John Hopkins is stranded in Bermuda after his flight from Lisbon to Newark was diverted due to terrorist attacks in the United States. Hopkins was returning from the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril and is scheduled to ride at Willow Springs Friday morning. No further information was available at post time.

WERA has scheduled two endurance races at VIR on Saturday, September 22, the extra race to make up for the rain-out at Memphis September 1. WERA racers received the following letter from WERA President Evelyne Clarke:

VIR Make-Up for Memphis Rain-Out:

To Endurance Teams: We will run two Endurance Races on Saturday with a one-hour break in between–they will range in 3 hours to 4 hours depending upon how we can work the schedule. The fee will be $200 per race, or if you enter both $350. You can use your credit from Memphis toward the fees. There will be a WERA purse in each of the rounds and contingency in both rounds.

To National Challenge Sprint Racers: If you were at Memphis, you will receive double points in the like National class you are running at VIR, i.e., if you were entered in 600cc Superstock at Memphis and enter that class at VIR you will get double points for your finish. You may use your credit at any event.

Regarding Memphis–we regret that we were not able to race, but WERA will not put racers on a track which is not safe if wet. We deal with a bad situation at Memphis with the front straight being part of the drag strip and have talked to them regarding a solution. If that solution is in place, WERA may return to Memphis. If this solution is not in place, WERA will not take another National event to Memphis Motorsports Park. We regret any inconvenience this has caused you, but rest assured your safety comes first. Any Endurance Team or National Sprint racer entered in the Memphis Round will be eligible for the Endurance and/or National Sprints at the 2001 Grand National Finals, October 24th through 28th.

This just in via e-mail:


To the Editor:

After interviews with witnesses and the OMRRA safety crews, we wanted to provide Roadracing World with additional information regarding the crash that occurred at the beginning of the second leg of the Formula USA Unlimited Superbike race at Portland International Raceway on September 9.

(1) None of the three bikes involved collided with either the Alpina Air Module sections or the wall. Rather, Craig Connell highsided at the point exiting Turn 9. Ty Howard and John Dugan then tangled with each other. Connell’s bike in the meantime chased him to the wall, stopping on top of him.

(2) OMRRA safety personnel were indeed consulted on the placement of the Air Module sections. Our concerns about the placement of the sections came from ten years of experience with that part of the racetrack. And the correct sequence of the event reveals that additional placement would not have altered the outcome and may have in fact trapped Connell as the fuel ignited.

(3) Only one rider (Ty Howard) was unconscious then came around partially, but needed to be sedated as he became combative and could have possibly aggravated his injuries. Connell suffered from a shoulder injury, yet as he was being placed in the ambulance he waved to those around him. I was on scene and witnessed this.

(4) Marc Palazzo should indeed be commended for turning around on his bike and heading back to help with Connell’s rescue. But to state that he reached Connell before any worker did is not correct. The real hero of the day was veteran OMRRA racer and safety worker Richard Matthews who was indeed the first person to reach Connell, pulling him away while dodging the flames that were being fanned by gusts of wind.

OMRRA remains committed to the safety of our racers, and OMRRA officials are always available to media reporters to assist in gathering facts prior to posting a story.

Sincerely,
Spiros Gabrilis
President, OMRRA



(Editorial Comment: The posting referred to by Gabrilis was based on interviews with Dugan, who said he got sideways and crashed trying to turn inside the crashed bikes without any reference to getting “tangled” with Ty Howard, and with Palazzo, who said he was assisted in dragging Connell away from the flames by another racer. The comment that placement of additional Air Module may have made the situation worse is pure speculation. Be that as it may, we acknowledge and appreciate the concern and efforts of OMRRA and the OMRRA corner working crew during the F-USA weekend and in the area of rider safety at all OMRRA and OMRRA-staffed events…John Ulrich, Editor.)

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Ty Howard, who rides a Yamaha YZF-R6 for Shogun Motorsports and a Kawasaki ZX-9R for Zlock Racing in Formula USA competition, was involved in a serious accident Sunday, September 9 exiting turn nine of Portland International Speedway. Howard was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with a “Level One” concussion, said to be the lowest level concussion. After an MRI and CAT scan, no other injuries were found. After spending Sunday and Monday in Intensive Care, Howard was moved to a regular room Tuesday, September 11 where he remained under observation and in good spirits, according to Shogun team owner Brooks Gremmels, who also said that Howard was looking to be released on Wednesday. Get Well messages for Ty Howard can be sent to his e-mail address at [email protected].

While at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Gremmels was able to check on the condition of Ducati Performance/Advanced Motor Sports rider Craig Connell, who was involved in the same incident as Howard. Originally, it was reported that Connell re-injured the shoulder that he separated August 24 at Pocono International Raceway. Connell did indeed displace his right shoulder, but he also suffered a break of the upper arm bone just below the shoulder joint.

According to Gremmels, Connell was released from the hospital, is staying in a hotel in Portland, and plans to travel to San Francisco on Wednesday, September 12 to be evaluated by Dr. Arthur Ting.

Connell’s travel plans may have to change considering today’s terrorist attacks and subsequent shut-down of all air travel in the United States.

This press release just in from AMA Pro Racing:

Update on this weekend’s AMA Pro Racing events

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing joins the rest of America and the world in mourning the devastating loss of human life that took place this Tuesday morning.

Given these tragic circumstances, AMA Pro Racing is in discussions with event promoters about the status of this weekend’s AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship race at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, Calif.; and the AMA U.S. Hillclimb Championships presented by Pace American event Sept. 16 in Jefferson (York Co.), Penn.

AMA Pro Racing will continue to monitor the situation and make ongoing decisions accordingly.
Stay tuned to amaproracing.com for further updates about this weekend’s racing events.

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.