Steve Hislop and Neil Hodgson topped the second qualifying session at Donington Saturday, both on Ducatis, with Suzuki’s Pierfrancesco Chili third-fastest.

1. Steve Hislop, GB, Ducati, 1:32.657
2. Neil Hodgson, GB, Ducati, 1:33.053
3. Pierfrancesco Chili, Italy, 1:33.282
4. Tadayuki Okada, Japan, Honda, 1:33.518
5. Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati, 1:33.699
6. Troy Corser, Australia, Aprilia, 1:33.774
7. Stephane Chambon, France, Suzuki, 1:33.871
8. Troy Bayliss, Australia, Ducati, 1:33.949
9. Akira Yanagawa, Japan, Kawasaki, 1:34.021
10. James Toseland, GB, Ducati, 1:34.067
11. Colin Edwards, USA, Honda, 1:34.097
12. Lucio Pedercini, Italy, Ducati, 1:34.110
13. Ben Bostrom, USA, Ducati, 1:34.146
14. Gregorio Lavilla, Spain, Kawasaki, 1:34.355
15. John Reynolds, GB, Ducati, 1:34.258

Road America has scheduled a birthday party celebrating the 25th anniversary of AMA Superbike racing, during the AMA Superbike National weekend at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin track. The party will be held at turn five at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 8, complete with a birthday cake and a rider autograph session.

A press release issued by the track quoted Road America President and General Manager George Bruggenthies as saying “It’s always great to honor a successful American innovation, and Superbike racing is just that. We’re really pleased the riders will be available to race fans and that we can all celebrate this racing milestone at Road America.”

Tickets for the AMA Superbike doubleheader weekend at Road America are available online at www.roadamerica.com or by phone at (800) 365-7223.

Practice starts Thursday, June 7 with qualifying starting on Friday, June 8. Saturday, June 9 will see the running of the first Superbike race as well as the Formula Xtreme and 750cc Supersport races. Sunday, June 10 will include the second Superbike race as well as the 600cc Supersport and 250cc Grand Prix races.

By Glenn LeSanto

Dienza Ducati rider Vitto Guareschi got the World Supersport action underway at the historic Donington Park race track in Derbyshire, England today in lap-record-breaking time. The Italian was fastest in the first qualifying sesson at 1:36.316. Guareschi’s Dienza Ducati Racing team is based in
Leeds, England.

James Whitham, who holds the outright racing lap record at Donington in the class was down in 11th.

Karl Muggeridge pushed Guareschi hard throughout the qualifying session on the Suzuki Alstare GSX-R600 to take a provisional second on the grid. Paolo Casoli, who narrowly missed out on a win at the last round at Monza, was third-fastest in the afternoon session, held in bright sunshine at the circuit.

Local wild card rider Karl Harris was fifth-fastest in the session. The times may prove important as there is a possibility of rain for the second qualifying session.

First World Supersport Qualifying Session

1. Vittoriano Guareschi, Italy, Ducati 1:36.316
2. Karl Muggeridge, Australia, Suzuki 1:36.553
3. Paolo Casoli, Italy, Ducati 1:36.726
4. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Italy, Yamaha 1:36.982
5. Karl Harris, GB ,Suzuki 1:37.069
6. Fabien Foret, France, Honda 1:37.075
7. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Japan, Suzuki 1:37.082
8. Fabrizio Pirovano, Italy, Suzuki 1:37.113
9. Pere Riba, Spain, Honda 1:37.262
10. Iain MacPherson, GB, Kawasaki 1:37.368

By Glenn LeSanto

Colin Edwards fell early in qualifying and watched Scotsman Steve Hislop set the fastest time in Friday’s World Superbike qualifying session at Donington Park.

World Superbike regular, and reigning British Superbike champion, Neil Hodgson was second fastest, ahead of Ducati Infostrada’s Ruben Xaus.

Troy Bayliss was another faller in the session.

Hodgson set his fastest lap with just a minute in the session left, having gone out for a fast lap with qualifying tires fitted.

Hodgson’s GSE Ducati teammate James Toseland also made a good showing at his local circuit, finishing the session in fifth, ahead of Okada, Bostrom and Chili.

Troy Corser was ninth-fastest ahead of Edwards, who re-entered the session but could only manage 10th-fastest on his spare bike.

World Superbike Championship
Donington, England
Friday Qualifying

1. Steve Hislop, GB, Ducati 1:33.502
2. Neil Hodgson, GB, Ducati 1:33.573
3. Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati 1:33.838
4. Troy Bayliss, Australia, Ducati 1:33.949
5. James Toseland, GB, Ducati 1:334.067
6. Tady Okada, Japan, Honda 1:34.071
7. Ben Bostrom, USA, Ducati 1:34.146
8. Pierfrancesco Chili,Italy, Suzuki 1:34.377
9. Troy Corser, Australia, Aprilia 1:34.522
10. Colin Edwards, USA, Honda 1:34.536

The Roadracing World Air Fence Fund broke through the $130,000 barrier late Thursday, the new total reaching $130,140 thanks to new donations. The latest contributors include Anonymous at $500, racer Tom Drumm adding $300 to the $100 he donated earlier, Hewitt & Prout Attorneys at Law at $150, father-of-a-racer Fernando Peris at $100, Louis Gagne at $100, racer Peter Christensen & fiance Stasia Moore at $100, racer Paul D. Harrell at $100, racer George Gervasi adding $25 to the $35 he donated earlier, racer Charles Brothers/CMRA at $50, Francisco Prats at $50, Bernis B. Conatser at $25 and Tony Day at $25.

Paul Harrell, the Formula USA Sportbike winner at Willow Springs, wrote, “John, I know that many have told you to go to Hell, but you just might make it to the pearly gates. Thank you for doing something productive.”


George Gervasi wrote, “I would like to pledge another $25 in addition to the $35 I originally donated towards the fund for Air Fence. I am giving again so Air Fence can be used at WERA and F-USA/CCS events. I cannot state enough how ground-breaking this campaign was and still is. I think we can look at this effort and truly understand the undeniable power of unity and its ability to change an undesirable situation into a positive direction. Democracy if you will…’Take back the AMA!’ Absolutely!”


From Peter Christensen and Statsia Moore: “It’s heart-warming and bone-chilling to read the stories of why others feel drawn to donate to this cause. The loss of life and limb has been far too great. There are no words to express how grateful the friends, families, wives, girlfriends, significant others and anyone who knows and loves someone who races are. Thank you for being an ‘instigator’, John, you are much appreciated.”

Tom Drumm of the WERA BBS wrote, “I am glad that this donation doesn’t have to be made ‘in the memory of’ Aaron Yates, Grant Lopez, or Tony Lupo. At the same time, the racers who didn’t benefit from this Air Fence drive can rest because someone with vision and a heartfelt genuine concern got something done on a grand scale! Bravo, John Ulrich! I’m a club racer and those I compete with also deserve the best possible protection. So in addition to my earlier donation of $100, I’d like to do ($300) more.”

The contributor list now reads:
Erik Buell/Buell Motorcycle Company $5800
Trent Thompson/Paramount Racing $5000
Anonymous $4725
Dynojet Research $3200
Steve Brubaker/Race Tire Service $3000
Willow Springs Int’l Raceway $3000
John Ulrich/Roadracing World $2900
Aprilia USA $2900
American Suzuki Motor Corp. $2900
Ducati North America $2900
Jonathan Glaefke $2900
Susie and Bruce Meyers/BCM Racing Ducati $2900
Wegman Benefit Fund/Gordon Lunde Sr. $2900
Performance Machine $2900
Dunlop Motorcycle Tire Co. $2900
Max McAllister/Traxxion Dynamics $2900
Tom Chauncey/Team Wreckless $2900
Wendell Phillips/Lockhart Phillips $2500
Advanced Motor Sports/In Memory of Dirk Piz $2000
L.A. Bikers/labiker.org $1810
Dennis Smith/Sport Tire Services $1500
Marc Salvisberg/Factory Pro Tuning $1450
Bob Dragich/Roadracing World $1450
Fred Renz/Yoyodyne $1450
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing $1450
Lucky Deleoni $1300
Bob Blandford/N.E. Sportbike Assn. $1100
Chuck Warren/Arclight Suzuki $1000
Jim Rashid/4&6 Cycle $1000
Scott Willock/In Memory of Larry Schwarzbach $1000
Don Emde/In Memory of Cal Rayborn $1000
Jason Pridmore’s Star Motorcycle School $1000
Mark E. Dobeck/Techlusion Performance Group $1000
G.M.D. Computrack Network $1000
California Superbike School $1000
Tachyon Racing/Tachyon Sports Injury Research Foundation $1000
Team Pro-Motion Sportbike Club $1000
Anthony and Aaron Gobert $1000
Linda, John & Susanne Hopkins/In Memory of Roy Hopkins $895
Intrepid Café Racers $775
Yoshimura Racing $750
Team Daemon Racing $600
CMRRA $537
Don Lemelin/Scuderia West $500
Kevin Erion/Erion Racing $500
Pinky’s Pizza of Walnut Creek $500
Doug Gonda $500
Jerry Wood/Penguin School $500
Mike Canfield/Chandelle Motorsports $500
Jim Davis/J6 Racing/In Memory of Dirk Piz $500
Brooks Gremmels/Shogun Motorsports $500
Jim Di Salvo/Alien Racing $500
Dale Kieffer/Racers Edge Performance $500
The Plummer Menapace Group $500
Reg Kitrelle $500
Specialty Sports Ltd/Teknic $500
Ronnie Lunsford/Northwest Honda $500
Bob Holcomb $500
Aaron Yates $500
James D. Randolph $500
OMRRA $500
Terry Knott $500
Shawn Higbee/Team KWS/Millenium Technologies $500
Harley Davidson of Reno $500
Walt Schaefer $500
Gary Christopher/American Honda $500
Full Spectrum Design $500
Anonymous $500
Bill St. John/Project Monza $400
Jerry Jirkovsky $330
Richard Hood/Reptillian Racing $300
Edward S. Siccardi, Jr. $300
Dan Fischer/Copier1.com $300
David Finniff $300
Marietta Motorsports $300
Brendan Guy $300
Dean Scarpa $300
Anonymous $300
Kurtis Roberts $300
James Siddall/World Sports/Corbin Grand Prix $300
“Old Slo Gene Templet”/CMRA $300
Eric Kelcher/Blockworks $300
Zachry Lee $300
Scott Fisher/Fisher Technical Services $250
Chris Pyles & Beth Walters $250
Peter Hively $250
Brian Mitchell $250
Al Ludington $250
Tim Simpson $250
Spectrum Motorsports/VJB Racing $250
David Roy, Ducati N. America $250
Debbie Roy/Frenotec $250
Joshua Hayes $250
Gina Nadeau $250
Jeannne Pyles $250
John Ross/Ross Racing $250
Brian Cincera $250
C. Renard Fiscus $250
Bruce & Edith Lind $250
Andre Espaillat $250
Aramel Racing $250
WMRRA $250
Papa Thiam/WERA BBS $200
Bill Capshaw/ICE Motorsports $200
Scott Decker $200
Terry Embury $200
Jim “Dutch” MacKenzie/WERA BBS $200
Scott Jenkins/Desmoto-sport $200
Cliff Nobles $200
Jodie York/RPM Cycles Ventura/WSMC #11 $200
Mostro.org/Jeffrey Fillmore $200
Jeff Bowis $200
Rich & Lynda Alexander/In Memory of Dirk Piz $200
Nils Menten $200
Melissa Tomlinson/G-Man Racing $200
DP Enterprises $200
Jeffrey S. Stathes $200
RPM $200
MZ Scorpion Cup Racers $175
Chris Kelley/California Cycleworks $150
Robb Mc Elroy $150
Tim Chin/Team Bandit $150
Ed & Catherine Sorbo $150
Damon Buckmaster $150
Chris Hamilton/Grand Prix Direct $150
Marc Palazzo/Synergy Racing Honda $150
Texas Sport Bike Association $150
Stuart Stratton/Stratton Racing $150
Hewitt & Prout Attorneys at Law $150
Jim Williams/13x.com $125
David Boosales/WERA BBS $125
Mike Brown/Team 222 $125
Pete Martins $125
Road Atlanta Crash Truck Crews $111
Chris Normand/Firestorm Racing $101
Pat Stricker $100
Gary Rand/In Memory of Rusty Bradley $100
Michael Roberson/WERA BBS $100
Sean Jordan/WERA BBS $100
Army of Darkness $100
Stuart Gregg $100
Pinky’s Pizza/Lippman Racing $100
Bob Szoke $100
TyrSox $100
Ron West/Omzig Productions $100
Joe Facer $100
Preston Rash $100
Geoff Maloney/GP Tech $100
Melissa Berkoff/Neighbor Of The Beast $100
Caesar Gonzales/WERA BBS $100
Dorina Groves $100
Dorina Groves/In Memory of Jamie Bowman $100
Philip Rusin/RC51.net $100
Allen “Spence” Spencer $100
Matt Wadsworth $100
Dean N. De St. Croix $100
Tony Tugwell/TZ250.com $100
Bart Fuqua/Team LGC $100
Brian Stokes/Marietta Motorsports $100
Chris “Opie” Caylor/Marietta Motorsports $100
David McElvain/NEDoD $100
Ned “Peanut” Brown/NESBA/TPM $100
Vance Hacecky $100
Patrick Mee $100
Dave and Jason Parker $100
Paul Kingsburgh/RC45.net $100
Tom Drumm $400
David Brown $100
Steve Moonitz/Team Squid Pro Quo $100
Jake Swan $100
Chris Story $100
Chris Eklund $100
Randy Ball/WERA BBS $100
Mark Hellvig $100
Gary Schilling/On Time Racing/WERA BBS $100
Steve Sumner $100
Laura Granato/WERA BBS $100
Norm Viano/Lawdog Sports Mgmt $100
Kevin Jordan/Jordan Motorsports $100
Val Gregory/In Memory of Dirk Piz $100
Dave Gess $100
Rob Berlind $100
Paul Black $100
Steve Hewitt $100
Mike Ciccotto $100
Tripp Nobles $100
Scott Rehl $100
Steve & Lorraine Aledort $100
Jeff Rozycki/29dreams.com Racing $100
Chris Ulrich/In Memory of Russ Paulk And Toby Jorgensen $100
Giorgio Milesi/Galfer Brakes USA $100
Al Lyons/CMRRA $100
Linda Hopkins $100
John Hopkins/In Memory of Jamie Bowman and Toby Jorgensen $100
Vicky&Michael Menard $100
Silvia Salenius/Ducati.net Online $100
HG Racing/AMA Pro Thunder $100
Red Fox Racing $100
Greg Ruffin $100
John Donald/PTC Racing $100
Larry Pegram $100
Pamela Skaff/WERA BBS $100
J.D. Hord/Meccanica Corse Racing $100
Mark Sutton $100
Steve Scott/LRRS#47 $100
Eric Putter $100
Jim Doerfler $100
Ira Englebardt $100
Joe & Nancy Fenech $100
Earl Hayden $100
Chuck Sorensen $100
D&D Thrush Farms $100
Jeff Wilson/American Suzuki $100
Adam Vella/Webcrush Racing $100
Chuck Gault/Motobama $100
Gary Longren $100
Stephan Hottenrott $100
David Kunzelman $100
C.R. “Critter” Gittere/WERA BBS $100
John Light/Lightsmith Racing $100
Ken & Arlene Block (Ed Sorbo’s Mom) $100
Chris Link/CMRA/In Memory of Jamie Bowman $100
Josh Steinberg $100
Broad Squad/CCS NE $100
Logan Young $100
Bob & Sherrie Young $100
Ann Sands $100
Troy Green/www.TG-Racing.com $100
Colin Fowler $100
Asphalt & Gas $100
CelentoHenn Architecture + Design $100
Norm Mc Donald/CMRA $100
Andrew S. Mueller/WERA BBS $100
Mary Miskovic $100
Mark Van Hoff/The Plastic Doctor/WERA BBS $100
Anonymous $100
Mauro Cereda/In Memory of Jamie Bowman $100
James B. Norwood/Bad Iguana Racing $100
Bakersfield Yamaha $100
Matt Gerard/In Memory of Gordy Lunde Jr. $100
MMCZYK/Concerned Fan $100
Kendall Davis/WERA #326 $100
Jerry Daggett $100
Miller’s Modern Garage $100
TFS Racing $100
Sabrina Phillips 100
Jane Phillips $100
Twin Cities Yamaha $100
Fernando Peris $100
Louis Gagne $100
Peter Christensen & Stasia Moore $100
Paul D. Harrell $100
Tyson Kamp $75
Vito Dionisio/WERA BBS $75
R.J. McLeod $60
George Gervasi/Projekt9 Racing $60
Kelly Thornton $58
Erica B. Smith & John F.X. Walsh $55
Max Buxton/NEDoD $50
Nelo Hakola $50
Tyler Sandell $ 50
David J. Kopfinger $ 50
Aaron Loyd $50
Martin Voelker $50
Steve Hopkins $50
Louis DeBlois $50
Leigh Taunton/EMGO $50
Randy Sinisi $50
Danny Hull $50
Team Skidmark Racing $50
Ryan Meskimen/WERA BBS $50
Erik Astrup $50
Paul Zavada $50
James Greeson/WERA BBS $50
Victor Mokler $50
Steve Clark/J. Guthridge/Tight Squeeze Racing $50
Nate Olsen $50
Anthony Moey $50
Dustin Miller $50
Jim Frost/NEDoD $50
Steve Martinez $50
Jason Temme/Serpent Racing $50
Mike Hodgson/WERA BBS $50
Chris Borre/Motorcycleroadracer.com $50
Richard Barker/AIM/In Memory of Dirk Piz $50
Mike Reish/Reish Dot Net $50
Kenyon Kluge/K2 Racing $50
Darin Nichols/Team Unit $50
Richard Davis $50
Allen Lyon/Ducati.net Online $50
Eric H. Mathy $50
Steve Breckenridge $50
Jim Race/Speaksy Racing $50
James Aragon $50
James Hayton/Kochenbaulz Racing/WERA BBS $50
Anthony D’Augusta $50
Norm Brown $50
Isaac Ward $50
Jason K. Michelson $50
Qi Guo/WERA BBS $50
Schaefer Brothers Racing $50
Tommy Lancaster/Tommy Built Fireplaces $50
James Gaal $50
Rod Mahr/Follow the Helmet Racing $50
Charles Brothers/CMRA $50
Francisco Prats $50
David Yesman $40
Don Moody $35
Brent Kilgore/Clark Kilgore/Kevin Bridges/Slow To Heal Racing $35
Lindsey Leard $30
Dave Deggendorf/WERA BBS $30
Steve Sturm/Squidvision Racing $30
Bob Elam $30
The Heidepriems/WERA BBS $30
Kimberly Scheffel/rider/race fan/pit keeper $30
Bryan Norton $30
Scott D. Cortese $30
Stephen Warburton/Ducati Online $30
John Scherer $30
Greg Gabis $29
Ripley Howe $29
Mark Hatten/Meccanica Corse Racing $29
Ted Angle $25
Susanne Hopkins $25
Nolan Ballew $25
Josh Loberant $25
Charles Tomes $25
Jon DeMent $25
Timothy Wilson $25
Mark Novak $25
Rene Ferron $25
Sean Patrick Brisini $25
Richard Korol $25
Eric and Christine Loranger $25
Dee Moses $25
Kyle Kirschenmann/Bayou Riders of Louisiana $25
Marc Asmus $25
Mike Henry $25
Henry Hallmark $25
Ronnie Reyes/CMRA $25
Kathleen Mc Laughlin $25
John Jancoski $25
John C. Pfeiffer $25
Bernis B. Conatser $25
Tony Day $25
S.C. Pittman $20
Jamieson D. Yonker $20
Garret Swearingen $20
Darrin Zumbaum $20
Andy Lenz/CMRRA $20
Irwin Arnstein/CMRA $10
Frank Shacklee/CMRA $10
Jan Steven/Carpet Dog $5
Erik Schmitt/CMRA $1


To pledge a contribution, call Roadracing World at (800) 464-8336 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, when operators will be standing by. Credit cards accepted. Pledges can also be made by e-mailing [email protected]. Make checks payable to Roadracing World, and mail to P.O. Box 1428, Lake Elsinore CA 92531. Money raised will be used for buying Air Module/Air Fence sections, as well as for deployment expenses and for shipping, tax and import duties.

A full accounting of all Air Fence Fund money will be posted on this website as it is disbursed, along with lists of any pledges still outstanding.

Whle his brothers Anthony and Aaron were racing at Road Atlanta last weekend, 17-year-old Alex Gobert was taking the overall win in the Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State Championship race at Queensland Raceway, Queensland, Australia.

The series uses a four-races-on-the-day format, with overall scoring. A release on the race from Steve Reeves follows:


“In a day of high drama, 17-year-old Alex Gobert emerged from the wet conditions as the overall round winner after the third event of the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State, held at Queensland Raceway today.

“Gobert, the youngest brother of former World Superbike star Anthony, rode his Red Wing Honda CBR929RR to victory in a rain soaked fourth and final race to clinch the overall win with a total of 66 points. Gobert finished the weekend with a seventh and two thirds, before taking victory in the final race.

“‘The Honda felt really good from the first time we got it out of the truck on Friday and I’ve felt comfortable on it all weekend,’ said Gobert. ‘I was happy that I was able to be consistent throughout the weekend and also be able to finish on the podium. In the final race I thought I was going to crash at the same time as Tony Rees (Bikebiz Yamaha) and Robbie Baird (Radar’s Team Yamaha) did, but fortunately I was able to miss them. From then on I just did consistent laps and kept an eye on my lap boards.’

“Second overall went to another teenager, 18-year-old Craig Coxhell riding for Radar’s Team Yamaha. The Victorian started the day off on a winning note in race one and looked set to repeat that in race two, but unfortunately fell at the final corner when the heavens opened and he had the finish line in sight. He showed his determination by bouncing back to claim second in races three and four.

“Gobert and Coxhell were the major winners in the overall point standings as they were able to make up significant points on the series front runners.

“The weather conditions played a crucial role during the day. Starting out cool and overcast, the weather worsened and as the second Yamaha Formula Xtreme race was nearing a conclusion, just prior to lunch, rain fell with a vengeance.

“The torrential downpour forced race officials to reduce the number of laps in each of the remaining races after all competitors were allowed a `free’ practice session to assess the track conditions.

“Both third and fourth Yamaha Formula Xtreme races were held in wet conditions. New Zealander Tony Rees showed his liking for the wet, by taking out race three by a comfortable margin over Coxhell, with Gobert third. The fourth race shaped up as a battle between Rees and local favorite Baird, but this challenge came unstuck as first Rees and then Baird locked the front brakes on their Yamahas and slid off the end of the fast back straight at Turn Three. This left Gobert clear and unchallenged to take his first race win.

“Earlier in the day Coxhell showed his determination by out-muscling Baird on the final lap of the opening race to take his first win of the season. The teammates had been running neck and neck during the final laps with neither
willing to give an inch. Race two looked to be a repeat of the opener until Baird broke his gear lever after hitting the curb on the inside of Turn Four with two laps to run. This left Coxhell with a comfortable lead. His race turned sour at the final corner when he accelerated out of the final turn and the rear end let go and he was highsided off the Yamaha. Rees claimed
an unexpected victory.

“With only the Phillip Island and Eastern Creek meetings to go, Jamie Stauffer still leads the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State with 196 points, two clear of teammate Baird. Rees lies third with 176, followed by Coxhell (175), Damian Cudlin (Bikebiz Yamaha, 133) and Gobert (121).

“The fourth and penultimate event of the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State will be held at Phillip Island on June 16 & 17.

“2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State points after 2 of 5 events.
1. Jamie Stauffer (Radar’s Team Yamaha YZF R1) 196
2. Robbie Baird (Radar’s Team Yamaha YZF-R1) 194
3. Tony Rees (Bikebiz Yamaha YZF-R1) 176
4. Craig Coxhell (Radar’s Team Yamaha YZF-R1) 175
5. Damian Cudlin (Bikebiz Yamaha YZF-R1) 133
6. Alex Gobert (Red Wing Honda CBR929RR) 121
7. Graeme Morris (Graeme Morris M/C Suzuki GSX-R 1000) 81
8. Luke Phillips (Optus World Honda CBR929RR) 80
9. Kurt Percy (Thomson Finance Yamaha YZF-R1) 73
10. Roland Kruck (Doin Bikes Honda CBR929RR) 58″

AMA Superbike teams completed two days of testing at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Four teams took part in the co-operative test session and shared track rental and related costs, including Yoshimura Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

The cost per team to participate in the tests, not including lodging and travel, was probably between $5000 and $10,000, based on costs at other co-operative tests.

The cost of stand-alone tests is becoming more of an issue with statements by AMA Pro Racing officials at Road Atlanta that they plan to eliminate Thursday practice at AMA Nationals starting in 2002.

Independent riders and teams which cannot afford to rent tracks and run their own independent test sessions–and cannot get into co-operative tests staged by the factory-backed Superbike teams at any price–will suffer a serious competitive disadvantage when Thursday practice is eliminated.

Independent teams and riders now use Thursday practice for bike development and for getting machines and riders up to speed. The incremental costs of arriving one day earlier at an AMA National are far less than the costs associated with stand-alone testing at tracks that charge rental fees ranging between $2500 and $7500 per day plus cornerworkers, ambulance and insurance.

AMA officials say they want to eliminate Thursday practice and use the day to set up the track and park team transporters.

Opponents of that plan say that the AMA should set up the track on Wednesday instead of eliminating Thursday practice and forcing independent teams and riders to either spend between $60,000 and $100,000 per year on stand-alone tests or become less competitive against factory-backed teams.

Several independent teams and riders are now able to run with factory riders in AMA 600cc Supersport events, and say Thursday practice is an important factor in their ability to do so.

The controversy illustrates the lack of representation of independent teams and riders versus factory teams in the AMA Pro Racing decision-making process: The dilemma the elimination of Thursday practice will cause for such teams is not being seriously considered by AMA Pro Racing officials, who seem to only consider factory teams and riders in a wide range of issues and situations.



Reader Feedback
This just in from Jonathan Flack, Director, Visual Effects Supervisor, Gray Matter Productions, Inc., New York, NY:

“I couldn’t agree more with your article about testing at Road America. It seems the AMA is moving closer and closer to being an organization supporting the factories and f–king riders. If they really want to do the sport a favor and boost participation they should be making decisions that help to improve the overall competitive nature of the sport FOR ALL RIDERS, not just the big-bucks factory teams.

“As an AMA member I am outraged at the mere consideration of Thursday practice elimination… if anything they should be adding days to better balance the competition.

“Besides, who wants to watch the same handful of riders run away from the pack on Speedvision every week? I’d rather see masses of talented pro riders fighting it out at the front with the results changing every single week.

“The factory teams already enjoy too big of an advantage over the privateer; eliminating the Thursday practice would just hurt the sport and make it less enjoyable for both the participants and the spectators.

“Kudos for having the guts to point this out… now if the AMA will just listen… and if they do listen, care.”

Metzeler has issued a press release crowing about its victories in AMA 750cc Supersport Nationals at Sears Point and Road Atlanta, which reminded us that the podium at Road Atlanta included no Dunlop riders for the first time in recent memory.

The Metzeler release read as follows:

“Maybe it’s time for Metzeler to re-think its decision about not ‘officially’ campaigning its new Rennsport DOT radial in AMA competition. (The company’s 2001 racing program put its emphasis on such programs as Formula-USA, WERA and CCS.) The new tire won its third AMA National in a row, taking first and second, (and three of the top five spots) in last weekend’s Road Atlanta 750cc Supersport final.

“All of the top Road Atlanta finishers were repeats from the AMA Sears Point National the week before. Mike Ciccotto, this time riding for the Metzeler-sponsored Hooters Suzuki team, grabbed the lead on the red-flag 750 Supersport re-start and won, pulling away by a margin of almost five seconds. At Sears Point, Ciccotto won the Pro Thunder final on his Metzeler-equipped Hal’s Performance Advantage-sponsored Buell.

“Arclight Suzuki’s Brian Parriott, who won the Sears Point 750cc final, finished second at Road Atlanta, again on Rennsports. And roadracingworld.com’s Chris Ulrich took a fifth at Road Atlanta to go with his fourth at Sears Point.

“So in the last two AMA nationals, Metzeler has now amassed two wins, a second, a fourth and two fifths.

“The Metzeler Rennsport features Metzeler’s patented 0-degree steel-belted radial construction on both the front and rear. The single steel belt, wound in the direction of travel–-at 0 degrees, hence the name-–reportedly generates little if any of the internal heat-producing friction that occurs in other radial designs that use cross belts. Hence the Metzeler tires run cooler under the most severe racing conditions. This has a further benefit in allowing Metzeler to use even softer compounds without sacrificing durability-–the Rennsports’ durability has been a prominent factor in the praise the tire has earned in its recent reviews (reviews available on request).

“The stability of the steel belt also resists centrifugal growth, which creates a more stable contact patch, aiding traction and extending tire life. Up front, Metzeler’s 0-degree steel belt actually works as a steering damper, helping to control front-end oscillations in bikes prone to them, and greatly aiding stability and braking. The low tire weight that results from the use of a single belt also reduces unsprung weight and gyroscopic force, thus improving handling, braking and steering stability, and transitions.

“The Metzeler Rennsport DOT race tires are distributed by Parts Unlimited and a select group of race vendors. Contact Metzeler Motorcycle Tires North America at (610) 524-2190 for the nearest vendor. See your nearest Metzeler dealer for Rennsport street-compound sizes.”

After consulting with racer and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dave Kieffer, racer Grant Lopez will not undergo surgery on his right shoulder, which was dislocated in a crash last Friday during Formula Xtreme practice at Road America.

Lopez is second in AMA Formula Xtreme points and rides a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki.

This just in:

“Motorcycle Hall of Fame to induct class of 2001

“PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Twenty-eight legendary figures in the history of American motorcycling will be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in ceremonies September 8 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

“This year’s list of inductees includes everything from racers, tuners and engineers to media figures. Among the notables are Mike Baldwin, five-time AMA road-racing champion; Mark Barnett, winner of four motocross and Supercross championships; Allen Carter, the engineer responsible for some of the most significant motorcycles produced by the Indian brand; Charles Clayton, who, with his wife, Sharon, developed Cycle News into America’s weekly news magazine of motorcycling; Erv Kanemoto Jr., the tuner who helped Freddie Spencer and others win world road-racing championships; Larry Maiers, race announcer and TV personality; Fred Merkel, three-time AMA and two-time world Superbike champion; and Joe Parkhurst, founder of Cycle World magazine.

“The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling, including those who have excelled in motorcycle business, history, design and engineering, in addition to those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing. Honorees are chosen by six Hall of Fame induction committees consisting of Hall of Famers and independent volunteers who are experts in various disciplines.

“‘We see this as an important part of the mission of the museum,’ said Don Emde, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which runs the facility. ‘Preserving the heritage of American motorcycling means more than assembling a collection of classic machines. It means keeping alive the memory of those who built that heritage.’

“The 2001 Hall of Fame class will be inducted in ceremonies September 8 at the museum, located on the grounds of the American Motorcyclist Association. The ceremony, and a reception the night before, will be open to the public.

“The new inductees will join 241 others already enshrined in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which features plaques commemorating each of the inductees, along with displays of motorcycles, photos and memorabilia related to Hall of Famers.

“Meanwhile, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is gearing up for the opening of ‘A Century of Indians,’ a major new display commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Indian brand. The grand opening of that exhibit is scheduled for July 7.

“For more information on exhibits and events at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, call (614) 856-2222 or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

“The full list of 28 2001 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees follows:

“Walt Axthelm: Third American to ride the ISDT (1959). Many-time winner of off-road events on Catalina Island.

“Mike Baldwin: 1978, ’82-’85 AMA Formula One Champion. 16 AMA National wins and a top contender in 1980s AMA Superbike racing.

“Mark Barnett: Factory Suzuki rider and off-road star of the 1980s. 1980-’82 AMA 125cc and 1981 AMA Supercross champion. On 1983 winning Motocross des Nations team.

“Mike Bell: Son of famous race tuner Bill Bell and top off-road star in his own right. Won the 1980 Supercross title.

“Ron Bishop: This Baja legend has ridden all 33 Baja 1000s, 27 Baja 500s, 17 Tecate 500 Enduros, and two ISDTs. Dealer in Escondido still prepping racebikes.

“Bill Brokaw: Trials competitor for 50 years. Three-time Southern California champion; enduro, hare and hound, ice-racing competitor. Dealer for 35 years.

“Don Brown: Former Cycle magazine editor, later executive for Johnson Motors Triumph, BSA Inc., Suzuki. Now a respected industry consultant.

“Allen Carter: Engineer at the Indian Motocycle Company in the 1930s. Played a key role in the design of many new models.

“Charles Clayton: With wife, Sharon, he turned a West Coast publication into the weekly Cycle News that serves to sport to this day.

“Babe DeMay: Successful dirt-track racer, won 1966 National at Lincoln, Illinois. Later tuned for Mark Brelsford and many other top riders.

“Dave Ekins: Won numerous off-road events, including Baja, Catalina and Greenhorn Enduro. 1964 and ’66 ISDT Gold Medal winner. Later, a motorcycle journalist.

“George Everett: 1957 & ’58 Peoria TT National winner, ranked in top six in points 1956-’57.

“Erv Kanemoto Jr.: Tuner for many top U.S. road-racers. With Freddie Spencer aboard, his machines won the 1985 250cc and 500cc World Road Racing Campionships.

“Crey Loftin: Ex-speedway racer who found great success in movie stunt work in the 1930s and ’40s. Member of traveling stunt show.

“Larry Maiers: Worked at Penton Imports and announced races in the 1970s and ’80s. Later moved onto television with “MotoWorld” and Speedvision.

“Fred Merkel: 1984-’86 AMA Superbike Champion; 1988-’89 World Superbike Champion; 20 career AMA Superbike National wins. 1982 250cc GP class runner-up.

“John McLaughlin: Winner of Catalina Grand Prix 250cc & 350cc classes the same year. Greenhorn Enduro winner. AFM #1 500cc three years.

“Joe Parkhurst: Founder/publisher of Cycle World magazine. He changed the way motorcycle magazines covered the sport. Co-founded Saddleback Park in Southern California.

“Mike Parti: Successful sidecar racer in scrambles and Bonneville speed trials. Today, he is one of the most respected restorers of antique motorcycles.

“Leo Payne: Famous drag racer who amassed many records and won numerous championships. First non-streamliner to go over 200 mph at Bonneville.

“Ronnie Rall: Top 1960s and ’70s Midwest dirt-track racer. Ranked third in AMA Grand National points in 1964; won five AMA Nationals.

“Jim Rice: Versatile 1960s and ’70s dirt-track star. He won six AMA Nationals during the 1970 season alone, and over his career.

“Dave Schultz: Six-time NHRA National Pro Stock Champion; 45 NHRA National event wins in 23-year racing career.

“Shell Thuet: Legendary race tuner. In the 1960s, his rider, Elliott Schultz, dominated Ascot. Later sponsored Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson.

“Marty Tripes: Won the inaugural Superbowl of Motocross race at age 16. Went on to win 11 AMA Nationals in his career.

“Ralph White: 1963 Daytona 200 winner; finished 1963 ranked third in AMA Grand National points. 1965 winner of Loudon, Indianapolis and Springfield Nationals.

“Jack Wilson: Dealer, tuner, sponsor in AMA Class C races; especially well-known for his role in numerous Bonneville speed records.

“Steve Wise: Superbikers Champion, top-10 ranking in AMA 250cc Supercross 1975, 1978 and 1980. Top-10 ranking in 125cc, 1976-’78. Later won an AMA Superbike National.”