From a press release issued by Eric Bostrom’s manager:

Eric Bostrom. Germany.

August 28, 2002 – Oschersleben, Germany. This weekend, Eric Bostrom will get another chance to compete against the World Superbike regulars at the Oschersleben track in Germany. After a strong finish in AMA Superbike, winning the final race of the year at VIR and finishing a strong 2nd in the Superbike Championship, Eric is ready to ride. This despite the boating accident that he and his brother, Ben, and friend, Kat, suffered through a little over a week ago in Sardinia.

And although he has never been to Oschersleben, Eric is feeling confident. “I’m pretty pumped. From the track map, it looks like a really fun track. I’m a little bummed because my ribs are still sore from our boat accident, but I should be strong for the race. I’m looking forward to trying to get myself and the Kawasaki back in the lead of a World Superbike race (like at Laguna), but for more than three or four laps this time!”

Eric will ride the Kawasaki Superbike prepared by his US-based AMA Superbike crew and shipped to Germany especially for this race. His mechanics, crew chief, and team manager will also be in attendance.

From a press release issued by, no surprise, a PR agency contracted by Dunlop:

Dunlop Streaks

The 2002 racing season in America has returned results of epic proportions for Dunlop. No other motorcycle tire manufacturer even begins to approach the success Dunlop has earned throughout a stunningly wide variety of championship venues.

The season began with Yamaha of Troy¹s Chad Reed handily winning the 125 East Supercross title. Next came Honda¹s Ricky Carmichael, who wrapped up the 2002 AMA Supercross crown by winning 11 of 16 races‹a dominating show of force. Add a victory by his Dunlop-mounted teammate Nathan Ramsey, and the tally works out to 12 out of 16 wins in 250 Supercross for Dunlop in 2002. Carmichael then went on to win an astonishing 22 consecutive motos–11 overall event wins–to win the AMA 250 National Motocross championship before the season was even over.

On pavement, the Dunlop sweep continued, beginning with the AMA’s Pro Honda 600 Supersport championship, which was won by Suzuki’s Aaron Yates on Dunlop tires. His title marked the 16th consecutive 600 Supersport championship for Dunlop–no other tire manufacturer has ever won a single title in this wildly competitive class.

When the AMA road racing series concluded at Virginia International Raceway in August, Dunlop riders completed a sweep of every single AMA national road racing class in 2002. Honda’s Nicky Hayden took his first Superbike title, marking 13 titles in a row for Dunlop in this premier class, and became the youngest rider in AMA Superbike history to take the crown.

Meanwhile, Jason Pridmore rode his Attack Suzuki to the Formula Xtreme championship in the tightest of all the road racing title battles. Pridmore finished the season tied in points with Jake Zemke and his Dunlop-equipped Bruce Transportation Honda, but the Suzuki rider earned the crown by merit of having one more race win.

And Dunlop rider Chuck Sorensen awarded Aprilia its first-ever 250 GP title in AMA racing, a class Dunlop has historically dominated. In AMA Superstock competition, Corona Extra EBSCO Media Suzuki’s Jimmy Moore defended his Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock title.

Dunlop would like to congratulate all the 2002 champions, and the hard-working team members who helped these riders win the most coveted championships in AMA racing.


(Editorial Note: Dunlop apparently has forgotten that Kirk McCarthy won the 2002 AMA Pro Thunder Championship on an Advanced Motor Sports Ducati 748.)

From a press release issued by series promoters:

SUPERBIKES AT SUPPER TIME

TORONTO, ON – Motorcycle racing fans will be able to enjoy a little Superbike with their supper this Fall.

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship will be shown on the Outdoor Life Network from 6:00-7:00 pm EDT on Thursday nights beginning with the season opener from Shannonville Motorsport Park on Sept. 19. The eight-week series will conclude Nov. 7 with the final round, also from Shannonville.

The hour-long programs will provide the most extensive television coverage of the 2002 season. As well as race action from the featured Parts Canada Superbike class, the shows will include expanded coverage of the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Open Sport Bike and Yoshimura 600 Sport Bike national support classes. There will also be personality and technical features.

The programs will be hosted by TSN motorsport voice Vic Rauter and Colin Fraser of series organizer Professional Motorsport Productions.

“A lot of race fans enjoy the in depth coverage and added features of the one-hour program,” Fraser said. “The early evening timeslot will make it easy for our viewers to see the races and relive the key moments of a dramatic season.”

The shows will air from 3:00-4:00 am EDT each Thursday morning as well.

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship is also shown in a half-hour format on TSN and French language RDS. Next up is the penultimate round of the series from Atlantic Motorsport Park, which will debut on RDS Sept. 1 at 1:30 pm and on TSN Sept. 14 at 12:00 pm.

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship concludes at Shannonville this weekend. Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke has already clinched the 2002 title for Coors Light Racing/Fast Company Team Suzuki but will try to claim his sixth consecutive race win, which would establish a new record.

Shannonville (Pro Track)
Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:00 pm

Calgary Race 1
Thursday, Sept. 26, 6:00 pm

Calgary Race 2
Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:00 pm

St-Eustache
Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:00 pm

Mosport I
Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:00 pm

Mosport II
Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:00 pm

Atlantic Motorsport Park
Thursday, Oct. 31, 6:00 pm

Shannonville (Long Track)
Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:00 pm

From a press release issued by Castrol Honda:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

Title in sight for determined Edwards

Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards is looking to add to his tally of wins at the Oschersleben track in Germany as the World Superbike championship resumes with round 11 on Sunday.

The impressive Edwards and Castrol Honda combination has won three of the four races held so far at the circuit near Magdeburg and Edwards believes Sunday could well be a turning point in the championship.

“We’ve always been strong at Oschersleben and there’s no reason to believe this weekend should be any different,” predicts Edwards.

He continues: “I spent a couple of days testing with Michelin in France last week and I know that they have the tyres it takes to win in Germany and HRC have been busy in the August break improving the SP-2.”

Edwards trails championship leader Troy Bayliss by 39 points with three rounds, six races, to go in the 2002 campaign.

“Two wins for me in Germany would mean the points gap would be down to little more than a race win and that’s if Troy’s second in both races,” Edwards explains.

Edwards also arrives in Germany having won the last three races and also secured victory in the Suzuka 8 hours race in Japan. His 2002 form has also seen him take 19 successive podium finishes in the championship from the 20 races so far just a fourth place in the opening race of the year preventing a clean sweep.

Team manager Neil Tuxworth says: “Colin is at the top of his game, riding better than ever and we’ve every reason to believe he will push Troy Bayliss and Ducati all the way in the battle for the 2002 title.”

Castrol Honda Rumi team’s Mark Heckles is hoping the tight and twisty Oschersleben circuit will provide him with an opportunity for two strong finishes aboard the HRC kit SP-2 machine.

“I’m sure I can do well at Oschersleben – providing we can find a good setting with the machine,” says Englishman Heckles. “It’s more down to the rider there and not so much horsepower so I’m looking for two points-scoring finishes.”

Honda’s World Supersport Championship title hope Fabien Foret defends a nine-point lead in the series with three rounds remaining. The Frenchman has impressed throughout the 2002 campaign, taking three victories and he arrives in Germany in confident mood.

Foret set the pole position time at Oschersleben 12 months ago and took victory in the race, he believes: “The title is mine to win or lose now. We’ve worked hard to build up the points advantage and a win on Sunday in Germany will be crucial to winning the title.”

The Frenchman adds: “The Oschersleben circuit suits the CBR600 machine so I’ve every reason to believe that I can win but I’ll also be looking for points so a safe ride in Sunday’s race is also very important.”

Victory in the last round at Brands Hatch promoted Suzuki’s Katsuaki Fujiwara to second place in the 12-round series with the top four riders now separated by 25 points, the total on offer for a race win.

A host of other Honda riders will all be looking for a strong end of season finish starting with success in Sunday’s race, the first of three in September which conclude the championship.

Chris Vermeulen, on the Van zon Honda, is out to make amends after being taken out in a first-corner crash in last year’s race while Foret’s teammate Iain MacPherson knows that a top three finish in Sunday’s race would give him a realistic chance of a top six championship finish.

Oschersleben data:

Superbike:
2001 Qualifying: Ben Bostrom (Ducati) 1:27.610
2001 Superpole: Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 1:27.325
2001 winners: Colin Edwards (Castrol Honda) and Ruben Xaus (Ducati)
Lap record: Ruben Xaus (Ducati) 1:27.669 (September 2001)

Supersport:
2001 pole position: Fabien Foret (Honda) 1:30.620
2001 winner: Fabien Foret (Honda)
Lap record: James Whitham (Yamaha) 1:30.806(September 2001)






From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

LAVILLA IN POSITIVE MOOD

2002 Superbike World Championship, Preview – Round 11, Oschersleben, Germany, 1st September:

THE 11th round of the 2002 Superbike World Championship takes place at Oschersleben in Germany and is the third time that the circuit has hosted a round of the championship.

Oschersleben is also the first round since Brands Hatch at the end of the July and the first of two races on successive weekends. The summer break has given Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Gregorio Lavilla time for his injuries to mend and the Spaniard is looking forward to the race.

He took runner-up spot there in 2000, but knows that a podium will be more difficult to take this time.

GREGORIO LAVILLA
“The time off since Brands Hatch has meant that my injuries are now much better and I have been able to train again. It is one thing racing unfit and one thing racing whilst injured. At least I know that I will be able to push hard at Oschersleben ­ something I could not do at Brands Hatch. Not many teams have tested at Oschersleben, so we will not be so disadvantaged this time and I hope that we can come away with a couple of strong results. I know that the season is coming towards an end, but we all want to finish on a good note and that’s what we’ll be chasing at Oschersleben and the final two races.”

2001 results
Race 1: GREGORIO LAVILLA ­ 11TH,
Race 2: GREGORIO LAVILLA ­ 7TH


FUJI AND CHAMBON READY TO ATTACK

2002 Supersport World Championship, Preview – Round 10, Oschersleben, Germany, 1st September:

THE 10th round of the Supersport World Championship at Oschersleben is a critical one for the hopes and fortunes of Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra riders Katsuaki Fujiwara and Stephane Chambon.

Second and third currently, both know that nothing less than a good result at the German circuit will do if one of them is to take the title this year. In the last round at Brands Hatch, Fujiwara took a superb victory and will be looking to do the same again at Oschersleben. His teammate Chambon fell heavily at Brands and caused the race to be red-flagged. He suffered a deep wound in his arm, and wanted to take part in the re-start but was prevented to take his place on the grid by the medical officials and could only watch as his rivals scored valuable title points.

Chambon won the Supersport race at Oschersleben in 2000 and would like to do the same again this time, but will have a strong fight on his hands from many riders, including his own teammate Fujiwara.

KATSUAKI FUJIWARA
“It was so good to win a race properly ­ at Brands Hatch ­ and now that I’ve done it, I want more! Last year, at Oschersleben, I didn’t get to finish the race, but this year I am confident that I can make a good result. I quite like the track ­ it’s a bit technical ­ and I think I can get a good result. It is quite narrow in places and the first turn is very important. You have to have a position on the first two rows of the grid and then get a good start; otherwise you have too much work to do. I would like to get pole position and then run the race from the front, but I think many other riders want the same thing!”

STEPHANE CHAMBON
“I wanted so badly to take part in the re-start at Brands Hatch because I was worried that I would be losing points on my rivals. But, I think that the decision of the doctors was right. It does mean that I need to win at Oschersleben to restore my title dreams though. It’s not an easy track, but I’ve won there before and I know I can do it again. My arm will not bother me in the race and I am ready to give everything I have to get a good result. I’d like a 1-2, with me first and maybe ‘Kats’ second.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The following riders have qualified so far for the $150,000-purse Toyota 200 scheduled for September 15 at Willow Springs Raceway; 40 riders will qualify, the winner will be paid $50,000 and the purse pays $1000 for 40th place.

The final qualifying session for the race will be held September 13.

1. Vincent Haskovec, GSX-R750, 1:22.557
2. Jeremy Toye, GSX-R1000, 1:22.960
3. Aaron Gobert, YZF-R6, 1:23.896
4. Jack Pfeifer, GSX-R1000, 1:23.502
5. Dave Emde, GSX-R1000, 1:24.985
6. Jason Perez, GSX-R600, 1:25.199
7. Jacob West, YZF-R6, 1:25.743
8. Clinton Whitehouse, GSX-R750, 1:25.814
9. Stuart Smith, YZF-R1, 1:25.847
10. Phil Herrin, GSX-R750, 1:26.146
11. Dale Kieffer, YZF-R6, 1:26.368
12. Chad Jensen, GSX-R1000, 1:26.655
13. Jason Catching, YZF-R1, 1:27.052
14. Tyler Paulson, GSX-R1000, 1:27.141
15. Jeff Stern, GSX-R1000, 1:27.371
16. Sam Carnibucci, YZF-R6, 1:27.597
17. Marte Cooksey, GSX-R750, 1:27.978
18. Ron Northup, YZF-R6, 1:30.164
19. Dan Salver, GSX-R750, 1:30.534
20. Jason Paden, GSX-R600, 1:30.804
21. Bryant Kwon, YZF-R1, 1:31.013
22. Mark Hargis, YZF-R6, 1:31.179
23. Rich Gann, YZF-R6, 1:31.585
24. Rocky Caceres, GSX-R750, 1:32.026
25. Carlin Dunne, YZF-R6, 1:32.044

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Added races in Switzerland and Holland have transformed what was the AMA Supercross Series into the Supercross World Championship, but the big question is whether or not any U.S. teams will actually attend the overseas rounds.

Also up in the air is Daytona’s participation in the series schedule, which currently lists Daytona’s March 8 date as a TBA.

The transformation of the AMA Series into a World Championship is fallout from the aborted AMA/Clear Channel Entertainment Supercross split, announced last fall, which would have resulted in two competing series, ala IRL vs. CART.

AMA and CCE rejoined forces this spring, and, in theory, the AMA Supercross Series is a Championship within a Championship.

Factory team honchos say they have no interest in racing outside the country, and also cite budget and staff burnout problems with an extended Supercross Series. In addition, new bikes won’t be ready in time for the earlier start of the series, they say.

The schedule follows:

December 7, Geneva, Switzerland
December 14, Arnhem, Holland
January 4, Anaheim, California
January 11, Phoeniz, Arizona
January 18, Anaheim, California
January 25, San Francisco, California
February 1, Anaheim, California
February 8, San Diego, California
February 15, Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 22, Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, Indianapolis, Indiana
March 8, TBA
March 22, St. Louis, Missouri
March 29, Houston, Texas
April 5, Pontiac, Michigan
April 12, Dallas, Texas
April 26, Salt Lake City, Utah
May 5, Las Vegas, Nevada



More, from a press release just issued by Clear Channel Entertainment–Motor Sports:

Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports and Dorna Off Road Announce the International Rounds of The 2003 FIM World Supercross GP Schedule

AURORA, Ill. and MADRID, SPAIN–Clear Channel
Entertainment – Motor Sports and Dorna Off Road announced two international dates to complete the 2003 FIM World Supercross GP schedule. Round one will be held at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland on Saturday, December 7, 2002 and round two at the Gelredome in Arnhem, Holland on Saturday, December 14.

“This is an exciting time for supercross. With the success supercross already has in the United States and arrival of this premier series in Europe, we are at the beginning of an important new era for the sport,” said Wolfgang Srb, motocross commission president, FIM.

“This opens doors on a global level for expanded television exposure and sponsorship opportunities for riders and teams, exposing the American sport of supercross to a worldwide audience,” said Charlie Mancuso, president, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO and managing director of Dorna added, “We are proud to bring supercross to fans internationally, exposing the sport to millions of fans worldwide and continuing the tradition of bringing the sport into premier venues, such as the Palexpo and Gelredome.”

The two international events join the 15 Clear Channel produced events of the AMA Supercross Series to make up the 17-round FIM World Supercross GP schedule. Fans will be able to purchase tickets to the first two events of the World Supercross GP on September 14. The remaining rounds are already on sale.

The 2003 FIM World Supercross GP Schedule, sponsored by Thor and Parts Unlimited follows:

Dec 7 Palexpo Geneva, Switzerland
Dec 14 Gelredome Arnhem, Holland
Jan 4 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.*
Jan 11 Bank One Ballpark Phoenix*
Jan 18 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.*
Jan 25 Pacific Bell Park San Francisco *
Feb 1 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.*
Feb 8 Qualcomm Stadium San Diego*
Feb 15 H.H.H. Metrodome Minneapolis*
Feb 22 Georgia Dome Atlanta*
Mar 1 RCA Dome Indianapolis*
Mar 8 Daytona International Speedway Daytona, Fla.*^
Mar 22 Edward Jones Dome St. Louis*
Mar 29 Reliant Stadium Houston*
Apr 5 Silverdome Pontiac, Mich.*
Apr 12 Texas Stadium Dallas*
Apr 26 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City*
May 3 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas*

*Part of the AMA Supercross Series.
^Daytona is not part of the FIM World Supercross GP Series.

For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to www.pacesupercross.com

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

A member of Nicky Hayden’s management team said Hayden has not signed a deal to ride a MotoGP Yamaha, despite a news report implying the contrary.

“I know what you’re calling about,” said Steve Dicterow Tuesday afernoon via his cell phone. Dicterow, along with Gary Howard, is part of Ohio-based International Racers, Inc., which manages Hayden.

“I can just say at this moment, the report is premature,” continued Dicterow. “I think within 48-72 hours we will know what we are doing. But right now, it is premature for anybody to be commenting on what we are doing. That is not appropriate yet. But I do expect by the end of the week, because everybody in the world wants to know what Nicky’s doing, I think by the end of the week, we will be able to comment further. But at this point, it is simply inappropriate for anybody to be speculating.”

When asked if, as stated in the news report, Hayden had faced any signing deadline issued by American Honda, Dicterow said, “I’m not aware of any deadline at this point. We are actively analyzing our situation, but we are not under the gun that way.”

RW: You mean you are not under any deadline except your own schedule?

Dicterow: “Exactly.”

Dicterow added that he would be pleased to speak to Roadracingworld.com later this week when Hayden’s plans are finalized.

Nicky Hayden flew from California to his home in Kentucky on an overnight flight, was sleeping in and was unavailable for comment mid-day Tuesday.

In a telephone call to Roadracingworld.com Monday, August 26, Hayden said that he still did not know what he would be doing next year.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI TESTS POSITIVE AT BRNO

Team Suzuki GSV-R Tests.
Brno, Czech Republic.
August 26th and 27th.

Telefonica MoviStar Suzuki team riders Sete Gibernau and Kenny Roberts and Team Suzuki development rider Akira Ryo, stayed on at the Brno circuit in the Czech republic after last weekend’s MotoGP event, to test a number of new parts and settings on the new-this-year GSV-R machine.

In addition to the new chassis that Roberts and Gibernau tried in qualifying for the MotoGP, the three riders tested new fuel system parts, new suspension parts and settings and a number of new tyres. Ohlins Suspension and Michelin Tyre technicians stayed on with the team to help the Suzuki engineers test and evaluate the latest developments.

Suzuki introduced the new 990cc V-four, four-stroke engined GSV-R at the start of this season, bringing the development program forward by a full 12 months, to meet the new MotoGP regulations. The original plan was to race the existing 500cc two-stroke RGV machine this season and to test the new GSV-R in selected Japanese events, but Suzuki took the brave decision to bring the whole program forward and develop the new machine ‘out in the open’.

The GSV-R made a brilliant debut at the first MotoGP of the season at Suzuka in Japan. Reigning All Japan Superbike Champion and chief test rider Akira Ryo made the best of a ‘wild-card’ entry and lead for most of the rain-lashed race, only losing out to World Champion Valentino Rossi in the closing laps. Although the team has yet to match that early success, the target of further rostrum places before the end of the year is clearly realistic, following Gibernau’s close-fought fight for third place in last Sunday’s MotoGP race at Brno.

The tests produced positive results in a number of areas and the whole team are looking forward to making another step forward at the next MotoGP race at Estoril in Portugal on September 8th.

Garry Taylor, Team Manager:
“The whole team is in a positive mood following Sete’s brilliant ride here on Sunday; and these two days of tests have also shown a marked improvement in the overall performance of the new GSV-R.

“The factory made a brave decision to develop the machine out in the open where our failures can be seen as well as our successes. But of course a mixture of success and failure is the reality of any development program – You just have to aim for more success than failure!

“I think that it is clear that we are now making progress in the important areas. It is at times a painfully slow process, because you make an improvement in one area and that can have an adverse result in another area, and so you have to multi-check every aspect, every time you make a small change.

“Suzuki’s senior management is fully committed to the GSV-R program and with the on-going developments, we believe that we are on schedule to be back at the front as a major contender by the start of next season.”


Kenny Roberts:
“These test have been very important for us and we really needed them, because Suzuki had quite a lot of new stuff chassis-wise that we tried over the weekend. We honestly tried too many things – too many un-tested items that really got us lost and really didn’t give us anything we could use for the race. I went back to my settings for the race and really struggled with that and the problem that everyone had with the tyres.

“These two days of tests have given us a chance to get back to a good base. We are now getting started to get hold of things and get started on the test items and its going to give us a good bike to go to Portugal and ride and change from there. It will certainly be an advantage not having to test a lot of things we tested here. So its something we had to do and now we have a better base to start with at Portugal.”


Sete Gibernau:
“My race result here showed that we are getting more competitive, but we know that we must keep on improving every area of the machine because all the other teams are improving all the time as well.

“These two days of testing have produced some good results and we know what areas we need to concentrate on in the immediate future. Now that we are making progress we need to keep the pressure on.”

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

HAYDEN SHOOTS FOR ELUSIVE GRAND SLAM AT SPRINGFIELD LABOR DAY WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER

PICKERINGTON, Ohio–In the nearly half-century since the AMA formed the Grand National Championship, there have been only four riders to earn the elusive Grand Slam: Dick Mann, Kenny Roberts, Bubba Shobert and Doug Chandler. The distinction is for riders who have won an AMA National in dirt-track’s mile races, half-mile, short-track and TT, and a road race or Superbike race. Since the AMA Flat Track and AMA Superbike Championships became separate championships in 1986, the Grand Slam has even become less common since flat track racers very rarely compete in Superbike racing. This weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Nicky Hayden can become the fifth Grand Slam winner with a win in the classic Springfield Mile on Sunday. On Saturday night, the Illinois State Fairgrounds will also host a Short Track Grand National, a the same track where Hayden won on in July.

The traditional Labor Day Weekend races at Springfield makes this event one of the biggest on the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship calendar. The races on the Springfield Mile have a special place in the hearts of all motorcycle racing fans. Dating back to the beginnings of Class C racing in the 1930s, the winner of the Springfield Mile was crowned AMA National Champion from the late-1930s until 1954, when the Grand National Championship Series was established. Even today, this race is the most coveted in the championship.

Chris Carr comes into this year’s Springfield Mile as the heavy favorite. Carr, the defending champion from Fleetwood, Pa., leads the series coming into this weekend’s doubleheader and has won the last two Labor Day Springfield Miles. Another rider to watch this weekend on the mile is Harley-Davidson factory rider Rick King. King is on a roll, having won two of the last three rounds of the championship. Kevin Atherton and Jay Springsteen are also riders who always seem to excel at Springfield.

But it’s the entry of newly crowned AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike champ Nicky Hayden that’s causing the most stir. Hayden has won three of the five AMA Grand Nationals he’s entered this year, including a victory at the prestigious Peoria TT. That makes him the winningest rider on the circuit this year in a season of nearly unprecedented parity in which there have been 10 winners in the 14 races.

Honda is backing Hayden’s effort to win the Grand Slam and has reported to have shipped in special parts directly from Japan to put on Terry Poovey’s Honda RS750 that Hayden will be riding at Springfield. Honda last won the Springfield Mile in 1993 with the late Ricky Graham.

“I definitely have a goal to win on a mile, and Springfield would be a great place to do it,” said Hayden, who could become the youngest rider to ever accomplish the Grand Slam. “I mean you look at the riders who’ve been able to win the Grand Slam and it’s a pretty select group of legends. To have my name alongside Mann, Roberts, Chandler and Shobert would be unbelievable. All of the guys are heroes to me and I consider them the best in the history of our sport.”

Winning a dirt track mile may well be one of the hardest things to do in motorcycle racing according to American Motorcyclist magazine managing editor and dirt-track racing historian Bill Wood.

“Amateur dirt-track racers come up gaining a lot of experience on short-tracks, TTs and even half-miles to a lesser extent,” Wood explains. “But it takes a lot of experience to learn how to race the miles. It’s taken even some of the best riders years on the circuit to finally win a mile. Hayden certainly has the talent to do it, but if he does I’m sure he’ll consider it one of his greatest racing accomplishments.”

In addition to the Springfield Mile on Sunday, the fairgrounds will host a Short Track Grand National on Saturday night. Hayden and his brothers, Tommy and Roger Lee, would all have to be considered top contenders on that track. Nicky won the last race there in July. Bryan Bigelow, who is third in the series standings, was runner-up to Hayden at the July Short Track Grand National and should be a frontrunner. There will also be a 505 expert class support race on the Springfield Mile on Sunday.

For additional information contact the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association at (217) 753-8866 or visit www.illinoismda.com.


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE U.S. FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP
ILLINOIS STATE FAIRGROUNDS, SPRINGFIELD, IL SHORT TRACK

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2002
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Registration at the track

12:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. – Tech Inspection at the track

2:45 p.m. – Riders Meeting

3:00 p.m. – Practice

4:15 p.m. – Qualifying heats

7:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies

7:30 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – 1st Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

7:40 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. – 2nd Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

7:50 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 3rd Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

8:00 p.m. – 8:10 p.m. – 4th Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

8:10 p.m. – 8:20 p.m. – 5th Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

8:20 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – 6th Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

8:30 p.m. – 8:40 p.m. – 1st Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

8:40 p.m. – 8:50 p.m. – 2nd Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

8:50 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – 3rd Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

9:00 p.m. – 9:10 p.m. – 4th Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

9:25 p.m. – 9:40 p.m. – AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE GRAND NATIONAL FINAL

9:45 p.m. – Victory Circle for Grand National



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE U.S. FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP
ILLINOIS STATE FAIRGROUNDS, SPRINGFIELD, IL MILE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2002

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Registration at the track

7:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. – Tech Inspection at the track

9:40 a.m. – Mandatory Riders Meeting

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Practice (extra practice time for SuperTracker testing)

11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Qualifying Heats

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies

1:30 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. – 1st 505 Heat

1:40 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – 2nd 505 Heat

1:50 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – 3rd 505 Heat

2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. – 1st Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

2:10 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – 2nd Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – 3rd Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

2:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. – 4th Progressive Insurance Grand National Heat

2:40 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. – 505 SUPPORT FINAL

2:55 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. – Victory Circle for 505 Support Final

3:05 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – 1st Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

3:15 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. – 2nd Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

3:25 p.m. – 3:35p.m. – 3rd Progressive Insurance Grand National Semi

3:50 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. – AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE GRAND NATIONAL FINAL

4:10 p.m. – Victory Circle for Grand National Final

From a press release issued by Monstermob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 10 – 2002 MCN British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park

Hislop Does the Double

MonsterMob Ducati rider Steve Hislop increased his British Superbike Championship lead by 48 points at a cold and damp Cadwell Park this afternoon.

The 40-year-old Isle-of-Man-based Scot broke the lap record 4 times in 6 laps in race one before going on to record another double win and boost his Championship lead.

Race two was interrupted by rain but in the restart Hizzy led from the start to take victory once again over fellow Ducati rider Michael Rutter. Main championship rival Sean Emmett (Yamaha) recorded 5th in race one and 6th in race two.

“That was fantastic. I was hoping that Sean might struggle a bit. I really wanted to get to grips with the Championship here and hopefully this is the way to the end now” said a delighted Hislop.

MonsterMob teammate Stuart Easton scored a brilliant 2nd place in the Supersport race, which was also stopped due to the rain and despite suffering machine problems earlier in the day.

The 18-year-old Scot boosted his Championship lead also and now leads by 38 points with 3 rounds remaining.

“I scored some good points today. It’s great to get them in the bag. Oulton Park is my favourite circuit so I hope I can get back to my winning ways there” said Easton.

Team owner Paul Bird was delighted with his team’s performance. “We got what we came for today. All credit to the team. Now we can look forward to our home circuit at Oulton Park next weekend” said the Penrith businessman.

The next round is at Oulton Park, Cheshire on Saturday 31st August/Sunday 2nd September.



Results:

MCN British Superbike Race One: 1. Steve Hislop (MonsterMob Ducati) 27:03.104, 2. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 27:06.241, 3. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 27:12.013, 4. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 27:13.365, 5. Sean Emmett (Yamaha) 27:17.361, 6. Simon Crafar (Yamaha) 27:18.465, 7. Glen Richards (Kawasaki) 27:21.580, 8. Karl Harris (Suzuki) 27:28.172, 9. Gary Mason (Honda) 27:31.774, 10. John Crawford (Suzuki) 27:33.441.


MCN British Superbike Race Two: 1. Steve Hislop (MonsterMob Ducati) 26:01.046, 2. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 26:04.676, 3. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 26:06.737, 4. John Reynolds (Suzuki) 26:10.926, 5. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 26:15.327, 6. Sean Emmett (Yamaha) 26:18.796, 7. Karl Harris (Suzuki) 26:20.861, 8. John Crawford (Suzuki) 26:38.796, 9. Mark Burr (Kawasaki) 26:43.352, 10. Dean Ellison (Ducati) 26:46.013.


MCN British Superbike Standings: 1. Steve Hislop 370 pts, 2. Sean Emmett 322 pts, 3. Michael Rutter 289.5 pts, 4. Shane Byrne 237.5 pts, 5. John Reynolds 216.5 pts, 6. Steve Plater 191 pts, 7. Paul Brown 159.5 pts, 8. Simon Crafar 141 pts, 9. Glen Richards 130.5 pts, 10. Dean Ellison 101.5 pts

Supersport: 1. Michael Laverty (Honda) 20:47.382, 2. Stuart Easton (MonsterMob Ducati) 20:51.757, 3. Ben Wilson (Honda) 20:59.477, 4. Edward Smith (Yamaha) 20:59.714, 5. Kris Jennes (Yamaha) 21:01.556, 6. Callum Ramsay (Suzuki) 21:03.348, 7. Mark Davies (Kawasaki) 21:19.685, 8. Scott Smart (Honda) 21:25.954, 9. Jeremy Goodall (Suzuki) 21:27.742, 10. Matt Layt (Suzuki) 21:28.258

Supersport Championship Standings: 1. Stuart Easton 203 pts, 2. Scott Smart 165 pts, 3. Michael Laverty 104 pts, 4. Tom Tunstall 91 pts, 5. Pete Jennings 90 pts, 6. Jeremy Goodall 85 pts, 7. Ben Wilson 82 pts, 8. Simon Andrews 80 pts, 9. Chris Bishop 61 pts, 10. Callum Ramsay 59 pts