By David Swarts

Bruce Transportation Group’s Josh Hayes raced his personal Honda CBR600F4 in the Dunlop-sponsored 600cc Superstock race at the second round of the WERA National Challenge Series at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway last weekend. Hayes normally attends track days near his Gulfport, Mississippi home to stay sharp, but no one expected the AMA professional to race in Sunday’s sprints until he took his place on the last row of the two-wave, 27-rider 600cc Superstock grid.

Hayes disposed of 10 riders in the first three corners and moved all the way up to second place by the end of the 14-lap race. Hayes pulled off the track on the last lap.

Hayes said that the time on the bike was beneficial as he always learns something whenever he rides, adding “I just wanted to come out and have some fun riding with my old friends.”

WERA racers asked about Hayes’ appearance expressed positive feelings, and 600cc Superstock race winner Chris “Opie” Caylor said, “Josh shows me what is possible. He came from right here and earned his way to where he is now. He inspires me. What he did today, he didn’t do with some exotic, factory bike. The bike he rode today is much closer to stock than my racebike.”

Hayes rode his ex-press fleet 1999 Honda CBR600F4 with Erion Racing bodywork, an Erion Racing exhaust, an Ohlins shock, and braided brake lines. Hayes changed his own tires all weekend and even re-built his own forks on Saturday.

Hayes signed with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki following strong performances on his own ZX-6R in WERA National Challenge Series events outside his home region, and following strong endurance performances with a private endurance team, again outside his home region.

After winning two Suzuki Cup Championships, co-riding to several overall WERA National Endurance Championships, winning the F-USA Sportbike title and winning many other WERA Championships, Hayes moved with Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki to the AMA series full-time in 1999, winning the Daytona 750cc Supersport race that year and regularly out-performing the Yoshimura Suzuki 600cc Supersport factory riders.

When Hayes started winning AMA events, AMA regulars, who hadn’t paid much attention to non-AMA races previously, asked “Where did he come from?”

His 1999 performance earned Hayes an offer from American Honda to race with Erion Honda for 2000, and American Honda out-bid Valvoline EMGO Suzuki for Hayes’ services. But nerve damage suffered in a Daytona crash in 2000 hampered Hayes’ results, and Hayes has been moved to the Bruce Transportation Group squad for 2001. Hayes has regained some strength and feeling in his damaged right hand resulting in a second-place finish in Formula Xtreme at Road Atlanta following other strong finishes in 600cc Supersport action at Road Atlanta and Sears Point.

Recently Hayes has held informal talks with Valvoline EMGO Suzuki regarding a possible return to the team in 2002.

By David Swarts

4&6 Racing’s Larry Denning took his second Formula One win of the season and beat Vesrah Suzuki’s Mark Junge in Open Superstock during WERA National Challenge Series sprints at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway Sunday, May 27. Denning won both races with the same set of Pirelli DOT-labeled tires on his Yamaha YZF-R1.

Team Xtreme/Team Pennzoil’s Chris “Opie” Caylor won the Dunlop-sponsored 600cc Superstock final by 10 seconds over Junge and Denning. Caylor came back out in the 750cc Superstock race, started from the back of the grid, broke the Talladega track record in an attempt to reach the leaders, but crashed unhurt one lap later. M&M Racing’s Brian Stokes crossed the line first in the 750cc Superstock race, giving Michelin its first WERA National sprint win in a year.

Taking his second national win of the season, Jason Peters won the 125cc Grand Prix race. Vesrah’s Glenn Szarek took the win in Heavyweight Twins.

Another Yamaha TTR-125L is up for grabs in a Wegman Benefit Fund raffle scheduled for July 7. The details follow in this press release:

“The Wegman Benefit Fund is raffling a new 2001 Yamaha TTR-125L. The drawing will be held at the 15th Annual Wegman Fund auction on Saturday July 7, 2001 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockton, IL.

“Tickets may be purchased, $5 ea or 6 for $25, by sending check or money order/bank draft (preferred) payable to Wegman Benefit Fund, 3741 S. 71 Street Milwaukee, WI 53220-1814. Please print clearly and include your name, address, phone number, email address and age. Due to shipping constraints tickets are available to residents of the continental U.S. only.

“All ticket requests by mail must be received no later than midnight, Saturday June 30, 2001. Winner will be notified as soon as possible after July 8, 2001.

“The Yamaha TTR-125 is discounted for the Wegman Fund by Port Yamaha West in Germantown, WI. The second prize is being provided by Torque Center in New Berlin, WI.

“Second and third prizes will be posted on our web site at www.wegmanfund.org.”

The Wegman Benefit Fund is non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial aid to injured motorcycle road racers. It is endorsed by Roadracing World.

Ben Bostrom on the World Superbike weekend at Donington, according to a Ducati Corse press release:

“Ben Bostrom (Ducati L&M) battled with a painful shoulder throughout the two races but the 27-year-old from Redding, California still managed to pick up a sixth and a fourth and now lies sixth overall in the Riders’ standings with 97 points. ‘Today’s results feel really good’, declared Bostrom. ‘The bike was perfect, the tires were perfect, but unfortunately the rider was not. If I had been 100 percent, I know I could have won out there today’.”

The following press release was issued by the AMA:

“AMA puts motorcycle fatality statistics in context

“PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has become aware of recent media reports about the increasing number of fatalities among motorcyclists over age 35. While the AMA is concerned about any increase in motorcycle-related fatalities, these reports fail to consider other relevant statistics.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) overall motorcycle-related fatalities actually declined substantially between 1990 and 1999. Although fatalities did see a slight increase over the past two years, that followed a decade during which motorcycle-related fatalities declined by 48% — a far better track record than any other form of highway transportation.

“In focusing on increased fatalities among riders over age 35, the media reports overlooked the overall demographics of motorcyclists. Between 1990 and 1999, according to statistics provided to the AMA by NHTSA, the mean age of fatally injured motorcyclists rose from 29.3 years to 36.5 years. During the same period, the mean age of motorcycle owners rose from 26.9 years to 38.1 years.

“In other words, the fatality statistics simply show that when there are more motorcyclists of a given age group on the road — no matter what that age group — more accidents come out of that group.

“A spokesman for NHTSA agrees.

“‘What we see here seems to track the census data–it’s a function of the numbers,’ said Rae Tyson, public information officer for NHTSA. ‘I don’t think that anyone disagrees that we need new information. There’s a crying need for research.’

“‘The most important revelation in these media reports is the need for a comprehensive nationwide study of motorcycle accident data,’ said Robert Rasor, President of the American Motorcyclist Association. ‘The AMA has been working closely with NHTSA on the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, and we’re anxious for the research to begin.’

“Last year, the AMA–along with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and other industry groups–succeeded in incorporating a motorcycle-accident study in the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety. As a result, NHTSA officials have said they hope to begin such a study in the near future.

“Statistics quoted in recent media reports come from NHTSA’s annual report on highway fatalities. The most recent comprehensive federal study of motorcycle accident data was published in 1980, and sampled accident data only in Southern California.”

The total purse for the June 7-10 AMA Superbike National at Road America is $90,000 while the total purse for the June 14-17 AMA Superbike National at Loudon is $113,000.

The Superbike purse at Road America, which is split between two races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, totals $60,000 with $16,000 in the 250cc Grand Prix race, $7000 in the Formula Xtreme race, $3500 in 750cc Supersport and $3500 in 600cc Supersport.

The Superbike purse at Loudon totals $65,000 with $30,000 in the 250cc Grand Prix race, $10,000 in Pro Thunder, $8000 in Formula Xtreme and no purse in 750cc Supersport and 600cc Supersport.

Purse payout details follow:

Road America June 7-10
Chevy Trucks Superbike
Purse Payout
Race One, Race Two
1. $4000, $4000
2. $3000, $3000
3. $2250, $2250
4. $1700, $1700
5. $1500, $1500
6. $1350, $1350
7. $1250, $1250
8. $1150, $1150
9. $1100, $1100
10. $1050, $1050
11. $1000, $1000
12. $950, $950
13. $900, $900
14. $850, $850
15. $800, $800
16. $700, $700
17. $625, $625
18. $600, $600
19. $575, $575
20. $550, $550
21. $412, $412
22. $387, $387
23. $362, $362
24. $337, $337
25. $312, $312
26. $287, $287
27. $262, $262
28. $237, $237
29. $200, $200
30. $175, $175
31. $175, $175
32. $175, $175
33. $175, $175
34. $175, $175
35. $175, $175


Loudon June 14-17
Chevy Trucks Superbike
Purse Payout
1. $10,500
2. $7000
3. $4500
4. $4000
5. $3500
6. $2900
7. $2700
8. $2500
9. $2300
10. $2100
11. $2000
12. $1900
13. $1800
14. $1700
15. $1600
17. $1400
18. $1300
19. $1200
20. $1100
21. $1000
22. $900
23. $800
24. $700
25. $600
26. $400
27. $400
28. $400
29. $400
30. $400
31. $200
32. $200
33. $200
34. $200
35. $200


The 250cc Grand Prix payout at Loudon pays $6000 to win versus $3000 for victory at Road America, as follows:

Road America June 7-10
MBNA 250cc Grand Prix
Purse Payout
1. $3000
2. $2400
3. $1600
4. $1200
5. $1050
6. $900
7. $850
8. $800
9. $750
10. $700
11. $650
12. $600
13. $550
14. $500
15. $450


Loudon June 14-17
MBNA 250cc Grand Prix
Purse Payout
1. $6000
2. $4500
3. $3000
4. $2400
5. $2100
6. $1800
7. $1650
8. $1500
9. $1350
10. $1200
11. $1050
12. $975
13. $900
14. $825
15. $750


The Formula Xtreme purse at Road America totals $7000 while the Formula Xtreme purse at Loudon totals $8000.

Road America June 7-10
Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme
Purse Payout
1. $1800
2. $1200
3. $700
4. $600
5. $500
6. $450
7. $400
8. $350
9. $300
10. $200
11. $100
12. $100
13. $100
14. $100
15. $100

Loudon June 14-17
Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme
Purse Payout
1. $2100
2. $1500
3. $1000
4. $650
5. $575
6. $450
7. $400
8. $300
9. $250
10. $200
11. $150
12. $125
13. $100
14. $100
15. $100


There is no Pro Thunder race at Road America, but the Pro Thunder race at Loudon pays a total of $10,000 as follows:

Loudon June 14-17
Buell Pro Thunder
Purse Payout
1. $2500
2. $1700
3. $1200
4. $750
5. $600
6. $550
7. $500
8. $450
9. $400
10. $350
11. $300
12. $250
13. $200
14. $150
15. $100



The Loudon 600cc Supersport and 750cc Supersport races have no purse money, paying manufacturer contingency only. Road America posts $3500 for each Supersport class, paying out as follows:

Road America June 7-10
Genuine Suzuki Accessories 750cc Supersport
Purse Payout
1. $550
2. $475
3. $400
4. $350
5. $300
6. $250
7. $225
8. $175
9. $150
10. $125
11. $100
12. $100
13. $100
14. $100
15. $100

Road America June 7-10
Pro Honda Oils 600cc Supersport
Purse Payout
1. $550
2. $475
3. $400
4. $350
5. $300
6. $250
7. $225
8. $175
9. $150
10. $125
11. $100
12. $100
13. $100
14. $100
15. $100

By Glenn LeSanto

Neil Hodgson got the win he’s been waiting for in the first race at the Donington round of the World Superbike Championship. The GSE Ducati rider swept into the lead early in the race with fellow Brit Steve Hislop close behind. But the frantic pace set by Hodgson in the damp conditions proved too much for wild card rider Hislop, who took to the grass and dropped back to sixth place. As Hodgson roared home to take the checkered flag Scotsman Hislop fought his way back through the pack and got up to second place. But on the last corner Italian Suzuki rider Pierfrancesco Chili nipped inside to deny the Scot the runner-up spot.

Championship points leader Troy Bayliss had a difficult race, sliding backwards through the field after a good start. The Australian suffered tire problems and finished back in 13th. The Ducati Infostrada rider finished behind rival Australian Troy Corser, who brought his Aprilia home in 11th. Reigning World Champion Colin Edwards was fifth, behind his Castrol Honda teammate Tady Okada in fourth.

1. Neil Hodgson, GB, Ducati, 39:46.490
2. Pierfrancesco Chili, Italy, Suzuki, 39:49.182
3. Steve Hislop, GB, Ducati, 39:49.320
4. Tady Okada, Japan, Honda, 39:50.508,
5. Colin Edwards, USA, Honda, 39:51.131
6. Ben Bostrom, USA, Ducati, 39:51.883
7. Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati, 39:58.560
8. James Toseland, GB, Ducati, 40:07.263
9. Stephane Chambon, France, Suzuki, 40:07.465
10. Gregorio Lavilla, Spain, Kawasaki, 40:11.106

By Glenn LeSanto
Reigning World Sidecar Champion Steve ‘Webbo’ Webster’s troubled season continued at Donington when he was forced to retire for the second race running. This time it wasn’t mechanical problems that sidelined the Team Liveonscreen.com Racing outfit-–it was due to passenger Paul Woodhead’s knee problem. Woodhead, who has had two operations on the knee in the last few weeks, was forced to throw in the towel when he lost mobility in the knee joint while the pair were leading the race. If the passenger can’t move freely about the sidecar the rider can’t push hard, so Webster had no choice but to pull in. Woodhead was rushed to the medical center for examination as soon as the pair returned to the pitlane.

Webster’s arch rival Klaus Klaffenbock inherited the lead and kept it to record his third win in three races. Klaffenbock, who finished second in the title chase behind Webster last year, now has a commanding lead in the series. Steve Abbott grabbed second place from Steinhausen in an audacious last corner move that saw the two outfits touch going into Goddards. As both outfits looked ready to spin out of control it was Abbott who kept things together to get the drive out of the bend and secure second.



Sidecar Results
Donington, England

1. Klaffenbock/Parzer, 38:21.628

2. Abbott/Biggs, 38:44.378

3. Steinhausen/Hopkinson, 38:45.877

4. Hanks/Biggs, 39:09.804

5. Van Gils/Van Gils, 39:26.846

6. Guy/Peach, 39:31.642

7. Hauzenberger/Hanni, 39:52.287



Sidecar World Championship Points Standings:

1. Klaffenbock, 75

2. Abbott, 53

3. Steinhausen, 32

4. Hauzenberher, 31

5. Van Gils, 27

6. Hanks, 24

7. Liechti, 24

8. Webster, 20

By Glenn LeSanto

James Ellison took the European Superstock race win at his home circuit of Donington Park to nudge ahead of Italian rider Walter Tortoroglio in the title chase. Ellison’s victory came after the pair had been locked in a race-long battle. Despite suffering from serious chatter from the front end of his Suzuki GSX-R1000, Ellison managed to hold it all together in the difficult conditions at Donington Park where rain had fallen prior to the race, leaving the surface wet in places.

The front forks on Ellison’s machine were bouncing like a pogo stick as he braked hard for the tighter bends such as the difficult Melbourne Hairpin. Tortoroglio, or ‘Torto’ as he is known, managed to get by Ellison on the brakes going into Redgate Corner in the closing laps, only for Ellison to blast back into the lead a few corners later. Chris Burns led the race in the early stages until he crashed unhurt on lap 10. Mark Heckles recovered from a poor start to take third place.

European Superstock Championship
Donington Park
Race Result
1. James Ellison, GB, Suzuki, 24:52.807
2. Walter Tortoroglio, Italy, Suzuki, 24:53.233
3. Mark Heckles, GB, Honda, 25:01.389
4. Markus Wegscheider, Italy, Suzuki, 25:06.112
5. Dario Tosolini, Italy, Ducati, 25:08.409
6.Gary Mason, GB, Honda, 25:11.695.

By Glenn LeSanto


Pierfrancesco Chili snatched the win in race two at Donington to rob local hero Neil Hodgson of a double World Superbike victory.

It was the first World Superbike win of the year for a four-cylinder 750cc machine; all the other races have been won by 1000cc V-Twins.

Hodgson led for much of the race, having passed early leader Colin Edwards. It looked like Hodgson would repeat his performance in race one and run away with another victory. But Chili and Aprilia rider Troy Corser had other plans and, with some determined riding that saw Chili set the fastest lap of the race, the pair caught Hodgson in the closing stages of the race.

Hodgson managed to hold them at bay for several laps but Chili kept piling on the pressure. With Corser dropping back the scene was set for a last-lap thriller after Chili snatched the lead on the penultimate lap. Hodgson tried everything to get back in front, but Chili was a match for him and held his nerve. Even braking very late into the final bend failed to faze Chili who blasted across the line just a fraction ahead of Hodgson to claim his first win of the season.

While Hodgson was obviously disappointed not to have made the double he can console himself with by far his best result of the season.


American Ben Bostrom finished fourth with a fading Edwards sixth.

At the top of the championship points table the gap was closed by Corser’s third place, as championship leader Troy Bayliss came home a lowly ninth. Bayliss still leads the title race with 160 points but Corser has closed the gap and is now 17 points down on 143 points. Edwards remains third in the title chase with 141 points and Chili is fourth with 119.


Donington Park
World Superbike
Second race results

1. Pierfrancesco Chili, Italy, Suzuki, 39:30.374

2. Neil Hodgson, GB, Ducati, 39:30.499

3. Troy Corser, Australia (Aprilia) 39:30.930

4. Ben Bostrom, USA, Ducati, 39:37.788

5. John Reynolds, GB, Ducati, 39:39.742

6. Colin Edwards, USA, Honda, 39:42.092

7. Tadayuki Okada, Japan, Honda, 39:42.246

8. Akira Yanagawa, Japan, Kawasaki, 39:43.427

9. Troy Bayliss, Australia, Ducati, 39:46.910

10. Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati, 39:48.611


World Superbike Championship points after six of 13 rounds:

1. Bayliss, 160

2. Corser, 143

3. Edwards, 141

4. Chili, 119

5. Hodgson, 103

6. Bostrom, 97

7. Yanagawa, 89

8. Lavilla, 77

9. Laconi, 63

10. Chambon, 61


Manufacturers points:
1. Ducati, 218
2. Honda, 187
3. Aprilia, 162
4. Kawasaki, 142
5. Suzuki, 131
6. Yamaha, 20

Next round: Lausitzring, Germany – June 10