From a press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CEO JEFFREY L. BLEUSTEIN APPOINTED TO PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ON 21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE

Council to advise president on business and labor issues

MILWAUKEE — (April 5, 2002) Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc., has been appointed by President George W. Bush as a member of the President’s Council on the 21st Century Workforce.

The Council provides information and advice to the president through the secretary of labor, the Office on the 21st Century Workforce within the Department of Labor, and other federal officials. The Office on the 21st Century Workforce gathers and disseminates information relating to future workforce changes including technology, globalization, education, and training by conducting summits, conferences, meetings and other appropriate forums designed to encourage the participation of organizations and individuals interested in such issues.

“I am extremely honored to be appointed by President Bush to the Council on the 21st Century Workforce,” Bleustein said. “I look forward to working with the Council and the secretary of labor on the challenging issues facing business, labor and government in the coming century. I am confident we can use some of the experience and lessons we’ve learned at Harley-Davidson to give both businesses and workers the chance to grow and succeed.”

Bleustein’s appointment along with nine others to the 13-member Council was announced recently by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “I am very excited to work with such a talented group of individuals in providing the president critical information and advice that will be a catalyst for positive change in our workforce,” Chao said. “I am sure the Council is eager to identify where the government needs to get out of the way of change and to develop strategies for effectively addressing workforce issues.”

Since joining Harley-Davidson in 1975, Bleustein has served in many capacities. In 1997, he became president and chief executive officer and in 1998 he assumed his current role as chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

Other appointees to the Council are Douglas Banes, General Vice President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners; James Hoffa, General President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Anna Cabilik, President, ANATEK Inc.; Anna Cabral, CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility; Tom Donahue, President, US Chamber of Commerce; Jim Glassman, Host, Tech Central Station; former Rep. Joe Scarborough; David Lee, Chairman, eOn Communications Corp.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for 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, insurance and credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Loris Capirossi on a Honda NSR500 two-stroke was faster than Valentino Rossi on a Honda RC211V four-stroke in the first round of MotoGP qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit Friday.

American Young Gun John Hopkins was 16th fastest on a Yamaha YZR500 in his MotoGP debut.

Times follow:

1. Loris Capirossi, Honda NSR500, 2:05.052

2. Valentino Rossi, Honda RC211V, 2:05.096

3. Tohru Ukawa, Honda RC211V, 2:05.561

4. Kenny Roberts, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:05.630

5. Shinichi Itoh, Honda RC211V, 2:05.650

6. Carlos Checa, Yamaha YZR-M1, 2:05.846

7. Daijiro Katoh, Honda NSR500, 2:05.858

8. Max Biaggi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 2:05.910

9. Olivier Jacque, Yamaha YZR500, 2:06.253

10. Shinya Nakano, Yamaha YZR500, 2:06.339

11. Akira Ryo, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:06.378

12. Norick Abe, Yamaha YZR500, 2:06.567

13. Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Honda NSR500, 2:06.731

14. Sete Gibernau, Suzuki GSV-R, 2:06.964

15. Alex Barros, Honda NSR500, 2:07.015

16. John Hopkins, Yamaha YZR500, 2:07.686

17. Nobuatsu Aoki, Proton KR, 2:07.822

18. Regis Laconi, Aprilia RS3, 2:07.916

19. Garry McCoy, Yamaha YZR500, 2:07.976

20. Tetsuya Harada, Honda NSR500, 2:08.168

21. Jeremy McWilliams, Proton KR, 2:08.294

22. Pere Riba, Yamaha YZR500, 2:15.140, Did Not Qualify, outside 107% of pole time.


More, from a Suzuki press release:

Team Suzuki News Service

ROBERTS CLAIMS PROVISIONAL FRONT-ROW START

Suzuka – April 5, 2002.

TEAM Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki rider Kenny Roberts Jr claimed fourth-fastest time today in the first ever timed practice session for the all-new MotoGP class – an excellent debut for the new V4 Suzuki GSV-R.

Team-mate Sete Gibernau and wild card entry Akira Ryo were close behind on lap times, but further down the order in the highly competitive field, with the Japanese rider 11th fastest, and Gibernau 14th. Both were confident of improvement tomorrow.

The first day of practice was fine and sunny, but high winds in the afternoon made for difficult conditions in the qualifying session for the new era of motorcycle racing. The rorty new 990cc four-stroke V4 GSV-R Suzuki, with a distinctive growling exhaust note, was launched a full year earlier than planned to join the racing revolution of the new top class of motorcycle racing.

One more day of practice, with one more hour-long timed qualifying session, remains before Sunday’s Japanese GP, the first of 16 races this year.

KENNY ROBERTS – Fourth Position, 2:05.630
“Today was incredibly windy – and at this circuit it makes for a difficult situation. With all the hills and valleys, the wind comes from all directions. We had to adjust the chassis to the weather conditions rather than the ideal settings, and we seem to have made some small improvements from morning to afternoon. Engine-wise, again we made some improvements, but there is a lot more to come as we develop it. I still feel there’s room for improvement for the ultimate lap time, especially if the wind dies down. My time came on a race tyre rather than a qualifier.”

AKIRA RYO – 11th Position, 2:06.378
“I wasn’t able to make a time attack today with the strong wind, coming from all directions. I spent the time searching for a good tyre for the race. For tomorrow we have a few small chassis and engine setting changes, then I will try for a fast qualifying time. The feeling of the bike is really good, and I am optimistic.”

SETE GIBERNAU – 13th Position, 2:06.964
“This morning was not so bad, but in the afternoon I was struggling to run even within one second of that time. We’d made some small changes that shouldn’t have made much difference, but I could hardly ride the bike. I ran on twice at the chicane, and almost at Turn One. I came in and we put the bike back the way it was this morning. Still no better. It was only at the end of the session we found something that was causing me problems and we will fix it. It should be different tomorrow.”

GARRY TAYLOR – Team Manager
“It’s fair to say that a lot of people didn’t expect us to take a provisional front row grid position with such a new position. It’s a good start. Now let’s carry on.”


And now a release from Proton, which didn’t get the rain team owner Kenny Roberts the elder had hoped for:

PROTON HAS A HARD START TO THE NEW YEAR

Round 1: Japanese GP, Suzuka First Qualifying: Friday April 5, 2002

Nobuatsu Aoki: 17th, 2:07.822
Jeremy McWilliams: 21st, 2:08.294

Proton Team KR riders Nobu Aoki and Jeremy McWilliams faced a hard start to the new MotoGP season. Both riders crashed today on the first day of practice for Sunday’s Japanese GP, costing both the chance of a better showing on the time sheets.

Aoki fell heavily in the morning’s free training session, severely damaging one of his machines, and sustaining heavy bruising, though lucky to escape more serious injury. Against all expectations, he went out again for the afternoon session – a heroic effort.

McWilliams fell in the afternoon, the victim of high and very unpredictable winds. Although he was unhurt and able to go out again on his spare bike, the lap times were not forthcoming because of minor machine problems.

There is one more day of practice for Sunday’s GP, the opening round of the new MotoGP world championship, that pits 990cc four-strokes against the established 500cc two-strokes like the Proton KR3. First honours today went to a two-stroke, with Honda rider Loris Capirossi claiming provisional pole position.


NOBUATSU AOKI
“That was a really difficult afternoon. I am hurting everywhere. For sure the bike is capable of a faster lap time. I only hope that tomorrow I will be a bit stronger so that I can achieve it.”


JEREMY McWILLIAMS
“The wind was really strong and unpredictable. I’m not sure if that was why I fell, but I believe so. I’d just put on a soft qualifying tyre and done a warm-up lap, and I was committed to Turn One when the front just went away and I fell. The front was pushing at many places on the track, and we’ll have to change the set-up of the bike if it stays like this. I don’t think that will help the lap time.”


CHUCK AKSLAND – Team Manager
“Sometimes you have bad days – and it was not for want of trying on the part of both riders. We didn’t even expect Nobuatsu to go out in the afternoon, so that was a pretty good effort. From test results we know that our bike is capable of going faster. Jeremy went out to try and do that after he fell, but he had some bike problems. If the weather is good tomorrow, I’m sure we can do better.”

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:27.609
2. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.737
3. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.907
4. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.761
5. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.806
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.934
7. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:30.330
8. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.338
9. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:31.975
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.987
11. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.768
12. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.121
13. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.436
14. Chad Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.889
15. Bob Siebenhaar, Honda CBR900RR, 1:37.360
16. Lance Isaacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:37.423
17. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:37.774
18. Jeremiah Johnson, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:38.192
19. D. Woodward, Yamaha, 1:38.307
20. Tyler Paulson, Suz GSX-R1000, 1:38.666

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Five Aprilias led the way in the first 250cc qualifying session for the Skyy Vodka Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit Friday, with the first Honda on the Honda-owned circuit back in ninth place.

Times follow:

1. Franco Battaini, Italy, Aprilia, 2:08.627
2. Fonsi Nieto, Spain, Aprilia, 2:08.754
3. Marco Melandri, Italy, Aprilia, 2:08.896
4. Alex Debon, Spain, Aprilia, 2:09.438
5. Randy de Puniet, France, Aprilia, 2:09.592
6. Sebastian Porto, Argentina, Yamaha, 2:10.106
7. Osamu Miyazaki, Japan, Yamaha, 2:10.444
8. Toni Elias, Spain, Aprilia, 2:10.775
9. Roberto Rolfo, Italy, Honda, 2:10.785
10. Emilio Alzamora, Spain, Honda 2:10.930
11. Roberto Locatelli, Italy, Aprilia, 2:11.042
12. Naoki Matsudo, Japan, Yamaha, 2:11.081
13. Choujun Kameya, Japan, Honda, 2:11.306
14. Hiroshi Aoyama, Japan, Honda, 2:11.530
15. Casey Stoner, Australia, Aprilia, 2:11.735
16. Taro Sekiguchi, Japan, Yamaha, 2:11.852
17. Daisaku Sakai, Japan, Honda, 2:11.896
18. Jay Vincent, Great Britain, Honda, 2:11.973
19. Leon Haslam, Great Britain, Honda, 2:12.265
20. Shahrol Yusy, Malaysia, Yamaha, 2:12.283

California Speedway issued the following statement:

Fontana, Calif., (April 5th, 2002) — Ricky Lundgren, 40, of La Mesa, Calif., was pronounced dead at Loma Linda University Medical Center this evening following an on-track incident during qualifying for the AMA Superstock race at California Speedway.

According to California Speedway Medical Director Dr. Jeff Grange, Lundgren suffered blunt trauma to the head and chest region.

The accident occurred in the area of turn four on the speedway’s 21-turn, 2.3-mile road course. He was airlifted from California Speedway to Loma Linda University Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m.



Additional information from roadracingworld.com reporters:

Lundgren was riding his Suzuki GSX-R750 in a qualifying session for the AMA Superstock race when the crash occurred. A financial trader by profession, Lundgren was a hobbyist racer and had finished sixth in the AMA Pro Thunder race at Daytona March 10, riding a Ducati 748 sponsored by Yahoo Sports.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR954RR, 1:27.791
2. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:27.923
3. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R7/R1, 1:27.997
4. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.280
5. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.437
6. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.453
7. Mike Hale, Honda CBR954RR, 1:28.543
8. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.756
9. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.106
10. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR954RR, 1:29.933
11. James Compton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.821
12. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.966
13. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.129
14. Robert Mesa, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.282
15. Lance Issacs, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:34.321
16. Kim Nakashima, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.736
17. Mike Sullivan, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.907
18. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:36.090
19. Tyler Alexander, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.800
20. Chad Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:36.984

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Tommy Hayden topped the time sheets in the first Superstock (formerly 750cc Supersport) practice session at California Speedway on his Kawasaki ZX-6R Supersport bike, followed by Jason Pridmore on a Supersport GSX-R600, but Chris Ulrich was the fastest man on an actual Superstock racebike, a GSX-R750.

Due to timing and scoring system problems, some riders were unidentified on the scoring monitors.

Times follow:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:30.042
2. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.178
3. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.227
4. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.350
5. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.669
6. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.904
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.937
8. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.002
9. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.016
10. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.227
11. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:32.363
12. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.385
13. Unknown, 1:32.456
14. Tiger Sohwa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.514
15. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.179
16. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.247
17. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:33.401
18. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.143
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.228
20. Jeff Tigert, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.384

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Afternoon Superstock Practice Times:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.568
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.640
3. Mike Hale, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:30.467
4. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.777
5. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.073
6. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.139
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:31.147
8. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.216
9. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.524
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.636
11. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.860
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.070
13. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.112
14. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.170
15. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.432
16. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.797
17. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:32.912
18. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:32.955
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.003
20. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.106

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Timing And Scoring Snafus, Red Flag Delay Plague Second Superstock Qualifying Session At Fontana

The standing water on the road course at California Speedway–caused when the sprinkler system was left on Thursday–and the resulting delay in starting practice came back to hinder the poor souls in the second Superstock qualifying session, for even-numbered bikes, late Friday afternoon.

The session was red-flagged due to a three-bike pile-up and barely restarted and finished before all daylight was lost.

Then a timing and scoring problem deleted the fastest times turned by Tommy Hayden and Chris Ulrich, who were first and second-fastest in the second session, demoting them to fourth and 19th fastest overall, respectively.

Timing and scoring officials quickly issued a revised second session timing sheet when the error was pointed out by roadracingworld.com, but combined sheets with the incorrect times were still being circulated in the press room.

Ulrich’s session ended early when his bike’s shift lever broke off on a curb. Defending Champion Jimmy Moore had a shock blow out in Superbike qualifying; he missed the odd-numbered session and got special AMA permission to qualify in the even-numbered session, a situation reporters couldn’t remember happening before.

AMA officials later said that they typically allow riders who miss the first qualifying session due to mechanical problems to qualify in the second session, although riders who are scheduled to qualify in the second session and miss it are just out of luck.

The session was headed by riders on Supersport bikes, using the 750cc class for extra practice.

The correct combined times follow:

1. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:28.987
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:29.193
3. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.821
4. Ty Howard, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.928
5. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.178
6. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.470
7. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.483
8. Craig Connell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.559
9. Jason DiSalvo, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.562
10. Tom Kipp, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.615
11. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.641
12. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.850
13. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.061
14. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.235
15. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.575
16. Michael Hannas, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:31.593
17. Brian Parriott, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.593
18. Robert Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.647
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.663
20. Jeremy Toye, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.689
21. Shawn Conrad, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:31.741
22. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.038
23. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.532
24. Owen Richey, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:32.573
25. Clint McBain, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.047
26. Alan Schmidt, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.224
27. Takahiro “Tiger” Sohwa, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.228
28. Phillip Herrin, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.250
29. Mark Ledesma, Honda CBR600F4i, 1:33.389
30. Troy Green, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.394
31. Randell Mennenga, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.621
32. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.651
33. Rob Christman, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.665
34. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:33.670
35. Scott Simpson, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:34.070
36. Robert Underwood, 1:34.078
37. Aaron Clark, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.408
38. Dr. Jeff Purk, DDS, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.408
39. Giovanni Rojas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.426
40. Scott Jensen, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.742


First-year Expert Matt Hartlieb crashed during the odd-numbered Superstock qualifying session. According to a preliminary medical report issued by California Speedway, Hartlieb was transported to San Antonio Community Hospital for X-rays of his left wrist.

Greg Esser crashed his Honda RS250 in Friday afternoon’s 250cc Grand Prix practice session at California Speedway. According to a preliminary medical report issued by the track, Esser was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center as a precautionary measure.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Pascal Picotte On A Mission On Michelins

Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati Racing’s Pascal Picotte will race his new 2001-spec Ducati 996RS on Michelin tires with motors built by Advanced Motor Sports’ Jeff Nash at California Speedway, confirmed Team Manager/Crew Chief/Truck Driver Lance Baker Thursday afternoon in his team’s garage at the Fontana, California track. With a smile of pride on his face, Baker described the hectic 11 days that brought him and Picotte to the Yamaha Superbike Challenge.

“On Monday (March 25), I got the word that the deal was done,” said Baker. “Tuesday (March 26), I flew up to Wisconsin and picked the bikes up from the HMC shop. I got back to Texas Thursday (March 28), dropped the bikes at AMS, pulled the motors and then went back to Austin. This past Tuesday (April 2), I went back to AMS, put the motors back in the bikes and started driving to California.

“A lot of things happened at the same time to get us where we are today.”

Baker said that both Ducati North America and Ducati Corse in Italy contributed to making the acquisition of the bikes happen, saying, “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here.” Baker then confirmed that his team had just finished a tire deal with Michelin’s Ron Wood, and that plans were already in the works to receive update kits from Ducati Corse that would bring the 2001 bikes up to current 2002 998RS Testastretta specification. The Austin/Bleu Bayou team expects to have the updates complete by the Sears Point round of the series.

In the meantime, the smile Picotte wore through off-season testing was replaced by a look of determination. “I’m going to kick some ass,” said the seasoned French-Canadian. “No, I mainly just want to score some points. We just put the bikes and the team together in a couple of days. We’re basically starting from scratch. I’m still new to the Ducati. I know the 2002 bike will be better when we build it, but I’m glad to be here for the double-header. I just want to score some good points in each race, have some time to build the new bikes and maybe test once before Sears.

“Riding on the Michelins is gonna be a learning curve, but in the long-term it could pay off. By going to a different tire brand we may be able to get an advantage.”

Picotte took care to point out that he wouldn’t be able to race at Fontana if it weren’t for the opportunity presented by team owner Terry Gregricka, Baker, race engineer Tom Bodenbach, mechanic John Rawls and friend Paul Fournier. Baker worked with Picotte on the Muzzy Kawasaki Superbike in 1995, and Picotte worked with Bodenbach for four years on the Gemini VR1000 Harley-Davidson team.

Picotte ended the conversation by saying, “I’ll definitely be on a mission to beat those guys (HMC).”

In other news Thursday, the American Honda Superbikes of Nicky Hayden and Miguel Duhamel were being fitted with new bodywork, freshly painted to go along with a co-promotion of Universal Studios’ “The Skorpian King” feature film.

In addition to racing his Corbin Kawasaki ZX-6R in Supersport, 2001 AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Jimmy Filice will run the Number One plate on a 2000-model Yamaha TZ250 with help from Bruce Lind and James Siddall. When asked why, Filice said, “I don’t know how many more times I’m gonna get to run a #1 plate. We’re a little behind with our 600 program and a good result would help out.”

Blimpie Yoshimura Suzuki team coordinator Rich Doan will serve as Jamie Hacking’s chassis tuner at California Speedway due to a newly-hired crew member quitting the Suzuki squad shortly after last week’s test at Laguna Seca. With Crew Chief Tom Houseworth at his side, Hacking said that he had confidence in Doan’s ability to get the job done.