MotoGP Qualifying Wraps up in Estoril

Story and photos by Vicki Schouten

Marco Simoncelli dominated free practice, but in the end it was reigning champion Jorge Lorenzo who came out on top in this afternoon's MotoGP qualifying in Estoril. Damp conditions and a wet racetrack proved a challenge for all riders on Saturday afternoon, including San Carlo Honda Gresini's Simoncelli who crashed in the last five minutes of qualifying. Simoncelli looked to have pole position locked up until his fall, when reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo registered the fastest laptime at 1:37.161, besting Simoncelli's time of 1:37.294, giving the Factory Yamaha rider his first pole position of the season.

In the post qualifying press conference Simoncelli sited a soft front tire that caused his fall. What followed was a heated debate between Simoncelli and Jorge Lorenzo, who has expressed concern over the Honda pilot's aggressive riding style. Lorenzo made it quite clear that the past was the past, but should Simoncelli cause trouble in future for him, there will be a problem; "It doesn't matter. If nothing happens in the future, it's not a problem for me. But if something happens with you in the future, it will be a problem." explained Lorenzo. Having the two riders start next to one another on Sunday's grid may prove interesting. Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa rounded out the front row of the grid with a time of 1:37.324, despite a recovering shoulder injury. While his shoulder is still quite sore from surgery, Pedrosa intends to finish the race on Sunday.

Another rider who intends to finish Sunday's MotoGP race despite injury is Rizla Suzuki's Alvaro Bautista. We caught up with Bautista following Sunday's qualifying session. Still walking with the support of crutches, Bautista was just happy to be back on the motorcycle, and dropped two seconds off his laptime from Friday's practice sessions. Bautista explained that he was still very sore (he broke his femur 43 days ago) and that he had suffered significant muscle loss in his leg, enough that he still has trouble shifting the motorcycle from side to side, but overall he was simply happy to be back on the motorcycle, "I'm really happy because I can ride." explained Bautista. His goal is to finish Sunday's 28-lap race and continue to improve his health before LeMans on May 13.

Germany's Stefan Bradl set the pole position on a damp track in the Moto2 class with a time of 1:41.591, while Thomas Luthi (Interwetten Paddock Moto2) and Julian Simon (Mapfre Aspar Moto2) rounded out the front row.

In 125cc action, Bankia Aspar's Nico Terol continued to set a blistering pace, claiming pole position with a time of 1:46.556, ahead of Intact Racing's Sandro Cortese who registered a 1:47.270. Portugal's Miquel Oliveira (Andalucia Banco Civica) rounded out the front row with a time of 1:47.405.

An update on the Red Bull Rookies Cup action from Friday, a report on the Red Bull Rookies website confirms that 16-year old Austrian rider Deni Cudic narrowly missed being struck by a lightening bolt by only 2 meters during Friday's initial qualifying session. Cudic crashed and lost consciousness. He regained consciousness but was taken to hospital in Lisbon for further inspection. 15 year-old Arthus Sissis and 17 year-old Thomas Vavrous also blacked out from the lightening strike; they were riding close to Cudic at the time. South African rider Brad Binder won Saturday's Red Bull Rookies race, while Sissis took second place. Vavrous DNF'd and Cudic did not start Saturday's race.

Rare bikes, retro on Motorcycle Experience

From Motorcycle Experience

Catch your Motorcycle Experience premiere this Saturday, April 30 at 2:00pm on TSN and TSN-HD.

During this instalment of Motorcycle Experience Dave takes a look at Ed Vaillancourt's very rare 1954 BSA Shooting Star 500, riding instructor Clint McBain provides some invaluable tips on dealing with transport trucks out on the open road, during his Labrador tour, Bryan Hudgin sets a course for the second largest hydroelectric power station in North America, viewer PK samples Moto Guzzi's new retro inspired cafe racer, the 750cc V7 Cafe Classic, and the Ultimate Ride team explores the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and checks out some serious white water.

There is one week remaining in the Joe Rocket May 24 Contest. Visit www.motorcycleexperience.ca for details.

This episode will be repeated Monday, May 2 at 12:30am and Friday, May 6 at 4:30pm. It will also be shown on TSN2 on Saturday, April 30 at 4:00pm, Monday, May 2 at 6:00pm, and Wednesday, May 4 at 3:30pm. All times are eastern.

Motorcycle Experience is created with the assistance of Honda Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada, Suzuki Canada, Yamaha Motor Canada and Motovan Corp.

MotoGP Estoril: All Smiles for Simoncelli

Story and photos by Vicki Schouten

Marco Simoncelli is a happy man; all smiles (and hair) in the paddock at lunch time in Estoril on Friday. In only his second season in the premiere MotoGP class, the San Carlo Honda Gresini rider piloted his Honda RC212V to the top of the practice board in both the morning and afternoon free practice sessions on a dry racetrack.

Simoncelli produced the fastest lap on the day with a 1:37.663, ahead of defending champion Jorge Lorenzo who, despite attempts to close the gap, produced a best time of 1:37.724. Rounding out the tight top three combined practice results was Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa with a time of 1:37.727. Tied for fourth place was Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner with a best laptime of 1:138.102; coincidentally the same two riders who were involved in an on track incident in Jerez. In a statement from the FIM Race Direction on Friday regarding the incident, the FIM declared that Race Direction has decided that the behavior of the track marshals was safe and appropriate. No doubt both riders are eager to put Jerez behind them and are focussed on a podium finish on Sunday in Estoril.

Rizla Suzuki rider Alvaro Bautista continues to ride steady and improve his times. Bautista dropped another second this afternoon with a time of 1:40.173.

The skies opened up for the second Moto2 practice and riders contended with damp to wet track conditions. Gresini Racing's Yuki Takahashi once again came out on top in the rain, with a time of 1:51.606. Spanish rider Ricard Cardus was second aboard his QMMF Racing Moriwaki, while Gresini's Michelle Pirro rounded out the top three.

Bankia Aspar's Nico Terol continues to dominate the 125cc class with nearly a one second lead over his nearest competitor, Germany's Sandro Cortese.

The afternoon came to an abrupt standstill when a sever thunder and lightening storm rolled into the paddock around 4pm as the Red Bull Rookies Cup riders had just headed out onto the racetrack. The session was quickly red flagged and riders were brought back into the paddock to wait out the storm. Unconfirmed reports suggest that one of the Red Bull Rookie riders was struck by lightening. We hope to provide further details as we learn more. The Red Bull Rookies later returned to the racetrack once the storm subsided.

Canadian TTX GP entry

From Amarok Consultants

LENNOXVILLE, QC - Amarok Consultants, a leader in motorcycle industry consulting, has presented the prototype for an electric racing motorcycle that will compete in the 2011 TTX GP racing series.

The Amarok P1, designed and built in Lennoxville, QC, tips the scales at a diminutive 147kg (325 lbs), with 7.5 KwH of lithium batteries and powered by two Agni 95R DC motors, making it one of the lightest electric sport motorcycles in existence. 

To achieve maximum power-to-weight and optimize handling, Amarok uses proprietary Concentric Design methodology to rethink conventional motorcycle architecture and challenge preconceptions of motorcycle engineering. The Amarok P1 features a frameless aluminum monocoque design that incorporates the structure, enclosed battery storage and the aerodynamic fairing all into one, eliminating duplication, optimizing distribution of loads and reducing weight across the system.

“Ever since I saw the first modern electric scooters in the mid 2000's, I felt that the time was ripe to approach motorcycle design like an aerospace vehicle, and integrate the body, frame and battery into the same structure,” said Amarok Consultants President and P1 chief designer Michael Uhlarik. “Since the 1930's, airplanes have relied on all-stressed skin, aluminum monocoques for superior strength, lower weight and packaging efficiency. Batteries already have strong and bulky structures, so why not design them into shapes that give them enough strength to support the entire motorcycle and rider vehicle system, while sculpting them into an aerodynamic package?”

The P1 is the result of over one year of design and fabrication, and although impressively light already, it represents only a starting point.

“The P1 is far from perfected, with many compromises made for the sake of time and limited resources," Uhlarik continued. "It is our design target to achieve a weight of 125kg (275 lbs) with the next generation P2, giving us power-to-weight parity with a gasoline powered 250cc Grand Prix bike. I want Amarok to prove that with battery electric vehicles, less really is more. Less heavy, costly batteries, but more performance and better handling.”

Amarok will be campaigning the P1 in the North American TTX GP electric racing series this summer with support from Pro6 Cycle, Canada's largest track day operator, and Dunlop Tires, while continuing to develop the concept and upgrading the technology for the second generation P2, due in fourth quarter 2011.

Based in Lennoxville, Quebec, Amarok Consultants provides outsourcing services to the motorcycle industry. Founded by international award winning designer Uhlarik, author of motorcycles such as the Yamaha MT-03, Yamaha TZR, Derbi CRA07 and many others, Amarok offers a range of services from industrial design and project management, to market research and brand development.

MotoGP Estoril: Bautista Presses On

Story and photos by Vicki Schouten, from Estoril

Free practice got underway this morning under threatening skies in Estoril for Round #3 of the MotoGP series. Honda dominated the top of the free practice with Marco Simoncelli insisting on staying atop the charts with a time of 1:38.032. He was followed closely by Repsol Honda teammates Stoner and Pedrosa. Defending champion Jorge Lorenzo was 4th on his Factory Yamaha, while Valentino Rossi rounded off the top five of this morning's practice.



The real story of the morning however, was Rizla Suzuki's Alvaro Bautista, who put in some consistent and respectable laptimes, following his return to the circuit a mere 42 days after breaking his femur. After completing this mornings free practice session with a time of 1:41:034, Bautista's team confirmed that it is his intention to continue riding for the rest of the weekend.



Rizla Suzuki's GSV-R will feature a new logo in Estoril- "Change and Challenge"- which is used by Suzuki in Asian markets to promote its new range of motorcycle products. While the new logo is meant to engage with the enthusiasm of fans in these regions, Bautista himself certainly has a "Challenge" ahead of him as he recovers and makes a comeback from his serious injury.

Team Bankia Aspar's Nico Terol continued to dominate 125cc action on his Aprillia. With a time of 1:47.746 Terol was over one second faster than French competitor Johann Zarco from the Avant-AirAsia-Ajo team.

Moto2 action was close with team Gresini's Yuki Takahashi leading free practice with a time of 1:42.402. Hot on the heels of Takahashi were another 11 riders all under the 1:43 mark.

The sun is peering through the clouds and the forecast continues to change, here's hoping for sunny skies for the remainder of the weekend.

MotoGP Preview from Estoril, Portugal

The third round of the MotoGP series kicks off in Estoril, Portugal this weekend. After nearly a month long break following the cancellation of the Japanese GP, riders are ready to return to racing action.

One such rider is Rizla Suzuki's Alvaro Bautista, who only 42 days ago, broke his left femur. Bautista has been undergoing intensive physiotherapy and has been using a hyperbaric chamber in Madrid to assist his healing. Bautista plans to take to the track on Friday morning in Estoril and hopes to compete in Sunday's race. If Bautista is unable to ride at a competitive level, Rizla Suzuki factory test rider Nobuatsu Aoki is on stand-by. Bautista is expected to make his decision to continue following Friday's first free practice.

Yamaha Factory rider Jorge Lorenzo will look to defend his number one plate and his points lead in Estoril. Lorenzo has a formidable record at the Estoril circuit, having won for the past three consecutive seasons from pole position. Lorenzo also took his first MotoGP win at Estoril. Look for Dani Pedrosa, who used the break to undergo surgery and have some screws removed from his collarbone, to make a chase for the points lead as well. Casey Stoner and Ben Spies will be expecting to recoup following DNF results in Jerez, the former the result of a coming together with Valentino Rossi. Both Rossi and Stoner appear very focused on the weekend and should make a run for the podium.

In Moto2 action Italian Andrea Iannone is the early points leader after taking a victory in the wet at Jerez, while German rider Stefan Bradl won the season opener in Qatar and came out on top in Estoril last season. One rider to watch for will be MZ Racing's Anthony West. A master in the rain, West has a chance to dominate this weekend should the forecast hold true and the skies open up. West finished a hard fought 11th place in a rain-filled Jerez last month, and with a new chassis en route, combined with West's superior wet riding skills the #13 rider will be one to watch.

Team Bankia Aspar rider Nico Terol will be looking to solidify has lead in 125cc action. With two victories under his belt, the rider enters Round #3 with a 19-point lead over second placed Jonas Folger. The young Folger has shown impressive talent this season as well with a 5th place in Qatar and 2nd in Jerez. The weather may again prove a factor this weekend as the wet Jerez race saw six 125cc riders score their best ever GP result.

Follow our blog over the course of the weekend as Inside Motorcycles columnist Vicki Schouten reports from Estoril.

Special Edition R1 to be unveiled Friday

From Yamaha Motor Canada

TORONTO, ON - In celebration of UFC 129 coming to Toronto, Canadian bike builder Sean Mance of Flat Out Industries has partnered with Yamaha to create an exclusive, one-of-a-kind supersport motorcycle, the ‘TapOut Edition YZF-R1.’

Images of this two-wheel fighter have been leaked on Facebook.com/YamahaMotorCanada, with the official unveiling taking place Friday, April 29 at 11am inside TapOut’s booth at the Toronto UFC Fan Expo in the Direct Energy Centre.

Reflecting the synergy between the world’s fastest motorcycle racers and the world’s ultimate fighters, the TapOut R1 pays homage to the fearlessness and energy surrounding both. Decked out with many high performance racing parts, custom, CNC machined components and a race-replica inspired paint scheme, this is the Ultimate 2-Wheel Street Fighting machine.

TapOut’s Punkass and Skyscrape, Yamaha and Sean Mance of Flat Out Industries will be on hand to unleash this unique creation to Canadian fight fans.

Expo show times and details are available at ufcfanexpo.com.

Young leads Superbikes to Miller test

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The AMA Pro Road Racing Championship returns to asphalt next Monday and Tuesday (May 2-3) at the official, two-day test at Miller Motorsports Park in Toole, UT.

Located just outside Salt Lake City, the beautiful MMP circuit will play host to the majority of AMA Pro's top competitors as they prep for both Round 2 at Infineon Raceway (May 13-15) and for MMP's BigM Weekend presented by Lucas Oil, which will see AMA Pro Road Racing's Round 3 run alongside Round 5 of the World Superbike Championship, May 28-30.

Heading up the field in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike testing will be reigning SuperBike champion Josh Hayes (Monster Energy Graves Yamaha) and current points leader Blake Young (Rockstar Makita Suzuki). Hayes will be joined by fellow Yamaha SuperBiker Chris Clark (Y.E.S./Pat Clark/Graves Motorsports), while Young will have teammate Tommy Hayden and Suzuki's Australian Superbike star, Josh Waters, for brand-centric company.

Team M4 Suzuki's Round 1 standout (and reigning Daytona SportBike champ) Martin Cardenas will likewise be honing his skills at MMP in the new-to-him class, joined by veteran teammate Chris Ulrich. The Michael Jordan Motorsports effort will be out in force with riders Ben Bostrom (Jordan Suzuki) and National Guard-sponsored Roger Hayden.

Foremost Insurance Pegram Racing's Larry Pegram will represent just one of a trio of BMW S1000Rs testing at the MMP facility, with Iron Horse BMW fielding both Chris Peris and Tony Kasper. In all, a total of 14 AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike riders are currently registered for the test.

The AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class will see at least 22 of its riders take to the track at Miller, a field that includes Ducati riders Jason DiSalvo on his Daytona 200-winning Team Latus Motors Racing machine, P.J. Jacobson (Celtic Racing), and Jake Holden (DNA Roberson Motorsports), plus a slew of ferocious Yamaha and Suzuki riders.

No fewer than eight Yamaha R6's, in fact, will be running at Miller, led by Monster Energy Graves Yamaha's Josh Herrin. He'll be joined by Tommy Aquino (Y.E.S./Pat Clark/Graves Motorsports), Melissa Paris (HT Moto Yamaha), and a trio of AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport graduates: LTD Racing/Y.E.S. Yamaha's Huntley Nash, Cameron Beaubier, and 2010 Top Gun Champion Tyler O'Hara.

On the Suzuki side, 2009 Daytona SportBike Champion Danny Eslick (Richie Morris Racing/GEICO Powersports) will lead the Suzuki delegation to Utah, joined by M4 Suzuki's talented Dane Westby; Westby's teammate, Santiago Villa; and Vesrah Suzuki's highly capable Taylor Knapp and Cory West, among others. A trio of SuperSport Kawasakis will be headed up by Fernando Amantini, while Honda pilot Tyler Odom will likewise put his machinery through its paces.

Thirteen AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport riders are slated to begin testing on Monday, the sessions serving as a preview of the highly anticipated Larry H. Miller SuperSport Challenge event, which will take place during the BigM Weekend and be broadcast live on SPEED2 Sunday, May 29, at 3:05pm PST. Along with the BigM Weekend's AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 race, the Larry H. Miller SuperSport Challenge will also be included in an AMA Pro Road Racing Special that will air Monday, May 30, at 9pm PST.

The SuperSport group will be led by Daytona winners Tomas Puerta and Daniel Gaviria on their Team LTD/Y.E.S. Yamahas. SuzukiScoopFans Racing's Elena Myers was also scheduled to attend the test, but having broken her arm in a Supermoto accident last Monday, she'll be forced to sit out the test and focus instead on healing in time for a possible return at Round 2. Corey Alexander, however, will be present to represent for Suzuki, while standout young-gun Benny Solis (Team Roadracingworld.com) will lay down laps on his Honda.

AMA Pro's Vance & Hines XR1200 riders are prepping for their first-ever appearance at MMP, and a minimum of eight of the big-twin pilots will be testing. Daytona winner Kyle Wyman will lead the XR1200 testing group on his RMR Bruce Rossmeyer/Daytona Racing machine, joined by teammates Chris Fillmore and Michael Corbino. AMA Pro Flat Track multi-time champion Joe Kopp (Team Latus Motors) will also be on track, as will SuperSport Top Gun champ Tyler O'Hara and a handful of other Harley-Davidson XR1200 pilots.

'Yamabucks For You' program returns

From Yamaha Motor Canada

Yamaha Motor Canada is bringing back the popular ‘Yamabucks For You’ program that successfully launched last year. The program distributes thousands of dollars worth of Yamabuck gift certificates to Yamaha enthusiasts across the country via motorcycle track days and amateur MX, Enduro and ATV racing.

“For many of our customers, the track becomes their second home during the riding season. We want to show our support to members of the Yamaha family who help to represent us at tracks across Canada,” commented PR Specialist, Bryan Hudgin.

Street motorcyclists who take their Yamaha to selected track day organizations will receive a one time, $75 Yamabuck at event registration. Racers will receive varying amounts based on their finishing position in the classes and events specified. The Yamabuck certificate is redeemable at any local Yamaha dealer for purchase towards anything Yamaha Motor Canada sells including units, parts, accessories and apparel.

“What is unique about ‘Yamabucks for You’ is that, for the racing portion of the program, amateur racers may not even need a podium finish to reap the rewards. For instance, if a racer finished 15th but was the third finishing Yamaha in the class, the racer would still qualify for a Yamabuck,” relayed Hudgin, “It’s a way for us to say thank you to many of the customers who have chosen Yamaha and help support them, if even just a little, at the track.”

All Yamabucks will be distributed by track and series promoters at the event or the conclusion of the series for which it is designated to. Offer is good only while supplies last.

For more details visit http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/racing/yamabucks.php <http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/racing/yamabucks.php>.

Matechuk joins XR1200 series

By John Hopkins

Last year's top rookie Pro in the Canadian Superbike Championship, Cody Matechuk is the latest top name to join the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup national support class.

The Cochrane, AB teenager will run with the backing of Privateers Harley-Davidson of Halifax in the 2011 series. Further confirmed sponsorship will come from Motovan, RMR Suspension and Race Tech.

The 17-year-old Matechuk is one of the rising stars on the Canadian road racing scene. He won the Suzuki SV650 National Cup in 2009 and the following year swept to the Amateur Sport Bike national title. Last year he placed sixth in the Canadian Superbike Championship feature class standings with a top finish of third place on his Acceleration Racing Suzuki.

"It's going to be different," said Matechuk of riding the XR1200 twin. "I rode a Buell three years ago but my only other twin experience has been with the SV. I'm going to have to ride it a bit differently [than a sport bike]. It's heavy so you have to use your weight more and carry your speed because there's not as much horsepower."

Matechuk expects to get his first taste of the Harley at the official Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada test day at Calabogie Motorsports Park on May 20. The 2011 season will open a week later at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC.

"It's going to be tough," Matechuk admitted. "It sounds like there will be a few ex-Pros out there; a lot of top guys. It's going to be close racing and should be interesting to watch. I hope to get on the podium and obviously go for the championship. I want to have fun with it."

Ruthless Racing's Darren James and Dave Estok are confirmed for the series, as well as one of 2010's top national Amateurs Steven Nickerson. Six-time Canadian Superbike Champion Steve Crevier is among the legendary names also rumoured to be making an appearance in the class as well.

Dunlop join Isle of Man TT Races

From the Isle of Man TT

The Department of Economic Development has confirmed that tire manufacturer Dunlop, a name inextricably linked with the Isle of Man TT Races, will be the 'Official Tyre Partner' for the 2011 TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy.

The company has had unrivalled success at the Isle of Man with many of the greatest names in TT history recording victories using Dunlop tires. All of the solo TT races in the last two years were won by riders using Dunlop tires including Ian Hutchinson's record breaking five victories in 2010 and Steve Plater's race winning performance in 2009 that included the new Senior TT Race record.

Iconic names from the past who used Dunlop tires at the TT Races include 'Rocket' Ron Haslam, Roger Marshall, Mick Grant, Roger Burnett and Joey Dunlop.

"Dunlop is delighted to become the Official Tyre Partner of the TT Races," said Eddy Geerdink, Dunlop Marketing Manager. "The Mountain Course is one of the world's toughest circuits and our success in the event over the years has provided us with excellent recognition for the performance and technology of our tires."

Indy infield to be resurfaced

From motogp.com

The infield section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit, which will host the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix from Aug. 26-28, will be resurfaced this summer in preparation for the 12th round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

The project, which will see 1.5 miles (2.4km) of the circuit repaved from Turn 5 through to Turn 16, will commence on June 9 to be completed in time for the visit of the World Championship in late August.

This will be the first time that this section of the course has been resurfaced since it was built in 2000, and the new asphalt will be consistent with the other sections of the course. Turns 1 through to 4 – located inside Turn 1 of the oval – were created in 2008 for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP and will not be resurfaced as part of this project.

“This project is an example of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway providing competitors the finest racing facilities in the world," said Mel Harder, IMS senior vice president, operations. "We had a very long, hard winter this year, which exacerbated the bumps and cracks in this aging section of the track.

"We also decided to undertake this project this year due to feedback from riders during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP last year. The new surface will produce even closer, more exciting racing for the world's best riders and our loyal fans this August."

Ducati Team rider Nicky Hayden commented: "I'm happy to hear the infield section is being repaved at Indy. It's already a great track, and I'm sure this will make a smoother, more consistent racetrack for everybody."

Lorenzo aims for more Estoril success

From motogp.com

Almost four weeks after the Jerez round – the extended break being due to the postponement of the Japanese GP until October – the MotoGP World Championship returns to action at Estoril this weekend, where the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal hosts Round 3 of the 2011 season. This will be the 14th occasion that there has been a Portuguese GP.

There was no shortage of talking points following Round 2 in southern Spain, where defending World Champion Jorge Lorenzo took his first win of 2011 in the wet, and was followed onto the podium by a Dani Pedrosa struggling with his recovering left arm and Nicky Hayden. Casey Stoner's inability to finish the race after being taken down in an incident involving Valentino Rossi, the latter of whom managed to remount his bike and finish fifth, merely added to what was a highly eventful race at Jerez.

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Lorenzo has a formidable recent record at the Estoril track, having won for the past three seasons from pole position. The Spaniard has now finished inside the top four for 22 straight races, and leads the early Championship standings by nine points ahead of Pedrosa. The Repsol Honda man arrives in Portugal hopeful that surgery immediately after Jerez will have eased the discomfort caused in his left arm, and despite that he secured a 90th GP podium in the last round, making him only the 10th rider to reach the milestone in the World Championship's 63-year history.

Stoner will be eager to put the DNF from Jerez firmly behind him and regain the momentum he has established in the early stages of the season. The Repsol Honda rider has twice stood on the Estoril podium in the premier class but is yet to win there in MotoGP (he has a 250cc victory to his name), and will view such a result as the perfect response.

Hayden is the highest placed Ducati rider in the standings after two rounds, with factory team-mate Rossi close behind. The Italian has only once finished off the podium at the circuit in the premier class, and counts five victories among his haul of rostrum results at Estoril.

Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) experienced different fortunes in the previous round, the Japanese scoring his best premier class result to date with fourth while the Italian ended the race 12th. Dovizioso's last premier class podium came at Estoril in the penultimate round of 2010.

Héctor Barberá's (Mapfre Aspar Team) sixth at Jerez was another premier class personal best and the Spaniard will aim to build on that further, while rookie Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) finished eighth after a fall in the wet and now heads to another new track in Estoril. The Brit is another rider to have taken advantage of the almost four-week break to have undergone surgery, having an arm issue sorted out. Fellow rookie Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) will be confident after taking seventh at the last outing.

Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) will be more determined than ever to record a first premier class podium having crashed out while leading at Jerez, likewise Factory Yamaha Racing's Ben Spies will want to make up for taking no points at Jerez having been set for a podium finish when he fell while riding in second position.

Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) will also feel he has a point to prove after crashing in Spain, Toni Elías (LCR Honda) returns to the sight of his sole premier class victory, and Pramac Racing duo Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet will hope for an upturn in fortunes. The Frenchman had a screw removed from his left knee following Jerez, as he underwent follow-up surgery from his broken leg suffered last season.

Hoping to make a welcome return after missing the opening two races of the season following a fractured left femur, suffered in Qatar, is Álvaro Bautista. The Rizla Suzuki rider has been working hard to regain fitness and make his comeback just six weeks to the day after he sustained the injury, and has been named on the entry list for Estoril.

After only two rounds of the 2011 World Championship season the Moto2 category has already provided plenty of excitement, and more promises to pour forth at Round 3 in Estoril this weekend.

Italian Andrea Iannone is the early standings leader after taking victory in the wet at Jerez last time out, and the Speed Master team rider will aim to maintain and stretch his lead at the top after hitting his stride immediately in 2011.

Hot on his heels however are two riders who have also enjoyed strong starts to the campaign in the shape of Stefan Bradl and Thomas Lüthi, who are currently level on points. German rider Bradl (Viessmann Kiefer Racing) won the season opener in Qatar and was the victor at Estoril last season so will be confident of pushing at the front, while Lüthi (Interwetten Paddock Moto2) has registered podium finishes in the two rounds of the season so far.

The 125 category arrives in Portugal with Nico Terol (Bankia Aspar) threatening to extend his already impressive 19-point lead at the top of the Championship even further, on a track at which he has twice finished on the podium (including second place last year).

With two victories from the opening two rounds of the season the Spaniard is in fearsome shape, and will be the man to beat at Estoril. Aside from Terol's blistering start to 2011, there have been impressive displays from the riders following, one being young German talent Jonas Folger. The Red Bull Ajo Motorsport man, who placed fifth in Qatar and second at Jerez (his second World Championship podium), will be confident of pushing for a similar result in Portugal, while his compatriot Sandro Cortese (Intact Racing Team Germany) will also be eager to challenge for a first victory.

Szoke leads Canadian testing

From csbk.ca

JENNINGS, FL -- Seven-time Canadian National Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke was the fastest competitor after two days of testing at the JenningsGP venue in North Florida, in preparation for the start of the 2011 Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada.

Aboard the brand new 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike, Szoke turned a best unofficial lap time of 1:14.2 mid-morning last Thursday.

In the afternoon, Szoke suffered a minor tumble from one of his two works Ninjas, surviving uninjured to bring the bike back to the pits. Late in the day’s running, the current number one plate holder backed up his earlier effort with a lap at 1:14.4 aboard his other racer. Both of Thursday’s top times for Kawasaki were slightly faster than Szoke’s official lap record for Canadian class machinery, a 1:14.42 effort set two years ago when full series electronic scoring was on hand for the spring warm-up.

“It’s great that we could run such strong times with two different, all new bikes, working at two different engine and chassis set-ups,” smiled Szoke at the end of the test. “We know that when it gets really hot like it did today, the track is about a second and a half off what might be possible when it’s less greasy. So I thing we could have run down to the AMA series times with cooler weather.”

After very warm conditions Wednesday, Thursday’s sessions were hotter still, meaning optimum laps were most likely earlier in the day. American tour Pro competitors Ben Bostrom and Larry Pegram lapped in the 1:13 range earlier in the pre-season, enjoying cool conditions at the same two-mile long track.

“I’m really comfortable with our bike, that’s the big thing, and we got so much done in terms of preparation for our Canadian season,” continued Szoke. “We’ve worked on the chassis, the engine management, and then the traction control, and everything is coming along, there is already a good balance.”

The RadX BMW Motorrad Canada crew with riders Michael Ferreira and new signing Brett McCormick were also pleased with their JenningsGP progress. Early on, McCormick set a lap at 1:14.6 and the 19-year-old from Saskatoon figured he could have gone faster still if it was a priority.

“We were working through a whole range of changes to the bike,” started McCormick, following his first sessions aboard the BMW S1000RR. “I really feel like we have a good handle on it, and Michael and I have compared notes, and know what we can do at the ICAR opener at the end of May.

"I think it’s going to be a great season of racing up in Canada. We’ve seen over the past two days that both these teams have made some big strides, and the bikes are really working well – they’ll only get better as we continue preparations. I’ve really enjoyed getting back on track, and I’m having fun sliding the bike, and that’s always a good sign.”

In 2007 and 2008, McCormick partnered Szoke on the works Kawasaki squad. In 2009, McCormick rode for Suzuki Canada’s Blackfoot effort, before spending last season with basketball legend Michael Jordan’s Suzuki squad in the US. Last December, McCormick ended considerable career speculation and signed to return to Canada to lead BMW in 2011.

For Ferreira, the test allowed the opportunity to gain mileage on a full Superbike before he starts his second season in the premier class aboard the 190 horsepower equipped 1000cc machinery. Ferreira was busy testing a variety of the spec series Pirelli slick tires, and turned his best laps in the 1:16 range.

Arai escapes major damage in Japan

From Arai Helmets

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Arai Americas has released a statement about its parent company’s situation after last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Arai Helmets’ headquarters are in Omiya, Japan, in the Saitama prefecture, about 45 minutes northwest of Tokyo. This is approximately 200 miles southwest of the Miyagi prefecture, site of the catastrophe’s major impact.

A company spokesman said that while a few of Arai’s factories sustained minor damage, none of its employees were injured. Arai’s operations and production are going forward, subject only to occasional delays from controlled power outages to conserve electricity, although those have lessened in recent weeks as the situation becomes somewhat more stabilized. The only other reported effects are some shortages of a few of the materials used in production, although Arai said it has sources to fill the need for the time being, and is getting very good cooperation from its regular suppliers whose priority is to do their best to help the company.

Mr. Michio Arai, president and son of the company founder, singled out America for special thanks.

“Let me express my cordial thanks to the people of the United States," he said. "Our TV showed helicopters of US troops being welcomed by refugees of the disaster, bringing supplies of food, goods, and aid. They were very nice and warm scenes to see. Thank you.”

Bauer perfect in German opener

From KTM Racing

Motorex KTM rider Martin Bauer of Austria posted a double race victory to launch his IDM Superbike season on Sunday at Germany's Lausitzring.

For the season's opening race all three of KTM's official supported riders in the German International Superbike competition started from the front row. Alongside pole sitter Dario Giuseppetti was Stefan Nebel, second fastest in training with 1:39.334 seconds and his Inghart KTM teammate Matej Smrz (1:39.729) in third place on the grid. Bauer started fourth on the grid with (1:39.975) to make all of them under the magic 1:40 limit.

In the first race Bauer attacked with one of his super starts and went straight into the lead. Rival Giuseppetti briefly regained the lead in the first third of the race before the Motorex KTM rider made a concerted attack, surged ahead and began to systematically build on his lead time for the rest of the race. Nebel finished third and his teammate Smrz was behind him right up to the last curve combination. The Czech rider made one last attack on his teammate, the two riders touched and while Nebel managed to hold onto third, Smrz slipped down the order by two places to finish sixth.

Bauer again managed a rocket start on his Motorex KTM RC8 R in the second race of the day and again took the lead in front of Giuseppetti. The German stole the lead on his Italian brand bike but the Austrian Bauer immediately countered and was in front again. The rest was a cat and mouse game to the finish with Bauer wrapping up the race with an advantage of 1.8 seconds at the checkered flag. Australian Karl Muggeridge was third.

Matej Smrz came in fourth behind the Australian and Nebel brought his Inghart-KTM bike home in sixth.

Bauer's double victory gave him the perfect scorecard of 50 points, followed by Giuseppetti with 40 and Muggeridge 29. Close behind were the two Inghart KTM riders with Nebel with 26 points and Smrz with 23. 

"It was a very turbulent weekend," Bauer said. "We tried out a lot of different settings but didn't seem to find the right one. I also knew the pace was going to be very fast. So in the end we tried something completely new with the chassis and the tires and which we weren't able to try out before the race.

"For this reason I held back a bit in the first couple of laps and followed Dario for a couple of laps after he overtook me. It was only when I felt sure everything was working perfectly that I attacked and I was able to ride just a bit faster than him. In the end I was able to extend my lead and take control.

"In the second race I used the same tires and the same setting and I could risk a bit more a bit quicker. Dario only took the lead briefly before I could retake it and work on building on the advantage. I take off my hat to Giuseppetti and his team. He is one of those riders that it is a lot of fun to fight with wheel on wheel and we leave each other enough room. This sport is risky enough so that it is not necessary to also play hara-kiri."

Motorcycle Experience roars to life Sunday

From Motorcycle Experience

Catch your Motorcycle Experience premiere this Sunday, April 24 at 12:00pm on TSN and TSN-HD.

During this instalment of Motorcycle Experience Dave takes a look at the world famous "bathing suit" bike, the Vincent Black Lightning, riding instructor Clint McBain says fasten your seat belt we're in for some major turbulence, during his Labrador tour, Bryan Hudgin makes camp inside a Yamaha dealership in Wabush, viewer Chris Chappel samples Suzuki's new big displacement sport/touring machine, the Bandit 1250SEA, and the Ultimate Ride team explores the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and reaches the top of the dragon's tail.

The Joe Rocket May 24 Contest is underway. See the show for details.

This episode of Motorcycle Experience can also be seen on Monday, April 25 at 1:30am and 1:30pm. It will be shown on TSN2 on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:00pm and Thursday, April 28 at 3:30pm. All times are eastern.

Motorcycle Experience is created with the assistace of Honda Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada, Suzuki Canada, Yamaha Motor Canada and Motovan Corp.

Waters flowing in Australian Superbike

From Team Suzuki Press Service

In a repeat performance of his 2010 domination, Team Suzuki rider Josh Waters claimed overall victory and another new lap record at the third round of the Australian Superbike Championship at Darwin's Hidden Valley Raceway last Sunday.

In hot and humid conditions, Waters and Glenn Allerton scored a win and second apiece in the two 17-lap races to finish the day equal on 45 points, but the extra championship point he gained for qualifying fastest in the one-lap Superpole Shootout on Saturday afternoon gave the Team Suzuki rider the round advantage.

Waters, the 2009 Australian Superbike Champion, won the opening race by 5.362 secs. from Allerton, but Allerton reversed the result in race two with a narrow 1.486-sec. win over the Suzuki GSX-R1000 rider.

"I really wanted to win that second race," Waters said, "but I was lacking a bit of grip in the hotter conditions for race two and decided with two laps to run to settle for second. Pole position, a new lap record and the round win is pretty good though - I'm happy with that."

Waters' fastest lap of 1:07.269 on lap three of the opening race was 0.725 secs. under his own 2010 lap record and the fastest lap ever recorded by a motorcycle around the 2.9km Darwin circuit. The 24-year-old's new benchmark time is an impressive 1.7459 secs. faster than the V8 Supercar lap record for the Hidden Valley circuit, held by Jason Bright at 1:09.0149 in a Ford Falcon.

Waters, who missed the opening round of the 2011 Australian Superbike Championship at Victoria's Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in February due to 'wild card' racing commitments in the Superbike World Championship class has now leap-frogged from 10th to fifth on the points table. After three rounds, Allerton has 138 points in the eight-round series, with Team Suzuki rider Troy Herfoss second on 101 points.

Herfoss, who won last year's Australian Supersport Championship on a Team Suzuki GSX-R600, scored seventh and fourth placings in the two 17-lap races on his Team Suzuki GSX-R1000 to finish fifth overall for the round.

Kevin Curtain took the Supersport overall round victory from Mitchell Carr with Rick Olson third. After three rounds, Carr leads the series on 110 points from Christan Casella on 108, Curtain on 105 and Brodie Waters on 103.

The next round of the Viking Group Australian Superbike Championships will be held at Perth's Barbagallo Raceway on April 29-May 1.

Superbike Overall Results
1. Josh Waters
2. Glenn Allerton
3. Ben Attard
4. Craig Coxhell
5. Troy Herfoss
6. Cole Odendaal
7. Kris McLaren
8. Jamie Stauffer

Superbike Championship Points
1. Glenn Allerton 138
2. Troy Herfoss 101
3. Ben Attard 100
4. Craig Coxhell 90
5. Josh Waters 88
6. Jamie Stauffer 84

KICKER kicks into CSBK

From Frontline CSBK

TORONTO, ON - Frontline CSBK Inc., organizer of the Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada has announced the KICKER Kick-Ass Pass of the Race Award.

KICKER Performance Audio will award the Pro Superbike racer in the feature race who is judged to have made the best pass with an iK501 iPhone/iPod Dock valued at $300. The winning pass will be determined by CSBK media staff and will be based on the most exciting and safest pass.

“We jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the Canadian Superbike Championship,” said Roger Demaree, Brand Marketing Manager for KICKER. “We love all kinds of racing, but Superbike racing is one of the most exciting and we are very happy to be part of such a great show.” 

KICKER Performance Audio products are designed and manufactured by Stillwater Designs, headquartered in Stillwater, OK. The firm began in 1973 as a two-person operation, hand-building professional sound and musical instrument speaker systems for churches, auditoriums, and entertainers. Building upon the success of the Original KICKER, the company concentrated on the mobile-audio market, applying the same successful research and design skills to the development of a complete line of high-performance components for car audio.

"It’s wonderful to have a company like KICKER as part of the series,” stated Kevin Graham of Frontline CSBK. “They build an exceptional product that our competitors will appreciate and our fans will embrace. It will create a great deal of buzz and excitement within the paddock.”

Look for results of the award to be posted after each event at www.csbk.ca to see if your favourite CSBK star made the cut.

The 2011 Canadian Superbike Championship kicks off on May 20 with the Pirelli tire test at Calabogie Motorsports Park, which will be hosted by the Turn 2 Sportbike School. Round one will take place May 27-29 at Circuit ICAR near Montreal.

Kruger wins big in China

By John Hopkins

Despite riding with a broken wrist and finger Canadian Dan Kruger won the opening round of the Chendu Race Series in Chendu, China last weekend.

The Montrealer qualified his BG Motorsports Kawasaki ZX-10R on pole and led virtually all the way in a fitting display, as BG Motorsports is also promoter of the series!

"The real story this weekend was the weather," Kruger said in an email. "With the weather changing every hour, it was impossible to determine if the guys should be on rain tires, DOTS, slicks, or a combination of both."

Indeed, Kruger took advantage of the variable weather in qualifying to claim pole by over 3.5 seconds, making a late switch to slick tires on a drying track.

The race was run in dry conditions and Kruger took the lead from the start, only to have the race red flagged for a crash. On the re-start, Kruger had a poor getaway and took half a lap to pass the race leader. He put in a fast lap of 1:37.220  on his way to a comfortable win.

Kruger broke a few bones in his hand during Round One of the Pan Delta Event in Zhuhai last month. He rode with some pain last weekend but the win and huge fun kept the discomfort off his mind for the most part.

Kruger will be back in action June 1 for a private track/press day with Rueben Xaus promoting Arlen Ness/Berik Leathers, then compete in Round Two of the Pan Delta Series in Zhuhai in mid-June.

Kruger and the BG Motorsports team are sponsored by Titanic Kawasaki, Speedmaster, Pirelli, Arlen Ness, Berik, Ohlins and Suomy.

SERT wins World Endurance opener

From Team Suzuki News Service

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team won the opening round of the 2011 Qtel World Endurance Championship, the 24-hour 75th-Anniversary Bol d'Or at Magny Cours in France on Sunday.

The GSX-R1000-mounted reigning World Champions crossed the line at the 3:00pm finish with 814 laps completed, six laps clear of race-long rivals SRS Kawasaki (808 laps), BWM Motorrad France 99 (803) and Bolliger Team Switzerland (802).

SERT riders Vincent Philippe, Freddy Foray and Anthony Delhalle dominated from the start - even though first rider off at 3:00pm on Saturday, Philippe was still feeling the after-affects of a heavy fall in the morning warm-up that meant the team had to use its number two machine for the race.

At the five-hour mark, SERT had clocked-up 173 laps, one more than SRS Kawasaki and BMW. Through the night, the Suzuki trio opened the gap to three laps over SRS, with the Bolliger Team Switzerland Kawasaki climbing into the top three places when BMW broke a chain.

From sunrise on Sunday, SERT used its experience to gradually increase its lead - to seven laps at one stage - plus time its pit-stops precisely to bring the GSX-R1000 home to an emphatic home victory for the Le Mans-based squad.

It was the team's fourth-consecutive victory at the Bol d'Or and Philippe's seventh, which equals the record number of rider wins.

Results
1. SERT - Vincent Philippe, Freddy Foray, Anthony Delhalle (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 814 laps
2. Team SRS Kawasaki - Julien Da Costa, Gregor Leblan, Olivier Four (Kawasaki) 808 laps
3. BMW Motorrad France - Sebastien Gimbert, Damian Cudlin, Erwan Nigon (BMW) 803 laps
4. Bolliger Team Switzerland - Horst Saiger, Roman Stamm, Jerome Tangre (Kawasaki) 802 laps
5. Honda TT Legends - Steve Plater, John McGuiness, Keith Amor (Honda) 796 laps
6. National Motors - Eme Jonchiere, Luc De Carolis, Etienne Masson (Honda) 794 laps
7. YMES Folch Endurance - Bisch Ribalta, F Vallcaneras, Jose M Luis Rita (Yamaha) 789 laps
8. Yamaha France GMT 94 - David Checa, Kenny Foray, Matthieu Largrive (Yamaha) 785 laps
9. Metiss JLC Moto - Christoph Michel, Marc Fissette, Emman Cheron (Metiss) 781 laps
10. T Motors Events Bo - Mathieu Gines, Vincent Bocquet, Emilien Humeau (Suzuki) 779 laps
Etc.

Rea and Checa split Assen wins

From the World Superbike Championship

ASSEN, NETHERLANDS – Jonathan Rea and Carlos Checa scored a win apiece in round three of the World Superbike Championship at Assen on Sunday, in races held in dry and occasionally sunny conditions at this classic Dutch track.

Rea was particularly happy to see his first victory arrive at his team's home circuit, after some tough times early in the season.

It is Checa, however, who can leave with the greatest satisfaction as he now has a clear points lead over Max Biaggi, 132 - 89. Biaggi, the reigning champion, recovered from all his dramas at Donington last month with two assured second place finishes on Sunday and he got the reward of second in the championship overall, with his home race of Monza next up.

Donington race winner Marco Melandri just missed out on a podium finish in race one at Assen but fell in race two and is now in third place overall, four points behind Biaggi. Rea is now fourth, on 79 points, as he and Checa swapped wins and third places, with Checa taking the final spot in race one and Rea third in race two.

Leon Haslam had two hard fights on his hands Sunday but he scored good points in race two for fifth place, the same position he holds in the championship fight with his new total of 68 points.

Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) set the fastest lap in race two to help him go fourth and he is now sixth in the championship.

Race one saw many falls and retirements, and only 14 riders finished the race, but in race two only two riders failed to finish.

Rea overcame the early battles at Assen to record his and Honda's first win of the 2011 season in the opening race, beating Biaggi by 0.7 seconds and championship leader Checa by 3.5 seconds in race one.

“First and foremost I’m proud to give Castrol Honda their first podium in the World Championship this year," Rea said. "My crew worked really hard all weekend and we really made the right decision to develop a specific bike for the race because it paid off. I led from the start, was wondering whether to let Max pass, but made the right decision and won the race.”

“I have to be happy with this result because of the way I finished free practice on Saturday afternoon," Biaggi admitted. "I had to use bike number 2 so it’s a good result. We changed something in the warm-up but for the race we came back to a set-up we thought was correct for me and I could do nice lap times and be consistent.”

Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike) overcame a slow start to claw his way back to fourth, just ahead of Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare).

With Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) behind Fabrizio there were six different machines inside the top six places.

Top Kawasaki runner was Mark Aitchison (Pedercini Team Kawasaki) in 10th.

Haslam, Corser's team-mate, survived a fast early crash to recover to a top-12 finish.

A delayed start to the second race made no difference to the outcome as Checa and Biaggi played a high-speed game of cat-and-mouse. Biaggi looking to have it wrapped up as he passed long time leader Checa, only for the Spanish rider to reassert himself on the final lap and win his fourth race of the year.

“It’s a fantastic result, the win was amazing," Checa said. "I put a soft tire in for the second to get that extra grip and at the end the tire was good and responsive, this was the question mark. I was trying to put some gap between me and Max, but he was strong. I made a mistake and he passed me but then I overtook him again for the win.”

“Good performance for us," Biaggi said. "We made a very good set-up for the race after my crash yesterday. We tried to adapt, it wasn’t perfect, couldn’t find the tire to match. I was fast enough to make a good race but not enough to win the race. Too much movement, it’s the maximum we could do.”

A battle between Rea and Melandri ended when the Italian star fell, leaving Rea on the podium in third.

Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) was fourth, while a multiple rider fight for fifth went to Haslam from Laverty, Fabrizio, Haga, Smrz and Guintoli.

In the points standings Checa now leads by 132 to Biaggi's 89. Melandri is third on 85, Rea jumping to fourth with his new total of 79 points.

“We had to dig deep in that last race but it’s been a good weekend for me and my team," Rea said. "I’m not sure but one of the Yamaha riders slowed me up at the start and the front guys got away. Then I was matching them for lap times but I ran into some tire problems during the latter stages of the race. But the team worked well, I’m really satisfied and that’s exactly the confidence and momentum we need to take to the next races.”

Chaz Davies (Yamaha ParkinGO) took his first win in the World Supersport category after heading up a 16-lap race that was restarted twice after red flag incidents.

Second was Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) some seven seconds back, with third closely place contested but eventually taken by Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com).

Robbin Harms (Harms Benjan Racing Honda) went fourth, David Salom, Parkes' team-mate, was fifth, and Lorenzini by Leoni Kawasaki rider Massimo Roccoli ended up a fine sixth.

In the championship standings, crashes from some of the leading contenders also closed up the points totals, with Davies' team-mate Luca Scassa still leading on 50, Parkes on 47, and Davies on 45.

In the opening race of the Superstock 1000 season Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing Ducati) held off a strong challenge from Danilo Petrucci (Barni Racing Team Ducati) to secure the win at Assen. Pole man Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock) slid back from his early challenge to go third.

The Assen weekend also saw the debut of the European Junior Cup which saw 12 riders line up at the start on identical Kawasaki Ninja 250 machines. The first race win went to German Tom Busch ahead of New Zealand’s Daniel Mettam and American Brandon Kyee.

Superbike Race One Results
1. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 35:46.486 (167.589 km/h)
2. Biaggi M. (ITA)Aprilia RSV4 Factory +0.739
3. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R +3.572
4. Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R1 +9.508
5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +9.892
6. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000RR +11.120
7. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 +15.235
8. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +30.081
9. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000RR +32.071
10. Aitchison M. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R +35.000
11. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R +43.287
12. Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000RR +45.289
13. Veneman B. (NED) BMW S1000RR +45.298
14. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +50.764
Pirelli Best Lap Award: Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike), 1:36.660 (Lap 3)

Superbike Race Two Results
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 35:38.693 (168.199km/h)
2. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +0.524
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +3.584
4. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +5.913
5. Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000RR +16.916
6. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 +17.375
7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +17.740
8. Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +18.329
9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +18.378
10. Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +18.404
11. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +26.284
12. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R +27.053
13. Berger M. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +38.614
14. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +40.824
15. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000RR +40.953
16. Rolfo R. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +40.982
etc.
Pirelli Best Lap Award: Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing), 1:36.476 (Lap 3)

World Superbike Points
(after 3 rounds of 13)
1. Checa 132
2. Biaggi 89
3. Melandri 85
4. Rea 79
5. Haslam 68
6. Camier 50
7. Smrz 49
8. Fabrizio 47
9. Laverty 35
10. Haga 34
etc.

Racer5 offers CBR program

From Racer5

In an effort to further its commitment to growing motorcycle racing in Canada, Racer5 will be expanding its 2011 efforts. Racer5 is launching the RACER5 CBR Rent-A-Race program for all CSBK by Parts Canada events.

Beginning at Circuit ICAR May 27-29, racers wishing a taste of the national excitement will be able to show up and have access to a full race team and fully prepared CBR 125 spec machines.

“We are very excited to be launching this program,” said Fawaz Ahmed, owner of Racer5. “The CBR class has been a huge hit, and with some help from Honda, we are happy to provide customers the experience of racing in the national CBR Challenge at a low cost.”

Racers wanting to take advantage of the program will be required to have a CSBK membership and can arrange the supply of all equipment needed through Racer5. Customers will not have to purchase, maintain, or transport their motorcycles to any of the rounds.

“This is a great opportunity for novice riders wanting a taste of the national scene or even riders living a great distance away to just fly in and ride without the worry of bike transport,” stated Kevin Graham of series organizer, Frontline CSBK. “An ongoing challenge we face as a sport is to reach out to new customers and this is a great step in that direction.”

Please see the Racer5 website (www.racer5.ca) to for more information on the program and to reserve a spot.

Checa takes another Superpole

From the World Superbike Championship

ASSEN, NETHERLANDS - Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) secured his third pole in three race meetings with a fabulous 1 minute 35.292 second lap in the final Superpole session for the World Superbike Championship event at Assen on Saturday, leading home Jakub Smrz (Effenbert – Liberty Racing Ducati) and Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team).

Checa had been only ninth in combined qualifying, even through the times were tight through the field, but left his best for last again and took pole by 0.268 seconds from Smrz.

“We were struggling a little in Superpole 1 because we used a race tire," Checa said. "We expected to be inside but it was crazy with a few riders in a few tenths of a second and you can be in or out just like that. Then we worked well with the qualifying tire, in session 2 and especially the last one where I did a really good lap without any mistakes. It’s a great satisfaction for me but honestly it was quite hard.”

The final place on the front row for Sunday’s races was taken by Noriyuki Haga (Pata Racing Team Aprilia), meaning that three privateer riders earned places on row 1.

“I wanted the pole today but I had some trouble with the tires," Smrz explained. "The bike was good, but Carlos was very fast today. It’s good to be on the front two, the team and everyone did good work. I learnt that I was only 12th after Superpole 1 because I didn’t see the lap times, so I was lucky in the first one. Then I started pushing in the second session, but here it’s always very close and it’s never easy.”

Last year’s double winner Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) went fifth fastest and World Champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) was sixth.

Top Kawasaki rider was Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike) but Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike Team) lost his chance of pole by crashing in the final minutes and he now starts the races from the back of row two.

Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) and Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) just missed out on the final period of Superpole qualifying but made it into the top 10.

Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) went 11th after an incredibly close second Superpole session, but Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) could not make the most of his qualifying tires and went from a Superpole contender to 12th.

Competition has been so close at Assen that the top 15 riders were within one second after combined qualifying, and all 21 riders were grouped within 1.759 seconds pre-Superpole.

Championship leader Luca Scassa (Yamaha ParkinGO Team) set the pole time in the World Supersport class with a 1:38.008 lap, his second such pre-race performance this year. Close behind was Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda) with the rest of the top riders a little way back and led by Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com). The last rider on the front row was Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).

New young star in this class and Foret’s team-mate Florian Marino, was fifth in the grid rankings and Chaz Davies was sixth for the Yamaha ParkinGO team. Spanish competitor David Salom (Kawasaki Motocard.com) and Italian Roberto Tamburini (Bike Service RT Yamaha) closed out the second row.

Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia STK) pushed his way to the front of the Superstock 1000 qualifying pack at Assen, ahead of three Italian riders. David Giugliano (Althea Racing), Danilo Petrucci (Barni Racing Team) and Luca Baroni (Althea Racing), all on Ducati 1098Rs, filled the final front row places for Sunday’s race.

The first Superstock 600 race of the season was a thrilling three-rider fight all the way, with Michael van der Mark (Ten Kate Junior Honda) holding off a last chicane charge from Romain Lanusse (MRS Yamaha Racing France) and a race-long challenge from Aussie Jed Metcher (MTM-RT Motorsports Yamaha).

After 12 laps of intense competition the local 18-year-old rider enjoyed a margin of victory of 0.540 seconds from Lanusse, with Metcher almost snatching second place as an audacious move by Lanusse on van der Mark saw the Frenchman have to run wide and fight hard to keep second place.

The new European Junior Cup for youngsters on Kawasaki Ninja 250 machines also produced its first pole sitter on Saturday, Australian Matt Davies getting the top slot ahead of Germany’s Tom Busch and Spain’s Ruben Fenoll.

Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:35.292
2. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:35.560
3. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:35.580
4. Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:35.920
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:36.138
6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:36.302
7. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.351
8. Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:37.036
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:35.903
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000RR 1:35.954
11. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:35.983
12. Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000RR 1:36.089
13. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:36.148
14. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:36.260
15. Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:36.361
16. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000RR 1:36.920
etc.

Triumph programs show early success

From Triumph Motorcycles

ATLANTA, GA – Triumph Motorcycles is seeing an increase in store traffic after it introduced a suite of special programs in March that include special financing from FreedomRoad Financial, Value Added Accessories Packages on select models, Value Assurance on select America and Speedmaster models, and a New Rider Training incentive program that is available on all models.

”Motorcycle season is in full swing and we’ve kicked it into high gear with some great offers that enhance the value of buying a new motorcycle,” said Greg Heichelbech, CEO, Triumph North America. “That starts with our New Rider Training Program, where Triumph reimburses customers for their new rider training course tuition when they successfully complete a qualified training program and buy a new Triumph motorcycle.”

Triumph will provide a gift card with a value of up to $225 after the customer successfully completes a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or Canada Safety Council on-road new rider training course and purchases any new, untitled Triumph motorcycle through an authorized Triumph dealer. Customers have six months from the time they successfully complete the course to purchase and take delivery of the motorcycle.

Through May 31, the Value Added Accessories program provides up to $1,870 worth of Genuine Triumph accessories with the purchase of a new 2010 Thunderbird, America, Bonneville, Bonneville SE and Bonneville T100 Black, Daytona 675, or Tiger 1050. The accessories vary by model and include items such as windshields, touring seats, luggage racks, and hand guard kits.

Also through May 31, Triumph is offering the Value Assurance program. When a customer purchases a qualifying America or Speedmaster model motorcycle, that customer can receive a credit for the full purchase price (minus tax, tag, fees and accessories) toward the purchase of any new Triumph Thunderbird, Rocket, Tiger 1050 or Sprint within one year of the date of the original America or Speedmaster purchase.

Special financing is being made available through FreedomRoad Financial for qualifying customers through June 30 on new, untitled 2010 models that include Bonneville, Bonneville SE, Bonneville T100, Bonneville T100 Black, Scrambler, Thruxton, Thunderbird, Daytona 675, Speed Triple, Tiger 1050, Sprint ST and the 2011 Sprint GT.

Triumph also has expanded its Thank A Hero program for military service members by extending it to also include honourably discharged former service members with up to $750 off the purchase of any new, untitled Triumph motorcycle.

For more information on both the Value Added Accessories Program and the Freedom Road Financing offers as well as see the full range of Triumph motorcycles and accessories, visit your local dealer. To find a Triumph dealer near you, please visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.

Smrz fastest on Assen first day

From the World Superbike Championship

ASSEN, NETHERLANDS - After his superb FP1 performance Friday morning, Jakub Smrz (Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducati) repeated the feat in first qualifying, with a time of 1 minute 36.058 seconds. This leading performance was already under the race lap record pace and only a little over one second from the track best of 1:34.944.

The Czech Republic charger held off a trio of fast and furious Italians, led by Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team), Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike Team) and Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare), all four separated by just half a second.

An excellent fifth place was notched up by Kawasaki Racing Team man Tom Sykes, with early front-runners Troy Corser and Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) in sixth and seventh, after being the leaders of the entire session for some time.

The two Irishmen, Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team) and Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) were next up, while points leader Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) was uncharacteristically down in 11th slot.

Noriyuki Haga (Pata Aprilia Racing) placed 10th on the dummy grid, with rookie rider Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) 12th, just behind his countryman Checa.

Leon Camier, Biaggi’s team-mate slipped down to 13th, with Ruben Xaus (Castrol Honda) in 14th place.

Stand-in rider Barry Veneman (BMW Motorrad Italia SBK) was 16th, one place behind team regular Ayrton Badovini.

Chris Vermeulen (Kawasaki Racing Team) went 19th in his latest comeback ride, finding a technical issue that prevented him from setting a faster time near the end of the session.

One more qualifying session remains on Saturday, then Superpole takes place for the top 16 in combined qualifying.

Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider Florian Marino made the most of his team's home circuit advantage as he powered to the quickest time in World Supersport first qualifying.

Behind the young Frenchman can be found points leader Luca Scassa (Yamaha ParkinGO), just a fraction away from the top slot. Third place went to Spain's David Salom (Kawasaki Motocard.com) followed by Sam Lowes on the Parkalgar Honda machine, putting three different types of machinery on the provisional front row.

Chaz Davies (Yamaha ParkinGO) was in top slot in the early stages but then could only finish fifth, while the rest of the provisional row 2 is made up of Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com), Robbin Harms (Harms Benjan Racing) and Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).

Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing Ducati) made a one second leap forward from his morning time to go to the top slot in Superstock 1000 qualifying. Four-tenths behind was BMW Motorrad Italia STK man Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia STK), ahead of two more Ducatis on the provisional front row, the Barni version of Danilo Petrucci and the second Althea machine of Lorenzo Baroni.

Romain Lanusse (MRS Yamaha Racing France) set the provisional pole in the Superstock 600 class, the young Frenchman also recording a new best lap along the way.

The first edition of the European Junior Cup, an initiative that sees the participation of youngsters from nine different nations, made its debut Friday at the Assen circuit. Tom Busch was quickest in the first free practice session, which gave the rookies a chance to get to know the track on their Kawasaki Ninja 250R machines.

Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:36.058
2. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:36.287
3. Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:36.494
4. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:36.550
5. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:36.747
6. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000RR 1:36.876
7. Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000RR 1:36.989
8. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:37.024
9. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:37.063
10. Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:37.106
11. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:37.114
12. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:37.364
13. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:37.373
14. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:37.424
15. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000RR 1:37.613
16. Veneman B. (NED) BMW S1000RR 1:37.716
etc.

New contest on Motorcycle Experience

From Motorcycle Experience

Catch your Motorcycle Experience this Saturday morning, April 16 at 11:30am on TSN and TSN-HD.

During this instalment of Motorcycle Experience Dave takes a look at the world famous "bathing suit" bike - The Vincent Black Lightning, riding instructor Clint McBain says put on your darn reading glasses, Yamaha's Bryan Hudgin reaches the Quebec/Labrador border during his Labour of Love adventure tour, big displacement cruiser rider Ann Hagerman samples Honda's new middleweight 750 Shadow RS, and the Ultimate Ride team explores the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and reaches the famous Deals Gap.

A brand new Joe Rocket May 24 Contest also gets underway.

This episode will be rebroadcast on Monday, April 18 at 12:30am and Friday, April 22 at 2:30pm. It will be shown on TSN2 on Saturday, April 16 at 7:30pm, Tuesday, April 19 at 3:30pm and Wednesday, April 20 at 6:00pm. All times are eastern.

Motorcycle Experience is created with the assistace of Honda Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada, Suzuki Canada, Yamaha Motor Canada and Motovan Corp.

Tissot makes move into Superbike

From the World Superbike Championship

ZUG / LE LOCLE, SWITZERLAND - Infront Sports & Media has secured Tissot as Official Timekeeper and Sponsor of the FIM Superbike World Championship. The comprehensive sponsorship agreement over several years will start immediately. Tissot will have its first appearance at the upcoming Superbike round in Assen, Netherlands this weekend (April 15-17).

The Swiss-based company Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch producer and distributor. Tissot's long-term commitment to the FIM Superbike World Championship is a considerable extension of its existing sponsorship portfolio and acknowledges the strong international scope and fan appeal of the leading road racing series for production-based motorcycles. In 2010, the series was shown in 173 countries, reaching a cumulative audience of 498 million viewers (+33 percent compared to the previous year).

As Official Timekeeper, Tissot will benefit from a strong presence at all events in the series – involving 13 rounds in 10 countries this year. In addition, Tissot will present the Superpole – the Saturday afternoon qualifying session that establishes the starting position of the riders in the main races.

"The image fit with Superbike – speed and timing, precision and high performance – presents Tissot products in the right context and the growing television audience ensures a worldwide transmission of our messages," said François Thiébaud, President of Tissot. "For more than a decade, Tissot has been the Official Timekeeper of MotoGP. Now, Tissot is proud to add this other major motorcycling World Championship, World Superbike, to its sponsorship activities, a category which brings motorcycling fans the link between great motorcycling champions and the public."

"Tissot is a top international brand with a tradition in sports sponsorship. With the long-term commitment to the FIM Superbike World Championship it acknowledges the series' professional development and growing popularity in the past as well as its potential for future growth," said Paolo Flammini, CEO of Infront Motor Sports. "Time measurement is the essence of a racing competition and as Official Timekeeper, Tissot will strongly benefit from this focus. The global media coverage of the FIM Superbike World Championship will further multiply this effect and sustainably strengthen the association between brand and competition."

For the 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship, Tissot will join Alfa Romeo (automotive), Pirelli (tires), Arrow (exhausts), Axo (rider's equipment) and ParkinGo (airport parking) in a growing line-up of sponsors. The series is being broadcast in Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, South and North America.

Lorenzo weighs in on Rossi/Stoner crash

From motogp.com

Three years to the day since he won his first premier class MotoGP race (at Estoril) Jorge Lorenzo unveiled his new book titled “Jorge Lorenzo, El nuevo rey de MotoGP” (The new King of MotoGP) in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Different to the biography published about the 2010 MotoGP World Champion three years ago, his new book recounts his career through the medium of photos, with some 400 having been selected from a collection of more than 1,000. The majority of the photos were taken by renowned photographer Mirco Lazzari, with the BBC’s Matthew Roberts having written the accompanying captions which annotate each picture.

Fielding questions from eager reporters at the press conference which accompanied the launch of the book, Lorenzo spoke on a range of topics including that of his time alongside Valentino Rossi in the Yamaha box.

“Valentino has been a very important rival in my MotoGP career, a very tough one, but I respect all rivals in the same manner and as equals and I don’t idolize anyone,” said Lorenzo. “All the riders who line up on the starting grid are capable of beating you on any given day. I don’t give any greater or lesser importance to Valentino than I do to any other rider.”

Inevitably Lorenzo was asked for his opinion on the Rossi/Stoner incident which was a major talking point following the Jerez race.

“When you’re on a bike the adrenaline is flowing at its maximum, and for Stoner it was all going great – victory in Qatar and pole at Jerez,” observed Lorenzo. “He was at the head of the race when he went down, taken down by another rider. If that happens to be Valentino and he’s someone you don’t like much, as is the case with Stoner, it bothers you more. It was in the heat of the moment and you can forgive what he did. It was a human error from Valentino. Perhaps he was too fired up because he saw a possibility… he was more fired up than normal, and that’s why he crashed.”

Texas gets MotoGP deal

From motogp.com

Dorna Sports, S.L., 3FourTexasMGP, LLC and Full Throttle Productions, LP have announced the historic signing of a 10-year contract bringing MotoGP to the new Circuit of the Americas facility in Austin, TX from 2013.

This agreement includes the three categories of the World Championship, the MotoGP class, Moto2 and Moto3.

The addition of a 10-year MotoGP deal is coupled with the already scheduled 10-year deal to host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, for which the Circuit of the Americas is currently under construction.

“We are delighted to be adding the Circuit of the Americas to the MotoGP calendar," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, S.L. "It’s an honour to expand our Championship to Texas, which has a rich history of producing World Championship riders. We have had a wonderful and special relationship with Kevin (Schwantz) for 20 years and often talked about a mutual dream of increasing the popularity of MotoGP in the U.S. and raising our already successful worldwide profile. Now, with what Tavo Hellmund (Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions) is doing in Austin, we have realized that situation and are looking forward to this new venture together. The 10-year agreement is a sign of our confidence and commitment to the future success of MotoGP racing in Austin.”

“For me this is a dream come true, that the MotoGP World Championship will be in my home state of Texas. I am such a believer in the sport and know how popular motorcycling is in Texas. I am sure that this will be a resounding long term success,” stated Schwantz, Manager of 3FourTexas MGP and LLC, and the 1993 FIM MotoGP World Champion.

Hellmund, who has worked hard to bring MotoGP to Texas, stated: “We are extremely pleased to add the best motorcycle World Championship to our annual schedule. This is a fantastic opportunity for the State of Texas and this region and I believe it is the first time in American motorsports history that both the car and motorbike World Championships are held at the same facility annually. We are very proud of becoming the United States international facility for motorsports.

“Kevin and I have been close friends for a long time and I enjoy a great relationship with Carmelo. I respect so much what they (Dorna) and the FIM have done for MotoGP globally. It’s going to be great for the State, the product is fantastic and you never know, we may even have a reigning Texan in Ben Spies as World Champion for our first event… that would be icing on the cake.”

Construction of the new facility is progressing well and is scheduled for completion sometime in mid-2012.

BC's Scott in Nitro Harley hunt

From Feld Motor Sports

NORWALK, OH – They are the true daredevils of the sport, modern day masters of the impossible. Reaching the fastest speeds in the world among the two-wheeled community with no traditional safety nets to speak of, the riders of the Nitro Harley division are renowned for their death defying 220 mile per hour passes, incredible showmanship and parity among the racers.

And all of that has been on display and then some on the IHRA’s Nitro Jam tour this season.

Through four Nitro Jam events already completed in 2011, all four Nitro Harley riders have tasted victory and all four have taken their turn at the head of the pack. Beginning with Steve Dorn at Palm Beach through Randal Andras’ big win in San Antonio earlier this month, the Nitro Harley riders has proven the most competitive of the quintet of Nitro Jam classes and they are showing no signs of slowing down entering the second wave of races beginning next month.

“It has been a good year so far. We started the season off strong with some big runs earlier in the year and have fallen off a bit as of late, but overall the racing has been great amongst the guys,” said current points leader Dorn. “Nitro Jam has given us a platform to showcase our talents and put on a show for the fans and we are always striving to make the most of that opportunity.”

And if anyone has shown the ability to separate from the pack, it is Dorn. Through four events and eight total races, Dorn leads the class with three wins and six finals, giving him a grand total of 233 points and an early lead in the Nitro Jam championship standings by 20 points over Andras.

Dorn has also been the most consistent of the four riders on the track with a season best pass of 6.306 seconds at 220.01 miles per hour, just three hundredths off of the national record set by Doug Vancil back in 2002 and a little less than one mile per hour off of the speed record also owned by Vancil.

Just behind Dorn is Louisiana’s Andras, who won for the very first time in Nitro Jam competition at the recently completed San Antonio Nitro Jam. Andras went to the finals both nights in south Texas, defeating Dorn on Saturday and coming up short to Jay Turner the day before. Prior to his win Andras had an additional runner-up finish in Baton Rouge.

In third place with 208 points through four races is BC racer Mike Scott. Scott has two wins and two runner-up finishes this season, although he has yet to put together a consistent weekend throughout. Scott joins Andras at 8-8 in round win-loss record in 2011.

Rounding out the class is former world champion Turner, the most veteran rider of the field. Turner has suffered through a bit of inconsistency through four events, but when he is hitting on all cylinders he is capable of putting down some of the quickest and fastest laps in class history. While Dorn has posted the fastest lap of the year so far, Turner has been the quickest with a 6.302 pass coming at Palm Beach back in January. Turner is currently in fourth place behind Dorn by 56 points with two wins, but is perhaps the most capable driver in the field of putting together a late-season charge for the Nitro Jam championship.

Next up for the Nitro Harley division is the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam May 20-21 at Pittsburgh Raceway Park. Joining the stars of Pro Fuel and Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car, the riders of the Nitro Harley division will be a featured attraction at the eighth-mile competition coming up next month in Nitro Jam’s Pennsylvania debut as the battle for the Nitro Jam championship takes shape with four races remaining.

Inside Motorcycles to sponsor AM Sport Bike

From Frontline CSBK Inc.

TORONTO, ON - Frontline CSBK Inc., Canada’s premier road racing series organizer, has announced that Inside Motorcycles has stepped up its contribution with CSBK for the 2011 season and has taken on the role of class sponsor for Amateur Sport Bike.  

“Sponsoring the Amateur Sport Bike class further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots motorcycle road racing in Canada,” said the magazine’s Managing Editor, David Weber. “Combined with our Team of the Year Award, Inside Motorcycles is fully invested in the 2011 Canadian Superbike Championship.”

“The Amateur Sport Bike class has provided a valuable stepping stone to current Pro stars like Brett McCormick and Jodi Christie,” added Inside Motorcycles Editor John Hopkins. “We are delighted to contribute to the growth of Canada’s road racing talent and look forward to seeing who will emerge as the new heroes of Canadian racing.”

Already recognized as the official media partner of the Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada, Inside Motorcycles will take a significant role in promoting the future stars of Canadian road racing by assisting with the year-end prize fund for the class as well focusing on promoting riders in the class using the various media outlets of Inside Motorcycles and Inside Track Communications.

“It’s fantastic that Inside has really come to the plate this year with some year-end prize money and this will help a lot to make sure our future racers have some extra incentive and the ability to carry on in their racing careers beyond the national Amateur ranks,” said Kevin Graham of CSBK.

The 2011 Canadian Superbike Championship kicks off on May 20 with the Pirelli tire test at Calabogie Motorsports Park, which will be hosted by the Turn 2 Sportbike School. Round one will take place May 27-29 at Circuit ICAR near Montreal.

The sponsors of the 2011 Canadian Superbike Championship are Parts Canada, BMW Motorrad Canada, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, Canadian Kawasaki, Pirelli, Honda Canada, Suzuki Canada, Yamaha Motor Canada, Turn2 Sportbike School, Dyno Jet, Design Junkies, Chrysler Canada, Inside Motorcycles, MMIC and Lean Angle Canada.

World Superbike readies for Assen

From the World Superbike Championship

ASSEN, NETHERLANDS – The TT Circuit Assen, the home of motorcycle racing for the last 78 years and for the FIM Superbike World Championship since 1992, gets ready to host the third round of the 2011 production-based series this weekend.

The circuit acts as a magnet for fans across northern Europe. Once again it will attract large numbers of British, German, Scandinavian, Belgian, French and Dutch fans, as well as numerous Italians, all eager to see a continuation of the battle that at the moment sees the domination of Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea Racing), winner of three of the first four rounds of the season.

The Catalan rider has established a perfect feeling with his Italian twin-cylinder machine, and this allows him to lead the table on 91 points, 19 clear of his closest rival, Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike Team). The Italian won race one at Donington and all signs could point to him repeating the feat at the Dutch circuit, where he stepped onto the podium in 2004 and 2005 when he raced in MotoGP, and where he won in 2002 in 250 GP. The Yamaha YZF-R1 machine also has a good recent record at Assen, having won the first 2009 race here with Ben Spies on board, but in terms of overall manufacturer wins Ducati clearly leads the way on 23 victories, with Honda next up on 12.

Assen should represent the start of the resurgence of Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team) who, at the moment is lying fourth overall, 42 points behind Checa. Last year, in his title-winning season, the Italian’s results at Assen were slightly below-par as he could only finish sixth and fourth. On this track Biaggi has only won once in 500 GP in 2001, while his other two wins came in 250 GP.

Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) scored a fantastic double win last year at what is the Ten Kate Racing team’s home track. The third round of the championship could be an ideal opportunity for the Northern Ireland youngster to improve on his current standing of sixth overall.

One notable absentee at Assen will be James Toseland (BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team), the British former double World Champion who twice finished on the podium last year but who is still recovering from a testing injury. But another Brit, BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Leon Haslam, who twice finished fourth at Donington, and who was on the Assen podium in 2010, will be aiming for more of the same this weekend.

But the true merit of the Assen TT Circuit is that it does allow rider talent to emerge and that is the case of Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team), a podium finisher last year and also at the last round. Other surprises could come from outsiders Jakub Smrz, the Czech Republic rider getting closer and closer to that all-elusive first win, and the still convalescing Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, both on Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducatis. All eyes will also be on Noriyuki Haga (Pata Racing Team Aprilia), Assen winner in 2009, as well as the factory Kawasaki team, back at full strength with Britain’s Tom Sykes, Spain’s Joan Lascorz and Australian Chris Vermeulen.

Michel Fabrizio is still struggling to hit the big time on his Suzuki Alstare machine, while the remaining Assen slots go to Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team), flanked for this occasion by Dutchman Barry Veneman, the experienced Supersport man coming in for Toseland, Roberto Rolfo (Kawasaki Pedercini), galvanized by victory in Sunday’s opening CIV Superbike round at Misano, and by Maxime Berger on the Supersonic Ducati 1098R.

The TT Assen Circuit underwent major renovation work in 1998, with brand-new grandstands being built, and again in 2005, when 1.5km was knocked off the lap distance. A further adaptation was made to Ruskenhoek in 2010, shortening the circuit’s current distance down to 4.542km. New grandstands were also built at Haarbocht, Strubben and TT World.