From a press release:

Team Obsolete is pleased to announce its 2002 Daytona Vintage lineup, by special arrangement with Daytona International Speedway. Isle of Man TT winner Dave Roper and “Superfrog” Yvon Duhamel return, aiming for victories in the 500 Premier and Formula 750 classes respectively.

David Roper will be riding an ex-Al Gunther tuned, Dick Mann framed Matchless G-50. Secrecy surrounding the specifications of this ultra rare, non replica motor in the Team Obsolete labs is at an all time high.

Yvon Duhamel, patriarch of the racing Duhamel family will ride the ex-Dick Mann BSA A75R that won the 1971 Daytona 200. During the decade that Yvon has been racing this legendary machine at Daytona, he has had one win and several second places.

Roper and Duhamel will be joined by Jerry Liggett and Dr. Lon McCroskey on “Beezumph 750 Triples”, plus multi-time Daytona winner Erik Green, and Tupper Robinson, both on AJS 7R “Boy Racers.”

The legendary AJS PORCUPINE will be on display at the Team Obsolete pits.

Team Obsolete is sponsored by Vanson Leathers, National Motorcycle Museum (UK), Avon Tyres, Works Performance Suspension, Bell Helmets, Air Tech, R/D Springs, and Agusta Aerospace.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA has cancelled a contract with OMS Ltd. and faces binding arbitration that could result in the organization having to pay OMS millions of dollars in members’ money, for nothing.

According to OMS principal Fred Bramblett, the contract, (under which OMS represented AMA Sports, the Association’s amateur racing division, in sponsorship procurement and negotiations), was unilaterally cancelled by the AMA after OMS signed an unrelated contract to be the public relations agency of record for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.

AMA officials told him that if OMS did business with Clear Channel, it could not do business with AMA despite the valid contract, Bramblett said.

The irony is that the AMA itself is doing business with Clear Channel through the 2002 Supercross Series, and that AMA Director (Trustee) Davey Coombs owns a company that just signed a multi-year contract to produce Supercross programs for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.

Speaking at the sold-out Clear Channel Supercross held Saturday night in Anaheim, California, Bramblett also revealed that late last year he made an offer to AMA to buy Paradama (aka AMA Pro Racing) which was immediately rejected by the AMA Board. Bramblett said he offered to place $5 million in an escrow account to show that he was serious, and that the exact selling price would have been negotiated after examination of Paradama’s current contractual negotiations. Bramblett said that, if the purchase had gone through, he would have continued to run under AMA sanction and would have created long-term (20-year) series and event franchises to give promoters the ability to build their events and series.

Track owner Bill Huth said that the September 13-15 Toyota 200 race at Willow Springs International Raceway will feature four rounds of qualifying, each round locking in one of four front-row starting positions.

The final round of qualifying will be held on Friday, September 13.

Huth said that the three previous qualifying rounds will be held one month apart.

The fastest rider in each round of qualifying will be locked into a front-row starting position; qualifying positions behind the front row will be determined by lap time only, regardless of in which round the qualifying time is set.

The race will pay $50,000 to win with $30,000 for second place. The field will include the 40 fastest qualifiers, and the last-place finisher will be paid $1000.

From an AMA press release:

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced its ten-tour 2002-2003 AMA Tours schedule, spotlighting two brand-new excursions: the “Raising Route 66” Tour and the Ireland Tour.

The “Raising Route 66” Tour, scheduled for May 18 – 31, retraces “The Mother Road” from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. While scouting this trip, AMA Tours located and meticulously mapped out over 80% of the original — and often hard-to-find — roadway. The tour focuses not only on Route 66 itself, but also on the roadside attractions that still survive from the road’s glory days.

“Some of the first long-distance motorcycle trips on pavement followed Route 66,” said Frank Covucci, Director of AMA Travel & Tours. “Our new Route 66 excursion helps celebrate long-distance motorcycle travel on the actual
road that started it all.”

The Ireland Tour is scheduled for May 17 – 30. Although the AMA has hosted tours through the British Isles for many years, this new-for-2002 excursion is the first to highlight Ireland. Starting in London, the Ireland Tour takes in the annual British Motorcycle Federation Show in England, before traveling through Wales and crossing over to Ireland. Several days in Ireland will include prime motorcycling destinations and Irish history.

“We created the Ireland Tour in response to requests from many of our previous tour guests,” said Covucci. “After sampling most of our other excursions, they convinced us that this should be the next place to visit with AMA tours.”

In addition to the “Raising Route 66” Tour and the Ireland Tour, the 2002-2003 AMA Tours schedule includes:

Sonomafest Redwood Coast (Northern California), April 26 – May 5;
Canadian Atlantic Maritimes (Nova Scotia and Newfoundland), June 15 – 29;
AMAzing Alps (Italy, Switzerland and France), June 29 – July 11;
England & Isle of Man (Manx Grand Prix), August 23 – September 5;
Conquer the Canyons (U.S. Southwest), September 7 – 17;
Chasing the Colors (Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains), Oct. 5-14;
South African Safari, October 31 – November 16; and
New Zealand, January 20 – February 7, 2003.

AMA Tours are open to both AMA members and non-members. Proceeds from the tours support the AMA’s efforts to protect American motorcyclists’ rights.

The American Motorcyclist Association, founded in 1924, is a 270,000-member non-profit organization. The Association’s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its
members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

The AMA Board of Trustees is now being called the AMA Board of Directors. Why?

According to the AMA, the change from “Trustees” to “Directors” was made to bring The Association’s Code of Regulations into compliance with changes in Ohio law governing non-profits.

AMA headquarters are located in Pickerington, Ohio.

From a press release:

$15 Million Improvement Project Groundbreaking

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Gets a Facelift

First Phase Includes Garages and Hospitality Suites

Monterey, CA (February 1, 2002) – The groundbreaking for the first phase of a multi-year, $15 million improvement project at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is set for Friday, February 8, 2002. From 11:30am to 12:30pm, local dignitaries, city and Monterey County officials, Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) and Mazda representatives and drivers from the CART series will be onhand to usher in a new beginning at the world famous road course. The event coincides with CART Sneak Preview, which will be taking place throughout the weekend. Honorary co-chairs of the Leadership Cabinet for the Capital Campaign, setup to help fund the project, include racing legend Mario Andretti and car designer Carroll Shelby. World-renowned motorcycle racer, Wayne Rainey, is the honorary chairperson.

“We’re thrilled to finally break ground on these long-planned improvements,” said SCRAMP President Kathy Hayworth, “and we thank the spectators and participants in advance for putting up with our dust throughout the forthcoming construction process. The end result will be well worth the wait and will positively enhance the racing experience for everyone who attends an event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We appreciate the efforts of all those who helped make this possible.”

The entire improvement project will direct $15 million toward revamping Mazda Raceway’s support facilities including permanent garages topped by hospitality suites, a revamped media center with race control and timing and scoring. Phase I is slated to cost $7.8 million. To help with the cost of the improvement project, SCRAMP has secured a $7,112,300.00 loan with First National Bank. The groundbreaking kicks-off construction of Phase I, which entails the project section that is nearest to Turn 11.

“This is Mazda’s home away from home,” said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda North America Operations, “so making MRLS an even better, more enjoyable racing facility for fans, racing teams, drivers and our employees was one of the primary reasons for our relationship with SCRAMP.”

The partnership Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) signed with Mazda North America Operations early last year was vital in helping fund the improvement project. The $7.5 million SCRAMP received helped our organization move forward with plans to replace the temporary structures built for each event with permanent facilities including garages, luxury suites, bathrooms and other much needed infrastructure improvements, and address improvements in safety, traffic and parking.

Tentative Construction Break-down:

Phase IA:

Phase I includes construction of the northern most ten, double-car garages, one Concession Facility, one women’s restroom, one men’s restroom, one Catering Kitchen and twelve Hospitality Suites. These twelve suites consist of four Corporate Suites and eight Individual Suites. Phase IA is slated to be completed by the end of the 2002 racing season. ((Following completion of Phase IA, Phase IB will begin. It will include ten additional double-car garages, one concession facility, one women’s restroom and shower facility, two men’s restroom and shower facilities, two open pass-throughs for race vehicle access from the paddock to Pit Road, an additional catering kitchen and 17 Corporate Hospitality Suites. This total Phase I Project will be complete by the end of the 2003 race season.))

Interim Pits; Will be developed along the south edge of the Paddock to facilitate track operations while the new Pit Road is under construction.

Demolition; Will include the removal of existing paving and infrastructure to be replaced in Pit Road from the Turn Eleven entrance to the Start/Finish Bridge, excluding the Service Lane and in the Paddock from the south boundary of the Paddock and adjacent to the Service Lane for approximately 500′ south and 150′ west.

Racecourse & Paddock Improvements; Will include revising the Signal Lane to conform to FIA and FIM standards, revise and repave Pit Road to a 50′ width with redefined wider and longer Pit Boxes, widen and improve the Service Lane, improve Racecourse, Pit Road and Service Lane drainage and improve drainage in the Paddock and the repaving and realigning grades with the new Building.

New Sewage & Water System; Will include a new Sewer System infrastructure throughout the Paddock and extending down “B” Road to the Rifle Range where a new sewage Holding Tank will be installed, expand and improve the Raceway Water System and with Monterey County Parks develop a new Potable Water Well and potable water Holding Tank.

Improve and Expand Utility System; Will include the expansion and distribution of the Power System, TV, Data, Phone and Communications Systems to meet the needs of the new Project.


Phase II:

Phase II project will be completed at the southern end of the Phase I Project at a cost of approximately $7,000,000. Construction of Phase II is slated to begin at the end of the 2003 race season and have the balance of the project completed before the start of the 2004 race season.

Start/Finish Bridge, a new 20′ wide by 141′ long pedestrian bridge, from Directors Road to the Paddock, to improve raceway circulation.

Structured Ramp/SCRAMP Billboard, as the Start/Finish Bridge terminates on the Paddock side of the racecourse a new 20′ wide switchback ramp system will be constructed to bring the pedestrians down the 34′ vertical elevation change. The ramp exterior will become the SCRAMP Billboard, providing sponsor signage and event announcements.

Head Flagman Podium, located below the bridge and above the signal lane providing the latest in equipment, technology and safety systems.

Sanctioning Body and Participant Facility a two story facility that will centralize the raceway operations including, on the lower level, Sanctioning Body and Race Central operations and on the upper level, Race Participant/Family Chapel, a Multi-Purpose space for Driver Meetings, Post Race Interviews and SCRAMP/Promoter/Sponsor functions and an exterior Terrace for their entertainment functions. It will also be the new location of the Victory Circle and Podium. Other Facilities, as funding allows.


Phase III:

The Phase III (and beyond) Project is outlined below without priority. The Phase III (and beyond) Project Schedule, will not start until Phase II is complete and priorities have been established and funding available. Therefore a budget has yet to be determined.

A. Participant/Operational Buildings/Structures:

Turn 9 Vehicle Bridge, a new 24′ wide by 175′ long vehicle bridge to accommodate a new loop road to improve for improved egress from the Paddock and Swale.

Grandstands, replaced, realigned or additional seating along the Main Strait and in Turn 4

Race Control/Timing and Scoring, expanded and improved facilities across from the start/finish line, outside the racecourse

Media Center, renovated and improved facilities at existing location

Participant Medical Facility, a new emergency trauma facility to be located outside Turn 11 with medical heli-pad.

SCRAMP & Monterey County Parks Joint Use Building, a new facility located at the current Parks compound housing Parks Staff and Raceway communications, Traffic Control, Security
and Sheriff Deputies

SCRAMP Office Expansion, expansion of existing facilities.

SCRAMP Volunteer Service Center, a new on-site facility for volunteer training and staging and a new Directors Board Room

Support Facilities, additional facilities including 4 Souvenir Concessions, 18 Food Concessions, 2 Storage Facilities and 4 Catering Kitchens

Permanent Restrooms, 24 additional facilities providing a total of 270 urinals, 126 toilets, 270 lavatories and 36 showers for men and 414 toilets, 270 lavatories and 18 showers for women

B. Spectator and Sponsor Facilities:
Hospitality Suites, an additional 25 Hospitality Suites, above the Grandstands along the Main Strait, 8 Hospitality Suites in Turn 3 and 8 Hospitality Suites in Turn 4 Tower Hospitality Suites, the existing “Tower” will be relocated to the north end of the main Strait Grandstands at Turn 11 and renovated to accommodate I enclosed suite per floor for a total of 4 suites

Chalets, new and expanded location around the perimeter of the racecourse to accommodate 5 temporary Corporate Chalets

Pavilion (Flag Room), Information Center & Ticketing, a new SCRAMP/Monterey County Parks joint-use facility housing Exhibition Space (Flag Room), Banquet and Ballroom functions, Parks and Raceway Information Center and ticketing for all events

Souvenir Store & Café, located adjacent to the Pavilion Building will be a new SCRAMP Souvenir Store and Café, open year round

Historic Race Vehicle Museum, a new Museum housing historic racing vehicles (automobiles & motorcycles) and other racing memorabilia

VIP Heli-pad Gazebos, 4 new Gazebos at the existing Heli-pad providing environmental protection and waiting comfort

Information Kiosks, 8 informational Kiosks located strategically around the Raceway

Spectator Medical Facility, replace the existing medical facility (to be relocated between Turns 1 & 2) with a new tertiary care facility above the Paddock and below the Trylon Restaurant, provide a new 325 seat restaurant at the top of and overlooking the world famous “Corkscrew”

SCRAMP motorsports events have an economic impact of more than $129 million dollars annually for central coast businesses, and over the last 44 years that has added up to more than $1 billion dollars for area business owners. In addition, SCRAMP has made more than $10 million dollars in donations to charities in Monterey County and supported Monterey County Parks, plus raceway improvements, with approximately $1 million per year. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, $507,500 was donated to local and regional charities.

Just as Ducati Corse’s Paolo Ciabatti told Roadracingworld.com readers on January 15, Ducati will officially announce its MotoGP plans on Monday, February 4.

Other than tidbits revealed by Ciabatti, Ducati officials haven’t divulged any information about their MotoGP program since they announced their intention to join the series.

From a press release:

Suzuki Moves Forward with Plans for Business Alliance with Kawasaki

— Alliance Seen as Expanding 2003 Model Line-u and Helping Satisfy Demand for Suzuki-Produced Product —


BREA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2002) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), which markets motorcycles and ATVs in the U.S. with a network of more than 1,000 dealerships, said today Suzuki is moving forward with its announced strategic alliance between Suzuki Motor Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., both based in Japan – an alliance that will result in an expanded product line for Suzuki dealers as early as this year.

The alliance, as jointly announced by both companies in Japan in August 2001, is based on automotive partnership models designed to increase competitiveness in an increasingly complex environment, and will include shared product development, standardization of parts, joint purchasing and manufacturing. Progress on these projects will be disclosed to Suzuki dealers in the near future as details become available, according to Mel Harris, vice president of ASMC’s motorcycle/ATV division.

“In the short-term, the alliance will further broaden our award-winning line-up and enable us to offer our motorcycle and ATV dealers in the U.S. the most competitive product line in the industry,” Harris explained. “This initial sharing of models will help us further expand the increasing popularity of the youth, offroad and competition segments, while maintaining the dominance of our brand in super sports and street categories.”

Harris says the long-term implications of the alliance are even more crucial, with the ultimate goal being co-development of future products and a net shift in global market share to Suzuki.

“Ultimately, the alliance helps us satisfy the increasing global demand for Suzuki brand product – a demand that resulted in the doubling of our retail business in North America during the past four years,” Harris said. “The popularity and sales momentum we’ve seen with our motorcycles – primarily the Hayabusa, GSX-R, Intruder, Bandit and SV models — has been carried over to our expanded ATV line, which now includes the Eiger, Vinson, Ozark, LT-A50 and new sport LT-Z400. Suzuki pioneered four-wheelers, and the continued development of our ATV line makes our First on Four Wheels slogan now more relevant than ever.

“The maintenance and expanded recognition of the Suzuki brand in the U.S. – a brand backed by product with inherent Suzuki quality — will remain our number one priority,” said Harris. “This strategic alliance helps us achieve brand and market share growth while giving us even more of an edge in the U.S. and global marketplaces.”

U.S. Marshalls Southeast Bureau Chief Marshall Egor Emery is looking to fill his safety staff for the up-coming 12-days of action at Daytona International Speedway, February 27 through March 10, 2002. The on-track activities start with the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School on Wednesday, February 27, runs through the CCS/Formula USA race weekend February 28-March 3, includes the AHRMA Vintage event March 4-5 and concludes with the season-opening round of the AMA National series March 6-10.

Emery says that about 160 workers in total are needed to cover the 12 days with a peak of 60 safety officials needed on March 10, the day of the Daytona 200.

There are various benefits that come with cornerworking at Daytona during Bike Week, including free meals, lodging deals and the opportunity to take some time off during the 12 days to enjoy the beach or other activities.

Emery says that he usually has spots for the AMA weekend filled by February 15 each year, but he would always find a place for highly-qualified late comers.

For more information on working corners at Daytona or at any other racetrack in the country, contact Emery via e-mail at [email protected].