This just in, from racer Bruce Lind’s wife, Edie (Lind has been hospitalized as the result of complications related to his crash at Laguna Seca last July):

Bruce is still hospitalized, but making progress. He actually got to have clear broth yesterday and Jell-o and broth this morning.

The doctor said this morning that maybe he would be released by Sunday. Bruce told him he thought he should be able to go home by tomorrow (Friday). I suggested to Bruce that possibly the doctors want him to be able to eat some kind of solid food before they let him go — but he thought that they were being “ridiculously conservative.”

Sure, right — being able to eat is such a conservative requirement.

But it’s wonderful to see Bruce being himself again!

Edie

This just in, from an AMA associate member:

I just phoned for ballots for myself (an associate member) and my husband (life member), as “directed” to in AMA’s reply.

Receptionist connected me to Tom Barlow’s voice mail. His outgoing message said “if you are calling to request a ballot, leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you to make arrangements for you to get a ballot, if you’re eligble . . . .”

Why not just “leave your name and mailing address and AMA number”? Then they could send a ballot or an explanation of why you’re “not eligible”.

OR, the obvious solution – why not make it available via Adobe on their Website?


(Editorial comment: Good question. And the obvious answer is, because the good old boys who control the AMA make voting as difficult and as complicated as possible, to discourage participation, and to improve their chances of retaining power and control of what has become a personal fiefdom.)

From a press release:

CCS Reports Record 2001 Season of Growth and 2002 Plans of Expansion

AURORA, Ill. (December 19, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division announced today unprecedented growth in the Championship Cup
Series presented by Lockhart Phillips USA.

CCS presented by Lockhart Phillips USA officials announced six impressive growth statistics associated with America’s largest road racing series.

1. In 2001, CCS saw 23,745 entries at its events compared to 16,789 in 2000; a 41% increase in total entries.

2. In 2001, CCS saw 4530 licensed riders, compared to 3710 in 2000. That is a 20% increase in CCS licensed riders. (That brings the number
of Formula USA licenses issued to a total 5160.)

3. In 2001, Formula USA and CCS sanctioned 80 events accounting for 46,219 total road racing entries. (A 577 entries-per-event average.)

4. In 2001, CCS paid out $114,000 in cash purses to its racers, and CCS’ contingency sponsors added another $535,000 in cash and products.
In 2002, CCS presented by Lockhart Phillips USA has committed $290,000 in cash purses for its riders, a 155% increase over last season.

5. In 2002, CCS presented by LPUSA will promote races at three new racetracks, bringing its total number of facilities to 27 for the season.

6. In 2002, CCS presented by LPUSA will offer more than 108 days of on-track activity for its members.

“We’re extremely proud of everyone in our road race division and the CCS program is leading the way in sportsman road racing by supporting riders with a selection of events, race management, safety and fun. When we acquired CCS two seasons ago, we anticipated rapid growth in amateur racing and it’s extremely rewarding to see that the wheels are definitely in motion. In 2002, we are looking forward to utilizing even more of our resources to continue to help amateur racing grow,” said Charlie Mancuso, President of
Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division.

The 2002 Championship Cup Series presented by Lockhart Phillips USA follows:

February 2-3, Streets of Willow*, Rosamond, Calif.

February 9-10, Homestead*, Homestead, Fla.

February 23-24, Oak Hill Raceway, Henderson, TX

Feb 28-March 3, Daytona Int. Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl

March 9-10, Firebird East Chandler, AZ

March 16-17, Moroso Motorsports Park West Palm Beach, Fla.

March 23-24, Gateway Int. Raceway*, Madison, Ill.

March 30-31, Texas World Speedway, College Station, Tex

April 6-7, N. FL Motorsports Park, Jennings, Fla

April 6-7, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

April 13-14, Oak Hill, Raceway Henderson, TX

April 13-14, Virginia Int. Raceway, Danville, VA

April 13-14, Firebird Int., East Chandler, AZ

April 13-14, Thunderhill Park, Willows, Calif.

April 20-21, Moroso Motorsports Park, West Palm Beach, Fla.

April 26-28, Road America**, Elkhart Lake, Wisc.

April 27-28, New Hampshire Intl. Speedway, Loudon, NH

April 27-28, Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas

May 4-5, Motorsports Ranch, Cresson, Tex

May 4-5, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

May 11-12, Summit Point, Summit Point, WV

May 18-19, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

May 18-19, Hallett Racing Circuit, Hallet, OK

May 18-19, New Hampshire Intl. Speedway, Loudon, NH

May 18-19, Firebird Int., East Chandler, AZ

May 26-27, Moroso Motorsports Park, West Palm Beach, Fla.

June 1-2, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

June 1-2, Rausch Creek, Valley View, PA

June 1-2, Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

June 8-9, New Hampshire Int. Spdwy, Loudon, NH

June 15-16, Texas World Speedway, College Stations, Tex

June 15-16, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

June 22-23, Homestead, Homestead, Fla.

June 22-23, Buttonwillow, Buttonwillow, Calif

June 29-30, Mid-America Motorplex, Glenwood, Iowa

July 6-7, New Hampshire Int. Speedway, Loudon, NH

July 13-14, Oak Hill Raceway, Henderson, TX

July 13-14, Gateway Int. Raceway Madison, Ill.

July 13-14, Summit Point, Summit Point, WV

July 20-21, Moroso Motorsports Park, West Palm Beach, Fla.

July 20-21, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

July 20-21, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

July 27-28, New Hampshire Int. Speedway, Loudon, NH

July 27-28, Virginia Int. Raceway, Danville, VA

August 3-4, Mid-America Motorplex, Glenwood, Iowa

August 10-11, Gingerman Raceway, South Haven, Mich

August 10-11, Texas World Speedway, College Stations, Tex

August 10-11, Thunderhill Park, Willows, Calif

August 17-18, New Hampshire Int. Speedway, Loudon, NH

August 24-25, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

August 24-25, Moroso Motorsports Park, West Palm Beach, Fla

August 24-25, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

Aug 30-Sep 1, Hallett Racing Circuit, Hallet, OK

Aug 31-Sept 1, New Hampshire Int., Loudon, NH

Aug 31-Sept 1, Roebling Road, Faulkville, GA

Sept 7-8, Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, Ill

Sept 7-8, N. FL Motorsports Park, Jennings, Fla

Sept 7-8, Summit Point, Summit Point, WV

Sept 7-8, Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas

Sept 14-15, Gateway Int. Raceway, Madison, Ill.

Sept 21-22, Rausch Creek, Valley View, PA

Sept 21-22, Texas World Speedway, College Station, Tex

Sept 21-22, Moroso Motorsports Park*, West Palm Beach, Fla

Sept 28-29, Gingerman Raceway, South Haven, Mich

Sept 28-29, New Hampshire Int. Speedway, Loudon, NH

Oct 5-6, Gateway Int. Raceway*, Madison, Ill.

Oct 5-6, Thunderhill Park*, Willows, Calif

Oct 5-6, Virginia Int. Raceway, Danville, VA

Oct 5-6, Firebird Int. Raceway, Chandler, AZ

Oct 12-13, Motorsports Ranch, Cresson, Tex

Oct 12-13, Shenandoah Circuit*, Summit Point, WV

Oct 16-20, Daytona Int. Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Schedule may be subject to change. For the latest information, visit ccsracing.com.

* Double points rounds
** Twin Sprints Weekend

From a press release:

Clear Channel Entertainment announces Multiple Sponsorships with Buell

Sponsorship integrates Buell American Motorcycles into EA SPORTS Supercross, Speed Stick presents National Arenacross Series, U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam and IHRA events

AURORA, Ill. (December 20, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment announced today a multi-platform sponsorship agreement with Buell American Motorcycles. The sponsorship offers a multitude of branding and marketing strategies to Buell through a combined association with the EA SPORTS Supercross, Speed Stick National Arenacross, U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam and IHRA motor sports events produced by Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division.

Under the agreement, Buell is an ‘Official Associate Sponsor’ of the EA SPORTS Supercross events in 2002, where Buell will receive commercials within supercross live webcasts, jumbotron and Diamondvision messages during events, and onsite displays in expo and pit areas. Buell motorcycles is also a special presenting partner in opening ceremonies at all EA SPORTS Supercross events.

In the Speed Stick presents National Arenacross Series, Buell is also an ‘Official Associate Sponsor’, where they will receive event exposure similar to their EA SPORTS Supercross benefits, while additionally being featured in national television commercials within the Arenacross televised season on The Speed Channel. (formerly Speedvision)

Under the Clear Channel Entertainment agreement, Buell is also named the ‘Official Street Bike Of Monster Jam’, where Buell Motorcycles will be prominently featured at 20 select U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam events. Buell will be featured in regional radio and print event marketing campaigns as well as participate in the Monster Jam interactive pit parties in selected events.

Also influenced by the relationship is Clear Channel Entertainment’s IHRA (International Hot Rod Association) events. In ten markets, Buell will be prominently featured as the “Official Street Bike” of IHRA and sponsor of the Summit SuperSeries presented by Pontiac and Buell. Adding to the already tremendous rewards of the new series, the winner in each of the five Summit SuperSeries divisions will receive a Buell motorcycle.

“Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division was able to collectively bring together marketing options for Buell’s line of American motorcycles, specifically the new Firebolt XB9R and Blast motorcycles. The Buell brand is redefining what street performance motorcycling is all about and the EA SPORTS Supercross, Speed Stick presents National Arenacross, U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam and IHRA events offer exposure to motorcyclists who are taking notice,” said Erik Buell, President of Buell.

Roy Janson, Vice President of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division said, “We’re pleased to have Buell motorcycles on board with us this year. Not just because they’re America’s only true sportbike, but also because Buell Motorcycles, a division of Harley-Davidson Inc., are completely dedicated to putting sportbikes on the street that generate excitement and attention, the same sort of excitement and experience you get from attending our motor sports events. It makes perfect sense. We are completely honored to have Buell as an ally in our events in 2002.”

Responding to our posting of AMA member Clinton Whitehouse’s personal experience trying to get a ballot for the ongoing Trustee election sent to him via mail, (see related 12/19/01 post), AMA President Rob Rasor sent this e-mail:


You do both your readers, and the credibility of your publication, a disservice by informing them that no provisions have been made to provide ballots for Life and Associate members in my assistant’s absence. This is simply not true.

Ballots will be made available to eligible members during the holidays and you should advise your readers to call our office between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, EST; our receptionist will direct them to the appropriate staff member.

Robert Rasor, President
American Motorcyclist Association
(614) 856 – 1910, Extension 1226
[email protected]
www.AMADirectLink.com



It is ludicrous for Rasor to dispense any judgements regarding credibility, seeing as he was the author of the AMA’s pathetic, unsuccessful attempt to disqualify Trustee candidates Kevin Schwantz, Jeff Nash and John Ulrich by applying a new interpretation of the AMA bylaws which had never been used before and which would have disqualified more than half the sitting Trustees. Be that as it may, roadracingworld.com replies to Rasor as follows:



The post was based on AMA member Clinton Whitehouse’s personal experience. Maybe this is similar to the situation in which your VP of Membership mis-informed us by telling us new members (who joined after Sept. 1) could vote (see related post, 9/18/01). In any case, it looks like you need to do a better job of training your employees and ensuring they know what they’re talking about when they interact with members.

From a press release:

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship will face an invasion from south of the border in its 2002 season.

A round of the Formula USA National Road Race Series will be held in conjunction with the fifth stop on the Canadian national tour at Mosport International Raceway July 19-21. The Mosport event will be the fourth race in the eight-round Formula USA championship.

The remainder of the 2002 Parts Canada Superbike calendar remains virtually identical to last season’s seven-race series. The campaign will once again open and close at Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville, ON. Races will also be held in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Halifax.

“The Mosport event will undoubtedly be the biggest motorcycle road race held in Canada in over a decade,” said Colin Fraser of series organizer Professional Motorsport Productions. “We will have a field including some of the best motorcycle road racers from the United States as well as our top Canadian competitors.”

“We’ve said all along we were going to bring great motorcycle racing back to Mosport,” added Bar Hodgson of SUPERSHOW Events, promoter of the Mosport round. “We’re working our way back up there and we’re really excited. We’re billing it as the Canada/U.S. Match Races. That’s how we see it.”

The 2002 Formula USA schedule includes races at Daytona International Raceway, Summit Point Raceway in Virginia, New Hampshire International Speedway, Wisconsin’s Road America, Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania and Portland International Raceway.

The series’ feature class, Unlimited Superbike, runs to rules similar to those used in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Open Sport Bike national support class. Formula USA also includes a Sportbike division comparable to the Canadian Yoshimura 600 Sport Bike category.

“There will be some small adjustments made to the rules of our respective classes,” Fraser explained, “but all parties involved think it is worth it.”

Waterford, WI racer Shawn Higbee of KWS/Millennium Suzuki is the defending Formula USA Unlimited Superbike champion. Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier, riding for Honda Canada will bid for his third straight Parts Canada Superbike crown in 2002.

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship opens May 17-19 on the Shannonville Motorsport Park ‘Pro Track’ before shifting west for rounds at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park June 7-9 and Namao Airport in Edmonton June 14-16.

Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache hosts the national series July 5-7 before the big Mosport event two weeks later. From there, the competitors travel east to Atlantic Motorsport Park in Halifax for an Aug. 9-11 date before the traditional finale on Shannonville’s ‘Long Track’ over the Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Labour Day Weekend.

One addition to the 2002 schedule is an ‘invitation only’ Pro test day at the revamped Circuit Mont-Tremblant the day following the St-Eustache event. The trial is being run with a view to adding the famed road course to the 2003 series calendar.

PMP also unveiled a pair of changes to qualifying procedures in the 2002 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Bonus points will now be awarded to the four front row qualifiers at each series round, with four points going to the pole winner, three points to the second fastest qualifier, two points for third and one for fourth. Previously, only the top three qualifiers have earned points, with pole position worth 10 points, second good for six and third picking up four.

There will also be a two-point bonus for the racer who leads the most laps in each feature race.

Additionally, pole qualifying for the Superbike feature class will take place Saturday afternoon. Last season the four front row grid positions were locked in Friday, with Saturday’s qualifying session setting the remainder of the field.

Pole qualifying for the Open Sport Bike and Yoshimura 600 Sport Bike national support classes will continue to run Saturday afternoon.

Highlights of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship will once again be shown in a half-hour format on The Sports Network (TSN). Support class highlights will appear on Dave Hatch’s “Motorcycle Experience”, which is shown on TSN and the Outdoor Life Network (OLN).

Full coverage of each event will appear in a one-hour program on OLN and in Quebec on Reseau des Sports (RDS).

2002 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule

May 17-19, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

June 7-9, Race City Motorsport Park, Calgary, AB

June 15-16, Namao Airport, Edmonton, AB

July 5-7, Autodrome St-Eustache, St-Eustache, QC

July 19-21, Mosport International Raceway, Mosport, ON

Aug. 9-11, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Shubenacadie, NS

Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com

From a press release:

HONDA RACING NEWS

HRC RC211V Test Phillip Island, Australia, December 19

Weather, morning, light rain – afternoon, sunshine; temperature, 25 degrees C; track
conditions, morning, damp – afternoon, good.

The second day of the HRC winter test at Phillip Island, Australia, was hampered by rain showers, and high winds, in the morning. Conditions, however, improved by lunchtime, the track top drying to give the riders, high winds apart, a fee run in the afternoon.

Team riders Valentino Rossi and Tohru Ukawa completed almost 100 laps of the 4.448 km circuit aboard their RC211V 5-cylinder 990cc Honda 4-strokes. Rossi was again fastest, slightly faster than yesterday at 1:32.20. Ukawa had the misfortune to crash in the windy conditions. He escaped unscathed but the RC211V was damaged restricting the number of laps he could put in. Despite the setback Ukawa was close to his time of Wednesday.

Honda Gresini rider, Daijiro Katoh, was another faller. The diminutive 250cc World Champion slid off his NSR500 braking for the hairpin. Katoh also escaped injury in the slow-speed crash and went on to better his time of yesterday by three-tenths of a second at 1:33.30.

Kanemoto Honda had team rider Jurgen v. d. Goorbergh testing their Bridgestone shod NSR500 in preparation for Bridgestone’s entry into the senior class of GP racing. HRC test rider Shinichi Itoh, himself a former GP rider, lent his considerable experience to the team’s tyre testing efforts, working together with Van der Goorbergh and team owner/manager Erv Kanemoto. Both riders circulated faster than on the opening day of the test.

Valentino Rossi: “Today I worked a lot on testing new tyres and suspension parts. I am beginning to understand this bike and my team start to understand how to set up the bike to solve potential problems. We still need to work to achieve the best from this machine but I’m quite satisfied. The bike is very, very fast.”

Tohru Ukawa: “This morning I went onto the grass and crashed. I was lucky but the bike was slightly damaged. I got caught by the strong wind at the end of the pit straight and lost the ideal line and went onto the grass. In the afternoon I got in some good times and I’m sure I’ll be even faster tomorrow.”

Daijiro Katoh: “Today I worked on suspension settings and tyres. In the morning I had a low speed crash at the hairpin. I lost grip and the bike slid away from me, without damage to myself or the bike. In general I’m satisfied with what we did today.”

Jurgen v. d. Goorbergh: “I’m good with the bike but I need more testing to fully understand the NSR500. Today we tested a lot of tyres and I worked on suspension. Everything is going well but I don’t want to break any records, just learn how to ride this bike.”

Lap times:

Valentino Rossi, RC211V, 1:32.20, 61 laps.

Tohru Ukawa, RC211V, 1:33.10, 48 laps

Daijiro Katoh, NSR500, 1:33.30, 46 laps

Jurgen v. d. Goorbergh, NSR500, 1:34.24, 61 laps

Shinichi Itoh, NSR500, 1:33.92, 58 laps

From a new press release issued by Willow Springs International Motorsports Park:

Free Practice Session to Include Cars, Motorcycles

Two Tracks Available; Bikes and Cars to Rotate Groups

Motorcycles, open-wheeled racing cars, and shifter karts will use both the 2.5-mile main road course and the 1.5-mile Streets of Willow during next week’s free practice sessions at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park. Automobiles and shifter karts of 125cc and above will be run on the New Streets of Willow. Motorcycles will share the 2.5-mile main road course with automobiles. The alternating sessions will be conducted and monitored by Willow Springs course control and cornerworking staff. The practice sessions will take place December 26-30, 2001. Depending on the turnout and level of interest, an informal race featuring the open-wheeled cars may be held on the New Streets of Willow Sunday, December 30, 2001.

Only currently licensed WSMC members will be allowed to participate in the free practice sessions for motorcycles. Motorcycle racers who have either a professional or expert-level license with another recognized racing organization, such as WERA, Formula USA, AFM, or AMA can obtain a WSMC racing license at the track. Novice licenses from organizations other than WSMC will NOT be accepted. Car and kart drivers will be required to have a current 2001 Willow Springs International Raceway Driver’s Card. Driver’s cards can be obtained at the raceway by drivers who would like to participate.

Sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will end at 3:00 p.m. each day. For safety reasons, the number of participants will be subject to limitation by Willow Springs staff. All motorcycles will subject to the same technical inspections and requirements as in a normal WSMC practice session.

Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, a registered California State Point of Historical Interest, 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 this event will be at Lancaster’s Park Plaza, formerly known as the Essex House. Park Plaza can be contacted at 661-948-0961.

For more information on this event, or on lodging and accommodations, please contact Willow Springs International Motorsports Park at (661) 256-6666.

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.