Bidding on a set of custom Bates leathers worn by former AMA Superbike Champion Jamie James has reached $810, after only 24 hours in a seven-day, eBay auction to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence* Fund.

The high bid is held by jayroot but Texas racer Marcus McBain has also placed two bids for the suit James wore in advertisements for Yamaha Motor Corporation.

The auction is scheduled to last until Friday, February 15 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information about the leathers, the auction or the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund, read below.


Custom-made by Bates, this set of motorcycle racing leathers was worn by 1994 AMA 600cc Supersport Champion Jamie James in print and television advertisements for Yamaha Motor Corporation during the mid-1990s. The Public Relations Department of Yamaha generously donated this item to be auctioned with all proceeds of the sale, minus the cost of the eBay services, going to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence* Fund.

The suit is purple with orange and yellow patches that are meant to resemble flames. The color scheme of the leathers is a replica of the suit James wore while racing with the Vance & Hines Yamaha factory team in the AMA National road race series.

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The American-made garment has James’ last name across the upper back, his first name on the left breast and Yamaha on each forearm and the collar. The original soft armor is still in place in the shoulders, arms, hips, legs. Some perforation and stretch panels are strategically placed on the leathers, which retain its perforated liner and female Velcro knee slider patches. The one-piece suit is made from heavy-grade leather with heavy-duty zippers.

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The suit has been crashed in by James during a photo session and has been lightly scuffed on both elbows, the left hip, the seat area and across the upper back. The integrity of the suit has not been compromised, and it could be used to ride in.

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Although the suit was custom-made to fit James, it should fit someone in the area of 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds.

James also won the 1989 AMA Superbike and AMA 750cc Superstock Championship. James nearly own the 1994 AMA Superbike Championship but was beat out by Fast By Ferracci’s Troy Corser in the last event at Road Atlanta.

To go directly to the auction on eBay, click here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1803857317

The Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established in April 2001 to raise money to purchase and deploy Air Fence and Air Module soft barriers to protect crashed riders from hitting walls and other hard objects at racetracks. In less than one year, the Fund has raised over $167,000, with over $9000 coming from the auctions of donated racing memorabilia such as this suit. For more information about the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund, including a full accounting of the collections and disbursements and stories about racers being saved by soft barriers, go to www.roadracingworld.com.

*Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia

From a press release:

Work Complete on New Turn 7 Hillside Terraces
at Sears Point Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – The finishing touches are now being completed on Sears Point Raceway’s newest seating area, the Turn 7 hillside terrace seats. These seats are designed to mirror the hillside terrace seats that debuted for the 2001 season in Turns 2-4, and have been added as part of Sears Point Raceway’s $50 million Modernization Plan.

The Turn 7 seats have been carved into the hillside and will provide spectacular views of the road course. The terrace seats are also designed to provide a comfortable and unique seating option for fans. Each seat is 24-inches wide, which is 33-percent wider than the average bleacher seat (18 inches), and each seat features more than three-feet of legroom. These seats will be offered as reserved seating for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup event and as general admission seating for all other events.

Turn 7 is also one of Sears Point Raceway’s best passing zones, evidenced last year when Tony Stewart slipped by Robby Gordon to win the Dodge/Save Mart 350.

“The fans in this new terrace will look directly down on Turn 7 and the exit of the Chute with sweeping views beyond it to the whole facility,” said Steve Page, president and general manager at Sears Point Raceway. “There is no vantage point like this anywhere else in motor racing.”

Work continues on another section of hillside terrace seats that are being built above Turns 8a-9 on the road course. This set of terraces offers a direct view of the legendary esses at Sears Point. Both the Turn 7 and Turns 8a-9 hillside terraces will offer views of about 80-percent of the road course, and they will be ready for the 2002 Big O Tires Racing Season, which begins in April.

The terrace seats are just two elements of the $50 million Modernization Plan that will transform Sears Point Raceway into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the country. Fans will also enjoy underground pedestrian tunnels that will expedite traffic throughout the facility, a new permanent start/finish grandstand, increased sightlines, and improved racing surfaces on the road course and quarter-mile drag strip.

From a press release:

Traxxion Dynamics is pleased to announce their second official Axxion Center. The Southwest Axxion Center will be operated by Michael Cox,
President of White Tip Racing in San Diego, California. Cox, a noted professional tuner and the 2002 Crew Chief for the “14K The Movie Team”,
will field riders Eric and Jeff Wood in the F-USA Series. White Tip Racing will field their own team as well, featuring riders Brian Parriott and Owen Richey in the AMA Pro Series.

According to Cox, “When I heard that Traxxion was going to have service reps around the US, I was very interested. Suspension is the missing link we need here at White Tip Racing. We will now be able to offer complete racebike preparation from start to finish, all at one location.”

Max McAllister, President of the newly formed Axxion Centers, Inc. stated, “Michael Cox is exactly the kind of representative we wanted for the Axxion Center project. He is totally committed to racebike preparation, and spends a great deal of time trackside. He is a straight shooter, and I am confident we will get outstanding results from him.”

Cox will be undergoing intensive training with the Traxxion Staff and will complete his certification at Daytona. White Tip Racing was established in 1999, and is a member of the GMD Computrack Network. They have a full engine
and dyno shop in house. They have recently relocated to a new 5000 s.f. shop which is located at 7558 Trade Street, San Diego, CA 92121. For further info, call Michael at 619 644-1618.

From Dan Lance, of Alpina:

This just in, Alpina Safety Systems Unlimited, the world leader in safety systems for all types of racing, has just finalized a cooperation with Misano, Italy’s racetrack for the purchase and support for 246 Alpina Super Defenders, the state of the art safety module made by Alpina in Steindorf, Austria.

(Editorial note: Alpina Super Defender modules are about 6.5 feet long, so this is about 1599 linear feet of non-inflatable, energy-absorbing barrier padding.)

This headline was posted previously on January 30, but due to a technical problem related to a programming change, the headline was repeated in the text area and the text itself was not posted. We’re now reposting the entire orginal post, with headline and text.

From a press release:

Libasci Racing wishes to announce its association with Southern California’s newest Aprilia and Ducati dealership, Aprilia-Ducati of Oceanside.

This new dealership is owned by former racer Balz Renggli and is located at 525 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside. Libasci Racing will be working out of the dealership and will be sponsored by Aprilia-Ducati of Oceanside for the 2002 season.

The team will be racing 3 Aprilia RS250s and a Mille for 2002. Ther Team will be led again by Andre Castanos, winner of WSMC’s Aprilia Challenge class and 550 Superbike as well as 10th overall finisher at Willow Springs. Libasci Racing will be competing in CCS and Willow springs Aprilia events as well as the final Aprilia cup race at Daytona.

Other members of the team include Tim Knutson and Donnie Libasci.

Team sponsors are Maxima, Dunlop,Ferodo,Airtech,Race Tech,Sidi,HJC,Chatterbox,RK,Zero Gravity and Motion Pro.

From a press release, and we take no responsibility for the creative spelling of any track names:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Can-Am125gp Challenge is proud to announce that it has secured a title rights sponsor for the 2002 season. For 2002 the series will be know as the Diablo Paintball Can-Am125gp Challenge. Richard Italia, President of Diablo Paintball has not only provide cash for the purse, but also a 2002 CR125 motocross bike to be raffled off to riders who compete in at least
four of the six rounds of the 2002 series.

The 2002 Diablo Paintball Can-Am125gp Challenge will consist of six rounds:

May 17/18/19 Shannonville Ontario[Canadian Superbike National]

June 14/15/16 Grattan Michigan [Midwest Cycle Fest]

July 19/20/21 Mosport [Canadian National/F-USA]

August 9/10/11 Shubidacidie Nova Scotia [Canadian National]

August 23/24/25 Grattan Michigan [Midwest Cycle Fest]

August 31/31/Sept 1 Shannonville [Canadian National]

Diablo Paintball’s website can be found at www.diablodirect.com

The official Diablo Paintball Can-Am125gp Challenge website is www.can-am125gp.com

From a press release:

TAKE A RIDE ON US

2002 Harley-Davidson and Buell Demo Schedule

MILWAUKEE, WI – Dust off your helmets and polish up your riding boots as the 2002 Harley-Davidson/Buell Demo Tour arrives at city near you. This is your chance to experience and sample the Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle of your dreams.

Traversing the country throughout the 2002 riding season, the Harley-Davidson/Buell Demo Tour will visit most major motorcycle rallies and all 100th Anniversary Open Road Tour stops this year, bringing with them the rumble and excitement of the entire Harley-Davidson and Buell 2002 and select 2003 model lineup.

Have you always dreamed of what it would be like to ride a blacked-out FXSTB Night Train? Or maybe you want to sample the intuitive riding experience of the all new 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R. Or, is this the year you will become a member of the Harley-Davidson family, but are not sure what model will begin your adventure? That is where the Demo Tour steps in, giving motorcycle enthusiasts the opportunity to sample every flavor Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle and to talk with Harley-Davidson and Buell personnel.

Glimmering in the soft morning sun, every Demo Tour motorcycle is serviced, cleaned, and fueled to guarantee a satisfying experience. A typical demo ride allows you to sample the model of your choice in a variety of riding conditions. Riders must be at least 18-years of age and possess a valid motorcycle license. Proper riding gear including DOT helmets, eye protection and foot wear are required, and both helmets and eye protection are provided for the rider who drove in on four wheels.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. For more information visit www.harley-davidson.com and www.buell.com.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND BUELL 2002 DEMO SCHEDULE

Brand, Event, Location, Event Dates

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Daytona Bike Week, Daytona, FL, March 4-9

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Arizona Bike Week, Phoenix, AZ, April 11-14

Harley-Davidson, Laughlin River Run Laughlin, NV, April 25-27

Buell, Indy Metro Dome,

Indianapolis, IN, April 27-28

Buell, Ohio Sportbike Challenge, Salem, OH, May 4-5

Buell, Detroit Metro Event,
Detroit, MI, May 11-12

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, Myrtle Beach, SC, May 15-18

Buell, DC Metro Event, Washington, DC, June 1-2

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Americade, Lake George, NY, June 4-8

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Laconia Bike Week, Laconia, NH, June 13-15

Buell, Honda Hoot, Knoxville, TN, June 19-22

Harley-Davidson, AMA Women’s Conference, Buckhannon, WV, June 29-July 1

Buell, World Superbike, Monterey, CA, July 12-14

Buell, Denver NHRA,

Denver, CO, July 18-20

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Atlanta, GA, July 19-21

Harley-Davidson, Round Up Rally, Richmond, VA, July 31-Aug. 3

Harley-Davidson, Sturgis Bike Week, Sturgis, SD, August 5-10

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Old Bridge, NJ, August 16-18

Buell, Pocono Cycle Fest,

Long Pond, PA, August 23-25

Harley-Davidson, Four Corners Rally, Ignacio, CA, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Pomona, CA, September 6-8

Harley-Davidson, Tomahawk Open House, Tomahawk, WI, September 13-15

Harley-Davidson, Kansas City Open House, Kansas City, MO, September 20-21

Harley-Davidson/Buell, York Open House, York, PA, September 26-28

Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Toronto, Canada, September 27-29

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Biketoberfest, Daytona, FL, October 17-19

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Fort Worth, TX, October 26-27

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The schedule for the April 5-7 Yamaha Superbike Challenge At California Speedway shows what life at AMA Nationals will be like without Thursday practice.

Superstock (formerly 750cc Supersport) riders will have two sessions of practice and then will have to qualify on Friday.

Superbike riders will have one practice session and then will have their first qualifying session on Friday.

The schedule is as follows, and remember, you saw it here first:


Friday, April 5

Practice, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (in order)
1. Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport (600cc)
2. Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme
3. Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
4. MBNA 250 Grand Prix

Chevy Trucks Superbike, 10:40-11:40 a.m.

Lunch, 11:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m.

Riders’ meeting, 12:00 p.m.

Practice (same order as a.m.), 12:40-2:30 p.m.

Superbike Qualifying, 2:40-3:30 p.m.

Superstock Qualifying, odd numbers, 4:20-4:40 p.m.

Superstock Qualifying, even numbers, 4:50-5:10 p.m.


Saturday, April 6

Practice, 8:00-9:40 a.m. (in order)
1. Supersport
2. 250 GP
3. Superstock
4. Formula Xtreme

Superbike Qualifying, 9:50-10:50 a.m.

Supersport Qualifying, odd numbers, 11:00-11:20 a.m.

Supersport Qualifying, even numbers, 11:30-11:50 a.m.

Lunch, 11:50 a.m.-12:40 p.m.

Superbike practice, 12:40-1:00 p.m.

Formula Xtreme Qualifying, 1:10-1:45 p.m.

Superbike race one, 100k, 28 laps, 2:00 p.m.

250 GP Qualifying, 20-minute session

Superstock race, 60k, 17 laps


Sunday, April 7

Practice, 9:00-10:50 a.m. (In order)
1. Supersport
2. 250 GP
3. Formula Xtreme
4. Superbike

Lunch, 11:00 a.m.

Chapel Service, 11:00 a.m.

Final events, starting at 12:00 p.m.(in order)
Supersport, 60k, 17 laps
250 GP, 60k, 17 laps
Formula Xtreme, 60k, 17 laps

Superbike race two, 100k, 28 laps, 3:00 p.m.

From a press release:

Lotus Tours Announces MotoGlobal, The Alliance of Mototouring Leaders

Chicago, IL USA – Lotus Tours, the international motorcycle touring company, today announced the formal launch of a global alliance network of motorcycle touring companies called MotoGlobal, the first of its kind in the industry. Seven motorcycle touring companies from around the world will join forces to form the network, which will offer customers a complete world of motorcycle touring experiences.

The seven companies cover the six rideable continents and include: Lotus Tours (Burt Richmond and Diane Fitzgerald), Pancho Villa Moto-Tours (Skip Mascorro), Mototouring (Eligio Arturi), Himalayan Motorcycle Tours (Patrick Moffat), Iberian Moto Tours (Scott Moreno), Kazoom Moto Adventures (Kazim Uzunoglu) and New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals & Tours (Darren Tonar and Gordon Lidgard). Other motorcycle tour operators will be associated with MotoGlobal to provide additional touring destinations and new products. Customers will have seamless access to hundreds of tours in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and can choose from a variety of motorcycle brands and models for touring, sportbike, dual sport, and off-road experiences.

“Our shared and new customers will get more of everything and then some,” explains Diane Fitzgerald, President of Lotus Tours.

“MotoGlobal brings together successful motorcycle tour operators who, collectively, can offer motorcycle enthusiasts more roads, more motorcycle brands, more choices of products and price ranges, more convenience and more fun. Customers can expect consistently high quality touring – and everything associated with motorcycle touring including new product development – with each member of MotoGlobal. Imagine working with one source, MotoGlobal, for your motorcycle touring needs. The combined knowledge and talent of the network is tremendous and it is the customers who benefit!”

MotoGlobal will be headquartered on the Internet and can be visited at www.motoglobal.com beginning February 28, 2002. Associated motorcycle tour operators will be announced soon.

For general information today, contact Lotus Tours in Chicago, IL USA at 312-951-0031 or [email protected].