Arclight Suzuki To Test New Metzeler 16.5-inch Slicks

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November 9, 2001

Arclight Suzuki To Test New Metzeler 16.5-inch Slicks

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

In a November 8 telephone call to Roadracing World, Arclight Suzuki Team Owner/Crew Chief Chuck Warren said that his team planned to test new 16.5-inch rear Metzeler/Pirelli slicks in January of 2002.

“We may do a little bit of dabbling in AMA Formula Xtreme in 2002,” said Warren from his race shop in Lafayette, California. “But mainly we will do it because Metzeler/Pirelli North America has asked us to.” Warren added that the testing would probably happen at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California where two-time Formula USA Sportbike Champion Lee Acree and veteran racer Dave Stanton can run the bumpier old section of the track along with the smoother new course at Thunderhill.

Jeff Johnston, Senior Product Manager at Metzeler/Pirelli North America, confirmed the testing plans, saying “We’ve been testing the 16.5-inch tire with Steve Martin (DFX Ducati) in Europe for the last couple of months – including the last couple of World Superbike races – and the results have been pretty good.

“Our goal is to stay on top of tire development worldwide. So we thought that we would do some testing here. Lee (Acree) is a good tire tester. Not only is he fast, but he can give good feedback. Not everyone can give good feedback. For instance, Doug Polen has a computer for a mind and can give you detailed feedback on a particular tire days after a test.

“I can’t speak for Metzeler worldwide, but there is always the possibility that one day they will set aside some money and decide to go racing at the top level here in America with the AMA.”

Metzeler/Pirelli is testing tires at Valencia in Spain this week with Martin, Martin’s new DFX Ducati teammate Alessandro Antonello and a host of World Supersport and World Superstock racers.

Picotte, Rapp And Moore To Ride Corona Extra Suzukis In 2002, Sevier Says

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November 8, 2001

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Picotte, Rapp And Moore To Ride Corona Extra Suzukis In 2002, Sevier Says

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Team owner Landers Sevier V says that Corona Extra Suzuki (EBSCO will be dropped from the team’s competition name) will field a three-rider team in 2002 AMA 600cc Supersport, 750cc Supersport and Formula Xtreme races on Dunlop-shod Suzukis. Sevier said that 2001 AMA 750cc Supersport Champion Jimmy Moore will return to defend his Number One plate as well as race the full 600cc Supersport season and make select appearances in the Formula Xtreme class. The biggest news, however, is that the second and third riders on the team will be former Harley-Davidson factory Superbike rider Pascal Picotte and former HMC Ducati Superbike pilot Steve Rapp. Both Rapp and Picotte will ride in 600cc Supersport and Formula Xtreme competition.

Carry Andrew will return as Crew Chief with Grant Matsushima joining the team full-time. Matsushima, who is currently commuting 140 miles each day to work in Andrew’s Hyper Cycle shop in Van Nuys, California, worked with Andrew in 1998 when Nicky Hayden raced Hyper Cycle Suzukis in 600cc and 750cc Supersport. Matsushima then did a two-year stint with Jason Pridmore at Yoshimura Suzuki before spending 2001 with Roger Lee Hayden at Bruce Transportation Group.

“The only thing we are waiting on is for one final meeting between us, Suzuki and Corona to decide how the advertising is going to be handled,” said Sevier in a November 8 telephone call to Roadracing World. “I’m really excited about Corona’s involvement in the program. Not only have they stepped up financially for us to grow, they are setting an example for other outside-the-industry sponsors to follow. I mean, Corona is planning on putting life-size, cardboard cutouts of the bikes and riders in convenience stores all across the country.”

Sevier said that he has already put a deposit on a brand-new, custom-built semi-truck. In a separate phone call to Roadracing World, Carry Andrew said that he was very excited about the 2002 season and looking at locations in Southern California to house the newly-enlarged team’s race shop.

Road Racing Air Fence Fund Approaches $154,000 And Dirt Track Fund Nears $13,000

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November 8, 2001

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Road Racing Air Fence Fund Approaches $154,000 And Dirt Track Fund Nears $13,000

The total raised for road racing Air Fence is now $153,816 with the following new donations:

Todd Telkamp/Bent Racing, $100
Jeff Caco, $100
David Yesman, $40
Jay Barfield, $25
Everett B. Miller, $25

David Yesman’s $40 is his second donation, for a total of $80 donated this year.

Jay Barfield wrote, “Thanks to all involved. This is long overdue.”

On the dirt track side of the Air Fence Fund, the total raised so far reached $12,805 with new donations from:

Continental Tires, $2900
Tor Kovacs, $300
Gerald & Ann Carr, $200
Dorina Groves, $200
Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Wilcox, $100
Michael Sturdevant, $100
Jack Alexander/In Memory of Toby Jorgenson, $50
Rick Matheny, $50
www.flattrack.com, $50
John Tucker, $25
Stewart Barber, $10

Gerry & Ann Carr wrote, “Thanks for your efforts on behalf of the dirt track racers, families and community!”

The list of dirt track contributors now reads:
Chris Carr $2900
Yuasa Battery $2900
Steel Shoe Fund $2900
Continental Tires $2900
Tor Kovacs $300
Gerald & Ann Carr $200
Dorina Groves $200
Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Wilcox $100
Michael Sturdevant $100
Jeff Wilson $100
Jack Alexander/In Memory of Toby Jorgenson $50
Rick Matheny $50
www.flattrack.com $50
John Tucker $25
Old59R $20
Stewart Barber $10

The list of road racing contributors now reads:
Anonymous $9450
Erik Buell/Buell Motorcycle Company $5800
Trent Thompson/Paramount Racing $5000
Wegman Benefit Fund/Gordon Lunde Sr. $5000
Dynojet Research $3200
Steve Brubaker/Race Tire Service $3000
Patrick Roskam/HangingOff.com $3000
John Ulrich/Roadracing World $2900
Aprilia USA $2900
American Suzuki Motor Corp. $2900
Ducati North America $2900
Jonathan Glaefke $2900
Susie and Bruce Meyers/BCM Racing Ducati $2900
Performance Machine $2900
Dunlop Motorcycle Tire Co. $2900
Max McAllister/Traxxion Dynamics $2900
Tom Chauncey/Team Wreckless $2900
Willow Springs Int’l Raceway $2900
Wendell Phillips/Lockhart Phillips $2500
Advanced Motor Sports/In Memory of Dirk Piz $2000
L.A. Bikers/labiker.org $1760
Dennis Smith/Sport Tire Services $1500
Marc Salvisberg/Factory Pro Tuning $1450
Bob Dragich/Roadracing World $1450
Fred Renz/Yoyodyne $1450
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing $1450
Bob Blandford/N.E. Sportbike Assn. $1100
Chuck Warren/Arclight Suzuki $1000
Jim Rashid/4&6 Cycle $1000
Scott Willock/In Memory of Larry Schwarzbach $1000
Don Emde/In Memory of Cal Rayborn $1000
Jason Pridmore’s Star Motorcycle School $1000
Mark E. Dobeck/Techlusion Performance Group $1000
G.M.D. Computrack Network $1000
California Superbike School $1000
Tachyon Racing/Tachyon Sports Injury Research Foundation $1000
Team Pro-Motion Sportbike Club $1000
Anthony and Aaron Gobert $1000
Andrew M. Cross $1000
Andy Kettle/Honda of Milpitas $1000
Lindemann Engineering $1000
Marcus McBain $1500
Dale Pestes/Tuff Dog Racing $1000
Linda,John & Susanne Hopkins/In Memory of Roy Hopkins $895
Intrepid Café Racers $775
Yoshimura Racing $750
Team Daemon Racing $600
Derek and Gordon King $600
CMRRA $537
Don Lemelin/Scuderia West $500
Kevin Erion/Erion Racing $500
Pinky’s Pizza of Walnut Creek $500
Doug Gonda $500
Jerry Wood/Penguin School $500
Mike Canfield/Chandelle Motorsports $500
Jim Davis/J6 Racing/In Memory of Dirk Piz $500
Brooks Gremmels/Shogun Motorsports $500
Jim Di Salvo/Alien Racing $500
Dale Kieffer/Racers Edge Performance $500
The Plummer Menapace Group $500
Reg Kitrelle $500
Specialty Sports Ltd/Teknic $500
Ronnie Lunsford/Northwest Honda $500
Bob Holcomb $500
Aaron Yates $500
James D. Randolph $500
OMRRA $500
Terry Knott $500
Shawn Higbee/Team KWS/Millenium Technologies $500
Harley Davidson of Reno $500
Walt Schaefer $500
Gary Christopher/American Honda $500
Full Spectrum Design $500
Indigo Sports $500
Ed Robinson/Robinson Partners $500
Bill St. John/Project Monza $400
Jerry Jirkovsky $330
Ice Holes $301
Richard Hood/Reptillian Racing $300
Edward S. Siccardi, Jr. $300
Dan Fischer/Copier1.com $300
David Finniff $300
Marietta Motorsports $300
Brendan Guy $300
Dean Scarpa $300
Anonymous $300
Kurtis Roberts $300
James Siddall/World Sports/Corbin Grand Prix $300
“Old Slo Gene Templet”/CMRA $300
Eric Kelcher/Blockworks $300
Zachry Lee $300
N.I.T.R.O. (Northern Illinois Touring and Riding Organization) $300
Martin Von Wyss $300
In Memory of Charles Wooldridge, Sr. $300
James Lickwar $290
Texas Sport Bike Association $260
Scott Fisher/Fisher Technical Services $250
Chris Pyles & Beth Walters $250
Peter Hively $250
Brian Mitchell $250
Al Ludington $250
Tim Simpson $250
Spectrum Motorsports/VJB Racing $250
David Roy, Ducati N. America $250
Debbie Roy/Frenotec $250
Joshua Hayes $250
Gina Nadeau $250
Jeannne Pyles $250
John Ross/Ross Racing $250
Brian Cincera $250
C. Renard Fiscus $250
Bruce & Edith Lind $250
Andre Espaillat $250
Aramel Racing $250
WMRRA $250
Bo Poulsen $250
Papa Thiam/WERA BBS $200
Bill Capshaw/ICE Motorsports $200
Scott Decker $200
Terry Embury $200
Jim “Dutch” MacKenzie/WERA BBS $200
Scott Jenkins/Desmoto-sport $200
Cliff Nobles $200
Jodie York/RPM Cycles Ventura/WSMC #11 $200
Mostro.org/Jeffrey Fillmore $200
Jeff Bowis $200
Rich & Lynda Alexander/In Memory of Dirk Piz $200
Nils Menten $200
Melissa Tomlinson/G-Man Racing $200
DP Enterprises $200
Jeffrey S. Stathes $200
RPM $200
Wayne Nielsen/sportbikeworld.com $200
Dennis Woods/Doppio Racing $200
Tom David $200
Sierra Sportbike Association $200
Terry McKeever $200
“Barnacle” Bill Burns $200
Scott Greenwood/New England Performance $200
Roger Lyle/In Memory of Jimmy Adamo $200
Big Show Racing/Chicago, IL $200
Empty Pockets Racing $200
John and Richard Haner/Haner Motor Sports $200
Chris Kelley/California Cycleworks $150
Robb Mc Elroy $150
Tim Chin/Team Bandit $150
Ed & Catherine Sorbo $150
Damon Buckmaster $150
Chris Hamilton/Grand Prix Direct $150
Marc Palazzo/Synergy Racing Honda $150
Stuart Stratton/Stratton Racing $150
Hewitt & Prout Attorneys at Law $150
Jim Williams/13x.com $125
David Boosales/WERA BBS $125
Pete Martins $125
Road Atlanta Crash Truck Crews $111
Chris Normand/Firestorm Racing $101
Lucky Deleoni $100
Pat Stricker $100
Gary Rand/In Memory of Rusty Bradley $100
Michael Roberson/WERA BBS $100
Sean Jordan/WERA BBS $100
Army of Darkness $100
Stuart Gregg $100
Pinky’s Pizza/Lippman Racing $100
Bob Szoke $100
TyrSox $100
Ron West/Omzig Productions $100
Joe Facer $100
Preston Rash $100
Geoff Maloney/GP Tech $100
Melissa Berkoff/Neighbor Of The Beast $100
Caesar Gonzales/WERA BBS $100
Dorina Groves $100
Dorina Groves/In Memory of Jamie Bowman $100
Philip Rusin/RC51.net $100
Allen “Spence” Spencer $100
Matt Wadsworth $100
Dean N. De St. Croix $100
Tony Tugwell/TZ250.com $100
Bart Fuqua/Team LGC $100
Brian Stokes/Marietta Motorsports $100
Chris “Opie” Caylor/Marietta Motorsports $100
David McElvain/NEDoD $100
Ned “Peanut” Brown/NESBA/TPM $100
Vance Hacecky $100
Patrick Mee $100
Dave and Jason Parker $100
Tom Drumm $100
David Brown $100
Steve Moonitz/Team Squid Pro Quo $100
Jake Swan $100
Chris Story $100
Chris Eklund $100
Randy Ball/WERA BBS $100
Mark Hellvig $100
Gary Schilling/On Time Racing/WERA BBS $100
Steve Sumner $100
Laura Granato/WERA BBS $100
Norm Viano/Lawdog Sports Mgmt $100
Kevin Jordan/Jordan Motorsports $100
Val Gregory/In Memory of Dirk Piz $100
Dave Gess $100
Rob Berlind $100
Paul Black $100
Steve Hewitt $100
Mike Ciccotto $100
Tripp Nobles $100
Scott Rehl $100
Steve & Lorraine Aledort $100
Jeff Rozycki/29dreams.com Racing $100
Chris Ulrich/In Memory of Russ Paulk And Toby Jorgensen $100
Giorgio Milesi/Galfer Brakes USA $100
Al Lyons/CMRRA $100
Linda Hopkins $100
John Hopkins/In Memory of Jamie Bowman and Toby Jorgensen $100
Vicky&Michael Menard $100
Silvia Salenius/Ducati.net Online $100
HG Racing/AMA Pro Thunder $100
Red Fox Racing $100
Greg Ruffin $100
John Donald/PTC Racing $100
Larry Pegram $100
Pamela Skaff/WERA BBS $100
J.D. Hord/Meccanica Corse Racing $100
Mark Sutton $100
Steve Scott/LRRS#47 $100
Eric Putter $100
Jim Doerfler $100
Ira Englebardt $100
Joe & Nancy Fenech $100
Earl Hayden $100
Chuck Sorensen $100
Jeff Wilson/American Suzuki $100
Adam Vella/Webcrush Racing $100
Chuck Gault/Motobama $100
Gary Longren $100
Stephan Hottenrott $100
David Kunzelman $100
C.R. “Critter” Gittere/WERA BBS $100
John Light/Lightsmith Racing $100
Ken & Arlene Block (Ed Sorbo’s Mom) $100
Chris Link/CMRA/In Memory of Jamie Bowman $100
Josh Steinberg $100
Broad Squad/CCS NE $100
Logan Young $100
Bob & Sherrie Young $100
Ann Sands $100
Troy Green/www.TG-Racing.com $100
Colin Fowler $100
Asphalt & Gas $100
CelentoHenn Architecture + Design $100
Norm Mc Donald/CMRA $100
Andrew S. Mueller/WERA BBS $100
Mary Miskovic $100
Mark Van Hoff/The Plastic Doctor/WERA BBS $100
Anonymous $100
Mauro Cereda/In Memory of Jamie Bowman $100
James B. Norwood/Bad Iguana Racing $100
Bakersfield Yamaha $100
Matt Gerard/In Memory of Gordy Lunde Jr. $100
MMCZYK/Concerned Fan $100
Kendall Davis/WERA #326 $100
Jerry Daggett $100
Miller’s Modern Garage $100
TFS Racing $100
Sabrina Phillips 100
Jane Phillips $100
Twin Cities Yamaha $100
Fernando Peris $100
Louis Gagne $100
Peter Christensen & Stasia Moore $100
Paul D. Harrell $100
Manny Otmane/Team Hooters $100
Rich Desmond/WERA BBS $100
Larry Lawrence $100
Tony Iannarelli $100
Marcel Fortney $100
Tim Fowler $100
Dennis Hurst/Deken Power $100
Tommy Bright/Logistics & Information $100
John F. Penrose $100
Russ & Lisa Dancho $100
Leonard Lloyd $100
Blake/www.BadWeatherBikers.com $100
Loren Chun, $100
Joe & Pam Axberg $100
Paul Sedillo $100
Robert C. Vester $100
Dale W. Dandrea $100
Bob Domenz/3D Racing $100
Justin Blake $100
Berde Brothers Racing $100
Ted Johnson/Last Chance Racing $100
Bruce Liddle $100
Schenk Racing $100
John Lemak $100
Donald P. Randolph $100
Ken & Lori Hill/Rt. 6 Sales & Service, $100
Alex Peabody $100
Joe Kimble $100
Anonymous $100
MZ Scorpion Cup Racers $100
Todd Telkamp/Bent Racing $100
Jeff Caco $100
Larry Spektor/In Memory of Toby Jorgenson $80
David Yesman $80
Tyson Kamp $75
Vito Dionisio/WERA BBS $75
Joe Davidson/Comet Racing/In Memory of Toby Jorgensen & Jamie Bowman $75
R.J. McLeod $60
George Gervasi/Projekt9 Racing $60
Christopher Gosch $60
Kelly Thornton $58
Erica B. Smith & John F.X. Walsh $55
Stephen Bauman $55
Max Buxton/NEDoD $50
Nelo Hakola $50
Tyler Sandell $ 50
David J. Kopfinger $ 50
Aaron Loyd $50
Martin Voelker $50
Steve Hopkins $50
Louis DeBlois $50
Leigh Taunton/EMGO $50
Randy Sinisi $50
Danny Hull $50
Team Skidmark Racing $50
Ryan Meskimen/WERA BBS $50
Erik Astrup $50
Paul Zavada $50
James Greeson/WERA BBS $50
Victor Mokler $50
Steve Clark/J. Guthridge/Tight Squeeze Racing $50
Nate Olsen $50
Anthony Moey $50
Dustin Miller $50
Steve Martinez $50
Jason Temme/Serpent Racing $50
Mike Hodgson/WERA BBS $50
Chris Borre/Motorcycleroadracer.com $50
Richard Barker/AIM/In Memory of Dirk Piz $50
Mike Reish/Reish Dot Net $50
Kenyon Kluge/K2 Racing $50
Darin Nichols/Team Unit $50
Richard Davis $50
Allen Lyon/Ducati.net Online $50
Eric H. Mathy $50
Steve Breckenridge $50
Jim Race/Speaksy Racing $50
James Aragon $50
James Hayton/Kochenbaulz Racing/WERA BBS $50
Anthony D’Augusta $50
Norm Brown $50
Isaac Ward $50
Jason K. Michelson $50
Qi Guo/WERA BBS $50
Schaefer Brothers Racing $50
Tommy Lancaster/Tommy Built Fireplaces $50
James Gaal $50
Rod Mahr/Follow the Helmet Racing $50
Charles Brothers/CMRA $50
Francisco Prats $50
Keith Mc Cammon $50
Rick Haskins $50
Larry, Janice & Jimmy /Moto Liberty $50
Friends & Family/Firestorm Racing $50
Akos Feher $50
Brian Cox/CMRA#318 $50
Greg Gorman $50
James E. Schaefer $50
Kevin Hanson $50
Nick Tulloh/In Memory of Jimmy Adamo $50
Robin Clark, $50
Carl Liebold, $50
Peter Young, $50
John Walsh $50
John Caudle/Thanks to Grigg Racing $50
Jim Frost $50
Jack Giesecke $50
Mark Anzalone $50
George M. Noeth $50
Greg Avello/Milwaukee H-D/Buell Racing $50
Bernard Ayling $50
Charles Helming $50
Andrew Culpepper $50
Wayne Gaylord and Dorothy Urbanski CCS Novice SE #424 $50
Rod Klebsch $40
Mark Crane, $40
Don Moody $35
Andy & Kate Kupfer, $35
Lindsey Leard $30
Dave Deggendorf/WERA BBS $30
Bob Elam $30
The Heidepriems/WERA BBS $30
Kimberly Scheffel/rider/race fan/pit keeper $30
Bryan Norton $30
Scott D. Cortese $30
Stephen Warburton/Ducati Online $30
John Scherer $30
Charles Lederer $30
Greg Gabis $29
Ripley Howe $29
Mark Hatten/Meccanica Corse Racing $29
Ted Angle $25
Susanne Hopkins $25
Nolan Ballew $25
Josh Loberant $25
Charles Tomes $25
Jon DeMent $25
Timothy Wilson $25
Mark Novak $25
Rene Ferron $25
Sean Patrick Brisini $25
Richard Korol $25
Eric and Christine Loranger $25
Dee Moses $25
Kyle Kirschenmann/Bayou Riders of Louisiana $25
Marc Asmus $25
Mike Henry $25
Henry Hallmark $25
Ronnie Reyes/CMRA $25
Kathleen Mc Laughlin $25
John Jancoski $25
John C. Pfeiffer $25
Bernis B. Conatser $25
Tony Day $25
Harlan Weishahn $25
Chad Littrell $25
David Osser $25
Margaret Corra $25
Kerry Lynn Hanley $25
T. Kershaw $25
Allan Karman, $25
Anonymous $25
Peter Gallant $25
Jeff Mc Bride $25
Squirrel/YTAK Racing $25
Chuck D./Fosters $25
Louis Acosta $25
Jay Barfield $25
Everett B. Miller $25
Rob Armstrong/Maryland Motor Sports Racing $20
David Smith $20
S.C. Pittman $20
Jamieson D. Yonker $20
Garret Swearingen $20
Darrin Zumbaum $20
Andy Lenz/CMRRA $20
Dave Harrison $20
Jeff Harrison $20
Sled/Cross $20
David L. Osser $20
Pellack Family $15
Michael W. Morgan $10
Irwin Arnstein/CMRA $10
Frank Shacklee/CMRA $10
John & Arlene Gerard/In Memory of Gordy Lunde Jr. $10
Becky Rechek, $10
Lee D’Amico $10
Johnny Newell, $10
Christopher Clark $10
Anomymous $10
Jan Steven/Carpet Dog $5
Anonymous $5
Joe Knight $5
Erik Schmitt/CMRA $1

Chris Ulrich To Ride For Valvoline EMGO Suzuki

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November 8, 2001

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Chris Ulrich To Ride For Valvoline EMGO Suzuki

Chris Ulrich has signed a two-year contract with Team Hammer, Inc., racing as Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki, to ride in the AMA 750cc Supersport and AMA Formula Xtreme Series. Ulrich will also make appearances in the AMA 600cc Supersport and AMA Superbike Series during the term of the contract. Ulrich, now 21, has been around road racing his entire life and started competing himself at age 13, on a YSR50. He progressed to racing a Moriwaki MH80R, followed by a Yamaha TZ125 and a Honda RS125, a Yamaha TZ250 and a Suzuki GSX-R750 and GSX-R1000. After three years in the AMA 250cc Grand Prix Series on a TZ250—-with three podium appearances and a best season finish of third in 1999—-Ulrich made the big step up to racing a GSX-R750 at the end of the 2000 season. At the beginning of the 2001 AMA season, Ulrich struggled on the Roadracingworld.com GSX-R750, crashing at Daytona but finally starting to find his stride at Sears Point, where he finished a close fourth. He ran as high as second at Road Atlanta but finished a close fifth in a dogfight, then took third after charging from eighth to lead at Road America. He crashed at Loudon but won at Laguna Seca and finished second at Mid-Ohio. Ulrich again came from eighth to second at Brainerd before jumping a curb and bending both his racebike’s wheels in the run to the white flag and limping home 17th. At Pikes Peak Ulrich finished third, and he crashed at Virginia International after being run off the track by a sideways competitor. He finished the year 5th in AMA 750cc Supersport points. In between AMA races, Ulrich competed on a Vesrah Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the WERA National Endurance Series, co-riding to four overall wins and the WERA National Endurance Championship, becoming the first 2nd-generation endurance champion in the 26-year history of the WERA series. He also rode a Roadracingworld.com GSX-R1000 to victory in the GSX-R1000 Suzuki Cup Final at Road Atlanta, and won the CCS GTO Championship on his GSX-R750 during the CCS Race of Champions at Daytona. “Chris has come a long way in a very short time and we’re proud of the job he did,” said Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief and General Manager Keith Perry. “When you’ve known somebody since they were a little kid hanging out in the pits with their father’s race team, it’s easy to take them for granted and not expect much out of them. And of course some people will say he got the ride because his father owns the team; he’s had to take that type of criticism since he started racing. But if you look at his results and compare his record to other young riders this team has signed in recent years, he actually is the most qualified, dedicated and proven youngster we’ve decided to work with at this stage of his career. His riding has done his talking.” “I drove 45,000 miles by myself going to races in 2001, hauling my own racebikes around,” said Chris Ulrich, “and that’s been the story since I was 16. But it was worth it. It felt great to win my first AMA National at Laguna Seca. It was a real honor to win the WERA National Endurance Championship that my dad won in 1983 and 1984, and now it is an honor to ride for the team he started with Bruce Hammer way back in 1980. I learned a lot this season and I’m going to do my best in 2002 and 2003. I worked very hard to get this ride and I’m going to continue working hard to try to win championships for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki.” “For years this team has helped launch other peoples’ kids into professional racing careers. Now it’s Chris’ turn, and his performance this year shows that he deserves it,” said team owner John Ulrich. Chris Ulrich’s Road Racing Career To Date: 1993: Ran CMRRA Series on a YSR50. 1994: Won CMRRA 80cc Amateur Championship, on Moriwaki MH80R. 1995: Raced Yamaha TZ125 in WSMC and WERA Sportsman Series, worked pit board for Team Suzuki Endurance in WERA National Endurance Series. 1996: Won WERA Sportsman 125cc Grand Prix Championship, finished 2nd in WERA National Challenge Series 125cc Grand Prix Championship, Honda RS125 1997: Finished 2nd in WERA National Challenge Series 125cc Grand Prix Championship (injured, missed one race), Honda RS125 1998: Competed in AMA 250cc Grand Prix Series (injured, missed four races), Yamaha TZ250, Kids: Don’t Smoke! Racing 1999: Finished 3rd in AMA 250cc Grand Prix Series, Yamaha TZ250, two podium finishes, Kids: Don’t Smoke! Racing. 2000: Finished 5th in AMA 250cc Grand Prix Series, Yamaha TZ250, one podium finish, World Sports Racing. Won WERA National Endurance Series 24-hour West on Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R750, becoming first 2nd-generation WERA endurance race overall winner. 2001: Won WERA National Endurance Championship on Vesrah Suzuki GSX-R1000, becoming first 2nd-generation WERA National Endurance Champion. Won GSX-R1000 Suzuki Cup Final. Finished 5th in AMA 750cc Supersport Championship, winning at Laguna Seca and finishing on the podium 4 times on a Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R750. Won CCS GTO Championship.

Suzuki Cup To Air Sunday On Fox Sports Net

Breaking News

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November 8, 2001

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Suzuki Cup To Air Sunday On Fox Sports Net

A 30-minute highlight show covering the Suzuki Cup Finals, held in conjunction with the WERA Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta October 27-28, is scheduled to air Sunday, November 11 on Fox Sports Net at 3:30 p.m.

Motoworld’s programming guide says that the show will air at 3:30 p.m. in all time zones. Check your local listings to be sure.

More Drug-free Grand Prix Racers

Breaking News

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November 7, 2001

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The FIM carried out routine substance-control testing September 9 at Estoril in Portugal. All test samples were free of any illegal substances. Riders tested included: Katja Poensgen, Tetsuya Harada, Youichi Ui, Massimiliano “Max” Sabbatani and Daniel Pedrosa.

David de Gea was scheduled to be tested at Estoril but because of “administrative reasons” de Gea wasn’t tested until later at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. De Gea’s sample showed no traces of controlled substances.

E-mails Apparently Had Impact On Speedvision, At Least For 2002

Breaking News

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November 7, 2001

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E-mails Apparently Had Impact On Speedvision, At Least For 2002

From a press release:

SPEEDVISION CONFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AMA PRO RACING COVERAGE

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Speedvision, the motorsports cable channel acquired last July by the Fox Cable Networks Group, has announced its continued commitment to AMA Pro Racing for 2002.

Speedvision will be the television home of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championships and will broadcast select AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship races.

“We want to make sure our network satisfies the motorcycle enthusiast market, an audience we consider extremely important to the network,” said Speedvision President Jim Liberatore. “The fact that Speedvision received tens of thousands of e-mails from motorcycle enthusiasts shows the passion of that audience.”

Bolstering Liberatore’s assertion that motorcycle racing is an important part of Speedvision’s future is the announcement from the network that it will provide live coverage of the 61st Annual Daytona 200 by Arai in March and three hours of live coverage from the event’s Supercross race.

“Our working relationship with Speedvision remains strong,” said Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing’s CEO. “Speedvision’s coverage has greatly assisted the development of the AMA Pro Racing properties of road racing and flat track. We’ve been working with Dan Murphy at Speedvision and expect to announce our AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship schedule soon with expanded television coverage for the series in 2002.”

Murphy added, “There will be some changes to the weekly program lineup in 2002 with the additional NASCAR programming. However, Two Wheel Tuesdays and our live motorcycle racing will remain intact, due to the support of the sponsors and viewers. The viewers should really thank all the sponsors of the motorcycle programming because the sponsor support gave us another compelling reason to keep all the motorcycle programming intact.”

Speedvision, which currently reaches 45 million homes, is being rebranded as Speed Channel and will be relaunched with new programming and a new logo in February of 2002. The relaunch will come one month after the channel celebrates its sixth anniversary.

AMA Pro Racing Jacks Up License Fees

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November 7, 2001

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AMA Pro Racing has dramatically increased road racing license fees for 2002, as follows:

Superbike
2001=$190
2002=$300

Pro Expert
2001=$120
2002=$200

Pro Sport
2001=$100
2002=$150

Updated Post: Independent Team Owner Asks, Who Can We E-mail At Tracks Regarding Essential Thursday Practice?

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November 7, 2001

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Updated Post: Independent Team Owner Asks, Who Can We E-mail At Tracks Regarding Essential Thursday Practice?

From an e-mail just in:

I assume you may know who to contact at these venues so I may voice my interest in participating in the “Promoter” practices (on Thursday).

How about an e-mail campaign of riders and team owners directly to the track owners/promoters?

Please forward the message to whomever may help me.

Thank you!

Gary Ricci
Ricci Motorsports
AMA 750cc Supersport Team

Ricci sent his e-mail in response to the news that AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth is telling racetracks and race promoters that they should not hold Thursday practice, and that AMA Pro Racing officials need Thursday to set up timing and scoring equipment! Hollingsworth has also told racetrack officials and promoters that the teams can’t practice anyway on Thursday (due to restrictions on riders who are top-10 in points in Superbike and 600cc Supersport). So, anybody who isn’t top-10 in Superbike or 600cc Supersport doesn’t count or doesn’t exist, right, Scotty?

In response, here’s a list of tracks planning on hosting Thursday practice and tracks that are undecided or haven’t told us what they’re planning to do in 2002:

AMA National promoters at the following tracks have committed to having Thursday practice in 2002:

The Colonel’s Brainerd International Raceway
Road America
Road Atlanta
Sears Point Raceway
Virginia International Raceway

Tracks where official practice has already started by Thursday:

Daytona International Speedway
Laguna Seca

Tracks on the fence regarding Thursday practice in 2002:

California Speedway
According to California Speedway Operations Manager Phil Tucker, the Thursday prior to the AMA Superbike race “is not on the schedule as a practice day. It’s still early. That is something that would be coordinated between the track President (Bill Miller) and the AMA.” Comments can be directed to the racetrack via e-mail, [email protected] or [email protected].

Pikes Peak International Raceway
According to Vice President Dan Greenwood, the final decision has not been made and won’t be made until December, although Wednesday has been tentatively blocked out on the track’s calendar as a set-up day and Thursday as a practice day. “It’s not decided yet but I’m guessing we probably will (have Thursday practice),” said Greenwood. Comments can be directed to the racetrack via e-mail, [email protected]

Tracks that won’t have Thursday practice:

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

According to Mid-Ohio President Michelle Trueman, the Wednesday and Thursday prior to Mid-Ohio’s AMA National will feature California Superbike School sessions. Trueman said, of Hollingsworth’s attempt to keep tracks from having any on-track activity on Thursday, “It’s not their day (to tell us what to do with it).”
According to California Superbike School founder Keith Code, his school sessions do not and will not include any practice component. Interestingly, Code said that he cannot physically make it from his date at Laguna Seca the Monday prior to the Mid-Ohio race to Mid-Ohio by Wednesday. “I can’t make the date,” Code said, “and I’ve told (Circuit Manager)Al Griebling that I can’t make the dates.” Comments can be directed to [email protected].

Ferodo Moves To Center Of Motorcycle Road Racing Universe

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November 7, 2001

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Ferodo Moves To Center Of Motorcycle Road Racing Universe

The new address is:
Ferodo
18630 Collier Ave.
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Phone (909) 471-3476
FAX (909) 471-3536