Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Parts Canada Superbike Practice Times:

1. Frank Trombino, Honda RC51, 1:47.038
2. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:47.437
3. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:47.614
4. Francis Martin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:47.632
5. Benoit Pilon, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:48.823
6. Michael Taylor, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:49.181
7. Jeff Williams, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:49.312
8. Kevin Lacombe, Honda, 1:49.623
9. Andrew Nelson, Honda, 1:50.091
10. Steve Crevier, Honda RC51, 1:50.231
11. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:50.696
12. Ugo Levert, Suzuki, 1:51.043
13. Mike Desmarais, Suzuki, 1:52.389
14. Jean-Francois Cyr, Yamaha, 1:52.799
15. Bruce McDonald, Yamaha, 1:53.207
16. Dave Young, Suzuki, 1:53.387
17. Philip Onisto, Suzuki, 1:53.739
18. Francis Dubuc, Suzuki, 1:53.897
19. Corey Warren, Yamaha, 1:55.153
20. Darryn Wilbur, Yamaha, 1:55.395
21. Derek Vamus, Honda, 1:55.980
22. Joel McDonald, Yamaha, 1:56.331
23. Gaston Labrie, Suzuki, 1:56.959
24. Jeff Sneyd, Yamaha, 1:59.761
25. Jim Proulx, Yamaha, 2:00.388

International Motorcycle Supershow Open Sportbike Practice Times:

1. Frank Trombino, Honda CBR954RR, 1:49.238
2. Kevin Lacombe, Honda, 1:49.446
3. Jeff Williams, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:49.543
4. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:49.552
5. Francis Martin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:49.829
6. Andrew Nelson, Honda, 1:49.838
7. Michael Taylor, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:50.089
8. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki, 1:50.174
9. Steve Crevier, Honda, 1:50.242
10. Benoit Pilon, Yamaha, 1:50.837
11. Mike Desmarais, Suzuki, 1:51.775
12. Matthew McBride, Honda, 1:51.886
13. Darryn Wilbur, Yamaha, 1:52.200
14. Jean-Francois Cyr, Yamaha, 1:52.214
15. Dave Young, Suzuki, 1:52.330
16. Jim Proulx, Yamaha, 1:52.685
17. Ugo Levert, Suzuki, 1:52.762
18. Philip Onisto, Suzuki, 1:53.208
19. Francis Dubuc, Suzuki, 1:53.277
20. Corey Warren, Yamaha, 1:53.866
21. Gaston Labrie, Suzuki, 1:54.532
22. Joel McDonald, Yamaha, 1:54.573
23. Chris Peris, Honda, 1:54.763
24. Victor Paiva, Kawasaki, 1:56.672
25. Jeff Sneyd, Yamaha, 1:57.090
26. Derek Vamus, Honda, 1:57.162
27. John Brundl, Honda, 3:26.397


Yoshimura 600cc Sportbike Practice Times:

1. Jeff Williams, Suzuki, 1:49.743
2. Kevin Lacombe, Honda, 1:49.941
3. Clint McBain, Suzuki, 1:50.332
4. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki, 1:51.224
5. Andrew Nelson, Honda, 1:51.351
6. Steve Crevier, Honda, 1:51.437
7. Matthew McBride, Honda, 1:54.334
8. Francis Dubuc, Suzuki, 1:57.406
9. Chris Peris, Honda, 1:57.810
10. Jean-Francois Cyr, Yamaha, 1:59.192
11. Corey Warren, Yamaha, 2:00.757
12. Bruce McDonald, Yamaha, 2:02.107

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. plans to import 125 636cc ZX-6Rs and race the bike in the 2003 AMA Superstock Series.

That’s the word from a Kawasaki race team contractor who claims to have knowledge of the plan.

According to the contractor, the bulk of Kawasaki ZX-6R imports in 2003 will be of the 600cc model, and the company’s factory team will compete in AMA Supersport aboard that version as well as in Superstock aboard the 636cc version.

Kawasaki Racing Manager Mike Preston could not be contacted for comment on the report at post time; according to his voice mail, he will be out of the office until next week.

This just in from Roger Lyle:

There will be one last Motorcycle Tune & Test Day at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia on Thursday, September 5, 2002.

All racers are welcome and will receive hours of track time. The cost is $150 per racer. This is your last opportunity to get some good track time in before CCS.

Space is limited. More info can be obtained from Roger Lyle at 301-933-2599 or email [email protected]

This correction just in from AMA Pro Racing:

In the previous announcement of R02133, AMA Pro Racing stated that (Brian) Livengood was the highest finishing privateer in the final standings since Paul Harrell in 1997.

Brian Parriott with White Tip Racing, who finished 6th in the (2002) final points, was actually the top-finishing privateer.


(Editorial note: Remember this day. AMA Pro Racing actually admitting and attempting to correct a mistake is a rarity. As an example, consider the racers who pre-entered the entire road racing series in 2001 and 2002, weren’t told they were supposed to get a free guest pass with series pre-entry, and still haven’t been contacted or offered any rebate or future guest pass–or passes–to make it good.)

From a press release issued by series organizers:

Road Race & Dirt Trackers battle for top positions

FORMULA USA GRAND NATIONAL SERIES

Fort Worth, TX–Halfway through the Formula USA Grand National Series, which consist of 5 selected National Road Race and Dirt Track events with a $50,000 points fund, riders and teams have been working on a strategy to gain an advantage.

Riders such as Larry Pegram of Team Hooters/Mountain Dew Suzuki, Cory West on the Synergy Honda Team and Matt Wait have combined both their road race and dirt track skills to stay at the top of the point standings.

Road racers Michael Barnes, Craig Connell and Lee Acree are doing it only on the pavement, while dirt trackers Glen Schnabel Jr., Terry Poovey and Joe Kopp run at the front each week at the Dirt Track Nationals.

“The Grand National Point battle is beginning to heat up,” said Mike Kidd of Clear Channel Motor Sports. “I expect you will see more road racers dirt tracking and dirt trackers road racing before it’s over. The remaining rounds will certainly be interesting to see the cross-over.”

Top 20 Grand National Point Standings after of 5 of 10 rounds.
1. Larry Pegram 63
2. Michael Barnes 56
3. Matt Wait 49
4. Craig Connell 48
5. Lee Acree 43
6. Cory West 40
7. Glen Schnabel Jr. 38
8. Ray Bowman 32
9. Eric Wood 28
10. Terry Poovey 26
11. Joe Kopp 26
12. Andrew Nelson 24
13. Scott Greenwood 24
14. Rich King 22
15. Kenny Coolbeth 16
16. Bryan Bigelow 16
17. Brett Landes 15
18. Aaron Creamer 14
19. Trenton Bailey 14
20. Scooter Vernon 14

Remaining Rounds
RR Sept 6-8 Portland, Oregon
DT Sept 14 Sacramento, California
DT Sept 21 Tacoma, Washington
DT Oct 6 Del Mar, California
RR Oct 18-20 Daytona Beach, Florida

$50,000.00 Point Fund
1st $20,000.00
2nd $10,000.00
3rd $7,000.00
4th $4,500.00
5th $3,000.00
6th $2,000.00
7th $1,250.00
8th $1,000.00
9th $750.00
10th $500.00

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Supersport Practice Times:

1. Fabien Foret, Honda CBR600, 1:30.684
2. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.029
3. Jan Hanson, Honda CBR600, 1:31.160
4. Paolo Casoli, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.304
5. Christophe Cogan, Honda CBR600, 1:31.337
6. Jörg Teuchert, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.417
7. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR600, 1:31.475
8. Iain MacPherson, Honda CBR600, 1:31.683
9. Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.742
10. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.760
11. Stéphane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.046
12. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.059
13. Antonio Carlacci, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.061
14. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600, 1:32.160
15. Michael Schulten, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.231
16. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600, 1:32.379
17. Gianluigi Scalvini, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.632
18. Jürgen Oelschläger, Honda CBR600, 1:32.679
19. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.683
20. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Ducati 748R, 1:32.909
21. Alessio Corradi, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.978
22. Werner Daemen, Honda CBR600, 1:32.991
23. Stefano Cruciani, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.023
24. Robert Ulm, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.198
25. Rico Penzkofer, Ducati 748R, 1:33.634
26. John McGuinness, Honda CBR600, 1:33.636
27. Robert Frost, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.671
28. James Ellison, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:33.961
29. Claudio Cipriani, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.158
30. Brian Laurent, Honda CBR600, 1:34.635
31. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 748R, 1:35.237
32. James Whitham, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:38.781

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn LeSanto

EDWARDS MEANS BUSINESS

Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards took provisional pole at Oschersleben in Germany on Friday Afternoon, dipping more than a second under the existing lap record.

The Texan was fastest for most of Friday as he fought to keep his Championship chances alive. “HRC have certainly done their homework and improved the SP-2 motor,” said Edwards. “There’s no doubt that the championship is still alive for me and Castrol Honda and I want to prove that with two wins on Sunday.”

His rival, and title leader, Troy Bayliss was second-fastest and the only other rider inside the 1:26 barrier. Bayliss waited until his last flying lap before moving up from eighth on the leaderboard to second place, 0.3-second down on Edwards.

Neil Hodgson ended up third-quickest after holding second place for most of the session on his HM Plant Ducati.

Bayliss’s Ducati teammate Ruben Xaus completed the provisional front row for Sunday’s two races with the third factory Ducati of Ben Bostrom fifth.


Friday Afternoon Qualifying Results:

1. Colin Edwards, Honda RC51, 1:26.609
2. Troy Bayliss, Ducati 998F02, 1:26.984
3. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 998F01, 1:27.164
4. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 998F02, 1:27.698
5. Ben Bostrom, Ducati 998F02, 1:27.736
6. Chris Walker, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.053
7. James Toseland, Ducati 998F01, 1:28.138
8. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.138
9. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.188
10. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:28.253
11. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia RSV1000, 1:28.331
12. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.349
13. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.396
14. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:28.601
15. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.948
16. Broc Parkes, Ducati 998RS, 1:29.214
17. Hitoyasu Izutsu, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:29.736
18. Peter Goddard, Benelli Tornado 900, 1:29.947
19. Alessandro Antonello, Ducati 998RS, 1:30.096
20. Serafino Foti, Ducati 996RS, 1:30.199
21. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:30.225
22. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:30.233
23. Mark Heckles, Honda RC51, 1:30.571
24. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 996RS, 1:32.739
25. Thierry Mulot, Ducati 996SPS, 1:33.131
26. Yann Gyger, Honda RC51, 1:33.210
27. Giuliano Sartoni, Ducati 996RS, 1:34.053
28. Teodor Myszkowski, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:34.302


More, from Ducati Corse:

BAYLISS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) SECOND QUICKEST BEHIND EDWARDS (HONDA) IN FRIDAY QUALIFYING – XAUS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) AND BOSTROM (DUCATI L&M) FOURTH AND FIFTH

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) and Honda rival Colin Edwards continued their season-long battle in the first qualifying session today for Round 11 of the World Superbike Championship at Oschersleben, Germany. The two riders were the only ones to dip below the 1m27s mark and Troy’s time of 1:26.984 was just three-tenths of a second slower than the Texan, who set a new best lap around the 3.667 km circuit. Ducati Infostrada team-mate Ruben Xaus, a winner here last year, was also impressive, the Spanish rider slotting into fourth behind HM Plant Ducati’s Neil Hodgson, with a time of 1:27.698, while Ducati L&M’s Ben Bostrom also moved up to within striking position of the leading group with fifth quickest time of 1:27.736.

Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) set his quick time at the end of the session as he sliced a full second off to move closer to pole-sitter Edwards. “Everything is going OK, we have done a lot better than what we did here last year at the moment” declared Troy. “We’re still missing a little bit to get closer to Colin, but we’ll just work on the bike and hope we can improve tomorrow. There’s not much more to come here, I’d like to get a little closer but I can’t see us going any faster than that tomorrow so now I just want to improve on my race tyre. We’ve got a couple of little things to try out and then I’ll be happy. I feel a bit rusty too, it’s been a long month off the bike”.

Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) lost time trying out the set-up from last year, when he won race 2, but then changed to this year’s configuration to record fourth quickest time. “The session was OK” commented Ruben, “but we lost some time with the front tyre because I tested the one from last year, which was not working how I wanted it to. We then went back to this year’s tyre in the front and tested that solution with a good rear I found, so tomorrow I hope to have a good set-up for the race tyre. It is important to do good laps with the race tyres because it’s a long, difficult and physical race and setting a good time on race tyres is more important than qualifying”.

Bostrom (Ducati L&M) took some time to get settled in but then pulled out a quick lap right at the end of the session to finish provisional fifth. “I definitely feel better than this morning now that I’ve got the bike dialled in” said Ben. “Oschersleben is a fun little circuit and I plan to just push hard and put in the best result I can. I miss that feeling of racing up front so that’s my target for this weekend. I think we have a lot more work to do because we are a bit off on race tyre time so we need mostly to work on the bike until we are up front. The hardest part of this circuit is that you have got these big round corners and you’ve got to make the time through the corners, whereas for me it’s easier to make up time on the brakes”.



More, from HM Plant Ducati:

Optimism high at Oschersleben

The HM Plant Ducati team of Neil Hodgson and James Toseland have qualified in third and eighth positions respectively on the provisional grid for the 11th round of the Superbike World Championship at Oschersleben. Colin Edwards set the fastest time of the day with Ducati’s reigning World Champion Troy Bayliss just taking second position from Hodgson in the closing stages of today’s first official qualifying session.

The pole position time set by Hodgson in Superpole at last year’s corresponding round (1:27.325) has been eclipsed by the top three riders on the first day of qualifying. However, there are still many laps to cover around the 3.667km circuit with everything still up for grabs in the championship overall.

The HM Plant Ducati riders are engaged in their own private battles for third (Hodgson) and seventh (Toseland) in the 2002 series. Both are looking good at this early stage to maintain their position thanks to the meticulous preparations of the Ducati Corse-supported team.

“I don’t know what’s changed about this place, but I already like it much more than I did last year,” explained Hodgson. “Everyone is complaining about the bumps and ripples, but after the motocross training I’ve been doing over the summer break, it feels great to me!

“I’m finding a lot of grip on the HM Plant Ducati thanks to the work that Dunlop have put into developing two new tyres for this demanding circuit. I’ve managed to put in some consistent lap times and I haven’t been pushing too hard on a qualifying tyre. I’m already looking forward to Superpole tomorrow.”

Those sentiments were echoed by team-mate James Toseland who said, “I’m really enjoying the experience of riding around the Oschersleben circuit this year. Everything is working really well on the HM Plant Ducati and that is having a positive effect on my confidence.

“After finishing third in this morning’s free practice, I know that I could have been further up the provisional grid, only to have messed up my fastest lap on a Dunlop qualifying tyre. I’ll certainly be looking for an improvement on Saturday.”


More, from Playstation2-FGF Aprilia:

HAGA FINDS HIS WAY IN FIRST OSCHERSLEBEN TESTS

Oschersleben (Germany), Friday 30 August 2002 – The Superbike World Championship is back on track this weekend at Oschersleben in Germany. With three rounds to go, the season will wind up at Assen (Holland, 8 September) and Imola (29 September). Noriyuki Haga is making his debut on this circuit with the Aprilia RSV, so today was spent working on the settings and accumulating data. For the moment, the Japanese rider is placed eleventh.

NORIYUKI HAGA (Playstation2 – FGF Aprilia Team rider) – “I’ve only raced once on this track, in 2000, on a different bike. I really can’t remember much about it, and what I do remember is of no use since the Aprilia is totally different. We’ve been trying out an entirely new set-up compared with previous races, but I don’t think the initial results are as good as we were hoping for. The bike’s fine, but the tyres and suspension still need sorting out.”

GIACOMO GUIDOTTI (Technical Manager of the Playstation2 – FGF Aprilia Team) – “Here with Haga we have no references, and we knew the first day would be spent getting used to the circuit. Sure, in terms of times and rating, we’re a bit further back than we were expecting. We had a few tyre problems, mainly with vibrations at front and rear. This could of course be because we haven’t got the suspension quite right yet. At the end of the session, we did an in-depth analysis of the 2001 data, when we had different riders, to see if there were any references that might be of use.”


More, from Benelli:

Difficult start for Benelli Sport

After a month away from racing it was back to work for Benelli Sport at the Oschersleben circuit in Germany. But it proved to be a tough return for the team to competitive racing after the August holiday.

“We’ve struggled again here today,” admitted rider Peter Goddard. “Although things are better than last year, we’re still down on power.”

Unfortunately, testing scheduled for August had to be cancelled, losing the team valuable time on the track to develop new parts recently introduced.

Goddard finished the session down in 18th place, “I hope we can improve on that as I’d really like to make it into Superpole before the end of the year!”

The team hope to make some more changes and improvements to the Benelli Tornado superbike before the last round at Imola in Italy.



More, from a press releases issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

SECOND ROW FOR WALKER ON OSCHERSLEBEN DEBUT

Chris Walker stormed back from the summer break, to take his Fuchs Kawasaki ZX-7RR to an impressive sixth position during the opening day of qualifying for round eleven of the World Superbike Championship at Oschersleben, Germany.

On his first visit to the 3.667Km circuit, Walker quickly got the Fuchs Kawasaki dialled in, to once again finish as the highest qualifying four-cylinder machine; ahead of many of the favoured twins around the technical German track.

‘I struggled to get into it a bit this morning, but I think everyone was feeling a bit rusty after the four-week layoff,’ said Walker. ‘It was only halfway through this afternoon’s qualifying session that everything started to fall into place. I set my fastest time of the day when I managed to hook in behind Colin Edwards. I think he was actually on a warm-up lap, so big respect is due to him for that!’

‘It’s the usual story out there. We’ve got two legends in Colin and Troy up front and everyone else has to ride out of their skin just to keep up. But it’s my first time at this circuit, so I’m confident that there will be a few places where I’ll find some more time tomorrow. We’ve got a couple of race tyres to choose from, so I’ll also have to spend a bit of time finding out which one works best,’ continued Walker.

A determined performance from Hitoyasu Izutsu saw the former Japanese Superbike Champion secure seventeenth position aboard the Fuchs Kawasaki ZX-7RR this afternoon. Although still suffering the effects of a badly broken wrist, sustained at his home round in Sugo, the 31-year-old Japanese star is happy to be back on the bike and racing in World Superbikes once again.

With minor changes made to the bike during the interval, Izutsu set his fastest lap of the day on a race tyre, after encountering a problem with the rear qualifier on his flying lap.

‘I hoped to be a bit higher up the grid today, but we had a few minor problems,’ said Izutsu. ‘We’ve made some changes to the front and rear suspension today, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to improve on my qualifying position tomorrow.’

Eric Bostrom, riding the Kawasaki ZX-7RR, put in a brave performance to secure fourteenth place on the provisional grid, despite riding with injuries sustained in a boating accident seven days ago. Like Walker, this was Bostrom’s first ride at the Oschersleben circuit, which makes today’s performance all the more impressive.

‘Right now my body is so sore from the boat crash and I almost can’t ride the bike,’ explained the American, who finished a close second in this year’s AMA Superbike Championship just two weeks ago. ‘I had some injections from our team physio and my chest is definitely better, but the problem now is my back, which feels like I have a knife stuck in it.’

‘I actually really like the track, there are a couple of places where you seem to spend too much time on the side of the tyre, but I’m getting used to that. We have some improvements to make to the bike but, if I was fit, I could ride it how it is, so I just hope that my body improves before tomorrow,’ added the 26-year-old Californian.


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

TOP TEN FOR LAVILLA

Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Gregorio Lavilla ended the first day of qualifying in tenth position, just two tenths of a second off sixth place.

Today’s qualifying in the Motopark Oschersleben was closer than usual but all that could change tomorrow.

Gregorio has fully recovered from the injuries he sustained two rounds ago at Laguna Seca and is able to ride at full strength. He will be going all out to do a good Superpole tomorrow afternoon.

Colin Edwards (Honda) topped the standings today, with a time of 1:26.609.

GREGORIO LAVILLA ­ 10TH, 1:28.253
“I’m quite happy with how today went and I hope we will continue to improve tomorrow. This morning we had a bit of work to do and it was hard to go really fast. In the afternoon we made some suspension changes and I found I could go quite a bit quicker. Tomorrow we’ll start from where we finished today and just make small changes and see if we can improve. Today I set my fastest time on qualifying rubber, but I’m happy because I only went one tenth of a second slower on normal race rubber. My target tomorrow is to make a really good Superpole and try and get a good grid place for Sunday.”

Friday qualifying
1 Edwards (Honda), 2 Bayliss (Ducati), 3 Hodgson (Ducati), 4 Xaus (Ducati), 5 Bostrom (Ducati), 6 Walker (Kawasaki), 7 Chili (Ducati), 8 Toseland (Ducati), 9 Borciani (Ducati), 10 LAVILLA
(ALSTARE SUZUKI CORONA EXTRA)

FUJIWARA’S GOOD FORM CONTINUES

World Supersport Championship – Round 10, Oschersleben, Germany, August 30, 2002.

Team Alstare Suzuki rider Katsuaki Fujiwara continued his run of good form with a strong second place at the end of the first day of qualifying at Oschersleben today.

The Japanese rider posted a time of 1:30.398 ­ just one tenth of a second slower then provisional pole-setter Fabien Foret (Honda).

It was not such a good opening day for team-mate Stephane Chambon. He finished 14th today but is certain his final qualifying position will be much higher up the grid.

KATSUAKI FUJIWARA ­ 2ND, 1:30.398
“I’m pretty happy at the moment. I am generally feeling good after my win at Brands Hatch in the last round and feel more comfortable. The bike felt more or less OK when we started, but because Oschersleben is so flat we soon decided to go for a softer rear spring. Now we will probably have a good look at the gearing, because I feel that 2nd, 3rd and 4th are not quite right for this track. If that works out well, then I’m sure I can challenge Foret for the pole.”

STEPHANE CHAMBON ­ 14TH, 1:31.275
“My Suzuki felt good today, so the only thing wrong was me! The arm I injured at Brands Hatch feels OK and it certainly doesn’t cause me any problems when I’m on the bike. Today I didn’t get a good feeling with my bike, but I’m sure that things will improve tomorrow and I’ll be much further up the grid.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Members of the AMA Road Race Advisory Board hand-picked by Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice have already decided many future rules and are voting on additional rules as this is posted.

Undecided is when these rules would come into play, in 2003 or 2004; it’s possible the AMA Superbike rules will remain unchanged for 2003 with new rules taking effect in 2004.

According to a memo issued by AMA Pro Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice, members of the Advisory Board have already decided to:
–Retain maximum Superbike rear wheel size at 6.25 instead of allowing 6.50 as in World Superbike.
–Establish 370 pounds as the minimum weight for all motorcycles in Superbike.
–Allow aftermarket cams but require stock lift in Superbike.
–Require stock cylinders and cases but allow machining in Superbike.
–Require stock transmission ratios in Superbike.
–Allow aftermarket back-torque-limiting clutches in Superbike.
–Allow removal of charging systems and starters in Superbike.
–Allow homologated throttle bodies with aftermarket airboxes in Superbike.
–Allow exhaust systems meeting current Superbike rules.
–Not allow 750cc Twins in 600cc Supersport.


Members of the Advisory Board are currently voting on the following proposals:

Frames for 1000cc Fours:
a. Retain current Superbike rules for frame, suspension, wheels, brakes, bodywork.
b. Require stock frames but allow aftermarket swingarms and suspension components.
c. Require stock frames but allow specific areas to be braced and allow aftermarket swingarms and suspension components.

Cylinder head modifications for 1000cc Fours:
a. Allow aftermarket valves, springs and retainers.
b. Allow aftermarket valves of standard size and material, springs and retainers.

Connecting rods for 1000cc Fours:
a. Use current Superbike rules (anything goes).
b. Use current Supersport rules (stock, unmodified).

Crankshaft for 1000cc Fours:
a. Stock except for balancing.
b. Aftermarket allowed but must weigh no less than 97% of stock crank, with spec to be published.

Pistons, pins, rings for 1000cc Fours:
a. Stock only.
b. Aftermarket allowed.

Ignition systems for 1000cc Fours:
a. Supersport rules, but with no wire harness restrictions.
b. Current Superbike rules.

Superbike Homologation:
a. Use current Supersport homologation requirements.
b. Use current Supersport homologation requirements but number of imported units reduced for smaller manufacturers.

Supersport:
a. Allow machining of gasket surfaces of cylinder heads, cylinders or engine cases to increase compression.
b. No machining allowed. (The current fiction, with no published spec.)

Superstock:
a. Allow machining of gasket surfaces of cylinder heads, cylinders or engine cases to increase compression.
b. No machining allowed. (The current fiction, with no published spec.)

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

LIVENGOOD NAMED AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

PICKERINGTON, Ohio–Brian Livengood, 30, of Snellville, Ga., has been named the 2002 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Rookie of the Year. Livengood finished the season ranked ninth in the final AMA Superbike point standings. That marks the highest finish for a privateer in the final standings since Paul Harrell also finished ninth in 1997. Livengood’s 2002 racing campaign was backed by HAS, SDI, Penske, EBC Brakes, RRR, GMD, M4, Silkolene, Bakers and Dunlop Tires. He rode a Suzuki GSX-R750.

Livengood started the year off with a bang earning a surprising eighth-place finish in the prestigious Daytona 200 by Arai.

“My goal was to get a few top-15 finishes this season,” Livengood recalled. “When I took eighth in the Daytona 200 that really gave me a big boost in confidence and I had a new outlook on the season from that point.”

In all, Livengood scored top-10 finishes 11 times with a season-best sixth in the Saturday Superbike race at Virginia International Raceway on Aug. 10. He was a consistent finisher, earning points in 14 of the 16 rounds. Livengood ran as high as fourth in the series standings after round three at California Speedway. Livengood considered his strong finishes at the California tracks as a highlight of his season.

“I’d never raced on any of those tracks before,” Livengood explained. “And tracks like Sears Point have a lot of fast local riders and I was able to finish as the top privateer there and beat all of the local specialists.”

Livengood began racing in 1995, but this was his first full season in the AMA Superbike Series. He hopes to find a ride with an established team for the 2003 season and plans to return to the Superbike ranks. Livengood is the 21st rider to earn the AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year Award.

Others who have won the title previously include AMA Superbike champions Doug Chandler (1983), Scott Russell (1988), Thomas Stevens (1990), three-time AMA Grand National Flat Track Champion, Chris Carr (1995) and the late Randy Renfrow (1984).

From a press release issued by Triumph:

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE TOP PRIZE IN VOX AND SAM ASH MUSIC PROMOTION

Vox Road Test Fall Promotion Features Triumph Bonneville America

NEWNAN, GA. – August 29, 2002 – Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., VOX Amplification and Sam Ash Music have joined forces to promote two of America’s favorite means of freedom and self-expression – rock ‘n’ roll and motorcycles. During the month of October, 2002, the world’s leading music instrument retailer, Sam Ash Music will host in all of its 30 store locations nationwide, the VOX Road Test, featuring the top prize of a 2002 Triumph Bonneville America.

“VOX has a rich heritage in the rock ‘n’ roll music business as a technological music leader and with legendary associations with musical giants like The Rolling Stones and Beatles. Triumph is one of the most famous names in motorcycling on the streets today and VOX is pleased to be able to offer a Triumph Bonneville America motorcycle as the ultimate prize during this feature promotion with the Sam Ash Music Stores,” stated Joseph Bredau, vice president sales and marketing, Korg USA, national distributor of VOX Amplifications.

To become eligible to win the Bonneville America, or a VOX Valvetronix amplifier, or one of the many other prizes, interested participants – during the month of October – should visit a Sam Ash Music Store or, enter on-line at www.samashmusic.com or send name, address and daytime phone number to: VOX Triumph Contest, P.O. Box 9047, Hicksville, New York 11802.

All participants must be 18 years or older to enter. In addition, all individuals who purchase a VOX Valvetronix Amp from October 1st through October 31st at a Sam Ash Music Store will receive a Triumph Motorcycle t-shirt.

“Joining with these legendary greats, VOX and the Sam Ash Music Stores, Triumph is pleased to spotlight the motorcycle adventure with rock ‘n’ roll,” stated Mike Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.

Sam Ash Music Store Locations: VOX Road Test – October, 2002

Ontario, California 449 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764 Ph:(909) 484-3550

Cerritos, California 12651 Artesia Blvd Cerritos, CA 90703 Ph:(562) 468-1107

Canoga Park, California 20934 Roscoe Blvd Canoga Pk, CA 91304 (818)709-5650

West Hollywood, CA 8000 Sunset Blvd W. Hollywood, CA 90046 Ph:(323) 654-4922

Westminster, California 14200 Bch Blvd Westminster, CA 92683 Ph:(714) 899-2122

New Haven, Connecticut 95 Amity Road New Haven, CT 11514 Ph:(203) 389-0500

Clearwater, Florida 923 McMullen Booth Rd Clearwater, FL 33759 Ph:(727) 725-8062

Margate, Florida 5460 West Sample Road Margate, FL 33073 Ph:(954) 975-3390

Miami Lakes. Florida 5360 NW 167th St Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Ph:(305) 628-3510

Orlando, Florida 912 Lee Rd Shopping Center Orlando, FL 32810 Ph:(407) 599-1222

Sarasota. Florida 7606 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 Ph:(941) 351-7793

Tampa. Florida 13133 North Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33618 Ph:(813) 908-5556

Burbank, Illinois 7780 South Cicero Ave Burbank, IL 60459 Ph:(708) 499-3485

Buffalo Grove, Illinois 1305 W. Dundee Rd Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Ph:(847) 253-3151

Lombard, Illinois 1139 South Main Street Lombard, IL 60148 Ph:(630) 424-0767

Cherry Hill, New Jersey 2100 Route 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 8002 Ph:(856) 667-6696

Edison, New Jersey 1831 Route 27 Edison, NJ 8817 Ph:(732) 572-5595

Paramus, New Jersey East 50 Route 4 Paramus, NJ 7652 Ph:(201) 843-0119

Brooklyn, New York 2600 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11234 Ph:(718) 951-3888

Carle Place, New York 385 Old Country Rd Carle Pl, NY 11514 Ph:(516) 333-8700

Forest Hills, New York 113-25 QueensBlvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 Ph:(718)793-7983

Huntington Station, New York 269A Walt Whitman RdHuntington Stn.(631) 421-9333

New York City 160 West 48th Street New York City, NY 10036 Ph:(212) 719-2299

White Plains 178 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 Ph:(914) 949-8448

Sam Ash Professional Audio Grp 1600 Broadway NY,NY 10019 Ph:(212) 586-1100

Columbus, Ohio 1690 Morse Road Columbus, OH 43229 Phone: (614) 436-3919

Lyndhurst, Ohio 5700 Mayfield Road Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Ph:(440) 446-0850

Philadelphia, PA 1887 Franklin Mills Cir. Philadelphia, PA 19154 Ph:(215) 612-1339

King Of Prussia, PA 139 E DeKalb Pike King Of Prussia, PA19406Ph:(610)265-6444

Madison, TN 1647 Gallatin Pike North Madison, TN 37115 Ph:(615) 860-7475


About VOX Amplification
For over four decades, VOX has been a major force in defining the sound of electric guitars. Renowned for its innovative products and distinctive style, VOX has provided countless musicians with the ultimate in guitar amplification. VOX became the sonic driving force of the British Invasion bands of the 60s, and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians today. From the timeless tones of the AC30 to the groundbreaking digital modeling of the new Valvetronix combos, VOX delivers tone, features and style like no other.

About Triumph Motorcycles
Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.