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Sorensen Lowers Track Record At North Florida

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Sorensen Lowers Track Record At North Florida

From a press release issued by Team Stargel Aprilia:

:

On January 20th 2002, Chuck Sorensen, riding a Team Stargel Aprilia RSV250, lowered the track record at North Florida Motorsports Park in Jennings, Florida. Team Stargel Aprilia was conducting their second test session in an effort to continue their familiarization with the Aprilia, and to try new suspension components.

When the team arrived Saturday morning, the track record stood at 1:20.3. Saturday was spent trying various engine and suspension settings. On Sunday morning, the track record was lowered to a 1:18.72 by Lee Acree riding a GSX-R1000. In the afternoon sessions, Sorensen ripped off four laps in the 17s with a best time of 1:17.53, lowering the record by more than a full second.

After lapping under the track record in their first two test sessions, Team Stargel Aprilia remains very optimistic about the upcoming season.

CCS Florida Announces New Vintage Classes For Old Racebikes

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CCS Florida Announces New Vintage Classes For Old Racebikes

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

A press release issued by CCS Florida Region President Henry DeGouw announced two new Vintage racing classes for the 2002 season, Lightweight Vintage and Heavyweight Vintage.

According to the release, eligible machines are unrestricted in all areas, except age, as long as they meet the standards of section 5 of the CCS rulebook and use at least 18-inch wheels. Displacement limits are absolute and are as follows:

Lightweight Vintage:
Pre-1976 Up to 250cc air-cooled 2-strokes (factory road race or production, all models)
Pre-1976 Up to 500cc air-cooled 4-strokes (factory road race or production, all models)


Heavyweight Vintage:
Pre-1985 Up to 750cc, 2-stroke factory road race or production
Pre-1983 Up to 1200cc, 4-stroke, push rod
Pre-1983 Up to 1200cc, 4-stroke, OHC, Twins
Pre-1983 Up to 1200cc, 4-stroke, DOHC, Triples
Pre-1983 Up to 1085cc, 4-stroke, OHC, air-cooled, four cylinders
Pre-1983 Up to 750cc, 4-stroke, DOHC, air-cooled, 4-valve, four cylinders

For additional information, call or FAX Henry DeGouw at (561) 793-3394.

Hey, Remember That Press Release About This Weekend Being WSMC’s 10th Anniversary? That Was Actually Last Month…

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Hey, Remember That Press Release About This Weekend Being WSMC’s 10th Anniversary? That Was Actually Last Month…

Uhh, file this under Never Mind, or, just because a racetrack PR person says it’s so, obviously doesn’t mean it is. Maybe the moral of the story is, the Willow Springs International Raceway PR guy should do some fact-checking with the WSMC Operations Manager before issuing press releases.

The incorrect press release ran here 1/19/02 and also ran on several other sites.

From an e-mail sent by WSMC Operations Manager Kenny Kopecky:

“Just saw the latest online post (of an official WSMC press release) about our 10th anniversary?!

“It was last month…Dec. 1991 was first WSMC event weekend and Dec. 2001 our 10-year WSMC Anniversary event. (We gave out commemorative plaques, too!)

“Kenny Kopecky
“WSMC OpsMgr”

McWilliams And Aoki Happy After KR3 Proton Tests, On Bridgestone Tires

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McWilliams And Aoki Happy After KR3 Proton Tests, On Bridgestone Tires

From a press release:

NEW RIDERS GLOWING AFTER FIRST PROTON TESTS

Jerez de la Frontera – January 18, 2002: New Proton Team KR riders Jeremy McWilliams and Nobuatsu Aoki made their first acquaintance with the Proton KR3 machines they will ride in the forthcoming MotoGP season this week – and both came away full of enthusiasm after matching the three-cylinder lightweight’s best-ever lap times at the Spanish GP circuit at Jerez.

In spite of dirty track conditions (the circuit is undergoing major reconstruction work), both Proton riders were circulating at close to lap record speed by the end of three days of testing.

“It’s about the fastest we’ve ever been around here – and the conditions are anything but ideal. It’s very encouraging at this point. Apart from the last 20 minutes, when Jeremy fell off – the tests were flawless,” said team owner Kenny Roberts Senior.

“In fact, they came up a little early for us, and we didn’t really have all our ducks in a row,” the former triple World Champion added. “From here on, it can only get better.”

McWilliams was not hurt in the fall, which came towards the end of a test over full race distance on race-compound tyres. The engine seized, almost certainly as a result of dirt ingested from the dust-strewn track.

Ulsterman McWilliams and Japanese star Aoki were both pleasantly surprised, not only with the machine and its obvious potential, but also with the performance of the Bridgestone tyres, new to the top class of GP racing.

They were testing both 16.5-inch and 17-inch rear tyres, and a variety of compounds and constructions including full race tyres.

This was the first of several tests in the run up to the season, which starts on April 7 with the Japanese GP at Suzuka. The next tests take place at Valencia on February 15 to 17.


JEREMY MCWILLIAMS – “PLEASANTLY SURPRISED”

“When I first got on the bike, the chassis settings were all wrong for me. My first thought was that it will take a lot of work to get the bike to suit my style. In fact, the team made the right adjustments really quickly, and even by the end of the first afternoon I was really happy, because I could see what a lot of potential is in the bike.

“The chassis is fantastic – the KR3 is better under hard late braking than any bike I’ve ever ridden. I don’t think Nobu or I have missed a single corner apex, which is pretty impressive for the first test.

“There are still some more changes to make, and we can improve it even more. One slight weakness is in the corner exit – but again this is such a good team, and engine chief Bud Aksland was able to make some changes that have already improved that aspect.

“All round, I was very pleasantly surprised – especially with the standard of the new Bridgestone tyres. I’m only kicking myself that I wasn’t on this bike one year earlier.”


NOBUATSU AOKI – “MAGIC – I NEVER EXPECTED IT TO BE THIS GOOD”

“I am really happy – it’s like magic. I never expected the bike to be so good, for the first test to go so well, and for the tyres to be so good first time.

“I spent last season development-testing the Bridgestone tyres, but this bike is quite a lot different – 15 kilogrammes lighter than the four-cylinder. This was the first test with the tyres, and they performed very well and we came to some important conclusions. I’m looking forward to future tyre developments that are targeted to the KR3 in particular.

“The rear tyres were fantastic – especially the 16.5. I couldn’t have expected them to suit the bike so well.

“My first impression of the KR3 is the very good chassis and handling. I expected the bike to be small and cramped – but it’s not a problem. It’s a real 500.

“It’s going to be a hard season, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Gobert Fastest So Far In Factory Team Tests At Laguna Seca

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Gobert Fastest So Far In Factory Team Tests At Laguna Seca

Anthony Gobert is the fastest so far during factory team testing at Laguna Seca Raceway, with a 1:26.8 at post time.

The Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Erion Honda and Bruce Transportation Honda teams are testing at Laguna Seca through Wednesday.

Graves Begins 2002 WSMC Reign By Winning Four Races

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Graves Begins 2002 WSMC Reign By Winning Four Races

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Graves Yamaha’s Chuck Graves began his reign as the WSMC Overall Champion Sunday at Willow Springs International Raceway by winning all four races he started. Graves won in 600cc Superstock, 650cc Superbike, Formula Two and the feature event, the Toyota Cup Unlimited Formula One Grand Prix, on his Dunlop-shod Yamaha YZF-R6 and YZF-R7/R1 hybrid. Other big winners on the day included Lee’s Cycles’ Jeremy Toye, Elite Racing’s Jack Pfeiffer and Bikecards.com’s Chris Peris.

Toye started his 2002 season by leading the Formula One race into turn one on his Dunlop-slick-equipped, Supersport-spec Suzuki GSX-R750. Graves, riding his R7/R1 Formula Xtreme bike, followed Toye into the first corner, but Graves led out of the first turn of the 12-lap final. No Limit Motorsports’ Jason Curtis, riding an ex-Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 Formula Xtreme bike, and Jack Pfeifer, on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, quickly joined Graves and Toye to make it a foursome at the front.

Toye, Curtis and Graves each took a turn leading the race, but Graves soon took control. Running lap times as low as 1:22.2, Graves pulled out a lead over Toye that reached a maximum of two full seconds. Then in the second half of the race, Toye amazed himself by reeling in Graves with 1:22.2 laps of his own. Toye closed the gap steadily in the closing laps but came up 0.6-second short at the finish line.

With his horsepower advantage diluted by an ailing transmission, Curtis held third over Pfeifer for most of the race, while Richard Headley worked his way forward from the 18th spot on the grid. Riding a 2002 Ducati 998RS customer-spec World Superbike that reportedly hit 171 rear-wheel horsepower on the mobile dyno at Willow Springs during the weekend, Headley caught the duel for third on lap seven. Headley passed both Pfeifer and then Curtis in turn nine on successive laps and finished third.

Curtis continued to battle with Pfeifer until the start of the last lap when Curtis’ transmission blew going into turn one. Pfeifer cruised home to fourth. Fifth place went to California Superbike School instructor Stoney Landers. Landers rode a Suzuki GSX-R750 that he never rode until his first race Sunday morning. Stephen Hewitt, Owen Richey, Robert Christman, Jeff Stern and Darren Fulce rounded out the top 10.

Toye didn’t go home empty-handed. The San Diego rider earned wins in 750cc Supersport, 750cc Modified Production and 750cc Superbike. Headley also won in Formula Twins and Formula 40 Heavyweight on his Ducati. Pfeifer collected first-place trophies for Open Superstock and Open Modified Production, while Hewitt won Open Superbike on his Yamaha YZF-R1.

Sixteen-year-old Chris Peris walked away from a turn-three highside in an early race and returned to take a win in one of the day’s best sprints. After getting off his Suzuki GSX-R600, young Canadian Peris got a slow start in the 600cc Modified Production race on his more familiar Yamaha YZF-R6. Peris was in about 10th place in the first corner and began to move forward as his confidence came back. On lap three of six, Peris joined the lead group of seven and began picking off positions. On the last lap, Peris positioned himself well in third, caught a draft from Michael Leon going into eight, then caught another draft from leader Jacob West coming out of the final corner and beat West to the flag. With the 2001 WSMC 125cc Championship already to his credit, Peris added his first 600cc win to his growing resume.

The event saw the debut of WSMC’s new 250cc Grand Prix race, with 12 entrants. Frank Aragaki won on a Yamaha TZ250 from Mark Watts on a Honda RS250, Darren Fulce on a Yamaha, new AMA Trustee John Ulrich on a Yamaha and Gene Redmon on another Yamaha.

$202.50 Is The Highest Bid On 1999 Team Honda Autograph Helmet

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$202.50 Is The Highest Bid On 1999 Team Honda Autograph Helmet

Bidder “mjezek” came on strong Sunday, January 20 with four offers and currently holds the highest bid for this AGV helmet autographed by almost all of Honda’s 1999 factory riders at $202.50. Bidders “rageco” and “thecreeping104” have been in the hunt from the start and have until Thursday, January 24 at approximately 6:11 p.m. Eastern Time to place a higher bid. For more information about the auction of this helmet to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund, look below for the original web posting, the pictures and the link that will take you directly to the auction.




1999 Team Honda Autograph Helmet On Auction Block For Air Fence Fund

Donated by an industry executive who wishes to remain anonymous, this one-of-a-kind AGV R3 helmet would be very difficult to reproduce.

This brand-new, never-worn AGV R3 helmet was taken to an appearance in 1999 where it was signed by most of the members of American Honda’s race teams for that season. Autographs on the helmet include: Miguel Duhamel, Kurtis Roberts, Ezra Lusk, Kevin Windham, Mike Larocco, Johnny Campbell and Scott Summers.

All of the autographs were made in gold paint marker and stand out well on the solid white shell. The size-Medium helmet comes with its original clear shield, helmet bag and box.

“I hope this helps to raise money for the Air Fence Fund. Thank you for all that you have personally done to make it happen,” wrote the
helmet’s donor in a letter to Roadracing World Air Fence Fund founder John Ulrich.

All proceeds from the sale of this helmet will go to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. The Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established to raise funds to purchase and deploy inflatable Air Fence and Air Module soft barriers to protect crashed riders from hitting walls and other hard objects at racetracks. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.

The auction is due to close at approximately 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, January 24. More auctions of motorcycle racing memorabilia and collectibles to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund are scheduled to appear.

To go directly to the auction on eBay, click on the following link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1064980241

News From Honda’s Rossi-less Test In Malaysia

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News From Honda’s Rossi-less Test In Malaysia

From a press release:

Honda Racing News

HRC Winter Test
Sepang, Malaysia
January 21, 2002.

Rain Stops Play at Sepang

The first day of the HRC Sepang winter test session for the RC211V became a half-day test as rain fell at lunch time severely limiting the riders’ time on track. HRC are testing new tyres from Michelin at Sepang, and several machine modifications made to the RCV following data gathering test sessions at the end of last year.

Despite the rain, and the time required to find a reasonable set-up for the RC211V, Tohru Ukawa set fastest time of the day on the 5-cylinder MotoGP machine at 2:06.60. His time, almost on the lap record for the 5.548km circuit, was 4/10ths of a second faster than his best-ever lap time at the circuit while riding the NSR500 V-4 two-stroke.

HRC test rider Shinichi Itoh, making his first ever visit to Sepang, also tested the RC211V. Itoh completed 36 laps, 29 in the dry, seven on a wet track, with a best time of 2:08.86.

Reigning 250cc World Champion Daijiro Katoh was at Sepang. The Honda Gresini rider testing the team’s NSR500 at the circuit for the first time. Before the rain fell Katoh set a best time of 2:07.84.

Jurgen van den Goorbergh did not fare well on his Kanemoto NSR500. The Dutchman crashed the NSR, escaping without injury. However, the machine was extensively damaged and Van den Goorbergh sat out the rest of the day.

Team Honda Pons made their first appearance of the season with the 2002 NSR500s they will race in the Grands Prix this season. In their first shake down test on the West Honda’s Loris Capirossi and Alex Barros completed 80 laps between them with Capirossi the faster of the two men.

Tohru Ukawa, RC211V, 50 laps, 2:06.60

Shinichi Itoh, RC211V, 36 laps, 2:08.36

Daijiro Katoh, NSR500, 44 laps, 2:07.84

Loris Capirossi, NSR500, 44 laps, 2:07.93

Alex Barros, NSR500, 36 laps, 2:08.86

Jurgen v. d. Goorbergh, NSR500, 23 laps, 2:10.80

Tohru Ukawa: We were looking for a good set up for the track. Once we were close we started testing some new tyres for Michelin. I’m satisfied with what we achieved before the rain came. I must be happy, I’m already faster on the RCV than I was at the GP with the NSR500.

Shinichi Itoh: I had to learn the circuit before I could test anything. The bike was fine, better than the last time I tested it, a month ago. Pity about the rain today. We have two more days here so I’m confident we will complete the work we have.

Daijiro Katoh: Sepang is a real 500 track and it’s very demanding on the rider and the machine. This is my first time on a 500 round Sepang so I was not completely happy with the set up before the rain started but I’m satisfied with the performance today. I’m sure I can improve when the bike is set up for me.

This Just In: News From MARRC Awards Banquet

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This Just In: News From MARRC Awards Banquet

From a press release received January 21:

For Immediate Release:

MARRC Awards Banquet Salutes Racers and Volunteers

Laurel, MD, January 12, 2002 – – The Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club (MARRC) held its 18th annual awards banquet in Laurel, Maryland to recognize its members and Mid-Atlantic racers. Nearly 100 people attended the event, including several WERA, CCS, and Formula USA National Champions.

The MARRC annual awards are voted on by the MARRC membership, consisting of cornerworkers, racers, and road racing enthusiasts. The MARRC Board of Directors, along with past award winners and special guests, presented the awards. Awards are presented based on the votes from MARRC members, with the exception of two special categories–President’s Awards, which are decided by the club President, and the Harry E. Morse Cup, which is decided by a consensus of the Board of Directors and Judy Morse.

The name most heard at this year’s banquet was that of Rick Beggs. Mr. Beggs was recognized as not only the person who contributed most to MARRC during the past season as the recipient of the MARRC Cup, but also as the top middleweight expert during 2001, and the recipient of the Crash-and-Burn Award.

Mr. Beggs received the infamous Crash and Burn Award, given to the most spectacular crash of the year, for his highside at Summit Point Raceway that sent his Kawasaki careening into another rider in a monumental fireball. Fortunately both riders were OK, but what was left of the motorcycles in fierycrash had to be retired from racing.

Mr. Beggs also received a President’s Award from outgoing President Roger Lyle in recognition of his support of the MARRC Roadracing School.

In a similar fashion, Timothy Bemisderfer dominated the racing scene in the Mid-Atlantic region, earning the distinction of the HW Expert of the Year and Professional Rider of the Year.

MARRC’s Cornerworker of the Year went to Will Astle, who committed himself to the club all season in many different ways. Not only has he been a trusted Corner Captain and Safety Crew member, but Mr. Astle has become one of the favorite chefs for the weekend meals. He also proved invaluable at reporting on zoning meetings for Summit Point Raceway, and tracking community events. His leadership, dedication, and initiative have made Mr. Astle more than worthy
of this award.

Other notable winners include Loudoun MotorSports, as the Endurance Team of the Year, for their outstanding season in winning not only the WERA HW Superstock Endurance National Championship, but also for claiming National CCS and Formula USA Championships as well. Area native and AMA mechanic Todd Fenton was recognized as Tuner of the Year for his work on the Valvoline Suzuki team supporting rider Grant Lopez.

Roger Lyle received the Harry E. Morse Cup not only for his long career as a leader in road racing safety, but as an endurance racer and his sportsmanship throughout his life. Suffice to say, Mr. Lyle’s life has been dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle road racing, and has served not only MARRC but the entire road racing community.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a President’s Award to retiring CCS and former AMA Grid Marshall Dave Lewis. A well-known figure to many of the attendees, Mr. Lewis recalled the hundreds of races and thousands of miles he drove during his time in racing. He calculated that he spent the equivalent of over one year just driving to each event, and that 15% of his lifetime has been spent in working in motorcycle racing.

During the evening, Roger Lyle and Roger Bacon also announced their resignation and retirement from the Board of Directors to make way for new leadership in the Club. In recognition of Mr. Lyle’s dedication to MARRC, he was named as President Emeritus, and made a member for life. Wendy Leland and John Capen were introduced as the new President and Vice-President, respectively.

Complete List of Awards and Award Winners:

Cornerworker of the Year:
Will Astle

MARRC Cup:
Rick Beggs

Heavyweight Expert:
Timothy Bemisderfer

Middleweight Expert:
Rick Beggs

Lightweight Expert:
Steve Keener

Heavyweight Amateur:Joe Kimble

Middleweight Amateur:
Tomas Bauchiero

Lightweight Amateur:
Robert E. Lee

Professional Rider:
Timothy Bemisderfer

Endurance Team:
Loudon MotorSports

Twins Rider:
Stephen Harris

Tuner/Mechanic:
Todd Fenton

Best Looking Motorcycle:
Thane Stielow

Crash and Burn:
Rick Beggs

Hard Luck:
Ed Morgan

Sportsmanship:
Michael Parr

Harry E. Morse Cup:
Roger Lyle

President’s Awards:
Dave Lewis
Sharon Stringfield
Scooter and Karen Ball
Roger Bacon
Bill & Sandy Powers
Rick Beggs
David Rickman
Art Sears

MARRC is dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle road racing. Established in 1983 as a not-for-profit, all-volunteer club to provide a trained and organized safety crew at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, it has expanded in membership and scope. The Club boasts over 500 active members that include racers, cornerworkers, and racing enthusiasts. MARRC now runs a nationally recognized safety crew, and a road racing school accredited by CCS and WERA. Last year, MARRC volunteers spent over 14,000 hours of service in the Safety Crew, road racing school, and racer support functions.

For more information, see the MARRC website at www.marrc.org.

Aprilia USA To Pay Contingency On RS250, Mille And Mille R In 2002

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Aprilia USA To Pay Contingency On RS250, Mille And Mille R In 2002


From a press release:

Aprilia USA announces 2002 contingency program

Woodstock, GA Tuesday, January 15, 2002:

Aprilia USA is posting a $200,000 total contingency program for the RS250 Aprilia Cup and RSV1000 Mille/Mille R sportbikes in multiple racing organizations including WERA, CCS, FUSA, AFM, MRA and WSMC. “This is our first year posting contingency for the Mille,” says Aprilia USA General Manager Tom McDonald. “We’re excited that the Mille and Mille R is doing so well in so many racing clubs across the US and want to recognize the enthusiasm for our product. We encourage racers to consider an Aprilia motorcycle for their 2002 racing season.”

The Aprilia 250 Cup Series changes from a 6-race event to a club-based program that will end in a single year-end event with Formula USA. “The total Aprilia Cup purse will be over $24,000 including almost $7000 available in show money,” says Aprilia USA Marketing Coordinator, Robert Pandya. “With the change to a single year-end Aprilia Cup event, we wanted to help the club racer make the trip to that event. The show money will help pay the costs of going to the race, and we’ll continue our heavyweight bonus program.” Additional bonus purses include an over 40 class and a 1st lap leader bonus of $500. “We’re interested in adding additional bonus purses and will be approaching potential sponsors,” says Pandya.

Mille Contingency will be paid at the same club events as the 250 schedule, with additional contingency available at a National level in both WERA and FUSA. For additional information on contingency amounts, specific paying races and rules…log on to www.apriliausa.com.”

From Aprilia USA, (770) 592-2261, FAX (770) 592-4878.

Sorensen Lowers Track Record At North Florida

From a press release issued by Team Stargel Aprilia:

:

On January 20th 2002, Chuck Sorensen, riding a Team Stargel Aprilia RSV250, lowered the track record at North Florida Motorsports Park in Jennings, Florida. Team Stargel Aprilia was conducting their second test session in an effort to continue their familiarization with the Aprilia, and to try new suspension components.

When the team arrived Saturday morning, the track record stood at 1:20.3. Saturday was spent trying various engine and suspension settings. On Sunday morning, the track record was lowered to a 1:18.72 by Lee Acree riding a GSX-R1000. In the afternoon sessions, Sorensen ripped off four laps in the 17s with a best time of 1:17.53, lowering the record by more than a full second.

After lapping under the track record in their first two test sessions, Team Stargel Aprilia remains very optimistic about the upcoming season.

CCS Florida Announces New Vintage Classes For Old Racebikes

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

A press release issued by CCS Florida Region President Henry DeGouw announced two new Vintage racing classes for the 2002 season, Lightweight Vintage and Heavyweight Vintage.

According to the release, eligible machines are unrestricted in all areas, except age, as long as they meet the standards of section 5 of the CCS rulebook and use at least 18-inch wheels. Displacement limits are absolute and are as follows:

Lightweight Vintage:
Pre-1976 Up to 250cc air-cooled 2-strokes (factory road race or production, all models)
Pre-1976 Up to 500cc air-cooled 4-strokes (factory road race or production, all models)


Heavyweight Vintage:
Pre-1985 Up to 750cc, 2-stroke factory road race or production
Pre-1983 Up to 1200cc, 4-stroke, push rod
Pre-1983 Up to 1200cc, 4-stroke, OHC, Twins
Pre-1983 Up to 1200cc, 4-stroke, DOHC, Triples
Pre-1983 Up to 1085cc, 4-stroke, OHC, air-cooled, four cylinders
Pre-1983 Up to 750cc, 4-stroke, DOHC, air-cooled, 4-valve, four cylinders

For additional information, call or FAX Henry DeGouw at (561) 793-3394.

Hey, Remember That Press Release About This Weekend Being WSMC’s 10th Anniversary? That Was Actually Last Month…

Uhh, file this under Never Mind, or, just because a racetrack PR person says it’s so, obviously doesn’t mean it is. Maybe the moral of the story is, the Willow Springs International Raceway PR guy should do some fact-checking with the WSMC Operations Manager before issuing press releases.

The incorrect press release ran here 1/19/02 and also ran on several other sites.

From an e-mail sent by WSMC Operations Manager Kenny Kopecky:

“Just saw the latest online post (of an official WSMC press release) about our 10th anniversary?!

“It was last month…Dec. 1991 was first WSMC event weekend and Dec. 2001 our 10-year WSMC Anniversary event. (We gave out commemorative plaques, too!)

“Kenny Kopecky
“WSMC OpsMgr”

McWilliams And Aoki Happy After KR3 Proton Tests, On Bridgestone Tires

From a press release:

NEW RIDERS GLOWING AFTER FIRST PROTON TESTS

Jerez de la Frontera – January 18, 2002: New Proton Team KR riders Jeremy McWilliams and Nobuatsu Aoki made their first acquaintance with the Proton KR3 machines they will ride in the forthcoming MotoGP season this week – and both came away full of enthusiasm after matching the three-cylinder lightweight’s best-ever lap times at the Spanish GP circuit at Jerez.

In spite of dirty track conditions (the circuit is undergoing major reconstruction work), both Proton riders were circulating at close to lap record speed by the end of three days of testing.

“It’s about the fastest we’ve ever been around here – and the conditions are anything but ideal. It’s very encouraging at this point. Apart from the last 20 minutes, when Jeremy fell off – the tests were flawless,” said team owner Kenny Roberts Senior.

“In fact, they came up a little early for us, and we didn’t really have all our ducks in a row,” the former triple World Champion added. “From here on, it can only get better.”

McWilliams was not hurt in the fall, which came towards the end of a test over full race distance on race-compound tyres. The engine seized, almost certainly as a result of dirt ingested from the dust-strewn track.

Ulsterman McWilliams and Japanese star Aoki were both pleasantly surprised, not only with the machine and its obvious potential, but also with the performance of the Bridgestone tyres, new to the top class of GP racing.

They were testing both 16.5-inch and 17-inch rear tyres, and a variety of compounds and constructions including full race tyres.

This was the first of several tests in the run up to the season, which starts on April 7 with the Japanese GP at Suzuka. The next tests take place at Valencia on February 15 to 17.


JEREMY MCWILLIAMS – “PLEASANTLY SURPRISED”

“When I first got on the bike, the chassis settings were all wrong for me. My first thought was that it will take a lot of work to get the bike to suit my style. In fact, the team made the right adjustments really quickly, and even by the end of the first afternoon I was really happy, because I could see what a lot of potential is in the bike.

“The chassis is fantastic – the KR3 is better under hard late braking than any bike I’ve ever ridden. I don’t think Nobu or I have missed a single corner apex, which is pretty impressive for the first test.

“There are still some more changes to make, and we can improve it even more. One slight weakness is in the corner exit – but again this is such a good team, and engine chief Bud Aksland was able to make some changes that have already improved that aspect.

“All round, I was very pleasantly surprised – especially with the standard of the new Bridgestone tyres. I’m only kicking myself that I wasn’t on this bike one year earlier.”


NOBUATSU AOKI – “MAGIC – I NEVER EXPECTED IT TO BE THIS GOOD”

“I am really happy – it’s like magic. I never expected the bike to be so good, for the first test to go so well, and for the tyres to be so good first time.

“I spent last season development-testing the Bridgestone tyres, but this bike is quite a lot different – 15 kilogrammes lighter than the four-cylinder. This was the first test with the tyres, and they performed very well and we came to some important conclusions. I’m looking forward to future tyre developments that are targeted to the KR3 in particular.

“The rear tyres were fantastic – especially the 16.5. I couldn’t have expected them to suit the bike so well.

“My first impression of the KR3 is the very good chassis and handling. I expected the bike to be small and cramped – but it’s not a problem. It’s a real 500.

“It’s going to be a hard season, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Gobert Fastest So Far In Factory Team Tests At Laguna Seca

Anthony Gobert is the fastest so far during factory team testing at Laguna Seca Raceway, with a 1:26.8 at post time.

The Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Erion Honda and Bruce Transportation Honda teams are testing at Laguna Seca through Wednesday.

Graves Begins 2002 WSMC Reign By Winning Four Races

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Graves Yamaha’s Chuck Graves began his reign as the WSMC Overall Champion Sunday at Willow Springs International Raceway by winning all four races he started. Graves won in 600cc Superstock, 650cc Superbike, Formula Two and the feature event, the Toyota Cup Unlimited Formula One Grand Prix, on his Dunlop-shod Yamaha YZF-R6 and YZF-R7/R1 hybrid. Other big winners on the day included Lee’s Cycles’ Jeremy Toye, Elite Racing’s Jack Pfeiffer and Bikecards.com’s Chris Peris.

Toye started his 2002 season by leading the Formula One race into turn one on his Dunlop-slick-equipped, Supersport-spec Suzuki GSX-R750. Graves, riding his R7/R1 Formula Xtreme bike, followed Toye into the first corner, but Graves led out of the first turn of the 12-lap final. No Limit Motorsports’ Jason Curtis, riding an ex-Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 Formula Xtreme bike, and Jack Pfeifer, on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, quickly joined Graves and Toye to make it a foursome at the front.

Toye, Curtis and Graves each took a turn leading the race, but Graves soon took control. Running lap times as low as 1:22.2, Graves pulled out a lead over Toye that reached a maximum of two full seconds. Then in the second half of the race, Toye amazed himself by reeling in Graves with 1:22.2 laps of his own. Toye closed the gap steadily in the closing laps but came up 0.6-second short at the finish line.

With his horsepower advantage diluted by an ailing transmission, Curtis held third over Pfeifer for most of the race, while Richard Headley worked his way forward from the 18th spot on the grid. Riding a 2002 Ducati 998RS customer-spec World Superbike that reportedly hit 171 rear-wheel horsepower on the mobile dyno at Willow Springs during the weekend, Headley caught the duel for third on lap seven. Headley passed both Pfeifer and then Curtis in turn nine on successive laps and finished third.

Curtis continued to battle with Pfeifer until the start of the last lap when Curtis’ transmission blew going into turn one. Pfeifer cruised home to fourth. Fifth place went to California Superbike School instructor Stoney Landers. Landers rode a Suzuki GSX-R750 that he never rode until his first race Sunday morning. Stephen Hewitt, Owen Richey, Robert Christman, Jeff Stern and Darren Fulce rounded out the top 10.

Toye didn’t go home empty-handed. The San Diego rider earned wins in 750cc Supersport, 750cc Modified Production and 750cc Superbike. Headley also won in Formula Twins and Formula 40 Heavyweight on his Ducati. Pfeifer collected first-place trophies for Open Superstock and Open Modified Production, while Hewitt won Open Superbike on his Yamaha YZF-R1.

Sixteen-year-old Chris Peris walked away from a turn-three highside in an early race and returned to take a win in one of the day’s best sprints. After getting off his Suzuki GSX-R600, young Canadian Peris got a slow start in the 600cc Modified Production race on his more familiar Yamaha YZF-R6. Peris was in about 10th place in the first corner and began to move forward as his confidence came back. On lap three of six, Peris joined the lead group of seven and began picking off positions. On the last lap, Peris positioned himself well in third, caught a draft from Michael Leon going into eight, then caught another draft from leader Jacob West coming out of the final corner and beat West to the flag. With the 2001 WSMC 125cc Championship already to his credit, Peris added his first 600cc win to his growing resume.

The event saw the debut of WSMC’s new 250cc Grand Prix race, with 12 entrants. Frank Aragaki won on a Yamaha TZ250 from Mark Watts on a Honda RS250, Darren Fulce on a Yamaha, new AMA Trustee John Ulrich on a Yamaha and Gene Redmon on another Yamaha.

$202.50 Is The Highest Bid On 1999 Team Honda Autograph Helmet

Bidder “mjezek” came on strong Sunday, January 20 with four offers and currently holds the highest bid for this AGV helmet autographed by almost all of Honda’s 1999 factory riders at $202.50. Bidders “rageco” and “thecreeping104” have been in the hunt from the start and have until Thursday, January 24 at approximately 6:11 p.m. Eastern Time to place a higher bid. For more information about the auction of this helmet to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund, look below for the original web posting, the pictures and the link that will take you directly to the auction.




1999 Team Honda Autograph Helmet On Auction Block For Air Fence Fund

Donated by an industry executive who wishes to remain anonymous, this one-of-a-kind AGV R3 helmet would be very difficult to reproduce.

This brand-new, never-worn AGV R3 helmet was taken to an appearance in 1999 where it was signed by most of the members of American Honda’s race teams for that season. Autographs on the helmet include: Miguel Duhamel, Kurtis Roberts, Ezra Lusk, Kevin Windham, Mike Larocco, Johnny Campbell and Scott Summers.

All of the autographs were made in gold paint marker and stand out well on the solid white shell. The size-Medium helmet comes with its original clear shield, helmet bag and box.

“I hope this helps to raise money for the Air Fence Fund. Thank you for all that you have personally done to make it happen,” wrote the
helmet’s donor in a letter to Roadracing World Air Fence Fund founder John Ulrich.

All proceeds from the sale of this helmet will go to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. The Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established to raise funds to purchase and deploy inflatable Air Fence and Air Module soft barriers to protect crashed riders from hitting walls and other hard objects at racetracks. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.

The auction is due to close at approximately 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, January 24. More auctions of motorcycle racing memorabilia and collectibles to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund are scheduled to appear.

To go directly to the auction on eBay, click on the following link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1064980241

News From Honda’s Rossi-less Test In Malaysia

From a press release:

Honda Racing News

HRC Winter Test
Sepang, Malaysia
January 21, 2002.

Rain Stops Play at Sepang

The first day of the HRC Sepang winter test session for the RC211V became a half-day test as rain fell at lunch time severely limiting the riders’ time on track. HRC are testing new tyres from Michelin at Sepang, and several machine modifications made to the RCV following data gathering test sessions at the end of last year.

Despite the rain, and the time required to find a reasonable set-up for the RC211V, Tohru Ukawa set fastest time of the day on the 5-cylinder MotoGP machine at 2:06.60. His time, almost on the lap record for the 5.548km circuit, was 4/10ths of a second faster than his best-ever lap time at the circuit while riding the NSR500 V-4 two-stroke.

HRC test rider Shinichi Itoh, making his first ever visit to Sepang, also tested the RC211V. Itoh completed 36 laps, 29 in the dry, seven on a wet track, with a best time of 2:08.86.

Reigning 250cc World Champion Daijiro Katoh was at Sepang. The Honda Gresini rider testing the team’s NSR500 at the circuit for the first time. Before the rain fell Katoh set a best time of 2:07.84.

Jurgen van den Goorbergh did not fare well on his Kanemoto NSR500. The Dutchman crashed the NSR, escaping without injury. However, the machine was extensively damaged and Van den Goorbergh sat out the rest of the day.

Team Honda Pons made their first appearance of the season with the 2002 NSR500s they will race in the Grands Prix this season. In their first shake down test on the West Honda’s Loris Capirossi and Alex Barros completed 80 laps between them with Capirossi the faster of the two men.

Tohru Ukawa, RC211V, 50 laps, 2:06.60

Shinichi Itoh, RC211V, 36 laps, 2:08.36

Daijiro Katoh, NSR500, 44 laps, 2:07.84

Loris Capirossi, NSR500, 44 laps, 2:07.93

Alex Barros, NSR500, 36 laps, 2:08.86

Jurgen v. d. Goorbergh, NSR500, 23 laps, 2:10.80

Tohru Ukawa: We were looking for a good set up for the track. Once we were close we started testing some new tyres for Michelin. I’m satisfied with what we achieved before the rain came. I must be happy, I’m already faster on the RCV than I was at the GP with the NSR500.

Shinichi Itoh: I had to learn the circuit before I could test anything. The bike was fine, better than the last time I tested it, a month ago. Pity about the rain today. We have two more days here so I’m confident we will complete the work we have.

Daijiro Katoh: Sepang is a real 500 track and it’s very demanding on the rider and the machine. This is my first time on a 500 round Sepang so I was not completely happy with the set up before the rain started but I’m satisfied with the performance today. I’m sure I can improve when the bike is set up for me.

This Just In: News From MARRC Awards Banquet

From a press release received January 21:

For Immediate Release:

MARRC Awards Banquet Salutes Racers and Volunteers

Laurel, MD, January 12, 2002 – – The Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club (MARRC) held its 18th annual awards banquet in Laurel, Maryland to recognize its members and Mid-Atlantic racers. Nearly 100 people attended the event, including several WERA, CCS, and Formula USA National Champions.

The MARRC annual awards are voted on by the MARRC membership, consisting of cornerworkers, racers, and road racing enthusiasts. The MARRC Board of Directors, along with past award winners and special guests, presented the awards. Awards are presented based on the votes from MARRC members, with the exception of two special categories–President’s Awards, which are decided by the club President, and the Harry E. Morse Cup, which is decided by a consensus of the Board of Directors and Judy Morse.

The name most heard at this year’s banquet was that of Rick Beggs. Mr. Beggs was recognized as not only the person who contributed most to MARRC during the past season as the recipient of the MARRC Cup, but also as the top middleweight expert during 2001, and the recipient of the Crash-and-Burn Award.

Mr. Beggs received the infamous Crash and Burn Award, given to the most spectacular crash of the year, for his highside at Summit Point Raceway that sent his Kawasaki careening into another rider in a monumental fireball. Fortunately both riders were OK, but what was left of the motorcycles in fierycrash had to be retired from racing.

Mr. Beggs also received a President’s Award from outgoing President Roger Lyle in recognition of his support of the MARRC Roadracing School.

In a similar fashion, Timothy Bemisderfer dominated the racing scene in the Mid-Atlantic region, earning the distinction of the HW Expert of the Year and Professional Rider of the Year.

MARRC’s Cornerworker of the Year went to Will Astle, who committed himself to the club all season in many different ways. Not only has he been a trusted Corner Captain and Safety Crew member, but Mr. Astle has become one of the favorite chefs for the weekend meals. He also proved invaluable at reporting on zoning meetings for Summit Point Raceway, and tracking community events. His leadership, dedication, and initiative have made Mr. Astle more than worthy
of this award.

Other notable winners include Loudoun MotorSports, as the Endurance Team of the Year, for their outstanding season in winning not only the WERA HW Superstock Endurance National Championship, but also for claiming National CCS and Formula USA Championships as well. Area native and AMA mechanic Todd Fenton was recognized as Tuner of the Year for his work on the Valvoline Suzuki team supporting rider Grant Lopez.

Roger Lyle received the Harry E. Morse Cup not only for his long career as a leader in road racing safety, but as an endurance racer and his sportsmanship throughout his life. Suffice to say, Mr. Lyle’s life has been dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle road racing, and has served not only MARRC but the entire road racing community.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a President’s Award to retiring CCS and former AMA Grid Marshall Dave Lewis. A well-known figure to many of the attendees, Mr. Lewis recalled the hundreds of races and thousands of miles he drove during his time in racing. He calculated that he spent the equivalent of over one year just driving to each event, and that 15% of his lifetime has been spent in working in motorcycle racing.

During the evening, Roger Lyle and Roger Bacon also announced their resignation and retirement from the Board of Directors to make way for new leadership in the Club. In recognition of Mr. Lyle’s dedication to MARRC, he was named as President Emeritus, and made a member for life. Wendy Leland and John Capen were introduced as the new President and Vice-President, respectively.

Complete List of Awards and Award Winners:

Cornerworker of the Year:
Will Astle

MARRC Cup:
Rick Beggs

Heavyweight Expert:
Timothy Bemisderfer

Middleweight Expert:
Rick Beggs

Lightweight Expert:
Steve Keener

Heavyweight Amateur:Joe Kimble

Middleweight Amateur:
Tomas Bauchiero

Lightweight Amateur:
Robert E. Lee

Professional Rider:
Timothy Bemisderfer

Endurance Team:
Loudon MotorSports

Twins Rider:
Stephen Harris

Tuner/Mechanic:
Todd Fenton

Best Looking Motorcycle:
Thane Stielow

Crash and Burn:
Rick Beggs

Hard Luck:
Ed Morgan

Sportsmanship:
Michael Parr

Harry E. Morse Cup:
Roger Lyle

President’s Awards:
Dave Lewis
Sharon Stringfield
Scooter and Karen Ball
Roger Bacon
Bill & Sandy Powers
Rick Beggs
David Rickman
Art Sears

MARRC is dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle road racing. Established in 1983 as a not-for-profit, all-volunteer club to provide a trained and organized safety crew at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, it has expanded in membership and scope. The Club boasts over 500 active members that include racers, cornerworkers, and racing enthusiasts. MARRC now runs a nationally recognized safety crew, and a road racing school accredited by CCS and WERA. Last year, MARRC volunteers spent over 14,000 hours of service in the Safety Crew, road racing school, and racer support functions.

For more information, see the MARRC website at www.marrc.org.

Aprilia USA To Pay Contingency On RS250, Mille And Mille R In 2002


From a press release:

Aprilia USA announces 2002 contingency program

Woodstock, GA Tuesday, January 15, 2002:

Aprilia USA is posting a $200,000 total contingency program for the RS250 Aprilia Cup and RSV1000 Mille/Mille R sportbikes in multiple racing organizations including WERA, CCS, FUSA, AFM, MRA and WSMC. “This is our first year posting contingency for the Mille,” says Aprilia USA General Manager Tom McDonald. “We’re excited that the Mille and Mille R is doing so well in so many racing clubs across the US and want to recognize the enthusiasm for our product. We encourage racers to consider an Aprilia motorcycle for their 2002 racing season.”

The Aprilia 250 Cup Series changes from a 6-race event to a club-based program that will end in a single year-end event with Formula USA. “The total Aprilia Cup purse will be over $24,000 including almost $7000 available in show money,” says Aprilia USA Marketing Coordinator, Robert Pandya. “With the change to a single year-end Aprilia Cup event, we wanted to help the club racer make the trip to that event. The show money will help pay the costs of going to the race, and we’ll continue our heavyweight bonus program.” Additional bonus purses include an over 40 class and a 1st lap leader bonus of $500. “We’re interested in adding additional bonus purses and will be approaching potential sponsors,” says Pandya.

Mille Contingency will be paid at the same club events as the 250 schedule, with additional contingency available at a National level in both WERA and FUSA. For additional information on contingency amounts, specific paying races and rules…log on to www.apriliausa.com.”

From Aprilia USA, (770) 592-2261, FAX (770) 592-4878.

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