and Lancia have claimed 8 titles (3 driver championships and 5 constructor’s titles). In motorcycle GPs, Michelin has won world titles with Valentino Rossi, Paolo Pileri, Walter Villa, Mario Lega, Eugenio Lazzarini, Pier Paolo Bianchi, Marco Lucchinelli, Franco Unicini, Fausto Gresini, Luca Cadalora, and manufacturers Morbidelli, Aermacchi Harley-Davidson, Garelli and Minarelli.

Michelin won the very first World Superbike race. At Donington in 1988, Davide Tardozzi won the first leg on a Bimota-Michelin and Marco Lucchinelli took the following win on a Ducati-Michelin. Michelin’s years working alongside Ducati have yielded great results including Carl Fogarty’s four world titles in 1994, 95, 98 and 99, Raymond Roche’s 1990 title. Then came the Australians with Troy Corser becoming world champion in 1996 and Troy Bayliss last year.

Imola stats

Superbike

Official practice record (2001):
1:48.462 Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada-Michelin), 163.733 kph average speed.

Superpole record (2001)
1:48.694 Troy Corser (Aprilia), 163.383 kph

Lap record (best race lap 2001)
1:49.398 Troy Corser (Aprilia), 163.383 kph average speed

First race results 2001
1- Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada-Michelin), 21 laps (103.593 km) in 38:42.598, 160.568 kph average speed.
2- Troy Corser (Aprilia) -3.601
3- Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda-Michelin) -4.079
4- Ben Bostrom (Ducati) -6.340
5- Tadayuki Okada (Castrol Honda-Michelin) -13.737

Second race results 2001
1- Régis Laconi (Aprilia), 21 laps (103.593 km) in 38:33.264, 161.216 kph average speed.
2- Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada-Michelin) -0.021
3- Tadayuki Okada (Castrol Honda-Michelin) -0.844
4- Ben Bostrom (Ducati) -15.975
5- Steve Martin (Ducati DFX Racing)