From a press release issued by Ducati:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Kyalami (South Africa)
Tuesday 4th December 2001

BOSTROM (DUCATI L&M) BACK IN ACTION AFTER EIGHT-WEEK BREAK

Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom was back in action at Kyalami, Johannesburg today for the first time since a restorative operation on his right shoulder in October.

The 27-year-old Californian, who finished third overall in the 2001 World Superbike Championship, is taking part in the three-day Dunlop tyre tests at the South African track with the 998R Factory bike he will race in next year’s championship.

In cloudy but warm conditions (air 25° C/ track 30° C), Bostrom completed 70 laps of the 4.263 km circuit, clocking a best time of 1:42.14, almost one second faster than his quickest lap in the 2001 race. The day’s work revolved mainly around an extensive tyre testing programme and putting mileage on the 2002 bike.

“It’s great to be back on a bike and really good to see my Ducati L&M team again after such a long break”, said Bostrom. “The new bike felt pretty good and by the end of the day we had found a good race tyre and I managed to hang the rear out, which is how I like it. My shoulder is really weak and sore but it’s not too bad and when we go testing again in January I’ll be 100% fit”.

Kyalami testing continues tomorrow and concludes Thursday.

Wrenchead.com CEO Gus Conrades died Sunday, December 3 from injuries sustained in a streetbike crash near his home in Stamford, Connecticut, says longtime friend Richie Alexander. Riding with a friend, Conrades lowsided his bike and slid underneath a stopped pick-up truck. Conrades was conscious at the time of the accident but lost a lot of blood from a compound fracture of his leg, said Alexander. Conrades died in an ambulance while on the way to the hospital.

Conrades was seriously injured in a racing crash at New Hampshire International Speedway in April of this year and had been rehabilitating a shattered pelvis through July. Then, according to Alexander, Conrades was readmitted to the hospital in August with a serious staph infection in his hip. Alexander said that doctors feared that Conrades would not survive the infection, but Conrades pulled through. “I just had dinner with him last week, and he looked real good,” said Alexander in a telephone call to Roadracing World December 4.

Conrades is survived by his wife Christine, and young son Harland. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

Wrenchead.com sponsored the Formula USA Series in 2000, largely because of Conrades’ personal interest in motorcycling in general and road racing in particular.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Kawasaki is actively seeking a second 600cc Supersport rider to team with new hire Tommy Hayden.

“I think we’re just about narrowing it down. Hopefully, we should have it finalized in a week or so,” said Kawasaki Road Racing Team Manager Michael Preston on Monday, December 3, explaining that he won’t be signing an established star.

“Not a big name. I think we’ll lean toward an upcoming rider for a 600 rider only. We’re kind of getting our focus narrowed down. Hopefully, we’ll have it here shortly. It’s been my wish since I started the team to have two 600 riders. I think we’re gonna be able to get that, but then this year we’re only going to have one Superbike. We want to start building for the future.”

Preston and company completed two days of testing at Willow Springs International Raceway and The Streets of Willow November 29-30 with riders Eric Bostrom and Tommy Hayden.

“It went so-so,” said Preston about the test. “We were on the big track on Thursday and the little track on Friday. No crashes, and we’re all in one piece. We just wanted to get the guys a chance to ride a little bit, especially Tommy (Hayden) because he’s never been on the bike. Just to ride around before we go down to Daytona, because it has a been a while.

“The first day it was drizzling and pretty cold and stuff. But then the second day it was actually pretty nice. On the second day we were on the Streets (of Willow). It was kind of a bummer there. I think it was good for Tommy, but on the Superbike it was a little bit tight. But the big thing was, it was sunny and nice and the wind didn’t start blowing until about 3:30 p.m., if you can believe that. Everyone was pretty pumped about the weather. We did get to ride on Thursday, but it was cold! It was one of those days that it was bad to be a rider.

“Most of the stuff (bikes) was similar to what we had last year. We got a few new things, but pretty much Eric’s bike was last year’s updated bike. We had a couple new pieces on it. And Tommy, we had one new bike and one old bike for him. We had our base setting, what we used last year, stuff like that. Our bike hasn’t changed, but for him it was all new.”

The Kawasaki Road Racing Team is now preparing for the Dunlop tire tests at Daytona International Speedway, December 10-12. Then the entire team will have to jet back to Southern California for their official team introduction ceremony Thursday, December 13 at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California. At that invitation-only function, Kawasaki’s Champions from the 2001 season will receive commemorative Championship rings. Of course, Thursday, December 13 is also the make-up date for the Dunlop tests in case of rain. Preston said that staying at the test would be a priority if they lose significant track time due to weather, but he expects everyone from his team to make it back in time for the ceremony.

Speedvision Programming Line-up For Tuesday, December 4:

12:00 p.m. AMA Superbike, Road America Race One
1:00 p.m. AMA Superbike, Road America Race Two
2:00 p.m. AMA 600cc Supersport, Road America
3:00 p.m. AMA Formula Xtreme, Road America

7:00 p.m. Bike Week
7:30 p.m. American Thunder
8:00 p.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides
9:00 p.m. FIM World Superbike, Phillip Island Race One
10:00 p.m. FIM World Superbike, Phillip Island Race Two
11:00 p.m. Bike Week
11:30 p.m. American Thunder
12:00 a.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides
1:00 a.m. FIM World Superbike, Phillip Island Race One
2:00 a.m. FIM World Superbike, Phillip Island Race Two

All times are Eastern Time.

Red Bull Yamaha WCM started a three-day test Monday, December 3 at Sepang, Malaysia to decide what tire brand to run in 2002.

Team riders Garry McCoy and 18-year-old American John Hopkins tested Dunlops on their Yamaha YZR500s Monday at the 3.4-mile track. Red Bull Yamaha has used Michelin tires in recent seasons, but the team is currently evaluating competing brands before deciding what to run in the 2002 MotoGP World Championships.

Red Bull Yamaha Racing Director Peter Clifford told reporters that the team is only testing tires at Sepang.

Michelin has had a virtual monopoly in 500cc GP in recent years, leading the Red Bull Yamaha team to worry about its position in the team pecking order with Michelin.

For 2002, both Dunlop and Bridgestone will return to the premier class in the MotoGP paddock.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth is continuing his policy of seeking expertise from outside the motorcycle industry, announcing a new undefined TV deal with IMS Productions, Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s TV production company, and portraying the deal as the beginning of a “strategic alliance” with Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. That doesn’t mean he’s made a deal for Indy to host an AMA Supercross race, however.

During his tenure at AMA Pro Racing, Hollingsworth has consistently rejected expertise and advice from within the motorcycle industry–which he apparently does not understand and does not respect–in favor of working with car guys, especially car guys associated in some form with the Indy Racing League.

The new deal may be fitting, given the pending 2003-season IRL vs. CART-type split of the hugely successful Supercross Series currently promoted by Clear Channel Motor Sports (formerly SFX Motor Sports, formerly PACE Motor Sports)under AMA sanction. In 2003, Clear Channel’s existing Supercross Series events will compete head-on with a new AMA series of events promoted by Jam Productions, a Chicago-based concert promoter with no motorsports event experience.

Contact information for an AMA Pro Racing press release on the subject also revealed that Hollingsworth has hired a new Los Angeles-based public relations agency.

The AMA release follows:

AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the U.S., and its new Supercross promotional partner, JamSports, today announced a strategic alliance with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation (IMS).

Initially, IMS Productions, the corporation’s broadcast arm and video-production company, will work with AMA Pro Racing and JamSports to develop and execute long-term television plans for the AMA U.S. Supercross Championship, beginning with the 2003 season. The three organizations also will collaborate to cross-market AMA Supercross and other AMA Pro Racing series with the Indy Racing League and other IMS motorsports properties.

“IMS Productions has tremendous experience in producing racing broadcasts,” said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Our alliance with AMA Pro Racing will benefit both organizations — and since Indy Racing and AMA Supercross share fans, we’re confident that both sports will grow as a result.”

“Partnering with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation was our number-one choice,” said Mike Held, a JamSports principal responsible for television and marketing. “Mr. George’s commitment to motorsports, in all its forms, is unparalleled, and IMS Productions’ experience in building brands through television packages for The Indy 500, The Brickyard 400 and The Formula One U.S. Grand Prix provides a solid foundation for the future of our television product. With that support behind us, we believe that AMA Supercross will get the attention it deserves.”

Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing, added: “IMS Productions’ position in the market is an invaluable asset that positions us for some big moves in television. Having a partner with the reputation and resources of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation will help advance the AMA Pro Racing brand, as well as our vision for professional motorcycle racing.”

The 2003 AMA Supercross season will consist of 16 events in stadiums across the United States. The 2003 AMA U.S. Supercross Championship will begin in Los Angeles, visit many of the major media markets in the country, and conclude in New York, where the champion will be crowned.

Beginning with the 2003 season, IMS Productions will work with AMA Pro Racing and JamSports in other facets of television marketing and broadcast agreements. IMS Productions will also aid in the design and development of AMA Pro Racing broadcasts, including talent selection and support programming.

About IMS Productions

IMS Productions is a full-service television production company, featuring an all-digital mobile unit, studios and editing facilities. The company has produced the world feed for the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race since 1988, and every Indy Racing League telecast to date in conjunction with ABC Sports. It also produces the host feed for the SAP United States Grand Prix Formula One race and the ABC broadcast of the race.

The company has successfully produced other sports and entertainment feature programming as well, such as college basketball and professional hockey. In addition, IMS Productions has provided facilities for the FOX and CBS networks for professional sports broadcasts, as well as concerts and game show broadcasts.

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for professional motorcycle sport in the United States. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

Aprilia President Ivano Beggio will reveal a new 2002 MotoGP racebike to the press on December 6, at the Bologna motor show.

Press invitations to the presentation did not reveal any details, and it is unknown whether or not Beggio will be showing an Aprilia four-stroke to the press at Bologna.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

First Person/Opinion

By John Ulrich

AMA Pro Racing’s much heralded news rules comment procedure is little more than an attempt to create the illusion of participation by and communication with the people who actually race with AMA, the riders, mechanics and team owners.

The AMA Pro Racing press release announcing the new procedure, issued on September 12, was headlined “AMA Pro Racing creates open forum for two-way communication regarding new racing rules.”

The release continued, “AMA Pro Racing announced today the creation of a new forum for two-way communication with the racing community, an avenue that provides racers with the means to review and comment on proposed changes regarding racing rules….The proposed rules changes can be viewed at AMA Pro Racing’s new racing community website…This website is password protect for exclusive use by AMA Pro Racing credentialed riders, team owners and managers, mechanics and other key industry members….The comment period serves as the official forum for AMA Pro Racing participants to communicate their thoughts and reactions to the proposed rules changes, and comments are encouraged. This new venue for two-way communication is the first in a series of anticipated changes in the rules-making process designed to engage the racing community in an early and more active role in the process.”

The release went on to explain “The catalyst for this newly formalized means of active communication is an outgrowth of a six-month consulting study by former Indy Racing League executive director Leo Mehl for the expressed purpose of enhancing consensus and participation within the racing community. Mehl gathered input from participants of each AMA Pro Racing discipline and melded that with the best practices from other race sanctioning bodies in his recommendations.

“On a regular basis, rules changes are proposed, drafted and recommended to and by AMA Pro Racing Competition Advisory Boards in each racing discipline. These advisory boards consist of riders, mechanics, other team members, manufacturer representatives and promoters. These boards meet quarterly to discuss potential rules changes for proposal to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors.”

Even ignoring the fact that at least one rule change first posted for comment on September 14 had actually been put into practice in June, without comment, the entire process remains flawed. To start with, the Road Racing Advisory Board is non-representative, stacked with factory team representatives who seem more interested in convenient parking of their semi-trucks than in the greater good of the majority of the paddock. Nobody racing in Pro Thunder or 750cc Supersport is included, and all the members are hand-picked by the AMA Director of Professional Competition.

But the biggest indicator that the system is fatally flawed is the fact that nowhere in the proposed rules changes for 2002 is there any mention or discussion or consideration of the need for unrestricted Thursday practice, despite the fact that 133 Pro Racing participants—76 licensed racers and 57 team owners, mechanics and crew members—signed petitions in support of unrestricted Thursday practice, with copies going to every member of the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors as well as being delivered to the Road Racing Advisory Board at Brainerd, in July.

The signatories included a who’s who of non-factory team owners, managers, crew chiefs, mechanics and crew members. Rich Oliver of Team Oliver Yamaha. Chuck Graves of Graves Yamaha. Richard Stanboli of Attack Suzuki. Carry Andrew and Landers Sevier of Corona Ebsco Suzuki. Keith Perry of Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki. Gary Ricci of Ricci Motorsports. James Siddall of Corbin Yamaha. Brian Turfrey of PJ1 Techstar Team Turfrey. Tom Montano of Munroe Motors Ducati. Jeff Nash of AMS Ducati. Henry Duga of Buell. That group alone accounted for first, second and third in the 2001 AMA 250cc Grand Prix Championship; first, second and third in the 2001 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship; first, second and third in the 2001 AMA 750cc Supersport Championship; and first, second and third in the 2001 AMA Pro Thunder Championship.

Yet despite support from the men who run the teams that took the top three positions in four out of six AMA Pro Racing Championships in 2001, the proposal to allow unrestricted Thursday practice apparently didn’t even merit consideration, and never even got to the comment stage.

And instead of even considering the expressed support for unrestricted Thursday practice, AMA Pro Racing has instead actively sought to eliminate Thursday practice altogether for 2002.

Whatever that is, it isn’t “two-way communication” and it isn’t “active communication.”

What it is, is the same old BS in a new package, providing the look of change without actually delivering change.

And another convincing argument for the total overhaul of AMA Pro Racing, from the top down.



See related posts:

7/28/01, Who Attended AMA Road Racing Advisory Board Meeting At Brainerd Friday Evening

7/28/01, 76 AMA Pro Racers And 57 Team Owners And Crew Members Support Thursday Practice Opposed By Factory Few

Former racer David Sadowski, racer Steve Rapp and former racer (and current stuntman) Tom McComas are in italy working on a World Superbike-theme movie directed by American Jeff Jensen, according to an e-mail from McComas.