McLean sweeps western titles

By John Hopkins

Royce McLean locked up three Expert titles in the Western Canadian Road Racing Championships during the final round at Calgary's Race City Motorsport Park on Sept. 18-19.

The 15-year-old from Coaldale, AB was crowned champion in the Superbike, Open SuperSport and 600 SuperSport divisions, to go along with his 2010 titles in the Expert Open Superbike, Expert Open Sportbike and Expert 600 SuperSport classes of the Edmonton Motorcycle Roadracing Association series. He also won the Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association's Middleweight Sportbike title.

McLean's most impressive performance came in Sunday's Expert 600 Supersport event. Trailing the top three by eight seconds and with the Western Canadian title on the line, the Yamaha YZF-R6 rider caught the leaders and moved into second place in the waning moments to seal the title. He added that result to fourth place finishes in Superbike and Open SuperSport.

The previous day he had claimed second place finishes in Superbike and 600 SuperSport, and a third in Open SuperSport.

For more info and photos of McLean's racing go to www.roycemclean.com.

Kruger finishes second in Chinese series

By John Hopkins
Photo courtesy Dan Kruger

Canadian Dan Kruger has finished second in the 600 Super Sport class of the Chinese Pan Delta Series after a pair of fifth place results in the season finale at the Zhuhai International Circuit on Sept. 19.

The BG-Kawasaki rider survived a crash during practice that left him with a bruised leg and hip, and then scorching weekend temperatures in what was likely his last appearance on the team's ZX-6R. Kruger is planning a move up to the ZX-10R Superbike.

The Montreal racer was also hampered in the second race by a transmission issue as he lost third gear with two laps to go.

“We were aiming for the championship but as long as Chu Man Tat finished both events, winning the title was virtually impossible,” Kruger said in an email. "Kawasaki is still happy with a second overall but of course nothing replaces winning the title."

Kruger will make his first Superbike start in Asia at the end of October and has also signed on to compete aboard a race-kitted Ultra 260X in the major International PWC race in Sanya, China in December.

He may also make one final appearance on the ZX-6R in the FIM Asia GP, also in December.

Kruger is currently in talks with both Kawasaki and BG Performance with regards to the 2011 season.

Zero receives additional grant

From Zero Motorcycles

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Zero Motorcycles has been awarded its second grant in the state of California to further the development of advanced electric powertrain systems.

The most recent award comes from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District (MBUAPCD) where Zero was awarded a $177,906 (all funds U.S.) grant in partnership with the city of Santa Cruz. This new grant adds funding to the $900,000 grant from the California Energy Commission awarded last month. The funds will be used to develop an advanced new electric powertrain for Zero Motorcycles. Additional matching funds from the City of Santa Cruz and others provides Zero with total funding for the project of $2,018,000.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and we are further inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication to our company,” said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “Our intention with this new powertrain development program is to continue advancements in the powersports industry while supporting the local economy and this additional boost brings us much closer to reaching our goals.”

This newest grant will be used in Zero’s research and development program in Santa Cruz, creating new jobs and economic growth. Zero now has the financial momentum and expertise it needs to develop electric motorcycle powertrains that exceed all current levels of performance, range and efficiency.

"Zero Motorcycles is an exciting company creating sustainable zero emissions electric transportation and we fully support their expansion in Santa Cruz,” said Bonnie Lipscomb, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment for the city of Santa Cruz. “We are thankful for the support from MBUAPCD which helps companies like Zero grow while creating local jobs that support a greener environment for all of us – it’s the best kind of public-private partnership.”

David Fairchild, Air Quality/Transportation Planner for MBUAPCD added, “we are happy to support Zero’s innovative approaches to reducing the emissions from transportation.”

Lajoie top five in California series

By John Hopkins

Nadine Lajoie placed third in Formula 40 Middleweight and Formula Femme at the final round of the California State Championship road racing series at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA Sept. 19.

The Montreal racer also took eighth in the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club Formula 2 event.

Lajoie ended the season fifth in both Formula 40 Middleweight and Formula Femme, despite missing a round.

The previous day Lajoie had participated in a four-hour endurance race as part of the all-female team of Shandra Crawford, Christie Cooley and Krystyna Kubran. Despite a crash by Kubran the squad placed ninth overall and second in the Middleweight Supersport class.

Four podiums for Jervis in finale

By John Hopkins

Oliver Jervis picked up four podium finishes, including a race win, in the final round of the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association season at Seattle's Pacific Raceways Sept. 11-12.

Riding the Zlock Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R the Victoria racer was victorious in one of the two 600 Superbike races, placed second in the other 600 Superbike race and in 600 Supersport, and finished third and fifth in Formula Ultra.

"As we only had the 600 we pushed hard for the results we obtained," Jervis said. "The 600 races were barn burners that saw back and forth action like I've never seen. Despite a mistake I made that I feel cost us the win in one of the races, we managed to win another and get second in the other two races, topping our previous best lap times around Seattle in the process.

"Racing the 600 in the Superbike class left us a little behind the eight ball. Despite this we managed what I feel are some decent results in the premier class."

Jervis ended the season second in the 600 Superbike and 600 Supersport standings, and fifth in Formula Ultra. All three classes were won by Eli Edwards.

Benefits announced for injured Legere

By John Hopkins

A pair of benefit events have been organized for injured Halifax-area road racer Charlie Legere, who was seriously hurt in a practice accident at Atlantic Motorsport Park on Sept. 5.

Atlantic Motorsport Park and the Atlantic Roadracing League have set up a track day on Sunday, Oct. 3, with all of the proceeds going to the Legere family. Also, there will be a charity auction set up with amazing prizes to bid on at Kokomos restaurant on Saturday, Oct. 16. Once again all of the proceeds will go to the Legere family.

Legere is currently in a Halifax hospital with spinal cord injuries and is undergoing rehabilitation to restore the use of his legs. He does have partial movement in his arms.

Legere only started road racing two years ago but was dominant in the ARL's Amateur Superbike and 600 championships this summer, clinching both titles despite missing the final round at AMP after his accident.

Additionally, he made a big impression when the Parts Canada Superbike Championship national tour visited AMP in August, placing second in both Amateur Sport Bike races.

"Legere is in great spirits and is staying very positive towards the future," said an official statement issued on behalf of the Legere family. "There has been a lot of help and support through friends and the family wants to thank everyone for all of their help and support."

A paypal link has also been set up at www.atlanticroadracing.com, with 100 percent of all of the proceeds going to help the Legere family pay its bills.

More information on the fundraising events can be obtained by contacting Steve Canfield at scanfield71@yahoo.ca.

MotoGP season hits critical stretch

From motogp.com

Just over five months on from its original scheduled date the MotoGP World Championship Grand Prix of Japan will take place this weekend, having been postponed back in April due to the Icelandic volcano eruption.

Dani Pedrosa will be aiming to mount his own disruptive course as the 2010 campaign enters an intense run-in of the final five rounds, and he is now the only rider who can stop Jorge Lorenzo claiming a debut premier class title.

Lorenzo enters the weekend 56 points ahead of Pedrosa and with the experience of victory at Motegi last year, but the Repsol Honda rider is proving to be a stern obstacle in the fight for the 2010 title.

Last time out at Aragón was the first time Lorenzo had not featured on the podium this season, and while fourth position in the race was by no means a poor result the recuperation of 17 points on the leader by Pedrosa over the last three rounds has signalled that this year’s Championship is far from decided.

Pedrosa has featured on the third step of the podium at the Japanese track for the previous two years and is on a hot current run of form as he and his factory RC212V remain consistent in their production of results. Both he and Lorenzo have 12 premier class career victories to their names now, another added competitive edge to what has recently developed into an intriguing pitting of wits against one another.

Casey Stoner’s first win of the season at Aragón was the culmination of a dominant weekend for the Australian on board his Ducati, and with that victory duck now broken expectations will be high for a strong last sector of the season. He has only stepped onto the podium once at Motegi in the premier class, a second-placed finish in 2008, but confidence will be in plentiful supply now.

Separated by just a single point in fourth and fifth in the Championship standings are Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso. For the reigning World Champion Motegi is another site that has proven to be one of many fruitful hunting grounds, having placed second last season and with a win the year before.

Rossi, who continues to struggle against an injured shoulder will be aiming to step back onto the podium again as will Dovizioso, whose DNF at Aragón saw him deposed from third in the overall standings.

Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) remains continual in his progress with fellow American Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) another confident rider after his first podium of the year came at Aragón.

Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) will be determined to right the wrong of his DNF in the previous round, with San Carlo Honda Gresini team-mates Marco Melandri and Marco Simoncelli level on points with one another behind the Frenchman.

Loris Capirossi’s (Rizla Suzuki) recovery from finger surgery which forced him to miss Aragón is expected to be complete, thus allowing the Italian to make his return to the site of his last MotoGP win in 2007.

The final five rounds of the inaugural 2010 Moto2 World Championship come in quick succession and are spread out over six weekends, with the Grand Prix of Japan presenting the first in the series.

Heading to Motegi with a 76-point advantage at the top of the standings is Toni Elías, who will be aiming to deliver a home victory for his Gresini Racing team’s chassis manufacturer Moriwaki.

The fight for second position is developing into an engrossing one with every round that passes, and just four points separate Julián Simón (Mapfre Aspar) and race winner from the previous round Andrea Iannone (Fimmco Speed Up), with Thomas Lüthi of the Interwetten Moriwaki team a further 14 points.

The 125cc World Championship remains a closely-fought one as the final five rounds of the campaign are served up in quick succession. Frontrunners Nico Terol (Bancaja Aspar), Pol Espargaró (Tuenti Racing) and Marc Márquez (Red Bull Ajo Motorsport) will all be striving to edge even closer to securing the title.

An eventful previous round at Aragón saw the order in the standings change once more as victory for Espargaró, second place for Terol and a DNF for Márquez reordered the top three with 11 points now separating new leader Terol and third-placed Márquez.

Hayes clinches AMA SuperBike crown

From AMA Pro Racing

BIRMINGHAM, AL - AMA Pro Racing had a memorable day where five champions were crowned in four classes at Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday. Josh Hayes, Martin Cardenas, Danny Eslick, Austin DeHaven and Tyler O'Hara all captured the coveted number one plate in recognition of their hard fought and well deserved championships in their respective classes. The drama was increased for all involved when they awoke to a morning rain in central Alabama. 

In AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike, Hayes ran a careful and calculating race and finished seventh in damp conditions to clinch the 2010 National Guard SuperBike title, his first. Hayes had seven wins and three pole positions on his Team Graves Yamaha in a season that saw him battle to the very last race of the season with Tommy Hayden. Hayden took fourth on Sunday but it wasn't enough to overcome the 18-point lead Hayes held at the start of the day. 

Hayden's Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammate Blake Young won Sunday's thrilling race over John Hopkins and Larry Pegram. The racing was furious at the front of the field with Young, Hopkins on his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki, Hayden, Geoff May on his Buell, Pegram, Jake Zemke on his National Guard Jordan Suzuki and Hayes all running together. 

Pegram looked very quick on his Foremost Insurance Ducati and he and Hopkins along with May were really battling away. Hayes ran comfortably with Zemke and when he went by, Hayes was content to run just behind Zemke and the lead group and ahead of Brett McCormick on the second Jordan Suzuki. McCormick passed Hayes as well. The moment of truth for Hayes came on lap 10 when McCormick had a fall at turn four and Hayes had to take to the wet grass to avoid the Saskatoon rider and his motorcycle. 

"I had to go on the grass when Brett high-sided and it was very slick, but it was the slowest turn on the track and I thought, 'even if I fall, I can pick the bike back up and continue,'" said Hayes after the race. He ran a lonely race from there on and brought the championship home with his seventh place finish to end up 16 points ahead of Hayden. 

Meanwhile, up front it became Young's day as he led all but two laps of the race to take his third win of the 2010 SuperBike season. Hopkins, Pegram and Hayden were fighting for every inch of track and after May dropped back, Hayden did what he could to overcome Hayes' points lead but it just wasn't to be.

For Young it was a great day after suffering a severe back injury earlier this year at Barber Motorsports Park. He missed three events and five races.

"When I was lying on the couch at home recovering, it was hard watching these guys race," said Young. "But I worked hard to come back. I knew the championship was gone so all I could do is win races and repay the hard work that my team has put in for me all year."

In the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class, Cardenas captured his series high ninth win of the year to take his first AMA Pro Racing championship by eight points over last year's champion, Danny Eslick and his GEICO Powersports Suzuki team. The M4 Monster Energy Suzuki rider took a solid victory over Eslick and Dane Westby in another classic Daytona Sportbike race. 

Sunday's Daytona SportBike race was also impacted by wet weather and after Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha team riders Clinton Seller and Westby took up station at the front Cardenas, running third, was the one who was firmly in control of the championship. His main rivals, Eslick and Team Graves Yamaha rider Josh Herrin had a coming together at one point and both were back from the comfortable looking Cardenas. 

All of that changed dramatically on lap 14 when both Westby, who was now leading and also Sellers had spectacular accidents which brought out the red flag. In the blink of an eye, Cardenas' 10-second advantage over Eslick and Herrin was gone. Restarting the race with nine laps left, it was Herrin who led with Cardenas right behind him and Eslick in third. Eslick made a major move and went from third to first and now he was in position to take the championship. 

Cardenas now found himself in fourth, behind Westby as well as his main championship rivals. The big moment came on lap 19 when Herrin made a major move on Eslick in turn four and the two touched as Eslick dove back under Herrin as they went through the middle of the corner. Herrin went off and in a moment, Cardenas was by and into the lead he would not relinquish. 

Eslick recovered to run second ahead of Westby, who had been slightly delayed in the melee as well. As hard as Eslick tried, he just couldn't run Cardenas down. Right at the end, Eslick had a big moment and Cardenas was able to take the checkered flag and the championship by 1.687 secs. Herrin recovered to finish 11th and wound up third in the championship with 377 points, 28 behind Cardenas and 20 behind Eslick. 

"I have to thank my M4 Monster Energy Suzuki team," Cardenas said. "They work so hard and are the best team I have ever worked with, I feel so good for them."

Another rider who thanked his team was Dane Westby. After he went down, his Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha team and also the Pat Clark Motorsports team all pitched in to fix his Yamaha in record time so that he was able to re-start the race and end up third.

Chronic Motorsports Yamaha rider Paul Allison featured after the restart and he took fourth ahead of Vesrah Suzuki teammates Chris Fillmore and Cory West. Team Latus Motors Ducati rider Steve Rapp finished seventh ahead of Tommy Aquino, Clinton Seller and Kyle Wyman, all riding Yamahas. 

In SuperSport, Austin DeHaven captured the title of AMA Pro SuperSport Young Gun champion as he took a second place finish in addition to his fourth place from Saturday. Tyler O'Hara took a well deserved Top Gun national championship after finishing ninth and seventh respectively in the weekend's races.

Sunday's race was won by East Division champion J.D. Beach, who didn't figure into the combined race for the Young Gun championship after crashing out of Saturday's race. Early challengers for the title, Huntley Nash and Joey Pascarella, crashed out of Sunday's race that was run in wet conditions.

Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, QC was classified 17th on the Archambault Racing / Centre Hamel Honda CBR600RR.

The first race of the day was run in the most difficult conditions. The Vance & Hines XR1200 series lined up with the visiting British champion Jeremy McWilliams taking the win over veteran Michael Barnes and New Jersey winner P.J. Jacobson. McWilliams, over thanks to Warr's and Roadracingworld.com and HOG Racing, showed the way from start to finish with Barnes riding the Jones Brothers XR1200 shadowing his every move.

Due to his three early season wins Eslick, riding the RMR Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing XR1200 with valuable support from GIECO Powersports and Lucas Oil captured the initial Vance & Hines XR1200 championship and the number one plate that goes with it.

Superbike Race Results
1. Blake Young (Rockstar ·Makita ·Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 21 Laps
2. John Hopkins (M4 Monster Energy Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1.305
3. Larry Pegram (Foremost Insurance ·Pegram Racing) Ducati 1098R +1.551
4. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar ·Makita ·Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1.616
5. Jake Zemke (National Guard Jordan Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +7.458
6. Geoff May (Erik Buell Racing) Buell 1125RR +8.602
7. Josh Hayes (Team Graves Yamaha) Yamaha YZF-R1 +49.669
8. Taylor Knapp (RidersDiscount.com) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:08.659
9. Trent Gibson (Gibson Motorsports) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:15.134
10. Jeff Wood (Vesrah Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:22.141
11. Shane Narbonne (Celtic Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:22.150
12. Chris Peris (Team Iron Horse BMW ·ESP) BMW S1000RR 20 Laps
13. Ricky Corey (RCR Yamaha) Yamaha YZF-R1 +16.538
14. Sean Dwyer (Vicious Cycle Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +38.001
15. Skip Salenius (Run 1 Racing Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 19 Laps
16. Johnny Rock Page (Aussie Dave Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +26.351
17. Eric Haugo (Cycledivaonoline.com) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +43.361
18. Brett McCormick (Jordan Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 10 Laps
19. Chris Clark (Pat Clark Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 1 Lap
Did Not Start
Jake Holden (Pat Clark Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1
Chris Ulrich (M4 Monster Energy Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000
Race Time: 31:18.655
Margin of Victory: 1.305
Best Race Lap: Blake Young (1:27.282)

Superbike Point Standings
(Top 15 plus Canadians)
1. Josh Hayes 466
2. Tommy Hayden 452
3. Jake Zemke 332
4. Larry Pegram 297
5. Ben Bostrom 295
6. Blake Young 283
7. Taylor Knapp 227
8. Chris Ulrich 188
9. Brett McCormick 180
10. John Hopkins 151
11. Geoff May 143
12. Chris Clark 129
13. Shane Narbonne 120
14. Jake Holden 107
15. Chris Peris 69
23. Jordan Szoke 33

Haslam released from Team Alstare

From Team Alstare

Team Alstare has announced that Leon Haslam has been released from the two-year contract with the Team Alstare World Superbike squad.

For the past six weeks Team Alstare has been waiting for an answer from its principal partner regarding the situation for the future of the team. Last week, after team owner Francis Batta's visit to Japan, the team was assured that an answer would be given before the race in Imola (Sept. 23). Team Alstare received no news.

Francis and Patricia Batta have been in contact with Haslam's advisors for the past few weeks and were informed that he had received some proposals from manufacturers.

It is therefore in total agreement between the parties that Haslam was authorized to deal with another manufacturer in order for him not to lose an opportunity to further his future career.

“This year has been incredible, my best," Haslam said. "I’m disappointed not to fulfill my World Superbike title aspirations with Team Alstare, as we planned one year ago. However, I am extremely grateful that they afforded me the opportunity in 2010 and then, graciously, have allowed me to depart in this courteous and gentlemanly manner.”

Team Alstare, Francis, Patricia and all the staff want to thank Leon and his family for the fabulous season he achieved.

Haslam will be released from his obligations with Team Alstare on Sunday night after the last race in Magny-Cours (Oct. 3) in order for him to test with his new team.

Biaggi clinches Superbike title

From the WSBK Pressoffice

Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) did enough during a tough Imola race day to earn his, Aprilia’s and Italy’s first Riders’ World Championship in WSBK on Sunday.

Biaggi had to work hard for his title on home soil, finishing in 11th place in race one and enduring another dramatic race to fifth that finally gave him the title. Once his only title rival, Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare), was forced out of race two at mid-race distance Biaggi did not need to finish to be crowned champion, but he crossed the line fifth in any case, to the roars of the 69,000 strong weekend crowd. Biaggi now has 413 points to Haslam’s 350, with one round and a maximum of only 50 points remaining.

“I’m so happy, it’s a big emotion through all my body," Biaggi said. "This is fantastic. It’s like a dream come true. I never stopped to dream to make it happen. It was always in my mind.

"In fair conditions I expected it myself. OK this year we at Aprilia did a good job, there are tough riders out there, I don’t want to take anything away from them, some are more consistent than others but they are all fast and this championship is very competitive.

"I had so many problems in race one, off the track, on the track, the bike sideways but I didn’t crash. It was very tough, for sure we didn’t get the best set-up here at Imola, it’s not an easy track but I never stopped to try. In race two we changed the bike and I attacked from the first lap."

Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) won both Imola races, the first after a race-long fight, the second after breaking away early. He is now only 14 points behind the injured Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) in the fight for an eventual third place, with Rea not racing on Sunday and also not sure if he will be racing in the final round or not.

Cal Crutchlow is in overall fifth, 35 points behind Checa, posting 10th and third places race finishes.

Haga’s double podium on Sunday puts him one point behind Crutchlow, in sixth.

James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) is seventh, but only three points up on Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) due to two crashes and non-finishes at Imola.

Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) put in a cool-headed win in race one despite great pressure from eventual fifth place man Haslam in the final few laps. Haslam ran on trying to pass Checa into the first Rivazza corner of the final lap and dropped back as a result, allowing Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati) to finish second and Haga to go third.

“We struggled yesterday for qualifying in the wet but today it was more hard for the Ducatis and the top guys because it’s not easy trying to pass and everyone is going fast in the beginning," Checa said. "I didn’t want to make any mistake. Right to the very end I was pushing quite strong, at the end I didn’t expect Haslam to push so strong. I saw him braking very late, but I was able to have a clean track and finish a special and nice victory. This was like a home race for the team so a big race for them.”

"Today was a very beautiful day for me, an Italian on the podium so fantastic," Lanzi said. "My team have worked very well this weekend, conditions were difficult, rain no rain, so it was very strange. Yesterday in Superpole I worked a lot because I wanted to finish on the podium in the race, which is important for next year. I was in the lead for a few laps, which was very good. It’s been so long I don’t remember what it’s like."

Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Aprilia) was fourth and long-time race leader from pole, Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) was sixth, 10 seconds down on the winner.

Checa was a clear winner and new lap record holder in race two, setting a new best of 1:48.877, while Haga and Crutchlow took podium finishes in second and third place, respectively.

“It’s a fantastic weekend," Checa said. "I can’t remember one like that. It was a very good job by the team. Yesterday I was struggling on the wet, but today they were two exciting races, more the first than the second. But the second I could see that I could win, I just had to keep my concentration.”

“I am very happy today, and the bike was much better than in the first race," Haga said. "I was approaching Carlos in the last laps but couldn’t catch him.”

Haslam had been in a strong position to take the championship all the way to France and the final round, but when his engine let go, the championship was over there and then.

Sykes, for the second time, showed true competitive pace on his Kawasaki Racing Team machine, leading four laps.

Michele Pirro (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) went from fourth to the race winner on the last lap of the World Supersport event at Imola, after long time race leaders Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) collided at the final chicane. They restarted to finish, but not before Pirro had seen Chaz Davies (Triumph BE-1 ParkinGo) retire on the last lap, and then sweep home to take the win.

Sofuoglu was second, Laverty third and Broc Parkes (Motocard.com Kawasaki) fourth.

In the points, Sofuoglu now has 243 points to Laverty’s 227.

Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia STK) made it nine wins in nine attempts in Superstock 1000 after a long battle with Lorenzo Zanetti (SS Lazio Motorsport Ducati) was effectively ended on lap nine, when Badovini made a pass into the final chicane and gapped Zanetti right away. In the championship, Badovini has 225 points, a perfect score.

Superbike Race One Results
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 38:27.631 (161.708km/h)
2. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +1.171
3. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +1.472
4. Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +6.691
5. Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +9.584
6. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +10.979
7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +15.023
8. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +15.913
9. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +17.025
10. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +20.795
11. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +21.243
12. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000RR +25.860
13. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +31.551
14. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR +31.689
15. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000RR +44.349
16. Sandi F. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. +58.693
17. Lowry I. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:10.388
18. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:13.648
19. Lai F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR +1:15.939
Pirelli BEST LAP: Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare), 1:48.966 (Lap 13)

Superbike Race Two Results
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 38:24.452 (161.931km/h)
2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +2.129
3. Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +3.926
4. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +5.762
5. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +7.025
6. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +12.147
7. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +14.212
8. Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +18.029
9. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000RR +18.249
10. Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +19.446
11. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000RR +23.674
12. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR +34.804
13. Sandi F. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. +53.540
14. Lai F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR +1:03.102
15. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:07.185
16. Lowry I. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:08.926       
Pirelli BEST LAP: Carlos Checa (Althea Racing), 1:48.877 (Lap 7)

Point Standings (after 12 rounds of 13)
1. Biaggi 413
2. Haslam 350
3. Rea 288
4. Checa 274
5. Crutchlow 239
6. Haga 238
7. Toseland 187
8. Guintoli 184
9. Fabrizio 169
10. Corser 165

Ulrich ruled out of Barber action

From Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki

Chris Ulrich's AMA Pro Road Racing season came to an early end as he was forced to withdraw from the season finale weekend at Barber Motorsport Park. Still suffering from his 125mph spill at the previous round at New Jersey Motosports Park, the Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki rider was further injured in a press launch incident at Willow Springs Raceway.

He attempted to ride on Friday but his body was still not sufficiently healed for the highly physical act of piloting a Superbike around Barber Motorsports Park.

"We got back from New Jersey and I just started to be able to resume my regular training program and everything was coming around," Ulrich explained. "I went to Willow Springs for a press launch for the magazine and someone dropped some oil on the track. When I got to it there was nothing I could do and it highsided me and I landed on top of the bike. I did some damage to my pelvis and smashed my ankle quite badly.

"I couldn't walk at the time but did a lot of therapy before coming here and was hopeful I'd be able to compete. But when we got here, it all just proved too much. Every time I hit a bump it felt like someone was sticking a needle in the nerve. Overnight it swelled and it was starting to affect the function of my leg and then there was no point trying to continue on.

"It's a tough way to end the year and you always want to say, 'We'll try again tomorrow,' but it's only going to get worse. It’s the correct move, unfortunately."

The Californian was very upbeat about his season overall, however, having scored 14 top-10 finishes while demonstrating the pace to take the fight to the class' established stars.

"It's a disappointing way to end things, but it was a good year," Ulrich said. "The first eight or nine laps at New Jersey were probably the highlight. We were really starting to show very strong pace at the end of the year.

"I'm happy with my season; I took a huge step forward in my career. At the end of 2009 I felt I had to do something to step it up and I feel I've done that this year. I'm really looking forward to coming back next year and fighting just as hard on Superbike and enjoying my racing."

Hayden wins to keep title chase alive

From AMA Pro Racing

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Saturday's AMA Pro Road Racing action at Barber Motorsports Park delivered three memorable races where some of the championship pieces began to fall into place as the 2010 season draws to a close. 

In the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike race, Tommy Hayden took his fifth victory of the year with a very determined ride chasing down early race leader Josh Hayes.

Hayden, riding his Rockstar Makita Suzuki started the race in fourth position and quickly worked his way to second place and then reeled in the race and points leader Hayes. Hayes started second and passed pole position winner Blake Young before the end of the first lap and rode off to a comfortable lead. 

Hayes and his Team Graves Yamaha went on to lead the most laps and gained another valuable point in pursuit of his first AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike championship. But slowly but surely, Hayden began to track Hayes down. At one point, the Suzuki rider passed Hayes but almost as quickly as he got by, Hayes went right back by Hayden. But as the race wound down, Hayden was able to get by and pulled out a small gap.

Now it was Hayes' turn to become the hunter and he was able to close the gap to finish just 0.053 secs. behind Hayden at the line. This result was what Hayden needed to keep his championship hopes alive. The points difference is now down to 18 with a maximum of 31 points available in Sunday's second race of the weekend. 

"I accomplished what I needed to today. I wanted to win the race and make Josh ride hard and I was able to do that," said Hayden after the race. "Tomorrow, I will need a bit of luck but I will try to win again and then we'll see what happens."

Behind the two championship contenders, John Hopkins continued his run of strong results as he took another podium finish on his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki with third place.

Polesitter Young took fourth on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki and Taylor Knapp finished a surprised fifth after a last lap incident between Eric Bostrom and Brett McCormick. The two had been running together for most of the race after Bostrom had a truncated start that saw him move prior to the green light but after he regained his proper position relative to his starting position, he began a nice ride up to fifth place on his Cycle World Attack Performance Yoshimura Suzuki. He and McCormick, riding his Jordan Suzuki had been battling together from about the fourth lap and unfortunately they got together on the last lap and Bostrom suffered an injury to his left leg that will prevent him from competing in Sunday's race. 

Geoff May and his Erik Buell Racing Buell also benefitted and he took sixth ahead of Jake Holden, who is substituting for Ben Bostrom on the Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha. Jeff Wood took eighth on his Vesrah Suzuki. Shane Narbonne was ninth and Saskatoon's McCormick was just able to finish the race in 10th.

Once again, Sunday's SuperBike race will be a battle of wits and speed between Hayes and Hayden. If Hayden wins and takes the extra point for most laps led, Hayes will have to finish ninth or worse for him to lose the championship.

In Daytona SportBike, Martin Cardenas rode one of his most measured and complete races of the year in capturing his series high eighth race win of the season and in the process, he took over the points lead from Danny Eslick. Cardenas and his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki now lead the Daytona SportBike standings by five points over Eslick and his GEICO Powersports Suzuki and by eight over Josh Herrin going into Sunday's final race of the Daytona SportBike season.

Taking a surprise second place was Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha rider Clinton Seller. He has been quick all weekend and he pretty much attached himself to the back of Martin's Suzuki and stayed there for the entire 21-lap race. Seller tried on more than one occasion to pass Cardenas and he was only 0.127 secs. behind at the checkered flag.

Eslick grabbed the early lead but just as quickly the race was red flagged due to a couple of incidents. On the restart, Cardenas got a much better start and he and Sellers pretty much rode off into the sunset.

Eslick and a number of other riders, including the third contender in the points chase, Team Graves Yamaha rider Herrin, captured much of the focus of the race. Herrin and Eslick got together and Herrin was pushed back to seventh place but he recovered well and put his head down to work his way right back up through the field. He re-passed Eslick on lap six, worked his way up to third and then began chipping away at the first two. At one point he seemed to be making slight progress but at the end the leaders encountered a big group of slower riders and Herrin was delayed just enough to end his slight chance at victory. 

Eslick finished fifth behind Seller's Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha teammate, Dane Westby.

Jodi Christie of Keene, ON placed 14th on his Jodi Christie Racing / Durham Honda Powerhouse Honda CBR600RR.

With Cardenas' win, he moves to the top of the standings with 375 points. Eslick now is in second with 372 and Herrin is in third with 367.

The two-part AMA Pro SuperSport race for the National Championship in the Young Gun and Top Gun categories was another absolute classic. LTD Racing Yamaha rider Huntley Nash delivered his best ride of the season yet in taking his third SuperSport victory over West Division Young Gun champion Joey Pascarella. 

Pole position winner and East Division Young Gun champion J.D. Beach had the most disappointing day. After Nash grabbed the lead at the start, Beach was back by before the end of lap one. But in a blink of an eye, Beach was down in the Alabama corner, his Rockwall Engineering Yamaha cartwheeling into the gravel trap. 

Another on-form rider had a tough day. New Jersey winner James Rispoli ran in second until he had a fall on lap nine, ending his day for his ANT-Racing.com Suzuki team. 

Canadian national Amateur Sport Bike champ Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, QC was classified 19th aboard the Archambault Racing / Centre Hamel Honda CBR600RR.

Sunday's SuperSport finale will determine the National Champion in both Young Gun and Top Gun classes.

SuperBike Race Results
1. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar ·Makita ·Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 21 Laps
2. Josh Hayes (Team Graves Yamaha) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.052
3. John Hopkins (M4 Monster Energy Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +10.876
4. Blake Young (Rockstar ·Makita ·Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +15.850
5. Taylor Knapp (RidersDiscount.com) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +29.119
6. Geoff May (Erik Buell Racing) Buell 1125RR +35.522
7. Jake Holden (Pat Clark Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 +42.722
8. Jeff Wood (Vesrah Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +47.815
9. Shane Narbonne (Celtic Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +55.804
10. Brett McCormick (Jordan Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +57.168
11. Ricky Corey (RCR Yamaha) Yamaha YZF-R1 +1:17.126
12. Eric Bostrom (Cycle World Attack Performance Yoshimura Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 20 Laps
13. Chris Clark (Pat Clark Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 +1:16.204
14. Trent Gibson (Gibson Motorsports) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:16.676
15. Eric Haugo (Cycledivaonoline.com) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:21.573
16. Skip Salenius (Run 1 Racing Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 +1:27.869
17. Johnny Rock Page (Aussie Dave Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 18 Laps
18. Larry Pegram (Foremost Insurance ·Pegram Racing) Ducati 1098R 8 Laps
19. Sean Dwyer (Vicious Cycle Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 7 Laps
20. Jake Zemke (National Guard Jordan Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 5 Laps
21. Chris Peris (Team Iron Horse BMW ·ESP) BMW S1000RR 0 Laps
Did Not Start
Chris Ulrich (M4 Monster Energy Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000
Race Time: 30:26.486
Margin of Victory: 0.052
Best Race Lap: Tommy Hayden (1:26.248)

AMA confirms Infineon return

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing will return to the scenic Sonoma Valley once again as part of the 2011 AMA Pro Road Racing season for the West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway, May 13-15, officials from both companies announced on Friday.

Dating back to 1977 when Paul Ritter took the SuperBike win at Infineon Raceway, the full package of AMA Pro Road Racing will once again return to the scenic and popular Nothern California race track. The AMA Pro series has a long standing tradition of racing at Infineon Raceway and with the many fan friendly activities on offer during the West Coast Moto Jam, fans will once again enjoy a full slate of exciting activities on and off the track.

"We couldn't be happier about returning to Infineon Raceway. This track is a first class facility for our competitors, fans and also our officials who enjoy the exceptional support of the wonderful people at Infineon Raceway," said AMA Pro Chief Operating Officer David Atlas.

Headlined by the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike series, also returning will be a full complement of AMA Pro Road Racing competition including the Daytona SportBike series, the SuperSport Young Gun and Top Gun series along with the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series for the big twin specially modified Harley-Davidson XR1200s.

This year's event saw Josh Hayes take a pair of wins as well as the historic first by Elena Myers as she took the first AMA Pro Road Racing win for a female in the 76-year history of the sport during Saturday's SuperSport race. 

"We have a great history of AMA Pro Racing in the Sonoma Valley and we are delighted to bring the best motorcycle road racers in the country to our facility, once again, in 2011," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. "This is always one of our favourite weekends of the year."

Sykes scores surprise SuperPole success

From the WSBK Pressoffice

Kawasaki took its first World Superbike Superpole win since 2007 when Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) lapped the damp Imola circuit in 2:07.341 on Saturday, holding off a late charge from Pata B&G Aprilia rider Jakub Smrz.

Sykes is now the seventh rider to have earned a pole position in 2010, in 12 rounds so far.

“Hopefully it’s my first pole of many," Sykes said. "You know it’s fantastic that Kawasaki has managed to get a pole position. Coming into the Superpole we struggled a little bit because it was the first time in the wet, but the team really worked hard through the three sessions and when it counted at the end we had the best package to work with, so hopefully I can repay them tomorrow in the races.”

“It was a really nice result for me, because it’s my first time on the Aprilia in the wet," Smrz said. "It was very difficult, I’m still struggling a bit with the set-up of the new bike, but today was really good and really close. I can’t change the conditions anyway, so everybody will be in the same boat.”

Championship challenger Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) went third and the last place on the front row will go to local regular, Luca Scassa (Supersonic Ducati). This is Scassa’s first front row in WSBK racing.

“It was quite sketchy out there, the first lap with the new tire wasn’t too bad but there were a lot of slippery crashes," Haslam said. "It’s the first time I’ve been in a wet weather situation with the Suzuki so to have put it on the front row, I’m quite pleased with that. I’ve been third in the dry and third in the wet here so it gives me a good chance of getting onto the podium tomorrow. I just want to say thanks to the Alstare boys, they’ve done wonders all year, I hope to repay them with a win.”

The second row for Sunday’s races will be headed up by Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati), with the smooth riding-style of Troy Corser taking him to sixth fastest for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) was seventh fastest and starts the races from the second row, as he tries to win the championship on Sunday. Eighth was the second official BMW, ridden by a former race winner here, Ruben Xaus.

In damp conditions Superpole two was treacherous and Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) fell from his big v-twin exiting a chicane, as did many other riders. Fastest going into Superpole, Carlos was therefore ninth fastest overall, ahead of the factory Ducati Xerox machine of Michel Fabrizio.

The third row was rounded out by Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Max Neukirchner and Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda). Crutchlow was on track to enter Superpole three, but ran off track without falling at the first Rivazza corner.

The 1:52.397 lap he set on the first day was enough to give Kenan Sofuoglu (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) the World Supersport pole at Imola, as all the riders’ times remained as they were on Friday, due to the damp track conditions they experienced on Saturday.

This keeps Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) second, Michele Pirro (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) third and Katsuaki Fujiwara (Kawasaki Motocard.com) fourth quickest.

As the Imola track surface slowly dried out, the top Superstock 1000 riders improved their pace through the final qualifying session, but none could get close to their previous best. Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Junior Superstock) is therefore the pole man for Sunday’s races, thanks to his track best lap, posted on Friday, of 1:51.528.

Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Racing Yamaha) finished sixth in the Superstock 600 race on Saturday and that was enough to make him the new champion, despite a chaotic last corner double crash that saw Florian Marino (Ten Kate Race Junior Honda) win the race, but lose the championship fight. Guarnoni now has 187 points, Marino 159.

Superbike Qualifying Times
1.Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 2:07.341
2.Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 2:07.392
3.Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 2:08.273
4.Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2:08.427
5.Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2:08.490
6.Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000RR 2:09.842
7. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 2:09.924
8.Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000RR 2:10.482
9.Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 2:11.117
10.Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2:11.130
11. Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 2:11.150
12.Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 2:11.271
13.Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 2:11.395
14.Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2:11.558
15.Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 2:11.601
16.Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 2:11.706
etc.

Young leads SuperBikes at Barber

From AMA Pro Racing

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Friday's first round of AMA Pro Road Racing qualifying at Barber Motorsports Park produced some indicators for the weekend of championship deciders and also produced one slight surprise. 

In AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike qualifying all eyes were on championship contenders Josh Hayes and Tommy Hayden, but it was Hayden's Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammate Blake Young that set the pace and took the provisional pole position for the doubleheader weekend. Young set a time of 1:25.775.

Young was feeling pretty good in his second event weekend back after missing a number of races following a testing accident at Barber Motorsports Park. 

"I came here to win," said Young. "I know there is a championship going on and I want to help Tommy but my crew have worked really hard for me all year and I would love to reward their hard work with a couple of wins." 

Making his own on-track statement, Hayden wound up second with a time of 1:25.939 and the resurgent John Hopkins continued his good form from New Jersey Motorsports Park with the third quickest time (1:26.027) on his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki.

Championship points leader Hayes was fourth with a time of 1:26.126 on his Team Graves Yamaha with Jake Holden right behind him, substituting for Ben Bostrom on the Pat Clark Motorsports Palms Casino Yamaha. Bostrom suffered some rib injuries after his accident in the second race at New Jersey and as he prepared for the Barber race, he discovered he couldn't race.

In AMA Pro Daytona SportBike qualifying, Josh Herrin took the top spot after posting the quickest time in the morning practice. Herrin ran a lap of 1:28.578 on his Team Graves Yamaha. Herrin and his championship rivals all ran in the top three or four and at one point were one-two-three in the session.

Points leader Danny Eslick had a fall during the qualifying session and had to revert to his spare GEICO Powersports Suzuki and ended up third with a time of 1:28.912. Martin Cardenas ended up fourth fastest with a time of 1:28.961 on his M4 Monster Energy Suzuki. Taking second in the session was Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha rider Clinton Seller who turned a solid lap of 1:28.885.

Keene, ON's Jodi Christie was 18th aboard the Jodi Christie Racing / Durham Honda Powerhouse Honda CBR600RR.

In SuperSport, West Division Young Gun champion Joey Pascarella made things exciting as he and East Division Young Gun champion J.D. Beach battled throughout the 40-minute qualifying session. Each took turns at the top of the time sheets until late in the session Pascarella posted a sensational lap of 1:29.984 on his DNA Energy Drink Yamaha. As he went for an even better time Pascarella had a fall at the end of the session going into turn one. The damage was mostly superficial.

Beach had never seen the track until this weekend and as usual is on a very rapid rate of familiarization. He took his Rockwall Engineering Yamaha to a time of 1:30.647. New Jersey race two winner James Rispoli was third on his ANT-Racing.com Suzuki with a time of 1.31.037.

Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, QC placed 15th riding his Archambault Racing / Centre Hamel Honda CBR600RR.

SuperBike Qualifying Results
1. Blake Young (Rockstar ·Makita ·Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:25.775
2. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar ·Makita ·Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.164
3. John Hopkins (M4 Monster Energy Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.252
4. Josh Hayes (Team Graves Yamaha) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.351
5. Jake Holden Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.503
6. Larry Pegram (Foremost Insurance ·Pegram Racing) Ducati 1098R +0.838
7. Taylor Knapp (RidersDiscount.com) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.849
8. Jake Zemke (National Guard Jordan Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +0.905
9. Eric Bostrom (Cycle World Attack Performance Yoshimura Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1.089
10. Brett McCormick (Jordan Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1.116
11. Geoff May (Erik Buell Racing) Buell 1125RR +1.150
12. Jeff Wood (Vesrah Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1.825
13. Chris Peris (Team Iron Horse BMW ·ESP) BMW S1000RR +1.884
14. Chris Ulrich (M4 Monster Energy Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +2.447
15. Chris Clark (Pat Clark Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 +2.569
16. Shane Narbonne (Celtic Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +2.636
17. Trent Gibson (Gibson Motorsports) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +4.285
18. Ricky Corey (RCR Yamaha) Yamaha YZF-R1 +4.623
19. Sean Dwyer (Vicious Cycle Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +5.528
20. Johnny Rock Page (Aussie Dave Racing) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +6.178
21. Skip Salenius (Run 1 Racing Motorsports) Yamaha YZF-R1 +6.382
22. Eric Haugo (Cycledivaonoline.com) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +6.613

Hall of Fame ticket deadline approaching

From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada

MARKHAM, ON - The 5th Annual Canadian Motorcycling Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion is being held in Western Canada for the first time. Ticket sales are quite strong and the event is expected to sell out.

The 2010 Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion, sponsored by the MOTORCYCLISTS CONFEDERATION OF CANADA (MCC) will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre in Burnaby, BC.

Tickets are available to purchase online at the Canadian Motorcycling Hall of Fame website (http://motorcyclehalloffame.ca/). The Early-Bird ticket deadline is Sunday, Sept. 26 - after that, prices increase until Oct. 15 when the full price rate will become applicable to both members and non-members alike, and are only available if it is not yet sold out.

The Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation is a charitable organization founded by Bar and Hedy Hodgson in 1999 to record and preserve the history and heritage of the motorcycle and motorcycling activity in Canada; and to recognize, honour and celebrate those who have achieved excellence and/or made significant contributions to the well-being and advancement of motorcycling in Canada.

Founded in 2005 by Founding Patrons, the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW and the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame has already honoured 44 individuals and groups, and will be adding the following Inductees for 2010:

Vern Amor, Osoyoos, BC - Motocross Competitor, Contributor
Phil Funnell, Vancouver, BC - Contributor, Dealer, Adventure Rider
Greater Vancouver Motorcycle Club, Vancouver, BC - Marking 88 years as a club - Founded in 1922
Don James, Richmond, BC - Business Leader, Contributor
Bill McLean (deceased), Burnaby, BC - Competitor, Dealer, Contributor
Blair Morgan, Saskatoon, SK - Motocross Competitor
Ross Pederson, Medicine Hat, AB - Motocross Competitor
Bob St.Goddard, Winnipeg, MB - Motocross Contributor
Victoria Motorcycle Club, Victoria, BC - Marking 104 years as a club - Organized in 1906
Tom Walther (deceased) and Family, Surrey, BC - International Competitor (Tom) and Contributors (family).
Dave Wildman, Vancouver, BC - RR Competitor solo and sidecar

No Barber for Szoke

By John Hopkins

Seven-time Canadian Superbike champion Jordan Szoke is not competing in this weekend's final round of the AMA National Guard SuperBike Championship in Barber, AL.

“We unfortunately just didn’t have the budget to compete this weekend, which really sucks because we were really moving forward with our equipment,” Szoke said in a press release from his Waznie Racing / Ciclo Werks BMC / DeWildt Honda team. “With Mid-Ohio and VIR under out belts we got the time we needed on to go faster. We plan on regrouping for next season, and are working extremely hard starting now to make it happen.”

The 31-year-old from Brantford, ON finished 10th at the Mid-Ohio event in July and added two more 10th place results at Virginia International Raceway the weekend after clinching his fifth straight Parts Canada Superbike title.

Beaule captures Cord Enduro

From Offroad Ontario

The 2010 version of the Corduroy Enduro took place in Gooderham, ON Sept. 18-19 to cap off the Eastern Canadian Enduro Championship. Patrick Beaule took first place in the Pro class from Allan Lachapelle and Scott Bowes.

The 57th annual Corduroy Enduro was sanctioned by Offroad Ontario and along with the FMSQ race in LaTuque, QC made up a four-race series that comprised the Eastern Canadian Enduro Championship.

Living up to the Cord reputation means it was long, gruelling and tough, enough to supply a year's worth of bench racing stories for those willing to step up for the challenge. One hundred and thirty-eight riders started out on Saturday for 130km of some of Ontario’s roughest most difficult trails. Sunday supplied over 160km of similar abuse, divided amongst 18 checks.

Riders from all over Ontario, Quebec and the northern U.S. made the trip. Multi-time Corduroy winner and legendary U.S. racer/innovator John Penton brought his son Jack and some of their old bikes and told great stories for almost two hours Saturday night.

The weather was perfect for a fall race even though a steady rain Saturday night threatened even more mud for Sunday. But in the morning the sun came out and all was good again. The racing was close with the top three riders battling for bragging rights on their times up green mountain (they were seconds apart) and the rest of the racing was no less exciting. Several class battles were still measured in seconds after two days and over 12 hours of seat time. 

Offroad Ontario is an organization made up of 10 of the largest offroad motorcyle clubs in Ontario and hosted the largest Cross County and Enduro events in the province this year with over 550 racers participating.

For all the results see the OO website http://offroadontario.ca/ or the Corduroy site: http://www.corduroyenduro.ca/.

The next round of the Offroad Ontario Enduro series is the Terra Nova Enduro on Oct. 17.

Corduroy Enduro Results
Pro
1. Patrick Beaule, 2. Alan Lachapelle, 3. Scott Bowes
Expert
1. Hugo Gravec Belanger, 2. Hubert Desharnais, 3. Rome Haloftis
Intermediate
1. Barry Armstrong, 2. Kyle Lueders, 3. Alex Conti
Vet Expert
1. Dennis Lebersan, 2. Yves Ebacher, 3. Gilles Desharnais
Veteran
1. Chris Martin, 2. Gilles Bussiere, 3. Chris  Zanelli
Super Vet
1. Kevin Allen, 2. Tom Irwin, 3. Kelly Goreski
Masters
1. Joel Lepley, 2. Rick Day, 3. Ted Dirstein 
Novice
1. Mike McCaw, 2. David Beach, 3. Zack Tustin
Women
1. Jessica Cannell, 2. Melissa Head, 3. Kathleen Head 
Beginner
1. Kevin Smith, 2. Greg Quinn, 3. Greg Vosper
Vintage
1. Jack Penton

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New schedule for Daytona 200 week

From DIS Communications

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Daytona 200 Week schedule will feature a new look in 2011 with adjustments in dates for its two premier events – the Daytona 200 AMA Pro Racing motorcycle race and the Daytona Supercross.

The Daytona Supercross, the birthplace of Supercross in the United States and the longest continuous Supercross event in America since 1971, will now kick off the Daytona 200 Week schedule on Saturday night, March 5.

The second annual Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross event will be scheduled for Sunday, March 6 with the Ricky Carmichael University set for Monday, March 7.

The Daytona 200, America’s most historic motorcycle race, will be the finale to Daytona 200 Week on Saturday, March 12. Previously held on the Friday night of the second weekend of racing, the kick-off event to the AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike schedule will return to a daytime race in 2011.

“Moving the Daytona 200 and Daytona Supercross to stand-alone weekends will further allow us to grow both events as well as the remainder of the March motorcycle schedule,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “This new-look schedule gives motorcycle fans a better opportunity to enjoy all the different racing events that are showcased at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ ”

Other significant changes to the Daytona 200 Week schedule include the AMA Pro Superbike and Supersport doubleheader on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12, the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, the AMA Pro Flat Track events at the Daytona Flat Track on Thursday, March, 10 and Friday, March 11, and the Amateur Flat Track events from Sunday, March, 6 – Tuesday, March 8.

“We are once again delighted to be returning to Daytona for our season opening races,” said David Atlas, Chief Operation Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “The historic significance of the Daytona International Speedway to the sport of motorcycle racing is well known and we are pleased that the full spectrum of AMA Pro Racing will be on display. The realignment of the events will showcase all of AMA Pro Racing's stars in road racing, Supercross and flat track and will provide fans a fantastic opportunity to see their heroes performing at the highest levels at the World Center of Racing.’ "

The Championship Cup Series (CCS) races that were traditionally held on the first weekend of Daytona 200 Week will be scheduled during the Speedway’s Fall Cycle Scene events in October, 2011. American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association events, also traditionally held during Daytona 200 Week, will now be scheduled during Fall Cycle Scene.

Tickets for the Daytona 200 Week events are on sale now. For ticket information, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Hayes and Hayden set for final battle

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - After a period of total domination by seven-time AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion Mat Mladin and Ben Spies, the 2010 National Guard SuperBike season has been a battle between a number of different players.

Six different riders have won races this year and only after about the fourth event of the season did a picture of the championship and its main characters start to become apparent. After a quiet Daytona International Speedway round in terms of results, current points leader Josh Hayes (426) hasn't finished out of the top three since the fifth race at Road Atlanta and his seven wins on the Team Graves Yamaha leads the series.

Tommy Hayden's brother Nicky is the only rider to disrupt the Maldin/Spies championship run from 1999 (Nicky was SuperBike Champion in 2002) and once again, the Hayden name could top the charts as Tommy goes for his first AMA Pro SuperBike championship. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider is currently second in the standings with 404 points.

The points difference is 22 with a total of 63 points available over the course of the doubleheader race weekend. The first battle will be for the precious pole position point, which will be set on Saturday morning after Friday's first round of qualifying.

This will also settle another competition within the sport as the MotoConnect SuperBike Pole Award will be determined also. Currently Hayes holds the edge in the competition.

Race one of two during the weekend will be Saturday at 3:15pm. The second race will be on Sunday at 3:15pm.

SPEED TV will be showing each National Guard SuperBike race from the weekend, check http://www.speedtv.com/schedule/filter/program/948061 for the broadcast times.

After competing together for over 950 miles over the course of 16 out of 18 races, the top three in this year's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike series are only separated by 12 points and it all comes down to the final doubleheader race weekend at Barber.

Reigning Daytona SportBike Champion Danny Eslick is leading the three-way battle for the championship over Josh Herrin and Martin Cardenas. Eslick, with three wins this year on his GEICO Powersports RMR Suzuki holds a slender 11-point lead over his closest challenger, Team Graves Yamaha rider Herrin. Herrin has taken five wins and is only one single point ahead of seven-time race winner, M4 Monster Energy Suzuki rider Cardenas.

With a total of 63 points available this weekend at the AMA Pro Road Racing season finale the matter is far from settled.

SPEED TV will cover the action from Barber Motorsports Park at 1:00am Saturday/Sunday night and at 12:00 Midnight (Sunday/Monday). The first of two races will be on Saturday at 2:00pm. The second 21-lap race will be on Sunday at 2:00pm.

The Young Gun class of 2010 in AMA Pro SuperSport has produced some of the most exciting, memorable and historic results in only its second year. With six different riders posting wins during the season, the class was super competitive from the drop of the first green flag back in March at Daytona.

And this weekend at Barber the AMA Pro SuperSport National Champions will be crowned in both Young and Top Gun categories.

This weekend's two races will count Moto-style toward crowning the champions in each division. In addition to the Number One title plate that will be presented to each champion there will be the Liquid Performance AMA Pro SuperSport National Championship Pole Award and also Liquid Performance AMA Pro SuperSport National Championship Most Laps Led Award, two cash prize awards of $1,000 (US) each for the rider who takes the coveted pole position and also the rider who collectively leads the most laps in the two races.

The first of two doubleheader weekend races will be at 1:00pm Saturday and race two will be Sunday at 1:00pm.

This weekend's AMA Pro Road Racing event at Barber Motorsports Park will see the final race in the inaugural AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series. After debuting in Wisconsin in June, the home state of Harley-Davidson, the series has showcased the racing capabilities of the Harley-Davidson XR1200 with a specialized kit of competition and appearance upgrades from famed accessory company Vance & Hines.

Riding for Richie Morris' Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing GEICO Powersports Lucas Oil Team, both Danny Eslick and Jake Holden have dominated the class, Eslick with three wins and Holden taking the checkered flag at New Jersey. Unfortunately his motorcycle and also the motorcycle of third place finisher Kyle Wyman were later found to be running an illegally modified component and their results were nullified.

Eslick skipped the last round at NJMP as he focused on defending his Daytona SportBike Championship and now, he could win the title in two classes if he runs in the XR1200 class this weekend.

Travis Wyman is now in second place in the standings and could take the championship on his Harv's Harley-Davidson with a win or second place providing Eslick doesn't score or run.

Sixteen riders have taken part in the Vance & Hines XR1200 series this year and this weekend they will be joined by the Henderson Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy series (Great Britain) champion Jeremy McWilliams, who will be riding thanks to Roadracingworld.com and the HOG Racing Team along with Warr's Racing and SYN3 lubricants.

The 11-lap race will be first up on Sunday at 12:15pm.

Enduro series looking for new venues

From World Enduro Canada

After another successful season for the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship presented by Parts Canada plans are already in the works for the 2011 season. The series is looking at some new venues in both the east and west to keep things fresh and interesting.

Once again the events will start in the west in July on the two weekends following the July holiday weekend - July 9-10 and July 16-17 and finish in the east in September on the two weekends following the Labour Day holiday weekend - Sept. 10-11 and Sept. 17-18.

Details on exact locations will be released in the next few months.

Holden loses New Jersey win

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Following the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series race at the recent New Jersey Motorsports Park event, two motorcycles were found to be in violation of the rules and have been disqualified from the event as a result.

The No. 3 and No. 33 RMR Racing motorcycles violated rules concerning the modification of equipment and as a result, race winner Jake Holden and third place finisher Kyle Wyman have lost their results, prize money and points for the New Jersey Motorsports Park race.

As a result, P.J. Jacobson, riding the Celtic Racing XR1200 is the winner of the New Jersey Motorsports Park round of the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines XR1200 Series. Second place is Steve Atlas riding for HOG Racing and third is Travis Wyman on his Harv's Harley-Davidson Racing XR1200.

"Racing by the rules is a critical element of a spec series such as the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series and we monitor the machines very closely and we will continue to do so to ensure fair and equal competition," said AMA Pro Technical Director of Competition Al Ludington.

Following the application of the penalties outlined above, no further sanctions will be taken for these specific violations.

Schrage clinches Canadian title

From World Enduro Canada

The second season of the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship prestented by Parts Canada is in the books.

This year there were over 30 Pro and Amateur riders who contested all eight rounds with nine provinces represented (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick).

On Sunday World Enduro Canada awarded the Inside MotoX & Offroad Magazine Eastern Canadian Enduro Championships as well the overall Canadian Enduro Championships. Honda's Jason Schrage took home the number one Pro plate and the Kymco scooter that went with it.

2010 Canadian Enduro Champions
Overall Top Pro – Jason Schrage (Alberta) - Honda
E1 – Jared Thomas (Alberta) – KTM
E2 – Jason Schrage (Alberta) – Honda
E3 – Geoff Nelson (BC) – KTM
Vet Pro – Jean Pellerin (Quebec) – KTM
A – Tyler Murray (BC) - Suzuki
B – Ben Riviere (Alberta) – KTM
C – Ty Mckenna (Alberta) – KTM
Vet – Barry Billings (Ontario) – KTM
Super Vet – Jean Marie Breau (New Brunswick) – KTM
Inside Motorcycles Top Pro Junior - Ryan Graffunder (BC) - Husqvarna

2010 Inside MotoX and Offroad Magazine Eastern Canadian Enduro Champions
A – Tyler Murray (BC) - Suzuki
B – Ben Riviere (Alberta) - KTM
C – Ty Mckenna (Alberta) - KTM
Vet – Rob Martin (Ontario) - KTM
Super Vet – Jean Marie Breau (New Brunswick) - KTM

International stars enter endurocross

From the Supermotocross de Montreal

MONTREAL, QC - Following a debut that generated a great deal of attention last year at the Olympic Stadium, the endurocross competition promises to be even more spectacular this time at the Supermotocross Monster Energy presented by Coors Light and Parts Canada/Thor on Oct. 2.

Not only have organizers chosen to make the course more exacting than last year's, they have assembled a highly competitive group that includes Polish rider Bartosz Oblucki and Mike Brown, third in the American World Off-Road Championship Series standings. Also registered is outstanding British rider Jason Thomas, the 2008 Canadian and 2010 FMSQ Champion and a regular on the AMA GNCC circuit. These visitors will face three of the best Canadian EnduroX riders: Geoff Nelson, runner-up in 2010, Ryan Graffunder who finished fifth this year and veteran Quebec rider Guy Giroux, who finished fourth in the 2010 Canadian National Championship Series.

"The first endurocross introduced last year at the Olympic Stadium delighted the crowd. Their response and enthusiasm were noted, as were the ones from the riders, whose comments helped us in the planning of the upcoming Oct. 2 event," explained Jean-Sébastien Roy, the official Supermotocross Monster Energy spokesperson. "The reaction from the Endurocross community on last year's competition was very positive and helpful in drawing top-level and international riders to our 2010 indoors off-road event.

"We reviewed their comments and it compelled us to create a more exacting layout with more spectacular obstacles that should create unexpected situations. We are now entering the major league of endurocross competition and fans will see quite a show. It's guaranteed."

The most-coveted seats for the Supermotocross Monster Energy, as well as all reserved seating, are now on sale with ticket prices at $10.00, $19.00, to $29.00 and $39.00. They are available at Admission (www.admission.com or by calling (514) 790-1245 or 1 800 361-4595). Tickets are also available at participating motorcycle dealers from all regions of Quebec. Go online to www.montrealmotocross.com to learn more about the Supermotocross Monster Energy.

Liquid Performance sponsors SuperSport finale

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Liquid Performance and AMA Pro Racing have announced that Liquid Performance will sponsor two cash awards for the season ending AMA Pro SuperSport National Championship races at the Sept. 24-26 AMA Pro Road Racing event at Barber Motorsports Park. 

Liquid Performance, a company that specializes in appearance, maintenance and performance products for cycles, marine use and RVs will provide a $1,000 (US) cash award for the Liquid Performance AMA Pro SuperSport National Championship Pole Award. This will honour the pole position winner from the combined qualifying sessions from Friday and Saturday as the SuperSport competitors compete for the Young Gun and Top Gun Championships. 

In addition to the Pole Award, the AMA Pro SuperSport Most Laps Led Award, a second $1,000 (US) award will be presented  to the SuperSport rider who leads the most laps in both Saturday and Sunday's SuperSport races. 

Liquid Performance produces a number of performance, maintenance and cleaning products for the cycling world and its new Ice Water Non-Glycol Racing Coolant headlines the performance product mix. It also produces cleaning and maintenance products for RV's under the LP RV brand.

"We make many products for the performance motorcycle industry and supporting AMA Pro SuperSport is a way of giving back to the loyal group of consumers that use our products," said Sam Pearce, owner of Liquid Performance. 

The AMA Pro SuperSport class will determine its National Championship winners in a two-race Young Gun and Top Gun showdown during the AMA Pro SuperBike Championship Weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.

"We are delighted that Liquid Performance is supporting our SuperSport riders," said AMA Pro Chief Operating Officer David Atlas. "We appreciate their commitment to AMA Pro Racing now and possibly in the future."

Yamaha WSB team gets Monster support

From Yamaha Racing

Building on Monster Energy’s title sponsorship of the Yamaha Motocross Teams, the two companies have further built on their ongoing 2010 relationship with Yamaha within the World Superbike paddock through the appointment of Monster Energy as the ‘Official Energy Drink Supplier’ of the Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team.

Both Yamaha Sterilgarda riders James Toseland and Cal Crutchlow carry personal Monster Energy sponsorship and the brand also enjoys title sponsorship of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 MotoGP Team.

Monster Energy and The Yamaha Sterilgarda Team have been working together for some time during the 2010 season, as a result of this official agreement there will be further visibility of the Monster Energy brand outside of the Yamaha Sterilgarda hospitality and on official team partner listings.

Monster Energy is an American brand of energy drink and receives a large amount of recognition from its sponsorship of various sports, athletes and events. Monster Energy is available in several different can styles and sizes, and over time has launched new flavours and ingredients onto the market. The company expanded into Europe during 2008 and is now increasing its worldwide profile.

Nickerson makes most of Red Bull chance

From STN Racing
Photo courtesy GEPA pictures/ Gold and Goose/ David Goldman - Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup

HAMILTON, ON - Canadian amateur road racer Steven Nickerson participated in two days of intense on-track action at the Monteblanco circuit in southern Spain as part of the 2011 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup tryouts, Sept. 13-15.

The Hamilton ON-based rider was the sole Canadian to be invited for this prestigious opportunity.
              
Riders from all across the globe congregated at the seldom used Monteblanco track to show the series’ selection panel what they had to offer. Their efforts were judged by some of the most experienced people in motorcycle racing, including August 'Gustl' Auinger (Austrian motorcycle legend and Rookies Cup Rider Coach), Harald Bartol (Engineer and ex Grand Prix rider) and Peter Clifford (MotoGP expert and former Red Bull Yamaha team owner) and Raul Jara.

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup runs as a support class to the MotoGP World Championship at selected European venues, giving competitors the opportunity to compete in front of the heavy hitters in international motorcycle road racing.

The 15-year-old Nickerson flew into Spain a few days prior to the event to allow enough time to recover from jetlag, adjust to the time change and to acclimatize to the heat.

Despite the heat and slick track conditions Nickerson thoroughly enjoyed Tuesday’s on-track activities, meeting the selection panel and many of the other riders. Later that day Nickerson learned that he had made it through the first cut and would be riding in the final selection event on Wednesday. The best 47 of the original 100 invitees were chosen.

“It was very hot, 38 degrees, and it made the track quite slippery,” enthused the young rider. “Just being invited to be here was great, but making it through the first cut and being asked to ride on the final day was amazing.”

On Wednesday, Nickerson once again took to the track aboard a series supplied Metrakit Pre GP 125 race bike and began to get more comfortable with the longer track layout. Five laps in Nickerson was pushing hard, with both the front and rear tires sliding. In turn 13 he tucked the front end resulting in a low-side that prematurely ended his tryout.

Although he was aware his low-side wouldn’t bode well with the selection panel, Nickerson was uninjured and had no regrets about leaving it all on the track.

"I tried to keep the bike up with my elbow and knee but I couldn't hold it,” said Nickerson. “I’m grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The whole experience for me was amazing. I gave it everything I had.”

A total of 14 riders were invited along with five reserves. These riders will join the 11 retained from this year's Rookies Cup field to make a 25-rider provisional grid for 2011.

Stoner takes first win of 2010

From motogp.com

Casey Stoner took his first victory of the 2010 MotoGP campaign at Aragón on Sunday, converting his pole position at the Spanish circuit into a well-deserved win.

The Ducati Team rider finished 5.148 secs. ahead of Dani Pedrosa, with Nicky Hayden completing the podium for his first top-three result of the year after a magnificent last-lap overtake on Jorge Lorenzo.

Starting from pole Stoner held his position going into the first turn, but usual rapid starter Pedrosa dropped to fifth as the riders bunched up in the tight opening curve. The Repsol Honda rider fought back in the early stages of the race however to climb to second behind Stoner, and the gap between the two fluctuated throughout.

The pair were consistently fast for the duration of the race but Stoner managed to pull away towards the end as he achieved what was eventually a comfortable 25 points, with Pedrosa maintaining his good form in second.

"This win is a big relief, to be honest,” said Stoner, who last started from pole in the season opening race at Losail. “We had the first race in Qatar wrapped up until I made a mistake and there have been other opportunities to win this year that I have missed out on through my own errors.

“We have had a lot of problems trying to find the final two or three tenths to run with Dani and Jorge this season but we changed the bike completely this weekend to adjust my position on it and got it working almost how we want it to.”

There was slight cause for concern for Stoner and his crew when he fell during the morning warm up session, but he responded excellently in the race.

“I had a little slip off in warm up this morning which was a worry going into the race,” he admitted. “I was staying away from every white line that I could over the first few laps but we were able to pick up the pace when we needed to and bring home a win. I want to thank the team, the factory and everybody who has stuck by me – I'm just sorry it took so long.”

Second place was a pleasing result for Pedrosa in his 160th Grand Prix start, and the Repsol Honda rider continued in his mission to keep chipping away at Jorge Lorenzo’s Championship lead. That now stands at 56 points after Round 13 and Pedrosa was happy with second after he battled rear grip issues as the race wore on.

“I’m pretty happy with second place today even though of course I wanted to win in front of the Spanish fans,” said Pedrosa, who had won the two previous rounds. “In the first corner I had a slide which lost me a couple of places and then over the next few laps I had to make up some positions before getting behind Casey.

“By this point he was quite a way in front and our pace was similar at this stage so I tried really hard to catch him and managed to close the gap. But then I started to have some rear-wheel slides and it wasn’t possible for me stay with him so I thought: ‘Okay, this is my place today’.”

There were battles all the way through the field and none more entertaining than that between Hayden and Championship leader Lorenzo for the final podium spot. A fearless overtake on Lorenzo by Hayden on the final lap delivered the American the honours, and ended the Fiat Yamaha rider’s record of having placed on the rostrum at every race so far this season.

Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) notched another impressive result with fifth place as he resisted the challenge of Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), who crashed out on the final lap while pushing hard in their contest.

Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha) rounded off a tough weekend in sixth place, while rookies Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) completed the top eight with solid displays.

Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing) took top-10 finishes, while Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) escaped injury when he crashed out on lap 16.

Lorenzo’s advantage at the top of the Championship was cut to 56 points and he now stands on 284 points, with Pedrosa on 228 in second. Stoner’s victory lifts him to third on 155, with Rossi staying fourth and Dovizioso dropping to fifth.

Andrea Iannone took his third win of 2010 in the Moto2 World Championship at Aragón on Sunday with another dominant performance, securing victory from pole position by a margin of 6.203 secs. over second placed Julián Simón. Iannone’s Fimmco Speed Up team-mate Gabor Talmacsi completed the podium with Championship leader Toni Elías fourth.

Elías remains at the top of the standings and is now on 224 points, 76 ahead of Simón who retains second place. Iannone moves into third and is now four points off Simón.

Pol Espargaró took his third win of the season at Aragón on Sunday with a masterful ride that climaxed in a final-lap fight with Nico Terol, who finished the race second and moved to the top of the Championship after a highly dramatic 125cc contest.

There was a huge development not just in the race but also the Championship at the very start when Randy Krummenacher crashed at turn one on the opening lap and took Marc Márquez down with him. The Swiss rider was able to remount his bike but Marquez, Championship leader going into the race, was not and suffered his first DNF since the second round at Jerez.

The repercussions of the race result for the Championship were that Terol now leads on 208 points, with Espargaró moving into second on 202 while Márquez drops to third and remains on 197.

MotoGP Race Results
1. Casey STONER (AUS) Ducati 42:16.530
2. Dani PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda +5.148
3. Nicky HAYDEN (USA) Ducati +9.496
4. Jorge LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha +9.580
5. Ben SPIES (USA) Monster Tech 3 Yamaha +13.771
6. Valentino ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha +27.330
7. Marco SIMONCELLI (ITA) San Carlo Gresini Honda +28.511
8. Alvaro BAUTISTA (SPA) Rizla Suzuki +35.254
9. Marco MELANDRI (ITA) San Carlo Gresini Honda +35.393
10. Aleix ESPARGARO (SPA) Pramac Ducati +35.467
11. Hector BARBERA (SPA) Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati +35.522
12. Colin EDWARDS (USA) Monster Tech 3 Yamaha +45.360
13. Hiroshi AOYAMA (JPN) Interwetten Honda +48.319
14. Mika KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Ducati +58.047
Not Classified
Andrea DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda
Randy DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda

MotoGP Point Standings
1. Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha) 284
2. Dani PEDROSA (Honda) 228
3. Casey STONER (Ducati) 155
4. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha) 140
5. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Honda) 139
6. Ben SPIES (Yamaha) 131
7. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati) 125
8. Randy DE PUNIET (Honda) 81
9. Marco MELANDRI (Honda) 74
10. Marco SIMONCELLI (Honda) 74
11. Colin EDWARDS (Yamaha) 70
12. Hector BARBERA (Ducati) 66
13. Aleix ESPARGARO (Ducati) 50
14. Alvaro BAUTISTA (Suzuki) 49
15. Loris CAPIROSSI (Suzuki) 41
16. Mika KALLIO (Ducati) 33
17. Hiroshi AOYAMA (Honda) 29
18. Alex DE ANGELIS (Honda) 11
19. Roger Lee HAYDEN (Honda) 5
20. Kousuke AKIYOSHI (Honda) 4
21. Wataru YOSHIKAWA (Yamaha) 1

KTM sweeps German finale; Muggeridge champ

From KTM Racing

KTM's official riders Stefan Nebel and Martin Bauer, on double pole for the final IDM (German Superbike Championship) races in Hockenheim, Germany, went out on Sunday with Nebel winning race one and with a Bauer-Nebel 1-2 result in race two.

KTM snapped the IDM Superbike Manufacturer's title in the final race.  
       
Bauer and Nebel's efforts on the final day meant they finished 3-4 in the final championship standings with Australian Karl Muggeridge (Honda) securing the title. Some 30,000 turned out on the Hockenheim Circuit to watch the final races.

Both KTMs were in front when the first race was halted after a crash involving a number of riders. The two ‘Orange Twins' again stormed into the lead when the race was restarted.

Bauer, who at that point still was in with a chance to take the title, hit the front with teammate Nebel in second place. But title hopes were shattered for the team in the final lap of the race when Bauer's bike suddenly stopped. A later analysis of the fuel injection electronics indicated that the fuel consumption during the race had dramatically increased.

A desperately disappointed Bauer had to hand over the race win to his teammate. Werner Daemen of Belgium was second and the 2009 IDM champion Joerg Teuchert finished third.

Both KTM riders set the pace right from the beginning of the second race amid a field of highly talented starters - in training the first 10 riders were within 0.3 secs. of each other. With constantly ultrafast lap times, Bauer finished a good three seconds in from of teammate Nebel, who was a good eight seconds in front of third placed Matej Smrz.

"I was stunned when the technology let me down just before the end of the first race and blew away my chances of taking the title," Bauer said. "Then I gave it everything I had in race two to try to shake off the disappointment. The win did me a lot of good and the team was able to take the Manufacturer's title back to Mattighofen. And besides that, our pace was super today and it was clear that we were the fastest in Hockenheim."

"For me it was naturally almost a perfect end of season performance: pole position and 45 points, which pushed me up to fourth place in the championship," Nebel said. "Nevertheless race one was a bitter disappointment. We were going for the title as a team and as Martin went out of the race right in front of me I thought 'This can't be happening.'"

Results Race One
1. Stefan Nebel (GER), KTM
2. Werner Daemen (BEL), BMW
3. Joerg Teuchert (GER), Yamaha

Results Race Two
1. Martin Bauer, (AT), KTM
2. Stefan Nebel (GER), KTM
3. Matej Smrz (CZE), Honda

Final Standings
1. Karl Muggeridge (AUS), Honda, 244 Points
2, Werner Daemen (BEL), BMW, 225 Points
3, Martin Bauer (AT), KTM, 221 Points
4, Stefan Nebel (GER), KTM, 202 Points
5, Barry Veneman (NL), BMW, 199 Points

Edwards stays on with Tech3 team

From Yamaha Racing

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team has announced that Colin Edwards has signed a new one-year contract to ride for the French-based squad in the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

Next year's Monster Yamaha Tech3 line-up will feature a blend of vast experience and young potential with Edwards partnering highly-rated British rider Cal Crutchlow.

"I want to say a big thanks to Yamaha and to Tech3 for their unwavering support," Edwards said. "I am honoured to continue my long and successful relationship with Yamaha, Herve Poncharal and all at Tech3. I love the team and feel like part of a big family and I'm thrilled that our adventure together is continuing next year. I'm excited at the challenge of competing in the MotoGP World Championship again and still being competitive in probably the strongest field in history is an achievement I'm proud of.

"I am also looking forward to working with and helping out Cal Crutchlow next season. I'd like to think I helped James Toseland and Ben Spies adapt when they arrived in MotoGP, and I will be doing my utmost to do the same for Cal if he needs any advice. I think all of us can look forward to an exciting 2011 together.”

The 36-year-old Edwards has raced for Herve Poncharal's Tech3 squad since 2008 and during that period the popular American has produced his best form in the MotoGP class. He finished top non-factory rider last season by finishing fifth in the overall stangings and is currently 11th in the 2010 rankings with a best result of seventh position in Laguna Seca, Brno and Misano.

“I am thrilled to have reached a new agreement with Colin for the 2011 MotoGP World Championship," said team manager Herve Poncharal. "His appetite and passion for racing is stronger than ever and he has been an incredible asset for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team. He is a great character but he has consistently proven that he remains one of the fastest riders in the world and I am glad that the Tech3 story with Colin will go on for one more year.

"I believe with Colin's experience and boundless enthusiasm and Cal's hunger and desire to succeed in MotoGP that the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team can already look forward to 2011 with tremendous optimism.”

Edwards, who made his 100th appearance for Yamaha in Sunday's inaugural Motorland Aragon race, has been a key figure in establishing the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team as the leading non-factory squad in MotoGP in the 800cc four-stroke era.