A story in the August 14 edition of Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper quoted Yamaha Motor Co. President Toru Hasegawa as saying “There had been a trend in the company in which it was believed that making a quality product was more important than making a profit. But now, we have changed our strategy into one thoroughly pursuing profits.”
The article also reported that Yamaha earns over 75 percent of its revenue from export markets.
12:00 p.m. FIM 125cc Grand Prix – Germany
1:00 p.m. AMA Formula Xtreme – Brainerd
2:00 p.m. AMA 600cc Supersport – Mid-Ohio
3:00 p.m. AMA 600cc Supersport – Brainerd
7:00 p.m. Bike Week
7:30 p.m. American Thunder – Los Angeles Calendar Bike Show
8:00 p.m. FIM World Supersport – Brands Hatch
9:00 p.m. High Octane
9:30 p.m. U.S. Flat Track Championships – Charlotte
10:00 p.m. U.S. Flat Track Championships – Charlotte
All Times = Eastern Daylight Time
From a press release:
Sales of New Corporate Luxury Suites Moving
at Brisk Pace at Sears Point Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Construction of the 22 new corporate luxury suites at Sears Point Raceway is right around the corner, but sales are already moving at a brisk pace as more than half of the suites have been purchased for the 2002 racing season.
The luxury suites will be featured along the top of the new 15,000-seat permanent grandstand, which will be built along the west side of the start/finish line. The suites will offer a spectacular view of both road racing and drag racing, as well as a panoramic view of the scenic Sonoma Valley. The suites will be built right above the pits for road racing, offering patrons a unique view of the action.
“The layout and design of these suites is unlike any in the Bay Area with spectacular views of both the track and the surrounding landscape. We’re delighted to see such a strong positive response from the corporate community,” said Steve Page, President and General Manager at Sears Point Raceway.
Each suite will feature an indoor-outdoor design, as well as upgraded furniture, a telephone, a wet bar, padded outdoor seats, air conditioning and private restrooms. Some extra amenities include internet access and a menu of fine Sonoma Valley wines. There are two suite sizes to choose from: one that seats 64 and another that seats 28.
All suites will also feature the proper technology to conduct off-site business meetings, including necessary data lines for transmission.
“This confirms that Sears Point is where corporate business is: On the fast track. These new suites will provide the first-class entertaining and business off-site meeting amenities that today’s business executives demand,” said Tim Schuldt, Vice President of Sales/Marketing at Sears Point. “It’s exciting to be able to deliver these benefits to our current and future corporate partners.”
The new corporate luxury suites are part of Sears Point Raceway’s $35 million Modernization Plan, which kicked off in September, 2000. Since then, more than 5,000,000 cubic yards of dirt have been moved. The first phase of the plan is already complete, and the second phase began on Aug. 6.
Some of the features fans can expect in phase two include: 30,000 hillside terrace seats along Turns 7-9 on the road course; an underground pedestrian tunnel at start/finish
line; repaving of the road course and drag strip; and construction of a go-kart track on the south side of the property.
The two-phase plan will transform Sears Point Raceway into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the country.
For more information on the project, which should be nearly complete by June, 2002, please visit www.searspoint.com and click on the CAT Construction Cameras page and the Ghilotti Modernization Archives page.
An example of the type of press releases typically received at roadracingworld.com, this one from public relations professional Wendy Hogg:
Press release
13 August 2001
They grow old but they never grow up!
If you owned an AMA factory Superbike race team and two motorcycle dealerships, what would you do on your day off? Go racing, of course!
HMC Ducati Team Owner, Mitch Hansen, dragged his old racer’s bones out of retirement and entered Elkhart’s first Supermotard race, held at the new Road America Briggs & Stratton Motorplex. It was all for fun, he told everyone, but beneath Mitch’s humble exterior lurks a mean competitive streak, and so most of his HMC team members dropped everything to be trackside because they couldn’t wait to see the old man beaten by younger, fitter riders.
Not one to let youth and enthusiasm get the better of his old age and cunning, Mitch ensured his pit crew resembled a Who’s Who of racing experts: World class engine builder, Charly Putz; former spanner to Carl Fogarty, Slick Bass; and long-serving AMA tuner, Mark Sutton. He, um, borrowed a highly modified 610 Husqvarna from HMC rider Andy Meklau. And Mitch was flanked by not one, but two umbrella girls, in a clear message to his rivals that they weren’t as manly as him.
This was the first time in eight years the 49-year-old had been on the race track. And what a comeback. Hansen won his first heat race with four seconds to spare, finished third in the final despite suffering arm pump, and was definitely the fastest during all the practice sessions.
“If it hadn’t been for the quality of the race tape on my butt, I couldn’t have done it,” Mitch may or may not have said, referring to his novel solution to the chafing he suffered during practice. “Man, that hurt before I taped my cheeks together.”
He started from the back row in his heat race and quickly carved up the field to take the lead with two laps to go. It was at that precise moment when suddenly, his own business partner, Harrison, loomed ahead as the leaders came to lap him. Mitch, trying desperately to make his passing move stick, clipped Harrison’s front tyre as he passed, sending the hapless man down the road, but Mitch swears it was accidental and not a plan to create bedlam in his wake. He created so much bedlam that the race was red-flagged.
“When I spotted the red flag I thought, holy cow, I killed my business partner,” said Mitch.
The restart was a done deal. Mitch took the lead and crossed the line with a four-second advantage. His cheer squad was now shocked by his speed but getting very vocal. One spectator turned to the sea of HMC-shirted fans and said, “Gee, he must have paid a lot to have all you guys cheering for him.” If only he’d known how much!
The squad roared again when Mitch took the lead in the final, where he stayed for a third of the race. The arm pump that plagued him in morning practice caused his times to slow and two of the front-runners passed him. Everyone thought third place was a pretty good result, considering Mitch’s arms and his age, but Mitch just grumbled like an old man: “That makes me the second loser,” he whined. “I should have won that race, I just couldn’t hang on anymore.”
Sulkily, he retreated to the pits where his wife handed him a Coors Light and listened patiently as he bitched about his opposition. The 29-year-old victor came over to congratulate him on such a good ride, and was told with a laugh, “I’ll beat you next time, you little snot”.
Mitch’s team couldn’t be prouder of their fearless leader, and to show it they pretended to be interested in Mitch’s post-race speech. “I’ve got to get fit,” he said as he took the smoke out of his mouth to sip his beer. “I’m going to get to the practice track seven times before the next race.”
“He’ll get there once,” mumbled someone under their breath as the crew dutifully accepted the bratwurst sausages Mitch barbecued for them.
For further information, contact HMC Ducati Racing on (262) 573-4256 and wait for the laughter to subside. This press release was laughingly endorsed by Mitch Hansen when it was pointed out that he is the only one who thinks his racing should be taken as seriously as Andy Meklau’s or Steve Rapp’s. Besides, we told him we’d release photos of the race tape on his ass.
A three-day factory Superbike team test session involving the Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha teams starts Monday at Viriginia International Raceway.
Last week, Honda tested for two days at VIR with Kawasaki and HMC Ducati.
Factory Superbike teams operate a co-operative testing program, sharing costs for track rental, track set-up, cornerworkers and stand-by ambulance crews.
The many independent tests scheduled by the factory teams both during the racing season and during the off-season mean the factory teams don’t need Thursday practice prior to AMA Nationals. As a result, and because they want to use Thursday to park their semi-trucks instead of having to send a truck driver to park on Wednesday, factory teams oppose Thursday practice.
This despite the negative impact eliminating Thursday practice will have on private teams and riders that cannot afford to spend between $70,000 and $100,000 per year on independent tests.
Factory team representatives on the AMA Road Racing Advisory Board (which is entirely made up of factory men with the exception of 250cc privateer Ed Sorbo) have remained determined to eliminate Thursday practice despite opposition to that move from non-factory teams and riders.
During an Advisory Board meeting at Brainerd last month, the factory men discounted petitions in favor of unrestricted Thursday practice signed by 76 AMA Pro-licensed riders and another 57 team owners, crew chiefs and mechanics.
About 12 riders in AMA Pro Racing have contracts with factory Superbike teams. The remainder of the paddock consists of indendent riders and private teams.
From a press release:
Fonda Brings Star Power to Dirt Track
Legendary Actor To Grand Marshal California Event
AURORA, Ill. (Aug. 13, 2001) — Peter Fonda, the writer, producer and star of the classic 1969 film “Easy Rider,” has been named Grand Marshal of the K&N Filters Del Mar Weekend, October 6-7, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego. The two-day event will feature some of the world’s fastest motorcycle racers in four different classes — Short Track, Pro Single, SuperSingles and Twins.
The Golden Globe-winning actor will participate in a parade lap and the opening ceremonies of Sunday’s Drag Specialties National Dirt Track season finale. Fonda will meet and greet fans throughout the weekend’s festivities, including an appearance at Saturday’s Formula USA Pro Singles Championship.
Fonda, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 1997’s “Ulee’s Gold,” appeared in the 1993 documentary “Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle” and hosted 1999’s “Motorcycles: Born to be Wild.” The 62-year-old thespian is an avid motorcycle enthusiast who rides regularly in his spare time.
From a BMW press release:
BMW MOTORCYCLES
Ride Invitation
Ride to the Guggenheim Las Vegas for
The Art of the Motorcycle
September 28 – 30, 2001
What is The Ride to the Guggenheim?
This is an open invitation for all riders, regardless of brand allegiance, to embark on a ride to the new Guggenheim Las Vegas, which opens with The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition this September at The Venetian Hotel. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join thousands of other riders, coming from all parts of the country, to rally together and finally, to show the world that the sport of motorcycling has well and truly arrived.
When Will The Ride Take Place?
The Ride to the Guggenheim will take place on the weekend of September 28 – 30.
The first 3000 Ride participants who do ride to Las Vegas (as opposed to driving or flying) will receive free admission into the Exhibition, a commemorative gift package, preferential free parking, a Biker’s BBQ and other special privileges. The BMW Motorcycles demo ride and apparel trucks will be there, and ABS and stunt ride demonstrations will be given.
How Can I Participate in the Ride?
To participate in the Ride to the Guggenheim, riders will need to pre-register after August 15 at their local BMW Motorcycle retailer, where they will receive a special registration kit including decals for their motorcycle to show the world that they are riding to The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition in Las Vegas and give them access to the preferential parking at the Sands Convention Center across from the Guggenheim Las Vegas.
Individual clubs and retailers who are organizing group rides to the event will be posted on the new BMW Motorcycles website at bmwmotorcycles.com after mid-August. Retailers who will provide preferential priority motorcycle service and hospitality to ride participants will also be posted on the website, so riders can plan their ride routes accordingly.
Where Will We Meet?
Once in Las Vegas, all Ride participants will meet up with the BMW Motorcycles Ride HQ at the Sands Convention Center parking lot in back of The Venetian Hotel at 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard (a.k.a. “The Strip”). It’s just a couple of minutes walk away from the entrance to the Guggenheim Las Vegas.
You’ll enter the preferential parking area (thanks to the decal on your bike) and show your Ride waiver form to the BMW personnel stationed there: You’ll then receive a full gift package including a pass for free entrance into The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition. Other on-scene activities will include the BMW demo ride and apparel trucks, free refreshments and even a Biker BBQ. (Well, you’ll be tired, thirsty and hungry after all that riding.)
Ride participants can make hotel reservations through The Venetian Hotel at 1-888-2VENICE or 1-877-2VENICE.
Why is BMW Motorcycles Sponsoring This Ride?
BMW Motorcycles is making The Art of the Motorcycle at the Guggenheim Las Vegas possible, because in 1923, when BMW was founded, the very first product to roll off the Munich production line was the R32: A motorcycle that is actually featured in the exhibition. (In fact, BMW didn’t even make cars until five years later.)
Since then, BMW motorcycles have been the preferred choice of real riders all over the world. So it makes sense for BMW to support not just the exhibition itself, but also a ride there: After all, motorcycles may make great art, but we know that they make even better riding. And, let’s face it: Just doesn’t seem right for motorcycle loyalists to show up at an landmark event like this any other way. So join us. (As if you needed another excuse to ride!)
For more details, check out the BMW Motorcycles website at www.bmwmotorcycles.com after August 15.
This press release just in:
Sears Point Raceway Unveils Temporary Road Course
SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Sears Point Raceway’s road course will have a dramatically different look for the next six months.
The traditional 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course will temporarily become a nine-turn, 1.83-mile circuit as construction crews begin work on the lower portion of the track in conjunction with phase two of Sears Point Raceway’s $35 million Modernization Plan.
The track was modified by constructing a link between Turns 9 and 1 on the permanent course. Construction began on Monday, Aug. 6 and was completed Wednesday, Aug. 8.
“This is obviously a temporary configuration, but it gives us the ability to keep the track operating during the upcoming construction. There are thousands of competitors and Jim Russell students who have plans to use the track over the next few months and we’re going to do our best not to disappoint them,” said Steve Page, Sears Point Raceway President and General Manager.
The modified course made its debut Friday, Aug. 10, and will be used until March by all visiting racing series, including the Sports Car Club of America, American Federation of Motorcyclists and the California Sports Car Racing Group. The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School will also utilize the course for all of its activities. Meanwhile, all drag racing at Sears Point Raceway has been cancelled until early next year.
“This is going to be a fun, difficult, interesting turn. Sears Point did a very nice job in a short amount of time. It will be enjoyable, but there will also be a great degree of difficulty with the straight line breaking and off-camber exit,” said Jacques Couture, of the Jim Russell Racing School.
Projects to be completed while the temporary course is utilized:
· A 15,000-seat permanent grandstand on the west side of start/finish line.
· Repaved road course and drag strip surfaces. Construction of a drag strip return road.
· Underground pedestrian tunnel beneath the start/finish line of the road course
· Expansion of the paddock area by 70%
The two-year, $35 million Modernization Plan, which began in September, 2000, is scheduled to be completed by the NASCAR Winston Cup event in June, 2002, and will transform Sears Point Raceway into one of the premier motorsports venues in the country.
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
Honda’s Steve Crevier earned his 20th career Canadian Superbike race win Sunday, August 12 at Atlantic Motorsports Park in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia and extended his points lead in the 2001 Parts Canada Superbike series with one round remaining.
Crevier managed to qualify on the front row for Sunday’s final on his CBR600F4i when his RC51 Superbike developed engine troubles. Crevier’s crew was unable to repair the Superbike. So Crevier borrowed teammate Michael Taylor’s RC51 while Taylor rode his Honda CBR929RR in Sunday’s final. As it turned out, Crevier passed Taylor on the last lap of the 18-lap final to win by 0.172-second over his teammate. Yamaha Canada’s Frank Trombino, riding a YZF-R1, finished a close third after starting on pole and leading earlier in the race. Francis Martin finished fourth on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 followed by Kawasaki Canada’s Owen Weichel, riding a ZX-7RR, and Jean-Francois Cyr on a Yamaha YZF-R6.
The win brought Crevier to within four points of clinching his second straight Canadian Superbike Championship. Heading into the final round of the series, Crevier holds a 302 to 246 points advantage over Martin. There are 60 possible points available at the final round August 31-September 2 at Shannonville Motorsports Park.
Crevier, riding his CBR600F4i, clinched the Yoshimura 600cc Sport Bike title with his fifth win in six races. Crevier raced for the lead with Cyr until Cyr crashed just two turns from the checkered flag. Cyr was able to rebound and take the International Motorcycle Supershow Open Sport Bike race win on his repaired Yamaha YZF-R6. Taylor, riding a Honda CBR929RR, led Open Sport Bike until Cyr took the lead two laps from the end. Taylor held on to second ahead of Trombino, on board a Yamaha YZF-R1, and Martin, on a Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Parts Canada Superbike Atlantic Motorsports Park Final Results:
1. Steve Crevier, Honda RC51
2. Michael Taylor, Honda CBR929RR
3. Frank Trombino, Yamaha YZF-R1
4. Francis Martin, Suzuki GSX-R1000
5. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki ZX-7RR
6. Jean-Francois Cyr, Yamaha YZF-R6
7. Benoit Pilon, Yamaha YZF-R1
8. Greg Boki, Yamaha YZF-R1
9. Michael Leon, Honda CBR600F4i
10. Andrew Nelson, Kawasaki ZX-6R
Parts Canada Superbike Championship Point Standings (after 6 of 7 rounds, all 7 count):
1. Crevier, 302 points
2. Martin, 246 points
3. Weichel, 236 points
4. Taylor, 183 points
5. Trombino, 176 points
6. Pilon, 158 points
7. Cyr, 142 points
8. Jeff Williams, 110 points
9. Boki, 96 points
10. Martin Hamel, 96 points
A story in the August 14 edition of Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper quoted Yamaha Motor Co. President Toru Hasegawa as saying “There had been a trend in the company in which it was believed that making a quality product was more important than making a profit. But now, we have changed our strategy into one thoroughly pursuing profits.”
The article also reported that Yamaha earns over 75 percent of its revenue from export markets.
12:00 p.m. FIM 125cc Grand Prix – Germany
1:00 p.m. AMA Formula Xtreme – Brainerd
2:00 p.m. AMA 600cc Supersport – Mid-Ohio
3:00 p.m. AMA 600cc Supersport – Brainerd
7:00 p.m. Bike Week
7:30 p.m. American Thunder – Los Angeles Calendar Bike Show
8:00 p.m. FIM World Supersport – Brands Hatch
9:00 p.m. High Octane
9:30 p.m. U.S. Flat Track Championships – Charlotte
10:00 p.m. U.S. Flat Track Championships – Charlotte
All Times = Eastern Daylight Time
From a press release:
Sales of New Corporate Luxury Suites Moving
at Brisk Pace at Sears Point Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Construction of the 22 new corporate luxury suites at Sears Point Raceway is right around the corner, but sales are already moving at a brisk pace as more than half of the suites have been purchased for the 2002 racing season.
The luxury suites will be featured along the top of the new 15,000-seat permanent grandstand, which will be built along the west side of the start/finish line. The suites will offer a spectacular view of both road racing and drag racing, as well as a panoramic view of the scenic Sonoma Valley. The suites will be built right above the pits for road racing, offering patrons a unique view of the action.
“The layout and design of these suites is unlike any in the Bay Area with spectacular views of both the track and the surrounding landscape. We’re delighted to see such a strong positive response from the corporate community,” said Steve Page, President and General Manager at Sears Point Raceway.
Each suite will feature an indoor-outdoor design, as well as upgraded furniture, a telephone, a wet bar, padded outdoor seats, air conditioning and private restrooms. Some extra amenities include internet access and a menu of fine Sonoma Valley wines. There are two suite sizes to choose from: one that seats 64 and another that seats 28.
All suites will also feature the proper technology to conduct off-site business meetings, including necessary data lines for transmission.
“This confirms that Sears Point is where corporate business is: On the fast track. These new suites will provide the first-class entertaining and business off-site meeting amenities that today’s business executives demand,” said Tim Schuldt, Vice President of Sales/Marketing at Sears Point. “It’s exciting to be able to deliver these benefits to our current and future corporate partners.”
The new corporate luxury suites are part of Sears Point Raceway’s $35 million Modernization Plan, which kicked off in September, 2000. Since then, more than 5,000,000 cubic yards of dirt have been moved. The first phase of the plan is already complete, and the second phase began on Aug. 6.
Some of the features fans can expect in phase two include: 30,000 hillside terrace seats along Turns 7-9 on the road course; an underground pedestrian tunnel at start/finish
line; repaving of the road course and drag strip; and construction of a go-kart track on the south side of the property.
The two-phase plan will transform Sears Point Raceway into one of the premier motorsports and entertainment venues in the country.
For more information on the project, which should be nearly complete by June, 2002, please visit www.searspoint.com and click on the CAT Construction Cameras page and the Ghilotti Modernization Archives page.
An example of the type of press releases typically received at roadracingworld.com, this one from public relations professional Wendy Hogg:
Press release
13 August 2001
They grow old but they never grow up!
If you owned an AMA factory Superbike race team and two motorcycle dealerships, what would you do on your day off? Go racing, of course!
HMC Ducati Team Owner, Mitch Hansen, dragged his old racer’s bones out of retirement and entered Elkhart’s first Supermotard race, held at the new Road America Briggs & Stratton Motorplex. It was all for fun, he told everyone, but beneath Mitch’s humble exterior lurks a mean competitive streak, and so most of his HMC team members dropped everything to be trackside because they couldn’t wait to see the old man beaten by younger, fitter riders.
Not one to let youth and enthusiasm get the better of his old age and cunning, Mitch ensured his pit crew resembled a Who’s Who of racing experts: World class engine builder, Charly Putz; former spanner to Carl Fogarty, Slick Bass; and long-serving AMA tuner, Mark Sutton. He, um, borrowed a highly modified 610 Husqvarna from HMC rider Andy Meklau. And Mitch was flanked by not one, but two umbrella girls, in a clear message to his rivals that they weren’t as manly as him.
This was the first time in eight years the 49-year-old had been on the race track. And what a comeback. Hansen won his first heat race with four seconds to spare, finished third in the final despite suffering arm pump, and was definitely the fastest during all the practice sessions.
“If it hadn’t been for the quality of the race tape on my butt, I couldn’t have done it,” Mitch may or may not have said, referring to his novel solution to the chafing he suffered during practice. “Man, that hurt before I taped my cheeks together.”
He started from the back row in his heat race and quickly carved up the field to take the lead with two laps to go. It was at that precise moment when suddenly, his own business partner, Harrison, loomed ahead as the leaders came to lap him. Mitch, trying desperately to make his passing move stick, clipped Harrison’s front tyre as he passed, sending the hapless man down the road, but Mitch swears it was accidental and not a plan to create bedlam in his wake. He created so much bedlam that the race was red-flagged.
“When I spotted the red flag I thought, holy cow, I killed my business partner,” said Mitch.
The restart was a done deal. Mitch took the lead and crossed the line with a four-second advantage. His cheer squad was now shocked by his speed but getting very vocal. One spectator turned to the sea of HMC-shirted fans and said, “Gee, he must have paid a lot to have all you guys cheering for him.” If only he’d known how much!
The squad roared again when Mitch took the lead in the final, where he stayed for a third of the race. The arm pump that plagued him in morning practice caused his times to slow and two of the front-runners passed him. Everyone thought third place was a pretty good result, considering Mitch’s arms and his age, but Mitch just grumbled like an old man: “That makes me the second loser,” he whined. “I should have won that race, I just couldn’t hang on anymore.”
Sulkily, he retreated to the pits where his wife handed him a Coors Light and listened patiently as he bitched about his opposition. The 29-year-old victor came over to congratulate him on such a good ride, and was told with a laugh, “I’ll beat you next time, you little snot”.
Mitch’s team couldn’t be prouder of their fearless leader, and to show it they pretended to be interested in Mitch’s post-race speech. “I’ve got to get fit,” he said as he took the smoke out of his mouth to sip his beer. “I’m going to get to the practice track seven times before the next race.”
“He’ll get there once,” mumbled someone under their breath as the crew dutifully accepted the bratwurst sausages Mitch barbecued for them.
For further information, contact HMC Ducati Racing on (262) 573-4256 and wait for the laughter to subside. This press release was laughingly endorsed by Mitch Hansen when it was pointed out that he is the only one who thinks his racing should be taken as seriously as Andy Meklau’s or Steve Rapp’s. Besides, we told him we’d release photos of the race tape on his ass.
A three-day factory Superbike team test session involving the Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha teams starts Monday at Viriginia International Raceway.
Last week, Honda tested for two days at VIR with Kawasaki and HMC Ducati.
Factory Superbike teams operate a co-operative testing program, sharing costs for track rental, track set-up, cornerworkers and stand-by ambulance crews.
The many independent tests scheduled by the factory teams both during the racing season and during the off-season mean the factory teams don’t need Thursday practice prior to AMA Nationals. As a result, and because they want to use Thursday to park their semi-trucks instead of having to send a truck driver to park on Wednesday, factory teams oppose Thursday practice.
This despite the negative impact eliminating Thursday practice will have on private teams and riders that cannot afford to spend between $70,000 and $100,000 per year on independent tests.
Factory team representatives on the AMA Road Racing Advisory Board (which is entirely made up of factory men with the exception of 250cc privateer Ed Sorbo) have remained determined to eliminate Thursday practice despite opposition to that move from non-factory teams and riders.
During an Advisory Board meeting at Brainerd last month, the factory men discounted petitions in favor of unrestricted Thursday practice signed by 76 AMA Pro-licensed riders and another 57 team owners, crew chiefs and mechanics.
About 12 riders in AMA Pro Racing have contracts with factory Superbike teams. The remainder of the paddock consists of indendent riders and private teams.
From a press release:
Fonda Brings Star Power to Dirt Track
Legendary Actor To Grand Marshal California Event
AURORA, Ill. (Aug. 13, 2001) — Peter Fonda, the writer, producer and star of the classic 1969 film “Easy Rider,” has been named Grand Marshal of the K&N Filters Del Mar Weekend, October 6-7, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego. The two-day event will feature some of the world’s fastest motorcycle racers in four different classes — Short Track, Pro Single, SuperSingles and Twins.
The Golden Globe-winning actor will participate in a parade lap and the opening ceremonies of Sunday’s Drag Specialties National Dirt Track season finale. Fonda will meet and greet fans throughout the weekend’s festivities, including an appearance at Saturday’s Formula USA Pro Singles Championship.
Fonda, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 1997’s “Ulee’s Gold,” appeared in the 1993 documentary “Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle” and hosted 1999’s “Motorcycles: Born to be Wild.” The 62-year-old thespian is an avid motorcycle enthusiast who rides regularly in his spare time.
From a BMW press release:
BMW MOTORCYCLES
Ride Invitation
Ride to the Guggenheim Las Vegas for
The Art of the Motorcycle
September 28 – 30, 2001
What is The Ride to the Guggenheim?
This is an open invitation for all riders, regardless of brand allegiance, to embark on a ride to the new Guggenheim Las Vegas, which opens with The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition this September at The Venetian Hotel. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join thousands of other riders, coming from all parts of the country, to rally together and finally, to show the world that the sport of motorcycling has well and truly arrived.
When Will The Ride Take Place?
The Ride to the Guggenheim will take place on the weekend of September 28 – 30.
The first 3000 Ride participants who do ride to Las Vegas (as opposed to driving or flying) will receive free admission into the Exhibition, a commemorative gift package, preferential free parking, a Biker’s BBQ and other special privileges. The BMW Motorcycles demo ride and apparel trucks will be there, and ABS and stunt ride demonstrations will be given.
How Can I Participate in the Ride?
To participate in the Ride to the Guggenheim, riders will need to pre-register after August 15 at their local BMW Motorcycle retailer, where they will receive a special registration kit including decals for their motorcycle to show the world that they are riding to The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition in Las Vegas and give them access to the preferential parking at the Sands Convention Center across from the Guggenheim Las Vegas.
Individual clubs and retailers who are organizing group rides to the event will be posted on the new BMW Motorcycles website at bmwmotorcycles.com after mid-August. Retailers who will provide preferential priority motorcycle service and hospitality to ride participants will also be posted on the website, so riders can plan their ride routes accordingly.
Where Will We Meet?
Once in Las Vegas, all Ride participants will meet up with the BMW Motorcycles Ride HQ at the Sands Convention Center parking lot in back of The Venetian Hotel at 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard (a.k.a. “The Strip”). It’s just a couple of minutes walk away from the entrance to the Guggenheim Las Vegas.
You’ll enter the preferential parking area (thanks to the decal on your bike) and show your Ride waiver form to the BMW personnel stationed there: You’ll then receive a full gift package including a pass for free entrance into The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition. Other on-scene activities will include the BMW demo ride and apparel trucks, free refreshments and even a Biker BBQ. (Well, you’ll be tired, thirsty and hungry after all that riding.)
Ride participants can make hotel reservations through The Venetian Hotel at 1-888-2VENICE or 1-877-2VENICE.
Why is BMW Motorcycles Sponsoring This Ride?
BMW Motorcycles is making The Art of the Motorcycle at the Guggenheim Las Vegas possible, because in 1923, when BMW was founded, the very first product to roll off the Munich production line was the R32: A motorcycle that is actually featured in the exhibition. (In fact, BMW didn’t even make cars until five years later.)
Since then, BMW motorcycles have been the preferred choice of real riders all over the world. So it makes sense for BMW to support not just the exhibition itself, but also a ride there: After all, motorcycles may make great art, but we know that they make even better riding. And, let’s face it: Just doesn’t seem right for motorcycle loyalists to show up at an landmark event like this any other way. So join us. (As if you needed another excuse to ride!)
For more details, check out the BMW Motorcycles website at www.bmwmotorcycles.com after August 15.
This press release just in:
Sears Point Raceway Unveils Temporary Road Course
SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Sears Point Raceway’s road course will have a dramatically different look for the next six months.
The traditional 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course will temporarily become a nine-turn, 1.83-mile circuit as construction crews begin work on the lower portion of the track in conjunction with phase two of Sears Point Raceway’s $35 million Modernization Plan.
The track was modified by constructing a link between Turns 9 and 1 on the permanent course. Construction began on Monday, Aug. 6 and was completed Wednesday, Aug. 8.
“This is obviously a temporary configuration, but it gives us the ability to keep the track operating during the upcoming construction. There are thousands of competitors and Jim Russell students who have plans to use the track over the next few months and we’re going to do our best not to disappoint them,” said Steve Page, Sears Point Raceway President and General Manager.
The modified course made its debut Friday, Aug. 10, and will be used until March by all visiting racing series, including the Sports Car Club of America, American Federation of Motorcyclists and the California Sports Car Racing Group. The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School will also utilize the course for all of its activities. Meanwhile, all drag racing at Sears Point Raceway has been cancelled until early next year.
“This is going to be a fun, difficult, interesting turn. Sears Point did a very nice job in a short amount of time. It will be enjoyable, but there will also be a great degree of difficulty with the straight line breaking and off-camber exit,” said Jacques Couture, of the Jim Russell Racing School.
Projects to be completed while the temporary course is utilized:
· A 15,000-seat permanent grandstand on the west side of start/finish line.
· Repaved road course and drag strip surfaces. Construction of a drag strip return road.
· Underground pedestrian tunnel beneath the start/finish line of the road course
· Expansion of the paddock area by 70%
The two-year, $35 million Modernization Plan, which began in September, 2000, is scheduled to be completed by the NASCAR Winston Cup event in June, 2002, and will transform Sears Point Raceway into one of the premier motorsports venues in the country.
Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
Honda’s Steve Crevier earned his 20th career Canadian Superbike race win Sunday, August 12 at Atlantic Motorsports Park in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia and extended his points lead in the 2001 Parts Canada Superbike series with one round remaining.
Crevier managed to qualify on the front row for Sunday’s final on his CBR600F4i when his RC51 Superbike developed engine troubles. Crevier’s crew was unable to repair the Superbike. So Crevier borrowed teammate Michael Taylor’s RC51 while Taylor rode his Honda CBR929RR in Sunday’s final. As it turned out, Crevier passed Taylor on the last lap of the 18-lap final to win by 0.172-second over his teammate. Yamaha Canada’s Frank Trombino, riding a YZF-R1, finished a close third after starting on pole and leading earlier in the race. Francis Martin finished fourth on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 followed by Kawasaki Canada’s Owen Weichel, riding a ZX-7RR, and Jean-Francois Cyr on a Yamaha YZF-R6.
The win brought Crevier to within four points of clinching his second straight Canadian Superbike Championship. Heading into the final round of the series, Crevier holds a 302 to 246 points advantage over Martin. There are 60 possible points available at the final round August 31-September 2 at Shannonville Motorsports Park.
Crevier, riding his CBR600F4i, clinched the Yoshimura 600cc Sport Bike title with his fifth win in six races. Crevier raced for the lead with Cyr until Cyr crashed just two turns from the checkered flag. Cyr was able to rebound and take the International Motorcycle Supershow Open Sport Bike race win on his repaired Yamaha YZF-R6. Taylor, riding a Honda CBR929RR, led Open Sport Bike until Cyr took the lead two laps from the end. Taylor held on to second ahead of Trombino, on board a Yamaha YZF-R1, and Martin, on a Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Parts Canada Superbike Atlantic Motorsports Park Final Results:
1. Steve Crevier, Honda RC51
2. Michael Taylor, Honda CBR929RR
3. Frank Trombino, Yamaha YZF-R1
4. Francis Martin, Suzuki GSX-R1000
5. Owen Weichel, Kawasaki ZX-7RR
6. Jean-Francois Cyr, Yamaha YZF-R6
7. Benoit Pilon, Yamaha YZF-R1
8. Greg Boki, Yamaha YZF-R1
9. Michael Leon, Honda CBR600F4i
10. Andrew Nelson, Kawasaki ZX-6R
Parts Canada Superbike Championship Point Standings (after 6 of 7 rounds, all 7 count):
1. Crevier, 302 points
2. Martin, 246 points
3. Weichel, 236 points
4. Taylor, 183 points
5. Trombino, 176 points
6. Pilon, 158 points
7. Cyr, 142 points
8. Jeff Williams, 110 points
9. Boki, 96 points
10. Martin Hamel, 96 points
