By John Hopkins
Alberta Mini Road Racing Association competitor Jacob Snell will compete in the Honda CBR125R Challenge this summer with backing from Turple Bros. and Tireco Canada.
The 28-year-old Snell is committed to six of the nine events, at Calgary's Race City Motorsport Park and Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, ON, but is also hopeful of taking in the round at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS.
Based in Red Deer, AB, Turple Bros. is a Honda Powerhouse dealership and one of Canada's oldest motorcycle retailers.
Snell will also be backed by Tireco Canada’s two auto service centres located in Kitchener and Waterloo, ON.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
McCormick strong seventh at Fontana
From Celtic Racing
Photo by Brian J. Nelson
The Celtic Racing Orient Express team partnered with young Canadian star Brett McCormick last weekend at Auto Club Speedway for Round 2 of the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Championship.
Though no stranger to Superbike competition or the indomitable 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 it was essential for McCormick to maximize all practice sessions on the unfamiliar track to ensure competitive pace come Saturday and Sunday's 21-lap feature races.
The New York-based team's strategy would utilize Friday's practice and qualifying sessions getting McCormick comfortable on the Celtic Racing LeoVince-powered GSX-R and allowing McCormick to learn the 21-turn 2.36-mile track. McCormick put in 27 laps during Practice 1,
posting a best time of 1:28.867, good for 17th place while testing a bevy of settings on the Celtic machine. The team continued to test various setup configurations during Qualifying 1 late Friday afternoon, with McCormick dropping 1.5 seconds (1:27.275) and posting the 14th fastest time during the 13-lap session.
The Celtic Racing team looked forward to Saturday morning's Qualifying 2 to set the final grid positions and better their fourth row starting position. Unfortunately for the team, however, fierce Santa Ana winds pummeled the Speedway Saturday morning with gusts up to 60mph forcing AMA Pro Racing to suspend Qualifying 2 due to unsafe race conditions.
Race 1 was pushed back further into the afternoon to give the blustering winds a chance to die down and the riders were given a short 10-minute warm-up session immediately prior to the race to familiarize themselves with track conditions.
With only a few short laps to test new settings the team headed into Race 1 unsure of how the latest configuration of the GSX-R1000 would play out over the course of the race. As the race progressed McCormick soon found the gamble in set up wasn't paying off as the Canadian rider struggled with the Suzuki over the length of the race. Showing incredible determination however McCormick dropped another 0.2 secs. off his previous best lap to set a time of 1:27.088 and moved up two positions during the race to finish just outside the top 10 in 12th place.
Armed with valuable data accrued during Race 1 the Celtic Racing Orient Express team went to work Saturday night to improve the Armour Bodies-clad Suzuki. With a short warmup Sunday morning to try out the latest changes McCormick entered Race 2 feeling much more comfortable on both the track and the Celtic bike.
Race 2 took place beneath beautiful Californian skies and McCormick was immediately challenging inside the top 10 in a battle with AMA veterans Ben Bostrom and Chris Ulrich, a battle that would extend throughout the entire contest. At race's end the Fontana rookie would find himself in seventh position. Even more impressively McCormick's best lap time during the race (1:25.427) was less than a second off the best lap of either race (Blake Young – 1:24.428).
“That was certainly a wild weekend,” McCormick said. “We knew coming in that it would take a bit of time to get everything going since it was a new track and my first race with the Celtic team. We were bummed to lose out on Saturday's practice but AMA made the right call since it was pretty bad out there with the wind. Anyhow we were off on setup during Race 1 and that made for a long race.
"I knew we could go faster in Race 2 and after some changes Sunday morning we did just that. It felt real good to finally get down to some lap times I knew we were capable of. I had a good battle with Ben and Chris and to come out with my best AMA Superbike finish at the line is just icing on the cake.
"A big thanks to the Celtic Racing team for all the hard work and the opportunity to race hard this weekend. I can't wait to get back on the race track.”
McCormick now sits in 10th place overall in the 2010 American Superbike standings with 37 points.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Spring Show expands to three halls
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 Spring 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 Spring Show expansion means larger displays of the new 2010 model motorcycles including touring and cruising bikes, street bikes, off road bikes, 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.
For new riders, the Show offers information on rider training, licensing and insurance, plus vendors will offer advice on starter bikes and proper riding gear.
Show goers can check out features such as the Fashion Shows by Terez Leathers, and the Spring Used Bike Market. With four huge accessory superstores, Toronto area dealer displays, aftermarket retailers, used parts vendors, and more, the Spring Show’s vendors promise an unequalled assortment of products for all riders.
The Vintage ‘Motorcycles Through the Years’ Display will feature significant bikes from invited guests and the Bar Hodgson Collection. Over 30 clubs and associations display bikes and promote their 2010 rallies, charity rides and events, and membership drives at the same time as they share their passion for riding with the attending public.
Hall 6 will focus on the Showbike Builders Competition featuring top customs competing for over $20,000 in cash and awards. From vintage and touring bikes, to street bikes and wild customs there are over 30 classes in the competition. With the substantial increase in prize money for Spring Show 2010 new wild creations from some of Canada’s top builders and shops are expected to be vying for the top prize.
This year’s Door Prize is a new Suzuki DR-Z125 motorcycle provided by Suzuki of Newmarket, to be drawn on stage, Sunday, April 11 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 Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show runs Saturday, April 10 from 10am to 9pm, and Sunday, April 11 from 10am to 5pm. 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.
Motopark 2-Day Motorcycle Festival, June 12 and 13, 2010 at Motopark Ontario
From Motopark
In 1977 Motopark (located off highway 6, north of Durham and south of Owen Sound) hosted a motorcycle festival for all interested in 2-wheeled enjoyment. The event participants included both the general riding public and dignitaries from the media and industry. It was decided too many years have passed without another and so the gates are opened June 12, 13, 2010 for more fun.
There is no admittance fee. Wander in and look over the scene and decide what you would like to try and pay upon sign-up. There will be rides for street bikes, dual sports, classic buffs, off road riding of all types and a swap meet, show and shine and vendors area. Dealers are encouraged to participate or display product.
Old time field games will involve both rider and passengers in low speed tests of skill and humility. The Relic Ride will see riders on bikes built before 1990 wheeze around the track and trails for bragging rights and prizes.
This festival is designed to amuse and involve the entire family. The facility snack bar will be open all day and a Saturday evening BBQ is planned. Rehearse your best story and win the Tall Tales contest!
Motopark has camping areas available for reservation and a paintball area should "old scores" need be settled.
Event participation within the park includes insurance coverage. Your bike does not require a plate or personal insurance for facility use. Dust off the cottage clunkers and barn bikes! Here is an event where the old bikes can shine. Only road events will require drivers license, plate and insurance.
So, come by for a couple of hours or the entire weekend. Join your friends in the fun of motorcycling.
For booking or further info view www.motoparkracing.com or phone 519-794-2434
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Hayden takes first Superbike win
From Auto Club Speedway
The sun was shining brightly on a chamber of commerce type Sunday at Auto Club Speedway as Tommy Hayden, Josh Herrin and Joey Pascarella all brought home victories in the Suzuki AMA Pro SuperBike Challenge.
Hayden, who finished a disappointing sixth in Saturday’s race, rode to his first career victory in Sunday’s AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike. Riding his Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki GSX-R1000, Hayden took advantage of Saturday’s winner and early race leader Larry Pegram’s unfortunate crash. The rest of the race he was fighting off second place finisher Josh Hayes. Hayden’s finishing time was 29:42.326 with a margin of victory over Hayes of 0.485 seconds.
“It feels really good and a huge weight off my shoulders to get that out of my way (first win),” said Hayden. “I am feeling really good, especially after yesterday. I had a really disappointing day, and was pretty discouraged last night. The team made some changes, and I made some changes myself. I came out today and felt a lot better. The bike was working really good.”
Runner-up on his Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 was Hayes, followed by Hayden’s teammate and third place finisher Blake Young on his Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Herrin, who finished fourth in Saturday’s AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race, earned his win after trailing for all but the last few feet. Danny Eslick led the whole race as Herrin stalked him throughout the 2.36-mile, 21-turn road course at Auto Club Speedway. Herrin, on his Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6, officially led nine of the 21 laps, but that was only because he made it to the finish line on those laps before Eslick. It wasn’t until the two came off the last turn that Herrin was able to reel in Eslick and gain the victory. The margin of victory was a mere 0.028 seconds, and the winning time was 30:46.574.
“I was actually trying to have the most laps led by not really leading the race,” said Herrin. “I was able to see what I had on him for the last lap. The Yamaha definitely had the power over him. I want to thank my family and friends, and definitely the fans for coming out when yesterday was so windy and today is hot.”
Rounding out the top three were Eslick on his GEICO Powersports/RMR/Suzuki GSX-R600 and Steve Rapp riding the Team Latus Motors Racing Ducati 848.
The SuperSport class was again dominated by Pascarella on his Yamaha YZF-R6. After winning Saturday’s race, he led every lap of Sunday’s 14-lap race, which was shortened from the regulation 17 laps due to a rider down in the race line. This caused the race to be red-flagged due it being more than 80 per cent complete. Pascarella’s winning time was 19:35.173. Running second was Huntley Nash on a Yamaha YZF-R6 and Scott Gilbert on a Yamaha YZF-R6 took third.
“It was a little greasy out there and I actually wasn’t feeling too comfortable,” said Pascarella. “I made a couple of mistakes out there halfway through and kept it together. I hoped no one caught the mistakes. I want to thank my whole team for getting the bike ready.”
AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike Results
1. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2. Josh Hayes (Yamaha YZF-R1)
3. Blake Young (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
4. Jake Zemke (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
5. John Hopkins (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
6. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha YZF-R1)
7. Brett McCormick (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
8. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
9. Taylor Knapp (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
10. David Anthony (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Results
1. Josh Herrin (Yamaha YZF-R6)
2. Danny Eslick (Suzuki GSX-R600)
3. Steve Rapp (Ducati 848)
4. Dane Westby (Yamaha YZF-R6)
5. Bobby Fong (Ducati 848)
6. Tommy Aquino (Yamaha YZF-R6)
7. Cory West (Suzuki GSX-R600)
8. Chris Fillmore (Suzuki GSX-R600)
9. Clinton Seller (Yamaha YZF-R6)
10. Martin Cardenas (Suzuki GSX-R600)
AMA SuperSport Results
1. Joey Pascarella (Yamaha YZF-R6)
2. Huntley Nash (Yamaha YZF-R6)
3. Scott Gilbert (Yamaha YZF-R6)
4. Elena Myers (Suzuki GSX-R600)
5. Tyler O’Hara (Yamaha YZF-R6)
Biaggi sweeps World Superbike races
From worldsbk.com
In front of 77.000 people, Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) won each 22-lap World Superbike race at Portimao on Sunday to go second in the championship rankings behind the rider who took two second places, Leon Haslam (Alstare Suzuki). Haslam now has 85 points, Biaggi 69.
The margin of victory for Biaggi was 0.200 secs. in race one, and 0.191 secs. in race two, as Biaggi took his career win total to six. It was his first SBK double win, having started the race second on the grid.
"It is great to get my first double win in World Superbike," Biaggi said. "The feeling is great and the first double win of anybody this year so I feel confident and we are in a good rhythm. We go to Valencia next and we will ask very much of ourselves there as well.
"We had good speed down the straight today but if you saw how fast we could exit the last corner then you would know it was not just the engine. Our bike is fast but other bikes are also fast."
Biaggi held off Haslam for the race one win but only after a strong man-to-man fight throughout. Jonathan Rea went third for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda when Cal Crutchlow fell off his Sterilgarda Yamaha late in the race, remounting to go 14th.
Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) had to work hard to keep Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) behind as he scored fourth place. Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) rode through the pain of a big crash on Saturday to take sixth.
Noriyuki Haga recovered from his fifth row start to take eighth and the first BMW Motorrad machine home belonged to Troy Corser, ninth.
In race two a close four-rider fight for the win went to Biaggi again from Haslam, who was not quite able to overtake Biaggi and make it stick, as Max used his superior drive out of the final corner to pass the Suzuki when it mattered.
Crutchlow scored his second career SBK podium, and his first as a series regular, running his Yamaha to third. Checa was fourth - and only 1.015 secs. covered the top four after another tense race.
In the championship Haslam leads with 85 points, Biaggi is second on 69 and Checa third with 60.
"I was trying everything to pass Max and in race two I timed it so I could be in the lead with a few laps to go and make a break, but Max came back past me on the straight," Haslam said. "It was hard racing today from lap one right to the end.
"We got two podiums and although I was disappointed not to get another win, we are still leading the championship. That puts a smile back on my face."
In each race there were four different manufacturers in the top four - Aprilia, Suzuki, Honda and Ducati in race one, and Aprilia, Suzuki, Yamaha and Ducati in race two.
It was only last October that the previous Portimao round was run, but in those short months the progress has been amazing. Race one was 16 seconds faster than it's equivalent in October and race two was 13 seconds faster this year compared to last.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Ten Kate Honda) won a thrilling Supersport race by 0.031 secs. from Joan Lascorz (Motocard.com Kawasaki) and Sofuoglu's team-mate Michele Pirro.
Long time leader Eugene Laverty was caught and passed by both Sofuoglu and Lascorz with a few laps left to run and soon after lost the front, falling but restarting to finish 11th.
Chas Davies (ParkinGO Triumph BE1) was fourth on his three-cylinder machine.
After the second round, Sofuoglu leads the championship, 41 points to Lascorz' 40. Laverty has 30 points in third.
The arrival in Superstock 1000 of the BMW S1000RR was an immediately successful one, as Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia) took the win after race long rival Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Racing Junior) ran off track and lost 2.5 seconds on the final lap.
Superbike Race 1 Results
1. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 37:59.283 (159.562 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.200
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +6.901
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R +7.457
5. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. +7.564
6. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +11.420
7. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +18.391
8. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +18.536
9. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +24.514
10. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +32.427
11. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +35.045
12. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +36.816
13. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +36.841
14. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +44.678
15. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +44.942
16. Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR +59.135
17. Morais S. (RSA) Honda CBR1000RR +59.852
18. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:00.097
19. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:10.151
20. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R
RET Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR
RET Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R
RET Tamada M. (JPN) BMW S1000 RR
RET Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR
Superbike Race 2 Results
1. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 38:06.128 (159.084 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.191
3. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.658
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R +1.015
5. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. +3.123
6. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +9.131
7. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +11.033
8. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +13.452
9. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +13.964
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +16.377
11. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +26.351
12. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +27.964
13. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +33.566
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +33.823
15. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR +37.372
16. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +45.611
17. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +56.512
18. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +58.980
19. Tamada M. (JPN) BMW S1000 RR +1:15.819
20. Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +1:41.672
RET Morais S. (RSA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R
RET Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR
World Superbike Point Standings
1. Leon Haslam (Suzuki) 85
2. Max Biaggi (Aprilia) 69
3. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 60
4. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) 46
5. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) 43
6. Jonathan Rea (Honda) 39
7. Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki) 33
8. Leon Camier (Aprilia) 32
9. Troy Corser (BMW) 29
10. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) 25
11. James Toseland (Yamaha) 25
12. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 25
13. Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati) 15
14. Ruben Xaus (BMW) 10
15. Jakub Smrz (Ducati) 8
16. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) 7
17. Max Neukirchner (Honda) 5
18. Joshua Brookes (Honda) 2
19. Andrew Pitt (BMW) 2
In front of 77.000 people, Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) won each 22-lap World Superbike race at Portimao on Sunday to go second in the championship rankings behind the rider who took two second places, Leon Haslam (Alstare Suzuki). Haslam now has 85 points, Biaggi 69.
The margin of victory for Biaggi was 0.200 secs. in race one, and 0.191 secs. in race two, as Biaggi took his career win total to six. It was his first SBK double win, having started the race second on the grid.
"It is great to get my first double win in World Superbike," Biaggi said. "The feeling is great and the first double win of anybody this year so I feel confident and we are in a good rhythm. We go to Valencia next and we will ask very much of ourselves there as well.
"We had good speed down the straight today but if you saw how fast we could exit the last corner then you would know it was not just the engine. Our bike is fast but other bikes are also fast."
Biaggi held off Haslam for the race one win but only after a strong man-to-man fight throughout. Jonathan Rea went third for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda when Cal Crutchlow fell off his Sterilgarda Yamaha late in the race, remounting to go 14th.
Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) had to work hard to keep Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) behind as he scored fourth place. Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) rode through the pain of a big crash on Saturday to take sixth.
Noriyuki Haga recovered from his fifth row start to take eighth and the first BMW Motorrad machine home belonged to Troy Corser, ninth.
In race two a close four-rider fight for the win went to Biaggi again from Haslam, who was not quite able to overtake Biaggi and make it stick, as Max used his superior drive out of the final corner to pass the Suzuki when it mattered.
Crutchlow scored his second career SBK podium, and his first as a series regular, running his Yamaha to third. Checa was fourth - and only 1.015 secs. covered the top four after another tense race.
In the championship Haslam leads with 85 points, Biaggi is second on 69 and Checa third with 60.
"I was trying everything to pass Max and in race two I timed it so I could be in the lead with a few laps to go and make a break, but Max came back past me on the straight," Haslam said. "It was hard racing today from lap one right to the end.
"We got two podiums and although I was disappointed not to get another win, we are still leading the championship. That puts a smile back on my face."
In each race there were four different manufacturers in the top four - Aprilia, Suzuki, Honda and Ducati in race one, and Aprilia, Suzuki, Yamaha and Ducati in race two.
It was only last October that the previous Portimao round was run, but in those short months the progress has been amazing. Race one was 16 seconds faster than it's equivalent in October and race two was 13 seconds faster this year compared to last.
Kenan Sofuoglu (Ten Kate Honda) won a thrilling Supersport race by 0.031 secs. from Joan Lascorz (Motocard.com Kawasaki) and Sofuoglu's team-mate Michele Pirro.
Long time leader Eugene Laverty was caught and passed by both Sofuoglu and Lascorz with a few laps left to run and soon after lost the front, falling but restarting to finish 11th.
Chas Davies (ParkinGO Triumph BE1) was fourth on his three-cylinder machine.
After the second round, Sofuoglu leads the championship, 41 points to Lascorz' 40. Laverty has 30 points in third.
The arrival in Superstock 1000 of the BMW S1000RR was an immediately successful one, as Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia) took the win after race long rival Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Racing Junior) ran off track and lost 2.5 seconds on the final lap.
Superbike Race 1 Results
1. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 37:59.283 (159.562 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.200
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +6.901
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R +7.457
5. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. +7.564
6. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +11.420
7. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +18.391
8. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +18.536
9. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +24.514
10. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +32.427
11. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +35.045
12. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +36.816
13. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +36.841
14. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +44.678
15. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +44.942
16. Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR +59.135
17. Morais S. (RSA) Honda CBR1000RR +59.852
18. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:00.097
19. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:10.151
20. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R
RET Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR
RET Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R
RET Tamada M. (JPN) BMW S1000 RR
RET Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR
Superbike Race 2 Results
1. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 38:06.128 (159.084 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.191
3. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.658
4. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R +1.015
5. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. +3.123
6. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +9.131
7. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +11.033
8. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +13.452
9. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +13.964
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +16.377
11. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +26.351
12. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +27.964
13. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +33.566
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +33.823
15. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR +37.372
16. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +45.611
17. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +56.512
18. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +58.980
19. Tamada M. (JPN) BMW S1000 RR +1:15.819
20. Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +1:41.672
RET Morais S. (RSA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R
RET Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR
World Superbike Point Standings
1. Leon Haslam (Suzuki) 85
2. Max Biaggi (Aprilia) 69
3. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 60
4. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) 46
5. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) 43
6. Jonathan Rea (Honda) 39
7. Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki) 33
8. Leon Camier (Aprilia) 32
9. Troy Corser (BMW) 29
10. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) 25
11. James Toseland (Yamaha) 25
12. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 25
13. Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati) 15
14. Ruben Xaus (BMW) 10
15. Jakub Smrz (Ducati) 8
16. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) 7
17. Max Neukirchner (Honda) 5
18. Joshua Brookes (Honda) 2
19. Andrew Pitt (BMW) 2
Pegram takes AMA Superbike win
From Auto Club Speedway
After a blustery morning which delayed the start of track activities by one and a half hours, racing for the day began and ended with a flurry as Larry Pegram, Martin Cardenas and Joey Pascarella all brought home victories in the Suzuki AMA SuperBike Challenge at Auto Club Speedway Saturday.
Pegram, who crashed early in the race in 2009, earned his AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike win after trailing for most of the 21-lap event. He took over the race lead from series points leader Jake Zemke with two laps to go. On his Foremost Insurance/Pegram Racing Ducati 1098R, Pegram earned the win for his family racing team. Pegram rode the lone Ducati in a field filled with Suzukis and Yamahas. The winning race time was 29:56.178 and the margin of victory a mere 0.094 seconds.
“My Foremost Ducati was so good,” said Pegram. “I could tell the sound (of his bike behind him) was bothering Jake so I just wanted to get in front of him so it wouldn’t bother him anymore. The wind was a factor with it blowing out there. It was hairy at times. I need to take my hat off to our crew. Our crew is a small, family run team. They work so hard to beat Factory Yamaha and Factory Suzuki.”
Series leader Zemke led most of the race on his National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000, but wasn’t able to hold off Pegram’s late charge. Top qualifier and Zemke’s teammate Aaron Yates finished third on his Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000.
In the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class, Cardenas riding his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R600 brought home his first Auto Club Speedway victory, all the while in a heavy riding battle with Danny Eslick, who won both races here in 2009. Cardenas lead the most laps (10) but only after being out of the top five for much of the early going. Eslick made a last ditch effort at the beginning of the last lap, but Cardenas closed the door throughout the 21-turn, 2.36-mile road course.
“We all three had a great battle,” said Cardenas. “All the race we were battling; me, Danny and Dane (Westby). I thought on the second lap Danny was going to go away, and was behind Steve Rapp and finding it difficult to pass him. As soon as I was able to pass him, I pushed really hard and connect with the lead group. From then on I battled to the end.”
Rounding out the top three were Eslick on his GEICO Powersports/RMR/Suzuki GSX-R600 and Westby riding the Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha YZF-R6. Cardenas’ winning time was 30:55.549, edging Eslick by 0.679 seconds.
The SuperSport class was dominated by Joey Pascarella. Starting from the number one position Pascarella on a Yamaha YZF-R6 took the lead and never looked back as he rode to the win. His 13.209-second margin of victory was indicative of the whole race when he led by over 12 or more seconds. His winning time was 25:52.610. Running second was Scott Gilbert on a Yamaha YZF-R6 and Huntley Nash took third on a Yamaha YZF-R6.
“I got out front early, squished the first couple of laps and was really smart from there,” said Pascarella. “I can’t doubt anybody and people can always get faster. Hopefully, tomorrow I can get my second.”
AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike Results
1. Larry Pegram (Ducati 1098R)
2. Jake Zemke Suzuki (GSX-R1000)
3. Aaron Yates (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
4. Josh Hayes (Yamaha YZF-R1)
5. Blake Young (Suzuki GSX-1000R)
6. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
7. John Hopkins (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
8. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha YZF-R1)
9. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
10. David Anthony (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
12. Brett McCormick (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Results
1. Martin Cardenas (Suzuki GSX-R600)
2. Danny Eslick (Suzuki GSX-R600)
3. Dane Westby (Yamaha YZF-R6)
4. Josh Herrin (Yamaha YZF-R6)
5. Cory West (Suzuki GSX-R600)
6. Tommy Aquino (Yamaha YZF-R6)
7. Steve Rapp (Ducati 848)
8. Chris Fillmore (Suzuki GSX-R600)
9. Bobby Fong (Ducati 848)
10. Clinton Seller (Yamaha YZF-R6)
AMA SuperSport Results
1. Joey Pascarella (Yamaha YZF-R6)
2. Scott Gilbert (Yamaha YZF-R6)
3. Huntley Nash (Yamaha YZF-R6)
4. Tyler O’Hara (Yamaha YZF-R6)
5. Eric Stump (Honda CBR600RR)
Crutchlow takes first World Superbike pole
From worldsbk.com
Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha) took his first World Superbike career pole at Portimao with a new best lap, 1:42.092, beating Ben Spies' previous record in the last session of Superpole qualifying on Saturday.
Crutchlow even had a qualifying tire left in his pit box as he had completed the first two Superpole sessions using race tires, having spent most of practice riding on worn tires to find a strong set-up for raceday.
"We made some changes since the last race," Crutchlow said. "Yamaha has worked really hard in the last month to work out our problems as well. The track here is better and better and our bike is also improving.
"I was quietly confident I could get pole and we even had one qualifying tire left at the end because we used race tires in the first two sessions. Pole is a bonus."
Aprilia Alitalia rider Max Biaggi went second quickest on his v-four machine in a session when the top five riders were competing with five different makes of machinery - Yamaha, Aprilia, Ducati, Suzuki and Honda.
"We made a good race here last year so we know what our level would be," Biaggi said. "Now we are back where we should be, fighting with the best guys on the top. We did not make many changes just got the set-up to work as best we can. The layout of the track and the tarmac just means that our bike is working better."
With both factory Ducati Xerox machines ruled out early from the reckoning, after a Superpole 1 crash for Michel Fabrizio and a tough Superpole 1 session in general for Noriyuki Haga, Carlos Checa was once more best Ducati rider, taking his private Althea machine to third-best grid placing.
Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) could not make the most of his qualifying tires and was fourth on the grid, but still starts from the front row for Sunday's 22-lap races.
Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was a battling fifth, ahead of Pata B&G Ducati rider Jakub Smrz, and Checa's fast team-mate Shane Byrne.
The last place on the second row went to Troy Corser, who recovered from a technical problem in Superpole 1 to finish eighth overall.
Top Kawasaki starting slot belongs to Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) after he was 12th in Superpole.
James Toseland (Sterilgarda Yamaha) crashed in Superpole two, and Max Neukirchner also had a fast fall, destroying his number one bike. He finished 13th, Toseland 15th.
Chris Vermeulen (Kawasaki Racing Team) will not race at Portimao, still suffering effects from his Phillip Island crash.
Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) pushed his way to the World Supersport pole time at Portimao, with Hannspree Ten Kate Honda riders Kenan Sofuoglu and Michele Pirro second and third.
Top Kawasaki rider was Joan Lascorz in fourth, with the best Triumph BE1 machine under the control of Chaz Davies, sixth on the timesheets.
Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia) will start Sunday's Superstock 1000 race from pole position, having held off the push of Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Race Junior) in combined qualifying.
In the first race of the season for the Superstock 600 riders pole man Florian Marino (Ten Kate Junior Honda) was a first lap faller, leaving Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Racing Yamaha) a clear run to the win. Second was Romain Lanusse (MRS Racing Yamaha) and third Frederik Karlsen (MTM Racing Yamaha).
Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:42.092
2. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:42.513
3. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098 R 1:42.586
4. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:42.596
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:42.807
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:42.8897
7. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:42.960
8. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:43.152
9. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:42.984
10. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:42.999
11. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:43.039
12. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:43.199
13. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:43.380
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:43.568
15. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:49.401
16. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.249
Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha) took his first World Superbike career pole at Portimao with a new best lap, 1:42.092, beating Ben Spies' previous record in the last session of Superpole qualifying on Saturday.
Crutchlow even had a qualifying tire left in his pit box as he had completed the first two Superpole sessions using race tires, having spent most of practice riding on worn tires to find a strong set-up for raceday.
"We made some changes since the last race," Crutchlow said. "Yamaha has worked really hard in the last month to work out our problems as well. The track here is better and better and our bike is also improving.
"I was quietly confident I could get pole and we even had one qualifying tire left at the end because we used race tires in the first two sessions. Pole is a bonus."
Aprilia Alitalia rider Max Biaggi went second quickest on his v-four machine in a session when the top five riders were competing with five different makes of machinery - Yamaha, Aprilia, Ducati, Suzuki and Honda.
"We made a good race here last year so we know what our level would be," Biaggi said. "Now we are back where we should be, fighting with the best guys on the top. We did not make many changes just got the set-up to work as best we can. The layout of the track and the tarmac just means that our bike is working better."
With both factory Ducati Xerox machines ruled out early from the reckoning, after a Superpole 1 crash for Michel Fabrizio and a tough Superpole 1 session in general for Noriyuki Haga, Carlos Checa was once more best Ducati rider, taking his private Althea machine to third-best grid placing.
Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) could not make the most of his qualifying tires and was fourth on the grid, but still starts from the front row for Sunday's 22-lap races.
Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was a battling fifth, ahead of Pata B&G Ducati rider Jakub Smrz, and Checa's fast team-mate Shane Byrne.
The last place on the second row went to Troy Corser, who recovered from a technical problem in Superpole 1 to finish eighth overall.
Top Kawasaki starting slot belongs to Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) after he was 12th in Superpole.
James Toseland (Sterilgarda Yamaha) crashed in Superpole two, and Max Neukirchner also had a fast fall, destroying his number one bike. He finished 13th, Toseland 15th.
Chris Vermeulen (Kawasaki Racing Team) will not race at Portimao, still suffering effects from his Phillip Island crash.
Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) pushed his way to the World Supersport pole time at Portimao, with Hannspree Ten Kate Honda riders Kenan Sofuoglu and Michele Pirro second and third.
Top Kawasaki rider was Joan Lascorz in fourth, with the best Triumph BE1 machine under the control of Chaz Davies, sixth on the timesheets.
Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia) will start Sunday's Superstock 1000 race from pole position, having held off the push of Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Race Junior) in combined qualifying.
In the first race of the season for the Superstock 600 riders pole man Florian Marino (Ten Kate Junior Honda) was a first lap faller, leaving Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Racing Yamaha) a clear run to the win. Second was Romain Lanusse (MRS Racing Yamaha) and third Frederik Karlsen (MTM Racing Yamaha).
Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:42.092
2. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:42.513
3. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098 R 1:42.586
4. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:42.596
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:42.807
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:42.8897
7. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:42.960
8. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:43.152
9. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:42.984
10. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:42.999
11. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:43.039
12. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:43.199
13. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:43.380
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:43.568
15. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:49.401
16. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.249
Yates and Eslick lead opening day
From Auto Club Speedway
Aaron Yates and Danny Eslick recorded top speeds in the AMA Pro American SuperBike and Daytona SportBike classes Friday at Auto Club Speedway in the opening day of competition of the Suzuki AMA Pro SuperBike Challenge.
Yates, who finished fourth in the season-opening races in Daytona three weeks ago in American SuperBike, rode his Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 to the top position with a time of 1:23.982.
“I want to be focused and just do the best job I can,” Yates said. “The guys are working really hard to get the bike ready. We are working on couple of different things. I was going a little better on one of the bikes.”
Rounding out the top five AMA Pro American SuperBike riders are Tommy Hayden riding his Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki GSX-R1000 (1:24.133), Foremost Insurance/Pegram Racing’s Larry Pegram (1:24.150), John Hopkins on his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R1000 (1:24.190) and Blake Young on his Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki GSX-R1000 (1:24.227).
Eslick on his GEICO Powersports/RMR/Suzuki GSX-R600 posted the top time for the day in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike with a time of 1:27.164. He is looking to achieve the same feat as last year at Auto Club Speedway when he won both Daytona SportBike races. The rest of the top-five included Josh Herrin on his Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:27.255), Tommy Aquino on the Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:27.457), Team Latus Motors Racing’s Steve Rapp (1:27.515) and Martin Cardenas on his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki GSX-R600 (1:27.560).
Young talent in the SuperSport class showed their skills as they raced against expert licensed local riders. Joey Pascarella topped the riders on his Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:29.310), followed by Scott Gilbert (1:30.188), Huntley Nash (1:31.393), Elena Myers (1:31.573) and Charles Strong (1:33.998).
Top 10 Qualifying Results
AMA Pro American SuperBike
1. Aaron Yates (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 1:23.982
2. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 1:24.133
3. Larry Pegram (Ducati 1098R), 1:24.150
4. John Hopkins (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 1:24.190
5. Blake Young (Suzuki GSX-1000R), 1:24.227
6. Josh Hayes (Yamaha YZF-R1), 1:24.360
7. Jake Holden (Honda CBR1000RR), 1:24.392
8. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha YZF-R1), 1:24.791
9. Jake Zemke (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 1:25.228
10. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki GSX-R1000), 1:25.270
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike
1. Danny Eslick (Suzuki GSX-R600), 1:27.164
2. Josh Herrin (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:27.255
3. Tommy Aquino (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:27.457
4. Steve Rapp (Ducati 848), 1:27.515
5. Martin Cardenas (Suzuki GSX-R600), 1:27.560
6. Dane Wesby (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:27.604
7. Cory West (Suzuki GSX-R600), 1:28.160
8. Clinton Seller (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:28.878
9. Bobby Fong (Ducati 848), 1:29.416
10. Chris Fillmore (Suzuki GSX-R600), 1:29.496
AMA SuperSport
1. Joey Pascarella (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:29.310
2. Scott Gilbert (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:30.188
3. Huntley Nash (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:31.393
4. Elena Myers (Suzuki GSX-R600), 131.573
5. Charles Strong (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:33.998
Friday, March 26, 2010
Haslam stays hot at Portimao
From worldsbk.com
Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) made best use of a dry and steadily improving track surface to record the best qualifying time so far and take provisional pole for the second round of the World Superbike Championship at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on Friday with a 1:43.476.
"It is all feeling good here even though we are not as quick as we were at the winter test," Haslam said. "We did a lot of laps on the same tire to get ready for the race and it is pretty satisfying to be fast on the first day."
Late charger Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) was only 0.032 secs. back in second, with Phillip Island race winner Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea) third.
"I only really got the chance to go for one quick lap time in the session but with a couple of more chances I think I could have gone faster," Fabrizio said. "We worked well on the set-up today for the race and I am relaxed and confident that we will go even faster tomorrow."
Aprilia Alitalia rider Max Biaggi was a competitive fourth quickest on his latest spec of machine, with Yamaha Sterilgarda rider and double WSBK World Champion James Toseland fifth, having been the first rider to get under the 1:44 barrier.
SBK rookie Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha) was a fine sixth, and was one of seven riders to take their place at the top of the timesheets at some stage of the first qualifying session, before Haslam left his name on top.
Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) held off Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Racing Ducati) for seventh. Aprilia Alitalia rider Leon Camier pushed his machine to ninth place, and yet another British rider, Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was once again the top Honda runner, 10th.
Rea had suffered a high speed crash in the first untimed practice session, but got going again in the afternoon.
Troy Corser took his BMW Motorrad Motorsport S1000RR to 12th, and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) posted a top Kawasaki ranking of 15th. His team-mate Chris Vermeulen elected not to ride in the qualifying session, to help his injured right knee heal up faster.
A total of 14 riders were covered by a second, with an even closer level of competition expected in the next qualifying session, to be held Saturday morning. The fastest 20 riders will then make it into Superpole, on Saturday afternoon, to fight for their ultimate grid positions.
In World Supersport action, Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) moved up to the provisional pole position at his team's home race, setting a best of 1:45.797. His nearest competitor is Michele Pirro (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and Pirro's team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu was third.
Chaz Davies proved to be top Triumph ParkinGO BE1 rider - fourth - with the best Kawasaki under the control of Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com) in fifth place.
Ayrton Badovini topped the first Superstock 1000 official timed session on his BMW Motorrad Italia machine, followed by Sylvain Barrier in the Garnier Junior Racing BMW.
Florian Marino (Ten Kate Junior Honda) upped the ante in the 600 Superstock class, leading the time sheets in the first qualifying session of the new season.
Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:43.476
2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:43.508
3. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:43.645
4. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:43.688
5. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:43.735
6. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:43.769
7. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:43.881
8. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:43.932
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:44.041
10. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:44.042
11. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:44.098
12. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:44.203
13. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:44.272
14. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:44.423
15. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:44.559
16. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.851
17. Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:44.852
18. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:45.368
19. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:45.406
20. Tamada M. (JPN) BMW S1000 RR 1:45.522
21. Morais S. (RSA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:45.933
22. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:46.096
23. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:46.657
24. Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:47.805
Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) made best use of a dry and steadily improving track surface to record the best qualifying time so far and take provisional pole for the second round of the World Superbike Championship at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on Friday with a 1:43.476.
"It is all feeling good here even though we are not as quick as we were at the winter test," Haslam said. "We did a lot of laps on the same tire to get ready for the race and it is pretty satisfying to be fast on the first day."
Late charger Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) was only 0.032 secs. back in second, with Phillip Island race winner Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea) third.
"I only really got the chance to go for one quick lap time in the session but with a couple of more chances I think I could have gone faster," Fabrizio said. "We worked well on the set-up today for the race and I am relaxed and confident that we will go even faster tomorrow."
Aprilia Alitalia rider Max Biaggi was a competitive fourth quickest on his latest spec of machine, with Yamaha Sterilgarda rider and double WSBK World Champion James Toseland fifth, having been the first rider to get under the 1:44 barrier.
SBK rookie Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha) was a fine sixth, and was one of seven riders to take their place at the top of the timesheets at some stage of the first qualifying session, before Haslam left his name on top.
Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) held off Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Racing Ducati) for seventh. Aprilia Alitalia rider Leon Camier pushed his machine to ninth place, and yet another British rider, Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) was once again the top Honda runner, 10th.
Rea had suffered a high speed crash in the first untimed practice session, but got going again in the afternoon.
Troy Corser took his BMW Motorrad Motorsport S1000RR to 12th, and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) posted a top Kawasaki ranking of 15th. His team-mate Chris Vermeulen elected not to ride in the qualifying session, to help his injured right knee heal up faster.
A total of 14 riders were covered by a second, with an even closer level of competition expected in the next qualifying session, to be held Saturday morning. The fastest 20 riders will then make it into Superpole, on Saturday afternoon, to fight for their ultimate grid positions.
In World Supersport action, Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) moved up to the provisional pole position at his team's home race, setting a best of 1:45.797. His nearest competitor is Michele Pirro (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and Pirro's team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu was third.
Chaz Davies proved to be top Triumph ParkinGO BE1 rider - fourth - with the best Kawasaki under the control of Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com) in fifth place.
Ayrton Badovini topped the first Superstock 1000 official timed session on his BMW Motorrad Italia machine, followed by Sylvain Barrier in the Garnier Junior Racing BMW.
Florian Marino (Ten Kate Junior Honda) upped the ante in the 600 Superstock class, leading the time sheets in the first qualifying session of the new season.
Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:43.476
2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:43.508
3. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:43.645
4. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:43.688
5. Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:43.735
6. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:43.769
7. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:43.881
8. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:43.932
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. 1:44.041
10. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:44.042
11. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:44.098
12. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:44.203
13. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 1:44.272
14. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:44.423
15. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:44.559
16. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.851
17. Pitt A. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:44.852
18. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:45.368
19. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:45.406
20. Tamada M. (JPN) BMW S1000 RR 1:45.522
21. Morais S. (RSA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:45.933
22. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:46.096
23. Hayden R. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:46.657
24. Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:47.805
McCormick gets Fontana Superbike chance
By John Hopkins
Canadian rising star Brett McCormick has landed a ride with the Celtic Racing Orient Express team for this weekend's AMA Pro Racing American Superbike doubleheader at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA.
The news was confirmed in a press release issued by the team on Friday. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon will ride a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for the squad.
"It's great to be racing this weekend at Fontana with the Celtic Racing team," McCormick said in the release. "I'm comfortable on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Celtic Racing has a proven history of having top bikes and a sharp crew."
McCormick's future was uncertain after a promising run at the AMA Pro Racing season opener at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. Riding a GSX-R1000 with essentially the same Picotte Motorsports crew he competed with in Canada last summer, McCormick scored an eighth place finish in one of the Superbike races and was sitting in a solid fifth in the Daytona 200 on his GSX-R600 when he crashed and was forced to retire just past half distance.
McCormick finished second to Jordan Szoke in last year's Parts Canada Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike classes.
The Auto Club Speedway event will be Celtic Racing's first American Superbike appearance of the season. The squad ran a GSX-R1000 for Michael Laverty in 2009 and the campaign was highlighted by a second place finish at Road America.
The outfit, which has a reputation for nurturing young talent, ran 16-year-old PJ Jacobsen in the Daytona SportBike class at Daytona but he was injured and will not be riding in Fontana this weekend.
Canadian rising star Brett McCormick has landed a ride with the Celtic Racing Orient Express team for this weekend's AMA Pro Racing American Superbike doubleheader at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA.
The news was confirmed in a press release issued by the team on Friday. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon will ride a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for the squad.
"It's great to be racing this weekend at Fontana with the Celtic Racing team," McCormick said in the release. "I'm comfortable on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Celtic Racing has a proven history of having top bikes and a sharp crew."
McCormick's future was uncertain after a promising run at the AMA Pro Racing season opener at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month. Riding a GSX-R1000 with essentially the same Picotte Motorsports crew he competed with in Canada last summer, McCormick scored an eighth place finish in one of the Superbike races and was sitting in a solid fifth in the Daytona 200 on his GSX-R600 when he crashed and was forced to retire just past half distance.
McCormick finished second to Jordan Szoke in last year's Parts Canada Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike classes.
The Auto Club Speedway event will be Celtic Racing's first American Superbike appearance of the season. The squad ran a GSX-R1000 for Michael Laverty in 2009 and the campaign was highlighted by a second place finish at Road America.
The outfit, which has a reputation for nurturing young talent, ran 16-year-old PJ Jacobsen in the Daytona SportBike class at Daytona but he was injured and will not be riding in Fontana this weekend.
Inside Motorcycles on Motorcycle Experience...again!
From Whistlestop TV
Toyota Truck presents Motorcycle Experience this Saturday morning at 11:30am (EDT).
In this episode host Dave Hatch chats with Honda’s technical advisor about the new VFR1200F, former National 600 Sportbike Champion Clint McBain recommends some springtime riding practice, this week’s guest rider Jason Thorpe of Inside Motorcycles magazine samples the Victory Hammer S, and Dave and Norm continue their Ultimate Ride and visit the location where they shot the movie Easy Rider.
Motorcycle Experience - Episode 4 will be repeated on TSN and TSN HD on Monday, March 29 at 12:00am and Thursday, April 1 at 12:30pm. It will also broadcast on TSN 2 on Saturday, March 27 at 2:30pm and Thursday, April 1 at 3:30pm. All times are Eastern.
Motorcycle Experience is created with the support of our very good friends at Toyota Canada, Yamaha Motor Canada, Honda Canada, BMW Motorrad, Suzuki Canada and Motovan.
For more info visit www.motorcycleexperience.ca.
Fast start for MV Agusta
By John Hopkins
MV Agusta is quoting an over 50 per cent increase in sales over the first three months of 2010 compared to the same time frame a year ago, according to a very elegantly written press release issued by the company on Friday.
"In a moment, which is certainly not happy for the world market, MV Agusta has achieved very important increases in the sales of its models," the release stated. "It is an opening season which leads us to believe in an unprecedented commercial success. The dream has only just started now."
The Brutale 990R and 1090RR, along with the F4, are highlighted as stars of the company's early season success.
"These are highly technological motorcycles," the release added, "but with a definitely unique soul, which cannot fail to win over the true motorcyclists."
The release did not include any sales numbers.
MV Agusta is quoting an over 50 per cent increase in sales over the first three months of 2010 compared to the same time frame a year ago, according to a very elegantly written press release issued by the company on Friday.
"In a moment, which is certainly not happy for the world market, MV Agusta has achieved very important increases in the sales of its models," the release stated. "It is an opening season which leads us to believe in an unprecedented commercial success. The dream has only just started now."
The Brutale 990R and 1090RR, along with the F4, are highlighted as stars of the company's early season success.
"These are highly technological motorcycles," the release added, "but with a definitely unique soul, which cannot fail to win over the true motorcyclists."
The release did not include any sales numbers.
KTM showcases zero emissions model
From KTM Racing
One and a half years after its commitment to developing an electrically-driven bike, KTM is now determinedly on the way towards the production of a series-ready zero emission motorcycle. Under the label 'Freeride', KTM is simultaneously presenting two series-ready versions of the electrically-driven motorcycle at this weekend's Tokyo Motorcycle Show.
"The KTM Freeride project is extremely important for the brand KTM," said Hubert Trunkenpolz, Head of Sales at KTM Sportmotorcyle AG. "As the world's leading manufacturer of off road sports motorcycles, it is part of our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure the ongoing vitality of off road sport. One consequence for us is to realize a new drive solution via a pure electric motor. This means that we, as an extremely sports-oriented brand, can stay true to our 'Ready to Race' philosophy...
"We would like to prove our competitive power, not only with the technology but also with the prices we offer. We can already say that the first Freeride motorcycle from KTM will be under 10,000 Euro, which is on a similar level with an Enduro motorcycle with a combustion engine currently being deployed in the world championship.
Also from a technical standpoint, the first Freeride motorcycle is revolutionary from a drive perspective, commented Harald Plöckinger, COO and Board Member of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG.
"It is not only that the performance capability of the 100kg light machine is comparable to that of a 125cc two-stroke machine with a combustion engine," he said. "It is also factors like abrasion resistance, dirt and water resistance, life span, handling and above all safety that have been solved in an impressive way for the maximum 22 KW strong motor. This is thanks to the battery drive unit, which has been patented worldwide by KTM.
"The Freeride project motorcycle also profits from the competence and experience of all of KTM's past activities in motorcycle racing. This and the high quality components, which to a large extent have been developed and produced in Mattighofen, characterize how determinedly we are introducing the KTM zero emission products that exceed the demands of the sport's strict regulations."
The series production of the new KTM Freeride sports Enduro will probably begin in the coming year. On the other hand, the Supermoto-oriented Freeride variant shall, from today's perspective, serve to illustrate other future applications for KTM's zero emission concept.
Find more information about KTM Freeride at www.ktmfreeride.com.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
MotoGP TV future becomes clearer
From motogp.com
MotoGP fans around the world will be able to view their favourite sport in the most incredible clarity in 2010, as the world's premier motorcycle championship will broadcast in full HD for the first time.
While much of the track action over the last year has already been filmed by High Definition cameras, this is the first time that viewers at home will be able to experience the crisp quality of HD when watching the MotoGP race action.
In 2010, RTL Club (Belgium), Eurosport (France), Sport TV (Portugal), Digisport (Hungary) and Viasat (Scandinavia) will all broadcast the MotoGP season in HD within Europe. The worldwide reach of MotoGP in HD will stretch as far as Speed TV (US), ESPN (Latin America), Globosat (Brazil), One HD (Australia), StarHub (Singapore), Sky (New Zealand), Al Jazeera (Middle East), ESPN Star Sports (Asia) and Supersport (Africa).
In an exciting development, the evolution of the delivery of MotoGP in even more lifelike quality may not stop at HD. With 3D cinematography already being successfully pioneered in the world of cinema, the same technology is now poised to revolutionise sports broadcasting.
Last year at the Red Bull US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca and in conjunction with the 3D and digital systems specialists Vince Pace, Dorna Sports carried out a successful trial of the latest HD 3D Fusion camera systems.
For 2010 the Pace team, led by John Bruno who was part of the Visual Effects team involved in the Academy Award winning Avatar film, plans to produce a documentary. This will feature images captured during the MotoGP season, and channels broadcasting in 3D such as ESPN and Sky have already shown interest in delivering such coverage of the sport.
MotoGP fans around the world will be able to view their favourite sport in the most incredible clarity in 2010, as the world's premier motorcycle championship will broadcast in full HD for the first time.
While much of the track action over the last year has already been filmed by High Definition cameras, this is the first time that viewers at home will be able to experience the crisp quality of HD when watching the MotoGP race action.
In 2010, RTL Club (Belgium), Eurosport (France), Sport TV (Portugal), Digisport (Hungary) and Viasat (Scandinavia) will all broadcast the MotoGP season in HD within Europe. The worldwide reach of MotoGP in HD will stretch as far as Speed TV (US), ESPN (Latin America), Globosat (Brazil), One HD (Australia), StarHub (Singapore), Sky (New Zealand), Al Jazeera (Middle East), ESPN Star Sports (Asia) and Supersport (Africa).
In an exciting development, the evolution of the delivery of MotoGP in even more lifelike quality may not stop at HD. With 3D cinematography already being successfully pioneered in the world of cinema, the same technology is now poised to revolutionise sports broadcasting.
Last year at the Red Bull US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca and in conjunction with the 3D and digital systems specialists Vince Pace, Dorna Sports carried out a successful trial of the latest HD 3D Fusion camera systems.
For 2010 the Pace team, led by John Bruno who was part of the Visual Effects team involved in the Academy Award winning Avatar film, plans to produce a documentary. This will feature images captured during the MotoGP season, and channels broadcasting in 3D such as ESPN and Sky have already shown interest in delivering such coverage of the sport.
Spanish track gets long term 'stand by' deal
From motogp.com
A deal was signed on Tuesday which confirmed the Aragon Grand Prix at the Motorland Aragon circuit in Alcañiz, Spain as the 14th round of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship on Sept. 19.
The agreement between Motorland and Dorna Sports also makes the circuit a reserve venue for five years.
President of Aragon, Marcelino Iglesias, said: “The signing of this contract will bring international recognition for Motorland, and makes clear the fact that we have one of the best circuits in the world. It is an extraordinary development for Aragon and promotes it on a world class stage. Projects such as ExpoZaragoza have displayed our organizational capacity, and we hope to demonstrate this in September.”
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated: The selection of Motorland was for various reasons, one of which was that it was the only circuit that had a standard of quality which could stand in at any moment from April to October, one of the requirements of the World Championship. This has led us to sign an agreement for five years, and in the first year there is already the task of organizing a race, which is not a concern because the circuit is led by people with experience in organizing a Grand Prix.”
A deal was signed on Tuesday which confirmed the Aragon Grand Prix at the Motorland Aragon circuit in Alcañiz, Spain as the 14th round of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship on Sept. 19.
The agreement between Motorland and Dorna Sports also makes the circuit a reserve venue for five years.
President of Aragon, Marcelino Iglesias, said: “The signing of this contract will bring international recognition for Motorland, and makes clear the fact that we have one of the best circuits in the world. It is an extraordinary development for Aragon and promotes it on a world class stage. Projects such as ExpoZaragoza have displayed our organizational capacity, and we hope to demonstrate this in September.”
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated: The selection of Motorland was for various reasons, one of which was that it was the only circuit that had a standard of quality which could stand in at any moment from April to October, one of the requirements of the World Championship. This has led us to sign an agreement for five years, and in the first year there is already the task of organizing a race, which is not a concern because the circuit is led by people with experience in organizing a Grand Prix.”
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pfeiffer returns for BMW Summerfest
From BMW Motorrad Canada
RICHMOND HILL, ON -- Continuing its annual tradition for the fourth consecutive year, BMW Motorrad Canada will host Summerfest 2010 at Mosport International Raceway from July 9–11.
Strategically scheduled to coincide with the fourth and fifth rounds of this year's Parts Canada Superbike Championship, BMW Motorrad Summerfest will again be staged on its familiar 500,000 square-foot site in the Mosport infield, with several exciting new attractions complementing the popular list of activities that have come to define BMW Motorrad Summerfest.
Chris Pfeiffer, World and European motorcycle freestyle stunt-riding champion returns to Summerfest, reprising his spectacular appearance at the first Summerfest event in 2007. Pfeiffer will, as always, be performing the impossible on his BMW F800R.
Touratech Canada, an OEM and aftermarket manufacturer of accessories for BMW motorcycles, and Ztechnik, an OEM and aftermarket manufacturer of windscreens for BMW motorcycles will be new additions to the vendor area.
A fascinating new seminar series with guest speakers will include David Hatch and Norm Wells (Director of BMW Motorrad Canada) from TSN’s Motorcycle Experience television show; Rene Cormier, the global adventurer who spent five years travelling around the world on his BMW F650GS Dakar; Paul "The Iceman" Mondor, who rode across Canada in winter (his 2010 Frozen Butt Tour), also on a BMW F650GS Dakar.
The regular array of popular BMW Motorrad Summerfest displays and activities returns, including a full schedule of on-road and off-road test rides of the full range of BMW motorcycles, utlizing the breathtaking roads around the Mosport venue for the street rides, and a 30km-long snowmobile trail system woven in and around the Mosport property, for the trail rides; the Saturday night Summerfest Feast to all pre-event ticket puchasers; a Saturday night concert series, with full stage, in the infield - feature bands to be announced; exclusive participation in a parade-lap of the legendary Mosport track on Sunday during the lunch break for all pre-event ticket purchasers (BMW riders only).
Camping, as always, is available on site and offered as part of the BMW Motorrad Summerfest ticket package.
Complete information on BMW Motorrad Summerfest and online ticket registration can be accessed at www.bmw-motorrad.ca/summerfest. You can also visit the BMW Motorrad Summerfest Facebook fan page and become a fan by searching BMW Motorrad Summerfest.
RICHMOND HILL, ON -- Continuing its annual tradition for the fourth consecutive year, BMW Motorrad Canada will host Summerfest 2010 at Mosport International Raceway from July 9–11.
Strategically scheduled to coincide with the fourth and fifth rounds of this year's Parts Canada Superbike Championship, BMW Motorrad Summerfest will again be staged on its familiar 500,000 square-foot site in the Mosport infield, with several exciting new attractions complementing the popular list of activities that have come to define BMW Motorrad Summerfest.
Chris Pfeiffer, World and European motorcycle freestyle stunt-riding champion returns to Summerfest, reprising his spectacular appearance at the first Summerfest event in 2007. Pfeiffer will, as always, be performing the impossible on his BMW F800R.
Touratech Canada, an OEM and aftermarket manufacturer of accessories for BMW motorcycles, and Ztechnik, an OEM and aftermarket manufacturer of windscreens for BMW motorcycles will be new additions to the vendor area.
A fascinating new seminar series with guest speakers will include David Hatch and Norm Wells (Director of BMW Motorrad Canada) from TSN’s Motorcycle Experience television show; Rene Cormier, the global adventurer who spent five years travelling around the world on his BMW F650GS Dakar; Paul "The Iceman" Mondor, who rode across Canada in winter (his 2010 Frozen Butt Tour), also on a BMW F650GS Dakar.
The regular array of popular BMW Motorrad Summerfest displays and activities returns, including a full schedule of on-road and off-road test rides of the full range of BMW motorcycles, utlizing the breathtaking roads around the Mosport venue for the street rides, and a 30km-long snowmobile trail system woven in and around the Mosport property, for the trail rides; the Saturday night Summerfest Feast to all pre-event ticket puchasers; a Saturday night concert series, with full stage, in the infield - feature bands to be announced; exclusive participation in a parade-lap of the legendary Mosport track on Sunday during the lunch break for all pre-event ticket purchasers (BMW riders only).
Camping, as always, is available on site and offered as part of the BMW Motorrad Summerfest ticket package.
Complete information on BMW Motorrad Summerfest and online ticket registration can be accessed at www.bmw-motorrad.ca/summerfest. You can also visit the BMW Motorrad Summerfest Facebook fan page and become a fan by searching BMW Motorrad Summerfest.
Ruthless confirms Buell and XR plans
From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada
CONCORD, ON -- Ruthless Racing Inc. sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada will present a mix of Buell motorcycles on Canadian tracks in the 2010 season and is excited about the debut of the highly acclaimed Harley-Davidson XR 1200R within the Canadian Sports Twins class.
The team will run 2009 Buell 1125R bikes in the Pro Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike categories, as well as a 2oo7 air-cooled XB12R and Harley-Davidson XR 1200R bike in the Canadian Sports Twins Pro/Am Classes.
The talent pool on the Ruthless Racing Inc. team will consist of team owner Darren James, who most recently established himself as the West Coast Champion for 2009 in both the 600 and Thunder classes, Floridian Dave Estok, and Olivier Spilborghs on his XB12R. The trio will be gracefully orchestrated through Caroline James as the team manager.
Sponsors include Ruthless Racing Inc., Dragon Eyewear, Ogio, Flexi-Glass, RMR Suspensions, Twist Conditioning and Moto-International.
CONCORD, ON -- Ruthless Racing Inc. sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada will present a mix of Buell motorcycles on Canadian tracks in the 2010 season and is excited about the debut of the highly acclaimed Harley-Davidson XR 1200R within the Canadian Sports Twins class.
The team will run 2009 Buell 1125R bikes in the Pro Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike categories, as well as a 2oo7 air-cooled XB12R and Harley-Davidson XR 1200R bike in the Canadian Sports Twins Pro/Am Classes.
The talent pool on the Ruthless Racing Inc. team will consist of team owner Darren James, who most recently established himself as the West Coast Champion for 2009 in both the 600 and Thunder classes, Floridian Dave Estok, and Olivier Spilborghs on his XB12R. The trio will be gracefully orchestrated through Caroline James as the team manager.
Sponsors include Ruthless Racing Inc., Dragon Eyewear, Ogio, Flexi-Glass, RMR Suspensions, Twist Conditioning and Moto-International.
Zemke leads Superbikes to Fontana
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - After an historic two-race Daytona sweep for Jake Zemke and his No. 54 National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000, all eyes will be focused on whether the California native can build on his fast start to the American SuperBike season in this weekend's second round of the AMA Pro Road Racing championship at California's Auto Club Speedway.
The Suzuki AMA Pro SuperBike Challenge weekend will feature two action packed races in each of the three AMA Pro Road Racing classes. Practice and qualifying begin on Friday at the 2.36-mile combination speedway/road course. Saturday will see more qualifying and the first of two AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike races. The second American SuperBike race will be on Sunday.
Hot on Zemke's heels is No. 22 Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 rider Tommy Hayden, who finished second in both Daytona races after running in the lead in race two before Zemke passed Hayden for an incredible 0.009-sec. win at the line.
Both National Guard American SuperBike races at Daytona International Speedway were wild affairs and a number of riders held and battled for the lead in each race. No. 72 Foremost Insurance Ducati 1098R rider Larry Pegram finished a strong third in race one and backed that up with a solid fifth in race two to put him in third place in the points.
Round 1 pole position winner Aaron Yates (No. 23 Brand Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000) underscored the strong weekend for the Jordan Suzuki team by finishing fourth in both races under the watchful eye of team owner Michael Jordan. Hayden's teammate, Blake Young (No. 79 Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000) also ran well at Daytona and currently sits fifth in the points after solid fifth and seventh place runs. Taylor Knapp is in sixth place in the points after two strong races on his No. 44 RidersDiscount.com Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Conspicuously absent from the top of the standings are Yamaha riders Ben Bostrom (No. 155 Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha R1), Josh Hayes (No. 4 Graves Motorsports Yamaha R1) and Chris Clark (No. 48 Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha R1). Bostrom had a tough start to his season with an 18th place finish in race one but recovered nicely to take a strong third in race two on his Pat Clark Motorsports/Palms Hotel/Las Vegas Motor Speedway Yamaha. Bostrom's teammate Clark just missed a top 10 performance in race one and finished 16th in race two. Team Graves Yamaha rider Josh Hayes took 14th after an early off-track excursion in race one and improved to a solid sixth in race two.
AMA Pro National Guard American SuperBike practice begins on Friday at 12 noon (all times Pacific) with first round qualifying at 3:50pm. Saturday will see final SuperBike qualifying at 9:50am and the 21-lap race one will be at 1:30pm. Sunday's race will start at 4:30pm, bringing the weekend to an exciting finish.
After putting his name firmly into the history books with his dramatic Daytona 200 win, AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike points leader Josh Herrin and his No. 8 Team Graves Yamaha head into the second race of the season at California's Auto Club Speedway looking to take advantage of his early season momentum. The Suzuki AMA Pro SuperBike Challenge weekend will give Herrin and his competitors' two chances to fight their way back into the season long point's battle.
The rider most anxious to get back to work this weekend is No. 36 M4 Monster Energy Suzuki rider Martin Cardenas. He started second on the grid at Daytona and held the lead after the first turn but had an unfortunate fall on the first lap, ending his race before it really had begun.
Another rider who hoped for better things at Daytona was Daytona SportBike Championship defender and No. 1 GEICO Powersports Suzuki rider Danny Eslick. He started from pole position but had slow starts on both the original start and red flag restart. Eslick fought back to an impressive fourth place at the end of a long night in Daytona but showed he is more than ready to defend his Daytona SportBike championship crown.
The true form for the season has yet to emerge thanks to the unique nature of the season-opening event. This weekend should give real indication of who the riders to beat are. Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha rider Dane Westby finished second at Daytona and veteran Steve Rapp put up an excellent performance, showing his patience and experience in taking his Team Latus Motors Racing Ducati to a fine third place in the race and also the points standings.
Herrin's teammate Tommy Aquino is one to watch; he ran up front for a good part of the Daytona 200 when he suffered an unfortunate refueling problem, ending his race after 17 laps. Cory West ran well at Daytona for the Vesrah Suzuki team, as did Shawn Higbee on his Higbee-Racing.com Buell.
Practice and qualifying begin on Friday with more qualifying on Saturday and the first of two AMA Pro Daytona SportBike races starting at 4:30pm local time. The second 17-lap Daytona SportBike race will be on Sunday at 1:00pm.
The AMA Pro Racing SuperSport battle will again take to the track for this weekend's Suzuki AMA Pro SuperBike Challenge weekend. One thing is pretty clear after the first two races at this year's season opening Daytona event - the competition can't get any closer. After an amazing opening race, where six motorcycles battled lap after lap, Cameron Beaubier took the win over Joey Pascarella by the incredible margin of 0.001 secs. The second race of the doubleheader weekend saw Pascarella, on his LTD Racing Yamaha, win over Jake Gagne on his Yamaha, with Tomas Puerta and race-one winner Beaubier on his Rockwall Yamaha. This time the margin of victory between first and fourth was an impressive 1.354 secs.
Another standout performance at Daytona was put in by Richie Morris Racing/ Roadracingworld.com Suzuki rider, 16-year-old Elena Myers. Myers will be competing in her second professional AMA Pro Racing event at Auto Club Speedway this weekend. She finished a very impressive seventh place in both races at the historic Daytona circuit last month.
Practice and qualifying begins on Friday and continues on Saturday, when the first of two AMA Pro Racing SuperSport races goes off at 2:45pm with Sunday's SuperSport race starting at 2:15pm.
Monday, March 22, 2010
James to race in UK series
From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada
CONCORD, ON -- Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has announced that Darren James, former Canadian Thunder Champion and team manager/rider of Ruthless Racing Inc., will team up with former MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams to participate in the inaugural Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Trophy race series in the British Superbike Championship.
Similar to McWilliams, the Dragon Eyewear-, Ogio bags-, Twist Sport Conditioning-, Arai Helmets- and Ruthless Racing Inc.-sponsored James will be well equipped on a Harley-Davidson XR 1200 race bike provided by Warr’s Harley-Davidson, situated on London’s Kings Road.
Warr's is Europe's oldest and most successful Harley-Davidson dealership group, established in 1924. Warr's has a well recorded history of on track success over the past four decades in road racing.
"We are delighted to have Darren on board in the Warr's team and we are prepared and looking forward to the best of seasons," said team owner and former road racer John Warr.
Having initiated his motorcycling career at the tender age of three, and being backed up by a strong racing heritage, James has competed in numerous events on a variety of motorcycles, including Buellmotorcycles, Suzukis and Yamahas, with the support of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.
James’ prowess has distinguished him as a four-time Canadian Thunder Champion and has resulted in a second-overall finish in the 2004 Canadian National Amateur 600 series. Most recently, James won the West Coast Championship for 2009 in both the 600 and Thunder classes.
The XR 1200 Trophy race series, which is officially supported by Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland, is designed to attract a varied mix of Clubman, Superbike and Superstock contenders, as well as younger stars looking to develop their racing skills. The series kicks off at Oulton Park on May 1-3. Subsequent events will be staged at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Knockhill and Mallory Park, and all races will be shown on British Eurosport.
For more information on Darren James, please refer to www.ruthlessracinginc.com. Further details on the Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Trophy race series can be found on www.britishsuperbike.com.
CONCORD, ON -- Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has announced that Darren James, former Canadian Thunder Champion and team manager/rider of Ruthless Racing Inc., will team up with former MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams to participate in the inaugural Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Trophy race series in the British Superbike Championship.
Similar to McWilliams, the Dragon Eyewear-, Ogio bags-, Twist Sport Conditioning-, Arai Helmets- and Ruthless Racing Inc.-sponsored James will be well equipped on a Harley-Davidson XR 1200 race bike provided by Warr’s Harley-Davidson, situated on London’s Kings Road.
Warr's is Europe's oldest and most successful Harley-Davidson dealership group, established in 1924. Warr's has a well recorded history of on track success over the past four decades in road racing.
"We are delighted to have Darren on board in the Warr's team and we are prepared and looking forward to the best of seasons," said team owner and former road racer John Warr.
Having initiated his motorcycling career at the tender age of three, and being backed up by a strong racing heritage, James has competed in numerous events on a variety of motorcycles, including Buellmotorcycles, Suzukis and Yamahas, with the support of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.
James’ prowess has distinguished him as a four-time Canadian Thunder Champion and has resulted in a second-overall finish in the 2004 Canadian National Amateur 600 series. Most recently, James won the West Coast Championship for 2009 in both the 600 and Thunder classes.
The XR 1200 Trophy race series, which is officially supported by Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland, is designed to attract a varied mix of Clubman, Superbike and Superstock contenders, as well as younger stars looking to develop their racing skills. The series kicks off at Oulton Park on May 1-3. Subsequent events will be staged at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Knockhill and Mallory Park, and all races will be shown on British Eurosport.
For more information on Darren James, please refer to www.ruthlessracinginc.com. Further details on the Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Trophy race series can be found on www.britishsuperbike.com.
Shields, Ellenbogen on Bridgestones in 2010
From BnE Racing
TORONTO, ON – BnE Racing has announced that it has formed a partnership with Dave Bissonnette’s Ripp Racing, the exclusive supplier of Bridgestone road racing tires in Canada.
BnE teammates Billy Shields and Efram Ellenbogen will compete on the 2010 Bridgestone Battlax BT-003R at all RACE regionals and select rounds at SOAR. The privateer Yamaha R6 riders are set to enter their Pro rookie seasons.
“I’ve been around the paddock for 23 years now,” said Bissonnette, a former GP250 and Superbike rider. “I’ve seen many racers rise through the ranks and I was really impressed with BnE’s performance last year. They invested in their program, ran a professional team and represented their supporting brands very well.
"I’m excited that RACE’s two best amateurs from 2009 have selected Bridgestones for their Pro rookie seasons. I think both the riders and the Battlax BT-003Rs are going to raise some eyebrows. These riders are going to benefit from a tire manufacturer that implements R&D throughout the race season.”
BnE Racing has also announced that, with support from Riders Choice and Riders Choice Trackdays, Arai helmets and Dainese protective wear will be its gear of choice. The team will also have direct factory support from Armour Bodies, the fastest-growing manufacturer of hand-made race bodywork in the world, founded in North Bay, ON and now based in Quingdao, China. Klotz Synthetic Lubricants will be the team’s sole supplier of high-octane race fuel, OxyGas and TechniPlate synthetic motorcycle motor oil, designed exclusively for use in high-rpm racing engines. Sign Solutions of Bolton, ON will be the team’s sole supplier of decals and high-quality race bodywork shrinkwrapping.
“We’re very grateful to be getting such a boost from some great new sponsors,” said Shields and Ellenbogen. “To be competitive, the operating budget for a single race season at the Pro privateer regional level can easily exceed $20,000 per rider. Without significant support to help defray that cost, we just wouldn’t be able to show up on race day.”
BnE Racing will also be backed by returning sponsors Hindle Racing, Bickle Racing, Highside Healthcare, Vortex Racing, Hybrid Racing of Ottawa and Yamaha Motor Canada.
Last year the team finished 1-2 overall in RACE’s Amateur 600 and Amateur Superbike classes, setting mulitple lap records enroute to 19 podiums, 10 victories and two championships.
Stoner ends Rossi dominance
From motogp.com
The third and final MotoGP World Championship pre-season test ended in Qatar on Friday with Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner the quickest across the two evenings.
A best lap of 1:55.353 set under the Losail floodlights came on the second night, before he had a fall on his Desmosedici GP10 which did not result in any injury. The Australian’s time was less than a tenth of a second off his 2009 pole position time at the circuit.
“I am really happy with the test and the work we have done right up to tonight," Stoner said. "In the first Sepang test we had a few things to work out but we have made constant progress. The latest big step forward with the GP10 came last night and today I was able to set a consistently fast pace.
"I have been able to work with the tires without putting too much stress on them and I was able to keep my pace on used rubber. I like the new engine a lot, it is more manageable and I am pleased to see the other Ducati riders, especially Nicky confirming that with fast times."
Valentino Rossi, who had topped the timesheet in the two previous tests at Sepang and was fastest in the opening session in Qatar, was less than five-hundredths of a second behind Stoner as he worked on electronics on his Fiat Yamaha M1. The Italian’s best time placed him second overall.
“This has been another good day," Rossi said. "We've concentrated mostly on the race preparation and it feels like we're now ready for the first race. We did a long run at the end of the session and we got some good information, which will help us in the race.
"Now that testing is over I am very excited about the season. We've been strong throughout the six days of practice and it feels good to have been fast here also, where we have struggled in the past. We have only tested at two tracks so we need to wait for another different one to fully understand the new bike, but we're in good shape.”
Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso was a further 0.4 secs. down as he achieved a better chassis setting on his factory RC212V prototype. The Italian’s lap of 1:55.879 was set in the second session, with Ben Spies’ (Monster Yamaha Tech3) fine effort of 1:55.954 from the previous night the fourth and final under the 1:56 mark.
Spies was the highest placing rookie of the test, as he confirmed his setting on the M1 for the opening race at the circuit. The Texan experienced a fall on each of the two evenings, neither of which resulted in any ill effects as he rode for the first time under the circuit’s floodlights.
Nicky Hayden rounded out the top five for the test with a time of 1:56.115. The American suffered a crash late in session two at the same point – Turn 2 – as Stoner and was unharmed, and he was followed by Loris Capirossi of the Rizla Suzuki team.
The Italian tried new chassis and swingarm components on his GSV-R, which produced results in the second session to place him as the final rider within a second of Stoner thanks to a time of 1:56.195.
Jorge Lorenzo arrived in Qatar carrying the hand injury that prevented him from participating at the last test in Malaysia, but the Spanish Fiat Yamaha rider pushed through the pain barrier. His time of 1:56.504 put him in seventh position overall and was equal with that of Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda).
Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Colin Edwards (1:56.540) – who was also a victim of a fall in the second session, again at Turn 2 – and Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing (1:56.767) rounded off the top 10 times.
Notably outside the top 10 was Dani Pedrosa, as the Repsol Honda rider ended the test 13th fastest overall at just over 1.5 secs. off the top time.
“We started to make improvements early in tonight’s session, but after that we couldn’t make any more progress really and so of course I’m not satisfied with the results of this test," Pedrosa said. "It’s obvious that we’re not where we want to be as we approach the first race, so we’ll just have do our best when we come back here and try to make the improvements quickly in the practice sessions. That’s it really.
"I’m still struggling with the bike moving quite a lot at the front and that’s caused issues at the rear. Because of this I’m also going too slowly through the corners. We have to stay positive and be glad that I’m going into this season fully fit, and we’ll keep working to improve things.”
He was followed in the times by Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini), who had a very late crash in session two – as did his team-mate, rookie Marco Simoncelli.
The riders will return to the circuit for the start of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship on April 11 for the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.
Overall Test Results
1. Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1:55.353 (Session 2)
2. Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha Team) 1:55.402 (1)
3. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda Team) 1:55.879 (2)
4. Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 1:55.954 (1)
5. Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1:56.115 (2)
6. Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 1:56.195 (2)
7. Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha Team) 1:56.504 (2)
8. Randy De Puniet (LCR Honda MotoGP) 1:56.504 (2)
9. Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 1:56.540 (1)
10. Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) 1:56.767 (2)
11. Aleix Espargaro (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) 1:56.897 (2)
12. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 1:56.898 (2)
13. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) 1:56.935 (2)
14. Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 1:57.222 (2)
15. Hector Barbera (Aspar Team Ducati) 1:57.223 (2)
16. Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten-Honda MotoGP) 1:57.251 (2)
17. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 1:57.379 (2)
The third and final MotoGP World Championship pre-season test ended in Qatar on Friday with Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner the quickest across the two evenings.
A best lap of 1:55.353 set under the Losail floodlights came on the second night, before he had a fall on his Desmosedici GP10 which did not result in any injury. The Australian’s time was less than a tenth of a second off his 2009 pole position time at the circuit.
“I am really happy with the test and the work we have done right up to tonight," Stoner said. "In the first Sepang test we had a few things to work out but we have made constant progress. The latest big step forward with the GP10 came last night and today I was able to set a consistently fast pace.
"I have been able to work with the tires without putting too much stress on them and I was able to keep my pace on used rubber. I like the new engine a lot, it is more manageable and I am pleased to see the other Ducati riders, especially Nicky confirming that with fast times."
Valentino Rossi, who had topped the timesheet in the two previous tests at Sepang and was fastest in the opening session in Qatar, was less than five-hundredths of a second behind Stoner as he worked on electronics on his Fiat Yamaha M1. The Italian’s best time placed him second overall.
“This has been another good day," Rossi said. "We've concentrated mostly on the race preparation and it feels like we're now ready for the first race. We did a long run at the end of the session and we got some good information, which will help us in the race.
"Now that testing is over I am very excited about the season. We've been strong throughout the six days of practice and it feels good to have been fast here also, where we have struggled in the past. We have only tested at two tracks so we need to wait for another different one to fully understand the new bike, but we're in good shape.”
Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso was a further 0.4 secs. down as he achieved a better chassis setting on his factory RC212V prototype. The Italian’s lap of 1:55.879 was set in the second session, with Ben Spies’ (Monster Yamaha Tech3) fine effort of 1:55.954 from the previous night the fourth and final under the 1:56 mark.
Spies was the highest placing rookie of the test, as he confirmed his setting on the M1 for the opening race at the circuit. The Texan experienced a fall on each of the two evenings, neither of which resulted in any ill effects as he rode for the first time under the circuit’s floodlights.
Nicky Hayden rounded out the top five for the test with a time of 1:56.115. The American suffered a crash late in session two at the same point – Turn 2 – as Stoner and was unharmed, and he was followed by Loris Capirossi of the Rizla Suzuki team.
The Italian tried new chassis and swingarm components on his GSV-R, which produced results in the second session to place him as the final rider within a second of Stoner thanks to a time of 1:56.195.
Jorge Lorenzo arrived in Qatar carrying the hand injury that prevented him from participating at the last test in Malaysia, but the Spanish Fiat Yamaha rider pushed through the pain barrier. His time of 1:56.504 put him in seventh position overall and was equal with that of Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda).
Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Colin Edwards (1:56.540) – who was also a victim of a fall in the second session, again at Turn 2 – and Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing (1:56.767) rounded off the top 10 times.
Notably outside the top 10 was Dani Pedrosa, as the Repsol Honda rider ended the test 13th fastest overall at just over 1.5 secs. off the top time.
“We started to make improvements early in tonight’s session, but after that we couldn’t make any more progress really and so of course I’m not satisfied with the results of this test," Pedrosa said. "It’s obvious that we’re not where we want to be as we approach the first race, so we’ll just have do our best when we come back here and try to make the improvements quickly in the practice sessions. That’s it really.
"I’m still struggling with the bike moving quite a lot at the front and that’s caused issues at the rear. Because of this I’m also going too slowly through the corners. We have to stay positive and be glad that I’m going into this season fully fit, and we’ll keep working to improve things.”
He was followed in the times by Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini), who had a very late crash in session two – as did his team-mate, rookie Marco Simoncelli.
The riders will return to the circuit for the start of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship on April 11 for the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.
Overall Test Results
1. Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1:55.353 (Session 2)
2. Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha Team) 1:55.402 (1)
3. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda Team) 1:55.879 (2)
4. Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 1:55.954 (1)
5. Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1:56.115 (2)
6. Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 1:56.195 (2)
7. Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha Team) 1:56.504 (2)
8. Randy De Puniet (LCR Honda MotoGP) 1:56.504 (2)
9. Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 1:56.540 (1)
10. Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) 1:56.767 (2)
11. Aleix Espargaro (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) 1:56.897 (2)
12. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 1:56.898 (2)
13. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) 1:56.935 (2)
14. Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 1:57.222 (2)
15. Hector Barbera (Aspar Team Ducati) 1:57.223 (2)
16. Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten-Honda MotoGP) 1:57.251 (2)
17. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 1:57.379 (2)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Jeff Ward joins AMA Pro Racing
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Motorcycle racing legend Jeff Ward will bring his considerable amount of racing and career experience to AMA Pro Racing as rider liaison and advisor.
Ward has nine AMA Pro Racing Championships in Motocross, Supercross and Supermoto. He also has a number of other significant motorcycle wins and achievements as well as an impressive auto racing resume that includes a Ganassi Indy Car win, Rookie of the Year at the 1997 Indianapolis 500 and a second place finish in that iconic event in 1999. Ward is also in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Among other responsibilities, Ward will be the rider liaison and will fully engage with AMA Pro Racing's riders on the many issues that are important to or may cause concern from the riders' standpoint.
"Jeff has the perspective of an experienced, champion rider and can understand the concerns and questions that only someone who has experienced it from behind the handlebars would truly understand," said AMA Pro Racing COO David Atlas. "And having Jeff represent that part of our sport and be one of our key advisors will further our efforts to be as available and responsive to our riders and teams as we can."
Ward will begin his duties at the March 26-28 Auto Club Speedway AMA Pro Road Racing event in Fontana, CA. Ward will also advise AMA Pro Racing on motocross and flat track rider matters, as well as assist AMA Pro Racing with its relations with the motorcycle manufacturers and parts suppliers.
"I'm delighted to be joining the AMA Pro Racing series," said Ward. "I personally know many of the riders and am looking forward to helping them have a positive influence in the future direction of the sport and the way in which they plan and pursue their training, successful strategies and careers."
Free sound testing at Machine Racing
By Jeff Morgan
On April 17, the OFTR and Machine Racing are offering free sound tests for all OFTR and OCMC members. Bring your street or dirt bike, or ATV from 9:30am to 2:00pm to Machine Racing, at 18237 Woodbine Avenue East Gwillimbury, ON, and have them tested with SAE J1287 and SAE 2825 test methods.
There will also be a BBQ and special deals available. The sound testing is presented by the OFTR and Machine Racing, with the help of Bowie Contracting. Remember loud bikes close riding areas, so be responsible and be quiet.
Hungarian GP cancelled
From motogp.com
The FIM announced on Thursday that the Grand Prix of Hungary, originally scheduled for Sept. 19, has been cancelled due to the fact that the construction work on the Balatonring circuit cannot be completed on time.
The 14th round of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship calendar will now take place at the reserve circuit of Motorland Aragon on the same date.
The updated 2010 calendar:
April 11* Qatar (Losail)
April 25 Japan (Motegi)
May 2 Spain (Jerez)
May 23 France (Le Mans)
June 6 Italy (Mugello)
June 20 Great Britain (Silverstone)
June 26** Netherlands (Assen)
July 4 Catalunya (Catalunya)
July 18 Germany (Sachsenring)
July 25*** United States (Laguna Seca)
Aug. 15 Czech Republic (Brno)
Aug. 29 Indianapolis (Indianapolis)
Sept. 5 San Marino & Riviera di Rimini (Misano)
Sept. 19 Aragon (Motorland Aragon)
Oct. 10 Malaysia (Sepang)
Oct. 17 Australia (Phillip Island)
Oct. 31 Portugal (Estoril)
Nov. 7 Valencia (Ricardo Tormo Valencia)
* Evening race
** Saturday race
*** Only MotoGP class
The FIM announced on Thursday that the Grand Prix of Hungary, originally scheduled for Sept. 19, has been cancelled due to the fact that the construction work on the Balatonring circuit cannot be completed on time.
The 14th round of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship calendar will now take place at the reserve circuit of Motorland Aragon on the same date.
The updated 2010 calendar:
April 11* Qatar (Losail)
April 25 Japan (Motegi)
May 2 Spain (Jerez)
May 23 France (Le Mans)
June 6 Italy (Mugello)
June 20 Great Britain (Silverstone)
June 26** Netherlands (Assen)
July 4 Catalunya (Catalunya)
July 18 Germany (Sachsenring)
July 25*** United States (Laguna Seca)
Aug. 15 Czech Republic (Brno)
Aug. 29 Indianapolis (Indianapolis)
Sept. 5 San Marino & Riviera di Rimini (Misano)
Sept. 19 Aragon (Motorland Aragon)
Oct. 10 Malaysia (Sepang)
Oct. 17 Australia (Phillip Island)
Oct. 31 Portugal (Estoril)
Nov. 7 Valencia (Ricardo Tormo Valencia)
* Evening race
** Saturday race
*** Only MotoGP class
Rossi leads the way in Qatar
From motogp.com
Continuing his pre-season form Fiat Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi was the fastest rider of the first day of MotoGP testing at Losail on Thursday, as the World Champion set a best time of 1:55.402 on his factory M1.
Setting his hot lap inside the final 10 minutes of the session, which ended at midnight local time, Rossi completed 64 turns and pushed Casey Stoner down to second position on the timesheet.
“I am so happy today because this isn't one of our best tracks and to come here and be fastest shows what a great job Yamaha has done with this new M1," Rossi said. "To start with the track was quite slippery but anyway we were still fast, and as the track started to improve I felt better and better. We are quite competitive and this gives me a good feeling, and I was happy to make this quick lap right at the end.
"We still have to decide the right tire and the best setting for it, and we will keep working on the electronics but the most important thing is that we're faster than last year.”
Stoner's affinity for the track at which he has won the last three Grands Prix led him to within just over three-tenths of a second of Rossi, as the Australian Ducati Marlboro rider maintained the same set-up on his Desmosedici GP10 that he used last time out at Sepang.
The fine progress that Ben Spies is making in the lead-up to his first full season shows no sign of slowing down, and at just over two-tenths off Stoner the American of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team was third fastest.
What made the reigning World Superbike champion's performance even more remarkable was he had never ridden under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit before.
“I know this track from last year but riding under the floodlights is definitely a bit different and nothing I've experienced before," Spies admitted. "The perception of speed is much faster with it being at night but I'm having a lot of fun. It's really well lit up but there are a couple of darker spots on the track that you have to get used to but I've not done too bad in adjusting to the lights.
"I know the track but any track I go to on a MotoGP bike definitely makes it different because of the lines you take. Some of the lines I'd take on the superbike just don't work but I felt like it was coming together good and following a couple of people it felt like I was doing more of the right things than I was in Malaysia. Obviously it is great for me to be high up the timesheets but I'm still taking baby steps to improve and not getting carried away.”
A crash at turn two suffered inside the final hour failed to take the shine off what was an impressive display, as he timed a fast lap of 1:55.954, the last under the 1:56 mark.
“The crash was nothing too serious," he said. "I was running the hard front and I wasn't getting a good feeling from it. We changed the pressure to try and help for my second run but I just lost the front at the second corner. But to be third is fantastic for my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3. They have been giving me great support."
His team-mate Colin Edwards made it three Yamahas inside the top four times with a 1:56.540, and the Monster Tech 3 man will continue to test some new parts for the factory on Friday. He was just over half a second off Spies’ time, and both are set to ride a race simulation on Friday.
Randy De Puniet’s RC212V was the highest placed Honda and the LCR rider was pleased with his results. He also plans a race simulation for day two, depending on his physical condition as he has been feeling slightly ill.
Andrea Dovizioso of the Repsol Honda team rode 65 laps on his factory prototype as he aims to smooth out any lingering problems before the start of the season, and the Italian was sixth fastest with a time of 1:56.811.
Rossi’s team-mate Jorge Lorenzo struggled with his injured right hand and was forced to stop regularly. Despite his severe discomfort and a trip to the Clinica Mobile for treatment the Spaniard did manage to complete 45 laps, with a best time of 1:56.838 placing him a respectable seventh on the timesheet – under 1.5 seconds off his team-mate and rival Rossi.
“It's really good to be back on my bike and actually when I went out on track the first time today my hand felt better than I had expected," the 22-year-old Spaniard said. "The pain has decreased a lot in the last few days and I've been doing a lot of physio to make sure I'm in the best possible shape for this test.
"Dainese have made me a bigger glove and I have some protection on the hand; changing direction is okay, it's just the hard braking areas where I have some problems. I need more practice but I think we have made a good start."
Ducati rider Nicky Hayden and Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing were eighth and ninth fastest respectively, and Dani Pedrosa’s pre-season continues to run a none too smooth course. The Repsol Honda rider was 10th quickest of the session after his 60 laps produced a best time that was over 1.6 seconds off Rossi’s mark.
Thursday Test Times
1. Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha Team) 1:55.402
2. Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) +0.315
3. Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) +0.552
4. Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) +1.138
5. Randy De Puniet (LCR Honda MotoGP) +1.186
6. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda Team) +1.409
7. Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha Team) +1.436
8. Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro Team) +1.453
9. Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) +1.521
10. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) +1.645
11. Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) +1.697
12. Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) +2.203
13. Hector Barbera (Aspar Team Ducati) +2.420
14. Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten-Honda MotoGP) +2.486
15. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) +2.489
16. Aleix Espargaro (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) +2.496
17. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) +2.558
Continuing his pre-season form Fiat Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi was the fastest rider of the first day of MotoGP testing at Losail on Thursday, as the World Champion set a best time of 1:55.402 on his factory M1.
Setting his hot lap inside the final 10 minutes of the session, which ended at midnight local time, Rossi completed 64 turns and pushed Casey Stoner down to second position on the timesheet.
“I am so happy today because this isn't one of our best tracks and to come here and be fastest shows what a great job Yamaha has done with this new M1," Rossi said. "To start with the track was quite slippery but anyway we were still fast, and as the track started to improve I felt better and better. We are quite competitive and this gives me a good feeling, and I was happy to make this quick lap right at the end.
"We still have to decide the right tire and the best setting for it, and we will keep working on the electronics but the most important thing is that we're faster than last year.”
Stoner's affinity for the track at which he has won the last three Grands Prix led him to within just over three-tenths of a second of Rossi, as the Australian Ducati Marlboro rider maintained the same set-up on his Desmosedici GP10 that he used last time out at Sepang.
The fine progress that Ben Spies is making in the lead-up to his first full season shows no sign of slowing down, and at just over two-tenths off Stoner the American of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team was third fastest.
What made the reigning World Superbike champion's performance even more remarkable was he had never ridden under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit before.
“I know this track from last year but riding under the floodlights is definitely a bit different and nothing I've experienced before," Spies admitted. "The perception of speed is much faster with it being at night but I'm having a lot of fun. It's really well lit up but there are a couple of darker spots on the track that you have to get used to but I've not done too bad in adjusting to the lights.
"I know the track but any track I go to on a MotoGP bike definitely makes it different because of the lines you take. Some of the lines I'd take on the superbike just don't work but I felt like it was coming together good and following a couple of people it felt like I was doing more of the right things than I was in Malaysia. Obviously it is great for me to be high up the timesheets but I'm still taking baby steps to improve and not getting carried away.”
A crash at turn two suffered inside the final hour failed to take the shine off what was an impressive display, as he timed a fast lap of 1:55.954, the last under the 1:56 mark.
“The crash was nothing too serious," he said. "I was running the hard front and I wasn't getting a good feeling from it. We changed the pressure to try and help for my second run but I just lost the front at the second corner. But to be third is fantastic for my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3. They have been giving me great support."
His team-mate Colin Edwards made it three Yamahas inside the top four times with a 1:56.540, and the Monster Tech 3 man will continue to test some new parts for the factory on Friday. He was just over half a second off Spies’ time, and both are set to ride a race simulation on Friday.
Randy De Puniet’s RC212V was the highest placed Honda and the LCR rider was pleased with his results. He also plans a race simulation for day two, depending on his physical condition as he has been feeling slightly ill.
Andrea Dovizioso of the Repsol Honda team rode 65 laps on his factory prototype as he aims to smooth out any lingering problems before the start of the season, and the Italian was sixth fastest with a time of 1:56.811.
Rossi’s team-mate Jorge Lorenzo struggled with his injured right hand and was forced to stop regularly. Despite his severe discomfort and a trip to the Clinica Mobile for treatment the Spaniard did manage to complete 45 laps, with a best time of 1:56.838 placing him a respectable seventh on the timesheet – under 1.5 seconds off his team-mate and rival Rossi.
“It's really good to be back on my bike and actually when I went out on track the first time today my hand felt better than I had expected," the 22-year-old Spaniard said. "The pain has decreased a lot in the last few days and I've been doing a lot of physio to make sure I'm in the best possible shape for this test.
"Dainese have made me a bigger glove and I have some protection on the hand; changing direction is okay, it's just the hard braking areas where I have some problems. I need more practice but I think we have made a good start."
Ducati rider Nicky Hayden and Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing were eighth and ninth fastest respectively, and Dani Pedrosa’s pre-season continues to run a none too smooth course. The Repsol Honda rider was 10th quickest of the session after his 60 laps produced a best time that was over 1.6 seconds off Rossi’s mark.
Thursday Test Times
1. Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha Team) 1:55.402
2. Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) +0.315
3. Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) +0.552
4. Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) +1.138
5. Randy De Puniet (LCR Honda MotoGP) +1.186
6. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda Team) +1.409
7. Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha Team) +1.436
8. Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro Team) +1.453
9. Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) +1.521
10. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) +1.645
11. Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) +1.697
12. Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) +2.203
13. Hector Barbera (Aspar Team Ducati) +2.420
14. Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten-Honda MotoGP) +2.486
15. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) +2.489
16. Aleix Espargaro (Pramac Racing Team Ducati) +2.496
17. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) +2.558
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Inside Motorcycles on Motorcycle Experience!
From Whistlestop Productions
Toyota Truck presents Motorcycle Experience this Sunday at noon Eastern on TSN and TSN HD.
In this episode host Dave Hatch chats with Inside Motorcycles photographer Jeff Morgan, former National 600 Sportbike Champion Clint McBain has more trailer talk, this week’s guest rider Paul Kahnert samples BMW Motorrad’s all new K1300R and Dave and Norm continue their Ultimate Rides tour heading out from Winslow, AZ.
This episode will be repeated on TSN and TSN HD on Wednesday, March 24 at 1:30am, Thursday, March 25 at 3:00am and Friday, March 26 at 4:30pm. It will also broadcast on TSN 2 on Saturday, March 20 at 3:00pm and Wednesday, March 24 at 4:30am. All times are Eastern.
Motorcycle Experience is created with the support of Toyota Canada, Yamaha Motor Canada, Honda Canada, BMW Motorrad, Suzuki Canada and Motovan.
For more info visit www.motorcycleexperience.ca.
Ducati announces new Superbike promotion
From Ducati North America
CUPERTINO, CA – Ducati North America has annouced the 'Fast Track' Superbike promotion; a celebration of the Ducati Superbike lineup as purpose-built motorcycles at home on the racetrack.
Available though June 15, this promotion is designed to give new Superbike owners an experience unique to the Ducati brand. Ducati has teamed up with World Superbike Champion Doug Polen to include a once in a lifetime experience. With purchase of a new 2009 or 2010 Superbike, Ducati will include a day of racetrack instruction with the legendary champion at one of over a dozen venues. In order to hit the track with style and comfort, Ducati will include the following to make up the ultimate pit lane setup: a set of tire warmers; a Ducati E-Z up; two Ducati Quad Chairs.
“I am beyond excited to be teaming up with Ducati for this excellent promotion,” said Polen. “For the past few years I’ve been mastering the transition from racing bikes to teaching others my secrets, and now it’s time for a new generation of Ducs to start flying.”
Along with this exceptional trackside support, Ducati is also including a gift that can be worn every day: a watch in Ducati livery. This beautiful Swiss timepiece - influenced by elements of Ducati design - will be given to select owners of a Ducati Superbike during the program period. The watch is not included with the purchase of the 848 “Dark” Superbike and is available while supplies last.
For more information on the 2010 range of Ducati Superbikes and a list of participating dealers, please visit www.ducatiusa.com.
New team approved for MotoGP
From FB Corse
VALENCIA, SPAIN -- FB Corse was approved as an entry in the MotoGP World Championship after a full day test in Valencia on Wednesday.
After being confirmed as the new entry, the team and rider Garry McCoy have decided to continue developing the FB01 and start the championship in the third round at Jerez on May 2.
McCoy has done a three-day test with very positive results. The FB01 has been running with no electronics for the Australian to feel the bike.
“What we achieved today for me was remarkable because from where we started from the first day to achieve so many laps today, I really did not expect that at all," McCoy said on Wednesday. "I was really wanting to go to [the first two rounds in] Qatar and Japan but I think that our decision is very wise as we have to concentrate on the development of the bike in order to improve and be competitive from the first race.”
Added team member Sergio Bertocchi, “I am really happy about all the compliments we have received from Dorna and Franco Uncini. I was not really expecting to be at that level. I am very satisfied that they allow us to enter the championship when we want and we will do the necessary development in order to enter with the best conditions.”
VALENCIA, SPAIN -- FB Corse was approved as an entry in the MotoGP World Championship after a full day test in Valencia on Wednesday.
After being confirmed as the new entry, the team and rider Garry McCoy have decided to continue developing the FB01 and start the championship in the third round at Jerez on May 2.
McCoy has done a three-day test with very positive results. The FB01 has been running with no electronics for the Australian to feel the bike.
“What we achieved today for me was remarkable because from where we started from the first day to achieve so many laps today, I really did not expect that at all," McCoy said on Wednesday. "I was really wanting to go to [the first two rounds in] Qatar and Japan but I think that our decision is very wise as we have to concentrate on the development of the bike in order to improve and be competitive from the first race.”
Added team member Sergio Bertocchi, “I am really happy about all the compliments we have received from Dorna and Franco Uncini. I was not really expecting to be at that level. I am very satisfied that they allow us to enter the championship when we want and we will do the necessary development in order to enter with the best conditions.”
Triumph plans 20th celebrations
From Triumph Motorcycles
Sept. 18 is a date that Triumph fans and all motorcycle enthusiasts should put in their calendars, as the British manufacturer will be putting on an incredible festival to celebrate 20 years since the successful re-launch of the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer.
Riders of all marques are invited to enjoy a packed day of entertainment at the Mallory Park race circuit in England with additional activities at Triumph’s state of the art manufacturing facility nearby in Hinckley.
A full program of on and off track activities include a round of the ‘Triumph Triple Challenge,’ special invitation races featuring Triumph’s class-leading Street Triple and Daytona 675 motorcycles, plus mind blowing shows from Triumph’s professional stunt riders. Visitors will view the latest range of Triumph motorcycles alongside some of the UK’s best customized Triumphs while key bikes from Triumph’s history will be on display as part of a unique exhibition exploring 20 years of Hinckley.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
New deal for Suzuki in 2010
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON – Suzuki Canada has agreed to a reduced role in the 2010 Parts Canada Superbike Championship that will see its motorcycles remain eligible for the national road racing series. This will be the 30th year of national Superbike racing in Canada and the 10th season of Parts Canada’s title sponsorship of the series.
Under the terms of the new deal Suzuki Canada will pay a small homologation fee to allow its GSX-R1000 and GSX-R600 equipment to run in the feature Parts Canada Superbike and Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike divisions in 2010.
The arrangement precludes the manufacturer from providing direct support for ‘A’ teams in either class, however it leaves the door open for privateers and dealer supported competitors to ride Suzukis in the national series. Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 is particularly popular among smaller racing teams.
“Everyone understands the current financial challenges in the motorcycle industry and it was important to provide some flexibility to Suzuki Canada so that it could continue to play a role in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which administers the series.
“Our four partner manufacturers agreed that keeping the GSX-R out of the series would have a detrimental effect on the national championship and we think we have found a good compromise that can work for all parties. We appreciate Suzuki’s willingness to find a way to make this happen.”
The move is also based on Suzuki Canada making an early commitment to the 2011 Parts Canada Superbike Championship. The company will continue to pay contingency to riders on board its motorcycles.
“This is going to be a challenging summer and we’ve had to make concessions in a number of areas,” Fraser added. “But we are confident that by taking these steps for 2010 we can ensure a strong and prosperous national championship for the 2011 season and beyond.”
Yamaha Motor Canada will not officially participate in the 2010 Parts Canada Superbike Championship. The company made its decision to withdraw last November. As a result, the YZF-R1 Superbike has been excluded from the national series, along with any 2010 Yamaha models. Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycles from the 2009 model year and earlier are still permitted in the Sport Bike class.
“We all hope, however, that Yamaha will return to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in the near future,” Fraser added.
The Parts Canada Superbike Championship is overseen by Professional Motorsports Productions along with partner manufacturers Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Honda Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada and Deeley Racing.
The 2010 season opens May 28-30 at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Jervis prepares to defend plates
By John Hopkins
Oliver Jervis will return to action in the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association and Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association series this summer, once again riding Kawasakis prepared and entered by Zlock Racing.
The Victoria resident won a pair of championships with each organization last season, claiming the 600 Superbike and 650 GP Twins titles in the OMRRA and the Lightweight Superbike and Middleweight GP Twins crowns in WMRRA action.
The WMRRA's eight-event schedule opens April 3-4 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA, while the OMRRA campaign kicks off with the first of six events at Portland International Raceway May 22-23.
Sponsorship for Jervis's efforts will come from Zlock Racing, Pirelli, Competition Motors, Joe Rocket, Hindle, Silkolene, Lifestyle Markets, Paint By Burns, Sidi, Flexi-Glass, EBC Brakes, Pazzo Racing, TYR Sox, Radar Hill, Lockhart Phillips and Graphic FX.
Female Ride Day ready to roll
From MOTORESS
TORONTO, ON - The 2010 International Female Ride Day is just a few months away and women all over the world are getting prepared for the global occasion. More countries are expected to join in and more women are setting up activities for Friday May 7.
“Even more women are riding this year, as you might well imagine, this is the campaign's fourth year. This event is quite simply, unstoppable. The word continues to spread and women enthusiastically prepare to ride and unite everywhere on this synchronized day around the world,” said Vicki Gray, the founder of the International Female Ride Day and of MOTORESS. "We are certainly riding to success as each year we see a truly insurmountable growth from the years prior. Even the hallmark ride day t-shirt for 2010 is already in demand.”
For this fourth edition, Gray also observes an increase of the recognition of the event amongst the motorcycle industry around the world.
“The popularity of this event comes from the concept and the fact that it invites women riding all brands, styles and types of motorcycles. This gives the industry an opportunity to share their support and get involved," she added.
As before, participants will be able to upload/send in their picture to MOTORESS or post them on the facebook group and event page.
“We’ll send out a free souvenir again this year, to the first 100 photos received. This continues to be well-liked,” Gray said.
Participants can go the MOTORESS facebook group or event page to post their activities and plans for Friday May 7 while networking with others. In Toronto, there will be a rally for the ride home at the end of the day. Women will be able to order the special 2010 Female Ride Day t-shirt as a souvenir online. This year the t-shirt will be in natural bamboo fabric, the latest trend in eco friendly fabrics.
At its inception in 2007, the campaign became an immediate success as women embraced the chance to participate. International Female Ride Day fever significantly magnifies each year and 2010 expects to host more riders and participants than the previous years. Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Qatar and Denmark as well as other countries will again be contributing to the campaign.
For more information about International Female Ride Day visit www.motoress.com.
Lorenzo confirmed for Qatar return
From motogp.com
Jorge Lorenzo’s pre-season preparations will continue in Qatar this week, after it was confirmed that he will take part in the final official pre-season test, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
The 22-year-old broke a bone in his right thumb during a training accident four weeks ago and was unable to take part in the second test at Sepang at the end of February, but he has now been given the all-clear by his doctor to again ride his M1 machine after recuperating at his home in Barcelona.
Lorenzo’s recovery has gone well and his hand is no longer swollen, although physiotherapy will continue in order to keep repairing the muscle around the break. The Spanish rider’s doctor has confirmed there is no risk to the broken bone from riding, but that he will need to wait until testing starts in order to find out if he will be able to ride and use the brake at full strength.
“Today we are leaving for Qatar for the last winter test,” said Lorenzo on Monday. “I think that it is important that we are there. The fracture happened less than five weeks ago, but we could not have missed this last test because it would have been negative for our preparation; we are not far from the first race of the season.
"The doctor has made a special carbon fibre protection and Dainese have modified my glove, in order to further protect the fracture, so we will see how we get on.”
Jorge Lorenzo’s pre-season preparations will continue in Qatar this week, after it was confirmed that he will take part in the final official pre-season test, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
The 22-year-old broke a bone in his right thumb during a training accident four weeks ago and was unable to take part in the second test at Sepang at the end of February, but he has now been given the all-clear by his doctor to again ride his M1 machine after recuperating at his home in Barcelona.
Lorenzo’s recovery has gone well and his hand is no longer swollen, although physiotherapy will continue in order to keep repairing the muscle around the break. The Spanish rider’s doctor has confirmed there is no risk to the broken bone from riding, but that he will need to wait until testing starts in order to find out if he will be able to ride and use the brake at full strength.
“Today we are leaving for Qatar for the last winter test,” said Lorenzo on Monday. “I think that it is important that we are there. The fracture happened less than five weeks ago, but we could not have missed this last test because it would have been negative for our preparation; we are not far from the first race of the season.
"The doctor has made a special carbon fibre protection and Dainese have modified my glove, in order to further protect the fracture, so we will see how we get on.”
Monday, March 15, 2010
Szoke and Honda now official
By John Hopkins
Perhaps the worst kept secret in Canadian racing is now out of the bag -- Jordan Szoke will defend his Parts Canada Superbike Championship on Hondas with his own Waznie Racing team.
Szoke will ride CBR1000RRs in the premier division of the national series, and will try to hang onto his number one plate in the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike class aboard CBR600RRs. He will be going for his fifth straight titles in both categories, and is trying for a record seventh national Superbike crown.
Scott Miller and his Fast Company concern will prepare the Waznie Racing equipment. Szoke and Miller are longtime friends and combined to win a national Superbike title with Suzukis in 2002. They also worked together with Honda in 2004-05.
Ironically, Szoke first raced for Honda with his own team in 1999, a year after winning his initial Canadian Superbike title with Kawasaki. He joined the factory team in 2000 to compete aboard the RC51 twin, but left after the 2001 season.
Szoke returned to Honda in 2004 but went through a couple of disappointing seasons before reuniting with Kawasaki in 2006 and starting his string of Superbike and Pro Sport Bike championship.
“When I rode for Honda in 04-05 I struggled a bit with the chassis, although our Hondas were always extremely reliable," said Szoke in a Waznie Racing press release. "What I loved the most about our bikes were our motors, being built by Scott Miller of Fast Company. We were in the shop the other day tearing the street parts off, and after looking at these new CBRs I'm really excited to ride them, they have come a really long way in just a few short years.”
Szoke's new wife Amy will ride a Waznie Racing CBR600RR in the national Amateur Sport Bike champion.
"I'm really excited to ride the new bike and take in the entire national series with my husband," she said. "It's something we love to do together and I'm really pumped to spend another season with Jordan at the track. I got a small taste riding the CBR when I took a school at Miller Motorsports Park, and I really liked it."
Amy has competed in various club and national events across Canada and the US since she started racing in 2006.
Jordan Szoke is still actively searching for a title sponsor to be associated with the team in the 2010 season.
Local shelter to be event charity for MCC
From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada
MARKHAM, ON -- The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) announced on Monday that Chrysalis, a shelter for women and children in Huntsville, ON, has been selected as the event charity for the International Women Riders Congress and Festival (IWCF) being held at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville Aug. 11-15.
"MCC and its Women Riders Council (WRC) value making a contribution back into the community," said Peter Jacobs, MCC President. "Our event theme is One World, One Ride. This is a small way to demonstrate our commitment to making a positive difference in the communities in which we live, work and play. Huntsville has welcomed the IWCF and we are pleased to be able to give back."
To date, two on-site activities have been identified which will generate funds for Chrysalis -- the sale of an art-nouveau collection of T-shirts which has been donated by Diva Rider Wear and Meg's Ride, a ladies only charity trail ride being organized as part of the Ontario Trail Ride Series
Chrysalis offers both emergency shelter and rent- geared-to-income housing. In-house programs available at Chrysalis include: Child and Youth Support, Education Outreach, Court Support, Transition Housing Support Services and Outreach groups and other supports. In addition to the shelter, Chrysalis has 10 supportive transitional housing units for vulnerable women and their children.
The IWCF will feature networking opportunities, organized tours, educational programs, maintenance workshops, safety programs, a charity trail ride, skills challenges, demo rides and entertainment. Registration is open to both male and female participants.
The IWCF is presented by Honda Canada. The growing list of partners includes Open Road Insurance Program, BMW Motorrad, Canada, Motorcycle Mojo, Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council, Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows, Royal Distributing, Inside Motorcycles, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada and Spyder.
MCC is a national federation of rider organizations in Canada and serves the interests of all riders. Its purpose is to unite motorcyclists and preserve, protect and promote motorcycling. With more than 245 member groups, as well as individual members, the MCC speaks for tens of thousands of riders. Its Women Riders Council was formed in 2006 to address the specific interests of women riders in Canada.
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