From a press release:

WMRRA Middleweight GP Twins racer Phil Sharpe became the first WMRRA racer to test out the new Air Fence* that WMRRA has purchased for Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wa.

Sharpe crashed his SV650 and hit one of the brand new sections of Air Fence Bike in turn at at PR. Turn 8 is a bumpy left handed sweeper taken at over 100 mph. “At 100 mph, that Air Fence saved my ass!” Sharpe said of his experience. “I don’t know what happened, I was outside my normal line and the next thing I know I was sliding. I’m sure glad it was there.” Sharpe was uninjured in his crash.

June 23 was the first weekend that Air Fence was deployed in turn 8. In the previous two race weekends, two almost identical accidents occured, both leading to injuries. On May 5th, Brandon Knowles broke his collarbone and ankle hitting haybales very close to the spot that Sharpe hit. On April 15th, Greg Zanghi crashed in the rain and recieved severe tissue damage along his spine and scapula after impacting a haybale.

“I think this demonstrates the effectiveness of the Air Fence and that we made the right decision with this stuff,” WMRRA President Barry Wressell said. “I think this a very positive step in making racing safer. We really owe a lot to everyone who has helped get us here. John Ulrich and the Roadracingworld.com Action Fund, Luke Gaylor, Andy Coffey from Air Fence, Chris Denzler, and most of all the contributors
to the WMRRA Air Fence Fund and the Roadracingworld.com Action Fund.”

Wressell added, “I would encourage other clubs to take a look at what’s been done here. Our membership was very generous with donations to make racing safer, and I’m sure that’s not unique to us.”

Sharpe was asked to autograph his divot on the section he hit. He also subsequently made a generous donation to the WMRRA Air Fence Fund.

Donations to the WMRRA Air Fence Fund are being matched by an anonymous donor until the end of June.

More information is available from Briggs Willoughby ([email protected]) (425) 254-0141.

Donations can be sent to:
WMRRA Air Fence Fund
c/o Briggs Willoughby
12044 SE 76th St.
Newcastle, WA 98056

*Air Fence is a trademark of Air Fence Safety Systems

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon Pro Thunder Practice Times:

1. Kirk McCarthy, Ducati 748RS, 1:45.286
2. Thomas Montano, Ducati 748R, 1:46.022
3. Mike Ciccotto, Buell Firebolt XB9R, 1:46.122
4. David Estok, Buell Firebolt XB9R, 1:46.379
5. Tripp Nobles, Buell Firebolt XB9R, 1:46.540
6. Bryant Soberg, Suzuki, 1:50.136
7. Reagan Jobe, Ducati 748, 1:50.916
8. Charlie Hewett, Ducti 748, 1:51.018
9. Clark Freatman, Ducati 748, 1:51.566
10. Josh Bryan, Ducati 748, 1:51.661
11. Heath Small, Ducati 748, 1:52.038
12. Jessica Zalusky, Ducati 748, 1:53.744
13. Brett Donahue, Yamaha, 1:54.984
14. Alex Freeman, Suzuki, 1:57.348
15. Peter Bohlig, Suzuki, 1:57.727
16. Michael Handegard, Suzuki SV650, 2:00.392

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning Superstock Practice Times:

1. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:41.514
2. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:41.943
3. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:42.065
4. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:42.231
5. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:42.455
6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:42.491
7. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:42.669
8. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:42.757
9. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:42.979
10. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:43.068
11. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:43.223
12. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:43.247
13. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:43.270
14. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:43.632
15. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:43.634
16. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:43.825
17. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:43.848
18. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.127
19. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:44.168
20. Alan Schmidt, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.274
21. Chris Rankin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.462
22. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.564
23. Shane Clarke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.582
24. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:44.869
25. Kevin Pate, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.329
26. Mike Ciccotto, Buel XB9R, 1:45.608
27. Tyler Wadsworth, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:45.656
28. Shawn Conrad, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.676
29. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.940
30. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:46.064
31. Dave Estok, Buell XB9R, 1:46.193
32. Nick Ienatsch, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:46.401
33. Wes Good, 1:46.426
34. Michael Hannas, Kawaaki ZX-6R, 1:46.645
35. Marco Martinez, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:47.043
36. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:47.357
37. Sean Mowry, Yamaha, 1:47.450
38. Eric Lardy, Suzuki, 1:47.493
39. Tim Wadsworth, Suzuki, 1:47.541
40. Andre Castanos, Suzuki, 1:47.554
41. Jeff Bostrom, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:47.613
42. Jamie Thompson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:48.450
43. Eric Dooyema, Suzuki, 1:48.535
44. Roger Hendricks, Suzuki, 1:48.595
45. Justin Blake, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:48.702
46. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:49.674
47. Marty Sims, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:51.110
48. Charlie Hewett, Ducati 748, 1:51.186
49. Scotty Van Scoik, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.237

Interval Times

Start/Finish to Turn 4
1. Jensen, 47.9833
2. Fergusson, 48.0394
3. Ulrich, 48.2021
4. Moore, 48.2637
5. Acree, 48.7577

Turn 4 to Turn 9
1. Ulrich, 29.8140
2. Zemke, 29.9240
3. Acree, 29.9740
4. Caylor, 30.2850
5. Spies, 30.3740

Turn 9 to Start/Finish
1. Moore, 22.6347
2. Ulrich, 22.6737
3. Jensen, 22.6898
4. T. Hayden, 22.7215
5. Fergusson, 22.7450

From a press release:

SUPERMOTARD USA UPDATED RACE SCHEDULE

SERIES TO SPLIT INTO A NORTH AND SOUTH SERIES – CHAROLETTE, NC ROUND POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE

Washington, DC – Due to overwhelming demand from riders in the Northern parts of the United States; Supermotard USA (SMUSA) has split into two separate series. The Northern Series remaining rounds will be held at Oakland Valley Race Park (OVRP-www.ovrp.com) in Cuddebackville, NY. The recent addition of a permanent dirt section has made OVRP the first dedicated Supermotard Track on the East Coast. With two large dirt berms covered in clay leading into a large rolling jump has made for exciting racing for both the participants and spectators alike. The remaining four rounds with be held at OVRP. The rounds are as follows:

Sunday-July 28th
Sunday-August 11th
Saturday-Sep 28th
Saturday-October 12th

The two rounds tentatively scheduled for racing at Englishtown Race Park in Englishtown, NJ have been postponed for this season due to the track not being ready. SMUSA test & tunes might be scheduled at this track on a later date this year.

Due to low rider entries the Southern Round schedule for Lowe’s Motor Speedway has been cancelled. The series organizers are going to try and hold three exhibition races in the Southern parts of the United States later this year. Details will follow or visit series website www.supermotard-usa.com to keep updated.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning 250cc GP Practice Times:

1. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, 2:07.550
2. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 2:07.810
3. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 2:07.880
4. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 2:07.912
5. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 2:08.340
6. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 2:09.049
7. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 2:09.209
8. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 2:09.240
9. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 2:09.302
10. Vincent Philippe, Aprilia, 2:09.621
11. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 2:10.127
12. Shahrol Yuzy, Yamaha, 2:10.127
13. David Checa, Aprilia, 2:10.595
14. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, 2:10.973
15. Emilio Alazmora, Honda, 2:11.165


Friday Morning 125cc GP Practice Times:

1. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 2:15.710
2. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 2:16.006
3. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 2:16.181
4. Gianluigi Scalvini, Aprilia, 2:16.479
5. Simone Sanna, Aprilia, 2:16.693
6. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 2:17.582
7. Angel Rodriguez, Aprilia, 2:17.726
8. Gabor Talmacsi, Honda, 2:17.988
9. Jaroslav Hules, Aprilia, 2:18.023
10. Michel Fabrizio, Gilera, 2:18.230

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

2003 AMA U.S. Superbike Championship Proposed Rule Changes

The following proposals are designed for sweeping improvement of the AMA
Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship beginning with the 2003 season.
Input from the AMA Pro Road Race Advisory Board, teams, riders, promoters,
media and AMA Pro Racing staff was utilized in creating these proposals.
All aspects of the series, from competition to marketing, were reviewed
and considered.

AMA Pro Racing road race competitors and credential holders have the
opportunity to express their opinions and offer suggestions regarding
these proposals. The changes mainly cover general technical aspects of
Superbike, Supersport and Superstock. Any other changes to the 2003 road
racing rules will be proposed in the fall.

Road race competitors and credential holders are invited to submit
comments by mail, fax or through the RIDERS ONLY section of
amaproracing.com, at http://www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. The comment
period starts Thursday, June 27, 2002, and ends Friday, July 26, 2002.


03-1. Superbike – 1000cc three- and four-cylinder motorcycles will be permitted for competition that meets the following criteria. 750cc fours and 1000cc twins would continue under the current Superbike rules:

1. 1000cc threes and fours will be subject to all current Superbike rules concerning frames, suspension, wheels, brakes and bodywork.

2. Weight: 1000cc three-cylinder machines, 360 lbs.
1000cc four-cylinder machines, 370 lbs.

3. Engines
– Cylinder heads: Porting and machining will be permitted.
– Stock valves and retainers must be utilized.
– Aftermarket cams permitted.
– Cylinders, engine cases and connecting rods will be subject to current Superbike rules.
– Crankshaft: Stock except for necessary balancing.
– Stock pistons, piston pins and rings must be utilized.
– Transmissions must retain stock ratios.
– Ignition systems will be subject to current Supersport rules.
– Charging systems and starters will not be required.
– Fuel injection, carburetors and air boxes will be subject to current Supersport rules except air filters and emissions plumbing will not be required.
– Exhaust systems will be subject to current Superbike rules.
– Homologation would require motorcycles to be originally U.S. street-legal.



03-2. Supersport

1. 750cc twin-cylinder motorcycles will be permitted for competition provided current homologation procedures are followed by manufacturers.

2. Machining of gasket surfaces of cylinder heads, cylinders or engine cases for increased compression only will be permitted. The increased compression may help to balance the competition between brands and will eliminate the need to inspect deck heights.


03-3. Superstock

1. Machining of gasket surfaces of cylinder heads, cylinders or engine cases for increased compression only will be permitted. The
increased compression may help to balance the competition between brands and will eliminate the need to inspect deck heights.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship slims down to five classes in 2003, four by 2004

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — As part of many proposed rules changes for the next two years, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship will be streamlined from six classes to five in 2003, and then down to four classes in 2004, AMA Pro Racing has announced today. The changes are designed to improve race operations and provide more track time to riders, but also allow greater emphasis on the premier racing championships of AMA Superbike and AMA Supersport.

AMA Pro Racing is in negotiations with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing to take on the AMA Buell Pro Thunder Series in 2003, and the AMA MBNA 250 Grand Prix Series in 2004. After the move to WERA, neither class will be run as part of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship.

“We see our WERA National Challenge Series as a great fit for these two classes,” said WERA’s Evelyne Clarke. “We are excited about adding these two premier classes to our program and look forward to working with AMA Pro Racing as its provider of ‘future stars’.”

It is anticipated that some of the teams participating in the Buell Pro Thunder class will move into AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport or AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock competition under current AMA Superstock rules and 2003 AMA Supersport rules changes that will allow 750cc twin-cylinder machines to compete.

“We want to bring better focus to the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship, and reorganizing and streamlining the championship will help us do that,” said Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Fewer classes will allow us to do things that will benefit race operations, riders, fans and promoters. To take AMA professional road racing to a higher level, we have to do fewer things and do them better.”

AMA Superbike will continue to be the premier class in the series as it has been since 1987. With new rules coming next year, it is anticipated that the grids will grow and the gap between the factory teams and the privateer teams will shrink. AMA Supersport will continue to grow in importance, and new rules will help bring even more brands into the championship.

These proposed rules changes are based on input gathered over the last year and a half from the AMA Pro Racing Road Race Advisory Board, riders, teams, manufacturers, promoters, fans and media. A more detailed explanation of the proposed rules changes can be viewed at www.amaproracing.com.

AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on the proposed rules changes during a 30-day comment period that is set for Thursday, June 27, through Friday, July 26. The comments can be made on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. After the 30-day comment period concludes, AMA Pro Racing will review any suggested changes before sending the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for final ratification.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

KENNY GOES THIRD ON PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW AT ASSEN

Assen, Netherlands – First Practice, Thursday June 27, 2002:

Team Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki riders Kenny Roberts Jr. and Sete Gibernau claimed third and 16th places in today’s first qualifying runs for Saturday’s Dutch TT, at the revised Assen circuit in the north of Holland.

Gibernau didn’t get into his stride, but Roberts was on top form, vying for pole, and ending up less than two tenths off the fastest time.

Factory Suzuki rider Akira Ryo put his Suzuki GSV-R in 21st position, after spending his first day making acquaintance with the long and hard-to-learn 6.027km Assen circuit, which the reigning All-Japan Superbike Champion is seeing for the first time.

All three riders were enjoying the benefit of a new chassis, with revised stiffness ratios and improved handling; as well as much improved throttle response on initial opening: another improvement found at successful tests at Catalunya after the GP there two weeks ago. This demonstrates the continuing rapid progress of the new V4 four-stroke Suzuki, brought to the tracks a full year earlier than originally planned, for race-development in the first season of the new MotoGP class.

Assen, the longest track of the year, has been changed this season, with a revised section not only increasing paddock space but also making for lower average speeds and a longer lap time. The old Veenslang and back straight section, taken under full throttle by the best riders, now runs into slower kinks, with the former flat-out run now seeing riders close the throttle and gear down for the later corners.

Some welcomed the changes, but Kenny Roberts was worried about the safety implications of the section that has replaced the back straight.

“If you lost it or had any sort of problem on the first right kink, which is really fast, you could run off and go straight across the track further down, after the left kink. The kinks make it dangerous. They should be considering making it straight there again. The problem is the track doubles back on itself,” said Roberts.

One more day of practice remains, with the unique Saturday race day to follow.

KENNY ROBERTS Jr: Third Position, 2:01.836
“This is the closest the Suzuki has been to the top guys so far. There are some elements and things from the Barcelona tests that have given us more confidence. It’s nothing major, but every little thing is of benefit, although the setting direction we’re going in now is further from Barcelona settings than I had expected. We still need big steps in stability in the fast sections and under braking, and those are the biggest areas for me. I’m happy with the qualifying position, but I was also happy in qualifying eighth in Barcelona, because my lap times were consistent enough for the top five. My main aim in Barcelona was to finish in the top five, and it’s the same here. Third today is good for the team and the pit crew, but I have more interest in working on carrying those lap times over to the race.”

SETE GIBERNAU: 16th Position, 2:03.908
“We have a lot of work to do. I wasn’t able to do the tests at Barcelona, but we were pretty confident Kenny found something good. We’ve been trying to adapt it to this race-track, but what we were doing was in the wrong direction, and it just didn’t work. I’m pleased that Kenny has gone fast, because we can see the bike can do it. We know what we did wrong. Now we will try settings more in Kenny’s direction, and I’m confident we can also be fast. The only worry is if the weather changes, and we don’t have a dry session tomorrow.”

WARREN WILLING – TECHNICAL ADVISER
“The new chassis doesn’t change basic geometry. On average it is stiffer than the previous chassis, but with the balance of the stiffness ratios addressed differently. It’s a step along the way, rather than the chassis we want to end up with. It worked well at the Barcelona tests, and not everything worked the same way here – but that is as expected. This is a much more dynamic circuit, with fast corners with the throttle open, and big suspension movements over the crowns and when changing direction. You need to adjust the front-rear balance more with the damping, because of the suspension movements, and we’ve found a good direction on that.

“The change to throttle response comes from an alteration to the engine mapping that we tried successfully after the race in Barcelona. (Roberts describes the effect as taking away “the spike” of power that came on first throttle opening.) It was something we’d be cautious about trying on a race weekend, but testing gives you the chance to try bigger steps. It’s addressed some problems we’d been having in the area, but again it’s only another step. Again, it’s not a cure-all.”

GARRY TAYLOR – TEAM MANAGER
“It’s good to see Kenny up there – especially in a hot session like today, with everyone trying that much harder for lap times in case it rains tomorrow. Sete is obviously having problems, and we’ll be giving them our full attention.”

FRIDAY OFFICIAL QUALIFYING TIMES ASSEN, HOLLAND

1. V. Rossi (Honda) 2:01.691
2. M. Biaggi (Yamaha) + 0.025
3. KENNY ROBERTS Jr (TELEFONICA MOVISTAR SUZUKI) + 0.145
4. L. Capirossi (Honda) + 0.292
5. A. Barros (Honda) + 0.328
6. C. Checa (Yamaha) + 0.545
7. T. Harada (Honda) + 0.794
8. T. Ukawa (Honda) + 0.805
9. J. McWillams (Proton) + 0.935
10. J. Hopkins (Yamaha) + 1.073
16. SETE GIBERNAU (TELEFONICA MOVISTAR SUZUKI) + 2.217


From a press release issued by Marlboro Yamaha:

DUTCH GRAND PRIX, ASSEN
First Qualifying, Thursday June 27 2002


MARLBORO YAMAHA IN THE HUNT FOR POLE AT ASSEN

Marlboro Yamaha Team YZR-M1 riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa were once again in the thick of the action at Assen this afternoon, Biaggi going fastest in the closing moments before ending the session a close-run second, Checa in sixth.

The Assen track, fastest venue on the MotoGP World Championship calendar and nicknamed ‘The Cathedral’ by race fans, has undergone minor changes to its layout this year, but that hasn’t really changed the circuit’s high-speed zigzag character which dominates the minds of riders and their engineers.

“The most important aspect of performance that we work on here is high-speed direction change,” says M1 project leader Ichiro Yoda. “After this morning’s session we adjusted suspension and geometry to improve manoeuvrability, but we still need to work some more in this area. We also need to improve front-end stability, so we have to make a compromise between that and direction changing.”


BIAGGI A FRACTION OFF POLE
Max Biaggi celebrated his 31st birthday at Assen yesterday, and today he came within 0.025-second of giving himself the perfect present–provisional pole position for the Dutch TT. The hard-riding Marlboro Yamaha Team man ran in the top four throughout this afternoon’s first qualifier, then upped his pace in the final minutes, moving into provisional pole with moments to go. But seconds later old rival Valentino Rossi (Honda) sneaked ahead. Two weeks ago at Catalunya Biaggi scored the fast-improving M1’s first-ever pole position.

“We’re looking for agility and I know we can improve for tomorrow and race day,” said Biaggi. “We’ve been working on suspension and geometry and the bike feels better than it did this morning. Our pace isn’t so bad, we came very close to pole, and it’s important to be up front here on day one in case it rains tomorrow. The new part of the track around Veenslang and Ruskenhoek is quite difficult to get right but it’s okay. I crashed this morning, I ran across some dirt on the track and lost the front.”


CHECA SIXTH AND COMFORTABLE

Carlos Checa ran in the top four throughout most of this afternoon’s first qualifying session, slipping to sixth in the final minutes, though still only 0.545 seconds off pole. The Marlboro Yamaha Team star, who led the first half of the recent Catalan GP, is feeling cool, calm and confident as he works to perfect his M1’s chassis performance for the revised Assen layout.

“The changes they’ve made around Veenslang make life more difficult for us,” explains Checa. “Four-stroke MotoGP bikes are faster and heavier than 500s, so they have more inertia which makes it harder for us to change direction at high speed. At the moment the bike seems a bit too heavy through the direction changes. We’ve improved our suspension set-up which has helped, and I know I can go faster if we make it even better. Overall I feel comfortable, but I must say I preferred the old track layout. The new section feels narrow and the changed double right (Duikersloot) doesn’t have camber like the rest of the track; you used to be able to go in there with more speed.”


ROSSI’S LATE CHARGE TO POLE
World Championship leader Valentino Rossi left it until the final minute of qualifying to grab provisional pole. The man who’s won five of six races so far this season worked throughout the day to get his RCV working to his satisfaction. “We only really got it right for our final run,” he said. “The bike is stable here but it’s difficult to get through the direction changes, so we’ve been working on suspension, geometry and tyres to fix that.”

Two-stroke riders Alex Barros and Loris Capirossi dominated much of the session, their lighter 500s suiting Assen’s flowing nature. “The absence of heavy braking and acceleration helps us here,” said Capirossi, who ended the day in fourth place.


PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW
1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Repsol HONDA Team (RC211V) 2:01.691

2. MAX BIAGGI (ITA) Marlboro YAMAHA Team (YZR-M1) 2:01.716

3. Kenny Roberts (USA) Telefonica Movistar SUZUKI (GSV-R) 2:01.836

4. Loris Capirossi (ITA) West HONDA Pons (NSR500) 2:01.983

6. CARLOS CHECA (SPA) Marlboro YAMAHA Team (YZR-M1) 2:02.236


From a press release issued by Red Bull Yamaha:
Qualifying No. 1 Thursday, 27th June 2002

HOPKINS AND HOFMANN RIDE THE FASTEST 2 STROKE YAMAHAS

The two youngest riders in today’s Moto GP session, Red Bull Yamaha’s Hopkins and Hofmann, had a solid first qualifying aboard the fastest two stroke Yamahas. Coming home in 10th and 12th positions respectively the young guns finished ahead of many experienced Moto GP riders and both are confident that tomorrow they can do just the same, if not better.

John Hopkins: 10th 2:02.764
“We tried a combination of different settings in the session today and we improved a little bit each time. We’re working towards a good race set-up and using the information from our recent test here to put together something special for tomorrow and race day.

“I feel like I’m really strong coming off the back straight away out of the left/right and I’m making up time there every lap. It’s easier to change direction quickly there on the 2 stroke so I’m passing guys there with ease.

“We put on a some good tyres in the last few minutes and that¹s when I got my best time.

“I improved from this morning’s time by almost a second and I’m putting in faster times today then when I tested here, so that¹s a good effort.”

Colin Davies (Race Engineer – John Hopkins)
“We tried a lot of different things in this session and it took John some time to get use to all the chassis changes we were making. We’ve got a few things to work on tonight but I’m confident that we’ll find the best race
settings before Race Day.”

Alex Hofmann: 12th 2:03.187
“I’m really happy with this result and I’m feeling very comfortable on the bike this weekend. The set-up is how I like it now and the bike feels really good and smooth. My rhythm here on this track is good and I’m finding a good line around the track. I’m very happy with the tyres we used in this session also, great qualifying tyres.

“The third row position is great and I’m in front of many experienced riders like Nakano, Gibernau and Jacque so I’m pleased.”

Christophe Bourguignon (Race Engineer -Alex Hofmann)
“Everything went to plan this afternoon for Alex and the crew worked really well. We’ve already got our basic settings for the race and we already have an idea of the tyres that we will use for the race.”

Peter Clifford – Team Manager
“It was a good practice session for both guys today. I’m particularly pleased with Alex’s 12th place. “We must thank Dunlop for helping us to be the fastest 2 stroke Yamahas but then the guys still have to ride the motorcycles.”


More, from a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

PROTON SETS TOP SPEED AT ASSEN

Round 7: Dutch TT, Assen First Qualifying: Thursday June 27, 2002

Jeremy McWilliams: Ninth, 2:02.626
Nobuatsu Aoki: 13th, 2:03.491

Proton Team KR riders Jeremy McWilliams and Nobu Aoki qualified on the third and fourth rows of the provisional grid in today’s first timed practice for Saturday’s Dutch TT, with McWilliams also setting fastest top speed through the traps at the revised Assen, demonstrating the lightweight three cylinder machine’s huge ability through the high-speed kinks that characterise this classic circuit.

A top speed of 249.1km/h outranked even the swiftest of the new 990cc four-strokes, Valentino Rossi’s V5 Honda, which ran through the traps at 244.2km/h, and also set provisional pole time. This is a novel experience for the Proton crew, usually at a top-speed disadvantage at tracks with long straights instead of the complex kinks and swerves of Assen.

Both riders were using the standard chassis here, rather than the revised version McWilliams tried at the last round in Barcelona – reflecting the different demands of the complex circuit, with fast kinks and camber changes as well as long corners, putting maximum loads on suspension and chassis. The better-developed standard chassis gave less margin for error.

The Assen circuit has been slightly altered, with the back straight section replaced by fast kinks that introduce an element of braking where before there was none. This is another area of performance where the KR3 excels, contributing to McWilliams’s high top speed reading.

Possible rain threatens tomorrow’s final day of qualifying, putting a premium on the lap times achieved today, for Saturday’s race.

JEREMY McWILLIAMS
“When I saw we’d set the fastest top speed, I thought: that’s pretty good. I’m using the standard chassis, because we understand it better, and this race-track puts an awful lot of force into the suspension through the fast corners and changes of direction, and we might have been a bit lost with the new chassis. The new section is pretty difficult, but there’s not so much of a straight, which is good for us. The grip level is really improved on the sections with new surface, all the way from the hairpin to the start line. I like the new section, but it won’t be to everybody’s taste. Then again, I’ve always liked dangerous race tracks, so it gets my vote. So far, the Bridgestones are working well with grip and durability. Maybe this track is kinder to tyres, but I have no complaints.”

NOBUATSU AOKI
“I’m still struggling with front grip. It’s better than at Barcelona, but the problem is still there. Bridgestone seem to keep improving the rear tyre. They’re working on the front as well, but the grip balance is not so good for me, with the rear becoming too strong. We’ve been working on front fork settings to try to help, but so far today we couldn’t find the right setting. I had a fairly good lap time, but that was really concentrating and working hard. It should be easier, and it should be faster. The new track is better for the KR3 … because it is really hard to pass. But we need to get in front first!”

KENNY ROBERTS – Team Owner
“It seems to be going okay – both guys are fairly happy. We’re at the race-tracks now that should suit us better than Mugello and Barcelona, so I am reasonably confident we can solve the little problems we have now and go for a good race.”

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing announces proposed rules changes to 2003 AMA U.S. Superbike Championship

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — To better reflect motorcycle market changes and create a more level playing field, AMA Pro Racing today announced several rule-change proposals for the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship and the highly competitive AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship beginning with the 2003 competition season.

Starting in 2003, the AMA Superbike Championship will be open to competitors using 1000cc multi-cylinder machines with specific restrictions on weight and engine modifications. Given these restrictions, it is expected that current 750cc four-cylinder and 1000cc twin-cylinder machines will remain competitive in the series. Additionally, the new 1000cc multi-cylinder machines also will be eligible to compete in the AMA Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme class, adding incentive for teams to compete in both classes.

The AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship also will see a significant rule change. Starting next year, 750cc twin-cylinder machines will be eligible for the championship.

As part of these rules changes, no existing racing motorcycles will be made obsolete in 2003.

“The primary reason for these rules modifications is to help create an environment that allows more teams and riders to participate and be competitive in our premier road-racing Championship, AMA Superbike,” said Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing’s CEO. “We’ve always believed that AMA Superbike racing should more closely reflect what is selling in the high-performance motorcycle marketplace and these changes should address that.”

These proposed rules changes are based on input gathered over the last year and a half from the AMA Pro Racing Road Race Advisory Board, riders, teams, manufacturers, promoters, fans and media. A more detailed explanation of the proposed rules changes can be viewed at www.amaproracing.com.

In addition to the AMA Superbike and AMA Supersport rules changes, two classes will be moving away from the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship. AMA Pro Racing is in negotiations with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing to take on the Buell Pro Thunder class in 2003, and the MBNA 250 Grand Prix class in 2004. Current Buell Pro Thunder competitors, however, will continue to be able to enter their machines in the AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series.

AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on the proposed rules changes during a 30-day comment period that is set for Thursday, June 27, through Friday, July 26. Comments can be made on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. After the 30-day comment period concludes, AMA Pro Racing will review any suggested changes before sending the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for final ratification.

From a press release:

The lap of a lifetime

What would you pay for a chance to ride Laguna Seca on the back of Doug Chandler’s Ducati? Fans attending Laguna Seca for the World Superbike round in July will only have to pay $2 to be in a draw to join Chandler on a hot lap of his home track, two-up, to raise money for the Roadracingworld.com Action Fund, which will use all the proceeds towards the purchase and deployment of Air Fence for AMA Pro Racing. Race promoter, RPM, feels strongly about track safety and hopes to raise both awareness and necessary funds through the charity ride.

Tickets will be on sale at Ducati Island in the center of the Laguna trade display area. Suomy helmets has generously donated a helmet to the prize winner, which will be personally signed by one of Ducati’s World Superbike riders. Ducati will have on hand a full set of Ducati leathers, boots and gloves to ensure their safety.

The ride will take place after Sunday’s World Superbike race but the raffle will be drawn at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. The winner must be present to claim the prize to ensure organizers have ample time to suit them up for the ride of their life.

For more information contact Cameron Gray at Race Promotion Management at (303) 377-3226.