From a Marlboro Yamaha Press Release:

CZECH GRAND PRIX, BRNO
First Qualifying, Friday August 24 2001

Marlboro Yamaha Team riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa returned from their midseason holidays in storming form today, Biaggi recording the fastest-ever official lap of Brno to take provisional pole position, while Checa clocked a personal best for a spot on the provisional second row.

Biaggi’s near-perfect lap stunned the paddock, for he was almost a second inside his pole time at last year’s Czech GP. “That’s the kind of form he’s on, Max is a very special rider,” grinned Marlboro Yamaha Team manager Geoff Crust. “We had a good test here with both guys at the end of last month and you can see that Max is really enjoying himself out there, he’s riding on a high and that was an incredible lap time. We’re running the same set-up he used at the tests and concentrating on finding the best race tires for the conditions. Carlos is going okay, too, this isn’t his best track but he’s in the second group at the moment and we’ll be working to move him up from there.”

BIAGGI SURPRISES HIMSELF

Winner of two of the past three GPs and way ahead of the pack today, Max Biaggi is on a roll as the season reaches its most crucial stage. The Marlboro Yamaha Team man’s best lap in today’s first qualifying session was 0.740-second ahead of his closest challenger and that’s the kind of gap that usually covers the entire first two rows. Following his recent tests here, Biaggi is aiming to inflict another defeat on World Championship leader Valentino Rossi (Honda), who now leads his arch-rival by just 10 points.

“I’ve got to be happy with that, it was an unbelievable lap,” said Biaggi, whose 2:00.347 best was well inside his 2000 pole time of 2:01.291. “I felt really confident because the bike’s working so well but I couldn’t believe the time when I went over the line. I think it was a nearly perfect lap, I say nearly because someone else could always go faster tomorrow. Psychologically they now know that such a time is possible, so I want to improve further and do that kind of time consistently. I’m all the more
satisfied because the lap was nine tenths faster than last year when everyone was using qualifying tires. So far we’re only using the 16.5-inch rear but we may try the 17 tomorrow. I’m very motivated at the moment because the gap between me and Rossi is getting smaller and I want to get even closer here.”

CHECA FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE

Carlos Checa ran in the leading group throughout much of the session, eventually ending up eighth, just 0.060-second behind Valentino Rossi. The Marlboro Yamaha Team rider, who scored second behind teammate Max Biaggi at last month’s German GP, is confident of another good ride here. “I’m fairly happy because I did my best-ever lap, half-a-second faster than during our tests,” he said. “But there’s room for improvement. I’m struggling in the transition area from brake-on to brake-off and I can’t keep my line off throttle. We’ve been trying a few little suspension adjustments and I think we should be able to find the answer for tomorrow.”

ROBERTS SWAPS MOTORS & TIRES FOR MORE SPEED

Kenny Roberts (Suzuki) has made a dramatic switch in bike spec as he searches to regain the form that took him to last year’s world title. The American has yet to finish in the top five this year and has switched to a ‘screamer’ engine spec and 17-inch Michelin rear in a bid to get back on the pace.

“The engine sacrifices some top speed and acceleration but it gives me a better connection between myself and the rear tire,” said Roberts, third fastest so far. “We tested the combination at Mugello last week and for the first time in ages I feel comfortable using the same lines and opening the throttle at the same time as the other guys.”

ROSSI EXPECTS TOUGH WEEKEND

Well beaten for the first time this season at the last race, Valentino Rossi badly needs a top result this weekend to fend off a growing threat from Max Biaggi. But the World Championship leader expects a difficult time. “We’re at a big disadvantage here because we’ve not tested,” said Rossi, seventh today. “We’ll try our best but it’s going to be hard. I qualified on the third row at the last two races and I need to make sure I make the front row here, so I can get a good start.”

First 500cc Qualifying Session
1. Max Biaggi, Yamaha, 2:00.347
2. Loris Capirossi, Honda, 2:01.087
3. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki, 2:01.142
4. Alex Criville, Honda, 2:01.518
5. Garry McCoy, Yamaha, 2:01.665
6. Alex Barros, Honda, 2:01.687
7. Valentino Rossi, Honda, 2:01.836
8. Carlos Checa, Yamaha, 2:01.896
9. Norike Abe, Yamaha, 2:02.102
10. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Proton, 2:01.135
11. Oliver Jacque, Yamaha, 2:02.142
12. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki, 2:02.821
13. Jose Luis Cardoso, Yamaha, 2:03.119
14. Noriyuki Haga, Yamaha, 2:03.125
15. Tohru Ukawa, Honda, 2:03.243
16. Leon Haslam, Honda, 2:03.826
17. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, 2:04.861
18. Anthony West, Honda, 2:05.279
19. Brendan Clarke, Honda, 2:06.250
20. Johan Stigefelt, Sabre, 2:07.624


First 250cc Qualifying Session
1. Tetsuya Harada, Aprilia, 2:03.563
2. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 2:04.225
3. Daijiro Katoh, Honda, 2:04.263
4. Jeremy McWilliams, Aprilia, 2:04.353
5. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 2:04.415
6. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, 2:04.531
7. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 2:04.747
8. Randy de Puniet, Aprilia, 2:04.853
9. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, 2:05.029
10. Roberto Rolfo, Aprilia, 2:05.149
32. Jason DiSalvo, Honda, 2:11.547


First 125cc Qualifying Session
1. Youichi Ui, Derbi, 2:10.198
2. Simone Sanna, Aprilia, 2:10.666
3. Nobby Ueda, Honda, 2:10.735
4. Masao Azuma, Honda, 2:10.908
5. Gabor Talmacsi, Honda, 2:10.914
6. Toni Elias, Honda, 2:10.921
7. Lucio Cecchinello, Aprilia, 2:11.034
8. Mirko Giansanti, Honda, 2:11.449
9. Max Sabbatani, Aprilia, 2:11.458
10. Arnaud Vincent, Honda, 2:11.489

Unlimited Superbike Practice Times, Morning Session:
1. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:42.693
2. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:43.986
3. Chuck Chouinard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:43.987
4. Tray Batey, Aprilia RSV1000R, 1:44.323
5. Tim Bemisderfer, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:44.385
6. Aaron Clark, Aprilia RSV1000R, 1:44.470
7. Michael Himmelsbach, Aprilia RSV1000R, 1:44.856
8. Ty Howard, Kawasaki ZX-9R, 1:45.060
9. Paul Harrell, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:45.785
10. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.943
11. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.954
12. Marc Palazzo, Honda CBR929RR, 1:46.640
13. Ken Chase, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:47.294
14. Justin Blake, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:47.966
15. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:48.260


Unlimited Superbike Practice Times, Afternoon Session:
1. Acree, 1:41.379
2. Himmelsbach, 1:41.850
3. Batey, 1:41.892
4. Parriott, 1:42.039
5. Wood, 1:42.519
6. Chouinard, 1:42.725
7. Higbee, 1:43.046
8. Howard, 1:43.378
9. Barnes, 1:43.403
10. Harrell, 1:43.538
11. Palazzo, 1:44.160
12. Anthony Fania, Jr., Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:44.252
13. Bemisderfer, 1:44.472
14. Chase, 1:44.872
15. Roland Williams, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:45.106

Formula USA Unlimited Superbike Points Leader Craig Connell crashed his Advanced Motor Sports/Ducati Performance racebike in practice Friday, August 24 at Pocono International Raceway and was hospitalized. Connell rode off the outside of the track while exiting turn one, crashed, tumbled, and was hit by his Ducati 996SPS.

According to Formula USA Safety Director Roger Lyle, Connell was unconscious when workers reached him but regained consciousness before paramedics arrived on the scene. Connell was awake, alert, talking, knew where he was and what day it was, but was transported to a local hospital with complaints of shoulder and chest pains. Connell’s Ducati was badly damaged but his team does have a back-up bike.

Connell later returned to Pocono International Raceway with his right arm in a sling. Connell said that he separated his right shoulder and broke a rib on the right side of his chest. The Australian road racer remembered nothing from his crash but said that he will try to ride later in the weekend.

Buell Lightning Practice Times:
1. Michael Barnes, 1:50.058
2. Bryan Bemisderfer, 1:53.725
3. Jeff Vermeulem, 1:53.790
4. Anthony Fania, Jr., 1:54.063
5. Brian Kcraget, 1:54.248
6. Richie Morris, 1:56.755
7. Daniel Bilansky, 1:58.838
8. Brian Frank, 2:00.681
9. Gregory Avello, 2:01.142
10. Jeff Johnson, 2:01.648


Aprilia Challenge Cup Practice Times:
1. Jeff Wood, 1:52.991
2. Shannon Silva, 1:53.144
3. Dan Fischer, 1:56.703
4. Gus Holcomb, 1:57.186
5. Josh Sortor, 1:57.434
6. Thad Halsmer, 1:57.888
7. Tim Falcone, 1:58.365
8. Mark Reynolds, 1:59.408
9. Paul Hopkins, 1:59.775
10. Mathew Wissel, 2:01.209


Pro Sportbike Practice Times:
1. Lee Acree, 1:43.225
2. Ty Howard, 1:44.903
3. Brian Parriott, 1:45.274
4. Michael Barnes, 1:45.393
5. Chuck Chouinard, 1:45.868
6. Eric Wood, 1:46.283
7. Paul Harrell, 1:46.928
8. Scott Greenwood, 1:46.942
9. Stoney Landers, 1:47.028
10. Shan Ball, 1:47.338


Engine Ice 200 Mile Team Challenge Practice Times:
1. Loudoun Motorsports, 1:47.521
2. Kevin Pate, 1:54.461
3. Annandale Racing, 1:56.183
4. Siemens Patent Services, 1:58.907
5. Team Motorex, 1:59.753
6. Go Fast Racing, 2:02.466
7. Bad Apple Racing, 2:03.316
8. Imotosports.com, 2:03.474
9. Anthony Cammack, 2:03.557
10. Inursis Racing, 2:03.618


Friday practice has been plagued by a number of red flags thrown in response to crashes and also due to riders dragging their knees through the mud on the inside of the curbless corners and dragging the mud onto the racing surface.

Pro Sportbike Practice Times:
1. Lee Acree, 1:42.896
2. Brian Parriott,1:43.694
3. Michael Barnes, 1:43.856
4. Paul Harrell, 1:44.800
5. Ty Howard, 1:45.059
6. Stoney Landers, 1:45.105
7. Eric Wood, 1:45.118
8. Chuck Chouinard, 1:45.158
9. Jim Lester, 1:45.418
10. Scott Greenwood, 1:45.616
11. Marc Palazzo, 1:45.870
12. Aaron Clark, 1:46.045
13. Shan Ball, 1:46.049
14. Eoin Smith, 1:46.080
15. Shawn Conrad, 1:46.680

Friday Afternoon Buell Lightning Practice Times:
1. Michael Barnes, 1:47.588
2. Bryan Bemisderfer, 1:50.884
3. Anthony Fania, Jr., 1:51.793
4. Jason Smith, 1:53.071
5. Mark Reynolds, 1:53.441
6. Brian Kcraget, 1:54.063
7. Jeff Johnson, 1:54.727
8. Richie Morris, 1:56.104
9. George Federlin, 1:56.728
10. Tim Johnson, 1:58.262

Friday Afternoon Aprilia Challenge Cup Practice Times:
1. Joe Ribeiro, 1:50.102
2. Jeff Wood, 1:52.061
3. Dan Fischer, 1:55.380
4. Gus Holcomb, 1:55.413
5. Joshua Sortor, 1:55.957
6. Thad Halsmer, 1:57.226
7. Paul Hopkins, 1:57.364
8. Tim Falcone, 1:57.902
9. Shannon Silva, 1:57.953
10. Mathew Wissel, 1:58.146

Another Australian road racing event is at Oran Park this weekend, this one part of a multi-event series instead of being a stand-alone race and title. This press release from Steve Reeves previews the event as it plugs his client, Radar’s Team Yamaha:

2001 Shell Australian Superbike & Supersport Championships
Oran Park Raceway, NSW – Event Preview

YAMAHA TRIO READY FOR AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE AT ORAN PARK

Fresh from their successful New South Wales State Title round last weekend, the Radar’s Team Yamaha will remain at Sydney’s Oran Park Raceway to compete in this weekend’s fifth and final round of the 2001 Shell Australian Superbike & Supersport Championships.

Robbie Baird, Craig Coxhell and Jamie Stauffer claimed the top three placings in the feature class last week and will be out to duplicate their efforts this weekend. The only difference being that Baird will be focusing his attentions on the Supersport class, were he currently lies fourth overall, while Coxhell and Stauffer will compete in the Superbike class and cement themselves in the top three final standings.

Baird defeated current Supersport points leader Josh Brookes last weekend and with Brendan Clarke missing this weekend as he continues his guest rides in the World 500 GP, Baird will be looking at a move to third and possibly second in the championship by the end of the weekend.

“Thing’s went well for us last weekend at the State title round, so we’ll be looking for the same results this weekend,” said Baird. “We were able to get the Yamaha YZF-R6 dialed in last week and that showed as we picked up a win and a new Supersport lap record in the process.”

With the Superbike title being retained by Shawn Giles, Coxhell and Stauffer will focus their attentions on winning races and finishing their season off with another pair of top-three placings.

“Last weekend was good and bad for me,” said Coxhell. “I didn’t quite get the results I was looking for, but we did learn a lot about the bike and the Motec system. We had changed a few things and they didn’t work as planned, so we went back and had a look at the data and make some assessments on that. I think we’ll be right for this weekend in the Superbike class.”

Stauffer was in the same mind set as Coxhell as he too took full advantage of the extra races to sort out suspension settings on his YZF-R1.

“I gained a lot of confidence after winning the final race last weekend,” said Stauffer. “We changed a few things on the rear of the bike which allowed us to get the maximum out of a set of tires that we had used all day. So to get a win in those circumstances was good and I’m sure that it will give us a solid base to work from for this weekend.”

Loudoun Motorsports Suzuki’s Ken Snyder and David Yaakov won the Formula USA/Engine Ice 200-Mile Team Challenge on a Metzeler DOT-equipped Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Pocono International Raceway Friday afternoon. Snyder took the lead from the start and handed a one-lap advantage to Yaakov just after the halfway point of the 80-lap race. Yaakov brought Loudoun Motorsports home one minute and 33 seconds in front of second-place Edge Motorsports.

Edge Motorsports’ Greg Leffler and Michael Fitzpatrick finished second overall, and in the GTO class, on a GSX-R750 equipped with a single-sided swingarm and Pirelli slicks. Third overall, and in GTO, went to Imotosports.com’s Brandon Bashore and Fred Stucky on a 109-horsepower Aprilia RSV1000 Mille on Bridgestone slicks. Bashore kept Imotosports.com in second place during an one-hour-fifty-eight-minute riding stint (thanks to an eight-plus-gallon fuel tank fabricated by Semoff Brothers Racing’s Evan Semoff) before Edge Motorsports’ Fitzpatrick passed Stucky late in the race.

A protest filed by Brotz Motorsports prevented the GTU class and overall results past third place from being made final.

A joint meeting of the AMA Board of Trustees and the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors this weekend at the Doubletree Inn in Colorado Springs, Colorado could determine the future of AMA Pro Racing.

One of the top items on the agenda is the question of Paradama Inc. (a.k.a. AMA Pro Racing) gaining autonomy from the American Motorcyclist Association. Involved in that proposed process is Paradama CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s plan to align the AMA subsidiary with what he has termed “a strategic partner” in a transaction that he has also claimed is not a sale of Paradama.

AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin has taken up rock climbing, according to this release from his publicist, Steve Reeves:

MAT MLADIN Racing–MEDIA INFORMATION
Round 12, 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship
Pikes Peak International Raceway, Colorado, USA
Event preview

PIKES PEAK, THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR MLADIN

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA – After a one month layoff the competitors in this year’s AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship will head to the mountains for this weekend’s 12th round of the championship which is being held at the Pikes Peak International Raceway on Sunday, August 26.

In preparation for the round, two-times defending AMA Superbike Champion Australian Mat Mladin, has spent the past week high in the mountains acclimatizing himself with the conditions. Mladin has based himself in an area known as the `Garden of the Gods’, which is about 30 minutes north of the Pikes Peak circuit in Colorado Springs. A combination of hiking, running and a new interest in rock climbing has kept the Team Yoshimura Suzuki rider busy.

“I’ve never been into hiking or climbing before, but Doug (Chandler) has been into it for the past 12 months and suggested that we (wife Janine and I) should get involved and see what it’s all about,” said Mladin. “We’ve got right into it with the harnesses, ropes and all that stuff and all we have to do now is learn the jargon. It’s actually been a lot of fun and it will be something that we will continue to do.”

Prior to heading to Colorado, Mladin had set the quickest lap time at last week’s three-day test at the Virginia International Raceway, the venue for the final round of the championship. Aside from setting the fastest time, Mladin was happy with some of the information that the team gathered on the workings of their Suzuki GSX-R750 Superbike.

“The Virginia test gave us the opportunity to try a lot of things such as steering head geometries and caster angles that we were able to put our finger on and understand what they all meant and how the changes affected the bike. It was great to be able to do a lot of back-to-back testing there and I’m sure that will help us this weekend.”

Mladin will be hopeful of maintaining this momentum when they take to the Pikes Peak circuit this weekend. Mladin is the current Superbike lap record holder at the short and twisty 10-Turn 2.12km (1.315 miles) circuit with a time of 54.009-seconds, but main championship rival Eric Bostrom (Team Kawasaki) is the defending race winner. The 48-lap Superbike National on Sunday is certain to be highlighted by the battle between the championship protagonists. Mladin currently holds a 20-point lead over Bostrom at the top of the points table and will be looking for an increased margin when they leave Pikes Peak on Sunday afternoon.

“The last two years here at Pikes Peak we have been battling for the championship and not necessarily chasing a race win. This year the same will apply as I will need to finish ahead of Eric (Bostrom) in order to stretch out as many points as possible, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be chasing a win either.”


2001 AMA Chevy Trucks US Superbike Championship
(Points after 11 of 14 rounds
Mat Mladin, 332 points
Eric Bostrom, 312
Nicky Hayden, 265
Doug Chandler, 263
Miguel DuHamel, 251
Tommy Hayden, 249
Jamie Hacking, 243
Steve Rapp, 220
Kurtis Roberts, 199
Andreas Meklau, 193