Just as Ducati Corse’s Paolo Ciabatti told Roadracingworld.com readers on January 15, Ducati will officially announce its MotoGP plans on Monday, February 4.
Other than tidbits revealed by Ciabatti, Ducati officials haven’t divulged any information about their MotoGP program since they announced their intention to join the series.
From a press release:
International Teams Line Up for World Endurance Prize
The Prestigious “200 Miles” come back
Twenty-six teams from ten countries have applied for “permanent” status in the 2002 FIM World Endurance Championship. Races will be held in six countries around the world, reinforcing the successful efforts of the FIM and series promoter Octagon Motorsports in developing the series.
The official Permanent Teams list, delivered by the FIM Selection Committee, is including teams representing France, Germany, China, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
All four of the Japanese manufacturers are represented, and this year no less than two Ducatis will be competing in the full series. As World Endurance becomes more competitive the teams are becoming more professional, with several of the front runners entering two-bike squads. The “permanent teams” list includes riders representing 14 different nations.
Endurance World Championship includes this year too the Suzuka 8 Hours, regarded by many as world’s most important motorcycle race but year 2002 also sees a wider range of races than before. The traditional 24-hour race format supplemented by 8 and 6 hour sprints and the resurrection of shorter races such as the classic 200 Miles. This mix of gruelling long-distance tests, shorter tactical challenges and intense sprints will test the depth of skill of all teams; reliability alone will not be enough to win the championship. The varied format will also gain greater TV coverage and spectator interest.
Races will take place in San Marino, the UK, the Czech Republic, Japan, Germany and Italy, with the calendar stretching from April to October. Teams will compete for a single FIM ratified World Championship, with bikes modified to World Superbike, SuperProduction and Stocksport regulations going head to head in the same race. The permanent teams will be joined by a full grid of local “wildcard” entries at each round, with supporting races adding to the unique Endurance Festival atmosphere.
World Endurance Championship 2002 Provisional Entry List:
(Bike Number, Team Name, Nationality, Riders, Riders’ Nationality, Bike Manufacturer and Model)
1. WIM Motors Racing Division, Belgium, Laurent Naveau, Belgium, Albert Aerts, Belgium, Heinz Platacis, Germany, Honda RC51-SP2.
2. Zongshen 2, China, Stephane Mertens, Belgium, Warwick Nowland, Australia, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R1000
3. QB Phase One, Great Britain, Jason Pridmore, USA, Mike Edwards, Great Britain, Olivier Ulmann, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
4. Team Schafer Endurance, Germany, Hans Herber, Germany, Martin Blug, Germany, Gerhard Lindner, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
5. Herman Verboven Racing 5, Belgium, Michael Barnes, USA, John Jacobi, USA, Andy Deatherage, USA, Suzuki GSX-R750.
6. Herman Verboven Racing 6, Belgium, Jeff Vermeulen, Belgium, Wim Van Achter, Belgium, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R750.
7. Ducateam, France, J. Claude Hambuckers, Belgium, Emmanuel Ripault, France, J. Michael Salvaia, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
8. Bolliger Team, Switzerland, Marcel Kellenberger, Switzerland, Roman Stamm, Switzerland, Thomas Hinterreiter, Austria, Kawasaki ZX-9R.
9. Zongshen 9, China, Igor Jerman, Slovakia, Bruno Bonhuil, France, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
10. QB Phase One Junior, Great Britain, James Hutchins, Great Britain, David Morillon, France, Frederic Moreira, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
11. Rookie Endurance Racing Team, Germany, Thomas Roth, Germany, Jochen Schermuly, Germany, Christian Plantius, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
12. Team Fagersjo-el.se, Sweden, Niklas Carlberg, Sweden, Paul Notman, Great Britain, Andy Notman, Great Britain, Yamaha YZF-R1.
14. Jet Endurance Team, Switzerland, Claude-Alain Jaggi, Switzerland, Dave Rollier, Switzerland, Regis Bosonnet, Switzerland, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
15. Nolden Racing Team, Germany, Erich Nolden, Germany, Michael Weynand, Belgium, Norbert Jansen, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
16. Pineapple-Ducati.com, Germany, Harry Gres, Germany, Stephan Steinbach, Germany, Markus Stroeher, Germany, Ducati 998R.
18. Yamaha Austria Racing Team, Austria, Horst Saiger, Austria, Erwin Wilding, Austria, Manfred Kainz, Austria, Yamaha YZF-R1.
21. Piazza Corse, Italy, Dario Marchetti, Italy, Marc Garcia, France, TBA, Ducati 998R.
22. Team 22 Police Nationale, France, Thierry Paillot, France, Gwen Giabbani, France, Christophe Roche, France, Kawasaki ZX-9R.
34. Bergmann & Sohne Racing, Germany, Klaus Schulz, Germany, Rudiger Seefeldt, Germany, Harald Kitsch, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
38. Endurance Moto 38, France, Bernard Cuzin, France, Christian Hacquin, France, Philippe Dobe, France, Yamaha YZF-R1.
44. Team Top Moto, France, Franck Lethin, France, David Dumain, France, Jacques Le Noxaic, France, Yamaha YZF-R1.
54. Trackdaze 54, Great Britain, John Croxford, Great Britain, James Agombar, Great Britain, Tony McNally, Great Britain, Yamaha YZF-R1.
55. Trackdaze 55, Great Britain, Chris Burns, Great Britain, Jeff Collins, Great Britain, Ralph Stocker, Great Britain, Yamaha YZF-R1.
77. Replay Racing Team, Czech Republic, Michal Bursa, Czech Republic, Sandor Bitter, Hungary, Karl Truchsess, Austria, Kawasaki ZX-7RR.
91. Dap Unisson Motomax, France, Stephane Gallia, France, Pierrot Lerat Vanstaen, France, J. Francois Cortinovis, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
94. GMT 94, France, Christophe Guyot, France, Sebastien Scarnato, France, Arnaud Vandenbossche, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
From a press release:
Suzuki Moves Forward with Plans for Business Alliance with Kawasaki
— Alliance Seen as Expanding 2003 Model Line-u and Helping Satisfy Demand for Suzuki-Produced Product —
BREA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2002) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), which markets motorcycles and ATVs in the U.S. with a network of more than 1,000 dealerships, said today Suzuki is moving forward with its announced strategic alliance between Suzuki Motor Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., both based in Japan – an alliance that will result in an expanded product line for Suzuki dealers as early as this year.
The alliance, as jointly announced by both companies in Japan in August 2001, is based on automotive partnership models designed to increase competitiveness in an increasingly complex environment, and will include shared product development, standardization of parts, joint purchasing and manufacturing. Progress on these projects will be disclosed to Suzuki dealers in the near future as details become available, according to Mel Harris, vice president of ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division.
“In the short-term, the alliance will further broaden our award-winning line-up and enable us to offer our motorcycle and ATV dealers in the U.S. the most competitive product line in the industry,” Harris explained. “This initial sharing of models will help us further expand the increasing popularity of the youth, offroad and competition segments, while maintaining the dominance of our brand in super sports and street categories.”
Harris says the long-term implications of the alliance are even more crucial, with the ultimate goal being co-development of future products and a net shift in global market share to Suzuki.
“Ultimately, the alliance helps us satisfy the increasing global demand for Suzuki brand product – a demand that resulted in the doubling of our retail business in North America during the past four years,” Harris said. “The popularity and sales momentum we’ve seen with our motorcycles – primarily the Hayabusa, GSX-R, Intruder, Bandit and SV models — has been carried over to our expanded ATV line, which now includes the Eiger, Vinson, Ozark, LT-A50 and new sport LT-Z400. Suzuki pioneered four-wheelers, and the continued development of our ATV line makes our First on Four Wheels slogan now more relevant than ever.
“The maintenance and expanded recognition of the Suzuki brand in the U.S. – a brand backed by product with inherent Suzuki quality — will remain our number one priority,” said Harris. “This strategic alliance helps us achieve brand and market share growth while giving us even more of an edge in the U.S. and global marketplaces.”
U.S. Marshalls Southeast Bureau Chief Marshall Egor Emery is looking to fill his safety staff for the up-coming 12-days of action at Daytona International Speedway, February 27 through March 10, 2002. The on-track activities start with the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School on Wednesday, February 27, runs through the CCS/Formula USA race weekend February 28-March 3, includes the AHRMA Vintage event March 4-5 and concludes with the season-opening round of the AMA National series March 6-10.
Emery says that about 160 workers in total are needed to cover the 12 days with a peak of 60 safety officials needed on March 10, the day of the Daytona 200.
There are various benefits that come with cornerworking at Daytona during Bike Week, including free meals, lodging deals and the opportunity to take some time off during the 12 days to enjoy the beach or other activities.
Emery says that he usually has spots for the AMA weekend filled by February 15 each year, but he would always find a place for highly-qualified late comers.
For more information on working corners at Daytona or at any other racetrack in the country, contact Emery via e-mail at [email protected].
From a press release:
Chris Carr QCCPO Ford Racing Signs David Liles Ethanol Fuels Company As Associate Sponsor For 2002
Revolutionary fuel additive co. signs with defending AMA Flat Track Series champ
FLEETWOOD, Pa., (February 1, 2002) – The Chris Carr Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing Team today announced it has signed David Liles Ethanol Fuels as an associate sponsor.
Carr, the defending AMA/Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Series champion, said that he’s looking forward to a “productive” relationship between his race team and the Florida-based fuel additive company.
“The purpose of this sponsorship is to promote this revolutionary product to the hands-on, mechanically inclined people that follow the great sport of flat track,” said Carr. “Anything that burns gasoline will be enhanced by David Liles Ethanol Fuels. So we’re really excited to have David Liles Ethanol Fuels as part of the Chris Carr Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing Team.”
Chris Carr QCCPOP Ford Racing Team will be the first motorsports sponsorship venture for David Liles Ethanol Fuels. Based out of Oviedo, Fla., David Liles Ethanol Fuels has been in the works for the past eight years and poised to hit the retail market. It’s a privately owned company, specializing in a revolutionary fuel additive that’s applicable to the motorcycle & marine powersports industries, as well as the automotive and trucking industries. David Liles Ethanol Fuels has also caught the attention of some big time industry players, including the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute – which has accepted David Liles Ethanol Fuels as a sponsor – the first fuel additive sponsor that the MMI has OK’d in some 28 years of business.
“We spent six months, eight hours a day proving our product to the MMI,” said David Liles. “And when it was all said and done, the MMI couldn’t believe the effect our product had on the performance levels of their engines. So, within the next ten months, thousands of mechanics in the motorcycle, auto, marine and trucking industries are going to be educated on using our fuel additive.”
Added Carr: “David Liles Ethanol Fuels is a very exciting product for the motorcycle industry, as well as automotive, marine and trucking, and will help any of the gear heads out there to get better performance out of their engines.”
Note: Chris Carr is set to begin his AMA flat track title defense on March 9th at the Daytona Short Track season opener.
From a Ducati press release:
DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
SBK Winter Testing – Phillip Island (Australia)
Friday 1 February
BAYLISS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) QUICKEST IN PHILLIP ISLAND TESTING
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) got his 2002 Superbike campaign off to the best possible start with quickest time in pre-season testing at Phillip Island, Australia, which will host round 2 of the championship on March 24. His Ducati Infostrada teammate Ruben Xaus was right on the pace in second place, while Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) made a further improvement on the final day to slot into fourth, just behind Edwards (Honda).
Windy conditions on Thursday and warm temperatures today (air 30° C/ track 50° C) left Troy as the only rider to set a sub-1:33 time in the official three-day tests, which saw the participation of 11 riders from the factory Ducati, Honda, Aprilia and Kawasaki teams as well as the ‘satellite’ Ducati GSE and Ducati DFX squads.
Bayliss, on Michelin tyres, fired off a warning to his championship rivals with a time of 1:32.944, set on the afternoon of day 1, which remained unbeaten Thursday and Friday. “I am really pleased to have set the quickest time at my home track”, declared Troy. “I‘ve never won a world superbike race here but after these three days of tests, in which we found the right set-up and the right tyre, I’m sure I can get a win now in March”.
Xaus, also on Michelins, completed the Ducati Infostrada 1-2 with a time of 1:33.136, set on Friday morning, and the 23-year-old Spanish rider was also delighted to have started off his 2002 season in the best possible way. “The tests here at Phillip Island went really well and I feel very confident for the start of the season”, said Ruben. “Today was good, I did a long run in the morning and set my quickest time of the three days in race trim, which is the important thing, and I can’t wait to start the season”.
Bostrom was the quickest Dunlop runner in the tests with a time of 1:33.377, also set on Friday morning, and the 27-year-old Californian was pleased that he finally managed to get a set-up that was more to his liking on the seaside circuit. “This is not one of my favourite tracks so finishing the tests in fourth place is pretty good. We ironed out most of the grip problems and get a good set-up for the race so today I managed to lap pretty consistently on race rubber”.
The final pre-season test session will be held in Valencia, Spain from February 23-25, while the 2002 championship will get underway at the Spanish track on March 10.
FINAL TIMES:
1. BAYLISS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:32.944 (207 laps)
2. XAUS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:33.136 (172)
3. Edwards (Honda) 1:33.143 (204)
4. BOSTROM (DUCATI L&M) 1:33.377 (205)
5. Hodgson (Ducati GSE) 1:33.443 (280)
6. Haga (Aprilia) 1:33.456 (208)
7. Izutsu (Kawasaki) 1:33.650 (184)
8. Martin (Ducati DFX) 1:33.818 (168)
9. Toseland (Ducati GSE) 1:34.201 (257)
10. Antonello (Ducati DFX) 1:35.179 (145)
11. Walker (Kawasaki) 1:35.694 (250)
From a press release issued by SBK, organizers of the Superbike World Championship:
World Superbike Championship
Winter Tests
Phillip Island 1 February 2002.
The final day of Phillip Island testing saw Troy Bayliss at the head of the final timesheets, thanks to his 1:32.944 from the first afternoon session.
Second fastest, less than two tenths of a second behind, was the second Ducati Infostrada rider Ruben Xaus, who had completed so much testing in the previous sessions that he elected to miss the final afternoon of track action.
Also finishing one session early was 2000 season World Champion Colin Edwards, less than two tenths of a second slower than Bayliss, after setting over 200 laps on his Honda. L&M Ducati rider Ben Bostrom ran the top three riders close with his best lap of 1:33.377, set on the morning session of the last day.
Neil Hodgson proved to be the fastest privateer, running his HM Plant Ducati into fifth place on the timesheets, before concentrating his efforts on selecting race tyres during the final sessions. He recorded a massive total of 280 laps over the three days.
Noriyuki Haga ended his first proper fair-weather Aprilia test sixth fastest, one place ahead of his compatriot – and the top Kawasaki finisher – Hitoyasu Izutsu.
Steve Martin suffered a fast highside crash on the exit of turn two during the morning session, and had to sit out the final section of the test. He slipped to eighth quickest overall, but his earlier time was fast enough to head off James Toseland, from the HM Plant squad.
Alessandro Antonello, a faller like his teammate Martin, suffered a high-speed crash at the Hayshed corner, destroying his DFX Ducati Pirelli machine. He was also forced to miss the final session.
Chris Walker, on the second factory Kawasaki, rounded out the Superbike classification.
In the Supersport Championship category Ten Kate Honda rider Pere Riba was entirely dominant, with the Spaniard setting best time in class of 1:35.778. He was over half a second faster than his teammate Fabien Foret in second place, and Riba’s astonishing time was 1.1 seconds inside the existing Supersport circuit record. It was also almost as fast as Chris Walker’s 1:35.694 Superbike time.
Andrew Pitt, the reigning World Champion, was third on his home track, holding off his rejuvenated countryman Chris Vermeulen, from the Van zon Honda team.
James Ellison had the pleasure of being far from the slowest man in his debut official Supersport test, running his Kawasaki to fifth fastest, ahead of Karl Muggeridge and his injured Honda UK team mate John McGuinness.
The next official SBK tests take place at Valencia on 23-25 February.
From a Team Ten Kate press release:
Ten Kate Honda racing on top of the world down under.
The Ten Kate Honda team have signalled their intentions loud and clear during three days of testing down under on Phillip Island, Australia. Pere Riba recorded an incredible time on the last day of testing, fully 1.1 seconds inside the existing Supersport lap record at the windswept circuit. His team mate Fabien Foret wasn’t far behind and was second fastest overall.
Conditions were less than ideal over the period of the test, including high winds and, on the last day when the winds died down, some very hot track temperatures. But despite this the two riders put in an impressive display to dominate proceedings on their Honda CBR600FS machines. Riba’s fastest time of 1:35.778 was truly incredible. Foret was only half a second down on his teammate at 1:36.290.
The Van Zon Honda TKR (Ten Kate Racing) rider Chris Vermeulen, who is also riding a Ten Kate prepared CBR600FS this season, showed his potential by lapping fourth fastest during the tests. Vermeulen looked rejuvenated with a best time of 1:37.056.
Pere Riba was obviously delighted to start the New Year in such fine form, “We’ve all been working so hard during the winter,” explained the Spanish rider, “my times today prove that it’s all been worthwhile. I want to thank my team and also Pirelli, who have done so much to make the Pirelli tyres even better than they already were. It’s all very encouraging for me and the team.”
Considering that before this week Phillip Island hadn’t been a favoured track, Foret’s times were also very impressive. “I haven’t been very comfortable at this track in the past so this has been very important for me,” admitted Foret, “I am much happier with the circuit now. We concentrated on improving the set up of the bike step by step but we still have maybe 5% more to find. I agree with Pere, the tyres are fantastic, Pirelli have done an amazing job this winter improving what was already the best rubber in the series.”
Now the members of the Ten Kate Honda team that travelled to Australia will return to their base in Holland to join their colleagues. Several key personnel have stayed behind to complete work on the 2002 specification bikes. At Phillip Island the team were running 2001 bikes fitted with some parts from the 2002 specification. At the next test in Valencia during 23 – 25 February the full 2002 specification will be used for the first time.
Times
1. Pere Riba 1:35.7
2. Fabien Foret 1:36.2
3. Andrew pitt 1:36.5
4. Chris Vermeulen 1:37.0
5. James Ellison 1:37.2
6. Karl Muggeridge 1:37.7
7. John McGuinness 1:38.5
From a Castrol Honda press release:
Issued: Friday February 1 2002
EDWARDS READY FOR SEASON START
Castrol Honda¹s Colin Edwards was in buoyant mood following three days of testing at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia this week.
The 2000 World Superbike champion recorded his fastest ever lap around the picturesque venue near Melbourne before declaring the three days a success.
“I’m more than happy with the progress we’ve made,” said Edwards. “We arrived in positive mood after the Kyalami test and then improved the new SP-2 machine even more.
“We found some good settings, especially with the chassis set-up and front forks – even if it did mean a little crash on Thursday as I found the limit with the new front end! We also learnt a little more about the new Michelin tyres we’ll have for this year.
“We’ve made some definite decisions about settings for the year and we’ve got an improved motor on its way so I’m looking forward to the Valencia test in three weeks and the first round there a couple of weeks later.”
Edwards ended the three-day test in Australia with the third fastest time, setting his fastest lap in Thursday morning’s session.
Combined, fastest test times:
1. Troy Bayliss, Australia (Ducati), 1:32.944
2. Ruben Xaus, Spain (Ducati). 1:33.136
3. Colin Edwards, USA (Castrol Honda), 1:33.143
4. Ben Bostrom, USA (Ducati), 1:33.377
5. Neil Hodgson, GB (Ducati), 1:33.443
6. Noriyuki Haga, Japan (Aprilia), 1:33.456
7. Hitoyasu Izutsu, Japan (Kawasaki), 1:33.650
8. Steve Martin, Australia (Ducati), 1:33.818
9. James Toseland, GB (Ducati), 1:34.201
10. Alessandro Antonello, Italy (Ducati), 1:35.179
From a Aprilia press release:
Aprilia Racing Press Information
FGF Team conclude tests at Phillip Island.
From a press release:
Jupiter Eight will be the official trackside supplier of F&L Race Fuel, in California, for AFM and CCS events. F&L offers many grades of high quality fuel for modern racing motorcycles.
Jupiter Eight is also accepting applications for racing support for the 2002 season. Racers are encouraged to pre-order fuel in order to guarantee availability.
For more information visit www.jupiter8.com or call (818)481-6999. Support inquiries should be sent to [email protected]
From a press release:
AHRMA NATIONALS
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION HISTORIC CUP SERIES
MOTORCYCLEINDUSTRY.COM SINGLES, TWINS & THUNDER SERIES
March 1-DeLand (FL) Municipal Airport (practice day 2/28)
March 4-5-Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
April 6-7-Hallett (OK) Motor Racing Circuit (practice day 4/5)*
April 27-28-AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days West, Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma, CA
(practice day 4/26)*
May 4-5-Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA (practice day 5/3)*
June 8-9-Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC (practice day 6/7)*
June 22-23-Grattan (MI) Raceway Park (track-run practice day 6/2)*
July 20-21-AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington
(practice day 7/19)*
Aug. 17-18-Putnam Park (IN) Road Course*
Sept. 7-8-Sandia Motorsports Park, Albuquerque, NM (practice day 9/6)*
Oct. 5-6-Talladega (AL) Gran Prix Raceway (practice day 10/4)*
Oct. 19-20-North Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings (practice day 10/18)*
Info: www.ahrma.org, 615-851-3674
* 2 complete rounds per weekend
REGIONALS
AHRMA DIXIE CUP ROAD RACE SERIES
March 1-DeLand (FL) Municipal Airport
June 8-9-Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC
Oct. 5-6-Talladega (AL) Gran Prix Raceway
Oct. 19-20-North Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings
AHRMA HEROES OF THE HEARTLAND ROAD RACE SERIES
April 6-7-Hallett (OK) Motor Racing Circuit
Sept. 7-8-Sandia Motorsports Park, Albuquerque, NM
AHRMA PACIFIC CROWN ROAD RACE SERIES
April 27-28-Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma, CA
May 4-5-Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA
AHRMA MASTERS OF THE MIDWEST ROAD RACE SERIES
June 22-23-Grattan (MI) Raceway Park
July 20-21-Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington
Aug. 17-18-Putnam Park (IN) Road Course
Info: www.ahrma.org, 615-851-3674
World Champion Valentino Rossi’s contract dispute with Honda has apparently ended. From a press release:
Honda Racing News
Roma: February 1, 2002.
Rossi and HRC Reach Agreement
HRC and Valentino Rossi today signed a two-year agreement that will see Rossi race the Honda RC211V four-stroke in the MotoGP World Championship.
Rossi travels to Japan on Saturday to attend the official announcement of the Honda Motor racing plan for 2002, on Monday February 4. The
announcement will be made by Mr. T. Fukui, Senior Managing Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mr. Y. Ikenoya, President of Honda Racing Corporation.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
The custom Alpinestars leathers that Kawasaki factory Superbike racer Eric Bostrom donated to the Roadracing World Air Fence* Fund just sold for $3351 in an auction on eBay. Racer Ken Hill and his wife Kristen, owners of Hayward Kawasaki Motorsports, placed the winning bid with less than four minutes remaining in the auction.
Bidding on Bostrom’s leathers started out Friday, January 25 with a minimum bid of $1000 and quickly surpassed our conservative reserve price of $1500. The auction lost momentum through the middle of its seven-day duration and bidding stalled at $2000. However, interest, gauged via e-mail inquiries to Roadracing World requesting information, seemed to indicate that there may be a last-minute rush near the close of the event. In the last 10 minutes of the sale, the high bid shot from $2025 to the final sale price of $3351, in only five bids.
“It was amazing how much the auction went up right there at the end,” said Hill February 1. “We’re the #5 Kawasaki dealer in the country and we’re only a Kawasaki dealer. So, it’s a big deal for us to have Eric Bostrom’s leathers on display here at our place. We’re hoping that we can maybe have Eric in here before the Sears Point AMA race to sign autographs and stuff.”
At post time, the purchase of the leathers had already been completed, and the suit will be shipped out later today.
The next auction to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund should start within a few hours.
*Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.
Just as Ducati Corse’s Paolo Ciabatti told Roadracingworld.com readers on January 15, Ducati will officially announce its MotoGP plans on Monday, February 4.
Other than tidbits revealed by Ciabatti, Ducati officials haven’t divulged any information about their MotoGP program since they announced their intention to join the series.
From a press release:
International Teams Line Up for World Endurance Prize
The Prestigious “200 Miles” come back
Twenty-six teams from ten countries have applied for “permanent” status in the 2002 FIM World Endurance Championship. Races will be held in six countries around the world, reinforcing the successful efforts of the FIM and series promoter Octagon Motorsports in developing the series.
The official Permanent Teams list, delivered by the FIM Selection Committee, is including teams representing France, Germany, China, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
All four of the Japanese manufacturers are represented, and this year no less than two Ducatis will be competing in the full series. As World Endurance becomes more competitive the teams are becoming more professional, with several of the front runners entering two-bike squads. The “permanent teams” list includes riders representing 14 different nations.
Endurance World Championship includes this year too the Suzuka 8 Hours, regarded by many as world’s most important motorcycle race but year 2002 also sees a wider range of races than before. The traditional 24-hour race format supplemented by 8 and 6 hour sprints and the resurrection of shorter races such as the classic 200 Miles. This mix of gruelling long-distance tests, shorter tactical challenges and intense sprints will test the depth of skill of all teams; reliability alone will not be enough to win the championship. The varied format will also gain greater TV coverage and spectator interest.
Races will take place in San Marino, the UK, the Czech Republic, Japan, Germany and Italy, with the calendar stretching from April to October. Teams will compete for a single FIM ratified World Championship, with bikes modified to World Superbike, SuperProduction and Stocksport regulations going head to head in the same race. The permanent teams will be joined by a full grid of local “wildcard” entries at each round, with supporting races adding to the unique Endurance Festival atmosphere.
World Endurance Championship 2002 Provisional Entry List:
(Bike Number, Team Name, Nationality, Riders, Riders’ Nationality, Bike Manufacturer and Model)
1. WIM Motors Racing Division, Belgium, Laurent Naveau, Belgium, Albert Aerts, Belgium, Heinz Platacis, Germany, Honda RC51-SP2.
2. Zongshen 2, China, Stephane Mertens, Belgium, Warwick Nowland, Australia, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R1000
3. QB Phase One, Great Britain, Jason Pridmore, USA, Mike Edwards, Great Britain, Olivier Ulmann, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
4. Team Schafer Endurance, Germany, Hans Herber, Germany, Martin Blug, Germany, Gerhard Lindner, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
5. Herman Verboven Racing 5, Belgium, Michael Barnes, USA, John Jacobi, USA, Andy Deatherage, USA, Suzuki GSX-R750.
6. Herman Verboven Racing 6, Belgium, Jeff Vermeulen, Belgium, Wim Van Achter, Belgium, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R750.
7. Ducateam, France, J. Claude Hambuckers, Belgium, Emmanuel Ripault, France, J. Michael Salvaia, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
8. Bolliger Team, Switzerland, Marcel Kellenberger, Switzerland, Roman Stamm, Switzerland, Thomas Hinterreiter, Austria, Kawasaki ZX-9R.
9. Zongshen 9, China, Igor Jerman, Slovakia, Bruno Bonhuil, France, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
10. QB Phase One Junior, Great Britain, James Hutchins, Great Britain, David Morillon, France, Frederic Moreira, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
11. Rookie Endurance Racing Team, Germany, Thomas Roth, Germany, Jochen Schermuly, Germany, Christian Plantius, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
12. Team Fagersjo-el.se, Sweden, Niklas Carlberg, Sweden, Paul Notman, Great Britain, Andy Notman, Great Britain, Yamaha YZF-R1.
14. Jet Endurance Team, Switzerland, Claude-Alain Jaggi, Switzerland, Dave Rollier, Switzerland, Regis Bosonnet, Switzerland, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
15. Nolden Racing Team, Germany, Erich Nolden, Germany, Michael Weynand, Belgium, Norbert Jansen, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
16. Pineapple-Ducati.com, Germany, Harry Gres, Germany, Stephan Steinbach, Germany, Markus Stroeher, Germany, Ducati 998R.
18. Yamaha Austria Racing Team, Austria, Horst Saiger, Austria, Erwin Wilding, Austria, Manfred Kainz, Austria, Yamaha YZF-R1.
21. Piazza Corse, Italy, Dario Marchetti, Italy, Marc Garcia, France, TBA, Ducati 998R.
22. Team 22 Police Nationale, France, Thierry Paillot, France, Gwen Giabbani, France, Christophe Roche, France, Kawasaki ZX-9R.
34. Bergmann & Sohne Racing, Germany, Klaus Schulz, Germany, Rudiger Seefeldt, Germany, Harald Kitsch, Germany, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
38. Endurance Moto 38, France, Bernard Cuzin, France, Christian Hacquin, France, Philippe Dobe, France, Yamaha YZF-R1.
44. Team Top Moto, France, Franck Lethin, France, David Dumain, France, Jacques Le Noxaic, France, Yamaha YZF-R1.
54. Trackdaze 54, Great Britain, John Croxford, Great Britain, James Agombar, Great Britain, Tony McNally, Great Britain, Yamaha YZF-R1.
55. Trackdaze 55, Great Britain, Chris Burns, Great Britain, Jeff Collins, Great Britain, Ralph Stocker, Great Britain, Yamaha YZF-R1.
77. Replay Racing Team, Czech Republic, Michal Bursa, Czech Republic, Sandor Bitter, Hungary, Karl Truchsess, Austria, Kawasaki ZX-7RR.
91. Dap Unisson Motomax, France, Stephane Gallia, France, Pierrot Lerat Vanstaen, France, J. Francois Cortinovis, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
94. GMT 94, France, Christophe Guyot, France, Sebastien Scarnato, France, Arnaud Vandenbossche, France, Suzuki GSX-R1000.
From a press release:
Suzuki Moves Forward with Plans for Business Alliance with Kawasaki
— Alliance Seen as Expanding 2003 Model Line-u and Helping Satisfy Demand for Suzuki-Produced Product —
BREA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2002) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), which markets motorcycles and ATVs in the U.S. with a network of more than 1,000 dealerships, said today Suzuki is moving forward with its announced strategic alliance between Suzuki Motor Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., both based in Japan – an alliance that will result in an expanded product line for Suzuki dealers as early as this year.
The alliance, as jointly announced by both companies in Japan in August 2001, is based on automotive partnership models designed to increase competitiveness in an increasingly complex environment, and will include shared product development, standardization of parts, joint purchasing and manufacturing. Progress on these projects will be disclosed to Suzuki dealers in the near future as details become available, according to Mel Harris, vice president of ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division.
“In the short-term, the alliance will further broaden our award-winning line-up and enable us to offer our motorcycle and ATV dealers in the U.S. the most competitive product line in the industry,” Harris explained. “This initial sharing of models will help us further expand the increasing popularity of the youth, offroad and competition segments, while maintaining the dominance of our brand in super sports and street categories.”
Harris says the long-term implications of the alliance are even more crucial, with the ultimate goal being co-development of future products and a net shift in global market share to Suzuki.
“Ultimately, the alliance helps us satisfy the increasing global demand for Suzuki brand product – a demand that resulted in the doubling of our retail business in North America during the past four years,” Harris said. “The popularity and sales momentum we’ve seen with our motorcycles – primarily the Hayabusa, GSX-R, Intruder, Bandit and SV models — has been carried over to our expanded ATV line, which now includes the Eiger, Vinson, Ozark, LT-A50 and new sport LT-Z400. Suzuki pioneered four-wheelers, and the continued development of our ATV line makes our First on Four Wheels slogan now more relevant than ever.
“The maintenance and expanded recognition of the Suzuki brand in the U.S. – a brand backed by product with inherent Suzuki quality — will remain our number one priority,” said Harris. “This strategic alliance helps us achieve brand and market share growth while giving us even more of an edge in the U.S. and global marketplaces.”
U.S. Marshalls Southeast Bureau Chief Marshall Egor Emery is looking to fill his safety staff for the up-coming 12-days of action at Daytona International Speedway, February 27 through March 10, 2002. The on-track activities start with the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School on Wednesday, February 27, runs through the CCS/Formula USA race weekend February 28-March 3, includes the AHRMA Vintage event March 4-5 and concludes with the season-opening round of the AMA National series March 6-10.
Emery says that about 160 workers in total are needed to cover the 12 days with a peak of 60 safety officials needed on March 10, the day of the Daytona 200.
There are various benefits that come with cornerworking at Daytona during Bike Week, including free meals, lodging deals and the opportunity to take some time off during the 12 days to enjoy the beach or other activities.
Emery says that he usually has spots for the AMA weekend filled by February 15 each year, but he would always find a place for highly-qualified late comers.
For more information on working corners at Daytona or at any other racetrack in the country, contact Emery via e-mail at [email protected].
From a press release:
Chris Carr QCCPO Ford Racing Signs David Liles Ethanol Fuels Company As Associate Sponsor For 2002
Revolutionary fuel additive co. signs with defending AMA Flat Track Series champ
FLEETWOOD, Pa., (February 1, 2002) – The Chris Carr Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing Team today announced it has signed David Liles Ethanol Fuels as an associate sponsor.
Carr, the defending AMA/Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Series champion, said that he’s looking forward to a “productive” relationship between his race team and the Florida-based fuel additive company.
“The purpose of this sponsorship is to promote this revolutionary product to the hands-on, mechanically inclined people that follow the great sport of flat track,” said Carr. “Anything that burns gasoline will be enhanced by David Liles Ethanol Fuels. So we’re really excited to have David Liles Ethanol Fuels as part of the Chris Carr Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing Team.”
Chris Carr QCCPOP Ford Racing Team will be the first motorsports sponsorship venture for David Liles Ethanol Fuels. Based out of Oviedo, Fla., David Liles Ethanol Fuels has been in the works for the past eight years and poised to hit the retail market. It’s a privately owned company, specializing in a revolutionary fuel additive that’s applicable to the motorcycle & marine powersports industries, as well as the automotive and trucking industries. David Liles Ethanol Fuels has also caught the attention of some big time industry players, including the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute – which has accepted David Liles Ethanol Fuels as a sponsor – the first fuel additive sponsor that the MMI has OK’d in some 28 years of business.
“We spent six months, eight hours a day proving our product to the MMI,” said David Liles. “And when it was all said and done, the MMI couldn’t believe the effect our product had on the performance levels of their engines. So, within the next ten months, thousands of mechanics in the motorcycle, auto, marine and trucking industries are going to be educated on using our fuel additive.”
Added Carr: “David Liles Ethanol Fuels is a very exciting product for the motorcycle industry, as well as automotive, marine and trucking, and will help any of the gear heads out there to get better performance out of their engines.”
Note: Chris Carr is set to begin his AMA flat track title defense on March 9th at the Daytona Short Track season opener.
From a Ducati press release:
DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
SBK Winter Testing – Phillip Island (Australia)
Friday 1 February
BAYLISS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) QUICKEST IN PHILLIP ISLAND TESTING
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) got his 2002 Superbike campaign off to the best possible start with quickest time in pre-season testing at Phillip Island, Australia, which will host round 2 of the championship on March 24. His Ducati Infostrada teammate Ruben Xaus was right on the pace in second place, while Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) made a further improvement on the final day to slot into fourth, just behind Edwards (Honda).
Windy conditions on Thursday and warm temperatures today (air 30° C/ track 50° C) left Troy as the only rider to set a sub-1:33 time in the official three-day tests, which saw the participation of 11 riders from the factory Ducati, Honda, Aprilia and Kawasaki teams as well as the ‘satellite’ Ducati GSE and Ducati DFX squads.
Bayliss, on Michelin tyres, fired off a warning to his championship rivals with a time of 1:32.944, set on the afternoon of day 1, which remained unbeaten Thursday and Friday. “I am really pleased to have set the quickest time at my home track”, declared Troy. “I‘ve never won a world superbike race here but after these three days of tests, in which we found the right set-up and the right tyre, I’m sure I can get a win now in March”.
Xaus, also on Michelins, completed the Ducati Infostrada 1-2 with a time of 1:33.136, set on Friday morning, and the 23-year-old Spanish rider was also delighted to have started off his 2002 season in the best possible way. “The tests here at Phillip Island went really well and I feel very confident for the start of the season”, said Ruben. “Today was good, I did a long run in the morning and set my quickest time of the three days in race trim, which is the important thing, and I can’t wait to start the season”.
Bostrom was the quickest Dunlop runner in the tests with a time of 1:33.377, also set on Friday morning, and the 27-year-old Californian was pleased that he finally managed to get a set-up that was more to his liking on the seaside circuit. “This is not one of my favourite tracks so finishing the tests in fourth place is pretty good. We ironed out most of the grip problems and get a good set-up for the race so today I managed to lap pretty consistently on race rubber”.
The final pre-season test session will be held in Valencia, Spain from February 23-25, while the 2002 championship will get underway at the Spanish track on March 10.
FINAL TIMES:
1. BAYLISS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:32.944 (207 laps)
2. XAUS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:33.136 (172)
3. Edwards (Honda) 1:33.143 (204)
4. BOSTROM (DUCATI L&M) 1:33.377 (205)
5. Hodgson (Ducati GSE) 1:33.443 (280)
6. Haga (Aprilia) 1:33.456 (208)
7. Izutsu (Kawasaki) 1:33.650 (184)
8. Martin (Ducati DFX) 1:33.818 (168)
9. Toseland (Ducati GSE) 1:34.201 (257)
10. Antonello (Ducati DFX) 1:35.179 (145)
11. Walker (Kawasaki) 1:35.694 (250)
From a press release issued by SBK, organizers of the Superbike World Championship:
World Superbike Championship
Winter Tests
Phillip Island 1 February 2002.
The final day of Phillip Island testing saw Troy Bayliss at the head of the final timesheets, thanks to his 1:32.944 from the first afternoon session.
Second fastest, less than two tenths of a second behind, was the second Ducati Infostrada rider Ruben Xaus, who had completed so much testing in the previous sessions that he elected to miss the final afternoon of track action.
Also finishing one session early was 2000 season World Champion Colin Edwards, less than two tenths of a second slower than Bayliss, after setting over 200 laps on his Honda. L&M Ducati rider Ben Bostrom ran the top three riders close with his best lap of 1:33.377, set on the morning session of the last day.
Neil Hodgson proved to be the fastest privateer, running his HM Plant Ducati into fifth place on the timesheets, before concentrating his efforts on selecting race tyres during the final sessions. He recorded a massive total of 280 laps over the three days.
Noriyuki Haga ended his first proper fair-weather Aprilia test sixth fastest, one place ahead of his compatriot – and the top Kawasaki finisher – Hitoyasu Izutsu.
Steve Martin suffered a fast highside crash on the exit of turn two during the morning session, and had to sit out the final section of the test. He slipped to eighth quickest overall, but his earlier time was fast enough to head off James Toseland, from the HM Plant squad.
Alessandro Antonello, a faller like his teammate Martin, suffered a high-speed crash at the Hayshed corner, destroying his DFX Ducati Pirelli machine. He was also forced to miss the final session.
Chris Walker, on the second factory Kawasaki, rounded out the Superbike classification.
In the Supersport Championship category Ten Kate Honda rider Pere Riba was entirely dominant, with the Spaniard setting best time in class of 1:35.778. He was over half a second faster than his teammate Fabien Foret in second place, and Riba’s astonishing time was 1.1 seconds inside the existing Supersport circuit record. It was also almost as fast as Chris Walker’s 1:35.694 Superbike time.
Andrew Pitt, the reigning World Champion, was third on his home track, holding off his rejuvenated countryman Chris Vermeulen, from the Van zon Honda team.
James Ellison had the pleasure of being far from the slowest man in his debut official Supersport test, running his Kawasaki to fifth fastest, ahead of Karl Muggeridge and his injured Honda UK team mate John McGuinness.
The next official SBK tests take place at Valencia on 23-25 February.
From a Team Ten Kate press release:
Ten Kate Honda racing on top of the world down under.
The Ten Kate Honda team have signalled their intentions loud and clear during three days of testing down under on Phillip Island, Australia. Pere Riba recorded an incredible time on the last day of testing, fully 1.1 seconds inside the existing Supersport lap record at the windswept circuit. His team mate Fabien Foret wasn’t far behind and was second fastest overall.
Conditions were less than ideal over the period of the test, including high winds and, on the last day when the winds died down, some very hot track temperatures. But despite this the two riders put in an impressive display to dominate proceedings on their Honda CBR600FS machines. Riba’s fastest time of 1:35.778 was truly incredible. Foret was only half a second down on his teammate at 1:36.290.
The Van Zon Honda TKR (Ten Kate Racing) rider Chris Vermeulen, who is also riding a Ten Kate prepared CBR600FS this season, showed his potential by lapping fourth fastest during the tests. Vermeulen looked rejuvenated with a best time of 1:37.056.
Pere Riba was obviously delighted to start the New Year in such fine form, “We’ve all been working so hard during the winter,” explained the Spanish rider, “my times today prove that it’s all been worthwhile. I want to thank my team and also Pirelli, who have done so much to make the Pirelli tyres even better than they already were. It’s all very encouraging for me and the team.”
Considering that before this week Phillip Island hadn’t been a favoured track, Foret’s times were also very impressive. “I haven’t been very comfortable at this track in the past so this has been very important for me,” admitted Foret, “I am much happier with the circuit now. We concentrated on improving the set up of the bike step by step but we still have maybe 5% more to find. I agree with Pere, the tyres are fantastic, Pirelli have done an amazing job this winter improving what was already the best rubber in the series.”
Now the members of the Ten Kate Honda team that travelled to Australia will return to their base in Holland to join their colleagues. Several key personnel have stayed behind to complete work on the 2002 specification bikes. At Phillip Island the team were running 2001 bikes fitted with some parts from the 2002 specification. At the next test in Valencia during 23 – 25 February the full 2002 specification will be used for the first time.
Times
1. Pere Riba 1:35.7
2. Fabien Foret 1:36.2
3. Andrew pitt 1:36.5
4. Chris Vermeulen 1:37.0
5. James Ellison 1:37.2
6. Karl Muggeridge 1:37.7
7. John McGuinness 1:38.5
From a Castrol Honda press release:
Issued: Friday February 1 2002
EDWARDS READY FOR SEASON START
Castrol Honda¹s Colin Edwards was in buoyant mood following three days of testing at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia this week.
The 2000 World Superbike champion recorded his fastest ever lap around the picturesque venue near Melbourne before declaring the three days a success.
“I’m more than happy with the progress we’ve made,” said Edwards. “We arrived in positive mood after the Kyalami test and then improved the new SP-2 machine even more.
“We found some good settings, especially with the chassis set-up and front forks – even if it did mean a little crash on Thursday as I found the limit with the new front end! We also learnt a little more about the new Michelin tyres we’ll have for this year.
“We’ve made some definite decisions about settings for the year and we’ve got an improved motor on its way so I’m looking forward to the Valencia test in three weeks and the first round there a couple of weeks later.”
Edwards ended the three-day test in Australia with the third fastest time, setting his fastest lap in Thursday morning’s session.
Combined, fastest test times:
1. Troy Bayliss, Australia (Ducati), 1:32.944
2. Ruben Xaus, Spain (Ducati). 1:33.136
3. Colin Edwards, USA (Castrol Honda), 1:33.143
4. Ben Bostrom, USA (Ducati), 1:33.377
5. Neil Hodgson, GB (Ducati), 1:33.443
6. Noriyuki Haga, Japan (Aprilia), 1:33.456
7. Hitoyasu Izutsu, Japan (Kawasaki), 1:33.650
8. Steve Martin, Australia (Ducati), 1:33.818
9. James Toseland, GB (Ducati), 1:34.201
10. Alessandro Antonello, Italy (Ducati), 1:35.179
From a Aprilia press release:
Aprilia Racing Press Information
FGF Team conclude tests at Phillip Island.
From a press release:
Jupiter Eight will be the official trackside supplier of F&L Race Fuel, in California, for AFM and CCS events. F&L offers many grades of high quality fuel for modern racing motorcycles.
Jupiter Eight is also accepting applications for racing support for the 2002 season. Racers are encouraged to pre-order fuel in order to guarantee availability.
For more information visit www.jupiter8.com or call (818)481-6999. Support inquiries should be sent to [email protected]
From a press release:
AHRMA NATIONALS
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION HISTORIC CUP SERIES
MOTORCYCLEINDUSTRY.COM SINGLES, TWINS & THUNDER SERIES
March 1-DeLand (FL) Municipal Airport (practice day 2/28)
March 4-5-Daytona Int’l Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
April 6-7-Hallett (OK) Motor Racing Circuit (practice day 4/5)*
April 27-28-AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days West, Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma, CA
(practice day 4/26)*
May 4-5-Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA (practice day 5/3)*
June 8-9-Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC (practice day 6/7)*
June 22-23-Grattan (MI) Raceway Park (track-run practice day 6/2)*
July 20-21-AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington
(practice day 7/19)*
Aug. 17-18-Putnam Park (IN) Road Course*
Sept. 7-8-Sandia Motorsports Park, Albuquerque, NM (practice day 9/6)*
Oct. 5-6-Talladega (AL) Gran Prix Raceway (practice day 10/4)*
Oct. 19-20-North Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings (practice day 10/18)*
Info: www.ahrma.org, 615-851-3674
* 2 complete rounds per weekend
REGIONALS
AHRMA DIXIE CUP ROAD RACE SERIES
March 1-DeLand (FL) Municipal Airport
June 8-9-Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC
Oct. 5-6-Talladega (AL) Gran Prix Raceway
Oct. 19-20-North Florida Motorsports Park, Jennings
AHRMA HEROES OF THE HEARTLAND ROAD RACE SERIES
April 6-7-Hallett (OK) Motor Racing Circuit
Sept. 7-8-Sandia Motorsports Park, Albuquerque, NM
AHRMA PACIFIC CROWN ROAD RACE SERIES
April 27-28-Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma, CA
May 4-5-Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA
AHRMA MASTERS OF THE MIDWEST ROAD RACE SERIES
June 22-23-Grattan (MI) Raceway Park
July 20-21-Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington
Aug. 17-18-Putnam Park (IN) Road Course
Info: www.ahrma.org, 615-851-3674
World Champion Valentino Rossi’s contract dispute with Honda has apparently ended. From a press release:
Honda Racing News
Roma: February 1, 2002.
Rossi and HRC Reach Agreement
HRC and Valentino Rossi today signed a two-year agreement that will see Rossi race the Honda RC211V four-stroke in the MotoGP World Championship.
Rossi travels to Japan on Saturday to attend the official announcement of the Honda Motor racing plan for 2002, on Monday February 4. The
announcement will be made by Mr. T. Fukui, Senior Managing Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mr. Y. Ikenoya, President of Honda Racing Corporation.
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
The custom Alpinestars leathers that Kawasaki factory Superbike racer Eric Bostrom donated to the Roadracing World Air Fence* Fund just sold for $3351 in an auction on eBay. Racer Ken Hill and his wife Kristen, owners of Hayward Kawasaki Motorsports, placed the winning bid with less than four minutes remaining in the auction.
Bidding on Bostrom’s leathers started out Friday, January 25 with a minimum bid of $1000 and quickly surpassed our conservative reserve price of $1500. The auction lost momentum through the middle of its seven-day duration and bidding stalled at $2000. However, interest, gauged via e-mail inquiries to Roadracing World requesting information, seemed to indicate that there may be a last-minute rush near the close of the event. In the last 10 minutes of the sale, the high bid shot from $2025 to the final sale price of $3351, in only five bids.
“It was amazing how much the auction went up right there at the end,” said Hill February 1. “We’re the #5 Kawasaki dealer in the country and we’re only a Kawasaki dealer. So, it’s a big deal for us to have Eric Bostrom’s leathers on display here at our place. We’re hoping that we can maybe have Eric in here before the Sears Point AMA race to sign autographs and stuff.”
At post time, the purchase of the leathers had already been completed, and the suit will be shipped out later today.
The next auction to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund should start within a few hours.
*Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.
