The phone number listed in an advertisement for Racing Engine Service (RES) appearing in the May 2002 issue of Roadracing World is incorrect.
The correct phone number is (817) 783-6699.
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
And Now, The Correct Phone Number For RES
New SuperMoto World Championship Includes Race In Bakersfield
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
The new SuperMoto World Championship includes an event in Bakersfield, California on November 3.
The series schedule follows:
July 14, Namur, Belgium
August 25, Valkenswaard, Holland
September 22, Toulouse-Muret, France
October 13, Kaerntenring, Austria
October 20, TBA
November 3, Bakersfield, California
November 10, Broadford, Australia
November 17, Palmerston, New Zealand
More information is available from the FIM at www.fim.ch or via e-mail at [email protected]
Jason DiSalvo Wins In Friday CCS Action At Road America
Copyright 2002 Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
Team America Grand Prix Racing’s Jason DiSalvo took a dramatic, come-from-behind victory in the 30-minute Expert GTO race Friday in a CCS regional event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Friday.
Rick Breuer got the early lead in the solo endurance contest on his Honda RC51, but AMA regular J.J. Roetlin took charge of the race by the time the 38-entry field reached turn five. Roetlin led lap one on his GSX-R750, but Embry Motorsports’ Geoff May rode around Roetlin in the carousel on lap two to take the lead. Roetlin slipped back to an eventual fourth, as May was joined at the front by Yamaha YZF-R1 rider Dan Nygaard, from row eight, and DiSalvo, from row six of the grid.
After May dropped out of contention for the win with brake troubles, Nygaard and DiSalvo pushed ahead, dropping into 2:21 lap times on the green track and reaching over 170 mph on Road America’s long front straight, according to a radar gun belonging to DiSalvo’s team. Competing in the CCS event to learn the Road America track before the AMA National in June, DiSalvo looked in control and set for the win, but Nygaard was able to stay close with the draft until the two encountered lapped traffic late in the race.
Electing to go around the outside of a backmarker in turn five on the last lap, DiSalvo got pushed wide, and Nygaard snatched the lead. However, 18-year-old DiSalvo caught back up to Nygaard in time to watch the Minnesota racer push slightly wide exiting the final corner. DiSalvo nailed the last turn and drove past Nygaard to win by a bikelength.
“I wasn’t worried,” said DiSalvo. “I knew I could draft him to the line, but when he ran wide in that last corner, I just thought, ‘Sucker!'”
Nygaard finished second, well clear of third-place Monte Nichols on his Citgo-sponsored Yamaha YZF-R6. Nichols, winner of the 1999 AMA Pro Thunder race at Road America, also won Friday’s Expert GTU race on his Pirelli DOT-equipped R6.
In 2001, the April CCS event at Road America set a new record for race entries with 2024. According to CCS boss Kevin Elliott, the attendance of the 2002 event is only slightly behind last year’s race weekend, despite high temperatures only in the 40s (F) and a weekend forecast that calls for rain and/or snow. The success of the 2002 weekend is due, in part, to a twin-sprint format (two races per class during the weekend, one each day) with some manufacturer contingency programs paying on both days. The event is also a round of the Aprilia Cup and USGPRU 125cc Grand Prix series.
Road America’s staff has worked to promote the event locally and has attracted television news crews on both days, Thursday and Friday, of the weekend thus far. Thursday featured a Team Hammer Advanced Riding School & Track Ride, including practice sessions for competitors attended by DiSalvo, May and GTO Amateur winner Leonard Santangelo.
Friday’s CCS Results From Road America:
GTO Expert: 1. Jason DiSalvo (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Dan Nygaard (Yam YZF-R1); 3. Monte Nichols (Yam YZF-R6); 4. J.J. Roetlin (Suz GSX-R750); 5. Montez Stewart (Suz GSX-R750); 6. Kevin Gordon (Suz GSX-R750).
GTO Amateur: 1. Leonard Santangelo (Suz GSX-R600); 2. David Didier (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Robert Borowicz (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Chris Lossie (Hon CBR600); 5. Michael Chachere (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Carl Kozeniewski (Suz GSX-R750).
Akrapovic GTU Expert: 1. Monte Nichols (Yam YZF-R6); 2. Kevin Gordon (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Brian Salazar (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Dave Rosno (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Chris Weeden (Yam YZF-R6); 6. David Wappler (Hon CBR600).
Akrapovic GTU Amateur: 1. David Didier (Suz GSX-R600); 2 Leonard Santangelo (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Andy Feuersthaler (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Robert Borowicz (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Michael Chachere (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Ross Coleman (Hon CBR600).
GT Lights Expert: 1. Charles Buse (Suz SV650); 2. Bryan Bemisderfer (Buell X-1); 3. Matt Carr (Duc 750 SS); 4. Jeff Chen (Hon RS125); 5. Steve Romel (Suz SV650); 6. Matt Gerard (Suz SV650).
GT Lights Amateur: 1. Mike Wemmer (Suz SV650); 2. Mark Sorensen (Suz SV650); 3. Dirk Schumann (Suz SV650); 4. Mike Gantz (Yam FZR400); 5. Christopher Onwiler (Yam FZR560); 6. Jim Holmen (Suz SV650).
Three-time AMA Grand National Champion Joe Leonard To Serve As Grand Marshall For Vintage Laconia Event
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Joe Leonard has been selected to serve as Grand Marshall for the June 8-10 “Vintage Laconia” event in New Hampshire.
Leonard won the AMA Grand National Championship in 1954, 1956 and 1957; the USAC Championships several times; the Daytona 200 twice on the beach course and also raced for nine years in Champ (Indy) car racing, including a pole position at Indianapolis in 1968.
More, from a USCRA press release:
As Grand Marshal for Vintage Laconia, Joe will return to the original “Laconia” road course in Gilford, N.H. that ran from 1938 to 1963 and preside over the historic Vintage event. The US Classic Racing Association in conjunction with the Gunstock Recreational Area reopened the original Laconia one-mile paved road course in 1998 to run the Belknap Classic motorcycle road races at the start of the world famous Laconia race week.
On Sunday, June 9, thousands of spectators will be treated to the sights and unmuffled sounds of those old race machines racing the original Laconia track in the hands of today’s fastest American and Canadian Vintage racers. As part of the Sunday race program, the Reunion Riders Race is a truly historic event for the men that raced Laconia during its active AMA National years, 1938 to 1963. Legends like Ben Campanale, Dick Klamfoth, Ed Fisher, Jody Nicholas, Ed Kretz Jr., Sid Swan, Whitey Anderson, Frank Antonelli, Nate Sheldon and scores of other racers that raced the original track return to either ride the Reunion Riders Race or reminisce on the past.
The Vintage Laconia event will also include a Reunion Riders BBQ Saturday night, June 9, and rounds of the FIM/NAMU North American Vintage Observed Trials Championship, on June 8, and FIM/NAMU North American Vintage Road Race Championship, on June 10.
For more information, call John Strempfer, Public Relations, USCRA, at (603) 321-5233, or e-mail [email protected].
Cards And Prayers Requested For Injured CCS Racer Luis Garcia
From an e-mail, sent by Joe Davidson:
CCS racer Luis Garcia was injured Sunday April 21st at Moroso Park. His helmet faired okay, didn’t break, but was ground down. He fell at 80-100, with an abrupt touching of the brake lever against another rider just before the first turn, all were accelerating. His bars turned right, sharply, and he basically dove over them and immediately downward.
He was unconscious and coughing up blood when he was airlifted out. On Monday, Luis is still in the trauma ICU, and still in a coma. The ear doc said he looks good, from his perspective, because blood was coming from his ear yesterday, but it had stopped. CAT scans reveal only ‘microscopic’ damage. His swelling is down a lot. His upper arm is apparently broken as well, but it’s minor compared to other conditions, at present (head, spine). On Tuesday, he’s stable, but is more responsive. He’s responding to a doctor who tried to check his eyes. He kept trying to close them. Small step, good sign. Everything else is stable and he’s getting stronger, medicine is doing its job. It could be really any amount of time before he is conscious. They can’t give any time. Please keep him in your thoughts & prayers. He is married and has two young children.
Cards are being forwarded to him by a close friend Luis Wassmann:
Please send cards & letters to:
Luis Wassmann
PO Box 143290
Coral Gables, FL 33114
A PayPal account has also been established to help defray costs of travel, babysitters, etc. during his hospitalization: [email protected]
The account is in the name of Luis Wassmann, a close family friend.
GetAMotorcycle.com Sponsors Loudon F-USA 250cc GP Race
From a press release:
GetAMotorcycle.com 250 Grand Prix Challenge Announced
GetAMotorcycle.com, the leading provider of on-line inventory management for the Power Sports Industry in New England, in cooperation with Clear Channel Entertainment/FUSA and New Hampshire International Speedway today announced the “GetAMotorcycle.com 250 Grand Prix Challenge” to be held during the 79th running of the Loudon Classic Motorcycle races June 14-16.
The race will provide a venue for the purpose built Grand Prix machines and their national caliber riders. GetAMotorcycle.com has guaranteed a $5000 purse for the race.
GetAMotorcycle.com provides online inventory management services and solutions to New England’s largest Motorcycle and Power Sports dealerships.
The company also provides a web based portal and search engine for prospective customers to search current inventories of more than 60 member dealerships. The company also provides their e-Classifieds portal for matching sellers with buyers of used motorcycles and parts.
DFX Ducati’s Steve Martin’s Sugo Experience
From a press release:
It’s back to Europe for Steve Martin after tough weekend in Japan
Steve Martin had a tough weekend on his DFX Ducati at the Sugo round of the World Superbike championship.
“We struggled here all weekend,” said Steve after the races. “Pirelli have definitely made improvements to the tyres since last year, allowing me to knock almost a second-a-lap off last year’s lap times. But the fact is that all the teams have made significant improvements since last year, the pace this season is incredible. We’ve still got some development work to do.”
The DFX Ducati team now fly back to Europe for some more testing before the Monza round of the WSB championship. “I knew it would be tough here, the standard of the Japanese wild card riders is very high and many of the teams have tested here several times.
“I’m glad to be going back to Europe where we’ll be at some tracks that we’ve tested at. I hope we can put on a better show at places like Monza and Lausitzring.”
Steve is also looking forward to spending a little time in the countryside around Milan. “I’m hoping to take off for a bit of relaxation after a tough schedule of travelling to the fly-away rounds. Everybody in the paddock is pretty relieved to have finished with this part of the season. It’s tough on the riders with all the flying and also hard on the teams as we all have to work out of boxes.
“But my trip to the country won’t be all about taking it easy, I’ve been training really hard recently and I’ll be taking my mountain bike with me to do some more work on my fitness.”
Steve finished 17th in the first race and 20th in the second race. He was the first rider home on Pirelli tyres in both races.
Virginia Law Spearheads Crackdown On Dangerous Motorists Who Ram Riders
From a press release:
AMA Applauds Virginia Crackdown on Motorists Who Kill Motorcyclists
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Under a new Virginia law, a motorist who kills a motorcyclist in a traffic incident could lose his or her drivers license for up to a year, in addition to any other penalties imposed, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, is similar to model legislation developed by the AMA’s “Motorcyclists Matter” campaign and was championed by Jody Patteson, the mother of motorcyclist Adam Svihla. Svihla, 20, was killed riding his motorcycle in Newport News, Virginia, last September when a car turned in front of his motorcycle, causing the crash that took Svihla’s life.
When sentenced in January, the driver was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus court costs for failing to yield the right of way.
Under the new law, judges would be allowed to suspend a motorist’s drivers license for up to a year if the driver is involved in a fatal traffic incident. The drivers license suspension would be in addition to any other penalties imposed.
“The success of getting the law changed is bittersweet because of the reason I became involved in lobbying for the change…,” Patteson said. “I only hope that other families will be spared some of the pain we live with because of the injustice we felt was served by the court system. I know that Adam is smiling down on those responsible for getting this new law passed.”
Patteson said Sen. Marty Williams and Delegate Tom Gear worked very hard to guide the legislation through the Legislature, and the AMA “was extremely helpful all along the process.” Among other things, the AMA submitted testimony on the bill and asked AMA members in Virginia to contact their state lawmakers to support the legislation.
The AMA’s Motorcyclists Matter campaign was founded to reduce the number of accidents involving motorcyclists and motorists, as well as to raise the awareness of motorists of motorcyclists on the road. A major component of the program involves the passage of laws requiring mandatory fines for drivers who fail to yield right of way in collisions, ranging from a minimum of $200 for causing an accident in which another road user is injured, up to at least $1000 if the accident results in death.
In addition, the program seeks mandatory drivers-license suspensions ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on the severity of injuries. Those penalties would be added to any others for traffic violations associated with the incident.
The program also calls on states to develop a course for offenders focusing on the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. And it would encourage the creation of public-nformation campaigns reminding drivers to watch for motorcyclists.
“The unfortunate truth is that a driver’s inattentive left turn, unwary lane change, casual red light ‘run,’ or untimely cellphone call can result in death or serious injury to a motorcyclist,” said Imre Szauter, AMA legislative affairs specialist and coordinator of the Motorcyclists Matter campaign.
Cyclewerkz Grand Opening Saturday In Carrollton, Texas
From a press release:
On Saturday April 27th Cyclewerkz of Carrollton Texas will be having a grand opening celebration from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., including free dogs and drinks for everyone. The Sportbike Hype guys have been hired to appear to blow off some stunts, and as always there will be plenty of bench racing, discounts and even some free stuff!
Cyclewerkz is the exclusive Metzeler race tire service for all of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. In addition to vending tires at CMRA and RPM racing events, Cyclewerkz also sells all trackside needs at every event!
For additional information please contact anyone at Cyclewerkz, phone (866) 242-8800, (972) 242-8800 or on the web,www.cyclewerkz.com.
Updated Post: One Reader Thinks Barkbusters For Road Racers Could Stop Crashes Caused By Running Front Brake Lever Into Other Bikes, But Another Points Out A Problem
This suggestion just in, via e-mail:
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
Just read about Luis Garcia. Hopefully he improves.
Just curious—why don’t/can’t road racers use something similar to a barkbuster over their front brake lever? Seems that could prevent an accident like Mr. Garcia’s or Steve Rapp’s at Road America? It wouldn’t weigh anything and would keep inadvertent brake applications from happening. My two cents on the subject.
Adios for now,
Jim Kelch
And now this:
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
Greetings,
I raced at Daytona with CCS back in the 80s, and coming through the right-left kink after turn 1, I clipped the haybale on the inside of the left with the clutch lever. Smashed my fingers really bad but nothing broke.
After reading about the idea of barkbusters on road race bikes, I would almost have to agree.
I say almost because, I also thought about if it was something harder than a haybale, it could have crushed or cut fingers off. I have seen this on dirt bikes when hitting a tree at 40 mph, could be much worse at 150 mph.
Lately I have thought about some kind of new shoulder protection, as I highsided my VTR and broke my collarbone.
I guess we can’t have everything.
Wishing Luis well.
Henry Madsen
#296 Jax. Fla.
This just in…
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
About shoulder Protection:
The problem of clavicle protection, like everything else is complicated in that the goal may be met (no broken collarbone) but the force is transmitted to different locations. For example most recent Dainese suits afford
excellent shoulder protection, but injuries end up being transmitted to the chest wall (muscle tears or broken ribs) or to the sternoclavicular joint (the “inner end” of the clavicle/collarbone). Granted, these do not pose the same problems of collarbones, but only illustrate the idea that the force goes somewhere.
Good research by the makers of protective gear addresses these problems, and so the fit and features of each suit should figure in our choice of gear. It might be important for a person who has broken a collarbone to select leathers that protect the area…but each choice must be guided by your body fitting the gear.
J. Adams, MD
Tachyon Sports Injury Research Foundation
And Now, The Correct Phone Number For RES
The phone number listed in an advertisement for Racing Engine Service (RES) appearing in the May 2002 issue of Roadracing World is incorrect.
The correct phone number is (817) 783-6699.
New SuperMoto World Championship Includes Race In Bakersfield
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
The new SuperMoto World Championship includes an event in Bakersfield, California on November 3.
The series schedule follows:
July 14, Namur, Belgium
August 25, Valkenswaard, Holland
September 22, Toulouse-Muret, France
October 13, Kaerntenring, Austria
October 20, TBA
November 3, Bakersfield, California
November 10, Broadford, Australia
November 17, Palmerston, New Zealand
More information is available from the FIM at www.fim.ch or via e-mail at [email protected]
Jason DiSalvo Wins In Friday CCS Action At Road America
Copyright 2002 Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By David Swarts
Team America Grand Prix Racing’s Jason DiSalvo took a dramatic, come-from-behind victory in the 30-minute Expert GTO race Friday in a CCS regional event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Friday.
Rick Breuer got the early lead in the solo endurance contest on his Honda RC51, but AMA regular J.J. Roetlin took charge of the race by the time the 38-entry field reached turn five. Roetlin led lap one on his GSX-R750, but Embry Motorsports’ Geoff May rode around Roetlin in the carousel on lap two to take the lead. Roetlin slipped back to an eventual fourth, as May was joined at the front by Yamaha YZF-R1 rider Dan Nygaard, from row eight, and DiSalvo, from row six of the grid.
After May dropped out of contention for the win with brake troubles, Nygaard and DiSalvo pushed ahead, dropping into 2:21 lap times on the green track and reaching over 170 mph on Road America’s long front straight, according to a radar gun belonging to DiSalvo’s team. Competing in the CCS event to learn the Road America track before the AMA National in June, DiSalvo looked in control and set for the win, but Nygaard was able to stay close with the draft until the two encountered lapped traffic late in the race.
Electing to go around the outside of a backmarker in turn five on the last lap, DiSalvo got pushed wide, and Nygaard snatched the lead. However, 18-year-old DiSalvo caught back up to Nygaard in time to watch the Minnesota racer push slightly wide exiting the final corner. DiSalvo nailed the last turn and drove past Nygaard to win by a bikelength.
“I wasn’t worried,” said DiSalvo. “I knew I could draft him to the line, but when he ran wide in that last corner, I just thought, ‘Sucker!'”
Nygaard finished second, well clear of third-place Monte Nichols on his Citgo-sponsored Yamaha YZF-R6. Nichols, winner of the 1999 AMA Pro Thunder race at Road America, also won Friday’s Expert GTU race on his Pirelli DOT-equipped R6.
In 2001, the April CCS event at Road America set a new record for race entries with 2024. According to CCS boss Kevin Elliott, the attendance of the 2002 event is only slightly behind last year’s race weekend, despite high temperatures only in the 40s (F) and a weekend forecast that calls for rain and/or snow. The success of the 2002 weekend is due, in part, to a twin-sprint format (two races per class during the weekend, one each day) with some manufacturer contingency programs paying on both days. The event is also a round of the Aprilia Cup and USGPRU 125cc Grand Prix series.
Road America’s staff has worked to promote the event locally and has attracted television news crews on both days, Thursday and Friday, of the weekend thus far. Thursday featured a Team Hammer Advanced Riding School & Track Ride, including practice sessions for competitors attended by DiSalvo, May and GTO Amateur winner Leonard Santangelo.
Friday’s CCS Results From Road America:
GTO Expert: 1. Jason DiSalvo (Suz GSX-R750); 2. Dan Nygaard (Yam YZF-R1); 3. Monte Nichols (Yam YZF-R6); 4. J.J. Roetlin (Suz GSX-R750); 5. Montez Stewart (Suz GSX-R750); 6. Kevin Gordon (Suz GSX-R750).
GTO Amateur: 1. Leonard Santangelo (Suz GSX-R600); 2. David Didier (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Robert Borowicz (Yam YZF-R6); 4. Chris Lossie (Hon CBR600); 5. Michael Chachere (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Carl Kozeniewski (Suz GSX-R750).
Akrapovic GTU Expert: 1. Monte Nichols (Yam YZF-R6); 2. Kevin Gordon (Yam YZF-R6); 3. Brian Salazar (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Dave Rosno (Suz GSX-R600); 5. Chris Weeden (Yam YZF-R6); 6. David Wappler (Hon CBR600).
Akrapovic GTU Amateur: 1. David Didier (Suz GSX-R600); 2 Leonard Santangelo (Suz GSX-R600); 3. Andy Feuersthaler (Suz GSX-R600); 4. Robert Borowicz (Yam YZF-R6); 5. Michael Chachere (Suz GSX-R600); 6. Ross Coleman (Hon CBR600).
GT Lights Expert: 1. Charles Buse (Suz SV650); 2. Bryan Bemisderfer (Buell X-1); 3. Matt Carr (Duc 750 SS); 4. Jeff Chen (Hon RS125); 5. Steve Romel (Suz SV650); 6. Matt Gerard (Suz SV650).
GT Lights Amateur: 1. Mike Wemmer (Suz SV650); 2. Mark Sorensen (Suz SV650); 3. Dirk Schumann (Suz SV650); 4. Mike Gantz (Yam FZR400); 5. Christopher Onwiler (Yam FZR560); 6. Jim Holmen (Suz SV650).
Three-time AMA Grand National Champion Joe Leonard To Serve As Grand Marshall For Vintage Laconia Event
Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Joe Leonard has been selected to serve as Grand Marshall for the June 8-10 “Vintage Laconia” event in New Hampshire.
Leonard won the AMA Grand National Championship in 1954, 1956 and 1957; the USAC Championships several times; the Daytona 200 twice on the beach course and also raced for nine years in Champ (Indy) car racing, including a pole position at Indianapolis in 1968.
More, from a USCRA press release:
As Grand Marshal for Vintage Laconia, Joe will return to the original “Laconia” road course in Gilford, N.H. that ran from 1938 to 1963 and preside over the historic Vintage event. The US Classic Racing Association in conjunction with the Gunstock Recreational Area reopened the original Laconia one-mile paved road course in 1998 to run the Belknap Classic motorcycle road races at the start of the world famous Laconia race week.
On Sunday, June 9, thousands of spectators will be treated to the sights and unmuffled sounds of those old race machines racing the original Laconia track in the hands of today’s fastest American and Canadian Vintage racers. As part of the Sunday race program, the Reunion Riders Race is a truly historic event for the men that raced Laconia during its active AMA National years, 1938 to 1963. Legends like Ben Campanale, Dick Klamfoth, Ed Fisher, Jody Nicholas, Ed Kretz Jr., Sid Swan, Whitey Anderson, Frank Antonelli, Nate Sheldon and scores of other racers that raced the original track return to either ride the Reunion Riders Race or reminisce on the past.
The Vintage Laconia event will also include a Reunion Riders BBQ Saturday night, June 9, and rounds of the FIM/NAMU North American Vintage Observed Trials Championship, on June 8, and FIM/NAMU North American Vintage Road Race Championship, on June 10.
For more information, call John Strempfer, Public Relations, USCRA, at (603) 321-5233, or e-mail [email protected].
Cards And Prayers Requested For Injured CCS Racer Luis Garcia
From an e-mail, sent by Joe Davidson:
CCS racer Luis Garcia was injured Sunday April 21st at Moroso Park. His helmet faired okay, didn’t break, but was ground down. He fell at 80-100, with an abrupt touching of the brake lever against another rider just before the first turn, all were accelerating. His bars turned right, sharply, and he basically dove over them and immediately downward.
He was unconscious and coughing up blood when he was airlifted out. On Monday, Luis is still in the trauma ICU, and still in a coma. The ear doc said he looks good, from his perspective, because blood was coming from his ear yesterday, but it had stopped. CAT scans reveal only ‘microscopic’ damage. His swelling is down a lot. His upper arm is apparently broken as well, but it’s minor compared to other conditions, at present (head, spine). On Tuesday, he’s stable, but is more responsive. He’s responding to a doctor who tried to check his eyes. He kept trying to close them. Small step, good sign. Everything else is stable and he’s getting stronger, medicine is doing its job. It could be really any amount of time before he is conscious. They can’t give any time. Please keep him in your thoughts & prayers. He is married and has two young children.
Cards are being forwarded to him by a close friend Luis Wassmann:
Please send cards & letters to:
Luis Wassmann
PO Box 143290
Coral Gables, FL 33114
A PayPal account has also been established to help defray costs of travel, babysitters, etc. during his hospitalization: [email protected]
The account is in the name of Luis Wassmann, a close family friend.
GetAMotorcycle.com Sponsors Loudon F-USA 250cc GP Race
From a press release:
GetAMotorcycle.com 250 Grand Prix Challenge Announced
GetAMotorcycle.com, the leading provider of on-line inventory management for the Power Sports Industry in New England, in cooperation with Clear Channel Entertainment/FUSA and New Hampshire International Speedway today announced the “GetAMotorcycle.com 250 Grand Prix Challenge” to be held during the 79th running of the Loudon Classic Motorcycle races June 14-16.
The race will provide a venue for the purpose built Grand Prix machines and their national caliber riders. GetAMotorcycle.com has guaranteed a $5000 purse for the race.
GetAMotorcycle.com provides online inventory management services and solutions to New England’s largest Motorcycle and Power Sports dealerships.
The company also provides a web based portal and search engine for prospective customers to search current inventories of more than 60 member dealerships. The company also provides their e-Classifieds portal for matching sellers with buyers of used motorcycles and parts.
DFX Ducati’s Steve Martin’s Sugo Experience
From a press release:
It’s back to Europe for Steve Martin after tough weekend in Japan
Steve Martin had a tough weekend on his DFX Ducati at the Sugo round of the World Superbike championship.
“We struggled here all weekend,” said Steve after the races. “Pirelli have definitely made improvements to the tyres since last year, allowing me to knock almost a second-a-lap off last year’s lap times. But the fact is that all the teams have made significant improvements since last year, the pace this season is incredible. We’ve still got some development work to do.”
The DFX Ducati team now fly back to Europe for some more testing before the Monza round of the WSB championship. “I knew it would be tough here, the standard of the Japanese wild card riders is very high and many of the teams have tested here several times.
“I’m glad to be going back to Europe where we’ll be at some tracks that we’ve tested at. I hope we can put on a better show at places like Monza and Lausitzring.”
Steve is also looking forward to spending a little time in the countryside around Milan. “I’m hoping to take off for a bit of relaxation after a tough schedule of travelling to the fly-away rounds. Everybody in the paddock is pretty relieved to have finished with this part of the season. It’s tough on the riders with all the flying and also hard on the teams as we all have to work out of boxes.
“But my trip to the country won’t be all about taking it easy, I’ve been training really hard recently and I’ll be taking my mountain bike with me to do some more work on my fitness.”
Steve finished 17th in the first race and 20th in the second race. He was the first rider home on Pirelli tyres in both races.
Virginia Law Spearheads Crackdown On Dangerous Motorists Who Ram Riders
From a press release:
AMA Applauds Virginia Crackdown on Motorists Who Kill Motorcyclists
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Under a new Virginia law, a motorist who kills a motorcyclist in a traffic incident could lose his or her drivers license for up to a year, in addition to any other penalties imposed, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, is similar to model legislation developed by the AMA’s “Motorcyclists Matter” campaign and was championed by Jody Patteson, the mother of motorcyclist Adam Svihla. Svihla, 20, was killed riding his motorcycle in Newport News, Virginia, last September when a car turned in front of his motorcycle, causing the crash that took Svihla’s life.
When sentenced in January, the driver was ordered to pay a $200 fine plus court costs for failing to yield the right of way.
Under the new law, judges would be allowed to suspend a motorist’s drivers license for up to a year if the driver is involved in a fatal traffic incident. The drivers license suspension would be in addition to any other penalties imposed.
“The success of getting the law changed is bittersweet because of the reason I became involved in lobbying for the change…,” Patteson said. “I only hope that other families will be spared some of the pain we live with because of the injustice we felt was served by the court system. I know that Adam is smiling down on those responsible for getting this new law passed.”
Patteson said Sen. Marty Williams and Delegate Tom Gear worked very hard to guide the legislation through the Legislature, and the AMA “was extremely helpful all along the process.” Among other things, the AMA submitted testimony on the bill and asked AMA members in Virginia to contact their state lawmakers to support the legislation.
The AMA’s Motorcyclists Matter campaign was founded to reduce the number of accidents involving motorcyclists and motorists, as well as to raise the awareness of motorists of motorcyclists on the road. A major component of the program involves the passage of laws requiring mandatory fines for drivers who fail to yield right of way in collisions, ranging from a minimum of $200 for causing an accident in which another road user is injured, up to at least $1000 if the accident results in death.
In addition, the program seeks mandatory drivers-license suspensions ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on the severity of injuries. Those penalties would be added to any others for traffic violations associated with the incident.
The program also calls on states to develop a course for offenders focusing on the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. And it would encourage the creation of public-nformation campaigns reminding drivers to watch for motorcyclists.
“The unfortunate truth is that a driver’s inattentive left turn, unwary lane change, casual red light ‘run,’ or untimely cellphone call can result in death or serious injury to a motorcyclist,” said Imre Szauter, AMA legislative affairs specialist and coordinator of the Motorcyclists Matter campaign.
Cyclewerkz Grand Opening Saturday In Carrollton, Texas
From a press release:
On Saturday April 27th Cyclewerkz of Carrollton Texas will be having a grand opening celebration from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., including free dogs and drinks for everyone. The Sportbike Hype guys have been hired to appear to blow off some stunts, and as always there will be plenty of bench racing, discounts and even some free stuff!
Cyclewerkz is the exclusive Metzeler race tire service for all of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. In addition to vending tires at CMRA and RPM racing events, Cyclewerkz also sells all trackside needs at every event!
For additional information please contact anyone at Cyclewerkz, phone (866) 242-8800, (972) 242-8800 or on the web,www.cyclewerkz.com.
Updated Post: One Reader Thinks Barkbusters For Road Racers Could Stop Crashes Caused By Running Front Brake Lever Into Other Bikes, But Another Points Out A Problem
This suggestion just in, via e-mail:
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
Just read about Luis Garcia. Hopefully he improves.
Just curious—why don’t/can’t road racers use something similar to a barkbuster over their front brake lever? Seems that could prevent an accident like Mr. Garcia’s or Steve Rapp’s at Road America? It wouldn’t weigh anything and would keep inadvertent brake applications from happening. My two cents on the subject.
Adios for now,
Jim Kelch
And now this:
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
Greetings,
I raced at Daytona with CCS back in the 80s, and coming through the right-left kink after turn 1, I clipped the haybale on the inside of the left with the clutch lever. Smashed my fingers really bad but nothing broke.
After reading about the idea of barkbusters on road race bikes, I would almost have to agree.
I say almost because, I also thought about if it was something harder than a haybale, it could have crushed or cut fingers off. I have seen this on dirt bikes when hitting a tree at 40 mph, could be much worse at 150 mph.
Lately I have thought about some kind of new shoulder protection, as I highsided my VTR and broke my collarbone.
I guess we can’t have everything.
Wishing Luis well.
Henry Madsen
#296 Jax. Fla.
This just in…
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
About shoulder Protection:
The problem of clavicle protection, like everything else is complicated in that the goal may be met (no broken collarbone) but the force is transmitted to different locations. For example most recent Dainese suits afford
excellent shoulder protection, but injuries end up being transmitted to the chest wall (muscle tears or broken ribs) or to the sternoclavicular joint (the “inner end” of the clavicle/collarbone). Granted, these do not pose the same problems of collarbones, but only illustrate the idea that the force goes somewhere.
Good research by the makers of protective gear addresses these problems, and so the fit and features of each suit should figure in our choice of gear. It might be important for a person who has broken a collarbone to select leathers that protect the area…but each choice must be guided by your body fitting the gear.
J. Adams, MD
Tachyon Sports Injury Research Foundation