From a press release:

Honda Racing News
2002 Honda Motorsports Thanks Reception

Mr. Takeo Fukui, Senior Managing Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

“Ladies and gentlemen,Welcome to the 2002 Honda Motorsports Thanks Reception. My name is Takeo Fukui, Senior Managing Director of Honda Motor Company. On behalf of Honda, I would like to extend my gratitude to our sponsors, media representatives and our team members for taking time out of your busy schedules to come here today. We are truly grateful for your unending support and patronage.

“I would like to begin my speech today by talking about Suzuka Circuit. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Suzuka Circuit, the first authentic racetrack in Japan. Construction of the racetrack was the brainchild of Mr. Soichiro Honda, our company founder, who at the time declared, ‘We need to have a racetrack. Technological improvements in our vehicles won’t be made without racing!’ It was September, 1962 when his dream came true in the form of Suzuka Circuit. At the time, a highway hadn’t even been constructed in Japan. At the end of last year, the number of visitors to Suzuka Circuit approached a cumulative total of 100 million. Honda has taken part in various race events held in Suzuka over the years, as well as Twin Ring Motegi, which will celebrate its 6th anniversary this year. We have continuously sought to provide dreams and thrills through motorsports in response to the enthusiastic support, and at times, critical reviews of our customers.

“What do our customers expect of Honda? I am convinced that it is our unique approach and style — something that only Honda can offer. In other words, what our customers expect is ‘Honda’s do-it-yourself approach to challenges in motorsports.’ It is this challenging spirit which appeals to the emotions of our customers and makes our dreams their dreams as well.

“Self-established dreams and a strong resolve to achieve them have embodied Honda’s corporate culture since its establishment. Building upon our failures and continuing to challenge is part of our DNA. A few examples are the unrelenting pursuit of a solution to meet stringent emission controls which resulted in the development of the CVCC engine, pioneering localized production based upon the concept of manufacturing where our customers are, and the promotion of driving safety not only through sophisticated vehicle technologies but also through traffic safety education programs. Throughout the broad range of our activities, namely, development, engineering, production, sales and marketing, a unique characteristic of our corporate culture lies in the existence of dreams and the establishing of seemingly impossible hurdles which when achieved, provide great benefits to our customers. Our global brand slogan, ‘The Power of Dreams,’ communicates Honda’s determination to ‘share dreams with the people and to make those dreams come true.’

“Our motorsports activities epitomize our corporate philosophy and challenging spirit. Last year, we established the unified banner of ‘Honda Racing’ for both motorcycle and automobile racing. At Honda, we hate to lose more than any other company and through our racing activities this season, will do our utmost to provide our customers with a dream. Together with all of you here today, we would like to share the powerful appeal of motorsports with more and more people.

“At this time, I would like to discuss Honda’s race program for the 2002 season.

“Prior to this, however, I would like to review last year’s achievements. Last season, thanks to your support, we achieved a commemorative 500th win in Motorcycle Grand Prix racing, three Manufacturer’s Championship titles in as many categories, as well as two rider’s crowns in the 250cc and 500cc classes. As you know, due to changes in the regulations, the 500cc class is to be named the MotoGP class where four-stroke and two-stroke racing motorcycles will both now race head-to-head. For the coming season, Honda has introduced a new four-stroke challenger, ‘RC211V’ which features an entirely new and unique V5 power unit. This represents a new technical challenge that we must clear. The NSR500, the well-known two-stroke counterpart, has been further upgraded for the 2002 season. By exploiting the potential inherent in its light weight, the motorcycle now features drastically improved overall performance, including enhanced cornering capability.

“Five two-stroke contenders will be supplied to satellite teams. The battle between the two-stroke and four-stroke machines will, without doubt, entertain and provide greater excitement than ever before.

“Next, I would like to move on to our automobile race program. I will begin with the CART Champ Car Series. In addition to the Manufacturer’s Championship, we clinched the Driver’s title for the sixth consecutive time last year. The American racing challenge began in 1994 and up until the end of the last season Honda has recorded 60 wins. Our program will be come to a close this year, the ninth season. We are fully committed to capturing our fifth consecutive Manufacturer’s Championship and our first win at Twin Ring Motegi.

“Moving on to the Formula One World Championship, Honda supplied two teams, BAR and Jordan, with engines last year. Last year’s progress was not as rapid as we had hoped, in part because we were unable to reach our engine development goals. We have reflected upon last season and have renewed our efforts this season with a new engine featuring increased power output, greater weight reduction, compact size as well as a lower center of gravity. Also, Honda renewed its contract with BAR for another three years, with the aim of enhancing the joint collaboration in chassis development, which is one of the objectives of Honda’s third Grand Prix campaign. In the area of chassis development, organizational support from the R&D center in Japan has been strengthened. The ambitious target for the 2002 season is to secure the front row in qualifying and to achieve our first victory since our return to Formula One activities, at the earliest possible time.

“Domestically, we will participate in various racing events, including the classic Suzuka Eight-hour Endurance Race where the target is to build on our five consecutive successes and the Japanese GT Championship where we are determined to take the honors away from our rivals with the NSX. While challenging a variety of race categories, Honda will also be supporting a host of racing activities to increase the number of racing fans in Japan.

“In the area of developing riders and drivers to compete on the world stage, we have already brought up several world-class riders who do battle in world championships; Tohru Ukawa and Daijiro Kato in road races, Takahisa Fujinami in the trial series and Yoshitaka Atsuta in MotoCross to name a few. In the realm of automobile racing, we also set the high goal of bringing up a Japanese driver to compete in the world’s premier racing series. Towards this end, we established the Suzuka Racing School in 1995. This year, a gradute of this school, Takuma Sato, will be the first Honda powered driver to race in F1 in 11 years. I am delighted that after a one-year apprenticeship as a BAR test driver, he secured a regular seat at Jordan based solely on his driving skill and potential. I heard that Takuma made up his mind to become a Grand Prix driver when he saw the late Ayrton Senna, a former Honda driver, leading a race from pole position to the checkered flag. His racing exploits will no doubt serve as an inspiration to younger generations to pursue racing careers through the Suzuka Racing School and the Formula Dream racing series. Honda is determined to support these future stars by creating the best possible educational programs.

“Another piece of important news from Honda is the commencement of the Verno Exciting Cup Integra One-make Race. Based on the 21-years of experience gained through the Civic One-make race series, a new race series has been established which will satisfy a wider range of amateur racers. Race spec modification parameters have been established based upon the outstanding performance potential of the Integra Type R so as to allow the greatest number of drivers to participate.

“Based on the three pillars of ‘Aiming for the top of the podium,’ ‘Developing world-class young drivers and riders’ and ‘Broadening the scope of grass-root race activities,’ Honda will be engaging in a wide variety of motorsport activities at Suzuka Circuit and Twin Ring Motegi in Japan as well as at venues around the world. The activities embody the Honda spirit and our ambition to be number one.

“In closing, I would like to thank you once again for your continued support, frank feedback and encouragement. Please enjoy yourselves this season!

“Thank you.”



Speech by HRC President Yasuo Ikenoya, announcing the MotoGP riders at the 2002 Motor Sports Activities Press Conference & Reception:

“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

“Let me start by expressing my heartfelt appreciation on behalf of Honda Racing Corporation for the extensive support you gave our motorcycle racing activities in 2001, both in Japan and overseas.

“In a few minutes, I will be announcing the names of the Honda riders who will represent us in MotoGP Class racing this season. First, however, I would like to say a few words about our new MotoGP machines.

“I’ll start with the RC211V, our new four-stroke machine. This is the first motorcycle ever to be equipped with a V-type, 5-cylinder engine.

“Let me briefly talk about the story about how we arrived at the decision to build a V-type, 5-cylinder engine.

“When we embarked upon the challenge of developing a four-stroke GP machine, the first and foremost thing in our minds was that this would be the first time in the world it had been attempted and also the fact that we wanted to build an uncompromising racer. Next, in order to realize our vision, we decided upon three concepts; concentration of mass, minimization of the front silhouette and maximization of traction.

“Following that, we began to consider some of the finer details. Deciding upon the engine layout caused us the most grief. After doing simulations using almost every imaginable layout, 3-cylinder, 4-cylinder and 5-cylinder options still existed.

“We really wracked our brains over what to do. Firstly, the 3-cylinder choice would necessitate oval pistons, this would of course represent a challenge, but we had already attempted this in the past. 4-cylinder was too ordinary and we all agreed that this option would be boring.

“In the end, we decided to go with a V5 design.

“Needless to say, our choice was a result of research indicating that this design had a good chance of winning races, but in the end, the real reason we did it is because no one had ever done it before. The idea was discussed among our staff and it seemed only natural to everyone that we take on this challenge. Once we arrived at our decision, we never had second thoughts.

“When Honda enters any race, we naturally aim to win. But for us, that’s not the be-all and end-all of racing. We deliberately take the roundabout route to victory. On the way, we evolve new technologies, train our people, and learn all sorts of valuable lessons. That’s always been the Honda way.

“In technological terms, the RC211V is a classic illustration of how this process works. Its New Pro-link suspension, under-the-seat fuel tank, and many other innovations were a direct result our focus on maximizing the strengths of the V5 high-level design and packaging flexibility.

“This time last year, I unveiled our new V5 engine project, and showed some photographs of the engine. Back then, we had only just got started on the engine itself, so it had not been installed in a single vehicle. Now, barely a year later, this brand-new racing machine developed from scratch has already set new course records in our winter tests at Phillip Island and Sepang. This is good news, but our competition isn’t just sitting around, so we need to keep pushing forward with its development.

“In this regard, the situation is exactly the same for the NSR500 development team. With the opening round only 2 months away, they will be concentrating very hard on the important tests ahead.

“The NSR500 incorporates further refinements on the final-spec version of our 2001 championship machine. Its lighter body allows it to out-perform the RC211V in terms of low-speed cornering and hard braking. The design has more experience behind it, and it’s more reliable too, so its prospects are excellent.

“At any rate, there is plenty of healthy rivalry between the RC211V and the NSR500 development teams, and between the riders, too. Just four of them will be joining us tonight, but all seven riders-from the rising young guns to the seasoned veterans-are raring to go. I think I can promise you some truly great racing in 2002.”



2002 MotoGP Riders’ Annual Statement



Team HRC:
Valentino Rossi (Attended the launch on 4 Feb)

“This is the first time I come to Tokyo to participate in the official presentation of Honda’s racing program of the next season, and I am extremely happy to be here.

“Year 2001 was fantastic. Together with Honda, we won the Suzuka 8 hours and the championship of 500 GP, and thanks to all our efforts, I could
fulfil my dream to win the championship in all three classes of the motorcycle GP, 125, 250 and 500. For these great results to be achieved, I wish to thank Honda, HRC, and of course my team and mechanics who have supported me all the time and in the most difficult moments.

“This year, we have a new challenge. Honda will participate in WGP with the new 4-stroke bike, RC211V, and I will ride the bike. I like this bike very much, being very fast but easy to ride, and also very beautiful in it’s design. Our team has already had test sessions in Spain, Australia, and Malaysia. We’ve understood that we are on the right way, and although we still have a lot of work to do, I am sure we will be able to race for the first place from the opening round.

“One more thing I want to say is, even today, while we are here together, mechanics of HRC are working at their best to develop my bike, and I believe that the work they are doing now is extremely important to reach our final goal. I want to say thank you once again to them for this wonderful teamwork.

“From my side, I will just make my best efforts to show the greatest performance and to achieve the result that Honda is expecting from me.From now, right after this visit in Japan, we will have another test session in Malaysia, and afterwards we will participate in IRTA tests in Europe before starting the Championship.

“I thank you all and I will see you in Suzuka on 7th April for the first GP of this year.”


Tohru Ukawa (Attended the launch on 4 Feb)

“I fell many times last year and ended the season again with a result that, allow me to use a common phrase, I am not proud of. This year, I will renew my challenges by participating in MotoGP class under the new regulations riding the four-stroke RC211V.

“We have already completed many tests and I am certain that the machine excels over last year’s in everything including handling and engine power. RC-V is a very smooth easy-to-ride machine, and I’ve been enjoying testing it so much that I can hardly wait for the next season to open.

“I take that the fact that I am where I am in spite of last year’s results is because everyone believes in my potential. I will be making every effort this year in the hope that I can meet those expectations.”


Team Fortuna Honda Gresini:
Daijiro Katoh (Attended the launch on 4 Feb.)

“I am still very happy about having won the championship last year. I owe it to all the people who supported me including the sponsors and mechanics at Team Gresini, and HRC development staff. However, I have had no time at all to take in the victory because as soon as last year’s final round was over, we began testing NSR500, and right now I am trying to spend as much time on it as possible before the next season opens.

“I would like to face my new challenge by making the most of my two-year experience in 250cc class.

“Although this is only my first year in the new MotoGP class, I have no intention of making it a practice year. I intend to give all I have in taking on my new challenges.

“My goal is just to win one Grand Prix first. After that I will think about the next step.”



West Honda Pons:
Loris Capirossi (Did not attend the launch event)

“Although there has never been an easy season for the 500cc class, which will become the new MotoGP-class this year, I believe this year’s season will be even tougher because, as you know, the new Honda four-stroke runs tremendously fast.

“However, NSR500 that I am riding this year has been significantly improved and has great potential. I think it could even push RC211V in the corners. I also believe that the reliability of the fully matured machine might well prove to be its greatest asset.

“At any rate, once the season opens, all I can do is race with the best of my abilities.”


Alex Barros (Did not attend the launch event)

“Beginning this year, the race situation will be completely different with four-stroke RC211V and two-stroke NSR500 running in the same races, and to be honest, I don’t know what the season will be like.

“However, one thing that is certain is the fact that RC211V has clocked pretty good lap times during the tests and so undoubtedly it will prove to be a powerful rival for me.

“At any rate, I can hardly wait for the opening round as, then, we will be able to see more clearly how this year’s battle between two-strokes and four-strokes is going to be. I already feel excited just thinking about it.”


Pramac Racing:
Tetsuya Harada (Attended the Launch on 4 Feb)

“Transferring to Honda is the big change for me this year.

“To be honest, I am very excited about riding a Honda machine and I am holding high hopes for myself as well.

“Although I was not able to win the championship last year, I am quite satisfied because I enjoyed racing with Daijiro Katoh and I think we put up a pretty good fight.

“I am sure everyone, as well as myself, is very much looking forward to seeing this year’s MotoGP class races, in which Daijiro Katoh and I will both participate on Honda NSR500s.

“I am very anxious for the next season to open, but for the time being, I would like to take one step at a time and steadily gain results.”


Kanemoto Racing:
Jurgen V.d. Goorbergh (Did not attend the launch event)

“When I was a young boy I went with my father and brother to some Grand Prix races in Europe, and the 1985 Dutch GP was especially exciting! We had some paddock passes for that Grand Prix, and this allowed me to see my two favorites–not two riders but only one, Freddie Spencer. My other favorite was his team manager, Erv Kanemoto, who became a team owner a few years later.

“It was in 1985 that Freddie and Erv worked together to win the 250 and 500 titles for Honda in the same year, which in my eyes was an unbelievable achievement.

“Since then I have had a goal and a dream. My goal was to become a factory Honda NSR500 pilot and work with whom I think is the most successful team owner in history, Erv Kanemoto. These goals have now been achieved in 2002. My dream is still waiting, and that is to become a Grand Prix winner and also become a World Champion in the new MotoGP classification.”




MotoGP World Championship 2002

Team HRC

Team manager. Noriaki Nakata.

Valentino Rossi – Italy

In 1997 Valentino Rossi won the 125cc World Championship, at the tender age of seventeen. He went on to win the 250cc world title in 1999, and won the 500cc crown last season to complete an all-class hat-trick of world championship titles.

This season, Valentino will race the brand new Honda RC211V four-stroke in a bid to win back-to-back world honours.

Machine: RC211V

Date of birth: February 16, 1979.
Place of Birth: Urbino, Italy
Height: 182cm
Weight: 59kg
Blood Type: O
Hobbies: Football, radio control models
Race debut: 1992

Major Achievements:

1994: 125cc Italian Sports Production Champion
1995: 125cc Italian Champion 125cc, 3rd 125cc European Championship
1996: 9th 125cc World Championship
1997: 125cc World Champion
1998: 2nd 250cc World Championship
1999: 250cc World Championship
2000: 2nd 500cc World Championship
2001: 500cc World Champion, Winner Suzuka Eight Hours

Team HRC

Tohru Ukawa – Japan

Tohru Ukawa contested the 500cc Word Championship for the first time in 2001, often racing in the lead group. His 500 debut season, aboard the NSR500 two-stroke, saw Ukawa take six top five finishes, including a podium place. He also set pole position time for the final GP of the season, in Brazil. An encouraging year for the ‘Rookie.’

This season Ukawa will race the Honda RC211V four-stroke alongside team-mate Valentino Rossi. Quiet and unassuming by nature Ukawa has both the aggression and tactical awareness on-track that is necessary to succeed.

Machine: RC211V

Date of birth: May 18, 1973
Place of birth: Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Height: 169cm
Weight: 59kg
Blood type: O
Hobbies: Movies, car driving
Race debut: 1989

Major Achievements:
1993: 250cc All Japan Champion
1994: 250cc All Japan Champion
1995: 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship
1996: 5th 250cc World Championship
1997: 5th 250cc World Championship, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours
1998: 4th 250cc World Championship, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours
1999: 2nd 250cc World Championship
2000: 4th 250cc World Championship, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours
2001: 10th 500cc World Championship, 4th Suzuka 8 Hours



Team Fortuna Honda Gresini

Team manager Fausto Gresini

Daijiro Katoh – Japan

Daijiro Katoh has spent the last two years racing in the 250cc World Championship. Joining the series in 2000 he raced to a third place championship finish before returning in 2001 to win the world title. Katoh scored a record breaking 11 victories from 16 races on his way to the world crown.

In 2002 Katoh will fulfil his long held dream of racing an NSR500 V-4, two-stroke grand prix machine. Katoh and the NSR will contest the newly launched MotoGP series, which opens at Suzuka, Japan, in April.

Machine: NSR500
_
Date of birth: July 4, 1976.
Place of birth: Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
Height: 162cm.
Weight: 51kg.
Blood type: A
Hobbies: Video games, sleeping.
Race debut: 1992.

Major achievements:
1994: 7th 250cc All Japan Championship
1995: 5th 250cc All Japan Championship
1996: 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship, 3rd 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)
1997: 250cc All Japan Champion, 1st 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)
1998: 8th 250cc All Japan Championship, 1st 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)
1999: 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship
2000: 3rd 250cc World Championship, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours
2001: 250cc World Champion, 4th Suzuka 8 Hours




West Honda Pons

Team manager – Sito Pons

Loris Capirossi – Italy

Loris Capirossi won his first world title at seventeen-years of age, the 1990 125cc World Championship. He retained the title in ’91. Now twenty-eight Capirossi has three world titles to his credit, having won the 250cc world title in 1998. The Italian rider has contested the 500cc class for the past two seasons and will continue with the NSR500 two-stroke in the inaugural MotoGP season.

Capirossi’s kind and pleasant off-track manner belies his aggressive, all-action riding style which has endeared him to his legion of race fans the world over.

Machine: NSR500

Date of birth: April 4, 1973
Place of birth: Bologna, Italy
Height: 164cm
Weight: 59kg
Blood type: 0
Hobbies: Motor sport, classical music
Race debut: 1987

Major achievements:
1990: 125cc World Champion
1991: 125cc World Champion
1992: 12th 250cc World Championship
1993: 2nd 250cc World Championship
1994: 3rd 250cc World Championship
1995: 6th 500cc World Championship
1996: 10th 500cc World Championship
1997: 6th 250cc World Championship
1998: 250cc World Champion
1999: 3rd 250cc World Championship
2000: 7th 500cc World Championship
2001: 3rd 500cc World Championship



West Honda Pons

Alex Barros – Brazil

Though still only thirty-one years old, Alex Barros is a fifteen year veteran of World Championship racing. He began in the 80cc class of 1986, and via the 250cc category, worked his way up to the 500cc class in 1990.

Barros has scored his best results over the last few years. Consistently fast Barros has finished fourth in the 500cc class in each of the last two seasons, racing an NSR500. He goes into the 2002 season confident of maintaining his challenge for the title.


Machine NSR500

Date of birth: October 18, 1970.
Place of birth: Sao Paolo, Brazil
Height: 174cm
Weight: 68kg
Blood type: 0
Hobbies: Car racing
Race debut: 1978

Major achievements:
1986: World Championship debut – 80cc
1990: 12th 500cc World Championship
1991: 13th 500cc World Championship
1992: 12th 500cc World Championship
1993: 6th 500cc World Championship
1994: 8th 500cc World Championship
1995: 7th 500cc World Championship
1996: 4th 500cc World Championship
1997: 9th 500cc World Championship
1998: 5th 500cc World Championship
1999: 9th 500cc World Championship
2001: 4th 500cc World Championship




Pramac Racing
Team manager Jeff Hardwick.

Tetsuya Harada – Japan

Tetsuya Harada has been one of the leading lights of World Championship racing, ever since he won the 250cc world title in 1993.

This year Harada has raised world wide interest with the news he is to ride a Honda machine, for the first time in his career.

Consistently fast, Harada is renowned for his neat riding style and tactical ability. He can never be discounted, whatever the opposition, or race conditions.

Machine: NSR500

Date of birth: June 14, 1970.
Place of birth: Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Height: 163cm
Weight: 52kg
Blood type: B
Hobbies: Video games
Race debut: 1987


Major achievements
1992: 250cc Japanese Champion
1993: 250cc World Champion
1994: 7th 250cc World Championship
1995: 2nd 250cc World Championship
1996: 8th 250cc World Championship
1997: 3rd 250cc World Championship
1998: 3rd 250cc World Championship
1999: 10th 500cc World Championship
2000: 16th 500cc World Championship
2001: 2nd 250cc World Championship



Team Kanemoto Honda

Team manager – Erv Kanemoto

Jurgen van den Goorbergh – Netherlands

Dutchman Jurgen van den Goorbergh has been racing in the world championship for eleven years, six seasons in the 250cc class, five in 500. Van den Goorbergh has contested almost 150 grands prix during the eleven years.

This will be his first season racing a factory supplied V-four machine. He has the speed required to race the NSR500 having achieved a string of top ten finishes, and two 500c pole positions, while racing private machinery.


Machine: NSR500

Date of birth: December 29, 1969.
Place of birth: Breda, Netherlands.
Height: 178cm
Weight: 65kg
Blood type: O
Hobbies: Motor sport
Race debut: 1988

Major achievements:
1995: 12th 250cc World Championship
1996: 11th 250cc World Championship
1997: 19th 500cc World Championship
1998: 15th 500cc World Championship
1999: 16th 500cc World Championship
2000: 13th 500cc World Championship
2001: 13th 500cc World Championship




Technical specifications

RC211V
Overall length, 2050mm
Overall width, 600mm
Overall height, 1130mm
Wheelbase, 1440mm
Road clearance, 130mm

Weight (kg), over 145

Engine type: Liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC 4 valve V-5

Displacement, 990cc

Maximum power (PS), over 200

Tyres (inch)
Front, 17
Rear, 16.5

Suspension
Front, telescopic fork
Rear, new Pro-link

Fuel tank capacity (litres), 24



NSR500
Overall length, 2010mm
Overall width, 600mm
Overall height, 1180mm
Wheelbase, 1400mm
Road clearance, 120mm

Weight (kg), over 131

Engine type: Liquid-cooled two-stroke crankcase reed valve V-4

Displacement, 499cc

Maximum power (PS), over 180

Tyres, (inch)
Front, 17
Rear 16.5/17

Suspension
Front, Telescopic fork
Rear, Pro-link

Fuel tank capacity (litres), 32

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA has extended its Letter of Intent with JamSports and is moving ahead to finalize the deal and sign contracts establishing a new Supercross Series to compete with Clear Channel Entertainment’s existing AMA-sanctioned Supercross Series.

In extending the Letter of Intent, the AMA has rebuffed what may be its last chance to reconcile and put a new deal together with Clear Channel, and has locked Supercross into an IRL/CART type split.

And because all 15 Clear Channel Supercross races held in the U.S. in 2003 will be part of the FIM Supercross World Championship Series, and because FIM regulations prevent National Federations such as AMA from sanctioning competing Nationals on the same weekend as a World Championship event, the AMA is seriously considering withdrawing from the FIM.

The AMA is trying to finalize the JamSports deal before new AMA Directors (Trustees) take office on February 16.

The rush by AMA brass is based on AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s explanation of the events and perceived slights leading up to the AMA/CCE split, although Hollingsworth’s version of those events is radically different than the story told and documented by CCE and independent sources familiar with the situation.

Prior to AMA becoming the FIM affiliate, California-based AFM was the FIM affiliate in the U.S.; if AMA drops FIM affiliation, it’s not known who will take over the affiliation, although Clear Channel’s Formula USA program would have to be considered a strong contender.

Throughout ongoing negotiations with JamSports, Hollingsworth and his staffers have portrayed a “done deal” in media interviews, although a contract has not actually been signed. The official AMA magazine and website have also portrayed the deal as being concluded and finalized, misleading AMA members.

The Letter of Intent signed by the AMA and JamSports banned AMA from negotiating with any other promoters while terms of a contract were finalized. The Letter of Intent expired last week and has been extended, without final agreement reached on contract terms.

From a press release:

Torrance (CA) The Honda Hoot returns to Knoxville, Tennessee, June 19-June 22, 2002. An overwhelming success in 2001, the Hoot saw over 18,000 motorcyclists travel to the mountains of eastern Tennessee to enjoy spectacular riding, great food, a variety of events and activities along with lots of Southern hospitality.

Speedvision’s Dave Despain, well known television commentator and motorcycle enthusiast, has been named Grand Marshal for Hoot IX, which has become one of the premier motorcycle rallies in the United States.

A very special event for this year’s Honda Hoot will be “An Evening with Lyle Lovett, in Private Concert” The four-time Grammy award winner and avid motorcycle enthusiast will perform solely for Hoot attendees, in the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.

Primary based at Chilhowee Park, joining Honda this year with manufacturer’s demo rides will be Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Victory and Yamaha. Returning for the 2002 event will be Youth Familiarization Rides presented by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation on units provided by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Registration for the Hoot may be made by calling 1-800-347-1289 for a brochure with registration form or by registering online at www.hondahoot.com.

From a press release:

Asheville, NC – Once again the motorcycling community of America has shown its support of thousands of children who are battling brain tumors by raising a record number of donations. Through the 20 Ride for Kids® events in 2001, over 2.8 million dollars were raised to support the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS).

These funds have helped the PBTFUS become the world’s largest non-governmental source of childhood brain tumor research and family support. To emphasize the importance of this accomplishment, the respected international medical organization, the Society of Neuro Oncology, has for the second time in three years awarded their highest honor, the “Distinguished Benefactor Award” to the PBTFUS for 2001.

“The unprecedented receipt of this award for a second time acknowledges the importance of the work of the motorcyclists who, for the past 18 years, have worked diligently to help find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors through their participation in the Ride for Kids program,” said PBTFUS President Mike Traynor.

Thanks to the motorcyclists who support the Ride for Kids, the PBTFUS is funding 35 active research and family support grants totaling over $3 million.

“Our goal when we started the Ride for Kids program 18 years ago was to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors,” said Traynor. “Today we stand on the threshold of seeing our mission achieved while we have demonstrated to the public that the motorcycling community is a caring and responsible group of people.”

While significant research is underway and progress has been made, the ongoing support from riders remains critically important to arrest this devastating childhood disease. Riders of all brands are encouraged to join this important effort in 2002 at one of the 22 national Ride for Kids events.

More information on the Ride for Kids program and the PBTFUS can be found at www.ride4kids.org and www.pbtfus.org or call 1-800-253-6530.

From a press release:

Team Obsolete is pleased to announce its 2002 Daytona Vintage lineup, by special arrangement with Daytona International Speedway. Isle of Man TT winner Dave Roper and “Superfrog” Yvon Duhamel return, aiming for victories in the 500 Premier and Formula 750 classes respectively.

David Roper will be riding an ex-Al Gunther tuned, Dick Mann framed Matchless G-50. Secrecy surrounding the specifications of this ultra rare, non replica motor in the Team Obsolete labs is at an all time high.

Yvon Duhamel, patriarch of the racing Duhamel family will ride the ex-Dick Mann BSA A75R that won the 1971 Daytona 200. During the decade that Yvon has been racing this legendary machine at Daytona, he has had one win and several second places.

Roper and Duhamel will be joined by Jerry Liggett and Dr. Lon McCroskey on “Beezumph 750 Triples”, plus multi-time Daytona winner Erik Green, and Tupper Robinson, both on AJS 7R “Boy Racers.”

The legendary AJS PORCUPINE will be on display at the Team Obsolete pits.

Team Obsolete is sponsored by Vanson Leathers, National Motorcycle Museum (UK), Avon Tyres, Works Performance Suspension, Bell Helmets, Air Tech, R/D Springs, and Agusta Aerospace.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA has cancelled a contract with OMS Ltd. and faces binding arbitration that could result in the organization having to pay OMS millions of dollars in members’ money, for nothing.

According to OMS principal Fred Bramblett, the contract, (under which OMS represented AMA Sports, the Association’s amateur racing division, in sponsorship procurement and negotiations), was unilaterally cancelled by the AMA after OMS signed an unrelated contract to be the public relations agency of record for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.

AMA officials told him that if OMS did business with Clear Channel, it could not do business with AMA despite the valid contract, Bramblett said.

The irony is that the AMA itself is doing business with Clear Channel through the 2002 Supercross Series, and that AMA Director (Trustee) Davey Coombs owns a company that just signed a multi-year contract to produce Supercross programs for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.

Speaking at the sold-out Clear Channel Supercross held Saturday night in Anaheim, California, Bramblett also revealed that late last year he made an offer to AMA to buy Paradama (aka AMA Pro Racing) which was immediately rejected by the AMA Board. Bramblett said he offered to place $5 million in an escrow account to show that he was serious, and that the exact selling price would have been negotiated after examination of Paradama’s current contractual negotiations. Bramblett said that, if the purchase had gone through, he would have continued to run under AMA sanction and would have created long-term (20-year) series and event franchises to give promoters the ability to build their events and series.

Track owner Bill Huth said that the September 13-15 Toyota 200 race at Willow Springs International Raceway will feature four rounds of qualifying, each round locking in one of four front-row starting positions.

The final round of qualifying will be held on Friday, September 13.

Huth said that the three previous qualifying rounds will be held one month apart.

The fastest rider in each round of qualifying will be locked into a front-row starting position; qualifying positions behind the front row will be determined by lap time only, regardless of in which round the qualifying time is set.

The race will pay $50,000 to win with $30,000 for second place. The field will include the 40 fastest qualifiers, and the last-place finisher will be paid $1000.

From an AMA press release:

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced its ten-tour 2002-2003 AMA Tours schedule, spotlighting two brand-new excursions: the “Raising Route 66” Tour and the Ireland Tour.

The “Raising Route 66” Tour, scheduled for May 18 – 31, retraces “The Mother Road” from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. While scouting this trip, AMA Tours located and meticulously mapped out over 80% of the original — and often hard-to-find — roadway. The tour focuses not only on Route 66 itself, but also on the roadside attractions that still survive from the road’s glory days.

“Some of the first long-distance motorcycle trips on pavement followed Route 66,” said Frank Covucci, Director of AMA Travel & Tours. “Our new Route 66 excursion helps celebrate long-distance motorcycle travel on the actual
road that started it all.”

The Ireland Tour is scheduled for May 17 – 30. Although the AMA has hosted tours through the British Isles for many years, this new-for-2002 excursion is the first to highlight Ireland. Starting in London, the Ireland Tour takes in the annual British Motorcycle Federation Show in England, before traveling through Wales and crossing over to Ireland. Several days in Ireland will include prime motorcycling destinations and Irish history.

“We created the Ireland Tour in response to requests from many of our previous tour guests,” said Covucci. “After sampling most of our other excursions, they convinced us that this should be the next place to visit with AMA tours.”

In addition to the “Raising Route 66” Tour and the Ireland Tour, the 2002-2003 AMA Tours schedule includes:

Sonomafest Redwood Coast (Northern California), April 26 – May 5;
Canadian Atlantic Maritimes (Nova Scotia and Newfoundland), June 15 – 29;
AMAzing Alps (Italy, Switzerland and France), June 29 – July 11;
England & Isle of Man (Manx Grand Prix), August 23 – September 5;
Conquer the Canyons (U.S. Southwest), September 7 – 17;
Chasing the Colors (Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains), Oct. 5-14;
South African Safari, October 31 – November 16; and
New Zealand, January 20 – February 7, 2003.

AMA Tours are open to both AMA members and non-members. Proceeds from the tours support the AMA’s efforts to protect American motorcyclists’ rights.

The American Motorcyclist Association, founded in 1924, is a 270,000-member non-profit organization. The Association’s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its
members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

The AMA Board of Trustees is now being called the AMA Board of Directors. Why?

According to the AMA, the change from “Trustees” to “Directors” was made to bring The Association’s Code of Regulations into compliance with changes in Ohio law governing non-profits.

AMA headquarters are located in Pickerington, Ohio.