From Team Oliver Yamaha:

Atlanta race report: Perry Melneciuc puts in solo effort to finish 5th in the race and stay in 2nd place in the 250 GP Championship, Oliver missing in action, relaxing in hospital!

Melneciuc does it all!

Team Oliver’s Perry Melneciuc had an exciting day of racing on Sunday at Road Atlanta, but the really hard work was done during the weeks leading up to the race, as Perry and his wife Kellee had to take over Team Oliver Yamaha at Sears Point after Rich Oliver was airlifted out after a crash, semi conscious and broken up, babbling about missing air fence!

First Perry and Kellee had to drive the rig to Road Atlanta, then fly home and pick up their motor home in Florida. Then they had to do a round of work to keep their business going and their customers satisfied. Then it was back on the road to Atlanta in the motor home, to set up the team pits and tent, and install a new motor in their primary race bike to replace a fast but unridable and unreliable motor designed by Rich Oliver. All of that required that Perry miss Thursday promoter practice putting him behind the rest of the 250 riders on track time! Nonetheless, Perry Qualified 4th for the main event starting on the front row, and rode a strong race to finish 5th. Perry comments, “I want to thank my wife Kellee, and my mechanic Shank Williams Jr. for all their help this race, they worked so hard to keep me in the points chase for the Championship, now it’s down to myself, Sorensen, Disalvo, and Sorbo.”

Points after Road Atlanta:

Sorensen, 137
Melneciuc, 106
Disalvo, 92
Sorbo, 91

Oliver found in Santa Rosa, hiding out and enjoying the fringe benefits of being in intensive care!

Rich Oliver spent a week in the hospital being pampered by the nursing staff and avoiding once again a long drive to Atlanta. After breaking his pelvis and losing a finger at Daytona, Rich had used that excuse to avoid driving the rig home from the Florida, and now has avoided another long drive by conveniently breaking his arm, fracturing his shoulder, grinding off a couple of toes, and concussing himself. “Well what can I say”, said Rich, “I think it’s a small price to pay, just think, when I was laying there in the hospital, high on morphine, catheter installed you know where and the nurse just about to give me a suppository so I could finally use the bathroom, I laughed, Ha Ha, no truck stop food for me!”

Rich plans to be back at Pikes Peak in Colorado, and to take over the driving duties from there on out. “I’m running out of digits to grind off, so I guess I better just bite the bullet and drive” whined the former Champ, “I’ll buy some new CD’s or something”


Team Oliver Yamaha is sponsored by:

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA
Dunlop Tires
Advanced Motion Controls
SHOEI Helmets
Silkolene Lubricants
Wilson’s Motorcycles
Sunsports Motorcycles
Auto Werks Paint
Rick Shell Crankshafts
Lindemann Engineering
Supertech
Sharkskinz
VP Racing Fuels
NGK Spark Plugs
EK Chain
AFAM
Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers
Kushitani Leathers
Helimot Leathers
Marietta Motorsports
Ferodo and Braketech
Frenotec
I Need Stickers. Com
Doc’s Custom and Collision
South Coast Inc.
AST Research
Cytomax, Cyto Sport

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a letter sent to Roadracing World:

A few weeks ago you posted a comment from a reader on your website concerning the new BeaveRun Motorsports Park near Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania in which he questioned the track’s suitability for motorcycle racing.

I have waited to respond until I visited the construction site as I wanted to review his concerns now that grading is at a stage where I am able to compare final grades with computer layouts.

Partly as a result of his comments I have made a few changes to the shape of three of the turns, altering them to modify the “accident-tangents” of the corner to maximize run-off room. I am now confident that the track will be very suitable for motorcycle racing (as was always my intent) and that his concerns can now be lessened.

BeaveRun will be a fast but technical track with a significant amount of grade change and corner cross cambers that will influence race lines and overtaking. While it is not an “open” type track like GingerMan, Mid-America and Carolina and will have many barriers, I believe that run-off areas will be adequate for motorcycle racing – certainly better then most similar tracks. Unfortunately it is not always possible to build tracks on flat wide open sites that make it feasible to eliminate barriers completely. The BeaveRun site has significant elevations which make for great viewing and interesting riding and which have required a considerable amount of earth moving. The consequence being that we have had to take extra care to plan necessary barriers where they need to protect from banks, drops and other features but in such a way that they will have the minimum impact potential.

Your correspondent also noted the track representative’s lack of awareness of “Air Fence”.

Part of my role in designing and consulting on track construction is to educate my clients on the most appropriate and up-to-date safety measures available. This process is on-going throughout the development of the project and not all information is provided up-front. Certain items, such as “Air Fence” are detailed in the design manual that I provide my clients with information provided as when appropriate. The information on “Air Fence”, (which I strongly recommend) had not been provided at the time of the presentation as the engineers were at that time still focused on basic design and construction issues.

It is my intention to recommend that “Air Fence” be used in appropriate locations as and where necessary.

I would like to thank your correspondent for noting his concerns and would like to re-assure him that motorcycle safety is and will always be a major priority of any track that I design. I hope that he will enjoy the challenge of racing at BeaveRun when it opens later this summer.

Sincerely,

Alan Wilson

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Just wanted to drop a line regarding AMA Pro Racing’s response to questionable track conditions before the Superstock race at Road Atlanta on Saturday afternoon.

There was a problem with water seeping up through the track in the turn five area (a la Sears Point), which the track workers attempted to dry up with blowers and were even seen wiping the ground with paper towels.

While the delay was lengthy, I believe the AMA made the proper decision by allowing the riders two sighting laps to determine the severity of the problem, then consulting with the riders.

Ron Barrick of AMA and Cameron Gray of RPM basically told the riders what the possible options were and left it up to the riders to decide what to do. The riders decided to make the area a no-passing zone, with a waving yellow flag displayed there the whole race.

It was nice to see a promotor willing to work with the riders, instead of only caring about “the show,” (Loudon 2001).

I commend Ron Barrick, the AMA staff, and RPM for their consideration of rider safety above all else.

Thanks, guys.

Michael Hannas


This reaction just in:

I wasn’t there personally, but assuming things happened as Hannas describes, then I am extremely pleased with the way that the AMA handled the Road
Atlanta situation with water seepage. It appears the AMA finally understands that the AMA/RACER relationship does not have to be adversarial and given the opportunity, racers can often provide valuable information when “situations” arise… especially ones dealing with track safety.

As for the AMA race at Loudon in 2001, I wish we were given the same consideration that they gave the Superstock racers at Road Atlanta this past weekend.

I was waiting to compete in the 250 GP race while the whole 600cc fiasco unfolded on pit road. I’m fairly certain that if we were given the
opportunity for a few practice laps, that the majority of the entries would have voted to race. Instead, many riders spent a lot of time and money to attend that weekend and went home Sunday without the opportunity to compete. (I was able to stay over until Monday and actually did pretty well, but it just wasn’t the same.)

Hopefully, AMA Pro Racing has finally turned the corner and is heading in the right direction.

Tony Iannarelli
Springfield, MA

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jeremy Toye won the Toyota Cup Unlimited Formula 1 race during last weekend’s WSMC event at Willow Springs Raceway. Toye, riding his Lee’s Cycles Suzuki GSX-R1000, beat a three-way battle for second involving Jack Pfeifer on his Team Orthopedics GSX-R1000, Jason Perez on a Ducati and Ken Chase on a Suzuki GSX-R750. Pfeifer, Perez and Chase finished in that order.

Pfeifer won the Solo GTO, Open Superstock, Open Superbike and Open Modified Production races on his GSX-R1000.

Perez won the Roadracingworld.com 600cc Superstock race on a Suzuki GSX-R600, ahead of Owen Richey and Jacob West.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Eric Wood will race a Buell XB9R in the Sportbike class during the F-USA National at Loudon, New Hampshire June 14-16.

Wood won the AMA Pro Thunder race at Loudon last year and is a past F-USA Sportbike Champion.

In related news, the New Hampshire International Speedway is now equipped with 135 soft barrier sections, 85 more than last year, and the recent redesign of the NASCAR oval has eliminated the transition bumps where the road course crosses the oval, according to racer and NHIS motorcycle safety director Jerry Wood, father of Eric Wood.

Formula USA will bring an additional 20 sections (about 560 linear feet) of inflatable Air Fence, provided by the Roadracingworld.com Action Fund, to the track.

An LRRS race at the track last weekend drew 970 entries despite snow flurries on Saturday.

From press releases:

From Ducati:
WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 6 – Silverstone (UK)
Wednesday Pre-Race Testing

WORLD SUPERBIKE CONTENDERS MAKE DEBUT AT SILVERSTONE IN PRE-RACE TESTING

Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) set third quickest time today at Silverstone as the World Superbike contenders completed a one-day test session in preparation for Round 6 of the championship here on Sunday.

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada) was one place behind in fourth, with Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) in twelfth position, as the Grand Prix circuit was hit by changeable weather.

First qualifying for the Silverstone race gets underway on Friday 24th May, with the second session and the grid-deciding Superpole scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s two races will be held at 1200 and 1530 (1300 and 1630 CET).

OFFICIAL TIMES
1. Colin Edwards (Honda) 1:49.55; 2. Steve Hislop (Ducati Monster Mob) 1:49.74; 3. Ruben Xaus (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:49.78; 4. Troy Bayliss (DUCATI INFOSTRADA) 1:50.06; 5. Neil Hodgson (HM Plant Ducati) 1:50.08; 6. Rutter (Ducati Renegade) 1:50.36; 7. Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia) 1:50.40 … 10. James Toseland (HM Plant Ducati) 1:50.78 … 12. Ben Bostrom (DUCATI L&M) 1:51.35.



From Honda:

HONDA RACING NEWS

Silverstone, GB – 2002 World Superbike championship round six / 2002 World
Supersport championship round six – Sunday May 26

New circuit brings new hope for Edwards

Castrol Honda World Superbike rider Colin Edwards believes Sunday’s sixth round of the championship at the Silverstone circuit near Northampton, GB may be the turning point in the 2002 season.

Edwards, second in the championship, has never raced at Silverstone but the 28-year-old former world champion is hoping the circuit layout will benefit his SP-2 machine.

“From what I’ve seen of the circuit I should be in with a good chance of winning,” Edwards reports. “There doesn’t seem to be too many slow, stop-start corners, more sweeping, high speed bends.

“That style of circuit should be good for the SP-2. We’ve plenty of mid range and top end power and it looks like those are the ingredients needed at Silverstone.”

Edwards is 38 points behind series leader Troy Bayliss as the pair have eased away at the head of the championship. Edwards adds: “It looks a bit of a two horse race at the moment but this is motorsport, anything can happen.

“A couple of weeks ago I would have expected Neil Hodgson to be a contender at Silverstone, which I still believe, but then he popped up at Monza and was battling for the race wins.”

Edwards concluded: “Everyone keeps telling me I’m riding well enough so I’m pretty relaxed and have got the feeling that my time will come to win some races and start challenging Troy (Bayliss) for the championship lead.”

Edwards is 55 points clear of the battle for third, a four-way tussle between the factory Ducatis of Ben Bostrom and Ruben Xaus, the factory Aprilia of Noriyuki Haga and GSE Ducati team rider Neil Hodgson.

The Silverstone wild card riders include Steve Hislop the veteran Scotsman took a shock pole position for the British round of the championship last year then held at Donington Park.

Victory for Honda’s Fabien Foret in the last round of the World Supersport championship at Monza the fourth win of his career – has thrown the battle for the championship wide open.

Just five points now separate the top three riders as 1999 champion Stephane Chambon leads the way, by four points from Foret with defending champion Andrew Pitt one point behind the CBR600-riding Frenchman.

Foret commented: “Silverstone is new to every rider so I don’t see that we will have any specific problems. I’ve heard the circuit is very fast that will suit the CBR600 machine.”

Talented young Australian Chris Vermeulen is up to sixth in the championship on his van Zon Honda after the 19-year-old took his first pole position and his first podium finish, with second place, at Monza two weeks ago.

“I’ve raced at Silverstone before but only the national circuit,” said Vermeulen. “I’m like every other rider out there, looking forward to the fast, sweeping corners around the back of the circuit that only Formula One cars have used before.”



More, from Honda:

World Superbike – Wednesday test times:
1. Colin Edwards, Castrol Honda, 1:49.554
2. Steve Hislop, Ducati, 1:49.742
3. Ruben Xaus, Ducati, 1:49.789
4. Troy Bayliss, Ducati, 1:50.067
5. Michael Rutter, Ducati, 1:50.363
6. Noriyuki Haga, Aprilia, 1:50.403
7. Shane Byrne, Ducati, 1:50.433
8. Neil Hodgson, Ducati, 1:50.707
9. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki, 1:50.770
10. James Toseland, Ducati, 1:50.785

From a press release:

E. BOSTROM TAKES MOMENTUM TO ENGLAND

May 22, 2002 – Atlanta, GA. After an exciting race weekend at Road Atlanta for rounds six and seven of the Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike Championship, Eric finds himself in Europe. Again. Filling in for Izutsu and Harald Eckl’s Kawasaki team, Eric is looking forward to putting in a solid result for Kawasaki at the British round, just as he did a few weeks ago at the Italian round (Monza).

He’s taking to Silverstone the momentum and excitement from his inspiring ride at Road Atlanta (AMA) last Sunday. A ride that saw him reel in the fast Honda twin of Nicky Hayden with just a few laps to go, and make a pass in the penultimate corner of the last lap that got 55,000+ fans on their feet screaming with excitement. Although Nicky’s drive into the last corner ultimately sealed Eric’s fate, it was one of the best races of the season, and it showcased what Eric has been learning from his World Superbike races. All that travelling is starting to pay off.

Quite possibly the busiest rider in the paddock, Eric hasn’t gone home to Las Vegas in quite awhile. Since the Fontana, California (AMA round) almost 2 months ago, he has been a man on the move. Eric flew immediately to Australia to train and hang with brother, Ben. Then he flew to Japan for the Sugo World Superbike round. Then back to California for the Sears Point (AMA) round. Then immediately to Italy for the Monza round. Then to Atlanta for the Road Atlanta (AMA) round, where he left two days ago to arrive in time for the Silverstone practice today. But wait folks, there’s more. As soon as the Silverstone round ends, Eric flies to Colorado for the Pikes Peak (AMA) round. Then to Wisconsin for the Road America (AMA) round. And there remains the possibility that Eric will wrap up June with the Misano World Superbike round, as well. Quite a busy, pressure-packed few months for the 25 year-old California native. But he’s taking it all in stride. “Riding these events, is helping the riding, for sure. It’s making me dig deeper and try harder,” says Eric.

And his American fans are certainly seeing improved riding, especially in the form of qualifying and race starts. “It seems like we have better qualifying tires across the pond. So I’m still coming to terms with how much grip we have over there versus over here. And those guys in WSB start so HARD. Here, a good start means a holeshot. There, a good start means you might be even with everyone else.” His American fans are also seeing a more aggressive Eric Bostrom, although seemingly not at the expense of his trademark composure.

The upcoming Silverstone World Superbike round should prove interesting, as this is the first time a World Superbike race is being held at the Silverstone circuit, leveling the playing field a bit. “I think it’ll be fun. It should close the gap a bit since the WSB regulars haven’t been there yet. The British locals are going to go good and be tough to beat, and they are on fast bikes. But it should be fun.”

And Eric has a little streak to protect at Silverstone, having qualified on the outside of row 2 (in 8th position) in both of the prior World Superbike races (Sugo and Monza). Will Silverstone mean another 8th place Superpole lap? “I don’t mind starting from row two. It’s not such a bad qualifying position. I’d like to qualify better, of course. But in AMA, I’m unhappy if I’m not on pole. In WSB, I’m happy to start 8th! At least, for the moment.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Purse payout for this weekend’s Formula USA race at Summit Point follow:

Lockhart Phillips Superbike
Position, Race 1, Race 2, Combined
1. $1250, $3750, $5000
2. $925, $2775, $3700
3. $675, $2025, $2700
4. $450, $1350, $1800
5. $325, $975, $1300
6. $250, $750, $1000
7. $225, $675, $900
8. $200, $600, $800
9. $175, $525, $700
10. $150, $450, $600
11. $125, $375, $500
12. $100, $300, $400
13. $75, $225, $300
14. $50, $150, $200
15. $25, $75, $100

Pro Honda Oils 600 Sportbike & Buell Lightning Series (each)
1. $2000
2. $1500
3. $1200
4. $1000
5. $800
6. $700
7. $600
8. $450
9. $400
10. $350
11. $300
12. $250
13. $200
14. $150
15. $100

Team Challenge GTO, GTU, GTL (each)
1. $500
2. $300
3. $200

600cc Supersport Amateur & Open Supersport Amateur (each)
1. $350
2. $250
3. $175
4. $125
5. $100

Unlimited Grand Prix & Thunderbike (each)
1. $1000
2. $500
3. $275
4. $250
5. $225
6. $200
7. $175
8. $150
9. $125
10. $100

From an AMA Pro Racing press release, issued about 24 hours after our posting of the results of yesterday’s Appeal Board hearing:

APPEAL BOARD DETERMINES YAMAHA R1/R7 HYBRID
NOT LEGAL FOR FORMULA XTREME RACING

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — An appeal board that met at AMA Pro Racing headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, on May 21, 2002, has determined that the Yamaha R1/R7 hybrid motorcycle used by Graves Yamaha in AMA Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme competition is not legal.

The board’s statement is as follows:
“It is our opinion that the Yamaha R7 does not meet the criteria set forth in Rule No. 24 (d) (2) in spirit or intent. It is also our finding that due to the error by AMA Pro Racing in including the R7 on the list of approved equipment, no team or rider should be penalized for awards received prior to May 21, 2002. The Yamaha R-7 is not legal for competition in Formula Xtreme.”

The board specifies that racers who have competed on the R1/R7 hybrid this season will be able to keep the points and purse money earned to date in Formula Xtreme.

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for professional motorcycle sport in the United States. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.