Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Nicky Hayden, after AMA Superbike qualifying last Friday afernoon at California Speedway:

“This morning there were a few guys, it was crazy, the speed difference,” said Hayden. “I’m all for having promoter practice on Thursday. A privateer on a small budget can’t afford to come test here. Here it’s not so bad, but some places (like) Road America where there’s a lot of blind stuff. We watched Formula Xtreme practice this morning and there were guys coming down the front straightaway 30 miles an hour slower than some people because they didn’t know where the track went. I thought there might be more people crashing in the morning session with the speed difference being so great. The AMA said they need the extra day to set up, but to me it looks like they should just come in a day earlier and have promoter practice (on Thursday).”

From a press release:

ERIC BOSTROM SELLS HIMSELF

April 10, 2002 – Las Vegas, NV. Eric Bostrom is pleased to announce the launch of his first dedicated line of merchandise. For the first time, fans will be able to show their support for Eric by wearing specially designed Eric Bostrom gear. An agreement with AMA Pro Racing’s new merchandising partner, Wateree Sports Group, will allow fans to purchase his gear at AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike events and also online at www.amaproracacing.com/speedshop.

“We are very excited about Eric joining our new AMA Pro Racing merchandising project. Eric is the calibre of rider that we hoped would join our team when we partnered with AMA Pro Racing. As a new cross-license partner, we will be able to help Eric build his presence here and around the world. He already has established (from Airtrix.com) a great logo and brand that really depicts his image and has already been displayed on his website, his leathers and his helmet. But just having Eric is a great first step in authenticating our efforts in the sport,” said Jeff Reeves, vice president of Wateree Sports Group.

AMA Pro Racing’s Associate VP of Commercial Development, Chris Bradley, shares in Jeff’s excitement. “One of our goals in launching a licensed merchandise program was to showcase the tremendous athletes who participate in our sport. Adding a personality such as Eric Bostrom to the line-up is certainly a major step in that direction. And having a merchandising partner in Wateree is the other vital component. The company has a history of executing high-visibility licensing programs for top-level racers. Combine that with its high quality in-house productions, distribution, and fulfilment capabilities, and it makes for an exciting opportunity.”

No one is more excited about this new venture, however, than Eric himself. “With attendance figures going up, and more interest in motorcycle racing in general, it’s really complimentary that fans can sport my apparel and merchandise. I’m just stoked that we’ll have our own merchandise that people can support us with. When I’m in the pits and signing shirts for people, it’ll pump me up to see people wearing shirts with my name and logo on it!”

From a press release:

See Rare Harley-Davidson V-Rod Drag Bike

Rev up for “Power Tuning for Race Bikes” seminar with Harley-Davidson engineer

DENVER — If you’re into race bikes and the technology that makes them go fast, you won’t want to miss an exclusive seminar coming to New Berlin, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee) on Saturday, April 27, 2002. The all-day technical seminar will feature Jamie McNaughton, Powertrain lead development engineer for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. McNaughton worked in Harley-Davidson’s Performance Development and Emissions Department as the lead development engineer for the Revolution Powertrain in the company’s new V-Rod motorcycle. An expert on improving the performance of engines used in race bikes, McNaughton will discuss state-of-the-art engine dynamics as applied to a variety of dirt track bikes and race bikes. Seminar attendees will be able to get a first-hand look at a Harley-Davidson V-Rod Drag Bike, one of the company’s rarest race bikes, at the event.
The seminar, which lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is being hosted by Hal’s Harley-Davidson, 1925 S. Moorland Rd. in New Berlin. The cost is $250 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch, as well as handouts. Payment by check or credit card is due upon registration, and there will be no refunds due to limited space availability.

This is the second in a series of events being produced by Power Curves, a Denver-based company that specializes in producing technical seminars on all aspects of performance-engine building. Future seminars will feature leading experts in advanced engine technology speaking on engine management systems, IC engine power development, understanding dynamometer testing and data, induction systems and fuel injection, and other topics. Many seminars will be hosted by engine builders and other industry professionals at their own shops, giving attendees an up-close-and-personal look at the latest technology and innovations.

To register for the “Power Tuning for Race Bikes” seminar, or for more information on upcoming Power Curves seminars, contact Mike Waller at 719.687.7803 or by e-mail at [email protected].



(Editorial note: McNaughton also built and tuned engines for road racer Rad Greaves, in his spare time.)

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA 250cc Grand Prix racer Greg Esser, 42, says that doctors have told him he may never race again, due to the damage he suffered to his left ankle in a crash during practice on Friday, April 5 at California Speedway.

Esser lowsided his Honda RS250 entering turn nine and crashed into a man-made wall of haybales and plastic traffic barriers that was erected to prevent crossovers between turns nine and four. Esser says that the last thing he remembers is seeing his lap timer, and the next thing he remembers is seeing the rotor blades of the helicopter that evacuated him to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

In addition to a concussion and a dislocated right shoulder, Esser badly broke his left ankle. “The doctor, an ankle specialist, said it was a ‘terrible, terrible ankle injury’,” said Esser in a telephone call to Roadracingworld.com on Monday, April 8.

Esser said that he had surgery to plate and screw the ankle together Friday night at Loma Linda. According to Esser, the doctor said that he had removed “a bunch” of cartilage and bone that was damaged too badly to repair. The doctor went on to tell Esser that the result would be a loss of movement and a possible need to fuse the ankle into position in the future. Esser will be forced to use a wheelchair for at least ten days until his separated shoulder heals enough to use crutches. The 20-year racing veteran said he will be on crutches for the next three months.

Before flying home to Pompano Beach, Florida Monday evening, Esser said that he planned to see his family doctor, who just happens to be a wrist and ankle specialist, on Tuesday, April 9 for further evaluation.

“I’m not 16,” said Esser, the owner of Fab Weld, a small welding and machine shop. “I’m going to do what the doctor says. If I have enough movement to race, I’m going to race. If not, if I’m done, then I’m OK with that. I’ll still be at the track. I’ll be hanging out at Road Atlanta for sure.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

A viewing of Ricky Lundgren will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11 at the El Camino Memorial Mortuary at 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, California 92121. A memorial service will be held at the same location at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 12.

Advanced Motor Sports Ducati’s Jeff Nash called Roadracingworld.com Tuesday to give service information and to also announce that he was establishing a memorial fund to benefit Lundgren’s family–wife Kelly and twin, two-year-old sons.

“I know he was a stockbroker and all, but he was a motorcycle racer and none of us have a pot to piss in,” said Nash, one of Lundgren’s sponsors. “I know it won’t be much, but I just wanted to do something for his wife and little boys.”

Contributions for the Lundgren family can be made out to Kelly Lundgren and sent c/o AMS, 11550 East F.M. 917 Alvarado, TX 76009, phone (817) 790-0200, FAX (817) 783-8883.

Lundgren, 40, of La Mesa, California, died Friday, April 5 during a Superstock qualifying session after being hit by a crashed motorcycle tumbled over a barrier into oncoming race traffic during the AMA Superbike weekend at California Speedway in Fontana, California.

From an April 4 press issed by the FIM:

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
Regulations – Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission decided to introduce the following changes to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations:
-To add the following amendment to Art. 2.11.7, protective clothing and helmets – with immediate application:
Japan (Japanese Industrial Standard for Helmets): JIS T 8133:2000 (to be added to the list of the Recognised International Helmet Approval Marks).
-Art. 1.15.6, qualification for the race (new wording):
i) A maximum of 38 riders will be permitted for races in the 125cc class, 36 riders for the 250cc class and 28 riders for the MotoGP class.

Moreover, the Grand Prix Commission approved the issuance of FIM Grand Prix Super Licenses to the following riders:
John Hopkins (AMA)
Pere Riba (RFME)

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Honda UK Race Team rider John McGuiness sat out the Kyalami, South Africa round of the Supersport World Championship due to what was later found to be pneumonia.

According to a press release from his team, McGuinness was taken to a local hospital near Johannesburg Friday afternoon after telling his crew that he was experiencing pain in his back and a feeling of dizziness during qualifying.

Team Manager Roger Harvey was quoted in the release as saying, “They discovered John had a large area of a lung which was affected. He’ll stay in hospital overnight but we’ve been assured that after 24 hours on anti-biotics he’ll be OK and should be released tomorrow evening.

“John struggled throughout practice and qualifying today and it became obvious late this afternoon that the problem may be more serious than any of us thought. We’re just pleased the problem has been diagnosed and he’s on the road to recovery.”

McGuinness won the AMA 250cc Grand Prix race at Daytona in 1999 and 2000.

From Sean Wrenn: “I went to the Fontana race on Sunday and wanted to share with you my experience. I was standing at the wall near turn nine, next to the big screen. Standing right next to my group was none other than the Canadian Superbike Champion and former AMA 600 Supersport Champion, Steve Crevier. I am not a big fan, but I thought it was great to see and hear another racer of that caliber, giving such great support.

“It wasn’t so much the cheering for particular riders, but how his support changed with each situation during the race. I used to watch when Crevier was fighting for points at every race and know who his main rivals were. To see that kind of support for those very same riders was just great for us to see. He is a great racer and now I have even more respect for him.

“Thanks for changing my view about prima donna racers.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

American Honda’s Nicky Hayden and Erion Honda’s Roger Lee Hayden are getting LASIK eye surgery today at the Eye Center of Orange County in Laguna Hills, California. Both Haydens are getting the surgery to correct nearsightedness (Myopia) and to hopefully eliminate the need to wear contact lenses while racing.

“I’m as blind as a bat,” said Roger Lee Hayden via cell phone as he was receiving the first eye drops Tuesday afternoon. “Nicky’s not that bad, though.”

Nicky Hayden said that he had a contact lens come out with a few laps left in the Daytona 200 (which he won) in March, and Roger Lee Hayden said that he lost two contacts while riding in a recent test at Laguna Seca Raceway. The Hayden’s older brother, Tommy, had the surgery performed some time ago and convinced his younger brothers to get the procedure done.

According to the TLC Laser Eye Center website www.lasik.com, LASIK (Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is the most common form of eye surgery performed in America today. In a pre-operative examination, a patient’s eyes are mapped in extreme detail in order for the surgeon to calibrate the excimer laser appropriately. After receiving numbing eye drops, a patient’s eye lids are secured open. Then a microkeratome machine, similar to a very high-tech and precise planer, slices a flap open in the epithelium layer of the cornea. The opening is created so that the excimer laser can make the needed cut to the inner layer of the patient’s cornea. The entire area is cleaned before the flap is returned precisely to its original position and held in place by the eye’s natural suction. The entire procedure lasts about five minutes.

Results of the procedure vary from patient to patient, depending on the state of vision before the surgery, but the majority of LASIK patients improve to 20/20 vision and the vast majority improve to at least 20/40 vision, the minimum value required to operate a motor vehicle without corrective lens in most states. The resulting improvement in vision is said to be long-term. Although some post-operative rules must be adhered to and a follow-up examination is common, many LASIK patients go back to work within days and normal activities within a week. Nicky Hayden plans to attend and ride at the scheduled AMA team test next week at Road Atlanta. Roger Lee Hayden said that he didn’t think his Erion Honda team planned to attend that test.

From Speed Channel:

7:00 p.m. Bike Week
7:30 p.m. Motorcyclist
8:00 p.m. AMA Superbike, Fontana, California
9:00 p.m. FIM 250cc GP, Suzuka, Japan
10:00 p.m. FIM MotoGP, Suzuka, Japan
11:00 p.m. American Thunder
11:30 p.m. American Thunder
12:00 a.m. Bike Week
12:30 a.m. Motorcyclist
1:00 a.m. AMA Superbike, Fontana, California
2:00 a.m. FIM 250cc GP, Suzuka, Japan
3:00 a.m. FIM MotoGP, Suzuka, Japan

All Times Are Eastern Time