From a press release:

HONDA RACING NEWS

HRC RC211V Test
Phillip Island, Australia, December 19.

Weather, fine and sunny; temperature, 25 degrees C; track conditions, good.

Rossi and Ukawa on Lap Record Pace at Phillip Island

HRC winter testing of the RC211V 5-cylinder four-stroke machine they will enter in the 2002 World Championship. Team riders Valentino Rossi, the reigning 500cc World Champion, teammate Tohru Ukawa and test rider Shinich Itoh all put in a hard day on the 990cc V-5.

The first day of the test centered around tyres and suspension settings and the riders were happy with their day’s work. Rossi setting fastest time at 1:32.44. Three-tenths of a second under the lap record for the 4.448-km Australian circuit. Teammate Ukawa was not far off record pace.

The Honda Gresini team brought Daijiro Katoh to the test where he renewed his acquaintance with the NSR500 he will race in 2002. The 250cc World Champion put in a best time of 1:33.6.

Team Kanemoto Honda continued with their Bridgestone tyre testing programme at the HRC test. Team rider Jurgen v.d. Goorbergh gaining more experience of both machine and tyres.

Valentino Rossi: “Today it was a real pleasure for me to ride the bike here with beautiful weather and all the track only for us, I did a lot of laps and I tried many tyres, we found some good solution but we still need to work a lot on this bike. We took here the same motorcycles we tested in Spain and also here the bike is fast but of course need a lot of improvement. We will see tomorrow.”

Tohru Ukawa: “I did 82 laps and I tested many things , I am satisfied about this first test day where we spend some time to find the right suspension setting and to test the tires that Michelin brought here. For tomorrow I hope to make a better lap time and find good solution for the setting.”

Jurgen van der Goorbergh: “Here in Phillip Island I feel more comfortable with the bike in comparison with Jerez. I begin to understand better the NSR and its behaviour and I am sure that at the end of this test I can do better then today. Today we tested a huge numbers of new tyres from Bridgestone and for tomorrow we will continue to work on suspension and tyres.”

Daijiro Katoh: “Today at the beginning we worked on the riding position. I changed the handlebar position and we took a new shape fuel tank to fit better my body. After I spent my time to find the right setting and I did many laps to train myself to ride a 500. I have a good feeling with the NSR and of course we have a lot of work to do.”

Lap times:
Valentino Rossi, RC211V, 1:32.44, 59 laps

Tohru Ukawa, RC211V, 1:33.06, 82 laps

Shinichi Itoh, RC211V, 1:34.80, 61 laps

Daijiro Katoh, NSR500, 1:33.6, 62 laps

Jurgen van der Goorbergh, NSR500, 1:34.40, 67 laps

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Lee Acree underwent compartment syndrome surgery on his left arm today.

Acree has the same surgery on his right arm earlier this year.

AMA Associate or Life members must request a ballot by mail to be able to vote in the ongoing election of AMA Trustees, because Associate and Life members are not sent copies of the official AMA magazine containing the ballot. Now that has turned into a problem, as racer and AMA member Clinton Whitehouse relates:

“What’s up with the AMA? The AMA has only one employee who can send out an associate member a ballot for the AMA Board of Directors Election, and she is out of the office until next year.

“This information was obtained from a phone call to AMA on 12/19/01 at 7:29 a.m. PST.

“By the time the AMA processes a request next
year, with 4 to 5 days in the mail and 4 to 5 days return mail, the deadline of January 15 for the receipt of ballots will have passed. Why can’t the AMA hire a temp to process the ballot requests?”


The obvious answer: They’re making it as hard as possible for members to participate in the democratic process, because they know that the fewer people vote, the more likely the incumbents will retain power and be able to continue to run the AMA the same way it has been run for the last 40 years, with no recourse for members.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

At the International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach, California December 7-9, California Speedway had a small table set up to promote the upcoming AMA Superbike race in April. Bob Elia from the speedway’s promotions department was manning the booth, mainly distributing lists of ticket prices for the Superbike race, although Elia said tickets are not on sale yet.

Tickets for adults will range between $60 for a two-day General or Preferred Admission ticket to $70 for a three-day Preferred pass. Children under 12 will be admitted to General Admission free all weekend but will pay the price of an adult for a seat in the Preferred area. Elia said that the track would be putting up temporary seating for at least 10,000 fans in the new infield road course section.

The flyer Elia was distributing listed the weekend’s activities as:
Friday, April 5 – Practice
Saturday, April 6 – Sprint Races
Sunday, April 7 – Championship Series Race

California Speedway is listed on the 2002 AMA schedule as hosting a Superbike double-header. The program should include the normal double header format of a Superbike, a 750cc Supersport and a Formula Xtreme race on Saturday with another Superbike race, the 250cc Grand Prix and 600cc Supersport final on Sunday.

On another note, Elia said that they would have what may be a first-ever event during the 2002 season. Elia said that during one race weekend in 2002, California Speedway will have a Grand Am car race on the infield course and an IRL race on the Speedway’s oval the very next day.

For more information about tickets for the AMA Superbike race at California Speedway, call 1-800-944-RACE or got to www.californiaspeedway.com.

From a press release issued by the AMA:

EPA To Adopt California Streetbike Emission Standards

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — New road motorcycles sold nationwide will be required to meet strict emissions standards set by the state of California beginning in 2006 under rules being proposed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

While the EPA hasn’t released its final proposal for public comment, a draft proposal obtained by the AMA shows the EPA wants to adopt a two-tier standard already approved in California on a delayed basis.

The first tier of California standards will go into effect in 2004, with the second tier scheduled for 2008. The federal EPA is proposing to adopt the same standards but on a two-year delay, meaning tier one would take effect in 2006 and tier two in 2010.

Road motorcycles built before the 2006 model year would be unaffected by the new regulations and would remain legal to ride.

If adopted, the new federal emissions regulations are expected to result in an increased use of fuel injection and catalytic converters on new motorcycles.

Some current motorcycles sold nationwide already meet California’s strict 2008 standard. Honda’s 2002 Gold Wing, for example, meets the California standard with the use of an emissions control system that includes fuel injection and a three-way exhaust catalyzer to reduce emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Besides tightening existing standards for street motorcycles, the EPA had suggested that the new rules might include requirements for specific components on motorcycles to meet the regulations, as well as stricter “anti-tampering” regulations, which could prohibit certain modifications to motorcycles.

The AMA asked federal officials to refrain from establishing such a list of technologies that manufacturers must use in making cleaner motorcycles. Instead, the Association recommended setting performance-based standards that would allow manufacturers the maximum amount of innovation in reducing emissions.

The advance copy of the proposed emissions regulations indicates that the EPA has taken that approach, leaving it up to the manufacturers to figure out how to meet the standards. The agency also provided an exemption for small manufacturers who may not have the resources to do the research and development needed to meet the proposed new national emissions standards.

Under that exemption, motorcycle manufacturers with sales of fewer than 3000 bikes a year, and having fewer than 500 employees, would have until the 2008 model year to meet the tier one national emissions standard. Those manufacturers wouldn’t be required to meet the tougher tier two standards.

New motorcycles sold in California beginning with the 2004 model year must emit no more than 1.4 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and 12 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide. The proposed federal standard would be the same, but would go into effect in 2006.

The California standard gets tougher in 2008, with a limit of 0.8 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides and 12 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide. The proposed federal standard would be the same, but would go into effect in 2010.

Currently, the federal emissions standards for on-road motorcycles are 5.0 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and 12 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide.

Meanwhile, the EPA is also in the process of finalizing emissions standards for off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

For more information, go to the AMA’s website at www.AMADirectlink.com and click on the “Protecting Your Right to Ride” button.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Newly-crowned 2001 WSMC 125cc Grand Prix Champion Chris Peris took part in a tryout for the Red Bull Honda British 125cc Championship team November 29-30 at Mallory Park in England. Peris, 16, caught wind of the opportunity from Tony Bell, husband/tuner/team owner for 125cc GP racer Vicky Jackson-Bell.

The Red Bull team solicited applications from riders aged 14-18 before a total of 50 were selected to take part. On each day of the two-day test, 25 riders took to the track. After the tryouts, the 50 riders were narrowed down to 10 finalists before the two new riders for the team were to be hand picked in mid-December.

Red Bull Britain’s Mark Forsythe, one of the program’s organizers, said that Peris recorded the second-fastest lap time of the test and that he was “massively impressed by (Chris’) attitude and ability on a bike he’s never ridden, on a track he’d never seen, in conditions which couldn’t have been much worse (or alien). Both Robin (Appleyard, Red Bull Honda Team Manager) and myself were particularly impressed that he attacked the place harder than anyone else.” After the cold, rain-soaked test, Peris was informed the he did not make the cut of 10 finalists.

Forsythe added that “Peter Clifford (Red Bull Yamaha MotoGP Team Manager, on hand for the test) was also suitably impressed”. Forsythe told Peris that he would work on arranging a few “wild card” rides for him in the 2002 British 125cc Series. “I have pushed for him over here and would really like to see him visit us next season, perhaps doing a couple of wild-card rides in the British 125cc Championships. I’m convinced he’s got what it takes,” wrote Forsythe to Peris’ father, Fernando.

A series of Video Nights starts tonight, Wednesday, December 19 at the new RKA luggage and accessory shop, 1423-A Grove Street in Healdsburg, California, near San Francisco. The December Video Night will feature on-board camera footage from recent track days as well as a Joey Dunlop movie.

Starting in January, the shop’s Video Nights will be held on the first Wednesday of the month, and will feature racing videos and movies shown on a big-screen TV, as well as food and refreshments, prize giveaways and occasional guest speakers and technical seminars.

Owner Richard Battles also said that the shop is open every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to serve as a gathering spot for motorcyclists. RKA serves free coffee and pastries to riders who stop by and also provides maps of the many nearby riding roads.

For additional info, call Richard Battles at RKA Luggage, (707) 433-3727.

David K. DeLong died of cancer Tuesday, December 18 at the Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. According to an obituary appearing in the Savannah Morning News today, DeLong, 71, was a teacher and artist as well as a motorcycle road racer. DeLong, a native of New York, started road racing in the 1960s with AAMRR, then WERA and was racing his Yamaha TZ250 as recently as 2000 in Vintage events.

DeLong’s motorsports-themed artwork had been displayed in art shows in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Dallas, Texas and is said to be highly sought after. In Savannah, DeLong worked with Kim Iocovozzi and John Tucker Fine Arts.

DeLong is survived by his wife Harriet, his son Mark, brother James and mother Mary Olds DeLong. Memorial services will be held Thursday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fox & Weeks Island Chapel in Savannah, Georgia.

From a press release, which has been confirmed as accurate by CCS’ Kevin Elliott:


The United States Grand Prix Riders’ Union, an association of GP125 riders created for the sole purpose of organizing 125 GP races & promoting and developing the 125GP class in the United States, announces the 2002 USGPRU 125GP National Championship schedule. The USGPRU is an affiliate organization to CCS (Championship Cup Series)/Clear Channel Entertainment

For 2002 we have partnered with race organizers at Clear Channel Entertainment who will run a 13 race Championship Series concurrently with Formula USA and the Championship Cup Series (CCS) events across the US and Canada.

Competition is split between three primary regions including East, Midwest and West with four races scheduled at premiere venues throughout each region. The Grand Finale Final will be run at Virginia International Raceway October 5-6.

Tracks scheduled for 2002 include Daytona, Road America, VIR, Summit Point, Mosport (F-USA/Canadian National), Vegas Classic Course, Rausch Creek, Mid America Motorplex, Thunderhill, Streets of Willow and others.

Riders will compete for points towards the National Championship in three of four races within their home region and a single race outside their home region as well as the series combined final at VIR October 5-6.

Riders who compete in every event within their home region, as well as a single race outside their region, will be allowed to “throw out” their lowest placing finish. These points will carry forward to VIR in October where the National Champion will be determined.

Riders will also score Regional Championship Points within their home region. These points will accumulate to determine each Regional Champion. To score points riders must be members of the USGPRU.

Notable changes for GP125 class this year include the use of electronic timing at all USGPRU events Nationwide, the adoption of FIM rider and bike weight regulations for the GP125 class and the lowering of the minimum age to 14 for competitors at all events other than Daytona.

Each Region has a single Regional Rider Representative who will work directly with CCS and F-USA Race Officials to insure the smooth running of the events.

The USGPRU 125GP National Championship events will feature 50km+ (approx. 32 miles) length races with electronic and qualification timing (confirmed for all but 2 events but anticipated for all events) for all competing riders. Entry fees will be $85.00 per race and will include transponders. Practice sessions will be available for competitors prior to most rounds on the schedule for a small additional cost. Cash purses and contingency sponsorship will operate from within the CCS framework providing numerous contingency sponsors for the series and additional, exclusive USGPRU GP125 National Championship Series sponsorship is being provided by GP Star Hollywood, Silkolene/ SilkoleneStore.com, Hjelm Motorsports, TrackTimer and many others.

Riders will be licensed under CCS requirements by the USGPRU and will receive photo ID licenses which can be used for any USGPRU or CCS event in 2002 including the F-USA rounds at Daytona and Mosport. The cost of these annual licenses is only $100.00 US, the same as the basic CCS license. Special arrangement will be made for Canadian participants to register for any or all events at a reduced rate if they carry a valid, nationally recognized license.

Schedules, rules, event and travel information, track information, results, video and technical information is available at the USGPRU website and will be updated prior to and after each round. Four quarterly newsletters will also be published and mailed to competitors registered
with the USGPRU.

Series schedule and detailed information is available online at www.usgpru.org.

Additional questions can be directed to any of the Regional Representatives:

Western Region: Stuart Aitken-Cade: [email protected]

Midwest Region: John Hjelm: [email protected]

Eastern Region: Jonathan Flack: [email protected]

United States Grand Prix Riders’ Union
80 Madison Avenue, Suite 3H
New York, NY 10016
212-689-7844

or to Kevin Elliott at CCS / Clear Channel Entertainment: [email protected]

The complete USGPRU Schedule Follows:

WESTERN REGION:
Thunderhill Park, April 27-28
Streets of Willow, June 1-2
Thunderhill Park, August 10-11
Las Vegas Classic Course, September 7-8 Double Points

MIDWEST REGION:
Road America, April 26-28
Mid-America Motorplex, June 29-30
Mosport F-USA Toronto, July 19-21 Double Points
Hallett Raceway, August 31-September 1

EASTERN REGION:
Daytona International Speedway, Feb 28-March 3 Double Points
Summit Point, May 11-12
Rausch Creek, June 1-2
Virginia International Raceway, July 27-28

ALL REGIONS:
Virginia International Raceway – FINAL – October 5-6 Double Points

Contacts:

Ken Abbott: Clear Channel Entertainment, Formula USA, 630-566-6100

Kevin Elliott: Clear Channel Entertainment, CCS,
817-332-4822

Jonathan Flack: USGPRU, 212-689-7844, [email protected] / [email protected]

Stuart Aitken-Cade: USGPRU, 650-625-0732

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in:

The free practice days set aside for WSMC motorcycle racers at Willow Springs Raceway December 26-30 are also open to car racers, and sessions will alternate between motorcycles and cars.

Announcement of the five free practice days came as a surprise to WSMC Operations Manager Kenny Kopecky, who said he didn’t know anything about the program including WSMC motorcycle racers prior to the release, issued by Willow Springs owner Bill Huth’s publicist Jay McDaniel, showing up on roadracingworld.com.

Kopecky espressed concern about on how the combined car/bike program would be run and said he didn’t know any details, such as whether or not the course would be staffed with cornerworkers, etc.

Stay tuned for further developments.

The program for car racers was first announced with the following press release, originally sent to car publications:

December 18, 2001

Willow Springs Raceway Announces New Open-Wheeled Racing Association

Open-Wheeled Race Drivers can Ring in New Year with Free Testing, Tuning, Racing

Willow Springs International Motorsports Park owner Bill Huth announced today the formation of a new racing organization exclusively targeting open-wheeled racing cars. The new association, which will be known as OWR, or Open Wheeled Racers, will include all types of open-wheeled racing vehicles, from 125cc Shifter Karts to Formula One race cars.

Licensed professional or amateur drivers from any recognized auto racing organization will be able to attend OWR’s first event, a five-day fest of tuning, testing, and racing which will span the period of December 26-30, 2001. This event will be completely free to qualified drivers and teams, and will culminate in a series of informal, class-based races held on Sunday, December 30. Drivers and teams will be able to test, tune, and race on the historic 2.5-mile main road course as well as the technical, 1.5-mile Streets of Willow.

“The formation of this new association is intended to help promote all forms of open-wheeled racing,” said Huth. “The fastest, most advanced, best-handling cars in the world are open-wheeled cars. It’s a form of motorsports that is really on the cutting edge.”

An additional benefit of OWR is that it provides an opportunity for drivers of the most economical cars, such as World SuperKarts, to intermingle with teams fielding ultra-advanced machinery. Two of World SuperKarting’s biggest proponents are World Grand Prix Champions Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, who’ve made it clear they’d love to mix it up with some of the top drivers in the more prestigious classes. “This new association will make it a lot easier for the drivers to compare notes and trade knowledge,” commented Lawson. “It keeps the fun in racing, but it also helps up-and-coming drivers hone their skills.”

Rainey concurred, agreeing that the OWR concept is a good idea at the right time.

Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is a 600-acre complex of six racetracks embracing nearly every conceivable motorsports discipline. In addition to the historic 2.5-mile road course built in 1953, the Willow Springs facility includes the Streets of Willow, a 1.5-mile, 14-turn multi-configuration road course ideal for testing, club racing, and schools; a 1/4-mile paved oval; a 3/8-mile clay oval; a .625-mile Karting track; and just-completed 1/4-mile testing and tuning circuit which has yet to be named. The facility also has an off-road driving and riding area for testing of off-road vehicles. The park is located about an hour north of Los Angeles, California near Lancaster. Official headquarters for the first OWR event will be at Lancaster’s Park Plaza (661-948-0961).

Drivers or teams who want more information on Open Wheeled Racers and its inaugural five-day event should contact Willow Springs International Motorsports Park at (661) 256-6666 for more information.