From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - A full field of motorcycles and international riders - including 84 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike entries for the 68th annual Daytona 200 by Honda - is heading to Daytona International Speedway next week for the debut event of the new AMA Pro Road Racing series.
AMA Pro Road Racing's four series have attracted a combined total of 170 entries, including the biggest field in four years and one of the largest in decades for the Daytona 200 by Honda. The race will be part of AMA Pro Road Racing's historic opening weekend with the first night running of the Daytona 200 under the lights, Friday, March 6. The advent of the new Daytona SportBike class will also bring the Daytona 200 action back to the full 3.55-mile legendary Daytona road course for the first time since 2004.
The AMA Pro American Superbike division shares the spotlight with the Daytona SportBikes at Daytona and has attracted a strong entry of 41 motorcycles for its debut 2009 race. A 15-lap American Superbike sprint at 3:30 p.m. highlights the racing on Thursday, March 5, while the Daytona SportBike Daytona 200 starts at 8 p.m. Friday night for 57 laps under the lights.
Former Daytona 200 winners Jake Zemke (No. 1x Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR), Steve Rapp (No. 15 Black Hole Racing Aprilia RSV) and reigning race champion Chaz Davies (No. 57 Factory Aprilia/Millennium Technologies Team Aprilia RSV) will join record five-time winner Miguel Duhamel (No. 17 Team Suzuki/Blackfoot/Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R600) in looking for another Daytona 200 victory.
Top riders gunning for a first Daytona 200 win include factory Yamaha teammates Ben Bostrom (No. 1s Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) and Josh Hayes (No. 4 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6), who is looking to avenge 2008's heartbreak after what appeared to be a convincing victory was taken away when his motorcycle failed post-race inspection.
Chris Peris (No. 10 Erion Racing Honda CBR600RR), Jamie Hacking (No. 88 Monster Energy/Attack Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R), teammates Jason DiSalvo (No. 40 M4 Suzuki GSX-R600) and Martin Cardenas (No. 36 M4 Suzuki GSX-R600) and Yamaha's young standouts Josh Herrin (No. 8 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) and 16-year-old Tommy Aquino (No. 6 Team Graves Yamaha YZF-R6) will also be among the dozens of riders with a legitimate shot at victory.
Rapp and Davies are joined in the Aprilia camp by Hooters Aprilia teammates Shane Narbonne (No. 12 Hooters Aprilia RSV) and Ryan Elleby (No. 21 Hooters Aprilia RSV), Ty Howard (No. 67 Ridesmart Motorcycle Schools Aprilia RSV), Scott Jensen (No. 76 Black Hole Racing Aprilia RSV) and Ben Thompson (No. 97 Factory Aprilia/Millennium Technologies Team Aprilia RSV).
Buell is also well represented with six 1125Rs entered for Danny Eslick (No. 9 Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Racing/RMR Buell 1125R), Shawn Higbee (No.11 Higbee-Racing.com Buell 1125R), Bryan Bemisderfer (No. 98 HDFR Buell 1125R), Latus teammates Josh Bryan (No. 45 Latus Motor Racing Buell 1125R) and Alan Schmidt (No. 54 Latus Motor Racing Buell 1125R) and Michael Barnes (No. 34 GEICO Powersports/RMR Buell 1125R). Barnes is recovering from a third metacarpal fracture hand injury from an early February testing accident but is using this weekend's CCS event to assess his readiness for the Daytona 200.
A pair of Ducati 848s are entered for Calvin Martinez (No. 20 Wisconsin Racing Ducati 848) and Gene Burcham (No. 94 GBR Motors Ducati 848) as well as two Triumph Daytona 675s for Mark Crozier (No. 14 Crozier Motorsports Triumph Daytona 675) and second-generation rider Justin Filice (No. 30 Bud Light Lime/R & B Motorsports Triumph Daytona 675), son of AMA Pro Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Filice.
Flag-to-flag coverage of the Daytona 200 by Honda will air on SPEED Friday, March 6, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
While the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike riders will shine in the Friday-night lights of the Daytona 200, the stars of AMA Pro American Superbike will take the spotlight on Thursday afternoon.
In addition to moonlighting in the 200 on their Yamaha Daytona SportBikes, Bostrom (No. 2 Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Yamaha R1) and Hayes (No. 4 Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Yamaha R1) will contest the full 2009 American Superbike season on Yamaha's latest R1 motorcycle.
Another top threat is six-time defending Daytona American Superbike race winner Mat Mladin (No. 7 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) who is looking for his second Daytona win in a row and fourth in five years. Mladin's teammates at Yoshimura Suzuki include quick Americans Tommy Hayden (No. 22 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Blake Young (No. 79 Rockstar/Makita Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000).
Other Suzuki threats come from Jordan Suzuki, Roadracingworld.com/M4 and Team Hooters. The Michael Jordan-owned Jordan Suzuki effort includes bikes for Georgia-based riders Aaron Yates (No. 23 Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Geoff May (No. 54 National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000), Chris Ulrich rides for M4 (No. 18 Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Daytona 200 competitors Narbonne (No. 12 Hooters Suzuki GSX-R1000) and Elleby (No. 21 Hooters Suzuki GSX-R1000) are also on Team Hooters American Superbikes. In total, a class-high 25 Suzuki GSX-R1000s are entered in the American Superbike race.
Honda's charge is led by former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson (No. 100 Corona Extra Honda CBR1000RR) and Australia's Aaron Gobert (No. 96 AGR Inc. Honda CBR1000RR) who top a five-bike Honda entry.
A lone Buell and three Ducatis will also be in the hunt. Higbee (No. 11 Higbee-Racing.com Buell 1125CR) rides the Buell while Larry Pegram (No. 72 Foremost Insurance/Pegram Racing Ducati 1098R) is expected to be the pacesetter of the trio of Italian-made motorcycles.
The American Superbike race will be featured in the premiere of the new AMA Pro Prime Time on SPEED Saturday, March 21, at 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT).
The Daytona 200 by Honda weekend also marks the debut of the new AMA Pro SuperSport class, which is AMA Pro's showcase of America's future motorcycle racing stars today. The proving ground series is reserved strictly for up-and-coming riders between the ages of 16 and 21 who compete on 600cc sport bikes.
SuperSport is also divided into East and West Championships although the Daytona kick-off is a combined race that has attracted two dozen young up and comers. The green flag is scheduled to drop for the 12-lap SuperSport race at 2 p.m. on Thursday.
The fourth and final series in the 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing lineup is the renamed AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT class. The original SunTrust MOTO-ST name has been slightly revamped to AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT, which reflects some class adjustments and the fact that even more motorcycles are now eligible.
The biggest changes are that the competition is no longer strictly reserved for two-cylinder motorcycles and that the previous three classes have been narrowed to just two, making it easier for race fans to follow both the overall battle while watching a "race within a race." The former premier SST category has been renamed GT1 and will feature a wider mix of potentially more powerful multi-cylinder motorcycles.
The former GST and ST classes have been essentially replaced by GT2. Two-cylinder motorcycles remain the only type allowed in GT2, but variety is also part of the mix with several different types of bikes and engines eligible.
The season-opening two-hour SunTrust Moto-GT race will be run at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 6.
The total team support package for the 2009 season-opening Daytona 200 by Honda weekend, March 4-6, is the richest purse in the event's history with a total of $286,000 on the line.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Daytona 200 attracts 84 entries
Triumph adds Saskatoon dealer
From Triumph Motorcycles
ATLANTA, GA – Triumph Motorcycles has announced the newest members of the Triumph family: DeSimone MotorSport in Mount Laurel, NJ, and European Motorrad in Saskatoon. The new retailers join the Triumph network of more than 200 dealerships across North America, and will be showcasing Triumph Motorcycles, apparel and accessories.
DeSimone MotorSport has been providing unparalleled customer service for more than three years. From the sales floor to the service department, the DeSimone MotorSport team is dedicated to providing the tools and service to ensure the ultimate customer experience for both new and seasoned riders. European Motorrad is one of the largest powersports dealerships in Saskatchewan and has been providing service to motorsports enthusiasts for more than 30 years.
“We are very excited to have DeSimone MotorSport and European Motorrad join the Triumph family,” said Mike Cunningham, Vice President of Dealer Development for Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. “First and foremost our dealers are motorcycle enthusiasts and each one personifies the Triumph spirit. Their expertise proves invaluable when dealing with customers and makes DeSimone MotorSport and European Motorrad perfect additions to the Triumph team.”
In addition to featuring Triumph’s distinctive line of motorcycles, both dealerships carry Triumph’s line of accessories including windshields, saddle bags and trim pieces that enhance and personalize the styling, functionality and performance of the motorcycles. A full range of motorcycle riding apparel is also available that includes boots, pants, jackets and gloves.
For more information on DeSimone MotorSport, visit www.desimonemotorsport.com or call 856-840-1580. For information on European Motorrad, visit http://www.customcycleandmarine.com/euromoto/triumph.html or call 306-934-3717.
DIS ready to switch on lights
From Daytona International Speedway
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – For the first time in the event’s 68-year history, the season-opening Daytona 200 By Honda at Daytona International Speedway will be held at night on Friday, March 6.
Daytona International Speedway, with the help of permanent and temporary lighting from Musco Lighting, will illuminate “The World Center of Racing” as the stars of AMA Pro Racing battle for 200 miles in America’s most historic motorcycle classic.
Here’s a look at some of the numbers behind the lights at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 200 By Honda Daytona SportBike race on Friday night, March 6:
· Six portable Musco lighting units will light the infield portion of the 3.51-mile road course. Each unit, which can go up to 133 feet in height, is self-contained, self-sufficient and remote-controlled and generates over 120 million candlepower of light.
· Following Friday’s Daytona 200 By Honda, those six portable Musco lighting units will be repositioned in the tri-oval area of DIS for the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Saturday, March 7.
· The permanent lights on the high banks will be operating at 100 percent with 1,932 light fixtures on 202 poles ranging from 70 feet to 110 feet.
· The mirtran lights located on the inside of the high banks will operate at 50 percent
“It definitely adds to the history bringing it into the night,” said former Daytona 200 By Honda winner Jake Zemke during the initial AMA night motorcycle test in December at DIS. “We started on the beach and then speedway was built and the racing came inside. We’ve gone through course change in the last few years and now we’re going back to the old course and racing at night. It’s another first for the Daytona 200. It definitely adds to the history of the event. It’s just another new chapter.”
Smrz sets pace in Australia
From the World Superbike Championship
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - Jakub Smrz powered to the top of the timesheets in first qualifying for the Australian round of the 2009 Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island on Friday.
The 25-year-old Czech rider was quickest around the spectacular 4.445km circuit with a time of 1 minute 32.312 seconds on a 'customer' Guandalini Ducati, a fraction ahead of Noriyuki Haga, replacement for world champion Troy Bayliss in the factory Ducati Xerox team. An excellent third place was notched up by Britain's Leon Haslam on a private Stiggy Racing Honda, while the Suzuki Alstare pairing of Max Neukirchner and Yukio Kagayama looked strong in fourth and fifth.
"For me, Phillip Island is almost the best circuit in the world," said Smrz. "It is easy for me to make a good lap here. The bike is a good bike and 95 percent similar to last year's so I have been able to get on the pace very quickly. For sure, I have a lot of confidence with the tire, even in these hot conditions."
The starting grid for Sunday's two races will be assigned Saturday with the new Superpole 'knock-out' formula for the top 20 qualified riders over three 12-minute sessions.
The first day of the 2009 campaign, which will see 14 rounds held on five continents, took place in ideal weather conditions, with air/track temperatures of 33°/55°C at the start of Q1. In the cooler conditions of the morning's free practice session (25°/35°C), the quickest time was set by Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) in 1:32.752. The afternoon session saw the Suzukis move to the front, while Spies finished in eighth place, behind Shinya Nakano, making his WSB debut for Aprilia, and Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox). Max Biaggi's 11th place doesn't reflect the true potential of the Italian rider as his time was set on used tires to simulate a race distance.
As well as the return of Aprilia after seven years, Friday saw the first day of true championship activity for BMW in its debut season in Superbike. The German manufacturer finished the day in 16th position with Troy Corser and in 20th with Ruben Xaus, but with the Australian just over a second off the pace of the provisional polesitter, the result is encouraging.
Friday's first qualifying session saw the top 14 riders separated by just under a second, with less than two between Smrz and Tommy Hill (Honda Althea), 21st on the provisional grid.
The first fallers of the new season were David Salom (Kawasaki Pedercini) and Ryuichi Kiyonari (Ten Kate Honda) in the morning session, with Luca Scassa (Kawasaki Pedercini), Corser and Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati) all going down in qualifying, but without any serious consequences.
The Supersport runners also got their 2009 campaign underway, with little change from the previous years as Hannspree Ten Kate Honda set the early pace. Quickest time of the day went to reigning champion Andrew Pitt, who powered to an impressive 1:34.833. The other champion within the Dutch team's ranks, Kenan Sofuoglu, was just 0.006 seconds behind.
The provisional front row is completed by Frenchman Fabien Foret on the first Yamaha, and evergreen Australian Garry McCoy, who looked impressive on his home track with the three-cylinder Triumph.
Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:32.312
2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:32.569
3. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.623
4. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1:32.673
5. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 1:32.704
6. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1:32.928
7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:32.932
8. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1:32.939
9. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1:32.971
10. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.991
11. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1:32.995
12. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098 RS 09 1:33.202
13. Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:33.206
14. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:33.224
15. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:33.317
16. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.377
123456789101112
My wife and I for what ever reason, for likely the last 6 months have argued about weather or not the 123456789101112 thing was from Sesame Street of Electric Co. I said Electric Co, she said Sesame Street. She was right again. I searched it out and found a YouTube video of it, and it is clearly Sesame Street.
Click on the image to watch and enjoy the nostalgia of it all.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ducati Island returns to Daytona
From Ducati North America
CUPERTINO, CA – Ducati North America has announced the return of Ducati Island to Daytona International Speedway; with more to see than ever before.
Building upon the success of 2008’s Ducati Island in Daytona, this year’s event will be an action packed destination for Ducatisti and race fans alike. From Monday, March 2 to Saturday, March 7 the area below the Nextel Grandstand will be the hub of Ducati activity.
At Ducati Island Ducatisti will have a chance to participate in the “Island Showdown” contest, where owners can enter their Ducati to win “Best Of” in one of six categories: Best Overall, Best SBK, Best Air Cooled, Best Vintage, Best Modified and Best Wildcard. Each winner will receive a rare Ducati Factory Yearbook, a Puma/Ducati Backpack, $50 Puma gift certificate, subscriptions to Motorcyclist and Moto-Euro magazines, a pair of the new Oakley Ducati Sunglasses and a bag of Pirelli goods. The “Best Overall” winner will receive a set of Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires for their winning bike and a copy of the desirable Pirelli Superbike Annual.
The week’s activities will culminate with the “Ducati Day Daytona” party on Friday, where all of the week’s festivities will continue with addition of a Ducati Concorso, a sound-off competition, a Hypermotard stunt show with Ernie Vigil from the hit movie “Yes Man” and XDL champion Nick Brocha, the award ceremony for the Island Showdown winners, Ducati University, Ducati fashion show, and autograph signings with AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Rider Larry Pegram and 1977 Daytona winner Cook Neilson.
For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or www.ducatiisland.com.
Kawasaki back in MotoGP
Kawasaki has announced that after constructive talks with Dorna and additional third parties, a new one-rider team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP World Championship.
The decision was made after negotiations which followed Kawasaki’s January announcement to suspend its factory supported MotoGP activities, due to the global economic downturn.
The rider for the new MotoGP team will be Italian 26-year-old Marco Melandri. The team will be equipped with Kawasaki motorcycles and supporting materials.
That Kawasaki has arrived at this new team approach is the result of both the need for a significant reduction of MotoGP racing investments and the simultaneous necessity to come to a constructive solution for all related parties.
The new team will disclose more details about its 2009 season plans shortly.
Pfeiffer wins Indoor Freestye World Championship
From BMW Motorrad Motorsport
Last Sunday, for the third time in succession, Chris Pfeiffer succeeded in taking the Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Champion title on his BMW F 800 R.
Suffering from flu, Pfeiffer was still weak as he traveled to the world championships, held as part of the Swiss motorcycle show SWISS-MOTO 2009, so that he seemed unlikely to succeed in defending his title. During the first qualification round on Saturday, he was forced to drop a number of physically challenging tricks from his routine and was only ranked third.
In much better form, the 38-year-old managed the second qualification round more successfully, winning with the best marks for the round and for the day as a whole. At the same time, he also took the lead in the overall ranking prior to Sunday’s final.
On Sunday, as the last of 16 semi-finalists, Pfeiffer entered the 50 x 15 meter action area, which had been covered with 70 tons of asphalt, ready for a perfect performance. However, two minutes into the four-minute round he fell during a “Touch-Ground-Circle”, a move he invented himself involving a one-handed sharp-angled wheelie. Nonetheless, Pfeiffer managed to complete the round and, despite losing points, still went on to the final as one of the 10 best competitors.
The final provided one of the most impressive demonstrations of Pfeiffer’s ability. Here he used his modified F 800 R to go through his entire repertoire of motorcycle tricks with the smoothness and precision of a Swiss watch. Once again achieving the best result of the day, he easily took the much sought after World Championship title for the third time in a row.
“I was very calm before the start and was really just looking forward to showing everyone what I could do," said the four-time World and European champion. "The atmosphere at SWISS-MOTO was incredible, which encouraged me to go that extra mile. When I finally turned off the engine of my F 800 R and waited for the scoring, I already knew that this would be enough. I was thrilled when I saw the judges’ confirmation. Because of the conditions under which I competed, this was definitely my toughest World Championship title, which made victory all the sweeter.”
Kanji
I amongst others in the motoblogosphere have been getting the shit spammed out of me big time. I've been deleting the comments left by this "ed" mutherfucker. Ed is using Kanji, or some other similar Asian pictogram writing to get his message across. I think he's got some nifty software working for him, or a company doing it because he is either manually wasting his time, or somehow bypassing word verification. This shit takes time! I deleted 14 comments left from him today alone!
I'd hate to have to do comment moderation. Hopefully he'll get tired of us soon. Your best weapon is to delete his comments folks! If you leave them, he wins. If you put your cursor over them, you'll see they are hyper links. I would not click on them to see where they go. They may link into VIRUSville, or he may get money for clicks, which could be his motivation.
Ed, I have one thing to say to you....
Oh, yeah, ed, In case you can't read Engrish, turn your head ed sideways, to read Go Fuck Yourself!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Daytona Bike Week - Get a Start on the Rally Season
Check out my article, Daytona, for details.
Here in the frigid Northeast, I hear plenty of people talking about going to Daytona. Some are riding down with friends. Riding sometimes means riding in a car and towing a trailer with the bike on it. After all, the 1500 miles down with uncertain weather conditions has left many a rider stranded in a snow storm or Nor'easter. After that happens to you once, you tend to be a little more cautious the next time you go.
Maybe you want to skip Daytona and concentrate on planning to go to some smaller rallies this year. Be sure to read my article, Motorcycle Rallies, where I discuss rallies and give you information about the top rallies that I like. Of course, your views may be different -- this is Motorcycle Views after all.
I just got my registration information for the Americade Motorcycle Rally. That one is my favorite and I've gone every year since 1994.
It can get expensive going to lots of rallies, especially if you're taking two bikes. Double gas, double tolls. You just have to pick and choose what appeals to you most in these uncertain economic times. Motorcycle rallies are a lot of fun. If you've never attended a rally, you owe it to yourself to go. You just might find a rally or two that you'll want to go to every year, just like I go to Americade, regardless of the weather.
Cancel your credit card before you die
I tried to Snopes this to check it's validity, and they found nothing, so if not true, still funny as a joke.
Now some people are really stupid!!!!
Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die.
This is so priceless, and so, so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.
A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.
Here is the exchange :
Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'
Citibank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'
Citibank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'
Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'
Citibank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'
Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'
Citibank: 'Excuse me?'
Family Member: 'Did you j ust get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'
Citibank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'
Supervisor gets on the phone:
Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'
Citibank: 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'
Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'
Citibank: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'
Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Law yer info was given)
Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'
Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )
After they get the fax :
Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'
Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'
Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges will still apply.'
(What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address?'
Citibank: 'That might help...'
Family Member: ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'
Citibank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'
Family Member: 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???'
(Priceless!!)
You wondered why Citi is going broke and need the feds to bail them out!!
World Superbike ready for lift-off
From worldsbk.com
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - The 22nd edition of the FIM Superbike World Championship gets underway this weekend at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia. Expectation is already at fever pitch over the start of this season, the first for many years without Troy Bayliss, one of the legendary names in Superbike history, who retired at the end of 2008 after winning his third world title in the production-based championship racing series.
The 2009 edition of the championship will see a record seven manufacturers present on the grid (Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha). The result perfectly demonstrates the impressive growth of the category, which this year has also added quantity to quality, with a record number of 32 permanent riders in the 14 rounds that make up the 2009 calendar.
It is difficult to find a clear favourite in this year’s championship, both amongst men and machines, and in particular after the various pre-season test sessions. Almost every manufacturer has at least one candidate for the title within their ranks.
Ducati Xerox go aces high with top signing Noriyuki Haga flanking talented youngster Michel Fabrizio, who is called upon to make a quantum leap in quality this season. Yamaha World Superbike have totally revamped their squad with the arrival of the Anglo-American pairing of three-time AMA Superbike champion Ben Spies and Britain’s Tom Sykes. All eyes are focused on the Texan, one of the most interesting names to emerge in the last few years. Hannspree Ten Kate Honda again have a three-pronged attack, with Carlos Checa as the focal point and Ryuichi Kyonari and Jonathan Rea on the wings, both capable of extraordinary feats. Suzuki Alstare have decided to go with the German flow of Max Neukirchner, last year’s revelation, together with the reconfirmed Yukio Kagayama. The Kawasaki World Superbike Racing Team pairing of MotoGP and SBK race winner Makoto Tamada and Australian Broc Parkes also looks an interesting one as the Japanese manufacturer has decided to boost its investment in SBK.
The 2009 season also marks the return of Aprilia and the entry of BMW, both global brands that add more prestige to Superbike. The Italian marque shows that it means business right from the start, with the signing of two top riders of the calibre of Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano, while the same can also be said for the German company, who have snapped up double world champion Troy Corser and multiple race winner Ruben Xaus.
The 22nd running of the championship will also see some important changes from a regulation point of view. Out goes the old ‘one-lap dash’ Superpole, in comes a knock-out formula for the top 20 qualifiers, from 20 to 16, then 16 to eight, who will fight it out for the first two rows of the grid. Superbike has also decided to introduce a ‘flag to flag’ procedure, with a change of bikes and full running in case of rain.
Phillip Island will see the opening round of the Supersport World Championship. The team to beat is Ten Kate Honda, who has won the last seven editions of the series. Candidates for the win this year are reigning champion Andrew Pitt and team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu, who picked up the trophy in 2007. Honda’s traditional rival Yamaha has a strong pairing in Cal Crutchlow and Fabien Foret, but major surprises could come from the young Spanish rider Joan Lascorz on the Kawasaki, Dutchman Barry Veneman with the Suzuki and the experienced Triumph pair of Garry McCoy and Gianluca Nannelli.
The Phillip Island circuit is one of the most spectacular tracks on the racing calendar. It offers a superb mix of fast and slow corners, which blend together to produce a very high average lap speed of almost 175 km/h. It measures 4.445km and has a total of 12 corners, seven left- and five right-handers. Turn 11 is one corner that makes all the difference, the long fast left-hander allowing riders to lay the bike in while still hard on the throttle and head for the line at over 300 km/h for a sprint finish.
No more surgery for Stoner, Suppo says
His Australian rider left frustrated by a lack of comfort in his left wrist at the recent Sepang test, Ducati MotoGP project manager Livio Suppo has dismissed any speculation that Casey Stoner will be undertaking any further operations on the troublesome appendage.
Speaking on Monday, Suppo based his opinion on fact, namely the information given to his charge by the surgeons who operated on Stoner’s scaphoid last November.
“Nobody has spoken about another operation," the Italian said. "The doctors said that the surgery went okay, so now it’s a question of doing exercises to increase mobility in his wrist. “Everything should be under control. In Sepang he was able to ride the bike, like the doctors said, and he was unbelievably fast.”
Weakness and pain under braking, in addition to a lack of endurance, were cited by Stoner as a cause for "disappointment" in Malaysia. Concern over his condition was tempered by his recording the fastest time of the test, smashing last year’s pole position lap. This provided convincing proof that the former World Champion is still up to the task of riding the Desmosedici GP9.
“He will have to work hard on his wrist. It won’t be easy for him, but he has the character to do it. We have to wait and see what happens in Qatar; hopefully the circuit is less physically demanding for the riders and better for him than Sepang,” emphasized Suppo, who also paid tribute to the work done by Stoner’s new teammate Nicky Hayden at the first test of 2009.
“Nicky wasn’t as fast as Casey in Sepang, but you have to remember that Casey joined us in 2006. Sepang is a special circuit, and Nicky was as fast as Casey in T1 and T2. I spoke to him after the test, and I really believe that he has a great attitude to us working together.”
Stoner and Hayden will be back in action at the Qatar night test in Losail, which begins Sunday.
Pirelli announces GNCC contingency
From Pirelli North America
ROME, GA – With the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Racing season opener looming on Feb. 28-March 3, Pirelli Tire has announced its contingency program for the 2009 championship and its riders.
Serving as a GNCC tire sponsor for 2009, Pirelli will post $79,690 (US) in contingency rewards. Additionally, Pirelli is proud to introduce the all new Pirelli Bucks card. These cards will hold specific values that can be redeemed through the “Official GNCC Trackside Vendor” Gear Racewear. Riders interested in the new Pirelli Bucks card must sign up at the Pirelli truck. All elements of the 2009 Pirelli Contingency will be posted on www.gnccracing.com <http://www.gnccracing.com/>.
As an added bonus to all Pirelli-backed GNCC competitors, the state-of-the-art Pirelli Race Semi will be on hand in River Ranch, FL for the premiere Parts Unlimited River Ranch event, offering support to all of its riders. To help out with the cost of racing Pirelli will offer free tire mounting for any rider using Pirelli Scorpion tires during the 2009 season.
We're not all Hells Angels!
Bennetts the UK's number one for bike insurance* has revealed from research released today that Britain's typical motorcyclist is 40 something, middle-class, professional family man, rather than the traditional stereotype of bikers being free-spirited Hell’s Angels!!
The full questionaire results are below and they reveal some interesting facts.
Questionnaire Results
Name: Ben
Sex: Male (96.8%)
Age: 41- 50 (31.6%)
Hair Colour: Brown (66.2%)
Glasses: No (62.3%)
Additional features: Tattoos (53.3%) and Beard (32.6%)
Height: 6ft (33.3%)
Occupation: Professional (29.0%)
Motorbike: Honda (30.1%)
How often do you ride: Twice a week (42.8%)
Do you use the bike to commute to work: Yes (54.9%)
Average annual mileage: 5,001 – 10,000 (43.0%)
Favourite genre of music: Rock/Heavy Metal (48.8%)
How long have you been riding: 1-3 years (22.9%)
How many motorbikes have you owned: 6 (47.9%)
Do you own a car: Yes (80.0%)
Favourite sport: Superbikes (52.8%)
Annual income: £20,000 – 39,999 (44.4%)
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Lead rules may cost up to $1 billion
From the Motorcycle Industry Council
IRVINE, CA – The new lead rules that have banned the sales of many youth all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles could lead to $1 billion in lost economic value annually for the industry, predicts the Motorcycle Industry Council in the US.
The projected loss is based on 2008-estimated value of the retail marketplace for ATVs and off-highway motorcycles and factors out vehicles and related economic value not included as part of the ban. MIC projects that the estimated value of the retail marketplace related to all youth ATVs and off-highway motorcycles exceeds $1.5 billion, but the ban applies only to products that are intended primarily for youth aged 12 and under. Powersports companies have stopped selling affected youth products with lead content in excess of the limits identified in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that went into force Feb. 10.
“The potential losses for the powersports industry are massive at a time when this country cannot afford additional economic losses,” said Paul Vitrano, general counsel for MIC and SVIA. “With these vehicles sitting in warehouses instead of on showroom floors, the related sales of most protective gear, accessories, and parts and services are virtually non-existent. Thousands of small businesses across America are impacted by this ban.”
Dealers from every corner of the country and other concerned individuals have sent more than 100,000 letters to the US Congress urging support for exclusions from the act for powersports vehicles, parts and accessories. MIC and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America have spearheaded the massive letter-writing campaign, along with Rep. Tom Self of Missouri, the American Motorcyclist Association, The BlueRibbon Coalition and Americans for Responsible Recreational Access.
Those calling for the exclusions believe that the lead-content provisions of the act, which originally were aimed at toys that can be mouthed by children, were never intended to apply to youth ATVs and motorcycles. Most of the components making up youth powersports products are in compliance. But some parts, that youth would not ingest, unavoidably contain small quantities of lead in excess of the CPSIA limits, such as the valve stems on the tires, aluminum in some brake components, and the terminals on the batteries.
Crozier Motorsports ready for double duty
From Crozier Motorsports
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- On March 6, Mark Crozier and Crozier Motorsports will be ready to thunder their way to a top finish in both the SunTrust MOTO-GT Series and the Daytona SportBike Series at Daytona International Speedway.
"We are all really excited about this first race of the season," said Crozier who has joined forces with Augusta Triumph/Ducati of Augusta, GA. "Not only is the Daytona 200 the most prestigious race of the year, but this will mark the debut of the new AMA Pro Road Racing Series and it will be the first time that that the SportBike race has been run under the lights. It is definitely going to be spectacular."
Extremely familiar with the famed Daytona long course, Crozier competed in the 2007 SunTrust MOTO-ST series (now MOTO-GT) and took home second overall.
Looking to score the win in the SunTrust MOTO-GT Series, Crozier will team with Phil Caudill of Sugar Grove, PA.
"I've know Phil for a number of years," said Crozier. "In fact, he has sponsored me for quite some time. He is an excellent racer, extremely professional and well-versed in what it takes to win. He definitely brings a lot to the team and I think his skill will serve to increase our chances of winning."
Born in Ohio and raised in Pennsylvania, Caudill, who owns MotoHeaven.com, has been racing for 19 years. A staunch competitor, he has earned numerous victories and championships, including a WERA Endurance title.
Running a Triumph Daytona 675, the combination of Crozier Motorsports and Augusta Triumph/Ducati makes this a team to watch at the upcoming Daytona 200.
Crozier Motorsports is sponsored by Augusta Triumph/Ducati, MotoHeaven.com, XES, Puma, Arai Helmets, Held Gloves, HEL Brake Lines, Motion Pro, Lockhart Phillips, Roaring Toyz, EBC Brakes, EK Chain, Yoyodyne, Spikes Custom Paint, Dynojet, Thrust, GBR Racing, Woodcraft and Armour Bodies.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Crack in the windshield
Driving down the road, out of the blue a very large crack appears in the windshield. I try to look left, I try to look right, either way, that damned crack was still in my vision.
.
Can you even put words into an explanation for this???
Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2009 NINJA ZX-10R Motorcycles for Oil Leak Defect
Kawasaki is recalling model year 2009 NINJA ZX10R (ZX1000E9F/E9FA/E9FAL) motorcycles. The timing inspection caps on the starter clutch cover may come loose due to improper tightening and fall out, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire.
The number of units has not been specified.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2008-2009 KL650E for Wire Shorting Problem
Kawasaki is recalling model year 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. Wires in the wiring harness might be damaged due to rubbing contact with a portion of the motorcycle frame.
The number of units has not been specified.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2008-2009 KL650E for Loose Muffler Bolts
Kawasaki is recalling model year 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. The muffler assembly is secured to the frame of the motorcycle by two bolts. It is possible that heat expansion cycles of the muffler, combined with vibration from vehicle operation may cause loosening of the muffler mounting bolts.
16,500 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
SOAR schedule taking shape
By John Hopkins
The new SOAR road racing orgainzation has confirmed an open practice day for April 26 at its home track of Toronto Motorsports Park. The group will also be conducting a marshals school on that day.
Further details of its 2009 race program are taking shape as well. Stunters Inc. has been hired to put on a stunt show at the Motorcycle Mayhem weekend in July and the June endurance race is expected to be a pre-entry event only, with the field limited to 30 teams.
And Lindsay Thomson has been signed as the "voice of SOAR" for 2009. He will handle announcing duties through the season.
Quantz and Watt split ice wins
Calgary racers Greg Quantz and Brian Watt split the wins in the second round of the CMA National Ice Race Series in Gull Lake Feb. 15.
Quantz took his second straight victory in the Expert 600 class, beating fellow Yamaha rider Watt and the Husaberg of Airdire, AB's Monty Brown, respectively. The podium was identical to round one of the series, leaving Quantz with a six-point lead over Watt in the standings, 30-24, and Brown third on 20.
In Expert 250 Watt beat Quantz to the win, with Ryan Middleton, also from Calgary, third on a Kawasaki. Watt and Quantz are now tied for the class points lead with 27 each.
Mitch Hlushak of Spruce Grove, AB took his second straight Intermediate 600 victory at Gull Lake, riding his Yamaha to the win ahead of the Husaberg of Airdrie's Mitchell Brown. Yvo Schmucki of Red Deer placed third on a KTM. Hlushak leads Mitchell Brown 30-24 in the class standings.
The positions were reversed in Intermediate 250, with Mitchell Brown, now on a Yamaha, topping Hlushak, with Schmucki again third. Brown and Hlushak are tied for the class points lead.
Riley Stormoen of Water Valley, AB won both the Novice 600 (on a Yamaha) and Novice 250 (aboard a KTM) features in Gull Lake and leads both classes after two rounds.
Red Deer's Trent Hlushak rode his Yamaha to a second straight win in Youth 85cc, Laurie Anne Benko of Innisfail, AB also repeated in the Women's class with her Husaberg, as did Airdrie's Monty Brown in Veteran, also on a Husaberg.
In the ATV classes, Calgary's Charles Wakelin took a second straight win in Expert Over, Mitch Hlushak did likewise in Expert Under and Calgary's Bill Mackie also repeated in Novice Over. All were aboard Yamahas.
The blue tide was interrupted by Sheldon Chick of Erskine, AB, who won ATV Novice Under for Honda. Runner-up Jamie Cayer of Dewinton, AB still leads the class standings on a Yamaha, however.
Alex and Rita Baumann of Thorsby, AB won the Sidecar Traditional event on their Honda and moved into the class points lead. Matt and Scott Coonfer of Chestermere, AB claimed their second straight win of the season in Sidecar Modified, also on a Honda.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Modifikasi Velg dan Ban LowRider
KTM - Cycle Works team wins Numb Bum
SANDY BEACH, AB - The famous Numb Bum 24 hour Ice Race, sanctioned by the Alberta Endurance Ice Racing Association (AEIRA) was held in Sandy Beach, AB on Feb. 14-15.
A total of 42 teams entered the competition that started at noon on Saturday and ended at the same time Sunday.
The 14km track was rough during the first couple hours due to the frozen slush caused by the previous week's cool temperatures but as it got colder the track got perfect.
KTM Canada – Cycle Works Team 35 riders Patrick Beaulé, Todd Lindahl and Joe Pruden rode very well, fast and they were extremely consistent during the whole 24 hours. They were able to take the lead by the eighth hour and they kept it until the end. They had some great battles with other teams up to the 14th hour. After that they started to gain some time on the second place team and crossed the finish line in first place with about a seven-lap margin of victory.
Triumph taking deposits for Thunderbird
From Triumph North America
ATLANTA, GA – The new Triumph Thunderbird is scheduled to arrive in North America in late June, nearly two months ahead of schedule, and Triumph North America is now processing deposits for the first wave of Thunderbirds that will hit the shores.
The Triumph Thunderbird has been designed from the ground up to feature an innovative 1,600cc parallel twin engine, six-speed transmission and 200mm rear tire. The new bike’s namesake first landed on North American shores in 1946 and received rave reviews from motorcyclists for its styling, agility and speed and later appeared alongside Marlon Brando in the blockbuster movie “The Wild One.” The new Thunderbird is a radical departure from its ancestor, but promises to live up to its legacy.
To reserve a new Thunderbird, customers should visit their local Triumph dealer to place a deposit, complete a Reservation Form and have their dealer fax it to Triumph North America. Once the form has been received, Triumph will assign the reservation to the next delivery slot and send a confirmation email to both the customer and the dealer. The email will confirm receipt of the reservation and will indicate the expected month of delivery. As shipments are received from the factory, motorcycles will be sent to the dealers for customers in the order that the reservations were received. The special order program will run until July 1, 2009.
Triumph is air-freighting four prototype Thunderbirds to Daytona Bike Week for display at the Triumph Demo Truck, which will be located at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Bike Week is scheduled to take place from Feb. 27 to March 8.
“The initial reaction to the Thunderbird has been fantastic,” said Mark Kennedy, CEO of Triumph North America. “We have received countless positive comments from motorcyclists who are ready for a big twin with Triumph’s distinctive parallel twin engine. We think customers will be pleasantly surprised when they see the bike in person.”
The Thunderbird also will be easily customized to meet each rider’s own styling tastes and riding preferences with a long list of Genuine Triumph Accessories that include a long haul touring seat, windshield, passenger back rest, luggage rack and leather saddle bags.
To find your local Triumph dealer, please visit www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.
SPEEDCOM joins AMA Pro road racing
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Road Racing and SPEEDCOM Communications have announced that the leading motorsports radio communications company has been named the "Official Communications Partner" of AMA Pro Road Racing.
Radio communication will be introduced to AMA Pro Road Racing for the first time in 2009 and SPEEDCOM offers a full line of radio systems and support for competitors interested in taking advantage of rider-to-crew communication this racing season.
"Road racing communications has been at the center of our business for more than a dozen years and we look forward to introducing our proven products to AMA Pro Road Racing," said SPEEDCOM Chief Executive Officer Toto Lassally, who runs the company from a Daytona Beach facility that is near AMA Pro's headquarters. "In sports car road racing, radio technology has developed from what used to be considered an optional accessory to essential equipment for all teams, and we believe these benefits will soon be realized by the AMA Pro Road Racing competitors."
Established in 1996, SPEEDCOM is the world leader in motorsports radio and communications systems and also offers a related line of high-performance products and accessories for companies and competitors in all facets of the motorsports industry. Although not mandatory in AMA Pro Road Racing competition, teams and riders are encouraged to take advantage of rider-to-crew radio communication.
With headquarters in the heart of the "World Center of Racing" in Daytona Beach, and in the European gateway city of Barcelona, Spain, SPEEDCOM products and technology are distributed globally throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, France and New Zealand.
Rea quickest at Phillip Island...maybe
A mystery surrounds the times recorded at the Phillip Island World Superbike tests over the weekend.
A variety of sources present at the Island put Michel Fabrizio down as overall quickest on Sunday afternoon with a time of 1 minute 32.19 seconds for the Ducati Xerox Team. But Hannspree Ten Kate Honda's talented youngster Jonathan Rea claimed to have gone even better by setting a sensational time of 1:31.8, which would equal the circuit's official record for World Superbike, set by Troy Corser (Yamaha) in 2007.
With the tests being private, and as a result with no official timekeeping service available, discrepancies can occur in these particular cases as timing is always down to individual teams.
"Well, according to some websites, I crashed today and was like seventh quickest. I'm happy to report, however, that I didn't crash and did a 1:31.8 lap which we think was the fastest today," declared Rea in a Ten Kate Honda release.
Whatever the result, Northern Ireland's Rea is certainly setting World Superbike alight and promises to be one of the top contenders this year, as the atmosphere hots up for the opening round of the season back at the Australian circuit this coming weekend.
"What matters is that we were able to find a setting that allows some tire life at the end of the race and that I'm getting to grips with the traction control," Rea continued. "We did two full race simulations today and the bike felt great. We know what we have to do next weekend but I'm really excited at the potential we've shown here."
Fabrizio powered his Ducati 1098R to a time just three-tenths away from the Australian circuit's outright record and four-tenths of a second quicker than Troy Bayliss's 2008 fastest race lap. The Italian twin-cylinder machine also went well in the hands of Noriyuki Haga, who ended the day with a time of 1:32.30. After his lap, Haga then fell at the same Turn 2 where he also crashed on Saturday.
Yamaha's new signing Ben Spies made a big step forward, the Texan setting an excellent time of 1:32.36 on a track he experienced for the first time.
Suzuki Alstare took one step backwards, with Saturday's pacesetter Max Neukirchner unable to go any quicker than 1:33.03, while teammate Yukio Kagayama was four-tenths slower than his previous day's pace. The Suzukis were struggling with rapid tire wear and the team engineers had to concentrate on set-up to try and resolve the problem in view of next Sunday's two 22-lap races.
BMW managed to dip below the 1:33 mark, Troy Corser setting a respectable time of 1:32.93 before being forced to stop due to a not uncommon occurrence at this circuit, a collision with a seagull. The Australian suffered a nasty blow on his right arm, which kept him out of action for the afternoon session.
Earlier on in the week Max Biaggi had lapped in 1:32.59 on his Aprilia RSV4. The Italian machine, which is the other major new entry in 2009 together with BMW, could be on the pace right away come next weekend.
Carlos Checa (Honda Ten Kate) had to miss the final day of testing after suffering a concussion in his crash at the hairpin on Saturday.
Sunday also saw a crash for Tom Sykes (Yamaha), but he will be at full strength for Friday's opening practice sessions.
In Supersport the quickest time was set by 2007 champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Honda) ahead of Garry McCoy with the increasingly competitive three-cylinder Triumph 675. The Australian also crashed out Sunday, but without problems.
Pirelli assigns Orion northwest region
From Pirelli North America
ROME, GA -- Continuing the reorganization of its road racing vendors, Pirelli has announced that Orion Motorsports has been named to oversee the Northwest Region of the United States.
Orion Motorsports is the tire service provider for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and the Midwest United States. Shortly a sub-vendor will be announced by Orion Motorsports that will be dedicated to servicing the states of Oregon and Washington, and the tracks: Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR; Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA; and Oregon Raceway Park, Grass Valley, OR.
Any questions about Pirelli race-tire service in this region should be directed to Kevin Graham, owner of Orion Motorsports: www.orionmotorsports.ca <http://www.orionmotorsports.ca/>. A forum is also in place for Pirelli racers to share information: www.diabloracer.com <http://www.diabloracer.com/>.
Young to join USGPRU series
Last year's CAN-AM PRO GP125 Champion and RACE Canadian Regional PRO GP125 Champion Ben Young will compete in the USGPRU (United States Grand Prix Race Union) GP125 Championship with RAT Racing.
Nova Scotia-based RAT Racing scooped up the 15-year-old Young after he received the sad news that the 2009 AMA Red Bull Rookies, to which he was accepted, was being pulled from the calendar. Young was chosen to be a Rookie after he proved his racing skills in front of Kevin Schwantz and the Red Bull officials at testing held at Barbar Motorsport Park, Alabama, last autumn.
Angus Borland, RAT Racing team manager and owner, has given Young the opportunity to become a major contender for the USGPRU championship. RAT Racing is providing Young with a KRP race prepared Honda RS125, which is being built and flown in specially from the UK by KRP Racing owner Mark Keen. The bike will be prepared and maintained by Ian Brookman, a former KRP mechanic who was also from the UK and now resides in New Jersey.
Young, from Collingwood, ON, completed his rookie USGPRU year in 2008. He finished fifth in the Eastern GP125 Championship and 10th in the National GP125 Championship on his near standard 2006 Honda RS125. He was visiting each circuit for the first time, having just moved from Scotland in 2007.
“I am delighted I am going to be a part of the very successful RAT team this year and competing in the USGPRU," Young said. "I am looking forward to getting back to the racing; it’s a long cold winter here in Canada.
"The other RAT racers, Adam Roberts and Angus, the owner, both race 250’s. I will be the only 125 rider. Adam won the USGPRU Eastern and National GP250 Championship last year for RAT.
"It will be great to work with Brooky (Brookman) again. I had the opportunity to race with KRP at Croft, England in September '08 at the British GP125 Championship and we got on excellently. I can’t wait.”
When the schedule allows, Young will also compete in the RACE Canadian Regional PRO GP125 Championship and the CAN-AM PRO GP125 Championship held at Shannonville Motorsport Park.
Young’s first outing on RAT’s KRP Honda will be at round 1 of USGPRU held at Jennings GP, Florida on April 4-5.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Bobber
Go ahead and try it. It's really cool and really easy. Besides, while you are at it, you can enter to win a Perewitz chopper! Just click on the picture to go directly to the site.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Joe
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Joe on his Silver Wing Scooter. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
Gibernau sidelined by shoulder injury
Veteran rider Sete Gibernau, who returns to MotoGP this year with new satellite Ducati outfit Guinea Ecuatorial Team, has suffered a preseason blow with the news that he has aggravated an old shoulder injury - requiring a visit to the Institut Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona on Thursday.
The accumulation of physical exertion at the recent MotoGP tests in Malaysia and his demanding training programme has caused a slight ligament tear in his left shoulder that will require a period of complete rest.
Keen to avoid any major complications before his return to premier-class racing in a little over a month’s time, Gibernau and his team have agreed to cancel their participation in the upcoming Qatar test session as he turns his focus to a swift and full recovery.
Utah track founder dies at 64
From Miller Motorsports Park
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Larry H. Miller, husband, father, grandfather, a well-known entrepreneur, community advocate and humanitarian, died from complications due to type 2 diabetes Friday, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 64.
Miller, a man who truly loved Utah, its people and its land, was born in Salt Lake City in 1944. From modest beginnings, he grew up in the Capitol Hill area and went on to become one of Utah’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies began with the Larry H. Miller Toyota store in Murray, UT on May 1, 1979. Through the years, Miller amassed more than 80 businesses and properties in the western United States. Most notable are the Utah Jazz, EnergySolutions Arena, the Salt Lake Bees, Miller Motorsports Park, Megaplex Theatres, and 39 automobile dealerships spanning the Rocky Mountain West. Miller also developed vast real estate holdings including commercial and agricultural properties.
A dynamic entrepreneur and business leader, Miller also became known for his charitable efforts. Miller coined the phrase “Go about doing good until there is too much good in the world.”
Miller and his wife Gail provide close to 300 college scholarships each year. Larry H. Miller Charities, a foundation funded by monthly contributions from his businesses, fundraising events in the community, and personal donations from employees, has donated millions of dollars to communities in which Miller does business.
“Larry and Gail have always stressed the importance of giving back to the communities in which we do business. Our customers have supported us and it is important that we show our appreciation by helping those in need,” said Greg Miller, eldest son and CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. “Larry felt that his legacy isn’t in business as much as it was in creating opportunities for good jobs and higher education.”
Friday, February 20, 2009
New Sport Bike rules for national series
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON – The Parts Canada Superbike Championship has announced major changes to the rules for its Sport Bike support divisions, opening the door for a range of new machinery to participate in the two classes.
Starting with the 2009 season, twin cylinder motorcycles from Buell and BMW will be allowed to compete in the Sport Bike classes, running to separate weight and horsepower limitations than their 600cc four cylinder opposition.
“Buell and BMW have both been great supporters of the national series and we think their presence in the Sport Bike classes will add excitement to two of the most competitive divisions on the tour,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which organizes the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.
In the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike division, the twins must weigh at least 400 pounds and may deliver no more than 140 horsepower on the official series Dynojet Dyno. Minimum weight for 600cc fours is 350 pounds and maximum horsepower is 125.
In the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike category minimum weight is also 400 pounds for the twins while maximum horsepower is 135 hp, as opposed to limits of 350 pounds and 118 hp.
Twins of 750cc and under and Triumph’s 675 triple were already eligible for the Sport Bike classes.
The word “600” has been dropped from both class names to reflect these changes.
The Sport Bike rule changes have been made in conjunction with the termination of the Canadian Thunder and Sport Twins classes. A division specifically for twin cylinder motorcycles was launched in 2005 and its champions included Darren James for Buell/Harley-Davidson, who won the title twice, former Canadian Superbike champion Michael Taylor with BMW and Italian Valter Bartolini, who won last year for Ducati.
There are no plans to restart the class in the future.
“We were happy with the division’s competition and the variety of machinery and riders it introduced to the national tour,” Fraser said. “But sponsors have refocused their resources and we thought it would be prudent to make some changes to our Sport Bike classes to keep Buell and BMW involved in the series.”
Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada launched a national Superbike program last year with its Buell 1125R twin cylinder Superbike, anchored by six-time Canadian Superbike champion Steve Crevier. BMW Motorrad Canada has signed two-time Canadian Superbike champ Francis Martin to its 2009 line-up and hopes to join the Superbike ranks in 2010 with its S 1000 RR, which makes its World Superbike Championship debut in 2009.
Gnats Ass
This reminded me of all of the different things we say for terms of measurement.
Just how big of a distance is a gnats ass anyway?
Maybe it's only about 6".
Maybe It's about 1 foot.
Maybe even a foot and a half
Or two feet even!
Nah, I think it's closer measured in.....
Motorcycle Experience 2 this Saturday
From Whistlestop Productions
Motorcycle Experience Episode 2 will air this Saturday morning on TSN and TSN HD at 11:30am Eastern.
During the 2nd show of the 2009 season host Dave Hatch chats with a former World Enduro Champion when he pays a visit to a Shane Watts Dirt Wise off road riding clinic in Pontypool, ON.
Former national 600 Sport Bike Champion Clint McBain discusses obstacle avoidance in blind corners, Yamaha’s Bryan Hudgin looks at who’s “going green” during this week's “Scooter Sense” installment, guest rider Dave Fox will sample BMW’s new twin cylinder, middleweight runner, the F650GS, and Dave and Norm Wells ride out to Victorville during their ultimate ride in sunny southern California.
Repeat air times for this episode are Monday, Feb. 23 at 1:30am, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 3:00pm and Tuesday, Match 3 at 4:30am. All times are Eastern.
For more info visit www.motorcycleexperience.ca.
Ducati launches Montreal store
MONTREAL, QC -- Ducati North America launched its first Canadian showroom completed by its new retail design program in Montreal on Thursday. The newly-designed space is located in the heart of Montreal’s Little Italy, at 6816 Boulevard St-Laurent.Montreal is the fourth Ducati “destination dealership” in North America. Others have been opened in Southern California, New Orleans and New York.
After months of preparation and collaboration with Ducati North America, Alain Trottier, President of Monette Sports, and his Director Christian Touchais are realizing their dream of bringing Ducati to Montreal.
“We’ve been looking for the perfect Montreal location for Ducati for a long time,” Trottier said, “and we finally found it in Little Italy. At our Laval location, where we’ve been for nearly 35 years, we are also making significant investments in the Ducati line. Of course, we’ll still be selling and servicing motorcycles in Laval, but, with this new moto-boutique, we’ll now have a foot in Montreal and access to a much larger clientele.”
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dash around Daytona ready to roll
From Daytona International Speedway
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – It’s the ride of a lifetime – two laps around the historic Daytona International Speedway road course.
On Thursday night, March 5, bike enthusiasts will get that chance in the third annual Spring Dash Around At Daytona.
This one-of-a-kind package includes a Spring Dash T-Shirt, two parade laps around the track, an After Party in the Sprint FANZONE with live entertainment, two beverage tickets and the opportunity to watch Daytona 200 By Honda qualifying.
Tickets are only $40 (U.S.) and a companion ticket is available for $20. Tickets can be purchased at the Budweiser Cool Your Pipes Zone outside of Turn 4 on Friday, Feb. 27 – March 5, 9am–6pm and are also available on www.kickstandcity.com <http://www.kickstandcity.com/>
A portion of the proceeds from Spring Dash Around Daytona will benefit the VFW National Military Assistance Programs.
Matechuk takes Indoor title
Cochrane, AB's Cody Matechuk swept to the Open class title in the CMA National Indoor Mini Road Racing Championship, which was held in conjunction with the motorcycle shows in Calgary and Edmonton last month.
The Suzuki rider took the win in both the Calgary round on Jan. 11 and the Edmonton event a week later to end the season with a perfect 30 points. Darrell Macrae and JR Macrae, both of Calgary, finished tied for second with 22 points after trading the remaining podium spots in the two events. Darrell Macrae rode a Yamaha and JR Macrae was Suzuki mounted.
Two-time Canadian Superbike champion Don Munroe, originally from Nova Scotia but now living in Calgary, wound up in a tie for sixth in the Open class thanks to a pair of eighth place finishes on his Yamaha.
Calgary's Lexi Pechout took the Women's title thanks to a victory in the Edmonton finale. She finished the season two points clear of another Calgary rider, Heather Wall. Wall won the opening round.
Teren Gerber of Coronation, AB was the 7-10 class champion riding a Yamaha, thanks to a win in Calgary and a second in Edmonton. Honda racer Riley Wells of Calgary took second in the standings thanks to a win in Edmonton.
Ducati AMA Superbike team for Pegram
From Ducati North America
CUPERTINO, CA - Ducati North America has announced the brand’s return to Superbike racing as Team Foremost Pegram will contest the 2009 AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Championship on a Ducati 1098 R.
Team Foremost Pegram will be a single rider squad competing with accomplished racer Larry Pegram. The 1098 R is Ducati’s flagship Superbike, and a derivative of the 2008 World Superbike Champion Ducati F08. The season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on March 5, where the latest generation of Ducati Superbike will take to the famous banking for the first time.
“The Ducati brand is synonymous with Superbike racing and we are thrilled to once again be fielding a team in the United States - the largest sportbike market in the world. The current environment for raising sponsorship funds is difficult and we are pleased that Foremost Insurance’s increased sponsorship has made fielding this year’s team possible,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America.
Title sponsor Foremost Insurance supported Team Pegram in the 2008 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship with the Ducati 848. This year’s move to the premier racing class is a natural fit for both Ducati and Foremost.
“I am excited to be on a Ducati Superbike for the 2009 season," said Pegram. “Foremost has stepped up their sponsorship and we are off to a great start. After the test in Fontana I can say this is the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I’m really looking forward to a great race in Daytona.”
“This year we will utilize the team for programs off the race track as well as in competition, and our racing efforts are solely focused on the Superbike team. Therefore, we reallocated resources from other programs including our local contingency program, which is suspended for 2009,” commented Jim Viola, Ducati Marketing Director.
Testing continues with Moto2 machine
Barcelona-based World Championship team Blusens BQR has undertaken two days of testing with its Honda Moto2 machine at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo, as it builds momentum with the fledgling project.
Following a recent first test with the bike at the Castellolí Motor Park circuit (Barcelona) the team’s Spanish national championship (CEV) rider Dani Rivas stepped up the development programme with the machine at the Valencia track on Monday and Tuesday.
Working on various aspects of the bike Rivas found a regular high 1:37 and low 1:38 rhythm, with his best time registered as 1:36.85, close to CEV Supersport pace.
Blusens BQR staff were highly satisfied with the work undertaken, with no technical faults or on-track incidents hindering their development schedule and with plenty of data collected over the two days.
“I’m happy with how things went and pleasantly surprised by how well the bike responded, as it appeared to be faster than Supersport machinery and more aggressive," Rivas said. "The brakes are superb and you can brake harder and later. Given that and the fact that it is so light means it is great on corners.”
The next Blusens BQR test with the Honda Moto2 machine is due to take place in the middle of March.
MotoGP introduces cost cutting measures
Electronic systems will be partially limited in MotoGP and Friday morning practices removed from Grand Prix schedules as of the 2009 season following a GP Commission meeting in Geneva on Wednesday.
At the headquarters of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme in Geneva, Switzerland, in the presence of FIM president Vito Ippolito, the Grand Prix Commission ratified proposals put forward and agreed on unanimously by the MSMA in meetings held earlier this year in Japan and Malaysia.
The amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations address issues raised over the cost of competing in the championship with regards to the 2009 MotoGP season and beyond.
As of the 2009 season Friday morning free practice sessions for all classes have been removed from the Grand Prix schedules and all MotoGP practice sessions (including qualifying) have been reduced to 45 minutes in length.
Electronic and hydraulic launch control systems and electronic suspension systems have been banned.
Furthermore, in the eight 2009 MotoGP World Championship races which follow the summer break, commencing with the Aug. 14-16 trip to the Czech track of Brno, each MotoGP rider will be restricted to the use of a maximum of five engines until the end of the season.
“We have made some important decisions today to reduce the costs involved in Grand Prix racing and we were all in agreement about the changes," Ippolito said. "Our organizers Dorna, our manufacturers and our teams all helped make the decisions.
“The important reduction in the amount of practice sessions and the reduction in length of practice sessions will significantly reduce costs, as will the banning of certain launch control systems and the reduction in the amount of engines that can be used later in the year.
“These are the final decisions relating to this year and we believe they will help everybody. They are the first steps taken with a view to the future and we will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss further reducing costs in 2010.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna, commented, “These decisions for 2009 will help to make participation in the World Championship more affordable and we will now look ahead to 2010 as well. This is an important day for the MotoGP World Championship which will now be both cheaper and more exciting.”
