The Department of Transportation released plans on Monday to create a new economic stimulus plan tailored to those who ride motorcycles.
Transportation Secretary, Mary Peters, an avid motorcyclist herself, has been studying the increased costs to the total economy of having motorcyclists continuing to spend money to buy expensive motorcycles and maintain them only to let them sit in garages all over America without being used much.
"The average yearly mileage on a motorcycle is 2000 miles," said Peters. "We have in mind a new economic stimulus plan geared toward helping all our motorcycle friends." read more
Monday, March 31, 2008
Positive tests for Stoner and Melandri
From Marlboro Ducati
JEREZ, SPAIN -- The Ducati Marlboro Team concluded its visit to Jerez de la Frontera on Monday with a day of tests that both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri rated as highly positive, despite the Italian having ended the session early due to a crash.
Melandri was not seriously injured in the crash, escaping with damage to a nail on his left hand, and was just disappointed that he didn't get to complete an otherwise satisfactory day of set-up work that had only just begun to bear fruit.
Stoner was much happier, however, having improved his feeling with the front and giving himself extra confidence for the next round of the season, the Grand Prix of Portugal on April 13.
Stoner's fastest lap on race tires was 1:40.588 and with qualifying tires 1:39.218, leaving him third on the day behind the Yamaha duo of Jroge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
"We've done a few different tests on the setting and with the tires and I'm pretty happy with how it's gone," Stoner said. "We tried some different front tires that gave me a better feeling than I had in the race yesterday, especially under braking, so I can say it was a really positive test.
"It's a bit of a shame because with just a few small changes to the set-up we had yesterday the situation has improved a lot and we could have had a much better race if we'd gone with this in the first place."
Unofficial lap times
1. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:38.679
2. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:39.117
3. Casey Stoner (Ducati) 1:39.218
4. Randy De Puniet (Honda) 1:39.484
5. John Hopkins (Kawasaki) 1:39.569
6. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) 1:39.747
7. Shinya Nakano (Honda) 1:40.034
8. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 1:40.166
9. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1:40.389
10. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) 1:40.394
11. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) 1:40.534
12. Alex De Angelis (Honda) 1:41.308
13. Marco Melandri (Ducati) 1:41.396
14. Anthony West (Kawasaki) 1:42.132
15. Toni Elias (Ducati) 1:42.240
16. Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) 1:42.624
JEREZ, SPAIN -- The Ducati Marlboro Team concluded its visit to Jerez de la Frontera on Monday with a day of tests that both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri rated as highly positive, despite the Italian having ended the session early due to a crash.
Melandri was not seriously injured in the crash, escaping with damage to a nail on his left hand, and was just disappointed that he didn't get to complete an otherwise satisfactory day of set-up work that had only just begun to bear fruit.
Stoner was much happier, however, having improved his feeling with the front and giving himself extra confidence for the next round of the season, the Grand Prix of Portugal on April 13.
Stoner's fastest lap on race tires was 1:40.588 and with qualifying tires 1:39.218, leaving him third on the day behind the Yamaha duo of Jroge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
"We've done a few different tests on the setting and with the tires and I'm pretty happy with how it's gone," Stoner said. "We tried some different front tires that gave me a better feeling than I had in the race yesterday, especially under braking, so I can say it was a really positive test.
"It's a bit of a shame because with just a few small changes to the set-up we had yesterday the situation has improved a lot and we could have had a much better race if we'd gone with this in the first place."
Unofficial lap times
1. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:38.679
2. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:39.117
3. Casey Stoner (Ducati) 1:39.218
4. Randy De Puniet (Honda) 1:39.484
5. John Hopkins (Kawasaki) 1:39.569
6. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) 1:39.747
7. Shinya Nakano (Honda) 1:40.034
8. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 1:40.166
9. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1:40.389
10. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) 1:40.394
11. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) 1:40.534
12. Alex De Angelis (Honda) 1:41.308
13. Marco Melandri (Ducati) 1:41.396
14. Anthony West (Kawasaki) 1:42.132
15. Toni Elias (Ducati) 1:42.240
16. Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) 1:42.624
Repsol Honda back at work
From Repsol Honda
JEREZ, SPAIN -- Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden were back to work at Jerez Monday following yesterday’s Spanish GP which Pedrosa won in brilliant style, Hayden building momentum with a fine ride to fourth.
Pedrosa, whose first win of the year moved him into the World Championship lead, used the day to improve his knowledge of his RC212V with which he had limited preseason testing time due to a broken hand sustained in January. He set the eighth fastest time of 1:40.166.
Hayden evaluated new parts and new settings, working hard to continue the impressive progress he made over the Spanish GP weekend, during which he raced a new chassis for the first time. The American was ninth quickest at 1:40.389.
Both riders used only race tires Monday, while the fastest seven riders used qualifying tires for their best laps.
“Today we worked on basic setup to help us get more familiar with the bike, to know our package better and to find the best direction so we can continue improving," Pedrosa said. "It’s the kind of work we usually do at preseason tests but we weren’t able to do this year because of my injury. It was a necessary job with a lot of stops in the pits but I think it was very useful."
“We learned some stuff today," added Hayden. "We were able to run pretty decent and consistent laps using reference tires and we got some good data, so quite a positive day all in all. We had nothing major to test, just some different clutch options to get into the corners a little bit better and some general setup options, looking for a bit of edge traction to help save the tire over race distance."
JEREZ, SPAIN -- Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden were back to work at Jerez Monday following yesterday’s Spanish GP which Pedrosa won in brilliant style, Hayden building momentum with a fine ride to fourth.
Pedrosa, whose first win of the year moved him into the World Championship lead, used the day to improve his knowledge of his RC212V with which he had limited preseason testing time due to a broken hand sustained in January. He set the eighth fastest time of 1:40.166.
Hayden evaluated new parts and new settings, working hard to continue the impressive progress he made over the Spanish GP weekend, during which he raced a new chassis for the first time. The American was ninth quickest at 1:40.389.
Both riders used only race tires Monday, while the fastest seven riders used qualifying tires for their best laps.
“Today we worked on basic setup to help us get more familiar with the bike, to know our package better and to find the best direction so we can continue improving," Pedrosa said. "It’s the kind of work we usually do at preseason tests but we weren’t able to do this year because of my injury. It was a necessary job with a lot of stops in the pits but I think it was very useful."
“We learned some stuff today," added Hayden. "We were able to run pretty decent and consistent laps using reference tires and we got some good data, so quite a positive day all in all. We had nothing major to test, just some different clutch options to get into the corners a little bit better and some general setup options, looking for a bit of edge traction to help save the tire over race distance."
Haga looks for Valencia magic
From Yamaha Racing
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit will once more host the first European round of the World Superbike Championship season this weekend, with the Spanish track now boasting an unbroken run of nine years on the calendar.
The circuit can quite rightly claim to be unique as it is the first true motorcycle racing 'stadium' of modern times in Europe, having been built on a remarkably small patch of land close to the Valencia/Madrid motorway. The 65,000 grandstand seats provide the spectators with unbroken views of the entire 4.005km circuit, as it repeatedly twists and turns in on itself.
There is one significant straight on the track, and one almost never-ending left-hand corner, which leads onto the gently downhill start/finish straight. Valencia is a favourite test track for Motorsport categories of all kinds, and its heavy use leads to unpredictable surfaces and an ever-changing level of grip.
It is a well-known venue for all the top contenders in the Superbike and Supersport classes, and thus neither the official Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team nor the Yamaha World Supersport Team elected to take part in the most recent official FGSport tests, on March 13-14.
Last year Noriyuki Haga scored two podiums at Valencia, with a second and a third, while Corser just missed out on third place in race one. This year Corser has had the brighter start to his overall campaign, in his second season as a Yamaha rider. With two rounds down, he now sits fourth overall in the championship, having earned two podium finishes. For Haga, bad luck has been an unwelcome companion so far, as he holds ninth position in the championship rankings, with 12 rounds to go.
Said Haga of the forthcoming weekend, "It feels like the first two races this year have just been an exercise for me. We have not had the chance to build our performance on the bike so it feels like our season will start in the European races."
Haga also acknowledges that he needed some time to prepare himself for the Valencia race. "The break between the race in Australia and Valencia has been useful, it allowed me to recover after some bruising crashes," said Haga.
Troy Corser said, "I felt much more confident on the bike in the second race at Phillip Island so we can go to Spain with a setting that worked well there. We have learned a few things in the first two races."
Corser is a highly adept rider at the tight Valencia circuit, having raced there every year but once since the track held its first WSB race in 2000. Corser is a five-time race winner at Valencia, while Haga has won two WSB contests at the intense Spanish circuit.
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit will once more host the first European round of the World Superbike Championship season this weekend, with the Spanish track now boasting an unbroken run of nine years on the calendar.
The circuit can quite rightly claim to be unique as it is the first true motorcycle racing 'stadium' of modern times in Europe, having been built on a remarkably small patch of land close to the Valencia/Madrid motorway. The 65,000 grandstand seats provide the spectators with unbroken views of the entire 4.005km circuit, as it repeatedly twists and turns in on itself.
There is one significant straight on the track, and one almost never-ending left-hand corner, which leads onto the gently downhill start/finish straight. Valencia is a favourite test track for Motorsport categories of all kinds, and its heavy use leads to unpredictable surfaces and an ever-changing level of grip.
It is a well-known venue for all the top contenders in the Superbike and Supersport classes, and thus neither the official Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team nor the Yamaha World Supersport Team elected to take part in the most recent official FGSport tests, on March 13-14.
Last year Noriyuki Haga scored two podiums at Valencia, with a second and a third, while Corser just missed out on third place in race one. This year Corser has had the brighter start to his overall campaign, in his second season as a Yamaha rider. With two rounds down, he now sits fourth overall in the championship, having earned two podium finishes. For Haga, bad luck has been an unwelcome companion so far, as he holds ninth position in the championship rankings, with 12 rounds to go.
Said Haga of the forthcoming weekend, "It feels like the first two races this year have just been an exercise for me. We have not had the chance to build our performance on the bike so it feels like our season will start in the European races."
Haga also acknowledges that he needed some time to prepare himself for the Valencia race. "The break between the race in Australia and Valencia has been useful, it allowed me to recover after some bruising crashes," said Haga.
Troy Corser said, "I felt much more confident on the bike in the second race at Phillip Island so we can go to Spain with a setting that worked well there. We have learned a few things in the first two races."
Corser is a highly adept rider at the tight Valencia circuit, having raced there every year but once since the track held its first WSB race in 2000. Corser is a five-time race winner at Valencia, while Haga has won two WSB contests at the intense Spanish circuit.
Nieto ready for home race
From Team Suzuki Alstare
After the flyaway trip to Qatar and Australia, the Superbike World Championship returns to European soil with this weekend’s third round in Valencia.
The race will be a special one for Team Suzuki Alstare rider Fonsi Nieto, as it will be his home race and will also be an important one for one of the team’s Spanish sponsors - Pepephone. For Yukio Kagayama and Max Neukirchner it will be a chance to improve on last year’s so-so results.
"Racing at home is always a bit special and I want to put on a good show for all my fans this weekend - especially after my pair of DNF’s last year," Nieto said. "I am second in the championship at the moment and will be chasing a couple of podiums for sure.
"Valencia is a track where it is important to have a really good bike set-up if you want to go fast, so that’s what we’ll be trying to do from the very start of practice."
"The recent tests showed that my collarbone was OK and now that I’ve had a bit more time off, I feel even better," added Kagayama. "I don’t think that I will have any trouble with the injury, but Valencia is quite a physical track, so I’m sure it will get a good work out."
Added Neukirchner, "I am sure that I can improve on my 12th and 10th places from last year and realistically I shall be chasing top six finishes this weekend. I am getting more and more comfortable with my bike every time I go out and as long as we can find a good set-up in practice, I think I can make a good show."
After the flyaway trip to Qatar and Australia, the Superbike World Championship returns to European soil with this weekend’s third round in Valencia.
The race will be a special one for Team Suzuki Alstare rider Fonsi Nieto, as it will be his home race and will also be an important one for one of the team’s Spanish sponsors - Pepephone. For Yukio Kagayama and Max Neukirchner it will be a chance to improve on last year’s so-so results.
"Racing at home is always a bit special and I want to put on a good show for all my fans this weekend - especially after my pair of DNF’s last year," Nieto said. "I am second in the championship at the moment and will be chasing a couple of podiums for sure.
"Valencia is a track where it is important to have a really good bike set-up if you want to go fast, so that’s what we’ll be trying to do from the very start of practice."
"The recent tests showed that my collarbone was OK and now that I’ve had a bit more time off, I feel even better," added Kagayama. "I don’t think that I will have any trouble with the injury, but Valencia is quite a physical track, so I’m sure it will get a good work out."
Added Neukirchner, "I am sure that I can improve on my 12th and 10th places from last year and realistically I shall be chasing top six finishes this weekend. I am getting more and more comfortable with my bike every time I go out and as long as we can find a good set-up in practice, I think I can make a good show."
Suzukis dominant in Belgium
From Team Suzuki
In deep and difficult conditions at the opening round of the Belgian United Telecom Trophy series at Beervelde last weekend, Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 riders Steve Ramon and Ken De Dycker dominated proceedings on their all-new RM-Z450s.
Reigning MX1 World Champion Ramon was in dominant form on the day winning the opening two motos after leading from start to finish. An uncharacteristic bad start from the Belgian rider in moto three saw him have to battle through the pack to chase home his teammate De Dycker in second.
"The track was really tough today but the club did a good job to make it rideable," said Ramon. "My racing went pretty good - I had two good starts and each time I was able to make the break early on. I had a bad start in the final heat and De Dycker was simply too far away to reel him in. You really needed to focus today because even a slight mistake could have some serious consequences."
De Dycker's day was a little more difficult as anyone not out front soon found themselves covered in sticky Beervelde sand that played havoc with their goggles. But grabbing the lead on the first lap from Kevin Strijbos in moto three, he was able to run away with his first win of the day to notch up a 3-2-1 scorecard for second overall.
Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 now heads to Valkenswaard in Holland for round 1 of the MX1 World Championship on April 6.
In deep and difficult conditions at the opening round of the Belgian United Telecom Trophy series at Beervelde last weekend, Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 riders Steve Ramon and Ken De Dycker dominated proceedings on their all-new RM-Z450s.
Reigning MX1 World Champion Ramon was in dominant form on the day winning the opening two motos after leading from start to finish. An uncharacteristic bad start from the Belgian rider in moto three saw him have to battle through the pack to chase home his teammate De Dycker in second.
"The track was really tough today but the club did a good job to make it rideable," said Ramon. "My racing went pretty good - I had two good starts and each time I was able to make the break early on. I had a bad start in the final heat and De Dycker was simply too far away to reel him in. You really needed to focus today because even a slight mistake could have some serious consequences."
De Dycker's day was a little more difficult as anyone not out front soon found themselves covered in sticky Beervelde sand that played havoc with their goggles. But grabbing the lead on the first lap from Kevin Strijbos in moto three, he was able to run away with his first win of the day to notch up a 3-2-1 scorecard for second overall.
Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 now heads to Valkenswaard in Holland for round 1 of the MX1 World Championship on April 6.
Knight claims second GNCC victory
From the David Knight Results Service
MORGANTON, NC -- Red Bull KTM Off Road Race Team rider David Knight claimed his second XC1 Pro class win of ’08 with victory at The Steele Creek GNCC in North Carolina Sunday.
With a win at round 1 and a third place finish at round 2 already to his credit Knight overcame a poor start as he rounded the first turn last to move into the lead on lap 2. From that point on Knight charged towards his second race win in three ’08 US GNCC events.
Knight, as he seemingly always does, made a complete mess of the start and rounded the first turn of the Steele Creek GNCC dead last in the XC1 Pro class. And just like he has done so many times before was forced to work his way passed all but a handful of his XC1 class rivals during the opening 22-minute lap.
Moving into the lead on lap 2 Knight stayed out front for the remainder of the seven-lap race claiming an eventual one-and-a-half minute winning advantage over Barry Hawk with Paul Whibley rounding off the podium in third.
With three of the 13 ’08 US GNCC events now behind him Knight holds a 24-point advantage at the top of the XC1 Pro class series standings.
“Apart from another bad start the race went well," Knight said. "I pushed hard during the first lap, like I seem to have to do at every race, and got pretty close to the guys at the front. Once I got past Barry Hawk and Nate Kanney I tried to break away but I hit a tree so that didn’t really happen. It was pretty close for a few laps but about halfway through the race I started to pull away. I tried to ride like I did at round 2, using my head and making sure I stayed out of trouble, and things went OK."
Results XC1 Pro class
1. David Knight (Red Bull KTM Off Road Race Team)
2. Barry Hawk (Yamaha)
3. Paul Whibley (Suzuki)
4. Josh Strang (Suzuki)
5. Jimmy Jarrett (Suzuki)
6. Charlie Mullins (Suzuki)
7. Nate Kanney (KTM)
8. Jesse Robinson (Kawasaki)
9. Louwens Mahoney (KTM)
MORGANTON, NC -- Red Bull KTM Off Road Race Team rider David Knight claimed his second XC1 Pro class win of ’08 with victory at The Steele Creek GNCC in North Carolina Sunday.
With a win at round 1 and a third place finish at round 2 already to his credit Knight overcame a poor start as he rounded the first turn last to move into the lead on lap 2. From that point on Knight charged towards his second race win in three ’08 US GNCC events.
Knight, as he seemingly always does, made a complete mess of the start and rounded the first turn of the Steele Creek GNCC dead last in the XC1 Pro class. And just like he has done so many times before was forced to work his way passed all but a handful of his XC1 class rivals during the opening 22-minute lap.
Moving into the lead on lap 2 Knight stayed out front for the remainder of the seven-lap race claiming an eventual one-and-a-half minute winning advantage over Barry Hawk with Paul Whibley rounding off the podium in third.
With three of the 13 ’08 US GNCC events now behind him Knight holds a 24-point advantage at the top of the XC1 Pro class series standings.
“Apart from another bad start the race went well," Knight said. "I pushed hard during the first lap, like I seem to have to do at every race, and got pretty close to the guys at the front. Once I got past Barry Hawk and Nate Kanney I tried to break away but I hit a tree so that didn’t really happen. It was pretty close for a few laps but about halfway through the race I started to pull away. I tried to ride like I did at round 2, using my head and making sure I stayed out of trouble, and things went OK."
Results XC1 Pro class
1. David Knight (Red Bull KTM Off Road Race Team)
2. Barry Hawk (Yamaha)
3. Paul Whibley (Suzuki)
4. Josh Strang (Suzuki)
5. Jimmy Jarrett (Suzuki)
6. Charlie Mullins (Suzuki)
7. Nate Kanney (KTM)
8. Jesse Robinson (Kawasaki)
9. Louwens Mahoney (KTM)
Reed wins seventh Supercross
From Live Nation Motor Sports
TORONTO, ON – Team San Manuel Yamaha’s Chad Reed won his seventh Monster Energy AMA Supercross/FIM World Championship race of the season before 36,888 fans at Rogers Centre Saturday night, marking the Australian's second consecutive race win in Toronto.
Honda’s Shaun Skinner, of Stuart, FL, won the first AMA Supercross Lites class main event of his career.
Reed won the $1,500 Progressive Holeshot Award with Yamaha’s Josh Hill and Honda’s Davi Millsaps following closely in second and third respectively. Hill crashed on the opening lap and allowed Millsaps to move into second place.
Millsaps went down on the second lap and allowed Honda’s Kevin Windham to move into second place. Windham crashed on lap 7 and gave the number-two position back to Millsaps. On lap 15 Windham re-passed Millsaps for second place.
“I think this year we have been saying that each race gets tougher and tougher,” said Reed. “I did not want to crash in the main like I have in the last few races. The track had a lot of ruts and you had to be smart.”
After starting the AMA Supercross Lites class main event in third place Skinner moved into the lead by the end of the opening lap and ran away with the next 14 laps en route to victory. He was challenged early by his teammate Kyle Cunningham but a crash on lap two set Cunningham back several positions.
“That was a long race,” said Skinner. “I rode smart and smooth tonight. I tried to find a good line and keep moving forward. Our team swept the podium tonight, so we are really happy."
The AMA Supercross Lites class will air on SPEED in HD Saturday, April 5 at 6:00 pm.
Supercross Results
1. Chad Reed, Yamaha
2. Kevin Windham, Honda
3. Davi Millsaps, Honda
4. Andrew Short, Honda
5. Josh Hill, Yamaha
6. Nick Wey, KTM
7. Tim Ferry, Kawasaki
8. Troy Adams, Honda
9. Charles Summey, Yamaha
10. Jason Thomas, Honda
Supercross Lites Results
1. Shaun Skinner, Honda
2. Matt Boni, Honda
3. Kyle Cunningham, Honda
4. Brady Sheren, Surrey, BC, Suzuki
5. Kyle Tobin, Kawasaki
6. Levi Kilbarger, Honda
7. Nathan Skaggs, Honda
8. Kyle Keylon, Honda
9. Ryan Lockhart, Springhill, NS, KTM
10. Jack Carpenter, Honda
KTM Junior Supercross Challenge
1. Christopher-Jay Da Silva, St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC, KTM
2. Sam Gaynor, Erin, ON, KTM
3. Connor Arsenault, Perth, ON, KTM
4. Mark Law, Cambridge ON, KTM
5. Sam Dooley, Grand Prairie, AB, KTM
6. Marco Cannella, Waterdown, ON, KTM
7. Ismael Fortier, Ste-Claire, QC, KTM
8. Just Neiser, Waterdown, ON, KTM
9. Jordan Gagnor, St-Valere, QC, KTM
10. Morgan Smethurst, Loretto, ON, KTM
11. James DeVlugt, Ailsa Craig, ON, KTM
12. Mitchel Tomasin, Stoney Creek, ON, KTM
13. Tyler Colquhoun, Kitchener, ON, KTM
14. Kyle Potter, Barrie, ON
15. Cole Willis, Nobel, ON, KTM
TORONTO, ON – Team San Manuel Yamaha’s Chad Reed won his seventh Monster Energy AMA Supercross/FIM World Championship race of the season before 36,888 fans at Rogers Centre Saturday night, marking the Australian's second consecutive race win in Toronto.
Honda’s Shaun Skinner, of Stuart, FL, won the first AMA Supercross Lites class main event of his career.
Reed won the $1,500 Progressive Holeshot Award with Yamaha’s Josh Hill and Honda’s Davi Millsaps following closely in second and third respectively. Hill crashed on the opening lap and allowed Millsaps to move into second place.
Millsaps went down on the second lap and allowed Honda’s Kevin Windham to move into second place. Windham crashed on lap 7 and gave the number-two position back to Millsaps. On lap 15 Windham re-passed Millsaps for second place.
“I think this year we have been saying that each race gets tougher and tougher,” said Reed. “I did not want to crash in the main like I have in the last few races. The track had a lot of ruts and you had to be smart.”
After starting the AMA Supercross Lites class main event in third place Skinner moved into the lead by the end of the opening lap and ran away with the next 14 laps en route to victory. He was challenged early by his teammate Kyle Cunningham but a crash on lap two set Cunningham back several positions.
“That was a long race,” said Skinner. “I rode smart and smooth tonight. I tried to find a good line and keep moving forward. Our team swept the podium tonight, so we are really happy."
The AMA Supercross Lites class will air on SPEED in HD Saturday, April 5 at 6:00 pm.
Supercross Results
1. Chad Reed, Yamaha
2. Kevin Windham, Honda
3. Davi Millsaps, Honda
4. Andrew Short, Honda
5. Josh Hill, Yamaha
6. Nick Wey, KTM
7. Tim Ferry, Kawasaki
8. Troy Adams, Honda
9. Charles Summey, Yamaha
10. Jason Thomas, Honda
Supercross Lites Results
1. Shaun Skinner, Honda
2. Matt Boni, Honda
3. Kyle Cunningham, Honda
4. Brady Sheren, Surrey, BC, Suzuki
5. Kyle Tobin, Kawasaki
6. Levi Kilbarger, Honda
7. Nathan Skaggs, Honda
8. Kyle Keylon, Honda
9. Ryan Lockhart, Springhill, NS, KTM
10. Jack Carpenter, Honda
KTM Junior Supercross Challenge
1. Christopher-Jay Da Silva, St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC, KTM
2. Sam Gaynor, Erin, ON, KTM
3. Connor Arsenault, Perth, ON, KTM
4. Mark Law, Cambridge ON, KTM
5. Sam Dooley, Grand Prairie, AB, KTM
6. Marco Cannella, Waterdown, ON, KTM
7. Ismael Fortier, Ste-Claire, QC, KTM
8. Just Neiser, Waterdown, ON, KTM
9. Jordan Gagnor, St-Valere, QC, KTM
10. Morgan Smethurst, Loretto, ON, KTM
11. James DeVlugt, Ailsa Craig, ON, KTM
12. Mitchel Tomasin, Stoney Creek, ON, KTM
13. Tyler Colquhoun, Kitchener, ON, KTM
14. Kyle Potter, Barrie, ON
15. Cole Willis, Nobel, ON, KTM
Pedrosa dominates for home win
From the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Two months ago, Dani Pedrosa couldn’t ride a motorcycle due to a broken hand suffered in a late January testing crash. Now he sits atop the MotoGP World Championship standings after a dominant victory Sunay in his home Grand Prix of Spain at the Jerez circuit.
Pedrosa pulled away from his second starting spot and led all 27 laps for his first victory of the season on the Repsol Honda Team Honda/Michelin. The victory vaulted him the top of the standings with 41 points, as he finished third in the season-opening Grand Prix of Qatar on March 9.
“This is my first MotoGP win at Jerez, and I’m very happy about today’s performance because it comes after a difficult winter during which we couldn’t test so much after I crashed and broke my right hand in January,” Pedrosa said. “To score good results in two complicated races and lead the championship is very important.”
Five-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi finished second on his Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha/Bridgestone, 2.883 seconds behind Pedrosa. Rossi is winless in his last six starts, the longest drought of his MotoGP career, which started in 2000. But he could take solace in becoming the first MotoGP rider to record 100 career podium finishes.
The charismatic Rossi nearly blew his finishing position when he slowed and started to gesticulate toward his crew when crossing the start-finish line with one lap remaining. He quickly realized the race wasn’t over and twisted the throttle hard for the final lap.
Rookie Jorge Lorenzo, who won his second consecutive pole, finished third on his Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha/Michelin. Lorenzo climbed to second in the points with 36, just five points behind bitter rival and fellow Spaniard Pedrosa.
2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden led the American contingent with a fourth-place finish on his Repsol Honda Team Honda/Michelin after starting in the same position. John Hopkins climbed from the ninth starting position to finish seventh on his Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki/Bridgestone.
Colin Edwards placed 17th after crashing his Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha/Michelin on lap 5 and retiring one lap later. Edwards qualified third, his second consecutive front-row start, and was running sixth when he crashed.
Defending World Champion Casey Stoner endured a miserable weekend after winning the season opener in Qatar. Stoner qualified seventh on his Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati/Bridgestone and dropped to an 11th-place finish in the race after running into the gravel twice. It was the worst finish of his 20 career starts with Ducati, which he joined last season.
The next race is the Grand Prix of Portugal on April 13 at Estoril.
Results
1. Dani Pedrosa Spain Honda/Michelin
2. Valentino Rossi Italy Yamaha/Bridgestone +2.883 seconds
3. Jorge Lorenzo Spain Yamaha/Michelin +4.339
4. Nicky Hayden United States Honda/Michelin +10.142
5. Loris Capirossi Italy Suzuki/Bridgestone +27.524
6. James Toseland Great Britain Yamaha/Michelin +27.808
7. John Hopkins United States Kawasaki/Bridgestone +28.296
8. Andrea Dovizioso Italy Honda/Michelin +28.449
9. Shinya Nakano Japan Honda/Bridgestone +32.569
10. Chris Vermeulen Australia Suzuki/Bridgestone +35.091
11. Casey Stoner Australia Ducati/Bridgestone +42.223
12. Marco Melandri Italy Ducati/Bridgestone +44.498
13. Anthony West Australia Kawasaki/Bridgestone +45.807
14. Alex De Angelis San Marino Honda/Bridgestone +45.871
15. Toni Elias Spain Ducati/Bridgestone +1:09.558
16. Sylvain Guintoli France Ducati/Bridgestone +1:14.442
17. Colin Edwards United States Yamaha/Michelin +22 laps
18. Randy De Puniet France Honda/Michelin +25 laps
Fastest lap: Pedrosa, 1:40.116, lap 3
Pole lap: Lorenzo, 1:38.189
Points
1, Pedrosa 41, 2. Lorenzo 36, 3. Rossi 31, 4. Stoner 30, 5. Dovizioso 21, 6. Toseland 20, 7. Hayden 19, 8. Capirossi 19, 9. Hopkins 13, 10. Nakano 10, 11. Edwards 9, 12. Melandri 9, 13. De Puniet 7, 14. Vermeulen 6, 15. West 3, 15. Elias 3, 17. De Angelis 2, 18. Guintoli 1
Two months ago, Dani Pedrosa couldn’t ride a motorcycle due to a broken hand suffered in a late January testing crash. Now he sits atop the MotoGP World Championship standings after a dominant victory Sunay in his home Grand Prix of Spain at the Jerez circuit.
Pedrosa pulled away from his second starting spot and led all 27 laps for his first victory of the season on the Repsol Honda Team Honda/Michelin. The victory vaulted him the top of the standings with 41 points, as he finished third in the season-opening Grand Prix of Qatar on March 9.
“This is my first MotoGP win at Jerez, and I’m very happy about today’s performance because it comes after a difficult winter during which we couldn’t test so much after I crashed and broke my right hand in January,” Pedrosa said. “To score good results in two complicated races and lead the championship is very important.”
Five-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi finished second on his Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha/Bridgestone, 2.883 seconds behind Pedrosa. Rossi is winless in his last six starts, the longest drought of his MotoGP career, which started in 2000. But he could take solace in becoming the first MotoGP rider to record 100 career podium finishes.
The charismatic Rossi nearly blew his finishing position when he slowed and started to gesticulate toward his crew when crossing the start-finish line with one lap remaining. He quickly realized the race wasn’t over and twisted the throttle hard for the final lap.
Rookie Jorge Lorenzo, who won his second consecutive pole, finished third on his Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha/Michelin. Lorenzo climbed to second in the points with 36, just five points behind bitter rival and fellow Spaniard Pedrosa.
2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden led the American contingent with a fourth-place finish on his Repsol Honda Team Honda/Michelin after starting in the same position. John Hopkins climbed from the ninth starting position to finish seventh on his Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki/Bridgestone.
Colin Edwards placed 17th after crashing his Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha/Michelin on lap 5 and retiring one lap later. Edwards qualified third, his second consecutive front-row start, and was running sixth when he crashed.
Defending World Champion Casey Stoner endured a miserable weekend after winning the season opener in Qatar. Stoner qualified seventh on his Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati/Bridgestone and dropped to an 11th-place finish in the race after running into the gravel twice. It was the worst finish of his 20 career starts with Ducati, which he joined last season.
The next race is the Grand Prix of Portugal on April 13 at Estoril.
Results
1. Dani Pedrosa Spain Honda/Michelin
2. Valentino Rossi Italy Yamaha/Bridgestone +2.883 seconds
3. Jorge Lorenzo Spain Yamaha/Michelin +4.339
4. Nicky Hayden United States Honda/Michelin +10.142
5. Loris Capirossi Italy Suzuki/Bridgestone +27.524
6. James Toseland Great Britain Yamaha/Michelin +27.808
7. John Hopkins United States Kawasaki/Bridgestone +28.296
8. Andrea Dovizioso Italy Honda/Michelin +28.449
9. Shinya Nakano Japan Honda/Bridgestone +32.569
10. Chris Vermeulen Australia Suzuki/Bridgestone +35.091
11. Casey Stoner Australia Ducati/Bridgestone +42.223
12. Marco Melandri Italy Ducati/Bridgestone +44.498
13. Anthony West Australia Kawasaki/Bridgestone +45.807
14. Alex De Angelis San Marino Honda/Bridgestone +45.871
15. Toni Elias Spain Ducati/Bridgestone +1:09.558
16. Sylvain Guintoli France Ducati/Bridgestone +1:14.442
17. Colin Edwards United States Yamaha/Michelin +22 laps
18. Randy De Puniet France Honda/Michelin +25 laps
Fastest lap: Pedrosa, 1:40.116, lap 3
Pole lap: Lorenzo, 1:38.189
Points
1, Pedrosa 41, 2. Lorenzo 36, 3. Rossi 31, 4. Stoner 30, 5. Dovizioso 21, 6. Toseland 20, 7. Hayden 19, 8. Capirossi 19, 9. Hopkins 13, 10. Nakano 10, 11. Edwards 9, 12. Melandri 9, 13. De Puniet 7, 14. Vermeulen 6, 15. West 3, 15. Elias 3, 17. De Angelis 2, 18. Guintoli 1
2008 Donnie Smith Bike show
The show was great! I need some time to put together a post, and some pictures on Flickr. Will hopefully have ready in a day or so. So please take the time to read the post about "Charity" below.
Donnie Smith to be continued...later,
Mr. Motorcycle
Donnie Smith to be continued...later,
Mr. Motorcycle
I once knew this girl named Charity.
Just kidding.
I got your attention though.
It seems as if charity is the theme of a lot of bloging, including some of mine.
3-27-08, Thursday night’s episode of American Chopper hosted Mikey and U Of Michigan, doing the lead for a theme bike for an auction for a charity event. This is one of many bikes done this way for O.C.C.
O.C.C., Orange County Choppers http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/ is always involved in charity, sometimes indirectly, but still doing charity. It seems every other theme bike they build gets auctioned off for a good cause charity event of some kind.
I’ve seen on blogs lately some of these posts…..
Bikes, Art And Rock And Roll For A Good Cause on http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/
&
Largest Women’s Only Ride. on http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/
&
Builders Breakfast Delivers in Daytona on http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/
&
Inaugural Biker Fusion Event at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse
on http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/
&
on my own site, I recently wrote about donating time and or sponshorship monies for the Adopt a Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc program.
http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/03/adopt-highway-litter-removal-service-of.html
&
Non blog related charity events held annually locally where I’m from…
Local Flood Run - Wisconsin / Minnesota for Gillette Children’s Hospital
&
Lightning Run for Diabetes http://www.lightningrun.com/
Are these all just excuses to ride, gather, party, advertise, gain publicity, get tax right off’s, Etc.???
Maybe they are, maybe they aren't.
Whatever the reason behind the charity event, it still just feels good to be a part of something bigger, to give something back.
What ever the reason behind the reason, Keep it going.
Mr. Motorcycle
I got your attention though.
It seems as if charity is the theme of a lot of bloging, including some of mine.
3-27-08, Thursday night’s episode of American Chopper hosted Mikey and U Of Michigan, doing the lead for a theme bike for an auction for a charity event. This is one of many bikes done this way for O.C.C.
O.C.C., Orange County Choppers http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/ is always involved in charity, sometimes indirectly, but still doing charity. It seems every other theme bike they build gets auctioned off for a good cause charity event of some kind.
I’ve seen on blogs lately some of these posts…..
Bikes, Art And Rock And Roll For A Good Cause on http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/
&
Largest Women’s Only Ride. on http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/
&
Builders Breakfast Delivers in Daytona on http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/
&
Inaugural Biker Fusion Event at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse
on http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/
&
on my own site, I recently wrote about donating time and or sponshorship monies for the Adopt a Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc program.
http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/03/adopt-highway-litter-removal-service-of.html
&
Non blog related charity events held annually locally where I’m from…
Local Flood Run - Wisconsin / Minnesota for Gillette Children’s Hospital
&
Lightning Run for Diabetes http://www.lightningrun.com/
Are these all just excuses to ride, gather, party, advertise, gain publicity, get tax right off’s, Etc.???
Maybe they are, maybe they aren't.
Whatever the reason behind the charity event, it still just feels good to be a part of something bigger, to give something back.
What ever the reason behind the reason, Keep it going.
Mr. Motorcycle
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Squids go wild
Crazy Supermotard action - keep watching it gets mighty wild - just wish they had some protective riding gear.10.07 montee ospédaleUploaded by bartoxxI keep thinking about supermoto's... they probably are the most fun type of bike to ride. I have always had my concerns however about doing any distance on one. This is something I can compromise from the point that I don't want or need a proper
What the Heck is a Balaclava?
I had a Motorcycle Glossary / Dictionary of motorcycle terms on the old site. Those motorcycle terms are also on the new site and I've just revised all 225 of them to cross-reference them and link them to additional explanatory information in some of my articles.
I've even set them up so you can also go from term to term in the dictionary without going back to the index.
The Motorcycle Dictionary has been very popular over the last half-dozen years. I've even had some other motorcycle sites use my definitions on their sites without permission. I guess that means that others find them so useful that they just take them for their own. (I have had to point out these infractions to several webmasters.)
That's also been a problem I've had with some of my more important articles such as You CAN Learn to Ride a Motorcycle and 10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle. Both those articles started out getting low usage but as time goes on, they are attracting huge numbers of readers.
Well, the Motorcycle Views Motorcycle Dictionary should be on your reading list too. If you have any motorcycle terms that you'd like to see added, just email me (include your own definition).
By the way, a Balaclava is is a thin pull-over head and neck cover with eye slits for winter usage under a motorcycle helmet. Pronunciation: Bal-A-Clav'-A • (noun). Now you only have 224 more motorcycle terms to go.
I've even set them up so you can also go from term to term in the dictionary without going back to the index.
The Motorcycle Dictionary has been very popular over the last half-dozen years. I've even had some other motorcycle sites use my definitions on their sites without permission. I guess that means that others find them so useful that they just take them for their own. (I have had to point out these infractions to several webmasters.)
That's also been a problem I've had with some of my more important articles such as You CAN Learn to Ride a Motorcycle and 10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle. Both those articles started out getting low usage but as time goes on, they are attracting huge numbers of readers.
Well, the Motorcycle Views Motorcycle Dictionary should be on your reading list too. If you have any motorcycle terms that you'd like to see added, just email me (include your own definition).
By the way, a Balaclava is is a thin pull-over head and neck cover with eye slits for winter usage under a motorcycle helmet. Pronunciation: Bal-A-Clav'-A • (noun). Now you only have 224 more motorcycle terms to go.
Not so bright biker stunt
Saturday - Sunday filler (Video of a good stunt gone bad)
By the way (not related to video above) I'm hooking up with a couple of riding buddies this weekend for the Donnie Smith Bike show. I can't enter mine this year as it's still in pieces. I should have her ready to ride soon though.
I hope to have some good Pics from the show. I'll share them hopefully Monday.
Till then, Have a great weekend!
Mr. Motorcycle
Friday, March 28, 2008
Struggles for Ducati in Spain
From Marlboro Ducati
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN -- Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri lapped sixth and 15th fastest respectively on the first day of free practice at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain Friday.
Stoner suffered a small crash in the afternoon but he escaped injury and was able to return to action shortly afterwards. However, the incident was a setback to the World Champion's set-up work at a circuit that has proved to be one of the most challenging on the calendar for the Ducati Marlboro Team and his fastest time of the day of 1:40.828 was set in the morning practice when he was a close second.
Melandri remains a long way from the ideal set-up after working with the race setting he found so effective in Qatar, which has proved to be less so at the Spanish circuit.
"We knew before we started that this isn't the best circuit for us and we struggled from the first session this morning to find the ideal setting," Stoner said. "During the first practice we were struggling a lot getting the bike to enter the corner under heavy braking, which we finally fixed this afternoon, but then we started to get a lot more problems in the rear - it was pumping and moving around a lot.
"We really don't know what happened with the crash. There was no reason for it. The front's been a little bit nervous all day but not terrible and I just tipped it into the corner, it started to go and there was no way I could save it".
Melandri's best time was a 1:41.825.
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN -- Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri lapped sixth and 15th fastest respectively on the first day of free practice at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain Friday.
Stoner suffered a small crash in the afternoon but he escaped injury and was able to return to action shortly afterwards. However, the incident was a setback to the World Champion's set-up work at a circuit that has proved to be one of the most challenging on the calendar for the Ducati Marlboro Team and his fastest time of the day of 1:40.828 was set in the morning practice when he was a close second.
Melandri remains a long way from the ideal set-up after working with the race setting he found so effective in Qatar, which has proved to be less so at the Spanish circuit.
"We knew before we started that this isn't the best circuit for us and we struggled from the first session this morning to find the ideal setting," Stoner said. "During the first practice we were struggling a lot getting the bike to enter the corner under heavy braking, which we finally fixed this afternoon, but then we started to get a lot more problems in the rear - it was pumping and moving around a lot.
"We really don't know what happened with the crash. There was no reason for it. The front's been a little bit nervous all day but not terrible and I just tipped it into the corner, it started to go and there was no way I could save it".
Melandri's best time was a 1:41.825.
Honda riders on the pace
From Repsol Honda
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN -- Repsol Honda riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa made a strong start to their Spanish GP weekend Friday, ending the first two practice sessions fourth and fifth fastest.
Both riders’ best lap times were around lap record pace and less than half a second off Friday’s fastest lap. Hayden, whose fastest lap was a 1:40.673, used a new spec chassis to achieve his best times of the day and prefers the new unit’s characteristics.
Pedrosa, who struggled with his recently broken right hand during his last visit to Jerez in February, made excellent progress, focusing on tires and suspension. His best time was 1:40.813.
Saturday both riders will concentrate on longer tire runs aboard their RC212Vs to prepare for Sunday’s race, round 2 of the 18-event 2008 MotoGP season.
“We’re certainly a lot closer than we were at Qatar, which makes it a lot more fun," Hayden said. "We were on top for part of the session, stayed up near the front a lot and we made a pretty big step between morning and afternoon, almost a half second.
"We had a pretty good set-up from when we here for the tests in February, so tire-wise, bike-wise, it’s not a lot different, though I did try a new chassis that definitely seemed to help, and I made my best lap times with it. We’re going to talk about running both bikes with the new chassis tomorrow."
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SPAIN -- Repsol Honda riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa made a strong start to their Spanish GP weekend Friday, ending the first two practice sessions fourth and fifth fastest.
Both riders’ best lap times were around lap record pace and less than half a second off Friday’s fastest lap. Hayden, whose fastest lap was a 1:40.673, used a new spec chassis to achieve his best times of the day and prefers the new unit’s characteristics.
Pedrosa, who struggled with his recently broken right hand during his last visit to Jerez in February, made excellent progress, focusing on tires and suspension. His best time was 1:40.813.
Saturday both riders will concentrate on longer tire runs aboard their RC212Vs to prepare for Sunday’s race, round 2 of the 18-event 2008 MotoGP season.
“We’re certainly a lot closer than we were at Qatar, which makes it a lot more fun," Hayden said. "We were on top for part of the session, stayed up near the front a lot and we made a pretty big step between morning and afternoon, almost a half second.
"We had a pretty good set-up from when we here for the tests in February, so tire-wise, bike-wise, it’s not a lot different, though I did try a new chassis that definitely seemed to help, and I made my best lap times with it. We’re going to talk about running both bikes with the new chassis tomorrow."
Big Bear Choppers Recalls Choppers for Frame Cracks
Big Bear Choppers has issued a recall of certain 2004-2005 Devil's Advocate and Venom Choppers and 2005 Sled Choppers.
Some motorcycles may have inadequate weld penetration between the neck, backbone, and down tubes of the frame. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces, structural modification made to the frame by owners, and/or failure to maintain the specified torque setting of the top motor mount may cause the affected welds to crack.
351 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Some motorcycles may have inadequate weld penetration between the neck, backbone, and down tubes of the frame. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces, structural modification made to the frame by owners, and/or failure to maintain the specified torque setting of the top motor mount may cause the affected welds to crack.
351 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY LITTER REMOVAL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
As I was driving around the other day, I noticed the springtime temperatures we are having here in Minnesota are getting the roadside cleanup crews going. They are picking up litter all over. Many crews are directly affiliated with the nationwide Adopt a Highway Program.
I always realize how dirty our roadsides get when the snow melts off and all the winter’s accumulation of litter accrues. I am greatly thankful to those who join forces to clean up this mess each spring, and follow it through until the snow falls again each year. When I was a kid growing up, they did not have this program, and cities relied almost solely on tax dollars and volunteers like the Boy Scouts, and other organizations to help out.
Needless to say the clean up did not always happen, and I clearly remember driving by trash-ridden streets and highways all the time. The Adopt a Highway Program has clearly made a difference in my mind. Since I ride a motorcycle, & the road & roadsides are my view of the world, it sure is nice when it’s clean. Isn’t this after all one of the reasons we ride is for the spectacular views we get on the open road?
I just wanted to take the time to thank all of those sponsors, and volunteers out there helping to keep America’s roadsides clean and beautiful.
I always realize how dirty our roadsides get when the snow melts off and all the winter’s accumulation of litter accrues. I am greatly thankful to those who join forces to clean up this mess each spring, and follow it through until the snow falls again each year. When I was a kid growing up, they did not have this program, and cities relied almost solely on tax dollars and volunteers like the Boy Scouts, and other organizations to help out.
Needless to say the clean up did not always happen, and I clearly remember driving by trash-ridden streets and highways all the time. The Adopt a Highway Program has clearly made a difference in my mind. Since I ride a motorcycle, & the road & roadsides are my view of the world, it sure is nice when it’s clean. Isn’t this after all one of the reasons we ride is for the spectacular views we get on the open road?
I just wanted to take the time to thank all of those sponsors, and volunteers out there helping to keep America’s roadsides clean and beautiful.
The following website shows how corporate sponsorship can get your company name on road signs for advertisement.
http://www.adoptahighway.net/
If you dig a little deeper on the Internet, searching “Adopt a Highway”, you’ll find tons of other sites with information on your local adopt a highway program. Many have free programs that work off the basis of volunteers.
A couple of examples are the two quotes from below came that came from the Texas program. http://www.dot.state.tx.us/trv/aah/ En Español
Make a difference: Adopt-a-Highway today!“Personal involvement has proven to be the best way to keep our roads clean. The Adopt-a-Highway program costs nothing for individual groups like businesses and civic organizations to get involved, and in return for their efforts, they gain public recognition.”—Billy Black, Co-Founder, Adopt-a-Highway
Looking for a way to improve your surroundings?The Adopt-a-Highway program gives groups the opportunity to help their communities by collecting litter and beautifying roadsides. This international program originated in Texas, where it remains one of the Lone Star State's most successful public-private initiatives.
Battistinis Harley Davidson Bagger
Check out these fantastic pictures of Battistinis new customised Harley Davidson Bagger.
Further details of the is eye-catching Harley can be read on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here are visiting Battistinis's website.
Ride safe!
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Further details of the is eye-catching Harley can be read on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here are visiting Battistinis's website.
Ride safe!
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Factory Connection Canada rises from ashes
By John Hopkins
TORONTO, ON -- It is business as usual for Factory Connection Canada Inc., vowed General Manager Michael Haist, despite a fire that destroyed its premises in St-Nicephore, QC on Mar. 19.
In an open letter sent earlier this week, Haist said that temporary offices have been found and the company would be shipping its first set of suspension to a customer later this week.
"Failure is not going to be an option for us," Haist said. "We have already purchased and configured a new computer for our needs, we have driven to the United States and the new start up inventory is already here in Canada. Some tools have already been purchased and the bulk of it gets delivered Monday [Mar. 31].
"In the weeks to come we will be finding a new permanent address and then we can really start the new beginning."
Factory Connection Canada shared an industrial unit with another business, and according to Haist's letter a fire broke out in the adjacent offices.
"I will not explain details at this time due to ongoing investigations," Haist said, "but will tell you the very real reality of it for us is that the building and its entire contents is a total loss. We are left nothing, except our empty on-site support trailer."
Customers can reach Factory Connection Canada at 819-398-7722 or sales@factoryconnectioncanada.com.
TORONTO, ON -- It is business as usual for Factory Connection Canada Inc., vowed General Manager Michael Haist, despite a fire that destroyed its premises in St-Nicephore, QC on Mar. 19.
In an open letter sent earlier this week, Haist said that temporary offices have been found and the company would be shipping its first set of suspension to a customer later this week.
"Failure is not going to be an option for us," Haist said. "We have already purchased and configured a new computer for our needs, we have driven to the United States and the new start up inventory is already here in Canada. Some tools have already been purchased and the bulk of it gets delivered Monday [Mar. 31].
"In the weeks to come we will be finding a new permanent address and then we can really start the new beginning."
Factory Connection Canada shared an industrial unit with another business, and according to Haist's letter a fire broke out in the adjacent offices.
"I will not explain details at this time due to ongoing investigations," Haist said, "but will tell you the very real reality of it for us is that the building and its entire contents is a total loss. We are left nothing, except our empty on-site support trailer."
Customers can reach Factory Connection Canada at 819-398-7722 or sales@factoryconnectioncanada.com.
Major development for Canadian racing
From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada
TORONTO, ON – The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) today announced the formation of the MCC Competition Working Group to coordinate and expand motorcycle racing in Canada.
The MCC, World Enduro Canada (WEC), the Canadian Motosport Racing Club (CMRC) and Parts Canada Superbike Championship (produced by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), as founding members agree that the formation of this working group will put Canada’s competition racing on the map as a force to be reckoned with in the international racing scene.
“This is one of the most significant developments on the Canadian motorcycling scene in 25 years,” said MCC President Peter Jacobs. “For years the Canadian competition scene has been fragmented, now through this MCC working group riders, promotional partners and industry will come together to offer events that meet the highest standards of operation and sanctioning and present fair and expanding opportunities for our riders to compete with the best.”
“The recognition these various disciplines, series and riders will now receive at the national and international levels is long overdue and will allow Canadian motorcycling to be deservedly showcased worldwide,” added Mark Stallybrass, President of CMRC, Canada’s leading operator of competitive motocross, dirt track, SuperMoto, Cross Country, ATV and Ice racing.
“When it comes to talent, Canada’s motorcycle racers are second to none,” said Colin Fraser of PMP, organizer of the national road racing series for Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “By joining forces, we are creating a win-win opportunity for the individuals who choose competitive racing in Canada and at an international level.”
Lawrence Hacking, one of the principals of World Enduro Canada commented that, “Canadian off road racers deserve recognition. Our FIM sanctioned WEC events have demonstrated the concept to everyone involved in the sport: our riders now know that they can indeed compete at the highest level on an international stage. The formation of the competition council will help carry this momentum to both a National Enduro and Cross Country Series.”
The MCC, is the not-for-profit national advocacy organization that champions motorcycling interests throughout Canada. Established in 2004, it is comprised of national, provincial and territorial organizations, regional clubs, individual riders and industry representatives.
TORONTO, ON – The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) today announced the formation of the MCC Competition Working Group to coordinate and expand motorcycle racing in Canada.
The MCC, World Enduro Canada (WEC), the Canadian Motosport Racing Club (CMRC) and Parts Canada Superbike Championship (produced by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), as founding members agree that the formation of this working group will put Canada’s competition racing on the map as a force to be reckoned with in the international racing scene.
“This is one of the most significant developments on the Canadian motorcycling scene in 25 years,” said MCC President Peter Jacobs. “For years the Canadian competition scene has been fragmented, now through this MCC working group riders, promotional partners and industry will come together to offer events that meet the highest standards of operation and sanctioning and present fair and expanding opportunities for our riders to compete with the best.”
“The recognition these various disciplines, series and riders will now receive at the national and international levels is long overdue and will allow Canadian motorcycling to be deservedly showcased worldwide,” added Mark Stallybrass, President of CMRC, Canada’s leading operator of competitive motocross, dirt track, SuperMoto, Cross Country, ATV and Ice racing.
“When it comes to talent, Canada’s motorcycle racers are second to none,” said Colin Fraser of PMP, organizer of the national road racing series for Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “By joining forces, we are creating a win-win opportunity for the individuals who choose competitive racing in Canada and at an international level.”
Lawrence Hacking, one of the principals of World Enduro Canada commented that, “Canadian off road racers deserve recognition. Our FIM sanctioned WEC events have demonstrated the concept to everyone involved in the sport: our riders now know that they can indeed compete at the highest level on an international stage. The formation of the competition council will help carry this momentum to both a National Enduro and Cross Country Series.”
The MCC, is the not-for-profit national advocacy organization that champions motorcycling interests throughout Canada. Established in 2004, it is comprised of national, provincial and territorial organizations, regional clubs, individual riders and industry representatives.
The Ducati Monster 696 is almost here
Ducati UK have announced that the much awaited Ducati Monster 696 will in Ducati dealers worldwide from early April. So if you've been waiting for this new Monster, the wait is almost over.However if you need a "Monster" fix now, Ducati have also launched a new website dedicated to this new model at www.monster.ducati.it.
Ride safe!
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
2008 Donnie Smith Bike Show Sat. 3-29 & Sun. 3-30
For those of you who are local to Minnesota, don't forget to check out the bike show!
Biggest show in the Midwest.
Show times Sat 9AM - 7PM & Sun10AM - 5PM
click link for details. http://www.donniesmithbikeshow.com/
I'll be there and take pics to post!
Biggest show in the Midwest.
Show times Sat 9AM - 7PM & Sun10AM - 5PM
click link for details. http://www.donniesmithbikeshow.com/
I'll be there and take pics to post!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Pantera motorcycle
I stumbled across these guys. Their bikes sure caught my eyes. It appears as though they have taken the idea of a long and low chopper, & crossed it with a croth rocket to make a highbrid street - drag bike. I love innovation. Looks pretty cool.
Check out their website @ http://www.panteramotorcycles.com/
I know their site lists 2006 models. Not sure if they are not in production still, but their web site does say "© Pantera Custom Motorcycle Design 2008".
2006 Pantera Dragster Base Model $44,500.00
2006 Pantera Dragster SP-1 (Package includes 280MEZ rear and 3D Contour Wheels) SP-1 $48,750.00
2006 Pantera Dragster SP-1 (Package includes 280MEZ rear and 3D Contour Wheels) SP-1 $48,750.00
Prices are in the range of the Big bucks bikes that Beach Cruiser was talking about. See also Beach Cruisers blog post on big buck Bikes. http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/2008/03/26/posh-bikes-rev-up-amid-slowdown.html
See also my prior blog post: http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/03/what-kind-of-effect-will-skyrocketing.html
Mr. Motorcycle
Polaris Recalls 2008 Victory Vision for Ignition Switch Defect
Polaris/Victory has issued a recall of certain 2008 Vision motorcycles.
The electrical contact plate on the ignition switch base may not be properly secured to the ignition switch body, which can cause an unexpected loss of electrical power to the vehicle. A loss of electrical power could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a loss of control and a vehicle crash.
1585 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
The electrical contact plate on the ignition switch base may not be properly secured to the ignition switch body, which can cause an unexpected loss of electrical power to the vehicle. A loss of electrical power could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a loss of control and a vehicle crash.
1585 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
MX for Children back in Seattle
From Live Nation Motor Sports
AURORA, IL – The 3rd Annual MX for Children’s Inside Line Experience charity event will be held in conjunction with the Seattle round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship April 26 at Seattle’s Qwest Field.
The Inside Line Experience has raised more than $110,000 in Seattle during its first two years while running on conjunction with supercross. MX for Children and Live Nation Motor Sports Inc., hope to see funds raised that would equal that total in 2008. All funds raised during the event will benefit Seattle’s Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center and their research for hydrocephalus, the leading cause of brain surgery in children.
Top riders from Honda Red Bull Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross will take part in a pre-race charity event at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center on Thursday, April 24, at noon. The top fundraisers will be treated to the Inside Line Experience, an exclusive meet and greet with the riders, who will also spend quality time with children at the hospital.
“The Inside Line Experience has been an overwhelming success in its first two years,” said Paul Gross, MX for Children founder. “Live Nation and the entire sport of supercross has been very supportive of our cause. We have not only raised a substantial amount of money for hydrocephalus research, but we’ve raised awareness, which is invaluable.”
The entire supercross industry continues to support the event with an abundance of unique items and signed memorabilia that will be put for giveaway or auction, including the grand prize Team Makita Suzuki RMZ-250, which the winning ticket will be drawn on Saturday night at Qwest Field. An additional event will be held at Renton Motorcycles, where top supercross riders will be on hand signing autographs.
Pledge forms can be picked up and raffle tickets may be purchased at participating Suzuki dealers or online at the official website http://www.mxforchildren.org.
AURORA, IL – The 3rd Annual MX for Children’s Inside Line Experience charity event will be held in conjunction with the Seattle round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship April 26 at Seattle’s Qwest Field.
The Inside Line Experience has raised more than $110,000 in Seattle during its first two years while running on conjunction with supercross. MX for Children and Live Nation Motor Sports Inc., hope to see funds raised that would equal that total in 2008. All funds raised during the event will benefit Seattle’s Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center and their research for hydrocephalus, the leading cause of brain surgery in children.
Top riders from Honda Red Bull Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross will take part in a pre-race charity event at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center on Thursday, April 24, at noon. The top fundraisers will be treated to the Inside Line Experience, an exclusive meet and greet with the riders, who will also spend quality time with children at the hospital.
“The Inside Line Experience has been an overwhelming success in its first two years,” said Paul Gross, MX for Children founder. “Live Nation and the entire sport of supercross has been very supportive of our cause. We have not only raised a substantial amount of money for hydrocephalus research, but we’ve raised awareness, which is invaluable.”
The entire supercross industry continues to support the event with an abundance of unique items and signed memorabilia that will be put for giveaway or auction, including the grand prize Team Makita Suzuki RMZ-250, which the winning ticket will be drawn on Saturday night at Qwest Field. An additional event will be held at Renton Motorcycles, where top supercross riders will be on hand signing autographs.
Pledge forms can be picked up and raffle tickets may be purchased at participating Suzuki dealers or online at the official website http://www.mxforchildren.org.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Toronto SX asks, "Who's next?"
From Live Nation Motor Sports
AURORA, IL – After hosting the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross for the past three years, the Toronto race is making a mid-season tour stop this Saturday at Rogers Centre, serving as the 12th race of the season and the only international stop. Heading into Toronto this weekend, five different riders have won AMA Supercross class main events.
Monster Energy returns to CBS Sports this Sunday wit the AMA Supercross airing at Noon EST, and the AMA Supercross Lites class will air on SPEED Saturday April 5 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
Yamaha’s Josh Hill, of Yoncalla, OR, won the first Monster Energy Supercross race of his career in front of 40,982 fans at the last race inside Minneapolis’ Metrodome.
Last season’s race at Rogers Centre was one of the most intense of the season and a perfect way to kick off season. Honda’s Nick Wey grabbed the Holeshot Award with Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael and Yamaha’s Chad Reed in tow. Kawasaki’s James Stewart was off the pace when the gate dropped, starting in 10th place.
Throughout the first lap Reed and Carmichael traded positions, but at the start of lap 2 Carmichael hit a tuff block and crashed. Stewart, rebounding from the poor start, impressively moved into second place and put the charge on Reed.
Reed and Stewart swapped positions several times before they came together before the finish line jump on lap 17. Stewart went off the track and upon re-entering, he collided with Honda’s Travis Preston, causing both of them to crash. Reed went on to pick up the win. Carmichael battled back to finish second and Stewart finished third.
In AMA Supercross Lites racing, KTM’s Martin Davalos led all 15 laps en route to the win last year.
Tickets are available at Rogers Centre – Gate 7, all Ticketmaster locations, www.SupercrossOnline.com or by phone at 416-870-8000. Adult tickets are $40; $30; $20 and all kids tickets are $15. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. and racing begins at 7:00 p.m.
AURORA, IL – After hosting the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross for the past three years, the Toronto race is making a mid-season tour stop this Saturday at Rogers Centre, serving as the 12th race of the season and the only international stop. Heading into Toronto this weekend, five different riders have won AMA Supercross class main events.
Monster Energy returns to CBS Sports this Sunday wit the AMA Supercross airing at Noon EST, and the AMA Supercross Lites class will air on SPEED Saturday April 5 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
Yamaha’s Josh Hill, of Yoncalla, OR, won the first Monster Energy Supercross race of his career in front of 40,982 fans at the last race inside Minneapolis’ Metrodome.
Last season’s race at Rogers Centre was one of the most intense of the season and a perfect way to kick off season. Honda’s Nick Wey grabbed the Holeshot Award with Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael and Yamaha’s Chad Reed in tow. Kawasaki’s James Stewart was off the pace when the gate dropped, starting in 10th place.
Throughout the first lap Reed and Carmichael traded positions, but at the start of lap 2 Carmichael hit a tuff block and crashed. Stewart, rebounding from the poor start, impressively moved into second place and put the charge on Reed.
Reed and Stewart swapped positions several times before they came together before the finish line jump on lap 17. Stewart went off the track and upon re-entering, he collided with Honda’s Travis Preston, causing both of them to crash. Reed went on to pick up the win. Carmichael battled back to finish second and Stewart finished third.
In AMA Supercross Lites racing, KTM’s Martin Davalos led all 15 laps en route to the win last year.
Tickets are available at Rogers Centre – Gate 7, all Ticketmaster locations, www.SupercrossOnline.com or by phone at 416-870-8000. Adult tickets are $40; $30; $20 and all kids tickets are $15. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. and racing begins at 7:00 p.m.
Foggy Petronas equipment for sale online
From Foggy Petronas Racing
The former Foggy Petronas Racing World Superbike team has instructed Wyles Hardy & Co to stage an online website sale of all remaining equipment and assets.
The team, set up by ex-World Champion Carl Fogarty, will host a viewing day at its Burton-on-Trent base on Saturday April 12. Each of the 500 lots can be bid for and purchased only online at http://www.wyleshardy.com/, with the deadline for bids of 12 noon Thursday April 17.
Key items on sale include a state-of-the-art SuperFlow ‘Cycledyn SF-250’ Dynomometer; leathers, helmets and memorabilia worn and signed by Fogarty and former FPR riders including Troy Corser, Garry McCoy and Chris Walker; racing parts; garage mechanics’ tooling and equipment; machine tools; office and computer equipment; not forgetting the fully fitted Vipex Conestoga Double Deck Race Trailer. Full details and images of each lot are included on the website.
“There should be something here for everyone from professional race teams, amateur racers to every motorcycling enthusiast," Fogarty said. "Our team always prided themselves on excellence so all the items, from the race trailer down to tools and equipment are of excellent quality and in great condition.”
Part of the proceeds from the sale will go towards Fogarty’s official charity, the NSPCC.
The former Foggy Petronas Racing World Superbike team has instructed Wyles Hardy & Co to stage an online website sale of all remaining equipment and assets.
The team, set up by ex-World Champion Carl Fogarty, will host a viewing day at its Burton-on-Trent base on Saturday April 12. Each of the 500 lots can be bid for and purchased only online at http://www.wyleshardy.com/, with the deadline for bids of 12 noon Thursday April 17.
Key items on sale include a state-of-the-art SuperFlow ‘Cycledyn SF-250’ Dynomometer; leathers, helmets and memorabilia worn and signed by Fogarty and former FPR riders including Troy Corser, Garry McCoy and Chris Walker; racing parts; garage mechanics’ tooling and equipment; machine tools; office and computer equipment; not forgetting the fully fitted Vipex Conestoga Double Deck Race Trailer. Full details and images of each lot are included on the website.
“There should be something here for everyone from professional race teams, amateur racers to every motorcycling enthusiast," Fogarty said. "Our team always prided themselves on excellence so all the items, from the race trailer down to tools and equipment are of excellent quality and in great condition.”
Part of the proceeds from the sale will go towards Fogarty’s official charity, the NSPCC.
Yamaha heads back to the light
From Yamaha Racing
After the excitement and intrigue of the first ever night race in Qatar two weeks ago, business returns to normal this weekend for the Fiat Yamaha Team as the second round of the MotoGP World Championship welcomes the staff and riders to more familiar surroundings in Spain.
A spring afternoon in Andalucia, at one of the championship's most popular testing venues, should provide somewhat more predictable conditions and a more realistic flavour of what is to come from the riders in 2008, with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo looking to establish their credentials in front of an adoring capacity crowd at Jerez.
Rossi's love affair with the Spanish fans stretches back to 1996, when he took the first of his six victories in all classes at Jerez. Five of those have come in the premier-class, including with Yamaha in 2005 and 2007. But with the 29-year-old now without a win since Estoril last year, he must win if he is to avoid his longest winless streak since his debut MotoGP victory at Donington Park in 2000.
For rookie sensation Lorenzo the event marks his home debut in the premier-class and he heads into the race full of confidence after taking centre stage under the floodlights of Doha. The 20-year-old started from pole position and finished on the podium in his maiden MotoGP appearance, meaning he lies second in the championship heading to Jerez - a circuit that holds no secrets for the Mallorcan.
Lorenzo made history on home soil as the youngest rider ever to qualify for a Grand Prix on his 15th birthday in the 125cc class back in 2002 and 250cc victories for the past two seasons have contributed to his rise as a national hero.
The track itself challenges the riders to pick the most effective racing line, with few hard braking points and little opportunity to fully open the throttle. The 4.423km layout features regular and quick changes in direction, meaning that the rider requires a responsive overall set-up and good grip at maximum lean angles.
"We did some excellent work at the Jerez test in February and I was able to have great fun riding the bike," Rossi said, "so now I'm really looking forward to going to race there. It's a great track to ride on, it's quite technical and it usually seems to suit our bike quite well."
"I never expected to be going into only my second MotoGP race in such a great position in the classification," Lorenzo said. "However I know it will be hard work for me again in Jerez and it's still just my second race on the M1. In November at the test I had some difficulties but in February I did one of my best laps of the whole winter, despite the bad weather, and I hope I can be even faster this time."
After the excitement and intrigue of the first ever night race in Qatar two weeks ago, business returns to normal this weekend for the Fiat Yamaha Team as the second round of the MotoGP World Championship welcomes the staff and riders to more familiar surroundings in Spain.
A spring afternoon in Andalucia, at one of the championship's most popular testing venues, should provide somewhat more predictable conditions and a more realistic flavour of what is to come from the riders in 2008, with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo looking to establish their credentials in front of an adoring capacity crowd at Jerez.
Rossi's love affair with the Spanish fans stretches back to 1996, when he took the first of his six victories in all classes at Jerez. Five of those have come in the premier-class, including with Yamaha in 2005 and 2007. But with the 29-year-old now without a win since Estoril last year, he must win if he is to avoid his longest winless streak since his debut MotoGP victory at Donington Park in 2000.
For rookie sensation Lorenzo the event marks his home debut in the premier-class and he heads into the race full of confidence after taking centre stage under the floodlights of Doha. The 20-year-old started from pole position and finished on the podium in his maiden MotoGP appearance, meaning he lies second in the championship heading to Jerez - a circuit that holds no secrets for the Mallorcan.
Lorenzo made history on home soil as the youngest rider ever to qualify for a Grand Prix on his 15th birthday in the 125cc class back in 2002 and 250cc victories for the past two seasons have contributed to his rise as a national hero.
The track itself challenges the riders to pick the most effective racing line, with few hard braking points and little opportunity to fully open the throttle. The 4.423km layout features regular and quick changes in direction, meaning that the rider requires a responsive overall set-up and good grip at maximum lean angles.
"We did some excellent work at the Jerez test in February and I was able to have great fun riding the bike," Rossi said, "so now I'm really looking forward to going to race there. It's a great track to ride on, it's quite technical and it usually seems to suit our bike quite well."
"I never expected to be going into only my second MotoGP race in such a great position in the classification," Lorenzo said. "However I know it will be hard work for me again in Jerez and it's still just my second race on the M1. In November at the test I had some difficulties but in February I did one of my best laps of the whole winter, despite the bad weather, and I hope I can be even faster this time."
Laverty leads big British weekend
From Suzuki Racing
Michael Laverty had to brave sub-zero temperatures at times while racing over the Easter holidays, but the Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider recorded a hat-trick of wins on Easter Saturday, also lifting the prestigious Enkalon Trophy for his efforts.
Having watched the weather forecast closely, team boss Philip Neill made the decision to fly Laverty in from Wales instead of travelling to the official BSB test at Snetterton. It was a great call, with his British championship performers filling the card at Bishopscourt, making it nine wins in only two meeting for the official Suzuki team.
Road racing star Bruce Anstey opened the team's account only seven days previous with a fine treble in the MCRRCI event at the same venue, ably supported by new signing Cameron Donald, who had his own piece of success with one win and numerous podium finishes.
Unfortunately the Easter Monday races at Kirkistown were halted due to adverse weather conditions, leaving the large holiday crowd very frustrated. Donald and Laverty posted pole and P2 times in the Superbike class and Ian Lowry was the pole-setter in the Supersport class. He also held a race winning advantage at the head of the field in the Supersport race when the red flags came out, with Cameron Donald in third place.
"These races were really only for our riders to have an early season shakedown but I'm delighted with the results and the performances from the whole team," Neill said. "Last weekend was a local closed to club event and Bruce excelled, but this week we had all the main Irish Superbike riders on the grid, along with a handful of the Irish, British championship runners."
Michael Laverty had to brave sub-zero temperatures at times while racing over the Easter holidays, but the Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider recorded a hat-trick of wins on Easter Saturday, also lifting the prestigious Enkalon Trophy for his efforts.
Having watched the weather forecast closely, team boss Philip Neill made the decision to fly Laverty in from Wales instead of travelling to the official BSB test at Snetterton. It was a great call, with his British championship performers filling the card at Bishopscourt, making it nine wins in only two meeting for the official Suzuki team.
Road racing star Bruce Anstey opened the team's account only seven days previous with a fine treble in the MCRRCI event at the same venue, ably supported by new signing Cameron Donald, who had his own piece of success with one win and numerous podium finishes.
Unfortunately the Easter Monday races at Kirkistown were halted due to adverse weather conditions, leaving the large holiday crowd very frustrated. Donald and Laverty posted pole and P2 times in the Superbike class and Ian Lowry was the pole-setter in the Supersport class. He also held a race winning advantage at the head of the field in the Supersport race when the red flags came out, with Cameron Donald in third place.
"These races were really only for our riders to have an early season shakedown but I'm delighted with the results and the performances from the whole team," Neill said. "Last weekend was a local closed to club event and Bruce excelled, but this week we had all the main Irish Superbike riders on the grid, along with a handful of the Irish, British championship runners."
Charley Boormans new adventure
Apparently motorcycling celebrity and actor Charley Boorman is to embark on yet another adventure entitles "By Any Means". He plans to travel from Dublin in Ireland to Sydney, Australia, by any means of transport. As part of this journey he will be using a sidecar outfit through Russia.
He's pictured having an intensive training session to learn how to drive a sidecar outfit from Ben Mathews Watsonian-Squire's Sales Director. Watsonian-Squire being the longest established sidecar manufacturer in the world.
Aparrently Charley's new adventure will air on BBC2 in the autumn.
Ride safe!
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Schumacher impresses in race appearance
By John Hopkins
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher finished third in a motorcycle race at the Pannonia-Ring in Hungary last Thursday.
According to a report on http://www.autosport.com/, the 39-year-old German started from the back of the 27-bike field on his Holzhauer Racing Promotion Honda CBR1000RR but climbed through to finish behind defending IDM German champion Martin Bauer and former World Superbike competitor Andreas Meklau.
Schumacher's fastest lap was reportedly six seconds off the pace of Bauer and Meklau, but over half a second quicker than the rest of his rivals, the majority of whome were described in the autosport.com article as "enthusiastic amateurs."
Schumacher had actually set the fastest qualifying time, although the IDM Pros were running without transponders on their bikes and were forced to start from the back of the grid. Schumacher elected to join them on the last row.
The German ace made waves last November with his impressive pace on a Ducati MotoGP bike in post-season tests at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain.
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher finished third in a motorcycle race at the Pannonia-Ring in Hungary last Thursday.
According to a report on http://www.autosport.com/, the 39-year-old German started from the back of the 27-bike field on his Holzhauer Racing Promotion Honda CBR1000RR but climbed through to finish behind defending IDM German champion Martin Bauer and former World Superbike competitor Andreas Meklau.
Schumacher's fastest lap was reportedly six seconds off the pace of Bauer and Meklau, but over half a second quicker than the rest of his rivals, the majority of whome were described in the autosport.com article as "enthusiastic amateurs."
Schumacher had actually set the fastest qualifying time, although the IDM Pros were running without transponders on their bikes and were forced to start from the back of the grid. Schumacher elected to join them on the last row.
The German ace made waves last November with his impressive pace on a Ducati MotoGP bike in post-season tests at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain.
Lajoie eighth at Willow Springs
From Nadine Lajoie
ROSAMOND, CA – Nadine Lajoie enjoyed a good kick-off to 2008 with an eighth place in Middleweight in recent action at Willow Springs Raceway.
Unfortunately, she didn't have any points in the local series so she was gridded 18th out of 20 racers. She had a good start and she was able to edge out around the ninth place rider in less than two laps but a red flag stopped the race and there was a full restart, so she started again in 18th position.
The restarted race had only four laps and she could not do better than eighth place.
"I was very disappointed to see my striving in the first start to be useless because I was still in the back," she said. "When I saw the red flag, I was convinced I would be gridded on the third row, which would give me a chance of podium."
In Heavyweight she had a 10th place finish, starting from the 17th place on the grid.
Lajoie has been in California most of the winter but she broke her collarbone in the beginning of January and was sidelined for nine weeks.
In April, she will participate in WERA West at Las Vegas (April 12-13) then she will go back to Willow Springs (April 19-20).
ROSAMOND, CA – Nadine Lajoie enjoyed a good kick-off to 2008 with an eighth place in Middleweight in recent action at Willow Springs Raceway.
Unfortunately, she didn't have any points in the local series so she was gridded 18th out of 20 racers. She had a good start and she was able to edge out around the ninth place rider in less than two laps but a red flag stopped the race and there was a full restart, so she started again in 18th position.
The restarted race had only four laps and she could not do better than eighth place.
"I was very disappointed to see my striving in the first start to be useless because I was still in the back," she said. "When I saw the red flag, I was convinced I would be gridded on the third row, which would give me a chance of podium."
In Heavyweight she had a 10th place finish, starting from the 17th place on the grid.
Lajoie has been in California most of the winter but she broke her collarbone in the beginning of January and was sidelined for nine weeks.
In April, she will participate in WERA West at Las Vegas (April 12-13) then she will go back to Willow Springs (April 19-20).
Suzuki test snowed out
From Rizla Suzuki
The Rizla Suzuki team completed the Pirelli Official test at Snetterton Monday without turning a wheel due to the horrendous weather conditions.
Tom Sykes and Atsushi Watanabe were disappointed at not being able to get on track but the harsh weather conditions put paid to any potential testing. Although there was a lack of on track action race fans were not left disappointed as the pit lane was opened allowing them to mingle freely with the Rizla Suzuki riders. Sykes and Watanabe spent time chatting, signing autographs and posing for photos with their fans.
The first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place April 4-6 at Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent.
The Rizla Suzuki team completed the Pirelli Official test at Snetterton Monday without turning a wheel due to the horrendous weather conditions.
Tom Sykes and Atsushi Watanabe were disappointed at not being able to get on track but the harsh weather conditions put paid to any potential testing. Although there was a lack of on track action race fans were not left disappointed as the pit lane was opened allowing them to mingle freely with the Rizla Suzuki riders. Sykes and Watanabe spent time chatting, signing autographs and posing for photos with their fans.
The first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place April 4-6 at Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wicked video - off road moto-cross and monster trucks.
A friend shared this with me, and since I thought it was so cool, I had to share it with you. Turn up the volume. Done to AC/DC For Those About To Rock. These guys are insane. I salute them!
Sneak preview of my new paint
On my right side banner area, I did some Flickr flash photos of my new paint job. One set is showing the tins still in taped out phase, and one unmasked. There are two pics in the unmasked set where it show the tins actually clear coated. These pics don't do justice as they are close ups of ghost. They show the ghost flames change from charcoal on black to black ghost flames on charcoal racing stripe. Hope you like. I'm getting really stoked to put them back on my bike and ride. Just gotta wait for that weather now.
Mr. Motorcycle
Honda Challenge courts women riders
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON -- The Honda CBR125R Challenge has broadened its mandate for its inaugural season and will be open to female riders in 2008.
As part of Honda Canada’s efforts to encourage female participation in the sport, women who were at least 14 years old at the start of 2008 will be eligible to compete in the series. Male participation is capped at 22 years of age.
The recently announced Honda CBR125R Challenge will be run by Honda Canada with the support of Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), which organizes the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.
“Motorcycling and motorcycle road racing are gaining popularity with women across Canada,” said Tina Capell of PMP. “The Honda CBR125R is an ideal option for women who want to ride, and the Honda CBR125R Challenge is the perfect starter road racing series.”
Owners of Honda CBR125R motorcycles will get their first on-track opportunity of the new season at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Monday, April 28, when the RACE organization offers a dedicated school for 125R riders. The school will be provided at a discounted rate of $200, which includes a RACE competition licence for successful graduates.
Registration and tech staff from the Parts Canada Superbike Championship will be on-hand to offer support. Orion Motorsports, the official Canadian distributor for Pirelli tires, will also be at the track providing tire sales and mounting services for all participants.
Although the RACE school will be an excellent opportunity for aspiring Honda CBR125R racers, it will not be restricted to riders intending to compete in the Honda CBR125R Challenge. Owners of completely stock, street legal CBR125R models are also encouraged to enroll in the all-Honda
single cylinder classroom-and-track event at SMP.
The first Honda CBR125R Challenge race will be a non-championship event at round 2 of the RACE SuperSeries on the Shannonville Nelson Circuit May 2-4. The Honda CBR125R Challenge will be title sponsor of the weekend and series competitors will be eligible for a discounted entry fee.
Nagl second in Belgian race
From KTM Racing
Red Bull KTM MX1 Factory rider Max Nagl rode to second place overall in Belgium's Wuustwezel on Easter Sunday, putting in another confident performance in the pre-season competition.
Nagl rode to second, fourth and second in the three heats for his overall second podium spot after taking the holeshot in all three motos. Although he took the holeshot in the first moto he went wide in the first corner, lost the advantage and had to settle for second place. He got into a tangle with Steve Ramon after Ramon crashed in the second moto and finished fourth while in the third he held his position until he was overtaken by De Dijker in the latter part of the race.
"Max has been training very hard and is improving a lot," said KTM team boss Stefan Everts. "He is putting in faster lap times, He's is going in the right direction and is developing into a good factory rider."
Riders tackled a black sandy track heavy from the previous day's rain. The weather held out with occasional sun on race day.
Results: 1. Ken de Dijcker; 2. Max Nagl; 3. Marvin van Daele
First moto: 1. Steve Ramon; 2. Nagl; 3. Kristof Salaets; 4. de Dijcker; 5. van Daele
Second moto: 1. van Daele; 2. Manuel Priem; 3. de Dijcker; 4. Nagl; 5. Lauris Freibergs
Third moto: 1. de Dijcker; 2. Nagl; 3. van Daele; 4. Ramon 5. Marcus Schiffer
Coppins hurt again, may miss first GP
From Yamaha Racing
Yamaha Monster Motocross Team's Joshua Coppins is facing a rush to be fully fit for the opening round of the 2008 FIM MX1-GP World Championship in two weeks after an incident while training Saturday morning caused the New Zealander to break two toes on his right foot and undergo immediate surgery.
The 31-year-old travelled to the Dunkirk circuit in France to begin his motos in the early stages of Saturday morning to avoid a crowded venue later in the day. However his intentions were curtailed after he crested a hill only to find a local rider picking up his machine. Coppins' right foot bore the brunt of the subsequent collision as he caught the other bike's footpeg.
With counsel from renowned motocross surgeon Dr. Claes, Coppins went under the knife successfully the same afternoon and did not require the insertion of any metalwork into the two smallest toes on his foot.
The natural healing process means that one of the strongest favourites for the MX1-GP title is now staring at the possibility of missing the first meeting of the GP series at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands on April 6.
"I cannot believe my luck, this is the third injury in a row that I have had that was not my fault," he said. "Valkenswaard is 50-50 at the moment. My foot has to heal naturally and we might run out of time; I'm not too sure how things will go at the moment. We will have to assess things over the next few days. I am trying to stay positive but clearly this was not what I wanted. It is a long season though and we have to keep looking ahead."
Coppins had won races in Italy and France over the last six weeks in a promising pre-season period on the works YZ450FM. He claimed five grand prix victories in 2007 and was leading the world championship by 107 points until a freak accident at the Grand Prix of Czech Republic, four rounds before the end of the campaign, caused him to surrender what would have been his first crown.
Yamaha Monster Motocross Team's Joshua Coppins is facing a rush to be fully fit for the opening round of the 2008 FIM MX1-GP World Championship in two weeks after an incident while training Saturday morning caused the New Zealander to break two toes on his right foot and undergo immediate surgery.
The 31-year-old travelled to the Dunkirk circuit in France to begin his motos in the early stages of Saturday morning to avoid a crowded venue later in the day. However his intentions were curtailed after he crested a hill only to find a local rider picking up his machine. Coppins' right foot bore the brunt of the subsequent collision as he caught the other bike's footpeg.
With counsel from renowned motocross surgeon Dr. Claes, Coppins went under the knife successfully the same afternoon and did not require the insertion of any metalwork into the two smallest toes on his foot.
The natural healing process means that one of the strongest favourites for the MX1-GP title is now staring at the possibility of missing the first meeting of the GP series at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands on April 6.
"I cannot believe my luck, this is the third injury in a row that I have had that was not my fault," he said. "Valkenswaard is 50-50 at the moment. My foot has to heal naturally and we might run out of time; I'm not too sure how things will go at the moment. We will have to assess things over the next few days. I am trying to stay positive but clearly this was not what I wanted. It is a long season though and we have to keep looking ahead."
Coppins had won races in Italy and France over the last six weeks in a promising pre-season period on the works YZ450FM. He claimed five grand prix victories in 2007 and was leading the world championship by 107 points until a freak accident at the Grand Prix of Czech Republic, four rounds before the end of the campaign, caused him to surrender what would have been his first crown.
April Wine, Rik Emmett at Ride for Sight
From the Central Ontario Ride for Sight
Ride for Sight is excited to announce that April Wine and Rik Emmett will be headlining the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the Central Ontario Ride for Sight.
Ride for Sight returns to the beautiful shores of Centennial Park in Trenton the weekend of June 20-22. The event is celebrating 30 years of riding for sight in 2008.
April Wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser boasting several hits expanding over their 30+ years of making music together. Rik Emmett is best known as the lead guitarist and singer for the legendary band, Triumph. Emmett will be bringing his rock show to the ride and will perform many of his Triumph hits, including Rocky Mountain Way, Hold On and Lay It On The Line.
April Wine’s repertoire includes such hits as Say Hello, You Could Have Been A Lady, Rock n’ Roll Is A Vicious Game, Sign Of The Gypsy Queen, to name just a few.
With Honeymoon Suite headlining Friday night and Rik Emmett and April Wine on Saturday evening, it is sure to be one celebration that riders won’t want to miss.
Ride for Sight is excited to announce that April Wine and Rik Emmett will be headlining the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the Central Ontario Ride for Sight.
Ride for Sight returns to the beautiful shores of Centennial Park in Trenton the weekend of June 20-22. The event is celebrating 30 years of riding for sight in 2008.
April Wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser boasting several hits expanding over their 30+ years of making music together. Rik Emmett is best known as the lead guitarist and singer for the legendary band, Triumph. Emmett will be bringing his rock show to the ride and will perform many of his Triumph hits, including Rocky Mountain Way, Hold On and Lay It On The Line.
April Wine’s repertoire includes such hits as Say Hello, You Could Have Been A Lady, Rock n’ Roll Is A Vicious Game, Sign Of The Gypsy Queen, to name just a few.
With Honeymoon Suite headlining Friday night and Rik Emmett and April Wine on Saturday evening, it is sure to be one celebration that riders won’t want to miss.
Repsol Honda aims to reign in Spain
From Repsol Honda
The 2008 MotoGP World Championship moves to Europe following its Middle East kick-off with Repsol Honda RC212V riders Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden determined to shine at the Spanish GP, arguably the most spectacular event of the MotoGP year.
Repsol Honda has a rich history of success at Jerez, with six wins recorded by Mick Doohan (1996), Alex Crivillé (1997, 1998 and 1999) and Valentino Rossi (2002 and 2003). Last year Pedrosa qualified on pole position and finished the race a close second. Hayden claimed a Spanish GP podium finish in 2006, his title-wining year.
Jerez is the first of local hero Pedrosa’s three races on home tarmac this season, and the former 125 and 250 World Champion will be doing everything in his power to go one better than his 2007 Jerez result. Although he likes Jerez, Pedrosa has had mixed fortunes at the track – he won the 250 GP in 2005 but never made the podium in his three 125 GPs at Jerez.
This time he knows he will be in the hunt again – earlier this month he electrified the Qatar GP with a spirited ride to third place from the third row of the grid, despite struggling with his recently broken right hand. At Jerez he’s sure the hand will be close to 100 per cent.
Hayden is looking forward to getting back up front at Jerez, where last month he topped preseason tests with a stunning 1:38.848 lap. The American, who rode to a determined 10th-place finish in Qatar, will run 2008 RC212Vs with a revised chassis at the Spanish round. Like his teammate, Hayden loves the Spanish GP because it’s one of the most atmospheric races on the MotoGP calendar, with a noisy and knowledgeable crowd.
Last year 244,461 fans watched the action at Jerez, making it the second best-attended MotoGP event, after Brno, which attracted 245,039 spectators.
The 2008 MotoGP World Championship moves to Europe following its Middle East kick-off with Repsol Honda RC212V riders Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden determined to shine at the Spanish GP, arguably the most spectacular event of the MotoGP year.
Repsol Honda has a rich history of success at Jerez, with six wins recorded by Mick Doohan (1996), Alex Crivillé (1997, 1998 and 1999) and Valentino Rossi (2002 and 2003). Last year Pedrosa qualified on pole position and finished the race a close second. Hayden claimed a Spanish GP podium finish in 2006, his title-wining year.
Jerez is the first of local hero Pedrosa’s three races on home tarmac this season, and the former 125 and 250 World Champion will be doing everything in his power to go one better than his 2007 Jerez result. Although he likes Jerez, Pedrosa has had mixed fortunes at the track – he won the 250 GP in 2005 but never made the podium in his three 125 GPs at Jerez.
This time he knows he will be in the hunt again – earlier this month he electrified the Qatar GP with a spirited ride to third place from the third row of the grid, despite struggling with his recently broken right hand. At Jerez he’s sure the hand will be close to 100 per cent.
Hayden is looking forward to getting back up front at Jerez, where last month he topped preseason tests with a stunning 1:38.848 lap. The American, who rode to a determined 10th-place finish in Qatar, will run 2008 RC212Vs with a revised chassis at the Spanish round. Like his teammate, Hayden loves the Spanish GP because it’s one of the most atmospheric races on the MotoGP calendar, with a noisy and knowledgeable crowd.
Last year 244,461 fans watched the action at Jerez, making it the second best-attended MotoGP event, after Brno, which attracted 245,039 spectators.
Marlboro Ducati returns to Europe
From Marlboro Ducati
After a fantastic opening to the 2008 season under the floodlights of Qatar, where the Losail circuit played host to another masterclass from Casey Stoner, MotoGP returns to Europe this weekend for one of its classic fixtures - the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez de la Frontera.
Despite setting the fastest lap in wet conditions during the Official Test here in February, when he also found excellent race pace in the dry, the reigning World Champion is also aware that the Andalusian track is one of only four venues where he didn't manage a podium finish on his way to the title last season.
However, Stoner is not the type to look at past results - be they good or bad - and he is ready to work 100% with his team to achieve the highest possible finish this time out.
Stoner's teammate Marco Melandri heads to Spain in the same spirit after finding a good feeling and rhythm with his GP8 during the second half of the race in Qatar.
"Last year Jerez was one of the most difficult races for Casey but during both tests here in November and February he managed to improve his performance a lot and ended up very fast in both sessions," said Livio Suppo, MotoGP Project Director. "He is in incredible form, as he showed in the first GP in Qatar. His confidence in the bike and tyres is definitely even higher than it was a year ago so I think that at Jerez he can also be amongst the frontrunners.
"We're also expecting an improved performance from Marco, who we think learnt a lot in the first race. There is no doubting his talent - it is only three races since the penultimate round of 2007 at Sepang when he produced an outstanding display to finish second behind Casey. Now, with the improved feeling he found with the Desmosedici during the race in Qatar, I'm sure the results will start to come for him too."
After a fantastic opening to the 2008 season under the floodlights of Qatar, where the Losail circuit played host to another masterclass from Casey Stoner, MotoGP returns to Europe this weekend for one of its classic fixtures - the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez de la Frontera.
Despite setting the fastest lap in wet conditions during the Official Test here in February, when he also found excellent race pace in the dry, the reigning World Champion is also aware that the Andalusian track is one of only four venues where he didn't manage a podium finish on his way to the title last season.
However, Stoner is not the type to look at past results - be they good or bad - and he is ready to work 100% with his team to achieve the highest possible finish this time out.
Stoner's teammate Marco Melandri heads to Spain in the same spirit after finding a good feeling and rhythm with his GP8 during the second half of the race in Qatar.
"Last year Jerez was one of the most difficult races for Casey but during both tests here in November and February he managed to improve his performance a lot and ended up very fast in both sessions," said Livio Suppo, MotoGP Project Director. "He is in incredible form, as he showed in the first GP in Qatar. His confidence in the bike and tyres is definitely even higher than it was a year ago so I think that at Jerez he can also be amongst the frontrunners.
"We're also expecting an improved performance from Marco, who we think learnt a lot in the first race. There is no doubting his talent - it is only three races since the penultimate round of 2007 at Sepang when he produced an outstanding display to finish second behind Casey. Now, with the improved feeling he found with the Desmosedici during the race in Qatar, I'm sure the results will start to come for him too."
Roadracingworld.com tests in Alabama
From Roadracingworld.com Suzuki
The Roadracingworld.com Suzuki team traveled to Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, AL last week for two days of testing in order to put themselves in the best position possible to meet their goals.
After working through settings on their GSX-R1000s and a number of Pirelli tires, Chris Ulrich declared the test a success and laid out his aim to better what was one of the team's best-ever combined results in Daytona when they next travel to Barber Motorsports Park.
He said, "The team had a successful test. We ran through a lot of different settings and got to try some off-the-wall stuff before coming back to what was working for us. Robertino [Pietri] ended up going about a second or so faster than he ever went before at Barber. He's recovering from Daytona and got a lot done with his setup. As far as my side of the team goes, we made some changes and learned a lot. We weren't quite able to reach our goal of last year's pole time, but we achieved some very competitive laps and are encouraged for the race."
Colombian Santiago Villa is the newest member of the team and finished 17th in Superstock at Daytona.
"Villa made progress at the test. Every time he gets on the bike, he's moving forward and improving his lap times," said Ulrich. "We're happy to see faster lap times and think his part of the program is going well. The objective with Villa is to find some more speed and he's going faster every time he gets on the bike."
Ulrich has another unconventional test coming up before the Alabama event.
"I'm going to spend two days at Huntsville Dragway working on my starts before the race. The crew is pumped to get racing again, too. We're looking forward to carrying our Daytona momentum into the next few races."
The second round of the 2008 AMA Superstock Championship will take place at Barber Motorsports Park on April 18-20.
The Roadracingworld.com Suzuki team traveled to Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, AL last week for two days of testing in order to put themselves in the best position possible to meet their goals.
After working through settings on their GSX-R1000s and a number of Pirelli tires, Chris Ulrich declared the test a success and laid out his aim to better what was one of the team's best-ever combined results in Daytona when they next travel to Barber Motorsports Park.
He said, "The team had a successful test. We ran through a lot of different settings and got to try some off-the-wall stuff before coming back to what was working for us. Robertino [Pietri] ended up going about a second or so faster than he ever went before at Barber. He's recovering from Daytona and got a lot done with his setup. As far as my side of the team goes, we made some changes and learned a lot. We weren't quite able to reach our goal of last year's pole time, but we achieved some very competitive laps and are encouraged for the race."
Colombian Santiago Villa is the newest member of the team and finished 17th in Superstock at Daytona.
"Villa made progress at the test. Every time he gets on the bike, he's moving forward and improving his lap times," said Ulrich. "We're happy to see faster lap times and think his part of the program is going well. The objective with Villa is to find some more speed and he's going faster every time he gets on the bike."
Ulrich has another unconventional test coming up before the Alabama event.
"I'm going to spend two days at Huntsville Dragway working on my starts before the race. The crew is pumped to get racing again, too. We're looking forward to carrying our Daytona momentum into the next few races."
The second round of the 2008 AMA Superstock Championship will take place at Barber Motorsports Park on April 18-20.
rock and roll
I designed, fabricated, and custom painted a "one off" guitar body for my son. My son, who plays guitar did scalloped frets, and finished the neck of the guitar. The paint is pearl white, metallic grey, and black. This was a long term project that I'm glad to see come to completion. I'm pretty happy with the results.
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Mr. Motorcycle
Twist the Throttle
Discovery Channel have made a series about each of the major motorcycle manufacturers. This includes company histories, tours of the factories, interviews with senior company members and (basic) test ride reviews of two models from each maker - mostly on location in Italy, Germany, Japan.While I have seen some good documentaries about Japanese companies on NHK and Fuji TV in Japan (eg how Casio
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Polar Bears, Bunnies, and Bikes Meet at the Chatterbox
The Polar Bear Grand Tour is winding down. Only three more events this season.
Last Sunday, the ride was to the Chatterbox, a circular restaurant at the intersection of Routes 206 and 15 in Augusta, New Jersey. Easter Sunday would be next weekend so no Polar Bear run would be made next week. That didn't keep the Easter Bunny away from the Chatterbox.
One never knows what to expect at an event like this. The weather had turned a bit cold and rainy and kept the attendance down. Those who did come found good food, an educational display in the center of the restaurant, and a bunny rabbit walking around and handing out candy. The display was the actual car used by the Pixar animators in making the movie, Cars. It was for the character "The King" (Richard Petty). I caught all of this in pictures and videos.
Take a look and listen to pictures and videos from the Chatterbox.
Last Sunday, the ride was to the Chatterbox, a circular restaurant at the intersection of Routes 206 and 15 in Augusta, New Jersey. Easter Sunday would be next weekend so no Polar Bear run would be made next week. That didn't keep the Easter Bunny away from the Chatterbox.
One never knows what to expect at an event like this. The weather had turned a bit cold and rainy and kept the attendance down. Those who did come found good food, an educational display in the center of the restaurant, and a bunny rabbit walking around and handing out candy. The display was the actual car used by the Pixar animators in making the movie, Cars. It was for the character "The King" (Richard Petty). I caught all of this in pictures and videos.
Take a look and listen to pictures and videos from the Chatterbox.
Friday, March 21, 2008
What kind of effect will skyrocketing prices of fuel costs have on the motorcycle industry this year?
I wonder it will have a positive, or negative effect.
Will the prices cause more sales, and more riders, looking for better fuel economy than what a cage on wheels provides?
Or will it cause a plummet in motorcycle sales, parts, and services as the price of fuel is driving the cost of everything else up. Since everything costs more, will the motorcycle industry be forced to charge more as a direct result of the cost of doing business? Will this in turn have a domino effect on potential bike buyers who now have less as a direct result of everything else costing more? Will it make it a double- edged sword for those looking to purchase a motorcycle?
How will the rising cost of business in general affect motorcycle sales, parts sales, motorcycle clothing sales, merchandise sales, repair shops, custom paint, etc.?
I feel fortunate because I can still afford to continue to ride, and those who are hardcore would find a way to continue to ride no matter what. It is our passion in life. It is after all, a way of life. For many, and I’m guessing most, we feel life without a ride, is not life at all. Is this not why the saying goes ride to live, live to ride?
Mr. Motorcycle
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Australia's best motorcycle roads. Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric
Did you know the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme took 100,000 people from 30 countries 25 years to build? and that it has 145kms of tunnels, 80kms of aqueducts, 16 dams and 7 power stations and has been called one of the modern engineering wonders of the world? Its an impressive achievement.There are 3 main sealed routes that run across Mt Kosciuskzo that are part of the network of original service
Superbikes get Superpole
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON -- A new single-bike timed qualifying format, sponsored by Pirelli, will be introduced to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship for the 2008 season while Inside Motorcycles will continue as sponsor of the Pole Position Award for a second season.
The Pirelli Superpole run-off will be staged on the Saturday afternoon of each race weekend. The contest will see the fastest 10 competitors from that morning’s qualifying session face-off to determine the starting order for the following day’s feature race.
Each rider will get one flying lap alone on the track to establish their final qualifying time, preceded by a single warm-up lap. Racers will take to the track in the reverse order of their morning qualifying position, meaning the 10th fastest from the morning session will be first out, and the fastest from the morning will be the last to set a qualifying time. Riders will depart from the “Pirelli Arch,” designed specially for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.
The fastest qualifier will earn the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award and a cheque for $500.
Pirelli is entering its third year as spec tire supplier to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, a role it also serves with the World Superbike Championship. The Superpole format has been used successfully in the World series for many years to decide the top 16 starting positions.
“We have enjoyed our relationship with the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and have seen our development work here benefit our tire programs worldwide,” said Kevin Graham of Orion Motorsports, the Canadian distributor for Pirelli. “We look forward to the additional promotional boost the Pirelli Superpole will give us and the opportunity to expand our tire development.”
Pirelli is developing a special tire specification to be used in the Superpole sessions next season.
Points in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship will still be awarded to the top four qualifiers in the Pirelli Superpole session, with four going to the winner of the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award, three for second fastest, two for third and one for fourth.
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Pole Position Award and to team up with Pirelli in this exciting program,” said David Weber, managing editor of Inside Motorcycles. “The addition of the Pirelli Superpole will make the qualifying battles that much more exciting.”
Inside Motorcycles also sponsors the Team of the Year Award in the national series.
Starting positions for riders outside the top 10 will be based on their times from the Saturday morning session. A rider who fails to complete their Superpole lap, either due to a crash or mechanical setback, will start no lower than 10th on the grid.
Should rain interfere with the Pirelli Superpole run-off, the session will be scrubbed and Saturday morning times will be used to set the entire starting grid. No qualifying points will be awarded.
In the event of a doubleheader weekend, the Pirelli Superpole session will be held on the Friday afternoon and will set the field for both Superbike feature races.
TORONTO, ON -- A new single-bike timed qualifying format, sponsored by Pirelli, will be introduced to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship for the 2008 season while Inside Motorcycles will continue as sponsor of the Pole Position Award for a second season.
The Pirelli Superpole run-off will be staged on the Saturday afternoon of each race weekend. The contest will see the fastest 10 competitors from that morning’s qualifying session face-off to determine the starting order for the following day’s feature race.
Each rider will get one flying lap alone on the track to establish their final qualifying time, preceded by a single warm-up lap. Racers will take to the track in the reverse order of their morning qualifying position, meaning the 10th fastest from the morning session will be first out, and the fastest from the morning will be the last to set a qualifying time. Riders will depart from the “Pirelli Arch,” designed specially for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.
The fastest qualifier will earn the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award and a cheque for $500.
Pirelli is entering its third year as spec tire supplier to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, a role it also serves with the World Superbike Championship. The Superpole format has been used successfully in the World series for many years to decide the top 16 starting positions.
“We have enjoyed our relationship with the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and have seen our development work here benefit our tire programs worldwide,” said Kevin Graham of Orion Motorsports, the Canadian distributor for Pirelli. “We look forward to the additional promotional boost the Pirelli Superpole will give us and the opportunity to expand our tire development.”
Pirelli is developing a special tire specification to be used in the Superpole sessions next season.
Points in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship will still be awarded to the top four qualifiers in the Pirelli Superpole session, with four going to the winner of the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award, three for second fastest, two for third and one for fourth.
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Pole Position Award and to team up with Pirelli in this exciting program,” said David Weber, managing editor of Inside Motorcycles. “The addition of the Pirelli Superpole will make the qualifying battles that much more exciting.”
Inside Motorcycles also sponsors the Team of the Year Award in the national series.
Starting positions for riders outside the top 10 will be based on their times from the Saturday morning session. A rider who fails to complete their Superpole lap, either due to a crash or mechanical setback, will start no lower than 10th on the grid.
Should rain interfere with the Pirelli Superpole run-off, the session will be scrubbed and Saturday morning times will be used to set the entire starting grid. No qualifying points will be awarded.
In the event of a doubleheader weekend, the Pirelli Superpole session will be held on the Friday afternoon and will set the field for both Superbike feature races.
Triumph Open House in April
From Triumph Motorcycles
Triumph dealers will celebrate their National Spring "Open House" April 22-26.
This event is themed "Plan your Escape." Canadian motorcyclists are invited to their local participating Triumph dealer (see www.triumphmotorcycles.com/canada for details & a list of participating Canadian Triumph Dealers) to see the new 2008 models, plus the fantastic new McQueen T-shirts, Genuine Triumph Clothing & Accessories.
Customers purchasing a new Triumph during the event will also receive a Pit Stop bike stand from Candor Products.
Triumph dealers will celebrate their National Spring "Open House" April 22-26.
This event is themed "Plan your Escape." Canadian motorcyclists are invited to their local participating Triumph dealer (see www.triumphmotorcycles.com/canada for details & a list of participating Canadian Triumph Dealers) to see the new 2008 models, plus the fantastic new McQueen T-shirts, Genuine Triumph Clothing & Accessories.
Customers purchasing a new Triumph during the event will also receive a Pit Stop bike stand from Candor Products.
Yamaha contest winners announced
From Yamaha Motor Canada
After traveling coast to coast for a year with the Canadian Superbike Series and the Canadian Motocross Championships, two Yamaha TT-R50 off-road motorcycles have found their homes in the hands of some lucky race fans.
Rick Berry of Nanaimo, BC and Ashley O’Neil from Orleans, ON were among thousands that filled out entries at the Toyota Truck displays at superbike and motocross events last summer. At the end of the race season, ballots from both series were combined to draw the winners. Berry was the first drawn, selecting the Jean Sebastien-Roy #2 bike, while O’Neil was the second drawn, receiving the Kevin Lacombe #34.
“We’re extremely satisfied with this contest because it’s the true fan that benefits directly from the results,’” commented Tim Kennedy, National Manager of Marketing for Yamaha Motor Canada. “Toyota and Yamaha support the sport and this was a good way for us to show our commitment and give back to the fans of each series. We wish Rick and Ashley the best with their new TT-R50 Yamahas.”
Fans will have another opportunity to win one of two new TTR-50 bikes at superbike and motocross races this summer.
After traveling coast to coast for a year with the Canadian Superbike Series and the Canadian Motocross Championships, two Yamaha TT-R50 off-road motorcycles have found their homes in the hands of some lucky race fans.
Rick Berry of Nanaimo, BC and Ashley O’Neil from Orleans, ON were among thousands that filled out entries at the Toyota Truck displays at superbike and motocross events last summer. At the end of the race season, ballots from both series were combined to draw the winners. Berry was the first drawn, selecting the Jean Sebastien-Roy #2 bike, while O’Neil was the second drawn, receiving the Kevin Lacombe #34.
“We’re extremely satisfied with this contest because it’s the true fan that benefits directly from the results,’” commented Tim Kennedy, National Manager of Marketing for Yamaha Motor Canada. “Toyota and Yamaha support the sport and this was a good way for us to show our commitment and give back to the fans of each series. We wish Rick and Ashley the best with their new TT-R50 Yamahas.”
Fans will have another opportunity to win one of two new TTR-50 bikes at superbike and motocross races this summer.
Motorcycle History - Things Your Dad Never Told You
History can be a very boring subject. I think history is best learned when one is an adult. Only then does it make much sense. Memorizing dates and events was the way I remember history classes for me. When I began writing about motorcycles, I was immediately drawn to the history of motorcycles. Wow, history was becoming interesting.
I have a new Motorcycle History subject on my site. This was started on the old site when I attempted to make motorcycle history more interesting by creating a quiz for each history article I wrote. These were fun quizzes with only 10 questions and multiple choice answers. The first such quiz was Harley-Davidson and a Quiz Too. I added four more such quizzes over the years.
I also wrote some motorcycle history articles that were related to motorcycle books that I had read or motorcycle books that I had reviewed for the site. An example of one such history article was Indian Motorcycles. An example of a book review was The Harley-Davidson and Indian Wars - A Book Review.
Well, maybe history will never be on the top of my "must read" list but I had a lot of fun creating these motorcycle history articles, book reviews, and quizzes. Take a look at the Motorcycle History subject and judge for yourself.
By the way, my Dad was never a motorcycle guy. He was into cars. However, the things he never told me could fill a book.
I have a new Motorcycle History subject on my site. This was started on the old site when I attempted to make motorcycle history more interesting by creating a quiz for each history article I wrote. These were fun quizzes with only 10 questions and multiple choice answers. The first such quiz was Harley-Davidson and a Quiz Too. I added four more such quizzes over the years.
I also wrote some motorcycle history articles that were related to motorcycle books that I had read or motorcycle books that I had reviewed for the site. An example of one such history article was Indian Motorcycles. An example of a book review was The Harley-Davidson and Indian Wars - A Book Review.
Well, maybe history will never be on the top of my "must read" list but I had a lot of fun creating these motorcycle history articles, book reviews, and quizzes. Take a look at the Motorcycle History subject and judge for yourself.
By the way, my Dad was never a motorcycle guy. He was into cars. However, the things he never told me could fill a book.
Successful test for M4 EMGO Suzuki
From Team M4 EMGO Suzuki
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki concluded two productive days of testing at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, AL on Tuesday in preparation for the second round of the 2008 AMA road racing championships.
Looking to build upon its extremely successful season opener at Daytona International Speedway where the team kicked off its '08 campaign earlier this month with a podium and three top fives, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki spent its time on the undulating BMP circuit testing Pirelli tires as well as suspension settings and various other components for its Suzuki GSX-R racebikes.
Team Crew Chief Keith Perry said, "We had a very productive test at Barber, especially on the second day. We tried a lot of tires for Pirelli and were encouraged with what they had for us to run through. It was good for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki to get some more track time, and it was also a chance to try some settings they might normally not have time to try during a race weekend because of the time element. We're pleased at how the test went."
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki will return to Barber Motorsports Park for the real thing on April 18-20 when the track plays host to the second round of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship.
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki concluded two productive days of testing at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, AL on Tuesday in preparation for the second round of the 2008 AMA road racing championships.
Looking to build upon its extremely successful season opener at Daytona International Speedway where the team kicked off its '08 campaign earlier this month with a podium and three top fives, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki spent its time on the undulating BMP circuit testing Pirelli tires as well as suspension settings and various other components for its Suzuki GSX-R racebikes.
Team Crew Chief Keith Perry said, "We had a very productive test at Barber, especially on the second day. We tried a lot of tires for Pirelli and were encouraged with what they had for us to run through. It was good for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki to get some more track time, and it was also a chance to try some settings they might normally not have time to try during a race weekend because of the time element. We're pleased at how the test went."
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki will return to Barber Motorsports Park for the real thing on April 18-20 when the track plays host to the second round of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship.
AMA announces Trophy Team for ISDE
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH - The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the U.S. Trophy Team that will take on the world at the 2008 International Six Days Enduro in Serres, Greece. For the 83rd ISDE, the following riders will contest the World Trophy Team Championship for Team USA: Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney and Nathan Woods.
"We are extremely honoured to have riders of this caliber representing the United States at the ISDE," said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. "Thanks to new selection procedures this year, we're able to name our Trophy Team much earlier than in the past. This not only allows us to field our best riders, but it gives everyone involved an opportunity to be as prepared as possible to represent the United States at this storied international event."
One veteran on Team USA this year will be the 35-year-old Abbott, who is contesting the AMA FMF Racing National Hare & Hound Series for Monster Energy Kawasaki. The four-time AMA National Hare & Hound Champion is a two-time ISDE Gold Medalist and will be representing the United States on the Trophy Team for the fourth time. It will be his fifth time competing in the event.
"The team is very prepared this year. All six of us are committed and see this as a true team effort. We want to do what's best for the team and we're going to do whatever it takes," said Abbott, who is planning to ride a Kawasaki KX450.
The Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the United States at the ISDE. The Trophy Team features six riders who compete in all three displacement classes that contest the ISDE: the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles.
The other premier teams are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders younger than 23-years old, competing in a minimum of two classes, and the Women's Trophy Team, which fields three riders.
While the riders are clearly the most important part of the ISDE program, it wouldn't happen without a solid group of dedicated sponsors. Some of the companies who are making Team USA a possibility in 2008 are: Arai Helmets, Spectro Lubricants, Kenda Tires, Bob Lamphere's Beaverton Honda Yamaha, MSR/Tucker Rocky and Mountain Glass.
PICKERINGTON, OH - The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the U.S. Trophy Team that will take on the world at the 2008 International Six Days Enduro in Serres, Greece. For the 83rd ISDE, the following riders will contest the World Trophy Team Championship for Team USA: Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney and Nathan Woods.
"We are extremely honoured to have riders of this caliber representing the United States at the ISDE," said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. "Thanks to new selection procedures this year, we're able to name our Trophy Team much earlier than in the past. This not only allows us to field our best riders, but it gives everyone involved an opportunity to be as prepared as possible to represent the United States at this storied international event."
One veteran on Team USA this year will be the 35-year-old Abbott, who is contesting the AMA FMF Racing National Hare & Hound Series for Monster Energy Kawasaki. The four-time AMA National Hare & Hound Champion is a two-time ISDE Gold Medalist and will be representing the United States on the Trophy Team for the fourth time. It will be his fifth time competing in the event.
"The team is very prepared this year. All six of us are committed and see this as a true team effort. We want to do what's best for the team and we're going to do whatever it takes," said Abbott, who is planning to ride a Kawasaki KX450.
The Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the United States at the ISDE. The Trophy Team features six riders who compete in all three displacement classes that contest the ISDE: the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles.
The other premier teams are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders younger than 23-years old, competing in a minimum of two classes, and the Women's Trophy Team, which fields three riders.
While the riders are clearly the most important part of the ISDE program, it wouldn't happen without a solid group of dedicated sponsors. Some of the companies who are making Team USA a possibility in 2008 are: Arai Helmets, Spectro Lubricants, Kenda Tires, Bob Lamphere's Beaverton Honda Yamaha, MSR/Tucker Rocky and Mountain Glass.
Hill becomes 50th SX winner
From Live Nation Motor Sports
AURORA, IL – In earning his first AMA Supercross class win last weekend at the Monster Energy Supercross race at Minneapolis’ Metrodome Yamaha’s Josh Hill, of Yoncalla, OR, became the 50th racer in the sport’s rich history to accomplish this feat.
Hill began competing in the Western regional AMA Supercross Lites class in 2007, earning two podium finishes – Anaheim 2 and Seattle. This year Hill moved to the premier AMA Supercross class, scoring podium finishes at Anaheim 2 and Indianapolis before the major win at Minneapolis.
Throughout the decades, 50 riders have earned AMA Supercross class wins and the ‘90s lead the way with 17 riders reaching this accomplishment. Following the ‘90s is the ‘70s with 14, the ‘80s with 12 and ’00s with 7.
Pierre Karsmakers is credited with the first Supercross win, at Daytona on March 10, 1974, riding a Yamaha.
AURORA, IL – In earning his first AMA Supercross class win last weekend at the Monster Energy Supercross race at Minneapolis’ Metrodome Yamaha’s Josh Hill, of Yoncalla, OR, became the 50th racer in the sport’s rich history to accomplish this feat.
Hill began competing in the Western regional AMA Supercross Lites class in 2007, earning two podium finishes – Anaheim 2 and Seattle. This year Hill moved to the premier AMA Supercross class, scoring podium finishes at Anaheim 2 and Indianapolis before the major win at Minneapolis.
Throughout the decades, 50 riders have earned AMA Supercross class wins and the ‘90s lead the way with 17 riders reaching this accomplishment. Following the ‘90s is the ‘70s with 14, the ‘80s with 12 and ’00s with 7.
Pierre Karsmakers is credited with the first Supercross win, at Daytona on March 10, 1974, riding a Yamaha.
"The Scotchbrite look by MeanStreet" is what started this post today.
By the way, for any readers who don't already know, a "Scotch-Brite® " is a course pad designed for scuffing parts prior to painting them for good adhesion, used in place of sand paper, usually for hard to reach areas, etc., or also for scrubbing dishes, etc. Being someone who does custom paint, I use Scotch-Brite® scuff pads often. Anyway, to give proper credit: The name "Scotch-brite® " is pattented & from the creators at 3M. They are made with different purposes in mind, I've probably only touched on a few, The scuff pads however, come in varying degrees of abrasiveness. I also know that Scotch-Brite® has a line of many other products.
I was doing my blog reading this morning, and went to http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/. I read his post from March 19th" The Scotchbrite Look By MeanStreet. " which is about a scratched up look on aluminum parts. The look is similar to brushed nickel. You should see his site if you want to see a picture of it, and want to read more about Mean Street. MeanStreet is who is producing some of the parts now with this type of "Scotch-Brite®" finish.
I commented on the post on his site, and I cut and pasted it here as follows:
"I don’t believe the idea is very original. Look at how many “brushed nickel, bronze, copper” finishes you see just going to Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc., in the faucet areas, and bathroom hardware. The finish is very similar. However, I think it is a great idea to bring it mainstream into the motorcycle world. What a better way to open up one more way to help us make our bikes a little different than everyone elses. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of never having anyone say to me “Hey I know a guy with a bike just like yours!”
Thanks for sharing this with us Cyril.
Mr. Motorcycle. "
Let me know what you think about the finish.
Several others commented about it too on his site. I'm kinda a fan of it myself.
P.S.,
Why do they call them Scotch-Brite®, when they make things dull?
Maybe 3M should change the name to Scotch-Dull.
Mr. Motorcycle
I was doing my blog reading this morning, and went to http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/. I read his post from March 19th" The Scotchbrite Look By MeanStreet. " which is about a scratched up look on aluminum parts. The look is similar to brushed nickel. You should see his site if you want to see a picture of it, and want to read more about Mean Street. MeanStreet is who is producing some of the parts now with this type of "Scotch-Brite®" finish.
I commented on the post on his site, and I cut and pasted it here as follows:
"I don’t believe the idea is very original. Look at how many “brushed nickel, bronze, copper” finishes you see just going to Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc., in the faucet areas, and bathroom hardware. The finish is very similar. However, I think it is a great idea to bring it mainstream into the motorcycle world. What a better way to open up one more way to help us make our bikes a little different than everyone elses. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of never having anyone say to me “Hey I know a guy with a bike just like yours!”
Thanks for sharing this with us Cyril.
Mr. Motorcycle. "
Let me know what you think about the finish.
Several others commented about it too on his site. I'm kinda a fan of it myself.
P.S.,
Why do they call them Scotch-Brite®, when they make things dull?
Maybe 3M should change the name to Scotch-Dull.
Mr. Motorcycle
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Suzukis sweep Dutch International
From Team Suzuki
Team Suzuki's Ken De Dycker and Steve Ramon proved their pre-season preparation for their onslaught on the MX1 World Championship is perfectly on track by running 1-2 at the first round of the Dutch International motocross championship last weekend.
A full field of 57 international racers started the two motos, held in the deep sand going of the 1.765km Gemert circuit that's situated in the Dutch province of North Brabant.
Team Suzuki newcomer De Dycker was the most successful rider on the day, starting it in fine fashion by qualifying fastest by almost three seconds before taking a pair of moto wins on the factory Suzuki RM-Z450. Working his way to the front from a fourth placed start in moto one, he waited until the very last lap before passing Max Nagl to take the win.
Race two saw a much more dominant display from the tall Belgian as he led every single lap to take the win by just over a second and a half ahead of teammate Ramon.
Starting in third place in moto one, Ramon did what he does best and rode consistently and strongly to finish third after briefly running second until his team mate De Dycker moved past on his way to the front.
Moto two saw the two Suzuki teammates run 1-2 throughout the 35 minute race with De Dycker just edging Ramon out at the end.
Team Suzuki's Belgian pairing will next be in action at the Wuustwezel International in Belgium on March 23.
Team Suzuki's Ken De Dycker and Steve Ramon proved their pre-season preparation for their onslaught on the MX1 World Championship is perfectly on track by running 1-2 at the first round of the Dutch International motocross championship last weekend.
A full field of 57 international racers started the two motos, held in the deep sand going of the 1.765km Gemert circuit that's situated in the Dutch province of North Brabant.
Team Suzuki newcomer De Dycker was the most successful rider on the day, starting it in fine fashion by qualifying fastest by almost three seconds before taking a pair of moto wins on the factory Suzuki RM-Z450. Working his way to the front from a fourth placed start in moto one, he waited until the very last lap before passing Max Nagl to take the win.
Race two saw a much more dominant display from the tall Belgian as he led every single lap to take the win by just over a second and a half ahead of teammate Ramon.
Starting in third place in moto one, Ramon did what he does best and rode consistently and strongly to finish third after briefly running second until his team mate De Dycker moved past on his way to the front.
Moto two saw the two Suzuki teammates run 1-2 throughout the 35 minute race with De Dycker just edging Ramon out at the end.
Team Suzuki's Belgian pairing will next be in action at the Wuustwezel International in Belgium on March 23.
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