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CCE Vs. AMA Supercross Battle: CCE Locks Up Stadiums, TV And Now The Track Builder

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

The press release follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.pacesupercross.com

More From Ducati’s Test At Valencia

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From a press release:

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

DUCATI CORSE TESTING AFFECTED BY RAIN

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

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

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

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

TEMPERATURES: air 11°C/track 12°C

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

Extended Clear Channel TV Deal Means More Bad News For AMA Pro Racing In Battle Over Supercross

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From a press release:

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

ESPN Regional Television To Produce EA SPORTS Supercross In 2002

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.pacesupercross.com.

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

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

How HMC Ducati’s Hansen Found Out He Wouldn’t Have Ducati Support In 2002

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Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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

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

Speedvision TV’s Two-wheel Tuesday Line-up For November 13

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

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

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

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


7:00 p.m. Bike Week

7:30 p.m. American Thunder

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

9:00 p.m. Yamaha Race of Champions

10:00 p.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides

11:00 p.m. Bike Week

11:30 p.m. American Thunder


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

1:00 a.m. Yamaha Race of Champions

2:00 a.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides


All times are Eastern Time.

It’s Definitely War As Clear Channel Announces 2003 Supercross Schedule

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

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

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

A press release from Clear Channel follows:


Clear Channel Entertainment Announces 2003 Supercross Series Schedule

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

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

The 2003 Supercross Series schedule follows:

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

Jan 11 Bank One Ballpark Phoenix, Ariz.

Jan 18 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Jan 25 TBA * TBA *

Feb 1 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Feb 8 Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, Calif.

Feb 15 Metrodome Minneapolis, Minn.

Feb 22 Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.

Mar 1 RCA Dome Indianapolis, Ind.

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

Mar 29 Reliant Astrodome Houston, TX

Apr 5 Silverdome Pontiac, Mich.

Apr 12 Texas Stadium Dallas, TX

Apr 26 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT

May 3 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas

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

For more information visit www.pacesupercross.com

Stratton Benefit Held At Buttonwillow

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

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

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

A Report From Ducati Testing At Valencia

From a Ducati press release:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Valencia (Spain)
Tuesday, 13th November, 2001

BAYLISS AND XAUS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) BACK ON TRACK AT VALENCIA

Ducati Corse’s preparations for the 2002 World Superbike Championship season switched into top gear on the first day of a three-day test session at the Valencia circuit in Spain.

Testing duties were carried out on the Ducati 998 Factory bike, fitted with the ’02 engine for next season, by 2001 WSBK Champion Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), back in action for the first time since his crash at Imola, and his Spanish team-mate Ruben Xaus. Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom is still convalescing after a recent operation to put his shoulder right and will test the bike in Kyalami, South Africa at the start of December.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), who completed 77 laps of the 4.005 km circuit with a best time of 1:35.61, was one-tenth of a second off Corser’s qualifying time in March and said he was very happy to be back in action after such a long break. “It feels like a comeback after six weeks off the bike!”, he enthused, “so I’ve got to be really happy with my time, because on a proper race tyre I went much faster than qualifying here for the race. This time of the year we usually go faster but seeing as I’m a bit rusty, all things considered I’m pretty pleased. The new engine is working really well and has improved a lot since Mugello. The bike already feels smooth and easy to ride and the suspension is working well. We also tried a different front fork, which also worked good. This test is really good for me, because it’ll help me get back into top shape for next season”.

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada), who totalled 64 laps with a best time of 1:36.05, was impressed with the improvement the bike had made since he tested at Sugo immediately after Imola. “The engine has improved a lot”, he declared. “The engineers have done a good job and have already found the right direction in which to work. The bike feels good, is more progressive and ‘clean’ and my quickest lap was much better than I did here in the Valencia race. I feel very relaxed, but I already desperately want to race. I think I’ve changed a lot since the start of this year and Ducati have helped me to make that change”.

Chief Engineer Corrado Cecchinelli declared: “We are really pleased with the test so far because both riders went quicker in race set-up than they did in the race last March. The times are positive especially considering the fact that the track was in far from perfect condition and the riders didn’t have the stimulus that comes during a race weekend”.

Team Manager Davide Tardozzi is absent from the Valencia test after being involved in a car crash on Sunday, in which he suffered a broken leg.

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

Michelin CEO Reinforces Company’s Motorcycle Racing Commitment After Ride On The Back Of A YZR500

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It’s not too often that you see a tire-company CEO on the back of a Yamaha YZR500.

But that’s exactly what fans saw when Michelin Group Chairman and CEO Edouard Michelin visited Valencia, Spain last September to witness Michelin’s 50th consecutive 500cc Grand Prix. Before the race started, Edouard Michelin took a two-lap ride aboard Marlboro Yamaha’s specially-equipped two-seat YZR500, with Randy Mamola at the controls.

“After the pre-ride briefing I knew I was in for something very special, because Randy (Mamola) only told me two signals – one to ask him to stop, the other to ask him to go slower, there’s no signal for ‘please go faster!'” Michelin was quoted as saying in a press release from the tire company. “I was worried how far we were away from the limit. The forces generated in braking, cornering and acceleration are unbelievable, so when Randy told me that our times were a wet-weather pace, it took my breath away. I’ll never forget that ride, and my thanks to everyone who made it possible.”

Michelin also got to see Telefonica Movistar Suzuki’s Sete Gibernau take his first 500cc Grand Prix win in a thrilling race with Alex Barros and Kenny Roberts on a drying track.

“This has been a very memorable day for me – motorcycle Grand Prix racing is a fantastic show,” Michelin, 38, was also quoted as saying in the release. “It’s all been a lot of fun, but obviously I didn’t come here to enjoy myself. I came here to remind everyone that we are totally committed to bike racing. Michelin is the most successful tire manufacturer in two-wheel and four-wheel motorsport, and while our return to F1 this year has generated huge interest, and perhaps even better results than we’d expected, we are still totally dedicated to our two-wheel work.

“Although racing is a marketing tool, most of all we are passionate engineers, that’s why we work so hard to create new technology and new tires. The improvement in lap and race speeds is down to the riders and the bikes, and we like to think we have also made a good contribution. We never stand still. Bike racing is very different from car racing. In cars, 99 percent of the drivers will choose the same tire, but in bikes there are so many different riding styles that riders need many different tires. That’s why we produce such a range.

“I have one regret – that we don’t have any competitors. But that will change next year when 990cc four-strokes enter the premier GP class. Of course, we’ve not been alone in 500s for long, only since last summer, and it’s true to say that none of the other tire manufacturers pulled out, it’s just that nobody asked them for tires.

“The new four-stroke GP class is another great technical challenge for us and we relish that. The bikes make more power and they’re heavier, so we’re looking at building bigger tires that can handle those demands, especially on faster circuits. We’ve already had some streetbike riders ask us for 16.5s and I think this shows the link between road and track is even closer in bikes than it is in cars.”

Chuck Sorensen Wins Deep South Classic Invitational XR100 TT

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Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Two-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Chuck Sorensen qualified on pole and took first place on both days of the second annual Deep South Classic Invitational XR100 TT November 10-11 in Cullman, Alabama. Sorensen, a dirt track instructor with Advantage Racing School, beat a field of 25 including Brian Parriott, Josh Hayes, Aaron Yates, Bill St. John, James Lickwar, Thomas Montano, James Siddall and Keith Perry on an eighth-mile dirt course in Northern Alabama.

Organized by Project Monza/Cycle Specialties of Athens-sponsored racer Bill St. John, the for-fun race featured a highly-organized structure including technical inspection, a 90-minute practice session, a four-lap “Superpole” qualifying session, two 10-lap races for the top qualifiers and a 10-lap “Consolation Race” for the bottom half of the qualifiers. The rules mandated stock exhausts with stock baffles, 125cc maximum displacement including Yamaha TT-R125s, no knobbie tires and MX moto scoring to determine the overall winner of the Championship.

In Saturday’s qualifying, Sorensen was fastest followed by Parriott and St. John but the final finishing order of the day was Sorensen, Parriott and Hayes. Hayes, along with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief Keith Perry, rode Honda XR100s fitted with Penske shocks. According to Perry, there are only five Penske XR100 shocks in existence.

The winner of Saturday’s consolation race was Alabama-based photographer Louis Gagne.

The original program called for a Saturday-only program, but when Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates showed up on Sunday, many of the competitors changed their flight plans and a second race program was added. In Sunday’s qualifying, Sorensen again took pole with Yates second ahead of Parriott. Sorensen then took the day’s overall win with Yates second ahead of St. John.

According to Race Director Lickwar, plans for the 2003 third annual Deep South Classic Invitational XR100 TT are already under way.

CCE Vs. AMA Supercross Battle: CCE Locks Up Stadiums, TV And Now The Track Builder

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

The press release follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.pacesupercross.com

More From Ducati’s Test At Valencia

From a press release:

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

DUCATI CORSE TESTING AFFECTED BY RAIN

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

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

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

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

TEMPERATURES: air 11°C/track 12°C

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

Extended Clear Channel TV Deal Means More Bad News For AMA Pro Racing In Battle Over Supercross

From a press release:

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

ESPN Regional Television To Produce EA SPORTS Supercross In 2002

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.pacesupercross.com.

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

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

How HMC Ducati’s Hansen Found Out He Wouldn’t Have Ducati Support In 2002

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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

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

Speedvision TV’s Two-wheel Tuesday Line-up For November 13

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

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

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

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


7:00 p.m. Bike Week

7:30 p.m. American Thunder

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

9:00 p.m. Yamaha Race of Champions

10:00 p.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides

11:00 p.m. Bike Week

11:30 p.m. American Thunder


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

1:00 a.m. Yamaha Race of Champions

2:00 a.m. Kawasaki Dream Rides


All times are Eastern Time.

It’s Definitely War As Clear Channel Announces 2003 Supercross Schedule

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

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

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

A press release from Clear Channel follows:


Clear Channel Entertainment Announces 2003 Supercross Series Schedule

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

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

The 2003 Supercross Series schedule follows:

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

Jan 11 Bank One Ballpark Phoenix, Ariz.

Jan 18 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Jan 25 TBA * TBA *

Feb 1 Edison International Field Anaheim, Calif.

Feb 8 Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, Calif.

Feb 15 Metrodome Minneapolis, Minn.

Feb 22 Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga.

Mar 1 RCA Dome Indianapolis, Ind.

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

Mar 29 Reliant Astrodome Houston, TX

Apr 5 Silverdome Pontiac, Mich.

Apr 12 Texas Stadium Dallas, TX

Apr 26 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT

May 3 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas

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

For more information visit www.pacesupercross.com

Stratton Benefit Held At Buttonwillow

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

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

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

A Report From Ducati Testing At Valencia

From a Ducati press release:

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Testing – Valencia (Spain)
Tuesday, 13th November, 2001

BAYLISS AND XAUS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) BACK ON TRACK AT VALENCIA

Ducati Corse’s preparations for the 2002 World Superbike Championship season switched into top gear on the first day of a three-day test session at the Valencia circuit in Spain.

Testing duties were carried out on the Ducati 998 Factory bike, fitted with the ’02 engine for next season, by 2001 WSBK Champion Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), back in action for the first time since his crash at Imola, and his Spanish team-mate Ruben Xaus. Ducati L&M rider Ben Bostrom is still convalescing after a recent operation to put his shoulder right and will test the bike in Kyalami, South Africa at the start of December.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), who completed 77 laps of the 4.005 km circuit with a best time of 1:35.61, was one-tenth of a second off Corser’s qualifying time in March and said he was very happy to be back in action after such a long break. “It feels like a comeback after six weeks off the bike!”, he enthused, “so I’ve got to be really happy with my time, because on a proper race tyre I went much faster than qualifying here for the race. This time of the year we usually go faster but seeing as I’m a bit rusty, all things considered I’m pretty pleased. The new engine is working really well and has improved a lot since Mugello. The bike already feels smooth and easy to ride and the suspension is working well. We also tried a different front fork, which also worked good. This test is really good for me, because it’ll help me get back into top shape for next season”.

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada), who totalled 64 laps with a best time of 1:36.05, was impressed with the improvement the bike had made since he tested at Sugo immediately after Imola. “The engine has improved a lot”, he declared. “The engineers have done a good job and have already found the right direction in which to work. The bike feels good, is more progressive and ‘clean’ and my quickest lap was much better than I did here in the Valencia race. I feel very relaxed, but I already desperately want to race. I think I’ve changed a lot since the start of this year and Ducati have helped me to make that change”.

Chief Engineer Corrado Cecchinelli declared: “We are really pleased with the test so far because both riders went quicker in race set-up than they did in the race last March. The times are positive especially considering the fact that the track was in far from perfect condition and the riders didn’t have the stimulus that comes during a race weekend”.

Team Manager Davide Tardozzi is absent from the Valencia test after being involved in a car crash on Sunday, in which he suffered a broken leg.

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

Michelin CEO Reinforces Company’s Motorcycle Racing Commitment After Ride On The Back Of A YZR500

It’s not too often that you see a tire-company CEO on the back of a Yamaha YZR500.

But that’s exactly what fans saw when Michelin Group Chairman and CEO Edouard Michelin visited Valencia, Spain last September to witness Michelin’s 50th consecutive 500cc Grand Prix. Before the race started, Edouard Michelin took a two-lap ride aboard Marlboro Yamaha’s specially-equipped two-seat YZR500, with Randy Mamola at the controls.

“After the pre-ride briefing I knew I was in for something very special, because Randy (Mamola) only told me two signals – one to ask him to stop, the other to ask him to go slower, there’s no signal for ‘please go faster!'” Michelin was quoted as saying in a press release from the tire company. “I was worried how far we were away from the limit. The forces generated in braking, cornering and acceleration are unbelievable, so when Randy told me that our times were a wet-weather pace, it took my breath away. I’ll never forget that ride, and my thanks to everyone who made it possible.”

Michelin also got to see Telefonica Movistar Suzuki’s Sete Gibernau take his first 500cc Grand Prix win in a thrilling race with Alex Barros and Kenny Roberts on a drying track.

“This has been a very memorable day for me – motorcycle Grand Prix racing is a fantastic show,” Michelin, 38, was also quoted as saying in the release. “It’s all been a lot of fun, but obviously I didn’t come here to enjoy myself. I came here to remind everyone that we are totally committed to bike racing. Michelin is the most successful tire manufacturer in two-wheel and four-wheel motorsport, and while our return to F1 this year has generated huge interest, and perhaps even better results than we’d expected, we are still totally dedicated to our two-wheel work.

“Although racing is a marketing tool, most of all we are passionate engineers, that’s why we work so hard to create new technology and new tires. The improvement in lap and race speeds is down to the riders and the bikes, and we like to think we have also made a good contribution. We never stand still. Bike racing is very different from car racing. In cars, 99 percent of the drivers will choose the same tire, but in bikes there are so many different riding styles that riders need many different tires. That’s why we produce such a range.

“I have one regret – that we don’t have any competitors. But that will change next year when 990cc four-strokes enter the premier GP class. Of course, we’ve not been alone in 500s for long, only since last summer, and it’s true to say that none of the other tire manufacturers pulled out, it’s just that nobody asked them for tires.

“The new four-stroke GP class is another great technical challenge for us and we relish that. The bikes make more power and they’re heavier, so we’re looking at building bigger tires that can handle those demands, especially on faster circuits. We’ve already had some streetbike riders ask us for 16.5s and I think this shows the link between road and track is even closer in bikes than it is in cars.”

Chuck Sorensen Wins Deep South Classic Invitational XR100 TT

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Two-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Chuck Sorensen qualified on pole and took first place on both days of the second annual Deep South Classic Invitational XR100 TT November 10-11 in Cullman, Alabama. Sorensen, a dirt track instructor with Advantage Racing School, beat a field of 25 including Brian Parriott, Josh Hayes, Aaron Yates, Bill St. John, James Lickwar, Thomas Montano, James Siddall and Keith Perry on an eighth-mile dirt course in Northern Alabama.

Organized by Project Monza/Cycle Specialties of Athens-sponsored racer Bill St. John, the for-fun race featured a highly-organized structure including technical inspection, a 90-minute practice session, a four-lap “Superpole” qualifying session, two 10-lap races for the top qualifiers and a 10-lap “Consolation Race” for the bottom half of the qualifiers. The rules mandated stock exhausts with stock baffles, 125cc maximum displacement including Yamaha TT-R125s, no knobbie tires and MX moto scoring to determine the overall winner of the Championship.

In Saturday’s qualifying, Sorensen was fastest followed by Parriott and St. John but the final finishing order of the day was Sorensen, Parriott and Hayes. Hayes, along with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief Keith Perry, rode Honda XR100s fitted with Penske shocks. According to Perry, there are only five Penske XR100 shocks in existence.

The winner of Saturday’s consolation race was Alabama-based photographer Louis Gagne.

The original program called for a Saturday-only program, but when Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates showed up on Sunday, many of the competitors changed their flight plans and a second race program was added. In Sunday’s qualifying, Sorensen again took pole with Yates second ahead of Parriott. Sorensen then took the day’s overall win with Yates second ahead of St. John.

According to Race Director Lickwar, plans for the 2003 third annual Deep South Classic Invitational XR100 TT are already under way.

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