Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
2002 AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden will be at Daytona International Speedway Wednesday, according to younger brother Roger Lee Hayden.
Nicky Hayden, who will race in the 2003 MotoGP World Championship on a Repsol-sponsored Honda RC211V, will not race at Daytona, but will be a spectator, saids the younger Hayden.
From a press release issued by No Limits Motor Sports Honda:
MEDLEY, CHANDLER & CURTIS SHAKEDOWN HONDAS @ DAYTONA CCS-FORMULA USA DATES, READY FOR AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE SERIES 2003 EVENT #1.
Superbike legend Doug Chandler, multiple AMA award winning “Tuner Of The Year” Gary Medley and the duo’s racing protégé Jason Curtis of No Limit Motor Sports Honda persevere through a week of heavy rain and high humidity in order to shakedown and test numerous variables and tech combinations on the new Honda CBR600RR & CBR954RR in their continued effort to place the first year Honda team on the podium in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike series premiere event at the Daytona International Speedway.
The 2003 AMA event marks the highly anticipated return to the famed circuit which has conceived many memorable impressions on the dynamic duo of Chandler and Medley, both of whom were displaced from their long seated Daytona environment last season.
Chandler has come ever so close to Superbike wins on numerous occasions, ultimately finishing the 200 in the runner-up position more times then he cares to remember. He has however, attained success in Daytona support classes, with many wins on 600 and 750 machines. Chandler looks forward to being back out on the banked ovals of Daytona and feels he has as good a shot at the class wins as any of his competitors.
Team Manager Gary Medley has crewed his racers to over 12 class wins @ Daytona, including the prestigious Superbike crown 3 times with the likes of John Ashmead, Scott Russell and Chandler. Medley is working diligently to make his return to Daytona in 2003, his first as the team manager of NLMS Honda, a notable one. Medley has his team focused and determined. The entire crew is definitely pumped up and ready to kick off the new AMA season with a strong showing.
Jason Curtis, a record holder in offshore powerboat racing, is entering his 3rd year on a motorcycle of any type and looks very impressive on his CBR600RR. Review of the CBR600RR data acquisition by Medley revealed strong numbers by “The Kid” also referred to around the paddock as “Rocket Boy”. Both Curtis and Chandler are excited with the characteristics of the new Honda machines. Curtis explains, “My focus during the CCS-Formula USA shakedown was on my CBR600RR. I am happy with the discovery and data from the different set-ups we were able to test, barring the rain it was a good week for the team, we definitely progressed in a positive and efficient manner. I am looking forward to my inaugural season in the Honda Pro Oils 600 Super Sport Division.”
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Wednesday Morning Practice Radar Speeds As Recorded By The Roadracingworld.com Stalker Sport Radar Gun In Daytona’s Tri-Oval (best pass recorded, in mph):
Supersport:
1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 155.5
2. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 153.3
3. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 153.2
4. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 152.5
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 152.4
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 152.2
7. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 150.4
8. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 150.3
9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R600, 149.8
10. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 148.7
11. Doug Chandler, Honda CBR600RR, 147.2
12. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR600RR, 147.0
13. Jason Perez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 146.6
1. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 160.6
2. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R750, 159.2
3. Michael Hannas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 157.6
4. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R7650, 157.6
5. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, 156.1
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
7. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
8. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
9. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.0
10. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 154.0
11. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 153.5
12. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 152.9
13. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 152.5
14. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 152.4
15. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 152.0
16. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 151.9
17. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 151.6
18. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 150.9
19. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 150.9
20. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 150.3
250cc Grand Prix:
1. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 148.8
2. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 147.2
3. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 146.2
4. James Worthington, Aprilia, 142.8
5. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 140.1
6. Leon Cortes, Honda, 140.1
7. Simon Turner, TSR Honda, 139.1
8. Neil Richardson, Yamaha, 138.6
9. Barrett Long, Yamaha, 135.9
10. Steve Genter, Honda, 135.5
By David Swarts
Tilley Harley-Davidson/Buell’s Tripp Nobles claims the Airfence placed at the exit of the Daytona International Speedway chicane saved him from a trip to the hospital.
Nobles was running away with the wet Formula USA Thunderbike final at Daytona International Speedway March 2 when he crashed at the exit of the chicane.
“I just went across the puddle at the exit, and it got away from me,” recalled Nobles. “(I was) straight up and down. It didn’t do it on the warm-up lap, but I guess there was so many people ahead of me on the warm-up it dissipated when I got there. It didn’t do it on the first lap. I can’t blame it on anything but myself. It just hydroplaned and got thrown off.”
With water on the track, Nobles slid much farther and faster than he would have on a dry track and impacted soft barriers placed against the speedway’s outside retaining wall with considerable speed.
“Thank God for Airfences or I would’ve got into the wall,” said Nobles. “It was pretty cushy. It spun me around. I thought I would get caught up in it or it would flip me back out on the track, but it didn’t catch or hook or anything. It kind of absorbed a little bit.”
When asked what would’ve happened if he had hit the wall instead of the Airfence, Nobles said, “I would probably still be in the Care Center or on the way to Halifax (Regional Medical Center). Even though it’s in the rain, it was pretty fast. Yeah, I would’ve definitely been going to the hospital. So thank God for Airfence. Also thanks for John Ulrich for getting that (Roadracingworld.com Action Fund) together and getting the Airfence. I can’t thank him enough.”
Nobles raced again later the same day.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Well-known motorcycle racing photographer Yves Jamotte died Monday, March 3, of a heart attack.
Jamotte, 45, owned Sportsphotography, an agency which covered many types of motorcycle road racing, including the MotoGP, World Superbike and World Endurance Series.
Jamotte was based in Belgium. He is survived by his wife and two children.
More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:
It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that our dear friend and colleague Yves Jamotte passed away last night. Yves, who one of motorcycle racing’s most colourful, and helpful personalities, has been associated with the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. press service for over 20 years as a racing and product photographer. His inspirational work speaks for itself, it is the man himself will be so sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of working alongside him, and the good fortune to know him as a friend.
Yves is survived by his wife Pascale, and children Kevin and Emilie. No date has yet been arranged for the funeral. The details of which we will make known to all our colleagues in racing as soon as we have them.
Yours sincerely,
Honda Europe Motorcycles and Honda Racing Corporation.
From a press release issued by Proforma’s Bill Syfan:
HAS/SHOGUN RACING TO MAKE AMA DEBUT AT DAYTONA
In a new alliance between HAS Racing and Shogun Motorsports, the team of HAS/Shogun Racing will make its debut in the 2003 AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at Daytona on March 5th. With two successful tests in the last month at No Problem Raceway and Oak Hill Raceway, the new team has gotten a chance to work together and determine baseline settings that will help make the team more competitive from the start of practice at Daytona.
“The team has really come together in the two tests that we’ve done,” said team owner Lance Small. “Our sponsors have been great about getting us the products that we need, and the crew has worked non-stop to get everything together for Daytona.”
Riders John Haner and Heath Small have had a chance to get familiar with their new machines, which in Heath’s case was quite a change. “I’ve been riding V-Twins for the last three years, so it’s taken some laps to get used to the Yamaha R6, but I’m getting really comfortable on it now,” said Small, who will focus on the AMA 600 Supersport class at Daytona on the #278 Yamaha.
John Haner, who will contest the AMA 750 Superstock class on the #44 Suzuki GSX-R750, has been training hard in preparation for the 2003 season. “I’m in better shape than ever, and my endurance is way up. I’m really looking forward to the Superstock race at Daytona!”
Both Haner and Small will also compete in the Superbike class on Yamaha R1s that meet the new 1000cc engine rules for the class. Be sure to look for the red, white and blue HAS/Shogun Racing transporter in the paddock at Daytona.
For more information on HAS/Shogun Racing, visit www.hasracing.com and www.shogunmotorsports.com.
From a press release:
AMA privateer Chris “Opie” Caylor’s fan-based
website is now officially open!
Please visit www.chriscaylor.com for information about Opie and the team.
The News section will be updated often with announcements, pictures and articles. So check in frequently.
From a press release issued by Dunlop Tire Co.:
Dunlop Announces Change in Qualifying Race Tire Policy
Daytona Beach, FL–Dunlop Tire announced today that the company will not be supplying qualifying tires to competitors in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike class or the AMA Formula Xtreme class during the 2003 season. This decision will take effect beginning with the 62nd annual running of the Daytona 200 on March 9, 2003.
This decision was reached recently, following ongoing discussions with Dunlop’s contracted Superbike teams at the end of the 2002 season. “It’s simply a matter of cost and of giving the teams additional time to find their best race set-ups during practice,” said Jim Allen, Dunlop’s Road Race Manager. “When we raised the topic in our annual meetings with the OEM teams at the end of 2002, there was general agreement that as long as no Dunlop team had access to qualifying tires and as long as none of our tire competitors were supplying qualifying tires, the extra edge these tires can give wasn’t necessary.”
Dunlop supplies tires to all of the major OEM race teams and the vast majority of the AMA Superbike and Formula Xtreme fields, and has unassailable records on both classes. Specifically, in the 27-year history of AMA Superbike racing, Dunlop has won 17 championships, including the last 13 in a row.
Allen added that an agreement had been reached with Dunlop’s UK division to produce and ship all necessary qualifying tires immediately, should it prove necessary to react to the actions of other tire companies. In addition, a one-race supply of the latest qualifying tires is currently on hand at Dunlop’s USA headquarters in Buffalo, NY.
From a press release issued by Keith Milne of Vmoto:
New Vintage Motorcycle Racing Group Formed
Vmoto (Vintage Motorcycle Racing Association), founded by Llew Kinst and Keith Milne in January of 2003, will offer a different experience for the vintage rider and spectator than is currently available. Vmoto’s focus is on the history of the sport and period correct bikes, not trying to make history by putting an emphasis on races and winners.
Vmoto encourages the restoration, preservation and use of historic, vintage, and classic road racing motorcycles. Vmoto events are, in effect, rolling museums where historic bikes of the past can be ridden once again in a venue that respects their historic value. Vmoto advocates preserving the history of the bikes and giving the rider an opportunity to experience motorcycle racing as it was in the past.
“You can either go vintage bike racing or go and race a vintage bike,” states founder Llew Kinst. “There is a big difference between the two. The former allows modern technology and emphasizes competition, the later (sic) emphasizes the history of the bikes and the sport.” Vmoto strives for the later, providing a venue for riders to bring out historically significant bikes and ride them as they were intended.
Vmoto is currently planning events at Northern California tracks for the 2003 season.
For more information, visit our website at http://www.vintagemoto.com
Rain continued to plague racing at Daytona and put a damper on the two days of AHRMA Vintage racing at the Speedway. AHRMA Champion Pat Mooney continued his dominance of the Premier 500 class with a win on his Dunlop-sponsored Manx Norton replica. The win marked Mooney’s third successive win at Daytona. He controlled the race pace and went only as fast as he needed to beat Josef Brenner on the Heyser Cycle BSA Gold Star replica and Greg Nichols on a Manx Norton replica. Dave Roper crashed out of a distant fourth place.
Jim Neunberg won the 350GP race on a rare 350cc Bultaco TSS. Neunberg finished a full minute ahead of Stuart Carter on an AJS 7R replica. Roper won the 250GP race on his Aermacchi CRTT after a race-long battle with the Ducati of John Stephens. Jim Struke was the convincing winner of the Formula 750 event on his Norton Commando.
Dutchman Alex Van Dijk dominated the wet Sound of Thunder race on a relatively stock 996 Ducati. The Super-Mono race was won by English rider Mark Lawes on a Suzuki DR700 based machine that was built by Roberto Gallina in 1991.
Tuesday’s AHRMA Race Results:
Classic ‘60s:
1. Josef Brenner, 1954 BSA Goldstar
2. Alex McLean, 1960 Norton Manx
3. John Cooper, 1960 BSA Goldstar
4. Rusty Lowry, 1960 H-D KR750
5. Dick Miles, 1962 Norton Manx
6. Johnny Szoldrak, ’96 Royal Enfield
Classic ‘60s 650cc:
1. Robert Goodpaster, 1960 Norton
2. John Tibben, 1961 H-D KR
3. Bud Denny, 1961 Triton
4. Jon Schultz, 1954 H-D
Sportsman 350cc:
1. John Walters, 1972 Honda CB
2. Steve Brown, 1970 Honda SL350
3. Eric Cook, 1972 Honda CL
4. James Swartout, 1972 Honda CB
5. Henry Syphers, 1970 Honda CB350
6. Gale Harkness, 1971 Honda
BOTT Formula One:
1. Frank Shockley, 2002 Aprilia RSV1000
2. Albert Charles, 2002 Ducati
3. Kiyo Watanabe, 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. Derek Keyes, 2000 Suzuki SV650
5. Rick Patrolia, 2001 Suzuki SV650
6. Chris Carr, 2002 Buell
BOTT Formula Three:
1. Danny Tackett, Suzuki
2. Jan Svensson, 1993 Ducati
3. Matt Winnacker, 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. Guenther Weickert, 2000 Suzuki SV650
5. John Zamsky, 2001 Suzuki SV650
6. Charles Burnett, 1988 Honda Hawk
Sportsman 500cc:
1. Tim Joyce, 1973 Triumph
2. William “Buff” Harsh, 1971 Honda
3. John Walters, 1972 Honda CB
4. Andrew Cowell, 1971 Redline
5. Jesse Morris, 1968 Triumph 500
6. Eric Cook, 1972 Honda CL
Vintage Superbike Lightweight:
1. David Peters, 1980 Suzuki GS450
2. Jim Killy, 1978 Yamaha
3. Gordon Hamilton, 1978 Yamaha SR
Formula 500cc:
1. Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD
2. Harry Barlow, 1976 Yamaha RD400
3. Chuck Quenzler, 1978 Yamaha RD400
4. David Crussell, 1970 Kawasaki H1R
5. Nathan Sanel, 1975 Yamaha
6. A.J. Dusek, 1973 Yamaha RD350
Vintage Superbike Middleweight:
1. George Irish, Jr., 1981 Suzuki
2. Gary Smith, 1972 Honda CB
3. James Trampe, 1977 Suzuki GS
4. Mike Parker, 1975 Honda 400F
Sportsman 750cc:
1. Jesse Morris, 1968 Triumph 750
2. Mark Nadelkov, 1972 Yamaha
3. Geir Jacobsen, 1972 Trident Rickman
4. Craig Charles, 1972 Triumph Trident
5. James Swartout, 1980 Yamaha XS
6. David Temple, 1972 Yamaha
BOTT Formula Two:
1. Derek Keyes, 2000 Suzuki SV650
2. Matt Winnacker, 2000 Suzuki SV650
3. Jan Svensson, 1993 Ducati
4. Rick Patrolia, 2001 Suzuki SV650
5. Chris Carr, 2002 Buell
6. Guenther Weickert, 2000 Suzuki SV650
International Classic GP:
1. John Weeden, 1977 Yamaha
2. Chris Hurst, 1980 Yamaha TZ
3. David Hedison, 1980 Yamaha TZ G
4. Joseph Rutherford, 1978 Yamaha TZ
5. Michael Perry, 1980 Yamaha TZ G
Formula Vintage:
1. Jay Springsteen, 1972 H-D
2. Geir Jacobsen, 1972 Trident Rickman
3. Gary Nixon, 1970 Honda CR
4. Ken Nemoto, 1972 Moto Guzzi
5. Chuck Quenzler, 1978 Yamaha RD400
6. Mark Loveland, 1962 Seeley
Vintage Superbike Heavyweight:
1. Colin Fraser, 1979 Kawasaki KZ
2. Rich Earnest, 1980 Suzuki
3. Todd Welch, 1979 Ducati
4. Dennis Parrish, 1975 Kawasaki
5. Gary Swan, 1977 Suzuki GS
6. David Evans, 1981 Honda
Sound Of Thunder:
1. Alex Van Dijk, Ducati
2. T. Bruce Brown, 2002 Triumph
3. Kiyo Watanabe, 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. Chris Carr, 2002 Buell
5. Chris Lillingston-Price, 1993 Ducati
6. Wally Schleper, 2001 Aprilia
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
2002 AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden will be at Daytona International Speedway Wednesday, according to younger brother Roger Lee Hayden.
Nicky Hayden, who will race in the 2003 MotoGP World Championship on a Repsol-sponsored Honda RC211V, will not race at Daytona, but will be a spectator, saids the younger Hayden.
From a press release issued by No Limits Motor Sports Honda:
MEDLEY, CHANDLER & CURTIS SHAKEDOWN HONDAS @ DAYTONA CCS-FORMULA USA DATES, READY FOR AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE SERIES 2003 EVENT #1.
Superbike legend Doug Chandler, multiple AMA award winning “Tuner Of The Year” Gary Medley and the duo’s racing protégé Jason Curtis of No Limit Motor Sports Honda persevere through a week of heavy rain and high humidity in order to shakedown and test numerous variables and tech combinations on the new Honda CBR600RR & CBR954RR in their continued effort to place the first year Honda team on the podium in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike series premiere event at the Daytona International Speedway.
The 2003 AMA event marks the highly anticipated return to the famed circuit which has conceived many memorable impressions on the dynamic duo of Chandler and Medley, both of whom were displaced from their long seated Daytona environment last season.
Chandler has come ever so close to Superbike wins on numerous occasions, ultimately finishing the 200 in the runner-up position more times then he cares to remember. He has however, attained success in Daytona support classes, with many wins on 600 and 750 machines. Chandler looks forward to being back out on the banked ovals of Daytona and feels he has as good a shot at the class wins as any of his competitors.
Team Manager Gary Medley has crewed his racers to over 12 class wins @ Daytona, including the prestigious Superbike crown 3 times with the likes of John Ashmead, Scott Russell and Chandler. Medley is working diligently to make his return to Daytona in 2003, his first as the team manager of NLMS Honda, a notable one. Medley has his team focused and determined. The entire crew is definitely pumped up and ready to kick off the new AMA season with a strong showing.
Jason Curtis, a record holder in offshore powerboat racing, is entering his 3rd year on a motorcycle of any type and looks very impressive on his CBR600RR. Review of the CBR600RR data acquisition by Medley revealed strong numbers by “The Kid” also referred to around the paddock as “Rocket Boy”. Both Curtis and Chandler are excited with the characteristics of the new Honda machines. Curtis explains, “My focus during the CCS-Formula USA shakedown was on my CBR600RR. I am happy with the discovery and data from the different set-ups we were able to test, barring the rain it was a good week for the team, we definitely progressed in a positive and efficient manner. I am looking forward to my inaugural season in the Honda Pro Oils 600 Super Sport Division.”
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Wednesday Morning Practice Radar Speeds As Recorded By The Roadracingworld.com Stalker Sport Radar Gun In Daytona’s Tri-Oval (best pass recorded, in mph):
Supersport:
1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 155.5
2. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 153.3
3. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 153.2
4. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 152.5
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 152.4
6. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600RR, 152.2
7. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 150.4
8. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R6, 150.3
9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R600, 149.8
10. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 148.7
11. Doug Chandler, Honda CBR600RR, 147.2
12. Jason Curtis, Honda CBR600RR, 147.0
13. Jason Perez, Suzuki GSX-R600, 146.6
1. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 160.6
2. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R750, 159.2
3. Michael Hannas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 157.6
4. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R7650, 157.6
5. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, 156.1
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
7. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
8. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.6
9. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 155.0
10. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 154.0
11. Kurtis Roberts, Honda CBR600RR, 153.5
12. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 152.9
13. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 152.5
14. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 152.4
15. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 152.0
16. Matt Wait, Yamaha YZF-R6, 151.9
17. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 151.6
18. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 150.9
19. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 150.9
20. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 150.3
250cc Grand Prix:
1. Rich Oliver, Yamaha, 148.8
2. Colin Jensen, Aprilia, 147.2
3. Chuck Sorensen, Aprilia, 146.2
4. James Worthington, Aprilia, 142.8
5. Steve Scott, Yamaha, 140.1
6. Leon Cortes, Honda, 140.1
7. Simon Turner, TSR Honda, 139.1
8. Neil Richardson, Yamaha, 138.6
9. Barrett Long, Yamaha, 135.9
10. Steve Genter, Honda, 135.5
By David Swarts
Tilley Harley-Davidson/Buell’s Tripp Nobles claims the Airfence placed at the exit of the Daytona International Speedway chicane saved him from a trip to the hospital.
Nobles was running away with the wet Formula USA Thunderbike final at Daytona International Speedway March 2 when he crashed at the exit of the chicane.
“I just went across the puddle at the exit, and it got away from me,” recalled Nobles. “(I was) straight up and down. It didn’t do it on the warm-up lap, but I guess there was so many people ahead of me on the warm-up it dissipated when I got there. It didn’t do it on the first lap. I can’t blame it on anything but myself. It just hydroplaned and got thrown off.”
With water on the track, Nobles slid much farther and faster than he would have on a dry track and impacted soft barriers placed against the speedway’s outside retaining wall with considerable speed.
“Thank God for Airfences or I would’ve got into the wall,” said Nobles. “It was pretty cushy. It spun me around. I thought I would get caught up in it or it would flip me back out on the track, but it didn’t catch or hook or anything. It kind of absorbed a little bit.”
When asked what would’ve happened if he had hit the wall instead of the Airfence, Nobles said, “I would probably still be in the Care Center or on the way to Halifax (Regional Medical Center). Even though it’s in the rain, it was pretty fast. Yeah, I would’ve definitely been going to the hospital. So thank God for Airfence. Also thanks for John Ulrich for getting that (Roadracingworld.com Action Fund) together and getting the Airfence. I can’t thank him enough.”
Nobles raced again later the same day.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Well-known motorcycle racing photographer Yves Jamotte died Monday, March 3, of a heart attack.
Jamotte, 45, owned Sportsphotography, an agency which covered many types of motorcycle road racing, including the MotoGP, World Superbike and World Endurance Series.
Jamotte was based in Belgium. He is survived by his wife and two children.
More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:
It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that our dear friend and colleague Yves Jamotte passed away last night. Yves, who one of motorcycle racing’s most colourful, and helpful personalities, has been associated with the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. press service for over 20 years as a racing and product photographer. His inspirational work speaks for itself, it is the man himself will be so sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of working alongside him, and the good fortune to know him as a friend.
Yves is survived by his wife Pascale, and children Kevin and Emilie. No date has yet been arranged for the funeral. The details of which we will make known to all our colleagues in racing as soon as we have them.
Yours sincerely,
Honda Europe Motorcycles and Honda Racing Corporation.
From a press release issued by Proforma’s Bill Syfan:
HAS/SHOGUN RACING TO MAKE AMA DEBUT AT DAYTONA
In a new alliance between HAS Racing and Shogun Motorsports, the team of HAS/Shogun Racing will make its debut in the 2003 AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at Daytona on March 5th. With two successful tests in the last month at No Problem Raceway and Oak Hill Raceway, the new team has gotten a chance to work together and determine baseline settings that will help make the team more competitive from the start of practice at Daytona.
“The team has really come together in the two tests that we’ve done,” said team owner Lance Small. “Our sponsors have been great about getting us the products that we need, and the crew has worked non-stop to get everything together for Daytona.”
Riders John Haner and Heath Small have had a chance to get familiar with their new machines, which in Heath’s case was quite a change. “I’ve been riding V-Twins for the last three years, so it’s taken some laps to get used to the Yamaha R6, but I’m getting really comfortable on it now,” said Small, who will focus on the AMA 600 Supersport class at Daytona on the #278 Yamaha.
John Haner, who will contest the AMA 750 Superstock class on the #44 Suzuki GSX-R750, has been training hard in preparation for the 2003 season. “I’m in better shape than ever, and my endurance is way up. I’m really looking forward to the Superstock race at Daytona!”
Both Haner and Small will also compete in the Superbike class on Yamaha R1s that meet the new 1000cc engine rules for the class. Be sure to look for the red, white and blue HAS/Shogun Racing transporter in the paddock at Daytona.
For more information on HAS/Shogun Racing, visit www.hasracing.com and www.shogunmotorsports.com.
From a press release:
AMA privateer Chris “Opie” Caylor’s fan-based
website is now officially open!
Please visit www.chriscaylor.com for information about Opie and the team.
The News section will be updated often with announcements, pictures and articles. So check in frequently.
From a press release issued by Dunlop Tire Co.:
Dunlop Announces Change in Qualifying Race Tire Policy
Daytona Beach, FL–Dunlop Tire announced today that the company will not be supplying qualifying tires to competitors in the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike class or the AMA Formula Xtreme class during the 2003 season. This decision will take effect beginning with the 62nd annual running of the Daytona 200 on March 9, 2003.
This decision was reached recently, following ongoing discussions with Dunlop’s contracted Superbike teams at the end of the 2002 season. “It’s simply a matter of cost and of giving the teams additional time to find their best race set-ups during practice,” said Jim Allen, Dunlop’s Road Race Manager. “When we raised the topic in our annual meetings with the OEM teams at the end of 2002, there was general agreement that as long as no Dunlop team had access to qualifying tires and as long as none of our tire competitors were supplying qualifying tires, the extra edge these tires can give wasn’t necessary.”
Dunlop supplies tires to all of the major OEM race teams and the vast majority of the AMA Superbike and Formula Xtreme fields, and has unassailable records on both classes. Specifically, in the 27-year history of AMA Superbike racing, Dunlop has won 17 championships, including the last 13 in a row.
Allen added that an agreement had been reached with Dunlop’s UK division to produce and ship all necessary qualifying tires immediately, should it prove necessary to react to the actions of other tire companies. In addition, a one-race supply of the latest qualifying tires is currently on hand at Dunlop’s USA headquarters in Buffalo, NY.
From a press release issued by Keith Milne of Vmoto:
New Vintage Motorcycle Racing Group Formed
Vmoto (Vintage Motorcycle Racing Association), founded by Llew Kinst and Keith Milne in January of 2003, will offer a different experience for the vintage rider and spectator than is currently available. Vmoto’s focus is on the history of the sport and period correct bikes, not trying to make history by putting an emphasis on races and winners.
Vmoto encourages the restoration, preservation and use of historic, vintage, and classic road racing motorcycles. Vmoto events are, in effect, rolling museums where historic bikes of the past can be ridden once again in a venue that respects their historic value. Vmoto advocates preserving the history of the bikes and giving the rider an opportunity to experience motorcycle racing as it was in the past.
“You can either go vintage bike racing or go and race a vintage bike,” states founder Llew Kinst. “There is a big difference between the two. The former allows modern technology and emphasizes competition, the later (sic) emphasizes the history of the bikes and the sport.” Vmoto strives for the later, providing a venue for riders to bring out historically significant bikes and ride them as they were intended.
Vmoto is currently planning events at Northern California tracks for the 2003 season.
For more information, visit our website at http://www.vintagemoto.com
Rain continued to plague racing at Daytona and put a damper on the two days of AHRMA Vintage racing at the Speedway. AHRMA Champion Pat Mooney continued his dominance of the Premier 500 class with a win on his Dunlop-sponsored Manx Norton replica. The win marked Mooney’s third successive win at Daytona. He controlled the race pace and went only as fast as he needed to beat Josef Brenner on the Heyser Cycle BSA Gold Star replica and Greg Nichols on a Manx Norton replica. Dave Roper crashed out of a distant fourth place.
Jim Neunberg won the 350GP race on a rare 350cc Bultaco TSS. Neunberg finished a full minute ahead of Stuart Carter on an AJS 7R replica. Roper won the 250GP race on his Aermacchi CRTT after a race-long battle with the Ducati of John Stephens. Jim Struke was the convincing winner of the Formula 750 event on his Norton Commando.
Dutchman Alex Van Dijk dominated the wet Sound of Thunder race on a relatively stock 996 Ducati. The Super-Mono race was won by English rider Mark Lawes on a Suzuki DR700 based machine that was built by Roberto Gallina in 1991.
Tuesday’s AHRMA Race Results:
Classic ‘60s:
1. Josef Brenner, 1954 BSA Goldstar
2. Alex McLean, 1960 Norton Manx
3. John Cooper, 1960 BSA Goldstar
4. Rusty Lowry, 1960 H-D KR750
5. Dick Miles, 1962 Norton Manx
6. Johnny Szoldrak, ’96 Royal Enfield
Classic ‘60s 650cc:
1. Robert Goodpaster, 1960 Norton
2. John Tibben, 1961 H-D KR
3. Bud Denny, 1961 Triton
4. Jon Schultz, 1954 H-D
Sportsman 350cc:
1. John Walters, 1972 Honda CB
2. Steve Brown, 1970 Honda SL350
3. Eric Cook, 1972 Honda CL
4. James Swartout, 1972 Honda CB
5. Henry Syphers, 1970 Honda CB350
6. Gale Harkness, 1971 Honda
BOTT Formula One:
1. Frank Shockley, 2002 Aprilia RSV1000
2. Albert Charles, 2002 Ducati
3. Kiyo Watanabe, 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. Derek Keyes, 2000 Suzuki SV650
5. Rick Patrolia, 2001 Suzuki SV650
6. Chris Carr, 2002 Buell
BOTT Formula Three:
1. Danny Tackett, Suzuki
2. Jan Svensson, 1993 Ducati
3. Matt Winnacker, 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. Guenther Weickert, 2000 Suzuki SV650
5. John Zamsky, 2001 Suzuki SV650
6. Charles Burnett, 1988 Honda Hawk
Sportsman 500cc:
1. Tim Joyce, 1973 Triumph
2. William “Buff” Harsh, 1971 Honda
3. John Walters, 1972 Honda CB
4. Andrew Cowell, 1971 Redline
5. Jesse Morris, 1968 Triumph 500
6. Eric Cook, 1972 Honda CL
Vintage Superbike Lightweight:
1. David Peters, 1980 Suzuki GS450
2. Jim Killy, 1978 Yamaha
3. Gordon Hamilton, 1978 Yamaha SR
Formula 500cc:
1. Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD
2. Harry Barlow, 1976 Yamaha RD400
3. Chuck Quenzler, 1978 Yamaha RD400
4. David Crussell, 1970 Kawasaki H1R
5. Nathan Sanel, 1975 Yamaha
6. A.J. Dusek, 1973 Yamaha RD350
Vintage Superbike Middleweight:
1. George Irish, Jr., 1981 Suzuki
2. Gary Smith, 1972 Honda CB
3. James Trampe, 1977 Suzuki GS
4. Mike Parker, 1975 Honda 400F
Sportsman 750cc:
1. Jesse Morris, 1968 Triumph 750
2. Mark Nadelkov, 1972 Yamaha
3. Geir Jacobsen, 1972 Trident Rickman
4. Craig Charles, 1972 Triumph Trident
5. James Swartout, 1980 Yamaha XS
6. David Temple, 1972 Yamaha
BOTT Formula Two:
1. Derek Keyes, 2000 Suzuki SV650
2. Matt Winnacker, 2000 Suzuki SV650
3. Jan Svensson, 1993 Ducati
4. Rick Patrolia, 2001 Suzuki SV650
5. Chris Carr, 2002 Buell
6. Guenther Weickert, 2000 Suzuki SV650
International Classic GP:
1. John Weeden, 1977 Yamaha
2. Chris Hurst, 1980 Yamaha TZ
3. David Hedison, 1980 Yamaha TZ G
4. Joseph Rutherford, 1978 Yamaha TZ
5. Michael Perry, 1980 Yamaha TZ G
Formula Vintage:
1. Jay Springsteen, 1972 H-D
2. Geir Jacobsen, 1972 Trident Rickman
3. Gary Nixon, 1970 Honda CR
4. Ken Nemoto, 1972 Moto Guzzi
5. Chuck Quenzler, 1978 Yamaha RD400
6. Mark Loveland, 1962 Seeley
Vintage Superbike Heavyweight:
1. Colin Fraser, 1979 Kawasaki KZ
2. Rich Earnest, 1980 Suzuki
3. Todd Welch, 1979 Ducati
4. Dennis Parrish, 1975 Kawasaki
5. Gary Swan, 1977 Suzuki GS
6. David Evans, 1981 Honda
Sound Of Thunder:
1. Alex Van Dijk, Ducati
2. T. Bruce Brown, 2002 Triumph
3. Kiyo Watanabe, 2000 Suzuki SV650
4. Chris Carr, 2002 Buell
5. Chris Lillingston-Price, 1993 Ducati
6. Wally Schleper, 2001 Aprilia
