From a Team Suzuki press release:

AUCTION TO OWN KENNY’S BASEBALL CAP – PROCEEDS TO THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT

Team Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki rider Kenny Roberts Jr is auctioning the New York Fire Department cap he wore onto the podium at Valencia last weekend – with all proceeds going directly to the fire fighters and the rescue fund to help families of the recent terrorist attack on the US.

Reigning World Champion Roberts is from California and was deeply shocked by the attack on his home country.

He said: “My heart goes out to the victims of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, also to the innocent passengers on the hi-jacked jets. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones right now.

“I wore the New York City Fire Department cap onto the podium and through the television press conference as a mark of my admiration and respect for the rescue teams working on the scene. And also to mark the tragic deaths of the rescue workers who were caught in the towers when they collapsed. It is only a small gesture, but if I can help in any way, then I shall try. I am hoping that the baseball cap I wore can be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the rescue and recovery effort. This is a good opportunity for the motorcycling community to show its compassion for the innocent victims of these attacks.”

Roberts has signed and dated the cap. If you would like to bid for the cap, then please contact us by e-mail at [email protected]. The closing date for the auction is Friday, October 12. The highest bidder will be notified by e-mail and a story posted on the www.suzuki-racing.com website shortly after.

E-MAIL YOUR BID NOW TO [email protected]

From a GSE Racing press release:
“GSE Racing has confirmed that it has agreed a three-year contract with Ducati Corse to compete in the Superbike World Championship. At the same time, the UK’s leading Superbike team has announced that Neil Hodgson will remain on the GSE Racing Ducati for the duration of this contract (2002-04) and that his teammate for 2002 will be James Toseland.

“The announcement was made by GSE Racing Team Manager Colin Wright, who is delighted with the long-term view adopted by Ducati Corse: ‘GSE Racing has made a successful entry into the Superbike World Championship. This has been recognized by the Ducati factory and we are in a position to plan for the future development of the team after the secure foundations that have been laid over the past three seasons.

” ‘Consistency is the key to this strategy and our aim is to pick up from where we have left off this season. I am confident that Neil will be one of the main contenders for the 2002 Superbike World Championship and that James will continue to develop into the best young British prospect at this level. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the GSE Group, HM Plant, Axo, Motorex, Dunlop and Suomy for their continued support in 2002.’

“Neil Hodgson, who is currently fifth in the Superbike World Championship says: ‘There has been a lot of speculation in the press, but I always knew where my future lay. I am delighted that I have been able to commit the next three years of my career to GSE Racing and Ducati Corse. I wouldn’t be in this position without the support of the team over the past three seasons and it is now my intention to repay GSE Racing and its sponsors for their invaluable support. I believe that this agreement gives me the best opportunity to win the Superbike World Championship with Ducati and Dunlop tyres.’

“Team-mate James Toseland is also delighted that he has been included in the team’s plans for 2002: ‘GSE Racing has confirmed that they are taking me up on the option of a second year with the team. The progress that I have made this year, and the confidence that I have built up as a result, are down to the support of the team. I am sure that I shall be able to reach the next stage of my development programme on the GSE Racing Ducati with this tried-and-tested framework in place.”

From a press release issued by American Honda:

Sunday morning, September 16, 2001, was an extraordinary Ride for Kids day in Columbia, Maryland. Following the week of terrorist attacks on our nation’s capitol and the World Trade Centers in New York City, 1150 motorcyclists from four states gathered at The Mall in Columbia to demonstrate that life and philanthropy will not be slowed in the United States.

At the end of this memorable day, $173,219 had been deposited into the research fund of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the US (PBTFUS) to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.

It was a tremendous sight as hundreds of motorcycles left the mall parking lot at 10:00 a.m. with a US flag flying on every motorcycle. Along the hour and a half route that wound through the scenic Howard County countryside, the riders were exhorted by spectators standing beside the road — cheering, waving their flags, and even crying at the site of these dedicated motorcyclists. On this day there was an unspoken message that seemed to say, “we will not be stopped as a country and we will not stop until we find an answer to this dreadful disease that is taking away our children”.

It was a glorious sight as the riders filled the parking lot at Lincoln Tech, the end point for the ride. As the riders entered the big top tent for the “Celebration of Life”, they were greeted by two huge American Flags flanking either side of the stage. Mike Traynor, the President and Founder of the PBTFUS, opened the special program with a period of quiet remembrance for all those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. And then, the motorcyclists reached for the hands of those around them and sang “God Bless America”. It was truly a touching moment as these Americans representing every race, religion and nationality, on every brand of motorcycle, were united as one representing the best of America and motorcycling.

The real heroes on this day were the six “kids”, ranging in age from 3 to 20, who gathered their strength to attend to ride and show the world that they are fighting and winning the battle against brain tumors. Elaine Brocenos shared what it is like to learn that a child has an inoperable brain tumor when, less than 2 years ago, her 7 year-old son Nathan was diagnosed. And yet Nathan was present on this day, thanks to new treatments that have resulted from recent research to treat brain tumors. Elaine thanked all the riders for their commitment in the face of the nation’s adversity and she encouraged and exhorted the riders to “never give up”.

There were other heroes present too. Bob Henig was the top individual fundraiser bringing a whopping $16,755 to pay for badly needed research. More than forty motorcycle clubs and chapters were represented at the Columbia, MD Ride for Kids–the Top Club honors went to the Manassas Honda Riders Club with $9697. Top dealer honors went to Bob’s BMW of Jessup, MD whose customer’s and friends brought $38,820. James and Lillian Bradford of Mitchellville, MD were the thrilled winners of the brand new Honda motorcycle.

Congratulations to Task Force Leaders Jackie Cooke and Bob Henig, the Columbia Task Force members and event volunteers, the local sponsors and all the participants for a remarkable and memorable event.


The money raised in Columbia will support the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS) as it funds medical research seeking the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors. The Ride for Kids program will stop next in Sacramento, CA on Sunday October 7, 2001. For more information concerning the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States or the Ride for Kids program call 800-253-6520 or visit our websites, www.pbtfus.org or www.ride4kids.org.

This First Person/Opinion piece just in from WSMC’s Kenny Kopecky:

What makes you frustrated? Perhaps, even angry? So angry you would write to the people who provide many racing opportunities for thousands of people and blast them, directly after the most heinous attack on your nation in history?

I wonder. How do you rank these situations? The largest one day loss in NY Stock Exchange history. Tens of thousands of jobs lost or soon to be lost. Hijacking of four domestic airliners and use of them to attack huge buildings full of people. Domestic airline businesses in jeopardy. Increased security at the airport. Longer flight travel delays. More than five thousand people killed in less than 2 hours. War. Murder. Terrorism. How about cancellation of a motorcycle race?

In the last week we at Willow Springs have experienced the terrible tragedy as have the rest of you, and have been greatly affected by the events on the East Coast. The biggest event of the year at WSIR cancelled. Many question why it’s cancelled, and I will refer them to the information and releases previously posted on Roadracing World’s “Breaking News” for that.

The financial impact for WSIR is quite large, much more so than any pro racer who isn’t going to win purse and contingency awards, larger than the dozens of event workers put out of a job; yet I wonder why WSIR (and to a lesser extent WSMC) have received what in my opinion amounts to hate mail, from anonymous writers?! People who are fans of this sport? Maybe the fact that they are upset is good…it means they are alive and can enjoy their freedom to express their opinions and perhaps even enjoy a nice WSMC roadrace event soon or an AMA National in 2002. But I wonder…

Did they shed a tear for the loss of our race? Personally, I am into motorcycle racing about as much as a human could be…it is indeed “my life” more so than many. The 2001 season has had more ups and downs than most of my many racing seasons. I’ve won races and lost them. Some of my friends have gone really fast, as have I. Some have crashed and been hurt. One of my friends won his first ever expert race, than lost his life in pursuit of another win the very next day. I’ve just won another Willow class championship title but was saddened at the crash of another of my racing friends in the very event I clinched the title in. And the loss of the AMA National is very, very sad for all of us at Willow. We were looking forward to the greatest roadracing imaginable at the fastest road in the West.

Did they really shed a tear? Were they SO angry about the cancellation of a race that they cried?

I didn’t. The last week has been much more trying with the devastation and loss of so many in the terrorist attacks. But to the anonymous writers of hate mail because a race is cancelled I say this. There will be other opportunities for ALL OF US to attend a National or a club race, spectate or participate in them, enjoy the sunrise and sunset…and so much more life has to offer.

I laugh now regarding a recent e-mail I received, completely unrelated to the attack but somehow it makes me think…

Part of it read “The last two months, the…race has been run in the most appalling conditions,..ie, serious heat and wind…” and goes on to “you are well adapted to the “apocalyptic” conditions… please, give us a break”. Indeed. Heat! Wind! Serious? Sun and sky above! Apocalyptic? Mmmm, no…not in my opinion! My racing friend who wrote that will likely never think of racing here with us as apocalyptic after 9-11-01. He was frustrated, maybe even mad about the weather? Now, I think that is most excellent! To that I say “keep on kickin”! You know it, because you better enjoy the fun while you can. Thousands and thousands of people back East won’t be…

Our sport is exciting, dangerous, fast, furious and fun. But it is just that…a sport! Indeed, it is a business for many of us which we gratefully acknowledge. A business in a fantastic sport.

Gregory and Christopher Huth and their WSIR staff had worked their butts off preparing for the National event, and they were ready. Fine pre-event planning. More bleachers than ever before for the thousands and thousands of expected race fans. Dozens of additional workers were “lined up” and looking forward to the big event. But it didn’t happen. Are you really mad about that? Those of us working here full-time aren’t. Sure, we are quite sad at the loss of the race. Our race! However, we are much more deeply saddened by the loss of innocent victims and for their families, and the wide ranging impact the attacks are having on people and the economy all over the nation.

Did you cry because a motorcycle race was cancelled?

I sure didn’t…but I haven’t gone a day in the last week now without shedding tears for my fellow Americans and people of all nationalities that were killed last week.

I look forward to our upcoming monthly WSMC meets as eagerly as ever, and I actually think more so this month than usual. It is here that we can enjoy the camaraderie of friends and fellow competitors. Where we can introduce some new friends in our School to the thrill of riding and racing with WSMC. To experience the freedom to go out and ride our motorcycles as fast as we can or dare. To see the smiles of the winners and losers of all the races. Wait. I have a different view of that. In my opinion there are no losers. If you are here, alive, riding and racing, kicking, shouting, screaming (maybe even in your helmet when rest of us can’t hear…), having fun and going home to your friends and families afterwards. Reliving the fun of riding and racing your motorcycle. Thinking about that heat and wind…and having enjoyed your time here with us. You are all winners.

We sincerely wish all those affected directly in this tragedy the best, and for those of you in the United States Armed Forces and with family in the services, our prayers are with all of you for success and a safe return home.

Thank you all for your support of WSMC road racing (and I must add that the majority of mail the track and I have received has been supportive and understanding during this sad time), and of any support you can provide to those in need during the National tragedy which has moved so many of us, in so many ways.

May God Bless America and all of you.

Kenny Kopecky
WSMC #27
WSMC Operations Manager

Shane Clarke has left Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki and is considering opening his own engine-building shop in Olathe, Kansas. Clarke can be reached on his cell phone at (913) 220-1010.

Clarke built AMA 750cc Supersport engines for Ben Spies and Chris Ulrich before leaving the team.

This press release just in from Tom Shields, who was President and Race Director of RPM, the Texas-based WERA affiliate formed after CMRA and WERA split up:

“With a very heavy heart, I regret to inform the members of RPM, its staff, volunteers, media, manufacturers, and the motorcycle racing community that as of Friday, September 21, 2001, my permanent position with RPM has been terminated.

“Furthermore, I will no longer be working with the club in any capacity. As we all have a responsiblity to our families first, I can no longer work part-time as Race Director and President of RPM, the WERA South Central region.

“Thank you one and all for your input, friendship, and fun spirit at every RPM event and function. You can reach me directly at (713) 557-1143 if necessary.”

Reached by phone, Shields said, “I’m out completely. I’d given it two years and it’s just not enough. My permanent position with the club cannot continue to exist, it cannot support me. It wasn’t financially possible for me to stay there full time. It’s a damn shame.”

From a press release:

VALENCIA GRAND PRIX, VALENCIA, Race Day, Sunday September 23, 2001

HONDA RACING PRESS INFORMATION

Alex Barros (West Honda Pons NSR500) came within 0.293 seconds of winning his second GP of the year at Valencia today. The Brazilian rode a dazzling race in treacherous damp conditions and but for a cautious tire choice might have beaten eventual winner Sete Gibernau (Suzuki). The pair fought side by side for the last two thirds of the crash-ridden race, with reigning World Champion Kenny Roberts (Suzuki) finishing just behind in third.

World Championship leader Valentino Rossi (Nastro Azzurro Honda NSR500) scored his worst finish of the year after making a particularly conservative tire choice to ensure he didn’t fall on the ice-like track, made perilous by a brief pre-race shower. He ended the race in 11th but only lost one point to title-rival Max Biaggi (Yamaha).

Barros led more laps than Gibernau and looked the strongest of the trio until the crucial final laps, by which time the racing line was dry and he didn’t have enough grip to tackle the Spaniard. He had chosen an intermediate front and slick rear, while the Suzuki duo went for slicks all round, and the fact that he could stay with them spoke volumes for his riding and the user-friendly performance of his NSR500.

“I tried everything but during the last laps I couldn’t catch Sete on the brakes because he had a slick front and I didn’t,” explained the Brazilian. “The early laps were unbelievable, this track is so slippery in the wet. Anyway, I’m happy with the result which compensates me for my bad luck at Estoril, when I was taken out at the first turn. It’s also helped my championship position and now I hope for good results at the last four races.”

The early laps were chaotic with many riders falling victim to the hazardous surface. First to go was Loris Capirossi (West Honda Pons NSR500) who slid out of the lead at the very first corner. The Italian had already fallen on the warm-up, starting the race on his spare bike. “I had a rain front tire and intermediate rear but even that wasn’t enough for the conditions,” he said.

Tohru Ukawa (Repsol YPF Honda NSR500) rode a determined race for fifth, crossing the line sixth, just a fraction behind Olivier Jacque, both men finishing a fair way behind Carlos Checa (Yamaha). “I did the worst first lap of my life today,” said the Japanese, who completed lap one in tenth spot. “I had to slow to avoid Capirossi and that lost me several places. Then the same thing happened when Haga and Aoki crashed, which lost me a huge amount of time. After that I tried to maintain a good pace but it was a difficult race.”

Rossi was just pleased to have score some points, and though title-rival Max Biaggi (Yamaha) took tenth place from him in the final laps, his series advantage shrank by just one point and he goes into the final four ‘flyway’ GPs 42 points ahead of his compatriot. “So much effort for so little return,” said Rossi, who ran intermediates front and rear and comfortably led the race until the track began to dry. “Thinking of the championship we had to choose conservatively, so we didn’t risk too much in the early laps. Then I had to accept the others passing me and just make sure I finished.”

Former World Champion Alex Criville (Repsol YPF Honda NSR500) was one of many who fell victim to the conditions. Fighting a determined battle with Gibernau, he got forced off line and on to the damp, losing the front as he entered a turn. “Sete took the inside line and I had to leave him some room and run wide,” said Criville. “I could’ve won this race, I made the right tire choice and easily caught the leaders.”

Upcoming Rounds:


10/7 Twin Ring Motegi, Japan


10/14 Phillip Island, Australia

From a press release issued by Ducati North America.

DUCATI RAFFLES STEVE RAPP FOR DISASTER RELIEF

Pompton Plains, NJ, September 24, 2001: Race fans had better get ready for the thrill of their lives when Ducati fires up a factory 996RS Superbike with a back seat and dares you to get on for three hot laps with Team HMC Ducati star Steve Rapp. The ride takes place when racing concludes on Sunday at the final round of the Chevy Trucks AMA Superbike Championship being held this weekend – September 29 & 30 – at Virginia International Raceway.

Ducati is raffling the ride at Virginia throughout the weekend, and all spectators are welcome to buy the $10 tickets. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Red Cross as it strives to offer relief after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

The full-spec Superbike has been specially fitted with a stronger subframe to carry the passenger, and is unique in America. Even with its extra passenger, the Ducati will lap at near race pace, and the winner will find out first hand how hard these machines can stop, how deeply they hit an apex and what a rush of acceleration they have.

As well as the thrill of the pillion ride, Suomy is giving the winner a helmet in Steve Rapp’s colors, which they can wear on the ride and keep as a memento.

The two-seater Superbike will then go to Las Vegas for Ducati Revs America, where World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss and factory rider Ben Bostrom will take other lucky passengers on the joyrides of the lives.

The Virginia raffle will be drawn on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. sharp at the Ducati display truck in the vendors’ area of the circuit, and the winner must be present to claim the prize there and then, otherwise the raffle will be re-drawn.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Beth Wyse

The WERA National Challenge Series ran today at Virginia International Raceway, with a full schedule of 18 6-lap sprint races on the 2.25-mile North Course.

In the Open Superstock race, Scott Harwell shot to the front of the pack with Mark Junge close behind, both coming from the front row of the grid. Chris Ulrich quickly closed the gap between himself and Junge, coming from row five on the grid to take second place exiting the last corner on the last lap. Junge finished third and clinched the Open Superstock Championship. All three were on GSX-R1000 Suzukis.

In 600cc Superstock, David Yaakov was leading at the end of the first lap, but was soon passed by Chris “Opie” Caylor. Lee Acree worked his way up and passed Caylor with two laps remaining. Caylor finished second, followed by John Hopkins, who had started on the 11th row of the grid. Hopkins was racing this weekend to get practice in preparation for the AMA races at Virginia International next week.

Jason Peters only had to win the 125cc GP race in order to secure his Championship. He did just that, passing Brian Kcraget early in the race. Kcraget wound up second while John Hjelm took third.

Randy Renfrow won the F2 race on his TSR Honda RS250, with Mike Himmelsbach second on a Yamaha TZ250 running Pirelli tires.

Starting from the fifth row, John Hopkins got the lead in the B Superbike race on his GSX-R600 and stretched his margin of victory to the length of the entire front straight. Ken Snyder finished second and David Yaakov finished third.

The Formula 1 race was a showcase of AMA racers’ talent, as the top three spots went to Aaron Gobert, Grant Lopez and Damon Buckmaster, respectively. Hopkins was at the front of the field, but an electrical problem and resultant serious misfire forced him to pull into the pits on lap three.