From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States is poised to vote on a staff recommendation to delay enforcement of parts of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, or "lead law," the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Specifically, the staff suggests that CPSC commissioners delay enforcing the testing and certification requirements for kids' dirtbikes and certain other products until Sept. 14. Currently there is a stay of enforcement that expires Feb. 10.
At the same time, the staff recommends that commissioners delay enforcement of the lead-content limit part of the CPSIA for kids' dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) until Sept. 14. Commissioners approved a stay of enforcement of that part of the law earlier, but the stay expires May 1. Once it expires, the sale of kids' dirtbikes and ATVs will effectively be banned because it's unknown whether the requirements of the law can be met.
The commission is expected to vote on the staff recommendation by Jan. 31.
"We are urging the commissioners to approve the recommendation of its staff," said Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations. "Not only is the delay important for the reasons cited by the staff, but it also would give federal lawmakers more time to explore legislative solutions to the problems with the law."
On Jan. 25, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kids' off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the CPSIA.
The CPSIA bans the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contains more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. When the law was passed in 2008, that amount was 600 parts per million.
The lead-content threshold then dropped to 300 parts per million after Aug. 14, 2010, and is set to drop to 100 parts per million, or the lowest level that is technologically feasible, after Aug. 14, 2011.
Aimed at children's toys, the CPSIA also ensnared kids' dirtbikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as batteries and brake calipers. Other children's products are also affected, such as books, clothes and microscopes.
The law also requires all children's products to undergo expensive periodic testing by independent laboratories approved by the CPSC and those products must be certified that they comply with the CPSIA.
In other action, the commissioners voted on Jan. 25 to extend its stay of enforcement on the testing and certification of kid-sized ATVs that was to expire on that day until Nov. 27. The CPSC noted "there are still no accredited third-party testing bodies for youth ATVs at this time" but CPSC staff would do compliance testing.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
'Lead law' reprieve up for a vote
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Rossi, Pedrosa to test repairs at Sepang
The sound of 800cc MotoGP engines will roar into action again on Tuesday after the winter period, but while there may have been a lack of the type of on-track action plenty of unseen hard work has been going on in the factory workshops of the premier class manufacturers.
Last spotted on their MotoGP bikes at the post-season test at Valencia in November the 17 riders who will line up on the grid this season will also be eager to see just what has been modified and improved on their machines, having undertaken their own individual training programmes in a bid to be as best prepared as possible for the Sepang outing.
World Champion Jorge Lorenzo will arrive in Malaysia in full fitness as he continues his preparations for the defence of his title on the M1, but for two of the Yamaha Factory Racing man’s prospective rivals in 2011 the Sepang test could prove anything but comfortable.
Ducati rider Valentino Rossi is still nursing his shoulder which he described as “painful” and “not very strong” following a private ride on a 1198 machine at Misano last Wednesday, and the Italian will focus on his riding position as he attempts to make the best out of the days.
Dani Pedrosa is another rider still recovering from injury, but the Repsol Honda rider’s collarbone appears to be at a more advanced stage of healing and he will hope to be more able when pushing himself in this test.
Team-mate to the Spanish rider Casey Stoner has no such concerns and the Australian was extremely satisfied with his first taste of the RC212V last November in Valencia. Stoner will aim to continue the immediate affinity he showed with the Honda then, as he assesses electronics changes which were amongst some of the aspects underlined for work throughout the winter.
The third man in the Repsol Honda garage, Andrea Dovizioso, will likewise be intent on getting a good first run of 2011 under his belt.
Ben Spies continues his integration into the factory Yamaha set-up alongside Lorenzo, while fellow American Nicky Hayden will be eager to see what the Desmosedici GP11 brings and Colin Edwards the M1 of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
HRC supported Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) gets set for a second season in the premier class having impressed last year.
Other riders entering their sophomore year in MotoGP are Héctor Barberá (Aspar Team) and sole Suzuki rider in 2011 Álvaro Bautista, while Hiroshi Aoyama does so with his new team San Carlo Honda Gresini.
More experienced but with continued adaptations to make to the Desmosedici nevertheless, Pramac pair Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet will also approach the test in a determined manner.
Moto2 World Champion Toni Elías continues his reintegration into the elite category as he and the LCR Honda team work further on the RC212V, while two rookies in Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) will use the valuable time as diligently as possible. The Brit will be riding for the first time since shoulder surgery in December.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Smrz tops World Superbike testing
Jakub Smrz proved to be the fastest rider in official Infront Motor Sports pre-season testing at Portimao. After three days of changeable weather conditions between Wednesday and Friday, the Effenbert-Liberty man's time of 1:43.503 remained unbeaten throughout, giving the Czech-based Ducati team a great start to life in WSBK racing.
"We brought two bikes here, one with almost the set-up as the one I used for a while last year and one set up like the factory team of last year," Smrz explained. "That had some different things with geometry, gearing, swingarm and so on and I was fastest on that one on the first day.
"The other two days there was not so much do, because the conditions were not fully dry, not fully wet, most of the time. The team worked perfectly and it is great for them to start the season being fastest in this test."
In the overall three-day rankings, Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) was second, and WSBK rookie Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team) third, with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike) a confident fourth.
Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) filled the top five places, with World Champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team) sixth, despite only taking to the track on the dry first day.
Michel Fabrizio (Team Suzuki Alstare) headed off Smrz's team-mate Sylvain Guintoli for seventh, despite crashing twice in the middle day.
Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team) was ninth and new WSBK rider Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) beat some established names to go 10th quickest.
Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com) was the fastest World Supersport rider in the final session on Friday with a 1:48.893, riding on a track that was still affected by earlier rainfall.
The overall fastest rider, therefore, was Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda). Lowes set a 1:45.845 on Wednesday, when track conditions were at their best. He fell earlier Friday, hurting his foot and hand, but continuing to ride in the afternoon session.
James Ellison (Bogdanka PTR Honda) was second fastest on track in the final WSS session, while Alexander Lundh (Cresto Guide Racing Team) was third quickest.
Superbike Combined Times
1. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:43.503
2. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:43.676
3. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:43.707
4. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:43.770
5. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:43.789
6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:43.840
7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:43.879
8. Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.369
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:44.446
10. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:44.752
11. Toseland J. (GBR) BMW S1000 RR 1:44.764
12. Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:44.857
13. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:44.885
14. Berger M. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.886
15. Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:45.461
16. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1:45.678
Lead ban legislation introduced
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- With the deadline fast approaching that would effectively ban the sale of kids' dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) has introduced legislation to end the ban, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
On Tuesday, Rehberg introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kids' off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 that effectively bans their sale beginning May 1.
"Here again, a law meant to improve children's safety is actually being enforced in a way that puts kids in more danger than ever, while destroying jobs to boot," Rehberg said. "It's critical that we put to rest any confusion once and for all so kids can just get outside and ride. There's no excuse for continued bungling that only stops kids from using the very youth-sized off-road vehicles that are intended to keep them safe."
Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations, thanked Rehberg on behalf of the AMA and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), which is the AMA's sister organization.
"This is the most promising and viable legislative remedy available to permanently exclude kid-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the deleterious and unintended consequences of the CPSIA," Moreland said. "We also want to thank the many thousands of AMA and ATVA members who have answered the call from the beginning to urge their lawmakers to exempt kids' OHVs from the lead law. Now, we need a renewed push because time is running out."
The CPSIA bans the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contains more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. Aimed at children's toys, the law also ensnared kids' dirtbikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as batteries and brake calipers.
The law also requires all children's products to undergo periodic testing by independent laboratories approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is responsible for implementing out the CPSIA.
On May 1, 2009, the CPSC delayed enforcement of the lead-limit portion of the law until May 1, 2011 to, among other things, give vehicle makers time to figure out ways to ensure their products comply with the law.
Even though the lead-limit portion of the law isn't being enforced, many dealers are no longer selling kid-sized OHVs and half of the major ATV manufacturers are no longer selling machines for kids because of uncertainty surrounding the CPSIA.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Unique European event in August
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY -- Amateur motor sports enthusiasts and first timers get the chance to explore overlooked but culturally rich regions with the Caucasian Challenge. The itinerary takes participants through an incredible 11 countries in 17 days. Traveling through the Balkans and beyond, organizers have planned their route to include scenic off-the-beaten-path roads and geo-caching challenges.
The Caucasian Challenge is an amateur, drive-anything, minimal assistance, low budget rally, a competition and adventure tour organized by experienced explorers and travel professionals as a way to see areas rarely visited. Anyone can enter the event with all sorts of vehicles regardless their age or condition.
Leaving the capital of Hungary on Aug. 15, participants head South into Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the world’s two youngest republics: Montenegro and Kosovo, Albania, before leaving the Balkans and continue their journey in Greece and Turkey. Crossing the Bosporus Channel they will then navigate the full length of Turkey. Entering Georgia they drive around the highest peaks of Europe in the Caucasus Mountains then lead South to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh before reaching the finish line in Yerevan, Armenia on Aug. 31.
The roads range from eight-lane highways to rough and rocky trails and nights might be spent camping besides a mountain lake, in a romantic mountain guesthouse or a fancy modern city hotel. Participants must rely on their own endurance, ingenuity, teamwork and luck to find their way to the finish line, but history shows there are far more good stories than bad.
The emphasis is on discovery and having a great time instead of setting any land speed records. While parties are not planned for every night en route, spontaneous celebrations are an encouraged way to meet locals interested in checking out what is sure to be a memorable spectacle.
Charity is an important goal of the Caucasian Challenge. Organizers choose a school or orphanage each year in Armenia or Nagorno-Karabakh and participants are urged to collect various in-kind donations to hand over themselves while visiting the institution. Tons of toys, clothes, computers, sport equipments and other goods were delivered in the past years brightening up the daily life of the kids in need.
International teams from various countries have already registered - enjoying the liberal rules - with everything from rusty old station wagons to fancy 4WD cars or motorbikes.
Lean Angle outfits Turn 2 students
From Lean Angle Canada
OTTAWA, ON – Steve Reed, President of Lean Angle Canada, has announced that it has recently concluded a multi-line deal with Turn 2 Sportbike School that will see its made to measure RaceLine racing leathers being used in the school’s fleet of rental suits and being offered for sale in all of the Turn 2 retail outlets.
The good news does not end there. For 2011, Turn 2 will continue to equip all of its Kawasaki sport bikes with the TechSpec Gripster tank pads and offer the pads for sale in the Turn 2 stores. Students will now be able to experience the grip and control that the Gripsters provide and buy a set of the pads for their own motorcycle right at the Calabogie track.
Rounding out the agreement is the news that Turn 2 will be making mandatory the use of the Medical Information Carrier System (MICS) on all students' and participants' helmets.
“This is very sound planning”, stated Reed. “Series such as RACE have already made the solution a must have on all of their racer’s helmets. By choosing to adopt MICS into their safety platform it speaks to the leadership role that Mike Whitter is taking towards safety preparedness and to the continued emphasis that Turn 2 places on their riders’ well being.”
The Medical Information Carrier System (MICS) warns non-medical bystanders not to remove a rider’s helmet, to leave that critical task to trained medical responders and provides paramedics and other trained emergency personnel with life-saving information about the rider's identity and medical history.
"Turn 2 is pleased to have Lean Angle and its great line of products on-board with us for the 2011 season. Not only does this relationship bring added value for our members and students, it also brings top shelf products for us to integrate in our school program with the RaceLine made to measure leathers, the MICS and of course the tank pads," stated Whitter, managing director of Turn 2. “Turn 2 is committed to providing best of breed solutions to our clients, both on and off the track.”
All three products will be available at Turn 2’s booth at the Ottawa Motorcycle show taking place this weekend (Jan. 28-30) at Lansdowne Park.
Rossi tests repaired shoulder
From Ducati Press
Seventy-three days after an operation to his right shoulder, Valentino Rossi returned to the track at Misano Adriatico aboard a Ducati 1198 Superbike on Wednesday. On Nov. 14 at Cattolica’s Cervesi hospital, the Italian had undergone surgery on the supraspinatus tendon and the long head of biceps tendon, as well as cartilage in the Glenoid Labrum.
The day was sunny but chilly. Rossi arrived at the circuit at around 1:20 and met a team of Ducati technicians that included his own crew’s two engineers, Matteo Flamigni and Gabriele Conti, as well as Ducati Marlboro Team Manager Vittoriano Guareschi. A half-hour later, he turned the first laps aboard the 1198 to test the status of his shoulder which, though recovering nicely, is still quite painful, just a few days ahead of the first test in Malaysia with the Desmosedici GP11.
“First of all, thanks to Filippo (Preziosi) and to Ducati, who organized this test,” said Rossi. “Misano Circuit let us use the track on a day when Mattia (Pasini) was planning to ride in order to confirm his own condition.
"The track more or less confirmed what we expected: the shoulder is painful — especially under braking, when the front area hurts, where they stitched the tendon. Movement is stable enough, and we’re also doing not so bad with endurance, but apart from that, it hurts a lot and isn’t very strong. Let’s hope it gets a little better in these next few days before the test in Malaysia. Once we’re there, we’ll work with the riding position in an effort to make the most of the situation and collect important information with the Desmosedici, even though I’m not in top form.”
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Factory-backed R1 for Isle of Man
From the Isle of Man TT
Japanese manufacturer Yamaha has confirmed that it will be running a factory supported race team at the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.
Shaun Muir Racing, with support from Yamaha, has signed history making Ian Hutchinson, who became the first man to win five TT races in a single week, beating the record of Phil McCallen, who recorded four victories in 1996. He first competed at the TT in 2004 and has won eight races in total including last years clean sweep of five victories.
Hutchinson, who suffered a career threatening injury in the British Supersport Championship at Silverstone following his momentous five wins at the 2010 TT Races, this week confirmed that he is beginning his recuperation programme and is determined to take up his position on the 2011 TT grid.
“I’ve been cycling on a turbo-trainer since mid-December," he said at the signing of his two-year deal. "Initially I struggled to do five minutes, now I can do 40 and get my heart-rate up to 192, with an average of 184. That was all I could do before the accident.”
Shaun Muir will run and manage the Yamaha team that will benefit from a full works spec R1 Superbike as well as the Superstock and R6 Supersport bike that has performed so well in the British Supersport Championship.
The team is planning to compete in all of the International Road Races - the North West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix, Macau and the Isle of Man TT and will also look to participate in the British Supersport Championship as well.
AMA SuperSport format finalized
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro officials have announced more details on the reconfigured SuperSport class for 2011 including the divisional breakdowns and event configuration.
It was earlier released that the class will undergo some subtle changes for the 2011 season including the elimination of the segregated Top Gun and Young Gun classes within the overall class structure. The class will continue to feature two divisions, East and West, but the overall champion will be the highest scoring divisional champion.
The actual number of divisional races has now been established with an equal number of points scoring opportunities in each division. There will be combination events with East and West Divisions competing together, beginning with Daytona International Speedway (March 10-12).
Each Division will comprise six events with the East Division visiting Daytona, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Virginia International Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park and two additional events TBD.
The West Division will also include six events that will include Daytona, Infineon Raceway, Miller Motorsports Park, Road America, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the season finale at a location to be named.
Each weekend will feature the standard two race format, except two West Division races that are designated single events. Divisional points will be awarded for qualifying, in addition to the points available in the actual race, thereby providing competitors the ability to score points on two separate occasions as in a standard two race weekend. Points will be awarded in the normal manner with points scored from 1st down to 20th position. The bonus point for pole position will also be awarded.
With this allowance in place, each division will have 12 points scoring opportunities during the 2011 AMA Pro SuperSport season.
Upon confirmation of the final 2011 AMA Pro Road Racing schedule, the exact event breakdown will be provided, but this basic template of six scoring opportunities for each division is now in place.
A special award highlighting the younger SuperSport riders will also be awarded to the highest scoring 16-21 year old rider.
Spies aiming for wins in 2011
After an outstanding debut season in MotoGP in 2010 Ben Spies returns for a second year in the World Championship as a factory Yamaha rider, with expectations surrounding the 26-year-old even greater in 2011.
As the American rider prepares for the first official test at Sepang next week (Feb. 1-3) motogp.com caught up with him to discuss his aims for the three days in Malaysia, as well as his expectations for the forthcoming season. Firstly though Spies talked about his off-season so far, which has included setting up his own cycling team and with whom he spent last week at a South Texas training camp.
“I have been getting the cycling team going and we had our first race a couple of days ago, it’s been great fun” Spies explained. “I’ve been doing my own training too, and getting ready for the first test. It’s come round quick and I’m excited about getting back on the bike and starting with the new team.
"I haven’t ridden a motorcycle since Valencia so it’s going to take me a little while to get back into the rhythm, but now I’m ready to get back into it.”
Continuity will be a key factor for Spies in 2011 and as he steps up to the factory Yamaha team he will carry on working alongside crew chief Tom Houseworth and mechanic Gregory Wood, who were both with him in the Tech 3 set-up last year.
A notable addition for this year is Massimo ‘Maio’ Meregalli, who will act as team manager for Spies’ crew and with whom the American won the 2009 Superbike title.
“I have a great team and everyone around me is the best I feel I could put together, now it’s up to me. I feel like a lot of the pressure is off as we have made the step to the factory team, now I’ll just do the best I can,” said Spies.
“Me and ‘Maio’ talk a lot to one another but we don’t talk much about ambitions. As personalities we have big goals and ambitions and we get along really well, we have done from day one. He just knows how I think and knows that I don’t like to talk a lot about the little things. When I’m in the garage he’s very good at being able to read what I’m thinking and what I need. We have a very good bond.”
Shifting focus to the upcoming test, Spies said: “We will obviously have to look at some stuff Yamaha will have for the bike, and for me it’s more about going there to ride, getting the bike moving in the right direction, working as a team, and then going back for the second test and really treating it very methodically. We always want to go fast and make improvements, but what position we’re in or how fast we go is not the goal. I just need to get comfortable on the bike again and we need to understand how the team works together.”
Team-mate Jorge Lorenzo tested a new M1 engine at Valencia last November, and when asked what more he feels he requires from the bike Spies responded: “We could see last year we needed a little more straight line speed, that was obvious during the season, but the overall M1 package is fantastic. It’s a great balance of a motorcycle that does everything very well, and I think we just need to work on the engine a little bit.”
Well known for his cautious approach to stating what he expects to achieve ahead of a season, Spies discussed his aims for the 2011 campaign both in terms of results and personal development.
“It’s very simple for me. Every year I want to do better than the year before. In 2010 we finished second, third, fourth and fifth, had a pole position (at Indianapolis) and led the race for a little bit. We didn’t do anything crazy but we were very solid, and we didn’t win a race. I wasn’t expecting that out of myself, I think maybe some other people were,” he commented. “So next year it’s to fight at the front consistently, and to win a race. That is the goal. We finished sixth in the Championship so we want to do better and finish in the top five. You can’t always make huge, huge gains, but if I do better than I did last year there will be a win and we’re going to see the front more often."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Zero expands U.S. manufacturing
From Zero Motorcycles
SANTA CRUZ, CA – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility that will more than double the company’s current production capacity.
Being built alongside Zero Motorcycles’ corporate headquarters in Santa Cruz County, it will keep manufacturing and R&D working shoulder to shoulder. Following on the heels of Zero’s recently announced $1.84 million ‘next generation’ powertrain project, the new factory is another sign of the company’s continued growth and momentum.
"With this exciting new expansion, we reconfirm our commitment to building the best electric motorcycles in the world as well as creating U.S. based manufacturing jobs," said Steve Salyer, Vice President of Operations for Zero Motorcycles. "Quality Control at the highest levels means personally inspecting each bike as it comes off the assembly line. Moreover, in the spirit of continual improvement and innovation, we believe that having our manufacturing and engineering teams collaborating within the same space gives us both an operational and developmental competitive advantage."
The new facility will bring Zero’s total production space to 34,000 square feet and is supported by a redevelopment grant from the city of Scotts Valley. Rewarded for its innovative technology, Zero will utilize the space to meet an increase in consumer demand and to continue to develop its advanced powertrain technology.
"Since the inception of Zero Motorcycles, Santa Cruz County has been our home. With many companies looking outside of the U.S. to develop and build their products, we are proud to say we are continuing our support of our local community," said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. "At the same time, we are responding quickly to an increasing global demand for our motorcycles. This investment positions us ideally for further growth, innovation and development as we move into 2012 and beyond."
Renovations begin in early 2011 with the first production motorcycle expected to roll out by late February, 2011. The company plans to add 25 employees by mid-2011.
Harley expands Rethink campaign
CONCORD, ON – True to the spirit of the Harley-Davidson motorcycling culture, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have demonstrated strong support to Rethink Breast Cancer’s cause through the purchase of Pink Label Collection garments which the Harley-Davidson Brand introduced in Canada in January, 2010.
Since the launch of its partnership with Rethink in March, 2009, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has been able to contribute over $53,000 to the charity to aid in the continued operation and expansion of its vital education, research, and supportive care programs across Canada.
There are approximately 5,000 women under the age of 50 diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada every year. Spread across our vast country, they often feel isolated and struggle to find support that is relevant to them. Thanks to the generous contribution of a number of companies, Rethink will be able to continue to fill support gaps for young women in Canada.
“We are delighted with our partnership with Deeley Harley-Davidson [Canada], a company passionate about the cause and committed to empowering Canadian women through awareness and education about the disease,” says MJ DeCoteau, Executive Director of Rethink Breast Cancer. “The dollars raised have made a tremendous impact on our organization and have helped Rethink get closer to its goal of reaching every newly diagnosed young woman in the country and making all young women (and men) aware of the risk factors of the disease."
Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has announced that it will be growing its partnership with Rethink Breast Cancer and continuing to help the charity achieve its mission by offering an even more extensive clothing line consisting of 25 items. A portion of the sales proceeds from each item will go towards Rethink.
Six trendy new items have been added to the Pink Label Collection to include a stylish rhinestone-refined Pink Label Embellished Hoodie (part number 99195-11VW), a Pink Label Embellished Hooded Pullover (part number 99196-11VW), a revamped Pink Label Activewear Hoodie (part number 99197-11VW), a new Pink Label Headwrap (part number 99426-11VW), a practical Pink Label Travel Mug (part number 99401-11V), as well as a symbolic, yet essential, Pink Label Water Bottle (part number 99402-11V).
Tagged with the motto “Purchase with a Purpose”, the Canadian Pink Label Collection features a tasteful touch of pink on stylish MotorClothes silhouettes and also makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. The collection will be available in-Store at authorized participating Harley-Davidson Retail Stores as of February.
To find out more about the Pink Label Collection in Canada, or to purchase items from the collection, visit your local Harley-Davidson Retail Store, or visit www.harleycanada.com. To find out more about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.com.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Yamaha returns to World Supersport
From Yamaha Racing
The 2011 World Supersport Championship will witness the return of the Yamaha YZF-R6 to the grid with the Yamaha ParkinGO Team.
In 2009 the Yamaha YZF-R6 was the track weapon of choice, dominating the World Supersport Championship in the hands of 2011 rookie MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow. The pairing proved unbeatable with Crutchlow using the full potential of the Yamaha Supersport machine to score 10 pole position starts and 10 podiums, including five race wins, on his way to the title.
The Yamaha World Supersport Team was withdrawn by its owner Yamaha Motor Europe from the championship during 2010.
For the 2011 season Yamaha Motor Europe will provide the 2009 championship winning Yamaha R6 race bikes along with Yamaha genuine racing parts to the privately owned ParkinGO Team, for 2011 to be named Yamaha ParkinGO Team. The race bikes will be refreshed and bought up to 2011 level at Yamaha’s racing workshop in Germany before being delivered. Yamaha technical staff will provide behind the scenes support on an ongoing basis throughout the season while the team itself will take responsibility for organization, rider selection and race entry.
The Yamaha ParkinGO Team will continue partnerships with some of its own technical partners, although Yamaha Motor Europe will also support negotiations with it’s former technical partners and the team for the season ahead.
The ParkinGO Team entered the last three seasons of the World Supersport Championship with a different manufacturer, performing strongly in 2010 with four podiums by rider Chaz Davies and a victory at Imola snatched away by technical problems. The season end saw a top five finish for the team with Davies fourth in the standings and teammate David Salom just behind in fifth.
The 2011 line up sees British rider Davies remain with the team, joined by new Italian teammate Luca Scassa, who impressed in 2010 as one of the top privateer World Superbike riders.
"This is a great opportunity for officially supported R6 machinery to return to the World Supersport Championship,” said Yamaha Motor Europe Racing Manager Laurens Klein Koerkamp. “The R6 is a winning machine which, after taking the World Supersport Championship in 2009, has continued in 2010 with many national titles alongside the European Superstock 600 Championship title, despite not competing at world level. It is our belief and our vision that in today’s circumstances supporting a private team with the materials needed to compete is the appropriate involvement in World Supersport for a manufacturer."
“We managed to reach a mutually satisfying agreement with Yamaha Motor Europe in just 10 days time,” said Giuliano Rovelli, Yamaha ParkinGO Team owner. “Having the opportunity to work with a manufacturer that has racing in its philosophy makes a big difference. I shared this important decision with the whole team. Chaz Davies and Luca Scassa are professional riders and are looking forward to having the chance to win the World Supersport Championship with a very competitive Yamaha R6.”
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Szoke and Seguin earn Readers' Choice Awards
From the Canadian Motorsports Expo
TORONTO, ON -- Brantford, Ont.’s Jordan Szoke added more hardware to an already impressive 2010 trophy haul on Saturday night.
The winner of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship was presented with the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Award as Canadian Motorcycle Racer of the Year at the Canadian Motorsports Expo at Toronto’s International Centre.
“This is really special,” Szoke said after picking up his second straight Readers’ Choice Award. “To be chosen by the people just makes this all the more gratifying.”
The 31-year-old Szoke made history last year by winning a seventh Canadian Superbike Championship and his fifth straight Parts Canada crown. He enjoyed a historic perfect season, sweeping all seven races on his Waznie Racing / BMC Ciclo Werks / DeWildt Powerhouse Honda CBR1000RR.
Szoke also won a record-tying fifth straight national Pro Sport Bike title on a Honda CBR600RR.
“When we started the year we thought we had a good chance at the championships but we never expected things to go as well as they did,” Szoke added. “But Honda gave us great bikes and we had the perfect crew helping us out.”
Also honoured with a Readers’ Choice Award was Tyler Seguin of Welland, Ont., who was voted as Canada’s Up and Coming Motorcycle Racer of the Year by the readers of Inside Track Motorsport News. The 14-year-old flat track racer claimed both the Intermediate Open and 450 titles in the CMA National Dirt Track Championship in 2010 riding a Honda CRF450R and Rotax 600.
“We had a great season,” said the MT Bellies, Darkside Tattoos-backed rider. “The plan was just to take it one race at a time. Next year I’d like to take another championship.”
Voting for the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online from mid-November through to midnight, Dec. 31 with winners selected in 13 categories. Toronto’s James Hinchcliffe, 23, was chosen as Overall Canadian Racer of the Year after finishing second in the 2010 Indy Lights series. Twenty-seven-year-old oval track ace Steve Arpin of Fort Frances, Ont. was voted as the Canadian Racer Competing at the Highest Level of International Competition.
The Canadian Motorsports Expo runs through Sunday at the International Centre in Toronto. Show hours on Sunday are 10:00am-5:00pm. More information is available at www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.
Kuhn goes for Big Twin in 2011
TORONTO, ON – Hamilton, ON road racer Lee Kuhn will likely be dropping a cylinder in 2011.
After campaigning a Triumph 675 Daytona last summer the 23-year-old has plans to race in the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup on the Parts Canada Superbike Championship tour. Kuhn will also likely race the bike in selected Superior Propane SOAR Superbike Series events.
“I just think it will be really cool; it’s something new,” said Kuhn, who is displaying an XR1200 at the Inside Motorcycles booth in this weekend’s Canadian Motorsports Expo. “I like the spec series idea and it’s cool to be riding a Harley.”
The XR1200 Cup is a new support class for the 2011 national road racing tour. Similar classes were introduced as part of the AMA Superbike Series in the United States and the British Superbike Championship last season.
“I’ve watched almost every race from the British series,” Kuhn said. “Those races were so competitive; no one was breaking away in front. This is the sort of series that will come down to the rider, not the bike.”
Kuhn placed 12th last season running a partial schedule in the national Amateur Sport Bike class on the Triumph, with a top finish of fourth in the penultimate round at Atlantic Motorsport Park. He competed in the Honda CBR125R Challenge in 2008 and the Suzuki SV650 National Cup in 2009.
“The XR1200 weighs quite a bit more than anything I’ve ever ridden before,” Kuhn added. “But I think it will suit my riding style. I really sit up on the bike and a like the flat track style, throwing it around.”
The Canadian Motorsports Expo runs through the weekend at the International Centre in Toronto. For more information go to www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Cold start to Castrol Honda testing
From Castrol Honda SBK
The Castrol Honda World Superbike Team was able to complete just a handful of laps at Motorland Aragon during a two-day pre-season test which concluded Friday afternoon.
The test was primarily arranged to give riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus an opportunity to ride the new Spanish circuit after they missed a World Superbike championship test at the 5.078km circuit last October.
However, rain Thursday morning precluded any testing until the afternoon and, with freezing conditions all day Friday, the riders and team decided not to test the Castrol Honda CBR1000RR machines any further.
Instead, the team packed up early to begin the journey to Portimao in Portugal for an official three-day test next Wednesday, where better conditions are expected.
"The wet and cold conditions really allowed us only yesterday afternoon to test and then it was -5° overnight with a really cold wind all day today," said team manager Ronald ten Kate. "Of course, we were hoping for more laps, but we were happy to test at this new track for the championship and I'm sure that after the laps they did yesterday, the riders now know which way it goes. We got a little bit of information on the set-up we'll be looking for but we could certainly have used more. But it is what it is and we'll go to Portugal next week to test the bikes and new parts properly."
Harley introduces Blackline Softail
From Deeley Harley-Davidson CanadaThe Blackline motorcycle balances allegiance with rebellion, discarding previous conventions of colour and chrome for a Dark Custom look that is honest, functional, and attainable. Visual elements of the original bobber movement are combined with the raw, hand-hewn style embraced by today’s young builders. The Blackline, available in Canada at a MSRP of $17,149, throws new fuel on a fire that burns across generations: an unquenchable desire to ride.
Stripped to the legal limit, the Blackline keeps decorative trim and lighting sparse. The rear fender is bobbed high and tight over a slim, 144mm tire that emphasizes an authentic hard-tail profile. The compact headlight and speedometer are tucked low into the wide, FX front end, and there is just enough shine to make the black parts look blacker. Black-rimmed laced wheels complete a look that is tough, tempered, and undeniably typical of the Harley-Davidson brand.
The styling spotlight shines on a Big Twin engine dressed in black and silver, and on a fuel tank shaved smooth and low. Aboard the Blackline, the rider hugs the frame on the lowest two-up seat ever offered by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and reaches high for new Split Drag handlebars that are bolted right to the top triple-clamp.
The Softail chassis uses rear suspension control provided by coil-over shock absorbers mounted horizontally along the frame rails below the powertrain, where they are kept out of sight. So while the swingarm section replicates the lines of a vintage hard-tail frame, the Blackline delivers suspension performance and handling that are thoroughly modern.
Ducati NA finishes 2010 on a high
From Ducati North America
CUPERTINO, CA – Ducati North America has announced a tremendous close to 2010, posting retail gains of 35 percent in December over the same period in 2009.
The company announced retail sales growth of eight percent in the third quarter and nine percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, defying the trend of an industry that declined 15 percent and 14 percent in each respective quarter. Ducati closed the year with record market share in North America due to a combination of innovative new product, dealer network support and dynamic marketing programs.
In 2010, Ducati introduced a host of new products that contributed to the company’s retail success in North America including, the Hypermotard 796, Hypermotard 1100EVO and EVO SP; Monster 696 ABS, Monster 796, 848EVO Superbike, 1198S Corse Superbike and the Multistrada 1200 family.
The Ducati Performance department, which oversees accessories, apparel and spare parts, followed the positive trend set by motorcycle sales. In 2010, spare part sales were up seven percent, accessories up five percent and apparel sales increased a phenomenal 24 percent.
To compliment all of the above Ducati received numerous industry awards including Best Open Streetbike (Multistrada 1200 S Sport) from Cycle World magazine and Manufacturer of the Year from MotorcycleUSA.com.
"We are very satisfied with Q3 and Q4 results, with a solid growth from 2009 and a record market share. These achievements mark the turning point for Ducati in North America,” said Cristiano Silei, CEO of Ducati North America. “We are extremely excited about our potential for 2011 with the arrival of the Diavel complimenting our outstanding product line-up and our marketing and dealer support programs coming into full fruition.”
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sudbury woman gets birthday bonus
From Lean Angle
OTTAWA, ON - Lean Angle Canada has announced Amy Farquhar of Sudbury, ON as the winner of her very own set of RaceLine Custom Racing Leathers, a set of TechSpec Gripster grip pads for her 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and a family-pack of Medical Data Information Carriers (MICS) - valued at over $1000.
"The suit sounds awesome. My racer number will be 87 and for now I will be at the track just learning. I intend to race asap,” enthused the lucky winner. "I'm so excited. You just made my birthday the best birthday ever!"
Ballots were submitted at the Inside Motorcycles booth at both the 2010 Toronto Motorcycle Show last December and at the 2011 North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, which ran from Jan. 7-9.
Lean Angle (leanangle.ca), based in Ottawa, is the exclusive Canadian distributor of the Tech Spec Gripster Tank Grip Pads as well as other best-of-breed, niche products available to powersport enthusiasts such as the Medical Information Carrier System (MICS) for Helmets, RaceLine Custom Racing Leathers and Lost Era Leathers.
Ducati test team gets full day
From Ducati Press
The Ducati MotoGP Test Team’s third and final day of testing at Jerez (Spain) began at around 11:30 Wednesday morning, allowing Vittoriano Guareschi and Franco Battaini enough time to complete the GP11 setup test planned by Filippo Preziosi.
The Italian bike’s next outing will be at the hands of the Ducati Marlboro Team riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden Feb. 1-3 at Sepang, in Malaysia.
Guareschi finished riding at around 4:00pm after completing 61 laps, while Battaini continued until the track closed at 6:00pm, turning in a total of 90 laps.
“We were lucky,” commented Preziosi, “because the weather conditions enabled us to test for all three days of the session.
"We identified two setup configurations that Vittoriano determined to be suitable in terms of front-end feel and turn-in. With Franco, we found some interesting solutions for both anti-wheelie control and traction control.
"We’re all satisfied with the work carried out, even though we’re aware that we’re dealing with technical solutions that were tried on a different track and in different conditions compared to those of Sepang. Only when Valentino and Nicky have had their turn to try and evaluate those solutions will we be able to have a more certain confirmation and to understand if we’ve taken a step forward — and if so, how big of a step.”
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Hopkins heading to British Superbike
From Team Suzuki News Service
The Crescent British Superbike team has secured the services of Anglo-American star John Hopkins for the 2011 British Superbike Championship and will begin testing the Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Cartagena, Spain, in early March.
Hopkins finished fourth in the 2007 MotoGP World Championship on a Suzuki and will be renewing a strong bond that was formed with Crescent during his time with the MotoGP team. 'Hopper' was born in Ramona, CA but regards himself as half-British because both of his parents originated from London. He has always been proud of his UK heritage and races with the Union Flag on his leathers.
"I'm totally stoked about coming to Britain to race with Crescent in BSB, as this will feel a bit like coming home because I have so many friends and family over in the UK," Hopkins said. "I'm 100 percent fit now and this will give me a great chance to prove that I'm still able to be competitive at the highest level. I've always dreamed of winning the World Championship - that's still my goal - and I see this as a fantastic opportunity to get that ambition back on track.
"I haven't raced on many of the UK circuits, so that will be a big learning curve, but I'll be able to get to grips with them quickly and hope to be on the pace as soon as possible. The Suzuki's a great package, I know I can win races and obviously winning the title is the ultimate goal, so we'll have to see what we can do. I would also like to thank Paul and all at Crescent for giving me this opportunity to race in the UK and plan to repay their faith in me with some great results for the team."
The 27-year-old racer is now back to full fitness following corrective wrist surgery last season to save his career. The surgery was so successful it enabled him to make a late-season comeback, also on a GSX-R, in the American Superbike Championship and secure podium finishes.
"It's fantastic that we have been able to get a guy of John's talent to sign for Crescent," said team manager Jack Valentine. "He is a great rider and always exciting to watch, plus he's tasted podium success in MotoGP, so he is certainly bringing great experience with him to the BSB grid. He's really focused on racing at the highest level and sees BSB as his stepping stone to get back to world level. The whole team is looking forward to working with John and we are all sure this is going to be a great adventure for all concerned."
Waters to race World SBK opener
From the Team Suzuki News Service
Team Suzuki's Josh Waters has signed to race for the Yoshimura Racing Team at the opening round of the 2011 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island in Australia on Feb. 25-27.
Yoshimura Japan President Fujio Yoshimura hand-picked the 2009 Australian Superbike Champion to represent the team.
"We are extremely excited to have Josh on board," Yoshimura said. "He is a very talented rider and we look forward to seeing what he can do at his home track."
Perry Morison, General Manager, Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia was equally excited about the Yoshimura opportunity for the Suzuki Superbike Young Gun.
"We're really happy that the Yoshimura Racing Team has asked Josh to race at the Phillip Island World Superbike round," he said. "The 2010 season was a challenging one for Josh, but he showed what he is capable of by returning from injury to take a race win at the MotoGP Superbike support race. His opportunity with Yoshimura now lets him showcase his talent on the world stage and I can't wait to see him race."
In addition to his involvement with the Yoshimura Racing Team, Waters will continue as part of Team Suzuki competing in selected Australian Superbike rounds.
Harley rental program expands
CONCORD, ON – The highly rated Fly & Ride Program will now be delivered through Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals at retail locations ranging from Anchorage, Alaska, to Johannesburg, South Africa.
For 2011, the Harley Owners Group Fly & Ride Motorcycle Rental Program will grow nearly 10 times bigger with rental locations for Fly & Ride increasing from 37 to more than 300 locations around the world. This expansion gives H.O.G. members worldwide another way to hit the road for their future adventures. H.O.G. members will enjoy a premium experience when they rent through the program.
Participating authorized Canadian Retailers include Trev Deeley Motorcycles (Vancouver), Calgary Harley-Davidson, Kane’s Harley-Davidson Calgary, Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson (Red Deer County, AB), Harley-Davidson of Toronto, Rocky’s Harley-Davidson (London, ON), MotoSport Plus (Kingston, ON), The Shop Harley-Davidson (Sudbury, ON), Harley-Davidson of Ottawa, Freedom Harley-Davidson (Nepean, ON) and Eldridge’s (Saint John).
In addition to an increase in rental locations, the Harley-Davidson Authorized Rental experience for H.O.G. members includes an exclusive H.O.G./Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals keepsake (available in Canada for Spring 2011), choice of a wider selection of motorcycles, 24/7 online reservation capability at most locations, H.O.G. Member Services assistance, free use of Harley-Davidson helmet & rain gear and free short-term luggage storage.
Minimum age in Canada is 25, and 21 at many other locations outside of Canada. Same-day and one-day reservations now available.
“We’ve taken an extremely popular H.O.G. benefit and made it even better”, said Steve Piehl, Director of Customer Experience at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “What motorcyclist hasn’t dreamed of riding in far away parts of North America or even other countries? H.O.G. members have access to new-model, low-mileage Harleys at great locations around the world. And, most locations offer 24/7 booking and information through our website.”
H.O.G. members can access more information through the exclusive members’ website (members.hog.com) and can find participating worldwide Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals locations at hdrentals.com.
Hayes leads damp Daytona test
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - After waiting out a rain delay on Monday and losing most of Tuesday to damp conditions and early morning fog, the assembled AMA Pro Road Racing teams finally got onto the newly-paved Daytona International Speedway for the Dunlop Tire Test, the first official open test session in advance of the upcoming 2011 season.
Topping the timesheets in the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike class was reigning champion Josh Hayes on his Yamaha, posting a time of 1:38.795/127.901 MPH. Right behind Hayes was Tommy Hayden on his Suzuki with a time of 1:39.074/127.542 MPH. Hayden's teammate Blake Young was third, and debuting Kawasaki's new litre-bike was Eric Bostrom, who finished fourth. Another rider showing well on a new combination was Larry Pegram, who posted the fifth-fastest time with his new BMW.
Debuting entirely new team-and-machinery combinations were Ben Bostrom and Roger Hayden, both showing well for Jordan Motorsports' 2011 effort. Last year's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion Martin Cardenas made his debut in the SuperBike class and ended up eighth, just ahead of his Team M4 Suzuki teammate Chris Ulrich, who had to depart the track early to return home for the impending birth of his second child. Rounding out the top 10 was the Buell-mounted Geoff May.
"The track is just so unbelievably smooth; when you compare some of the data from previous years, it is so much smoother," Hayes commented on his day. "It is different, but it doesn't take long to get back into the groove. I'm looking forward to the race."
In preparation for the Daytona 200, the Daytona SportBike riders took to the track for one session, which was interrupted by a brief sprinkling of raindrops.
Jason DiSalvo initially set the fastest time, returning to the series aboard the Team Latus Ducati, but ultimately settled for third. Jake Zemke, new to the Project 1 Atlanta team this year, finished second on his Yamaha with a time of 1:51.987/93.225 MPH. Last year's Daytona 200 pole-position winner and 2009 Daytona SportBike Champion Danny Eslick also appeared at the top of the timesheets at numerous points during the disjointed session, but it was P. J. Jacobsen who topped the times after the short break with a best lap of 1:51.822/93.362 MPH on his new Ducati. Suzuki-mounted Cory West rounded out the top five, while Santiago Villa, who ran well early in the session, ended up sixth overall.
Next up was AMA Pro SuperSport Young Gun East Division champion J.D. Beach, showing well on the new middleweight Kawasaki by finishing sixth in his first appearance in the Daytona SportBike class. Dane Westby also made his first appearance with a new team, the Team M4 Suzuki rider finishing up eighth. Ninth was Paul Allison on his Yamaha, and Taylor Knapp finished 10th on a Suzuki.
"We were pretty happy with how everything went today," Jacobsen reflected on his day. "I think the track feels smooth as glass, and of course we're really happy being on top. [Eraldo] Ferracci is great; he's been around for a really long time and really, really knows his stuff, so I'm happy to be riding for him and Barry [Gilsenan]. I also really like the Ducati 848 EVO. It has a lot of torque and it's a good machine, nice and fast, smooth. I'm real happy with the bike."
Due to the abbreviated schedule as a result of the weather delays, the SuperSport riders were included in the Daytona SportBike session. Taking the top spot was Eric Stump, enjoying his first ride on the new pavement at the historic circuit in Daytona Beach and posting a fast lap of 1:55.846/90.119 MPH. Seven SuperSport riders took part in the session.
Making a debut on the Daytona track was the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, with former Harley-Davidson 883 series rider Michael Barnes celebrating his first ride on the new XR1200 by posting a time of 2:09.568/80.576 MPH to take the top spot. Nine XR1200s participated in the shortened session that saw champions from a variety of AMA Pro Racing disciplines make their mark. Recently-retired AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Joe Kopp topped the timesheets for part of the outing, two-time AMA Pro Supermoto Champion Chris Fillmore ended up second overall and 2009 SuperSport Young Gun West Division champion Ricky Parker made his return to AMA Pro Racing to finish up third fastest.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Leon featured on Biker TV
From the Royal Distributing / MBP Superbike Team
MONTREAL, QC -- Motorcycle racer Michael Leon and the Royal Distributing / MBP Team will be featured in two upcoming episodes of Biker TV. The shows will air this weekend (Jan. 22/23) and next weekend (Jan. 29/30).
Each show will have a 15-minute feature following the team members as they attempt to wrap up two championships at the final event of the 2010 RACE SuperSeries held at Shannonville Motorsports Park last September.
Biker TV is aired Saturdays at 11:30am on ACCESS in Alberta, on Sundays at 10:30am on The “A” Channel Network in Ottawa, Halifax, London and Victoria, and on Sundays at 11:00am on The “A” Channel Network in the GTA and Barrie. This national broadcast reach now exceeds 20 million Canadians.
The Royal Distributing / MBP Superbike Team is supported by Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance, Dunlop, Pro 6 Cycle, Double Dog Moto, Nexo Sports, Camo Customs, Eurocorsa, Speedymoto, MRA Windscreeens, Bell Helmets, Armour Bodies, Accelerated Technologies and CVR Motors.
Ducati team continues Spanish test
From Ducati Press
Vittoriano Guareschi and Franco Battaini completed the second day of a three-day Ducati MotoGP testing session at Jerez de la Frontera on Tuesday, lapping until the track closed since weather conditions had made it pointless to ride prior to lunchtime.
Guareschi completed 59 laps, while Battaini turned in 66.
"We started the test at 1pm since the morning was foggy, as usual," said Guareschi, the Ducati Marlboro Team Manager. "It was nice and sunny in the afternoon though, and we got in some good laps.
"I worked on the chassis, while 'Batta' continued with the electronics. Today I worked a lot on suspension, along with Öhlins technician Mike Norton, who looks after Valentino [Rossi] and who took advantage of this test to familiarize himself with working on the GP11.
"Franco is at a good point with his work dialing in the anti-wheelie control, so I'd say that for now, everything is proceeding according to plan."
BMW celebrates strong 2010 sales
MUNICH, GERMANY -- BMW Motorrad can look back on an extraordinarily successful motorcycle season in 2010. By December, 98,047 motorcycles worldwide were delivered to customers (previous year: 87,306 units), a growth of 12.3 percent.
BMW Motorrad has recorded considerable growth in virtually every country. Supported by its continued product offensive, the blue and white brand could raise its market share to a historical high.
“The 2010 motorcycle season was a delightful year for us," said Hendrik von Kuenheim, Head of BMW Motorrad. "Our range of innovative models met with great customer interest all over the world. Not only could we sell 10,741 more motorcycles than in the previous year, but at the same time we were able to considerably strengthen our market position in a highly discouraging market environment. Our market share rose to an all time high, and by December BMW Motorrad was the volume leader on 11 markets.”
In Germany, again the largest single market in 2011 for BMW Motorrad, 17,816 BMW motorcycles were registered (previous year: 15,833), a growth of 12.5 percent. BMW Motorrad could therefore maintain its leadership on both the total market and the 500 cc plus segment.
Italy continues as the second strongest single market for BMW Motorrad. Here 14,386 BMW motorcycles (previous year: 13,089) were registered, a growth of about 10 percent.
The next most important sales markets are the US, France, Spain, and the UK, followed by Brazil. The latter emerging market is gradually becoming one of BMW Motorrad's strongest sales markets. To do just to the importance of this market, BMW Motorrad will continue to expand its local motorcycle production facility in Manaus/Brazil, which was first established at the end of 2009.
The most successful model overall was the large touring enduro BMW R 1200 GS, selling 18,768 units (previous year: 15,864 units), followed by its sister model, the R 1200 GS Adventure, selling 11,648 units (previous year: 8,803 units). Third place went to the classical tourer BMW R 1200 RT, with 11,132 vehicles sold.
BMW Motorrad also experienced extraordinary success with the S 1000 RR. In the first full year of marketing, 10,209 units were delivered to customers, and the first supersports motorcycle from BMW is heading the sales statistics in Europe. Considerably more than 90 percent of the orders for these vehicles opted for the innovative “Race ABS” and the dynamic traction control DTC.
Against the backdrop of a heavily declining international market in the field of off-road sports motorcycles, Husqvarna Motorcycles was able to sell 12,066 units in 2010 (previous year: 13,052 / -7.6 percent).
Castrol backs Honda Superbike team
From Castrol Honda SBK
The latest incarnation of an iconic team has returned to the World Superbike championship following Tuesday’s launch of the new Castrol Honda team, with the global lubricants brand announcing title sponsorship of Honda’s superbike effort for the upcoming 2011 title race.
The new team will feature riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus campaigning Honda’s CBR1000RR Fireblade, with the squad being run by the Netherlands-based Ten Kate Racing outfit, who have led Honda’s World Superbike effort since 2004.
Castrol’s association with Honda’s motorcycle racing activities goes all the way back to the Japanese manufacturer’s first foray into the sport at the Isle of Man TT in 1959 and the two companies celebrated 50 years of racing together in 2009.
While Castrol has maintained support of Honda’s annual World Superbike championship effort in recent years, its previous title sponsorship of the Castrol Honda team generated no fewer than three world titles, with John Kocinski in 1997 and then twice with fellow American rider Colin Edwards in 2000 and 2002.
For Rea, 23, the new season, which opens on Feb. 27 at Phillip Island in Australia, will be his third in the World Superbike championship. The Northern Irishman finished in fifth place in 2009, taking two wins, a tally which he doubled last season on his way to fourth place in the championship.
Xaus, meanwhile, first competed in the World Superbike championship in 1998 and finished as runner-up in 2003 before a two-year spell in MotoGP. The 32-year-old Catalan rider has 11 career wins to his name and a total of 35 podium finishes to date.
“Castrol are delighted to join Honda once again to see the return of the famous Castrol Honda World Superbike team to race tracks around the world," said Donald Smith, sponsorship manager, global marketing unit, Castrol. "Motorcycle racing provides Castrol with the ultimate environment to test and develop our advanced Castrol Power One technology and the Castrol Honda World Superbike team provides a powerful and exciting platform to demonstrate the performance of our Castrol Power One products.”
Monday, January 17, 2011
Humidity slows first Ducati test day
From Ducati Press
A three-day Ducati MotoGP development test began on Monday in Spain, at Jerez de la Frontera. Two teams, under the guidance of Technical Director Filippo Preziosi, supported official test rider Franco Battaini and Vittoriano Guareschi, who temporarily replaced his Team Manager duties with those of a rider.
The test is being carried out to speed up the setup work of the Desmosedici GP11 for the two factory Ducati Marlboro Team riders, Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, who will take to the track themselves at the Sepang test Feb. 1-3.
It was a sunny day, but with high humidity in the morning, as is often the case at the Andalusian circuit, and Guareschi and Battaini were only able to get on the track around midday.
“It was a very productive day,” said Guareschi after completing 50 laps, “even though the track’s grip was really bad, in part because of the high humidity and in part because the F3 test that took place until yesterday left the asphalt quite dirty.
"As planned, ‘Batta’ (Battaini, 60 laps) and I divided the responsibilities. I worked on the chassis with the goal of improving turn-in, while Franco concentrated on the electronics, including the new anti-wheelie and anti-spin systems that we’re testing and adjusting.
"I think I found a couple of interesting things with set-up that help with the front-end feel. We worked on ride height, seat position, and on many aspects of bike set-up that will help with all of the data-acquisition work that are necessary to be ready for Malaysia, when Vale and Nicky will ask us to change the bike in various ways. It’s a refinement process that will proceed for the two days in order to speed up the factory riders’ work in Malaysia.”
Coma clinches third Dakar title
From KTM Racing & BMW Motorrad
KTM factory rider Marc Coma rode into Buenos Aires in triumph on Saturday as the 2011 winner of the mighty Dakar Rally, the toughest of its kind in modern motorsports. It was the Spanish rider's third Dakar title and the 10th consecutive prize for KTM, and a triumphant debut for the newly developed KTM 450 Rally bike ridden by all four of KTM's factory riders.
Fellow KTM factory rider Cyril Despres, the title holder going into the Dakar, fought the good fight right up until the finish and was second overall. He trailed Coma by just over 15 minutes after 9600km of competitive riding over the most challenging terrain possible. Considering that Despres incurred a 10-minute penalty in the early part of the race, he and Coma rode on equal terms throughout the 13 stages and frequently finished only minutes apart. Indeed in the penultimate stage there was only 37 second separating the two riders at the end of the day. Between them Coma and Despres took victory in eight of the 13 stages - Coma won five stages and Despres won three.
Coma was a worthy overall winner of the 33rd edition of the race that took competitors in a huge sweep through Argentina, across the Andes at 4500m altitude into northern Chile and up to the border with Peru, over a number of stages in the notoriously dry Atacama Desert, back across the Andes and through Argentina to the finish in the capital. It was his job on Saturday to open the road on what was a comparatively short stage and all he had to do was to keep Despres under control till they got to Buenos Aires.
Dutchman Frans Verhoeven won the final Stage on his BMW G 450 RR. Verhoeven passed three riders during the super-fast stage to finish ahead of Portuguese rider Helder Rodrigues on a Yamaha.
Verhoeven moved up in the standings and finished 15th overall. A lot more could have happened if the team hadn´t been so badly hurt by crashes and a particular incident when a stone damaged Verhoeven´s engine case.
"I entered the day determined to post a top result for the team," Verhoeven said. "The bike worked awesome today and made this win possible."
Coma first took control of the overall standings after Stage 4 and remained in front for the remainder of the rally. He conceded 1:30 to Despres in the final stage but the title was well and truly wrapped up.
"Staying focused was essential so I did focus on my riding," Coma explained. "It was the only way to win. What was really tough was that I could not let my guard down, not even for a second. When a tough stage was ending, the next one was even tougher. We all know that a Dakar is a difficult race but this year it was particularly difficult.
"This victory is the reward of all the hard work, the reward of many years and a lot of tensions over the last few days. It is the bonus you get for steering right and for so many sacrifices over the years."
At the end of Stage 13 Despres said he was sad he had not done better.
"I made some mistakes, they were two small mistakes but they held some heavy consequences," he said. "This special is different if you are in first place as it was the case last year... then you want the race to be shorter. When you are second, you would want the race to be longer. But anyway, the feeling of finishing a Dakar is always nice especially here with all the people welcoming you. I am sad I could not do better. I have raced 11 Dakar, won three and been on the podium eight times. One more would have been great. But I just could not make any better."
Stage 13 Results
1. Frans Verhoeven, Belgium, BMW
2. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha at 00:05
3. Jean De Azevedo, Brazil, KTM, 26:04 at 00:05
4. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 00:44
5. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM at 2:16
6. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands, KTM, 2:47
7. Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 3:05
8. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM 3:51
9. Jacek Czachor, Poland, KTM, 4:38
10. Miran Stanovnik, Slovenia, KTM, 5:16
Final Overall Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 15:04
3. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 1:40:20
4. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia,
5. Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 3:07:03
6. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM at 3:32:56
7. Jean De Azevedo, Brazil, KTM, 3:59:38
8. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 4:13:01
9. Jacek Czachor, Poland, KTM at 9:38:41
10. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands, KTM 6:14:46
Hayes leads teams to Daytona tire test
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing and Dunlop Tire will conduct a two-day test session at the newly resurfaced Daytona International Speedway on Monday and Tuesday. All four AMA Pro Road Racing classes will be participating in the first open test for the AMA Pro Road Racing competitors. A limited test was conducted last December by Dunlop Tire and successfully paved the way for the first big open test of 2011.
An impressive 53 rider entry list has been set for the two-day test with 17 AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike riders, 15 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike riders, 10 AMA Pro SuperSport riders and 11 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series riders.
The test will begin at 12:00 noon on Monday and run until 5:00pm and then the riders will have a full day on the track on Tuesday, running from 9:00am until 5:00 pm.
Highlighting the entry will be 2010 National Guard SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes with his Yamaha now sporting the coveted Number One plate. He will be joined by 2010 Daytona SportBike Champion Martin Cardenas, making his National Guard SuperBike debut on a Team M4 Suzuki. Also testing for the first time at Daytona in 2011 will be Tommy Hayden, Blake Young, Chris Ulrich, Geoff May, Chris Clark and others.
A number of riders will be making their debuts on new team or equipment combinations including Ben Bostrom, Larry Pegram, Eric Bostrom and the aforementioned Cardenas. Rejoining the AMA Pro series in 2011 is Roger Hayden.
The series will also welcome back Kawasaki to AMA Pro Road Racing for this year's Daytona round. The exciting new project will see Eric Bostrom riding the iconic green Kawasaki Ninjas at Daytona in both the SuperBike and Daytona SportBike classes with the Team Cycle World Attack Performance program.
Larry Pegram has made an equipment change, riding a BMW in this year's series.
Ben Bostrom will join Roger Hayden at the Jordan Motorsports team in a complete rider change for the team. Hayden will be riding the National Guard Suzuki and Bostrom will be aboard the famous number 23 Jordan Suzuki.
In the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike category, 2009 Daytona SportBike Champion Danny Eslick will get his first look at the new track surface and he will be joined by a number of new rider team/equipment combinations as well, including Dane Westby riding with Team M4 Suzuki, Taylor Knapp moving to Vesrah Suzuki alongside Cory West, and P.J. Jacobsen riding a Ducati for Celtic Racing with technical support from Fast by Ferracci. The series will also see the return of Jason DiSalvo, riding with Team Latus Motors.
AMA Pro 2010 SuperSport Young Gun East Division champion J.D. Beach will make his debut in the Daytona SportBike class aboard the exciting new Kawasaki entry alongside Eric Bostrom as part of the Team Cycle World Attack Performance program with Kawasaki.
AMA Pro SuperSport race winners Elena Myers and James Rispoli headline the 10 SuperSport bikes that will be testing at Daytona, getting their first look at the new asphalt, the second resurfacing in track history and the first since 1978.
The AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, which debuted last year in June at Road America, will be taking to the Daytona highbanks for the first time. Bolstered by another healthy addition to the prize money fund by Harley-Davidson, the test will see a number of familiar names, including Michael Barnes, Kyle Wyman, Paul Schwemmer, Chris Fillmore and Clinton Seller. Making a welcome debut in road racing will be AMA Pro Flat Track star Joe Kopp with Team Latus Motors and he will joined by Chase McFarland on a second Latus XR1200. AMA Pro 2009 SuperSport Young Gun West Division Champion Ricky Parker will also be testing a XR1200.
Following the earlier limited testing this past December, Dunlop Tire engineers will be on hand to closely monitor the performance of the various new combinations. The previous test was quite successful with the new surface receiving many complements from not only the AMA Pro riders that participated but also from the other categories of motorsports that have tested on the amazingly smooth new surface.
The AMA Pro teams will return in March for the opening rounds of the 2011 season with the Daytona 200 Week activities beginning March 5 with the Daytona Supercross event. The AMA Pro Flat Track events at the DAYTONA Flat Track are scheduled for Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11. The AMA Pro Road Racing activities begin Thursday, March 10 and the closing race of Bike Week this year will be the famous Daytona 200, which will be run during the day on Saturday, March 12.
Coma takes dramatic Stage win
From KTM Racing
Friday's Dakar Stage 12, won by KTM factory rider Marc Coma will go down in the record books as one of the most hotly contested stages of the 2011 edition of the Rally.
At the end of a very long day on the bike, the Spanish rider prevailed over his nemesis, French-born Cyril Despres by just 37 seconds. It was the Spanish rider's fifth stage victory in the 33rd edition of the rally and his 16th career Dakar stage win.
If Coma takes the coveted trophy in Buenos Aires on Saturday he will have his third Dakar title and level the score with 2010 winner Despres. The victory will also give KTM its 10th victory, thus recording a major milestone for the Austrian brand.
Despres, who won his third stage on Thursday, had the job of opening the road. He fought tooth and nail to try to get the edge on Coma, but the Spaniard kept a cool head and stayed within striking distance the entire day. Despres even managed at one point to stretch the lead over Coma to two minutes 30 seconds at around the halfway mark. But in the end it was Coma's day and could well now be his rally.
There were no mishaps for the Spaniard, who rode cleanly and efficiently. He was careful to avoid any navigational errors and waited till the end of the stage before he made his attack on Despres. While the two have fought a battle of attrition throughout the rally, they are now head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Third is currently Chaleco Lopez of Chile, just short of an hour behind Coma with the next rider, Portugal's Helder Rodrigues at one hour 42 minutes.
Despres was philosophical at the end of the 555km ride saying he had to go on the attack.
"At least it's good to not have any regrets," he explained. "I gave it everything I had and it was a long day. It must have rained a lot last night because the tracks were churned up with lots of mud. It was hellish.
"My chances are looking slimmer though. After a day like that with 555km to cover and opportunities to open up gaps, we more or less cancelled each other out. Mind you, it's not the end of the world, you know, you have to keep things in perspective."
Saturday for the final stage from Cordoba to Buenos Aires riders have to tackle a 645km link and a relatively short 181km special, which finishes at the Baradero racing track in the Argentinean capital.
Stage 12 Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM 6:42:42
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 00:37
3. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 7:21
4. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 10:03
5. Quinn Alexis Cody, USA, Honda, 15:45
6. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 16:57
Standings after Stage 12
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 16:36
3. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 59:27
4. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 1:42:31
5. Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 3:06:00
6. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM, 3:31:21
7. Jean De Azevedo, Brazil, KTM, 3:50:35
8. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 4:06:43
Rossi and Hayden hit the track
From Ducati Press
TRENTO, ITALY -- Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden joined Ferrari’s Formula 1 drivers for a spectacular karting exhibition on Madonna di Campiglio’s frozen lake in front of an enthusiastic crowd of over 5,000 people on Friday.
“This week has been a spectacular event, and the races at the end were a lot of fun,” said Rossi. “In the end, I decided to take part because the atmosphere here at Wrooom was so fantastic, and because the fans deserved it. I got a few jolts from the holes, but nothing too bad. It was worth it.”
"This was my third Wrooom, and I think it was the best one yet," echoed Hayden. "It seems like they just make it better every year. They really treat us good, and we make a lot of friends, and it’s great to see them each year. This is a great way to kick things off, but there’s been enough talking about everything now. It’s time to get out there and do the real thing. I look forward to it."
Friday, January 14, 2011
Ducati extends partnership with Shell
From Ducati Press
Shell Advance’s technical partnership with Ducati has been extended until the end of the 2013 racing season.
The extended relationship will ensure the continued development of tailored Shell Advance lubricant and Shell V-Power fuel for the Desmosedici bikes of the Ducati Marlboro Team that compete in the MotoGP World Championship. Shell Advance will also continue as the first-fill lubricant of every Ducati bike that leaves the factory in Bologna.
Shell has enjoyed an extremely productive and successful relationship with Ducati Corse, first in World Superbikes and then accompanying the Bologna-based team when it moved to MotoGP in 2003. Since then, the partnership has won 31 races, one Manufacturers’, one Teams’ and one Riders’ Title in MotoGP and six Riders’ Championships and nine Constructors’ Championships in World Superbike.
“Shell and Ducati have enjoyed a very successful technical partnership over the past 11 years and in that time both the Shell and Ducati products have gone from strength to strength," said Traci Alford, Shell Lubricants Global general manager. "Shell Advance is the lubricant of choice for Ducati on the track as well as the road and also for consumers around the world. Ducati also uses Shell V-Power fuel. With this renewed commitment, we will continue to work towards delivering increased responsiveness and performance on the racetrack by developing the most advanced motorcycle lubricants in the world.”
Filippo Preziosi, director general, Ducati Corse added, “Ducati is thrilled to be continuing its relationship with Shell as a key technical partner – both in MotoGP and in the road bike factory. We will build on the performance advantage that Shell Advance lubricants and Shell V-Power fuels bring to our bikes. In turn, we want this to mean greater success for the team and our road-going products.”
Two top 10s for Lajoie in California
By John Hopkins
Making her debut in WERA's Expert division, Ile-Perrot, QC racer Nadine Lajoie rode her Honda CBR600RR to a pair of top 10 finishes at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA last Sunday.
Lajoie placed fourth in Women's Super Stock and eighth in Middleweight Senior Superbike on her Catalyst Reaction-backed Honda. She completed her day with 18th in B Superbike (750cc) and 20th in C Superbike (600cc) and almost beat her personal best lap time on the Auto Club Speedway circuit. The day was distinguished by bitterly cold and cloudy conditions.
“I’m very proud of the accomplishment," said Lajoie of her move up to the Expert ranks. "It means a lot to me to race against the best of the best. I really looked to push my limits and step out of my comfort zone as far as my abilities on the track.”
Lajoie will be right back in action this Sunday at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Ducati unveils 2011 MotoGP challenger
From Ducati Press
TRENTO, ITALY -- The spectacular scenery of the Trento Dolomites served as the background for the first official photos of the Ducati Desmosedici GP11 in its new livery on Wednesday.
“The 2011 season opens a sort of third phase for our MotoGP project,” said Claudio Domenicali, General Director of Ducati Motor Holding. “The first was with Loris Capirossi, who in just six races took the Desmosedici to its first win. The second brought the World Championship crown, thanks to Casey Stoner, in 2007. The big news for 2011, which opens a third phase, is the arrival of Valentino Rossi on the team.
"It’s an important phase for our company, which relies a lot on research and development, and which uses the MotoGP series not only as a venue for winning, but also as a laboratory for advanced research. Valentino is universally recognized as a master at taking a bike to its limits, but also at providing feedback that’s extremely useful for development. We think this skill will give us a big push for improving our engineering, and to always give our fans the best bikes possible."
“The thing that struck me the most about Vale,” said Filippo Preziosi, General Director of Ducati Corse, “is his great ability to create a positive climate around himself. On the other hand, one thing that I’d heard about him but that I found to be even more true than I expected was his ability to analyze details in the bike’s behaviour and to describe them in an incredibly precise way. It’s very valuable because the rider is gives us considerable information that we wouldn’t otherwise have. The quality of this information will make a big difference.”
Moving on to the topic of the GP11, the Ducati engineer explained the principal changes for the new season.
“The bike we see here at Madonna di Campiglio is the GP11 ‘step 0,’ as it represents the initial level from which we plan to evolve," Preziosi explained. "The principal characteristics are the evolution of the motor and of the throttle body thought to obtain, fundamentally, a flatter and more useable power curve. As for the chassis, the aerodynamics are completely new, with the goal of improving top speed, reducing consumption, and also reducing front lift as much as possible.
"Other aspects we’re working on for the Malaysia tests in February are the new frame, which has already undergone various tests of rigidity and flex — for torsion and under braking — a swingarm with different rigidity characteristics, and a fork that combines the 2011 hydraulics with the 42mm tubes, instead of 48. As for the electronics, we’re working on wheelie control and traction control.
"We know that Valentino isn’t at 100 percent, and Sepang is a very ‘physical’ track, so we’ll try to optimize his sessions and to use his time on the track in a ‘surgical’ way in order to have his feedback. Many tests will also be entrusted to Nicky Hayden, who will be able to ride normally. We’re working hard, but the atmosphere at Ducati is really nice, very electric and positive, and we can’t wait to get back on the track.”
Despres claws back time on Dakar
From KTM Racing
Three-time Dakar winner Cyril Despres went all out on Thursday to claw back a couple of vital minutes on overall leader and fellow KTM factory rider Marc Coma to take his third stage victory in this, the 33rd edition of the world's most famous rally.
The stage victory is the 26th in Despres' remarkable career of racing the Dakar.
While Coma still has a comfortable 15:59 on Despres as the riders go into the final two stages, the Frenchman is wily and experienced enough to know that the race is not over until they cross the line in Buenos Aires. With everything still to play for he continues to attack just as vigorously as Coma defends. On Thursday, as in most other stages the two KTM riders shadowed each other throughout two very long specials, neither conceding time or meters to each other.
"If you want to win you have to really try and that is what I am doing," Despres said at the end of Stage 11. "I'm doing everything I can, everything I know. It has to be said it was a superb special. Even if the time wasn't great, it was a pleasure to ride.
"In 2007 I won two days before the finish, and if I don't have a hope, it's impossible to ride at speeds like that. I'm still hoping and carrying on attacking. With Marc, we both ride KTM bikes and that's an advantage. We're quite close, but for the moment, the fat lady hasn't sung yet. There are still two days left."
As the 9500km marathon rally that sweeps through Argentina and Chile enters its penultimate stage on Friday - and with just 96 starters left of the original 186 riders - the 2011 edition is shaping up to be a battle of the KTM titans. Their nearest rival is Aprilia's Chaleco Lopez of Chile, who has now slipped back to 49 minutes 24 behind Coma. Should either Coma or Despres be first across the line in Buenos Aires, it will be KTM's 10th successive title, six of which would have been delivered by these two riders.
For his part, Coma stayed cool and concentrated on riding a controlled race and sticking close on the wheel of his rival to ensure that Despres did not break away and steal more time from his advantage. If he triumphs in this year's rally he and Despres will each have three Dakar titles to their credit.
The 11th special on Thursday, a long rider of 622km, of which 160 was neutralized, continued to test the riders' technical skills by offering a variety of terrain. Despres went all out to regain time lost after several days where his path seemed to be strewn with misfortune. While he and Coma were battling it out in the early stages, at one point it looked like Lopez may take the win. The Chilean had the best time at the neutralized zone but then made a navigation error in the second half of the special that allowed the two KTM riders to regain control and battle it out for the stage honours.
The penultimate stage from San Juan to Cordoba is a 123km link and 555km special that kicks off with a challenging 100km of sand track.
Stage 11 Results
1. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, 4:33:13
2. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, at 2:11
3. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 6:19
4. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 7:44
5. Alain Duclos, France, Aprilia, 10:03
Standings after Stage 11
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 15:59
3. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 49:24
4. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 1:35:10
5. Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 2:42:55
6. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM, 2:57:95
7. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 3:49:46
Nitro Harleys return to Nitro Jam
From Feld Motor Sports
NORWALK, OH – Crazy, psychotic, suicidal – all are words that have been used to describe the insane riders of the nitro powered motorcycle class known as Nitro Harley.
But while those terms all seem to fit perfectly anyone who knowingly chooses to hop on a two-wheeled bomb and travel speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour, to the racers themselves, there is only one word that can be used to describe their chosen profession – exhilarating.
And that is exactly what keeps fans coming back for more when these extreme daredevils take to the track, a sight that is soon to become a commonplace at Nitro Jam events all across North America as the hottest motorsports show in the country reunites with the most exciting class in all of drag racing for the 2011 Nitro Jam season.
“What can I say, I thrive on being able to do something that most people could never do,” said Jay Turner (pictured), a six-time champion in various nitro bike leagues across the country. “I love the adrenaline and I love being able to entertain the fans. When you are at about the 1,000 foot mark and the front tire is two feet off the ground at nearly 200 miles per hour and everyone is cheering, that is what it is all about.”
Turner is one of over half a dozen riders that will be a part of the 2011 Nitro Jam tour competing at all nine Nitro Jam events currently on the schedule. Riders from all corners of the country will make up the new class, which returns to the Nitro Jam schedule fulltime for the first time since 2002.
“We are thrilled to be back racing with IHRA this season. We are both all about the same thing – making it exciting for the fans and putting on a great show,” Turner said. “And from an entertainment perspective, there is nothing quite as exciting as a Nitro Harley.”
Turner and the rest of the Nitro Harley crew including Steve Dorn, Mike Scott and Randal Andras will be on hand to kick off the Nitro Jam season Jan. 28-29 at Palm Beach International Raceway.
Acer announces agreement with Ducati
From Ducati Press
Acer has announced the signing of an agreement with Ducati Corse. Under this agreement Acer will become Official Partner of the motorcycle company.
"Both Acer and Ducati have proved that teamwork and the spirit of competition can turn ambitious goals into concrete results," said Gianpiero Morbello, Corporate Vice President Marketing and Brand, Acer Group. "We decided to sign this important new partnership with the belief that the combination of the two brands will have a positive value for Acer, as well as to strengthen their commitment to the world of motorsport."
The agreement of the initial term of two years covers the supply of hardware including Acer branded clients and Gateway servers. Thanks to Acer and Gateway’s solutions, Ducati will benefit from the most modern and efficient systems for the 3D CAD for their engine’s design; from systems based on high performance computing for fluid dynamics simulation, as well as high-performance mobile devices that deliver the power necessary for processing telemetry data analysis.
“The agreement with Acer for us represents an achievement of an important goal,” commented Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director. "Acer shall be a partner that not only is able to provide reliable and high performance systems, but also a great experience in the racing world. With this agreement we have achieved both goals, in the delicate project engineering work also in the demanding and dynamic activity of the track."
Coma extends Dakar lead
From KTM Racing
KTM factory rider Marc Coma of Spain emerged as the winner of the Dakar's Stage 10 on Wednesday after negotiating 176km of timed special in the white dunes around Fiambala back in Argentina. The day took riders back over the Andes ahead of the final three stages.
KTM's Cyril Despres was second in the stage but now trails his Spanish rival by just over 18 minutes.
The stage included a big 862km ride on the road before riders had to tackle another tricky loop course, much of it sand that has earned respect from riders in earlier Dakars in this part of the world.
Despres' teammate Ruben Faria was third at the finish, followed by KTM privateer Milan Stanovnik of Slovenia to give KTM the top four finishers.
It was certainly an eventful day for title holder Despres, who already has three Dakar trophies to his credit. Coma and Despres have been too close for comfort on either side so far so Despres made a flying start to try to put some distance between himself and his Spanish rival but while opening the track he made a navigational mistake approaching the dunes.
"I made a first big mistake after 120km while I was riding well," he said. "I read 17 instead of 117 on the navigation and I ended up in the rocks with Verhoeven. We already lost lots of time there, but then in the last few kilometers I made another mistake, turned round and fell into a mud hole. It was impossible to get back out."
Organizers have promised a fabulous series of canyons at the foothills of the Andes for Stage 11 on Thursday as the riders have another very long 722km special after 164km of liaison.
The field in the motorcycle category has now trimmed from 186 starters to 103 for Stage 10.
Stage 10 Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 3:06:35
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 9:56
3. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 13:22
4. Miran Stanovnik, Slovenia, KTM at 21:26
5. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 21:43
6. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands KTM at 22:11
Standings after Stage 10
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 38:39:31
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 18:10
3. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 45:16
4. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 1:24:37
5. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 1:34:42
6. Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 2:29:24
7. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM, 2:36:39
8. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands KTM at 4:00:20
