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].

Ground Zero Racing’s four-rider AMA road racing team plans to raise funds during the 2002 AMA National road race series and donate them to the Uniformed Firefighters Association/Fire Department of New York Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In FAX to Roadracing World, Ground Zero Racing team member Kathy Manett wrote, “I’m sure you have many pieces of mail cross your desk each day about race teams but I’m sure not many are racing for a cause like we are. We are racing for the FDNY Memorial Scholarship Fund. We are raising money to further the education of firefighter’s children who have lost a parent due to 9-11 or other related tragedies. We have two Superbike riders, one 750 Supersport & Formula Xtreme rider and one Pro Thunder rider. After meeting with the FDNY in December and getting their unbelievable approval and gratitude we have been working fast and furious to line up sponsors and donations. Since Roadracing World is read and enjoyed by so many I am hoping you will make mention of our team and let everyone know about our cause. I have forwarded some additional information on the team riders and the fire department. Thank you in advance for anything you can do for us!”

The FAX included a copy of a January 21 letter from Edward Burke of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. In the letter, Burke wrote, “I am writing to express our gratitude and appreciation that your Ground Zero Racing Team has agreed to donate the net proceeds received by the team during the 2002 AMA Racing Series season to the Scholarship Fund.

“As you well know, New York City firefighters suffered terrible losses as a result of the September 11 attacks on America. We hope to assist our families, including those who suffered most on September 11, with funds raised for our Scholarship Program.

“This letter will authorize you to accept such sums on our behalf and to extend our sincere thanks to all who have agreed to assist us.”

The release also included a Mission Statement from Ground Zero Racing that said, “Ground Zero Racing is a non-profit professional motorcycle road racing team that recognizes children as our country’s most valuable asset, and will dedicate ourselves to use every means at our disposal to aid in funding the UFA/FDNY Memorial Scholarship Fund, and provide for the future education of those children affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001.”

Ground Zero is made up of Superbike competitors Andy “Woody” Deatherage and Jim Doerfler, who both ride modified Suzuki GSX-R750s; Mike Johnston, who will ride a Suzuki GSX-R750 in Superstock and Formula Xtreme; and Rick Manett, who will campaign a Husaberg 650 “Super Motard” in the Pro Thunder class.

In a February 8 telephone call, Kathy Manett told Roadracing World that all of the team’s motorcycles were being painted to resemble FDNY fire trucks and that the riders’ leathers are being custom-made to resemble FDNY firefighter uniforms complete with official department patches supplied by the FDNY.

On the inspiration of their effort, Manett said her husband, Rick, went to New York during the last week of 2001 and found that despite the hundreds of millions of dollars raised to help the victims of the 9/11 attack on America, the UFA/FDNY Scholarship Fund only had $15,000 in its account.

Manett added that the team hoped to coordinate fund-raising efforts with local fire departments as they travel around the United States this season with the AMA series. For additional information on Ground Zero Racing, call Rick or Kathy Manett at (440) 285-3937 or e-mail Rick Manett at Rmanett@mmsa.

Ko Kagiya’s Factory Racing Service (FRS) has moved to 20932 S. Normandie Ave., Torrance, CA 90502.

Phone and FAX numbers remain the same, (310) 320-1585, FAX (310) 320-7895.

Kagiya can also be reached vie e-mail at [email protected].

From a press release:

$15 Million Improvement Project Groundbreaking

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Gets a Facelift

First Phase Includes Garages and Hospitality Suites-

Monterey, CA (February 8, 2002) – The groundbreaking for the first phase of a multi-year, $15 million improvement project at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is set for Friday, February 8, 2002. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., local dignitaries, city and Monterey County officials, Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) and Mazda representatives and drivers from the CART series will be on hand to usher in a new beginning at the world famous road course. The event coincides with CART Sneak Preview, which will be taking place throughout the weekend. Honorary co-chairs of the Leadership Cabinet for the Capital Campaign, set up to help fund the project, include racing legend Mario Andretti and car designer Carroll Shelby. World-renowned motorcycle racer, Wayne Rainey, is the honorary chairperson.

“We’re thrilled to finally break ground on these long-planned improvements,” said SCRAMP President Kathy Hayworth, “and we thank the spectators and participants in advance for putting up with our dust throughout the forthcoming construction process. The end result will be well worth the wait and will positively enhance the racing experience for everyone who attends an event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We appreciate the efforts of all those who helped make this possible.”

The entire improvement project will direct $15 million toward revamping Mazda Raceway’s support facilities including permanent garages topped by hospitality suites, a revamped media center with race control and timing and scoring. Phase I is slated to cost $7.8 million. To help with the cost of the improvement project, SCRAMP has secured a $7,112,300 loan with First National Bank. The groundbreaking kicks-off construction of Phase I, which entails the project section that is nearest to Turn 11.

“This is Mazda’s home away from home,” said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda North America Operations, “so making MRLS an even better, more enjoyable racing facility for fans, racing teams, drivers and our employees was one of the primary reasons for our relationship with SCRAMP.”

The partnership Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) signed with Mazda North America Operations early last year was vital in helping fund the improvement project. The $7.5 million SCRAMP received helped our organization move forward with plans to replace the temporary structures built for each event with permanent facilities including garages, luxury suites, bathrooms and other much needed infrastructure improvements, and address improvements in safety, traffic and parking.



From a related press release:

County Supervisors Ratify Modified Financial Plan for SCRAMP

Includes $7,112,300 Loan for Track Improvements

Phase I Groundbreaking on Friday, January 8

Monterey, CA (February 5, 2002) – The Monterey County Board of Supervisors has officially ratified a modified financial plan that includes a new loan agreement for the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The loan secures more than $7 million for the non-profit organization’s multi-year, $15 million improvement project. SCRAMP took out the $7,112,300.00 loan with First National Bank of Central California. As the overseeing body of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, SCRAMP was required to get the board’s ratification as part of its use agreement with Monterey County. This unprecedented transaction in the history of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca helps solidify the world-renown track’s future as a world-class facility. Cooperation between Monterey County, SCRAMP, First National Bank of Central California and Mazda North America Operations have all created a strong financial foundation for improvements that will allow the heritage of top notch racing and hospitality at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to flourish for many years to come.

“The ratification allows us to move forward in our continued efforts to improve Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,” said SCRAMP President Kathy Hayworth. “The Board of Supervisors are good partners in helping us achieve our goals of increasing the economic vitality of the Central Coast by improving the level of our facility, through completion of the Master Plan. We appreciate their continued support.”



And from yet another related press release:

CART Banks Cash for Community

CART Sneak Preview Helps Local Economy In a Traditionally Slow Time of Year

Monterey, CA (February 4, 2002) – The financial impact of CART Sneak Preview is tremendous for the Monterey Peninsula. Traditionally, many hotels and local businesses see a lag in the amount of tourist revenue during this time of year, except for one large event. With the influx of CART teams, sponsors, drivers, series personnel, national and international media and race fans the dollars start to add up. Big time! Not only are restaurants full of hundreds of hungry visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, but the hotels see the positive impact as well.

“Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and CART deserve the checkered flag for bringing Sneak Preview to the Peninsula this week,” said Greg Keebler, General Manager of Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center on Monterey Bay. “Not only do local businesses benefit from a new infusion of business in February from the CART teams, officials and associated business partners, but the local fans get a behind-the-scenes experience at the track for free. Sneak Preview is a win-win!”

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is unique in the sports world. The racetrack is run by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). SCRAMP is a not for profit organization chartered to benefit local charitable and not for profit groups, and to promote economic vitality. SCRAMP motorsports events have an economic impact of more than $129 million dollars annually for central coast businesses, and over the last 44 years that has added up to more than $1 billion dollars for area business owners.

“The CART Sneak Preview adds a new reason for visitors to enjoy Monterey County,” said Burke Pease, Executive Director of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We welcome this addition to our calendar and know guests will be rewarded with a great experience.”

The 501C3 not for profit organization is under the direction of its volunteer, 25 member Board of Directors, and SCRAMP has achieved and surpassed all conceivable goals. In total, SCRAMP, Mazda Raceway continue to positively impact area businesses and charities with millions of dollars related directly to events held at the track. CART Sneak Preview is just one of them. SCRAMP has made more than $10 million dollars in donations to charities in Monterey County and supported Monterey County Parks, plus raceway improvements, with approximately $1 million per year. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, $507,500 was donated to local and regional charities. The 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series Sneak Preview is a great beginning to having another successful season.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

In a letter received by Roadracing World today, AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth again denied charges made by Fred Bramblett of OMS and reported in a copyrighted story posted on roadracingworld.com and dated Saturday, February 3.

Bramblett made the charges in speaking to roadracingworld.com’s John Ulrich in the press box at Edison Field during an AMA Supercross event. The charges were accurately reported and attributed to Bramblett by Ulrich in the copyrighted story on roadracingworld.com, and roadracingworld.com did not post the story or allegations on any other website.

Bramblett has made the same allegations to other persons in the motorcycle industry, on more than one occasion, and in fact told Ulrich that he had made the same allegations to several members of the AMA and AMA Pro Racing Boards.

On February 5, cyclenews.com posted quotes from Hollingsworth denying the allegations. Roadracingworld.com immediately quoted the cyclenews.com post and deleted the parts of the original roadracingworld.com post that dealt with Bramblett’s accusations.

In the letter to Roadracing World dated February 7 and received February 8, Hollingsworth stated:

“First, let me state for the record that there isn’t a single element of truth as it relates to me contained in the passage quoted above. I was never ‘involved’ with FAME. I never won a bidding war to purchase another company that was later purchased by SFX (or any of its predecessors or successors), and I have no ‘life’s work to exact revenge’ on SFX, Clear Channel or any other company for that matter. The choice of JamSports as AMA Pro Racing’s promotional partner for the 2003 AMA US Supercross Championship was the result of a long and deliberate process where all parties had an equal opportunity to make an offer. My role in that process was simply to do what I could to provide the broadest range of opportunities from which to make a decision in the best interests of the sport of motorcycle racing, the AMA, and AMA Pro Racing and its stakeholders.

“Second, in correspondence with me today, Mr. Bramblett denies that he made these statements. Mr. Bramblett states that he can understand my upset with the allegations and suggests you ‘ambushed’ me. Further, I understand that you have continued to disseminate the same type of information on other websites. It is extremely upsetting to me that these allegations appear to have been concocted by you soley to cause harm to my reputation.

“Finally, I demand that Roadracing World issue an immediate and complete retraction of the allegations contained in this story including an apology to me for your conduct, and further demand that you immediately stop disseminating this false information through other outlets.”

German motorcycle manufacturer MuZ, or Motorrad – und Zweiradwerk GmbH, announced its MotoGP plans to the media today in Leipzig, Germany.

MuZ displayed the rolling chassis of a four-stroke MotoGP bike with a mock-up engine that will be occupied by a 990cc, 90-degree, V4 engine that will feature pneumatic valves. The chassis shown has a tubular steel frame although MuZ team members said that an aluminum version is in the works.

MuZ officials said that they plan to begin track testing the bike within the next months and are hoping to race it in a Grand Prix during the 2002 MotoGP season.

Also introduced at the MuZ press conference were riders Jose Luis Cardoso and Ralf Waldmann. Cardoso had already been announced by the factory, but Waldmann was a surprise considering he said he had retired at the end of the 2000 Grand Prix season.

Waldmann, 34, is a veteran of 167 FIM Grand Prix race starts, but had only 12 starts on a 500cc machine while riding for Kenny Roberts’ Modenas team in 1998. Although he has never won a World Championship title, Waldmann has finished on the 250cc podium 35 times during his long career and finished second to Max Biaggi in the 1996 and 1997 FIM 250cc Grand Prix World Championships.

A press release from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the charity of choice for many motorcyclists and one supported by Honda through the Ride for Kids series of road rides:


Asheville, NC – The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS) is proud to present the first Informed Parent Internet Series conference for 2002, “Growth and Development”- Endocrine Issues Facing Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors, on February 27, 2002 at 8:00 PM EST. The “Growth and Development” conference will address the wide range of endocrine issues facing survivors of pediatric brain tumors.

Now in its second year, this unique web-based broadcast reaches out to pediatric brain tumor patient families, the medical community, and social workers throughout the world. “The Informed Parent Internet Series brings the latest information on pediatric brain tumors to people who otherwise could not access it,” said PBTFUS President Mike Traynor. “We are very pleased that thousands of people from many countries are participating in these valuable broadcasts.”

Dr. Alan D. Rogol, M.D., Ph.D., of the Medical College of Virginia at the University of Virginia, will answer email questions during the live internet broadcast. Dr. Rogol holds certifications in Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology. He is a member of the Lawson Wilkens Pediatric Society and is the Associate Editor of the Year Book of Endocrinology.

For more information about the PBTFUS internet conference series, log on to: http://www.pbtfus.org/Informed%20Parent%20Internet%20SeriesFeb27.htm and follow the instructions to access the live broadcast on February 27, 2002 at 8:00 PM EST. Archived Informed Parent Internet Series broadcasts are also available at: http://www.pbtfus.org/informedparentindex.htm.

The PBTFUS Informed Parent Internet Series are made possible by a generous grant from American Honda Motor Company, Inc. Internet audio services are provided by INB Radio.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States is a national organization dedicated to supporting the search for the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors. More information about the PBTFUS and its Ride for Kids program can be found at www.pbtfus.org and at www.ride4kids or call 1-800-253-6530.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.


A made-to-order set of Barnacle Bill leathers has sold for $1325 to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence* Fund.

The auction started on the auction website eBay Friday, February 1 with an opening bid of $300 and blew right past our reserve price of $750 on the first day. The weekend saw the most bidding activity of the seven-day auction with 10 of the auction’s 11 bids coming in the first two days.

On February 7, we threw in an added half-page of exposure (for the winning bidder) in Roadracing World magazine to the prize. Shortly afterwards, the high bid of $1325 was reached. The winning bidder was “outrace” or Andre Espaillat as he is known around the racetracks of the South-Central U.S.; Espaillat couldn’t be reached for comment at post time.

Five Air Fence Fund benefit auctions of racing memorabilia and products have raised over $10,800 and brought the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund’s total to nearly $170,000 raised in just 10 months.

The original posting about the auction of the Barnacle Bill leathers can be seen below.

Custom leather suit maker “Barnacle Bill” Burns has donated a custom-made set of his motorcycle leathers (in road race, flat track, speedway, drag race or street style) to be auctioned off with the proceeds, minus the cost of the eBay service, going to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund.

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Burns is offering to make a suit to the specifications of the winning bidder, as if they were a customer ordering one of his standard racer package deals, and Burns says, “The most important suit that I will ever make is the suit that I make for you.”

All of Barnacle Bill’s suits are custom-made from hand-selected 3.0-3.5-ounce leather, feature triple-stitched and glued seams from the inside of the garment to increase durability, come with plastic composite body armor, have optional venting, an optional aerodynamic hump, includes the rider’s name on the front and back and road race suits come with knee sliders. Additional lettering is available at an additional cost.

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Virtually any design, color or combination of colors is available to the winning bidder. And the suit can be made in either a one-piece or two-piece design.

After their bid is received, the winning bidder’s name will be forwarded to Burns by Roadracing World. The bidder and Burns will then begin to work on the winning bidder’s new suit. Burns says that the suit will be ready to wear in approximately four weeks, if not earlier.

“Hurt racers don’t come back as customers,” said former racer Burns on why he is donating a suit to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. “I’ve hit something solid before, and it doesn’t feel good.”

Custom-made leather suits typically range in cost anywhere from $800 to well over $2000.

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Although leathers are the most effective safety clothing worn by motorcyclists on the street and the racetrack today, sometimes well-made leathers are not enough. As a result, the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established 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.

To go directly to the auction on eBay, click here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1802522825

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

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

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to a press release issued by series promoter Octagon Motorsports, the 2002 Endurance World Championship Series will open April 28 at Imola, and will include a 200-mile Endurance World Championship race along with Italian National Superbike, Supersport, Stocksport, 250cc GP and 125cc GP races.

The event weekend is expected to draw about 350 riders, according to the release.