This just in, in an e-mail from racer Norbert Katona:

June 14th is the cut-off date to pre-register for classes at the Laguna Seca event. There are a lot of people on wait lists for most of the classes offered. If you know that you will not be able to make it, or you have switched from one bike to another, and will not be attending the pre-registered classes, or for whatever reason you will not be able to attend/race, please call AMA and let them know. This way the people that are on the wait list will be able to get in and race. After all, most racers come from all parts of the country to be a part of the show at Laguna Seca Raceway AMA/WSB weekend.

I would recommend not waiting for a refund or waiting for a transfer to annother race weekend, but please take the minute to call AMA and cancel your entry. I am speaking on behalf of my friends and myself, and for those who I have yet to meet.

The number to AMA is (614) 856-1900 and ask for AMA Pro Racing department.

Believe me, it is well appreciated and thank you on behalf of my friends and I.

Norbert Katona

From an AMA press release:

EDDIE LAWSON INDUCTED INTO MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Multi-time motorcycle road racing champion Eddie Lawson was inducted into the Motorsport Hall of Fame at the Fourteenth Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Induction Ceremony last night, June 12, in Detroit. Lawson won the FIM 500cc World Championship (now called MotoGP) four times, a record for American riders. His world titles came in 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1989. He won the first three championships with Yamaha and his final title with Honda. During his world championship career Lawson won 31 500cc Grands Prix, which when he retired from the series, placed him third on the all-time wins list behind Giacomo Agostini (68) and Mike Hailwood (37). In addition to his world titles Lawson also won two AMA Superbike Championships and two AMA 250 Grand Prix titles.

“It is a real honor to have Eddie Lawson inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame,” said AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth, accepting on Lawson’s behalf. “Lawson helped America reach its pinnacle in Grand Prix racing during the 1980s and is clearly considered one of the best road racers in the history of the sport.”

Lawson becomes the 13th motorcycle racer to be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame. He joins a very select group of AMA racing greats in the Motorsports Hall of Fame that includes Carroll Resweber, Bart Markel, Cannonball Baker, Kenny Roberts, Joe Leonard, Joe Petrali, Bob Hannah, Dick Mann, Roger DeCoster, Malcolm Smith, Jim Davis and Freddie Spencer.

In addition to Lawson, seven other motorsports legends were inducted in separate categories. This year’s inductees include Gaston Chevrolet (Historic), Dale Earnhardt (Stock Cars), Eddie Hill (Drag Racing), Gordon Johncock (Open Wheel), Paul Mantz (Air Racing), Fred Offenhauser (At-Large), and Brian Redman (Sports Cars).

Lawson began his professional racing career on the dirt tracks of Southern California during the mid-1970s. He made the switch to road racing by the late-1970s and won his first road racing championship in 1980. After winning four AMA national titles. he moved on to the world championship arena in 1983. He won his first Grand Prix in South Africa in March of 1984.

During his decade on the GP circuit Lawson rode for Yamaha, Honda and Cagiva. In July of 1992, Lawson won his final GP in Hungary — it also marked the first 500cc Grand Prix win for Italian maker Cagiva. That would be Lawson’s last full year of motorcycle racing. He did come back to race the prestigious Daytona 200 and Suzuka Eight Hours races for Yamaha. He twice won the Daytona 200, America’s top motorcycle racing event.

Lawson went on to a brief career in Indy Car racing. He was considered one of the top up-and-coming drivers during the late-1990s.

From a press release:

Zalusky has taken well to Pro Thunder

Former American Snowboarding Champion, Jessica Zalusky, made her national racing debut racing AMA Pro Thunder at Pikes Peak and Road America for the newly formed team, RevUp Ducati. Previously racing CCS and CRA series, Zalusky is racing a Ducati 748, which was previously raced by 2000 Pro Thunder Champion, Mike Smith.

After only having two days of practice on the new bike, Zalusky took fast to the twin and to the track at Pikes, finishing strong in 11th place. After Pikes, Zalusky set her sights on a top finish at Road America, finishing strong once again in 13th place. After only racing two of the three rounds of Pro Thunder, Zalusky is tied in points for 11th place.

Next on the schedule for Zalusky is the AMA round at Brainerd International Raceway. Zalusky, a Minnesota native, has set her sights on a podium finish at her home track. After Brainerd, Zalusky will wrap up her AMA season at Laguna Seca along with racing a few other CRA and CCS sanctioned events.

Along with Rev Up and Ducati, Zalusky is appropriately sponsored by Teknic, Michelin, HJC Helmets, Motul, VP Racing Fuels, and EPRC.

For more information on Jessica Zalusky, visit www.roadracinggirl.com

From a press release issued by the series organizers:

PARTS CANADA RENEWS SERIES SPONSORSHIP

TORONTO, ON – Parts Canada has extended its title sponsorship of Canada’s national motorcycle road racing tour for another three years. The series will be known as the Parts Canada Superbike Championship until the end of the 2005 season.

The announcement was made by Parts Canada president Ted Greenhough at last Sunday’s second round of the six-event series at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park.

The Calgary-based company became title sponsor of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at the start of the 2000 season.

“We are extremely happy to have extended our relationship with Parts Canada for another three years,” said Colin Fraser, president of Parts Canada Superbike Championship producer Professional Motorsport Productions. “Such long-term alliances are rare in Canadian motorsport. Parts Canada has a strong reputation in the motorcycle industry and clearly lives up to its commitment of supporting the sport.”

Parts Canada is a wholesaler of aftermarket motorcycle parts with sales representatives across the country. Its U.S.-based sister company, Parts Unlimited, is heavily involved in all aspects of motorcycle racing.

Parts Canada is the exclusive distributor for Alpinestars, DP Brakes, Dynojet, HJC, Hindle Exhaust, Vance & Hines and Yoshimura. It recently added Switzerland’s Motorex oil to its product line.

“We are very pleased with the exposure and recognition Parts Canada has received since it joined the Superbike series three years ago,” Greenhough said. “We are committed to the growth of the sport in Canada and look forward to another three years of success.”

Parts Canada also supports the series through the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year award, which recognizes the top first-year competitor on the national tour.

Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON, riding for the Coors Light/Fast Company Suzuki team, currently leads the Parts Canada Superbike Championship following victories in both events at Race City last weekend. He has 150 points to the 121 of Kawasaki’s Owen Weichel, a Huntington Beach, CA resident.

The series continues at Autodrome St-Eustache, near Montreal, July 5-7 before moving to Bowmanville, ON’s Mosport International Raceway July 19-21, Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS Aug. 9-11 and Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville, ON Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

This just in, from Tony Morris, in reaction to a press release issued by White Tip Racing and posted on Roadracingworld.com yesterday, June 11:

“When I came into the racing world, I was immediately drawn to the people, the atmosphere, and the excitement! I wanted to get involved! And when I get involved, I get involved BIG! I decided that the best way to make a splash was to make a movie about the excitement of the sport… something that captured the hearts of America’s riders and movie goers, while boosting the image of motorcycling. Now all we needed to do was to work out how! To do this, I would need the support of ‘the industry’; the guys out there that made the sport what it is today. With a few calls, I had gathered the interest of many reputable companies like Penske, GMD Computrack, Airtech, Maxima, Arai, VP Racing Fuels, Street and Competition and then a little later TAW who supplies Marchesini and Discacciati brakes. I was calling around to rally support whereever I could.

“Then with the support of those that saw my vision, it was off to California to meet with the studio.

“But life being what it is, no project is without its adversities. And as we all know, when you work with so many different people, with so many different personalities, unfortunately there are going to be misunderstandings. And even though there are two sides to every story, I won’t get into the details surrounding the matter of a previous relationship with White Tip, because it just isn’t something that is the business of the general public. Besides, stooping to ‘Stone Throwing’ doesn’t stand to benefit anyone involved. I will say however, that no untrue statements were made by myself or any other member of the 14K Team, and any misunderstandings by White Tip or its representatives, should have been substantiated before being publicized. Our intentions with respect to the development of this project, and our relationships with sponsors and supporters, have always been open and honest. I am always available by phone night or day at 574 896 3452, and would love to hear the opinions and ideas of you, my fellow cyclists on this project. Lets work together to make this film a reality.”

Further information can be found at www.14kthemovie.com


Antony J. Morris

14K Productions
Orion Marketing
www.14kthemovie.com
[email protected]
Tel: (574) 896 3452

From a press release:

Virginia rocks to Aprilia Femmoto

Female motorcyclists will have the day of their lives on some of the world’s most exciting sport bikes when Aprilia opens the gates of Virginia Raceway for the inaugural Femmoto women’s ride day. Workshops, trade displays, professional marshalling and many more attractions will add to the excitement of the test rides at the August 9 event, which is also backed by Parts Unlimited.

Coordinated by track-day experts Sportbike Track Time, with the assistance of Team Promotion, the event will cater to female motorcyclists of every skill level. The test fleet will include the class-leading Mille Superbike, the street sport Falco, the excellent sport-touring RST Futura and the new 2002 CapoNord adventure touring motorcycle.

Coinciding with the last round of the AMA Superbike Championship, Femmoto aims to give women the chance to sample Europe’s most cutting edge motorcycles in a safe, friendly environment. They can prove for themselves that Aprilia motorcycles are designed with the ultimate performance available in each category, with an emphasis on user-friendliness, technical innovation, respect of the environment and, of course, Italian style!

Event sponsor Parts Unlimited will ensure women have the opportunity to see and purchase the latest in fashionable riding apparel by Alpinestars, Teknic and many other accessory manufactures, focused on providing women with the best in safety garments and look-good motorcycle gear.

Virginia International Raceway will waive the usual $10 entry fee – which also gives you access to the AMA Superbike qualifying session – to the first 100 applicants of Femmoto and with only 140 positions available, the event is sure to book out quickly.

For more information on Aprilia’s Femmoto, or to download the registration form go to www.sportbiketracktime.com or visit our website at www.apriliausa.com (news on line) or contact us on (877) APRILIA x 120 or email.

From a press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Diego, CA.

It has come to the attention of White Tip Racing, that Mr. Tony Morris has used the White Tip name to acquire product and services. Please be advised that White Tip has had no affiliation with Tony Morris, Orion Marketing or 14K The Movie since March 2002 when the ties were severed.

White Tip initially signed on with Tony Morris and Orion Marketing to build the motors for 14K The Movie, but after a few months, it was discovered that White Tip, as well as many others, was misled about the details of the movie project by Tony Morris.

Among other statements, Mr. Morris has told people that White Tip is their number two team. This statement is un-true.

Michael Cox, President of White Tip Racing said today, “I am very upset that the good name of White Tip has been used by Mr. Morris. I want people to understand and be aware that White Tip is in no way affiliated with Tony Morris, Orion Marketing or 14K the movie.”

Mr. Cox would also like to caution others in the industry when dealing with Mr. Morris.

About White Tip:
White Tip Racing was founded in 1999 in San Diego, CA. by Michael Cox. White Tip has emerged as one of the premier race shops in the country and builds motors for racers across the country in all levels of racing.

From a press release:

DISALVO’S FIRST AMA PROFESSIONAL WIN

Jason DiSalvo, 18 year old from Stafford, New York raced to a hard fought first place in the Superstock 750 class at the beginning of an exciting weekend at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 8th. Jason qualified third fastest for a front row starting position in the 750 superstock class and went on to win his first ever AMA professional race.

In the same afternoon Jason raced his superstock in the AMA superbike first round. Having qualified 12th overall with a row 3 starting position, he worked his way up through the pack to finish 9th overall behind eight factory machines giving him the top privateer status.

Also on Saturday, Jason qualified third in the 250GP class and on Sunday in the final event raced with multi-time National Champion Rich Oliver for second place only to be cut short in the last lap by a broken gearbox. Jason was still able to bring his Honda RS250 in at the end for a third place with his second podium for the weekend.

Continuing a very busy weekend on Sunday, June 9th Jason was grided again on row 3 for the second superbike round again continuing his battle behind the eight factory machines in a race long attempt to again be top privateer. Jason made a brave move in the last lap ending up in the gravel, unhurt he commented “It was a good race, I got on the brakes a little to late and ended up in the gravel.”

Jim DiSalvo commented “It was a great weekend for Jason, he raced a lot more races than originally planned and showed his ability and stamina to be able to finish all the events he entered. Our team of mechanics (James Siddall, Oliver Hutchinson, Michael Earnhardt, and Mark Bull) gave Jason fast equipment for all the races which lead to a successful weekend.”

The team will be back at its home base to prepare for the upcoming Brainerd races, June 29th -June 30th.

Team America’s success is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, who include: Applied Business Systems, Cruise America, Freddie Spencer’s High Performance Riding School, Dunlop Tires, Arai, HRC, Kushitani, Alpinestars, Roadracing World, Nutec Race Fuel, Chatter Box, Cytosport, DID Chain, GMD Computrack, and Select Collision.

From a press release:

Fastrack Riders is offering a special rate of $125 per day to all riders who attend the California Speedway track days (infield course).

The dates are July 12, 13, and the 14th. (In case you are wondering, it is the same weekend as AMA and WSB at Laguna Seca).

So if you are not traveling up north come ride with us. Lunch will be provided, we hope to see you out at the track.

More information is available from Larry Pointer at (877) 560-2233 or online at FastrackRiders.com.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Aprilia is releasing two, limited-edition 2003 models based on the Aprilia RSV1000 Mille R. The new bikes will be available through special order at Aprilia dealers and are scheduled to be delivered later this year.

---

---

The 2003 RSV 1000R Tuono Limited is basically a partially-naked Aprilia Mille R with a suggested retail price of $17,299. The bike retains the Mille R’s high end components; like the Ohlins shock and forks, Brembo four-piston Gold Line front brake calipers and the OZ forged aluminum wheels. The new Aprilia “street fighter” gets higher and wider handlebars and hand-made, carbon and carbon-Kevlar sidecovers that, together with the removal of the full bodywork, contribute to a 4.4-pound weight loss. There will only be 200 Tuono Limiteds produced worldwide, and the 50 that will be brought into the US should be available in November 2002.

---

---

---

Aprilia has also developed a RSV Mille R – Haga Replica. Meant to resemble the bike ridden by Aprilia World Superbike star Noriyuki Haga, the $18,999 limited-edition replica will get a special graphics package, Haga’s autograph engraved into the blue-anodized top triple clamp and an Akrapovic Titanium exhaust, with corresponding E-PROM computer chip. The exhaust is claimed to reduce weight by 6.6 pounds while adding 10 horsepower at 6500 rpm, producing a flatter power curve above 9000 rpm and allowing the Mille R Haga Replica to reach its torque peak 1700 rpm earlier. A full rear subframe comes standard, allowing the 300 worldwide Haga replica owners (50 in the US) to change their bike into a two-seater with a $297.95 kit from Aprilia. Orders for the Haga Replica are being accepted at Aprilia dealers now, and the bike will be delivered in July.

---

---

For more information, contact Aprilia USA at (770) 592-2261 or go to www.aprilia.com.