Saturday, May 31, 2008
TourMaster 2 piece rain suit review
My rain suit I ordered from NewEnough in the USA has arrived. Shipping from NewEnough was only available via USPS express which added a little extra to the cost and may put me off shopping with them again since motorcycle apparel isnt something you would normally require urgently. Certainly have it as an option but not the only choice. My items ended up sitting at the post office for a week
World Superbike plants a tree
From worldsbk.com
The FIM has taken the step of promoting environmental concerns to the very top of its priority list and to underline the message it has instigated a World Environmental Day, Friday May 30, which kicked off at the first ever Miller Motorsports Park WSB round.
At approximately 5:15pm three World Superbike riders, Carlos Checa, Max Neukirchner and Troy Bayliss got things underway by planting three ash trees at Miller, as a symbol of the birth of this new initiative, and optimism for the future.
The FIM President, Vito Ippolito, has delivered a message in the subject of World Environmental Day, and one salient part of his new vision reads thus, "The quest for alternative energy and alternative fuel technology is this century's most imperative challenge, one we cannot procrastinate any longer.
"The FIM has taken this challenge upon itself regarding its pertaining field of action within motorcycle racing and motorcyclists gathering and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions. A highly qualified group of FIM members has been selected to analyze and study all technological innovations that could contribute to a possible solution to this most pressing problem of our times".
The FIM has taken the step of promoting environmental concerns to the very top of its priority list and to underline the message it has instigated a World Environmental Day, Friday May 30, which kicked off at the first ever Miller Motorsports Park WSB round.
At approximately 5:15pm three World Superbike riders, Carlos Checa, Max Neukirchner and Troy Bayliss got things underway by planting three ash trees at Miller, as a symbol of the birth of this new initiative, and optimism for the future.
The FIM President, Vito Ippolito, has delivered a message in the subject of World Environmental Day, and one salient part of his new vision reads thus, "The quest for alternative energy and alternative fuel technology is this century's most imperative challenge, one we cannot procrastinate any longer.
"The FIM has taken this challenge upon itself regarding its pertaining field of action within motorcycle racing and motorcyclists gathering and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions. A highly qualified group of FIM members has been selected to analyze and study all technological innovations that could contribute to a possible solution to this most pressing problem of our times".
May earns breakthrough victory
From amasuperbike.com
After years of knocking on the door, Jordan Suzuki's Geoff May finally claimed his first-career AMA victory on Saturday at Miller Motorsports Park with a dominating effort in the nine-lap Superstock final.
Despite a somewhat difficult transition to the high-profile team early in the season, May was confident the season would come his way once the tour hit his preferred style of wide-open, fast racing venues.
He proved his prediction correct with Saturday's performance.
Once working past holeshot winner Blake Young (who was judged to have rolled at the start and was issued a stop-and-go penalty) and Team ESP's Chris Peris on the race's opening lap-and-a-half, the Georgian cleared off and had to battle his nerves more than his opponents on his way to the checkered flag.
After surviving one big moment late in the race, the ecstatic May crossed the stripe with a stand-up wheelie before shaking his fists in a combination of joy and relief.
Points leader Aaron Yates gave the Jordan Suzuki squad a 1-2 result, working past polesitter Jake Holden on the Corona Honda CBR1000RR and building up some separation before taking the flag as the runner-up.
Afterwards, May was a bit teary-eyed as he said, "Man, it's been so long. It hasn't even sunk in yet. I've been there so many times when I've seen +2.5 on my board, leading the race, and it's come down to the end of the race and this guy next to me (Yates) inevitably, seems like he always gets me somehow.
"I was having flashbacks out there for the last three laps. I was watching the board and I was wanting to go faster. They weren't catching me but I felt like I was going slow. I brought it home for Jordan Suzuki today."
Asked exactly how long he's been waiting for this win since it became a realistic possibility, May said, "It's been three years this weekend. I had a 2.5-second gap at Road America and Aaron beat me. He ran me down and passed me on the last lap. Three years."
While he's fighting and uphill battle, May feels he's still in this title fight, currently trailing teammate Yates 170-141 (with Holden splitting the Jordan runners at 156), especially with Road America next up on the season slate.
Holden held on for third while Peris and Californian David Anthony rounded out the top five. Holden said the afternoon weather conditions caught him a bit off guard.
Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki's Robertino Pietri and Chris Ulrich finished sixth and seventh, respectively, while Foot & Leg Healthcare' s Ryan Elleby, KWS Motorsports' Ben Thompson, and HALOF Racing's Hawk Mazzotta completed the top 10.
Race Results (9 laps)
1. Geoff May Suzuki GSX-R1000 25:32.516/94.842 mph
2. Aaron Yates Suzuki GSX-R1000 +2.553
3. Jake Holden Honda CBR1000RR +5.248
4. Chris Peris Suzuki GSX-R1000 +18.541
5. David Anthony Suzuki GSX-R1000 +24.694
6. Robertino Pietri Suzuki GSX-R1000 +30.364
7. Chris Ulrich Suzuki GSX-R1000 +31.485
8. Ryan Elleby Suzuki GSX-R1000 +31.841
9. Ben Thompson Suzuki GSX-R1000 +35.588
10. Hawk Mazzotta Suzuki GSX-R1000 +41.267
11. Blake Young Suzuki GSX-R1000 +46.404
12. Seth Starnes Suzuki GSX-R1000 +51.848
13. Zac Chapman Suzuki GSX-R1000 +54.241
14. Davie Stone Suzuki GSX-R1000 9 laps
15. Chad Lewin Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
16. Eric Haugo Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
17. Martin Szwarc Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
18. Scotty Van Hawk Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
19. Talmage R. Thornton Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
20. C. R. Gittere Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
21. J. B. Layman Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
22. Brad Puetz Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
23. Joshua Ellingson Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
24. Johnny Rock Page Yamaha YZF-R1 8
25. Santiago Villa Suzuki GSX-R1000 7
26. Scott Jensen Suzuki GSX-R1000 5
27. Guy Tomlinson Suzuki GSX-R1000 9-DQ
28. Andrew Carruthers Suzuki GSX-R1000 9-DQ
29. Kevin Boisvert Suzuki GSX-R1000 9-DQ
After years of knocking on the door, Jordan Suzuki's Geoff May finally claimed his first-career AMA victory on Saturday at Miller Motorsports Park with a dominating effort in the nine-lap Superstock final.
Despite a somewhat difficult transition to the high-profile team early in the season, May was confident the season would come his way once the tour hit his preferred style of wide-open, fast racing venues.
He proved his prediction correct with Saturday's performance.
Once working past holeshot winner Blake Young (who was judged to have rolled at the start and was issued a stop-and-go penalty) and Team ESP's Chris Peris on the race's opening lap-and-a-half, the Georgian cleared off and had to battle his nerves more than his opponents on his way to the checkered flag.
After surviving one big moment late in the race, the ecstatic May crossed the stripe with a stand-up wheelie before shaking his fists in a combination of joy and relief.
Points leader Aaron Yates gave the Jordan Suzuki squad a 1-2 result, working past polesitter Jake Holden on the Corona Honda CBR1000RR and building up some separation before taking the flag as the runner-up.
Afterwards, May was a bit teary-eyed as he said, "Man, it's been so long. It hasn't even sunk in yet. I've been there so many times when I've seen +2.5 on my board, leading the race, and it's come down to the end of the race and this guy next to me (Yates) inevitably, seems like he always gets me somehow.
"I was having flashbacks out there for the last three laps. I was watching the board and I was wanting to go faster. They weren't catching me but I felt like I was going slow. I brought it home for Jordan Suzuki today."
Asked exactly how long he's been waiting for this win since it became a realistic possibility, May said, "It's been three years this weekend. I had a 2.5-second gap at Road America and Aaron beat me. He ran me down and passed me on the last lap. Three years."
While he's fighting and uphill battle, May feels he's still in this title fight, currently trailing teammate Yates 170-141 (with Holden splitting the Jordan runners at 156), especially with Road America next up on the season slate.
Holden held on for third while Peris and Californian David Anthony rounded out the top five. Holden said the afternoon weather conditions caught him a bit off guard.
Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki's Robertino Pietri and Chris Ulrich finished sixth and seventh, respectively, while Foot & Leg Healthcare' s Ryan Elleby, KWS Motorsports' Ben Thompson, and HALOF Racing's Hawk Mazzotta completed the top 10.
Race Results (9 laps)
1. Geoff May Suzuki GSX-R1000 25:32.516/94.842 mph
2. Aaron Yates Suzuki GSX-R1000 +2.553
3. Jake Holden Honda CBR1000RR +5.248
4. Chris Peris Suzuki GSX-R1000 +18.541
5. David Anthony Suzuki GSX-R1000 +24.694
6. Robertino Pietri Suzuki GSX-R1000 +30.364
7. Chris Ulrich Suzuki GSX-R1000 +31.485
8. Ryan Elleby Suzuki GSX-R1000 +31.841
9. Ben Thompson Suzuki GSX-R1000 +35.588
10. Hawk Mazzotta Suzuki GSX-R1000 +41.267
11. Blake Young Suzuki GSX-R1000 +46.404
12. Seth Starnes Suzuki GSX-R1000 +51.848
13. Zac Chapman Suzuki GSX-R1000 +54.241
14. Davie Stone Suzuki GSX-R1000 9 laps
15. Chad Lewin Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
16. Eric Haugo Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
17. Martin Szwarc Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
18. Scotty Van Hawk Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
19. Talmage R. Thornton Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
20. C. R. Gittere Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
21. J. B. Layman Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
22. Brad Puetz Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
23. Joshua Ellingson Suzuki GSX-R1000 9
24. Johnny Rock Page Yamaha YZF-R1 8
25. Santiago Villa Suzuki GSX-R1000 7
26. Scott Jensen Suzuki GSX-R1000 5
27. Guy Tomlinson Suzuki GSX-R1000 9-DQ
28. Andrew Carruthers Suzuki GSX-R1000 9-DQ
29. Kevin Boisvert Suzuki GSX-R1000 9-DQ
Spies wins, Mladin crashes
From amasuperbike.com
Ben Spies claimed a fifth consecutive win Saturday at Miller Motorsports Park in what could easily prove the pivotal race of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship season.
The Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki ace rocketed off the line into first from pole and was followed close behind by rival Mat Mladin on his similarly-equipped GSX-R1000. The two were almost three seconds clear of the field following the opening lap, but the biggest moment of the race was soon to follow.
Mladin, who closed the gap slightly on Spies while running the race's second circulation, lowsided out of the chase at speed in one of 4.5-mile circuit's fast lefthanders. Mladin was unable to remount his bike, leaving him 20th -- last place in the order.
Spies, who suddenly found himself all alone at the front with close to a five-second advantage, carried on over the race's final 12 laps to grab his 23rd career AMA Superbike victory.
Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jamie Hacking added some flair and drama to the fight for second. After impressing in practice and qualifying, the British-born pilot made the race a bit of hard work for himself, running off track, back on briefly, and then back off, and finally on again, while holding third on the second lap.
He fell all the way back to eighth in the process before regrouping to pick off his opponents one at a time as he charged his way back up the field. Lapping as much as a second-a-and-half quicker than anyone else on the track mid-race, Hacking took over the runner-up position shortly after closing in on a pre-existing hard-fought clash for the spot featuring American Honda's Neil Hodgson and Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates on lap 10.
Contact was made between Yates and Hodgson and later Hacking and Hodgson as the Kawasaki star stormed through. Hacking actually made a bit of a run on Spies at the end, finishing just 1.601 seconds off the win at the checkered flag.
Former World and British Superbike champ Hodgson ultimately just fended off Yates to claim Honda's first podium finish on its all-new 2008 CBR1000RR.
Hodgson's teammate, Miguel Duhamel put in a rather lonely ride for fifth, followed by Yamaha USA's Eric Bostrom and Jason DiSalvo.
Team ESP's Chris Peris, Suzuki-mounted David Anthony, and Pirelli-backed Scott Jenson rounded out the top 10.
Race Results
1. Ben Spies Suzuki GSX-R1000 14 laps
2. Jamie Hacking Kawasaki ZX-10R 14
3. Neil Hodgson Honda CBR1000RR 14
4. Aaron Yates Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
5. Miguel Duhamel Honda CBR1000RR 14
6. Eric Bostrom Yamaha YZF-R1 14
7. Jason DiSalvo Yamaha YZF-R1 14
8. Chris Peris Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
9. David Anthony Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
10. Scott Jensen Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
11. Taylor Knapp Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
12. Martin Szwarc Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
13. Reno Karimian Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
14. Johnny Rock Page Yamaha YZF-R1 14
15. Eric Haugo Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
16. Matt Lynn Honda CBR1000RR 13
17. Dean Mizdal Suzuki GSX-R1000 13
18. Ben Thompson Suzuki GSX-R1000 4
19. Santiago Villa Suzuki GSX-R1000 4
20. Mathew Mladin Suzuki GSX-R1000 1
21. Geoff May Suzuki GSX-R1000 0-DNF
Ben Spies claimed a fifth consecutive win Saturday at Miller Motorsports Park in what could easily prove the pivotal race of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship season.
The Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki ace rocketed off the line into first from pole and was followed close behind by rival Mat Mladin on his similarly-equipped GSX-R1000. The two were almost three seconds clear of the field following the opening lap, but the biggest moment of the race was soon to follow.
Mladin, who closed the gap slightly on Spies while running the race's second circulation, lowsided out of the chase at speed in one of 4.5-mile circuit's fast lefthanders. Mladin was unable to remount his bike, leaving him 20th -- last place in the order.
Spies, who suddenly found himself all alone at the front with close to a five-second advantage, carried on over the race's final 12 laps to grab his 23rd career AMA Superbike victory.
Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jamie Hacking added some flair and drama to the fight for second. After impressing in practice and qualifying, the British-born pilot made the race a bit of hard work for himself, running off track, back on briefly, and then back off, and finally on again, while holding third on the second lap.
He fell all the way back to eighth in the process before regrouping to pick off his opponents one at a time as he charged his way back up the field. Lapping as much as a second-a-and-half quicker than anyone else on the track mid-race, Hacking took over the runner-up position shortly after closing in on a pre-existing hard-fought clash for the spot featuring American Honda's Neil Hodgson and Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates on lap 10.
Contact was made between Yates and Hodgson and later Hacking and Hodgson as the Kawasaki star stormed through. Hacking actually made a bit of a run on Spies at the end, finishing just 1.601 seconds off the win at the checkered flag.
Former World and British Superbike champ Hodgson ultimately just fended off Yates to claim Honda's first podium finish on its all-new 2008 CBR1000RR.
Hodgson's teammate, Miguel Duhamel put in a rather lonely ride for fifth, followed by Yamaha USA's Eric Bostrom and Jason DiSalvo.
Team ESP's Chris Peris, Suzuki-mounted David Anthony, and Pirelli-backed Scott Jenson rounded out the top 10.
Race Results
1. Ben Spies Suzuki GSX-R1000 14 laps
2. Jamie Hacking Kawasaki ZX-10R 14
3. Neil Hodgson Honda CBR1000RR 14
4. Aaron Yates Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
5. Miguel Duhamel Honda CBR1000RR 14
6. Eric Bostrom Yamaha YZF-R1 14
7. Jason DiSalvo Yamaha YZF-R1 14
8. Chris Peris Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
9. David Anthony Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
10. Scott Jensen Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
11. Taylor Knapp Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
12. Martin Szwarc Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
13. Reno Karimian Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
14. Johnny Rock Page Yamaha YZF-R1 14
15. Eric Haugo Suzuki GSX-R1000 14
16. Matt Lynn Honda CBR1000RR 13
17. Dean Mizdal Suzuki GSX-R1000 13
18. Ben Thompson Suzuki GSX-R1000 4
19. Santiago Villa Suzuki GSX-R1000 4
20. Mathew Mladin Suzuki GSX-R1000 1
21. Geoff May Suzuki GSX-R1000 0-DNF
Zemke ends Yamaha streak
From amasuperbike.com
Erion Honda's Jake Zemke snapped Yamaha's perfect 2008 pole streak in the Pro Honda Oils Supersport class Saturday morning at Miller Motorsports Park, edging rival Ben Bostrom for pole with a quick lap of 2:51.045.
Zemke claimed he made a mistake on his fastest circulation of the 4.5-mile track and was expecting it would take a time in the '50s to secure the pole, but the Graves Motorsports Yamaha star had his problems as well -- crashing at speed without injury on his intended fast lap. Bostrom's 2:51.266 was still easily good enough for second on the grid, however, with third-ranked Josh Hayes more than a second behind the top two qualifiers.
Attack Kawasaki's Steve Rapp rounded out the front row, with Bobby Fong, Aaron Gobert, Blake Young, and Tommy Aquino filling out the second row.
"We finally stopped the blue bikes' streak of being on the top of the front row," Zemke said after the session, but quickly turned his attention to Yamaha's '08 win streak in the class. "That's what we've got to work on tomorrow. I think it's going to be a good race. I don't know but hopefully me and Ben can break away from the rest of them and make it a two-rider battle and it will be a battle right to the end."
Qualifying Results
1. Jake Zemke Honda CBR600RR 2:51.045
2. Ben Bostrom Yamaha YZF-R6 2:51.266
3. Josh Hayes Honda CBR600RR 2:52.299
4. Steve Rapp Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:52.455
5. Bobby Fong Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.075
6. Aaron Gobert Honda CBR600RR 2:53.116
7. Blake Young Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.329
8. Tommy Aquino Yamaha YZF-R6 2:53.724
9. Josh Herrin Yamaha YZF-R6 2:53.866
10. Danny Eslick Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.872
11. Garrett Carter Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.995
12. Michael Beck Yamaha YZF-R6 2:54.160
13. Cory West Suzuki GSX-R600 2:54.161
14. Chaz Davies Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:54.218
15. Michael F. Barnes Suzuki GSX-R600 2:54.322
16. Shea Fouchek Honda CBR600RR 2:55.716
17. Taylor Knapp Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:56.153
18. Chad Herrmann Yamaha YZF-R6 2:56.778
19. Nicky Moore Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:56.903
20. Eduard Alberts Honda CBR600RR 2:57.274
21. Ricky Corey Yamaha YZF-R6 2:57.308
22. Chris Siebenhaar Suzuki GSX-R600 2:57.549
23. Chase Vivion Honda CBR600RR 2:57.669
24. Jonathan Lawrence Yamaha YZF-R6 2:58.001
25. Zac Chapman Suzuki GSX-R600 2:59.381
26. Eric Pinson Yamaha YZF-R6 2:59.614
27. Fernando Amantini Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:59.728
28. Dylon Husband Kawasaki ZX-6 3:01.948
29. Josh Galster Kawasaki ZX-6R 3:02.191
30. Sahar Zvik Suzuki GSX-R600 3:02.836
31. J. B. Layman Yamaha YZF-R6 3:03.075
32. C. R. Gittere Suzuki GSX-R600 3:03.861
33. Jesse Sherstan Yamaha YZF-R6 3:05.536
34. Scott Decker Suzuki GSX-R600 3:05.773
35. David Siminski Honda CBR600RR 3:06.405
36. Clinton Gibson Kawasaki ZX-6 3:06.592
37. Misti Hurst Kawasaki ZX-6R 3:06.942
38. Steven Davidsen Suzuki GSX-R600 3:07.190
39. Jeff Brown Yamaha YZF-R6 3:07.768
40. Craig Mason Yamaha YZF-R6 3:08.107
Erion Honda's Jake Zemke snapped Yamaha's perfect 2008 pole streak in the Pro Honda Oils Supersport class Saturday morning at Miller Motorsports Park, edging rival Ben Bostrom for pole with a quick lap of 2:51.045.
Zemke claimed he made a mistake on his fastest circulation of the 4.5-mile track and was expecting it would take a time in the '50s to secure the pole, but the Graves Motorsports Yamaha star had his problems as well -- crashing at speed without injury on his intended fast lap. Bostrom's 2:51.266 was still easily good enough for second on the grid, however, with third-ranked Josh Hayes more than a second behind the top two qualifiers.
Attack Kawasaki's Steve Rapp rounded out the front row, with Bobby Fong, Aaron Gobert, Blake Young, and Tommy Aquino filling out the second row.
"We finally stopped the blue bikes' streak of being on the top of the front row," Zemke said after the session, but quickly turned his attention to Yamaha's '08 win streak in the class. "That's what we've got to work on tomorrow. I think it's going to be a good race. I don't know but hopefully me and Ben can break away from the rest of them and make it a two-rider battle and it will be a battle right to the end."
Qualifying Results
1. Jake Zemke Honda CBR600RR 2:51.045
2. Ben Bostrom Yamaha YZF-R6 2:51.266
3. Josh Hayes Honda CBR600RR 2:52.299
4. Steve Rapp Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:52.455
5. Bobby Fong Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.075
6. Aaron Gobert Honda CBR600RR 2:53.116
7. Blake Young Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.329
8. Tommy Aquino Yamaha YZF-R6 2:53.724
9. Josh Herrin Yamaha YZF-R6 2:53.866
10. Danny Eslick Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.872
11. Garrett Carter Suzuki GSX-R600 2:53.995
12. Michael Beck Yamaha YZF-R6 2:54.160
13. Cory West Suzuki GSX-R600 2:54.161
14. Chaz Davies Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:54.218
15. Michael F. Barnes Suzuki GSX-R600 2:54.322
16. Shea Fouchek Honda CBR600RR 2:55.716
17. Taylor Knapp Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:56.153
18. Chad Herrmann Yamaha YZF-R6 2:56.778
19. Nicky Moore Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:56.903
20. Eduard Alberts Honda CBR600RR 2:57.274
21. Ricky Corey Yamaha YZF-R6 2:57.308
22. Chris Siebenhaar Suzuki GSX-R600 2:57.549
23. Chase Vivion Honda CBR600RR 2:57.669
24. Jonathan Lawrence Yamaha YZF-R6 2:58.001
25. Zac Chapman Suzuki GSX-R600 2:59.381
26. Eric Pinson Yamaha YZF-R6 2:59.614
27. Fernando Amantini Kawasaki ZX-6R 2:59.728
28. Dylon Husband Kawasaki ZX-6 3:01.948
29. Josh Galster Kawasaki ZX-6R 3:02.191
30. Sahar Zvik Suzuki GSX-R600 3:02.836
31. J. B. Layman Yamaha YZF-R6 3:03.075
32. C. R. Gittere Suzuki GSX-R600 3:03.861
33. Jesse Sherstan Yamaha YZF-R6 3:05.536
34. Scott Decker Suzuki GSX-R600 3:05.773
35. David Siminski Honda CBR600RR 3:06.405
36. Clinton Gibson Kawasaki ZX-6 3:06.592
37. Misti Hurst Kawasaki ZX-6R 3:06.942
38. Steven Davidsen Suzuki GSX-R600 3:07.190
39. Jeff Brown Yamaha YZF-R6 3:07.768
40. Craig Mason Yamaha YZF-R6 3:08.107
Rossi on Mugello pole
From motogp.com
The man with a perfect record of four-stroke MotoGP victories at Mugello, Valentino Rossi will make his attempt at a seventh consecutive home win in Sunday´s Gran Premio d´Italia Alice from pole position. The five-time MotoGP World Champion was in inspired form as he negotiated his favourite circuit on the calendar, smashing the existing Saturday record by eight tenths of a second with a 1:48.130 lap.
For the rider who has seemingly done everything in the premier class, pole position signified a new milestone for the Fiat Yamaha rider. His first of the season and first with Bridgestone tires, Rossi´s most recent top spot is also his 50th in the World Championship and keeps alive Yamaha´s dominant pole record thus far in 2008.
Rossi recorded his fastest lap with time to spare in the dry afternoon qualifying session, with no rider able to hang with the Italian favourite. Repsol Honda´s Dani Pedrosa came closest to dethroning the `King of Mugello´ with his final attempt, but fell just short with a time less than two-tenths of a second down on that of the current series leader.
Loris Capirossi completes the front row for the Sunday showdown, his first time on the frontline since joining Rizla Suzuki. Capirossi is the only rider on the grid besides Rossi to have won at Mugello.
Last year's MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner made it four different factories in the top four, heading the second row for home team Ducati Marlboro and lining up alongside Shanghai poleman Colin Edwards. Repsol Honda´s Nicky Hayden completes the second line of attack.
The leader of the BMW M Award for combined qualifying results, Jorge Lorenzo nonetheless starts from his lowest grid position since moving up to MotoGP. In seventh place at the top of row three, the Spaniard will have to storm through the field to try and catch Fiat Yamaha teammate Rossi. Heading into the first corner, he may also bash fairings with Tech 3 Yamaha´s James Toseland and San Carlo Honda Gresini´s Shinya Nakano, who join him in the eighth and ninth grid placings, respectively.
Qualifying Results
1. V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 1:48.130
2. D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team +0.167
3. L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +0.183
4. C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team +0.245
5. C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha +0.253
6. N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team +0.536
7. J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team +0.775
8. J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha +0.895
9. S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini +0.965
10. A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini +1.015
11. C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +1.090
12. R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP +1.116
13. A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP +1.435
14. J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team +1.471
15. T. OKADA JPN Repsol Honda Team +1.699
16. T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team +1.721
17. S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team +2.145
18. M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team +2.335
19. A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team +2.759
The man with a perfect record of four-stroke MotoGP victories at Mugello, Valentino Rossi will make his attempt at a seventh consecutive home win in Sunday´s Gran Premio d´Italia Alice from pole position. The five-time MotoGP World Champion was in inspired form as he negotiated his favourite circuit on the calendar, smashing the existing Saturday record by eight tenths of a second with a 1:48.130 lap.
For the rider who has seemingly done everything in the premier class, pole position signified a new milestone for the Fiat Yamaha rider. His first of the season and first with Bridgestone tires, Rossi´s most recent top spot is also his 50th in the World Championship and keeps alive Yamaha´s dominant pole record thus far in 2008.
Rossi recorded his fastest lap with time to spare in the dry afternoon qualifying session, with no rider able to hang with the Italian favourite. Repsol Honda´s Dani Pedrosa came closest to dethroning the `King of Mugello´ with his final attempt, but fell just short with a time less than two-tenths of a second down on that of the current series leader.
Loris Capirossi completes the front row for the Sunday showdown, his first time on the frontline since joining Rizla Suzuki. Capirossi is the only rider on the grid besides Rossi to have won at Mugello.
Last year's MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner made it four different factories in the top four, heading the second row for home team Ducati Marlboro and lining up alongside Shanghai poleman Colin Edwards. Repsol Honda´s Nicky Hayden completes the second line of attack.
The leader of the BMW M Award for combined qualifying results, Jorge Lorenzo nonetheless starts from his lowest grid position since moving up to MotoGP. In seventh place at the top of row three, the Spaniard will have to storm through the field to try and catch Fiat Yamaha teammate Rossi. Heading into the first corner, he may also bash fairings with Tech 3 Yamaha´s James Toseland and San Carlo Honda Gresini´s Shinya Nakano, who join him in the eighth and ninth grid placings, respectively.
Qualifying Results
1. V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 1:48.130
2. D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team +0.167
3. L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +0.183
4. C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team +0.245
5. C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha +0.253
6. N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team +0.536
7. J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team +0.775
8. J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha +0.895
9. S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini +0.965
10. A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini +1.015
11. C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +1.090
12. R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP +1.116
13. A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP +1.435
14. J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team +1.471
15. T. OKADA JPN Repsol Honda Team +1.699
16. T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team +1.721
17. S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team +2.145
18. M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team +2.335
19. A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team +2.759
Americade 2008 - Day 3
This year I'm publishing highlights of my activities at the 2008 Americade Motorcycle Rally, day by day in a blog. Americade is scheduled for June 2-7, this year. The blog will also include my preparation in getting ready to take the ride to Lake George, NY, my observations while there, the ride home, and getting back to normal.
The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's house in Boonton, NJ (three grandsons) and daughter's house in Middle Grove, NY (grandson and granddaughter). Our daughter made a move to the Saratoga Springs area last year after Americade. Since her house is now 25 miles south of Americade (and on the way), we now have a fringe benefit of making the trip.
Friday started with packing the trikes again in my son's garage in Boonton. Here are the trikes just before I pulled them out to begin on the next leg of our trip.
Today's ride would take us to the Saratoga Springs, NY area where our daughter and two of our grandchildren live.
The ride to Saratoga Springs was straightforward. Just ride north to I87 -- the Northway -- and keep going. However, shortly after Albany, I began noticing a vibration through the footpegs of my trike. That had never happened before. I thought I was on my old '94 Sportster again.
I thought maybe the U-Joints were going. Or maybe it was the trike undercarriage that was loose somewhere. Jane said her trike once felt the same way and we found that one bolt had completely worked itself loose and fallen out. I was getting worried.
As we approached my daughter's place, the vibration was still there. I thought maybe the road surface might be causing it but I just didn't know what to think.
I knew that Motor Trike would be at Americade and that the dealer who built my trike might also be there. Maybe he could look at it and see if there was any obvious problem that could be corrected. I decided to call the dealer who was located in PA. Sure enough, he would be here on Thursday and said he would take a look at it but couldn't promise anything. I expect to go visit Motor Trike soon after Tour-Expo opens on Tuesday to see if anyone else there could take a look at it before Thursday. I continue to be worried about this. First I have to ride the trike another 30 miles to get to Lake George. That will give me another chance to see if the problem is persisting. Wish me luck.
We finished the evening by attending a softball game in which our granddaughter was playing. She just decided one day that she wanted to play softball at age eight and she's pretty good in her first year. Of course I may be prejudiced.
We got there early and Jane, daughter Sue, and granddaughter Caroline got in some family practice. It made for a memorable picture of three generations.
It seems that almost every girl playing softball has long hair and they're all tied back. Caroline is in the middle.
I had no idea how these games are now run. The pitcher could only throw five pitches to one batter before a coach from the same team stepped in to throw two pitches. I guess this allows each batter a better chance of hitting the ball and gaining experience in hitting. These are only eight and nine year old girls.
The game runs a total of 90 minutes. The limit came and it was nearly 7:30 p.m. We headed for a late dinner at McDonald's before heading home.
Tomorrow, Saturday, would bring two more games, one softball and one baseball. Rain was expected.
More to follow. Read the blog each day for further reports.
An evolving blog index to these Americade 2008 blog entries is also available.
The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's house in Boonton, NJ (three grandsons) and daughter's house in Middle Grove, NY (grandson and granddaughter). Our daughter made a move to the Saratoga Springs area last year after Americade. Since her house is now 25 miles south of Americade (and on the way), we now have a fringe benefit of making the trip.
Friday started with packing the trikes again in my son's garage in Boonton. Here are the trikes just before I pulled them out to begin on the next leg of our trip.
Today's ride would take us to the Saratoga Springs, NY area where our daughter and two of our grandchildren live.
The ride to Saratoga Springs was straightforward. Just ride north to I87 -- the Northway -- and keep going. However, shortly after Albany, I began noticing a vibration through the footpegs of my trike. That had never happened before. I thought I was on my old '94 Sportster again.
I thought maybe the U-Joints were going. Or maybe it was the trike undercarriage that was loose somewhere. Jane said her trike once felt the same way and we found that one bolt had completely worked itself loose and fallen out. I was getting worried.
As we approached my daughter's place, the vibration was still there. I thought maybe the road surface might be causing it but I just didn't know what to think.
I knew that Motor Trike would be at Americade and that the dealer who built my trike might also be there. Maybe he could look at it and see if there was any obvious problem that could be corrected. I decided to call the dealer who was located in PA. Sure enough, he would be here on Thursday and said he would take a look at it but couldn't promise anything. I expect to go visit Motor Trike soon after Tour-Expo opens on Tuesday to see if anyone else there could take a look at it before Thursday. I continue to be worried about this. First I have to ride the trike another 30 miles to get to Lake George. That will give me another chance to see if the problem is persisting. Wish me luck.
We finished the evening by attending a softball game in which our granddaughter was playing. She just decided one day that she wanted to play softball at age eight and she's pretty good in her first year. Of course I may be prejudiced.
We got there early and Jane, daughter Sue, and granddaughter Caroline got in some family practice. It made for a memorable picture of three generations.
It seems that almost every girl playing softball has long hair and they're all tied back. Caroline is in the middle.
I had no idea how these games are now run. The pitcher could only throw five pitches to one batter before a coach from the same team stepped in to throw two pitches. I guess this allows each batter a better chance of hitting the ball and gaining experience in hitting. These are only eight and nine year old girls.
The game runs a total of 90 minutes. The limit came and it was nearly 7:30 p.m. We headed for a late dinner at McDonald's before heading home.
Tomorrow, Saturday, would bring two more games, one softball and one baseball. Rain was expected.
More to follow. Read the blog each day for further reports.
An evolving blog index to these Americade 2008 blog entries is also available.
Americade 2008 - Day 2
This year I'm publishing highlights of my activities at the 2008 Americade Motorcycle Rally, day by day in a blog. Americade is scheduled for June 2-7, this year. The blog will also include my preparation in getting ready to take the ride to Lake George, NY, my observations while there, the ride home, and getting back to normal.
The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's house in Boonton, NJ (three grandsons) and daughter's house in Middle Grove, NY (grandson and granddaughter). Our daughter made a move to the Saratoga Springs area last year after Americade. Since her house is now 25 miles south of Americade (and on the way), we now have a fringe benefit of making the trip.
Thursday started with a phone call to the dentist. He could work her in early at 10 a.m. to fix the chipped tooth.
There wasn't much time left to pack and load the trikes. Some had been done Wednesday night with each trike taking command of one side of the garage. The car had to brave the elements outside for the night. The rest of the loading was done Thursday morning.
We did start the trip promptly at 2 p.m. heading up route 9 then to I287 north to route 80 west and then up to Boonton where our son lives. We arrived out front and one of the grandsons suddenly appeared. All he wanted was a quick ride on one of the trikes. That meant a half block ride back and forth across their driveway.
Here are the two trikes as we arrived and our grandson, waiting for a quick, very slow ride.
Just before starting the ride:
The rest of the evening had no motorcycle content. It did involve my son, his two sons, and Jane and I playing a very long game of Monopoly. I hadn't played in thirty years. I was winning big until my real estate oriented son gained the upper hand by acquiring most of the real estate and charging me over $900 for landing on one of his hotels.
More to follow. Read the blog each day for further reports.
An evolving blog index to these Americade 2008 blog entries is also available.
The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's house in Boonton, NJ (three grandsons) and daughter's house in Middle Grove, NY (grandson and granddaughter). Our daughter made a move to the Saratoga Springs area last year after Americade. Since her house is now 25 miles south of Americade (and on the way), we now have a fringe benefit of making the trip.
Thursday started with a phone call to the dentist. He could work her in early at 10 a.m. to fix the chipped tooth.
There wasn't much time left to pack and load the trikes. Some had been done Wednesday night with each trike taking command of one side of the garage. The car had to brave the elements outside for the night. The rest of the loading was done Thursday morning.
We did start the trip promptly at 2 p.m. heading up route 9 then to I287 north to route 80 west and then up to Boonton where our son lives. We arrived out front and one of the grandsons suddenly appeared. All he wanted was a quick ride on one of the trikes. That meant a half block ride back and forth across their driveway.
Here are the two trikes as we arrived and our grandson, waiting for a quick, very slow ride.
Just before starting the ride:
The rest of the evening had no motorcycle content. It did involve my son, his two sons, and Jane and I playing a very long game of Monopoly. I hadn't played in thirty years. I was winning big until my real estate oriented son gained the upper hand by acquiring most of the real estate and charging me over $900 for landing on one of his hotels.
More to follow. Read the blog each day for further reports.
An evolving blog index to these Americade 2008 blog entries is also available.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Bayliss quickest at Miller
From worldsbk.com
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) set the quickest time in the first-ever World Superbike qualifying session at the Miller Motorsports Park circuit near Salt Lake City on Friday. The Australian clocked a time of 1 minute 49.394 seconds in the one-hour qualifying session, which as a result becomes the new circuit lap record.
"I'm very happy with how we've gone seeing as it's our first time here" declared Bayliss. "I like the track a lot, it reminds me a little of Qatar and the surface is similar to that of Misano, with a few little bumps and things here and there. The times are already fast, and we hope to go even faster tomorrow. We've already made good progress and we pretty much know already what we're going to use in the race tire-wise. The weather is supposed to get hotter and it's a very physical track so that will definitely make for some great racing."
Second place on the provisional front row, just two-tenths of a second slower, went to another Australian, Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB), who also quickly got dialed in to the US track. Corser was closely followed by Spain's Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who headed the timesheets for much of the session, and the increasingly impressive Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati) from the Czech Republic.
The only two other riders who dipped under the 1:50 mark were Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox), and Fonsi Nieto (Suzuki Alstare) from Spain. Italian youngster Ayrton Badovini (Team Pedercini) also put in a good performance on last year's Kawasaki machine to finish ninth, a fraction ahead of Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB), while Alto Evolution Honda Superbike Shuhei Aoyama recorded one of his best performances so far this year with 11th quickest time.
Both Max Neukirchner (Alstare Suzuki) and Max Biaggi (Sterilgarda Go Eleven Ducati) had a difficult start to their Miller Motorsports Park weekend, rounding off the top 16 provisional Superpole qualifiers. Alstare Suzuki's German rider was 15th, with Biaggi a tenth of a second and one place behind in 16th after an off-track excursion.
The top speed on the over 1 kilometre straight, the longest on the WSBK calendar, was clocked by Nieto (Suzuki) in 305.8 km/h and no crashes were recorded throughout the session.
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) set the quickest time in the first-ever World Superbike qualifying session at the Miller Motorsports Park circuit near Salt Lake City on Friday. The Australian clocked a time of 1 minute 49.394 seconds in the one-hour qualifying session, which as a result becomes the new circuit lap record.
"I'm very happy with how we've gone seeing as it's our first time here" declared Bayliss. "I like the track a lot, it reminds me a little of Qatar and the surface is similar to that of Misano, with a few little bumps and things here and there. The times are already fast, and we hope to go even faster tomorrow. We've already made good progress and we pretty much know already what we're going to use in the race tire-wise. The weather is supposed to get hotter and it's a very physical track so that will definitely make for some great racing."
Second place on the provisional front row, just two-tenths of a second slower, went to another Australian, Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB), who also quickly got dialed in to the US track. Corser was closely followed by Spain's Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who headed the timesheets for much of the session, and the increasingly impressive Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati) from the Czech Republic.
The only two other riders who dipped under the 1:50 mark were Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox), and Fonsi Nieto (Suzuki Alstare) from Spain. Italian youngster Ayrton Badovini (Team Pedercini) also put in a good performance on last year's Kawasaki machine to finish ninth, a fraction ahead of Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB), while Alto Evolution Honda Superbike Shuhei Aoyama recorded one of his best performances so far this year with 11th quickest time.
Both Max Neukirchner (Alstare Suzuki) and Max Biaggi (Sterilgarda Go Eleven Ducati) had a difficult start to their Miller Motorsports Park weekend, rounding off the top 16 provisional Superpole qualifiers. Alstare Suzuki's German rider was 15th, with Biaggi a tenth of a second and one place behind in 16th after an off-track excursion.
The top speed on the over 1 kilometre straight, the longest on the WSBK calendar, was clocked by Nieto (Suzuki) in 305.8 km/h and no crashes were recorded throughout the session.
Holden claims Superstock pole
From amasuperbike.com
Corona Honda's Jake Holden continued his recent stellar form in Friday's AMA Superstock qualifying session, securing his third pole position in five attempts this season.
With the World Superbike series also included in the weekend slate and the long Miller Motorsports Park configuration to contend with, qualifying sessions are not being split into two groups as is customary, making for a busy session.
Holden successfully navigated the slower riders and posted a 2:47.639, amounting to right around a two-tenth-of-a-second advantage over his Jordan Suzuki rivals, Aaron Yates and Geoff May, following 4.5 miles of riding at the maximum.
"Well, it started off pretty rough," Holden said. "There's a lot of guys out there -- more than usual; they cut up the slow guys and the fast guys in one session. So it was kind of tough to get a clear lap at the beginning. Once it started spreading out a little bit we threw on a couple different tires and started going quicker and quicker."
Points leader Yates was second fastest at 2:47.830 with May right behind at 2:47.872.
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Blake Young rounded out the front row with a best time 2:49.261. The Wisconsin native is still working his way up to speed after not testing here and missing most of Thursday's practice due to the wet conditions.
Team ESP's Chris Peris heads the second row and will be joined on the all-Suzuki second row by Robertino Pietri, David Anthony, and Ben Thompson. The third row will feature Chris Ulrich, Ryan Elleby, Seth Starnes, and Hawk Mazzotta.
The nine-lap Superstock race will get underway at 1:55pm local time Saturday afternoon.
Corona Honda's Jake Holden continued his recent stellar form in Friday's AMA Superstock qualifying session, securing his third pole position in five attempts this season.
With the World Superbike series also included in the weekend slate and the long Miller Motorsports Park configuration to contend with, qualifying sessions are not being split into two groups as is customary, making for a busy session.
Holden successfully navigated the slower riders and posted a 2:47.639, amounting to right around a two-tenth-of-a-second advantage over his Jordan Suzuki rivals, Aaron Yates and Geoff May, following 4.5 miles of riding at the maximum.
"Well, it started off pretty rough," Holden said. "There's a lot of guys out there -- more than usual; they cut up the slow guys and the fast guys in one session. So it was kind of tough to get a clear lap at the beginning. Once it started spreading out a little bit we threw on a couple different tires and started going quicker and quicker."
Points leader Yates was second fastest at 2:47.830 with May right behind at 2:47.872.
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Blake Young rounded out the front row with a best time 2:49.261. The Wisconsin native is still working his way up to speed after not testing here and missing most of Thursday's practice due to the wet conditions.
Team ESP's Chris Peris heads the second row and will be joined on the all-Suzuki second row by Robertino Pietri, David Anthony, and Ben Thompson. The third row will feature Chris Ulrich, Ryan Elleby, Seth Starnes, and Hawk Mazzotta.
The nine-lap Superstock race will get underway at 1:55pm local time Saturday afternoon.
Spies claims provisional pole
From AMA Superbike.com
Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies registered a convincing performance in Friday's provisional AMA Superbike qualifying session at Miller Motorsports Park, holding an advantage of nearly a second over second and third-ranked Mat Mladin and Jamie Hacking. The Texan established a new (and first) lap record for the 4.5-mile MMP configuration with a best time of 2:45.568.
Aussie Mladin bumped Monster Energy Kawasaki ace Hacking from second at the very end of the session with a 2:46.382 time to outpace the British-born rider's 2:46.497. Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates, who completed the provisional front row, was the only other rider to break into the '46s with a quick time of 2:46.901.
"I just put some new tires on it and threw down a pretty good lap," Spies said. "I mainly worked on race set-up; we were pretty quick on race tires and that was about it. It was a pretty simple session -- just went out and did a bunch of laps on the race tire. Got going pretty good and came in and put a rear on it and went for it and got a pretty lap out of it. Then we put the old tire back on and only managed to get one lap in.
"The race tires are working really well and the bike's working really well. There are a couple areas we're still finding some time in and can get it better. Hopefully we'll get a couple more tenths out of it for tomorrow..."
Earlier in the day Spies was an interested spectator, watching the World Superbike stars practice around the three-mile configuration the AMA Superbike series used in 2006 and 2007.
Asked if he wished both championships were running the same track so that they could better measure up, Spies remarked, "You'd like to, but it's too many different possibilities. Obviously we're going faster every time we've been to a track this year than we did last year. Our bike's 10 horsepower up on what is was last year and their bikes are about 6mph up on what my bike is this year.
"Their bikes are definitely faster and they do have qualifiers. There's no way really to compare. The track record the way it was set, the bikes were way slower than what they're going. But you never know whose tires work better. Ours might work better. You can't compare. I think that's why the 'Qs were brought here -- to throw down in the first and third split to compare but they threw in another little loop so you can't really do that."
Even though it's no longer a possibility, Spies admits he wishes it was still like the old days when the national stars were able to compete as wild cards. "Yeah, you'd like to. I watch them go around the track and they're still learning, but I know we'd be competitive for sure. Just like if we went over to one of those tracks they'd have a little bit of an edge on us. But the fact is, by the end of that session, those guys know that track now. The short track is very easy to learn. The long track takes a little bit because it's five days long. It's a little bit harder. Those guys are getting comfortable."
Outwardly Spies appears to be fully up to speed again following offseason and post-Daytona surgery, riding a four-race win streak into MMP. But the two-time AMA Superbike champ claims he's still in the process of working his way all the way back to 100% fitness, a scary prospect for his rivals.
"I think we're getting a little faster every weekend. My fitness is definitely getting better every week. You kind of plateau at some time of the season and you just try to keep that, but now we're basically going to be building al the way through the year and keep getting better. It's good. I feel great on the bike now. Barber was the last week we didn't feel too good. At Fontana I wasn't 100% but you know, but it was nothing that was going to hold me back. And now when I'm on the bike, like at the last race, I don't have anything that's bugging me at all. Everything is getting better."
Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies registered a convincing performance in Friday's provisional AMA Superbike qualifying session at Miller Motorsports Park, holding an advantage of nearly a second over second and third-ranked Mat Mladin and Jamie Hacking. The Texan established a new (and first) lap record for the 4.5-mile MMP configuration with a best time of 2:45.568.
Aussie Mladin bumped Monster Energy Kawasaki ace Hacking from second at the very end of the session with a 2:46.382 time to outpace the British-born rider's 2:46.497. Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates, who completed the provisional front row, was the only other rider to break into the '46s with a quick time of 2:46.901.
"I just put some new tires on it and threw down a pretty good lap," Spies said. "I mainly worked on race set-up; we were pretty quick on race tires and that was about it. It was a pretty simple session -- just went out and did a bunch of laps on the race tire. Got going pretty good and came in and put a rear on it and went for it and got a pretty lap out of it. Then we put the old tire back on and only managed to get one lap in.
"The race tires are working really well and the bike's working really well. There are a couple areas we're still finding some time in and can get it better. Hopefully we'll get a couple more tenths out of it for tomorrow..."
Earlier in the day Spies was an interested spectator, watching the World Superbike stars practice around the three-mile configuration the AMA Superbike series used in 2006 and 2007.
Asked if he wished both championships were running the same track so that they could better measure up, Spies remarked, "You'd like to, but it's too many different possibilities. Obviously we're going faster every time we've been to a track this year than we did last year. Our bike's 10 horsepower up on what is was last year and their bikes are about 6mph up on what my bike is this year.
"Their bikes are definitely faster and they do have qualifiers. There's no way really to compare. The track record the way it was set, the bikes were way slower than what they're going. But you never know whose tires work better. Ours might work better. You can't compare. I think that's why the 'Qs were brought here -- to throw down in the first and third split to compare but they threw in another little loop so you can't really do that."
Even though it's no longer a possibility, Spies admits he wishes it was still like the old days when the national stars were able to compete as wild cards. "Yeah, you'd like to. I watch them go around the track and they're still learning, but I know we'd be competitive for sure. Just like if we went over to one of those tracks they'd have a little bit of an edge on us. But the fact is, by the end of that session, those guys know that track now. The short track is very easy to learn. The long track takes a little bit because it's five days long. It's a little bit harder. Those guys are getting comfortable."
Outwardly Spies appears to be fully up to speed again following offseason and post-Daytona surgery, riding a four-race win streak into MMP. But the two-time AMA Superbike champ claims he's still in the process of working his way all the way back to 100% fitness, a scary prospect for his rivals.
"I think we're getting a little faster every weekend. My fitness is definitely getting better every week. You kind of plateau at some time of the season and you just try to keep that, but now we're basically going to be building al the way through the year and keep getting better. It's good. I feel great on the bike now. Barber was the last week we didn't feel too good. At Fontana I wasn't 100% but you know, but it was nothing that was going to hold me back. And now when I'm on the bike, like at the last race, I don't have anything that's bugging me at all. Everything is getting better."
Zemke sets win record
From AMA Superbike.com
Erion Honda's Jake Zemke became the all-time wins leader in the Formula Xtreme class on Friday at Miller Motorsports Park, racking up his 16th career class win by storming to a fourth straight FX victory.
Zemke entered the weekend tied for the lead with Eric Bostrom, but stepped up all alone in first in somewhat atypical fashion; he pulled free early and held a clear lead throughout the contest, while so many of his earlier wins were dogfights right to the checkered flag, whether it was matched up against Miguel Duhamel or his current teammate, Josh Hayes.
Hayes made it a bit easier on Zemke Friday, falling back to around 10th from pole at the green light, before charging into sixth in the opening corner and pushing up to second at the end of the first lap.
Attack Kawasaki's Steve Rapp also suffered from a poor start and followed Hayes up through the hectic opening lap that saw Rapp's teammate, Chaz Davies, highside out of contention, and Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Michael Barnes fall as well before re-entering the fray.
After finally breaking free of Rapp's challenge, Hayes kept Zemke honest by pushing hard from second but he could never fully make up the early gap he surrendered.
Afterwards, Zemke said, "I got a good start and saw that Josh came off the line good but it looked like he might have bogged it a little bit. Larry (Pegram) raced me pretty good down into turn 1 and I had to go around the outside of him there. From there it was pretty much clear sailing.
"I was setting a decent pace there at the beginning and I opened up a second and it just kind of stayed there at a second. I kept going quicker and it kept staying at a second. I could see Josh's pitboard too and I saw when he got up into second. I saw when he made a little push there and got it down to about eight tenths so I put my head down the last couple laps and ran my fastest laps of the race there I think on the last two laps."
Defending class champion Hayes explained, "My race wasn't too bad... My start was pretty miserable. I was pretty far back there for a while. I kind of bonsai'ed it down into turn 1 on the outside and went a little wide but I was able to eliminate a couple people I'd have to race through pretty early. Cory West, and Chaz and Larry... it was typically first lap 600 racing. People were all over the racetrack. Unfortunately, Chaz, he was trying to be real aggressive on the first lap and make sure he didn't let Jake get away and he made a small mistake and ended up on the ground. I think he would have added to the race and made it fun for sure."
Rapp took third, while Leo Vince Foremost Insurance Ducati's Pegram just held onto fourth, narrowly edging Rockwall Honda's Aaron Gobert to the line. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Cory West took sixth in his second ride in replacement of the injured Martin Cardenas.
Following five of 11 rounds, Zemke leads the points chase 169 to Rapp's 143. Pegram is third at 138 following by double champ Hayes at 122.
Erion Honda's Jake Zemke became the all-time wins leader in the Formula Xtreme class on Friday at Miller Motorsports Park, racking up his 16th career class win by storming to a fourth straight FX victory.
Zemke entered the weekend tied for the lead with Eric Bostrom, but stepped up all alone in first in somewhat atypical fashion; he pulled free early and held a clear lead throughout the contest, while so many of his earlier wins were dogfights right to the checkered flag, whether it was matched up against Miguel Duhamel or his current teammate, Josh Hayes.
Hayes made it a bit easier on Zemke Friday, falling back to around 10th from pole at the green light, before charging into sixth in the opening corner and pushing up to second at the end of the first lap.
Attack Kawasaki's Steve Rapp also suffered from a poor start and followed Hayes up through the hectic opening lap that saw Rapp's teammate, Chaz Davies, highside out of contention, and Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Michael Barnes fall as well before re-entering the fray.
After finally breaking free of Rapp's challenge, Hayes kept Zemke honest by pushing hard from second but he could never fully make up the early gap he surrendered.
Afterwards, Zemke said, "I got a good start and saw that Josh came off the line good but it looked like he might have bogged it a little bit. Larry (Pegram) raced me pretty good down into turn 1 and I had to go around the outside of him there. From there it was pretty much clear sailing.
"I was setting a decent pace there at the beginning and I opened up a second and it just kind of stayed there at a second. I kept going quicker and it kept staying at a second. I could see Josh's pitboard too and I saw when he got up into second. I saw when he made a little push there and got it down to about eight tenths so I put my head down the last couple laps and ran my fastest laps of the race there I think on the last two laps."
Defending class champion Hayes explained, "My race wasn't too bad... My start was pretty miserable. I was pretty far back there for a while. I kind of bonsai'ed it down into turn 1 on the outside and went a little wide but I was able to eliminate a couple people I'd have to race through pretty early. Cory West, and Chaz and Larry... it was typically first lap 600 racing. People were all over the racetrack. Unfortunately, Chaz, he was trying to be real aggressive on the first lap and make sure he didn't let Jake get away and he made a small mistake and ended up on the ground. I think he would have added to the race and made it fun for sure."
Rapp took third, while Leo Vince Foremost Insurance Ducati's Pegram just held onto fourth, narrowly edging Rockwall Honda's Aaron Gobert to the line. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Cory West took sixth in his second ride in replacement of the injured Martin Cardenas.
Following five of 11 rounds, Zemke leads the points chase 169 to Rapp's 143. Pegram is third at 138 following by double champ Hayes at 122.
Rossi homecoming marred by rain
From Yamaha Racing
It was a wet and gloomy return to home turf for Fiat Yamaha Team rider Valentino Rossi Friday, as heavy rain greeted the MotoGP paddock on the opening day of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.
The weather was in stark contrast to the bright Tuscan sunshine that's generally expected at this race and made for a muddy day on the hillsides for Rossi's army of Italian fans.
An early morning shower meant the morning first free practice was run on a drying track, with times decreasing throughout. Rossi was quite fast early on but did not go out when the track was at its driest and times were fastest, finishing the session in 10th with a 1:58.672.
The afternoon was an even wetter story, with a heavy shower during the first quarter of the session and steady drizzle from then on meaning there was standing water on the track throughout, but it gave Rossi and his crew an important chance to gather more information about the Bridgestone rain tires and also to refine their wet set-up.
The Italian was very pleased with the improvement and finished the afternoon session in fourth, setting a best time in the wet of 2:02.327, although he remains 10th in the combined standings due to the faster times from this morning.
"This morning was very tricky with the track quite patchy, so I preferred to take it easy in these conditions," Rossi said. "This afternoon was very useful however and we were able to make some important modifications to our wet set-up, which enabled us to go quite fast at the end and finish fourth.
"At the start of the session it was so wet that it felt a bit dangerous, so it was necessary to be very careful, but it was better in the second half and I am glad we've had this session because it reassures us that we're fast also in the wet. From now on here I think, and hope, that it's going to be dry so we will start again tomorrow."
It was a promising day for Spanish youngster Jorge Lorenzo as he was able to make significant steps with his rain set-up. Sunday will be the 21-year-old's 100th Grand Prix start. Lorenzo is still recovering from the two fractured ankles that he sustained in China earlier this month but his physical condition is much improved and he is now finding riding much easier.
With heavy rain early on making for extremely tricky conditions on a drying track in the morning however he took it easy and refrained from taking any risks, finishing the session in 14th with a time of 2:00.004. With the track fully wet in the afternoon it was a different story and he and his crew made the most of the conditions to work their way through some new Michelin wet tires and to improve the rain set-up of their M1.
The Mallorcan completed 25 laps, more than any other rider, and a best time of 2:02.562 put him sixth in the afternoon, although with times in the morning having been faster on the drier track he remains 14th in the combined standings.
"Today I am actually very happy because we were quite fast in the rain," he said. "When I first rode the M1 in the wet I found it very hard but bit by bit we have improved and today I felt quite confident. The morning was very strange and I didn't want to take too many risks; my ankles are feeling much better but I don't want to make any more mistakes. This afternoon however when it was fully wet I did a lot of laps and I was able to make one long run of 19 consecutive laps, during which I was able to find a good rhythm."
It was a wet and gloomy return to home turf for Fiat Yamaha Team rider Valentino Rossi Friday, as heavy rain greeted the MotoGP paddock on the opening day of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.
The weather was in stark contrast to the bright Tuscan sunshine that's generally expected at this race and made for a muddy day on the hillsides for Rossi's army of Italian fans.
An early morning shower meant the morning first free practice was run on a drying track, with times decreasing throughout. Rossi was quite fast early on but did not go out when the track was at its driest and times were fastest, finishing the session in 10th with a 1:58.672.
The afternoon was an even wetter story, with a heavy shower during the first quarter of the session and steady drizzle from then on meaning there was standing water on the track throughout, but it gave Rossi and his crew an important chance to gather more information about the Bridgestone rain tires and also to refine their wet set-up.
The Italian was very pleased with the improvement and finished the afternoon session in fourth, setting a best time in the wet of 2:02.327, although he remains 10th in the combined standings due to the faster times from this morning.
"This morning was very tricky with the track quite patchy, so I preferred to take it easy in these conditions," Rossi said. "This afternoon was very useful however and we were able to make some important modifications to our wet set-up, which enabled us to go quite fast at the end and finish fourth.
"At the start of the session it was so wet that it felt a bit dangerous, so it was necessary to be very careful, but it was better in the second half and I am glad we've had this session because it reassures us that we're fast also in the wet. From now on here I think, and hope, that it's going to be dry so we will start again tomorrow."
It was a promising day for Spanish youngster Jorge Lorenzo as he was able to make significant steps with his rain set-up. Sunday will be the 21-year-old's 100th Grand Prix start. Lorenzo is still recovering from the two fractured ankles that he sustained in China earlier this month but his physical condition is much improved and he is now finding riding much easier.
With heavy rain early on making for extremely tricky conditions on a drying track in the morning however he took it easy and refrained from taking any risks, finishing the session in 14th with a time of 2:00.004. With the track fully wet in the afternoon it was a different story and he and his crew made the most of the conditions to work their way through some new Michelin wet tires and to improve the rain set-up of their M1.
The Mallorcan completed 25 laps, more than any other rider, and a best time of 2:02.562 put him sixth in the afternoon, although with times in the morning having been faster on the drier track he remains 14th in the combined standings.
"Today I am actually very happy because we were quite fast in the rain," he said. "When I first rode the M1 in the wet I found it very hard but bit by bit we have improved and today I felt quite confident. The morning was very strange and I didn't want to take too many risks; my ankles are feeling much better but I don't want to make any more mistakes. This afternoon however when it was fully wet I did a lot of laps and I was able to make one long run of 19 consecutive laps, during which I was able to find a good rhythm."
Rain dampens Ducati progress
From Marlboro Ducati
Bad weather took centre stage at Mugello Friday as the Italian Grand Prix got underway beneath heavy black skies and a series of showers that affected every practice session.
Light rainfall in the morning session saw the riders start out on wet tires and it was only towards the end that a dry line formed, allowing them to change to slick tires - even though the pace was still much slower than usual.
Stoner, who was leading the time sheets at that point, decided that the track wasn't dry enough to gather any accurate data and opted not to run slick tires. As a result he ended the day ninth fastest with a time of 1:58.618 despite lapping third quickest in the afternoon, when the conditions were completely wet.
"This morning was half dry and half wet so it was pretty pointless going out on slick tires and doing slow times," Stoner said. "That's why we decided not to use them at the end of the session, as a few other riders did.
"This afternoon we got some track time in fully wet conditions, which is much more useful. Having said that it was very wet and visibility was almost non-existent - especially behind the screen. So it was quite hard visibility-wise but it was actually quite a lot of fun because the grip was good, especially at the beginning.
"We don't really feel as though we've got the setting down yet. I didn't really feel 100% comfortable on the bike - it was very nervous and I wasn't getting much feeling from the tires so we definitely need to work a little bit harder tomorrow and try to find a different solution if it's going to be wet. As far as I know the forecast is dry, so I guess we'll have to wait and see."
Marco Melandri struggled more than his teammate in the difficult conditions, which didn't give him the opportunity to work on a new engine braking system that the team has brought to Mugello for him. Short of the time necessary to find the right setting, the Italian ended the day with the 15th fastest time of 2:00.162.
Bad weather took centre stage at Mugello Friday as the Italian Grand Prix got underway beneath heavy black skies and a series of showers that affected every practice session.
Light rainfall in the morning session saw the riders start out on wet tires and it was only towards the end that a dry line formed, allowing them to change to slick tires - even though the pace was still much slower than usual.
Stoner, who was leading the time sheets at that point, decided that the track wasn't dry enough to gather any accurate data and opted not to run slick tires. As a result he ended the day ninth fastest with a time of 1:58.618 despite lapping third quickest in the afternoon, when the conditions were completely wet.
"This morning was half dry and half wet so it was pretty pointless going out on slick tires and doing slow times," Stoner said. "That's why we decided not to use them at the end of the session, as a few other riders did.
"This afternoon we got some track time in fully wet conditions, which is much more useful. Having said that it was very wet and visibility was almost non-existent - especially behind the screen. So it was quite hard visibility-wise but it was actually quite a lot of fun because the grip was good, especially at the beginning.
"We don't really feel as though we've got the setting down yet. I didn't really feel 100% comfortable on the bike - it was very nervous and I wasn't getting much feeling from the tires so we definitely need to work a little bit harder tomorrow and try to find a different solution if it's going to be wet. As far as I know the forecast is dry, so I guess we'll have to wait and see."
Marco Melandri struggled more than his teammate in the difficult conditions, which didn't give him the opportunity to work on a new engine braking system that the team has brought to Mugello for him. Short of the time necessary to find the right setting, the Italian ended the day with the 15th fastest time of 2:00.162.
Hayden second at Mugello
From Repsol Honda
Inclement weather and changeable track conditions dominated Friday’s proceedings at Mugello, riders contending with a damp track in the morning and heavy rainfall in the afternoon.
Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden excelled in the conditions, the American leading the morning session at one point and ending the afternoon outing second fastest. On combined session times Hayden was 12th overall with a best lap at 1:59.436 while teammate Dani Pedrosa was eighth with a 1:55.805 and wild card rider Tadayuki Okada 17th at 2:02.810.
Okada’s progress was watched with special interest because he is giving Honda’s pneumatic-valve-spring engine its MotoGP debut this weekend. The Japanese rider, who hasn’t contested a GP since October 2000, was satisfied with progress, though he had a high-speed tumble in the afternoon when he lost the front while braking for the downhill Casanova right-hander. The six-time GP winner was forced to sit out the remainder of the session because he has only one bike here.
“This morning track conditions were 50/50, not completely dry, not completely wet," Pedrosa said. "We started working on wet set-up and we needed to do a lot of testing. We also tested different rain tires as the track conditions always change a lot when it’s raining.
"In the afternoon the track was properly wet, in one area there was a lot of standing water which made riding quite dangerous. At the end of the session the rainfall slowed and the lap times improved. If it’s wet again tomorrow we are in quite good shape, though there is still room for improvement. If it’s dry, as the weather forecast suggests, it will be a completely new story as far as set-up is concerned.”
“Tady’s comments about the engine are quite positive," said team manager Kazuhiko Yamano. "He says power delivery is not so bad and the handling is easy here. Now we need to spend some time checking all the data.”
Free Practice 1 Results
1. John HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team KAWASAKI 1:54.053
2. Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP SUZUKI 1:54.520
3. Anthony WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team KAWASAKI 1:55.021
4. Alex DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1:55.141
5. Shinya NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1:55.528
6. Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP HONDA 1:55.718
7. Chris VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP SUZUKI 1:55.774
8. Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1:55.805
9. Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team DUCATI 1:58.618
10. Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 1:58.672
11. Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP HONDA 1:59.240
12. Nicky HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1:59.436
13. James TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha YAMAHA 1:59.899
14. Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 2:00.004
15. Marco MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team DUCATI 2:00.162
16. Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team DUCATI 2:01.718
17. Tadayuki OKADA JPN Repsol Honda Team HONDA 2:02.810
18. Toni ELIAS SPA Alice Team DUCATI 2:03.305
19. Colin EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha YAMAHA 2:03.774
Free Practice 2 Results
1 C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2:01.500
2. N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team +0.510
3. C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team +0.805
4. V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team +0.827
5. J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha +0.912
6. J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team +1.062
7. A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP +1.069
8. R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP +2.068
9. C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha +2.086
10. D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team +2.199
11. A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini +2.265
12. J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team +2.450
13. L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +2.549
14. A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team +3.897
15. S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini +4.134
16. T. OKADA JPN Repsol Honda Team +4.603
17. S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team +4.757
18. T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team +7.480
19. M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team +12.612
Inclement weather and changeable track conditions dominated Friday’s proceedings at Mugello, riders contending with a damp track in the morning and heavy rainfall in the afternoon.
Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden excelled in the conditions, the American leading the morning session at one point and ending the afternoon outing second fastest. On combined session times Hayden was 12th overall with a best lap at 1:59.436 while teammate Dani Pedrosa was eighth with a 1:55.805 and wild card rider Tadayuki Okada 17th at 2:02.810.
Okada’s progress was watched with special interest because he is giving Honda’s pneumatic-valve-spring engine its MotoGP debut this weekend. The Japanese rider, who hasn’t contested a GP since October 2000, was satisfied with progress, though he had a high-speed tumble in the afternoon when he lost the front while braking for the downhill Casanova right-hander. The six-time GP winner was forced to sit out the remainder of the session because he has only one bike here.
“This morning track conditions were 50/50, not completely dry, not completely wet," Pedrosa said. "We started working on wet set-up and we needed to do a lot of testing. We also tested different rain tires as the track conditions always change a lot when it’s raining.
"In the afternoon the track was properly wet, in one area there was a lot of standing water which made riding quite dangerous. At the end of the session the rainfall slowed and the lap times improved. If it’s wet again tomorrow we are in quite good shape, though there is still room for improvement. If it’s dry, as the weather forecast suggests, it will be a completely new story as far as set-up is concerned.”
“Tady’s comments about the engine are quite positive," said team manager Kazuhiko Yamano. "He says power delivery is not so bad and the handling is easy here. Now we need to spend some time checking all the data.”
Free Practice 1 Results
1. John HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team KAWASAKI 1:54.053
2. Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP SUZUKI 1:54.520
3. Anthony WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team KAWASAKI 1:55.021
4. Alex DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1:55.141
5. Shinya NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini HONDA 1:55.528
6. Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP HONDA 1:55.718
7. Chris VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP SUZUKI 1:55.774
8. Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1:55.805
9. Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team DUCATI 1:58.618
10. Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 1:58.672
11. Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP HONDA 1:59.240
12. Nicky HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 1:59.436
13. James TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha YAMAHA 1:59.899
14. Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 2:00.004
15. Marco MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team DUCATI 2:00.162
16. Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team DUCATI 2:01.718
17. Tadayuki OKADA JPN Repsol Honda Team HONDA 2:02.810
18. Toni ELIAS SPA Alice Team DUCATI 2:03.305
19. Colin EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha YAMAHA 2:03.774
Free Practice 2 Results
1 C. VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2:01.500
2. N. HAYDEN USA Repsol Honda Team +0.510
3. C. STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team +0.805
4. V. ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team +0.827
5. J. TOSELAND GBR Tech 3 Yamaha +0.912
6. J. LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team +1.062
7. A. DOVIZIOSO ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP +1.069
8. R. DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP +2.068
9. C. EDWARDS USA Tech 3 Yamaha +2.086
10. D. PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team +2.199
11. A. DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini +2.265
12. J. HOPKINS USA Kawasaki Racing Team +2.450
13. L. CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +2.549
14. A. WEST AUS Kawasaki Racing Team +3.897
15. S. NAKANO JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini +4.134
16. T. OKADA JPN Repsol Honda Team +4.603
17. S. GUINTOLI FRA Alice Team +4.757
18. T. ELIAS SPA Alice Team +7.480
19. M. MELANDRI ITA Ducati Marlboro Team +12.612
Rain interrupts Utah practice
From M4 EMGO Suzuki
TOOELE, UT -- Team M4 EMGO Suzuki opened the combined AMA/World Superbike race weekend at Miller Motorsports Park on Thursday.
The first of four days at MMP was impacted by brief rain showers that greeted and closed the day, but despite the difficult conditions Cory West came away with a second row grid position for Friday's Formula Xtreme final.
Rain hit the area shortly after the FX qualifying session began and prior to West posting a quick time, leaving the Arkansas native stranded well down the charts. However, the rain stopped halfway through and the track quickly dried, allowing him to clock a 2:56.570 lap time around the 4.5-mile circuit late the session aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600, jumping all the way up to sixth in the end.
West was nearly joined on the second row by Michael Barnes, who qualified ninth fastest at 2:57.596.
The morning Superstock session was also affected by wet conditions. Blake Young managed to post the ninth best time at 2:56.292 despite only logging a few laps before calling it a day on his GSX-R1000 and turning his attention to the Supersport session.
Young led the way in the Supersport class for the team, ending the practice eighth fastest at 2:56.182. West was ninth at 2:56.255 followed by Barnes in 17th at 2:58.479.
Young said, "I only made like two or three laps in Superstock before making the early decision to come in due to the conditions. If I would have stayed out I probably could have went faster with the rest of the guys at the end but figured I'd get to see the track again in Supersport.
"Later in the day I walked around the track and watched the Superbike guys to see what they were doing a little bit different and learned as much as I could. I hope the conditions are good tomorrow morning so we can set some times and get the bike set up a little bit better."
On Friday Young will qualify for Saturday's Superstock final and then West and Barnes will tackle the afternoon's nine-lap, 60k Formula Xtreme race.
TOOELE, UT -- Team M4 EMGO Suzuki opened the combined AMA/World Superbike race weekend at Miller Motorsports Park on Thursday.
The first of four days at MMP was impacted by brief rain showers that greeted and closed the day, but despite the difficult conditions Cory West came away with a second row grid position for Friday's Formula Xtreme final.
Rain hit the area shortly after the FX qualifying session began and prior to West posting a quick time, leaving the Arkansas native stranded well down the charts. However, the rain stopped halfway through and the track quickly dried, allowing him to clock a 2:56.570 lap time around the 4.5-mile circuit late the session aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600, jumping all the way up to sixth in the end.
West was nearly joined on the second row by Michael Barnes, who qualified ninth fastest at 2:57.596.
The morning Superstock session was also affected by wet conditions. Blake Young managed to post the ninth best time at 2:56.292 despite only logging a few laps before calling it a day on his GSX-R1000 and turning his attention to the Supersport session.
Young led the way in the Supersport class for the team, ending the practice eighth fastest at 2:56.182. West was ninth at 2:56.255 followed by Barnes in 17th at 2:58.479.
Young said, "I only made like two or three laps in Superstock before making the early decision to come in due to the conditions. If I would have stayed out I probably could have went faster with the rest of the guys at the end but figured I'd get to see the track again in Supersport.
"Later in the day I walked around the track and watched the Superbike guys to see what they were doing a little bit different and learned as much as I could. I hope the conditions are good tomorrow morning so we can set some times and get the bike set up a little bit better."
On Friday Young will qualify for Saturday's Superstock final and then West and Barnes will tackle the afternoon's nine-lap, 60k Formula Xtreme race.
BRAKING team dominates podiums
From BRAKING
Jordan Szoke on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors ZX-10R started the season showing the field why he is the two-time defending Parts Canada Superbike and 600 Champion by crushing the competition by over five seconds at the finish.
Szoke and teammate Brett McCormick went 1-2 in the Yoshimura Pro 600 race.
The Canadian Kawasaki Motors RR teams use the BRAKING designed front SK Race series of rotors and rear Braking rotors.
BRAKING teams were 1-2-3 at the opening Lites round of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship at Glen Helen Raceway with Monster Energy / Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe taking his first career win in the series and his teammate, defending AMA Motocross Lites Champion Ryan Villopoto taking second over 2008 Supercross West Lites Champion Jason Lawrence on his Boost Mobile Yamaha of Troy YZ250F.
The Lites class is shaping up to be very exciting with both teams going head to head every round.
The Monster Energy / Pro Circuit Kawasaki and the Boost Mobile Yamaha of Troy Teams use BRAKING Oversized front rotors and BRAKING rear rotors.
Jordan Szoke on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors ZX-10R started the season showing the field why he is the two-time defending Parts Canada Superbike and 600 Champion by crushing the competition by over five seconds at the finish.
Szoke and teammate Brett McCormick went 1-2 in the Yoshimura Pro 600 race.
The Canadian Kawasaki Motors RR teams use the BRAKING designed front SK Race series of rotors and rear Braking rotors.
BRAKING teams were 1-2-3 at the opening Lites round of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship at Glen Helen Raceway with Monster Energy / Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe taking his first career win in the series and his teammate, defending AMA Motocross Lites Champion Ryan Villopoto taking second over 2008 Supercross West Lites Champion Jason Lawrence on his Boost Mobile Yamaha of Troy YZ250F.
The Lites class is shaping up to be very exciting with both teams going head to head every round.
The Monster Energy / Pro Circuit Kawasaki and the Boost Mobile Yamaha of Troy Teams use BRAKING Oversized front rotors and BRAKING rear rotors.
Breakfast of champions
I thought this was kinda cool.
Short but sweet Friday post.
Happy Friday!
Have a nice weekend!
Short but sweet Friday post.
Happy Friday!
Have a nice weekend!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
MX stars tackle "toughest track"
From CMRC Media
STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Gopher Dunes, arguably the toughest track in Canada, hosts round 2 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals this Sunday.
After enjoying the relatively hard pack conditions of Circuit de Ste-Julie in Quebec last weekend, the MX1 and MX2 combatants will face the deep sand, ruts and energy draining whoops of Gopher Dunes in Courtland, ON. Gopher Dunes is a reality check that can be a humbling experience for even the most seasoned rider. Winning a race here is more than just a victory; it’s all about bragging rights and knowing you’ve tamed a monster.
“It’s always a tough race at Gopher Dunes, guaranteed. It all comes down to who the best sand rider is and who is in the best condition,” said CMRC’s Mark Stallybrass. “The track takes no prisoners. It really separates the men from the boys.”
For last weekend’s MX1 double moto winner Colton Facciotti, Gopher Dunes is a track he has not faired well on over the past three seasons—two DNFs in 2005; 16-9 in 2006; and DNF-17 in 2007. The Team Toyota Yamaha Blackfoot Fox Racing headliner will have to come to terms with the track this time out if he wants to build on the points lead he established at Ste. Julie.
“The track is tough for everybody,” said Facciotti. “I’ve had my problems there but the past doesn’t equal the future. I have every confidence in myself that this year will be my year at Gopher Dunes.”
If Facciotti wants to win at the Dunes, Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki’s Dusty Klatt will more than likely be the rider he’s going to have to beat. Klatt, who swept both motos at the Dunes in 2006 on his way to a championship winning season, will be out to redeem himself after a lacklustre second moto last week in Quebec that saw him finish in 13th place. In the first moto, Klatt unequivocally proved he will be a contender for the MX1 crown with a second place finish behind Facciotti.
Look for local riders like Kyle Keast and Chuck Mesley to be in on the up front action. Mesley recorded second overall on the strength of 2-7 motos in 2007 while Keast snared sixth with 7-8. Paul Carpenter, who registered a double moto win, is not taking part in the series this year.
In MX2 action it’s anybody’s guess who’ll ride off with the overall win. For a number of the contenders, including last weekend’s No.1 & No.4, Leading Edge Kawasaki’s Teddy Maier and KTM Royal Distributing Thor Riverside MX’s Eric Nye, this will be their first time at Gopher Dunes.
Their moment of truth will be lying in front of them as they face off against the likes of Team Suzuki Rockstar Energy OTSFF’s Jeremy Medaglia. The rookie sensation, who carded third overall at Ste. Julie, proved his mettle in the deep sand last year, finishing fourth overall riding as an Intermediate.
Gopher Dunes is located 30 minutes south of Highway 401 on Highway 59, 5 Km south of Highway 3. Tickets are available at the gate.
STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Gopher Dunes, arguably the toughest track in Canada, hosts round 2 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals this Sunday.
After enjoying the relatively hard pack conditions of Circuit de Ste-Julie in Quebec last weekend, the MX1 and MX2 combatants will face the deep sand, ruts and energy draining whoops of Gopher Dunes in Courtland, ON. Gopher Dunes is a reality check that can be a humbling experience for even the most seasoned rider. Winning a race here is more than just a victory; it’s all about bragging rights and knowing you’ve tamed a monster.
“It’s always a tough race at Gopher Dunes, guaranteed. It all comes down to who the best sand rider is and who is in the best condition,” said CMRC’s Mark Stallybrass. “The track takes no prisoners. It really separates the men from the boys.”
For last weekend’s MX1 double moto winner Colton Facciotti, Gopher Dunes is a track he has not faired well on over the past three seasons—two DNFs in 2005; 16-9 in 2006; and DNF-17 in 2007. The Team Toyota Yamaha Blackfoot Fox Racing headliner will have to come to terms with the track this time out if he wants to build on the points lead he established at Ste. Julie.
“The track is tough for everybody,” said Facciotti. “I’ve had my problems there but the past doesn’t equal the future. I have every confidence in myself that this year will be my year at Gopher Dunes.”
If Facciotti wants to win at the Dunes, Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki’s Dusty Klatt will more than likely be the rider he’s going to have to beat. Klatt, who swept both motos at the Dunes in 2006 on his way to a championship winning season, will be out to redeem himself after a lacklustre second moto last week in Quebec that saw him finish in 13th place. In the first moto, Klatt unequivocally proved he will be a contender for the MX1 crown with a second place finish behind Facciotti.
Look for local riders like Kyle Keast and Chuck Mesley to be in on the up front action. Mesley recorded second overall on the strength of 2-7 motos in 2007 while Keast snared sixth with 7-8. Paul Carpenter, who registered a double moto win, is not taking part in the series this year.
In MX2 action it’s anybody’s guess who’ll ride off with the overall win. For a number of the contenders, including last weekend’s No.1 & No.4, Leading Edge Kawasaki’s Teddy Maier and KTM Royal Distributing Thor Riverside MX’s Eric Nye, this will be their first time at Gopher Dunes.
Their moment of truth will be lying in front of them as they face off against the likes of Team Suzuki Rockstar Energy OTSFF’s Jeremy Medaglia. The rookie sensation, who carded third overall at Ste. Julie, proved his mettle in the deep sand last year, finishing fourth overall riding as an Intermediate.
Gopher Dunes is located 30 minutes south of Highway 401 on Highway 59, 5 Km south of Highway 3. Tickets are available at the gate.
Americade 2008 - Day 1
This year I'm publishing highlights of my activities at the 2008 Americade Motorcycle Rally, day by day in a blog. Americade is scheduled for June 2-7, this year. The blog will also include my preparation in getting ready to take the ride to Lake George, NY, my observations while there, the ride home, and getting back to normal.
The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's house in Boonton, NJ (three grandsons) and daughter's house in Middle Grove, NY (grandson and granddaughter). Our daughter made a move to the Saratoga Springs area last year after Americade. Since her house is now 25 miles south of Americade (and on the way), we now have a fringe benefit of making the trip.
Wednesday was a hectic day trying to get ready to go on our 2008 Americade trip. This year we are going to visit our son and daughter on the way. We'll also be stopping in to see our daughter on our return trip. Packing has been a problem trying to decide what to take that will still fit on our two trikes.
Jane was out running around on Wednesday and called to say that she had chipped a front tooth and could I make an appointment for her at the dentist. Great timing. I gave her the number and she called back to say that the office was closed and she'd have to wait until Thursday to try to make an appointment. We wanted to be on the road Thursday by 2 p.m. so we now had another worry.
Earlier in the day, Jane was trying to print out my Motorcycle Packing List, when I heard her say, "Someone has stolen your packing list."
I hurried to her computer and saw both my How To, How to Pack a Motorcycle For a Trip, and my packing list on her screen but on someone else's website.
I jotted down the URL and then thought that I should send off an email to the offending webmaster. This happens to me quite a lot. I'm doing a Google search for something and up pops one of my articles on someone else's website. They just see something and grab it as their own often with no mention of where it came from. In this case, I did get a credit but it was to the old site and there was no link to me at all. Within three hours, I got a response promising to take it down. When one spends days and days working on an article or feature and then someone just sees it and takes it, that's just plain wrong.
The rest of the day was spent packing and loading the trikes. Final loading will be on Thursday morning with a 2 p.m. start.
More to follow. Read the blog each day for further reports.
An evolving blog index to these Americade 2008 blog entries is also available.
The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's house in Boonton, NJ (three grandsons) and daughter's house in Middle Grove, NY (grandson and granddaughter). Our daughter made a move to the Saratoga Springs area last year after Americade. Since her house is now 25 miles south of Americade (and on the way), we now have a fringe benefit of making the trip.
Wednesday was a hectic day trying to get ready to go on our 2008 Americade trip. This year we are going to visit our son and daughter on the way. We'll also be stopping in to see our daughter on our return trip. Packing has been a problem trying to decide what to take that will still fit on our two trikes.
Jane was out running around on Wednesday and called to say that she had chipped a front tooth and could I make an appointment for her at the dentist. Great timing. I gave her the number and she called back to say that the office was closed and she'd have to wait until Thursday to try to make an appointment. We wanted to be on the road Thursday by 2 p.m. so we now had another worry.
Earlier in the day, Jane was trying to print out my Motorcycle Packing List, when I heard her say, "Someone has stolen your packing list."
I hurried to her computer and saw both my How To, How to Pack a Motorcycle For a Trip, and my packing list on her screen but on someone else's website.
I jotted down the URL and then thought that I should send off an email to the offending webmaster. This happens to me quite a lot. I'm doing a Google search for something and up pops one of my articles on someone else's website. They just see something and grab it as their own often with no mention of where it came from. In this case, I did get a credit but it was to the old site and there was no link to me at all. Within three hours, I got a response promising to take it down. When one spends days and days working on an article or feature and then someone just sees it and takes it, that's just plain wrong.
The rest of the day was spent packing and loading the trikes. Final loading will be on Thursday morning with a 2 p.m. start.
More to follow. Read the blog each day for further reports.
An evolving blog index to these Americade 2008 blog entries is also available.
Got paint?
The above picture is of carbon fiber. It is not custom painted.
This is a post about hydro graphic printing, A.K.A. hydro graphics. Sometimes mistaken as custom painting. The graphics are so lifelike that you can't believe your eyes at what a custom painter has pulled off. Don't be fooled. This is not custom paint, but rather a custom printing process. It uses an automotive basecoat to acheive the undertone colors, and typically an automotive clearcoat as the finish product, and then wetsanded and buffed just like a custom paint job.
The process starts with prepping the part just like for regular, or custom paint. Any image you can think of that can be photographed can be put onto a special film that dissolves in a special tank of water designed for dipping the part into. The film dissolves and the image floats on the water. Thus allowing the image to be transferred.
Don't get me wrong. There are great things about this process. You can have almost anything put on almost any kind of part you want. But please don't think some great airbrush artist did it, and don't try to sell it as custom paint either. And god forbid, don't pay the custom paint price. Unlike custom paint which is truly one of a kind, anything here can be mass produced.
You've probably seen lots of it without knowing it, such as camoflauge on fourwheelers, etc.
I guess my point is buyer beware.
I know a bike shop that is pushing it to customers as custom paint, without disclosing what it really is.
To me it is no better that a factory decal that has been clearcoated over.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Cory Graffunder scores big at Erzberg Rodeo
From KTM Canada
500 qualified riders out of 32 nations were at the start of the notorious off-road race under blue skies, sunny conditions and the most selective Hare Scramble track of all times.
Canadian KTM rider Cory Graffunder qualified easily for the main event. Graffunder had a really good start and managed to put himself in 8th position. At the half way point, Cory was 12th and by the end of the race after 2 hours of racing he ended up with an amazing 18th place.
Another KTM rider, Marty Halmazna finished this famous race in 60th position on a KTM 300 EXC.
The winner of the Red Bull Hare Scramble was KTM Factory rider Taddy Blazusiak. He charged hard from the start through the checkered flag in an impressive time of 1:20.132. Taddy not only won the 2008 event, he did it in seemingly effortless style and passed through the victory arch on the top of the mountain almost 15 minutes in front of his nearest rival.
On another note, KTM USA ATV rider Tim Farr participated in the race. He managed to place his KTM XC ATV in second place at the Iron Road Prologue, just in front of multi-time Enduro World Champion Juha Salminen, Dakar winner Cyril Despres and two times winner of Erzberg's notorious Red Bull Hare Scramble Taddy Blazusiak.
500 qualified riders out of 32 nations were at the start of the notorious off-road race under blue skies, sunny conditions and the most selective Hare Scramble track of all times.
Canadian KTM rider Cory Graffunder qualified easily for the main event. Graffunder had a really good start and managed to put himself in 8th position. At the half way point, Cory was 12th and by the end of the race after 2 hours of racing he ended up with an amazing 18th place.
Another KTM rider, Marty Halmazna finished this famous race in 60th position on a KTM 300 EXC.
The winner of the Red Bull Hare Scramble was KTM Factory rider Taddy Blazusiak. He charged hard from the start through the checkered flag in an impressive time of 1:20.132. Taddy not only won the 2008 event, he did it in seemingly effortless style and passed through the victory arch on the top of the mountain almost 15 minutes in front of his nearest rival.
On another note, KTM USA ATV rider Tim Farr participated in the race. He managed to place his KTM XC ATV in second place at the Iron Road Prologue, just in front of multi-time Enduro World Champion Juha Salminen, Dakar winner Cyril Despres and two times winner of Erzberg's notorious Red Bull Hare Scramble Taddy Blazusiak.
Haga and Corser head to Utah
From Yamaha Racing
After two gutsy rides at his team's home circuit of Monza, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team rider Noriyuki Haga has now moved into overall third in the championship table.
At the previous round in Italy Haga only just lost the battle in race one by 0.058 seconds, before going on to win race two by 0.009 seconds. This weekend the 33-year-old Japanese star is ready for more podium success at the all-new American WSB venue of Miller Motorsports Park, near Salt Lake City.
Haga arrived in the US early to catch up with friends and got the chance to play some golf with legendary racer Kenny Roberts and his family.
Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) has not found the 2008 season a straightforward challenge, slipping to sixth after Monza in a closely contested fight for second spot in the rankings. Having been crowned AMA Champion in his first ever full season in America in 1994, the latest new Stateside venue of Miller Motorsports Park will hold no fears for a rider with two World Championships to his name.
Miller Motorsports Park will be an eagerly awaited return to America for the World Superbike Championship, which last raced there, at Laguna Seca, in 2004. Haga won two races at Laguna (in 1998 and 2000) while Corser can count three wins in the previous US rounds of WSB at Laguna, in 1995, 1998 and 2000.
Haga looks to America as a chance of pegging back the lead of championship leader Troy Bayliss.
"I am very focused now, and I am determined to close the gap on Troy from now on," he said. "It will be a real learning weekend for all the teams and riders, as it is a new track for us all. I don't know that much about it but that's the same for everyone. But after Monza my confidence is high, because we were competitive in each race."
Corser is keen to get back to podium form, having scored three top three finishes earlier in the season.
"It's always nice to go back to the USA, I've got some really good old friends there as well so it's great to make some time to catch up," he said. "I think it's great for the WSB Championship to be coming here. I haven't heard too much about the track to be honest, the layout looks good and the safety is supposed to be great. I've spoken to a few guys who've done trackdays there on bikes and in cars and they give it the thumbs up, so I'm looking forward to racing there."
Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha Team YZF) had his best overall race weekend of the season so far at the previous Monza round, taking 12th and 13th place finishes after making progress with his overall machine set-up.
Yamaha GMT94 regular Sebastien Gimbert also had two points-scoring finishes at the challenging Monza track.
David Checa, who missed Monza due to a hip injury, will be back in action at Miller after being cleared to race by his doctor.
After two gutsy rides at his team's home circuit of Monza, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team rider Noriyuki Haga has now moved into overall third in the championship table.
At the previous round in Italy Haga only just lost the battle in race one by 0.058 seconds, before going on to win race two by 0.009 seconds. This weekend the 33-year-old Japanese star is ready for more podium success at the all-new American WSB venue of Miller Motorsports Park, near Salt Lake City.
Haga arrived in the US early to catch up with friends and got the chance to play some golf with legendary racer Kenny Roberts and his family.
Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) has not found the 2008 season a straightforward challenge, slipping to sixth after Monza in a closely contested fight for second spot in the rankings. Having been crowned AMA Champion in his first ever full season in America in 1994, the latest new Stateside venue of Miller Motorsports Park will hold no fears for a rider with two World Championships to his name.
Miller Motorsports Park will be an eagerly awaited return to America for the World Superbike Championship, which last raced there, at Laguna Seca, in 2004. Haga won two races at Laguna (in 1998 and 2000) while Corser can count three wins in the previous US rounds of WSB at Laguna, in 1995, 1998 and 2000.
Haga looks to America as a chance of pegging back the lead of championship leader Troy Bayliss.
"I am very focused now, and I am determined to close the gap on Troy from now on," he said. "It will be a real learning weekend for all the teams and riders, as it is a new track for us all. I don't know that much about it but that's the same for everyone. But after Monza my confidence is high, because we were competitive in each race."
Corser is keen to get back to podium form, having scored three top three finishes earlier in the season.
"It's always nice to go back to the USA, I've got some really good old friends there as well so it's great to make some time to catch up," he said. "I think it's great for the WSB Championship to be coming here. I haven't heard too much about the track to be honest, the layout looks good and the safety is supposed to be great. I've spoken to a few guys who've done trackdays there on bikes and in cars and they give it the thumbs up, so I'm looking forward to racing there."
Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha Team YZF) had his best overall race weekend of the season so far at the previous Monza round, taking 12th and 13th place finishes after making progress with his overall machine set-up.
Yamaha GMT94 regular Sebastien Gimbert also had two points-scoring finishes at the challenging Monza track.
David Checa, who missed Monza due to a hip injury, will be back in action at Miller after being cleared to race by his doctor.
Softail stars in Indiana Jones movie
From Harley-Davidson Motor Company
MILWAUKEE, WI – A Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic bike is prominently featured in the new Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which opened in theatres across North America last week.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the latest in the series of cult Indiana Jones movies stars Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf, along with a 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic bike customized to reflect the movie’s 1957 period setting. The bike’s starring role comes during one of the film’s signature action-packed chase scenes, and features LaBeouf tearing through a college campus with Ford along for the ride as a passenger.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company prepared five bikes for this movie and was closely involved with the on-set handling of the bikes. After the completion of the filming, two of the bikes will be returned to the Harley‑Davidson Motor Company, and will be on display in the soon-to-be-opened Harley-Davidson Museum, which opens to the public on July 12 in Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE, WI – A Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic bike is prominently featured in the new Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which opened in theatres across North America last week.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the latest in the series of cult Indiana Jones movies stars Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf, along with a 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic bike customized to reflect the movie’s 1957 period setting. The bike’s starring role comes during one of the film’s signature action-packed chase scenes, and features LaBeouf tearing through a college campus with Ford along for the ride as a passenger.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company prepared five bikes for this movie and was closely involved with the on-set handling of the bikes. After the completion of the filming, two of the bikes will be returned to the Harley‑Davidson Motor Company, and will be on display in the soon-to-be-opened Harley-Davidson Museum, which opens to the public on July 12 in Milwaukee.
one liner biker wit
I’d rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about God,
than sitting in church, thinking about riding my motorcycle.
than sitting in church, thinking about riding my motorcycle.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Scassa comes close at Vallelunga
From Cagiva USA
Only three tenths of a second separated Luca Scassa from his first victory in the Italian Superbike Championship last weekend.
At Vallelunga, near Rome, during the third round of the championship the official rider of Team UnionBike Gimotorsports MV Agusta got off to an excellent start and was in the lead at the end of the first lap. After gaining a sufficient gap on championship leader Claudio Corti, Scassa conceded the lead of the race to Luca Conforti's Honda with the intention of playing his cards towards the end of the race.
Unfortunately backmarkers slowed the leaders enough to allow Brignola to catch and pass them. On the last lap Scassa attempted to pass his rival but to no avail.
"I gave it everything I had," exclaimed Scassa. "The backmarkers were not warned of our arrival with blue flags. We can't blame them completely, but I believe the result has been affected by them. On my part I'm satisfied with the way I rode and the way the team worked. The bike handled perfectly in the bends and helped me gain the ground I'd lose down the straights."
The next round of the Italian Championship will be held at Misano on July 27.
Results
1. Brignola (Honda); 2. Scassa (MV Agusta) +0.375; 3. Conforti (Honda) +1.703
Championship Standings
1. Corti, 63; 2. Conforti, 47; 3. Scassa, 40; 4. Mauri, 37
Only three tenths of a second separated Luca Scassa from his first victory in the Italian Superbike Championship last weekend.
At Vallelunga, near Rome, during the third round of the championship the official rider of Team UnionBike Gimotorsports MV Agusta got off to an excellent start and was in the lead at the end of the first lap. After gaining a sufficient gap on championship leader Claudio Corti, Scassa conceded the lead of the race to Luca Conforti's Honda with the intention of playing his cards towards the end of the race.
Unfortunately backmarkers slowed the leaders enough to allow Brignola to catch and pass them. On the last lap Scassa attempted to pass his rival but to no avail.
"I gave it everything I had," exclaimed Scassa. "The backmarkers were not warned of our arrival with blue flags. We can't blame them completely, but I believe the result has been affected by them. On my part I'm satisfied with the way I rode and the way the team worked. The bike handled perfectly in the bends and helped me gain the ground I'd lose down the straights."
The next round of the Italian Championship will be held at Misano on July 27.
Results
1. Brignola (Honda); 2. Scassa (MV Agusta) +0.375; 3. Conforti (Honda) +1.703
Championship Standings
1. Corti, 63; 2. Conforti, 47; 3. Scassa, 40; 4. Mauri, 37
Harleys hit Grand Bend
From BCCOM
The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association's Eastern Bike Drag Series is rolling into Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, ON June 14-15 as part of the popular Harley's by the Beach Father's Day event presented by Drag Specialties / Parts Canada, Ontario Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, Task Performance, J Precision Racing Heads, Vipond Inc, and Rocky's Harley-Davidson.
The CMDRA is looking forward to another action packed race featuring the fastest, most exciting motorcycle drag racing action in Canada including the Hot Harley, Street, Screamin' Eagle V-Rod Destroyer and Screamin' Eagle Nitro classes.
Saturday will feature qualifying for all Pro classes while Sunday will see qualifying and eliminations for the ET classes as well as Pro eliminations. There will also be a free race school in the morning, sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada and the Trev Deeley Foundation.
Admission is $15 for adults on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Kids (6-12) can get in for $3 each day.
The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association's Eastern Bike Drag Series is rolling into Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, ON June 14-15 as part of the popular Harley's by the Beach Father's Day event presented by Drag Specialties / Parts Canada, Ontario Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, Task Performance, J Precision Racing Heads, Vipond Inc, and Rocky's Harley-Davidson.
The CMDRA is looking forward to another action packed race featuring the fastest, most exciting motorcycle drag racing action in Canada including the Hot Harley, Street, Screamin' Eagle V-Rod Destroyer and Screamin' Eagle Nitro classes.
Saturday will feature qualifying for all Pro classes while Sunday will see qualifying and eliminations for the ET classes as well as Pro eliminations. There will also be a free race school in the morning, sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada and the Trev Deeley Foundation.
Admission is $15 for adults on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Kids (6-12) can get in for $3 each day.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sykes podiums at Donington
From Team Suzuki
Tom Sykes pulled off a spectacular third place podium finish for Rizla Suzuki after starting from 13th on the grid at round 4 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park on Monday.
The Huddersfield rider got off the line well and immediately slotted into sixth place in the blustery conditions at the 2.5-mile GP circuit. He rode hard putting in consistently fast lap times and picking off other riders to achieve his second podium finish of the year.
In race two he finished in a close sixth place after being baulked by slower riders early on.
"I've got mixed feelings from today," said Sykes. "Obviously I'm delighted with my podium finish as that is where my Rizla Suzuki team and I should be finishing. Starting from the fourth row of the grid isn't ideal as I usually aim to be on the front row. However in the first race I got away well and battled in the lead group. As for race two; I got a bit beaten up into the first turn and then got caught behind a slower rider who was holding me up. The high winds weren't helping matters either."
Sykes's teammate Atsushi Watanabe, starting from 22nd place on the grid, finished 17th in race one and 13th in race two.
Rizla Suzuki now travels to Snetterton for the fifth round of the British Superbike Championship in three weeks time on June 15.
Race 1 Results:
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 32:01.058
2. Leon Haslam (Honda) +2.473
3. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +3.442
4. James Ellison (Honda) +5.856
5. Leon Camier (Ducati) +6.188
6. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) +6.636
7. Karl Harris (Yamaha) +7.464
8. Michael Rutter (Ducati) +9.809
9. Michael Laverty (Suzuki) +12.627
10. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +16.246
Race 2 Results:
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 31:06.337
2. Leon Haslam (Honda) +0.355
3. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) +1.447
4. Leon Camier (Ducati) +1.596
5. James Ellison (Honda) +4.186
6. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +7.446
7. Karl Harris (Yamaha) +15.703
8. Michael Rutter (Ducati) +26.794
9. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +31.816
10. Gary Mason (Honda) +32.870
Championship Standings
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 190
2. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 122
3. Leon Camier (Ducati) 107
4. Leon Haslam (Honda) 96
5. James Ellison (Honda) 88
6. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 82
7. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 75
8. Stuart Easton (Kawasaki) 62
9. Michael Laverty (Suzuki) 59
10. Simon Andrews (Honda) 37
Tom Sykes pulled off a spectacular third place podium finish for Rizla Suzuki after starting from 13th on the grid at round 4 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park on Monday.
The Huddersfield rider got off the line well and immediately slotted into sixth place in the blustery conditions at the 2.5-mile GP circuit. He rode hard putting in consistently fast lap times and picking off other riders to achieve his second podium finish of the year.
In race two he finished in a close sixth place after being baulked by slower riders early on.
"I've got mixed feelings from today," said Sykes. "Obviously I'm delighted with my podium finish as that is where my Rizla Suzuki team and I should be finishing. Starting from the fourth row of the grid isn't ideal as I usually aim to be on the front row. However in the first race I got away well and battled in the lead group. As for race two; I got a bit beaten up into the first turn and then got caught behind a slower rider who was holding me up. The high winds weren't helping matters either."
Sykes's teammate Atsushi Watanabe, starting from 22nd place on the grid, finished 17th in race one and 13th in race two.
Rizla Suzuki now travels to Snetterton for the fifth round of the British Superbike Championship in three weeks time on June 15.
Race 1 Results:
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 32:01.058
2. Leon Haslam (Honda) +2.473
3. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +3.442
4. James Ellison (Honda) +5.856
5. Leon Camier (Ducati) +6.188
6. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) +6.636
7. Karl Harris (Yamaha) +7.464
8. Michael Rutter (Ducati) +9.809
9. Michael Laverty (Suzuki) +12.627
10. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +16.246
Race 2 Results:
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 31:06.337
2. Leon Haslam (Honda) +0.355
3. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) +1.447
4. Leon Camier (Ducati) +1.596
5. James Ellison (Honda) +4.186
6. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +7.446
7. Karl Harris (Yamaha) +15.703
8. Michael Rutter (Ducati) +26.794
9. Simon Andrews (Yamaha) +31.816
10. Gary Mason (Honda) +32.870
Championship Standings
1. Shane Byrne (Ducati) 190
2. Cal Crutchlow (Honda) 122
3. Leon Camier (Ducati) 107
4. Leon Haslam (Honda) 96
5. James Ellison (Honda) 88
6. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 82
7. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 75
8. Stuart Easton (Kawasaki) 62
9. Michael Laverty (Suzuki) 59
10. Simon Andrews (Honda) 37
Rossi looks to keep streak alive
From Yamaha Racing
The Fiat Yamaha team heads into its home Grand Prix at Mugello in Italy this weekend looking to continue the most successful ever start to a MotoGP World Championship for the Japanese factory.
Yamaha riders have won three of the first five races of the year, having taken pole in four of them, and have racked up nine podiums - including a top-three lockout at the last round in France. Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo currently occupy the top two positions in the championship, while Yamaha is leading both the Constructors' and Teams' standings.
The 300km trip to Mugello from the team's current base in Milan has traditionally been a successful one for the factory, who have dominated for the last four seasons with Rossi. The Italian's record at his home race is second to none, with an unbeaten run of six seasons in MotoGP to add to victories in each of the 125cc and 250cc classes.
Back-to-back successes in the last two rounds of this season mean that for the first time in over a year Rossi leads the World Championship, although just three points separate him from team-mate Lorenzo, who is tied on points with Dani Pedrosa.
Lorenzo has a strong record at Mugello, having gone from his debut 250cc pole to second place in 2005 before taking victory from pole in 2006. However, last year he started from 20th place following a rain-affected qualifying session and then slid out of the lead on the final lap, re-mounting to finish eighth.
One of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with the 1,141m front straight last year tempting the new 800cc machines towards top speeds in excess of 320km/h, Mugello differs from other fast circuits in its frequent changes of gradient and the speed of its chicanes. There is a mix of slower and high-speed corners, although even the slowest corners are still wide - allowing plenty of scope for overtaking as the riders get a choice of line, putting the emphasis as much on their skill as on the precision of their chassis set-up.
"Everyone knows that Mugello is one of my favourite tracks," Rossi said. "I've won there six times in a row and now I want to make it seven. It's my home race and also the home race for a lot of our team and to race there is always something very special. It's fast and technical and we know it suits our bike so we will be aiming to be quick right from Friday morning. I hope the weather is good - for us and for all the fans - and then hopefully we can have a big Italian party."
The Fiat Yamaha team heads into its home Grand Prix at Mugello in Italy this weekend looking to continue the most successful ever start to a MotoGP World Championship for the Japanese factory.
Yamaha riders have won three of the first five races of the year, having taken pole in four of them, and have racked up nine podiums - including a top-three lockout at the last round in France. Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo currently occupy the top two positions in the championship, while Yamaha is leading both the Constructors' and Teams' standings.
The 300km trip to Mugello from the team's current base in Milan has traditionally been a successful one for the factory, who have dominated for the last four seasons with Rossi. The Italian's record at his home race is second to none, with an unbeaten run of six seasons in MotoGP to add to victories in each of the 125cc and 250cc classes.
Back-to-back successes in the last two rounds of this season mean that for the first time in over a year Rossi leads the World Championship, although just three points separate him from team-mate Lorenzo, who is tied on points with Dani Pedrosa.
Lorenzo has a strong record at Mugello, having gone from his debut 250cc pole to second place in 2005 before taking victory from pole in 2006. However, last year he started from 20th place following a rain-affected qualifying session and then slid out of the lead on the final lap, re-mounting to finish eighth.
One of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with the 1,141m front straight last year tempting the new 800cc machines towards top speeds in excess of 320km/h, Mugello differs from other fast circuits in its frequent changes of gradient and the speed of its chicanes. There is a mix of slower and high-speed corners, although even the slowest corners are still wide - allowing plenty of scope for overtaking as the riders get a choice of line, putting the emphasis as much on their skill as on the precision of their chassis set-up.
"Everyone knows that Mugello is one of my favourite tracks," Rossi said. "I've won there six times in a row and now I want to make it seven. It's my home race and also the home race for a lot of our team and to race there is always something very special. It's fast and technical and we know it suits our bike so we will be aiming to be quick right from Friday morning. I hope the weather is good - for us and for all the fans - and then hopefully we can have a big Italian party."
Memorial Day - Motorcycles Follow Me
Jane decided last night that it was time for us to attend the annual Freehold Memorial Day parade on Monday (today). The last time we went was nine years ago. Of course, we had to go early to get a good spot along Main Street. We always go early.
We took the car downtown at 8:55 a.m. and weaved around several barricades to get into the bank parking lot that was right across Main Street from where we finally ended up setting down our canvas lawn chairs. We were firmly in place and ready for the parade at 9:10 a.m. I looked up and down the street and saw only people headed for the start of the parade. Most cops were on bicycles but a couple were riding Harley-Davidson police motorcycles. I remarked to Jane that these bikes were really quiet -- I guess that is to be expected.
This is one of those times that Main Street has horses on it. More than 110 years ago, horses were common on the streets of Freehold. Horses and bicycles were the norm then. Here's one of many horses seen today.
Well, at about 10:05 a.m. we saw those motorcycle cops again. They were now leading the parade into town.
This was a very long parade. We got to see every fire truck within 25 miles of Freehold. We saw all the local politicians. Some were walking, some were riding in convertibles, and some were hiding inside air-conditioned cars. The guy sitting next to us seemed to know almost every one of these firemen and politicians by name and kept yelling out to them with inside jokes only known to them. When an antique air force plane kept flying up and down Main Street just over the treetops, he knew who the pilot was and proceeded to tell us every make and model of antique planes he owned, including one Japanese Zero. I was impressed. Jane recognized a woman from her scrapbooking group and rushed out to speak with her as the parade suddenly stopped. Other than a few politicians, I didn't know anyone here. I guess the nine years away from the parade had brought a whole new generation to march in the parade. Time was passing me by.
Then we saw the balloons.
Several floats from the Freehold First Presbyterian Church were approaching and they were covered with red, white, and blue balloons. Kids and their parents were distributing the balloons to those watching the parade.
I got a shot of the balloons up close as they passed and Jane was finally handed a balloon for herself. Balloons were seen flying out of sight overhead heading for outer space or least the nearest tall tree waiting to capture them. "God Bless Our Troops" was the message.
Then we saw motorcycles coming. They were quiet too, just like the bikes the cops were riding. They seemed to be all brands.
They were the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of New Jersey. According to their website, their chapter theme is "Authenticity" and they strive to conform to the uniform dress worn by the Buffalo Soldiers during the 1860s to 1900.
The parade was over about 11:30 a.m. when a golf cart carrying a sign that said "The End" passed by us. It was a great parade. We'll probably go next year. It's pretty much guaranteed that we'll see more motorcycles next year. We just can't get away from motorcycles, no matter how hard we try.
We took the car downtown at 8:55 a.m. and weaved around several barricades to get into the bank parking lot that was right across Main Street from where we finally ended up setting down our canvas lawn chairs. We were firmly in place and ready for the parade at 9:10 a.m. I looked up and down the street and saw only people headed for the start of the parade. Most cops were on bicycles but a couple were riding Harley-Davidson police motorcycles. I remarked to Jane that these bikes were really quiet -- I guess that is to be expected.
This is one of those times that Main Street has horses on it. More than 110 years ago, horses were common on the streets of Freehold. Horses and bicycles were the norm then. Here's one of many horses seen today.
Well, at about 10:05 a.m. we saw those motorcycle cops again. They were now leading the parade into town.
This was a very long parade. We got to see every fire truck within 25 miles of Freehold. We saw all the local politicians. Some were walking, some were riding in convertibles, and some were hiding inside air-conditioned cars. The guy sitting next to us seemed to know almost every one of these firemen and politicians by name and kept yelling out to them with inside jokes only known to them. When an antique air force plane kept flying up and down Main Street just over the treetops, he knew who the pilot was and proceeded to tell us every make and model of antique planes he owned, including one Japanese Zero. I was impressed. Jane recognized a woman from her scrapbooking group and rushed out to speak with her as the parade suddenly stopped. Other than a few politicians, I didn't know anyone here. I guess the nine years away from the parade had brought a whole new generation to march in the parade. Time was passing me by.
Then we saw the balloons.
Several floats from the Freehold First Presbyterian Church were approaching and they were covered with red, white, and blue balloons. Kids and their parents were distributing the balloons to those watching the parade.
I got a shot of the balloons up close as they passed and Jane was finally handed a balloon for herself. Balloons were seen flying out of sight overhead heading for outer space or least the nearest tall tree waiting to capture them. "God Bless Our Troops" was the message.
Then we saw motorcycles coming. They were quiet too, just like the bikes the cops were riding. They seemed to be all brands.
They were the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of New Jersey. According to their website, their chapter theme is "Authenticity" and they strive to conform to the uniform dress worn by the Buffalo Soldiers during the 1860s to 1900.
The parade was over about 11:30 a.m. when a golf cart carrying a sign that said "The End" passed by us. It was a great parade. We'll probably go next year. It's pretty much guaranteed that we'll see more motorcycles next year. We just can't get away from motorcycles, no matter how hard we try.
Ducati ready for home race
From Marlboro Ducati
The Ducati Marlboro Team is preparing itself for one of the most popular events of the season for the teams, riders and fans this weekend, as the Grand Prix of Italy takes place at the Mugello circuit, located less than 90km from the factory's headquarters in Borgo Panigale.
As has become tradition the factory's red army of fans will again gather in the Ducati grandstand at the Correntaio corner for both qualifying and the race, with 3,000 of them giving their passionate support to both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri.
Melandri took 250cc victory in 2002, having finished second in the 125cc race in '98 and '99, whilst Stoner took his maiden career pole in the 125cc class in 2003. He also finished second in the 250cc race in 2004 and just missed out on a MotoGP podium last season to fellow Ducati rider Alex Barros.
"It is always a very important occasion that traditionally brings together the Ducatisti and, as always, it will be a great party," said Decati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele del Torchio. "We're expecting to have a Ducati grandstand that is even redder and more passionate than ever. The championship still has a long way to go and we're just as aware of the strength of our rivals as we are of our own ability to fight for victory."
At 5.245km, Mugello is one of the longest circuits on the current MotoGP calendar. It is distinguishable from other fast tracks because of its frequent changes in elevation and the speed of its two chicanes. Measuring some 1141m, the main straight is also one of the longest in the world and at the end of it the riders go from full throttle to full brakes as they drop from around 320km/h to around 100km/h in order to tackle the tight first turn.
The rest of the track is an exciting mix of fast corners, quick direction changes and long bends that make tire choice absolutely crucial.
The Ducati Marlboro Team is preparing itself for one of the most popular events of the season for the teams, riders and fans this weekend, as the Grand Prix of Italy takes place at the Mugello circuit, located less than 90km from the factory's headquarters in Borgo Panigale.
As has become tradition the factory's red army of fans will again gather in the Ducati grandstand at the Correntaio corner for both qualifying and the race, with 3,000 of them giving their passionate support to both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri.
Melandri took 250cc victory in 2002, having finished second in the 125cc race in '98 and '99, whilst Stoner took his maiden career pole in the 125cc class in 2003. He also finished second in the 250cc race in 2004 and just missed out on a MotoGP podium last season to fellow Ducati rider Alex Barros.
"It is always a very important occasion that traditionally brings together the Ducatisti and, as always, it will be a great party," said Decati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele del Torchio. "We're expecting to have a Ducati grandstand that is even redder and more passionate than ever. The championship still has a long way to go and we're just as aware of the strength of our rivals as we are of our own ability to fight for victory."
At 5.245km, Mugello is one of the longest circuits on the current MotoGP calendar. It is distinguishable from other fast tracks because of its frequent changes in elevation and the speed of its two chicanes. Measuring some 1141m, the main straight is also one of the longest in the world and at the end of it the riders go from full throttle to full brakes as they drop from around 320km/h to around 100km/h in order to tackle the tight first turn.
The rest of the track is an exciting mix of fast corners, quick direction changes and long bends that make tire choice absolutely crucial.
New territory for Alstare Suzuki
From Team Suzuki Alstare
The sixth round of the 2008 Superbike World Championship takes place for the first time at Miller Motorsports Park, near Salt Lake City in Utah this weekend. This purpose-built, new facility is hosting its first ever World Superbike event and also holding a round of the AMA Superbike Championship at the same time.
None of the current WSBK teams or riders have raced at Millet Motorsports Park before, so it will be a new experience for everybody. As the AMA Superbike series uses a different course layout to World Superbikes, there are no lap times to compare, making it a unique occasion for the WSBK regulars.
"We are all going somewhere we’ve never been before and have no knowledge about," said Fonsi Nieto. "So, I guess a lot will be down to who can learn the track quickly, get a good bike set-up, do a good Superpole and then two good races. It is the same situation for everybody and it’s going to be a very different experience to racing in Europe for sure."
Normally, I learn tracks quite fast, so I am hoping that Miller will be the same," added Yukio Kagayama. "Of course, Suzuki USA is very strong and has much information on Miller, but this time they cannot help us because we are racing a different design track to the one they use. My season has been a bit up and down, but I am going to Miller determined to challenge for the top places in both races."
Max Neukirchner said he also learns new tracks quickly.
"The layout we are using doesn’t look so hard, but I want to do some laps before I talk about how it could be," he said. "After my first ever race win, I am now eager for more. Before this season started, I felt that I could win a race and now that I have done it, I want a lot more."
The sixth round of the 2008 Superbike World Championship takes place for the first time at Miller Motorsports Park, near Salt Lake City in Utah this weekend. This purpose-built, new facility is hosting its first ever World Superbike event and also holding a round of the AMA Superbike Championship at the same time.
None of the current WSBK teams or riders have raced at Millet Motorsports Park before, so it will be a new experience for everybody. As the AMA Superbike series uses a different course layout to World Superbikes, there are no lap times to compare, making it a unique occasion for the WSBK regulars.
"We are all going somewhere we’ve never been before and have no knowledge about," said Fonsi Nieto. "So, I guess a lot will be down to who can learn the track quickly, get a good bike set-up, do a good Superpole and then two good races. It is the same situation for everybody and it’s going to be a very different experience to racing in Europe for sure."
Normally, I learn tracks quite fast, so I am hoping that Miller will be the same," added Yukio Kagayama. "Of course, Suzuki USA is very strong and has much information on Miller, but this time they cannot help us because we are racing a different design track to the one they use. My season has been a bit up and down, but I am going to Miller determined to challenge for the top places in both races."
Max Neukirchner said he also learns new tracks quickly.
"The layout we are using doesn’t look so hard, but I want to do some laps before I talk about how it could be," he said. "After my first ever race win, I am now eager for more. Before this season started, I felt that I could win a race and now that I have done it, I want a lot more."
New Alstare Suzuki livery
From Team Suzuki Alstare
Race fans worldwide are in for a surprise when Team Suzuki Alstare takes part in the sixth round of the 2008 Superbike World Championship at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah this weekend.
Instead of the paint-scheme seen in the first five rounds of the championship so far, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 bikes of Fonsi Nieto, Yukio Kagayama and Max Neukirchner will feature an all new, one-off design featuring Globasol.
Globasol is a company involved in the development and implementation of all kinds of renewable energy, such as photovoltaic energy, biomass and biofuel and recently presented a project for the construction on a plant in the Dominican Republic for the production of 60,000 tons of biodiesel per annum. They are part of the Globalia group, which also includes Pepephone - the sponsor featured on the Suzuki Alstare bikes in the championship so far.
The new livery at Miller will be for the US only, but is Alstare’s way of giving race fans something a little different.
Race fans worldwide are in for a surprise when Team Suzuki Alstare takes part in the sixth round of the 2008 Superbike World Championship at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah this weekend.
Instead of the paint-scheme seen in the first five rounds of the championship so far, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 bikes of Fonsi Nieto, Yukio Kagayama and Max Neukirchner will feature an all new, one-off design featuring Globasol.
Globasol is a company involved in the development and implementation of all kinds of renewable energy, such as photovoltaic energy, biomass and biofuel and recently presented a project for the construction on a plant in the Dominican Republic for the production of 60,000 tons of biodiesel per annum. They are part of the Globalia group, which also includes Pepephone - the sponsor featured on the Suzuki Alstare bikes in the championship so far.
The new livery at Miller will be for the US only, but is Alstare’s way of giving race fans something a little different.
Harley-Davidson enhances program
From NAIT Fairview
FAIRVIEW, AB -- Representatives from Harley-Davidson dealerships across Canada were in Fairview, AB recently to inaugurate the first-ever Harley-Davidson Technician Advisory Committee.
According to NAIT Chair Chris Laue the wide ranging makeup of the new committee will prove of “immense value” to the design and delivery of the program over the years to come. In addition to meeting with senior campus officials and program instructors, the committee members toured both the campus and the community.
Membership on the Advisory Committee includes reps from three Alberta dealerships, four individuals from Ontario dealerships, another four hailed from British Columbia and both Quebec and Nova Scotia were each represented by one dealer. Also present at the two-day meeting at Fairview were representatives from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, Dealer Vu, Harley-Davidson Service Operations consultants from the United States and the Alberta Apprenticeship Board.
FAIRVIEW, AB -- Representatives from Harley-Davidson dealerships across Canada were in Fairview, AB recently to inaugurate the first-ever Harley-Davidson Technician Advisory Committee.
According to NAIT Chair Chris Laue the wide ranging makeup of the new committee will prove of “immense value” to the design and delivery of the program over the years to come. In addition to meeting with senior campus officials and program instructors, the committee members toured both the campus and the community.
Membership on the Advisory Committee includes reps from three Alberta dealerships, four individuals from Ontario dealerships, another four hailed from British Columbia and both Quebec and Nova Scotia were each represented by one dealer. Also present at the two-day meeting at Fairview were representatives from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, Dealer Vu, Harley-Davidson Service Operations consultants from the United States and the Alberta Apprenticeship Board.
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