Azione Moto has moved to:
2310 NW 55th Ct., Suite 132
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 535-2941
FAX (954) 535-2942
www.azionemoto.com
e-mail [email protected]
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Azione Moto Moves
AMA Pro Racing Changes Class Names
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
AMA Pro Racing has changed the names of classes run at AMA road racing Nationals for 2002.
Superbike is now officially the AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship.
600cc Supersport is now officially the AMA Pro Honda Oils US Supersport Championship.
750cc Supersport is now officially the Superstock Class.
Pro Thunder is now officially the Pro Thunder Class.
Formula Xtreme is officially the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Class.
250cc Grand Prix is officially the 250 Grand Prix Class.
The name changes are part of AM Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s plan to concentrate attention on the Superbike and 600cc Supersport classes and to downgrade (and in some cases, eliminate) the other classes.
Why Does Europe Get Bikes Before The U.S.?
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. By David Swarts During the press briefing for the 2002-model VFR800Fi-VTEC at American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California, Honda employees mentioned that European dealers would receive their VFR800s and their CBR954RRs before American dealers. Before becoming a motojournalist, I always wondered why that was so, but never read the question asked or answered anywhere. So after the briefing, I asked American Honda’s outgoing Manager of Motorcycling Press, Pete terHorst, why does Europe get bikes before the United States? “We’re a global manufacturer, but we market in regional and local markets,” explained terHorst. “A given model that Honda comes out with will be design-driven by the market that sells the most of them. An Interceptor is a good example. “In Europe, it’s a hugely popular motorcycle. It does well in the U.S., but they sell, I’m guessing, four times as many (in Europe). So as a result the European market drives the design more. They usually get more pop on the press units when they do come, and actually their production run will begin before ours will begin, anywhere from four to six weeks early depending on where the Christmas holidays fall. “We constantly go through a negotiating process on models that we sell significantly well here, as well as Europe. For example, 600 sport models, 929, 954s. This year, Europe’s got their launches earlier on the 954 than we do. That’s just one of the things that we have to deal with. Their production run fell about eight weeks before ours did. That’s really why. The same thing applies to the ST1300.”
Racer Glaefke Clarifies Earlier Post Regarding Air Fence At AHRMA Events
This just in:
Hello, my name is Jon Glaefke and I just wished to write to clarify an earlier reply to a post that appeared on the site on 12/10 concerning AMA combining Pro Thunder with us (AHRMA).
First off, I didn’t mean to imply that AHRMA doesn’t create a safe environment in which to race. As an AHRMA competitor and member, I was just hoping to have maybe a section or two of Air Fence deployed at any venue where Pro Racing chooses to combine Pro Thunder with our club.
Myself and many other AHRMA competitors have contributed to the Air Fence fund and was just hoping that I could raise some awareness and see it used at any such event.
The event that I spoke of that took place at Mid-Ohio was not AHRMA’s fault and I do not blame them. If a rider rides off course and chooses to ignore cornerworkers telling him to allow traffic to pass before re-entering the racing surface it is not the cornerworkers’ fault but that of the rider.
I feel in such an instance that the rider should be reprimanded severely. Most any organization has had riders that for one reason or another have created a dangerous situation and just thought that if such a event (Pro Thunder combined with AHRMA) came to pass that some preparation would be in order.
I apologize to AHRMA, its cornerworkers and its members for any misunderstanding. I hope any racer or fan who enjoys good friendly competition will catch an AHRMA event in the coming season. Thank you and again I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I hope this letter may be posted soon as I wish to clarify what I really meant and not to create bad feelings between AHRMA, its employees or anyone else involved.
Clear Channel And Dorna To Produce FIM Supercross World Championship
Clear Channel Entertainment has announced a new agreement that will see the U.S.-based multi-national media giant produce the new FIM Supercross World Championship in collaboration with DORNA, a Spanish company that already produces the FIM road racing World Championship Series. The text of a press release announcing the arrangement follows:
Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Announce Agreement to Jointly Produce FIM Supercross World Championship
AURORA, Ill. and MADRID, Spain (December 28, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division and Dorna Off-Road announced today they have signed an agreement to jointly produce the FIM Supercross World Championship, beginning with the 2002-03 season.
The agreement between Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna combines the resources of the recognized North American and international leaders in the promotion and production of motorcycle racing to position the FIM Supercross World Championship as the preeminent motorcycle racing series in the world, by creating one circuit comprised of events around the world.
The FIM, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, is the only recognized body to govern motorcycling events at the international level.
Clear Channel Entertainment produces more than 200 motorcycle events annually, including EA SPORTS Supercross, the National Arenacross Series presented by Speed Stick, the Formula USA Arenacross Series of regional events, IFMA Freestyle Motocross events, the Formula USA National Dirt Track Series, the Formula USA National Road Race Series, and the CCS presented by Lockhart Phillips USA for sportsmen road racers. The company also stages 150 four-wheel events sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association and the International Hot Rod Association.
In addition to staging the FIM Supercross World Championship, for which it holds the rights from the FIM, the Dorna group holds the commercial, media and TV rights to produce the FIM Road Racing World Championship, Grand Prix “Moto GP”, the FIM Motocross World Championship and the Motocross Des Nations.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO and managing director of Dorna, said, “Clear Channel Entertainment’s Supercross has long been recognized as the premier supercross series. The synergy of the resources between Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna provide the strongest base possible to now expand the tradition and success of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Supercross program to the international level. Dorna is very pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Clear Channel Entertainment team to help bring supercross to the global marketplace and to the next level.”
Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division, said, “This is a great day for supercross fans, racers, venues and the entire motorcycle industry. We have produced supercross racing events for 27 years and always dreamed of elevating our Supercross Series from a domestic championship to one that is worldwide. Realizing that dream could not have been possible without partners like the FIM and Dorna. We are excited to take supercross to the next level by promoting the FIM Supercross World Championship. In particular we want to acknowledge the support of the FIM, which for nearly a century has been recognized as the world’s foremost motorcycle sanctioning body, and whose affiliation will help immensely to continue to grow the sport.”
The FIM will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2004. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it has sanctioned international and World Championship motorcycle events since 1904. Each year, the FIM sanctions more than 1000 motorcycle events around the world in over 90 different classifications of motorcycle competition. The FIM structure includes over 80 affiliated national federations representing an equal number of individual countries, including the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in the United States.
The 2002-03 FIM Supercross World Championship calendar will shortly be announced by the FIM.
About Dorna:
Dorna is an international sports management group established in 1988 and focused on major international motorsports events. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, with branch offices in Barcelona, London and Tokyo, the company is controlled by CVC Capital Partners, an independent private equity provider, with a 75% participation. The management controls the remaining 25%. The Dorna group holds the rights to Moto GP since 1992. This is the company’s leading activity, with 16 events across the five continents each year. In 2001, over five billion viewers in 208 countries watched the TV broadcasts. Since 2001, Dorna’s experience in motorsport was extended over the FIM Motocross World Championship, the Motocross Des Nations, and the FIM Supercross World Championship. Its TV images reached 112 countries in 2001. Dorna also markets ‘Ad-Time’ a rotating advertising system, in South America, Japan and Europe. The system in actively used in basketball, volleyball and soccer ((events)).
To fulfill the extreme requirements of such a competitive environment, Dorna counts on a multinational team of professionals with knowledge and expertise in advertising, sports, TV, media, technology and law. Currently 150 full-time employees and approximately 300 additional part-time contracted professionals during racing peaks make up Dorna’s workforce.
About Clear Channel Entertainment:
Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division is the producer and promoter of 2002 EA SPORTS Supercross, and the recently announced 2003 FIM Supercross World Championship. Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including: Live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.
In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading talent management businesses that specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters, including independently operated baseball, basketball and football businesses. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.
About FIM:
The FIM, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, is the body that governs motorcycling sport at world level. It groups together 85 affiliated National Federations and 6 Continental Unions, as well as Specialized Associations. The FIM is controlled by its statutes and standing orders, the Championships by the sporting code, and the specific rules of each discipline as well as by the technical rules and codes, disciplinary general to all disciplines. Its different executive, legislative and judicial bodies work for the development and the improvement of the motorcycling sport.
The FIM also takes care of matters concerning the non-sporting aspects of motorcycling: tourism, the motorcycle as a leisure vehicle, the subjects linked to public affairs and road safety. It is also concerned with aspects linked to the environment as well as the development of the motorcycle in general. It is present in Brussels by the intermediary of its representation office within the European Union where it fights for the defense of the interests of all users of mechanized two-wheel vehicles. With about 25 collaborators at FIM Headquarters, the Executive Secretariat takes care of the general administration of all the domains in which the FIM is involved.
Free Sessions At Willow Springs Attract 20 Motorcycle Racers And Three Car Guys
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
On the third day of a five-day run of free practice sessions for licensed racers at Willow Springs International Raceway, 20 WSMC motorcycle racers are sharing the track (in alternating sessions) with three open-wheeled car racers and a handful of shifter-kart racers.
The first day of the program, December 26, attracted 12 riders, with 19 showing up on December 27 and 20 today, December 28.
The program continues through Sunday, December 30 and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ambulance and cornerworker crews are on site for the practice sessions at the Rosamond, California racetrack.
Track owner Bill Huth is holding the free sessions as a thank-you to racers licensed with WSMC or the track’s open-wheeled car racing club.
Mat Mladin Tribute Helmet Sells For $2152 To Benefit Air Fence Fund
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
The one-of-a-kind AGV helmet worn by three-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin in the AMA season finale at Virginia International Raceway “in respect and remembrance” of the victims of the September 11 tragedy, has sold for $2152 on eBay.
After stating that he felt Air Fence was “an area that the AMA should show responsibility in obtaining and not having to leave it to individuals to pursue”, Mladin donated his tribute helmet for auction with the proceeds benefiting the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.
The auction began on Friday, December 21 with the bidding starting at $300 and a reserve price of $500. Participation in the auction was steady as Texas racers Marcus McBain, John Ross and Troy Green battled with “danoe3” over the Christmas holidays, but the sale got intense as the end drew closer. With a scheduled conclusion of approximately 10:17 a.m. Pacific Time Friday, December 28, 11 bids were made on the helmet within the last hour of the auction. In the last 45 minutes, bids from “norse_racer”, “danoe3”, “nankai” and “astroboy-atm” raised the highest bid from $1550 to the final sale price of $2152.
With just moments to spare before the close of the auction and the beginning of his New Years vacation, Robb Meier, a.k.a. “astroboy-atm”, posted the winning bid for the Mat Mladin tribute helmet. A Mladin fan and aspiring racer from Toronto, Canada, Meier laughed when asked if he was going to wear the Mladin helmet when he joins the Canadian Superbike series in 2003. “No, it’s going to go in my collection,” said Meier, who said he was headed for the airport.
More collectible and valuable items will continue to be offered at auction on eBay to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. Stay tuned for the next auction item.
If you have a piece of racing memorabilia or an item/service of value that you would like to donate for auction to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund for either road racing or dirt track, please contact David Swarts at (909) 245-6411 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, or e-mail [email protected].
Professional Racing Crew Jobs Still Available
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
But What Does It Take To Be A Pro Race Mechanic?
By David Swarts
In recent weeks, many of the top AMA professional road racing teams finalized their rider line-ups for the 2002 season. But despite the fact that the AMA Superbike series has seen a reduction from 17 factory or factory-supported bikes in the 2001 Superbike field to only 9 for 2002, there are still several top mechanic positions available in the AMA paddock. As of the Daytona tire tests December 10-12, the following positions still needed to be filled:
Graves Motorsports Yamaha (for rider Damon Buckmaster):
Formula Xtreme lead mechanic and assistant mechanic
Kawasaki Road Racing Team (for rider Tony Meiring):
600cc Supersport lead mechanic and assistant mechanic
Bruce Transportation Group Honda (for rider Jake Zemke):
600cc Supersport mechanic
Bruce Transportation Group Honda (for rider Alex Gobert):
Formula Xtreme mechanic
“One of the most important things is experience,” said Graves Motorsports Yamaha team owner Chuck Graves when asked what he will look for when searching for Buckmaster’s new lead Formula Xtreme mechanic. “Mechanics that have been riders and have experience riding motorcycles typically are always a good development guy.
“But obviously we’re looking for somebody that Damon fits well with. The most important thing is finding a mechanic that works well with the rider. Once you’ve established that, then we make sure that we find mechanics that can work under him. Clearly, all of those requirements have to fall in line with what our requirements, with the racing team as a whole, is. It’s really easy to make a mistake and hire a wrong guy.
“I’ll sit down with Damon and write up a list of guys that he’s interested in. I get back with the Team Manager, Jeff Carter, and then we make a decision, ‘Can this guy fit in the slots that we want?’ And if that’s the case and everything can make sense, then we move forward from there. What we look for is experience first of all, understanding what happens on a racetrack at that level. That comes from being a rider or being a mechanic. It takes a lot of years of just being a mechanic to learn it. If you’re a rider that has some mechanical ability it comes a lot faster.”
For the view from the other side of the fence, we contacted Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Todd Fenton, current 2002 lead mechanic for Tom Kipp and his Formula Xtreme and 600cc Supersport bikes. Fenton was a rookie during the 2001 season while tuning for Grant Lopez.
“In my particular case, this was a hobby,” said Fenton when asked how he became a top-level AMA mechanic. “I don’t want to say that everything I learned was self-taught, but I never had any official schooling when it comes to motorcycle mechanics. For four years, I was a club racing mechanic and being there year-in and year-out, being there and doing it, and learning and talking to people and getting familiar with a racing motorcycle as opposed to a street motorcycle, which they are different animals when it comes to working on them.
“I had a mutual friend with Keith Perry (Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief). Last year, my friend was at dinner with Keith and he was talking about hiring more mechanics and more riders and expanding their shop. My friend threw my name in. At the Race of Champions in 2000, I went to Keith and told him what I knew and what I didn’t know. I came down to the (Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki) shop a few days later and checked things out for a couple of days and talked a little more and that was basically it.
“This opportunity to work with a team just happened to pop up. I came in with a strong base of knowledge and let Keith Perry and Barry McMahan (two-time AMA Mechanic of the Year, 2000 750cc Supersport, 2001 Formula Xtreme) and everyone else here kind of add on to that knowledge and mold me, so to speak, into a better race mechanic.
“A lot more attention to detail maintenance-wise, a lot more tire changing,” Fenton said are the biggest differences from his days as a club racing mechanic to being an AMA professional wrench. “At this level it is different because it is a job, it is a profession. At a club weekend, you can usually make it through on one set of tires and you’re not changing oil. Basically, maintenance is the biggest difference, especially with a Formula Xtreme bike with the specialty equipment on there. You’ve gotta keep on top of it to make sure it’s running 100%.”
Apparently All Is Forgiven And Fastrack Is Back At Willow Springs
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
A blow-up apparently ignited when Fastrack Riders had the audacity to book dates at California Speedway and was then replaced at Willow Springs by the track’s own track-ride and practice program has been smoothed out. Key to the issue were signed contracts for 2002 dates at Willow Springs, and those contracts will be honored and Fastrack Riders will be at the Rosamond, California racetrack on the Friday preceding every WSMC race in 2002.
In the meanwhile, here is Fastrack Rider’s latest official press release:
Fastrack Riders is back at Willow Springs (on the 2.5-mile road course) on the Friday before every WSMC race weekend. The first event of the new year will be held January 18th (Friday prior to the January 19-20 WSMC event), and special reduced rates in effect will be $150.00 for track riders and $100.00 for licensed racers. There will be no Fastrack Riders membership fee for 2002.
Fastrack Riders will also be holding several events on the AMA National course at California Speedway, with the first event scheduled for January 28th. The cost for track riders will be $350.00 and for licensed racers $295.00. A new riders instruction course will be available for an additional $100.00. A catered lunch is included in this event.
Fastrack Riders also has motorcycles for rent. For rate information, please call.
For the 2002 schedule for all tracks, please call (562) 699-2305, or log on to www.fastrackriders.com.
We’ll see you out at the track.
Bidding On Mat Mladin September 11 Tribute Helmet Reaches $1225, To Benefit Air Fence Fund
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Bidding has reached $1225 on the one-of-a-kind AGV helmet worn by three-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin in the final round of the 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike race season, at Virginia International Raceway September 30.
Bidding on the helmet has turned into a four-way battle between Marcus McBain, John Ross, CMRA5 and new bidder danoe3.
A native of Australia and one of the most fearsome competitors on the track, Mladin was so moved by the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 that he wore this helmet “in respect and remembrance” of the victims.
“I couldn’t believe it, what happened that day,” Mladin told reporters at the Virginia race. “It happened in America, but it happened to the whole world. It really put things into perspective for me.”
Mladin has generously donated the helmet, maybe the first and only piece of Mladin racing memorabilia ever available, to be auctioned off with the proceeds, minus the cost of the eBay service, going to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. The Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established to raise money to purchase and deploy Air Fence and Air Module soft barriers to protect crashed riders from hitting walls and other hard objects at racetracks. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems.
“The Air Fence Fund is one that I do support even though I believe that it should be an area that the AMA should show responsibility in obtaining and not having to leave it to individuals to pursue. I congratulate John (Ulrich, founder of the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund) with his initiative to get the fund going and hope that the money raised from the auction of my helmet will help the cause.”
The all-black, AGV helmet features a medium tint face shield with provisions for tear-offs, American flag decals on three sides and Mladin’s autograph in white paint on the back. The helmet is size Medium and still smells brand new because it was worn only once by Mladin. The helmet also comes with two helmet bags.
With Mladin re-writing the AMA Superbike record books every race weekend, this helmet may continue to gain value over time.
You can go to the auction through the following link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1053043393
Azione Moto Moves
Azione Moto has moved to:
2310 NW 55th Ct., Suite 132
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 535-2941
FAX (954) 535-2942
www.azionemoto.com
e-mail [email protected]
AMA Pro Racing Changes Class Names
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
AMA Pro Racing has changed the names of classes run at AMA road racing Nationals for 2002.
Superbike is now officially the AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship.
600cc Supersport is now officially the AMA Pro Honda Oils US Supersport Championship.
750cc Supersport is now officially the Superstock Class.
Pro Thunder is now officially the Pro Thunder Class.
Formula Xtreme is officially the Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Class.
250cc Grand Prix is officially the 250 Grand Prix Class.
The name changes are part of AM Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s plan to concentrate attention on the Superbike and 600cc Supersport classes and to downgrade (and in some cases, eliminate) the other classes.
Why Does Europe Get Bikes Before The U.S.?
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. By David Swarts During the press briefing for the 2002-model VFR800Fi-VTEC at American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California, Honda employees mentioned that European dealers would receive their VFR800s and their CBR954RRs before American dealers. Before becoming a motojournalist, I always wondered why that was so, but never read the question asked or answered anywhere. So after the briefing, I asked American Honda’s outgoing Manager of Motorcycling Press, Pete terHorst, why does Europe get bikes before the United States? “We’re a global manufacturer, but we market in regional and local markets,” explained terHorst. “A given model that Honda comes out with will be design-driven by the market that sells the most of them. An Interceptor is a good example. “In Europe, it’s a hugely popular motorcycle. It does well in the U.S., but they sell, I’m guessing, four times as many (in Europe). So as a result the European market drives the design more. They usually get more pop on the press units when they do come, and actually their production run will begin before ours will begin, anywhere from four to six weeks early depending on where the Christmas holidays fall. “We constantly go through a negotiating process on models that we sell significantly well here, as well as Europe. For example, 600 sport models, 929, 954s. This year, Europe’s got their launches earlier on the 954 than we do. That’s just one of the things that we have to deal with. Their production run fell about eight weeks before ours did. That’s really why. The same thing applies to the ST1300.”
Racer Glaefke Clarifies Earlier Post Regarding Air Fence At AHRMA Events
This just in:
Hello, my name is Jon Glaefke and I just wished to write to clarify an earlier reply to a post that appeared on the site on 12/10 concerning AMA combining Pro Thunder with us (AHRMA).
First off, I didn’t mean to imply that AHRMA doesn’t create a safe environment in which to race. As an AHRMA competitor and member, I was just hoping to have maybe a section or two of Air Fence deployed at any venue where Pro Racing chooses to combine Pro Thunder with our club.
Myself and many other AHRMA competitors have contributed to the Air Fence fund and was just hoping that I could raise some awareness and see it used at any such event.
The event that I spoke of that took place at Mid-Ohio was not AHRMA’s fault and I do not blame them. If a rider rides off course and chooses to ignore cornerworkers telling him to allow traffic to pass before re-entering the racing surface it is not the cornerworkers’ fault but that of the rider.
I feel in such an instance that the rider should be reprimanded severely. Most any organization has had riders that for one reason or another have created a dangerous situation and just thought that if such a event (Pro Thunder combined with AHRMA) came to pass that some preparation would be in order.
I apologize to AHRMA, its cornerworkers and its members for any misunderstanding. I hope any racer or fan who enjoys good friendly competition will catch an AHRMA event in the coming season. Thank you and again I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I hope this letter may be posted soon as I wish to clarify what I really meant and not to create bad feelings between AHRMA, its employees or anyone else involved.
Clear Channel And Dorna To Produce FIM Supercross World Championship
Clear Channel Entertainment has announced a new agreement that will see the U.S.-based multi-national media giant produce the new FIM Supercross World Championship in collaboration with DORNA, a Spanish company that already produces the FIM road racing World Championship Series. The text of a press release announcing the arrangement follows:
Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Announce Agreement to Jointly Produce FIM Supercross World Championship
AURORA, Ill. and MADRID, Spain (December 28, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division and Dorna Off-Road announced today they have signed an agreement to jointly produce the FIM Supercross World Championship, beginning with the 2002-03 season.
The agreement between Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna combines the resources of the recognized North American and international leaders in the promotion and production of motorcycle racing to position the FIM Supercross World Championship as the preeminent motorcycle racing series in the world, by creating one circuit comprised of events around the world.
The FIM, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, is the only recognized body to govern motorcycling events at the international level.
Clear Channel Entertainment produces more than 200 motorcycle events annually, including EA SPORTS Supercross, the National Arenacross Series presented by Speed Stick, the Formula USA Arenacross Series of regional events, IFMA Freestyle Motocross events, the Formula USA National Dirt Track Series, the Formula USA National Road Race Series, and the CCS presented by Lockhart Phillips USA for sportsmen road racers. The company also stages 150 four-wheel events sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association and the International Hot Rod Association.
In addition to staging the FIM Supercross World Championship, for which it holds the rights from the FIM, the Dorna group holds the commercial, media and TV rights to produce the FIM Road Racing World Championship, Grand Prix “Moto GP”, the FIM Motocross World Championship and the Motocross Des Nations.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO and managing director of Dorna, said, “Clear Channel Entertainment’s Supercross has long been recognized as the premier supercross series. The synergy of the resources between Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna provide the strongest base possible to now expand the tradition and success of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Supercross program to the international level. Dorna is very pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Clear Channel Entertainment team to help bring supercross to the global marketplace and to the next level.”
Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division, said, “This is a great day for supercross fans, racers, venues and the entire motorcycle industry. We have produced supercross racing events for 27 years and always dreamed of elevating our Supercross Series from a domestic championship to one that is worldwide. Realizing that dream could not have been possible without partners like the FIM and Dorna. We are excited to take supercross to the next level by promoting the FIM Supercross World Championship. In particular we want to acknowledge the support of the FIM, which for nearly a century has been recognized as the world’s foremost motorcycle sanctioning body, and whose affiliation will help immensely to continue to grow the sport.”
The FIM will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2004. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it has sanctioned international and World Championship motorcycle events since 1904. Each year, the FIM sanctions more than 1000 motorcycle events around the world in over 90 different classifications of motorcycle competition. The FIM structure includes over 80 affiliated national federations representing an equal number of individual countries, including the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in the United States.
The 2002-03 FIM Supercross World Championship calendar will shortly be announced by the FIM.
About Dorna:
Dorna is an international sports management group established in 1988 and focused on major international motorsports events. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, with branch offices in Barcelona, London and Tokyo, the company is controlled by CVC Capital Partners, an independent private equity provider, with a 75% participation. The management controls the remaining 25%. The Dorna group holds the rights to Moto GP since 1992. This is the company’s leading activity, with 16 events across the five continents each year. In 2001, over five billion viewers in 208 countries watched the TV broadcasts. Since 2001, Dorna’s experience in motorsport was extended over the FIM Motocross World Championship, the Motocross Des Nations, and the FIM Supercross World Championship. Its TV images reached 112 countries in 2001. Dorna also markets ‘Ad-Time’ a rotating advertising system, in South America, Japan and Europe. The system in actively used in basketball, volleyball and soccer ((events)).
To fulfill the extreme requirements of such a competitive environment, Dorna counts on a multinational team of professionals with knowledge and expertise in advertising, sports, TV, media, technology and law. Currently 150 full-time employees and approximately 300 additional part-time contracted professionals during racing peaks make up Dorna’s workforce.
About Clear Channel Entertainment:
Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division is the producer and promoter of 2002 EA SPORTS Supercross, and the recently announced 2003 FIM Supercross World Championship. Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including: Live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.
In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading talent management businesses that specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters, including independently operated baseball, basketball and football businesses. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.
About FIM:
The FIM, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, is the body that governs motorcycling sport at world level. It groups together 85 affiliated National Federations and 6 Continental Unions, as well as Specialized Associations. The FIM is controlled by its statutes and standing orders, the Championships by the sporting code, and the specific rules of each discipline as well as by the technical rules and codes, disciplinary general to all disciplines. Its different executive, legislative and judicial bodies work for the development and the improvement of the motorcycling sport.
The FIM also takes care of matters concerning the non-sporting aspects of motorcycling: tourism, the motorcycle as a leisure vehicle, the subjects linked to public affairs and road safety. It is also concerned with aspects linked to the environment as well as the development of the motorcycle in general. It is present in Brussels by the intermediary of its representation office within the European Union where it fights for the defense of the interests of all users of mechanized two-wheel vehicles. With about 25 collaborators at FIM Headquarters, the Executive Secretariat takes care of the general administration of all the domains in which the FIM is involved.
Free Sessions At Willow Springs Attract 20 Motorcycle Racers And Three Car Guys
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
On the third day of a five-day run of free practice sessions for licensed racers at Willow Springs International Raceway, 20 WSMC motorcycle racers are sharing the track (in alternating sessions) with three open-wheeled car racers and a handful of shifter-kart racers.
The first day of the program, December 26, attracted 12 riders, with 19 showing up on December 27 and 20 today, December 28.
The program continues through Sunday, December 30 and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ambulance and cornerworker crews are on site for the practice sessions at the Rosamond, California racetrack.
Track owner Bill Huth is holding the free sessions as a thank-you to racers licensed with WSMC or the track’s open-wheeled car racing club.
Mat Mladin Tribute Helmet Sells For $2152 To Benefit Air Fence Fund
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
The one-of-a-kind AGV helmet worn by three-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin in the AMA season finale at Virginia International Raceway “in respect and remembrance” of the victims of the September 11 tragedy, has sold for $2152 on eBay.
After stating that he felt Air Fence was “an area that the AMA should show responsibility in obtaining and not having to leave it to individuals to pursue”, Mladin donated his tribute helmet for auction with the proceeds benefiting the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.
The auction began on Friday, December 21 with the bidding starting at $300 and a reserve price of $500. Participation in the auction was steady as Texas racers Marcus McBain, John Ross and Troy Green battled with “danoe3” over the Christmas holidays, but the sale got intense as the end drew closer. With a scheduled conclusion of approximately 10:17 a.m. Pacific Time Friday, December 28, 11 bids were made on the helmet within the last hour of the auction. In the last 45 minutes, bids from “norse_racer”, “danoe3”, “nankai” and “astroboy-atm” raised the highest bid from $1550 to the final sale price of $2152.
With just moments to spare before the close of the auction and the beginning of his New Years vacation, Robb Meier, a.k.a. “astroboy-atm”, posted the winning bid for the Mat Mladin tribute helmet. A Mladin fan and aspiring racer from Toronto, Canada, Meier laughed when asked if he was going to wear the Mladin helmet when he joins the Canadian Superbike series in 2003. “No, it’s going to go in my collection,” said Meier, who said he was headed for the airport.
More collectible and valuable items will continue to be offered at auction on eBay to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. Stay tuned for the next auction item.
If you have a piece of racing memorabilia or an item/service of value that you would like to donate for auction to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund for either road racing or dirt track, please contact David Swarts at (909) 245-6411 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, or e-mail [email protected].
Professional Racing Crew Jobs Still Available
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
But What Does It Take To Be A Pro Race Mechanic?
By David Swarts
In recent weeks, many of the top AMA professional road racing teams finalized their rider line-ups for the 2002 season. But despite the fact that the AMA Superbike series has seen a reduction from 17 factory or factory-supported bikes in the 2001 Superbike field to only 9 for 2002, there are still several top mechanic positions available in the AMA paddock. As of the Daytona tire tests December 10-12, the following positions still needed to be filled:
Graves Motorsports Yamaha (for rider Damon Buckmaster):
Formula Xtreme lead mechanic and assistant mechanic
Kawasaki Road Racing Team (for rider Tony Meiring):
600cc Supersport lead mechanic and assistant mechanic
Bruce Transportation Group Honda (for rider Jake Zemke):
600cc Supersport mechanic
Bruce Transportation Group Honda (for rider Alex Gobert):
Formula Xtreme mechanic
“One of the most important things is experience,” said Graves Motorsports Yamaha team owner Chuck Graves when asked what he will look for when searching for Buckmaster’s new lead Formula Xtreme mechanic. “Mechanics that have been riders and have experience riding motorcycles typically are always a good development guy.
“But obviously we’re looking for somebody that Damon fits well with. The most important thing is finding a mechanic that works well with the rider. Once you’ve established that, then we make sure that we find mechanics that can work under him. Clearly, all of those requirements have to fall in line with what our requirements, with the racing team as a whole, is. It’s really easy to make a mistake and hire a wrong guy.
“I’ll sit down with Damon and write up a list of guys that he’s interested in. I get back with the Team Manager, Jeff Carter, and then we make a decision, ‘Can this guy fit in the slots that we want?’ And if that’s the case and everything can make sense, then we move forward from there. What we look for is experience first of all, understanding what happens on a racetrack at that level. That comes from being a rider or being a mechanic. It takes a lot of years of just being a mechanic to learn it. If you’re a rider that has some mechanical ability it comes a lot faster.”
For the view from the other side of the fence, we contacted Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Todd Fenton, current 2002 lead mechanic for Tom Kipp and his Formula Xtreme and 600cc Supersport bikes. Fenton was a rookie during the 2001 season while tuning for Grant Lopez.
“In my particular case, this was a hobby,” said Fenton when asked how he became a top-level AMA mechanic. “I don’t want to say that everything I learned was self-taught, but I never had any official schooling when it comes to motorcycle mechanics. For four years, I was a club racing mechanic and being there year-in and year-out, being there and doing it, and learning and talking to people and getting familiar with a racing motorcycle as opposed to a street motorcycle, which they are different animals when it comes to working on them.
“I had a mutual friend with Keith Perry (Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief). Last year, my friend was at dinner with Keith and he was talking about hiring more mechanics and more riders and expanding their shop. My friend threw my name in. At the Race of Champions in 2000, I went to Keith and told him what I knew and what I didn’t know. I came down to the (Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki) shop a few days later and checked things out for a couple of days and talked a little more and that was basically it.
“This opportunity to work with a team just happened to pop up. I came in with a strong base of knowledge and let Keith Perry and Barry McMahan (two-time AMA Mechanic of the Year, 2000 750cc Supersport, 2001 Formula Xtreme) and everyone else here kind of add on to that knowledge and mold me, so to speak, into a better race mechanic.
“A lot more attention to detail maintenance-wise, a lot more tire changing,” Fenton said are the biggest differences from his days as a club racing mechanic to being an AMA professional wrench. “At this level it is different because it is a job, it is a profession. At a club weekend, you can usually make it through on one set of tires and you’re not changing oil. Basically, maintenance is the biggest difference, especially with a Formula Xtreme bike with the specialty equipment on there. You’ve gotta keep on top of it to make sure it’s running 100%.”
Apparently All Is Forgiven And Fastrack Is Back At Willow Springs
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
A blow-up apparently ignited when Fastrack Riders had the audacity to book dates at California Speedway and was then replaced at Willow Springs by the track’s own track-ride and practice program has been smoothed out. Key to the issue were signed contracts for 2002 dates at Willow Springs, and those contracts will be honored and Fastrack Riders will be at the Rosamond, California racetrack on the Friday preceding every WSMC race in 2002.
In the meanwhile, here is Fastrack Rider’s latest official press release:
Fastrack Riders is back at Willow Springs (on the 2.5-mile road course) on the Friday before every WSMC race weekend. The first event of the new year will be held January 18th (Friday prior to the January 19-20 WSMC event), and special reduced rates in effect will be $150.00 for track riders and $100.00 for licensed racers. There will be no Fastrack Riders membership fee for 2002.
Fastrack Riders will also be holding several events on the AMA National course at California Speedway, with the first event scheduled for January 28th. The cost for track riders will be $350.00 and for licensed racers $295.00. A new riders instruction course will be available for an additional $100.00. A catered lunch is included in this event.
Fastrack Riders also has motorcycles for rent. For rate information, please call.
For the 2002 schedule for all tracks, please call (562) 699-2305, or log on to www.fastrackriders.com.
We’ll see you out at the track.
Bidding On Mat Mladin September 11 Tribute Helmet Reaches $1225, To Benefit Air Fence Fund
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Bidding has reached $1225 on the one-of-a-kind AGV helmet worn by three-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin in the final round of the 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike race season, at Virginia International Raceway September 30.
Bidding on the helmet has turned into a four-way battle between Marcus McBain, John Ross, CMRA5 and new bidder danoe3.
A native of Australia and one of the most fearsome competitors on the track, Mladin was so moved by the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 that he wore this helmet “in respect and remembrance” of the victims.
“I couldn’t believe it, what happened that day,” Mladin told reporters at the Virginia race. “It happened in America, but it happened to the whole world. It really put things into perspective for me.”
Mladin has generously donated the helmet, maybe the first and only piece of Mladin racing memorabilia ever available, to be auctioned off with the proceeds, minus the cost of the eBay service, going to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. The Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established to raise money to purchase and deploy Air Fence and Air Module soft barriers to protect crashed riders from hitting walls and other hard objects at racetracks. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems.
“The Air Fence Fund is one that I do support even though I believe that it should be an area that the AMA should show responsibility in obtaining and not having to leave it to individuals to pursue. I congratulate John (Ulrich, founder of the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund) with his initiative to get the fund going and hope that the money raised from the auction of my helmet will help the cause.”
The all-black, AGV helmet features a medium tint face shield with provisions for tear-offs, American flag decals on three sides and Mladin’s autograph in white paint on the back. The helmet is size Medium and still smells brand new because it was worn only once by Mladin. The helmet also comes with two helmet bags.
With Mladin re-writing the AMA Superbike record books every race weekend, this helmet may continue to gain value over time.
You can go to the auction through the following link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1053043393