From worldsbk.com
In a new look Superpole Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) beat all the others to pole position with a best time of 1:31.229, securing his first ever WSBK Superpole win at the opening round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on Saturday.
"You can get caught out quite easily in Superpole so we went out to go fast early in each session," Haslam said. "We used a soft option race tire for the first Superpole, didn't have any slides and felt really comfortable. When I put my first qualifier in I was sliding, so I was not sure which tire to use in the final session, but we managed to go out there put a qualifier in and we put in a little bit of a quicker time.
"Sitting in the pit garage watching these guys go out to try and beat my time was probably more nerve-wracking than being out on the track. But it all ended up good and I got my first Superpole win."
Eight riders fought it out for the first two grid places, with Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) just 0.016 seconds behind Haslam with a 1:31.245. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) and Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) slotted in behind Fabrizio.
"The second qualifying tire we used worked the best of all the ones we had been trying and that was the one I scored the best time with," Fabrizio said. "I am fairly happy in the hot conditions if that is the way things turn out on raceday."
The second row will feature Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare), Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Racing Ducati), Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) after 10 minutes of close final competition sorted out the leading riders.
The eight riders who missed final Superpole qualification were, in reverse order, Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) who was 16th overall, Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport), Chris Vermeulen (Kawasaki Racing Team), Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport), Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia), Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), and Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Ducati).
At the very start of the Superpole sessions, Roland Resch missed out on participation on his BMW Reitwagen machine after a big crash in qualifying, but of the 19 riders who competed in Superpole one, only his team-mate Andrew Pitt, Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) and Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) did not progress to Superpole 2. Byrne was still battered after his big crash on Friday but battled through Superpole.
There will be two 22-lap Superbike races on Sunday.
Spanish rider Joan Lascorz started his and his Provec Motocard.com team's World Supersport season off in perfect style with a pole position performance at Phillip Island, scorching round the 4.445km circuit in a new best lap of 1:33.847.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was second fastest with a 1:34.116, while Sofuoglu's team-mate Michele Pirro slotted into third.
Eugene Laverty will complete the front row for the 21-lap race on Sunday after qualifying fourth on his Parkalgar Honda.
Superbike Superpole Times
1. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:31.229
2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:31.245
3. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:31.642
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:31.671
5. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:31.696
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:31.757
7. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:31.912
8. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:32.019
9. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.205
10. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:32.229
11. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.293
12. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:32.398
13. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.430
14. Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:32.561
15. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.842
16. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.895
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Rossi stays on top at Sepang
From motogp.com
Another fascinating day of testing was completed at the Sepang International Circuit on Friday, with Valentino Rossi’s best lap of 2:00.271 setting the standard as the second official test finished.
The Italian – who was quickest on Thursday and also at the first test at the track three weeks ago – was 0.247 secs. seconds faster than the time he set to qualify on pole position for the 2009 Malaysian GP.
“I'm really happy to have beaten my pole record, it's a good feeling to be this fast in testing,” said Rossi. “I did this with an old tire but we also got the chance to try a very good new tire from Bridgestone today, which I hope we will use from the first race.
"Our bike is in great shape; we need to do a bit more work on the electronics but in general everything is better, especially the rear grip and the engine. Yamaha have been very clever in developing this new bike whilst keeping the best parts of the old one.”
The Fiat Yamaha rider was followed on the timesheet by Ducati Marlboro pair Casey Stoner (2:00.512) and Nicky Hayden (2:00.703), both of whom felt the benefit of the new engine in the Desmosedici GP10 prototype on which new swingarms were tested. Hayden’s time was an improvement of just over 1.5 secs. on his Thursday best lap.
Making it three Yamahas inside the top five times were Monster Yamaha Tech3 pairing Colin Edwards and Ben Spies.
The former overcame electronic problems from Thursday to post a best lap of 2:00.988 on Friday – the fourth and final rider of the test to come in under the 2:01 barrier – while rookie Spies’ time of 2:01.014 shows that he is already finding a superb level with his M1 as he prepares for his first full season in MotoGP in 2010. Spies completed a race simulation on the second day and was pleased with his consistently fast times.
The Rizla Suzuki team tested its new GSV-R engine for the first time at this test and veteran Loris Capirossi made progressive improvements across the two days to post a 2:01.320 on Friday, making him the sixth quickest of the two days. He tested a range of other aspects on the bike first tried three weeks earlier and rode just over 100 laps this time out.
Repsol Honda riders Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa were seventh and eighth fastest respectively on their RC212V machines. Dovizioso enjoyed a productive two days and on the second went round in 2:01.439, while Pedrosa was 0.039 secs. behind. The Spaniard experienced a fall on Thursday and was uninjured, returning to the track later in the day and working throughout Friday as well.
Rookie Hiroshi Aoyama made impressive strides throughout the two days, with the Interwetten Honda MotoGP rider ninth in the timings with a 2:01.692 set on Friday as he felt vast improvements on the RC212V.
He was followed by fellow MotoGP debutant Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) who set a best time of 2:01.732, despite having hurt his arm the previous day in a slide.
Randy de Puniet of the LCR Honda team was the final rider to break the 2:02 mark with his 2:01.980, and was followed on the timesheet by Mika Kallio who completed the highest number of laps across the two days (just over 140).
Marco Melandri of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team continued to adapt to the RC212V, and rookies Héctor Barberá (Paginas Amarillas Ducati), and Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing) – whose fall on Thursday had no ill effects – were all present as they amassed laps on their respective Desmosedici machines.
Another MotoGP debutant for this season, Marco Simoncelli of San Carlo Honda Gresini, suffered a crash early on Friday morning. The Italian had completed just two laps when he fell, cutting short his day’s work, and was taken to hospital as a precaution. Later in the day Simoncelli confirmed he was feeling better.
A notable absentee from this test was Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo, who is still recuperating from a training accident which happened two weeks ago in which he injured his right hand.
Another fascinating day of testing was completed at the Sepang International Circuit on Friday, with Valentino Rossi’s best lap of 2:00.271 setting the standard as the second official test finished.
The Italian – who was quickest on Thursday and also at the first test at the track three weeks ago – was 0.247 secs. seconds faster than the time he set to qualify on pole position for the 2009 Malaysian GP.
“I'm really happy to have beaten my pole record, it's a good feeling to be this fast in testing,” said Rossi. “I did this with an old tire but we also got the chance to try a very good new tire from Bridgestone today, which I hope we will use from the first race.
"Our bike is in great shape; we need to do a bit more work on the electronics but in general everything is better, especially the rear grip and the engine. Yamaha have been very clever in developing this new bike whilst keeping the best parts of the old one.”
The Fiat Yamaha rider was followed on the timesheet by Ducati Marlboro pair Casey Stoner (2:00.512) and Nicky Hayden (2:00.703), both of whom felt the benefit of the new engine in the Desmosedici GP10 prototype on which new swingarms were tested. Hayden’s time was an improvement of just over 1.5 secs. on his Thursday best lap.
Making it three Yamahas inside the top five times were Monster Yamaha Tech3 pairing Colin Edwards and Ben Spies.
The former overcame electronic problems from Thursday to post a best lap of 2:00.988 on Friday – the fourth and final rider of the test to come in under the 2:01 barrier – while rookie Spies’ time of 2:01.014 shows that he is already finding a superb level with his M1 as he prepares for his first full season in MotoGP in 2010. Spies completed a race simulation on the second day and was pleased with his consistently fast times.
The Rizla Suzuki team tested its new GSV-R engine for the first time at this test and veteran Loris Capirossi made progressive improvements across the two days to post a 2:01.320 on Friday, making him the sixth quickest of the two days. He tested a range of other aspects on the bike first tried three weeks earlier and rode just over 100 laps this time out.
Repsol Honda riders Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa were seventh and eighth fastest respectively on their RC212V machines. Dovizioso enjoyed a productive two days and on the second went round in 2:01.439, while Pedrosa was 0.039 secs. behind. The Spaniard experienced a fall on Thursday and was uninjured, returning to the track later in the day and working throughout Friday as well.
Rookie Hiroshi Aoyama made impressive strides throughout the two days, with the Interwetten Honda MotoGP rider ninth in the timings with a 2:01.692 set on Friday as he felt vast improvements on the RC212V.
He was followed by fellow MotoGP debutant Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) who set a best time of 2:01.732, despite having hurt his arm the previous day in a slide.
Randy de Puniet of the LCR Honda team was the final rider to break the 2:02 mark with his 2:01.980, and was followed on the timesheet by Mika Kallio who completed the highest number of laps across the two days (just over 140).
Marco Melandri of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team continued to adapt to the RC212V, and rookies Héctor Barberá (Paginas Amarillas Ducati), and Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing) – whose fall on Thursday had no ill effects – were all present as they amassed laps on their respective Desmosedici machines.
Another MotoGP debutant for this season, Marco Simoncelli of San Carlo Honda Gresini, suffered a crash early on Friday morning. The Italian had completed just two laps when he fell, cutting short his day’s work, and was taken to hospital as a precaution. Later in the day Simoncelli confirmed he was feeling better.
A notable absentee from this test was Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo, who is still recuperating from a training accident which happened two weeks ago in which he injured his right hand.
Checa fastest at hot Phillip Island
From worldsbk.com
Scorching weather conditions for the first World Superbike qualifying session at Phillip Island on Friday saw Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea) continue his good testing form with a 1:32.155 lap, leading Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) and Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare).
Checa was only 0.007 seconds ahead of Fabrizio, 0.218 ahead of Englishman Haslam.
"I know what I can do," Checa said. "I have to confirm my time tomorrow but I know that I wish we had the same weather as today for the race.
"The crash in qualifying was not a problem. Ducatis work very well at Phillip Island and my pace at the moment is very good. I do not know yet if it is good enough for the race."
The air temperature in qualifying was 33°C, the track temperature a very high 51°C, which made the hour-long session hard work for all competitors.
Checa's team-mate Shane Byrne went fourth fastest but suffered a fast highside crash at the final corners of his last lap while trying to improve his ranking still further. Several riders fell in what was an expectedly close and intense period of qualifying.
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) was fifth on Friday; Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing) went sixth fastest but was also a faller in the final session of the day.
Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was top Honda rider in the opening qualifying battle, seventh, with Sylvain Guintoli's Suzuki eighth.
Jakub Smrz was ninth fastest on his privateer Pata B&G Racing Ducati, and the top 10 was rounded out by Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Superbike) the top Yamaha rider.
Chris Vermeulen scored 12th on his Kawasaki Racing Team bike, Troy Corser, another late faller, put his BMW Motorrad Motorsport S1000RR 16th, but was on course for a vast improvement in lap time before his fall.
James Toseland was a faller in the session, while Ruben Xaus crashed three times but recovered each time and went 19th in the ranking.
One more session remains for riders to try and qualifying for Superpole on Saturday, with Superpole determining the final top 20 grid places.
The top 20 riders were all within 1.910 seconds, the top 10 within 0.883 seconds.
The first World Supersport qualifying session of the year proved to be the property of Kawasaki Provec Motocard.com rider Joan Lascorz, who was also fastest man in the official tests a few days ago.
Second was the perennially powerful Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), who left it very late to move up.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) posted third while another old stager in this class, Katsuaki Fujiwara (Kawasaki) was fourth.
Superbike Qualifying Results
1. C. CHECA (ESP) Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1:32.155
2. M. FABRIZIO (ITA) Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1:32.162
3. L. HASLAM (GBR) Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.373
4. S. BYRNE (GBR) Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1:32.635
5. N. HAGA (JPN) Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1:32.703
6. M. BIAGGI (ITA) Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.850
7. J. REA (GBR) HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.884
8. S. GUINTOLI (FRA) Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.902
9. J. SMRZ (CZE) Team PATA B&G Racing Ducati 1098R 1:32.905
10. C. CRUTCHLOW (GBR) Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.038
11. L. CAMIER (GBR) Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:33.296
12. C. VERMEULEN (AUS) Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.389
13 J. TOSELAND (GBR) Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.422
14. L. LANZI (ITA) DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 1:33.454
15. T. SYKES (GBR) Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.492
16. T. CORSER (AUS) BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 133.512
17. A. PITT (AUS) Team Reitwagen BMW BMW S1000 RR 1:'33.940
18. M. NEUKIRCHNER (GER) HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1:33.960
19. R. XAUS (ESP) BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1:33.984
20. R. RESCH (AUT) Team Reitwagen BMW BMW S1000 RR 1:34.065
21. V. IANNUZZO (ITA) S.C.I. Honda Garvie Image Honda CBR1000RR 1:34.417
22. J. BROOKES (AUS) ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1:34.663
23. M. BAIOCCO (ITA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:35.892
24. R. HAYDEN (USA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.113
Scorching weather conditions for the first World Superbike qualifying session at Phillip Island on Friday saw Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea) continue his good testing form with a 1:32.155 lap, leading Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) and Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare).
Checa was only 0.007 seconds ahead of Fabrizio, 0.218 ahead of Englishman Haslam.
"I know what I can do," Checa said. "I have to confirm my time tomorrow but I know that I wish we had the same weather as today for the race.
"The crash in qualifying was not a problem. Ducatis work very well at Phillip Island and my pace at the moment is very good. I do not know yet if it is good enough for the race."
The air temperature in qualifying was 33°C, the track temperature a very high 51°C, which made the hour-long session hard work for all competitors.
Checa's team-mate Shane Byrne went fourth fastest but suffered a fast highside crash at the final corners of his last lap while trying to improve his ranking still further. Several riders fell in what was an expectedly close and intense period of qualifying.
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) was fifth on Friday; Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing) went sixth fastest but was also a faller in the final session of the day.
Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was top Honda rider in the opening qualifying battle, seventh, with Sylvain Guintoli's Suzuki eighth.
Jakub Smrz was ninth fastest on his privateer Pata B&G Racing Ducati, and the top 10 was rounded out by Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Superbike) the top Yamaha rider.
Chris Vermeulen scored 12th on his Kawasaki Racing Team bike, Troy Corser, another late faller, put his BMW Motorrad Motorsport S1000RR 16th, but was on course for a vast improvement in lap time before his fall.
James Toseland was a faller in the session, while Ruben Xaus crashed three times but recovered each time and went 19th in the ranking.
One more session remains for riders to try and qualifying for Superpole on Saturday, with Superpole determining the final top 20 grid places.
The top 20 riders were all within 1.910 seconds, the top 10 within 0.883 seconds.
The first World Supersport qualifying session of the year proved to be the property of Kawasaki Provec Motocard.com rider Joan Lascorz, who was also fastest man in the official tests a few days ago.
Second was the perennially powerful Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), who left it very late to move up.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) posted third while another old stager in this class, Katsuaki Fujiwara (Kawasaki) was fourth.
Superbike Qualifying Results
1. C. CHECA (ESP) Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1:32.155
2. M. FABRIZIO (ITA) Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1:32.162
3. L. HASLAM (GBR) Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.373
4. S. BYRNE (GBR) Althea Racing Ducati 1098R 1:32.635
5. N. HAGA (JPN) Ducati Xerox Team Ducati 1098R 1:32.703
6. M. BIAGGI (ITA) Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.850
7. J. REA (GBR) HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.884
8. S. GUINTOLI (FRA) Team Suzuki Alstare Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.902
9. J. SMRZ (CZE) Team PATA B&G Racing Ducati 1098R 1:32.905
10. C. CRUTCHLOW (GBR) Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.038
11. L. CAMIER (GBR) Aprilia Alitalia Racing Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:33.296
12. C. VERMEULEN (AUS) Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.389
13 J. TOSELAND (GBR) Yamaha Sterilgarda Team Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.422
14. L. LANZI (ITA) DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 1:33.454
15. T. SYKES (GBR) Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.492
16. T. CORSER (AUS) BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 133.512
17. A. PITT (AUS) Team Reitwagen BMW BMW S1000 RR 1:'33.940
18. M. NEUKIRCHNER (GER) HANNspree Ten Kate Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1:33.960
19. R. XAUS (ESP) BMW Motorrad Motorsport BMW S1000 RR 1:33.984
20. R. RESCH (AUT) Team Reitwagen BMW BMW S1000 RR 1:34.065
21. V. IANNUZZO (ITA) S.C.I. Honda Garvie Image Honda CBR1000RR 1:34.417
22. J. BROOKES (AUS) ECHO CRS Honda Honda CBR1000RR 1:34.663
23. M. BAIOCCO (ITA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:35.892
24. R. HAYDEN (USA) Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.113
New World Superbike awards from Pirelli
From Pirelli Tires
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – Pirelli’s commitment to the growth of the Superbike World Championship has been unwavering since taking on the sole tire supplier role in 2004.
As a way of offering additional support, Pirelli has announced several performance awards as additional incentives for a faster and more spectacular environment. These new awards increase the existing prizes for podium finishes and final season standings, while at the same time adding three new types of awards to the total prize pool: Pirelli 'Best Lap,' Pirelli 'Best Jump Forward,' and 'Best Lap Winner 2010: Fastest Rider of the Year.'
The 'Best Lap' awards are prizes extended after each Superbike and Supersport race to riders who have recorded the fastest lap of the race.
For the Superstock classes, the performance awards take on a different approach, as Pirelli will offer instead a 'Best Jump Forward' award for each race of the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup and European Superstock 600, in order to promote and develop new talents in the two classes. 'Best Jump Forward' refers to the number of recovered positions from a rider’s starting position on the grid to his final race standing.
Giorgio Barbier, Racing Director for Pirelli Moto commented: “This investment by Pirelli Moto will help accent that which is important to the spectators as well as the future of the series: fast and exciting racing delivered by superior racing product. We ask these talented riders for their constant feedback and efforts to help develop our tires further. In return, we offer these performance awards for making fast laps and encouraging the young guns to rise to the top.”
The prize-giving ceremonies will be held during the press conference at the Paddock Show after the podium of each race and attended by a Pirelli representative.
In addition, a dedicated classification for the 'Fastest Rider of the Year' will be updated and displayed on TV and on the official website of the championship, www.worldsbk.com.
During the Championship prize-giving ceremony at the end of each season, the 'Best Lap Winner: Fastest Rider of the Year' awards will be presented to the Superbike and Supersport riders who have captured the most Best Laps throughout the year.
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA – Pirelli’s commitment to the growth of the Superbike World Championship has been unwavering since taking on the sole tire supplier role in 2004.
As a way of offering additional support, Pirelli has announced several performance awards as additional incentives for a faster and more spectacular environment. These new awards increase the existing prizes for podium finishes and final season standings, while at the same time adding three new types of awards to the total prize pool: Pirelli 'Best Lap,' Pirelli 'Best Jump Forward,' and 'Best Lap Winner 2010: Fastest Rider of the Year.'
The 'Best Lap' awards are prizes extended after each Superbike and Supersport race to riders who have recorded the fastest lap of the race.
For the Superstock classes, the performance awards take on a different approach, as Pirelli will offer instead a 'Best Jump Forward' award for each race of the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup and European Superstock 600, in order to promote and develop new talents in the two classes. 'Best Jump Forward' refers to the number of recovered positions from a rider’s starting position on the grid to his final race standing.
Giorgio Barbier, Racing Director for Pirelli Moto commented: “This investment by Pirelli Moto will help accent that which is important to the spectators as well as the future of the series: fast and exciting racing delivered by superior racing product. We ask these talented riders for their constant feedback and efforts to help develop our tires further. In return, we offer these performance awards for making fast laps and encouraging the young guns to rise to the top.”
The prize-giving ceremonies will be held during the press conference at the Paddock Show after the podium of each race and attended by a Pirelli representative.
In addition, a dedicated classification for the 'Fastest Rider of the Year' will be updated and displayed on TV and on the official website of the championship, www.worldsbk.com.
During the Championship prize-giving ceremony at the end of each season, the 'Best Lap Winner: Fastest Rider of the Year' awards will be presented to the Superbike and Supersport riders who have captured the most Best Laps throughout the year.
Taylor leads Canadian Daytona charge
By John Hopkins
With files from Frank Wood & Daytona International Speedway
Donald Taylor will represent Canada in the opening two rounds of the AMA Pro Grand National Flat Track Series next Wednesday and Thursday (March 3-4). The events will be the first to be held on Daytona International Speedway's new quarter-mile flat track facility.
The Welland, ON ace will compete on board the JPR Suzuki sponsored by Clare's Cycle, Nexo Sport and Scorpion Helmet.
The multi-time CMA national champion finished ninth and 10th in last year's pair of Daytona short track events.
Missing from the GNC entry list is Doug Lawrence. The 'Mississauga Missile' will sit out this year’s Florida offerings, citing budget restraints and a concentration on the CMA series for 2010.
In the Pro Sport division Canada has larger representation with Petrolia, ON's Harley Dunn on the Kel-Gor/Rocky’s H-D/Wrex Gear Honda, Mike Labelle of Welland, ON on the Weirbach Racing/General Engineering/Barnett Clutch-sponsored Honda and Leamington, ON fast-boy Jesse Phibbs riding a Honda for M Pearce Trucking, Clarke Group and Chapman Signs.
The Flat Track events have been staged in Daytona Beach for more than 30 years. They were first held at Memorial Stadium, which was located near Daytona State College. In the late 1980s, the event moved to the newly constructed Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium.
Last fall, field turf was installed at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium and Daytona International Speedway constructed a new quarter-mile dirt track that is located just outside turns 1 and 2 that now serves as the new home to the Flat Track events.
The quarter-mile track, which saw its first action in late December with karts from the World Karting Association, is layered with the same lime rock that was utilized at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium and lighting will be provided by Musco Lighting.
Digby rally attracts cross-country effort
From Belt Drive Betty
GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB & DIGBY, NS -- In early August a group of passionate motorcycle riders will leave Grand Prairie, AB and ride across Canada to the Wharf Rat Rally, Canada's biggest motorcycle rally in Digby, NS.
Belt Drive Betty from the Busted Knuckle Chronicles, along with Mike Cole from the Winter Ride for Diabetes, will raise funds for the Give the Kids the World Village for terminally ill kids in Orlando, FL and bring awareness to other causes that they support.
Along the way they will hook-up with comedian Daryl Makk and his Planet Tour in Regina mid-August. The riders will make stops in Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sault St Marie and Barrie on the way to Toronto to join Shaun de Jager from Road Awareness. Then to Petawawa, Ottawa, Montreal, Moncton and Halifax. The last stop will be Digby for the Sept. 1 opening of the Wharf Rat Rally.
Along the way the kids from the Bernice MacNaughton High School Bike Klub of Moncton and their Championship Motorcycle Bobber - Betty, will meet up with the riders for the last leg into Digby.
“This will be an incredible ride, which will attract hundreds of motorcycle riders to a worthy cause and have them join a conga type line as it travels across Canada,” said Glenn Dunn, Chairman, Wharf Rat Rally.
The Wharf Rat Rally is a Digby, NS-based five-day event presented by the not-for-profit Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association. Now in its sixth year, attendance has grown from 10,000 in 2005 to being projected to attract 94,000 in 2010, making it one of Nova Scotia’s largest tourism events and the largest motorcycle rally in Canada.
The event has been the recipient of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) Ambassador Award in 2009 and the Motorcycle Regional Award of the North American International Motorcycle Supershow.
GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB & DIGBY, NS -- In early August a group of passionate motorcycle riders will leave Grand Prairie, AB and ride across Canada to the Wharf Rat Rally, Canada's biggest motorcycle rally in Digby, NS.
Belt Drive Betty from the Busted Knuckle Chronicles, along with Mike Cole from the Winter Ride for Diabetes, will raise funds for the Give the Kids the World Village for terminally ill kids in Orlando, FL and bring awareness to other causes that they support.
Along the way they will hook-up with comedian Daryl Makk and his Planet Tour in Regina mid-August. The riders will make stops in Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sault St Marie and Barrie on the way to Toronto to join Shaun de Jager from Road Awareness. Then to Petawawa, Ottawa, Montreal, Moncton and Halifax. The last stop will be Digby for the Sept. 1 opening of the Wharf Rat Rally.
Along the way the kids from the Bernice MacNaughton High School Bike Klub of Moncton and their Championship Motorcycle Bobber - Betty, will meet up with the riders for the last leg into Digby.
“This will be an incredible ride, which will attract hundreds of motorcycle riders to a worthy cause and have them join a conga type line as it travels across Canada,” said Glenn Dunn, Chairman, Wharf Rat Rally.
The Wharf Rat Rally is a Digby, NS-based five-day event presented by the not-for-profit Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association. Now in its sixth year, attendance has grown from 10,000 in 2005 to being projected to attract 94,000 in 2010, making it one of Nova Scotia’s largest tourism events and the largest motorcycle rally in Canada.
The event has been the recipient of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) Ambassador Award in 2009 and the Motorcycle Regional Award of the North American International Motorcycle Supershow.
Rossi fastest on Sepang opening day
From motogp.com
After setting the fastest time at the Malaysian track three weeks ago, Valentino Rossi was the quickest rider on the first day of the second official test of the year at the Sepang International Circuit on Thursday.
Following Wednesday’s relatively quiet day for test riders only at Sepang, the official MotoGP riders were on track on Thursday. Rossi topped the timesheet on his factory YZR-M1, as he set a best lap time of 2:01.068.
Rossi was continuing work on the set-up of his 2010 prototype and also with new Brembo brake calipers, and the reigning World Champion was followed in the lap times by Casey Stoner, with the Ducati Marlboro team testing new swingarms on the Desmosedici GP10. The main focus remains finding the right feeling with the new engine for the Australian rider, and Stoner was 0.151 secs. off Rossi’s pace.
Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso took well over half a second off his time from the previous test to post a 2:01.631 as the third fastest rider, while the new GSV-R engine in the Rizla Suzuki bike enable Loris Capirossi to make a significant improvement as well. The veteran completed 52 laps – as did Dovizioso – and was fourth quickest at a further 0.056 secs. behind his fellow Italian’s time, as he continues work on the new cowling, Akrapovic exhaust, chassis, suspension and Marchesini wheels from the last test.
Monster Yamaha Tech3 duo Ben Spies and Colin Edwards were fifth and sixth respectively on the timesheet, the former working on riding position and posting a best lap of 2:01.843 on day one.
Edwards, 0.054 secs. slower, had problems with electronics which meant a slow morning, but he returned to the track later in the day and worked on different chassis settings as he took in 35 laps.
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) fell at turn 9 having completed 26 laps, but returned two hours later and made a total of 47 for the day on board his factory RC212V with a best time of 2:02.036, while the rider to record the joint-highest number of turns on Thursday was Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing. The Finn’s 76 laps produced a time just 0.002 secs. slower than Pedrosa, as he came in eighth fastest whilst trying out different front forks on the GP10.
Álvaro Bautista suffered the first fall of the day just after midday on his Suzuki. He returned to action shortly after on the GSV-R and knocked over a full second off his previous test time, with a 2:02.078 from 34 laps his best effort as he rode the new engine that team-mate Capirossi is also testing.
Rounding out the top 10 times was San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Melandri, whose time of 2:02.086 on his RC212V was a vast step up from his last time out.
Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) is still feeling the slight effects of surgery on his right arm from two weeks ago, although he completed 61 laps with a best time just over a second off Rossi’s.
Rookies Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP), Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing) – who crashed at turn 4 late in the day – and Héctor Barberá (Paginas Amarillas Ducati) followed, with LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet putting in a solid 76 laps while testing chassis geometry in search of the right direction to take on the RC212V, and all made better times than their last test at Sepang.
Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) worked on electronic mapping for traction control on his machine.
Tire supplier Bridgestone has made available to all riders two new tire specifications for this test: the medium rear compound for 2010, which is a softer option qualifying tire, and a new front tire compound to be used for 2011.
Also on track were Yamaha test riders Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa, with a notable absence from this second test being Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo who is still recovering from a hand injury sustained in a training accident two weeks ago.
The riders are due to return to the track for the second and final day of this test on Friday morning at 10am local time.
After setting the fastest time at the Malaysian track three weeks ago, Valentino Rossi was the quickest rider on the first day of the second official test of the year at the Sepang International Circuit on Thursday.
Following Wednesday’s relatively quiet day for test riders only at Sepang, the official MotoGP riders were on track on Thursday. Rossi topped the timesheet on his factory YZR-M1, as he set a best lap time of 2:01.068.
Rossi was continuing work on the set-up of his 2010 prototype and also with new Brembo brake calipers, and the reigning World Champion was followed in the lap times by Casey Stoner, with the Ducati Marlboro team testing new swingarms on the Desmosedici GP10. The main focus remains finding the right feeling with the new engine for the Australian rider, and Stoner was 0.151 secs. off Rossi’s pace.
Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso took well over half a second off his time from the previous test to post a 2:01.631 as the third fastest rider, while the new GSV-R engine in the Rizla Suzuki bike enable Loris Capirossi to make a significant improvement as well. The veteran completed 52 laps – as did Dovizioso – and was fourth quickest at a further 0.056 secs. behind his fellow Italian’s time, as he continues work on the new cowling, Akrapovic exhaust, chassis, suspension and Marchesini wheels from the last test.
Monster Yamaha Tech3 duo Ben Spies and Colin Edwards were fifth and sixth respectively on the timesheet, the former working on riding position and posting a best lap of 2:01.843 on day one.
Edwards, 0.054 secs. slower, had problems with electronics which meant a slow morning, but he returned to the track later in the day and worked on different chassis settings as he took in 35 laps.
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) fell at turn 9 having completed 26 laps, but returned two hours later and made a total of 47 for the day on board his factory RC212V with a best time of 2:02.036, while the rider to record the joint-highest number of turns on Thursday was Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing. The Finn’s 76 laps produced a time just 0.002 secs. slower than Pedrosa, as he came in eighth fastest whilst trying out different front forks on the GP10.
Álvaro Bautista suffered the first fall of the day just after midday on his Suzuki. He returned to action shortly after on the GSV-R and knocked over a full second off his previous test time, with a 2:02.078 from 34 laps his best effort as he rode the new engine that team-mate Capirossi is also testing.
Rounding out the top 10 times was San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Melandri, whose time of 2:02.086 on his RC212V was a vast step up from his last time out.
Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) is still feeling the slight effects of surgery on his right arm from two weeks ago, although he completed 61 laps with a best time just over a second off Rossi’s.
Rookies Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP), Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing) – who crashed at turn 4 late in the day – and Héctor Barberá (Paginas Amarillas Ducati) followed, with LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet putting in a solid 76 laps while testing chassis geometry in search of the right direction to take on the RC212V, and all made better times than their last test at Sepang.
Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) worked on electronic mapping for traction control on his machine.
Tire supplier Bridgestone has made available to all riders two new tire specifications for this test: the medium rear compound for 2010, which is a softer option qualifying tire, and a new front tire compound to be used for 2011.
Also on track were Yamaha test riders Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa, with a notable absence from this second test being Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo who is still recovering from a hand injury sustained in a training accident two weeks ago.
The riders are due to return to the track for the second and final day of this test on Friday morning at 10am local time.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Former Buell man joins Zero
From Zero Motorcycles
SANTA CRUZ, CA – Zero Motorcycles has announced that Abe Askenazi has joined the company as Vice President of Engineering.
Askenazi, who comes to Zero from Buell Motorcycle Company will lead Zero’s engineering and design teams. Askenazi has more than 14 years of product and technology experience in the motorcycle industry, and was previously Senior Director of Analysis, Test and Engineering Process at Buell Motorcycle Co.
"Abe is a seasoned leader and engineer and is an excellent addition to our management team,” said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “He impressed us with his vast experience and many successes at Buell and we are looking forward to working with Abe in his new capacity at Zero Motorcycles.”
During his tenure at Buell, Askenazi led his team to develop 26 motorcycle models from concept to production across four different platforms, which attributed to more than one billion dollars in sales. Other notable accomplishments credited to Askenazi include patents for front brake rotor mounting, lightweight wheels, spoke arrangement and an integral fuel storage unit with a breakaway steering head currently featured on several Buell motorcycles.
You can find out more about Zero Motorcycles product line and general information on Zero Motorcycles’ website, www.zeromotorcycles.com.
Suzuki and Yamaha open Sepang test
From motogp.com
The second official test of 2010 started on Wednesday at the Sepang International Circuit as test riders from Yamaha and Suzuki took to the track.
As is the norm the first day of the second official MotoGP test of 2010 was scheduled as a day for test riders only.
Yamaha sent out Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa while Nobuatsu Aoki rode the GSV-R for Suzuki on Wednesday, with Honda opting not to bring its test rider. Ducati’s Vittoriano Guareschi did not take the Desmosedici GP10 out.
Customary high temperatures (34ºC) met those who did take to the asphalt as Suzuki prepare to use this test to introduce the new GSV-R engine, with Yamaha continuing on the development of the YZR-M1.
Thursday’s testing was due to start at 10am local time, with the official MotoGP riders starting the second tests of their respective 2010 prototypes. Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo will not be riding however due to a hand injury.
The second official test of 2010 started on Wednesday at the Sepang International Circuit as test riders from Yamaha and Suzuki took to the track.
As is the norm the first day of the second official MotoGP test of 2010 was scheduled as a day for test riders only.
Yamaha sent out Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa while Nobuatsu Aoki rode the GSV-R for Suzuki on Wednesday, with Honda opting not to bring its test rider. Ducati’s Vittoriano Guareschi did not take the Desmosedici GP10 out.
Customary high temperatures (34ºC) met those who did take to the asphalt as Suzuki prepare to use this test to introduce the new GSV-R engine, with Yamaha continuing on the development of the YZR-M1.
Thursday’s testing was due to start at 10am local time, with the official MotoGP riders starting the second tests of their respective 2010 prototypes. Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo will not be riding however due to a hand injury.
Larry Szoke
By John Hopkins
Larry Szoke, uncle of six-time and defending Parts Canada Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke, succumbed to cancer earlier this week. He was 60 years old.
Larry was the brother of Bob Szoke, Jordan's father. He was born and raised in Brantford, ON but had spent the past 27 years living in Caledonia, ON.
Over the past few years Larry was a regular on the national road racing tour through his photography business, u-Vu.ca, shooting the racing action for a variety of outlets including the Parts Canada Superbike website.
The Szoke family race team, Waznie Racing, has established a program to raise funds for cancer research through the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in Larry's memory. 'Racing for a Cure - Change for Cancer' will stage fundraising initiatives at selected race events, asking fans to donate thewir pocket change into the Shoei donation helmet. Donations can also be made through the following link: https://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/DonationType.aspx?seid=2117&mid=48.
"Larry's hopes of finding a cure for cancer in his lifetime was tempered with the understanding that finding a cure needs to be supported with research and funding for treatment of those diagnosed with cancer," said a press release from Waznie Racing. "Larry hopes that race fans and competitors share his desire to raise funds from their pocket change and support his 'Racing for a Cure - Change for Cancer' program."
In addition to Bob, Larry Szoke leaves another brother, Doug, and a sister, Sue, his "soul mate" Sandy, two sons, Lonnie and Jay, and two grandchildren.
Inside Motorcycles offers its condolences to the entire Szoke family.
Larry Szoke, uncle of six-time and defending Parts Canada Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke, succumbed to cancer earlier this week. He was 60 years old.
Larry was the brother of Bob Szoke, Jordan's father. He was born and raised in Brantford, ON but had spent the past 27 years living in Caledonia, ON.
Over the past few years Larry was a regular on the national road racing tour through his photography business, u-Vu.ca, shooting the racing action for a variety of outlets including the Parts Canada Superbike website.
The Szoke family race team, Waznie Racing, has established a program to raise funds for cancer research through the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in Larry's memory. 'Racing for a Cure - Change for Cancer' will stage fundraising initiatives at selected race events, asking fans to donate thewir pocket change into the Shoei donation helmet. Donations can also be made through the following link: https://pmhf3.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/DonationType.aspx?seid=2117&mid=48.
"Larry's hopes of finding a cure for cancer in his lifetime was tempered with the understanding that finding a cure needs to be supported with research and funding for treatment of those diagnosed with cancer," said a press release from Waznie Racing. "Larry hopes that race fans and competitors share his desire to raise funds from their pocket change and support his 'Racing for a Cure - Change for Cancer' program."
In addition to Bob, Larry Szoke leaves another brother, Doug, and a sister, Sue, his "soul mate" Sandy, two sons, Lonnie and Jay, and two grandchildren.
Inside Motorcycles offers its condolences to the entire Szoke family.
KTM to make Isle of Man debut
From the Isle of Man TT
Austrian manufacturer KTM is set to increase the levels of official manufacturer participation at the 2010 Isle of Man TT Races with the news that Redline Motorcycles will be entering one of the flagship KTM RC8R Superbike machines in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT Races.
The off-road giants have been increasing their road racing efforts in recent years with 2009 seeing official participation in both the Austrian and German Superbike Championships and it is anticipated that the machine on the Island will mirror those in specification in what will be KTM’s first ever TT appearance.
The man given the task of riding the bright orange bike will be James Edmeades. The 26-year old is no stranger to the TT having ridden in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 events. The former Virgin R6 Cup rider narrowly missed out on his first 120mph lap in 2007 and has already picked up two bronze replicas from his nine races while he also took a strong fifth in last season’s RC8 Super Cup Championship.
“The opportunity to become the first KTM rider at the Isle of Man TT Races is a tremendous honour for me and after the three great years I enjoyed between 2006 and 2008, I can’t wait to get back on the Island," he said. "The KTM RC8R is a superb bike and I’m sure it will perform well around the course with its excellent handling qualities."
KTM will join Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki with their official manufacturer supported efforts at this year’s TT whilst discussions with other leading manufacturers not currently represented at the TT are close to being finalized.
Austrian manufacturer KTM is set to increase the levels of official manufacturer participation at the 2010 Isle of Man TT Races with the news that Redline Motorcycles will be entering one of the flagship KTM RC8R Superbike machines in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT Races.
The off-road giants have been increasing their road racing efforts in recent years with 2009 seeing official participation in both the Austrian and German Superbike Championships and it is anticipated that the machine on the Island will mirror those in specification in what will be KTM’s first ever TT appearance.
The man given the task of riding the bright orange bike will be James Edmeades. The 26-year old is no stranger to the TT having ridden in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 events. The former Virgin R6 Cup rider narrowly missed out on his first 120mph lap in 2007 and has already picked up two bronze replicas from his nine races while he also took a strong fifth in last season’s RC8 Super Cup Championship.
“The opportunity to become the first KTM rider at the Isle of Man TT Races is a tremendous honour for me and after the three great years I enjoyed between 2006 and 2008, I can’t wait to get back on the Island," he said. "The KTM RC8R is a superb bike and I’m sure it will perform well around the course with its excellent handling qualities."
KTM will join Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki with their official manufacturer supported efforts at this year’s TT whilst discussions with other leading manufacturers not currently represented at the TT are close to being finalized.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pirelli gets XTRM with 2010 contingency
From Pirelli North America
ROME, GA – Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) has partnered with XTRM.com to administer its payout contingencies for the remainder of the 2010 race season. All riders are encouraged to register online at: www.PirelliAwards.com to become eligible for the payouts.
Racers must register online before their next event to guarantee payout. Riders can register themselves, team members and family members for the service, and can store their details for upcoming events. Online cancellations are easy, as are class switches; and learning of race detail changes has never been simpler – or more convenient. Payouts will be administered faster than ever, and racers will now be able to collect their winnings much faster following a race, and can use the money to prepare for the next race.
Once registered, racers will be able to size up their competition online, search events for competitors and search for sponsor companies - all with no limits. Racers' results are automatically added to their profile. Manually entering ones race results into his/her resume is no longer necessary.
For more information on the new payout contingencies visit www.PirelliAwards.com, or for series information, including details on this weekend’s Daytona races, go to: www.ccsracing.com.
Roberts wins prestigious award
From Automedia 2000
DUARTE, CA -- After careful deliberation by a judging panel that includes National and California motorsports writers, the coveted Justice Brothers-Shav Glick award for 2010 has been won by motorcycle racing legend Kenny Roberts. The award, now in it’s 11th year, was presented by Ed Justice, Jr. during the pre-race ceremonies at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500, in Fontana, CA.
Roberts won two AMA Grand National Championships in 1973 and ’74, three consecutive 500cc National Championships in 1978, ’79 and 1980, and three victories at the Daytona 200.
Roberts was also an innovator during his career. He was the first racer to use an outstretched knee to help balance the bike during hard cornering and to use the engine’s power to steer the motorcycle while exiting turns. This became known as the “throttle steering” technique. Due to his illustrious career, Roberts has been inducted into the Motorsports Hall Of Fame in 1990, the International Motorsports Hall Of Fame in 1992, the AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame in 1998, and the FIM named him Grand Prix “Legend” in 2000.
Roberts ran his last race during the 1983 season, winning the San Marino Grand Prix.
After finishing his racing career, Roberts became a safety advocate, initiating safety measures at racing venues. Until that time rider safety was not a consideration by the tracks, so Roberts worked hard to successfully change that. In 1983 he also turned to team management, which he still does today.
Indy Mile tickets on sale
From The Promotion Company
INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Advance tickets are now on sale for the return of the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National at the legendary Indy Mile track at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis on Saturday, August 28.
The Lucas Oil Indy Mile returns as a featured event of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend. Activities for the AMA Pro Grand National Twins Championship class and AMA Pro Singles Championship class will be begin with timed-qualifying from 3:00pm-5:00pm, open pit autograph session for ticket holders 5:30pm-6:30pm, opening ceremonies 7:00pm with the first race at 7:30pm.
Glorious memories of the Indy Mile go back for decades. Top riders have always highly coveted a win at this race, long considered the 'Crown Jewel' of AMA Pro Racing's oldest and most tradition-rich professional racing series.
After a hiatus that began in 1999, the race returned to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 2008 to record-breaking crowds. In 2009, a near-capacity crowd again returned to witness another night of sliding, drafting, handlebar-to-handlebar duels, 140 mph straightaway speeds, and inches-close finishes.
As a special treat in 2009, motorcycle racing legend 'King' Kenny Roberts electrified the crowd with a no-holds barred, high-revving three-lap curtain call on the infamous Yamaha TZ-750 he rode to victory in 1975. Valentino Rossi and other top MotoGP riders cheered on Roberts while marveling at the guts and skill of today's flat track stars.
Harley-Davidson factory rider and three-time AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth of Morris, CT won the 2009 Lucas Oil Indy Mile main event in the Expert Twins class. J. D. Beach on a Honda won the AMA Pro Singles main event in 2009.
Advance Discount tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For additional ticket information and web links, please visit www.IndyMile.com.
Advance discount ticket prices range from $20 (US) for general admission to $35 for a reserved grandstand seat.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Euro Moto co-owner dies in accident
By John Hopkins
Philippe Durand, the co-owner of Laval, QC's Euro Moto motorcycle dealership, died in a snowmobile accident last Friday night.
The 44-year-old was travelling on the Lake of Two Mountains with his wife and two sons when one of the two snowmobiles they were travelling on fell through the ice and into the lake, according to a story in the Montreal Gazette. The older of the boys was able to pull everyone out of the water with a dog leash, the newspaper reported, before the other snowmobile fell through the ice and everyone ended up in the water.
The boys, aged 11 and 14, and their mother were able to crawl to safety but Durand disappeared under the water.
The Gazette reported on Tuesday morning that Quebec police divers were temporarily abandoning their search for Durand's body until the ice started to clear.
The 44-year-old Durand was credited for his efforts to save his wife and two boys, according to police.
"He tried, he gave it his all," said Surete du Quebec Sgt. Gilles Mitchell in the Gazette. "They did as much as they could do to save each other. But he didn't come out, that's for sure."
Euro Moto has posted a tribute to Durand on its website.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with all those friends and family," the site said. "In this terrible ordeal we are always here to serve you our best. Rest in peace buddy."
Philippe Durand, the co-owner of Laval, QC's Euro Moto motorcycle dealership, died in a snowmobile accident last Friday night.
The 44-year-old was travelling on the Lake of Two Mountains with his wife and two sons when one of the two snowmobiles they were travelling on fell through the ice and into the lake, according to a story in the Montreal Gazette. The older of the boys was able to pull everyone out of the water with a dog leash, the newspaper reported, before the other snowmobile fell through the ice and everyone ended up in the water.
The boys, aged 11 and 14, and their mother were able to crawl to safety but Durand disappeared under the water.
The Gazette reported on Tuesday morning that Quebec police divers were temporarily abandoning their search for Durand's body until the ice started to clear.
The 44-year-old Durand was credited for his efforts to save his wife and two boys, according to police.
"He tried, he gave it his all," said Surete du Quebec Sgt. Gilles Mitchell in the Gazette. "They did as much as they could do to save each other. But he didn't come out, that's for sure."
Euro Moto has posted a tribute to Durand on its website.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with all those friends and family," the site said. "In this terrible ordeal we are always here to serve you our best. Rest in peace buddy."
Lorenzo sidelined for MotoGP test
From motogp.com
Three weeks after the first official test of the year at the Sepang International Circuit the MotoGP riders will return to the Malaysian track this week to carry on with the developments of their respective prototypes, ahead of the start of the World Championship season in Qatar on April 11.
Scheduled for three days the opening day on Wednesday will be for test riders only, with Thursday and Friday offering valuable time for the team riders to further the customization of their 2010 machines.
Valentino Rossi set the standard at the first test with the only sub-2:01 lap of the test on his M1, and the Fiat Yamaha rider and reigning World Champion will again be working on new aspects of the setting on his bike. His team-mate Jorge Lorenzo will not be testing however as he continues his recovery from a hand injury sustained in a training accident.
Casey Stoner was pleased with the reaction of the new engine in the Desmosedici GP10 of the Ducati Marlboro team, as was team-mate Nicky Hayden, and the duo will again focus on finding their comfort zones.
Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was happy with his RC212V after the first test and both he and team-mate Andrea Dovizioso will maintain their acclimatization to the bike.
Rizla Suzuki will have its new GSV-R engine for Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista to test, and Monster Yamaha Tech3 pairing Ben Spies and Colin Edwards will look to build on what was a pleasing opening test on their M1 machines.
Pramac Racing’s Aleix Espargaró and Mika Kallio will have their second rides on the GP10, and Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) will both persist with the RC212V.
Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP), Héctor Barberá (Paginas Amarillas Ducati) and Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) will all gain more important experience ahead of their debut seasons in the premier class.
Three weeks after the first official test of the year at the Sepang International Circuit the MotoGP riders will return to the Malaysian track this week to carry on with the developments of their respective prototypes, ahead of the start of the World Championship season in Qatar on April 11.
Scheduled for three days the opening day on Wednesday will be for test riders only, with Thursday and Friday offering valuable time for the team riders to further the customization of their 2010 machines.
Valentino Rossi set the standard at the first test with the only sub-2:01 lap of the test on his M1, and the Fiat Yamaha rider and reigning World Champion will again be working on new aspects of the setting on his bike. His team-mate Jorge Lorenzo will not be testing however as he continues his recovery from a hand injury sustained in a training accident.
Casey Stoner was pleased with the reaction of the new engine in the Desmosedici GP10 of the Ducati Marlboro team, as was team-mate Nicky Hayden, and the duo will again focus on finding their comfort zones.
Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was happy with his RC212V after the first test and both he and team-mate Andrea Dovizioso will maintain their acclimatization to the bike.
Rizla Suzuki will have its new GSV-R engine for Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista to test, and Monster Yamaha Tech3 pairing Ben Spies and Colin Edwards will look to build on what was a pleasing opening test on their M1 machines.
Pramac Racing’s Aleix Espargaró and Mika Kallio will have their second rides on the GP10, and Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) will both persist with the RC212V.
Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP), Héctor Barberá (Paginas Amarillas Ducati) and Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) will all gain more important experience ahead of their debut seasons in the premier class.
Former AMA Board Chairman sentenced
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- Former American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Board Chairman Dal Smilie was sentenced Monday to eight months in prison and two years probation for embezzling more than $100,000 (US) through fraudulent travel reimbursement claims submitted to the AMA over a period of years ending in 2007.
Smilie pleaded guilty to felony counts of grand theft by deception and of receiving stolen property in the Fairfield County, Ohio, courtroom of Judge Chris Martin. He was taken directly into custody to begin serving a sentence that could see him request early release after 30 days.
Speaking to Judge Martin before his sentencing, Smilie expressed remorse for his actions.
"I've got much to apologize for, and many people to apologize to, including AMA members, AMA staff, my fellow board members and volunteers," he said. "I've let them down."
Smilie acknowledged that his fraudulent travel-reimbursement claims stemmed from his time as an AMA board member. "I overstated travel claims," he said. "I co-mingled funds. That's misappropriation. That's theft. That's a breach of trust, and I'm sorry for that. I was an honourable person, and I kind of slid into this. I don't have good excuses."
Fairfield County Assistant Prosecutor Gregg Marx said after the hearing that the sentence was appropriate, especially in light of the fact that Smilie paid restitution to the AMA for the money in question. "We're very pleased with the resolution of this case."
AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman echoed those sentiments. "On behalf of the members of the American Motorcyclist Association, we are satisfied that justice has been served, and we are glad to put this matter behind us," he said.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Fabrizio ends test with fastest time
From worldsbk.com
After four tests sessions over two days, Michel Fabrizio posted the quickest time of all at the official World Superbike pre-season tests at Phillip Island on Monday, a 1:31.650, set on the final morning on his Ducati Xerox machine.
The 2010 season opens at the Australian circuit this weekend.
"I'm satisfied with the lap times because we were consistently fast," Fabrizio said. "I found good race pace with one of the tire compounds in particular and this bodes well for the weekend, but the result will very much depend on the weather.
"There are several fast guys here, so it will undoubtedly be a tough race weekend, as well as a hard-fought championship. It's a difficult challenge but I'm ready to face it."
Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) was second quickest, on a 1:31.662, while Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Ducati) was one of the riders to improve in the final session, taking his Ducati to third best time, only 0.030 seconds from Fabrizio.
"We had a bit of a problem in the afternoon session but it was good to make a fast time this morning," Byrne said. "It was a little bit disappointing to get pipped this afternoon. But it is only a test so it is not the end of the world.
"It's very positive for the team to have both riders high in the rankings going into next weekend. We can't be too upset to finish second today by only a small margin."
Fastest rider on day one, Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) was fourth overall, while the first of the four-cylinder riders, Jonathan Rea, was fifth in the combined rankings, having set his personal best time Monday afternoon on his Hannspree Ten Kate Honda.
The top 10 on combined times was rounded out by Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare), Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing), Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing) and Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).
Ruben Xaus was top BMW rider, 11th, and the fastest Yamaha man was James Toseland, 12th.
Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) proved quickest of the local riders on show, one place ahead of Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati), who set 14th best time.
Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) was 15th in a field of 24, and top Kawasaki rider was local man Chris Vermeulen, who took his machine to 16th place.
The top 20 riders were within just over two seconds of each other.
Spanish rider Joan Lascorz (Provec Motocard.com Kawasaki) headed the field in the middleweight division at Phillip Island, securing the fastest lap of the Supersport tests in Monday morning's session, with a 1:34.374.
Only one rider improved his best time in the afternoon sector, as track conditions deteriorated due to high winds and a drop in temperature right at the end of the day.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was second in the rankings, 2009 Championship runner-up Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) was third and Sofuoglu's team-mate Michele Pirro fourth.
Overall Superbike Times
1. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:31.650
2. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:31.662
3. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:31.680
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:31.959
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.175
6. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:32.247
7. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.279
8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F 1:32.474
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.621
10. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.691
11. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.714
12. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:32.781
13. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.819
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.830
15. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.869
16. Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:32.870
After four tests sessions over two days, Michel Fabrizio posted the quickest time of all at the official World Superbike pre-season tests at Phillip Island on Monday, a 1:31.650, set on the final morning on his Ducati Xerox machine.
The 2010 season opens at the Australian circuit this weekend.
"I'm satisfied with the lap times because we were consistently fast," Fabrizio said. "I found good race pace with one of the tire compounds in particular and this bodes well for the weekend, but the result will very much depend on the weather.
"There are several fast guys here, so it will undoubtedly be a tough race weekend, as well as a hard-fought championship. It's a difficult challenge but I'm ready to face it."
Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) was second quickest, on a 1:31.662, while Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Ducati) was one of the riders to improve in the final session, taking his Ducati to third best time, only 0.030 seconds from Fabrizio.
"We had a bit of a problem in the afternoon session but it was good to make a fast time this morning," Byrne said. "It was a little bit disappointing to get pipped this afternoon. But it is only a test so it is not the end of the world.
"It's very positive for the team to have both riders high in the rankings going into next weekend. We can't be too upset to finish second today by only a small margin."
Fastest rider on day one, Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) was fourth overall, while the first of the four-cylinder riders, Jonathan Rea, was fifth in the combined rankings, having set his personal best time Monday afternoon on his Hannspree Ten Kate Honda.
The top 10 on combined times was rounded out by Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare), Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing), Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing) and Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).
Ruben Xaus was top BMW rider, 11th, and the fastest Yamaha man was James Toseland, 12th.
Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) proved quickest of the local riders on show, one place ahead of Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati), who set 14th best time.
Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) was 15th in a field of 24, and top Kawasaki rider was local man Chris Vermeulen, who took his machine to 16th place.
The top 20 riders were within just over two seconds of each other.
Spanish rider Joan Lascorz (Provec Motocard.com Kawasaki) headed the field in the middleweight division at Phillip Island, securing the fastest lap of the Supersport tests in Monday morning's session, with a 1:34.374.
Only one rider improved his best time in the afternoon sector, as track conditions deteriorated due to high winds and a drop in temperature right at the end of the day.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was second in the rankings, 2009 Championship runner-up Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) was third and Sofuoglu's team-mate Michele Pirro fourth.
Overall Superbike Times
1. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:31.650
2. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:31.662
3. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:31.680
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:31.959
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.175
6. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:32.247
7. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.279
8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F 1:32.474
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.621
10. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.691
11. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.714
12. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:32.781
13. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.819
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.830
15. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.869
16. Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:32.870
Toronto Spring show expands
From SUPERSHOW Events
Spring means one thing to motorcyclists – taking the bike out of storage and getting ready to hit the road. Whether it’s for commuting, weekend rides or plans for that big road trip there’s a sense of purpose for riders once the snow melts.
The Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show, presented by Mantha Insurance and taking place in April at the International Centre, is timed perfectly to provide a one-stop shopping opportunity for all motorcyclists just as the riding season is opening.
The Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show runs Saturday, April 10 from 10am to 9pm, and Sunday, April 11 from 10am to 5pm. The Spring Show expansion to three halls means larger displays of the new 2010 model motorcycles including touring and cruising bikes, street bikes, off road bikes and scooters, and there will also be great deals on non-current models. The giant Used Bike Clearance Sale is a hot spot for anyone shopping for a bike, with a vast array of makes and models.
This year’s Door Prize is a new Suzuki DR-Z125 motorcycle provided by Suzuki of Newmarket, to be drawn on stage, Sunday at the Show.
Admission to the Spring Motorcycle Show includes a complimentary copy of International Motorcycle Magazine and a half price admission coupon to the Classic Car Auction, happening next door in Hall 3.
The International Centre is located at 6900 Airport Road. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for youths under 12, free for children under 6, and parking is free.
Visit www.supershowevents.com for more information.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Checa fastest on first day of test
From worldsbk.com
Privateer Ducati rider Carlos Checa set the quickest time of the first day of track action at the official tests in Phillip Island, taking his Althea Ducati to a 1:31.959 lap time. His pace was less than one second slower than the track best in this class, 1:31.050, which was set in qualifying for the 2009 race.
The official Ducati Xerox machine of Michel Fabrizio was second quickest in the opening sessions, 0.390 seconds behind the flying Checa around the 4.445km circuit.
"We didn't expect this performance this early and especially not at this track, which is not easy," Checa admitted. "But we know that the Ducati can work quite well here and we arrived in Phillip Island after a quite good job in testing at Valencia. The team's understanding of the bike is good, and also they helped me a lot to understand how to ride this bike in the right way. The feeling on the bike is special and so far it is a good experience to ride it."
Both Checa and Fabrizio set their best times in the afternoon session, when track surface temperatures reached 46°C, but in the slightly cooler morning session Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) was still fast enough for third in the combined times, with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) fourth.
Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) pushed his machine to fifth place, just over half a second behind leader Checa, while another British rider, Shane Byrne (Ducati Althea) was sixth.
After suffering many injuries in 2009, Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) proved himself fast and focused on day one, going seventh, heading off Max Biaggi on the leading Aprilia Alitalia machine.
A top day for the private Ducatis in general saw Jakub Smrz ninth on his Pata B&G Racing 1098R, while DFX Ducati rider Lorenzo Lanzi rounded out the top 10.
Leading Yamaha rider was James Toseland (Sterilgarda Yamaha) 11th quickest while the top Kawasaki lap was set by Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), 13th fastest of 23 riders.
Top local rider proved to be Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) and the local favourite was also the highest ranked BMW competitor, in 14th.
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Kenan Sofuoglu proved the fastest Supersport World Championship rider on display on the first day of Phillip Island testing, thanks to his morning time of 1:34.691. He was very close to his own track best of 1:34.320 with his opening day time, and has one more day to try and improve his pace even more.
Katsuaki Fujiwara's 1:35.042 was enough for second overall, and also enough to hold off his team-mate Joan Lascorz.
Superbike Times Day 1
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:31.959
2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.349
3. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.484
4. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:32.518
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.544
6. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:32.671
7. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.735
8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.832
9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:32.912
10. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.979
11. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.135
12. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:33.190
13. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.222
14. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.299
15. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.444
16. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.498
17. Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.648
18. Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.699
19. Brookes J. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR 1:33.710
20. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:33.852
21. Resch R. (AUT) BMW S1000 RR 1:34.361
22. Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:35.260
23. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.087
24. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.155
Privateer Ducati rider Carlos Checa set the quickest time of the first day of track action at the official tests in Phillip Island, taking his Althea Ducati to a 1:31.959 lap time. His pace was less than one second slower than the track best in this class, 1:31.050, which was set in qualifying for the 2009 race.
The official Ducati Xerox machine of Michel Fabrizio was second quickest in the opening sessions, 0.390 seconds behind the flying Checa around the 4.445km circuit.
"We didn't expect this performance this early and especially not at this track, which is not easy," Checa admitted. "But we know that the Ducati can work quite well here and we arrived in Phillip Island after a quite good job in testing at Valencia. The team's understanding of the bike is good, and also they helped me a lot to understand how to ride this bike in the right way. The feeling on the bike is special and so far it is a good experience to ride it."
Both Checa and Fabrizio set their best times in the afternoon session, when track surface temperatures reached 46°C, but in the slightly cooler morning session Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) was still fast enough for third in the combined times, with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) fourth.
Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) pushed his machine to fifth place, just over half a second behind leader Checa, while another British rider, Shane Byrne (Ducati Althea) was sixth.
After suffering many injuries in 2009, Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) proved himself fast and focused on day one, going seventh, heading off Max Biaggi on the leading Aprilia Alitalia machine.
A top day for the private Ducatis in general saw Jakub Smrz ninth on his Pata B&G Racing 1098R, while DFX Ducati rider Lorenzo Lanzi rounded out the top 10.
Leading Yamaha rider was James Toseland (Sterilgarda Yamaha) 11th quickest while the top Kawasaki lap was set by Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), 13th fastest of 23 riders.
Top local rider proved to be Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) and the local favourite was also the highest ranked BMW competitor, in 14th.
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Kenan Sofuoglu proved the fastest Supersport World Championship rider on display on the first day of Phillip Island testing, thanks to his morning time of 1:34.691. He was very close to his own track best of 1:34.320 with his opening day time, and has one more day to try and improve his pace even more.
Katsuaki Fujiwara's 1:35.042 was enough for second overall, and also enough to hold off his team-mate Joan Lascorz.
Superbike Times Day 1
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:31.959
2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.349
3. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.484
4. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:32.518
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.544
6. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:32.671
7. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.735
8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:32.832
9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:32.912
10. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.979
11. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.135
12. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:33.190
13. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.222
14. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.299
15. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.444
16. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.498
17. Vermeulen C. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.648
18. Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.699
19. Brookes J. (AUS) Honda CBR1000RR 1:33.710
20. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:33.852
21. Resch R. (AUT) BMW S1000 RR 1:34.361
22. Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:35.260
23. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.087
24. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.155
Friday, February 19, 2010
New Suzuki Superbike sponsor
From Team Suzuki News Service
Team Suzuki Alstare has signed an agreement with a new sponsor, Viru, for the 2010 World Superbike Championship.
Viru is an Estonian beer and is distributed by the Italian company Biscaldi Group, with whom Alstare has worked with on many SBK operations in recent years.
Viru is a fresh-tasting pilsner beer and is produced in a unique octahedral shaped bottle, whose design is said to be based on the famous churches and towers of old Tallin, Estonia’s capital. The beer is made from highest-quality barley from the pure grain fields of Lithuania and hops from the Czech Republic in the university town of Tartu.
Viru is a premium quality beer and perfectly fits the dynamic image of Team Suzuki Alstare.
Pietro Biscaldi from the Biscaldi Group said: “We are very happy to be involved with Team Suzuki Alstare because they are such an important team in the Superbike World Championship. We are looking forward to supporting them and fighting for the title this year.”
Team Suzuki Alstare has also announced that Dark Dog will continue to be onboard this year, alongside their other current long-standing technical partners. All are optimistic about the season ahead, particularly after the superb performances of Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli in this year’s tests.
Fong returns to SportBike series
From Crozier Roberson Motorsports
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Crozier Roberson Motorsports has announced that it has signed Bobby Fong to pilot the No. 30 DNA Energy Drink Ducati 848 in the 2010 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Series.
Born and raised in Stockton, CA, Fong has been riding motorcycles since he was five years old and has been racing for the past five years. Racing in the AMA arena for the past two years, Fong competed in selected events in 2009 in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike with a best finish of fourth.
"We are really excited to have Bobby on board for this season," said Mark Crozier and Robbie Roberson. "We have been watching him for quite some time. He is extremely talented, has tremendous drive and is incredibly focused. We feel he will be an excellent fit for our team."
"I am really excited about this upcoming season," said Fong. "Having a full time ride with Crozier Roberson Motorsports is awesome and I can't wait to get to Daytona. It is going to be so much better than last year as I will be working with one team and will be able to bond with the crew, which is all important. This will be my first time on a Ducati 848. It is a really good bike and there is no doubt in my mind that we will be able to win some races."
Winning is nothing new to Crozier Roberson Motorsports, who joined forces last season and brought home the 2009 AMA Pro SunTrust MOTO GT-1 title. This year, flying the DNA Energy Drink banner, they will field two Ducati 848s in the Daytona SportBike Series.
"We are set for a really good season," said Roberson. "Everything is set and when the green flag drops on March 5, we will be good to go."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Privateers to get MotoGP rules break
From motogp.com
The members of the Grand Prix Commission met in Barcelona on Wednesday to further define the technical regulations that will be introduced for the 2012 MotoGP season.
It was confirmed last December that the maximum engine capacity would increase to 1000cc for the start of the 2012 season with a maximum number of four cylinders and a maximum bore width of 81mm, and on Wednesday the GP Commission announced further specifications.
These include a minimum weight of 153kg for bikes over 800cc and 150kg for machines up to 800cc, a maximum number of six engines available for use by each rider and a fuel tank capacity of 21 litres.
There was also an announcement about the exception for private teams, who will have different limitations. These will be that each rider will be able to use 12 engines per season, and with a fuel tank capacity of 24 litres. These new regulations will be further defined by the end of May, with these teams to be referred to as Claiming Rule Teams (CRT).
In addition to these specifications, the Commission unanimously decided to introduce amendments with regards to tire pressure for 2010. For the forthcoming season tire pressure sensors will not be allowed, with tire temperature sensors already prohibited.
Also confirmed at the meeting were definitions regarding the procedure for Moto2 teams to “request a replacement engine on the grounds of substandard performance” during the 2010 season.
The members of the Grand Prix Commission met in Barcelona on Wednesday to further define the technical regulations that will be introduced for the 2012 MotoGP season.
It was confirmed last December that the maximum engine capacity would increase to 1000cc for the start of the 2012 season with a maximum number of four cylinders and a maximum bore width of 81mm, and on Wednesday the GP Commission announced further specifications.
These include a minimum weight of 153kg for bikes over 800cc and 150kg for machines up to 800cc, a maximum number of six engines available for use by each rider and a fuel tank capacity of 21 litres.
There was also an announcement about the exception for private teams, who will have different limitations. These will be that each rider will be able to use 12 engines per season, and with a fuel tank capacity of 24 litres. These new regulations will be further defined by the end of May, with these teams to be referred to as Claiming Rule Teams (CRT).
In addition to these specifications, the Commission unanimously decided to introduce amendments with regards to tire pressure for 2010. For the forthcoming season tire pressure sensors will not be allowed, with tire temperature sensors already prohibited.
Also confirmed at the meeting were definitions regarding the procedure for Moto2 teams to “request a replacement engine on the grounds of substandard performance” during the 2010 season.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CMA establishes Alternative Energies Fund
From the Canadian Motorcycle Association
with files from John Hopkins
HAMILTON, ON -- The AEF has been created by the Canadian Motorcycle Association to encourage and assist Canadians competing in international competitions for motorcycles using power sources other than the conventional gasoline engine.
It will also provide assistance to Canadian organizers of events for motorcycles using alternative power systems.
Recent years have seen significant advances in alternative energy systems for transportation uses. Much, although not all of this interest has been focused on various electric power systems. Several manufacturers now have or are developing electric power motorcycles for use in road racing, enduro, trials and motocross, as well as for street use.
In 2009 there were a number of international races for electric motorcycles, most notable of these being the TTXGP road race at the Isle of Man in June and the three-day Eco-Enduro in Denmark in December.
with files from John Hopkins
HAMILTON, ON -- The AEF has been created by the Canadian Motorcycle Association to encourage and assist Canadians competing in international competitions for motorcycles using power sources other than the conventional gasoline engine.
It will also provide assistance to Canadian organizers of events for motorcycles using alternative power systems.
Recent years have seen significant advances in alternative energy systems for transportation uses. Much, although not all of this interest has been focused on various electric power systems. Several manufacturers now have or are developing electric power motorcycles for use in road racing, enduro, trials and motocross, as well as for street use.
In 2009 there were a number of international races for electric motorcycles, most notable of these being the TTXGP road race at the Isle of Man in June and the three-day Eco-Enduro in Denmark in December.
Mosport International Raceway will hold Canada's first TTXGP race in July 2010, and the event will be round 2 of the TTXGP North American Championship. The race, scheduled for July 8–11, is in conjunction with rounds four and five of the 2010 Parts Canada National Superbike road racing Championships.
"Everyone involved in the Canadian series is really looking forward to the TTXGP event at Mosport in 2010," said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which organizes the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. "We believe this event has a solid long term future. The electric initiative is attracting lots of attention, and we know Mosport will serve as a great showcase for TTXGP."
For 2010, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) world governing body for motorcycling, has established an e-power road racing world championship series. By establishing the AEF the CMA hopes to encourage Canadians to participate in these events.
Graham Read, CMA Alternative Energies Fund Chair, Chair of the CMA Environmental Panel, and a member of the FIM International Environment Commission commented, “Competition in the past has led to significant technological developments that have improved the efficiency, safety and usefulness of the motorcycles we use today. Motorcycles, by their very nature are more efficient than other vehicles when some form of motorized transport is needed. They can do much to reduce fuel consumption and traffic congestion.
"The CMA wishes to support the development of new and innovative technologies that will encourage motorcycle use to the benefit of the environment and of society at large.”
Enquiries should be directed to registration@canmocycle.ca.
McCormick plans US Superbike assault
By John Hopkins
Highly-touted Canadian road racing talent Brett McCormick will battle for the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike title in 2010 aboard a Picotte Performance-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000.
The program will be a self-funded effort according to a press release from McCormick. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon will open the season at Daytona International Speedway March 3-5 aboard his 2009 GSX-R1000. He is also planning an entry in the Daytona 200 on a Picotte-prepared Suzuki GSX-R600. The prestigious 200 is part of the AMA's Daytona SportBike class.
"It's tough after a stellar year to not have a ride this year," said McCormick, who placed second to Jordan Szoke in last summer's Parts Canada Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike divisions riding for the factory Suzuki team. "But I guess at this point in my career it's time to prove myself on a bigger stage, and the States is obviously the place to do that. I know Pascal and the guys are a world class team, so I plan on running at the front."
Sources indicate that McCormick was in the frame for a World Superbike ride this year with the DFX Ducati squad, but late last week that spot went to former factory Ducati rider Lorenzo Lanzi. McCormick apparently had been recommended to the team by Pirelli, which supplies the spec tires to both the Parts Canada Superbike and World Superbike series.
Picotte coached McCormick as part of his Suzuki program last year, and the pair also competed at Daytona in 2009, where McCormick finished 21st on his GSX-R1000. In Canada, McCormick won five of seven races in the Parts Canada Superbike series.
"Last season was really special, not only in what was achieved on the track but the great bonding of the guys on the team," said Picotte in the press release. "All the guys didn't hesitate in the chance to work together again this year. Once people see what we can accomplish hopefully the support will follow that allows Brett and the team to be successful."
Highly-touted Canadian road racing talent Brett McCormick will battle for the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike title in 2010 aboard a Picotte Performance-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000.
The program will be a self-funded effort according to a press release from McCormick. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon will open the season at Daytona International Speedway March 3-5 aboard his 2009 GSX-R1000. He is also planning an entry in the Daytona 200 on a Picotte-prepared Suzuki GSX-R600. The prestigious 200 is part of the AMA's Daytona SportBike class.
"It's tough after a stellar year to not have a ride this year," said McCormick, who placed second to Jordan Szoke in last summer's Parts Canada Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike divisions riding for the factory Suzuki team. "But I guess at this point in my career it's time to prove myself on a bigger stage, and the States is obviously the place to do that. I know Pascal and the guys are a world class team, so I plan on running at the front."
Sources indicate that McCormick was in the frame for a World Superbike ride this year with the DFX Ducati squad, but late last week that spot went to former factory Ducati rider Lorenzo Lanzi. McCormick apparently had been recommended to the team by Pirelli, which supplies the spec tires to both the Parts Canada Superbike and World Superbike series.
Picotte coached McCormick as part of his Suzuki program last year, and the pair also competed at Daytona in 2009, where McCormick finished 21st on his GSX-R1000. In Canada, McCormick won five of seven races in the Parts Canada Superbike series.
"Last season was really special, not only in what was achieved on the track but the great bonding of the guys on the team," said Picotte in the press release. "All the guys didn't hesitate in the chance to work together again this year. Once people see what we can accomplish hopefully the support will follow that allows Brett and the team to be successful."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Kahuna presents special women's event
From Motoress
TORONTO, ON – As women riders continue to increase in numbers, the motorcycle industry responds to their demands by offering education and products specifically geared towards females. On Thursday, Feb. 25, ladies are invited to enjoy a WOMEN’S MOTOEVENING filled with instructional workshops, a fashion show and an industry Meet & Greet – just for women.
“Kahuna has always catered to female clientele,” stated Joe Linardi, owner of Kahuna Powersports. “We feel we have done much to ensure women are comfortable when they visit our dealership, with a calibre of service that speaks to their needs. As their requirements and interests evolve, so do we. By offering a special evening, just for women, we feel that we’re quite simply underlining our aim to satisfy the needs of this rider group.”
The WOMEN’S MOTOEVENING takes place from 5:30pm to 10:00pm at Kahuna Powersports in Toronto, situated just northwest within the GTA. A light dinner is provided, followed by workshops designed for women, including one given by Vicki Schouten, the 2009 Canadian Women’s Cup Challenge Champion, sponsored for the past three years by Kahuna Powersports. Topics include: Upgrade Your Motorcycle Performance; Packing for the Trip plus Helmet Know-How; and Hairstyle Management Tips and Techniques. The fashion show, Gear & Rider Clothing Preview 2010, hits the runway at 8:30pm until 9:00pm, featuring new motorcycle gear for the 2010 season and real female riders as the show’s top models.
“We’re holding nothing back to ensure women have a fun and truly informative evening, which by the way, is entirely designed by real women riders,” said Linardi. “We’ve hosted ladies days before, but this is the most thorough and exciting event, just for women, that we’ve created yet. We expect a great turnout of women on the 25th. This is just the beginning of more activities to come.”
To RSVP, or for more information about the Kahuna Powersports WOMEN’S MOTOEVENING, visit http://www.kahunapowersports.com/custompage2.asp?pg=specials, email events@kahunapowersports.com or call (416)743-3117.
Smith to serve as Vintage Grand Marshal
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- One afternoon in the mid-1960s, a man walked into a Southern California motorcycle shop looking for someone to race an unproven motorcycle with a foreign-sounding name. Lucky for that man, he walked into the right shop and found the right racer. Malcolm Smith took Edison Dye's offer, and their partnership would help establish the Husqvarna motorcycle brand as a force in American off-road.
In recognition of Smith's contributions to the success of Husqvarna, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Husqvarna Motorcycles North America have announced that Smith will serve as Grand Marshal at the 19th annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 9-11 in Lexington, OH. Husqvarna is the Marque of the Year for 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
"Even today, decades after Malcolm Smith's racing prime, his fan base rivals some of the top names in the sport," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "To anyone who has met him, the reason for that is clear: Malcolm Smith is synonymous with everything positive about motorcycling -- fun, sportsmanship, and excitement. He will serve as an exceptional Grand Marshal at this year's AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as we celebrate the brand on which he became famous: Husqvarna."
Added Husqvarna National Sales and Marketing Manager Scot Harden: "When it came to honouring a Grand Marshal at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Malcolm Smith was the obvious choice. We look forward to celebrating the storied history of Husqvarna with Malcolm, as well as a large number of other past Husqvarna legends and champions on July 9-11."
Smith says he's looking forward to meeting fans and enjoying the activities himself at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
"I was last at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days three years ago and had a wonderful time," Smith said. "I particularly liked walking around the large field where they sell all the old bike parts, buying a truckload and then figuring out how to get it all back to California. I'm spoiled. I like to ride new bikes, but I really enjoy working on old motorcycles. I work on them every day."
Following his encounter with Dye, Smith's success and influence wasn't limited to the track. Smith's positive evaluation of those first Husqvarnas also persuaded Dye to become the U.S. Husqvarna importer in 1966. That decision paved the way for Dye to bring in reigning Swedish world motocross champion Torsten Hallman to race the bikes in the United States. Not only did that move further advertise the quality and speed of Husqvarnas and help Dye sell a lot of motorcycles, but it also established the sport of motocross on American soil.
In his role as grand marshal, Smith will participate in numerous fan-friendly activities, from autograph signings to discussions of his history with Husqvarna. This will be a rare and unique opportunity for Smith's thousands of fans to meet and greet the off-road legend.
As a racer, Smith gained fame for his accomplishments in the Baja 1000 and for his gold-medal-winning rides in the International Six Day Enduro competitions, but his notoriety reached well beyond the motorcycling community as the star of the influential 1970s motorcycle movie, "On Any Sunday." The scenes of Smith play-riding with his buddies, which included popular actor Steve McQueen, showed people across the country just how fun motorcycling could be. The movie helped launch an explosion in the popularity of off-road motorcycling in America.
Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, road racing and dirt track. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features North America's largest motorcycle swap meet. Also on tap: educational seminars, bike shows, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers' Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs.
For more information visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com. For tickets to the event, see MidOhio.com.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
New developments for Yamaha World Superbike
From Yamaha Racing
The Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team unveiled its new livery for the 2010 racing season on Friday. The team launched the new design on location at the Sterilgarda headquarters in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy to an audience of international journalists and sponsors.
Riders James Toseland and Cal Crutchlow revealed their 2010 YZF-R1 racebikes then took time to answer questions about their upcoming season. Both two-time World Superbike champion Toseland and reigning World Supersport champion Crutchlow have the potential to fight for the championship title this year.
New racing developments to the 2010 bike based upon the production crossplane crankshaft R1 include:
• Increased engine power – Maximum engine power increased by 8hp, considerable power benefits over the full rev range.
• Weight reduction – Overall bike weight reduced by 3kg without losing the electric starter.
• Different radiator shape – For increased cooling capacity and also to reduce drag.
• Different fuel tank – Now made entirely from carbon fibre with greater capability and lighter.
• Re-designed bottom fairing – Narrower design for less drag, design allows for easier heat dispersal
• New exhaust system – For increased power in the middle of the rev range.
"The first race is coming up in two weeks and testing has been really promising after riding a GP bike for two years," Toseland said. "After the test in Phillip Island personally and machinery wise everything should be set to compete at the front from the first race."
"I'm looking forward to the year ahead," Crutchlow added. "It's going to be a good challenge, but tough. Testing has gone well, hopefully we can turn that into good results from the first few races and build from there. I know we can do a good job."
Sterilgarda joined up with Yamaha as a key sponsor midway through the 2009 race season at the Monza round in Italy. Sterilgarda Alimenti Spa is the second largest UHT dairy manufacturer in Italy. Main products include UHT milk and cream, béchamel sauce, pudding, yogurt, mascarpone, fruit juices and soft drinks.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Two more years for Race City
By John Hopkins
Calgary venue Race City Motorsports Park will operate for two more years before shutting down for good, according to a report in Wednesday's Calgary Herald.
According to the story, Race City owner Art MacKenzie has reached an agreement with the city to keep the facility operating through the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The final agreement has yet to be signed, the Herald said.
"Basically, it's a compromise we proposed to them in December," MacKenzie said in the article. "It's a shorter-term commitment from the city. It gave us some security and the ability to operate as a viable business, as opposed to paying a million dollars in rent, literally, so we can run economically for the next while."
The Parts Canada Superbike Championship has a doubleheader event planned for Race City June 24-27, while the Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association has released a six-event schedule opening May 22-23.
The race facility has operated since 1985 on 64 hectares leased from the city. The city wants to reacquire the property for a landfill expansion and has battled with MacKenzie over the lease. According to an article on The Calgary Beacon website, the original lease was for 25 years, with an option for renewal every five years.
The dispute over the lease apparently stems from a late payment by MacKenzie in 2000, which the city said ended the agreement, although the track owner has maintained the lease remained valid because his late payment was cashed, along with lease payments every year after.
Last fall the issue appeared to be settled when Calgary City Council voted narrowly to negotiate an extension of the lease until 2015. However when negotiations began it was revealed that the city was proposing to increase the track's lease payments from $37,000 a year to $1,080,000 a year. The increase was based on revised zoning that placed the value of the property at $27 million, up from $6 million. Annual lease payments were calculated at four per cent of the land value.
MacKenzie said at the time that the revised payments would make it impossible for him to run the facility.
Calgary venue Race City Motorsports Park will operate for two more years before shutting down for good, according to a report in Wednesday's Calgary Herald.
According to the story, Race City owner Art MacKenzie has reached an agreement with the city to keep the facility operating through the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The final agreement has yet to be signed, the Herald said.
"Basically, it's a compromise we proposed to them in December," MacKenzie said in the article. "It's a shorter-term commitment from the city. It gave us some security and the ability to operate as a viable business, as opposed to paying a million dollars in rent, literally, so we can run economically for the next while."
The Parts Canada Superbike Championship has a doubleheader event planned for Race City June 24-27, while the Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association has released a six-event schedule opening May 22-23.
The race facility has operated since 1985 on 64 hectares leased from the city. The city wants to reacquire the property for a landfill expansion and has battled with MacKenzie over the lease. According to an article on The Calgary Beacon website, the original lease was for 25 years, with an option for renewal every five years.
The dispute over the lease apparently stems from a late payment by MacKenzie in 2000, which the city said ended the agreement, although the track owner has maintained the lease remained valid because his late payment was cashed, along with lease payments every year after.
Last fall the issue appeared to be settled when Calgary City Council voted narrowly to negotiate an extension of the lease until 2015. However when negotiations began it was revealed that the city was proposing to increase the track's lease payments from $37,000 a year to $1,080,000 a year. The increase was based on revised zoning that placed the value of the property at $27 million, up from $6 million. Annual lease payments were calculated at four per cent of the land value.
MacKenzie said at the time that the revised payments would make it impossible for him to run the facility.
Lorenzo injures hand in accident
From Yamaha Racing
Fiat Yamaha Team MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo has undergone surgery in his right hand following an accident while training near his home in Barcelona on Thursday.
The 22-year-old was riding his motocross bike at the practice course near Montmeló during a routine training session as part of his pre-season preparation. He fell in a slow corner, doing approximately 30km/h, and hurt his right hand as he landed.
He was taken immediately to the Capio Hospital General de Catalunya and found to have a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal and a displaced thumb. Dr. Augusto J. Casanovas inserted a small titanium plate. Lorenzo will require hand protection for four to six weeks.
The Spaniard was due to leave the hospital Friday morning and will return to his home in Barcelona to recuperate. He will not participate in the next Sepang test (Feb. 26-27) but he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the final pre-season test at Qatar in March.
McGrath is new AMA Race Director
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing has announced that longtime motorcycle racing veteran David McGrath has joined the Daytona Beach organization as Race Director and as a key member of its competition department.
McGrath has an extensive 25-year career in virtually every aspect of motorcycle road racing and enjoyed a successful stint as a rider. McGrath then progressed into a management role as crew chief for many successful riders and racing programs, which then led to key positions with a number of top motorcycle organizations and manufacturers including Dunlop, Vance & Hines, Buell and American Honda. McGrath's responsibilities have included crew chief, head of research and development departments and overall race and support department management.
"I have had the opportunity to work with some really talented people during my career" said McGrath, "and I've done just about every job in the four corners of the paddock. I am excited to be a part of making AMA Pro Racing as good as it can be and if we can get the motorcycling community all pushing in the same direction, I feel we can see this sport achieve the success it so richly deserves."
David Atlas, COO and Managing Member of AMA Pro Racing said, "I am delighted to be adding David to our excellent staff. He will bring a wealth of experience to the sport and he fits in perfectly with the very capable group that we have assembled for this season starting at Daytona and beyond."
McGrath is married and is the father of triplets. He is now in the process of relocating to Florida and will be operating full time out of the Daytona Beach headquarters of AMA Pro Racing.
Hayden undergoes arm surgery
From motogp.com
Immediately after last week’s MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, Nicky Hayden travelled to Madrid, Spain to undergo surgery on his right arm.
Attending the clinic of Doctor Angel Vilamor, the Ducati Marlboro rider had a follow-up procedure to remove scar tissue, following an operation last November to treat ongoing compartmental syndrome, more commonly known as arm-pump.
Hayden had a check-up after the test at Sepang and it was decided that a ‘clean up’ operation was required to remove scar tissue which was a result of the original operation.
Ducati Marlboro has confirmed that Hayden, who has already returned to America, will participate in the next test, which is scheduled for Feb. 25-26 at Sepang
Immediately after last week’s MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, Nicky Hayden travelled to Madrid, Spain to undergo surgery on his right arm.
Attending the clinic of Doctor Angel Vilamor, the Ducati Marlboro rider had a follow-up procedure to remove scar tissue, following an operation last November to treat ongoing compartmental syndrome, more commonly known as arm-pump.
Hayden had a check-up after the test at Sepang and it was decided that a ‘clean up’ operation was required to remove scar tissue which was a result of the original operation.
Ducati Marlboro has confirmed that Hayden, who has already returned to America, will participate in the next test, which is scheduled for Feb. 25-26 at Sepang
Thursday, February 11, 2010
AirAsia to sponsor British GP
From motogp.com
A deal was signed Wednesday by Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes for the low-cost carrier to be the title sponsor of the 2010 AirAsia British Grand Prix.
AirAsia’s foray into MotoGP started when the airline sponsored AirAsia Malaysia 125cc riders Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddinfor as wildcard entries in the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit in October, 2009. The duo made the team proud by being the first two wildcard riders to make it into the top 20 for the 2009 season.
Zulfahmi went on to earn the ticket to race in the FIM World Championship and will be the first ever Malaysian to compete on the world stage in the 125cc class. The 18-year-old will race for Ongetta Team I.S.P.A. and will be sponsored by AirAsia.
“We had our first taste of MotoGP when we sponsored the entries of Elly and Zulfahmi," Fernandes said. "It was a magnificent experience. The boys did Malaysia proud, and we were thrilled to have helped make their dream a reality. We are proud and excited to be back in the MotoGP this year, with a bigger role by being the title sponsor of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.”
“We are extremely happy that the best low-cost airline has chosen MotoGP to increase its impact on both the European and World stage, and specifically in the United Kingdom," added Ezpeleta. "It is fantastic to go back to Silverstone for this year’s race, and to do it with a new sponsor who has shown its dedication to the promotion of new talent – by sponsoring young riders last season – and the sport in general makes it even more satisfying.”
AirAsia – the largest low-cost airline in Asia – services an extensive network of 130 routes covering 70 destinations. In just eight years, AirAsia has carried over 82 million passengers and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to 85. Its network is further extended by AirAsia X, its low cost, long-haul affiliate carrier that flies to destinations in China, Taiwan, Australia, the UK and the Middle East.
The 2010 AirAsia British Grand Prix will take place at the Silverstone circuit June 18-20.
A deal was signed Wednesday by Dorna Sports S.L. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes for the low-cost carrier to be the title sponsor of the 2010 AirAsia British Grand Prix.
AirAsia’s foray into MotoGP started when the airline sponsored AirAsia Malaysia 125cc riders Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddinfor as wildcard entries in the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit in October, 2009. The duo made the team proud by being the first two wildcard riders to make it into the top 20 for the 2009 season.
Zulfahmi went on to earn the ticket to race in the FIM World Championship and will be the first ever Malaysian to compete on the world stage in the 125cc class. The 18-year-old will race for Ongetta Team I.S.P.A. and will be sponsored by AirAsia.
“We had our first taste of MotoGP when we sponsored the entries of Elly and Zulfahmi," Fernandes said. "It was a magnificent experience. The boys did Malaysia proud, and we were thrilled to have helped make their dream a reality. We are proud and excited to be back in the MotoGP this year, with a bigger role by being the title sponsor of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.”
“We are extremely happy that the best low-cost airline has chosen MotoGP to increase its impact on both the European and World stage, and specifically in the United Kingdom," added Ezpeleta. "It is fantastic to go back to Silverstone for this year’s race, and to do it with a new sponsor who has shown its dedication to the promotion of new talent – by sponsoring young riders last season – and the sport in general makes it even more satisfying.”
AirAsia – the largest low-cost airline in Asia – services an extensive network of 130 routes covering 70 destinations. In just eight years, AirAsia has carried over 82 million passengers and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to 85. Its network is further extended by AirAsia X, its low cost, long-haul affiliate carrier that flies to destinations in China, Taiwan, Australia, the UK and the Middle East.
The 2010 AirAsia British Grand Prix will take place at the Silverstone circuit June 18-20.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Rush HD to sponsor BMW team
From BMW Motorrad Canada
WHITBY, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada, confirming that it will be fielding a two-rider factory superbike team in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in 2010, has also announced a collaboration with Rush HD as the title sponsor of the Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team.
Rush HD is Canada’s only high-octane, no fear, no limits extreme sports adventure HD channel. Rush HD is owned and operated by High Fidelity HDTV Inc., Canada’s leading HD broadcaster and production enterprise whose four all-HD channels provide Canadians with best-in-class non-fiction programming on the themes of Nature, Culture and Adventure.
In conjunction with the superbike sponsorship, the Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team will be followed all season long by a documentary film crew capturing the creation and activities of a superbike team in action, for the production and broadcast of a six-part one-hour mini series to be shown on Rush HD this fall.
John Panikkar, Rush HD’s chief executive, said “Rush HD is delighted to be title sponsor of this year’s Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team. The action-adventure programming we broadcast on Rush HD is a natural fit with the action and excitement of a superbike racing series. ”
Chris Duff, Manager, Motorrad Marketing, stated, “We are thrilled to have Rush HD onboard as we prepare and race the most exciting new entry in the 2010 Canadian Superbike season”.
Both riders from BMW’s 2009 team, Francis Martin and Michael Ferreira, will once again be in the hot seat, tasked with bringing a superbike victory to BMW Motorrad Canada in 2010.
Joining the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Superbike Team this season is famed Canadian superbike tuner Patrice Goyette of Mobile PG. Goyette was the crew chief behind Clint McBain of Acceleration Racing the past two years and has a previous relationship with Martin from when they won the 2005 Canadian Superbike Championship.
Martin has won two Canadian Superbike Championships in 1999 and 2005 respectively along with another litre bike title in 2002, the Pro Open Sportbike Championship.
“I'm very excited about the next season and have been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Martin said. “Now we have the bike to win and the tuner with whom I won my last championship."
Ferreira will be making his Superbike class debut in 2010 and continues his streak as the longest serving rider on the team after racing the BMW boxer twins in Canadian Thunder and Pro Sportbike classes since 2007.
"From the day I started racing, my dream was always to race in the premier class against the best riders in the country," said the champion of the 2006 RACE SuperSeries Pro 600 championship. "Three years ago I was blessed with an opportunity to race for BMW and it’s been an experience of a lifetime with what now will be the highlight of my racing career. I couldn't be happier than to share this experience with the brand that has had so much faith in me."
Also partnering with the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Superbike Team this year will be three new sponsors: Joe Rocket, Hotbodies Bodywork and Hindle Exhausts.
WHITBY, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada, confirming that it will be fielding a two-rider factory superbike team in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in 2010, has also announced a collaboration with Rush HD as the title sponsor of the Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team.
Rush HD is Canada’s only high-octane, no fear, no limits extreme sports adventure HD channel. Rush HD is owned and operated by High Fidelity HDTV Inc., Canada’s leading HD broadcaster and production enterprise whose four all-HD channels provide Canadians with best-in-class non-fiction programming on the themes of Nature, Culture and Adventure.
In conjunction with the superbike sponsorship, the Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team will be followed all season long by a documentary film crew capturing the creation and activities of a superbike team in action, for the production and broadcast of a six-part one-hour mini series to be shown on Rush HD this fall.
John Panikkar, Rush HD’s chief executive, said “Rush HD is delighted to be title sponsor of this year’s Rush HD/BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team. The action-adventure programming we broadcast on Rush HD is a natural fit with the action and excitement of a superbike racing series. ”
Chris Duff, Manager, Motorrad Marketing, stated, “We are thrilled to have Rush HD onboard as we prepare and race the most exciting new entry in the 2010 Canadian Superbike season”.
Both riders from BMW’s 2009 team, Francis Martin and Michael Ferreira, will once again be in the hot seat, tasked with bringing a superbike victory to BMW Motorrad Canada in 2010.
Joining the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Superbike Team this season is famed Canadian superbike tuner Patrice Goyette of Mobile PG. Goyette was the crew chief behind Clint McBain of Acceleration Racing the past two years and has a previous relationship with Martin from when they won the 2005 Canadian Superbike Championship.
Martin has won two Canadian Superbike Championships in 1999 and 2005 respectively along with another litre bike title in 2002, the Pro Open Sportbike Championship.
“I'm very excited about the next season and have been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Martin said. “Now we have the bike to win and the tuner with whom I won my last championship."
Ferreira will be making his Superbike class debut in 2010 and continues his streak as the longest serving rider on the team after racing the BMW boxer twins in Canadian Thunder and Pro Sportbike classes since 2007.
"From the day I started racing, my dream was always to race in the premier class against the best riders in the country," said the champion of the 2006 RACE SuperSeries Pro 600 championship. "Three years ago I was blessed with an opportunity to race for BMW and it’s been an experience of a lifetime with what now will be the highlight of my racing career. I couldn't be happier than to share this experience with the brand that has had so much faith in me."
Also partnering with the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Superbike Team this year will be three new sponsors: Joe Rocket, Hotbodies Bodywork and Hindle Exhausts.
Ninja bodywork now on the block
From BK Designs Speedpaint
BK Designs Speedpaint, with the cooperation of Canadian Kawasaki Motors has announced the auctions of the Kawasaki 25th anniversary bodywork from the 2009 ZX-10R Superbikes of Jordan Szoke and Alex Welsh.
Proceeds from the auctions will support the rehabilitation costs of injured rider Andrew Trevitt, senior editor of SportRider Magazine, and the Canadian Rider Safety Fund to purchase Air Fence for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.
The auction for the Szoke branded bodywork can be found here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110491739200. The auction for the Welsh branded bodywork can be found here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110491741602.
The auctions include the race upper, the race lower (bellypan), the front fender (painted version) and the rear tail section.
Szoke and Welsh raced with the bodywork at last season's Superbike nationals at Mosport International Raceway and Shannonville Motorsport Park.
Both auctions end Feb. 17, 2010.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Three World rounds for Yoshimura
From Team Suzuki News Service
Team Yoshimura has confirmed that it will compete in three World Superbike Championship rounds as a Wild-Card entry this year.
The Japanese aftermarket parts manufacturer will race a Yoshimura-kitted Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the fourth round at Assen, Netherlands on April 25, the 12th round at Imola, Italy on Sept. 26, plus the final round at Magny Cours, France on Oct. 3.
Suzuki’s long-serving World Superbike rider Yukio Kagayama, who this season will race in the British Superbike Championship, has been lined up for Assen and Magny-Cours while Yoshimura’s own team regular Daisaku Sakai will compete in Imola.
The team’s Yoshimura Suzuki will also be entered at the Suzuka 8 Hour World Endurance race in Japan on July 25 where Kagayama and Sakai will be joined by Suzuki MotoGP test and development rider Nobuatsu Aoki, plus the Suzuka 300km race on June 13.
Villa and Guevera join Ulrich team
From Chris Ulrich Racing
Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki's line-up has taken shape for the 2010 AMA Pro road racing season and will feature both familiar and new faces.
Santiago Villa returns to the team led by AMA Pro American Superbike pilot Chris Ulrich. Colombian Villa again has his sights set on the intensely competitive AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class, armed with the #32 Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R600.
Villa, who started his racing career in 1998, has earned 13 National Championships in his home country of Colombia. While 2009 was yet another injury-hit season, the 34-year-old demonstrated his desire and continued to improve his performance, scoring his best AMA finish yet with an 11th-place result following a stirring run up through the field at Road America.
“It's great to be back with Team RoadracingWorld.com Suzuki again for 2010,” said Villa. “I'm really excited about our upcoming season. I learned a lot last year and I think this year I will continue to improve. The crew is great and we have worked really well together. I finally have gotten to learn all the American tracks and we will be racing the Suzuki GSX-R600 again. I'm really looking forward to 2010. The Daytona SportBike class is very competitive and we're glad to get the opportunity to show what we can do.”
Villa's personal sponsors include Addict by Bosi, P3 Racing, Heroic Leathers and Arai Helmet.
Meanwhile, Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki will get an injection of new blood with the addition of promising youngster Daniel Guevara; the 20-year-old, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, will compete in the six-race AMA Pro SuperSport East division aboard the #82 Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R600.
Guevara was impressive in 2009--his first year of racing on pavement--winning the CCS Florida Region Overall Amateur Championship, earning 38 first-place trophies, taking the CCS Unlimited GP Amateur and CCS Unlimited Superbike Amateur National Championships during CCS Race of Champions XXVI at Daytona, and earning regional titles in the Middleweight SuperSport, Unlimited Superbike and GTO classes. His personal sponsors include El Recreo and Alex's Bicycle Pro Shop.
“I'm really looking forward to this season,” said Guevara. “This is really a great opportunity for me. I've got a great bike and a great team and I'm really expecting to win. It might sound crazy, but that's how I feel. Last year was my first full season in road racing but I first started riding motorcycles when I was nine or 10 back in Venezuela. I can't wait to get started at Daytona.”
“I am happy to have Santiago back for 2010 and look forward to continuing his refinement though the season,” said team leader and AMA Pro race winner Chris Ulrich. “Daniel is a fiery young Venezuelan with tons of talent and I look forward to helping him develop into a top-level AMA road racer.”
In addition to his team management duties, Ulrich will once again race the #18 Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the American Superbike class in 2010. Ulrich finished 12th in 2009 series points with a best finish of eighth at Infineon Raceway as he and the team developed the latest-generation Suzuki GSX-R1000 during the season.
“My 2010 season is shaping up nicely,” said Ulrich. “Our off-season testing program in California has been very positive and I’m looking forward to surprising a few people when I line up on the grid at Daytona.”
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Pegram returns to Superbike series
From Team Foremost Insurance / Pegram Racing Ducati
HEBRON, OH -- Team Foremost Insurance / Pegram Racing Ducati has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2010 AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Series.
In 2009, after winning three AMA Superbike races, the team finished fourth in the final point standings. With great support from Ducati North America and Foremost Insurance, the team developed a strong foundation built around Ducati’s flagship Superbike, the 1098 R.
For 2010, with even stronger support from title sponsor Foremost Insurance, team owner Larry Pegram will be at the controls of the Ducati superbike in an effort to win the American Superbike Championship.
“I am really looking forward to the start of the season," explained Pegram. “Last year we received factory support from Ducati North America and that was a great launch pad. This year will be even better. I am fortunate to have solid backing and a great team.
"In our first season with the Ducati 1098 R the bike never missed a beat. I am very confident with my team and equipment and every time I ride the bike I get faster on it so we are going to make a big push to win the championship this year."
$20,000 (US) for Daytona 200 winner
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing and the Daytona International Speedway have announced the comprehensive purse structure and schedule of events for the March 3-5 Daytona 200 Week at the world famous Daytona International Speedway.
The $225,000 (US) total purse features an enhanced payout for the premier AMA Pro Racing National Guard American SuperBike class that will feature two races this year, the first of which will be on Thursday, March 4 and the new, second race on Friday, March 5. The two 15-lap races will feature purse payouts being paid from first to 15th place.
The historic Daytona 200 AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike race will be once again held under the lights on Friday night, March 5. The 57-lap race will feature prize money for first through 20th place with $20,000 (US) going to the winner of this prestigious event as well as a place in the history books joining many of the greatest names in motorcycle racing.
The 2010 Daytona 200 Week will also see two AMA Pro Racing SuperSport races. The first 12-lap race will be Thursday, March 4 and the second 12-lap race will be Friday afternoon, March 5.
Other features of the event include the always popular Thursday, March 4 rider autograph session and the many fan-friendly activities around Daytona International Speedway.
Also announced is the extension of the registration deadline for the Daytona 200 Week events. The deadline for entering the event is now Feb. 12.
Crozier team signs with DNA Beverage
From Crozier Roberson Motorsports
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Crozier Roberson Motorsports has announced a sponsorship agreement with DNA Beverage Corporation, makers of DNA Energy Drink and DNA Shred Stix (meat snacks), to sponsor its AMA Pro Road Racing team in the 2010 AMA Daytona Superbike Series.
"We are excited to fly the DNA Energy Drink banner," said team owner Robbie Roberson. "DNA Beverage Corporation is an outstanding company. They are well-versed in the motorcycle industry and their business savvy and aggressive, up-beat marketing fit right in with our racing program. We know that their association with our team will be extremely beneficial."
Headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, DNA Beverage Corporation was founded in 2006. Known for superior and delicious taste, DNA's citrus flavoured energy drink was selected as the world's best tasting energy drink at the World Beverage Competition held in Geneva, Switzerland last December.
"We are very excited to have DNA Energy Drink as the title sponsor of C&R Motorsports for 2010 and beyond," said Geoff Armstrong, DNA Beverage Corp.'s VP of Marketing. C&R has laid out a solid plan to build their team over the next few years and we feel the momentum of the DNA brands will help them achieve this."
Crozier Roberson Motorsports will field two Ducati 848s in this year's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Series. Boasting the riding talents of Mark Crozier, who earned the 2009 AMA SunTrust MOTO-GT 1 title and another top racing ace to be named next week, this team will be looking to put the DNA colors on the podium at each race in this year's series.
Friday, February 05, 2010
BMW targets podium in 2010
From worldsbk.com
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport officially launched its second season in the FIM Superbike World Championship with a presentation at BMW Group Classic in Munich on Friday.
With riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus set to commence battle for the first World Championship points of the year at Phillip Island on Feb. 28, the team gave international media representatives the opportunity to get an idea of the current progress of the project.
In the presence of Infront Motor Sports CEO Paolo Flammini, Superbike World Championship Director Paolo Ciabatti and a selection of other guests, Corser and Xaus laid on a spectacular show at BMW Group Classic, riding onto the stage on two BMW S 1000 RR machines.
General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim said: "Even back in the initial development phase of the BMW S 1000 RR we were clear that we wanted to build a supersport bike for the road with genes from the race track. Our aim was to be battling for pole position in the supersport segment straightaway - and we did that in impressive fashion. Never before has one of our new motorcycles enjoyed such positive press reviews.
"Showcasing the potential of this bike on the track as well as on the road is a logical move for BMW Motorrad. The Superbike World Championship pits us against our direct competitors, and we are looking to show that we can match or even get the better of them."
Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berthold Hauser added: "Our goal is to close the gap to the leading teams. We are aiming to finish in the top five as regularly as possible and pick up our first podium. That's the ambitious aim we have set ourselves for our second year in what is an extremely challenging World Championship.
"However, we are well aware that our competitors have not been standing still either. The Superbike World Championship brings us up against six motorcycle manufacturers who have established themselves on the race track. You can set yourself aims in sport and make plans to achieve them, but you cannot dictate results - those have to be earned out on the track. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is working flat out to make this possible."
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport officially launched its second season in the FIM Superbike World Championship with a presentation at BMW Group Classic in Munich on Friday.
With riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus set to commence battle for the first World Championship points of the year at Phillip Island on Feb. 28, the team gave international media representatives the opportunity to get an idea of the current progress of the project.
In the presence of Infront Motor Sports CEO Paolo Flammini, Superbike World Championship Director Paolo Ciabatti and a selection of other guests, Corser and Xaus laid on a spectacular show at BMW Group Classic, riding onto the stage on two BMW S 1000 RR machines.
General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim said: "Even back in the initial development phase of the BMW S 1000 RR we were clear that we wanted to build a supersport bike for the road with genes from the race track. Our aim was to be battling for pole position in the supersport segment straightaway - and we did that in impressive fashion. Never before has one of our new motorcycles enjoyed such positive press reviews.
"Showcasing the potential of this bike on the track as well as on the road is a logical move for BMW Motorrad. The Superbike World Championship pits us against our direct competitors, and we are looking to show that we can match or even get the better of them."
Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport Berthold Hauser added: "Our goal is to close the gap to the leading teams. We are aiming to finish in the top five as regularly as possible and pick up our first podium. That's the ambitious aim we have set ourselves for our second year in what is an extremely challenging World Championship.
"However, we are well aware that our competitors have not been standing still either. The Superbike World Championship brings us up against six motorcycle manufacturers who have established themselves on the race track. You can set yourself aims in sport and make plans to achieve them, but you cannot dictate results - those have to be earned out on the track. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is working flat out to make this possible."
Rossi remains fastest at Sepang
From motogp.com
The first on-track MotoGP activity of the year concluded in Malaysia on Friday, with Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi the fastest of the premier class riders for the second consecutive day.
The weather played a part throughout the day with conditions wet at the scheduled start of 9am local time, and for a period between 11am and 12pm there was little activity on track. Afternoon sunshine improved the situation after 1pm, when both Rossi and Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner appeared.
Shaving 0.486 secs. off his previous day’s best time, Rossi’s 2:00.925 on the 20th of 32 laps on his factory YZR-M1 prototype was the only lap under the 2:01 mark, as he left a gap of 0.395 secs. to Stoner. The Australian’s 2:01.320 was over half a second quicker than his time set on Thursday as he continued to feel the benefit of the Ducati Desmosedici GP10, which he says is very well balanced.
Rossi’s team-mate and rival Jorge Lorenzo was the third quickest on Friday at 0.755 secs. behind the Italian’s pace with a best of 2:01.680. The Spaniard was pleased with the general direction of the developments on his bike, and his fastest time was a marked improvement as he produced 60 laps, the most of any of the 17 riders on Friday.
Dani Pedrosa knocked over a full second off his time as he made real progress on the RC212V. The Repsol Honda rider carried on working on Öhlins suspension, and was happy with the weight distribution as he recorded the fourth fastest lap of the day at 2:01.822.
Appearing to have recovered from the jetlag that made day one tough, Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Ben Spies was fifth on the sheet as he clocked in at 2:02.266 on Friday. The American achieved well over the half-second improvement he targeted following his first day, taking 0.876 secs. off as he continued his acclimatisation to the M1.
Pedrosa’s team-mate Andrea Dovizioso’s work on his RC212V produced the sixth fastest time, as the Italian’s adaptation to new electronics allowed a lap of 2:02.272, while Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was 0.207 secs. further down the timesheet after his positive reaction to the throttle on the new M1.
On their respective GP10 bikes Ducati Marlboro rider Nicky Hayden (2:02.493) and Pramac Racing’s Aleix Espargaró (2:02.647) both displayed progress, while Loris Capirossi of the Rizla Suzuki team was pleased with the three different types of chassis he tried out, registering at 2:02.763 after 48 laps.
The first rider out on track was Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) at 9.30am local time as he completed 55 laps and was 11th fastest, with Héctor Barberá (Team Aspar), Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) and Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP) following.
Marco Simoncelli experienced a highside on his RC212V around midday, but re-emerged by 3pm to continue uninjured. The San Carlo Honda Gresini man was 15th on the timesheet, with fellow rookie Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) and Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing) both within two tenths of a second of the Italian’s best lap of 2:03.245.
During the test, MSMA representatives met at the Sepang International Circuit to discuss the future engine rules for the MotoGP class.
Back in December, following talks between MotoGP’s governing body the FIM, series rights holder Dorna Sports and the MSMA, the Grand Prix Commission agreed to change the maximum engine capacity of the MotoGP class to 1000cc for the 2012 season.
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta indicated the projected changes were received favourably, and that another meeting to be held later this month in Barcelona should allow the opportunity for further definition of the new technical rules for the premier class.
The first on-track MotoGP activity of the year concluded in Malaysia on Friday, with Fiat Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi the fastest of the premier class riders for the second consecutive day.
The weather played a part throughout the day with conditions wet at the scheduled start of 9am local time, and for a period between 11am and 12pm there was little activity on track. Afternoon sunshine improved the situation after 1pm, when both Rossi and Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner appeared.
Shaving 0.486 secs. off his previous day’s best time, Rossi’s 2:00.925 on the 20th of 32 laps on his factory YZR-M1 prototype was the only lap under the 2:01 mark, as he left a gap of 0.395 secs. to Stoner. The Australian’s 2:01.320 was over half a second quicker than his time set on Thursday as he continued to feel the benefit of the Ducati Desmosedici GP10, which he says is very well balanced.
Rossi’s team-mate and rival Jorge Lorenzo was the third quickest on Friday at 0.755 secs. behind the Italian’s pace with a best of 2:01.680. The Spaniard was pleased with the general direction of the developments on his bike, and his fastest time was a marked improvement as he produced 60 laps, the most of any of the 17 riders on Friday.
Dani Pedrosa knocked over a full second off his time as he made real progress on the RC212V. The Repsol Honda rider carried on working on Öhlins suspension, and was happy with the weight distribution as he recorded the fourth fastest lap of the day at 2:01.822.
Appearing to have recovered from the jetlag that made day one tough, Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Ben Spies was fifth on the sheet as he clocked in at 2:02.266 on Friday. The American achieved well over the half-second improvement he targeted following his first day, taking 0.876 secs. off as he continued his acclimatisation to the M1.
Pedrosa’s team-mate Andrea Dovizioso’s work on his RC212V produced the sixth fastest time, as the Italian’s adaptation to new electronics allowed a lap of 2:02.272, while Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was 0.207 secs. further down the timesheet after his positive reaction to the throttle on the new M1.
On their respective GP10 bikes Ducati Marlboro rider Nicky Hayden (2:02.493) and Pramac Racing’s Aleix Espargaró (2:02.647) both displayed progress, while Loris Capirossi of the Rizla Suzuki team was pleased with the three different types of chassis he tried out, registering at 2:02.763 after 48 laps.
The first rider out on track was Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) at 9.30am local time as he completed 55 laps and was 11th fastest, with Héctor Barberá (Team Aspar), Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) and Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP) following.
Marco Simoncelli experienced a highside on his RC212V around midday, but re-emerged by 3pm to continue uninjured. The San Carlo Honda Gresini man was 15th on the timesheet, with fellow rookie Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) and Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing) both within two tenths of a second of the Italian’s best lap of 2:03.245.
During the test, MSMA representatives met at the Sepang International Circuit to discuss the future engine rules for the MotoGP class.
Back in December, following talks between MotoGP’s governing body the FIM, series rights holder Dorna Sports and the MSMA, the Grand Prix Commission agreed to change the maximum engine capacity of the MotoGP class to 1000cc for the 2012 season.
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta indicated the projected changes were received favourably, and that another meeting to be held later this month in Barcelona should allow the opportunity for further definition of the new technical rules for the premier class.
Kopp spearheads Lloyd Brothers team
From Lloyd Brothers Motorsports
Lloyd Brothers Motorsports (LBM) has announced its 2010 AMA Pro Racing Grand National Flat Track riders and team.
A combined effort from American Agip / Lloyd Brothers Motorsports, Latus Motors, Larry Pegram and Kevin Atherton will provide former Grand National Champion Joe Kopp the support he needs to make an all out assault for the Twins Championship.
“I am more excited for the season to start than I have been in years,” said Kopp. “Equipment wise, I have the best of both worlds. I will be riding Ducatis on all the mile tracks and will be able to choose between the Ducati and my XR750 on the half-mile tracks depending on how testing goes.
"I really think that we are going to surprise a lot of people this year with the Ducati. This is exactly the type of challenge that I feel I needed and I am really looking forward to proving that we can win on this bike right out of the box. I think with my feedback and experience and my crew’s knowledge that we can further development of this bike very quickly and have fun doing it.”
Aaron King will return to the team to campaign Aprilia powered motorcycles. After joining the team part way through last season, 2010 will be the first year King is scheduled to compete in all the events on the Twins calendar.
“The winter can’t get over fast enough for me,” enthused King. “I have such a great team behind me heading into this season. This will be a great year for me to get more experience on the twins and start working my way towards the front.”
LBM will again provide support for Ducati road racer / dirt tracker Pegram at selected events including the Springfield and Indy Miles.
"Building and developing the Ducati dirt tracker with the Lloyd Brothers has been a lot of fun for me. We had great success last season and I am really looking forward to racing at round two of the series at Springfield, IL on Memorial Day weekend,” said Pegram, later joking, “I just hope Kopp doesn’t win the first race – I really want to be the first guy to win a dirt track on a Ducati.”
“We are thrilled about the team that we have been able to assemble to work together to issue in a new chapter for the historic AMA Grand National Championship. It is truly a team effort. Bringing new brands to dirt track will lead to a broader audience appeal for the series," said team co-owner Michael Lloyd.
Sponsors for the team include American Agip, Latus Motors, Larry Pegram, Motion Pro, Jones Powersports, Aprilia USA, Penske Racing Shocks, Daniel Kalal, K&N Filters, Saddlemen, Yuasa, General Engineering, Tucker Rocky, Maxxis, Eurosports.net, A&A Racing MotoConcepts, Wiseco, Rod Lake, Micah Racing, Durelle Racing, Mad Hatter, Rekluse, Light Shoe, Cometic, RaceImage.net, VMC Racing Frames, PM Wheels and Pingel.
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