By David Swarts

Due to several race cancellations in the 2001 season, American Suzuki’s Matt Ellis and Jeff Wilson have confirmed that the company will be pay Suzuki Cup qualifying points at the WERA National scheduled for this weekend, September 22-23, at Virginia International Raceway.

“We will be paying Suzuki Cup points for the WERA sprint races at VIR this weekend,” said Ellis in a telephone call to Roadracing World. “I’m still waiting to receive some race results and to do a check run, but I hope to have point standings and a final word on the minimum amount of points needed to qualify for the Suzuki Cup Finals before the end of the week.”

Originally, Suzuki required riders to earn a minimum of 10 Suzuki Cup points to be invited to the 16th annual Suzuki Cup Finals October 24-28 at Road Atlanta. But due to the cancellation of Suzuki Cup events at Rausch Creek, Memphis Motorsports Park and Gateway International Raceway in 2001, Suzuki is considering lowering the minimum amount of points needed to attend the Suzuki Cup Finals to possibly as low as one point. Paying Cup points at VIR this weekend is also in direct response to other races being cancelled.

For more information on the Suzuki Cup road racing contingency program see the related roadracingworld.com August 8 or September 13 postings or go to http://www.suzukicycles.com/racing/racers.htm. On the Suzuki site, click on Contingency, click on Road Race, scroll down, and click on Details On The Suzuki Road Race Contingency Program.

In a side note, WERA will run two separate endurance races on Saturday, September 22 at Virginia International Raceway, one as a make-up for the Memphis race that was cancelled by rain. Each race will be between three and five hours in length with a 30-60 minute break in between the races.

From a press release:

In response to the American racing industry’s increasing safety requirements, Daniel Lance of Alpina Safety Systems (of Steindorf, Austria) is pleased to announce that Alpina will begin manufacturing its line of safety products in America.

Alpina is committed to raising the level of safety in America to the level available in other areas of the world. Alpina is recognized internationally for the quality of product and service that the company provides to the racing industry. Alpina’s specialty lies in the installation and maintenance of safety devices at race events, minimizing expense and providing a system of risk management with protective devices that are directly focused on the type of race machine and race event on a rental or purchase basis.

Manufacturing in America is expected to make Alpina’s products affordable while at the same time still made to the strictest quality standards and homologation requirements as at the factory in Austria.

Mr. Robert Pertl, who recently attended a Formula USA event at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, consulted with racers, race officials, and media representatives in an effort to fully see the requirements and formulate an initiative to further the level of safety in American racing.

Mr. Pertl will return to America for the Daytona F-USA and Road Atlanta WERA GNF events in October. He will bring samples of Alpina’s Super Defender, Defender, and F-1 modules and be available to discuss Alpina’s safety initiative in America. He also plans to visit selected racetracks while in the U.S..

Safety Dan says rely on Alpina Safety Systems, We‘ve got your back!

Alpina Safety Systems/American Division
228 Steele Hill Rd.
Sanbornton, NH 03269
(603) 571-5935

This press release just in from Ducati:

BAYLISS, XAUS AND BOSTROM RECONFIRMED FOR 2002 SEASON

Ducati Corse wishes to announce that Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), Ruben Xaus (Ducati Infostrada) and Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) will be the Italian manufacturer’s factory riders in next season’s World Superbike Championship.

Speaking at the 59th International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan today, Ducati CEO Carlo Di Biagio announced that the exceptional results achieved by all three riders in this year’s World Superbike Championship had led to them being reconfirmed for 2002.

“Ducati can consider itself to be totally satisfied with the results achieved by all of our riders, who have already been confirmed for next year”, said Di Biagio.

With one round remaining, the 2001 season has been an exceptional one for the Bologna-based manufacturer, which clinched the WSBK Riders’ title for the ninth time with 32-year-old Australian, Troy Bayliss (Ducati Infostrada), and the Manufacturers’ crown for a record tenth time.

In addition, 27-year-old Californian Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) had an exceptional five-race winning streak in mid-season on his way to six wins this year, while the talented 23-year-old, Ruben Xaus proved he is a real talent of the future, becoming the first Spanish rider to win a WSBK championship race when he scored his debut win in Germany. Ducati also achieved the prestigious target of 100 WSBK pole positions throughout the year.

Bayliss, Xaus and Bostrom will again form one of the most exciting and competitive team line-ups in 2002.

The final round of the 2001 World Superbike Championship takes place at Imola, Italy on September 28-30.

American Honda Motor Company’s annual dealer convention at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas will continue as scheduled.

That’s the word from American Honda spokesman Jon Seidel.

The convention starts tomorrow, September 19 and continues through Friday, September 21.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. cancelled its dealer convention slated for September 15-16 in Anaheim, California, citing transportation problems in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

This week, American Suzuki Motor Corp. cancelled its convention, scheduled for the end of September in Las Vegas.

Ducati North America Manager of Racing Operations David Roy has denounced yesterday’s post regarding the possible end of Ducati’s participation in the AMA Superbike Series as being “speculative fodder.”

In an e-mail to roadracingworld.com, Roy wrote,
“What is up with the story today? I don’t remember talking to anyone from Roadracing World in regard to what we are doing for next season, and no one else on Ducati’s payroll that is involved in racing has, either. The information you are sending to the public on our racing program is speculative fodder, which is normally not like you. If you would like to know what is going on just call me next time.”

The post was based on first-hand conversations with involved parties, including a current Ducati AMA rider and an overseas Ducati emissary.

Roadracingworld.com has invited Roy to end any doubt by issuing a definitive press release detailing Ducati’s U.S. plans for 2002.

From a press release:

Josh Hayes has signed a multi-year contract with Team Hammer, Inc., racing as Vavoline EMGO Suzuki, to compete in the AMA Formula Xtreme and 600cc Supersport Series in 2002 and 2003.

Hayes rode for the team from 1996 through 1999, co-riding to the 1996 and 1997 WERA National Endurance Championships, winning the 1998 Formula USA Pro Sport Championship, winning the 1998 WERA National Challenge Series 600cc Superstock Championship, winning the 1997 GSX-R1100 Suzuki Cup Final and winning the 1998 GSX-R1100 and GSX-R600 Suzuki Cup Finals. In 1999, Hayes won the AMA 750cc Supersport race at Daytona and finished the AMA season 3rd in Formula Xtreme and 6th in 600cc Supersport points.

(In 2000 and 2001, Hayes rode for Erion Honda and the Bruce Transportation Group teams, under contract to American Honda.)

“I’m really excited about being back with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki for the 2002 season, getting back together with Barry McMahan and getting back to our winning ways,” said Hayes. “I feel this is going to be a good move with lots of success.”

“We’re excited about re-uniting Josh with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki and his original tuner, Barry McMahan,” said Hayes’ manager, Gina Nadeau. “We’ve been disappointed with Josh’s results the last two seasons and we’re look forward to getting him back to his winning combination from 1999. We’ve missed these guys and we’re happy to be back.”

“We’re looking forward to picking right up where we left off with Josh, and taking advantage of his added experience in the series,” said Valvoline EMGO Suzuki Crew Chief Keith Perry. “We don’t think his recent results truly reflect his ability and we’re happy to be working with him again.”

From a press release:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO DONATE 30 POLICE MOTORCYCLES,

$1 MILLION TO RELIEF EFFORT

Company encourages Employees, Dealers, Owners, H.O.G. Members to raise funds as well

MILWAUKEE, WI (Sept. 14, 2001) – Harley-Davidson Motor Company is donating the use of 30 police motorcycles and $1 million to assist in the relief efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C. The motorcycles will be used to replace police motorcycles, squad cars and other police units that were destroyed following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Tuesday, Sept. 11. The Company’s $1 million donation will be made directly to the American Red Cross for use in the relief effort.

“We are all moved and saddened by the events of the past week and hope our contribution of police motorcycles and funds to the American Red Cross can in some way help with the relief effort,” said Jim McCaslin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Ten police motorcycles will be ridden to the New York City area from Milwaukee by Harley-Davidson employees and local police officers late next week. An additional 20 motorcycles will be delivered within the next two weeks to the New York area for use by the New York City Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in their efforts.

“We know that a number of law enforcement officers lost their lives coming to the aid of those involved in the tragedy and some of those were Motor Officers,” said McCaslin. “Harley-Davidson has been producing police motorcycles since 1908 and we have a very strong bond with that group. Our hearts go out to all victims of the disaster, especially those within the law enforcement community. While we can never get back what has been lost, we’re hopeful that the police motorcycles will help law enforcement and Port Authority representatives move around the city and the devastated area with greater ease and convenience.”

“The Motor Company will also donate $1 million to the American Red Cross for use in New York and Washington,” said McCaslin.

Motorcycles have often been used in cases involving urban disasters. They are smaller and more maneuverable than automobiles and larger vehicles and are more capable of navigating the tight spaces and narrow roadways that often result from disasters.

Harley-Davidson is working alongside The Center for Public Safety at Northwestern University in order to make arrangements to offer priority training focused on developing a new class of Motor Officers in the New York/New Jersey area.

In addition, Harley-Davidson is encouraging its employees, dealers, owners and H.O.G. members to band together to raise funds for those affected by the disaster. Over the years, the extended Harley-Davidson family has raised funds for myriad causes by organizing rides across the country and around the world.

“We have a tradition of raising funds through motorcycle rides,” said McCaslin. “We have received hundreds of calls from our dealers and owners asking how they can help. We’ve asked them all to work together to raise funds for those affected by this tragedy.”

Whelen Engineering Company in Chester, CT is donating all emergency equipment on the motorcycles. Donated motorcycles include FLHTPI Electra Glide models, FLHPI Road King models and FXDP Dyna Defender models.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.

By David Swarts

Getting accurate information out of the AMA isn’t easy, and, as I discovered on Monday, September 17, high-ranking AMA officials don’t even agree on voting procedures.

I spent an hour yesterday trying to reach someone at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, to find out if people could join the AMA and immediately get a ballot to nominate a candidate for the upcoming Board of Trustees election. I was repeatedly transferred around to voice mails of people who never seemed to be in the office.

Finally, I reached Gary Sweet, AMA Vice-President of Membership, and asked him the question. Our conversation went like this:

Gary Sweet: “What can I answer for you regarding membership?”

Roadracing World: “Nomination ballots for the election of Board of Trustees are already in the current issue of American Motorcyclist magazine. If someone were to join the AMA here in the very near future, would they be able to request a nomination ballot, and as long as they got that to the accounting firm by the October 8 deadline, would they be able to nominate someone from their home region?”

Sweet: “I believe so, yes. Because ballots, you can request a ballot outside of the magazine as well. For instance, many of our life members no longer receive the magazine, but they can request a ballot.”

RW: “I know there’s normally four to six weeks to process a membership. You could expedite that someone or the AMA could somehow acknowledge that they are in the system and get that ballot out to them?”

Sweet: “Yes, I believe we can do that. Now, I’ve never had this request before. I’ve never had anybody ask me that, but I don’t see a problem with that because as long as you are a full member you can vote. So I don’t see why there wouldn’t be a problem in doing that.”

RW: “Under the same set of circumstances but closer to the actual election deadline, if new members joined shortly before the election and weren’t getting the magazine delivered to their home yet they could go ahead and request a ballot be sent to them and vote in that election?”

Sweet: “They should be able to, yes. If they are a full member but have not received their magazine, correct.”

RW: “And associate members are also eligible to vote in the elections?”

Sweet: “Yes, and therefore they can also request that a ballot be sent.”

RW: “At AMA sporting events, such as the races, there are usually booths set up and some sort of provisions made that if someone isn’t an AMA member and wanted to participate in that event, they could join there on the spot and then immediately participate in the event. Is it possible…because there is one event coming up, the AMA Superbike race at Virginia International Raceway (September 28-30)…it’s very short time, but would someone be able to join there at that event and then request a ballot for nomination to be mailed to them and get that ballot back to the appropriate people by the October 8 deadline?”

Sweet: “Probably not. Because we will have a membership tent there, however the individuals running that membership tent are volunteers working that event for me. So what they do, they take all of the memberships that they sell there and they in turn go back to their home town and they put it into a pack. We have forms that they fill out, and then they send that in and it comes through the mail. So my gut feel on that is chances are that we aren’t going to get that mail back here within a week to know that the membership is valid and that type of thing. From the field, it’s pretty hard to get those completely sent out in time.”

RW: “With October 8 as the deadline, what would you think would be a ‘failsafe’ point or date to act by in order to better their chances of getting a nomination ballot?”

Sweet: “I don’t know the answer to that. Again, this is the first time that I’ve ever had that request. I’ve never had anyone ask me what is the deadline to getting my full membership. If you call in and join, we can process your membership immediately and take the request to send out a nominating ballot all in the same process. We could certainly do that. What the deadline or cut off date is for that, I don’t know the answer.”

RW: “But they could do that then, in the same phone call, they could join and also request that a nomination ballot be sent out and then it would just be the timing of the U.S. Mail?”

Sweet: “Correct.”

So concerned motorcyclists can immediately join and request a ballot to nominate Kevin Schwantz, Jeffrey Nash, or John Ulrich for the South Eastern, South Central and Southwestern Regions Board of Trustees seats, right?

Not so fast.

Today, Tuesday, September 18, I received an e-mail from Tracy Powell, Assistant to AMA President Rob Rasor, contradicting what AMA Vice-President of Membership Gary Sweet had told us.

The e-mail from Powell read:

“I apologize for not responding to your inquiry yesterday but I was out of the office.

“The AMA’s Code of Regulations provides that, ‘In order to be eligible to vote for the office of Individual Member Trustee, an individual must have been a member as of September 1 of the year the election begins.’ Membership records reflecting an effective date after September 1 would preclude those members from participating in the current nomination and election process.

“Only after the receipt of membership dues and processing the information can the member request and be provided a ballot. Any eligible member who would like to request a ballot may contact me in writing. Ernst & Young, our auditor, will check membership records and tabulate the votes.

“Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.

“Tracy Powell
Assistant to the President”

We are trying once again to contact personnel at AMA Headquarters in order to clarify this matter before it is too late.

But this incident–in which the Vice President of Membership doesn’t know the rules concerning membership and voting for Trustees–may be additional strong evidence that the AMA needs new leadership, now.

This just in, again from Tracy Powell, via e-mail:

“Please be advised that the information I provided you came directly from the AMA’s Code of Regulations. Apparently, Mr. Sweet did not have a copy of the Code in front of him when he spoke with you about new members and the nomination procedure, and he was not aware of the September 1 deadline. By the way, those not members prior to September 1 are also precluded from voting in the election process.

“Our Committee to Review Election Procedures is working on ways to educate our membership on the election process, which will hopefully get more people involved. This will include posting additional information to the AMA’s website.

“Please advise Mrs. Ulrich that I will not be able to grant her request for a ballot for this election.

“Sincerely,
“Tracey Powell
“Assistant to the President
“(614) 856-1910, Ext. 1248
“http://www.AMADirectlink.com”


Editorial comment: When she called AMA headquarters to become a full member of the AMA, Roadracing World Publisher Trudy Ulrich was told that she would be sent a nomination ballot for the current Trustee election. So perhaps, before it starts “working on ways to educate our membership on the election process”, the AMA’s “Committee to Review Election Procedures” should first educate AMA employees, including the Vice-President of Membership!

Racer and tuner Kevin Murray is out of the hospital and back at work at his Vista, California race shop, MCE Racing.

Murray suffered a head injury August 12 while riding a dirt bike in the desert.

Murray was hospitalized for almost four weeks, being released on September 7. Murray is still undergoing physical therapy, but is working part-time at his shop, tyring to handle a back-log of work that piled up while he was hospitalized.

In a phone call to Roadracing World, Murray said
it will be about a month before he’s back up to speed.

Murray can be reached at (760) 599-1061.