From Dan Lance, of Alpina:

This just in, Alpina Safety Systems Unlimited, the world leader in safety systems for all types of racing, has just finalized a cooperation with Misano, Italy’s racetrack for the purchase and support for 246 Alpina Super Defenders, the state of the art safety module made by Alpina in Steindorf, Austria.

(Editorial note: Alpina Super Defender modules are about 6.5 feet long, so this is about 1599 linear feet of non-inflatable, energy-absorbing barrier padding.)

This headline was posted previously on January 30, but due to a technical problem related to a programming change, the headline was repeated in the text area and the text itself was not posted. We’re now reposting the entire orginal post, with headline and text.

From a press release:

Libasci Racing wishes to announce its association with Southern California’s newest Aprilia and Ducati dealership, Aprilia-Ducati of Oceanside.

This new dealership is owned by former racer Balz Renggli and is located at 525 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside. Libasci Racing will be working out of the dealership and will be sponsored by Aprilia-Ducati of Oceanside for the 2002 season.

The team will be racing 3 Aprilia RS250s and a Mille for 2002. Ther Team will be led again by Andre Castanos, winner of WSMC’s Aprilia Challenge class and 550 Superbike as well as 10th overall finisher at Willow Springs. Libasci Racing will be competing in CCS and Willow springs Aprilia events as well as the final Aprilia cup race at Daytona.

Other members of the team include Tim Knutson and Donnie Libasci.

Team sponsors are Maxima, Dunlop,Ferodo,Airtech,Race Tech,Sidi,HJC,Chatterbox,RK,Zero Gravity and Motion Pro.

From a press release, and we take no responsibility for the creative spelling of any track names:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Can-Am125gp Challenge is proud to announce that it has secured a title rights sponsor for the 2002 season. For 2002 the series will be know as the Diablo Paintball Can-Am125gp Challenge. Richard Italia, President of Diablo Paintball has not only provide cash for the purse, but also a 2002 CR125 motocross bike to be raffled off to riders who compete in at least
four of the six rounds of the 2002 series.

The 2002 Diablo Paintball Can-Am125gp Challenge will consist of six rounds:

May 17/18/19 Shannonville Ontario[Canadian Superbike National]

June 14/15/16 Grattan Michigan [Midwest Cycle Fest]

July 19/20/21 Mosport [Canadian National/F-USA]

August 9/10/11 Shubidacidie Nova Scotia [Canadian National]

August 23/24/25 Grattan Michigan [Midwest Cycle Fest]

August 31/31/Sept 1 Shannonville [Canadian National]

Diablo Paintball’s website can be found at www.diablodirect.com

The official Diablo Paintball Can-Am125gp Challenge website is www.can-am125gp.com

From a press release:

TAKE A RIDE ON US

2002 Harley-Davidson and Buell Demo Schedule

MILWAUKEE, WI – Dust off your helmets and polish up your riding boots as the 2002 Harley-Davidson/Buell Demo Tour arrives at city near you. This is your chance to experience and sample the Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle of your dreams.

Traversing the country throughout the 2002 riding season, the Harley-Davidson/Buell Demo Tour will visit most major motorcycle rallies and all 100th Anniversary Open Road Tour stops this year, bringing with them the rumble and excitement of the entire Harley-Davidson and Buell 2002 and select 2003 model lineup.

Have you always dreamed of what it would be like to ride a blacked-out FXSTB Night Train? Or maybe you want to sample the intuitive riding experience of the all new 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R. Or, is this the year you will become a member of the Harley-Davidson family, but are not sure what model will begin your adventure? That is where the Demo Tour steps in, giving motorcycle enthusiasts the opportunity to sample every flavor Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle and to talk with Harley-Davidson and Buell personnel.

Glimmering in the soft morning sun, every Demo Tour motorcycle is serviced, cleaned, and fueled to guarantee a satisfying experience. A typical demo ride allows you to sample the model of your choice in a variety of riding conditions. Riders must be at least 18-years of age and possess a valid motorcycle license. Proper riding gear including DOT helmets, eye protection and foot wear are required, and both helmets and eye protection are provided for the rider who drove in on four wheels.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. For more information visit www.harley-davidson.com and www.buell.com.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND BUELL 2002 DEMO SCHEDULE

Brand, Event, Location, Event Dates

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Daytona Bike Week, Daytona, FL, March 4-9

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Arizona Bike Week, Phoenix, AZ, April 11-14

Harley-Davidson, Laughlin River Run Laughlin, NV, April 25-27

Buell, Indy Metro Dome,

Indianapolis, IN, April 27-28

Buell, Ohio Sportbike Challenge, Salem, OH, May 4-5

Buell, Detroit Metro Event,
Detroit, MI, May 11-12

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, Myrtle Beach, SC, May 15-18

Buell, DC Metro Event, Washington, DC, June 1-2

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Americade, Lake George, NY, June 4-8

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Laconia Bike Week, Laconia, NH, June 13-15

Buell, Honda Hoot, Knoxville, TN, June 19-22

Harley-Davidson, AMA Women’s Conference, Buckhannon, WV, June 29-July 1

Buell, World Superbike, Monterey, CA, July 12-14

Buell, Denver NHRA,

Denver, CO, July 18-20

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Atlanta, GA, July 19-21

Harley-Davidson, Round Up Rally, Richmond, VA, July 31-Aug. 3

Harley-Davidson, Sturgis Bike Week, Sturgis, SD, August 5-10

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Old Bridge, NJ, August 16-18

Buell, Pocono Cycle Fest,

Long Pond, PA, August 23-25

Harley-Davidson, Four Corners Rally, Ignacio, CA, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Pomona, CA, September 6-8

Harley-Davidson, Tomahawk Open House, Tomahawk, WI, September 13-15

Harley-Davidson, Kansas City Open House, Kansas City, MO, September 20-21

Harley-Davidson/Buell, York Open House, York, PA, September 26-28

Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Toronto, Canada, September 27-29

Harley-Davidson/Buell, Biketoberfest, Daytona, FL, October 17-19

Harley-Davidson/Buell, 100th Open Road Tour, Fort Worth, TX, October 26-27

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The schedule for the April 5-7 Yamaha Superbike Challenge At California Speedway shows what life at AMA Nationals will be like without Thursday practice.

Superstock (formerly 750cc Supersport) riders will have two sessions of practice and then will have to qualify on Friday.

Superbike riders will have one practice session and then will have their first qualifying session on Friday.

The schedule is as follows, and remember, you saw it here first:


Friday, April 5

Practice, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (in order)
1. Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport (600cc)
2. Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme
3. Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
4. MBNA 250 Grand Prix

Chevy Trucks Superbike, 10:40-11:40 a.m.

Lunch, 11:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m.

Riders’ meeting, 12:00 p.m.

Practice (same order as a.m.), 12:40-2:30 p.m.

Superbike Qualifying, 2:40-3:30 p.m.

Superstock Qualifying, odd numbers, 4:20-4:40 p.m.

Superstock Qualifying, even numbers, 4:50-5:10 p.m.


Saturday, April 6

Practice, 8:00-9:40 a.m. (in order)
1. Supersport
2. 250 GP
3. Superstock
4. Formula Xtreme

Superbike Qualifying, 9:50-10:50 a.m.

Supersport Qualifying, odd numbers, 11:00-11:20 a.m.

Supersport Qualifying, even numbers, 11:30-11:50 a.m.

Lunch, 11:50 a.m.-12:40 p.m.

Superbike practice, 12:40-1:00 p.m.

Formula Xtreme Qualifying, 1:10-1:45 p.m.

Superbike race one, 100k, 28 laps, 2:00 p.m.

250 GP Qualifying, 20-minute session

Superstock race, 60k, 17 laps


Sunday, April 7

Practice, 9:00-10:50 a.m. (In order)
1. Supersport
2. 250 GP
3. Formula Xtreme
4. Superbike

Lunch, 11:00 a.m.

Chapel Service, 11:00 a.m.

Final events, starting at 12:00 p.m.(in order)
Supersport, 60k, 17 laps
250 GP, 60k, 17 laps
Formula Xtreme, 60k, 17 laps

Superbike race two, 100k, 28 laps, 3:00 p.m.

From a press release:

Lotus Tours Announces MotoGlobal, The Alliance of Mototouring Leaders

Chicago, IL USA – Lotus Tours, the international motorcycle touring company, today announced the formal launch of a global alliance network of motorcycle touring companies called MotoGlobal, the first of its kind in the industry. Seven motorcycle touring companies from around the world will join forces to form the network, which will offer customers a complete world of motorcycle touring experiences.

The seven companies cover the six rideable continents and include: Lotus Tours (Burt Richmond and Diane Fitzgerald), Pancho Villa Moto-Tours (Skip Mascorro), Mototouring (Eligio Arturi), Himalayan Motorcycle Tours (Patrick Moffat), Iberian Moto Tours (Scott Moreno), Kazoom Moto Adventures (Kazim Uzunoglu) and New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals & Tours (Darren Tonar and Gordon Lidgard). Other motorcycle tour operators will be associated with MotoGlobal to provide additional touring destinations and new products. Customers will have seamless access to hundreds of tours in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and can choose from a variety of motorcycle brands and models for touring, sportbike, dual sport, and off-road experiences.

“Our shared and new customers will get more of everything and then some,” explains Diane Fitzgerald, President of Lotus Tours.

“MotoGlobal brings together successful motorcycle tour operators who, collectively, can offer motorcycle enthusiasts more roads, more motorcycle brands, more choices of products and price ranges, more convenience and more fun. Customers can expect consistently high quality touring – and everything associated with motorcycle touring including new product development – with each member of MotoGlobal. Imagine working with one source, MotoGlobal, for your motorcycle touring needs. The combined knowledge and talent of the network is tremendous and it is the customers who benefit!”

MotoGlobal will be headquartered on the Internet and can be visited at www.motoglobal.com beginning February 28, 2002. Associated motorcycle tour operators will be announced soon.

For general information today, contact Lotus Tours in Chicago, IL USA at 312-951-0031 or [email protected].

Ground Zero Racing’s four-rider AMA road racing team plans to raise funds during the 2002 AMA National road race series and donate them to the Uniformed Firefighters Association/Fire Department of New York Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In FAX to Roadracing World, Ground Zero Racing team member Kathy Manett wrote, “I’m sure you have many pieces of mail cross your desk each day about race teams but I’m sure not many are racing for a cause like we are. We are racing for the FDNY Memorial Scholarship Fund. We are raising money to further the education of firefighter’s children who have lost a parent due to 9-11 or other related tragedies. We have two Superbike riders, one 750 Supersport & Formula Xtreme rider and one Pro Thunder rider. After meeting with the FDNY in December and getting their unbelievable approval and gratitude we have been working fast and furious to line up sponsors and donations. Since Roadracing World is read and enjoyed by so many I am hoping you will make mention of our team and let everyone know about our cause. I have forwarded some additional information on the team riders and the fire department. Thank you in advance for anything you can do for us!”

The FAX included a copy of a January 21 letter from Edward Burke of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. In the letter, Burke wrote, “I am writing to express our gratitude and appreciation that your Ground Zero Racing Team has agreed to donate the net proceeds received by the team during the 2002 AMA Racing Series season to the Scholarship Fund.

“As you well know, New York City firefighters suffered terrible losses as a result of the September 11 attacks on America. We hope to assist our families, including those who suffered most on September 11, with funds raised for our Scholarship Program.

“This letter will authorize you to accept such sums on our behalf and to extend our sincere thanks to all who have agreed to assist us.”

The release also included a Mission Statement from Ground Zero Racing that said, “Ground Zero Racing is a non-profit professional motorcycle road racing team that recognizes children as our country’s most valuable asset, and will dedicate ourselves to use every means at our disposal to aid in funding the UFA/FDNY Memorial Scholarship Fund, and provide for the future education of those children affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001.”

Ground Zero is made up of Superbike competitors Andy “Woody” Deatherage and Jim Doerfler, who both ride modified Suzuki GSX-R750s; Mike Johnston, who will ride a Suzuki GSX-R750 in Superstock and Formula Xtreme; and Rick Manett, who will campaign a Husaberg 650 “Super Motard” in the Pro Thunder class.

In a February 8 telephone call, Kathy Manett told Roadracing World that all of the team’s motorcycles were being painted to resemble FDNY fire trucks and that the riders’ leathers are being custom-made to resemble FDNY firefighter uniforms complete with official department patches supplied by the FDNY.

On the inspiration of their effort, Manett said her husband, Rick, went to New York during the last week of 2001 and found that despite the hundreds of millions of dollars raised to help the victims of the 9/11 attack on America, the UFA/FDNY Scholarship Fund only had $15,000 in its account.

Manett added that the team hoped to coordinate fund-raising efforts with local fire departments as they travel around the United States this season with the AMA series. For additional information on Ground Zero Racing, call Rick or Kathy Manett at (440) 285-3937 or e-mail Rick Manett at Rmanett@mmsa.

Ko Kagiya’s Factory Racing Service (FRS) has moved to 20932 S. Normandie Ave., Torrance, CA 90502.

Phone and FAX numbers remain the same, (310) 320-1585, FAX (310) 320-7895.

Kagiya can also be reached vie e-mail at [email protected].

From a press release:

$15 Million Improvement Project Groundbreaking

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Gets a Facelift

First Phase Includes Garages and Hospitality Suites-

Monterey, CA (February 8, 2002) – The groundbreaking for the first phase of a multi-year, $15 million improvement project at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is set for Friday, February 8, 2002. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., local dignitaries, city and Monterey County officials, Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) and Mazda representatives and drivers from the CART series will be on hand to usher in a new beginning at the world famous road course. The event coincides with CART Sneak Preview, which will be taking place throughout the weekend. Honorary co-chairs of the Leadership Cabinet for the Capital Campaign, set up to help fund the project, include racing legend Mario Andretti and car designer Carroll Shelby. World-renowned motorcycle racer, Wayne Rainey, is the honorary chairperson.

“We’re thrilled to finally break ground on these long-planned improvements,” said SCRAMP President Kathy Hayworth, “and we thank the spectators and participants in advance for putting up with our dust throughout the forthcoming construction process. The end result will be well worth the wait and will positively enhance the racing experience for everyone who attends an event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We appreciate the efforts of all those who helped make this possible.”

The entire improvement project will direct $15 million toward revamping Mazda Raceway’s support facilities including permanent garages topped by hospitality suites, a revamped media center with race control and timing and scoring. Phase I is slated to cost $7.8 million. To help with the cost of the improvement project, SCRAMP has secured a $7,112,300 loan with First National Bank. The groundbreaking kicks-off construction of Phase I, which entails the project section that is nearest to Turn 11.

“This is Mazda’s home away from home,” said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda North America Operations, “so making MRLS an even better, more enjoyable racing facility for fans, racing teams, drivers and our employees was one of the primary reasons for our relationship with SCRAMP.”

The partnership Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) signed with Mazda North America Operations early last year was vital in helping fund the improvement project. The $7.5 million SCRAMP received helped our organization move forward with plans to replace the temporary structures built for each event with permanent facilities including garages, luxury suites, bathrooms and other much needed infrastructure improvements, and address improvements in safety, traffic and parking.



From a related press release:

County Supervisors Ratify Modified Financial Plan for SCRAMP

Includes $7,112,300 Loan for Track Improvements

Phase I Groundbreaking on Friday, January 8

Monterey, CA (February 5, 2002) – The Monterey County Board of Supervisors has officially ratified a modified financial plan that includes a new loan agreement for the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The loan secures more than $7 million for the non-profit organization’s multi-year, $15 million improvement project. SCRAMP took out the $7,112,300.00 loan with First National Bank of Central California. As the overseeing body of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, SCRAMP was required to get the board’s ratification as part of its use agreement with Monterey County. This unprecedented transaction in the history of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca helps solidify the world-renown track’s future as a world-class facility. Cooperation between Monterey County, SCRAMP, First National Bank of Central California and Mazda North America Operations have all created a strong financial foundation for improvements that will allow the heritage of top notch racing and hospitality at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to flourish for many years to come.

“The ratification allows us to move forward in our continued efforts to improve Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,” said SCRAMP President Kathy Hayworth. “The Board of Supervisors are good partners in helping us achieve our goals of increasing the economic vitality of the Central Coast by improving the level of our facility, through completion of the Master Plan. We appreciate their continued support.”



And from yet another related press release:

CART Banks Cash for Community

CART Sneak Preview Helps Local Economy In a Traditionally Slow Time of Year

Monterey, CA (February 4, 2002) – The financial impact of CART Sneak Preview is tremendous for the Monterey Peninsula. Traditionally, many hotels and local businesses see a lag in the amount of tourist revenue during this time of year, except for one large event. With the influx of CART teams, sponsors, drivers, series personnel, national and international media and race fans the dollars start to add up. Big time! Not only are restaurants full of hundreds of hungry visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, but the hotels see the positive impact as well.

“Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and CART deserve the checkered flag for bringing Sneak Preview to the Peninsula this week,” said Greg Keebler, General Manager of Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center on Monterey Bay. “Not only do local businesses benefit from a new infusion of business in February from the CART teams, officials and associated business partners, but the local fans get a behind-the-scenes experience at the track for free. Sneak Preview is a win-win!”

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is unique in the sports world. The racetrack is run by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). SCRAMP is a not for profit organization chartered to benefit local charitable and not for profit groups, and to promote economic vitality. SCRAMP motorsports events have an economic impact of more than $129 million dollars annually for central coast businesses, and over the last 44 years that has added up to more than $1 billion dollars for area business owners.

“The CART Sneak Preview adds a new reason for visitors to enjoy Monterey County,” said Burke Pease, Executive Director of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We welcome this addition to our calendar and know guests will be rewarded with a great experience.”

The 501C3 not for profit organization is under the direction of its volunteer, 25 member Board of Directors, and SCRAMP has achieved and surpassed all conceivable goals. In total, SCRAMP, Mazda Raceway continue to positively impact area businesses and charities with millions of dollars related directly to events held at the track. CART Sneak Preview is just one of them. SCRAMP has made more than $10 million dollars in donations to charities in Monterey County and supported Monterey County Parks, plus raceway improvements, with approximately $1 million per year. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, $507,500 was donated to local and regional charities. The 2002 CART FedEx Championship Series Sneak Preview is a great beginning to having another successful season.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

In a letter received by Roadracing World today, AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth again denied charges made by Fred Bramblett of OMS and reported in a copyrighted story posted on roadracingworld.com and dated Saturday, February 3.

Bramblett made the charges in speaking to roadracingworld.com’s John Ulrich in the press box at Edison Field during an AMA Supercross event. The charges were accurately reported and attributed to Bramblett by Ulrich in the copyrighted story on roadracingworld.com, and roadracingworld.com did not post the story or allegations on any other website.

Bramblett has made the same allegations to other persons in the motorcycle industry, on more than one occasion, and in fact told Ulrich that he had made the same allegations to several members of the AMA and AMA Pro Racing Boards.

On February 5, cyclenews.com posted quotes from Hollingsworth denying the allegations. Roadracingworld.com immediately quoted the cyclenews.com post and deleted the parts of the original roadracingworld.com post that dealt with Bramblett’s accusations.

In the letter to Roadracing World dated February 7 and received February 8, Hollingsworth stated:

“First, let me state for the record that there isn’t a single element of truth as it relates to me contained in the passage quoted above. I was never ‘involved’ with FAME. I never won a bidding war to purchase another company that was later purchased by SFX (or any of its predecessors or successors), and I have no ‘life’s work to exact revenge’ on SFX, Clear Channel or any other company for that matter. The choice of JamSports as AMA Pro Racing’s promotional partner for the 2003 AMA US Supercross Championship was the result of a long and deliberate process where all parties had an equal opportunity to make an offer. My role in that process was simply to do what I could to provide the broadest range of opportunities from which to make a decision in the best interests of the sport of motorcycle racing, the AMA, and AMA Pro Racing and its stakeholders.

“Second, in correspondence with me today, Mr. Bramblett denies that he made these statements. Mr. Bramblett states that he can understand my upset with the allegations and suggests you ‘ambushed’ me. Further, I understand that you have continued to disseminate the same type of information on other websites. It is extremely upsetting to me that these allegations appear to have been concocted by you soley to cause harm to my reputation.

“Finally, I demand that Roadracing World issue an immediate and complete retraction of the allegations contained in this story including an apology to me for your conduct, and further demand that you immediately stop disseminating this false information through other outlets.”