This press release just in from Ducati:

2001 WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

INTERVIEW WITH 2001 CHAMPION TROY BAYLISS (DUCATI INFOSTRADA)

With a double victory at Assen, Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) became the fifth Ducati rider to write his name in the World Superbike Championship Roll of Honours, following on from Raymond Roche (1990), Doug Polen (1991/1992), Carl Fogarty (1994/1995/1998/1999) and Troy Corser (1996).

As soon as he stepped off the Assen podium, Troy expressed his views and opinions on the way the season had gone.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPION?

I just can’t believe it. I didn’t realise I was champion until the slowdown lap when I saw all the guys of the team with the T-shirt. I’d like to thank the Ducati Infostrada team, all our sponsors, Michelin as well. You don’t do it all on your own and there have been a lot of people who have helped me all along right throughout my career. Being world champion is not going to change my life much, I don’t think.

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

I knew we would be in contention to win the championship. Winning it is just the bonus.

WHEN DID YOU START TO THINK THAT MAYBE YOU COULD WIN THE TITLE?

I expected to be one of the front-runners in the early part of the year but then round about the third round I thought I had a good chance of winning it.

TWO YEARS AGO YOU WERE RACING IN THE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP. ARE YOU SURPRISED TO HAVE GOT THIS FAR IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS?

It all started in the British championship. After I won that, I wanted to go into World Superbike but the AMA job came up with Ducati and that was another stepping stone to World Superbikes. Then Carl was injured and Ducati needed a replacement rider. To cut a long story short, I wanted to get here, it just happened a little bit sooner than expected.

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING WHEN RUBEN PASSED YOU DURING THE RACE?

I thought this is fun but it did get a little stressful at times. Things were a little bit dodgy out there, especially in the chicane before the front straight. I did have a moment or two, but mostly I kept it pretty safe.

WERE THERE ANY TEAM ORDERS?

What do you think?. You don’t win a championship without a team. Ruben was not in the championship hunt so yes, we absolutely had team orders. It would be foolish to think that that would not happen. That’s the way racing is.

DID YOU KNOW DURING THE RACE WHERE YOU WERE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN RELATION TO EDWARDS?

No, I had no clue. I didn’t really know I had won the title until I pulled in after the warm-down lap and saw my crew running towards me. I actually thought Colin was not too far behind me during the race.

WERE YOU RUNNING CONSERVATIVELY AT ASSEN?

In both races I didn’t ride above myself because I had a lot of things on my mind and I wanted to win the championship. I haven’t been overriding myself at all in the last few races.

OBVIOUSLY YOU CAME TO ASSEN WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT APPROACH TO LAST YEAR…

Last year I had a lot of things to prove … I needed a job basically! I was also new to the team, and wasn’t used to Michelins. But now I feel confident and comfortable and that makes a big difference.

DO YOU THINK THE WEATHER HAD AN IMPACT OVERALL ON THE OUTCOME OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

In a way, yes. I believe that had it been wet that Edwards would have put on a good show in the rain.

AFTER YOU HAD A DNF AT OSCHERSLEBEN DID YOU HAVE ANY WORRIES OR DOUBTS?

No, but I was quite disappointed because it was our first DNF throughout the year. Even though we went into that weekend with a good points lead, I was disappointed that we did not get any points in that race.

WHAT WENT WRONG WITH YOUR BIKE IN GERMANY?

We experienced a clutch failure that we had never seen before. I had always been downshifting without using the clutch but, well, now I do.

DO YOU THINK THAT TYRES HAVE BEEN A CRUCIAL FACTOR THIS YEAR?

Yeah, with the tyres we’ve had a few ups and downs this year. I also had a DNF and a few problems along the way, like everyone else really. But you just get on with it and work hard all the year to come up with the goods.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE THE NUMBER ONE PLATE ON YOUR BIKE FOR NEXT SEASON?

Number one? I really like the number 21 actually!! But, if Ducati wants me to run the #1, then it will be the #1!.

DO YOU THINK RUBEN IS ONE OF THE MAIN CONTENDERS NEXT YEAR?

Yeah, I think so because he found something at Oschersleben that really suits him. He feels comfortable on the bike and is riding really well. I think he’s changed since then.

HOW WILL YOU APPROACH THE IMOLA RACE WITH ALL THE PRESSURE OFF?

Everything will be much the same at Imola. It’ll be interesting to see how I do – I might be rubbish now there’s no pressure! But I’m looking forward to riding without having to think about the championship. I struggled when we tested there in July, so hopefully we can change things around a little bit.

WHEN DOES THE 2002 TESTING PROGRAMME START?

Too soon!! I’ve got two weeks off after Imola and then the testing schedule starts again in October.

NEXT YEAR YOU’RE GOING TO DEFEND THE TITLE. ARE YOU PLANNING A SWITCH TO GPS IN 2003?

I’ve got a little plan but next year I’m looking forward to coming back and defending the title so we’ll see how it goes on from there. Maybe I’ll need another challenge but I’ve got to finish this year first and then next. In all honesty, 2003 is just too far ahead.

WILL YOU BE STAYING IN EUROPE THE REST OF THE YEAR?

I’ve got a lot of things to do between now and December and maybe then I’ll be able to go back to Australia for a few weeks but I don’t know yet.

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT BACK TO SUGO LAST YEAR WHEN YOU ENTERED THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?

I try to block that one out because it wasn’t a great weekend but that’s just racing for you.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Cancelling this weekend’s AMA National at Willow Springs would be giving into terrorists, Willow Springs International Raceway’s Greg Huth said Tuesday afternoon.

While AMA officials are considering cancelling the event, Huth says the show should go on.

Wednesday’s Team Hammer Advanced Riding School & Track Ride will proceed as scheduled at the Rosamond, California track while word on the AMA’s official position is expected by 8:00 a.m., Pacific Time.

Team trucks already parked at Willow Springs on Tuesday afternoon included rigs from:

Attack Suzuki
Bleu Bayou Harley-Davidson
Competition Accessories Ducati
Corona EBSCO Suzuki
GP Tech
Harley-Davidson
HMC Ducati
Kawasaki
PJ1/Team Turfrey
Synergy Racing Honda
World Sports/Corbin Yamaha
Yamaha
Yoshimura Suzuki

Meanwhile, Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s semi-truck was still en-route from the team’s race shop in Alabama, having just crossed into California from Arizona.

This press release just in from Mat Mladin’s publicist, Steve Reeves:

MAT MLADIN Racing – MEDIA INFORMATION
For immediate release
Monday, 10 September 2001

Round 13, 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship
Willow Springs Raceway, California, USA
Event preview

WILLOW SPRINGS PROVIDES THE PENULTIMATE CHALLENGE FOR MLADIN

West Rosamond, California, USA – California’s Willow Springs Raceway will host the penultimate round of this years AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship this coming weekend, with Australian Mat Mladin searching for a result that will further extend his championship points lead and put himself into a strong position to claim his third consecutive AMA Superbike crown.

The defending AMA Superbike Champion leads Kawasaki’s Eric Bostrom by just 15 points heading into the round after a season long battle, but is firmly focused on the task ahead that will make it three consecutive titles.

“Last year I finished eighth at Willow, but it was under a lot different circumstances than this time round,” said Mladin. “Last year I had a good championship points leader to cover, but this year I have to aim at being ahead of Eric (Bostrom) at least. I feel a lot more comfortable at Willow. It’s got a European feel about it with some fast sweeping turns and I like that. It’s definitely one of my more favoured circuits on the calendar.”

In preparation for this weekend, Mladin spent three days at the Willow Springs circuit shortly after the previous round at Pikes Peak, recording the fastest time at the test aboard his Team Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750.

“It was a good test for us and we are now looking forward to the race. We spent the bulk of the time there working on a set up that we feel comfortable with. We tried a bunch of stuff, not only for this round, but also for next year. The championship will be over in another three weeks, so we have to start thinking about next year.

It is this dedication that has become a trademark of Mladin’s, who will be looking at continued success in America in 2002.

“I’m definitely staying here next year as far as I’m aware. I haven’t heard anything to the contrary from Suzuki at this stage.

Mladin has compiled a total of 359 points so far in this year’s championship taking out four race victories, including the prestigious season-opening Daytona 200.

His points tally has also benefited from a record-breaking eight straight pole positions this season, bring a championship point with each. With two races remaining and holding a fifteen-point lead, the eight pole position points have played a significant role this year.

This weekend’s Superbike national will not only feature the championship tussle between Mladin and Bostrom, but the pair will also have to contend with last year’s race winner Nicky Hayden (American Honda) who has won the last three championship races this season.


Points after 12 of 14 rounds
Mat Mladin, 359 points
Eric Bostrom, 344
Nicky Hayden, 303
Doug Chandler, 292
Miguel DuHamel, 274
Tommy Hayden, 270
Jamie Hacking, 267
Steve Rapp, 246
Kurtis Roberts, 224
Andreas Meklau, 211

From a press release:

Sport Management to represent Motorsports Designs in growing motorcycle industry

WESTERVILLE, OH, SEPT. 10 – Sport Management has joined forces with Motorsports Designs to bring the best of decal design and application to the motorcycle industry.

Motorsports Designs is the nation’s leading manufacturer of auto racing decals, and has been making impressions since 1982. As a quality provider of creative services, digital graphics and screen-printed services, Motorsports Designs has become the graphics provider of choice for NASCAR racing’s most successful teams.

“We’ve asked Sport Management for their help in introducing us to the motorcycle community, and bringing our products to the motorcycle market,” said Kip Johnson, General Manager at Motorsports Designs. “Sport Management has the experience and expertise in motorcycle racing to connect us to the sponsors who wish to make a major impact, graphically speaking. And, Sport Management participated in the phenomenal growth of motorcycle competition over the past few years. We believe they are well positioned to represent our motorcycle business; whether the job includes a single motorcycle or a complex hauler, we are here to help.”

Motorsports Designs will also be working through Sport Management to identify teams and riders for potential sponsorship opportunities. Interested parties can contact [email protected], or call 614.899.9476, for more information.

Preliminary reports are that Ty Howard underwent a CAT scan with normal results, and has a class one concussion. Meanwhile, Craig Connell suffered a shoulder injury and broken ribs in Sunday’s pile-up early in the second Formula USA Unlimited Superbike race at Portland International Raceway.

John Dugan, also involved, suffered a knee injury. Dugan and Mike Sullivan were scheduled to fly to France on Monday to participate in the Bol d’Or 24-hour. At post time it was unknown whether or not Dugan would be able to race at Bol d’Or.

Young American John “Hopper” Hopkins tested today at Estoril, Portugal, riding a Red Bull Yamaha YZR500. It is the third test with the team for Hopkins, from Ramona, California.

Hopkins took to the track around 10:00 a.m. and rode until lunch. Shortly after the lunch break, Hopkins lowsided a YZR500 and slid into a gravel trap.

Hopkins was unhurt while the racebike suffered minor damage.

The crash ended Hopkins’ testing and he is expected to arrive back in the United States on Tuesday.

The team is negotiating with Hopkins for the 2002-2004 World Championship Grand Prix seasons.

From an AMA press release:


MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTS CLASS OF 2001

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Twenty-eight legendary figures in the history of American motorcycling were inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame today (September 8), during ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering.

The new inductees join 241 others already enshrined in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the lower level of the Museum. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame features a plaque recognizing each inductee, along with related motorcycles, photos and memorabilia.

This year’s class includes racers, tuners, engineers and media figures. Among the notables: Mike Baldwin, five-time AMA road-racing champion; Mark Barnett, winner of four motocross and Supercross championships; Allen Carter, the engineer responsible for many motorcycles produced by Indian; Charles Clayton, who, with his wife, Sharon, developed Cycle News into America’s weekly newsmagazine of motorcycling; Erv Kanemoto Jr., the tuner who helped Freddie Spencer and others win world road-racing championships; Larry Maiers, race announcer and TV personality; Fred Merkel, three-time AMA and two-time world Superbike champion; and Joe Parkhurst, founder of Cycle World magazine.

“We see the Motorcycle Hall of Fame as an important part of the Museum’s mission,” said Don Emde, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which runs the facility. “Preserving the heritage of American motorcycling means more than displaying a collection of classic machines. It means keeping alive the memory of those who built that heritage.”

Emde, winner of the 1972 Daytona 200, is a Hall-of-Famer himself, as is his father, Floyd, who won the same event in 1948.

Any motorcycling enthusiast may submit a person to be considered for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame; complete biographical information should accompany the submission. Inductees are chosen by six committees consisting of Hall-of-Famers and independent experts in various disciplines. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2002 will be announced next May.


THE MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2001

Walt Axthelm: First American to ride the ISDT (1960). Many-time winner of off-road events on Catalina Island.

Mike Baldwin: 1978, ’82-’85 AMA Formula One Champion. 16 AMA National wins and a top contender in 1980s AMA Superbike racing.

Mark Barnett: Factory Suzuki rider and off-road star of the 1980s. 1980-’82 AMA 125cc and 1981 AMA Supercross champion. On 1983 winning Motocross des Nations team.

Mike Bell: Son of famous race tuner Bill Bell and top off-road star in his own right. Won the 1980 Supercross title.

Ron Bishop: This Baja legend has ridden all 33 Baja 1000s, 27 Baja 500s, 17 Tecate 500 Enduros, and two ISDTs. Dealer in Escondido still prepping race bikes.

Bill Brokaw: Trials competitor for 50 years. Three-time Southern California champion; enduro, hare and hound, ice-racing competitor. Dealer for 35 years.

Don Brown: Former Cycle magazine editor, later executive for Johnson Motors Triumph, BSA Inc., Suzuki. Now a respected industry consultant.

Allen Carter: Engineer at the Indian Motocycle Company in the 1930s. Played a key role in the design of many new models.

Charles Clayton: With wife, Sharon, he turned a West Coast publication into the weekly Cycle News that serves to sport to this day.

Babe DeMay: Successful dirt-track racer, won 1966 National at Lincoln, Illinois. Later tuned for Mark Brelsford and many other top riders.

Dave Ekins: Won numerous off-road events, including Baja, Catalina and Greenhorn Enduro. 1964 and ’66 ISDT Gold Medal winner. Later, a motorcycle journalist.

George Everett: 1957 & ’58 Peoria TT National winner, ranked in top six in points 1956-’57.

Erv Kanemoto Jr.: Tuner for many top U.S. road-racers. With Freddie Spencer aboard, his machines won the 1985 250cc and 500cc World Road Racing Championships.

Carey Loftin: Ex-speedway racer who found great success in movie stunt work in the 1930s and ’40s. Member of traveling stunt show.

Larry Maiers: Worked at Penton Imports and announced races in the 1970s and ’80s. Later moved on to television with “MotoWorld” and Speedvision.

Fred Merkel: 1984-’86 AMA Superbike Champion; 1988-’89 World Superbike Champion; 20 career AMA Superbike National wins. 1982 250cc GP class runner-up.

John McLaughlin: Winner of Catalina Grand Prix 250cc & 350cc classes the same year. Greenhorn Enduro winner. AFM #1 500cc three years.

Joe Parkhurst: Founder/publisher of Cycle World magazine. He changed the way motorcycle magazines covered the sport. Co-founded Saddleback Park in Southern California.

Mike Parti: Successful sidecar racer in scrambles and Bonneville speed trials. Today, he is one of the most respected restorers of antique motorcycles.

Leo Payne: Famous drag racer who amassed many records and won numerous championships. First non-streamliner to go over 200 mph at Bonneville.

Ronnie Rall: Top 1960s and ’70s Midwest dirt-track racer. Ranked third in AMA Grand National points in 1964; won five AMA Nationals.

Jim Rice: Versatile 1960s and ’70s dirt-track star. He won six AMA Nationals during the 1970 season alone, and over his career.

Dave Schultz: Six-time NHRA National Pro Stock Champion; 45 NHRA National event wins in 23-year racing career.

Shell Thuet: Legendary race tuner. In the 1960s, his rider, Elliott Schultz, dominated Ascot. Later sponsored Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson.

Marty Tripes: Won the inaugural Superbowl of Motocross race at age 16. Went on to win 11 AMA Nationals in his career.

Ralph White: 1963 Daytona 200 winner; finished 1963 ranked third in AMA Grand National points. 1965 winner of Loudon, Indianapolis and Springfield Nationals.

Jack Wilson: Dealer, tuner, sponsor in AMA Class C races; especially well-known for his role in numerous Bonneville speed records.

Steve Wise: Superbikers Champion, top-10 ranking in AMA 250cc Supercross 1975, 1978 and 1980. Top-10 ranking in 125cc, 1976-’78. Later won an AMA Superbike National.

500cc Results
1. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 47:25.357
2. Loris Capirossi, Honda, 47:27.113
3. Garry McCoy, Yamaha, 47:39.387
4. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 47:49.694
5. Max Biaggi, Yamaha, 47:56.705
6. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 47:47.282
7. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Proton, 48:02.497
8. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha, 48:06.400
9. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha, 48:15.630
10. Jose Luis Cardoso, Yamaha, 48:23.584
11. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, 48:52.496
12. Anthony West, Honda, 48:52.816
13. Johan Stigefelt, Sabre, -1 lap
14. Brendan Clarke, Honda, -1 lap
15. Barry Veneman, Honda, -1 lap
16. Noriyuki Haga, Yamaha, -3 laps, DNF
17. Leon Haslam, Honda, -10 laps, DNF
18. Alex Barros, Honda, -16 laps, DNF
19. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki, -26 laps, DNF
20. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, -28 laps, DNF
21. Alex Barros, Honda, -28 laps, DNF
22. Norick Abe, Yamaha, -28 laps, DNF

250cc Results
1. Daijiro Katoh, Honda, 44:38.464
2. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 44:55.547
3. Tetsuya Harada, Aprilia, 45:05.824
4. Roberto Rolfo, Aprilia, 45:12.671
5. Jeremy McWilliams, Aprilia, 45:15.380
6. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 45:15.565
7. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 45:22.905
8. David Checa, Honda, 45:23.860
9. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 45:27.666
10. Sharol Yuzy, Yamaha, 45:29.536
20. Katja Poensgen, Honda, -1 lap

125cc Results
1. Manuel Poggiali, Gilera, 42:55.454
2. Youichi Ui, Derbi, 42:55.455
3. Toni Elias, Honda, 43:03.760
4. Simone Sanna, Aprilia, 43:03.927
5. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 43:21.684
6. Jakud Smrz, Honda, 43:25.893
7. Jaroslav Hules, Honda, 43:25.967
8. Mirko Giansanti, Honda, 43:26.954
9. Max Sabbatani, Aprilia, 43:29.436
10. Arnaud Vincent, Honda, 43:31.007


In the 500cc race, Max Biaggi crashed, rejoined the race and battled Noriyuki Haga until Haga crashed.

Hooters Suzuki’s Mike Ciccotto and Michael Barnes went one-two in the second Formula USA Unlimited Superbike race at Portland International Raceway, with Arclight Suzuki’s Brian Parriott third.

But Ciccotto’s GSX-R750 produced 146.6 horsepower on the official series Dynojet dyno, well over the 145-horsepower limit, and Ciccotto was disqualified. Provisional results follow:

1. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R750
2. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSXR-750, -0.906
3. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1.043
4. Tray Batey, Aprilia RSV Mille R, -14.343
5. Grant Lopez, Suzuki GSX-R750, -18.589
6. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, -18.672
7. Ken Chase, Suzuki GSX-R760, -20.702
8. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750
9. Alan Schmidt, Suzuki GSX-R750
10. Greg Leffler, Suzuki GSX-R750
11. Mike Sullivam, Yamaha YZF-R1
12. Jacob Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750
13. Marc Palazzo, Honda CBR929RR
14. Mike Fitzpatrick, Suzuki GSX-R750
15. Jeff Wood, Kawasaki ZX-9R
16. Mark Ledesma, Aprilia RSV Mille R
17. Roland Williams, Suzuki GSX-R750
18. Dan Wilson, Suzuki GSX-R750
19. Chris Anchien, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -1 lap
20. Briggs Willoughby, Honda RC51, -1 lap
21. Joshua Bryan, Suzuki GSX-R750, -7 laps
22. Aaron Clark, Aprilia RSV Mille R, -13 laps
23. Mike Himmelsbach, Aprilia RSV Mille R, -15 laps, DNF, crash
24. Nathan Hester, Suzuki GSX-R750, -15 laps

DQ, Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750

DNS, John Dugan
DNS, Tim Hudnall
DNS, Craig Connell
DNS, Ty Howard
DNS James Compton

Official Points
1. Higbee, 139 points
2. Acree, 128
3. Parriott, 117
4. Lopez, 98
5. Connell, 82
6. Batey, 72
7. Chase, 62
8. Himmelsbach, 58
9. Barnes, 54
10. Ciccotto, 43