http://chicagotribune.com/classified/printedition/chi-0201270369jan27.story
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
IRTA 125cc GP Jerez Test Moved To Catalunya
Construction at the Jerez circuit has forced the IRTA 125cc Grand Prix tests scheduled for February 14-15 to be moved to the Catalunya track on March 11-12.
Ducati Has Record Revenue In 2001
From a press release:
DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF RECORD REVENUES FOR 2001
Bologna, Italy – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Milan’s Telematico: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, announced record consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter and full year, ended December 31, 2001.
For the fourth quarter, revenues were Euro 123.9 million (US$110.5 million) representing a growth of 18.4% over the same period in 2000. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles for the period increased 19.7% to Euro 108.5 million and represented 87.6% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, rose 8.8% to Euro 15.0 million over the comparable period in the previous year.
For 2001, revenues were Euro 407.3 million (US$362.9 million) representing like-for-like growth of 9.2% over 2000. Total sales were up 7.3% from Euro 379.5 million (US$334.3 million) during the previous year. This discrepancy is due to a decrease of “miscellaneous other sales” of Euro 6.5 million, reflecting the one-off buy-back of inventory from the newly established UK subsidiary from the previous importer in January 2000. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles increased 9.0% to Euro 344.9 million and represented 84.7% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products rose 9.8% to Euro 61.4 million over the same period last year.
“The fourth quarter showed a notable improvement in our revenue growth, making it the strongest quarter of the year, mostly thanks to a strong December,” said Carlo Di Biagio, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati Motor Holding. “All in all, I am very satisfied with our sales in 2001, given the volatile climate of recent months. In particular, towards the end of the year, we have seen enthusiastic acceptance of our model year for 2002 – especially the 998 Superbike – and are seeing the benefits of the re-organization of our North American subsidiary.”
While official world registrations data for the period are not yet available, the Company’s best estimates suggest that fourth quarter registrations showed an improvement, growing around 2% versus previous year. Registrations for 2001 are estimated to have grown approximately 1%, with weakness in the US (-23%) and in Italy (-3%) more than offset by strength in Japan (+51%), in the UK (+10%), and France (+8%).
During the fourth quarter of 2001, new independent Ducati Stores exclusively selling Ducati motorcycles and accessories were opened, including one in Zurichsee (Switzerland), Nantes (France), Regensburg (Germany), Matsudo Chiba and Tomei Yokohama (Japan), bringing the total to 88 stores worldwide at year-end.
Please note: These data are preliminary and may be subject to minor changes. Final data will be announced on February 15, 2002, along with 2001 net earnings results.
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won nine of the last eleven World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster and SportTouring. The company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.Ducati.com.
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in the Company’s 2000 annual report, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 20-F, dated July 2, 2001.
Gary Fisher To Reunite With CR750 At Daytona
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Www.worldmotorcycles.com has announced that Gary Fisher will come out of retirement to race with AHRMA at Daytona International Speedway March 4-5. Fisher will ride the same Yoshimura-Krause Honda CR750 that he raced in the 1971 Daytona 200, which he led for 10 laps before retiring with mechanical difficulties.
World Motorcycles will also field “Super Dave” Rosno on another Honda CR750 in AHRMA’s Formula 750 and Formula Vintage classes. For more information, call World Motorcycles at (800) 634-4569 or go to www.worldmotorcycles.com.
Ducati Finishes Testing In South Africa
From a press release:
DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Kyalami (South Africa)
Saturday 26 January 2002
DUCATI CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL THREE-DAY TEST AT KYALAMI
Ducati Infostrada riders Troy Bayliss and Ruben Xaus completed their first 2002 run on the new Ducati 998R Factory bikes at Kyalami, South Africa today, wrapping up a three-day test session with French tyre manufacturer Michelin.
After concentrating on engine and suspension settings over the first two days, the world champion and his Spanish team-mate spent the entire third day working through the vast range of tyres Michelin had brought to the high-altitude Kyalami track and selecting suitable rubber for the race here at the start of April. Work also revolved around testing a variety of different brake pads on the 998R factory bikes in collaboration with Brembo. On the engine front, the new Testastretta proved to be ultra-reliable, with both power-units not giving any trouble throughout the three-day test.
In warm conditions (air 25° C/ track 41° C) excellent results were achieved with Michelin qualifying and race tyres, the latter proving to have extraordinary performance even after a normal race distance of 25 laps. Both riders lapped constantly in the low 1:42 bracket during their race simulations.
Troy did two ‘long-runs’ in race configuration during his 57 laps, and said he was satisfied with the outcome of his first test of the year.
“This three-day test here at Kyalami has gone really well”, said the 32-year-old Australian. “My 2002-spec bike feels perfect, the engine is powerful, we sorted out the suspension and selected a couple of good tyres for the race. I can’t wait to get to Australia now for next week’s test to measure up to everyone else”.
Ruben Xaus was also pleased with his overall performance after completing 70 laps today. The 23-year-old also did two ‘long-runs’ on his 998R and was happy to leave South Africa with considerable mileage under his belt.
“I’m getting used to lapping now after losing some time on the first day,” said Xaus. “The 2002-spec bike is really nice, the Ducati guys have done a lot of work on it and we’re already a lot quicker than before. The team is working well and I can’t wait until the new season starts”.
The next test session for Ducati Corse will see Bayliss and Xaus, together with Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom in action at Phillip Island in Australia from Jan 30 to Feb 1.
GSE Racing To Prepare Bikes For Ducati UK’s Monster S4 Challenge Series
From a GSE Racing press release:
GSE Racing partner Ducati UK in S4 Challenge
GSE Racing is to partner Ducati UK in the running of the 2002 Monster S4 challenge. The organisation behind the HM Plant Ducati World Superbike team will act as the sole race preparation service for the new addition to the British Superbike calendar.
GSE Racing has the perfect credentials to take on such a project. As well as Neil Hodgson’s fifth place in the 2001 Superbike World Championship, the team took current Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss and Neil Hodgson to back-to-back British titles in 1999 and 2000.
Managing Director of Ducati UK, and creator of the Monster S4 Challenge, Piero Guidi commented: “We are extremely pleased to be working with GSE Racing on this project. The S4 Challenge is something very close to my own heart and to have such a well respected team involved is a key element in the organisation. Their involvement makes me confident that this exciting series will be a huge success”.
30 of the 916-engined Monster S4s will be identically prepared using a range of Ducati Performance products. The bikes will then be shipped to the circuit ready for the competitors. Each bike will be prepared for racing by the same technicians and the machines will then be randomly allocated before each round in order to ensure that races will be won purely on the basis of rider skill.
Consumables, such as tyres and repairs, will also be included in the cost and it is expected that local Ducati dealers will support many of the entries. The only stipulation is that all riders must hold an ACU-approved licence. The races themselves will take place over ten rounds and will be slotted in-between the two British Superbike races. A clothing deal will also be on offer.
Best of all, the entry fee (somewhere in the region of £15,000) also includes the purchase price of a Monster S4 race bike. This means that, even if you were to decide that racing was not for you, you still come away with a pretty serious track day tool as a souvenir.
There will be no shortage of expertise on hand to prepare the Ducati Performance-equipped Monster S4 race-bikes. The same expert technicians that work on Neil Hodgson and James Toseland’s superbikes will be responsible for the entire fleet for the new Ducati series. Competitors will not only have the luxury of racing in one of the most high profile and exciting championships in the UK, but also on a machine prepared by the organisation behind a race-winning World Superbike team.
HM Plant Ducati team manager Colin Wright commented: “We really enjoyed being part of the British Championships and are happy to participate once again. I also see it as a great way of strengthening our ties with Ducati.
“The S4 Challenge promises to be an extremely exciting series which will hopefully nurture new racing talent for the future”.
The S4 Challenge kicks off on 1 April and will follow the British Superbike Championship to most major race circuits.
If you are interested in receiving further details about the series, please email [email protected].
Zemke’s Times At Laguna Were Underneath FX Record
From a press release:
Zemke/Honda Best Formula Xtreme Track Record At Laguna Seca
Though testing time not considered an AMA record, Zemke’s still stands as fastest ever
MONTEREY, Calif.–Team Bruce Transportation Group Honda’s Jake Zemke laid down the fastest Formula Xtreme class time ever at the legendary Laguna Seca raceway last week. Zemke piloted his Honda CBR 929 around the track in a blistering time of 1:27.330, topping the current record by some 8/10ths of a second.
Zemke will have to wait until the AMA Superbike race at Laguna Seca this summer to put himself in the record books as the AMA does not recognize testing times as track record times. Kurtis Roberts still holds the Formula Xtreme class record at Laguna Seca with a time of 1:28.171.
Still, Zemke was stoked with his effort, especially considering those times were laid down on last year’s bike.
“We ran a 1:28.4 on the first day, but I knew there was a lot of room for improvement,” said Zemke. “The weather was cold on Tuesday so it looked like the 1:28.4 was as good as it was going to get. Then, on Wednesday, the weather got better, I was able to put in seven to eight laps in the 1:28.2s and 3s – just off the track record. We put on a new tire, went out, and five laps later I had broken the 1:27 barrier.”
Coincidentally, Zemke’s new CBR954s just arrived last week, but had not been prepped for the Laguna testing. So there’s a decent chance he’ll shave even more off the Laguna Seca-best Formula Extreme time he notched last week on the ‘new & improved’ Honda.
“Yeah, I’m really looking forward to getting out on that new CBR954,” said Zemke. “Especially now that my arm’s healthy.” Note: Zemke broke his arm last year and suffered through some problems with it, qualifying ninth at Laguna and racing to a fourth overall at the 2001 race.
Zemke and Team Bruce Transportation Honda open the AMA Superbike Formula Xtreme class season on April 5-7, at Fontana, Calif.
CMRA Elects 2002 Directors And Officers
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) members have elected the organization’s 2002 Board of Directors. as follows:
Brooks Gremmels, President
Chuck Ergle, Vice President
Norm McDonald
Eric Kelcher
Derek Heaton
Bryan Norton
Keith Hertel
Barry McMahan
George Robinson was appointed Secretary-Treasurer, Charles Brothers will return as the CMRA Race Director, and Eric Kelcher will work as Assistant Race Director.
CMRA is an affiliate of CCS.
Harley-Davidson Artifacts To Make Road Trip
From a press release:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HISTORY PLANS ROADTRIP ACROSS AMERICA
Harley-Davidson Announces New Traveling Museum
MILWAUKEE, WI –Harley-Davidson is taking its history back on the road with an all-new Traveling Museum. “A Highway Through Time” will trace the history of Harley-Davidson with vintage motorcycles, clothing, and memorabilia.
“The heritage and history of Harley-Davidson is very important to us and to our riders,” said Tom Bolfert, Director of Harley-Davidson Archives. “No other motorcycle company in the world can proudly boast of a heritage as long and storied as ours.”
Scheduled to make its debut at Daytona Bike Week, March 4-10, the Traveling Museum will appear at many major motorcycle events throughout the year, including over 100 stops at Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the country.
Bursting with artifacts and memorabilia sure to intrigue motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages, the Traveling Museum contains original vehicles dating back to 1913. Included in this year’s tour is a 1920 Harley-Davidson bicycle and a rare 1920 Sport Model, featuring a 37 cubic inch, fore and aft opposed twin cylinder engine. Absent from the show circuit in 2001, the previous Traveling Museum hosted over 3 million visitors during its twelve year run.
“This new, larger museum presents our story in a manner more consistent with our stature as the world’s premier motorcycle manufacturer. I’m confident visitors will thoroughly enjoy it,” adds Bolfert.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only U.S. based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.
Pegram And Barnes To Ride For Hooters Suzuki
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
1995 Erion Honda Teammates Reunited
By David Swarts
Former Competition Accessories Ducati Superbike pilot Larry Pegram and former Formula USA Champion Michael Barnes have agreed to terms to ride for Steve DeCamp’s Hooters Suzuki team in the 2002 Formula USA series. Pegram and Barnes will ride GSX-R750s in Unlimited Superbike and GSX-R600s in the Pro Sportbike class.
According to Pegram, the Hooters team will also compete in four to five rounds of the AMA Supersport and Superstock series.
The Hooters team will be led by Crew Chief Mike Fargnoli with Barnes’ 2001 mechanic Mike Godin returning and being joined by Barnes’ 2000 GP Tech wrench Tony Pogue, Don Finelli and Chuck Giacchetto.
When Roadracing World last spoke to the Hooters Suzuki team owner, DeCamp was planning on his team returning to race in the Suzuka 8-hour Endurance World Championship race.
Both riders will have other riding jobs in addition to their seats at Hooters.
“Clear Channel and Formula USA, they’re going back to the old days where you had to ride both dirt track and road race to be the Grand National Champion,” said Pegram. “I’m going to do the dirt track and road race both to try and win the Grand National Championship.
“So basically I’m doing it for Suzuki. I’m riding for the Hooters team on the road race, and I’m going to have my own deal through Suzuki on the dirt track.
“I’m gonna ride a DR-Z400 in the (Pro Singles) class, which is a 450cc class, and a TL1000 in…I think they call it the Grand National class or something like that. The big class. It’s gonna be a good time. They’re (Clear Channel) doing a lot of neat stuff with their series.”
Pegram said that his dirt track deal with Suzuki, which may include Pegram running a two-rider team, wasn’t final.
Barnes said that he would also be defending his 2001 F-USA Buell Lightning Series title with Rich Cronrath’s Innovative Motorcycle Research team. Barnes said that he is planning on at least starting the season on the fuel-injected Buell Lightning X-1 that he raced last year.
IRTA 125cc GP Jerez Test Moved To Catalunya
Construction at the Jerez circuit has forced the IRTA 125cc Grand Prix tests scheduled for February 14-15 to be moved to the Catalunya track on March 11-12.
Ducati Has Record Revenue In 2001
From a press release:
DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ANNOUNCES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF RECORD REVENUES FOR 2001
Bologna, Italy – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Milan’s Telematico: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, announced record consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter and full year, ended December 31, 2001.
For the fourth quarter, revenues were Euro 123.9 million (US$110.5 million) representing a growth of 18.4% over the same period in 2000. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles for the period increased 19.7% to Euro 108.5 million and represented 87.6% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products, including spare parts, technical accessories and apparel, rose 8.8% to Euro 15.0 million over the comparable period in the previous year.
For 2001, revenues were Euro 407.3 million (US$362.9 million) representing like-for-like growth of 9.2% over 2000. Total sales were up 7.3% from Euro 379.5 million (US$334.3 million) during the previous year. This discrepancy is due to a decrease of “miscellaneous other sales” of Euro 6.5 million, reflecting the one-off buy-back of inventory from the newly established UK subsidiary from the previous importer in January 2000. Revenues from Ducati motorcycles increased 9.0% to Euro 344.9 million and represented 84.7% of revenues. Motorcycle-related products rose 9.8% to Euro 61.4 million over the same period last year.
“The fourth quarter showed a notable improvement in our revenue growth, making it the strongest quarter of the year, mostly thanks to a strong December,” said Carlo Di Biagio, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati Motor Holding. “All in all, I am very satisfied with our sales in 2001, given the volatile climate of recent months. In particular, towards the end of the year, we have seen enthusiastic acceptance of our model year for 2002 – especially the 998 Superbike – and are seeing the benefits of the re-organization of our North American subsidiary.”
While official world registrations data for the period are not yet available, the Company’s best estimates suggest that fourth quarter registrations showed an improvement, growing around 2% versus previous year. Registrations for 2001 are estimated to have grown approximately 1%, with weakness in the US (-23%) and in Italy (-3%) more than offset by strength in Japan (+51%), in the UK (+10%), and France (+8%).
During the fourth quarter of 2001, new independent Ducati Stores exclusively selling Ducati motorcycles and accessories were opened, including one in Zurichsee (Switzerland), Nantes (France), Regensburg (Germany), Matsudo Chiba and Tomei Yokohama (Japan), bringing the total to 88 stores worldwide at year-end.
Please note: These data are preliminary and may be subject to minor changes. Final data will be announced on February 15, 2002, along with 2001 net earnings results.
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won nine of the last eleven World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in four market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster and SportTouring. The company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.Ducati.com.
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in the Company’s 2000 annual report, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 20-F, dated July 2, 2001.
Gary Fisher To Reunite With CR750 At Daytona
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Www.worldmotorcycles.com has announced that Gary Fisher will come out of retirement to race with AHRMA at Daytona International Speedway March 4-5. Fisher will ride the same Yoshimura-Krause Honda CR750 that he raced in the 1971 Daytona 200, which he led for 10 laps before retiring with mechanical difficulties.
World Motorcycles will also field “Super Dave” Rosno on another Honda CR750 in AHRMA’s Formula 750 and Formula Vintage classes. For more information, call World Motorcycles at (800) 634-4569 or go to www.worldmotorcycles.com.
Ducati Finishes Testing In South Africa
From a press release:
DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Kyalami (South Africa)
Saturday 26 January 2002
DUCATI CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL THREE-DAY TEST AT KYALAMI
Ducati Infostrada riders Troy Bayliss and Ruben Xaus completed their first 2002 run on the new Ducati 998R Factory bikes at Kyalami, South Africa today, wrapping up a three-day test session with French tyre manufacturer Michelin.
After concentrating on engine and suspension settings over the first two days, the world champion and his Spanish team-mate spent the entire third day working through the vast range of tyres Michelin had brought to the high-altitude Kyalami track and selecting suitable rubber for the race here at the start of April. Work also revolved around testing a variety of different brake pads on the 998R factory bikes in collaboration with Brembo. On the engine front, the new Testastretta proved to be ultra-reliable, with both power-units not giving any trouble throughout the three-day test.
In warm conditions (air 25° C/ track 41° C) excellent results were achieved with Michelin qualifying and race tyres, the latter proving to have extraordinary performance even after a normal race distance of 25 laps. Both riders lapped constantly in the low 1:42 bracket during their race simulations.
Troy did two ‘long-runs’ in race configuration during his 57 laps, and said he was satisfied with the outcome of his first test of the year.
“This three-day test here at Kyalami has gone really well”, said the 32-year-old Australian. “My 2002-spec bike feels perfect, the engine is powerful, we sorted out the suspension and selected a couple of good tyres for the race. I can’t wait to get to Australia now for next week’s test to measure up to everyone else”.
Ruben Xaus was also pleased with his overall performance after completing 70 laps today. The 23-year-old also did two ‘long-runs’ on his 998R and was happy to leave South Africa with considerable mileage under his belt.
“I’m getting used to lapping now after losing some time on the first day,” said Xaus. “The 2002-spec bike is really nice, the Ducati guys have done a lot of work on it and we’re already a lot quicker than before. The team is working well and I can’t wait until the new season starts”.
The next test session for Ducati Corse will see Bayliss and Xaus, together with Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom in action at Phillip Island in Australia from Jan 30 to Feb 1.
GSE Racing To Prepare Bikes For Ducati UK’s Monster S4 Challenge Series
From a GSE Racing press release:
GSE Racing partner Ducati UK in S4 Challenge
GSE Racing is to partner Ducati UK in the running of the 2002 Monster S4 challenge. The organisation behind the HM Plant Ducati World Superbike team will act as the sole race preparation service for the new addition to the British Superbike calendar.
GSE Racing has the perfect credentials to take on such a project. As well as Neil Hodgson’s fifth place in the 2001 Superbike World Championship, the team took current Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss and Neil Hodgson to back-to-back British titles in 1999 and 2000.
Managing Director of Ducati UK, and creator of the Monster S4 Challenge, Piero Guidi commented: “We are extremely pleased to be working with GSE Racing on this project. The S4 Challenge is something very close to my own heart and to have such a well respected team involved is a key element in the organisation. Their involvement makes me confident that this exciting series will be a huge success”.
30 of the 916-engined Monster S4s will be identically prepared using a range of Ducati Performance products. The bikes will then be shipped to the circuit ready for the competitors. Each bike will be prepared for racing by the same technicians and the machines will then be randomly allocated before each round in order to ensure that races will be won purely on the basis of rider skill.
Consumables, such as tyres and repairs, will also be included in the cost and it is expected that local Ducati dealers will support many of the entries. The only stipulation is that all riders must hold an ACU-approved licence. The races themselves will take place over ten rounds and will be slotted in-between the two British Superbike races. A clothing deal will also be on offer.
Best of all, the entry fee (somewhere in the region of £15,000) also includes the purchase price of a Monster S4 race bike. This means that, even if you were to decide that racing was not for you, you still come away with a pretty serious track day tool as a souvenir.
There will be no shortage of expertise on hand to prepare the Ducati Performance-equipped Monster S4 race-bikes. The same expert technicians that work on Neil Hodgson and James Toseland’s superbikes will be responsible for the entire fleet for the new Ducati series. Competitors will not only have the luxury of racing in one of the most high profile and exciting championships in the UK, but also on a machine prepared by the organisation behind a race-winning World Superbike team.
HM Plant Ducati team manager Colin Wright commented: “We really enjoyed being part of the British Championships and are happy to participate once again. I also see it as a great way of strengthening our ties with Ducati.
“The S4 Challenge promises to be an extremely exciting series which will hopefully nurture new racing talent for the future”.
The S4 Challenge kicks off on 1 April and will follow the British Superbike Championship to most major race circuits.
If you are interested in receiving further details about the series, please email [email protected].
Zemke’s Times At Laguna Were Underneath FX Record
From a press release:
Zemke/Honda Best Formula Xtreme Track Record At Laguna Seca
Though testing time not considered an AMA record, Zemke’s still stands as fastest ever
MONTEREY, Calif.–Team Bruce Transportation Group Honda’s Jake Zemke laid down the fastest Formula Xtreme class time ever at the legendary Laguna Seca raceway last week. Zemke piloted his Honda CBR 929 around the track in a blistering time of 1:27.330, topping the current record by some 8/10ths of a second.
Zemke will have to wait until the AMA Superbike race at Laguna Seca this summer to put himself in the record books as the AMA does not recognize testing times as track record times. Kurtis Roberts still holds the Formula Xtreme class record at Laguna Seca with a time of 1:28.171.
Still, Zemke was stoked with his effort, especially considering those times were laid down on last year’s bike.
“We ran a 1:28.4 on the first day, but I knew there was a lot of room for improvement,” said Zemke. “The weather was cold on Tuesday so it looked like the 1:28.4 was as good as it was going to get. Then, on Wednesday, the weather got better, I was able to put in seven to eight laps in the 1:28.2s and 3s – just off the track record. We put on a new tire, went out, and five laps later I had broken the 1:27 barrier.”
Coincidentally, Zemke’s new CBR954s just arrived last week, but had not been prepped for the Laguna testing. So there’s a decent chance he’ll shave even more off the Laguna Seca-best Formula Extreme time he notched last week on the ‘new & improved’ Honda.
“Yeah, I’m really looking forward to getting out on that new CBR954,” said Zemke. “Especially now that my arm’s healthy.” Note: Zemke broke his arm last year and suffered through some problems with it, qualifying ninth at Laguna and racing to a fourth overall at the 2001 race.
Zemke and Team Bruce Transportation Honda open the AMA Superbike Formula Xtreme class season on April 5-7, at Fontana, Calif.
CMRA Elects 2002 Directors And Officers
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) members have elected the organization’s 2002 Board of Directors. as follows:
Brooks Gremmels, President
Chuck Ergle, Vice President
Norm McDonald
Eric Kelcher
Derek Heaton
Bryan Norton
Keith Hertel
Barry McMahan
George Robinson was appointed Secretary-Treasurer, Charles Brothers will return as the CMRA Race Director, and Eric Kelcher will work as Assistant Race Director.
CMRA is an affiliate of CCS.
Harley-Davidson Artifacts To Make Road Trip
From a press release:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HISTORY PLANS ROADTRIP ACROSS AMERICA
Harley-Davidson Announces New Traveling Museum
MILWAUKEE, WI –Harley-Davidson is taking its history back on the road with an all-new Traveling Museum. “A Highway Through Time” will trace the history of Harley-Davidson with vintage motorcycles, clothing, and memorabilia.
“The heritage and history of Harley-Davidson is very important to us and to our riders,” said Tom Bolfert, Director of Harley-Davidson Archives. “No other motorcycle company in the world can proudly boast of a heritage as long and storied as ours.”
Scheduled to make its debut at Daytona Bike Week, March 4-10, the Traveling Museum will appear at many major motorcycle events throughout the year, including over 100 stops at Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the country.
Bursting with artifacts and memorabilia sure to intrigue motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages, the Traveling Museum contains original vehicles dating back to 1913. Included in this year’s tour is a 1920 Harley-Davidson bicycle and a rare 1920 Sport Model, featuring a 37 cubic inch, fore and aft opposed twin cylinder engine. Absent from the show circuit in 2001, the previous Traveling Museum hosted over 3 million visitors during its twelve year run.
“This new, larger museum presents our story in a manner more consistent with our stature as the world’s premier motorcycle manufacturer. I’m confident visitors will thoroughly enjoy it,” adds Bolfert.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only U.S. based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.
Pegram And Barnes To Ride For Hooters Suzuki
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
1995 Erion Honda Teammates Reunited
By David Swarts
Former Competition Accessories Ducati Superbike pilot Larry Pegram and former Formula USA Champion Michael Barnes have agreed to terms to ride for Steve DeCamp’s Hooters Suzuki team in the 2002 Formula USA series. Pegram and Barnes will ride GSX-R750s in Unlimited Superbike and GSX-R600s in the Pro Sportbike class.
According to Pegram, the Hooters team will also compete in four to five rounds of the AMA Supersport and Superstock series.
The Hooters team will be led by Crew Chief Mike Fargnoli with Barnes’ 2001 mechanic Mike Godin returning and being joined by Barnes’ 2000 GP Tech wrench Tony Pogue, Don Finelli and Chuck Giacchetto.
When Roadracing World last spoke to the Hooters Suzuki team owner, DeCamp was planning on his team returning to race in the Suzuka 8-hour Endurance World Championship race.
Both riders will have other riding jobs in addition to their seats at Hooters.
“Clear Channel and Formula USA, they’re going back to the old days where you had to ride both dirt track and road race to be the Grand National Champion,” said Pegram. “I’m going to do the dirt track and road race both to try and win the Grand National Championship.
“So basically I’m doing it for Suzuki. I’m riding for the Hooters team on the road race, and I’m going to have my own deal through Suzuki on the dirt track.
“I’m gonna ride a DR-Z400 in the (Pro Singles) class, which is a 450cc class, and a TL1000 in…I think they call it the Grand National class or something like that. The big class. It’s gonna be a good time. They’re (Clear Channel) doing a lot of neat stuff with their series.”
Pegram said that his dirt track deal with Suzuki, which may include Pegram running a two-rider team, wasn’t final.
Barnes said that he would also be defending his 2001 F-USA Buell Lightning Series title with Rich Cronrath’s Innovative Motorcycle Research team. Barnes said that he is planning on at least starting the season on the fuel-injected Buell Lightning X-1 that he raced last year.