From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Despite having already clinched his third straight Yoshimura Pro 600 Sport Bike title, Jordan Szoke scored his third win of the year on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Sunday.
He took the lead from the Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 of Lacombe on lap 6 of 18 and held off his teammate Brett McCormick by 0.211 seconds. McCormick grabbed second from Lacombe on the final lap.
Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, ON finished seventh in the Pro 600 Sport Bike race on his Z1 Cycletech Triumph 675 and narrowly captured the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year Award over Truro, NS’s Brian Blaauwendraat, who was 10th on his T.R. Petroleum Enterprises / Lougheed’s Heating Oils Honda CBR600RR.
Three other national titles were settled at Shannonville. In the Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike class, Keene, ON’s Jodi Christie survived a fall two laps from the end to clinch the title by two points over Calgary’s Patrick Marques.
Christie recovered from his tumble to cross the line 17th on his Yamaha YZF-R6 while Marques picked up the race win on his Suzuki GSX-R600.
Montreal’s Martin Grande finished second in Sunday’s race and Yvan Carrier of Plessisville, QC completed the podium, both on Suzuki GSX-R600s.
Sean Huffman of Kemptville, ON climbed from 12th on the grid to fourth by the finish and picked up the Performance Under Gear Performer of the Race Award.
Valter Bartolini clinched the Canadian Thunder title with the win on Sunday aboard his NCR-Ducati 848. His teammate Andrew Nelson of Kars, ON, the only rider who could beat him to the title, finished second just 0.120 seconds behind, with New Smyrna Beach, FL’s Dave Estok third on a Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R.
Newly-crowned Canadian Sport Twins champion Jim Proulx of Ottawa claimed the race win in that class on his Buell XB12R, and his 5.8-sec. margin of victory earned him the Tirox Big Won Award for the fifth time this season.
Cody Matechuk of Cochrane, AB survived a jump start penalty to win the Suzuki SV650 National Cup race at Shannonville and clinch the series title over Burlington, ON’s John Jarvie, who finished third in the race behind Rob Busby of Brantford, ON.
Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, QC completed a perfect season in the Honda CBR125R Challenge with his fifth victory in five races this year.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Szoke, McCormick win big
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON – Brett McCormick scored his first career professional race win while teammate Jordan Szoke locked up his third consecutive Parts Canada Superbike Championship in the final round of the season at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Sunday.
Riding his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, Szoke scored a sixth place finish in the 20-lap race, presented by Buell American Motorcycles, on Shannonville’s 2.45km (1.53-mile) ‘Pro Track.’ He ended the season with 317 points to the 277 of Clint McBain, who finished fourth on Sunday.
“It was a boring race for me and not the way I want to do it,” said Szoke, who now has five Canadian Superbike titles. “But we got the championship and that was the most important thing.
“I want to leave my mark on racing and leave my mark as a guy who won a lot of championships and a lot of races. Winning three in a row is phenomenal.”
The 17-year-old McCormick survived a great battle with Kevin Lacombe to win the race. The Saskatoon rider took his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R past the Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Yamaha YZF-R1 in the hairpin two laps from the end and held on to win by 0.113 seconds.
“It was an unbelievable race,” said McCormick, who started from pole position and led off the start. “To get my first win in a battle like that is really something. Hopefully I can do more of this next year.”
Calgary’s Chris Peris completed the podium on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, finishing 4.692 secs. behind McCormick.
McCormick and Lacombe each led 10 laps. The Yamaha rider got around McCormick in the hairpin on lap nine and stayed in front until the teenager managed to repay the favor.
“Brett stuffed me under braking for the hairpin, just like I did to him,” said Lacombe, who was riding with a broken wrist he had suffered at the previous round at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS. “I just didn’t have enough time to come back. But to come here, be able to lead the race and almost win is pretty good.”
Lacombe finishes the season third in the Superbike standings with 250 points.
Peris initially broke away with McCormick and Lacombe but faded in the second half of the race with tire trouble.
McBain came into the weekend as the only rider with a shot at catching Szoke in the Superbike title chase, but the Cochrane, AB rider suffered a setback when he crashed his Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Saturday’s Pirelli SuperPole qualifying session and had to start from 10th on the grid in Sunday’s race.
He then had to recover from a jump start penalty to work his way up to fourth at the finish.
Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier finished fifth on the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R after running as high as fourth.
Former two-time Canadian Superbike champion Michael Taylor was seventh on his series return aboard a ProStar Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000.
The Canadian Kawasaki Motors team picked up the Inside Motorcycles Team of the Year Award.
Race Results
1. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;
2. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., Yamaha YZF-R1, 20;
3. Chris Peris, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
4. Clint McBain, Cochrane, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;*
5. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., Buell 1125R, 20;
6. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;
7. Michael Taylor, Toronto, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
8. Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
9. Matt McBride, Mississauga, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
10. Franklyn Dominguez, Santo Domingo, D.R., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;*
11. Karl Daigle, Granby, Que., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 20;
12. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., Honda CBR1000RR, 20;
13. Andrew Dunlap, Truro, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;
14. Dave Young, Woodstock, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
15. Ross Millson, Hamilton, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
16. Dave Stokowski, Calgary, Alta., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 19;
17. Marco Alessandrini, Bradford, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 19;
18. Terry Steeves, Dartmouth, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 19;
19. Junior Dallaire, Drummondville, Que., Suzuki GSX-R600, 18;
Did Not Finish
Dan Henri, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 12;
Francis Martin, Sherbrooke, Que., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 10;
Dean Plater, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 9;
Brian Blaauwendraat, Truro, N.S., Honda CBR600RR, 7;
Matthew Cooper, Guelph, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R1, 2;
Did Not Start
Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., Triumph 675;
Todd Scott, Bedford, N.S., Honda CBR600RR;
Louie Raffa, St-Marthe, Que., Yamaha YZF-R6;
Jean-Francois Cyr, Mascouche, Que., Honda CBR600RR;
Stephane Chabot, Oshawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6;
Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R600;
Time of Race: 21:48.104
Margin of Victory: 0.113 seconds
Fastest Lap: 1:05.045 by Chris Peris on lap 2
* -- Includes five-second jump start penalty
Final point standings
1. Jordan Szoke, 317; 2. Clint McBain, 277; 3. Kevin Lacombe, 250; 4. Chris Peris, 199; 5. Brett McCormick, 165; 6. Francis Martin, 154; 7 tie. Steve Crevier, 133; Matthew McBride, 133; 9. Ross Millson, 125; 10. Andrew Dunlap, 123;
11. Jeremy Stepper, 119; 12. Franklyn Dominguez, 111; 13. Chris Murray-Audain, 73; 14. Brian Blaauwendraat, 65; 15. Marie-Josee Boucher, 58; 16. Karl Daigle, 57; 17. Dave Young, 53; 18. Csaba Werner, 42; 19. Terry Steeves, 40; 20. Bill Clark, 38;
21. John-Ross MacRae, 31; 22. Dave Stokowski, 29; 23. Todd Scott, 28; 24. Michael Taylor, 25; 25. Zenon Nelson, 20; 26 tie. Peter Holzinger, 19; Gene McKay, 19; 28. Matt Cooper, 15; 29. Mark MacDonald, 14; 30. Sean Heydorn, 12;
31. Dan Henri, 8; 32 tie. Brad Gavey, 6; Marco Alessandrini, 6; 34 tie. Andrew Carruthers, 4; Steve Bourdeau, 4; 36 tie. Michael Barnes, 2; Junior Dallaire, 2; 38 tie. Richard Maurice, 1;
Cory Canfield, 1
SHANNONVILLE, ON – Brett McCormick scored his first career professional race win while teammate Jordan Szoke locked up his third consecutive Parts Canada Superbike Championship in the final round of the season at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Sunday.
Riding his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, Szoke scored a sixth place finish in the 20-lap race, presented by Buell American Motorcycles, on Shannonville’s 2.45km (1.53-mile) ‘Pro Track.’ He ended the season with 317 points to the 277 of Clint McBain, who finished fourth on Sunday.
“It was a boring race for me and not the way I want to do it,” said Szoke, who now has five Canadian Superbike titles. “But we got the championship and that was the most important thing.
“I want to leave my mark on racing and leave my mark as a guy who won a lot of championships and a lot of races. Winning three in a row is phenomenal.”
The 17-year-old McCormick survived a great battle with Kevin Lacombe to win the race. The Saskatoon rider took his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R past the Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Yamaha YZF-R1 in the hairpin two laps from the end and held on to win by 0.113 seconds.
“It was an unbelievable race,” said McCormick, who started from pole position and led off the start. “To get my first win in a battle like that is really something. Hopefully I can do more of this next year.”
Calgary’s Chris Peris completed the podium on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, finishing 4.692 secs. behind McCormick.
McCormick and Lacombe each led 10 laps. The Yamaha rider got around McCormick in the hairpin on lap nine and stayed in front until the teenager managed to repay the favor.
“Brett stuffed me under braking for the hairpin, just like I did to him,” said Lacombe, who was riding with a broken wrist he had suffered at the previous round at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS. “I just didn’t have enough time to come back. But to come here, be able to lead the race and almost win is pretty good.”
Lacombe finishes the season third in the Superbike standings with 250 points.
Peris initially broke away with McCormick and Lacombe but faded in the second half of the race with tire trouble.
McBain came into the weekend as the only rider with a shot at catching Szoke in the Superbike title chase, but the Cochrane, AB rider suffered a setback when he crashed his Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Saturday’s Pirelli SuperPole qualifying session and had to start from 10th on the grid in Sunday’s race.
He then had to recover from a jump start penalty to work his way up to fourth at the finish.
Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier finished fifth on the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R after running as high as fourth.
Former two-time Canadian Superbike champion Michael Taylor was seventh on his series return aboard a ProStar Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000.
The Canadian Kawasaki Motors team picked up the Inside Motorcycles Team of the Year Award.
Race Results
1. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;
2. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., Yamaha YZF-R1, 20;
3. Chris Peris, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
4. Clint McBain, Cochrane, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;*
5. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., Buell 1125R, 20;
6. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;
7. Michael Taylor, Toronto, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
8. Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
9. Matt McBride, Mississauga, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
10. Franklyn Dominguez, Santo Domingo, D.R., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;*
11. Karl Daigle, Granby, Que., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 20;
12. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., Honda CBR1000RR, 20;
13. Andrew Dunlap, Truro, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 20;
14. Dave Young, Woodstock, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
15. Ross Millson, Hamilton, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 20;
16. Dave Stokowski, Calgary, Alta., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 19;
17. Marco Alessandrini, Bradford, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 19;
18. Terry Steeves, Dartmouth, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 19;
19. Junior Dallaire, Drummondville, Que., Suzuki GSX-R600, 18;
Did Not Finish
Dan Henri, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 12;
Francis Martin, Sherbrooke, Que., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 10;
Dean Plater, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 9;
Brian Blaauwendraat, Truro, N.S., Honda CBR600RR, 7;
Matthew Cooper, Guelph, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R1, 2;
Did Not Start
Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., Triumph 675;
Todd Scott, Bedford, N.S., Honda CBR600RR;
Louie Raffa, St-Marthe, Que., Yamaha YZF-R6;
Jean-Francois Cyr, Mascouche, Que., Honda CBR600RR;
Stephane Chabot, Oshawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6;
Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R600;
Time of Race: 21:48.104
Margin of Victory: 0.113 seconds
Fastest Lap: 1:05.045 by Chris Peris on lap 2
* -- Includes five-second jump start penalty
Final point standings
1. Jordan Szoke, 317; 2. Clint McBain, 277; 3. Kevin Lacombe, 250; 4. Chris Peris, 199; 5. Brett McCormick, 165; 6. Francis Martin, 154; 7 tie. Steve Crevier, 133; Matthew McBride, 133; 9. Ross Millson, 125; 10. Andrew Dunlap, 123;
11. Jeremy Stepper, 119; 12. Franklyn Dominguez, 111; 13. Chris Murray-Audain, 73; 14. Brian Blaauwendraat, 65; 15. Marie-Josee Boucher, 58; 16. Karl Daigle, 57; 17. Dave Young, 53; 18. Csaba Werner, 42; 19. Terry Steeves, 40; 20. Bill Clark, 38;
21. John-Ross MacRae, 31; 22. Dave Stokowski, 29; 23. Todd Scott, 28; 24. Michael Taylor, 25; 25. Zenon Nelson, 20; 26 tie. Peter Holzinger, 19; Gene McKay, 19; 28. Matt Cooper, 15; 29. Mark MacDonald, 14; 30. Sean Heydorn, 12;
31. Dan Henri, 8; 32 tie. Brad Gavey, 6; Marco Alessandrini, 6; 34 tie. Andrew Carruthers, 4; Steve Bourdeau, 4; 36 tie. Michael Barnes, 2; Junior Dallaire, 2; 38 tie. Richard Maurice, 1;
Cory Canfield, 1
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Zemke clinches Xtreme crown
From amasuperbike.com
Erion Honda's Josh Hayes came out on top of a last-lap dogfight over his teammate, Jake Zemke, with a final-corner counterattack to score his third successive Formula Xtreme race win at Road Atlanta on Saturday.
However, the bigger picture victory goes to Zemke. After finishing in the championship top five 11 times, the top three nine times, and top two five times, the Californian has finally secured his first-ever AMA crown.
Following disappointment at the season-opening Daytona 200, Zemke has been a dominating force in the class, picking up four wins, four seconds, and four poles.
Even though Zemke knew he only needed a second-place run to lock up that elusive championship triumph, he couldn't resist challenging his teammate for the win at the flag, diving up the inside as the two entered the Turn 10 chicane. He wasn't able to hold the position, however, as Hayes responded with a braking maneuver of his own in Turn 12, and the two crossed the stripe separated by a scant 0.043 seconds.
Even so, Zemke now boasts 299 points compared with the newly second ranked Hayes' 254 -- an insurmountable advantage as the series heads to the Laguna Seca season finale.
The new champ said, "I was content just to follow Josh around. Josh is a great rider, but I didn't even want to mix it up or get myself involved with anything. I'm happy to bring the championship home today, so I was content to sit there. Josh was setting a great pace, so I was just kind of back there biding my time, biding my time...
"On the last lap, I just wanted to keep Josh honest -- make sure he didn't think he was going to run away today... I came down the back straightaway and was like, 'hmm, should I do this or not? I should probably just stay here and be safe.' I was having a full conversation coming down the hill."
Racer winner Hayes said, "It was a very entertaining race, I knew Jake had a lot to lose and I didn't. I can go for races wins, Jake's got to be a little more careful than that. If it came easy to him I'm sure he would take it, but fortunately, I was there to take it away from him and it was just a great race."
The Mississippian humorously noted that he was filled with dread rather than joy after the checkered flag, afraid that his teammate had crashed as they contested the win in the final corner.
"I do got to say there was a moment of terror in my mind for just a second. After I came through and I accelerated past the finish line, I didn't shut off the gas too early just in case he was close by. And I sat up and I looked over my left shoulder and there was nothing there. And I went, 'oh my god', and I started to look to see if there was a dust cloud in the last turn and about that time I sat straight on the bike, shaking my head already going, 'you got to be kidding me,' Jake was right there on my right. Yeah, there was a moment there I was pretty terrified."
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Martin Cardenas continued his late-season run of success, scoring a third-straight FX podium with a narrow win for the position over Attack Kawasaki's Steve Rapp. The Colombian beat the Californian to the line by 0.114 to grab the final spot on the podium.
Rapp's teammate, Chaz Davies, was a close fifth in the once red-flagged race, finishing 0.359 seconds in arrears of Rapp.
LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati's Larry Pegram outpaced Rockwall Honda's Aaron Gobert for sixth, while Graves-supported Michael Beck, Pirelli-backed Taylor Knapp, and Triumph-mounted Dane Westby rounded out the race's top 10.
Erion Honda's Josh Hayes came out on top of a last-lap dogfight over his teammate, Jake Zemke, with a final-corner counterattack to score his third successive Formula Xtreme race win at Road Atlanta on Saturday.
However, the bigger picture victory goes to Zemke. After finishing in the championship top five 11 times, the top three nine times, and top two five times, the Californian has finally secured his first-ever AMA crown.
Following disappointment at the season-opening Daytona 200, Zemke has been a dominating force in the class, picking up four wins, four seconds, and four poles.
Even though Zemke knew he only needed a second-place run to lock up that elusive championship triumph, he couldn't resist challenging his teammate for the win at the flag, diving up the inside as the two entered the Turn 10 chicane. He wasn't able to hold the position, however, as Hayes responded with a braking maneuver of his own in Turn 12, and the two crossed the stripe separated by a scant 0.043 seconds.
Even so, Zemke now boasts 299 points compared with the newly second ranked Hayes' 254 -- an insurmountable advantage as the series heads to the Laguna Seca season finale.
The new champ said, "I was content just to follow Josh around. Josh is a great rider, but I didn't even want to mix it up or get myself involved with anything. I'm happy to bring the championship home today, so I was content to sit there. Josh was setting a great pace, so I was just kind of back there biding my time, biding my time...
"On the last lap, I just wanted to keep Josh honest -- make sure he didn't think he was going to run away today... I came down the back straightaway and was like, 'hmm, should I do this or not? I should probably just stay here and be safe.' I was having a full conversation coming down the hill."
Racer winner Hayes said, "It was a very entertaining race, I knew Jake had a lot to lose and I didn't. I can go for races wins, Jake's got to be a little more careful than that. If it came easy to him I'm sure he would take it, but fortunately, I was there to take it away from him and it was just a great race."
The Mississippian humorously noted that he was filled with dread rather than joy after the checkered flag, afraid that his teammate had crashed as they contested the win in the final corner.
"I do got to say there was a moment of terror in my mind for just a second. After I came through and I accelerated past the finish line, I didn't shut off the gas too early just in case he was close by. And I sat up and I looked over my left shoulder and there was nothing there. And I went, 'oh my god', and I started to look to see if there was a dust cloud in the last turn and about that time I sat straight on the bike, shaking my head already going, 'you got to be kidding me,' Jake was right there on my right. Yeah, there was a moment there I was pretty terrified."
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki's Martin Cardenas continued his late-season run of success, scoring a third-straight FX podium with a narrow win for the position over Attack Kawasaki's Steve Rapp. The Colombian beat the Californian to the line by 0.114 to grab the final spot on the podium.
Rapp's teammate, Chaz Davies, was a close fifth in the once red-flagged race, finishing 0.359 seconds in arrears of Rapp.
LeoVince Foremost Insurance Ducati's Larry Pegram outpaced Rockwall Honda's Aaron Gobert for sixth, while Graves-supported Michael Beck, Pirelli-backed Taylor Knapp, and Triumph-mounted Dane Westby rounded out the race's top 10.
Mladin takes Road Atlanta win
From amasuperbike.com
Saturday's AMA Superbike final ended in a rather familiar fashion -- Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin crossed the line first with several seconds in hand over runner-up Ben Spies, with another gap back to Tommy Hayden, who completed the factory Suzuki sweep.
However, that late snapshot doesn't come close to telling the full story on this day. For Mladin, it was the seventh consecutive race that he claimed the checkered flag first, which would equal Spies' all-time record if only his VIR race wins weren't taken away from him following a post-race teardown.
And Spies' runner-up was far from the usual lonely ride to second. Starting from pole, the Texan waved his hand frantically moments before the green light, indicating a problem. While doing so, he rolled out of the starting box, and then left the line late as the field charged down into the first corner.
He came around the opening lap in eighth position, a position made worse when he was shown the meatball flag for technically jumping the start. After coming in for his ride-through penalty on lap 3, he reentered the fray down in 12th, some 16 seconds behind the leader.
Mladin cruised at the front, continually building his advantage to the fight for second, comprised of Yamaha USA's Eric Bostrom, Hayden, second Yamaha rider Jason DiSalvo, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jamie Hacking, and Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates.
Meanwhile, Spies ripped off fast lap after fast lap, regularly powering into the low '24s as he tore chunks out of his deficient and diced his way up the order.
He continued to eat away at Mladin's lead, finally reducing it to 5.483 seconds at the checkered flag, promising an exciting dogfight for the win on Sunday if the two can get away together cleanly at the front.
With the outcome of Mladin's appeal yet to be decided, Saturday's result will have historic implications either way the decision ultimately falls. As mentioned above, if Mladin is successful in his appeal, he'll have tied Spies' all-time record for consecutive AMA Superbike wins. Meanwhile, if he's denied, Spies will have locked up his third straight AMA Superbike crown, making him the 'provisional champion' at the moment.
"It was fairly uneventful, obviously," Mladin said, "when Ben got the meatball and I had fairly large gap, so just put it on cruise control, conserved some energy for tomorrow, and look forward to probably a better race tomorrow -- a close one."
Spies said, "It was a pretty eventful one for us. I had some sort of problem on the start and kind of panicked a little bit and couldn't get it going. I threw my hand up and I had my hand on the gas when everybody went. I was kind of surprised... I know I kind of rolled but I didn't think they were going to give me a meatball flag because I was more or less trying not to get hit."
"It's definitely the hardest I've ever ridden to finish second for sure. It's what we had to do and there was nothing I could have done different. I couldn't have rode any easier to get second. That's just how it goes."
Hayden finally escaped from the multi-rider battle to ultimately claim a clear third, his seventh podium result of the season.
Yates took fourth after giving Spies' the most spirited challenge he faced while working up through the pack, while Bostrom and DiSalvo finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
Hacking crashed out of the contest at the end of lap 11, getting off line in Turn 12 as Yates ducked up the inside of him on the brakes.
American Honda's Miguel Duhamel took a distant seventh (Duhamel's teammate, Neil Hodgson was out of the race early with an apparent mechanical problem), while Yates' teammate, Geoff May, Millennium Technologies Suzuki's Ben Thompson, and Corona Honda's Matt Lynn (who suffered a problem of his own on the final lap) rounded out the top 10.
Saturday's AMA Superbike final ended in a rather familiar fashion -- Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin crossed the line first with several seconds in hand over runner-up Ben Spies, with another gap back to Tommy Hayden, who completed the factory Suzuki sweep.
However, that late snapshot doesn't come close to telling the full story on this day. For Mladin, it was the seventh consecutive race that he claimed the checkered flag first, which would equal Spies' all-time record if only his VIR race wins weren't taken away from him following a post-race teardown.
And Spies' runner-up was far from the usual lonely ride to second. Starting from pole, the Texan waved his hand frantically moments before the green light, indicating a problem. While doing so, he rolled out of the starting box, and then left the line late as the field charged down into the first corner.
He came around the opening lap in eighth position, a position made worse when he was shown the meatball flag for technically jumping the start. After coming in for his ride-through penalty on lap 3, he reentered the fray down in 12th, some 16 seconds behind the leader.
Mladin cruised at the front, continually building his advantage to the fight for second, comprised of Yamaha USA's Eric Bostrom, Hayden, second Yamaha rider Jason DiSalvo, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jamie Hacking, and Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates.
Meanwhile, Spies ripped off fast lap after fast lap, regularly powering into the low '24s as he tore chunks out of his deficient and diced his way up the order.
He continued to eat away at Mladin's lead, finally reducing it to 5.483 seconds at the checkered flag, promising an exciting dogfight for the win on Sunday if the two can get away together cleanly at the front.
With the outcome of Mladin's appeal yet to be decided, Saturday's result will have historic implications either way the decision ultimately falls. As mentioned above, if Mladin is successful in his appeal, he'll have tied Spies' all-time record for consecutive AMA Superbike wins. Meanwhile, if he's denied, Spies will have locked up his third straight AMA Superbike crown, making him the 'provisional champion' at the moment.
"It was fairly uneventful, obviously," Mladin said, "when Ben got the meatball and I had fairly large gap, so just put it on cruise control, conserved some energy for tomorrow, and look forward to probably a better race tomorrow -- a close one."
Spies said, "It was a pretty eventful one for us. I had some sort of problem on the start and kind of panicked a little bit and couldn't get it going. I threw my hand up and I had my hand on the gas when everybody went. I was kind of surprised... I know I kind of rolled but I didn't think they were going to give me a meatball flag because I was more or less trying not to get hit."
"It's definitely the hardest I've ever ridden to finish second for sure. It's what we had to do and there was nothing I could have done different. I couldn't have rode any easier to get second. That's just how it goes."
Hayden finally escaped from the multi-rider battle to ultimately claim a clear third, his seventh podium result of the season.
Yates took fourth after giving Spies' the most spirited challenge he faced while working up through the pack, while Bostrom and DiSalvo finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
Hacking crashed out of the contest at the end of lap 11, getting off line in Turn 12 as Yates ducked up the inside of him on the brakes.
American Honda's Miguel Duhamel took a distant seventh (Duhamel's teammate, Neil Hodgson was out of the race early with an apparent mechanical problem), while Yates' teammate, Geoff May, Millennium Technologies Suzuki's Ben Thompson, and Corona Honda's Matt Lynn (who suffered a problem of his own on the final lap) rounded out the top 10.
Double plus good for Nelson
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Andrew Nelson set a new lap record in the Yoshimura Pro 600 Sport Bike class with a time of 1:05.020 on his Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 during qualifying at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Saturday.
The Kars, ON rider qualified over half a second clear of Peris, who placed second with a time of 1:05.577 around the 2.53km (1.45-mile) 'Pro Track' on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Lacombe just squeaked under the previous lap record of 1:05.637 set by Crevier last year with a time of 1:05.633 on his Yamaha YZF-R6 as did Szoke, who recorded a 1:05.636 on his Kawasaki ZX-6R. Szoke has already clinched the 2008 title.
Nelson also took pole in the Canadian Thunder class with a track record 1:06.424 on his NCR-Ducati 848 and gained a point on teammate Valter Bartolini of Bologna, Italy, who was second fastest at 1:06.804.
Bartolini now leads Nelson by 46 points, 259-213 heading into Sunday’s race.
Olivier Spilborghs of Langley, BC qualified fastest in the Canadian Sport Twins class on his Buell XB12R with a time of 1:10.885.
Points leader Jodi Christie claimed pole position for the Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike race with a track record time of 1:07.493 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. The Keene, ON rider takes a 44-point lead, 254-210 over Calgary’s Patrick Marques into Sunday’s race. Marques qualified his Suzuki GSX-R600 second with a time of 1:08.096.
Cochrane, AB’s Cody Matechuk moved into a tie with John Jarvie of Burlington, ON for the lead of the Suzuki SV650 National Cup standings at Shannonville. Matechuk qualified fastest at a track record time of 1:10.083 while Jarvie, a native of New Zealand, placed third with a 1:11.407. Matechuk and Jarvie go into Sunday’s race even at 283 points.
Lee Kuhn Jr. of Hamilton, ON will start from pole in Sunday’s Honda CBR125R Challenge race after turning a lap at 1:08.201 on the shorter ‘Nelson Track.’
Feature races in all national classes are set for Sunday. Practice begins at 8:45 a.m. with the first race set to get the green at 11:35 a.m.
Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying Times
1. Andrew Nelson, Kars, ON (Yamaha-YZF-R6) 1:05.020
2. Chris Peris, Calgary, AB (Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:05.577
3. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, QC (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:05.633
4. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, ON (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:05.636
5. Matt McBride, Mississauga, ON (Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:05.731
6. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, SK (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:05.740
7. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, ON (Triumph 675) 1:06.160
8. Karl Daigle, Granby, QC (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:07.108
9. Jean-Francois Cyr, Mascouche, QC (Honda CBR600RR) 1:07.447
10. Brian Blaauwendraat, Truro, NS (Honda CBR600RR) 1:07.790
11. Louie Raffa, St-Marthe, QC (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:08.012
12. Todd Scott, Bedford, NS (Honda CBR600RR) 1:08.168
13. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, QC (Honda CBR600RR) 1:08.601
14. Stephan Chabot, Oshawa, ON (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:08.804
15. Andrew Dunlap, Truro, NS (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:08.963
16. Dan Henri, Ottawa, ON (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.054
17. Marco Alessandrini, Bradford, ON (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.122
18. Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, ON (Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:09.815
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Andrew Nelson set a new lap record in the Yoshimura Pro 600 Sport Bike class with a time of 1:05.020 on his Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 during qualifying at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Saturday.
The Kars, ON rider qualified over half a second clear of Peris, who placed second with a time of 1:05.577 around the 2.53km (1.45-mile) 'Pro Track' on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Lacombe just squeaked under the previous lap record of 1:05.637 set by Crevier last year with a time of 1:05.633 on his Yamaha YZF-R6 as did Szoke, who recorded a 1:05.636 on his Kawasaki ZX-6R. Szoke has already clinched the 2008 title.
Nelson also took pole in the Canadian Thunder class with a track record 1:06.424 on his NCR-Ducati 848 and gained a point on teammate Valter Bartolini of Bologna, Italy, who was second fastest at 1:06.804.
Bartolini now leads Nelson by 46 points, 259-213 heading into Sunday’s race.
Olivier Spilborghs of Langley, BC qualified fastest in the Canadian Sport Twins class on his Buell XB12R with a time of 1:10.885.
Points leader Jodi Christie claimed pole position for the Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike race with a track record time of 1:07.493 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. The Keene, ON rider takes a 44-point lead, 254-210 over Calgary’s Patrick Marques into Sunday’s race. Marques qualified his Suzuki GSX-R600 second with a time of 1:08.096.
Cochrane, AB’s Cody Matechuk moved into a tie with John Jarvie of Burlington, ON for the lead of the Suzuki SV650 National Cup standings at Shannonville. Matechuk qualified fastest at a track record time of 1:10.083 while Jarvie, a native of New Zealand, placed third with a 1:11.407. Matechuk and Jarvie go into Sunday’s race even at 283 points.
Lee Kuhn Jr. of Hamilton, ON will start from pole in Sunday’s Honda CBR125R Challenge race after turning a lap at 1:08.201 on the shorter ‘Nelson Track.’
Feature races in all national classes are set for Sunday. Practice begins at 8:45 a.m. with the first race set to get the green at 11:35 a.m.
Pro 600 Sport Bike Qualifying Times
1. Andrew Nelson, Kars, ON (Yamaha-YZF-R6) 1:05.020
2. Chris Peris, Calgary, AB (Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:05.577
3. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, QC (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:05.633
4. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, ON (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:05.636
5. Matt McBride, Mississauga, ON (Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:05.731
6. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, SK (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:05.740
7. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, ON (Triumph 675) 1:06.160
8. Karl Daigle, Granby, QC (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:07.108
9. Jean-Francois Cyr, Mascouche, QC (Honda CBR600RR) 1:07.447
10. Brian Blaauwendraat, Truro, NS (Honda CBR600RR) 1:07.790
11. Louie Raffa, St-Marthe, QC (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:08.012
12. Todd Scott, Bedford, NS (Honda CBR600RR) 1:08.168
13. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, QC (Honda CBR600RR) 1:08.601
14. Stephan Chabot, Oshawa, ON (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:08.804
15. Andrew Dunlap, Truro, NS (Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:08.963
16. Dan Henri, Ottawa, ON (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.054
17. Marco Alessandrini, Bradford, ON (Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.122
18. Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, ON (Suzuki GSX-R600) 1:09.815
McCormick makes it two in a row
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON – Saskatoon’s Brett McCormick claimed his second straight Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award during qualifying for the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, presented by Buell American Motorcycles, at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Saturday.
Meanwhile, his teammate Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON took a major step toward clinching his third straight national title by setting the second best time of the day.
Riding his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, the 17-year-old McCormick toured the 2.45km (1.53-mile) Shannonville ‘Pro Track’ in one minute, 4.656 seconds during the Pirelli SuperPole qualifying session.
Szoke was second fastest with a time of 1:04.741 on another Kawasaki ZX-10R and Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride placed third with a 1:04.950 on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000.
“It was a pretty good lap,” said McCormick, who claimed his first career pole at the previous round of the series at Atlantic Motorsport Park. “I had a little wheelie coming onto the front straight that probably cost me some time, but I’ve still got to be happy.
"We’ll fine tune things a little bit more for the race tomorrow. If I can get the holeshot at the start of the race I think I have a good shot at the win.”
In addition to the $500 Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award McCormick earned four Superbike championship points.
Parts Canada Superbike Championship leader Szoke picked up three more points in his bid to wrap up a third straight series crown on Sunday. The only rider who can catch him in the standings, Cochrane, AB’s Clint McBain crashed his Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 on his Pirelli SuperPole lap and failed to add to his total.
Szoke enters Sunday’s race with 290 points to the 245 of McBain, with a race win worth 50 points and a two-point bonus available to the rider who leads the most laps.
“I’m a little disappointed because I had such an awesome lap going,” said Szoke. “Going into the Esses I tried to let it roll a little more and got way off line, and that messed things up all the way down to Allan’s Corner.”
McBain, who was fastest in Saturday morning’s prequalifying session, will start 10th on the grid in Sunday’s race after he went down in the Esses.
“I can only assume I lost the front end,” said McBain, whose bike was written off in the crash. “But I’ve had such great feel with the front end all weekend, and I didn’t feel anything. I braked earlier off the end of the backstraight and I wasn’t trying to go at a break-neck pace. I think it would have been a pretty good lap.”
McBain needs to win Sunday’s race and hope Szoke finishes lower than 16th to take the Superbike title.
“This isn’t going to deter me,” McBain said. “I’ve still got to do the same thing tomorrow and get a good start and get to the front.”
Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe completes the front row for Sunday’s race after setting a 1:05.164 on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Racing Yamaha YZF-R1.
Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing teammates Chris Peris and Francis Martin will sandwich the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R of Steve Crevier on the second row of Sunday’s Superbike grid. Calgary’s Peris turned a time of 1:05.387 on his GSX-R1000 while Crevier, from Maple Ridge, BC, managed a 1:05.509 and Sherbrooke, QC’s Martin clocked a 1:05.719 in SuperPole.
Toronto’s Michael Taylor, making his first appearance of the season on the ProStar Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000, qualified eighth at Shannonville, just ahead of Granby, QC rider Karl Daigle on the Perusse Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Qualifying Times
1. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:04.656;
2. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:04.741;
3. Matt McBride, Mississauga, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:04.950;
4. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.164;
5. Chris Peris, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.387;
6. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., Buell 1125R, 1:05.509;
7. Francis Martin, Sherbrooke, Que., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.719;
8. Michael Taylor, Toronto, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:06.758;
9. Karl Daigle, Granby, Que., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:06.807;
10. Clint McBain, Cochrane, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, No Time;
11. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., Triumph 675, 1:06.784;
12. Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:06.905;
13. Franklyn Dominguez, Santo Domingo, D.R., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:07.358;
14. Ross Millson, Hamilton, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:07.415;
15. Dave Young, Woodstock, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:07.683;
16. Matthew Cooper, Guelph, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:07.746;
17. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., Honda CBR1000RR, 1:07.747;
18. Brian Blaauwendraat, Truro, N.S., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.085;
19. Dave Stokowski, Calgary, Alta., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:08.169;
20. Jean Paquet, Chambly, Que., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.403;
21. Todd Scott, Bedford, N.S., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.478;
22. Louie Raffa, St-Marthe, Que., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:08.572;
23. Jean-Francois Cyr, Mascouche, Que., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.641;
24. Andrew Dunlap, Truro, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:08.680;
25. Dean Plater, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:09.313;
26. Stephane Chabot, Oshawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:09.388;
27. Dan Henri, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:09.802;
28. Marco Alessandrini, Bradford, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:10.074;
29. Terry Steeves, Dartmouth, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:10.075;
30. Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:11.172;
31. Junior Dallaire, Drummondville, Que., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:13.088
SHANNONVILLE, ON – Saskatoon’s Brett McCormick claimed his second straight Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award during qualifying for the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, presented by Buell American Motorcycles, at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Saturday.
Meanwhile, his teammate Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON took a major step toward clinching his third straight national title by setting the second best time of the day.
Riding his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, the 17-year-old McCormick toured the 2.45km (1.53-mile) Shannonville ‘Pro Track’ in one minute, 4.656 seconds during the Pirelli SuperPole qualifying session.
Szoke was second fastest with a time of 1:04.741 on another Kawasaki ZX-10R and Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride placed third with a 1:04.950 on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000.
“It was a pretty good lap,” said McCormick, who claimed his first career pole at the previous round of the series at Atlantic Motorsport Park. “I had a little wheelie coming onto the front straight that probably cost me some time, but I’ve still got to be happy.
"We’ll fine tune things a little bit more for the race tomorrow. If I can get the holeshot at the start of the race I think I have a good shot at the win.”
In addition to the $500 Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award McCormick earned four Superbike championship points.
Parts Canada Superbike Championship leader Szoke picked up three more points in his bid to wrap up a third straight series crown on Sunday. The only rider who can catch him in the standings, Cochrane, AB’s Clint McBain crashed his Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 on his Pirelli SuperPole lap and failed to add to his total.
Szoke enters Sunday’s race with 290 points to the 245 of McBain, with a race win worth 50 points and a two-point bonus available to the rider who leads the most laps.
“I’m a little disappointed because I had such an awesome lap going,” said Szoke. “Going into the Esses I tried to let it roll a little more and got way off line, and that messed things up all the way down to Allan’s Corner.”
McBain, who was fastest in Saturday morning’s prequalifying session, will start 10th on the grid in Sunday’s race after he went down in the Esses.
“I can only assume I lost the front end,” said McBain, whose bike was written off in the crash. “But I’ve had such great feel with the front end all weekend, and I didn’t feel anything. I braked earlier off the end of the backstraight and I wasn’t trying to go at a break-neck pace. I think it would have been a pretty good lap.”
McBain needs to win Sunday’s race and hope Szoke finishes lower than 16th to take the Superbike title.
“This isn’t going to deter me,” McBain said. “I’ve still got to do the same thing tomorrow and get a good start and get to the front.”
Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe completes the front row for Sunday’s race after setting a 1:05.164 on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Racing Yamaha YZF-R1.
Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing teammates Chris Peris and Francis Martin will sandwich the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R of Steve Crevier on the second row of Sunday’s Superbike grid. Calgary’s Peris turned a time of 1:05.387 on his GSX-R1000 while Crevier, from Maple Ridge, BC, managed a 1:05.509 and Sherbrooke, QC’s Martin clocked a 1:05.719 in SuperPole.
Toronto’s Michael Taylor, making his first appearance of the season on the ProStar Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000, qualified eighth at Shannonville, just ahead of Granby, QC rider Karl Daigle on the Perusse Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Qualifying Times
1. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:04.656;
2. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:04.741;
3. Matt McBride, Mississauga, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:04.950;
4. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.164;
5. Chris Peris, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.387;
6. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., Buell 1125R, 1:05.509;
7. Francis Martin, Sherbrooke, Que., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.719;
8. Michael Taylor, Toronto, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:06.758;
9. Karl Daigle, Granby, Que., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:06.807;
10. Clint McBain, Cochrane, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, No Time;
11. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., Triumph 675, 1:06.784;
12. Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:06.905;
13. Franklyn Dominguez, Santo Domingo, D.R., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:07.358;
14. Ross Millson, Hamilton, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:07.415;
15. Dave Young, Woodstock, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:07.683;
16. Matthew Cooper, Guelph, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:07.746;
17. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., Honda CBR1000RR, 1:07.747;
18. Brian Blaauwendraat, Truro, N.S., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.085;
19. Dave Stokowski, Calgary, Alta., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:08.169;
20. Jean Paquet, Chambly, Que., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.403;
21. Todd Scott, Bedford, N.S., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.478;
22. Louie Raffa, St-Marthe, Que., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:08.572;
23. Jean-Francois Cyr, Mascouche, Que., Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.641;
24. Andrew Dunlap, Truro, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:08.680;
25. Dean Plater, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:09.313;
26. Stephane Chabot, Oshawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:09.388;
27. Dan Henri, Ottawa, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:09.802;
28. Marco Alessandrini, Bradford, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:10.074;
29. Terry Steeves, Dartmouth, N.S., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:10.075;
30. Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:11.172;
31. Junior Dallaire, Drummondville, Que., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:13.088
Stoner takes seventh straight pole
From motogp.com
The top spot on the MotoGP grid will, for the seventh consecutive race, be occupied by reigning World Champion Casey Stoner Sunday, with the Ducati Marlboro rider completing his clean sweep of practice session outings at Misano.
Stoner had to dig deep for the honour of leading off the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, fighting back against some tough rivals on his final lap of the Saturday afternoon qualifying session. The Australian got back into his stride in the final two splits of the Misano circuit, with his 1:33.378 too much for even his most persistent challengers to match.
Half a second separated Stoner and World Championship leader Valentino Rossi´s fastest times on qualifying rubber, although the latter had been poised for a popular home pole until the last minute of the run. Rossi will start from second on the grid for the third race in a row, an important placing if he is to catch his hitherto uncatchable rival.
Stoner also extends his lead in the BMW M Award, having picked up his latest Tissot watch as a pole position prize. He will not, however, be placing the timepiece on his wrist anytime soon, with his wrist heavily bandaged and braced to protect a scaphoid fracture.
Jorge Lorenzo returns to the front row for the first time since the Portuguese round in Estoril back in April, third on the grid alongside Fiat Yamaha teammate Rossi. The Spaniard had laid down some fierce lap times during the qualifying session, something that will please not just himself and his team but also tire manufacturer Michelin.
Randy de Puniet just missed out on the front row with his LCR Honda RC212V, the fastest rider for the Japanese factory. He is joined by Alice Team´s resurgent Spaniard Toni Elias and Repsol Honda´s Dani Pedrosa on the second line.
Chris Vermeulen, Shinya Nakano and James Toseland will be just behind the trio when the lights go out at Misano on Sunday afternoon.
The top spot on the MotoGP grid will, for the seventh consecutive race, be occupied by reigning World Champion Casey Stoner Sunday, with the Ducati Marlboro rider completing his clean sweep of practice session outings at Misano.
Stoner had to dig deep for the honour of leading off the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, fighting back against some tough rivals on his final lap of the Saturday afternoon qualifying session. The Australian got back into his stride in the final two splits of the Misano circuit, with his 1:33.378 too much for even his most persistent challengers to match.
Half a second separated Stoner and World Championship leader Valentino Rossi´s fastest times on qualifying rubber, although the latter had been poised for a popular home pole until the last minute of the run. Rossi will start from second on the grid for the third race in a row, an important placing if he is to catch his hitherto uncatchable rival.
Stoner also extends his lead in the BMW M Award, having picked up his latest Tissot watch as a pole position prize. He will not, however, be placing the timepiece on his wrist anytime soon, with his wrist heavily bandaged and braced to protect a scaphoid fracture.
Jorge Lorenzo returns to the front row for the first time since the Portuguese round in Estoril back in April, third on the grid alongside Fiat Yamaha teammate Rossi. The Spaniard had laid down some fierce lap times during the qualifying session, something that will please not just himself and his team but also tire manufacturer Michelin.
Randy de Puniet just missed out on the front row with his LCR Honda RC212V, the fastest rider for the Japanese factory. He is joined by Alice Team´s resurgent Spaniard Toni Elias and Repsol Honda´s Dani Pedrosa on the second line.
Chris Vermeulen, Shinya Nakano and James Toseland will be just behind the trio when the lights go out at Misano on Sunday afternoon.
Sons of Anarchy - New Motorcycle TV Show on FX
Check out The Sons of Anarchy on the FX TV channel this Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 10 pm ET. This is an original series centered around both a family that rides motorcycles and the motorcycle club family of which they are a part.
I had heard of the new HBO series, 1%, but it's going to come out much later than this one on FX. There was controversy about 1% because Sonny Barger, founder of the Hells Angels, had brought a lawsuit against HBO. The folks involved with Sons of Anarchy do not seem worried about any legal action by anyone.
Here are a couple of links to stories about this drama that some are referring to as "Easy Rider Meets the Sopranos."
http://blog.meevee.com/my_weblog/2008/08/sons-of-anarchy.html
http://vtwinshow.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/biker-wars/
The show also has its own fancy website:
http://fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/#Nav/Homepage
I'm sure there will be mixed reviews on this new show. It will be portraying the lives of motorcycle riders who come from a small segment of motorcyclists. It will be dramatic and might result in non-motorcyclists tending to paint you with the same brush that the creators of Sons of Anarchy used to define its players.
This new series may not be as great as The Sopranos -- which took early barbs for misrepresenting the Italian population -- but give it a chance. It could be like most of the big screen motorcycle club movies of the past with emphasis on violence and mayhem. Then again, with the extra time accorded by episodic TV, it may allow character development so we can begin to know the people involved in the story.
I know I'll be watching. Expect a review after I've seen the pilot and one episode.
I had heard of the new HBO series, 1%, but it's going to come out much later than this one on FX. There was controversy about 1% because Sonny Barger, founder of the Hells Angels, had brought a lawsuit against HBO. The folks involved with Sons of Anarchy do not seem worried about any legal action by anyone.
Here are a couple of links to stories about this drama that some are referring to as "Easy Rider Meets the Sopranos."
http://blog.meevee.com/my_weblog/2008/08/sons-of-anarchy.html
http://vtwinshow.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/biker-wars/
The show also has its own fancy website:
http://fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/#Nav/Homepage
I'm sure there will be mixed reviews on this new show. It will be portraying the lives of motorcycle riders who come from a small segment of motorcyclists. It will be dramatic and might result in non-motorcyclists tending to paint you with the same brush that the creators of Sons of Anarchy used to define its players.
This new series may not be as great as The Sopranos -- which took early barbs for misrepresenting the Italian population -- but give it a chance. It could be like most of the big screen motorcycle club movies of the past with emphasis on violence and mayhem. Then again, with the extra time accorded by episodic TV, it may allow character development so we can begin to know the people involved in the story.
I know I'll be watching. Expect a review after I've seen the pilot and one episode.
Howard fastest in New Jersey
From the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series
MILLVILLE, NJ -- Aprilia USA/Lloyd Brothers Motorsports claimed its third “Destination Daytona Pole Award” in qualifying on Friday for the Thunderbolt 500k, round six of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ.
Ty Howard of Weatherford, TX turned the session’s best time of one minute, 27.372 seconds on the No. 1 Aprilia Tuono 1000R (92.707 mph) on his fifth lap. Howard will share the machine with Mike Himmelsbach of Quakertown, PA.
“I like this track a lot. It is a little dusty, but other than that, it is great,” said Howard. “We can probably go faster without traffic but I think the pace will probably have to be around a 1:28 to make the tires last. If we go much faster, we can burn them up in 15 to 20 laps and that won’t do.”
Second quickest was the No. 25 Team Hooters Aprilia Tuono 1000R of Anthony Fania (Frenchtown, NJ), Mike Luke (New Smyrna Beach, FL) and Benny Carlson (West Bend, WI). Carlson positioned his team with a 1:31.250 (88.767 mph) around the 2.25-mile circuit.
“The track is good, a little slick because it is so green,” said Carlson. “We made a couple of changes to the suspension right after practice and I think we are good to go. We took our first podium finish at the last race in Topeka and we liked it so much that we want to do it again.”
The No. 8 Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Racing Buell 1125R of Shawn Higbee and Dan Bilansky turned the third fastest lap. Oconomowoc, WI's Higbee set a lap of 1:31.639 (88.767 mph).
After completing 26 minutes of timed qualifying, Doug Polen crashed his No. 75 Touring Sport Ducati 848 causing a red flag to end the session. Despite having the second fastest qualifying lap of 1:28.510 (91.515 mph), the No. 75 bike was unable to complete post-qualifying tech therefore losing position and forcing the team to the back of tomorrow’s starting grid.
Fourth fastest in the qualifying session was the No. 83 Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing Buell XB12R of Bryan Bemisderfer (Greencastle, PA), Dan Bilansky (Berlin, WI) and Clint Brotz (Elkhart Lake, WI), which toured the circuit in 1:32.379 (87.682 mph), but the team will start from the back of the class for using an ineligible rider during Friday’s sessions.
Fifth fastest was the No. 89 Scuderia Mannheimer Gammacril Ducati 749 of Fabrizio Guerra (Milan, Italy) and Federico Mannheimer (Bergamo, Italy), who toured the circuit in 1:35.292 (85.002 mph).
Justin Filice of Daytona Beach, FL will start from the GST class pole aboard the No. 69 RightsForBikers.com Ducati PS1000LE after turning the class’ fastest lap in qualifying for the fourth time this season.
Filice also paced practice earlier in the day, and completed his fastest lap in Friday evening’s qualifying session in just 1:30.354 (89.647 mph). He is sharing the No. 69 machine with Rodolfo Ramirez of Sunrise, FL.
“The bike was good. We changed the rear sprocket from a 40 to a 39 and we will probably pre-load the front tomorrow, but other than that we are pretty well set,” said Filice. “We have a full crew this weekend, so things should be good. I won’t have to be changing tires and that is a good thing. The team says they are not going to feed me or Rodolfo anything tomorrow so we are extra light and can easily take the win.”
M4 Avteq Racing once again found itself atop the ST class charts, as Dustin Dominguez of Newalla, OK toured the circuit in 1:30.391 (89.611 mph). Dominguez will share the No. 66 Suzuki SV650 with Kyle Martin (Dallas, Texas) and Ryan O’Donnell (Lewisville, Texas).
The M4 Avteq team is currently tied with the second-qualifying No. 9 Pair-A-Nines team of Jay Springsteen (Lapeer, MI) and Jimmy Filice (Daytona Beach, FL) in the ST Team Championship point standings heading into this round (157-157). The duo paced the early practice session aboard their Kawasaki EX650.
The green flag for Saturday’s Thunderbolt 500k at New Jersey Motorsports Park will fly at 3:00 p.m. and the race is scheduled to go three hours or 138 laps.
MILLVILLE, NJ -- Aprilia USA/Lloyd Brothers Motorsports claimed its third “Destination Daytona Pole Award” in qualifying on Friday for the Thunderbolt 500k, round six of the SunTrust MOTO-ST Series, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ.
Ty Howard of Weatherford, TX turned the session’s best time of one minute, 27.372 seconds on the No. 1 Aprilia Tuono 1000R (92.707 mph) on his fifth lap. Howard will share the machine with Mike Himmelsbach of Quakertown, PA.
“I like this track a lot. It is a little dusty, but other than that, it is great,” said Howard. “We can probably go faster without traffic but I think the pace will probably have to be around a 1:28 to make the tires last. If we go much faster, we can burn them up in 15 to 20 laps and that won’t do.”
Second quickest was the No. 25 Team Hooters Aprilia Tuono 1000R of Anthony Fania (Frenchtown, NJ), Mike Luke (New Smyrna Beach, FL) and Benny Carlson (West Bend, WI). Carlson positioned his team with a 1:31.250 (88.767 mph) around the 2.25-mile circuit.
“The track is good, a little slick because it is so green,” said Carlson. “We made a couple of changes to the suspension right after practice and I think we are good to go. We took our first podium finish at the last race in Topeka and we liked it so much that we want to do it again.”
The No. 8 Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Racing Buell 1125R of Shawn Higbee and Dan Bilansky turned the third fastest lap. Oconomowoc, WI's Higbee set a lap of 1:31.639 (88.767 mph).
After completing 26 minutes of timed qualifying, Doug Polen crashed his No. 75 Touring Sport Ducati 848 causing a red flag to end the session. Despite having the second fastest qualifying lap of 1:28.510 (91.515 mph), the No. 75 bike was unable to complete post-qualifying tech therefore losing position and forcing the team to the back of tomorrow’s starting grid.
Fourth fastest in the qualifying session was the No. 83 Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing Buell XB12R of Bryan Bemisderfer (Greencastle, PA), Dan Bilansky (Berlin, WI) and Clint Brotz (Elkhart Lake, WI), which toured the circuit in 1:32.379 (87.682 mph), but the team will start from the back of the class for using an ineligible rider during Friday’s sessions.
Fifth fastest was the No. 89 Scuderia Mannheimer Gammacril Ducati 749 of Fabrizio Guerra (Milan, Italy) and Federico Mannheimer (Bergamo, Italy), who toured the circuit in 1:35.292 (85.002 mph).
Justin Filice of Daytona Beach, FL will start from the GST class pole aboard the No. 69 RightsForBikers.com Ducati PS1000LE after turning the class’ fastest lap in qualifying for the fourth time this season.
Filice also paced practice earlier in the day, and completed his fastest lap in Friday evening’s qualifying session in just 1:30.354 (89.647 mph). He is sharing the No. 69 machine with Rodolfo Ramirez of Sunrise, FL.
“The bike was good. We changed the rear sprocket from a 40 to a 39 and we will probably pre-load the front tomorrow, but other than that we are pretty well set,” said Filice. “We have a full crew this weekend, so things should be good. I won’t have to be changing tires and that is a good thing. The team says they are not going to feed me or Rodolfo anything tomorrow so we are extra light and can easily take the win.”
M4 Avteq Racing once again found itself atop the ST class charts, as Dustin Dominguez of Newalla, OK toured the circuit in 1:30.391 (89.611 mph). Dominguez will share the No. 66 Suzuki SV650 with Kyle Martin (Dallas, Texas) and Ryan O’Donnell (Lewisville, Texas).
The M4 Avteq team is currently tied with the second-qualifying No. 9 Pair-A-Nines team of Jay Springsteen (Lapeer, MI) and Jimmy Filice (Daytona Beach, FL) in the ST Team Championship point standings heading into this round (157-157). The duo paced the early practice session aboard their Kawasaki EX650.
The green flag for Saturday’s Thunderbolt 500k at New Jersey Motorsports Park will fly at 3:00 p.m. and the race is scheduled to go three hours or 138 laps.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Honda riders just miss top 10
From Repsol Honda
At the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini on Friday Nicky Hayden made his return to action following a foot injury sustained in a Supermoto incident at the Los Angeles X Games on Aug. 1.
The American cracked two bones in his right heel and is still walking with the aid of a walking stick or crutches because the less weight he puts on the foot, the quicker the bones will heal. A crash late on Friday did not appear to have worsened his condition, as he ended the day 11th.
"Things went pretty decent, considering," Hayden said. "Not fantastic or nothing, but the bike was working pretty good, the tires were working a lot better than they have the last couple of weeks, so a big thanks to Michelin for doing a good job here.
"It's not the most pleasant ride of my life, but I expected that. In some of the right-hand corners I'm probably not as quick as I should be, but in T2 and T4 which are pretty much all left-hand corners I'm one of the quickest. In some of the rights the injury is a little bit of a hindrance, but it's not a big deal."
Dani Pedrosa, meanwhile, is working to regain his normal rhythm following the injuries he suffered at Sachsenring in July and his difficult Czech visit two weeks ago. The Spaniard is confident he can improve his pace tomorrow as he continues to rebuild confidence aboard his Repsol Honda RC212V.
"It has been a difficult but important day," said Pedrosa, who was 12th on Friday. "We are not happy with the result but I am happy because we are working to get me back into my rhythm which I had lost after missing Laguna, doing no real training in the summer break and then having lots of problems at Brno. We had a long debrief at the end of today, analyzing all the data, and for sure we can improve our lap times tomorrow."
At the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini on Friday Nicky Hayden made his return to action following a foot injury sustained in a Supermoto incident at the Los Angeles X Games on Aug. 1.
The American cracked two bones in his right heel and is still walking with the aid of a walking stick or crutches because the less weight he puts on the foot, the quicker the bones will heal. A crash late on Friday did not appear to have worsened his condition, as he ended the day 11th.
"Things went pretty decent, considering," Hayden said. "Not fantastic or nothing, but the bike was working pretty good, the tires were working a lot better than they have the last couple of weeks, so a big thanks to Michelin for doing a good job here.
"It's not the most pleasant ride of my life, but I expected that. In some of the right-hand corners I'm probably not as quick as I should be, but in T2 and T4 which are pretty much all left-hand corners I'm one of the quickest. In some of the rights the injury is a little bit of a hindrance, but it's not a big deal."
Dani Pedrosa, meanwhile, is working to regain his normal rhythm following the injuries he suffered at Sachsenring in July and his difficult Czech visit two weeks ago. The Spaniard is confident he can improve his pace tomorrow as he continues to rebuild confidence aboard his Repsol Honda RC212V.
"It has been a difficult but important day," said Pedrosa, who was 12th on Friday. "We are not happy with the result but I am happy because we are working to get me back into my rhythm which I had lost after missing Laguna, doing no real training in the summer break and then having lots of problems at Brno. We had a long debrief at the end of today, analyzing all the data, and for sure we can improve our lap times tomorrow."
Stoner suffers mystery injury
From motogp.com
Casey Stoner seemed to have had a perfect day in Misano on Friday but, for the second race in a row, the Australian revealed that things had not been as easy as they perhaps appeared.
The reigning MotoGP World Champion was the fastest rider on-track at the San Marino circuit in both free practice sessions, but in the process picked up a mystery hand fracture that caused him some discomfort during his runs.
"I've just been to the doctors and they said that it could have come from a shake of the bike; I've basically fractured my scaphoid, which is an old injury from 2003," said Stoner after becoming the only rider to breach the 1:35 barrier over the course of the day.
"I've fractured it at exactly the same place, and it's causing quite lot of pain in some places. I'll have to brace it for tomorrow's sessions."
Stoner's inopportune ailment was not the only aspect of the Friday that left the Ducati man feeling limited. Despite his position at the head of the timesheets and favourite for a seventh consecutive pole on Saturday, the 22-year-old is expecting further improvement from his setup in order to build up an insurmountable advantage over his rivals.
"We can still go quite a lot faster, which we're happy about. Things that we tried out at the Brno test seem to be working quite well at this circuit, which is really good for us," Stoner continued. "Because this year we are having to use a lot harder tire compounds on the right, the left can get a little slippery. We're having to change the overall setup just to make it work a little better, and I think that tomorrow we should be able to find something."
Casey Stoner seemed to have had a perfect day in Misano on Friday but, for the second race in a row, the Australian revealed that things had not been as easy as they perhaps appeared.
The reigning MotoGP World Champion was the fastest rider on-track at the San Marino circuit in both free practice sessions, but in the process picked up a mystery hand fracture that caused him some discomfort during his runs.
"I've just been to the doctors and they said that it could have come from a shake of the bike; I've basically fractured my scaphoid, which is an old injury from 2003," said Stoner after becoming the only rider to breach the 1:35 barrier over the course of the day.
"I've fractured it at exactly the same place, and it's causing quite lot of pain in some places. I'll have to brace it for tomorrow's sessions."
Stoner's inopportune ailment was not the only aspect of the Friday that left the Ducati man feeling limited. Despite his position at the head of the timesheets and favourite for a seventh consecutive pole on Saturday, the 22-year-old is expecting further improvement from his setup in order to build up an insurmountable advantage over his rivals.
"We can still go quite a lot faster, which we're happy about. Things that we tried out at the Brno test seem to be working quite well at this circuit, which is really good for us," Stoner continued. "Because this year we are having to use a lot harder tire compounds on the right, the left can get a little slippery. We're having to change the overall setup just to make it work a little better, and I think that tomorrow we should be able to find something."
Strong start from Stoner
From motogp.com
Casey Stoner was the almost inevitable fastest rider on track on Friday at Misano, making his opening preparations for the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.
The 2007 poleman, racewinner and MotoGP World Champion clocked a 1:34.806 lap to continue his almost immaculate record of practice session success from the last six races.
Just over four-tenths of a second down on Stoner´s marker was local favourite and current World Championship leader Valentino Rossi, making his first on-track appearance at Misano since his ill-fated race last year. With the series´ top two riders of the moment looking to be in fine form, early indications point to another gripping battle for supremacy between Stoner and Rossi on Sunday.
Someone who will also want to have a say in matters is Loris Capirossi, third in practice on Friday and himself just over half a second down on Stoner. The soon-to-be holder of the record for most Grand Prix appearances was riding the 2007 Misano podium-taking Rizla Suzuki GSV-R for the first time at his second `home´ circuit in the initial sessions.
Another veteran, Colin Edwards gave Michelin its highest position of the day in fourth, although the Tech 3 Yamaha rider was unable to improve on his morning time in Free Practice 2.
LCR Honda´s Randy de Puniet was the fastest rider for the Japanese factory over the course of the day, in fifth ahead of second Suzuki man Chris Vermeulen and Fiat Yamaha´s Jorge Lorenzo. All of the top seven were within a second of Stoner´s time.
Home rider Alex de Angelis also featured in the top 10, ahead of San Carlo Honda Gresini teammate Shinya Nakano and Tech 3 Yamaha´s James Toseland.
John Hopkins played no part in the day´s events, still sore from a minor but awkwardly placed rib injury.
Casey Stoner was the almost inevitable fastest rider on track on Friday at Misano, making his opening preparations for the Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.
The 2007 poleman, racewinner and MotoGP World Champion clocked a 1:34.806 lap to continue his almost immaculate record of practice session success from the last six races.
Just over four-tenths of a second down on Stoner´s marker was local favourite and current World Championship leader Valentino Rossi, making his first on-track appearance at Misano since his ill-fated race last year. With the series´ top two riders of the moment looking to be in fine form, early indications point to another gripping battle for supremacy between Stoner and Rossi on Sunday.
Someone who will also want to have a say in matters is Loris Capirossi, third in practice on Friday and himself just over half a second down on Stoner. The soon-to-be holder of the record for most Grand Prix appearances was riding the 2007 Misano podium-taking Rizla Suzuki GSV-R for the first time at his second `home´ circuit in the initial sessions.
Another veteran, Colin Edwards gave Michelin its highest position of the day in fourth, although the Tech 3 Yamaha rider was unable to improve on his morning time in Free Practice 2.
LCR Honda´s Randy de Puniet was the fastest rider for the Japanese factory over the course of the day, in fifth ahead of second Suzuki man Chris Vermeulen and Fiat Yamaha´s Jorge Lorenzo. All of the top seven were within a second of Stoner´s time.
Home rider Alex de Angelis also featured in the top 10, ahead of San Carlo Honda Gresini teammate Shinya Nakano and Tech 3 Yamaha´s James Toseland.
John Hopkins played no part in the day´s events, still sore from a minor but awkwardly placed rib injury.
McBain fastest at Shannonville
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON – Clint McBain paced practice for the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Friday.
Riding the Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, the Cochrane, AB racer turned a lap time of one minute, 4.952 seconds around the 2.45km (1.53-mile) ‘Pro Track.’
Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride was second with a time of 1:05.520 aboard his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, and series points leader Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON was third at 1:05.756 riding his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R.
McBain is the only rider who can catch Szoke for the Parts Canada Superbike title. He comes into the weekend trailing by 43 points with 56 points available.
“I’m a little bit surprised,” the 35-year-old McBain said. “There was still some water on the track [from rain earlier in the day] but the bike was pretty good. I wish they gave points for practice because I could use a few.”
Szoke, 29, is trying to wrap up his third straight Parts Canada Superbike crown and fifth career title.
“Things felt pretty good considering the track was still damp and I haven’t been here since last year,” Szoke said. “I didn’t get as many laps as I wanted because it was spitting at the end. We’re trying to treat it like a normal race weekend but we are being extra cautious.”
McBain will get his first shot at closing the gap to Szoke in Saturday afternoon’s Pirelli SuperPole qualifying session for the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award, which awards four championship points to the fastest qualifier.
Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC was fourth fastest in practice on Friday with a time of 1:05.860 aboard the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R and Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe placed fifth on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 at 1:06.299.
In other action at Shannonville, McBride was quickest in practice for the Yoshimura Pro 600 Sport Bike class with a time of 1:07.621 on his Suzuki GSX-R600.
Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, ON placed second at 1:07.970 aboard the Z1 Cycletech Triumph 675 and Saskatoon rider Brett McCormick was third with a 1:08.389 riding the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Szoke has already cinched his third straight Pro 600 Sport Bike crown.
Points leader Valter Bartolini of Bologna, Italy paced the Canadian Thunder class with a 1:07.631 on his NCR-Ducati 848. His teammate and only title challenger Andrew Nelson of Kars, ON did not venture on track Friday.
Langley, BC’s Olivier Spilborghs was quickest in Canadian Sport Twins at 1:11.153 aboard a Buell XB12R. Jim Proulx of Ottawa, who has already secured the title, was second with a 1:11.306 on a similar bike.
Montreal’s Martin Grande led the way in the Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike class with a 1:08.854 on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Neither points leader Jodie Christie of Keene, ON, nor his title rival Patrick Marques of Calgary, set practice times on Friday.
Cody Matechuk of Cochrane, AB was fastest in the Suzuki SV650 National Cup class with a time of 1:10.922. The 14-year-old comes into the weekend only two points behind John Jarvie for the class lead. Jarvie, from Burlington, ON, was fourth in practice on Friday.
Jeffrey Dion of St-Cecile-de-Milton, QC led practice for the Honda CBR125R Challenge with a time of 1:09.233 on the shorter ‘Nelson Circuit.’ Class champion Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, QC, who is trying to complete a perfect season this weekend, was second fastest at 1:09.439.
SHANNONVILLE, ON – Clint McBain paced practice for the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Friday.
Riding the Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, the Cochrane, AB racer turned a lap time of one minute, 4.952 seconds around the 2.45km (1.53-mile) ‘Pro Track.’
Mississauga, ON’s Matt McBride was second with a time of 1:05.520 aboard his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000, and series points leader Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON was third at 1:05.756 riding his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R.
McBain is the only rider who can catch Szoke for the Parts Canada Superbike title. He comes into the weekend trailing by 43 points with 56 points available.
“I’m a little bit surprised,” the 35-year-old McBain said. “There was still some water on the track [from rain earlier in the day] but the bike was pretty good. I wish they gave points for practice because I could use a few.”
Szoke, 29, is trying to wrap up his third straight Parts Canada Superbike crown and fifth career title.
“Things felt pretty good considering the track was still damp and I haven’t been here since last year,” Szoke said. “I didn’t get as many laps as I wanted because it was spitting at the end. We’re trying to treat it like a normal race weekend but we are being extra cautious.”
McBain will get his first shot at closing the gap to Szoke in Saturday afternoon’s Pirelli SuperPole qualifying session for the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award, which awards four championship points to the fastest qualifier.
Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC was fourth fastest in practice on Friday with a time of 1:05.860 aboard the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada / Ruthless Racing Buell 1125R and Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe placed fifth on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Fast Company Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 at 1:06.299.
In other action at Shannonville, McBride was quickest in practice for the Yoshimura Pro 600 Sport Bike class with a time of 1:07.621 on his Suzuki GSX-R600.
Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, ON placed second at 1:07.970 aboard the Z1 Cycletech Triumph 675 and Saskatoon rider Brett McCormick was third with a 1:08.389 riding the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Szoke has already cinched his third straight Pro 600 Sport Bike crown.
Points leader Valter Bartolini of Bologna, Italy paced the Canadian Thunder class with a 1:07.631 on his NCR-Ducati 848. His teammate and only title challenger Andrew Nelson of Kars, ON did not venture on track Friday.
Langley, BC’s Olivier Spilborghs was quickest in Canadian Sport Twins at 1:11.153 aboard a Buell XB12R. Jim Proulx of Ottawa, who has already secured the title, was second with a 1:11.306 on a similar bike.
Montreal’s Martin Grande led the way in the Armour Bodies Amateur 600 Sport Bike class with a 1:08.854 on his Suzuki GSX-R600. Neither points leader Jodie Christie of Keene, ON, nor his title rival Patrick Marques of Calgary, set practice times on Friday.
Cody Matechuk of Cochrane, AB was fastest in the Suzuki SV650 National Cup class with a time of 1:10.922. The 14-year-old comes into the weekend only two points behind John Jarvie for the class lead. Jarvie, from Burlington, ON, was fourth in practice on Friday.
Jeffrey Dion of St-Cecile-de-Milton, QC led practice for the Honda CBR125R Challenge with a time of 1:09.233 on the shorter ‘Nelson Circuit.’ Class champion Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, QC, who is trying to complete a perfect season this weekend, was second fastest at 1:09.439.
Motorbikes in London Bus Lanes in doubt again!
Apparently following a petition from the London Cycling Campaign with over 3,500 names asking Borris Johnson to reverse his decision to allow motorcycles in London Bus Lanes, the Mayor appears to now be wobbling on his previous decision.
The BMF have now thrown their weight behind the MCN petition asking London’s Mayor Boris Johnson to honour his commitment to allow motorcycles into bus lanes.
The BMF have now thrown their weight behind the MCN petition asking London’s Mayor Boris Johnson to honour his commitment to allow motorcycles into bus lanes.
The MCN petition has currently attracted over 3,100 signatures but more are needed if we are to influence the Mayor say the BMF.
The petition can be viewed at:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/july/14-20/jul1608-bus-lane-petition/?&R=EPI-101753 or simply signed by emailing MCN at mcn.online@motorcyclenews.com with ‘Bus Lanes’ in the subject line.
So if you want motorbikes in London bus lanes to have any chance of happening, SIGN THE PETITION NOW!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Staying calm in a time of crisis.
Lucky, from The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour recently posted about the trials and challenges we as bikers go through in certain situations. He said, " Things work out. I've had some bad experiences (who hasn't?), but they always turn around. Maybe I'm unusually lucky - it's not just my nickname, after all."
This reminded me of the many times I've had those kind of experiences of my own.
Here is just one example of staying calm during a crises.
One day while riding my Harley, my aftermarket Kuryaken forward controls shifter peg set up separated at the front ball joint where the shifter peg meets the shift rod lever and moments later, I ran out of gas. I was stranded, alone , and felt like panicking. The stress was killing me. But instead of panicking, I calmly assessed the situation. I looked at the separated ball joint. I'm not sure if it was defective, or if it just rattled apart or what. It was now like a dislocated socket. I was able to manage to put the two pieces back together, but I could not get the separated pieces to stay together. The ball joint needed a mechanical press or something like that to get the two pieces securely and permantly put back together. Of course I had nothing like this with me on the roadside, so I combed the ditches to see what I could find to temporarily fasten the two pieces together. I found an empty paper cup and straw that someone had discarded. I took the straw and used it as a tie to hold the shifter assembly together, and was so calmed down and relieved after that, I realized all I had to do now was hit the reserve and I should be on my way. Too bad I was unaware that my battery had also died. I was realizing that this was a comedy of errors. Before I left for this ride, I knew that my battery was dying. But I took the bike out for a ride to see if I could charge it up. I never anticipated that I would have a mechanical failure, and run out of gas, causing me to have to re-start the bike along the roadside. I was however, lucky enough that I had my cell phone with me. (I never ride without my cell phone.) So, I called my wife and asked her to bring jumper cables. She said she would be there as soon as she could. Now that I knew my wife was coming to my rescue, I was calm once again. I also knew that I have a bike trailer at home, and should the battery not jump start, I could rely on that as a last resort. I wasn't about to ask Mrs. M. to unload all the stuff out of the trailer, pull the heavy trailer out of the shed, hook it up and then drive it to me, only to find out after arriving that I could jumpstart the bike & ride it home. That might piss her off and may be way more work than necessary. It was a gamble either way, but I said just the cables were fine . I could always come back with the trailer if needed. I was just thankfull she was willing to bring me cables, and a ride home if I needed it. All that was left to do was wait for her. The Mrs. finally arrived, the jumper cables were hooked up to her SUV and my bike, and I was able to jump start life back into the motor.
Alas, I was finally back on the road with my wife following me home to make sure this comedy of errors did not go any more wrong than it already had.
In the safety and calmness of my ownshop garage, including the right tools, repairs were made. The ball joint coming apart must have been a fluke, or not properly pressed from the factory or something, because it is still holding just fine today. A new battery was purchased, gas put in the tank, and the bike was back on the road.
Calmness, ingenuity & perseverance prevailed. (And yeah, the cell phone and wife as back up are always a good thing.)
Mrs. M.,
I know you're reading this, so thanks for saving that day for me!
This reminded me of the many times I've had those kind of experiences of my own.
Here is just one example of staying calm during a crises.
One day while riding my Harley, my aftermarket Kuryaken forward controls shifter peg set up separated at the front ball joint where the shifter peg meets the shift rod lever and moments later, I ran out of gas. I was stranded, alone , and felt like panicking. The stress was killing me. But instead of panicking, I calmly assessed the situation. I looked at the separated ball joint. I'm not sure if it was defective, or if it just rattled apart or what. It was now like a dislocated socket. I was able to manage to put the two pieces back together, but I could not get the separated pieces to stay together. The ball joint needed a mechanical press or something like that to get the two pieces securely and permantly put back together. Of course I had nothing like this with me on the roadside, so I combed the ditches to see what I could find to temporarily fasten the two pieces together. I found an empty paper cup and straw that someone had discarded. I took the straw and used it as a tie to hold the shifter assembly together, and was so calmed down and relieved after that, I realized all I had to do now was hit the reserve and I should be on my way. Too bad I was unaware that my battery had also died. I was realizing that this was a comedy of errors. Before I left for this ride, I knew that my battery was dying. But I took the bike out for a ride to see if I could charge it up. I never anticipated that I would have a mechanical failure, and run out of gas, causing me to have to re-start the bike along the roadside. I was however, lucky enough that I had my cell phone with me. (I never ride without my cell phone.) So, I called my wife and asked her to bring jumper cables. She said she would be there as soon as she could. Now that I knew my wife was coming to my rescue, I was calm once again. I also knew that I have a bike trailer at home, and should the battery not jump start, I could rely on that as a last resort. I wasn't about to ask Mrs. M. to unload all the stuff out of the trailer, pull the heavy trailer out of the shed, hook it up and then drive it to me, only to find out after arriving that I could jumpstart the bike & ride it home. That might piss her off and may be way more work than necessary. It was a gamble either way, but I said just the cables were fine . I could always come back with the trailer if needed. I was just thankfull she was willing to bring me cables, and a ride home if I needed it. All that was left to do was wait for her. The Mrs. finally arrived, the jumper cables were hooked up to her SUV and my bike, and I was able to jump start life back into the motor.
Alas, I was finally back on the road with my wife following me home to make sure this comedy of errors did not go any more wrong than it already had.
In the safety and calmness of my own
Calmness, ingenuity & perseverance prevailed. (And yeah, the cell phone and wife as back up are always a good thing.)
Mrs. M.,
I know you're reading this, so thanks for saving that day for me!
Buell Recalls 2007-2008 Blast for Fuel Leak Defect
Buell has issued a recall of certain 2007-2008 Blast motorcycles.
The fuel tank may experience some local deformation under high-heat conditions that creates contact of the tank with the cylinder head. In some of these cases, the cylinder head rubbing on the fuel tank has created a fuel leak. This could result in a crash or fire, which could cause injury or death to the rider.
1307 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
The fuel tank may experience some local deformation under high-heat conditions that creates contact of the tank with the cylinder head. In some of these cases, the cylinder head rubbing on the fuel tank has created a fuel leak. This could result in a crash or fire, which could cause injury or death to the rider.
1307 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
AA's use of bikes and scooters expands!
Honda Silverwing 600 scooters and NT700VA Deauville motorbikes will be used by the AA in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, as the AA now also chooses Honda motorcycles as part of its rapid response two-wheel patrol fleet.
Its great to see motorcycles and scooters becoming part of the urban transport solution!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Motion Pro Recalls Aftermarket Brake Levers for Suzuki Motorcycles
I usually only publish motorcycle recalls specific to the manufacturer but I'm making an exception in this aftermarket case involving Motion Pro and Suzuki.
Motion Pro, Inc. is recalling 10,000 aftermarket brake levers, model no. 14-0415, sold for use on certain 1999-2008 Suzuki motorcycles.
The lobe height on some of these levers are smaller and do not properly engage the stomp lamp switch which will not deactivate when the drive releases the brake lever. If this occurs, the stop lamp will remain on which could possibly result in a crash.
10,000 Suzuki motorcycles are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Motion Pro, Inc. is recalling 10,000 aftermarket brake levers, model no. 14-0415, sold for use on certain 1999-2008 Suzuki motorcycles.
The lobe height on some of these levers are smaller and do not properly engage the stomp lamp switch which will not deactivate when the drive releases the brake lever. If this occurs, the stop lamp will remain on which could possibly result in a crash.
10,000 Suzuki motorcycles are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
UKFMX Freestyle MX Team Display at Beaulieu Motorcycle World Video Clip
Here at www.inter-bike.co.uk we've just produced this 10 miunte clip of the UK's hottest FMX riders from the UKFMX Freestyle MX team (www.ukfmx.com) in an action packed display of airborne acrobatics at the 2008 Beaulieu Motorcycle World Show.
Featuring FMX rider John Pearson on a Suzuki RM250 and FMX rider Dave Wiggins on a Honda CR250. They sale between ramps at heights approaching 40 feet. The further they jump and the higher the altitude, the longer the period of negative G-force and the more ambitious the resultant stunts.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Featuring FMX rider John Pearson on a Suzuki RM250 and FMX rider Dave Wiggins on a Honda CR250. They sale between ramps at heights approaching 40 feet. The further they jump and the higher the altitude, the longer the period of negative G-force and the more ambitious the resultant stunts.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pirelli appoints road race technician
From Pirelli Tire
ROME, GA -- Pirelli Tire has announced the appointment of Chris Jensen to the position of road racing technician. Jensen will be working closely with road racing manager Christoph Knoche.
Born and raised in Denmark, Jensen comes to Pirelli from Parts Unlimited, where he has been a brand manager for various lines of its products. Jensen also has experience as a mechanic in World Superbike and World Speedway.
“Am I excited? It’s hard to find the right words,” said Jensen. “With the new direction American road racing is taking in the immediate future, and with Pirelli already being the spec tire in WSBK, MOTO-ST and Parts Canada Superbike, these are enviable times to be with Pirelli. It’s like joining a rock band nearing the height of its career.”
Scott Griffin, Pirelli Tire North America vice president, motorcycle division, said, “Our exceptional growth in market share and our successes in racing have taken us along way in the last few years. Having someone with Chris’s quality of experiences is a perfect fit for the Pirelli family. His hands-on work in motorcycling around the world gives him a global perspective of our needs.”
ROME, GA -- Pirelli Tire has announced the appointment of Chris Jensen to the position of road racing technician. Jensen will be working closely with road racing manager Christoph Knoche.
Born and raised in Denmark, Jensen comes to Pirelli from Parts Unlimited, where he has been a brand manager for various lines of its products. Jensen also has experience as a mechanic in World Superbike and World Speedway.
“Am I excited? It’s hard to find the right words,” said Jensen. “With the new direction American road racing is taking in the immediate future, and with Pirelli already being the spec tire in WSBK, MOTO-ST and Parts Canada Superbike, these are enviable times to be with Pirelli. It’s like joining a rock band nearing the height of its career.”
Scott Griffin, Pirelli Tire North America vice president, motorcycle division, said, “Our exceptional growth in market share and our successes in racing have taken us along way in the last few years. Having someone with Chris’s quality of experiences is a perfect fit for the Pirelli family. His hands-on work in motorcycling around the world gives him a global perspective of our needs.”
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Taylor makes history
From Donald Taylor
Donald Taylor of Welland, ON captured his fifth consecutive Canadian Motorcycle Association dirt track number one plate at the Norm Carr Classic in Belleville, ON Aug. 16.
Taylor becomes the first rider in the CMA's history to win five in a row. Yvon Duhamel of Montreal won four in succession in the 1960s and Doug Sehl equalled that mark in the 1970s.
Riding for the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada team, Taylor used a stable of Kurt Biegger-prepared racers, including the team's new Harley-Davidson XR750 dirt tracker. At the final championship event of the year in Belleville Taylor truly rode as a man with a mission and soundly defeated the field of Pros in every race he contested.
"I'm just so happy right now I don't know what to say," commented the smiling champion post race. "Kurt's bikes worked awsome tonight just like all year. There's so many people I have to thank for this, Ric Marrero from Deeley's and the Kahn brothers from Nexo and Scott Webb from Scorpion helmets, the people at Clares Cycle, they have been there all along.
"I'm just so happy right now and the history thing hasn't sunk in, I don't think it's registered yet. I mean it's awsome being mentioned in the same way as those guys but like I say I'm not sure if I get it right now.¨
In addition to winning the CMA crown again, Taylor has also set a goal for '08 of repeating as the Canadian Motorsport Racing Club dirt track champion and number one plate holder in the Harley-Davidson National Dirt Track Series. He is tied in points with Doug Lawrence of Mississauga, ON and there is one one round left to run on Sept. 20 in Petrolia, ON on the 3/8-mile Oil Town Oval.
"I got lucky at St-Marcel," said Taylor. "I won the race but if Doug had finished second he would have won the plate. His bike broke while he was chasing me on the last lap and he coasted across the line in fifth so now we're tied. We're taking it to Petrolia."
In addition to his final race in Canada this year Taylor will also contest the final two rounds of the AMA Grand National series to be held in Monticello, NY on Sept. 6 and Topeka, KS on Oct. 4.
Donald Taylor of Welland, ON captured his fifth consecutive Canadian Motorcycle Association dirt track number one plate at the Norm Carr Classic in Belleville, ON Aug. 16.
Taylor becomes the first rider in the CMA's history to win five in a row. Yvon Duhamel of Montreal won four in succession in the 1960s and Doug Sehl equalled that mark in the 1970s.
Riding for the Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada team, Taylor used a stable of Kurt Biegger-prepared racers, including the team's new Harley-Davidson XR750 dirt tracker. At the final championship event of the year in Belleville Taylor truly rode as a man with a mission and soundly defeated the field of Pros in every race he contested.
"I'm just so happy right now I don't know what to say," commented the smiling champion post race. "Kurt's bikes worked awsome tonight just like all year. There's so many people I have to thank for this, Ric Marrero from Deeley's and the Kahn brothers from Nexo and Scott Webb from Scorpion helmets, the people at Clares Cycle, they have been there all along.
"I'm just so happy right now and the history thing hasn't sunk in, I don't think it's registered yet. I mean it's awsome being mentioned in the same way as those guys but like I say I'm not sure if I get it right now.¨
In addition to winning the CMA crown again, Taylor has also set a goal for '08 of repeating as the Canadian Motorsport Racing Club dirt track champion and number one plate holder in the Harley-Davidson National Dirt Track Series. He is tied in points with Doug Lawrence of Mississauga, ON and there is one one round left to run on Sept. 20 in Petrolia, ON on the 3/8-mile Oil Town Oval.
"I got lucky at St-Marcel," said Taylor. "I won the race but if Doug had finished second he would have won the plate. His bike broke while he was chasing me on the last lap and he coasted across the line in fifth so now we're tied. We're taking it to Petrolia."
In addition to his final race in Canada this year Taylor will also contest the final two rounds of the AMA Grand National series to be held in Monticello, NY on Sept. 6 and Topeka, KS on Oct. 4.
Millson and Nickerson on Hamilton TV
From RMP Racing
HAMILTON, ON – Pro Superbike road racer Ross Millson and RMP Racing’s development rider Steven Nickerson, both of Hamilton, ON, will appear on CHCH Morning Live on Aug. 27.
RMP Racing’s Millson will be joined by Bob Sagon King, chief instructor of the Niagara College Motorcycle Training Program.
Millson and Sagon King will chat with CHCH Morning Live about motorcycling in general, selecting your first motorcycle, riding equipment and the training required to get licensed. These topics will be covered over six segments being broadcast live between 5:30 and 9am on location at Ultimate Cycle in Hamilton.
Millson will have his #39 Summit Gearworks Suzuki GSX-R1000 on hand and will discuss his racing career and season so far. Millson is currently sixth overall in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship point standings and is the second highest ranked Superbike privateer in Canada.
Up-and-coming road racer Nickerson will join Millson to briefly discuss his racing endeavours and his 2008 season.
Please consult your cable or satellite provider’s channel listing for complete broadcast information.
Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned throughout the broadcast to learn how they can win passes to the final race of the 2008 Parts Canada Superbike Championship on Aug. 28–31, courtesy of Shannonville Motosports Park and RACE. Additional prizes will include subscriptions to Inside Motorcycles magazine, DVDs and series swag.
HAMILTON, ON – Pro Superbike road racer Ross Millson and RMP Racing’s development rider Steven Nickerson, both of Hamilton, ON, will appear on CHCH Morning Live on Aug. 27.
RMP Racing’s Millson will be joined by Bob Sagon King, chief instructor of the Niagara College Motorcycle Training Program.
Millson and Sagon King will chat with CHCH Morning Live about motorcycling in general, selecting your first motorcycle, riding equipment and the training required to get licensed. These topics will be covered over six segments being broadcast live between 5:30 and 9am on location at Ultimate Cycle in Hamilton.
Millson will have his #39 Summit Gearworks Suzuki GSX-R1000 on hand and will discuss his racing career and season so far. Millson is currently sixth overall in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship point standings and is the second highest ranked Superbike privateer in Canada.
Up-and-coming road racer Nickerson will join Millson to briefly discuss his racing endeavours and his 2008 season.
Please consult your cable or satellite provider’s channel listing for complete broadcast information.
Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned throughout the broadcast to learn how they can win passes to the final race of the 2008 Parts Canada Superbike Championship on Aug. 28–31, courtesy of Shannonville Motosports Park and RACE. Additional prizes will include subscriptions to Inside Motorcycles magazine, DVDs and series swag.
Wear a Motorcycle
What a concept! Just walk up to your motorcycle, strap it on, and move off at up to 75 mph.
One future-looking college student, Jake Loniak, has come up with a design concept and even has a realistic animation of how it might work.
Read the complete story by Annemarie Conte and Esther Haynes, view the animation, and glimpse into the future.
One future-looking college student, Jake Loniak, has come up with a design concept and even has a realistic animation of how it might work.
Read the complete story by Annemarie Conte and Esther Haynes, view the animation, and glimpse into the future.
How prepaired for a burglary, or house fire are you?
This is clearly not directly related to motorcycling.
I recently ran across a post on Unbreakable bonds , where someone’s home was burglarized. It made me think about sharing some good advice to all my friends/readers out there in internet land.
I am an insurance adjuster, and I have a lot of claims that I handle for losses of this nature. In cases of a burglary or a house fire, you run the potential to loose a lot of personal property at once. Remembering what was stolen, or in case of a fire loss, what was burned can sometimes be difficult, especially if the list is long, let alone try to remember how much you paid for it, how old it was, where you purchased it, and trying to prove you actually owned it. My best advice to folks is to take an hour or so, get a camcorder, and do a video diary of each and every little thing that you would claim in case of a major loss. I mean everything! I know this will sound silly, but even include all of the little things like your underwear. You don't need each and every piece, but a general shot inside each drawer, etc. It gives you and the insurance adjuster a good idea of what you had, and also helps to discredit that you might be exaggerating your loss. Be sure to take close ups of model #'s on electronics, etc. This will help when looking for a comparable replacement.
Furthermore, watching the video after a loss while filling out a personal property loss worksheet with your adjuster, will help jog your memory and help you realize what might be missing that you would maybe not realize until much later when you go to look for it and use it. Many times these types of things get brought up long after the claim is settled because people forgot they had it until they went to use it and it was gone. You can’t possibly remember everything. As best as possible, getting all or most of your items listed right away without forgetting anything is important, because insurance claims do have statutes of limitations for coverage. Sometimes claims are limited to one year from the date of the loss for replacement cost coverage to apply, and two years for coverage to apply at all. Such is the case for the state that I'm in, and for the company that I work for.
Once you have the recording done and burned onto a CD, give the disk to your insurance agent to put in your file for safekeeping, or put it in a safety deposit box, or better yet, make an extra copy and do both. Saving receipts and owner's manuals is also a great idea.
Finally, remember to do an update disc about once a year. You don’t have to do the whole thing over, just video newly purchased items. Also, if you know you no longer own something previously recorded, make a verbal or written note for your file. This is also good for putting credit to your honesty in settling your claim.
I know this may sound like a headache, but believe me, if you ever have one of these losses, you'll be thankful you put the time in on this.
I know I spoke plenty of insurance jargon, and if you don’t understand something, please feel free to ask. You can ask me through comments, or my e-mail address is 1mrmotorcycle@gmail.com. Though I admit I don’t have all the answers, I’m happy to solicit any advice I can for free on what I do know.
Mr. Motorcycle
I recently ran across a post on Unbreakable bonds , where someone’s home was burglarized. It made me think about sharing some good advice to all my friends/readers out there in internet land.
I am an insurance adjuster, and I have a lot of claims that I handle for losses of this nature. In cases of a burglary or a house fire, you run the potential to loose a lot of personal property at once. Remembering what was stolen, or in case of a fire loss, what was burned can sometimes be difficult, especially if the list is long, let alone try to remember how much you paid for it, how old it was, where you purchased it, and trying to prove you actually owned it. My best advice to folks is to take an hour or so, get a camcorder, and do a video diary of each and every little thing that you would claim in case of a major loss. I mean everything! I know this will sound silly, but even include all of the little things like your underwear. You don't need each and every piece, but a general shot inside each drawer, etc. It gives you and the insurance adjuster a good idea of what you had, and also helps to discredit that you might be exaggerating your loss. Be sure to take close ups of model #'s on electronics, etc. This will help when looking for a comparable replacement.
Furthermore, watching the video after a loss while filling out a personal property loss worksheet with your adjuster, will help jog your memory and help you realize what might be missing that you would maybe not realize until much later when you go to look for it and use it. Many times these types of things get brought up long after the claim is settled because people forgot they had it until they went to use it and it was gone. You can’t possibly remember everything. As best as possible, getting all or most of your items listed right away without forgetting anything is important, because insurance claims do have statutes of limitations for coverage. Sometimes claims are limited to one year from the date of the loss for replacement cost coverage to apply, and two years for coverage to apply at all. Such is the case for the state that I'm in, and for the company that I work for.
Once you have the recording done and burned onto a CD, give the disk to your insurance agent to put in your file for safekeeping, or put it in a safety deposit box, or better yet, make an extra copy and do both. Saving receipts and owner's manuals is also a great idea.
Finally, remember to do an update disc about once a year. You don’t have to do the whole thing over, just video newly purchased items. Also, if you know you no longer own something previously recorded, make a verbal or written note for your file. This is also good for putting credit to your honesty in settling your claim.
I know this may sound like a headache, but believe me, if you ever have one of these losses, you'll be thankful you put the time in on this.
I know I spoke plenty of insurance jargon, and if you don’t understand something, please feel free to ask. You can ask me through comments, or my e-mail address is 1mrmotorcycle@gmail.com. Though I admit I don’t have all the answers, I’m happy to solicit any advice I can for free on what I do know.
Mr. Motorcycle
Monday, August 25, 2008
Haslam rockets to double win
From britishsuperbike.com
HM Plant Honda's Leon Haslam took his first double win of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season Monday afternoon after another incredibly close race at Cadwell Park.
Tom Sykes got the flier off the line in the first race on the Rizla Suzuki with the HM Plant Honda duo of Haslam and Cal Crutchlow tucked in behind as the pack streamed through Coppice for the first time.
Sykes held the lead with Haslam shadowing his every move and it was only a matter of time before the HM Plant Honda rider decided to attempt his pass. Sykes was not able to defend as the 'Pocket Rocket' dived down the inside at Park.
Haslam was able to edge out an advantage as Sykes went hard into Barn, with a visible gap between the pair as they reached Coppice. However Sykes was not going to give up without a fight though and by the penultimate lap he had closed back in on him but there was just not enough time for Sykes to make a move to regain the lead.
Meanwhile the battle was on for third, with Crutchlow dropping down the pack with a chatter problem. It was then a Ducati shootout with Michael Rutter on the North West 200 Ducati liveried machine leading at the start, but Byrne was on target to get back on the podium and passed him at Park on lap 10.
The second Airwaves Ducati of Leon Camier then made his move up to fourth past Crutchlow at Park on lap 13 and was attempting to close and pass teammate 'Shakey' but it wasn't to be and he had to settle for fourth.
Sykes again took the lead into Coppice on the opening lap of race two, with Crutchlow and Haslam formation flying in second and third.
It wasn't going to be a strong double result for the second HM Plant Honda though; Crutchlow crashed out on the third lap as the pack streamed in to Hall Bends. The engine casing appeared to touch the curb and down he went, and in doing so relegated himself to fourth in the standings.
Crutchlow did pick up the bike and put in a determined performance to pick up points, working his way back to 15th place.
Haslam was then in second and closing down the leading Rizla Suzuki rider, with Haslam repeating his move from the first race when he dived down the inside at Park on lap six to take the lead.
Haslam and Sykes were then inseparable as the pair diced at the front, with 'The Grinner' looking for any opportunity to take back the advantage but it wasn't enough and he had to settle for second again, but also moved second in the overall standings.
"The weekend didn't start great here for me," Haslam said. "I had the crash in practice then we had a wet session and qualifying didn't go according to plan and I was fourth. But the HM Plant Honda worked like a dream today, it was unfortunate for Cal to crash out but these things happen.
"To get the first double win of the year for the HM Plant Honda team is great and I think it might be the first time the team have taken the double here at their local circuit. We had a bit of bad luck at the start of this year and I did lack a bit of confidence but the team have worked hard and the bike has increased 10-fold now and we are back to winning ways."
Meanwhile the Airwaves Ducatis were lying third and fourth, with Camier passing Rutter at Coppice on the sixth lap to move behind his teammate. Camier then was closing in on 'Shakey' and he attempted to take the inside line Coppice, but once marginally ahead Byrne managed to come right back to keep third place and his second podium of the day.
Race One Result
1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda)
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.551
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +8.819
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +11.981
5. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +18.970
6. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +19.482
7. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +22.094
8. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +26.571
9. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +33.816
10. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +34.606
Race Two Result
1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda)
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.541
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +0.910
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +1.269
5. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +16.556
6. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +23.458
7. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +27.178
8. Scott Smart (Hawk Kawasaki) +27.375
9. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +28.549
10. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +37.426
Point Standings
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 364
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 254
3. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 249
4. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 236
5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 205
HM Plant Honda's Leon Haslam took his first double win of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season Monday afternoon after another incredibly close race at Cadwell Park.
Tom Sykes got the flier off the line in the first race on the Rizla Suzuki with the HM Plant Honda duo of Haslam and Cal Crutchlow tucked in behind as the pack streamed through Coppice for the first time.
Sykes held the lead with Haslam shadowing his every move and it was only a matter of time before the HM Plant Honda rider decided to attempt his pass. Sykes was not able to defend as the 'Pocket Rocket' dived down the inside at Park.
Haslam was able to edge out an advantage as Sykes went hard into Barn, with a visible gap between the pair as they reached Coppice. However Sykes was not going to give up without a fight though and by the penultimate lap he had closed back in on him but there was just not enough time for Sykes to make a move to regain the lead.
Meanwhile the battle was on for third, with Crutchlow dropping down the pack with a chatter problem. It was then a Ducati shootout with Michael Rutter on the North West 200 Ducati liveried machine leading at the start, but Byrne was on target to get back on the podium and passed him at Park on lap 10.
The second Airwaves Ducati of Leon Camier then made his move up to fourth past Crutchlow at Park on lap 13 and was attempting to close and pass teammate 'Shakey' but it wasn't to be and he had to settle for fourth.
Sykes again took the lead into Coppice on the opening lap of race two, with Crutchlow and Haslam formation flying in second and third.
It wasn't going to be a strong double result for the second HM Plant Honda though; Crutchlow crashed out on the third lap as the pack streamed in to Hall Bends. The engine casing appeared to touch the curb and down he went, and in doing so relegated himself to fourth in the standings.
Crutchlow did pick up the bike and put in a determined performance to pick up points, working his way back to 15th place.
Haslam was then in second and closing down the leading Rizla Suzuki rider, with Haslam repeating his move from the first race when he dived down the inside at Park on lap six to take the lead.
Haslam and Sykes were then inseparable as the pair diced at the front, with 'The Grinner' looking for any opportunity to take back the advantage but it wasn't enough and he had to settle for second again, but also moved second in the overall standings.
"The weekend didn't start great here for me," Haslam said. "I had the crash in practice then we had a wet session and qualifying didn't go according to plan and I was fourth. But the HM Plant Honda worked like a dream today, it was unfortunate for Cal to crash out but these things happen.
"To get the first double win of the year for the HM Plant Honda team is great and I think it might be the first time the team have taken the double here at their local circuit. We had a bit of bad luck at the start of this year and I did lack a bit of confidence but the team have worked hard and the bike has increased 10-fold now and we are back to winning ways."
Meanwhile the Airwaves Ducatis were lying third and fourth, with Camier passing Rutter at Coppice on the sixth lap to move behind his teammate. Camier then was closing in on 'Shakey' and he attempted to take the inside line Coppice, but once marginally ahead Byrne managed to come right back to keep third place and his second podium of the day.
Race One Result
1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda)
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.551
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +8.819
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +11.981
5. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +18.970
6. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +19.482
7. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +22.094
8. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +26.571
9. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +33.816
10. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +34.606
Race Two Result
1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda)
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.541
3. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +0.910
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +1.269
5. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +16.556
6. Simon Andrews (Lloyds British Yamaha) +23.458
7. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +27.178
8. Scott Smart (Hawk Kawasaki) +27.375
9. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +28.549
10. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +37.426
Point Standings
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 364
2. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 254
3. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 249
4. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 236
5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 205
Ducati back on home soil
From Marlboro Ducati
The Ducati Marlboro Team will race on home soil and in front of its fans for the second time this season when the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini gets underway this weekend at Misano.
Thousands of Ducatisti will once again make their presence felt on Sunday as they take over the grandstand in turn one, the "Variante Parco," providing crucial backing to the Italian factory.
Both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri are in the mood to put on a show for them, especially after the results of a recent test session at Brno, where the Australian found a setting that allowed him to go even faster than he had done in the previous round of the series while the Italian also made some encouraging progress.
In 2007 the pair both performed well at Misano, with Stoner taking a stunning victory from pole position and Melandri coming through from 12th on the grid to take fourth place at the flag.
"Over the past five rounds Casey has shown incredible speed from the opening practice session at a variety of circuits and even though he hasn't got the points to show for it, he's in outstanding form and we're sure he'll also be on the pace at Misano," said Livio Suppo, MotoGP project director.
"The team and the engineers back at the factory are working non-stop on continuing development of the GP8 and offering all our riders a highly-competitive package, as shown by an excellent podium for Toni Elias at Brno."
The Misano Autodrome was built in the early 1970s, measuring a mere 3.488km in its original form. In 1993 it was extended to 4.060km before further modifications between 1996 and 1998 saw the pit garage and paddock complex extended and updated.
The biggest changes to the circuit took place in 2006, when the track was lengthened to 4.180km and radically reversed from clockwise to anti-clockwise. The biggest changes to the corners were at Rio and Carro.
In general it is a tight track, characterized by a prevalence of slow corners - other than the fast and extremely demanding 'Curvone' right-hander.
The Ducati Marlboro Team will race on home soil and in front of its fans for the second time this season when the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini gets underway this weekend at Misano.
Thousands of Ducatisti will once again make their presence felt on Sunday as they take over the grandstand in turn one, the "Variante Parco," providing crucial backing to the Italian factory.
Both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri are in the mood to put on a show for them, especially after the results of a recent test session at Brno, where the Australian found a setting that allowed him to go even faster than he had done in the previous round of the series while the Italian also made some encouraging progress.
In 2007 the pair both performed well at Misano, with Stoner taking a stunning victory from pole position and Melandri coming through from 12th on the grid to take fourth place at the flag.
"Over the past five rounds Casey has shown incredible speed from the opening practice session at a variety of circuits and even though he hasn't got the points to show for it, he's in outstanding form and we're sure he'll also be on the pace at Misano," said Livio Suppo, MotoGP project director.
"The team and the engineers back at the factory are working non-stop on continuing development of the GP8 and offering all our riders a highly-competitive package, as shown by an excellent podium for Toni Elias at Brno."
The Misano Autodrome was built in the early 1970s, measuring a mere 3.488km in its original form. In 1993 it was extended to 4.060km before further modifications between 1996 and 1998 saw the pit garage and paddock complex extended and updated.
The biggest changes to the circuit took place in 2006, when the track was lengthened to 4.180km and radically reversed from clockwise to anti-clockwise. The biggest changes to the corners were at Rio and Carro.
In general it is a tight track, characterized by a prevalence of slow corners - other than the fast and extremely demanding 'Curvone' right-hander.
AMRA receives Amateur Sport grant
From the Alberta Mini RoadRacing Association
The Alberta Mini RoadRacing Association has announced the approval of its grant application for the AMRA Community and Ladies Sport Training Program.
With financial support provided by the Government of Alberta, the organization will be able to purchase equipment for its training programs provided for competitive amateur athletes and continue to create an opportunity for basic training to the public. Approved items included 10 new motorcycles, both sport and dirt frame machines, along with 10 complete sets of riding gear including helmets, riding leathers, gloves and boots.
Whether the rider's interest is in the recreational aspect of motorcycles or to test their limits on the race track, with the support of the Community Initiatives Program and the Government of Alberta the riders who participate in the AMRA Community and Ladies Sport Training Programs with be safer with the equipment provided by this grant.
The Alberta Mini RoadRacing Association has announced the approval of its grant application for the AMRA Community and Ladies Sport Training Program.
With financial support provided by the Government of Alberta, the organization will be able to purchase equipment for its training programs provided for competitive amateur athletes and continue to create an opportunity for basic training to the public. Approved items included 10 new motorcycles, both sport and dirt frame machines, along with 10 complete sets of riding gear including helmets, riding leathers, gloves and boots.
Whether the rider's interest is in the recreational aspect of motorcycles or to test their limits on the race track, with the support of the Community Initiatives Program and the Government of Alberta the riders who participate in the AMRA Community and Ladies Sport Training Programs with be safer with the equipment provided by this grant.
Mercier Track Day a success
By Don Empey
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Last Friday over a dozen enthusiastic riders took to Shannonville Motorsport Park’s Nelson Circuit in the first annual Max Mercier Memorial Safety Fund track day, to raise funds for racetrack safety upgrades.
This year’s inaugural track day, sponsored by Harley-Davidson and Fast Riding School, earmarked money for run-off improvements at corner two of Shannonville’s Pro Track.
Every rider enjoyed the daylong open track, riding for the full day for a meager $75. Some even benefited from an on-track critique by young rookie sensation Karl Daigle.
This year’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, Michel Mercier was on hand as well, opening the day with an inspirational talk about the need for everyone to come together to make track safety improvements, as well as to remind us all that this event was also in remembrance of Max Mercier, who tragically lost his life in an on-track motorcycle accident on June 12, 2005.
Over $1800 was raised on the day and a great amount of momentum was gained for what will surely be a great annual event to raise money for a very good cause.
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Last Friday over a dozen enthusiastic riders took to Shannonville Motorsport Park’s Nelson Circuit in the first annual Max Mercier Memorial Safety Fund track day, to raise funds for racetrack safety upgrades.
This year’s inaugural track day, sponsored by Harley-Davidson and Fast Riding School, earmarked money for run-off improvements at corner two of Shannonville’s Pro Track.
Every rider enjoyed the daylong open track, riding for the full day for a meager $75. Some even benefited from an on-track critique by young rookie sensation Karl Daigle.
This year’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, Michel Mercier was on hand as well, opening the day with an inspirational talk about the need for everyone to come together to make track safety improvements, as well as to remind us all that this event was also in remembrance of Max Mercier, who tragically lost his life in an on-track motorcycle accident on June 12, 2005.
Over $1800 was raised on the day and a great amount of momentum was gained for what will surely be a great annual event to raise money for a very good cause.
Motor Klasik Honda Modificaion
Motor klasik adalah motor yang sampai saat ini masih di minati oleh banyak orang. Baik dari yang tua dan sekarang pun anak remaja dan pemuda pun tidak mau kalah dengan orang tua.mereka berlomba - lomba untuk mengkoleksi motor yang umurnya sudah tua ini.ada banyak sekali motor klasik di negara kita ini. yang ini merupakan motor pertama yang dipakai oleh masyarakat indonesia jaman dulu.Sejarah
Variety is the spice of life.
They say variety is the spice of life. Well I guess not all of us can be content with just owning a bike for fun.
One of my friends, Scott Storms , owner/operator of Stormy Custom Bike Works actually owns this miniature Submarine, and it actually works. How cool is that!
I was at the shop a few days ago talking about what we were going to do with my license plate set up, and just had to take a few pictures, seing as it was at the shop. I had heard him talk about it several times before, but was amazed at how cool this thing really was once I got to see it with my own eyes.
He is having talks with the MN DNR, last I heard and it sounded like they were going to rent use of it once in a while.
I tried to talk him into painting it yellow. He wouldn't bite! LOL!
Friday, August 22, 2008
2009 Suzuki RM-Z450 & RM-Z250 have new graphics
Suzuki GB have just released pictures of next years RM-Z450 & RM-Z250, both motocross machines have new graphics!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Repsol Honda back to full strength
From Repsol Honda
The Repsol Honda Team will be back to full strength for the San Marino Grand Prix next weekend, with Nicky Hayden coming back from injury to rejoin teammate Dani Pedrosa.
Hayden missed the recent Czech GP due to a foot injury sustained during an X Games Supermoto event in Los Angeles on Aug. 1. Doctors told the 2006 MotoGP World Champion that a hasty return to racing might complicate the right-heel injury, advising him to delay his comeback until Misano.
“I’m certainly excited to be getting back out there with the boys, because I hated missing Brno," Hayden said. "I’ve been doing all the old ‘voodoo’ stuff they tell you to do: bone stimulators, lasers, ultrasound, all that stuff, I’m doing everything possible to get back.
"I had hoped my progress would be quicker. I still need crutches at this stage, but unless something goes south I definitely plan on trying to ride. I’ve been seeing doctors, and I’m going to get something moulded to wear in my boot. I’ve been doing some training in the pool and a few things at the gym, nothing too crazy.”
Pedrosa and Hayden will race their usual RC212V machines at Italy’s second MotoGP event of the year, the Spaniard using his valve-spring engine, while the American rides the pneumatic-valve machine he first raced at June’s British GP.
Pedrosa is hoping that the grip issues that consigned him to a 15th place finish at Brno will have been resolved for the San Marino event. The team will stay on to test at Misano, when it’s likely that Pedrosa will try the pneumatic-valve engine.
“I am hoping that we can have a better weekend at Misano, though I had bad luck there last year, another rider knocked me off at the very first corner," Pedrosa said. "The Misano circuit is quite fast but it feels tight and narrow. The grip level is okay. The track was also very bumpy last year, which was probably its worst feature.
"From a set-up point of view the most important thing at Misano is having good braking power and good stability when accelerating out of the corners. It’s the kind of track that requires you to ride aggressively. My favourite section is the final part, though the most important section for good lap times is the first.”
Misano hosted its first Grand Prix event in 1980 and staged the Italian world round (then called the Grand Prix of Nations) on and off throughout the decade. Last year the circuit returned to the World Championship calendar after an absence of 14 years, having undergone major changes, most importantly a change of direction that transformed the circuit from anti-clockwise to clockwise.
Misano, situated just inland from Italy’s Adriatic holiday coast, is mostly dominated by tight, slow-speed turns that give MotoGP riders a tough time on their 220 horsepower machines.
The Repsol Honda Team will be back to full strength for the San Marino Grand Prix next weekend, with Nicky Hayden coming back from injury to rejoin teammate Dani Pedrosa.
Hayden missed the recent Czech GP due to a foot injury sustained during an X Games Supermoto event in Los Angeles on Aug. 1. Doctors told the 2006 MotoGP World Champion that a hasty return to racing might complicate the right-heel injury, advising him to delay his comeback until Misano.
“I’m certainly excited to be getting back out there with the boys, because I hated missing Brno," Hayden said. "I’ve been doing all the old ‘voodoo’ stuff they tell you to do: bone stimulators, lasers, ultrasound, all that stuff, I’m doing everything possible to get back.
"I had hoped my progress would be quicker. I still need crutches at this stage, but unless something goes south I definitely plan on trying to ride. I’ve been seeing doctors, and I’m going to get something moulded to wear in my boot. I’ve been doing some training in the pool and a few things at the gym, nothing too crazy.”
Pedrosa and Hayden will race their usual RC212V machines at Italy’s second MotoGP event of the year, the Spaniard using his valve-spring engine, while the American rides the pneumatic-valve machine he first raced at June’s British GP.
Pedrosa is hoping that the grip issues that consigned him to a 15th place finish at Brno will have been resolved for the San Marino event. The team will stay on to test at Misano, when it’s likely that Pedrosa will try the pneumatic-valve engine.
“I am hoping that we can have a better weekend at Misano, though I had bad luck there last year, another rider knocked me off at the very first corner," Pedrosa said. "The Misano circuit is quite fast but it feels tight and narrow. The grip level is okay. The track was also very bumpy last year, which was probably its worst feature.
"From a set-up point of view the most important thing at Misano is having good braking power and good stability when accelerating out of the corners. It’s the kind of track that requires you to ride aggressively. My favourite section is the final part, though the most important section for good lap times is the first.”
Misano hosted its first Grand Prix event in 1980 and staged the Italian world round (then called the Grand Prix of Nations) on and off throughout the decade. Last year the circuit returned to the World Championship calendar after an absence of 14 years, having undergone major changes, most importantly a change of direction that transformed the circuit from anti-clockwise to clockwise.
Misano, situated just inland from Italy’s Adriatic holiday coast, is mostly dominated by tight, slow-speed turns that give MotoGP riders a tough time on their 220 horsepower machines.
Jupiter MX Modification 08
JuPiTeR MX The modification Yamaha Jupiter MX was one of the types of the sport duck that was present at Indonesia. The style that sporty and the machine 135 cc that used the water cooler (the radiator) but also the clutch made one of the types of the duck motor that most the behaviour at this time.The style that sporty still could be changed or modified in order to appear more sporty I took
DOT Vs. Snell approved helmets
What is the difference between Snell and DOT approved helmets?
This is really interesting. I thought you should know.
First off, for this post anyway (SMF) will refer to the Snell Memorial Foundation, NOT Stupid Mother F*cker. LOL!
There are two key differences between a DOT and Snell approved helmet.
First, is the testing standards the helmets go through, and second, is the verification of the results.
The Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF) was founded in 1957 just after William Snell, A.K.A. Pete, died from massive head trauma from a race car accident. (SMF) is a non-profit organization that focuses on learning more about the components of head injuries, & how to prevent them by using helmets. Through their research (SMF) has developed the Snell standard for approving helmets. It is continually tested and updated every five years.
Although both testing processes are very similar, (SMF) requires their certified helmets to withstand a greater impact and absorb more force than the DOT approved helmets.
Both (SMF) and DOT standards drop the head forms on flat and round shaped anvils in order to simulate different types of impacts. However, Snell also uses an edged anvil that specifically tests the integrity of the helmet's shell.
DOT and Snell test each helmet two times at four different impact zones. DOT drops their helmets from 6 feet on the flat anvil and from a 4.5 feet on the round anvil. Snell drops the helmets from 10 feet and 7.5 feet on both anvils, which simulates a more severe impact.
While there is no guarantee that a DOT approved helmet has actually been tested, the purchase of a Snell approved helmet ensures that the product has been evaluated under scrutiny. A Snell-certified helmet also meets and exceeds the DOT standards.
This is really interesting. I thought you should know.
First off, for this post anyway (SMF) will refer to the Snell Memorial Foundation, NOT Stupid Mother F*cker. LOL!
There are two key differences between a DOT and Snell approved helmet.
First, is the testing standards the helmets go through, and second, is the verification of the results.
The Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF) was founded in 1957 just after William Snell, A.K.A. Pete, died from massive head trauma from a race car accident. (SMF) is a non-profit organization that focuses on learning more about the components of head injuries, & how to prevent them by using helmets. Through their research (SMF) has developed the Snell standard for approving helmets. It is continually tested and updated every five years.
Although both testing processes are very similar, (SMF) requires their certified helmets to withstand a greater impact and absorb more force than the DOT approved helmets.
Both (SMF) and DOT standards drop the head forms on flat and round shaped anvils in order to simulate different types of impacts. However, Snell also uses an edged anvil that specifically tests the integrity of the helmet's shell.
DOT and Snell test each helmet two times at four different impact zones. DOT drops their helmets from 6 feet on the flat anvil and from a 4.5 feet on the round anvil. Snell drops the helmets from 10 feet and 7.5 feet on both anvils, which simulates a more severe impact.
While there is no guarantee that a DOT approved helmet has actually been tested, the purchase of a Snell approved helmet ensures that the product has been evaluated under scrutiny. A Snell-certified helmet also meets and exceeds the DOT standards.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Mladin disqualified from VIR races
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing announced Thursday that Mat Mladin has been disqualified from last weekend's AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited round at Virginia International Raceway following the outcome of post-race technical inspections.
The crankshaft from the #6 Rockstar Makita Suzuki was sent to AMA headquarters in Pickerington, OH and was compared to other production crankshafts from the same model. Upon this inspection, the crankshaft was found to be in non-compliance of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship Rulebook.
Please note the following rules for reference.
Superbike, 2.4 Crankshaft
Only the homologated crankshaft is permitted with the following modifications:
a. Bearing surfaces may be polished or surface treated.
b. Balancing is permitted only by the same method used by the OEM. For example, heavy metal (i.e. Mallory metal) inserts are not permitted unless they were originally specified by the OEM.
c. Attachment of aftermarket ignition components or sensors is permitted.
d. Primary gears can not be changed or modified.
A3 Equipment Offenses and Penalties
This section deals with violations of equipment regulations. Regardless of a motorcycle passing prior inspections, compliance with all applicable equipment rules must be made at the post race inspection. Any motorcycle found to be in violation of equipment rules may be assumed to have been in violation for the entire race meet. In passing a motorcycle through technical inspection, AMA Racing does not warrant that motorcycle's adherence with all rules. Each participant assumes full responsibility for any violation of equipment rules involving his/her motorcycle.
a. Category 1 - An equipment violation that could potentially or effectively enhance the performance of a motorcycle used in competition.
A3.3 Penalties: At the discretion of AMA Racing, any or all of the following penalties may be administered.
a. Category 1
1. Disqualification
2. Total or partial loss of points or laps
3. Total or partial loss of prize money
4. Suspension
5. Fine
The team was notified on Aug. 20.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing announced Thursday that Mat Mladin has been disqualified from last weekend's AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited round at Virginia International Raceway following the outcome of post-race technical inspections.
The crankshaft from the #6 Rockstar Makita Suzuki was sent to AMA headquarters in Pickerington, OH and was compared to other production crankshafts from the same model. Upon this inspection, the crankshaft was found to be in non-compliance of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship Rulebook.
Please note the following rules for reference.
Superbike, 2.4 Crankshaft
Only the homologated crankshaft is permitted with the following modifications:
a. Bearing surfaces may be polished or surface treated.
b. Balancing is permitted only by the same method used by the OEM. For example, heavy metal (i.e. Mallory metal) inserts are not permitted unless they were originally specified by the OEM.
c. Attachment of aftermarket ignition components or sensors is permitted.
d. Primary gears can not be changed or modified.
A3 Equipment Offenses and Penalties
This section deals with violations of equipment regulations. Regardless of a motorcycle passing prior inspections, compliance with all applicable equipment rules must be made at the post race inspection. Any motorcycle found to be in violation of equipment rules may be assumed to have been in violation for the entire race meet. In passing a motorcycle through technical inspection, AMA Racing does not warrant that motorcycle's adherence with all rules. Each participant assumes full responsibility for any violation of equipment rules involving his/her motorcycle.
a. Category 1 - An equipment violation that could potentially or effectively enhance the performance of a motorcycle used in competition.
A3.3 Penalties: At the discretion of AMA Racing, any or all of the following penalties may be administered.
a. Category 1
1. Disqualification
2. Total or partial loss of points or laps
3. Total or partial loss of prize money
4. Suspension
5. Fine
The team was notified on Aug. 20.
The Shows must go on!
Both MAG and the BMF have added their voice to the growing furore over what appears to be unjustified and discriminatory cancellation of a growing number of motorcycle shows here in the UK by the police.
So far far this year the police have cancelled the following shows:-
So far far this year the police have cancelled the following shows:-
- Driffield Bike Day and DABS Rally, Yorkshire (23 - 25 May)
- The Welsh National Motorcycle Show 23 - 26 May
- Past it MCC 13th Birthday Party 31st May
- Stourbridge MCC's Midsummer Bash 21st June
- Rock and Blues 24th - 27th July
- Stourbridge MCC's Woizel Rally 8th 9th 10th August
- Great Yorkshire Bike Show 15th-16th August
- Past It MCC's 10th Zimmer Frame Rally 22nd - 24th August
- Patriot Games Rock Festival, Monmouth 22nd - 24th August
- Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show 22nd 25th August
BMF Chairman Anna Zee, said: "It is extraordinary that the authorities seem to assume that a motorcycle gathering must mean trouble. The BMF runs some very large shows, with attendances of up to 85,000 with never a hint of trouble. Nor are we aware of any previous history of problems at the events cancelled this year. With so many cancellations, and the reasons for them being shrouded in mystery, we feel that motorcyclists are suffering completely unjustified discrimination."
If you want the peaceful enjoyment of motorcycling and its social scene to continue then show your support to both MAG and the BMF in getting this discriminatory policy of cancelling motorcycle shows STOPPED, before its to late. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD BEFORE ITS TO LATE!!!!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Malaysia the manufacturer of the car proton
mV Agusta Motor Itali Malaysia the manufacturer of the car proton Malaysia the manufacturer's Proton car has released the ambitious plan but be aged short to develop into the motorcycle company, by the just sale in mV Agusta Motor Itali.erusahaan says now has done business attention totalling 57,57 percent him in the European company to GEVI Spa Italy to symbolic 1 euro, but the buyer would
More money for Magic Mile
From AMA Sports
PICKERINGTON, OH -- AMA Sports, the amateur and pro-am racing department of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), has announced additional payouts for the AMA Sports Magic Mile Shootout on Saturday, Aug. 23, promoted and organized by the Du Quoin State Fair.
The larger purse is possible thanks to additional backing from Black Cat Gold, Lucas Oil Indy Mile and Bud's Harley-Davidson, who join The Service Pavilion, Lancaster Harley-Davidson, and Gatewood Engineering and Race Support as program sponsors.
"With this extra support, we are proud to announce extra payouts for the 450cc premier class at the Magic Mile Shootout," said Ken Saillant, AMA Sports flat track director. "The 450cc heat winners will each pocket $500. In addition to the $10,000 going to the winner of the main event, $1,000 will be paid to the runner-up, and third will win $500."
This is in addition to the already announced $500 Last Man Out Race, featuring bikes from the 450cc premier class, and the $2,500 winner-take-all Vintage Pre-1982 Twins race. Both the 450cc class and the Vintage Pre-1982 Twins class are open to non-GNC and non-Expert licensed riders with eligible equipment.
"Flat-tracking is a stepping stone to the whole sport of motorcycle racing, and this particular event will really spotlight some of the up-and-coming racers," said Dawn Morand, general manager of Bud's Harley-Davidson. "They are out there doing a great job, and it's wonderful for them to get the recognition they deserve."
PICKERINGTON, OH -- AMA Sports, the amateur and pro-am racing department of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), has announced additional payouts for the AMA Sports Magic Mile Shootout on Saturday, Aug. 23, promoted and organized by the Du Quoin State Fair.
The larger purse is possible thanks to additional backing from Black Cat Gold, Lucas Oil Indy Mile and Bud's Harley-Davidson, who join The Service Pavilion, Lancaster Harley-Davidson, and Gatewood Engineering and Race Support as program sponsors.
"With this extra support, we are proud to announce extra payouts for the 450cc premier class at the Magic Mile Shootout," said Ken Saillant, AMA Sports flat track director. "The 450cc heat winners will each pocket $500. In addition to the $10,000 going to the winner of the main event, $1,000 will be paid to the runner-up, and third will win $500."
This is in addition to the already announced $500 Last Man Out Race, featuring bikes from the 450cc premier class, and the $2,500 winner-take-all Vintage Pre-1982 Twins race. Both the 450cc class and the Vintage Pre-1982 Twins class are open to non-GNC and non-Expert licensed riders with eligible equipment.
"Flat-tracking is a stepping stone to the whole sport of motorcycle racing, and this particular event will really spotlight some of the up-and-coming racers," said Dawn Morand, general manager of Bud's Harley-Davidson. "They are out there doing a great job, and it's wonderful for them to get the recognition they deserve."
Motorcycle Helmets and helmet laws
I've been looking around for a while now for just the right motorcycle helmet. I want the "look" as well as comfort, and function. There are a million styles. Let the journey begin.
Yeah you heard me, I'm giving in and buying a brain bucket.
On my internet quest, I stumbled upon this great site that has a detailed map and breakdown of helmet laws, and provision's per state. (U.S. Only). Sorry if you are one of my non U.S. visitors.
For those who tour regularily, or not so regular, it may be something you want to check out. I thought this was too good not to pass on.
Check out the helmet law page link that I found.
This is a good one to add to your favorites, unless of course you always wear a helmet anyway.
Yamaha's custom 125 arrives, the YBR125 CUSTOM
If you've been after a custom 125, the new Yamaha YBR125 CUSTOM is now in UK Yamaha dealers.
It has an ultra-low seat (760mm) with high custom bars for a relaxed cruiser-type ride.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
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