From Team Suzuki Press Office
Factory-backed British Superbike team Crescent Suzuki has announced a two-year title sponsorship deal with professional power tool brand 'Worx' seeing the team contest the 2009 series under the new name - Worx Crescent Suzuki.
Part of the Positec Power Tools group, Worx first entered the UK market in 1996 with its cutting-edge designs and breakthrough innovations. Successfully expanding its ergonomic range of power tools, Worx is perfect for heavy-duty commercial use and is a range used by young professionals who appreciate their market-leading quality and performance.
Managing director of Positec UK, Clive Daley, commented, "With the Worx brand we are dedicated to delivering innovation, high quality and comfort, all without sacrificing power. I believe the synergies between Suzuki Racing and Worx are many and we look forward to a winning partnership."
Jack Valentine, team manager for Worx Crescent Suzuki, added, "Clearly we are delighted to have Worx onboard this season. It's always great to welcome new sponsors to the sport and with Worx we have a partner who shares our enthusiasm and will to succeed. With an initial two-year deal, we look forward to a long and successful partnership and can't wait to get the new liveried GSX-R1000 out in action with Sylvain Guintoli at the first round of the championship at Brands Hatch."
Team Partners Include: Worx Power Tools, Motorex Oils, Express Insurance, Crescent Motorcycle Company Ltd, Suzuki GB PLC, Dream Machine, Dread, Bartlett Plastering, Insignia, Replicast, MAC Tools, Akrapovic, Blue Chip, Data Pacific, Brembo, Goodridge, Capit, Marchesini, NGK, Muc-off, Tsubaki, Renthal.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Worx Power Tools backs Crescent Suzuki
Virginia promotion targets Canadians
From motorcycleva.com
RICHMOND, VA – Beginning April 4, motorcyclists with a Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia passport can head out on the highway and find adventure at more than 50 premier tourism destinations and attractions throughout the commonwealth and win some great prizes as well. This grand motorcycle tour of Virginia is open to Canadian motorcyclists and their passengers between April 4-Sept. 1, 2009.
The Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia is a motorcyclist’s dream, celebrating 40 years of “Virginia is for Lovers” – not to mention the movie Easy Rider and Arlo Guthrie’s The Motorcycle Song. Riders and their passengers can express their passion for riding and for Virginia by collecting prize points when their passport is stamped at each participating location. More stamps mean more fun and more prizes.
Participants completing the entire tour with a total of 164 points will receive a Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia jacket and be in the running to win one of the following – two season passes for Virginia International Raceway 2010, a 1000-watt generator from Fredericksburg Motorsports, a $500 gift certificate from California Sidecar Factory in Nellysford, a $500 cash award from Dr Pepper, or a two-night stay at Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County.
For riders accumulating more than 100 points, names will be entered into a random drawing for prizes ranging from gift certificates from motorcycle dealers across the state, overnight stays at participating hotels and resorts, motorcycle tires, tour books and cash awards.
To participate in the 2009 Grand Tour of Virginia, log on to motorcycleva.com to download the registration form. Send the completed form along with the $25USD registration fee to the address indicated on the form. All registrants will receive an official Grand Tour t-shirt, ride pin and passport.
The program kicks-off April 4 but riders can register until Sept. 1. Completed Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia passports must be mailed and postmarked by Nov. 1, 2009 to be eligible for ride prizes. A complete list of the sponsors, prizes and rules are also posted on motorcycleva.com, along with a Virginia map highlighting all of the stops on the Grand Tour.
The Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia is a partnership between the Governor’s Motorcycle Advisory Council, the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (VHTA), and the Virginia Motorcycle Dealers Association, with support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
More information about the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia is available at www.motorcycleva.com. Visit www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA for travel planning resources.
Advertiser of the Day - SOS Motorcycle Tires
Another feature is the new Dayton Motorcycle Dyno, installed in its own 15x18 vented room.
We sell and install Power Commanders and Techlusion. On our Wednesday night “Guys & Gals Work Shop” you can work on your own bike in the comfort of our shop.
McLean makes 'Young Guns' roster
Coaldale, AB's Royce McLean is the lone Canadian among 28 up-and-coming racers profiled in the 2009 Young Guns feature in the April, 2009 issue of California-based monthly Roadracing World.
The 14-year-old won last year's USGPRU West Coast 125cc Championship and will compete in the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike division of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship this summer, racing for Yamaha.
The Young Guns section was introduced by Roadracing World in 1998 as a way to profile North American road racing talent. Competitors between the ages of 12 and 20 who have won Expert-level road races or championships aboard motorcycles 125cc or larger are eligible for recognition.
Past Young Guns include Nicky, Tommy and Roger Hayden, John Hopkins, Ben Spies and Jason DiSalvo. Canadians Kevin Lacombe, Andrew Nelson and Chris Peris have also been profiled.
McLean started racing at nine years old in the Alberta Mini Roadracing Association and is under the wing of former Canadian Pro racer Steve Dick, who previously worked with former Amatuer Sport Bike champion Jeremy Leduc and current rising Pro star Brett McCormick.
"Disastrous" session for Hayden at Jerez
Ducati Marlboro newboy Nicky Hayden encountered problems on Sunday afternoon in Jerez and referred to his 11th placed finish in the BMW M Award as something of a disaster.
Outside the top 10 in the first ‘competitive’ session with his new team on Sunday at the Official MotoGP Test, Hayden left Jerez trailing his triumphant team-mate Casey Stoner by a significant 1.755-sec. margin – as the Australian took the honours in the BMW M Award.
In fairness, the vast majority of the MotoGP grid have struggled to match Stoner’s 2009 preseason pace and Hayden is still adapting to Bridgestone tires and the Ducati Desmosedici GP9.
The 2006 World Champion survived a scary moment in the Sunday showdown session as he ran into one of the Jerez gravel traps at high velocity, fortunately managing to keep himself upright and immediately return to the track.
“In the morning we made some small improvements and I was able to go a bit quicker, but the 45-minute session was a bit of a disaster," Hayden said. "We were making some changes beforehand but ran out of time to get the bike ready and I lost some time at the beginning of the session. Then when I went out we had a clutch problem and I had to change to my second bike, which I’ve hardly ridden this weekend, and it had a different setting.”
Forever his own harshest critic Hayden admitted he had hoped to round off the preseason in a more competitive fashion and noted his own team-mate’s high standards, to which he will aspire in 2009.
“Casey has shown the package is good and to be honest I’d hoped to be closer to him by this stage,” the American rider stated. “But now it’s time to go racing, so we’ll head out to Qatar, work hard and see what happens.”
Unlike Stoner, Hayden went back out on track for the late Sunday free practice run, using the opportunity to get some additional wet laps under his belt before calling it a day.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Inside Motorcycles to support Millson and Nickerson
From RMP Racing
HAMILTON, ON - Inside Motorcycles, “Canada’s source for motorcycle news” has signed on to support top ranked Pro Superbike privateer Ross Millson and assist RMP Racing's development rider Steven Nickerson for the coming 2009 season.
As one of Canada's top privateer motorcycle road racers Hamilton's Millson began his 2008 season with a sixth place finish at the opening round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Calabogie Motorsport Park, his personal best finish as a Pro. Millson went on to wrap up his 2008 season ninth overall in the Championship point standings.
Carrying the HD on-board camera for TSN's 2009 broadcasts of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, Millson will focus on the Pro Superbike class where he will compete aboard a RMP Racing built Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Nickerson, also of Hamilton, wrapped up his 2008 season adding to his collection of Championships by putting together enough points to win the 2008 RACE Regional Amateur 125GP Championship. In 2008 Nickerson was once again honored to be selected from top riders from 10 different countries to try out for the now defunct 2009 Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup.
Nickerson's goal for 2009 will be to take the next step and debut at the national level to compete in the Honda CBR125R Challenge along with select races in the US-based USGPRU 125GP class.
“Inside Motorcycles has been an integral part of the success of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship,” said Millson. “Not only are they directly involved in the series, they do an outstanding job at covering all forms of motorcycle racing in Canada and around the world. Steven and I are proud to be associated with this world-class publication and its staff.”
As part of the program developed with Inside Motorcycles, RMP Racing will transport and display the current issue of the magazine as well as the Official Series Program. Throughout the 2009 season, motorcycle enthusiasts and racers are invited to drop by the RMP Racing paddock to pick up a copy and learn more about the latest special offers on subscriptions.
“Ross is a racer who always gives 100 per cent and represents himself, his race team and motorcycle racing in a very professional manner,” said Inside Motorcycles managing editor David Weber. “Plus, his efforts to develop young competitors like Steve Nickerson show a real commitment to the sport. We are proud to be affiliated with Ross and the entire RMP Racing team.”
For additional information about RMP Racing's Ross Millson and Steven Nickerson or to learn more about marketing opportunities with the team please visit www.rmpracing.ca.
Hodgson still sidelined for Atlanta
From Corona Extra Honda Racing
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Corona Extra Honda Racing’s Neil Hodgson has elected to miss the upcoming Road Atlanta AMA Superbike event April 3-5. Jake Holden, who took fifth at Auto Club Speedway on the Corona Honda CBR1000RR Superbike, will continue piloting duties for the event.
Hodgson, who is recovering from a training injury, said, “I am disappointed that I won’t be riding this weekend but I want to be 100 per cent fit so made the decision to sit out the Atlanta event. I am looking forward to getting back on the Corona Superbike at Barber.”
“I was really starting to feel comfortable on the bike last weekend so think I can do well at Road Atlanta," Holden said. "I’m looking forward to the race."
Advertiser of the Day - GP Bikes
Since their humble beginnings in 1999 with 5 older, used motorcycles, they have grown into one of Ontario’s industry leader’s in late model, pre-owned motorcycle sales. They pack into their store an extensive selection of Japanese, American, and European manufactured bikes. At GP Bikes you can buy with confidence. All used motorcycles are sold certified and with a 60-day warranty. In the chance they don’t have the bike you desire, drop them an e-mail or call and they'll do their best to meet your need. Sunday, March 29, 2009
Blaauwendraat to defend Atlantic title
DARTMOUTH, NS - Last season's HJC National Pro Rookie of the Year runner-up Brian Blaauwendraat recently secured a sponsorship deal with Pro Cycle and Honda Canada to race in 2009.
After making a name for himself with strong performances on an older Honda CBR600RR throughout the 2008 National and Regional road racing seasons, Blaauwendraat is looking forward to the upcoming season and having a brand-new Honda to compete on.
“I'm very excited to be working with Pro Cycle for the upcoming 2009 season,” commented the Truro, NS native. “The 2009 Honda CBR600RR has already shown that it’s a race winner in World Supersport. And I can't wait to put mine into action.”
Blaauwendraat, who also won the Atlantic Roadracing League’s Pro Superbike and Pro 600 Supersport championships in 2008 at Atlantic Motorsport Park, hopes to defend his titles with a repeat performance in 2009 with the help of his new Honda.
"I will be on a stronger and more capable bike than ever before, and I feel very confident in repeating my success from 2008, claiming double titles with ARL. This year will also be a learning year for me,” continued Blaauwendraat. “I will be on a completely new bike to me, and will have to work hard early to get the bike set up.”
Due to budget constraints, Blaauwendraat is unsure of which Parts Canada Superbike Championship rounds he will be able to race. But, after an impressive sixth place Pirelli Superpole qualifying effort in the premier Superbike class at the Atlantic Motorsport Park round of the series last year against motorcycles with 50+ more horsepower than his own 600cc machine, Blaauwendraat plans to put on an exciting show for the hometown fans again this August.
“Unfortunately I don’t know at this point if I have the funding to attend all of the Parts Canada Superbike rounds. Of course, I will be looking for a very strong showing at AMP, my home track,” Blaauwendraat added. “I would like to give a big thank you to Pro Cycle and Honda. If it wasn't for their help I wouldn’t have been riding this year.”
Pro Cycle is no stranger to the racing scene, having been a long-time supporter of the Atlantic round of the National Superbike series and local racing.
“After sponsoring multi-time National champion Don Munroe early in his racing career along with being a sponsor of Acceleration Racing’s Clint McBain and Cody Matechuk in 2008, Pro Cycle is proud to be part of Brian Blaauwendraat’s 2009 racing program,” commented Pro Cycle’s Jim Dunsworth.
Visit Brian on the web: www.brianblaauwendraat.com. His sponsors include Pro Cycle, Honda Canada, Motovan, Pro Tech Suspension, ARL, Vicious Cycle, Acceleration Racing, Lougheads Heating Oils, Uphams Carstar Collision, Bikers Bed & Breakfast, MacLeods Farm Machinery, Pirelli and PPM Mouthgaurds.
Stoner snags BMW at Jerez
The 2007 World Champion Casey Stoner was untouchable in Sunday afternoon’s BMW M Award at the southern Spanish circuit of Jerez, dominating the session onboard his formidable Desmosedici GP9 machine.
Stoner registered a superb 1:38.646 lap in the final 10 minutes of the session, even finding time to give a wave to his Ducati Marlboro team in their pit-box as he flew down the main straight at the end of the lap. Shortly after, the session was brought to a premature close by rainfall, with just over three minutes remaining on the clock.
The winner of last year’s BMW M Award in the rain at Jerez, Stoner’s repeat trick earned him another car to add to his collection, picking up a 135i ‘BMW Sauber F1 Team Edition’, of which only 135 have been made.
The reigning World Champion and winner of the 2007 BMW M Award, Valentino Rossi got closest to Stoner with a 1:39.365, which put him second on the timesheet, 0.719 secs. behind the Australian. Like Stoner, the Fiat Yamaha man is enjoying a good preseason and the pair look like they will push each other hard for the title in 2009.
Behind the front two it was Rizla Suzuki’s Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen who sandwiched fourth placed Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo in the top five.
Causing a surprise in sixth place was Mika Kallio, who impressed his Pramac Racing crew with his pace, despite running off track at one point.
In the continued absence of injured team-mate Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso was the fastest HRC representative. A good performance from returning Ducati rider Sete Gibernau, meanwhile, saw him lap eighth quickest on his Grupo Francisco Hernando satellite bike.
The top 10 was rounded off by San Carlo Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias and the winner of the 2006 BMW M Award, Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Colin Edwards.
With around 15 minutes remaining Edwards’ team-mate James Toseland suffered a nasty highside crash and was stretchered away, as his problematic preseason continued. The session was briefly red flagged as the English rider was given medical attention at the side of the track, with early reports from Clinica Mobile later indicating that he was heavily bruised but not seriously injured.
Lorenzo fastest on Jerez opening day
Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo was the fastest rider on the first day of the Official MotoGP Test at Jerez on Saturday.
Action concluded in southern Spain with Lorenzo leading the way with a 1:39.791 hot lap to put him 0.070 secs. ahead of his team-mate Valentino Rossi, who was the second fastest participant in the session.
At a circuit where he started in pole position in just his second MotoGP race last year, the Spaniard registered his best time on the 97th turn of a marathon 99-lap workout, setting himself up nicely for Sunday’s BMW M Award session, in which he is sure to face stiff competition from Rossi and Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner.
Behind the factory Yamaha pair at the top of the timesheets, Stoner was third fastest on Saturday, the Australian lapping within 0.115 secs. of Lorenzo. Stoner’s compatriot Chris Vermeulen was fourth, the Rizla Suzuki man continuing his good preseason form with a best effort 0.781 secs. down on Lorenzo’s pace.
The experienced pair of Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) ended up fifth and sixth respectively, both within a second of topping the timesheet.
Completing the top 10 were Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), Alex de Angelis (San Carlo Honda Gresini), Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) and Toni Elias (San Carlo Honda Gresini). De Angelis suffered a crash in the afternoon, despite conditions improving as the day proceeded after a wet start, but he was unhurt.
James Toseland was 11th fastest, the Englishman looking much more comfortable on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 M1 machine after a nightmare preseason so far.
Hayate Racing’s Marco Melandri will be pleased to have lapped 12th fastest, even though he was 1.369 secs. down on Lorenzo’s best time. The Italian was not lapping in podium pace but will still be satisfied to have discovered a relatively competitive rhythm.
Meanwhile, although returning veteran Sete Gibernau was 16th overall and nearly two seconds off the pace, he was positive at the end of the day having managed to complete 39 laps despite his ongoing shoulder problem.
LCR Honda gets Playboy sponsorship
Lucio Cecchinello’s premier class Honda satellite outfit LCR Honda is all geared up for the new season with a new bike and an exciting new sponsor.
As the team prepares for its fourth season in the premier class working closely with HRC, Cecchinello has reached an agreement with Playboy for the global brand’s licensees to act as ‘Event Title Sponsors’ at individual Grands Prix this season.
Randy de Puniet remains as Cecchinello’s sole rider in 2009 and the fiery Frenchman will have the famous bunny logo promoting Playboy Italy on his leathers and his 800cc RC212V in the early part of the year.
“We have been in touch with Playboy US for a long time and we have defined the guidelines of a project allowing us to start negotiations with some of this evergreen brand’s global licensees," Cecchinello explained. "Playboy Italy has positively assessed the project and confirmed the sponsorship for the early stage of the season (during the test in Jerez this weekend and the GPs in Japan and Spain as title sponsor) linking it to their activities in the view of relaunching the magazine in Italy.
“Currently, there are further ongoing negotiations with licensees in more countries, who have been presented with our ‘projects by event’ concept, which does not imply any millionaire investments.”
The Italian team boss also previewed the forthcoming season, ahead of the Official MotoGP Test in Jerez this weekend, acknowledging the need for an improvement in results after an inconsistent campaign for De Puniet last season. Cecchinello believes his rider will have more competitive machinery this season thanks to a step up in support from HRC.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Coma claims third Desert Classic
KTM Factory rider Marc Coma rode a masterly tactical race to top the podium in the 2009 Desert Classic on the sands around Abu Dhabi. KTM teammate Cyril Despres was second and Norway's Pal-Anders Ullesvalseter's third place gave KTM a clean sweep.
It was the Spanish rider's third win in the United Arab Emirates event in four years and follows on from his Dakar 2009 triumph in January.
Coma, who assumed the lead on Thursday over his teammate Despres, took advantage of a new regulation that allows the race leader to choose a starting position for the final stage. Marc opted to start in fourth place on a day that presented strong winds and where shifting sands reduced visibility. He was able to follow the tracks of those in front and had extended his lead by over two and a half minutes at the first checkpoint.
Coma eventually finished five minutes, 42 seconds ahead of Despres with Ullesvalseter joining the world's two best rally riders on the podium. All three were onboard KTM 690 R machines.
"It's a great feeling to take a second win of the season and to keep up that winning run," Coma told reporters. "Today was very difficult. The first part of the stage was in a sand storm and you couldn't see the dunes or the track too well. The last section was faster, but there were some difficult sand spits to deal with."
Sébastien Husseini came in as the leading Quad in ninth place overall in the bike category riding a KTM 525 XC.
The race was launched in earnest on Monday after Sunday's super special with riders being hampered by strong winds, occasional restricted visibility and shifting sands, with Despres arriving at the Tal Mureeb bivouac with a slim 41-second edge on Coma after the 442.36km of high speed sand flats and sabkas (salt flats).
Ullesvalseter of Norway settled in behind the two KTM factory riders in third place.
Low-lying fog delayed the start on Tuesday where riders had to tackle soft sand and high temperatures but Coma struck back during the 296.75km desert loop, setting the stage for what was to be a tactical game by the world's two top riders. The Spaniard was 1:39 faster over Despres at the first passage control and finished the day's ride with a 1:25 lead.
The overall lead reverted to the Frenchman Despres in stage three, a 340km loop in what was regarded as the most difficult stage of the rally. He slipped past his arch rival but admitted there was still a lot of work to do. By the end of the day over the tricky dunes Coma had narrowed the deficit to the slimmest 22-second margin.
Then, on the penultimate day, beset by strong winds and hampered visibility, Coma again reclaimed the lead from Despres to set up a gladiatorial battle on the final day. With the weather a major factor on the final day, all that was left was for Coma to play his ace card, choose his starting position carefully and go out and finish the job. He closed out the race in third place in the final stage, and with Despres coming in at fifth, the prize again went to KTM's Spanish rider.
Overall Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 20:18:00
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, 20:23:42
3. Pal-Anders Ullesvalseter, Norway, KTM, 20:25:36
4. Sean Gaugain, South Africa, Honda, 20:46:11
5. Mark Ackerman, South Africa, KTM, 20:49:53
6. Jakub Przygonski, Poland, KTM, 20:50:32
7. Dave McBride, Britain, Honda, 20:58:38
8. Jacek Czachor, Poland, KTM, 21:56:33
9. Sébastien Husseini, Netherlands, KTM 525 XC, 22:02:36 (top Quad)
0. Sean Linton, Britain, Honda, 22:11:50
Hacking cleared to race at Road Atlanta
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Attack Kawasaki rider Jamie Hacking has been placed on probation for the remainder of the 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing season and his minimum one-event penalty that was assessed following this past Sunday's race at Auto Club Speedway has been suspended for the balance of the season following a productive meeting on Friday with AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson and his management team at AMA Pro headquarters in Daytona Beach.
Hacking has paid the related $4,000 (US) fine and also delivered to AMA Pro management in the meeting a letter of apology following the penalty for "conduct detrimental to the sport of professional motorcycle racing" that was assessed Sunday evening following the second and final AMA Pro Daytona SportBike presented by AMSOIL race of the weekend.
Hacking used a string of profane language while exiting the press interview area in the Auto Club Speedway media centre in addition to displaying additional acts of inappropriate behaviour in both public and media interviews throughout the weekend.
Hacking will be permitted to compete in next weekend's event at Road Atlanta but any violations of his probation in that event or any other on the 2009 schedule will result in the immediate enforcement of the one-event penalty, in addition to any other fines, penalties or suspensions related to the infraction.
In the meeting and through his formal letter, Hacking apologized to the "AMA organization and staff, Auto Club Speedway, event sponsors, media and all of the race fans."
AMA Pro officials were satisfied with Hacking's actions and demeanour during the meeting. The organization wishes to thank Hacking, his wife Rachel and Team Attack Kawasaki principal Richard Stanboli, who were all in attendance at the meeting, for their cooperation and professionalism in addressing this situation.
Advertiser of the Day - Belleville Sport & Lawn
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Here’s what you’ll find at Belleville Sport and Lawn: Honda and Suzuki motorcycles, including street cruisers and off-road bikes and ATVs; Bombardier ATVs, snowmobiles, outboard motors and fishing and motor boats. We even offer chainsaws and lawnmowers! All warranty work is handled in our full-service shop and is complemented by our extensive parts and accessory departments.
Martin confirmed with BMW in Sport Bike
WHITBY, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada is pleased to announce the addition of Francis Martin to the 2009 BMW Motorrad Canada Motorsport Team.
Martin, hailing from Sherbrooke, QC, is a veteran of the Parts Canada Superbike series having competed with five different teams in the series and claiming the Canadian Open Sportbike Championship in 2002 and reigning as Canadian Superbike Champion in both 1999 and 2005.
“I am delighted to be part of the BMW Motorrad Canada race team,” stated Martin. “I’m itching to get familiar with the BMW racebike as soon as possible – the season can’t start soon enough!”
Both Mike Ferreira and Martin will compete in the revised Parts Canada Superbike Championship aboard the 2009 BMW HP2 Sport, race-developed in the last two years of the previous Canadian Thunder series.
This year sees a heavily revamped landscape for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship with the elimination of the Canadian Thunder and Sport Twin Classes after the withdrawal of Ducati and KTM from the series. This has resulted in major changes to the rules to the former 600cc Sport Bike classes, opening the door for a range of new machinery to participate.
Starting with the 2009 season, twin cylinder motorcycles from Buell and BMW will be allowed to compete in the Sport Bike classes, running to separate weight and horsepower limitations than their 600cc four cylinder opposition.
Chris Duff, Marketing and Race Team manager for BMW Motorrad Canada stated, “As we work toward the possibility of entering superbike racing in Canada in 2010, the opportunity to have a two-time Canadian Superbike Champion on the team for 2009 is an incredible bonus. We are very excited to have Francis on board for this season.
"With Francis teamed up with Mike Ferreira, a former Pro 600 Sportbike Regional Champion and veteran of two Canadian Thunder seasons with BMW, we are looking forward to seeing BMW running up front in the new Pro Sportbike Class.”
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Advertiser of the Day - Reinhart Trailers
At Reinhart Trailers they have established an astounding relationship with their clients. Their clients utilize Reinhart Trailers as their one source for ensuring product integrity and dealer honesty. As business grew, they have remained focused on providing the best value and the best customer service to each and every one of their clients. Reinhart Trailers objective is to exceed the expectations of every customer, every time they have the opportunity to serve them. With over 10 years experience in the trailer industry, they can assure you that their highly trained and enthusiastic employees will satisfy all of your requirements.
Congress votes to close more than 2 million acres nationwide to off-highway vehicles
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House members on March 25 approved a bill that closes more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized vehicles, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated just a couple weeks earlier, the lawmakers approved H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Congress' first attempt to pass this measure, S. 22, was defeated two weeks ago in the House. However, following that defeat, the Senate leadership brought H.R. 146 to the floor, inserted the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20.
It then went to the House for the March 25 vote.
"The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review.
"For example, House members never debated more than 70 of the bills included in this package before the vote," he said.
The measure, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law, consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation and more than 1,300 pages of text.
Under the bill, areas where motorized vehicles won't be allowed include parts of the Monogahela National Forest in West Virginia; Jefferson National Forest in Virginia; Mount Hood, Badlands, Spring Basin and Copper Salmon areas in Oregon; Sabinoso in New Mexico; Riverside County in California; and Washington County in Utah.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) noted in a House floor speech on Feb. 9 that "there are recreation restrictions in this bill.
"These (the AMA and other responsible recreation) groups' members include millions of off-highway enthusiasts, vacationing families, and small businesses involved in the system. And what they have pleaded with us to do is, quoting from the letter that many groups signed, 'It is our sincere hope that this Congress will develop a thoughtful approach to managing our public lands more than simply eliminating public access and creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Continued reasonable access to public lands is vitally important for current and future generations.'
"So why the rush on this particular bill?" Bishop asked. "And who are the losers, other than Americans who enjoy recreating on public land?"
Moreland warned that these kinds of threats aren't going to end.
"This land grab is just the latest effort by the federal government to restrict recreational access to America's public lands," he said. "AMA members responded to our calls to action and helped us shape the debate of this legislation.
"Our voice must grow stronger if we are to head off these and other threats in the future, and I encourage all motorcyclists to sign up for AMA's legislative alerts," he said.
Through the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, riders can be notified by e-mail when they can make a difference on important issues. To sign up, go to the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and then "Action E-list."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Advertiser of the Day - Suzuki of Brampton
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We have a great selection of New/Used Cars, Motorcycles, ATVs, Accessories, as well; Parts & Service Centres, Finance Department and State-of-the-Art Collision Centre. Suzuki of Brampton is the only place in Brampton and the GTA!
At Suzuki of Brampton, we look forward to serving you for years to come. Please stop by our dealership, located at 181 Canam Crescent in Brampton.
Jeff Ward Victorious at Supermoto Season Opener
It was only a month ago that Jeff Ward learned he would be racing Supermoto in 2009. The team was in need of a rider as the season approached and Jeff was called out of retirement to go after yet another title. The nine-time AMA champion didn't disappoint. Wardy pulled the holeshot in the main event at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA and never looked back. He faced challenges from Mark Burkhart and Brandon Currie during the final but held on to grab the win and the early points lead in the series.
"I'm just shocked to even be on the podium," said Ward after his victory. "I only had a month to prepare and I hurt my wrist at a motocross race in Argentina a few weeks ago so I had my doubts. I just really want to thank the Troy Lee Designs / Red Bull / PPG / Honda team for putting together a great program for me again."
His teammate on the 250, rookie Joey Pascarella, had a rough start on the weekend. During a wet practice session early in the day, Joey hit a water puddle and high-sided in a fast sweeper just after the finish line. The crash resulted in a small fracture in his throttle hand. Initially we thought his day, and his championship hopes, might be over. But Joey taped up his swollen hand, gritted his teeth and went to the start line for the final.
He started third and looked to be settling into that position. At about the halfway point a rider fell in front of him, handing him second. At that point Joey's adrenaline must have kicked in because he started going after the leader. As he closed the gap he lost his front end in a turn but quickly remounted, holding second place to the finish.
"I'm happy to come away from this race with a podium finish," said Pascarella. "I was worried that I had thrown the championship away before the season even got started. I've got time to heal up now and be 100% for the next round. Hopefully I can get a win at the next round and get some points back."
The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/PPG/Honda team now has some time to focus on the second round of the series in Sonoma, CA on May 17th.
Gibernau back in action at Jerez
When Sete Gibernau suffered a small setback to his recovery from a winter shoulder operation during a training session in February it significantly affected his 2009 MotoGP comeback programme, as he aggravated an old shoulder ligament problem and missed the Official MotoGP Night Test in Qatar.
Having never ridden under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit that was a missed opportunity to prepare for the 2009 season opener on April 12 at the Arabian desert track, but Gibernau will be raring to go at this weekend’s Official MotoGP test in Jerez, with the Grupo Francisco Hernando Ducati satellite team.
“The whole shoulder was affected but it has healed quite well," the 36-year-old told motogp.com. "I am not at 100 percent yet but I’m getting better. Having had to rest completely means the muscle around the area has weakened so we can’t go to Jerez and force things too much. I’ll do some laps on the first day and see if I can do a bit more on the second day, but the main thing is to make sure I don’t make anything worse before Qatar.”
The former World Championship runner-up admitted that the left shoulder injury has affected his plans for his Grand Prix return, stating, “Obviously this has set me back quite a bit. In the first couple of races the objectives will be fairly different to what they would have been, but it is important for us to take a step forward in Jerez and the same in Qatar at round one. I’ll have to train as much as I can and if I can’t finish the first race I’ll have to adapt.”
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Millson eyes Suzuki return
Canada’s “hardest working privateer in road racing,” the much lauded Ross Millson, is struggling to put together a program for 2009.
Millson was looking for new OE equipment support, but such deals are very hard to come by for this season. So Millson is planning to build another 2007-08-era Suzuki GSX-R1000, although a spare bike is pretty much out of the question.
Injured for most of 2007, his rookie season, Millson rebounded with a successful privateer program with his Summit Gear Works-backed Suzuki in 2008, placing ninth in the feature class standings of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship with a top race finish of sixth at the Calabogie Motorsports Park season opener.
Japanese tester subs for Pedrosa
From Repsol Honda
The Repsol Honda Team arrives at Jerez this week to take part in the final MotoGP test ahead of the 2009 season. Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso, who is new to Honda’s factory squad, will spend two days at the famous circuit in southern Spain, continuing to fine-tune the RC212V in preparation for the first race in Qatar on April 12.
Dovizioso’s Repsol Honda team-mate, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, is sitting out the Jerez test as he recuperates from the surgery he underwent earlier this month. Pedrosa is recovering well after an operation on March 4, which involved the insertion of a titanium screw into his left wrist and a skin graft on his left knee. The procedure was necessary following a fall at the previous test.
The 24-year-old was seen by a doctor last week who confirmed that Pedrosa’s rapid recovery is going according to plan. The stitches were removed from his left wrist and he was able to begin moving the joint. Next week Pedrosa will also start to move his knee with a view to being fit enough to contest the season opener in Qatar.
In Pedrosa’s absence at Jerez, Honda’s test rider Kosuke Akiyoshi will ride Dani’s machine (displaying number 64) and, in conjunction with Dovizioso, will continue the development work on the RC212V, building on the technical data gathered at the previous tests.
On Sunday at 2:05pm Dovizioso will join the rest of the MotoGP field in the televised 45-minute timed session during which the fastest rider wins a BMW sports car. As a test rider, however, Akiyoshi will not take part in this official timed session.
"This is an important test for the Repsol Honda Team and we’re looking to use these two days to maximum effect as we approach the start of the season," said team manager Kazuhiko Yamano. "The team gathered a lot of useful data at the previous tests in Sepang and Qatar and it’s our intention to make significant progress in this final pre-season test."
Hardnox Racing rolls with Bridgestone
CALGARY, AB - HardNox Racing announced on Tuesday an agreement to run Bridgestone racing tires for the 2009 season.
Redline Motorsports, in conjunction with RIPP Racing, the official Bridgestone Canadian Road Race tire supplier, will supply HardNox Racing with the new Bridgestone BT003 race tires.
For more information go to www.redlinecalgary.com.
HardNox Racing appreciates the support of its premier sponsors BGPR Schools, Acceleration Racing/Hotbodies Racing, Spy Designs and Redline Motorsports.
Bobs Motorsports Ltd. - Advetiser of the Day
Over the years Bobs Motorsport Ltd. has won many awards, such as "Dealer Of The Year" and Service & Sales awards. Bob and Judy are proud of the reputation they have for giving exceptional customer service. A big part of the business comes from customer referral. We measure success one customer at a time. Bobs Motorsport Ltd. is a family operated business. Their staff not only works in the Motorsport field, they're active in it as well. Bobs Motorsport Ltd. sells and services Suzuki Motorcycles & Quadrunners, Yamaha Motorcycles, ATV's, Snowmobiles & Generators. We also service all Japanese brands of Motorcycles & ATV's. Come in and see for yourself why we are seven time "National Service Award Dealer " for Canada.
BMW prize highlight of weekend test
The BMW M Award will play a featured role in this weekend's final test of the MotoGP preseason at Jerez, Spain.
A televised 45-minute ‘qualifying’ session on Sunday afternoon will see the entire MotoGP entry vie for the fastest lap around the 4.4km Jerez track that in May will host the third round in the 17-race title chase.
As a MotoGP partner for the past 10 years, BMW is once more providing the ultimate prize with a limited edition BMW 135i ‘BMW Sauber F1 Team Edition’ ready to be driven away from the test by the fastest rider. Only 135 of these cars have been made in respect of the 135 points that BMW Sauber F1 Team scored last year in Formula 1.
The opening race of the year is once more under the stunning floodlights of the Losail circuit in Qatar where last year the very first night time Grand Prix took place, two weeks after the Jerez test on April 12.
On every Grand Prix grid this year will once more be a fleet of BMW Safety Cars, spearheaded by the brand new X6 M and M6 with their V8 twin turbo and V10 engines respectively.
Keep an eye out this weekend and see who which MotoGP rider has got the jump on the other with the curtain raiser for the 2009 season. Will it be the reigning champion Valentino Rossi, or an outsider? In years past Loris Capirossi gave a BMW 330 CD to his mechanics, Casey Stoner took a Z4 M Roadster last year, while Rossi has taken two Z4s back to Italy too. Indeed, many wives and girlfriends of riders will bee cheering their man on in an effort to win what could be a new, and very fast, car!
As since 2003, there will be the BMW Best Qualifier Award this season that gives riders points for their qualifying position for each race. At the end of the season a BMW M3 Sedan is available for the winner.
Monday, March 23, 2009
ATTENTION OFF ROAD MOTORCYCLISTS
Northumberland County Staff are recommending that Off Road Motorcycles (ORMs) not be allowed to use the trails in Northumberland Forest due to Ecological, Environmental and Noise concerns. This is not necessarily the view of the Northumberland Forest Advisory Committee (NFAC) whose recommendations are not forwarded to your council. NFAC is a committee with no power to vote or make recommendations.
BACKGROUND
The Northumberland Trail Riders and the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders have been involved in this forest since the early 1990s and created multi-use single track trails with permission from the county. The county intends on gifting these trails to other user groups exclusively while they have made no investment in them.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan allows use of existing trails prior to November 2001 and the county is claiming otherwise. We have provided research that indicates that our choice of recreation poses no threat to ecology or the environment and the county has provided nothing to prove our use harms the environment. All uses have impact and ours is not problematic according to two studies of the Ganaraska Forest. The county cannot prove their claim. It is assumed that ORMs are causing concern, but there is no data to support that claim.
•The county assumes we do not wish to preserve and protect the forest. This is untrue.
•The county claimed that other forest managers complained about ORMs. This is untrue.
•The county did not consult with Alnwick/Haldimand prior to making recommendations.
•The county produced a Facilitators Atlas as a neutral working document to recommend uses and listed experts who denied participation and were not consulted.
YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVED
If you are an off road motorcycle trail rider, it is time to get involved with the Northumberland Trail Riders (NTR) and the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) or lose your right to ride. Be advised that racing-motorcycles with loud exhausts and irresponsible riding are what has caused these actions and they will not be tolerated by anyone, especially the NTR/OFTR. We have proposed a stewardship agreement based on successful models in other forests in Ontario and they will not give us (you) a chance.
Here is what you can do:
•Attend the Open House on March 26, 2009, at the Baltimore Recreation Center (23 Community Center Road), Baltimore and sign the attendance sheet
•Contact your local Councilor and County Staff via telephone, email or letter
•Join the OFTR/NTR
For more information you can contact Warren Thaxter at 905-352-3336 or visit www.oftr.ca
Ross Rocher Sales - Advertiser of the Day
A Family owned business since 1994, Ross Rocher Sales strives to deliver quality products, parts and service to all their customers. Offering top quality lines such as Husqvarna, Husaberg and Beta you will be sure to find a unique offroad bike.
Hacking suspended following Fontana outburst
From AMA Pro Racing
FONTANA, CA -- AMA Pro Road Racing rider Jamie Hacking has been suspended indefinitely following the weekend's event at Auto Club Speedway for conduct detrimental to the sport of professional motorcycle racing.
The culminating incident occurred in the Auto Club Speedway media centre following post-race interviews on Sunday where Hacking used a string of profane language while exiting the press interview area. Prior to this incident, Hacking displayed additional acts of inappropriate behaviour in both public and media interviews.
"No premier sporting organization would tolerate, whether it be motorsports or major league stick and ball sports, the level of disrespectful, profane and vulgar language in a public forum as demonstrated by Jamie Hacking this weekend at Auto Club Speedway," said AMA Pro Road Racing Managing Event Director Colin Fraser. "His behaviour was totally disrespectful to the media, his competitors and the sport of motorcycle racing in general."
Hacking will be considered for reinstatement pending payment of a $4,000 fine and delivery of a public apology to AMA Pro Road Racing officials. Subsequent to payment of the fine and receipt of an apology acceptable to AMA Pro Road Racing, Hacking will also be suspended for one full event weekend.
All fines paid to AMA Pro Road Racing will be donated to Camp Boggy Creek, a Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Camp located in Eustis, FL, and the Roadracing World Action Fund.
Additionally, AMA Pro Road Racing also placed riders Michael Beck, Kevin Boisvert, Mat Mladin, Mark Simon and Dustin O'Hara on probation due to failure to participate in Sunday's mandatory autograph session.
Eslick and Buell do the double
From AMA Pro Racing
FONTANA, CA -- Buell scored its first major motorcycle road racing win Saturday at Auto Club Speedway after years of competition in AMA Pro Road Racing. Less than 24 hours later they did it again.
Danny Eslick (No. 9 Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Racing/RMR Buell 1125R) turned in his second flag-to-flag performance in as many days Sunday to sweep both AMA Pro Daytona SportBike races at the Suzuki AMA Pro Superbike Challenge.
"It feels good to be back up here again," said Eslick, who took the lead at the start of the race from second on the grid. "It wasn't as easy today as it was yesterday, not that yesterday was easy, but Jamie (Hacking) had the pressure on me. I was waiting on a sneak move but it never quite happened. The Bruce Rossmeyer's/RMR Geico Powersports Buell 1125R really stuck in there today."
Hacking (No. 88 Monster/Attack Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R) was the weekend's Daytona SportBike Superpole winner and finished second to Eslick in both races. On Sunday, however, he steadily reeled the Buell rider in during the final half of the 21-lap race.
"We went out with a new setting that we hadn't ridden on," said Hacking, who spent the first part of the race battling in a large group of Daytona SportBikes. "It took me awhile at the beginning to figure out what the bike was doing, which is why I fell back a little bit, but once I got settled in I managed to put in some good laps and managed to catch Danny. I was thinking about everything I could possibly do. The ZX-6R ran as well as it could but it just didn't have it today."
Team M4 Suzuki rider Jason DiSalvo (No. 40 Team M4 Suzuki GSX-R600) edged teammate Martin Cardenas (No. 36 Team M4 Suzuki GSX-R600) at the finish line to take the final podium spot.
"It was an awesome race, everyone battled so hard," DiSalvo said. "I pulled up alongside Martin down the back straight and made the pass for third on the lap to the white flag, and then on the last lap he wouldn't let me make it stick. It was M4 versus M4, I don't know if my engine was a little tighter or what. I tried to get a drive on him, timed the draft just right and it worked."
For the second straight day, parity was the theme of the race in Daytona SportBike where six different makes of motorcycles were ridden by the top-seven finishers. The top trio of Buell, Kawasaki and Suzuki were joined by the Yamaha YZF-R6, Honda CBR600RR and Aprilia RSV1000R.
Cardenas, who finished third Saturday, took fourth Sunday while Josh Herrin (No. 8 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) completed the top five.
Race Results
1. (9) Danny Eslick; Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing/RMR Buell; Buell 1125R; 21.
2. (88) Jamie Hacking; Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki; Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R; 21.
3. (40) Jason DiSalvo; M4 Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R600; 21.
4. (36) Martin Cardenas; M4 Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R600; 21.
5. (8) Josh Herrin; Team Graves Yamaha; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
6. (1x) Jake Zemke; Erion Racing; Honda CBR600RR; 21.
7. (57) Chaz Davies; Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Team; Aprilia RSV1000R; 21.
8. (6) Tommy Aquino; Team Graves Yamaha; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
9. (27) Steve Rapp; Four Feathers Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
10. (10) Chris Peris; Erion Racing; Honda CBR600RR; 21.
11. (95) Leandro Mercado; Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki; Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R; 21.
12. (311) Robertino Pietri; Team E.S.P. Yamaha; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
13. (55) Christopher Fillmore; CF Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
14. (213) Dane Westby; Westby Racing/Kneedraggers.com; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
15. (34) Michael Barnes; GEICO Powersports/RMR Buell Racing; Buell 1125R; 21.
16. (51) Damian Cudlin; Team E.S.P. Yamaha; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
17. (97) Ben Thompson; Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Team; Aprilia RSV1000R; 21.
18. (29) Barrett Long; Paradigm Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
19. (60) Michael Beck; Team Beck Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
20. (54) Alan Schmidt; Latus Motors Racing; Buell 1125R; 21.
21. (32) Santiago Villa; Roadracingworld.com/Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R600; 21.
22. (96) Ricky Parker; RPR Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
23. (19) Eric Haugo; Liberty Waves Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
24. (161) Sahar Zvik; SRK Racing; Suzuki GSX-R600; 21.
25. (7) Fernando Amantini; Amantini Racing; Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R; 21.
26. (199) Larry Myers; AAA Lift Truck; Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R; 21.
27. (48) Christopher Clark; Bazzaz; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
28. (45) Josh Bryan; Latus Motors Racing; Buell 1125R; 21.
29. (221) Walt Sipp; Walt Sipp Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 21.
30. (73) Dylon Husband; Team Pur Sang Racing; Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R; 20.
31. (89) Chip Yates; Swigz.com Pro Racing; Suzuki GSX-R600; 20.
32. (126) Jamie Hall; TWC/RoadRacePrep.com; Yamaha YZF-R6; 20.
33. (68) Kevin Boisvert; Bayside Performance; Suzuki GSX-R600; 20.
34. (46) Tyler Odom; Don Odom Racing; Honda CBR600RR; 17.
35. (11) Shawn Higbee; Higbee-Racing.com; Buell 1125R; 5.
36. (31) Garrett Carter; Garrett Carter Racing; Yamaha YZF-R6; 1.
Race Time: 33:09.382
Margin of Victory: 0.099 seconds
Winners Average Speed: 87.4 mph
Lap Leader
Danny Eslick: 1 – 21
Mladin doubles up at Fontana
From AMA Pro Racing
FONTANA, CA - Mat Mladin doubled up on race wins in the Suzuki AMA Pro Superbike Challenge at Auto Club Speedway where the Australian veteran swept both AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike races.
Mladin (No. 7 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) battled with teammate and early race leader Tommy Hayden (No. 22 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) for the second straight day on Sunday but ultimately prevailed for his third win in as many American Superbike starts this season.
"I think I'm going to have a chat with Suzuki about the teammates they keep signing up for me," said Mladin, in reference to both Hayden and former teammate and rival Ben Spies. "At the start I wanted to have a look and see what Tommy had in a few spots. There were a couple of spots yesterday that we were definitely lacking compared to Tommy and we learned a little bit from him and changed the bike. We had no chance to try it out this morning but went with it for the race and definitely were able to keep that gap between us a little bit better in those spots today."
Mladin made the winning pass on the run through Auto Club's tri-oval on lap 10 and steadily pulled away from Hayden, who did well to nurse his damaged Suzuki to the finish after an unintentional contact incident with third-place runner Aaron Yates (No. 23 Brand Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000).
"I got on the front straightaway, missed a couple of gears and didn't have anywhere to go," Hayden said. "It was definitely my fault and I apologize to him for that, hopefully it didn't cause too big of an issue for him. Mat had a pretty big lead so I just tried to hold on to second to bring it home."
Aside from the Yoshimura duo's weekend of success, another top story from the race was the rebound of Larry Pegram (No. 72 Foremost Insurance/Ducati 1098R) from Saturday's opening race incident. Pegram highsided just after the initial Saturday race start but recovered to finish third in Sunday's final.
"We crashed yesterday, so I was in some pain today," said Pegram, who took advantage of the Hayden and Yates incident. "I got a little tired towards the end of the race, and I was definitely a little too tentative at the beginning of it and let those guys get away. I was happy with third, obviously something happened to Aaron (Yates), and I thought he had third pretty well locked up but something happened to us yesterday so I think we deserved this."
Fourth-place went to No. 54 National Guard/Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 rider Geoff May who capped a good weekend after finishing third in Saturday's race. Ben Bostrom (No. 2 Yamaha YZF-R1) also posted his best American Superbike result of the season to round out the top five. Yates recovered to finish 10th.
Race Results
1. (7) Mathew Mladin; Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
2. (22) Tommy Hayden; Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
3. (72) Larry Pegram; Foremost Insurance/Pegram Racing Ducati/; Ducati 1098R; 19.
4. (54) Geoff May; National Guard Jordan Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
5. (2) Benjamin Bostrom; Yamaha Motor Corp. USA; Yamaha YZF-R1; 19.
6. (4) Joshua Hayes; Yamaha Motor Corp. USA; Yamaha YZF-R1; 19.
7. (44) Taylor Knapp; Taylor Knapp Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
8. (25) David Anthony; Aussie Dave Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
9. (79) Blake Young; Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
10. (23) Aaron Yates; Jordan Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
11. (59) Aaron Gobert; Holden Racing; Honda CBR1000RR; 19.
12. (61) Scott Jensen; Moto Garage Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
13. (121) Hawk Mazzotta; Aussie Dave Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19.
14. (27) Shane Narbonne; Four Feathers Racing; Yamaha YZF-R1; 19.
15. (11) Shawn Higbee; Higbee-Racing.com; Buell 1125CR; 19.
16. (9) Eric Haugo; Liberty Waves Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 18.
17. (58) Josh Graham; Moto Garage Racing; Yamaha YZF-R1; 18.
18. (38) Dean Mizdal; M Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 18.
19. (270) Davie Stone; AllStoneArmy.com; Honda CBR1000RR; 18.
20. (102) Mark Simon; X Dot Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 18.
21. (45) Brad Puetz; SRK Racing; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 18.
22. (571) Jeremy Toye; Lee's Cycle Racing; Honda CBR1000RR; 17.
23. (616) Brad Hendry; Nor CO Racing; Ducati 1098R; 12.
24. (100) Jake Holden; Corona Extra Honda; Honda CBR1000RR; 10.
25. (18) Chris Ulrich; Roadracingworld.com/Suzuki; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 5.
Race Time: 38:43.014
Margin of Victory: 8.759 seconds
Winners Average Speed: 67.7 mph
Lap Leaders
Mladin: 1 – 6; Hayden: 7 – 9; Mladin: 10 – 19;
Mladin and Eslick win Fontana openers
From AMA Pro Racing
FONTANA, CA - Mat Mladin went a perfect two-for-two in 2009 with a win in Saturday's AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike race while young American rider Danny Eslick gave Buell its first major worldwide motorcycle road racing victory in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike. The co-feature events were the opening rounds of this weekend's Suzuki AMA Pro Superbike Challenge doubleheader at Auto Club Speedway.
Mladin (No. 7 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) started the weekend by winning his second-straight pole in Friday's single-bike Superpole session but was outgunned at the start by teammate Tommy Hayden (No. 22 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000). The Yoshimura duo would go on to stage a thrilling race-long battle that featured frequent side-by-side action, three official lead changes and numerous other lead swaps within race laps.
The first came when Hayden made a great start from the third spot on the front row and led the first lap. Mladin was quick to pounce, however, and passed Hayden for the lead through the Auto Club Speedway tri-oval on lap two. Hayden took the lead again on lap nine and then waged an all-out war for the top spot with his teammate in the race's closing laps. Mladin took the lead with two laps to go, Hayden moved back to the front on the final lap but Mladin made the winning move in turn 10 with the checkered flag in sight.
"It was just an out-braking pass down there for the lead," Mladin said. "I was strong down there all weekend. I was within three or four bike lengths of Tommy on the back straight, so I just got in there deep. Tommy let it roll a little bit, so I let it roll and it got us the lead. It was a good race. If there is anybody up here in this field that I would like to see win one it is Tommy, but I am not going to give him one, I am going to push him hard."
Hayden had one of the best American Superbike races of his career and joins Mladin as the only riders who have hit the top-three podium in the year's opening races at Daytona and Auto Club.
"I had a pretty good pace, good rhythm and the laps were pretty consistent but Mat wasn't going anywhere," Hayden said. "I was plus zero the whole way. I tried to get through the lappers clean and I felt that I struggled a little bit with those, I could have been a little more aggressive and it would have helped me out. Overall it was a good race and a good start to the season. It's a little disappointing to be that close but it's where I wanted to be at this part of the year, to be close to Mat, see what he does and try to learn from him and at least challenge for victories. I feel like I've made that step and now I just have to work on closing them out."
Third-place went to No. 54 National Guard/Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 rider Geoff May who shook off a disappointing Daytona opener to hit the podium in California.
"Daytona was disappointing, I'm not going to sugarcoat it," May said. "We sat down and went over everything, figured out what went wrong and worked real hard to figure it out. We found some stuff in the suspension that was wrong, there were some mistakes made that won't happen again and you've seen the results of it. We've got the bikes where Aaron (Yates) and I are both comfortable now and we're back towards the front of the field."
Yoshimura's third rider Blake Young (No. 79 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) finished fourth to back up his strong fifth-place finish at Daytona. Jake Holden (No. 100 Corona Extra Honda CBR1000RR) hit the top five in a great return to the Corona team in replacement of injured rider Neil Hodgson.
Holden had a race-long battle with factory Yamaha teammates Josh Hayes and Ben Bostrom, who finished sixth and seventh, respectively. David Anthony (No. 25 Aussie Dave Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000), Taylor Knapp (No. 44 Taylor Knapp Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Aaron Gobert (No. 59 Holden Racing Honda CBR1000RR) all had solid runs to complete the top 10.
The scheduled 21-lap race was shortened by two laps after a red-flag incident just after the initial race start. Larry Pegram (No. 72 Foremost Insurance/Pegram Racing Ducati 1098R) started sixth and was in thick of the lead pack when he had a high-side incident at turn three. The race was stopped as safety crews tended to Pegram, who was cleared to race Sunday, and the race was later restarted for 19 laps.
The only other major incident came when Aaron Yates (No. 23 Brand Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000) lowsided while running third. Yates was uninjured and rode his bike back to the pits and ultimately recovered to finish 15th.
Eslick turned in a dominating performance on the No. 9 Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Racing/RMR Buell 1125R and gave the American-made manufacturer its first major victory in international motorcycle racing competition.
Eslick qualified second behind polesitter Jamie Hacking (No. 88 Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R) but quickly took control of the race at the start and never looked back. He led all 21 laps and his winning margin of victory of 2.510 seconds was one of the smallest gaps of the race, but only because Eslick slowed to ride a wheelie across the finish line.
"I was all by myself," Eslick said. "I kept waiting for Jamie and these guys to come up and move me out of the way but fortunately the Bruce Rossmeyer's/RMR Racing Buell 1125R just kept us up there. To celebrate I just did a big wheelie all the way down the front straightaway. It was awesome, the Dunlop tires were working great the whole race. It was just unbelievable."
Hacking fell as low as sixth but battled with eventual third-place finisher Martin Cardenas (No. 36 Team M4 Suzuki GSX-R600) and several other top riders to finish second.
"I had a blast, it was unbelievable," Hacking said. "My race was pretty much uneventful, just battling back there with everybody and trying to finish as high as possible as we could. Toward the end, the guys ahead of me got in there and bumped each other around and I just snuck up the inside, managed to put in some good laps and finished second."
Cardenas was in second with three laps to go and held on to the final podium spot despite getting passed by Hacking.
"It was a good race, very tough," Cardenas said. "I started in 10th and began working my way up and it was tough passing all those guys, then they would pass me back again. I thought that I could finish second but two laps from the end Hacking passed me again and I couldn't do anything from then on. I tried my hardest, but it wasn't possible today so we'll see tomorrow."
Calgary's Chris Peris finished seventh on his Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR, Vancouver racer Kevin Boisvert was classified 33rd aboard the Bayside Performance Suzuki GSX-R600 and Alan Schmidt of Kamloops lasted only two laps on the Latus Motors Sport Buell 1125R.
The rescheduled AMA Pro SuperSport presented by Shoei race was dominated by Dustin Dominguez (No. 44 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R), who led all 17 laps after starting from second position.
California native Garrett Willis (No. 80 Yamaha YZF-R6) finished second while Clint Shobert (No. 26 Honda CBR600RR) took third place after finishing seventh at the Daytona opener. Shobert prevailed in a race-long battle with Daytona winner Tyler Odom (No. 46 Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR), who finished fourth.
Miller AMA Pro round cancelled
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing and Miller Motorsports Park officials jointly announced on Friday that the AMA Pro Road Racing events previously scheduled to be part of the FIM World Superbike weekend, May 29 - 31, at the Utah road course have been cancelled. That weekend's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike presented by AMSOIL and AMA Pro SuperSport presented by Shoei races will now be rescheduled for another venue in 2009.
"We worked closely with our friends at Miller Motorsports Park in attempting to conclude a business relationship but in the end we were unsuccessful," said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. "Although we are disappointed about this turn of events, we hope to return to the Miller facility in the coming years and look forward to their 2009 FIM World Superbike race that marks the return of reigning AMA Pro Road Racing Champion Ben Spies to his home country."
Miller Motorsports Park has previously run an AMA Pro Road Racing weekend every year since the Salt Lake City road course debuted in 2006.
"AMA Pro Racing has been a part of Miller Motorsports Park since the track opened in 2006," said MMP Director of Racing Mitch Wright, "and we have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship and some great racing during that time. It is most unfortunate that we were unable to reach an agreement with AMA Pro for this year's event, but it was a business decision that had to be made. We hope to be able to have the AMA Pro teams, riders and officials back at Miller Motorsports Park in the years to come."
"It is regrettable that we were not able to agree on terms with AMA Pro Racing for this year's event," said MMP CEO/President Dan Davis. "Roger Edmondson and his group have been great to work with and both sides negotiated in good faith, but we were unable to bridge the gap between what they felt they needed and what we felt was equitable. Hopefully we can work together again in the future."
Friday, March 20, 2009
Daigle program taking shape
By John Hopkins
News from Gilles Biron in Quebec, via our Shannonville correspondent Don Empey, is that Karl Daigle will run a 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R this summer.
Support is again coming from the FAST Riding School and Perusse Kawasaki in Trois-Rivieres. Additionally, Daigle is being backed by Stephane Dion of Zox Helmets, Yanick Chaine of Pete's Superbike and Mike Rush.
"There is a rush to prepare the yet 'undeveloped' 2009 ZX-6R," Biron said in an email. "Plans are made to have the bike ready for the early April test days at Shannonville."
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Superbike series heads to California
From AMA Pro Racing
FONTANA, CA - Round 2 of the 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing Series will be held at Auto Club Speedway this weekend, where the Suzuki AMA Pro Superbike Challenge will feature five races in a full weekend of AMA Pro motorcycle road racing action on the 2.36-mile Fontana speedway road course.
AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike and AMA Pro Daytona SportBike will co-headline the weekend card, with each division running dual Saturday and Sunday races for the first time this season. The weekend also features the emerging 16 to 21-year-old riders of the AMA Pro SuperSport presented by Shoei division.
The 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing season began two weeks ago with the Daytona 200 by Honda weekend at Daytona International Speedway where Ben Bostrom scored his first career win in the legendary Daytona 200 by Honda AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race under the lights on Friday, March 6, while Mat Mladin won the AMA Pro American Superbike opener a day earlier.
Bostrom will shift his focus to AMA Pro American Superbike competition this weekend and for the rest of the season, but several of the other top finishers from the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike opener are among the 47 riders entered for Fontana. The list includes Bostrom's Yamaha teammate and second-place Daytona 200 runner-up Josh Herrin (No. 8 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) and third-place finisher Jason DiSalvo (No. 40 Team M4 Suzuki GSX-R600).
Other riders to watch based on their strong Daytona 200 results include Jamie Hacking (No. 88 Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R) and Shawn Higbee (No. 11 Higbee-Racing.com Buell 1125R) who rounded out the top-five in the opener.
Race one for AMA Pro Daytona SportBike will close Saturday's schedule at 4 p.m. local time with the weekend's second race for the division getting the green flag at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Both races are 21 laps for 50 miles.
The AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class is just one part of AMA Pro Road Racing's premier class competition at Auto Club Speedway. Sharing the spotlight is the AMA Pro American Superbike class which is home to some of the top riders in the sport.
Bostrom (No. 2 Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Yamaha R1) joins teammate Josh Hayes (No. 4 Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Yamaha R1) in leading Yamaha's effort against several potent Suzuki, Honda, Ducati and Buell teams. Bostrom finished sixth in the Daytona American Superbike opener while Hayes crossed the finish line in eighth place.
Daytona winner Mladin and his No. 7 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX- R1000 are just one of several fast Suzuki entries. The Yoshimura team placed each of its three Suzukis in the top five at Daytona with Tommy Hayden (No. 22 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) finishing third and Blake Young (No. 79 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) snagging fifth place.
Another top Suzuki threat comes from Jordan Suzuki. The Michael Jordan-owned Jordan Suzuki effort includes bikes for Georgia-based riders Aaron Yates (No. 23 Brand Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Geoff May (No. 54 National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000). Yates finished seventh at Daytona and May was 10th.
The weekend's first American Superbike race kicks off Sunday's racing schedule at 2:30 p.m. local time. Race number two goes down at 4 p.m. on Sunday and closes the 2009 Suzuki AMA Pro Superbike Challenge weekend. Like the Daytona SportBikes, both American Superbike races are 21 laps for 50 miles.
The Daytona 200 by Honda weekend marked the debut of the new AMA Pro SuperSport class, which is AMA Pro's showcase of America's future motorcycle racing stars today. The race proved to be one of the most competitive of the Daytona weekend with Erion Racing's Tyler Odom (No. 46 Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR) taking the victory and an early lead in the SuperSport West standings.
SuperSport is divided into East and West Championships but the Daytona kick-off was a combined race that allowed Odom and some others to race against their East series colleagues while still earning West division points. Odom tops the Fontana entry list that also includes fourth-place Daytona finisher Chris Clark (No. 48 Bazzaz/Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R6) and Clint Shobert (No. 26 American Honda CBR600RR), who finished seventh at Daytona.
The green flag is scheduled to drop for the 17-lap (40 miles) SuperSport race at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Flag-to-flag coverage of the four featured races as well as highlights of the SuperSport event will be showcased on the new AMA Pro Prime Time show on SPEED, Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, April 4 at 10 p.m. ET. The series premiere of AMA Pro Prime Time - which will feature the season-opening Daytona AMA Pro American Superbike race - will be this Saturday, March 21 at 11 p.m. ET.
Pollard featured at Spring Show
From Pollard NitroSports
DORCHESTER, ON -- Geoff Pollard and the 1500 horsepower Pollard NitroSports Top Fuel Motorcycle he pilots, will take centre stage as a featured part of the 2009 Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show hosted at the International Center on April 4-5.
The event, which will feature new motorcycle dealer displays, product vendors, information resources for new riders, custom bikes and a swap meet component, will attract nearly 20,000 visitors throughout its two-day duration.
The date of the event combined with the rapidly approaching start of the 2009 racing season did present some obstacles for team co-owner Greg Pollard in planning the team's preseason preparations.
"It definitely requires some adjustments to our schedule in order to get the bike prepared to race in 2009," he said. "We just couldnt turn down an offer to be included in such a big event, bringing our sponsors a significant amount of exposure they wouldnt have otherwise received."
The Pollard NitroSports team debuted a new Top Fuel Motorcycle in 2008 and proceeded to reset both ends of the Canadian record with a 6.08 elapsed time, 231 miles per hour blast last November. The team enters 2009 with one goal in mind, eclipse the six-second barrier and become the first Canadian team to do so.
For more information on Pollard NitroSports visit www.pollardnitrosports.com.
To learn more about the Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show visit www.supershowevents.com/spring.
Gresini Honda squad aims to step up
Former 125cc World Champion Fausto Gresini was the master of ceremonies at the official 2009 launch of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team in Milan on Wednesday, with riders Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis in attendance alongside a number of additional important guests.
Gresini, who won the 125cc title in 1985 and 1987, was delighted to present the team’s ambitious 2009 project, and stated, “It is always a great feeling and a real honour to officially present the team for a new season.
"This will be an important year for the San Carlo Honda Gresini team, a MotoGP season which promises to be exciting and competitive and for which we are prepared to assume a leading role. I believe firmly in the potential of my riders. Alex has accumulated vital experience, having a complete MotoGP season under his belt, while Toni returns to the team with a wealth of expertise himself.
“HRC have carried out excellent work in their preparation of the 2009-spec RC212V and they will guarantee technical support of the highest level to the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team throughout the entire season, both for the ‘satellite’ bike entrusted to Alex as well as for Toni’s factory-spec bike.”
Numerous personalities from the world of two wheels were present, including Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Honda Italia President Yasuhiro Oyama and the Italian Motorcycle Federation President Paolo Sesti. The team’s main sponsor was also represented by Alberto Villaloni, President of the San Carlo Gruppo Alimentare.
“To have the opportunity to rejoin Fausto’s team is something that gives me real joy," Elias said. "I’m working with a group of people who have both great humanity and great technical abilities. I remember fondly the two seasons that we enjoyed together, so it is a bit like coming home. I want to thank HRC for believing in me and all the sponsors of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team who make this project a reality.”
Elias’ team-mate De Angelis, who got his big break in the MotoGP class last year with Gresini’s team, added, “I am approaching this new challenge with great enthusiasm. It will be an even tougher championship than last season, but I feel much stronger in myself. Now I have the experience of one year in MotoGP and the new RC212V is definitely competitive, above all with regard to the engine power. I aim to improve upon my results, I am not content with the two fourth positions that I scored last year.”
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Inside Motorcycles sponsors Junior prize
TORONTO, ON -- Inside Motorcycles has become a media partner of the Canadian Enduro Championship and will sponsor the Pro Junior Award at each of the eight rounds of the inaugural 2009 season. The prize will be known as the Inside Motorcycles Top Junior Award.
The Inside Motorcycles trophy will be presented to the top finishing Pro Junior at each event and a $500 cheque will go to the top Pro Junior at the final round of the series in Parry Sound, Ont. The Junior class will be limited to riders who are 20 years old or younger as of the opening round of the season on July 4.
"We have been very impressed by the efforts of everyone involved with the Canadian Enduro Championship and we are proud to play a role in the inaugural season for this new series," said John Hopkins, editor of Inside Motorcycles. "Inside Motorcycles has always prided itself on paying particular attention to the young up and comers in the sport, and we feel recognizing the highest finishing Junior Pro at each CEC event is an extension of that commitment."
The format of the CEC rounds will be similar to that used in the World Enduro Championship, with events consisting of three types of timed special tests – cross country, extreme and enduro – and shorter loops of trail connecting the tests.
The inaugural Canadian Enduro Championship opens July 4-5 in Blairmore, Alta. and continues a week later in Penticton, B.C. It then heads east for an event in Labelle, Que. on Sept. 12-13 before wrapping up in Parry Sound Sept. 19-20. Each event will consist of two races.
"We are very proud to have Inside Motorcycles magazine as a media partner for the CEC," said Lawrence Hacking of World Enduro Canada, which will sanction and promote the Canadian Enduro Championship. "The addition of the Inside Motorcycles Top Junior Award is going to bring some great exposure to the best young riders in Canada. It’s our hope that the extra recognition will motivate the talented youth in Canada to pursue their off road racing dreams and build a solid field of Pros in future seasons."
World Enduro Canada organized rounds of the World Enduro Championship in Parry Sound in 2006 and 2007 and last season sanctioned the Corduroy Enduro and Parry Sound Grand Prix.
In 2009 it will organize and sanction national enduro, cross country and observed trials competition. More details can be found at www.worldendurocanada.com.
Now in its 12th year of publication, Inside Motorcycles covers all forms of motorcycling with a Canadian focus. Published 10 times a year, the magazine features new model tests, product reviews, industry news, opinion pieces and coverage of all types of motorcycle racing. More information is available at www.insidemotorcycles.com.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Injured Hodgson to sit out Fontana
From Corona Extra Honda
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Corona Extra Honda Racing’s Neil Hodgson unfortunately will miss this weekend's Auto Club Speedway AMA Superbike event due to a training accident that had him hospitalized this past Sunday.
Hodgson, who was training on his motocross bike, hit a fallen rider’s machine and went down hard. He was hospitalized because of breathing difficulties, found to be caused by a collapsed lung. He also injured some ribs and dislocated his shoulder. He has been kept in Loma Linda Hospital for observation.
Last year's Corona Extra Honda rider and Auto Club Speedway Superstock winner Jake Holden will take over the piloting duties for the Honda CBR1000RR Superbike for the event.
MotoGP entry list released
The 2009 provisional entry list for the FIM MotoGP World Championship has been published by the FIM.
The entry list is as follows:
3. DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA TEAM
4. ANDREA DOVIZIOSO, REPSOL HONDA TEAM
5. COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
7. CHRIS VERMEULEN, RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP
14. RANDY DE PUNIET, LCR HONDA MOTOGP
15. ALEX DE ANGELIS, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI
24. TONI ELIAS, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI
27. CASEY STONER, DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM
33. MARCO MELANDRI, HAYATE RACING TEAM
36. MIKA KALLIO, PRAMAC RACING
46. VALENTINO ROSSI, FIAT YAMAHA TEAM
52. JAMES TOSELAND, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
59. SETE GIBERNAU, GUINEA ECUATORIAL TEAM
65. LORIS CAPIROSSI, RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP
69. NICKY HAYDEN, DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM
72. YUKI TAKAHASHI, SCOT RACING TEAM MOTOGP
88. NICCOLO CANEPA, PRAMAC RACING
99. JORGE LORENZO, FIAT YAMAHA TEAM
Monday, March 16, 2009
Suzuki and Rizla continue in MotoGP
From Team Suzuki News Service
Suzuki Motor Corporation and Imperial Tobacco Group are pleased to announce that they have agreed terms for Rizla - the world's leading rolling papers - to continue to be the title sponsor of the Japanese company's MotoGP team for 2009.
Rizla has been the title sponsor of the Suzuki Grand Prix motorcycle race team for the past three seasons and a further one-year extension will see Suzuki MotoGP stars Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen racing the distinctive 'Rizla blue' Suzuki GSV-Rs during this season's championship.
This is further positive news for Suzuki, following on from two successful tests in 2009 at Sepang in Malaysia and recently at Losail in Qatar. Capirossi and Vermeulen both had equally impressive tests as they were consistently inside the top six at both venues and showed big improvements at the two circuits compared to last year's performances. Both riders benefited from many new developments to this year's Suzuki GSV-R, including changes to aerodynamics, chassis, engine and suspension.
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will next be in track action at Jerez in Spain at the end of March for the Official MotoGP test, which also includes a televised session. The first race of the year will be a night event, when Rizla Suzuki MotoGP return to Losail on April 12.
"This is very positive news for Suzuki to continue our partnership with Rizla in today's current difficult climate," said team manager Paul Denning. "We have enjoyed a very close relationship, both on and off the track, with Rizla during the past three years and have certainly considered all the representatives of Rizla as part of the team.
"Our on track performance during the first two tests has also been very encouraging and shows how much hard work the Factory has put in during the off season. The GSV-R has certainly come a long way since last year and we know there is still more to come - Chris and Loris were both very impressed with the new bike, but we know there is still a lot of work to do. The Suzuki team will continue to work hard to keep improving, and we are very positive about our prospects for 2009 in partnership with Rizla."
Bugden claims New Zealand title
From Team Suzuki News Service
Riding his Suzuki GSX-R1000, Robbie Bugden made it three New Zealand Superbike Championships in a row as he successfully defended his title at Pukekohe's fifth and final round on March 8.
The Suzuki pilot first won the premier New Zealand motorcycle road-race crown in 2007, defended his title in 2008 and then dominated the 2009 championship, taking seven race wins from 10 starts.
Bugden won both Superbike races at the final Pukekohe round, the second race victory also earning him the New Zealand TT title. He finished the five-round, 10-race series a comfortable 29 points ahead of second placed rider, fellow Suzuki star Andrew Stroud.
Bugden (29) showed his appreciation for the New Zealand crowd vowing to return and race the Kiwi tracks again next year.
He said: "I love racing in New Zealand and I definitely want to come back and make it four title wins in 2010."
Bugden will now focus his attention on the 2009 Australian Superbike Championship where he will continue his association with Team Joe Rocket Suzuki riding a satellite GSX-R1000.
Spies scores superb Qatar double
Yamaha's WSBK rookie rider Ben Spies took a spectacular double win in the second round of the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship at the Losail circuit in Qatar on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Texan powered to his third win in the opening four races, dominating both 18-lappers and twice finishing ahead of Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) and Max Biaggi (Aprilia), who were classified second and third to make up identical podiums.
In race one poleman Spies made his attack six laps from the end, and immediately pulled out a gap that allowed him to manage his lead until the flag.
"It was an extremely tough race," Spies said. "I had an OK start and when I got to the back of Nori and Max, we were all very strong on separate parts of the track. I was lacking a little bit off the last corner and it was very hard to make the pass, but once past, I put my head down and was able to keep it clean for the win despite a couple of mistakes."
There was a great scrap for the runner-up slot between Haga and Biaggi, with the Japanese rider getting the nod. For Aprilia it was the first podium since returning to WSBK, and the Italian manufacturer's competitiveness was confirmed by fourth place for Shinya Nakano.
"I tried to keep up and have a good rhythm without losing concentration," Biaggi said. "We have a new bike and every session we try to improve, but it's not easy to win right away. These guys did a great job, I rode very hard and today I was comfy, both front and rear, and looking good."
Fifth went to Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate), the first Honda rider to the flag, who managed to hold off the attacks of the determined British duo of Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati) and Tom Sykes (Yamaha World Superbike).
Troy Corser scored an encouraging ninth place for BMW, while Kawasaki notched up its first points in this year's championship with a 14th place for Broc Parkes.
Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) and Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) had disappointing races, both riders crashing out.
Spies also went on to take the win in race 2, confirming himself and his Yamaha to be the strongest combination in this early part of the season. This time the Texan had a different strategy, taking control in the early laps of the race and then gradually pulling away.
"Nori set a really good pace the first few laps," Spies said. "We were lacking just a little in acceleration and it was hard to race with him, but I put my head down and closed up, kept the same rhythm and passed him.
"It was a better race for me than the first one because I could concentrate on my lines, but it's going to be hard making up points on him if he keeps finishing second. It was a perfect weekend, they're not always going to be like that but we'll take them when we can."
Behind there was another terrific scrap for the runner-up slot between Haga and Biaggi, and once again second place went to the Japanese rider, who holds on to his points lead in the table.
"I am really tired but happy for the result in race two," Haga said. "When Ben passed me, I tried to stay with him but he is very fast. In one second he was going to 100 metres so I could not catch him. We made a good job, and I am leading the championship. Today, for me, Ben is 10 years younger than me so that's why I lose!"
Ryuichi Kiyonari (Ten Kate Honda Racing) scored an excellent fourth place, but was unable to get in amongst the podium battle. Fifth place went to Sykes, while Neukirchner just got the edge over Nakano in a photo-finish.
BMW made a major leap forward with Corser running fifth in the early stages, both the Australian and Ruben Xaus scoring top 10 points finishes.
Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) had a day to forget with a second DNF finish in two races.
The second round of the Supersport World Championship in Qatar saw the crowning of a new talent in World Supersport.
Thanks to a perfect slipstreaming dash to the line, Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) scored his first win in the category. The Irish rider held off the attacks from reigning champion Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) to take the win.
Former points leader Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) only finished fourth after making a mistake at the final curve, which opened the door for Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport) to gain his first WSS podium.
Seven Hondas placed in the first 10 positions, including the Veidec Racing and Hannspree Althea machines of Robbin Harms and Matthieu Lagrive in fifth and sixth.
Garry McCoy took the ParkinGO Triumph 675 to an encouraging seventh place.
Race One Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 36:06.304 (160.93 km/h)
2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +1.893
3. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 +2.168
4. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 +12.061
5. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +12.597
6. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +12.971
7. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 +13.570
8. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +19.306
9. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +19.388
10. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +20.981
11. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +21.164
12. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +21.994
13. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +22.917
14. Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R +27.218
15. Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +31.602
Race Two Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 36:02.126 (161.241 km/h)
2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +1.274
3. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 +1.622
4. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +1.845
5. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 +5.117
6. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +9.512
7. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 +9.514
8. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +12.621
9. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +13.842
10. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +13.884
11. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +13.888
12. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +14.913
13. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +15.762
14. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +15.920
15. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +19.565
Points (after 2 of 14 rounds)
1. Haga 85
2. Spies 75
3. Neukirchner 40
4. Biaggi 38
5. Haslam 36
6. Sykes 32
7. Laconi 30
8. Rea 30
9. Nakano 27
10. Kagayama 25
