Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. will be the title sponsor of the AMA National scheduled for April 5-7 at California Speedway in Fontana, California.
An announcement of the deal is expected soon.
From a press release:
Yamaha Does It Again!
YAMAHA INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE HIGH-PERFORMANCE FOUR-STROKE RX-1 SNOWMOBILE
Today in Las Vegas, Nevada, excited Yamaha dealers were shown the all-new Yamaha RX-1, the first high performance, four-stroke snowmobile available from a major manufacturer. It features a modified R1 motorcycle engine reversed with the intakes facing forward for better mass centralization and simplicity.
The powerful 145+ horsepower five-valve engine offers many advantages over conventional two-stroke designs including, incredible torque, smoother, quieter power delivery as well as better engine efficiency–which means increased fuel mileage and cleaner emissions.
The Yamaha RX-1 also features a strong, motorcycle inspired Deltabox aluminum chassis, and R1 styling cues like sleek, angular bodywork, digital speedometer, cat-eye headlights and dual tail lights.
The RX-1 is offered in two models, a short-track for trial riding and long-track mountain version. Reverse options are available on all RX-1 models.
“The all-new RX-1 and RX-1 Mountain represent Yamaha’s commitment to the snowmobile market and leadership in four-stroke technology,” said Mike Doughty, Snowmobile Product Manager.
Check out www.yamaha-motor.com for more information like quick-time action video, 360 degree views as well as complete specifications and pricing.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
On a cold, overcast morning at Fontana, American Honda’s Nicky Hayden continued to be the fastest rider during AMA Superbike tests at California Speedway in Fontana, California, while brother Tommy Hayden leads the 600cc Supersport riders.
With temperatures hovering near 50 degrees Fahrenheit, Nicky Hayden recorded the fastest time of Tuesday morning with a 1:29.9 on a 2001 Honda RC51. Hayden went quicker on the 2002-model RC51 at Fontana on Monday, January 14 with a 1:29.1, but his fast time from Tuesday came while testing a new set of leathers that contained a drinking water container in the aerodynamic hump of the suit with a drinking tube leading up to his helmet. The system is being tested for the Daytona 200.
Kurtis Roberts is spending the final day of the two-day Fontana test riding the 2002-model RC51 Superbike. The bike is actually a hybrid with a 2002 chassis and a 2001 engine equipped with a new, single-canister exhaust pipe. The bike was fitted with a prototype 2002-spec motor at Daytona.
Honda team members are still tight-lipped about the differences between the new chassis other than to say it has new forks, but it is believed that the 2002 Honda RC51 has a revised engine position resulting in better handling and traction over the old bike.
According to data acquisition systems, the Superbike riders are reaching speeds of over 170 mph on Fontana’s long front straight and are using all six gears around the track. In fact, most of the 600cc Supersport competitors are also reporting that they are using all six gears at California Speedway.
Tommy Hayden’s fastest 600cc Supersport time came just after 11:30 a.m. as lap times among 600cc riders began to quickly fall. Hayden attributed this to getting more comfortable with the track and dialing-in his gearing and set-up. Also, the infield’s racing surface has progressively become cleaner as more laps are turned.
Erion Honda’s Mike Hale and Roger Lee Hayden were also fast among the six 600cc riders present at the test. Hale was the first rider on the track this morning and paid for it. Hale stirred up a flock of birds that were feeding on grass seed in the infield. One of the birds flew in front of Hale at speed and hit the Texan’s right hand. Hale was uninjured and did not lose control of his motorcycle.
Dunlop is expected to know today whether California Speedway will require a special Superbike/Formula Xtreme tire to be constructed for the AMA race in April. On Monday evening Dunlop National Road Race Manager Jim Allen said that he didn’t think Fontana would require a special tire, but that he would know for sure today.
Unofficial Lap Times:
Superbike:
Nicky Hayden, 2001 Honda RC51, 1:29.5
Kurtis Roberts, 2002 Honda RC51, 1:29.9
Miguel Duhamel, 2001 Honda RC51, 1:30.2
Pascal Picotte, 2002 Ducati 998RS, 1:30.8
Eric Bostrom, 2002 Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:31.8
600cc Supersport:
Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.8
Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.0
Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.4
Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.1
Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:34.3
Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:34.4
No riders had taken Formula Xtreme bikes out as of post time.
From a press release:
Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports Division Sets New Attendance Records
January 11-13 Events Draw Over 650,000 Fans
AURORA, Ill. (January 14, 2002) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division announced today that 651,288 fans attended its 20 motor sports events and 38 performances in arenas and stadiums across the U.S. and the UK this past weekend (January 11-13), setting a new weekend attendance record, up 6188 from the previous weekend attendance record of 645,100 spectators, which was set last year.
Individual events, including EA SPORTS Supercross presented by Speed Stick in San Diego, Clear Channel’s Speed Stick National Arenacross Series and Regional Arenacross in a record four different markets, Professional Bull Riding in Tallahassee, Florida, and the Monster Jam Presented by Ford Trucks events everywhere across the country, each enjoyed record setting attendance numbers. Sell out performances were achieved in London, England; Toledo, Ohio; Worcester, Mass.; Atlanta, Georgia; San Antonio, Texas; Denver, Colo.; Springfield, Mass.; and Wichita, Kansas.
“Our fans’ support is amazing. I never dreamed we would exceed the success of last year’s attendance record,” said Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division. “I would like to thank all of the great fans, competitors, venues, sponsors and everyone else who came together to play a part in achieving such great live event results.”
Attendance breakdown: Weekend of January 11-13, 2002:
City, Venue, Event, Attendance
San Diego Qualcomm Stadium EA Sports Supercross,
68,415
London UK London Arena UK Supercross, 7556
Guthrie, Okla. Lazy E Arena Speed Stick Ntl.
Arenacross, 16,712
Toledo, OH Toledo Sports Arena Arenacross,
12,802
Memphis, Tenn. The Pyramid Arenacross,
24,609
Roanoke, Va. Roanoke Civic Center Arenacross,
15,322
Philadelphia, Pa First Union Spectrum IFMA Freestyle Motocross, 30,953
Worcester, MA Worcester Centrum Ctr IFMA Freestyle Motocross, 26,877
Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Monster Jam, 66,162
St. Louis, Mo. Dome at America’s Ctr Monster Jam,
51,863
Anaheim, Calif. Edison Intl. Field Monster Jam,
43,860
Houston, TX. Reliant Stadium Monster Jam,
36,887
Phoenix, Ariz. Bank One Ballpark Monster Jam,
42,895
San Antonio, TX Alamodome Monster Jam,
91,716
Denver CO. Pepsi Center Monster Jam,
33,397
Montgomery, Ala Garrett Coliseum Monster Jam,
13,966
Milwaukee, Wis US Cellular Arena Thunder National,
16,916
Springfield, MA Civic Center Thunder National,
12,881
Wichita, Kan Britt Brown Arena Thunder National,
23,519
Tallahassee, Fla Leon County Civic PBR, 13,980
“This is a great way to start the 2002 motor sports season,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports
division. “Our success can be directly attributed to the outstanding support and help of our Clear Channel Radio and Clear Channel Outdoor
partners across the country. They are fundamentally responsible for such successes in markets like San Diego, Atlanta, San Antonio, and Memphis.”
From a press release issued by Radar’s Team Yamaha:
MULTIPLE FORMULA XTREME CHAMPION KEVIN CURTAIN RETURNS TO Radar’s TEAM YAMAHA ALONGSIDE BAIRD AND COXHELL
Triple Formula Xtreme titleholder Kevin Curtain returns to the Australian domestic motorcycle road-racing scene and will rejoin forces with Radar’s Team Yamaha for whom he rode to title success in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
In 2002, Curtain will team up alongside defending Formula Xtreme champion, Queenslander Robbie Baird and hard charging Victorian youngster Craig Coxhell with all three riders campaigning the exciting new 2002 model Yamaha YZF-R1.
The trio will form a formidable line up for their rivals in the six-event Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State which opens at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway on March 17. Along with their Xtreme campaign, the team will also compete at the national support events that are held in conjunction with the Superbike World Championship (Mar 22 – 24) and the Moto Grand Prix (Oct 18 – 20), both held at Phillip Island.
For Curtain, he will return to Australia after a successful season in 2001 where he competed in the World Supersport Championship for the BKM Team. He finished the championship fifth overall and his season was highlighted by race wins at Phillip Island and the Lausitzring in Germany.
Curtain will have an expanded role of responsibility as he will be the only member of Radar’s Team Yamaha who will be competing aboard the team’s YZF-R6 in the Supersport class at every event as well as his regular duties on the all-conquering R1.
“I managed a few laps on the new `02 YZF R1 a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed with the bike that is still in its very early stages of development,” said Curtain. “It feels a lot lighter and more maneuverable than the R1 that I rode in 2000. The power delivery feels a lot smoother which shows that Yamaha have worked on the fuel injection system, so by rights it should be a very good bike. Last year was a great experience for me, but I am glad to be back racing in Australia, especially with Yamaha. The Formula Xtreme scene here is improving all of the time and that was shown by the number of lap records that were broken last year. It definitely appears to be the best series to race in here in Australia.”
Curtain’s return will not only increase the competitiveness of the series, but he will also become a prized scalp for his teammates. Robbie Baird won the Formula Xtreme crown in 2001 after fending off a number of challenges from young riders including Coxhell who completed the series in third place.
“I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Baird. “It’s nice to have a Christmas break where I’ve been doing a lot of swimming and cycling, but I’d rather be out there racing. From all reports the new R1 is a great bike and I’m hopeful of being able to get out on the track and start testing in February. It took me a long time to get the Formula Xtreme #1 plate, so I’ll be trying extra hard to hang on to it this season.”
Now in his third season with Radar’s Team Yamaha, 19-year-old Coxhell feels that he is in a position to challenge with the likes of Curtain and Baird and come out on top.
“My goal this year is to win the Xtreme title and if I want to do that I have to beat both Kevin (Curtain) and Robbie (Baird),” said Coxhell. “They are both well credentialed riders, so if I can come out on top it will be more than satisfying. Last year I spent a lot of time thinking about where I would race at the end of the season, but this year I will be concentrating on winning a title first before worrying about anything else. Towards the end of last season I got a few things sorted out, including an operation in September to cure the arm pump I was getting in my right arm, and now I feel that I’m in a good position to concentrate on the title chase.”
Coxhell will also defend his Victorian State championship and Harvey Wiltshaw Memorial Trophy when the state series opens at Broadford, Victoria on February 3.
The growth and professionalism of the Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State in recent years has reflected in the increased commitment from race teams including Radar’s Team Yamaha. Team manager Dave `Radar’ Cullen will be calling on all of his former Grand Prix and SWC technical experience as he prepares to repeat his teams 1 – 2 – 3 finish in 2001. The team has already begun preparing one 2002 model Yamaha YZF R1, with the remaining bikes that the team has ordered becoming available shortly.
Cullen and his team look forward to the challenge as they search for a fifth consecutive FX title for the team.
“Yamaha have definitely done their homework in building the new R1 as there are some significant changes made to the bike which will add up to a great racing package,” said Cullen. “The frame stiffness and geometry will greatly help entry and mid-corner speed that should directly mean a higher exit speed. Even the styling changes that have been made make it look quick while it’s stationary. One of the best features are that while Yamaha have made a number of chassis and engine modifications, a lot of the racing gear that we fit to the bike is still interchangeable. The fuel injection system is another area where the bike has improved greatly and will allow for smoother and stronger power delivery.
“As for riders, it’s great to have Kev back in the team,” added Cullen. “He along with Robbie and Craig will make for a very strong line up. Kev has been a big part of Yamaha’s racing success with the R1 and R6 since 1998, so to have him alongside defending Xtreme champion Robbie is very good for us indeed. I am also expecting Craig to continue improving with the development of his racing career. He is an exciting prospect and will be the young face of Yamaha here in Australia.”
This just in:
The track manager at California Speedway needs to contact a local distributor about applying “PennzSuppress”, a dust suppressant, around the track facility to eliminate the dust/dirt problem.
I learned about this material several years ago (In addition to working in the M/C biz, I run a small mining operation in Oregon), and the stuff is perfect for taking care of scenarios like this.
The website for info and distributors is; www.pennzsuppress.com.
Mark Pfenning
Avon Motorcycle Tyres
Sales Manager
North America
(Editorial note: Effectively curing the blowing-dust problem around California Speedway might require treating everything within a 10-mile radius!)
Racer and Rausch Creek Motor Sports General Manager Andrew Stutzman and wife Alissa had a son, Andrew Joseph Stutzman, January 9 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Stutzman is also recovering from knee surgery performed at the end of December to repair damage from a crash at Pocono during practice for a F-USA Sportbike race. World Superbike racer Peter Goddard married long-time girlfriend Kim Wilhelmi, December 8, on Dunk Island in North Queensland, Australia. SMRI road racer Micky Patten married Patty White January 1, in Las Vegas, Nevada 1. Patten is 2001 SMRI Formula 40 Champion, finished third in the SMRI New Mexico State Championship, and owns Grandma’s Music & Sound which sponsors the SMRI Unlimited GP New Mexico Championship.
From an e-mail promotion issued by Ducati North America:
Italians never need a reason to celebrate–even when they have one. And we have one of the best reasons of all. The continuing celebration of our 75th Anniversary. In honor of this occasion, your Ducati dealer is offering low 2.75% APR financing rates for 36 months or free factory scheduled maintenance on all new 2001 model year Ducati motorcycles*. And why, you ask? Because the 2001 Model Year was a special one for Ducati. It was our 75th Anniversary. That means that every 2001 model will always have the distinction of being produced during this milestone period in the Company’s on-going history.
*Get 2.75% APR financing for 36 months or free scheduled maintenance when you purchase any new, unused, street legal 2001 Model Year or earlier Ducati motorcycle (that has not been sold or titled before) from January 2, 2002 through March 31, 2002 (buyer must take title by March 31, 2002). Financing subject to credit approval from Deutsche Financial Services Corporation; not all applicants will qualify. Example: 36 month closed end sales contract for an amount financed of $10,000 with monthly payments of $289.71 (after 10% down payment). Financing rates, terms and down payment will vary based on credit qualifications and are subject to change without notice. First payment due 30 days after date of sales contract. Dealer sets actual retail price. Pricing does not include taxes, licenses, title fees, options, insurance, service agreement, destination and dealer preparation charges. May not be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited. This offer may be discontinued or extended without prior notice. Free maintenance offer valid only at authorized Ducati dealers for scheduled factory maintenance procedures for up to 24 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Free maintenance program is not transferable. Ask your participating Ducati dealer today for details.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
Former Competition Accessories Ducati Superbike rider Larry Pegram won an exhibition race put on by the SuperTT race series as part of the U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam monster truck event at Edison Field in Anaheim, California on Saturday, January 12.
Pegram led his qualifying heat early on a White Brothers Honda CR450F prepared by Gary Jones, but Pegram was passed halfway through the heat by defending SuperTT Champion Rick Pearce when Pegram stalled his Honda in a slow, dirt-covered corner. Riding a modified Honda CR500, Pearce beat Pegram in the eight-lap heat. Pegram finished second, which resulted in a outside row one start for the main event.
Former 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz held the lead early in his heat race on a Yoshimura Suzuki DR-Z400 borrowed from American Suzuki’s test and development fleet. Schwantz’ highly-modified bike was attended to by no less than three current members of the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team including Jamie Hacking’s Crew Chief, Jerry Daggett.
Riding a Yamaha YZ426F that he had never seen before Saturday morning, Yamaha Superbike racer Anthony Gobert passed Schwantz on the inside of the quarter-mile track’s only dirt corner and went on to take the heat race win and pole position for the main event.
After two aborted starts, the 16-lap main event got underway in front of a small crowd of early-bird monster truck fans in the parking lot outside Edison Field. Pegram got the holeshot from the outside of row one and held the lead over the 16-entry field after one lap. Gobert and Schwantz quickly renewed their battle. Gobert and Schwantz banged bars through nearly every one of the track’s five turns and constantly challenged each other in full-lock-sideways braking battles for the hairpin at the end of the 70-mph back straight.
Near the halfway point of the race, Schwantz lost the front in the dirt turn while in second place in front of Gobert. Gobert momentarily ran up onto Schwantz’s Suzuki, pinning Schwantz underneath and allowing Pegram to extend his lead. Scuderia West’s Aaron Howe, riding a KTM 520, moved past the Gobert/Schwantz pile-up and into second, but Gobert quickly got around Schwantz and continued his race. Turning the fastest laps of the event, Gobert caught and passed Howe and closed in on Pegram, but Gobert ran out of time and had to settle for second place.
The SuperTT race at Edison Field in Anaheim, California drew many road racers. In addition to Pegram, Schwantz and Gobert, other competitors included Mark Miller, Roland Sands, Andre Castanos, Mark Foster and Jason Curtis. Nicky and Roger Lee Hayden also stopped by the event on their way to the Supercross race in San Diego later that same evening.
Miller won the Sportsman class heat race and final on a Honda CR500 with stock wheels and suspension. The Mini-Motard race, for 150cc four-stroke Singles, was won by Bob Cobb from Phelan, California on a Yamaha TT-R125 equipped with a RZ350 front wheel and brake system.
For more information on the SuperTT race series, go to www.supertt.com.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
American Honda’s Nicky Hayden was the first rider to take to the track this morning at California Speedway in Fontana, California, kicking off two days of factory team testing on the new circuit. American Honda’s Hayden and Miguel Duhamel; Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts, Mike Hale and Roger Lee Hayden; Bruce Transportation Group’s Jake Zemke and Alex Gobert; Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom, Tommy Hayden and Tony Meiring; and HMC Ducati’s Pascal Picotte are all in attendance and were making laps as of 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
The fastest lap as recorded on Roadracing World’s stopwatch was Duhamel at 1:34.25.
Meiring is making his debut on the Kawasaki ZX-6R while Hale is scheduled to run the new Honda CBR954RR Formula Xtreme bike for the first time during the test. Ducati Corse has sent over two engineers to help HMC Ducati sort out the fuel mapping problems the team encountered with their 2002 Ducati 998RS at the Dunlop tire tests at Daytona.
The start of the test was delayed until 10:50 this morning while workers placed haybales in front of concrete walls and swept dirt from the track surface. Dirt on the track has been a problem mentioned by riders who have ridden at California Speedway in two previous tests.
According to track spokesman Dennis Bickmeier, there isn’t much the track can do to prevent the high winds common to the area from blowing dirt onto the racing surface. Bickmeier added that the decision whether or not to have Thursday practice during the track’s AMA weekend has not been made yet. “We still haven’t heard back from the AMA on that,” explained Bickmeier. “We would be ready for it, no problem. The first day that we will be open to the public will be Friday, though.”
Plans are still being finalized by California Speedway officials on where they will place temporary grandstands and bathroom facilities for fans who wish to spectate in the infield portion of the track. Preliminary plans call for a new pedestrian crossover bridge to provide fan access to the infield. Fans will not have access to hot pit lane while the track is green on the AMA weekend, but spectators with tickets for the main grandstand on the front straight or the hospitality suites behind pit lane will have good views of pit lane activities from their seats. Fans will also be able to see teams at work in the permanent garages in the paddock, from a walkway down the center of the garages separated from the teams’ work areas by a four-foot-high brick wall.
The garages feature 110 and 220-volt electrical hook-ups, compressed air hook-ups, individual circuit breakers for each garage bay and ceiling-mounted TV monitors that will display timing information and TV feeds.
In addition to evaluating their race machines, all the Honda riders will be photographed for print ads and press kits and Hayden and Duhamel will also be filmed for a TV commercial during the two days.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. will be the title sponsor of the AMA National scheduled for April 5-7 at California Speedway in Fontana, California.
An announcement of the deal is expected soon.
From a press release:
Yamaha Does It Again!
YAMAHA INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE HIGH-PERFORMANCE FOUR-STROKE RX-1 SNOWMOBILE
Today in Las Vegas, Nevada, excited Yamaha dealers were shown the all-new Yamaha RX-1, the first high performance, four-stroke snowmobile available from a major manufacturer. It features a modified R1 motorcycle engine reversed with the intakes facing forward for better mass centralization and simplicity.
The powerful 145+ horsepower five-valve engine offers many advantages over conventional two-stroke designs including, incredible torque, smoother, quieter power delivery as well as better engine efficiency–which means increased fuel mileage and cleaner emissions.
The Yamaha RX-1 also features a strong, motorcycle inspired Deltabox aluminum chassis, and R1 styling cues like sleek, angular bodywork, digital speedometer, cat-eye headlights and dual tail lights.
The RX-1 is offered in two models, a short-track for trial riding and long-track mountain version. Reverse options are available on all RX-1 models.
“The all-new RX-1 and RX-1 Mountain represent Yamaha’s commitment to the snowmobile market and leadership in four-stroke technology,” said Mike Doughty, Snowmobile Product Manager.
Check out www.yamaha-motor.com for more information like quick-time action video, 360 degree views as well as complete specifications and pricing.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
On a cold, overcast morning at Fontana, American Honda’s Nicky Hayden continued to be the fastest rider during AMA Superbike tests at California Speedway in Fontana, California, while brother Tommy Hayden leads the 600cc Supersport riders.
With temperatures hovering near 50 degrees Fahrenheit, Nicky Hayden recorded the fastest time of Tuesday morning with a 1:29.9 on a 2001 Honda RC51. Hayden went quicker on the 2002-model RC51 at Fontana on Monday, January 14 with a 1:29.1, but his fast time from Tuesday came while testing a new set of leathers that contained a drinking water container in the aerodynamic hump of the suit with a drinking tube leading up to his helmet. The system is being tested for the Daytona 200.
Kurtis Roberts is spending the final day of the two-day Fontana test riding the 2002-model RC51 Superbike. The bike is actually a hybrid with a 2002 chassis and a 2001 engine equipped with a new, single-canister exhaust pipe. The bike was fitted with a prototype 2002-spec motor at Daytona.
Honda team members are still tight-lipped about the differences between the new chassis other than to say it has new forks, but it is believed that the 2002 Honda RC51 has a revised engine position resulting in better handling and traction over the old bike.
According to data acquisition systems, the Superbike riders are reaching speeds of over 170 mph on Fontana’s long front straight and are using all six gears around the track. In fact, most of the 600cc Supersport competitors are also reporting that they are using all six gears at California Speedway.
Tommy Hayden’s fastest 600cc Supersport time came just after 11:30 a.m. as lap times among 600cc riders began to quickly fall. Hayden attributed this to getting more comfortable with the track and dialing-in his gearing and set-up. Also, the infield’s racing surface has progressively become cleaner as more laps are turned.
Erion Honda’s Mike Hale and Roger Lee Hayden were also fast among the six 600cc riders present at the test. Hale was the first rider on the track this morning and paid for it. Hale stirred up a flock of birds that were feeding on grass seed in the infield. One of the birds flew in front of Hale at speed and hit the Texan’s right hand. Hale was uninjured and did not lose control of his motorcycle.
Dunlop is expected to know today whether California Speedway will require a special Superbike/Formula Xtreme tire to be constructed for the AMA race in April. On Monday evening Dunlop National Road Race Manager Jim Allen said that he didn’t think Fontana would require a special tire, but that he would know for sure today.
Unofficial Lap Times:
Superbike:
Nicky Hayden, 2001 Honda RC51, 1:29.5
Kurtis Roberts, 2002 Honda RC51, 1:29.9
Miguel Duhamel, 2001 Honda RC51, 1:30.2
Pascal Picotte, 2002 Ducati 998RS, 1:30.8
Eric Bostrom, 2002 Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:31.8
600cc Supersport:
Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.8
Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.0
Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.4
Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.1
Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:34.3
Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:34.4
No riders had taken Formula Xtreme bikes out as of post time.
From a press release:
Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports Division Sets New Attendance Records
January 11-13 Events Draw Over 650,000 Fans
AURORA, Ill. (January 14, 2002) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division announced today that 651,288 fans attended its 20 motor sports events and 38 performances in arenas and stadiums across the U.S. and the UK this past weekend (January 11-13), setting a new weekend attendance record, up 6188 from the previous weekend attendance record of 645,100 spectators, which was set last year.
Individual events, including EA SPORTS Supercross presented by Speed Stick in San Diego, Clear Channel’s Speed Stick National Arenacross Series and Regional Arenacross in a record four different markets, Professional Bull Riding in Tallahassee, Florida, and the Monster Jam Presented by Ford Trucks events everywhere across the country, each enjoyed record setting attendance numbers. Sell out performances were achieved in London, England; Toledo, Ohio; Worcester, Mass.; Atlanta, Georgia; San Antonio, Texas; Denver, Colo.; Springfield, Mass.; and Wichita, Kansas.
“Our fans’ support is amazing. I never dreamed we would exceed the success of last year’s attendance record,” said Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division. “I would like to thank all of the great fans, competitors, venues, sponsors and everyone else who came together to play a part in achieving such great live event results.”
Attendance breakdown: Weekend of January 11-13, 2002:
City, Venue, Event, Attendance
San Diego Qualcomm Stadium EA Sports Supercross,
68,415
London UK London Arena UK Supercross, 7556
Guthrie, Okla. Lazy E Arena Speed Stick Ntl.
Arenacross, 16,712
Toledo, OH Toledo Sports Arena Arenacross,
12,802
Memphis, Tenn. The Pyramid Arenacross,
24,609
Roanoke, Va. Roanoke Civic Center Arenacross,
15,322
Philadelphia, Pa First Union Spectrum IFMA Freestyle Motocross, 30,953
Worcester, MA Worcester Centrum Ctr IFMA Freestyle Motocross, 26,877
Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome Monster Jam, 66,162
St. Louis, Mo. Dome at America’s Ctr Monster Jam,
51,863
Anaheim, Calif. Edison Intl. Field Monster Jam,
43,860
Houston, TX. Reliant Stadium Monster Jam,
36,887
Phoenix, Ariz. Bank One Ballpark Monster Jam,
42,895
San Antonio, TX Alamodome Monster Jam,
91,716
Denver CO. Pepsi Center Monster Jam,
33,397
Montgomery, Ala Garrett Coliseum Monster Jam,
13,966
Milwaukee, Wis US Cellular Arena Thunder National,
16,916
Springfield, MA Civic Center Thunder National,
12,881
Wichita, Kan Britt Brown Arena Thunder National,
23,519
Tallahassee, Fla Leon County Civic PBR, 13,980
“This is a great way to start the 2002 motor sports season,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports
division. “Our success can be directly attributed to the outstanding support and help of our Clear Channel Radio and Clear Channel Outdoor
partners across the country. They are fundamentally responsible for such successes in markets like San Diego, Atlanta, San Antonio, and Memphis.”
From a press release issued by Radar’s Team Yamaha:
MULTIPLE FORMULA XTREME CHAMPION KEVIN CURTAIN RETURNS TO Radar’s TEAM YAMAHA ALONGSIDE BAIRD AND COXHELL
Triple Formula Xtreme titleholder Kevin Curtain returns to the Australian domestic motorcycle road-racing scene and will rejoin forces with Radar’s Team Yamaha for whom he rode to title success in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
In 2002, Curtain will team up alongside defending Formula Xtreme champion, Queenslander Robbie Baird and hard charging Victorian youngster Craig Coxhell with all three riders campaigning the exciting new 2002 model Yamaha YZF-R1.
The trio will form a formidable line up for their rivals in the six-event Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State which opens at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway on March 17. Along with their Xtreme campaign, the team will also compete at the national support events that are held in conjunction with the Superbike World Championship (Mar 22 – 24) and the Moto Grand Prix (Oct 18 – 20), both held at Phillip Island.
For Curtain, he will return to Australia after a successful season in 2001 where he competed in the World Supersport Championship for the BKM Team. He finished the championship fifth overall and his season was highlighted by race wins at Phillip Island and the Lausitzring in Germany.
Curtain will have an expanded role of responsibility as he will be the only member of Radar’s Team Yamaha who will be competing aboard the team’s YZF-R6 in the Supersport class at every event as well as his regular duties on the all-conquering R1.
“I managed a few laps on the new `02 YZF R1 a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed with the bike that is still in its very early stages of development,” said Curtain. “It feels a lot lighter and more maneuverable than the R1 that I rode in 2000. The power delivery feels a lot smoother which shows that Yamaha have worked on the fuel injection system, so by rights it should be a very good bike. Last year was a great experience for me, but I am glad to be back racing in Australia, especially with Yamaha. The Formula Xtreme scene here is improving all of the time and that was shown by the number of lap records that were broken last year. It definitely appears to be the best series to race in here in Australia.”
Curtain’s return will not only increase the competitiveness of the series, but he will also become a prized scalp for his teammates. Robbie Baird won the Formula Xtreme crown in 2001 after fending off a number of challenges from young riders including Coxhell who completed the series in third place.
“I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Baird. “It’s nice to have a Christmas break where I’ve been doing a lot of swimming and cycling, but I’d rather be out there racing. From all reports the new R1 is a great bike and I’m hopeful of being able to get out on the track and start testing in February. It took me a long time to get the Formula Xtreme #1 plate, so I’ll be trying extra hard to hang on to it this season.”
Now in his third season with Radar’s Team Yamaha, 19-year-old Coxhell feels that he is in a position to challenge with the likes of Curtain and Baird and come out on top.
“My goal this year is to win the Xtreme title and if I want to do that I have to beat both Kevin (Curtain) and Robbie (Baird),” said Coxhell. “They are both well credentialed riders, so if I can come out on top it will be more than satisfying. Last year I spent a lot of time thinking about where I would race at the end of the season, but this year I will be concentrating on winning a title first before worrying about anything else. Towards the end of last season I got a few things sorted out, including an operation in September to cure the arm pump I was getting in my right arm, and now I feel that I’m in a good position to concentrate on the title chase.”
Coxhell will also defend his Victorian State championship and Harvey Wiltshaw Memorial Trophy when the state series opens at Broadford, Victoria on February 3.
The growth and professionalism of the Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State in recent years has reflected in the increased commitment from race teams including Radar’s Team Yamaha. Team manager Dave `Radar’ Cullen will be calling on all of his former Grand Prix and SWC technical experience as he prepares to repeat his teams 1 – 2 – 3 finish in 2001. The team has already begun preparing one 2002 model Yamaha YZF R1, with the remaining bikes that the team has ordered becoming available shortly.
Cullen and his team look forward to the challenge as they search for a fifth consecutive FX title for the team.
“Yamaha have definitely done their homework in building the new R1 as there are some significant changes made to the bike which will add up to a great racing package,” said Cullen. “The frame stiffness and geometry will greatly help entry and mid-corner speed that should directly mean a higher exit speed. Even the styling changes that have been made make it look quick while it’s stationary. One of the best features are that while Yamaha have made a number of chassis and engine modifications, a lot of the racing gear that we fit to the bike is still interchangeable. The fuel injection system is another area where the bike has improved greatly and will allow for smoother and stronger power delivery.
“As for riders, it’s great to have Kev back in the team,” added Cullen. “He along with Robbie and Craig will make for a very strong line up. Kev has been a big part of Yamaha’s racing success with the R1 and R6 since 1998, so to have him alongside defending Xtreme champion Robbie is very good for us indeed. I am also expecting Craig to continue improving with the development of his racing career. He is an exciting prospect and will be the young face of Yamaha here in Australia.”
This just in:
The track manager at California Speedway needs to contact a local distributor about applying “PennzSuppress”, a dust suppressant, around the track facility to eliminate the dust/dirt problem.
I learned about this material several years ago (In addition to working in the M/C biz, I run a small mining operation in Oregon), and the stuff is perfect for taking care of scenarios like this.
The website for info and distributors is; www.pennzsuppress.com.
Mark Pfenning
Avon Motorcycle Tyres
Sales Manager
North America
(Editorial note: Effectively curing the blowing-dust problem around California Speedway might require treating everything within a 10-mile radius!)
Racer and Rausch Creek Motor Sports General Manager Andrew Stutzman and wife Alissa had a son, Andrew Joseph Stutzman, January 9 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Stutzman is also recovering from knee surgery performed at the end of December to repair damage from a crash at Pocono during practice for a F-USA Sportbike race. World Superbike racer Peter Goddard married long-time girlfriend Kim Wilhelmi, December 8, on Dunk Island in North Queensland, Australia. SMRI road racer Micky Patten married Patty White January 1, in Las Vegas, Nevada 1. Patten is 2001 SMRI Formula 40 Champion, finished third in the SMRI New Mexico State Championship, and owns Grandma’s Music & Sound which sponsors the SMRI Unlimited GP New Mexico Championship.
From an e-mail promotion issued by Ducati North America:
Italians never need a reason to celebrate–even when they have one. And we have one of the best reasons of all. The continuing celebration of our 75th Anniversary. In honor of this occasion, your Ducati dealer is offering low 2.75% APR financing rates for 36 months or free factory scheduled maintenance on all new 2001 model year Ducati motorcycles*. And why, you ask? Because the 2001 Model Year was a special one for Ducati. It was our 75th Anniversary. That means that every 2001 model will always have the distinction of being produced during this milestone period in the Company’s on-going history.
*Get 2.75% APR financing for 36 months or free scheduled maintenance when you purchase any new, unused, street legal 2001 Model Year or earlier Ducati motorcycle (that has not been sold or titled before) from January 2, 2002 through March 31, 2002 (buyer must take title by March 31, 2002). Financing subject to credit approval from Deutsche Financial Services Corporation; not all applicants will qualify. Example: 36 month closed end sales contract for an amount financed of $10,000 with monthly payments of $289.71 (after 10% down payment). Financing rates, terms and down payment will vary based on credit qualifications and are subject to change without notice. First payment due 30 days after date of sales contract. Dealer sets actual retail price. Pricing does not include taxes, licenses, title fees, options, insurance, service agreement, destination and dealer preparation charges. May not be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited. This offer may be discontinued or extended without prior notice. Free maintenance offer valid only at authorized Ducati dealers for scheduled factory maintenance procedures for up to 24 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Free maintenance program is not transferable. Ask your participating Ducati dealer today for details.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
Former Competition Accessories Ducati Superbike rider Larry Pegram won an exhibition race put on by the SuperTT race series as part of the U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam monster truck event at Edison Field in Anaheim, California on Saturday, January 12.
Pegram led his qualifying heat early on a White Brothers Honda CR450F prepared by Gary Jones, but Pegram was passed halfway through the heat by defending SuperTT Champion Rick Pearce when Pegram stalled his Honda in a slow, dirt-covered corner. Riding a modified Honda CR500, Pearce beat Pegram in the eight-lap heat. Pegram finished second, which resulted in a outside row one start for the main event.
Former 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz held the lead early in his heat race on a Yoshimura Suzuki DR-Z400 borrowed from American Suzuki’s test and development fleet. Schwantz’ highly-modified bike was attended to by no less than three current members of the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team including Jamie Hacking’s Crew Chief, Jerry Daggett.
Riding a Yamaha YZ426F that he had never seen before Saturday morning, Yamaha Superbike racer Anthony Gobert passed Schwantz on the inside of the quarter-mile track’s only dirt corner and went on to take the heat race win and pole position for the main event.
After two aborted starts, the 16-lap main event got underway in front of a small crowd of early-bird monster truck fans in the parking lot outside Edison Field. Pegram got the holeshot from the outside of row one and held the lead over the 16-entry field after one lap. Gobert and Schwantz quickly renewed their battle. Gobert and Schwantz banged bars through nearly every one of the track’s five turns and constantly challenged each other in full-lock-sideways braking battles for the hairpin at the end of the 70-mph back straight.
Near the halfway point of the race, Schwantz lost the front in the dirt turn while in second place in front of Gobert. Gobert momentarily ran up onto Schwantz’s Suzuki, pinning Schwantz underneath and allowing Pegram to extend his lead. Scuderia West’s Aaron Howe, riding a KTM 520, moved past the Gobert/Schwantz pile-up and into second, but Gobert quickly got around Schwantz and continued his race. Turning the fastest laps of the event, Gobert caught and passed Howe and closed in on Pegram, but Gobert ran out of time and had to settle for second place.
The SuperTT race at Edison Field in Anaheim, California drew many road racers. In addition to Pegram, Schwantz and Gobert, other competitors included Mark Miller, Roland Sands, Andre Castanos, Mark Foster and Jason Curtis. Nicky and Roger Lee Hayden also stopped by the event on their way to the Supercross race in San Diego later that same evening.
Miller won the Sportsman class heat race and final on a Honda CR500 with stock wheels and suspension. The Mini-Motard race, for 150cc four-stroke Singles, was won by Bob Cobb from Phelan, California on a Yamaha TT-R125 equipped with a RZ350 front wheel and brake system.
For more information on the SuperTT race series, go to www.supertt.com.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
American Honda’s Nicky Hayden was the first rider to take to the track this morning at California Speedway in Fontana, California, kicking off two days of factory team testing on the new circuit. American Honda’s Hayden and Miguel Duhamel; Erion Honda’s Kurtis Roberts, Mike Hale and Roger Lee Hayden; Bruce Transportation Group’s Jake Zemke and Alex Gobert; Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom, Tommy Hayden and Tony Meiring; and HMC Ducati’s Pascal Picotte are all in attendance and were making laps as of 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
The fastest lap as recorded on Roadracing World’s stopwatch was Duhamel at 1:34.25.
Meiring is making his debut on the Kawasaki ZX-6R while Hale is scheduled to run the new Honda CBR954RR Formula Xtreme bike for the first time during the test. Ducati Corse has sent over two engineers to help HMC Ducati sort out the fuel mapping problems the team encountered with their 2002 Ducati 998RS at the Dunlop tire tests at Daytona.
The start of the test was delayed until 10:50 this morning while workers placed haybales in front of concrete walls and swept dirt from the track surface. Dirt on the track has been a problem mentioned by riders who have ridden at California Speedway in two previous tests.
According to track spokesman Dennis Bickmeier, there isn’t much the track can do to prevent the high winds common to the area from blowing dirt onto the racing surface. Bickmeier added that the decision whether or not to have Thursday practice during the track’s AMA weekend has not been made yet. “We still haven’t heard back from the AMA on that,” explained Bickmeier. “We would be ready for it, no problem. The first day that we will be open to the public will be Friday, though.”
Plans are still being finalized by California Speedway officials on where they will place temporary grandstands and bathroom facilities for fans who wish to spectate in the infield portion of the track. Preliminary plans call for a new pedestrian crossover bridge to provide fan access to the infield. Fans will not have access to hot pit lane while the track is green on the AMA weekend, but spectators with tickets for the main grandstand on the front straight or the hospitality suites behind pit lane will have good views of pit lane activities from their seats. Fans will also be able to see teams at work in the permanent garages in the paddock, from a walkway down the center of the garages separated from the teams’ work areas by a four-foot-high brick wall.
The garages feature 110 and 220-volt electrical hook-ups, compressed air hook-ups, individual circuit breakers for each garage bay and ceiling-mounted TV monitors that will display timing information and TV feeds.
In addition to evaluating their race machines, all the Honda riders will be photographed for print ads and press kits and Hayden and Duhamel will also be filmed for a TV commercial during the two days.
