From a press release:

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

RS Taichi USA has a new address and phone number:

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

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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

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

Edge Performance 2002 Schedule:

Open Track Days

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

Track Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fastrack Riders Association has scheduled a test and track ride day using the full AMA course at California Speedway in Fontana, California on January 28.

FRA’s new racing series will debut at California Speedway February 22-24.

More information is available from FRA at www.fastrackriders.com or (661) 256-8660.


Meanwhile, Pacific Track Time has scheduled two track ride days on the infield short course at California Speedway, February 1-2.

More information is available from Pacific Track Time at www.pacifictracktime.com.

From a press release issued by IRTA:

Circuit de Catalunya Tops IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix’ Poll 2001

The 4.727km Circuit de Catalunya at Montmelo, Barcelona, has won the much coveted IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix’ trophy for the 2001 World Championship Grand Prix season. The 18th time the IRTA Trophy has been awarded.

In 2001 the grand prix was the tenth successive season a grand prix was contested at the Montmelo, and each year the circuit has received high ratings in the poll. In fact the circuit has previously been awarded the ‘Best Grand Prix’ Trophy, in 1992, the year the inaugural motorcycle grand prix was hosted by the track. The first four grands prix held at Catalunya were run as ‘The European Grand Prix’ before switching to the ‘Grand Prix de Catalunya’ in 1996.

The overall organisation, and the four-day long hands-on assistance delivered by the grand prix staff in 2001, was exceptional. Everybody concerned with the event performed as the teams and riders have come to expect of Catalunya, smoothly, trouble free, and as effectively as always.

Among the riders most favoured circuits the magnificent race track has something for everyone and played a huge part in the IRTA Trophy success. Eight right-hand and five left-hand corners, fast sweeping corners and two long straights provide for exciting close racing. The perfect venue to host a MotoGP.

Jordi Vilajoana, President of Circuit de Catalunya Consortium, has been served well by the circuit staff. Every department involved with the condition of the track, the race organisation and promotion has performed above the required level expected of a grand prix.

Circuit Director Fidel Sust and his team keep the circuit in pristine condition, particularly all aspects relating to the safety of competitors and spectators. In 2001 they had every possible eventuality within their control, providing almost ideal conditions for the teams to race in.

Clerk of the Course Estanislao Soler worked hand in glove with the permanent grand prix officials in control of the event, his calm experienced response to potential difficulties were a major bonus to the successful running of the event.

The circuit medical staff, under the guidance of Prof. Miguel Angel Nalda, performed well, working with their colleagues at the Clinca Mobile. Track-side medical personnel and the track marshals are among the best encountered on the 16 race grand prix calendar, each and every incident was handled in the calm unruffled manner that inspires confidence in competitors.

The 2001 poll was one of the closest of recent years, confirming that grand prix circuit standards have, in general, improved in leaps and bounds in recent years. Very few grand prix circuits have failed to raise their game sufficiently enough to emulate the standards achieved by recent IRTA Trophy winners.

Sito Pons, President of IRTA, was quick to add his own personal praise on hearing the news of the award going to Circuit de Catalunya.

“This is good news for the people at Circuit de Catalunya. As a locally based team we know how hard the circuit has worked to in recent years to become the best. I am really pleased for them, particularly the permanent staff who show a great pride in the circuit and their work. The track is safe, the staff are courteous and helpful and the Doctors and race marshals deserve the highest praise, as do all involved with the grand prix. The circuit is an example of the high standards that can be achieved, if you try hard enough.” Said Pons.

Catalunya narrowly beat off stern challenges from Brno and Valencia, two circuits who have achieved very high standards in recent years by delivering first class events. Brno won the IRTA Trophy in 1999, while Valencia took third place in the 2000 IRTA poll. Multi-award winner Mugello, who headed the 2000 poll, ended in fourth place. Their fall from grace mainly due to the shortcomings of the local infrastructure, difficulties that were not within the circuit’s control.

IRTA Trophy Roll of Honour
1984 Silverstone / GB
1985 Hockenheim / Germany
1986 Nurburgring / Germany
1987 Assen / Netherlands
1988 Suzuka / Japan
1989 Donington Park / GB
1990 Jerez / Spain
1991 Donington Park / GB
1992 Catalunya / Spain
1993 Eastern Creek / Australia
1994 Eastern Creek / Australia
1995 Mugello / Italy
1996 Mugello / Italy
1997 Mugello / Italy
1998 Phillip Island / Australia
1999 Brno / Czech Republic
2000 Mugello / Italy
2001 Catalunya / Spain

As previously reported by Roadracingworld.com, AMA Pro Racing has made Goodyear the spec tire of the AMA Flat Track Championship. See related posts, 12/08/01 Filice Named AMA Professional Sportsman Of The Year and 9/29/01 AMA Pro Racing Considering Spec Tire Deal For Dirt Track.

Ironically, a proposed deal that would have made Yokohama the spec tire of AMA 600cc Supersport circa 1989/1990 was quashed in the face of objections from Dunlop, which is now owned by Goodyear, and the prevailing argument at that time was that spec tire classes are a very bad, anti-competitive idea.

Text of a January 7 AMA press release announcing the spec tire deal follows:

AMA PRO RACING NAMES GOODYEAR OFFICIAL ‘SPEC TIRE’ PROVIDER FOR PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE U.S. FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the U.S., announced today that the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will provide the official “spec tire” for the Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship beginning in 2002.

Under terms of the agreement, all competitors in the Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship will be required to use the same brand and model of Goodyear tires. In addition, Goodyear will make a significant contribution to an annual fund as a bonus to the top flat-track teams. The agreement runs through 2006.

“This deal with Goodyear was made to level the playing field for our flat-track riders,” said Bruce Bober, AMA Pro Racing flat track mananger. “Having one official ‘spec tire’ will ensure that all competitors are using uniform equipment, and also lower the costs for our competitors by reducing the number of wheel/tire combinations needed. The bonus money from Goodyear will also help offset costs for top teams.”

“Goodyear and AMA Pro Racing have enjoyed a long and successful relationship for many years, and we are glad to be able to continue that relationship as the ‘spec tire’ provider for the flat-track championship,” said Paul Lauritzen of Goodyear. “We are also excited about the opportunity to reward each season’s top performers through our bonus fund contribution.”

From a press release:

Max McAllister to Serve as Field Rep for Graphics Giant Motorsports Designs, Inc.

Max McAllister, President of Traxxion Dynamics, Inc. signed an agreement with powerhouse graphics company Motorsports Designs, Inc. to help them establish a presence in the motorcycle road racing community. Motorsports Designs is the company responsible for the stunning photo quality graphics on most of the NASCAR Winston Cup Haulers.

McAllister has sent the Traxxion Dynamics Support Trailer into Haulmark Trailers (which McAllister reps for as well) for a complete new skin, so that the trailer will have a fresh surface to apply the new graphics to.

According to McAllister, “Our trailer will be the flagship for Motorsports Designs at AMA, FUSA, WERA, and CCS races everywhere. We want it to look awesome. It will be a full-wrap design with photo quality images. This graphics package is high-end, so we felt we should accommodate them with a shiny new skin.”

McAllister found out about Motorsports Designs via RoadracingWorld.com. “I read a press release from Tom Mueller of Sports Management, Inc., that Motorsports Designs was looking to break into the motorcycle racing world. Sports Management is the marketing and promotion agency for Motorsports Designs in the motorcycle industry. Tom brokered this deal, and will see it to fruition.”

Traxxion will have informative flyers and pricing info available at all races on their schedule. For more information, call (770) 592-3823 or email McAllister, [email protected].

Motorsports Designs, the nation’s leading manufacturer of auto racing decals, has been making impressions in auto racing since 1982. As a quality provider of creative services, digital graphics and screen-printing services, they are equipped to handle all customer needs from start to finish. From helmets to car haulers and everything in between, Motorsports Designs provides a high-impact image for professional racing teams.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Another of Rich Oliver’s 5-day Mystery School training sessions starts today near Fresno, California.

The sessions include dirt track, motocross and mountain bike training and include nutrition and workout programs.

Attendees at this session include Chris Ulrich; recent graduates include Mike Himmelsbach and Chris Pyles.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A Roadracingworld.com analysis estimates that AMA Pro Racing has cost the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) $6.2 million over the last nine years, money that would not have been spent if the for-profit subsidiary of the non-profit AMA had not be formed to take over duties formerly handled by an in-house department of the Association.

Ironically, a sitting AMA Trustee recently stated in an interview that profits from AMA Pro Racing support programs enacted by the Association. In fact, there have been no overall profits, and AMA Pro Racing has been a serious financial drain on the Association.

The estimate is based on minutes of AMA Board of Trustees meetings in which capitalization of AMA Pro Racing (aka Paradama, Inc.) and race promotion losses were discussed, and also includes estimated additional staff salaries and a $3 million lawsuit settlement.

Although fault in the Edmondson vs. AMA lawsuit was evenly split between AMA and AMA Pro Racing in a Federal Court ruling, AMA itself paid the entire $3 million it took to settle the case before it reached the appeal stage.

Legal fees related to the lawsuit and paid by the Association are not included in the estimate, and could total an additional $2 million.

Meanwhile, AMA Pro Racing continues to staff up, is opening a new office in California and has dramatically increased participant fees while failing to provide such basic participant services as rational number assignments and a schedule for Pro Thunder races displaced from 2002 double-header Superbike rounds.

AMA Pro Racing has also actively sought elimination of Thursday practice–which is widely supported by non-factory riders and teams as cost-effective set-up time–prior to AMA Nationals, because AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth doesn’t want to send staffers to racetracks on Wednesday and wants to use Thursday to set up the racetrack.