From a press release:
RECOGNIZING THE ORIGINAL STREETFIGHTER

Erik Buell Inducted into National Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame

Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer of Buell Motorcycle Company was inducted into the National Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame during Daytona Bike Week. Recognized as a leader in the industry, Buell joins other legends such as Willie G. Davidson, Jim Davis and Joe Parkhurst, all previous inductees into the Hall of Fame.

As America’s premier designer of sportbikes, Buell has had a long history of developing motorcycles that fuel the passion and stir the soul. He began his career designing motorcycles while attending the University of Pittsburgh and working his way through school as a mechanic and custom bike builder. Fueling his passion even further, Buell started road racing in 1973 and was up to professional status within a few years.

By 1984, Buell was building Formula One class racers at his home in rural Wisconsin. Just as Buell was beginning to make a name for himself, the American Motorcyclist Association eliminated Formula One racing and the market for his motorcycles. After six more years working as an independent manufacturer, Buell realized he needed a partner. Harley-Davidson, Inc. bought the majority interest in Buell Motorcycle Company in 1998, with Buell staying on as chairman and chief technical officer.

Constantly rethinking the industry is what has set Buell, and the motorcycles with his name embossed on them, apart from the other ubiquitous sportbikes. Design philosophies of mass centralization, low unsprung weight and frame rigidity have allowed Buell to create the ultimate streetfighters.

The National Motorcycle Museum was founded in 1988 to promote the motorcycling industry and to preserve its history. The Hall of Fame was organized to recognize people who have contributed to the role of motorcycling in terms of industry, promotion, leadership and competition. A voting committee consisting of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the United States selected this year’s winners.

To learn more about Buell Motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found onboard a Buell. Call 1-800-4909-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you, or pull into www.buell.com.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Odd-numbered Superbikes still to qualify.

Unofficial Even-numbered Qualifing Times:
1. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:47.527
2. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:48.083
3. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:48.482
4. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:49.110
5. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:50.224
6. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:53.854*
7. Larry Pegram, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:54.391*
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.114*
9. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.174*
10. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.331*
11. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.461*
12. David Estok, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:56.066
13. Ricky Orlando, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:56.524
14. Stephane Mertens, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:56.639*
15. Mike Luke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:56.765*

*Riding Superstock-spec machine.

From a press release:

ERIC BOSTROM ONLINE!

Eric Bostrom would like to proudly announce the launch of his new website, www.EricBostrom.com to his fans, sponsors, and to the media. Visitors to his site will notice his new logo, a flash presentation, a bio, a large photo gallery, frequently asked questions, his monthly column from Motorcycle Racer, his Kawasaki crew, his partnerships, downloadable desktop wallpaper images, and a downloadable custom mouse cursor!

This is Eric’s first website and the best way for fans to interact with the likeable racer. “I didn’t know what to think at first, but I’m excited about it. From what I’ve seen it’s fairly interactive and pretty damn cool. It has a lot of interesting stuff about what I’m doing and what my brother and I have been up to, and some cool racing photos.”



From another press release:

ERIC BOSTROM STILL FLYING on REDBULL Wings

Eric Bostrom would like to proudly announce renewed partnerships with his personal sponsors, beginning with the continuation of the wildly popular RedBull sponsorship from his 2001 season. In doing so, Eric has decided to pass on the standard replica-helmet deal that most racers opt for and instead run the RedBull helmet (www.redbull.com).

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While the helmet stays, the design of the RedBull lid is slightly changed, with a more pronounced look. The Airtrix-painted helmet will be with Eric as he not only contests the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship, but as he also races against his brother Ben in three World Superbike rounds on his Kawasaki Superbike. MotoGP fans might even see Eric wearing his RedBull helmet in the future, as Eric begins to eye the new Kawasaki 4-stroke motoGP machine. “I’m really happy to have RedBull step it up again. They are such a good crew. After flying all their athletes for a week-long vacation to Puerto Rico last fall, Ben and I both witnessed just how hard they support their athletes, so it’s really nice to be a part of the team. And even though Ben isn’t wearing the helmet this year, it’s nice that we both share RedBull as a sponsor.”

In addition to RedBull, his helmet sponsor will continue to be Arai (www.araiamericas.com). “Arai is the industry leader in helmet safety and definitely a big part of why I’m back with Arai. The RedBull colors will be sitting on top of it, so it’s nice having two of my partners tied together like that.”

In painting the helmet, AIRTRIX (www.airtrix.com) is on board again as Eric’s exclusive designer. Fans will notice the new AIRTRIX-designed ‘Boss Hog’ logo on the back of his helmet and his leathers. “Chris (Wood, of Airtrix) is the best. I’ve been with him since ‘97 and he’s pretty much been responsible for every helmet and leather design I’ve had since. And every year he just continues to step it up.”

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Eric also would like to announce a two-year agreement with Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com), his leathers sponsor for the past several years. “I’m happy to see Alpine’s continued commitment to me because I feel so comfortable in the leathers and it’s real important to have a comfortable and safe set of leathers when you’re out there. And they’re pretty stylish too, which is great. The style tends to fit my personality. And the new leathers are pretty dope because they fit in with the RedBull helmet a little bit better, and my new logo on the back of the leathers will be pretty cool too. I’m happy to join them again and be teammates of sorts with my brother (who is also Alpinestars-sponsored). Ben and I have our own little flair and personality and the Alpinestars gear really conveys that. I’m also going to be wearing a suit just for the 600 Supersport race at Daytona, the only race where I’ll be running the #1 plate.

“The bottom line is this: I feel like everyone I am with is second to none in what they do so it’s a real validation to have such quality sponsors backing me and supporting my program.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

With AMA Superbike qualifying still going on, Nicky Hayden just turned a record 1:47.174 lap, came in for a new tire, and went back out on course.

And immediately highsided in the chicane!

Hayden just walked into the ambulance for transport to the infield care center.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Team America’s Jason DiSalvo crashed his Suzuki GSX-R750 Wednesday afternoon in Superstock practice at Daytona International Speedway, breaking a bone in his right foot.

DiSalvo crashed on his second lap after pitting to have mechanics re-attach a front brake caliper that had fallen off and caused him to run off the track in turn one on the previous lap.

After the pitstop, the 18-year-old from New York returned to the track and highsided in the International Horseshoe on his second lap.

“I just highsided,” said DiSalvo, after returning from the getting X-rays at the Speedway’s infield care center. “My tires weren’t quite warm and I tried to get on the throttle too hard too soon. I’m still going to try and race. Jeff Haney is out trying to find me some bigger boots to put on after it swells up. If I can’t race in both (250 Grand Prix and Superstock), I’m only going to run the 250.”

Unofficial Superbike Lap Times:

1. Nicky Hayden, Honda RC51, 1:49.819
2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:50.338
3. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7R, 1:51.045
4. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC51, 1:51.184
5. Jamie Hacking, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:51.515
6. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC51, 1:51.567
7. Pascal Picotte, Ducati 998RS, 1:51.858
8. Anthony Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R7, 1:51.863
9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:51.873
10. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.660*

*Riding on a Superstock GSX-R750.

From a press release:

American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced the inaugural Worldwide GSX-R Cup Final to be held September 14, 2002 at Magny-Cours, France. Racers participating in American Suzuki’s 2002 Suzuki Cup contingency program wil be able to qualify for this event and compete against other Suzuki road racers from around the world on identically-prepared Suzuki GSX-R750s.

Three Worldwide GSX-R Cup qualifying rounds will be held in the U.S. for 750 Superstock/Supersport races in conjunction with existing Suzuki Cup regional events. American Suzuki will provide the winner of each qualifying event with airfare and accommodations, as well as for the mechanic or his or her choice. A new GSX-R750 will also be provided to use throughout the Worldwide GSX-R Cup event in France.

In addition, riders at each qualifying event will receive double Suzuki Cup points, which are used to determine the first two rows of the starting grid at the Suzuki Cup Finals at Road Atlanta, October 23-27, 2002.

For 17 years running Suzuki has been able to provide both club-level and professional road racers with the best contingency support in the business. In 2002 Suzuki will post over 1.3 million dollars in contingency prize money with 10 regional clubs across the nation, and at selected AMA, Formula USA and WERA events. For more information about Suzuki’s race contingency programs contact the Sports Promotions Department of American Suzuki at 714-996-7040.

From a press release:

PIRELLI’S DOT SUPERCORSA RACE TIRE OPENS 2002 RACING WITH CONVINCING RESULTS IN DAYTONA F-USA/CCS RACE ACTION

Michael Barnes, And Amateurs Nathan Kern And Leonard Santangelo, Lead The Way

(Daytona, FL) “Last year, I estimated we had about 25% of the Daytona Formula-USA and CCS field,” said Pirelli’s U.S. Race Manager Rich Munson. “This year I’d say we have close to 50%.”

If Munson’s assessment is right, Pirelli’s greatly-increased presence must be at least partially responsible for the company’s outstanding showing at the opening weekend of 2002 Formula-USA race action at Daytona International Speedway on February 28, March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

An informal count (not all of the entrants list their sponsors) of the races in which Pirelli tires compete showed Pirelli-sponsored racers accounting for at least 68 top-five finishes – including 18 race wins and four podium sweeps, one of the sweeps down to fifth place!

Amateur racer Nathan Kern, of Mt. Laurel, NJ, was a major force, putting the Pirelli Supercorsa on top of the box eight times. In Thursday’s big 200-mile Engine Ice Team Challenge, he teamed with pro Michael Barnes to take the 56-lap race win on the KSU Consulting-sponsored Suzuki GSX-R600. He came back the next day, riding as a Team Hooters Suzuki GSX-R, to win both the Amateur GTU and Amateur Middleweight SuperSport finals.

Kern and his Pirelli-shod bikes collected three more wins on Saturday – in Amateur Unlimited GP, Middleweight Superbike, and Heavyweight Superbike – and two more on Sunday’s final day, in Amateur Middleweight GP and 600 SuperSport. Not a bad weekend for a young racer who never even climbed on a streetbike until three years ago! Leonard Santangelo, another Pirelli-mounted New Jersey amateur racer, was another Pirelli standout, collecting two wins, three thirds, and several top fives, dicing with Kern for the top spot in more than one of them.

Pirelli’s pro and expert-class racers added to the tally. Michael Barnes captured three big wins: the Engine Ice 200, the rain-soaked Buell Lightning final, and Race Two of Sunday’s Unlimited Superbike final; he also took second in Sunday’s Sportbike final. Arclight Suzuki’s Lee Acree, the current Formula-USA Sportbike champion, didn’t have his best weekend, but still won in Expert Unlimited SuperSport, and took seconds in Expert Middleweight SuperSport and Unlimited Superbike Race One. His Arclight teammate, Scott Harwell, won the Expert Unlimited GP final. Mike Himmelsbach and his Blackman’s Racing Aprilia RSV1000R won Friday’s Expert Heavyweight Superbike final, and David Yaakov aboard a Suzuki SV650 won Expert Lightweight SuperSport.