From an AMA press release:

NEUBAUER AND CARNEGIE JOIN AMA SPORTS STAFF

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) today announced two additions to its AMA Sports staff.

Douglas Neubauer is the new Director of AMA Sports, replacing Hugh Fleming, who recently joined AMA Pro Racing as its Director of Safety & Logistics. Doug will be responsible for leading the AMA Sports staff, which manages more than 2800 AMA-sanctioned amateur, pro-am, ATV and youth competition events each year. He comes to the AMA from IHRA Motorsports, where he served as assistant to the organization’s president, managing a variety of marketing, promotion, and program-development tasks. An Ohio native, Doug also brings a special interest in motocross to his new position, including experience in motocross-track development.

Steven Carnegie has joined the staff as AMA Sports Manager. Along with fellow Manager Roger Ansel and Coordinator Cherie Daniels, Steve will manage AMA Sports’ competition programs. Before coming to the AMA, Steve gained experience as an amateur motocross racer and referee, an AMA Pro Racing official, a motocross “boot camp” instructor, and an off-road delegate to AMA Congress from Georgia’s District 9.

“Doug and Steve are valuable additions to the AMA Sports team,” said Bill Amick, Vice President of AMA Member Events & Entertainment, which oversees AMA Sports. “Along with their motorsports experience, they bring a special enthusiasm for amateur competition, and we’re pleased to have them on-board.”

Rossi will keep #46. Hopkins will wear #21. Jason DiSalvo is not listed for 250cc Grand Prix, despite earlier plans to compete in the 250cc World Championship in 2002.

125cc Class:
Competition Number, Rider, Nation, Machine, Team
1. Manuel Poggiali, RSM, Gilera, Gilera Racing Team
4. Lucio Cecchinello, ITA, Aprilia, Safilo Oxydo Race LCR
5. Masao Azuma, JPN, Honda, Liegeois Competition
6. Mirko Giansanti, ITA, Honda, CE BA Corse
7. Stefano Perugini, ITA, Italjet, Racing Service
8. Gabor Talmacsi, HUN, Italjet, Racing Service
10. Jarno Muller, GER, Honda, Pev-Spalt-Moto ADAC Sachsen
11. Max Sabbatani, ITA, Aprilia, Bossini Fontana Racing
12. Klaus Nohles, GER, Honda, Pev-Spalt-Moto ADAC Sachsen
15. Alex de Angelis, RSM, Aprilia, Safilo Oxydo Race LCR
16. Simone Sanna, ITA, Aprilia, MS Eros Ramazzotti Racing
17. Steve Jenkner, GER, Aprilia, LAE UGT 3000
18. Jakub Smrz, CZE, Honda, Budweiser Budvar Elit
19. Alex Baldolini, ITA, Aprilia, LAE UGT 3000
20. Chaz Davies, GBR, Aprilia, Matteoni Racing
21. Arnaud Vincent, FRA, Aprilia, WWC
22. Pablo Nieto, SPA, Aprilia, Valencia Circuit – Aspar Team
23. Gino Borsoi, ITA, Aprilia, LAE UGT 3000
24. Alvaro Bautiste, SPA, Honda, Liegeois Competition
25. Joan Olive, SPA, Honda, Telefonica Movistar Jr Team
26. Daniel Pedrosa, SPA, Honda, Telefonica Movistar Jr Team
27. Jorge Lorenzo, SPA, Derbi, Derbi LM
28. Mika Kallio, FIN, Honda, Red Devil Honda
31. Mattia Angeloni, ITA, Gilera, Team Italia
32. Michel Fabrizio, ITA, Gilera, Team Italia
33. Stefano Bianco, ITA, Aprilia, Bossini Fontana Racing
34. Andrea Dovizioso, ITA, Honda, CE BA Corse
39. Jaroslav Hules, CZE, Aprilia, Matteoni Racing
41. Youichi Ui, JPN, Derbi, Derbi LM
47. Angel Rodriguez, SPA, Aprilia, Valencia Circuit – Aspar Team

Reserve/pending:
9. Noboru Ueda, JPN, Honda, Team Angaia/Semprucci


250cc Class:
Competition Number, Rider, Nation, Machine, Team
3. Marco Melandri, ITA, Aprilia, MS Aprilia Racing
4. Roberto Rolfo, ITA, Honda, Fortuna Honda Gresini
6. Alex Debon, SPA, Honda, Shell Advance Honda
7. Emilio Alzamora, SPA, Honda, Fortuna Honda Gresini
8. Naoki Matsudo, JPN, Yamaha, Yamaha Kurz
9. Sebastian Porto, ARG, Yamaha, Petronas Sprinta Yamaha TVK
10. Alfonso Nieto, SPA, Aprilia, Valencia Circuit – Aspar Team
11. Haruchika Aoki, JPN, Honda, Arie Molenaar Racing
12. Toni Elias, SPA, Aprilia, Valencia Circuit – Aspar Team
14. Katja Poensgen, GER, Honda, Shell Advance Honda
15. Roberto Locatelli, ITA, Aprilia, MS Eros Ramazzotti Racing
18. Sharol Yuzy, MAL, Yamaha, Petronas Sprinta Yamaha TVK
19. Leon Haslam, GBR, Honda, By Queroseno Racing Team
21. Franco Battaini, ITA, Aprilia, WWC
22. Raul Jara, SPA, Aprilia, PR2 (Equipe Nacional RFME)
23. Taro Sekiguchi, JPN, Yamaha, Yamaha Kurz
24. Jason Vincent, GBR, Honda, By Queroseno Racing Team
25. Vincent Philippe, FRA, Aprilia, Equipe de France – Scrab GP
27. Casey Stoner, AUS, Honda, Safilo Oxydo Race LCR
28. Dirk Heidolf, GER, Aprilia, Aprilia Germany
32. Hector Faubel, SPA, Aprilia, PR2 (Equipe Nacional RFME)
41. Jarno Janssen, NED, Honda, Arie Molenaar Racing
42. David Checa, SPA, Honda, Safilo Oxydo Race LCR
51. Hugo Marchand, FRA, Aprilia, Equipe de France – Scrab GP
57. Lorenzo Lanzi, ITA, Aprilia, Campetella Racing
66. Alex Hofmann, GER, Aprilia, Racing Factory
81. Randy de Puniet, FRA, Aprilia, Campetella Racing


MotoGP Class (500cc two-strokes, 990cc four-strokes):
Competition Number, Rider, Nation, Machine, Team
3. Max Biaggi, ITA. Yamaha, Marlboro Yamaha Team
4. Alex Barros, BRA, Honda, West Honda Pons
6. Norick Abe, JPN, Yamaha, Repsol-YPF Yamaha d’Antin
7. Carlos Checa, SPA, Yamaha, Marlboro Yamaha Team
8. Garry McCoy, AUS, Yamaha, Red Bull Yamaha WCM
9. Nobuatsu Aoki, JPN, Proton KR, Proton Team KR
10. Kenny Roberts, USA, Suzuki, Telefonica Movistar Suzuki
11. Tohru Ukawa, JPN, Honda, HRC
15. Sete Gibernau, SPA, Suzuki, Telefonica Movistar Suzuki
17. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, NED, Honda, Kanemoto Racing
19. Olivier Jacque, FRA, Yamaha, Gauloises Yamaha Tech 3
21. John Hopkins, USA, Yamaha, Red Bull Yamaha WCM
28. Alex Criville, SPA, Yamaha, Repsol-YPF Yamaha d’Antin
31. Tetsuya Harada, JPN, Honda, Hardwick Racing
46. Valentino Rossi, ITA, Honda, HRC
55. Regis Laconi, FRA, Aprilia, MS Aprilia Racing
56. Shinya Nakano, JPN, Yamaha, Gauloises Yamaha Tech 3
65. Loris Capirossi, ITA, Honda, West Honda Pons
74. Daijiro Katoh, JPN, Honda, Fortuna Honda Gresini
99. Jeremy McWilliams, GBR, Proton KR, Proton Team KR

The January 8, 2002 issue of Cycle News included a piece written by Scott Rosseau (and edited and approved by Paul Carruthers), said piece decrying journalists appearing in “as used by” advertisements and using the phrase “whored-out editorial drivel” to describe their work.

The same issue of Cycle News contained an article by Alan Cathcart, who is listed on the Cycle News masthead as European Editor and who frequently writes tests of both streetbikes and racebikes for the tabloid.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Superbike, Supersport & Sidecar World Championships

Changes in the Rules for the 2002 season

The main changes to the 2002 Superbike, Supersport & Sidecar World Championship Regulations are the following:

Sporting Regulations

-All manufacturers must be in possession of the appropriate FIM Manufacturers’ Licence.

-Each team must submit to the Secretariat of Superbike International, by 1st January of the year in question, an entry for their team.

-No substitution or replacement of the entered rider may be made after 14h00 on the day preceding the day of the first practice session of the event. The riders and/or teams must compulsorily attend any briefing organised by the race Director and the Race Direction.

-Entries: a rider shall be deemed to have taken part in the event when he participates in, at least, one practice session. A rider shall be deemed to have started a race when he participates in, at least, the first lap of the race.

-Riders in the top ten positions in the Superbike class will be required to carry two on-board cameras on their motorcycles.

-Finish of a race and race results: to be counted as a finisher in the race and be included in the results, a rider must cross the finish line on the race track (not in the pit lane) within five minutes of the race winner. The rider must be in contact with his machine.

-As from 01.01.2003, races will not be stopped for changes in adhesion resulting from climatic changes.



Superbike Technical Specifications

-Minimum weights for the Superbike: 750cc 4 cylinders: 159 kg (350.5 pounds) – 900cc 3 cylinders: 162 kg (357 pounds) – 1000cc 2 cylinders: 164 kg (361.5 pounds).


Supersport Technical Specifications

-Airbox: the air filter element may be removed or replaced.

-Carburetor intake insulators can be modified. Fuel injection system: throttle bodies intake insulators can be modified.

-Exhaust system: the number of exhaust final exit(s) must remain as homologated. The exit(s) must be on the same side(s) of the homologated model.

-The following items may be removed: emission control items in or around the air box, oxygen sensor, air injection devices.



All disciplines

-Helmets must be of the full face type and conform to one of the recognised international standards: Europe: ECE 22-04 & ECE 22-05 ‘p’ – Great britain: BS 6658 Grade A – USA: DOT Federal Standard n° 218/SNELL M95 & M2000.

The AFM racer who contacted us about a month ago regarding a bodywork delivery problem should re-contact us ASAP, as we have been able to resolve the problem with the product’s new distributor. (Pending receipt of documentation.)

From a press release issued by Gearbox International:

GBI Changing Gear

Gearbox International, Northern California based distributor of motorcycle helmets, apparel and accessories, announced a new market strategy today. It will devote more resources to the Suomy Helmet brand, and has terminated its relationship with the Diadora Company.

“Suomy Helmet sales have grown exponentially”, said company president Rick Marlin “and it is time to re-evaluate our market strategy. The Suomy Helmet brand is taking off in the United States, and as the exclusive importer and distributor, we intend to devote more time and attention to Suomy.

“We have seen Diadora’s sales in the United States increase in the last two years” continued Marlin, “and there is great potential for further growth in the motorcycle apparel field, but for the moment we must redirect our energies toward the helmet market. It is with great regret that we bid goodbye to Diadora, and wish the company the very best for the future. Meanwhile, we are preparing for strong further growth from Suomy.”

Gearbox International will expand the range of premium Suomy street helmets offered in the US this year to include more race replicas and the new top-of-the-line Spec 1-R series of solid-color and replica helmets.

Suomy Helmet sponsor World Superbike Champions Troy Bayliss and Troy Corser. American Superbike hero Ben Bostrom, winner of five Superbike races in 2001, is also sponsored by the company.

From a press release:

RS Taichi USA is pleased to announce the signing of Team Suzuki’s Aaron Yates to wear RS Taichi leather suits and gloves for the 2002 AMA Superbike and 600 Supersport nationals.

RS Taichi USA has a new address and phone number:

RS Taichi USA
2531 West 237th St. Suite# 109
Torrance, CA 90505
310.326.2867

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Edge Performance Riding Courses (EPRC) has announced a 2002 schedule of open track days and riding schools.

Gareth Jones, a racing veteran of 30 years including the Isle of Man TT, will be the head instructor. Jones is also the Chief New Riders Instructor for the Central Roadracing Association. For more information, call (612) 202-1196, e-mail [email protected], www.edgeracing.net.

Edge Performance 2002 Schedule:

Open Track Days

4/11 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA
5/2 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
6/24 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
7/25 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
8/26 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
9/16 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN

Track Schools

6/10 Mid-America Motorplex, Pacific Junction, IA
6/20 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
7/24 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
9/12 Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN

The Speedvision programming line-up for Tuesday, January 8:

12:00 p.m. Speedway Grand Prix – Denmark
1:00 p.m. AMA Superbike – Laguna Seca
2:00 p.m. AMA 600cc Supersport – Mid-Ohio
3:00 p.m. AMA Formula Xtreme – Mid-Ohio

7:00 p.m. Bike Week
7:30 p.m. Motorcyclist
8:00 p.m. Speedway Grand Prix – Prague
9:00 p.m. National Arenacross – Des Moines
10:00 p.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides
11:00 p.m. Bike Week
11:30 p.m. Motorcyclist
12:00 a.m. Speedway Grand Prix – Prague
1:00 a.m. National Arenacross – Des Moines
2:00 a.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides

Michelin race tire distributor David Hirsch, of Island Racing Services, has posted the basics of the 2002 Michelin race contingency program on his website, www.bibmen.com.

The guidelines for the 2002 Michelin program, as posted by Hirsch, are as follows:

1. Competitors must register and purchase tires from an Authorized Team Michelin race tire distributor or associate.
2. Competitors must list Michelin as a sponsor.
3. Display minimum 12″ Michelin decal on both fairings, Mr. Bib decal on both sides front fender.
4. Michelin patch on leathers.
5. Must run Michelin on front and rear to be eligible for Team Michelin Dollars.
6. Complete claim form on day of race and have verified by race official.
7. Each class must start a minimum of 8 riders for contingency dollars to be paid.

Michelin contingency will be paid at CCS, WERA National Challenge Series, WERA National Endurance Series, WERA Sportsman Series, CRA, New Mexico Road Race Series, OMRRA, WMRRA, MRA, Loudon, AFM, WSMC, CMRA Endurance Series, F-USA and AMA events.

Although he admits that details still need to be finalized, Hirsch said January 7 that the plan is for competitors to be issued an electronic card after they are initially processed into Michelin’s contingency system. Then as the rider wins contingencies through the season, instead of waiting for the Michelin certificates to arrive in the mail, Michelin will post credit on riders’ contingency cards. The goal is to cut down on the amount of time between a rider winning Michelin contingency and actually being able to use it.

For a complete list of which classes Michelin will pay, how much will be paid for finishing positions and a schedule of Michelin trackside race support go to www.bibmen.com or call Dave Hirsch at (409) 771-3950.