From a press release:

A silent auction was held at the CRA annual awards banquet in Minneapolis, MN on November 10th with proceeds going to the Wegman Benefit Fund. A total of $3500 was raised to help injured road racers.

That same evening a check for $1000 was presented to the family of Tyson Berger, who recently died of injuries from an accident at a CRA event.

CRA has affiliated with the Wegman Fund to raise more money through fund raisers at their events at The Colonel’s Brainerd Int’l Raceway.

For more information about how you can help with CRA/Wegman fund raising please contact Jessica Zalusky (612) 991-5760 or Jennelle LeBlanc (763)241-9719.


(Editor’s Note: Roadracingworld.com endorses and recommends the Wegman Benefit Fund, which is a non-profit organization.)

Former (1998) AMA Pro Thunder Champion Paul Harrell said yesterday that he is giving up racing.

Harrell, 33, is a Product Development Manager at Lockhart-Phillips USA.

He started racing in 1991.

The latest press release from Clear Channel Entertainment reveals that the company has now not only locked up exclusive long-term deals for stadiums and TV, but also for the services of the company that actually designs and builds the Supercross tracks.

The press release follows:

Clear Channel Entertainment Announces Extension of Dirt Wurx U.S.A. Agreement Through 2005

AURORA, Ill. (November 14, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment today nnounced they had reached an agreement with Rich Winkler, for his company Dirt Wurx U.S.A. to continue as the exclusive racetrack design and construction company for EA SPORTS Supercross throughout the 2002 season and extending into the 2005 season of Clear Channel Entertainment supercross racing.

The agreement with Dirt Wurx U.S.A. continues Clear Channel Entertainment’s commitment to creating, designing and building the most competitive and challenging supercross tracks anywhere.

Todd Jendro, director of supercross for Clear Channel Entertainment, said, “by extending our agreement with Dirt Wurx U.S.A., it demonstrates our commitment to continuing the high quality racetracks Rich Winkler and his team have created for more than a decade. Without question, Dirt Wurx is the best at what they do; building the best supercross tracks in the world.”

Jendro added, “Since 1996, Clear Channel Entertainment has made significant investments in enhancing the supercross event experience. That investment has included acquiring and deploying a fleet of seven tractor-trailers that collectively transport over 4 million dollars worth of staging, special effects and enhancements that compliments the racing on the Dirt Wurx U.S.A. constructed tracks.”

Former professional rider Rich Winkler founded Dirt Wurx U.S.A. in 1990. With over 20 years experience in motocross racing, motocross and supercross event production and racetrack design & construction, Rich has directed Dirt Wurx U.S.A. to be the premier racetrack design and construction team in the world. Dirt Wurx U.S.A. currently designs and builds fifteen supercross tracks each year. Dirt Wurx U.S.A. also designs, builds and maintains the factory test tracks for several factory teams including Honda, Yamaha and KTM as well as designing, building and maintaining many of the professional riders’ private practice tracks, including those of Ricky Carmichael, Robbie Reynard, Larry Ward and Kevin Windham.

Winkler commented on the recent developments today, saying, “I love what I do! I want to give the riders, teams, fans, sponsors, everyone the very best racetrack we can, every week. I have established a relationship with Clear Channel (Entertainment) for more than 10 years and I’m glad to be on board through 2005.”

The entire staff at Dirt Wurx U.S.A. has extensive experience in racing (including multi-time motocross and supercross champion, Mark Barnett), many still race today and all are specialists in racetrack construction.

For more information visit www.pacesupercross.com

From a press release:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Valencia (Spain)
Wednesday, 14th November, 2001

DUCATI CORSE TESTING AFFECTED BY RAIN

Poor weather conditions affected the second day of Ducati Corse testing at the Valencia circuit in Spain as preparations continued for next season’s World Superbike Championship.

Troy Bayliss, 2001 WSBK champion, and Ruben Xaus completed 22 and 24 laps respectively on their Ducati 998 Factory bikes, fitted with the ’02 engine, but a cold and damp track together with intermittent rain prevented them from improving on yesterday’s lap times.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), who slashed half-a-second off the lap record yesterday with a time of 1:35.61, declared: “Today was one of those days when you can’t really do much, but all things considered, we’re making good progress. I’m happy with the way the tests are going so far and I’m also pleased about the condition of my shoulder, which is healing up nicely. Hopefully we should be able to do some more laps tomorrow if the weather is good”.

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada), who set a time of 1:36.78 today, commented: “I didn’t feel right today because of the weather and the track was also a bit slippery. But things are going well because I know that if the weather is good then I can improve my time. The Valencia track is not one of my favourites, because I’ve only done one test here before, but I feel good because on both days I’ve managed to improve the time I set during the race here in March”.

TEMPERATURES: air 11°C/track 12°C

UNOFFICIAL TIMES (Qualifying record – Corser, Aprilia 1:35.504; Lap record – Corser, Aprilia 1:36.128); Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) 1:35.61 (Tuesday), 1:37.34 (Wednesday); Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) 1:36.05 (Tuesday), 1:36.78 (Wednesday).

From a press release:

Clear Channel Entertainment Announces Extension of
EA SPORTS Supercross Television Agreement Through 2005

ESPN Regional Television To Produce EA SPORTS Supercross In 2002

AURORA, Ill. (November 14, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division announced today that the current agreement with ESPN to air EA SPORTS Supercross presented by Speed Stick on ESPN2 has been extended through the 2005 supercross season. In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment announced today that ESPN Regional Television (ERT) has been selected as the television producer for the 2002 season of EA SPORTS Supercross Presented by Speed Stick on ESPN2.

Supercross has been on the ESPN network for more than 15 years and has enjoyed tremendous growth in viewers, production quality and exposure during that time.

“We are ecstatic to announce the extension of our agreement with ESPN to continue to air supercross. They have been a tremendous partner over the years and instrumental in the growth of the sport,” said Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division.

Burke Magnus, Director, Motorsports Programming and Acquisitions for ESPN said, “We are pleased to extend our agreement with Clear Channel Entertainment for supercross through 2005. Supercross has been and will continue to be a significant part of our motorsports programming line-up. It was important to us to get this extension done with Clear Channel Entertainment for the future growth of the racing series.”

This year, with more than 90 hours of coverage, all fifteen EA SPORTS Supercross races will be broadcast on ESPN2, including the prestigious season opener at Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif. That race, along with Indianapolis, Houston and Dallas will also be broadcast on ABC Sports. The one-hour ABC specials will be featured on Sundays on Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr 21.

ESPN Regional Television has most recently produced all of the NHRA television programs aired on ESPN and ESPN2. Their coverage of NHRA has received motor sports industry praise for capturing drag racing in a way never achieved before in a televised format.

Along with being the producer of ESPN’s popular RPM 2Night, ERT is also known for producing the CART series for ESPN and ABC, as well as acting as producer of select college football, college basketball and professional golf televised events.

“This is an exciting time for ERT. EA SPORTS Supercross already has a huge following, and we are honored to be presented with the challenge of elevating the production quality of the TV program. The first show is going to captivate fans more than ever,” said Geoff Mason, executive producer for ERT.

Mason will provide leadership on all elements of the supercross production with Shawn Murphy, coordinating producer, and Steve Johnson, producer. Additionally, Mark Causey has been named as director. Causey was recently the television director of CART’s 2001 season.

Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division said, “This takes us to a premiere level in supercross television. ESPN Regional Television has completely redefined motor sports television. Our viewers will see improved quality in every element of supercross on television from this team of creative, experienced professionals.”

This year, with more than 90 hours of coverage, all fifteen EA SPORTS Supercross races will be broadcast on ESPN2, including the prestigious season opener at Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif. That race, along with Indianapolis, Houston and Dallas will also be broadcast on ABC Sports. The one-hour ABC specials will be featured on Sundays on Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr 21.

For more information, visit www.pacesupercross.com.

About Clear Channel Entertainment (formerly SFX)
Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE:CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including: Live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.

In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading talent management businesses that specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters, including independently operated baseball, basketball and football businesses. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

HMC Ducati’s Mitch Hansen discovered that he was not getting Ducati support for his AMA Superbike team during the annual Ducati dealer meeting, held on Friday, October 26 in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the Ducati Revs America rally.

“Out at Ducati Revs America, they had the Ducati dealer meeting on Friday, and they announced during the meeting that there would be no AMA Superbike supported team next year,” said Hansen on November 12. “‘I thought, well, okay, that’s too bad.’ Then later that night the Italians came over and told me that they were trying to put something together. It’s a tough situation because I can’t go forward, I can’t contact sponsors and tell them what we’re doing because we don’t know what we’re doing. It’s kind of tough.”

12:00 p.m. FIM 125cc Grand Prix Malaysia

1:00 p.m. FIM Endurance World Championship 24-hour, Le Mans

2:00 p.m. FIM 250cc Grand Prix Rio

3:00 p.m. FIM 500cc Grand Prix Rio


7:00 p.m. Bike Week

7:30 p.m. American Thunder

8:00 p.m. FIM Endurance World Championship 24-hour, Le Mans

9:00 p.m. Yamaha Race of Champions

10:00 p.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides

11:00 p.m. Bike Week

11:30 p.m. American Thunder


12:00 a.m. FIM Endurance World Championship 24-hour, Le Mans

1:00 a.m. Yamaha Race of Champions

2:00 a.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides


All times are Eastern Time.

Any doubt that AMA Pro Racing’s decision to dump long-time Supercross promoters Clear Channel Motorsports in favor of motorsports unknowns Jam Productions would lead to a sport-splitting battle ended today when Clear Channel announced its 2003 Supercross schedule.

The announcement means that, assuming Jam Productions can come up with dates for a 2003 AMA National Supercross Series to “compete” with Clear Channel, the sport faces at best an IRL vs. CART-type split.

And the 2003 Clear Channel schedule seems to put to rest AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s claim that 2003 AMA Series events will be held in the same stadiums as the current series, since Clear Channel has exclusive contracts with its venues.

A press release from Clear Channel follows:


Clear Channel Entertainment Announces 2003 Supercross Series Schedule

AURORA, Ill. (November 13, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division announced today its 2003 Supercross Series schedule. The 2003 schedule will once again commence at Anaheim’s Edison International Field on the first weekend of January and conclude in May at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium. The 2003 season marks Clear Channel Entertainment’s 29th year of supercross racing.

Charlie Mancuso, President of Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division said, “Let there be no doubt about Clear Channel Entertainment’s commitment to the sport of supercross. Supercross racing is the fabric and heritage of our company. We have been promoting and producing supercross racing events since the beginning of the sport. The experience, creativity and dedication of our team cannot be matched. In addition, the vast resources of our sister divisions at Clear Channel Worldwide, including Clear Channel Radio, Clear Channel Outdoor and Clear Channel Television give us unparalleled platforms to continue the rapid growth of the sport.”

The 2003 Supercross Series schedule follows:

Date Venue City
Jan 4 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Jan 11 Bank One Ballpark Phoenix, Ariz.

Jan 18 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Jan 25 TBA * TBA *

Feb 1 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Feb 8 Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, Calif.

Feb 15 Metrodome Minneapolis, Minn.

Feb 22 Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.

Mar 1 RCA Dome Indianapolis, Ind.

Mar 22 The Dome at America’s Center St. Louis, Mo.

Mar 29 Reliant Astrodome Houston, TX

Apr 5 Silverdome Pontiac, Mich.

Apr 12 Texas Stadium Dallas, TX

Apr 26 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT

May 3 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas

* Clear Channel Entertainment will soon announce a new venue and city for its 2003 Supercross Series, representing the entry of the sport into this market. The date and time of a press conference to announce this news is expected shortly.

For more information visit www.pacesupercross.com

From an e-mail sent to Roadracingworld.com by Norbert Katona, regarding a benefit barbeque held at Buttonwillow on Saturday night, November 3, during the CCS California and Southwest Series double-points finale:

I held a BBQ trackside on the behalf of Stuart Stratton’s family, $5 per person which included a rafle ticket for some prize givaways. Music,
viewing of racing videos, and lots of bench-racing were all a part of the fun. We barbequed hamburgers, gourmet sausages, chicken, (and had) chips and dip, salad, condiments, refreshments, beer, champagne and a whole lot more. With
only about 40-50 people that attended, we still managed to raise $923 and the next day the turnworkers all pitched in and gave $122, which put us up to $1045. I would like to thank everyone who attended the event and donated, and I hope you all had a great time. Barbeque was donated by Spanish Flats Racing Team and Team Road Rage Racing.

For additional questions you may have, contact me at [email protected]