From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - This weekend's premier AMA Pro Road Racing events at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will be the first races to air on SPEED in a new, same-weekend programming format that was announced last month. SPEED's decision to return to same-day or same-weekend coverage of AMA Pro Road Racing has been welcome news for series competitors, promoters and, most importantly, motorcycle road racing fans.
After a brief experiment in the first half of the year with the Saturday evening studio program AMA Pro Prime Time, SPEED is returning to same-weekend coverage of AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike and AMA Pro Daytona SportBike racing beginning with the action from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 3-5. The AMA Pro Road Racing action from Mazda Raceway can be seen Sunday, July 5 at 9 p.m. PT (late Sunday/early Monday, July 6 at Midnight ET).
Telephone messages and emails of support have poured into AMA Pro's Daytona Beach headquarters over the last month while several AMA Pro Road Racing stakeholders have gone on record in full support of SPEED's recent decision.
"Plain and simple, this move was a reaction to the fans," said Rick Miner, SPEED SVP Production & Network Operations. "Naturally, they wanted to see the races as close to real time as possible. As the longtime television destination for motorcycle racing in North America, we will continue to work very hard with AMA Pro Road Racing and other sanctioning bodies at all levels to move through the current economic challenges in a collective effort to deliver great racing to the fans."
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Same day SPEED debuts at Laguna
Management changes at Indianapolis
From the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Board of Directors of Hulman & Company and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced on Tuesday that a new management team comprised of veteran IMS executives W. Curtis Brighton and Jeffrey G. Belskus will head the Hulman-George companies effective July 1.
Brighton, currently executive vice president and chief legal counsel, will become president and CEO of Hulman & Company. Belskus, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer for the companies, will become president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation.
They will replace Tony George, who will no longer serve as president and chief executive officer of the Hulman-George companies but will remain a board member of the Hulman-George companies.
“Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership efforts in the Indy Racing League,” said Mari Hulman George, IMS chairman of the board. “He has decided that with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team IMS has cultivated over the years, now would be the time for him to concentrate on his team ownership of Vision Racing with his family and other personal business interests he and his family share.
“Tony will remain on the Board of Directors of all of our companies, and he will continue to work with the entire board to advance the interests of all of companies."
Mrs. George underscored the confidence in the leadership of Belskus and Brighton, who both were originally hired by Tony George.
“Jeff and Curt have both been with the company for many years in positions of top leadership,” Mrs. George said. “Tony, as well as the entire Board of Directors, has the utmost confidence in their capabilities.
“Both of these men have years of experience and leadership within our companies. In addition, each of our companies has effective presidential leadership, and that will remain in place.”
ProStar and Christie split; Taylor on 1000?
Jodi Christie competed in last weekend's third round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in Calgary without the support of Ben Gartner and his ProStar Motorsports concern.
The two parties split, apparently amicably, following round two of the series at Circuit ICAR and Christie will now continue the season competing under his family's Roz-Gar Racing banner, which guided him to the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike title last year. He is still sponsored by the Honda Powerhouse Dealers of Ontario.
With the severing of his ties with ProStar, the 17-year-old from Keene, ON will now be limited to running Honda CBR600RR equipment. The CBR1000RR he sampled at the first two Parts Canada Superbike rounds belongs to Gartner.
Latest rumours suggest Gartner's Port Perry, ON-based racing team will put two-time Canadian Superbike champion Michael Taylor on the Honda for the upcoming national doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway July 17-19. Taylor raced ProStar's Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a seventh-place finish in last September's Parts Canada Superbike season finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park in a one-off appearance.
Christie, meanwhile, raced to a ninth place finish in the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike feature at Calgary's Race City Motorsport Park last weekend and was 12th in the Superbike class. He is now eighth and 10th in points in the two respective categories, and second in the chase for the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year award.
KTM Super Duke approved for Daytona SportBike
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class is already one of the most diverse divisions in major league motorcycle road racing, but the competition is going to get even more interesting beginning with this weekend's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
The KTM 990 Super Duke is the 11th different motorcycle approved and homologated for AMA Pro Daytona SportBike competition, and one of the unique twin-cylinder bikes will be debuted this weekend at Mazda Raceway. The California-based Tri-Valley Moto team and rider Eric Gulbransen will field the No. 394 KTM 990 Super Duke in Sunday's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike final.
"We have seen outstanding racing this year in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike and that is due to the incredible talent of the teams and riders and the performance of a diverse line-up of motorcycles," said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. "AMA Pro Daytona SportBike is now home to 11 different motorcycles from nine different manufacturers and the parity we have seen in the on-track performance has been unmatched at this level. We welcome KTM and Tri-Valley Moto to the series and know they will be a competitive addition to an already outstanding class."
Tri-Valley Moto is based in Livermore, CA and Gulbransen is a veteran California rider from Menlo Park, who also has extensive experience racing Ducatis.
Dual 23-lap/50-mile sprints for AMA Pro Daytona SportBike and AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike will bring the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix weekend to a close on Sunday, July 5. The Daytona SportBike race begins at 3:30 p.m. local time and will be followed directly by the American Superbike race at 4:15 p.m.
Ducati Island returns to USGP
From Ducati North America
CUPERTINO, CA – Back for its 13th consecutive year, Ducati Island continues its tradition of being the premier race destination at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend.
A highlight of the Ducati experience at the legendary California circuit, Ducati Island is open to all motorcycle enthusiasts. On the Island, Ducatisti and race fans will experience special exhibits, partner vendors, autograph sessions, the legendary Ducati Fashion Show, a Wyotech bike build and much more. Ducati owners who display their current Ducati registration or proof of insurance and photo ID will receive extra benefits such as Ducati parking, gear check and hospitality.
The Ducati Island Showdown is an exciting contest for Ducati owners who attend the weekend’s races. In order to participate, Ducatisti simply need to ride their pride and joy (Ducati only) and park on Ducati Island or in the Ducati owners overflow parking area. If an entrant returns to their bike on Friday or Saturday to find a selection tag, they will be eligible for Sunday’s Island Showdown.
New for 2009 will be the Ducati Museum, a 20x60 foot area transformed into the history of Ducati. On display will be a selection of significant street and race machines both past and present.
A silent auction will be held on Ducati Island to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. Auction items will include a Burton Snowboard Signed by Nicky Hayden, Nicky Hayden replica Arai helmet, LoJack Security System for motorcycles, an original “69” Nicky Hayden painting by Roland Sands, authentic L&M Ducati vintage WSBK fleece signed by Ben Bostrom, a variety of exciting books from David Bull Publishing and various apparel and printed items signed by Nicky Hayden.
New for 2009, the Ducati Monster experience is a display of everything Monster, from custom bikes to the new Monster Color Therapy project.
Ducati riders past and present will get together on Friday for the Island autograph session, including Nicky Hayden and Casey Stoner.
For more information please visit www.ducatiusa.com.
Rossi leads MotoGP to Laguna Seca
This weekend’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca is the first of two World Championship visits to America this year and is the second of four GPs in a five-week period as the 2009 season really begins to gather pace.
With Indianapolis to come in August the MotoGP riders will this weekend enjoy their first Stateside trip of the campaign as they head to California, with visits to Sachsenring and Donington Park still to come on the busy schedule before the summer break.
After seven rounds so far this year things are tight at the top, with three main protagonists emerging as the title candidates. Heading to Assen in the Netherlands last weekend, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner were all square on points at the head of the standings and even though Rossi has pushed ahead with the superb 100th GP victory of his career at the Dutch track his young rivals are still snapping at his heels.
Last year at Laguna Rossi took a hugely important win over Stoner, passing him brilliantly on infamous Corkscrew corner and scoring a significant psychological blow against the Australian. This year, however, he has two key rivals to contend with.
World Champion Rossi goes into round eight in great from, with a five-point lead over Lorenzo in the general classification, having relegated his Fiat Yamaha team-mate to second place in the last two races at Catalunya and Assen. The Italian looks as strong as ever, with his Yamaha M1 machine working brilliantly as he looks to turn up the heat on his rivals.
Lorenzo, meanwhile, has never completed a race at Laguna having crashed out on the first lap on his debut at the Californian track last year. He insists however that this year he is finding things more comfortable at tracks which did not favour him in the past and can be expected to be pushing Rossi hard at the front again this weekend.
Fitness doubts for Stoner could be the major factor hindering the Ducati star following another grueling race in The Netherlands, where for the second round in succession he finished third, but was totally exhausted on the podium. If he can recover full strength he will be confident of another good performance on Sunday, at a track where he won in 2007 and finished second in 2008.
Behind the leading three in the championship, the Repsol Honda duo of Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa will be desperate to bounce straight back from their Assen disappointments having both crashed out of the Dutch contest, in separate incidents at the same corner, when well positioned to earn some decent points.
Dovizioso is currently fourth in the standings, some distance behind the top three, but with just a two point advantage over Pedrosa and Colin Edwards.
Texan rider Edwards arrives for his home race in good form following his fourth place at Assen and is hoping for another good result as he seeks to extend his MotoGP career. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider was on the podium at Laguna Seca in 2005 but since then has struggled for good results there and will aim to correct that pattern on Sunday.
His compatriot Nicky Hayden, the only other American rider in the premier class at present, boasts two of his three MotoGP career wins at Laguna and would love nothing more than to get his first top five result of 2009 on his Stateside debut for Ducati this weekend.
The 250cc and 125cc classes do not compete at Laguna and will be back in action at Sachsenring on the July 17-19 weekend.
Ducati joins Women's conference
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- Keystone, CO is normally known for its cooler summer temperatures, but things are definitely heating up in the final weeks before the Aug. 19 kickoff of the fifth American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell.
Ducati is the latest addition to the demo ride lineup and will offer conference attendees the opportunity to sample a variety of its most popular models.
"Ducati is very excited to take part in this year's conference," said Press Officer John Paolo Canton. "With the addition of the Monster 696 to our lineup, more women than ever are riding Ducatis. This conference is an important event on our social marketing calendar, and more importantly, we want to offer the opportunity to ride our bikes. The Rocky Mountains are the perfect environment to experience the performance of our motorcycles, and we look forward to a great event."
Demo rides will be available for conference attendees beginning Aug. 19 and continuing through Aug. 22.
Registration for the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, costs $165 (US) through Aug. 3. Registration after Aug. 3, as well as on-site registration, will cost $185 (US). The registration fee includes a commemorative t-shirt, and admission to all seminars as well as opening ceremonies on Aug. 19, a barn dance on Aug. 20, the International Street Party on Aug. 21 and a closing banquet on Aug. 22. Both the barn dance and closing banquet include dinner.
Participants can register now at https://home.ama-cycle.org/iwmc/registration/register.aspx or by phone by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. While the event focuses on women riders, it is not limited to women. Men are welcome to participate with a paid registration.
North Wales Biker Babe Search?
Xuberance Events are searching to find the Biker Babe of North Wales.
The winner of the competition will be crowned at the Motorbike Show held in Llangollen on the 1st/2nd August.
The search for the North Wales Biker Babe is being spearheaded by aspiring model Lauren Knowles (19) from Prestatyn.
Entrants will need to email a picture of themselves and a brief 50-word biography to Xuberance.
Entrants photos will be posted on the Motorbike Show website to be voted on by biker babe fans to choose the five finalists who will attend the first day of the Motorbike Show.
The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and receive a £400 prize whicle the runners up will get £50 each.
Additionally the winner will be paid to do more promotions work on the second day of the show.
Entries for the North Wales Biker Babe competition, including the photograph and the 50 word biography, should be emailed to us@xuberance.co.uk and more details about the show are available at the website www.themotorcycleshow.co.uk
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
CORNERGRASS - June 2009 RACE REPORT
From CGRT
The 3rd edition of the now infamous ‘Corner Grass Harescramble’ is in the books and of course the Corner Grass Racing Team (CGRT) was in attendance to represent our best interests.
Race Promoters Jay McGregor and Nick Riewe had there hands full with track preparations this year, as an unusually dry spring in Compeer, Alberta made for an extreme fire hazard. In fact, a grass fire was ignited just days prior to the event during track maintenance… Luckily it was quickly contained with the only one casualty - the beloved lawn mower! But true to this community’s spirit and passion for the event, several water tankers were enlisted for a three day assault on the dry conditions, and come race day the track was mint and ready for shredding!
This year’s event was again split into a 2-moto format incorporating the 9km grass track and two endurocross sections. Each moto was 1 hour in duration and the combined scores determined the overall positions.
CGRT was represented in the Pro class by Shane Cuthbertson and Jay McGregor both mounted on Husaberg FE 570’s. In the Vet-Expert class, Nick Riewe was flogging the Husaberg FE 450 and anxious to destroy the competition. The racing in both classes was intense, as the one-hour moto format and the imminent carnage caused by the endurocross sections kept the racing tight with positions constantly changing as the race evolved.
At the end of the day, CGRT’s Shane Cuthbertson earned 2nd overall with 1-3 moto scores, Jay McGregor earned 6th overall with 5-8 moto scores and Nick Riewe accomplished his goal by earning 1st overall in the Vet-Expert class with 1-2 moto scores.
All riders commented on the exceptional handling exhibited by the new ‘ Berg’ and Cuthbertson seconded that by saying ‘the 570 continues to impress as the neutral handling is a definite asset when conditions get tough. The endurocross sections are so much easier on this bike – it is like riding an oversized trials bike!”
Next up for CGRT is Round 01 and 02 of the Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) July 4th and 5th in Racehorse Creek, Alberta. Stay tuned for coverage of these events and any other exciting news as we know it!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces Inductees for 2009
From MCC
June 29 , 2009 Toronto, Ontario - The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame (CMHF), has announced eight individuals and two groups to be inducted at the fourth annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet & Reunion, to be held October 24, 2009 at the Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre, Toronto, Ontario.
“The enthusiasm for recognizing exceptional Canadian contribution to motorcycling is growing, and our slate this year continues to portray that excellence”, says John Cooper, President of the CMHF. “Now entering its fourth year, the Induction Banquet and Reunion is becoming THE motorcycling social event of the year.”
2009 Hall of Fame Inductees
Carl Bastedo – Chatsworth, Ontario
Motocross Competitor, Organizer, Contributor
CRCA – Canadian Race Communications Association – Shannonville, Ontario
Celebrating fifty (50) years of supporting safe motorcycle racing with marshalling services
Bar Hodgson – Ashburn, Ontario
Contributor, Competitor, Organizer, Show Producer, Collector
Ivor Lloyd – West Hill, Ontario
Competitor – International and Canada
Duane McDaniels – Commerce Township, Michigan, US
Competitor
Don McHugh – Brampton, Ontario (deceased)
Legendary Dirt Track Racer
Ken Morgan – Battersea, Ontario
Contributor, Course Developer, Trainer, Advocate
Jimmy Sehl – Stoney Creek Ontario
Competitor, Team Member, Mechanic
Steel City Riders – Hamilton, Ontario
Celebrating over sixty (60) years of motorcycle racing
John Williams – Markham, Ontario
North American and World Hillclimb Champion
The 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Banquet & Reunion, sponsored by the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC), will be held on Saturday evening, October 24, 2009 at the Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, 801 Dixon Road in Toronto. The event, emceed by Pat Gonsalves, will feature an audio-visual presentation on each inductee, a display of special motorcycles, a silent auction to raise funds for the Foundation and, of course, a gourmet meal. A cash bar is offered. Tickets are $125, with “deep discounts” for “early bird” purchase and MCC members. Tables of eight or ten can be requested. Everyone welcome! Dress is smart casual/Business Attire. Visit the websites for more details (www.motorcyclehalloffame.ca OR www.motorcycling.ca/halloffame).
After holding the event in the Toronto area for the first four years since being founded, the October, 2010 Hall of Fame Induction event will be held in the Vancouver area, in British Columbia. This will allow friends and families of anticipated western inductees to join in the celebrations.
Nominations can be made at any time, and are reviewed annually for up to five years or until selected for induction. Builders, contributors, rights advocates, volunteers and organizations, as well as competitors in all disciplines are eligible for consideration. Forms are available from the MCC which administers the Hall of Fame.
Founded by Bar and Hedy Hodgson in 1999, the Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation exists to preserve and protect Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community. They founded the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005, with the first inductions made in May of 2006.
Spies doubles at Donington
From the World Superbike Championship
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) pulled off another amazing double triumph in the ninth round of the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship in front of 61,000 spectators at Donington Park on Sunday.
The Texan has now reduced the 48-point gap at the top of the table to 14 from Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), who crashed in race two, picking up a broken vertebra in the process. Haga’s Italian team-mate Michel Fabrizio was third in race two and is now 51 points behind.
Aprilia had a good first race, with Max Biaggi second at the finish, while the best of the numerous British platoon present at Donington was Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda), who finished second to Spies in race 2.
Spies continued to steamroller his way to the wins in World Superbike as he took his ninth victory of the year in the first race. After setting his eighth pole in qualifying, the Texan dominated the 23-lap race but was shadowed all the way by Biaggi (Aprilia Racing).
The Italian ran faultlessly in second until the final lap, when Ben upped the ante to power to the checkered flag, but Biaggi also encountered a fuel problem a couple of hundred metres from the flag and risked losing out on second. This was Biaggi’s first podium since Qatar.
“It was a tough race for us," Spies said. "Max was there the whole time and we were both able to do quick laps. I got a bit of a gap then made a couple of mistakes and he got back on me. The last three laps I rode as hard as I could, we got down to the 30s, then I couldn’t hear Max coming into the chicane on the last lap so knew something was wrong and I took the last corners easy. We can’t be too conservative now, we have to claw back and get a whole lot of points in a couple of races.”
Third went to points leader Haga, who limited the damage in a race where he was not in a position to challenge for the win.
In the all-British battle for fourth place, Haslam got the better of Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati).
Aprilia’s excellent performance was completed by a sixth place for Shinya Nakano.
Home idol and Misano winner Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) could only finish in seventh, ahead of John Hopkins (Stiggy Racing Honda).
Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) had a gear change problem and could only finish 12th, while Ruben Xaus scored one point for BMW.
Spies also dominated the second race, but this time without any pressure from his rivals. The Yamaha man immediately pulled away at the start to pick up a seven-second lead, which he controlled easily to pick up his 10th win of the year.
Spies’ double coincided with a disaster for Haga, who crashed out of second place on lap five while trying to make up ground on the leader. The Japanese rider was taken to hospital in Derby with a fractured vertebra and other injuries.
“It was a picture perfect weekend," Spies said. "I know Haga had a big crash and hope he’s OK. That’s not the way you want to do it but you’ve got to capitalize when things go wrong. The track was definitely hot in the second race and a little bit slick so we made some changes to the bike that made it better. Fortunately we didn’t have to push to the absolute limit but it all worked great today.”
Race two saw a British rider on the podium, thanks to Haslam, who held off Fabrizio. With the outcome of this race, the Italian keeps alive his title chances.
“We’ve been struggling for the past few rounds with unknown circuits and I really wanted to get on that podium today," Haslam said. "I feel good, obviously feel sorry for Haga because I was pushing him hard and I was pretty happy to get second. In the first race I was really suffering from chatter but everyone in the team has been behind me all weekend so a big thanks to them.”
Byrne put on another good show, finishing fourth ahead of fellow Brit Tom Sykes.
Xaus again scored points for BMW, this time with a positive ninth place.
Both Aprilia riders crashed out, Biaggi suffering a hairline crack in his right foot in the process, but remounting to finish 21st, while John Hopkins (Stiggy Racing Honda) did not make it to the start of race two, the still-injured American totally exhausted after his race one efforts.
Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport) had a terrific homecoming World Supersport race at the Donington circuit as he shrugged off the broken ankle he picked up in qualifying to take a dominant fourth win of the year.
His chief rival in the title battle Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), together with Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Provec) tried hard in the early stages, but the Irishman crashed at the Melbourne Hairpin and the Spaniard had to take second best after Crutchlow upped the pace in the final part.
Laverty rejoined and worked his way back up the field from 22nd place to fifth overall.
It was a great result for veteran Australian Garry McCoy, who gave Triumph its first ever podium in Supersport.
After four second places, Xavier Simeon scored his first win of the season in Superstock 1000 on the Xerox Ducati 1098, the Belgian increasing his lead in the championship to 11 points over his closest rival, Claudio Corti (Alstare Suzuki).
Corti had a great race, recovering to finish second from 22nd on the grid, while Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Honda) also ran well, setting fastest lap in 1:33.516, and taking the final podium slot after also moving up from row six.
The Superstock 600 championship battle was thrown wide-open after points leader Danilo Petrucci (Yamaha Trasimeno) crashed out on the second lap after being taken out by Vincent Lonbois (MTM Yamaha) while in the lead. The Italian remounted to finish ninth, a result that allowed him to maintain his points lead.
Gino Rea (Ten Kate Honda) and Marco Bussolotti (Yamaha Trasimeno) are now four and 11 points down on the leader respectively. The British rider and the Italian fought it out for the win at the end of a terrific scrap, and in the end it was Bussolotti who took the checkered flag for his first win of the year.
Superbike Race One Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 34:57.230 (158.831 km/h)
2. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +7.156
3. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +10.968
4. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +18.843
5. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +19.125
6. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +21.286
7. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +23.644
8. Hopkins J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR +32.849
9. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +32.904
10. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +33.192
11. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +34.535
12. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +35.093
13. Camier L. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +35.441
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +39.034
15. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +41.067
16. Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR +46.4
Superbike Race Two Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 35:14.788 (157.512 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +6.622
3. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +6.816
4. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +7.349
5. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +8.145
6. Camier L. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +13.463
7. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +15.751
8. Ellison J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +16.837
9. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +22.891
10. Andrews S. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R +30.347
11. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +30.622
12. Lagrive M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR +31.562
13. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +32.148
14. Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R +32.607
15. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +32.806
16. Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +34.269
Superbike Point Standings (after 9 of 14 rounds)
1. Haga 308
2. Spies 294
3. Fabrizio 257
4. Rea 177
5. Haslam 167
6. Biaggi 155
7. Sykes 141
8. Smrz 115
9. Checa 114
10. Byrne 113
Matechuk untouchable at Race City
By John Hopkins
CALGARY, AB – Cochrane, AB’s Cody Matechuk led all 14 laps to win the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike round at Race City Motorsport Park on Sunday by 13.105 secs. on his Suzuki Dealers / Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R600.
West Kelowna, BC’s Marcel Irnie took second on his Irnie Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R after a race-long battle with the A. Perusse Kawasaki / Kawasaki ZX-6R of Longueuil, QC’s Sebastien Tremblay, who placed third.
After claiming pole position with a new class record on Saturday the 15-year-old Matechuk was untouchable in Sunday's race. He was over a second clear by the end of the opening lap and set the fastest ap of the race, a 1:20.553, on lap two.
"I'm so stoked right now," said Matechuk, who now leads Tremblay by 21 points in the Amateur Sport Bike standings, 155-134 after his second win of the season. "I had a good start, got a comfortable lead and just stayed consistent."
Matechuk's only concern was a strong wind blowing down the front straight during the Amateur Sport Bike race, which he said caused him to overshoot turn one a few times.
Tremblay and Irnie were embroied in a see-saw battle for second throughout the race which went Irnie's way in the Carousel on the final lap.
"I had an advantage on him out of the Bus Stop," Irnie said. "He gave me a little room and I went for it."
Tremblay had ost one of his knee pucks on the fifth lap, which compromised his race somewhat.
Efram Ellenbogen of Bellevile, Ont. worked his way through to fourth on the BnE Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 and Trevor Berhardt of De Winton, AB took fifth aboard his Suzuki GSX-R600.
Steven Nickerson of Hamilton, ON also led all the way to win the 10-lap Honda CBR125R Challenge event at Race City. Warman, SK’s Bodhi Edie placed second, 6.280 secs. behind and Karl Robitaille of Ste-Julie, QC took third.
"My plan was to get a good start and get away," said Nickerson, who grabbed the lead into turn one after Robitaille grabbed the holeshot off the start.
Robitaille held second spot for a lap but then slipped off the track in turn four on lap two, allowing Edie into second place.
Edie now trails Nickerson by 11 points in the standings, 156-145 heading into Monday’s second half of a doubleheader for the class, which will be held at the Varsity Chrysler Speed Park adjacent to Race City.
Raphael Archambault of St-Colomban, Que. won his first Suzuki SV650 National Cup round by 16.272 secs. over Philippe Masse of St-Dominique, Que. Polesitter Jeremie Hade Precourt of Granby, Que. took third after suffering a broken shifter eary in the race.
Archambault picked up the Tirox Won Bigtime Award for enjoying the largest margin of victory of the weekend and took over the class points lead.
Amateur Sport Bike Race Results
1. Cody Matechuk, Cochrane, Alta., 14, Suzuki GSX-R600
2. Marcel Irnie, West Kelowna, B.C., 14, Kawasaki ZX-6R
3. Sebastien Tremblay, Longueuil, Que., 14, Kawasaki ZX-6R
4. Efram Ellenbogen, Belleville, Ont., 14, Yamaha YZF-R6
5. Trevor Berhardt, De Winton, Alta., 14, Suzuki GSX-R600
6. Thomas Bodrovics, Calgary, Alta., 14, Suzuki GSX-R600 (Jump Start Penalty)
7. Billy Shields, Unionville, Ont., 14, Yamaha YZF-R6
8. Amy Karthaus, Brantford, Ont., 14, Kawasaki ZX-6R
9. Vicki Schouten, Richmond, Ont., 14, Kawasaki ZX-6R
10. Ryan Middleton, Calgary, Alta., 14, Yamaha YZF-R6
11. KJ Gamblin, Sherwood Park, Alta., 14, Suzuki GSX-R600 (Jump Start Penalty)
12. Colin Purcell, Kelowna, B.C., 13, Honda CBR600RR
13. Claude Bergeron, Calgary, Alta., 13, Honda CBR600RR
14. Chris Crump, Bragg Creek, Alta., 13, Buell 1125R
15. David Murray, Edmonton, Alta., 13, Yamaha YZF-R6
16. Alex Irving, Calgary, Alta., 12, Suzuki GSX-R600
17. Gary Lee, Calgary, Alta., 12, Suzuki GSX-R600
18. Chris Trickett, Red Deer, Alta., 12, Suzuki GSX-R600
Did Not Finish
Joey McRae, Orangeville, Ont., 4, Yamaha YZF-R6
Todd Starchuk, Calgary, Alta., 13, Yamaha YZF-R6
Margin of Victory: 13.105 secs.
Fastest Lap: 1:20.553 by Cody Matechuk on lap 2
Amateur Sport Bike Point Standings
1. Cody Matechuk, 155
2. Sebastien Tremblay, 134
3. Efram Ellenbogen, 82
4. Vicki Schouten, 73
5. Billy Shields, 59
6. Alain Lefebvre, 52
7. Marcel Irnie, 42
8. Aubrey Bailey, 38
9. Jeffrey Dion, 37
10. Christian LaBrecque, 35
11. Etienne Giguere, 32
12. Joey McRae, 30
13. Kenny Riedmann, 29
14. Thomas Bodrovics, 29
15. Trevor Berhardt, 29
16. Clarke La Prairie, 27
17. Amy Karthaus, 23
18. Jason Thoms, 23
19. Guy Lagace, 23
20. Rahul Dua, 21
21. Ryan Middleton, 19
22. Brent Vandenbroek, 17
23. Dominic Dupont, 17
24. KJ Gamblin, 17
25. Natalie-Catherine Provost, 15
26. Colin Purcell, 15
27. Harvey Renaud, 13
28. Sylvain Dufresne, 13
29. Claude Bergeron, 13
30. Daniel Ouimet, 12
31. Chris Crump, 12
32. Ted Keuhn, 10
33. Martin Gosselin, 10
34. David Murray, 10
35. David Cote, 8
36. Alex Irving, 8
37. Gary Lee, 6
38. Dominic Goudreault, 4
39. Chris Trickett, 4
40. Jean-Sebastien Perreault, 2
41. Vanessa Gareau-Dominguez, 1
Suzuki SV650 National Cup Race Results
1. Raphael Archambault, St-Colomban, Que., 14
2. Philippe Masse, St-Dominique, Que., 14
3. Jeremie Hade Precourt, Granby, Que., 14
4. Kurtis Joki, De Winton, Alta., 14 (Jump Start Penalty)
5. Lee Kuhn, Hamilton, Ont., 14
6. Emerson Lefurgey, Calgary, Alta., 14 (Jump Start Penalty)
Margin of Victory: 16.272 secs.
Fastest Lap: 1:26.469 by Raphael Archambault on lap 2
Suzuki SV650 National Cup Point Standings
1. Raphael Archambault, 119
2. Rob Busby, 112
3. Jeremie Hade Precourt, 101
4. Philippe Masse, 87
5. Dan Henri, 60
6. Brent Strong, 52
7. Steve Greene, 46
8. Jody Greening, 44
9. Kurtis Joki, 33
10. Francois Chartrand, 32
11. Steve Grujic, 29
12. Lee Kuhn, 29
13. Chris Dopke, 27
14. Emerson Lefurgey, 27
15. Martin Chartrand, 23
16. Philippe Bonin, 21
17. Nicky Poon, 19
18. Kana Matsumoto, 15
Honda CBR125R Challenge Race Results
1. Steven Nickerson, Hamilton, Ont., 10
2. Bodhi Edie, Warman, Sask., 10
3. Karl Robitaille, Ste-Julie, Que., 10
4. Ryan R. Appenrodt, Quesnel, B.C., 10
5. Dylan Jones, Delta, B.C., 10
6. Ryan Roche, Pickering, Ont., 10
7. Geoffrey Gerbrandt, Martensville, Sask., 10
8. Christopher Mah, Edmonton, Alta., 10
9. Jay Fox, Calgary, Alta., 10
10. Chris Wilson, Airdrie, Alta., 10
11. Vincent Tighe, Calgary, Alta., 10
12. Emil Peev, Saskatoon, Sask., 10
13. Kelsey Giacchetta, Calgary, Alta., 10
14. Richard Moore, Fayetteville, Ga., 10
15. Kim Young Jae, Mississauga, Ont., 9
16. Samantha McManus, Calgary, Alta., 9
17. Leah Vignale, Kemptville, Ont., 9
Margin of Victory: 6.280 secs.
Fastest Lap: 1:47.804 by Steven Nickerson on lap 5
Honda CBR125R Challenge Point Standings
1. Steven Nickerson, 156
2. Bodhi Edie, 145
3. Ryan Roche, 98
4. Karl Robitaille, 82
5. Leah Vignale, 68
6. Nicole Pilkington, 61
7. Kim Young Jae, 42
8. Ryan R. Appenrodt, 32
9. Dylan Jones, 29
10. Geoffrey Gerbrandt, 25
11. Christopher Mah, 24
12. Chris Wilson, 21
14. Emil Peev, 19
15. Kelsey Giachetta, 17
16. Samantha McManus, 13
Szoke takes Pro Sport Bike victory
By John Hopkins
CALGARY, AB – Brantford, ON's Jordan Szoke held off Brett McCormick for the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike win at Calgary's Race City Motorsport Park on Sunday.
Szoke led every lap on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R with McCormick right behind aboard his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R600. As in the Superbike race later in the day, the Saskatoon rider made a move for the lead in the second last corner, only this time he slid wide after getting ahead and Szoke was able to repass him and win by 0.085 secs.
“I thought he might try me going into there but I knew he would have to go pretty deep,” said Szoke, who was on his back-up bike after crashing his primary mount in morning practice. “The bike was phenomenal. It isn’t really much of a ‘B’ bike.”
With the win Szoke regained the points lead over McCormick, 155-146.
Szoke’s team-mate Alex Welsh was third on another Kawasaki ZX-6R for his best career Pro finish and 14-year-old Royce McLean of Coaldale, AB finished fourth on a Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R6 after passing Steve Crevier’s Deeley Racing Powered By Buell / Buell 1125R two laps from the end.
The Sport Bike race was interrupted by a red flag after six of a schedued 16 laps to attend to injured rider John Crump, who had suffered a suspected collarbone injury in a turn one fall. At the time Szoke enjoyed a ead of about four seconds on McCormick, who had made a poor getaway.
"I was really upset about that first one," said Szoke. "Obviously you don't want to see anybody get hurt and you never want to compromise the safety of the riders, but I had such a good lead and I was in a groove."
The restart was scheduled for eight laps of the 3.2km (2.0-mile) track and this time McCormick made a better start to hound Szoke throughout.
"On the first start I really had to work hard to get into second and by the time I got there I just couldn't reel Jordan in," the 17-year-old McCormick said. "The red flag was kind of a blessing for me.
"On the last lap I knew I was strong going into the Carousel and I thought I might have a chance to pass there. But I went in a little deep and I hadn't been on that part of the track all weekend, so I just didn't have the confidence in the grip there."
Crevier ran third for the first two laps of the restarted race. The Buell was strong down the straights but was no match for Welsh or Mclean through the tight Essess leading onto the back straight. Welsh got by there on lap three and young McLean did the same two laps from the end.
"In the first part I thought I could catch Brett if I got by Crevier earlier," Welsh explained. "But I just waited too long. So in the second part I made my move early and after that I just put my head down."
Crevier ended the race as part of a Yamaha sandwich, with McLean ahead of him in fourth and Kevin Lacombe (Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF) and Andrew Nelson (Nelson Racing) right behind. Llacombe was very frustrated with his race while Nelson admitted the team was still looking for some midrange power and drive off the corners with its R6. Lacombe is third in the Pro Sport Bike standings with 99 points, just one ahead of Welsh and four clear of Nelson.
Two more Buells cracked the top 10 as Dave Estok took eighth and Darren James 10th on the other Deeley Racing Powered By Buell entries and Jodi Christie was a solid ninth aboard the Powerhouse Honda Dealers of Ontario / Roz-Gar Racing Honda CBR600RR.
Race Results
1. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., 8, Kawasaki ZX-6R
2. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., 8, Suzuki GSX-R600
3. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., 8, Kawasaki ZX-6R
4. Royce McLean, Coaldale, Alta., 8, Yamaha YZF-R6
5. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., 8, Buell 1125R
6. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., 8, Yamaha YZF-R6
7. Andrew Nelson, Kars, Ont., 8, Yamaha YZF-R6
8. Dave Estok, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., 8, Buell 1125R
9. Jodi Christie, Keene, Ont., 8, Honda CBR600RR
10. Darren James, North Vancouver, B.C., 8, Buell 1125R
11. Francis Martin, Sherbrooke, Que., 8, BMW HP2
12. Tony Kasper, Becker, Minn., 8, Yamaha YZF-R6
13. Rob Darlington, Calgary, Alta., 8, Yamaha YZF-R6
14. Matt Schmidt, Calgary, Alta., 8, Suzuki GSX-R600
15. Michael Ferreira, Mississauga, Ont., 8, BMW HP2
16. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., 8, Honda CBR600RR
17. Matthew Elder, Calgary, Alta., 8, Suzuki GSX-R600
18. Chad Swain, Airdrie, Alta., 8, Kawasaki ZX-6R
19. Jesse Sherstan, Stony Plain, Alta., 8, Yamaha YZF-R6
20. Olivier Spilborghs, White Rock, B.C., 8, Suzuki GSX-R600
21. David Sushynski, Red Deer, Alta., 8, Suzuki GSX-R600
Did Not Finish
James Collins, Kaladar, Ont., 5, Yamaha YZF-R6
Andrew McKeachie, Salt Spring Island, B.C., 0, Suzuki GSX-R600
Did Not Start
John Crump, Bragg Creek, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600
Rupert Collins, Calgary, Alta., Ducati 749
Time of Race: 10:25.843
Margin of Victory: 0.085 secs.
Fastest Lap: 1:17.324 by Jordan Szoke on lap 3
Point Standings
1. Jordan Szoke, 155
2. Brett McCormick, 146
3. Kevin Lacombe, 99
4. Alex Welsh, 98
5. Andrew Nelson, 95
6. Steve Crevier, 84
7. Royce McLean, 82
8. Jodi Christie, 55
9. Dave Estok, 46
10. Francis Martin, 44
11. Darren James, 44
12. Tony Kasper, 34
13. Martin Grande, 32
14. Michael Ferreira, 28
15. Marie-Josee Boucher, 25
16. Karl Daigle, 24
17. Jean-Francois Cyr, 21
18. Matt McBride, 19
19. Rob Darlington, 13
20. Matt Schmidt, 12
21. Brian Blaauwendraat, 10
22. Louie Raffa, 8
23. Elie Daccache, 7
24. Rob Busby, 6
25. Matthew Elder, 6
26. Dan Henri, 4
27. Todd Scott, 4
28. Chad Swain, 4
29. James Collins, 2
30. Alain Campagna, 2
31. Jesse Sherstan, 2
32. Zenon Nelson, 1
33. Olivier Spilborghs, 1
Sunday, June 28, 2009
McCormick edges Szoke for wild win
By John Hopkins
CALGARY, AB – Saskatoon’s Brett McCormick passed Jordan Szoke two turns from the finish to win Sunday’s third round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, presented by Turple Bros. Ltd. and Suzuki, at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park.
The rider of the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX- R1000 nipped inside Szoke’s Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R and then held him off in the run to the finish line to claim his second straight win by just 0.080 secs.
The Brantford, ON racer started from pole position and led the first 21 laps of the 22-lap race around the 3.2km (2.0-mile) track with McCormick never more than a second or two behind.
“It was a pretty long race and I just wanted to study him and not show him anything,” said McCormick, who extended his lead in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship to 11 points over Szoke, 157-146. “On the last lap he left the door open and I had some room so I took a chance.”
Szoke's bike slid wide as he led McCormick through the Keyhole section of the track, which leads racers back onto the front straight, for the last time. McCormick saw an opening and snuck inside the Kawasaki, getting alongside before Szoke came back down in an apparent bid to shut the door on the Suzuki, the two bikes making contact. Szoke felt McCormick had ridden into the side of his motorcycle.
“I’m a little annoyed right now,” said the three-time defending Parts Canada Superbike Champion. “The bike was perfect. I’m mad at myself for leaving the door open. I know rubbing is racing but I consider that a little much. My bodywork's broken and my leathers are scuffed.”
Series officials reviewed video of the altercation and declared it a "racing incident" with no disciplinary action required.
On a few occasions during the race Szoke looked set to break away from McCormick, but said he lost ground while lapping backmarkers.
"I know that's racing but a couple of guys really slowed me up," he said. "I'm a little disappointed about that."
McCormick admitted he got some good breaks in traffic, athough he said he had an anxious moment when he turned in too early at the Bus Stop Chicane, hit the kerbing and almost crashed.
Kevin Lacombe finished third on the Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R1 after a race-long battle with fellow Yamaha rider Andrew Nelson. The Granby, QC racer was third at the end of the opening lap but accidentally hit his kill switch at the start of the second and dropped back to fourth behind Alex Welsh.
Lacombe got back ahead of Welsh’s Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R on lap four only to come under pressure from Nelson, who grabbed third place on lap 14. But Nelson got a pair of false neutrals at the start of lap 17 and Lacombe got back ahead, holding off Nelson’s Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 by just 0.602 secs.
“It was a really intense race,” Lacombe said. “I was getting really exhausted at the end but I put my head down and pulled it out.”
Despite having to settle for fourth place in the race Nelson maintained third in the Parts Canada Superbike standings with 96 points.
“I had the pace and the bike to finish third,” said the Kars, ON rider, who worked his way up from sixth on the opening lap. “I guess it was not meant to be, unfortunately. It’s a lot of work for fourth place.”
Local ace Clint McBain of Cochrane, Alta., who won this race last year, battled serious front suspension problems to finish fifth on his Suzuki Dealers / Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000.
"On the warm-up lap it felt like we had no damping at all," he said. "I stopped at the pit wall and [crew chief] Patrice [Goyette] put some compression in it, but it made no difference. I'm not too sure what was wrong. It was really bad through the bumps in turn eight and into turn one. It was pushing the front like crazy."
Maple Ridge, B.C.’s Steve Crevier placed sixth on the Deeley Racing Powered By Buell / Buell 1125R, passing Uxbridge, Ont.’s Welsh five laps from the finish. All three Buell team riders -- Crevier, Darren James and Dave Estok -- were afficted with some form of stomach ailment early in the weekend, although Crevier said he fet fine on Sunday.
Welsh admitted to struggling with his Kawasaki as the tires went away.
"The bike was handling well the first seven or eight laps but I have to learn to slide the bike more later in the race," the 2008 HJC Pro Rookie of the Year admitted.
Despite incurring a five-second jump start penalty Banff, Alta.’s Peter Holzinger took eighth place behind Welsh on his Zinger Racing / Toloco Fibreworks Suzuki GSX-R1000 and 14-year-old Royce McLean of Coaldale, Alta. was the top rookie finisher in ninth on his Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R6.
Calgary’s Dave Stokowski completed the top 10 aboard the Blackfoot / Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R after holding off McLean for the first half of the race and another Calgary rider, Michael Zottmann was 11th on the Mountain Toys Racing / Majik X Suzuki GSX-R1000 after suffering a late race fall while running eighth.
Race Results
1. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., 22, Suzuki GSX-R1000
2. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., 22, Kawasaki ZX-10R
3. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, QC, 22, Yamaha YZF-R1
4. Andrew Nelson, Kars, Ont., 22, Yamaha YZF-R1
5. Clint McBain, Cochrane, Alta., 22, Suzuki GSX-R1000
6. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., 22, Buell 1125R
7. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., 22, Kawasaki ZX-10R
8. Peter Holzinger, Banff, Alta., 22, Suzuki GSX-R1000 (Jump Start Penalty)
9. Royce McLean, Coaldale, Alta., 22, Yamaha YZF-R6
10. Dave Stokowski, Calgary, Alta., 22, Kawasaki ZX-10R
11. Mike Zottmann, Calgary, Alta., 22, Suzuki GSX-R1000
12. Jodi Christie, Keene, Ont., 21, Honda CBR600RR
13. Mitch Rathje, Calgary, Alta., 21, Suzuki GSX-R1000
14. Sean Huffman, Kemptville, Ont., 21, Suzuki GSX-R1000
15. Ross Millson, Hamilton, Ont., 21, Suzuki GSX-R1000
16. Brad Gavey, Calgary, Alta., 21, Honda CBR1000RR
17. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., 21, Honda CBR1000RR
Did Not Start
Dave Estok, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Buell 1125R
Darren James, North Vancouver, B.C., Buell 1125R
Jesse Sherstan, Stony Plain, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6
Tony Kasper, Becker, Minn., Yamaha YZF-R6
Time of Race: 28:58.033
Margin of Victory: 0.080 secs.
Fastest Lap: 1:16.120 by Jordan Szoke on lap 6
Point Standings
1. Brett McCormick, 157
2. Jordan Szoke, 146
3. Andrew Nelson, 96
4. Clint McBain, 90
5. Steve Crevier, 84
6. Alex Welsh, 79
7. Kevin Lacombe, 79
8. Royce McLean, 63
9. Karl Daigle, 44
10. Jodi Christie, 41
11. Dave Stokowski, 39
12. Frank Trombino, 29
13. Erick Beausejour, 27
14. Marie-Josee Boucher, 26
15. Ross Millson, 25
16. Peter Holzinger, 23
17. Sean Huffman, 22
18. Jean-Francois Cyr, 21
19. Matt McBride, 19
20. Martin Grande, 17
21. Mike Zottmann, 17
22. Mitch Rathje, 13
23. Martin Ricard, 10
24. Elie Daccache, 8
25. Brad Gavey, 8
26. Chris Murray-Audain, 6
27. Alain Campagna, 6
28. Terry Steeves, 4
29. Dean Plater, 2
Harley Davidson Motorcycles Wallpaper
Harley Davidson Motorcycles Wallpaper
Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Harley Davidson WallpaperBajaj Pulsar With Ducati Monster Style
BAJAJ PULSAR 180DTSi STREET FIGHTER
Matechuk dominates Amateur qualifying
By John Hopkins
CALGARY, AB – Points leader Cody Matechuk of Cochrane, AB was in stunning form in qualifying for round three of the Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike event, part of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship weekend at Race City Motorsport Park on Saturday.
The 15-year-old eclipsed Brett McCormick's class track record with a time of 1:19.878 on his Suzuki Dealers / Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R600. McCormick's mark was a 1:19.941 set in 2006.
Matechuk's effort came on his final lap of the qualifying session and put him almost three seconds clear of his nearest challenger, Longueuil, QC's Sebastien Tremblay.
"My biggest goal was getting the lap record," said Matechuk, who leads Tremblay in the Amateur Sport Bike standings by six points, 103-97. "The bike is working good. It's been more a case of me getting on the gas earlier and carrying more corner speed.
"In the race I hope to be able to get a good start and run a consistent pace. That's the plan."
Tremblay turned a lap at 1:22.004 on his A. Perusse Kawasaki / Kawasaki ZX-6R and Calgary’s Thomas Bodrovics was third fastest at 1:22.905 on the Majik X / Mountain Toys Racing Suzuki GSX-R600.
The front row for Sunday's race is completed by Joey McRae of Orangeville, Ont., who recorded a lap at 1:23.069 on the Envy Rides Yamaha YZF-R6.
In other action at Race City, Hamilton’s Steven Nickerson was fastest in qualifying for the Honda CBR125R Challenge with a time of 1:47.150. His main championship rival Bodhi Edie of Warman, Sask. was second quickest with a time of 1:47.676. Nickerson now leads Edie by a single point, 104-103 heading into Sunday's opening half of a doubleheader weekend. The CBR125R class will also compete Monday on the 1km Varsity Chrysler Speed Park adjacent to Race City.
The front row for Sunday's race is completed by Karl Robitaille of Ste-Julie, QC and Edmonton's Christopher Mah.
Granby, QC’s Jeremie Hade Precourt will start from pole position in Sunday’s Suzuki SV650 National Cup after recording a time of 1:26.576 in qualifying.
Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike Qualifying Results
1. Cody Matechuk, Cochrane, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:19.878
2. Sebastien Tremblay, Longueuil, Que., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:22.004
3. Thomas Bodrovics, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:22.905
4. Joey McRae, Orangeville, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:23.069
5. Marcel Irnie, West Kelowna, B.C., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:23.255
6. Efram Ellenbogen, Belleville, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:23.289
7. Amy Karthaus, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:23.810
8. Todd Starchuk, Calgary, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:23.854
9. Trevor Berhardt, De Winton, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:24.067 9
10. Billy Shields, Unionville, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:24.117
11. Chris Trickett, Red Deer, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:24.871
12. KJ Gamblin, Sherwood Park, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:26.112
13. Ryan Middleton, Calgary, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:26.210
14. Chris Crump, Bragg Creek, Alta., Buell 1125R, 1:28.601
15. Claude Bergeron, Calgary, Alta., Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.139
16. Colin Purcell, Kelowna, B.C., Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.192
17. David Murray, Edmonton, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.238
18. Vicki Schouten, Richmond, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:24.905*
19. Alex Irving, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.181
20. Gary Lee, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:35.853
* -- Penalized one row for pit lane infraction
Honda CBR125R Challenge Qualifying Results
1. Steven Nickerson, Hamilton, Ont., 1:47.150
2. Bodhi Edie, Warman, Sask., 1:47.676
3. Karl Robitaille, Ste-Julie, Que., 1:48.320
4. Christopher Mah, Edmonton, Alta., 1:49.743
5. Ryan R. Appenrodt, Quesnel, B.C., 1:51.311
6. Dylan Jones, Delta, B.C., 1:51.321
7. Ryan Roche, Pickering, Ont., 1:51.885
8. Jay Fox, Calgary, Alta., 1:54.146
9. Vincent Tighe, Calgary, Alta., 1:54.397
10. Chris Wilson, Airdrie, Alta., 1:56.844
11. Kelsey Giacchetta, Calgary, Alta., 1:57.278
12. Leah Vignale, Kemptville, Ont., 1:59.336
13. Kim Young Jae, Mississauga, Ont., 2:01.456
14. Samantha McManus, Calgary, Alta., 2:02.188
Suzuki SV650 National Cup Qualifying Results
1. Jeremie Hade Precourt, Granby, Que., 1:26.576
2. Raphael Archambault, St-Colomban, Que., 1:27.181
3. Philippe Masse, St-Dominique, Que., 1:27.689
4. Kurtis Joki, De Winton, Alta., 1:30.030
5. Emerson Lefurgey, Calgary, Alta., 1:32.944
6. Lee Kuhn, Hamilton, Ont., 1:33.323
Rossi takes 100th GP win
Valentino Rossi won his 100th Grand Prix, took his second triumph in succession and became the undisputed leader of the MotoGP World Championship with a stellar performance at the Alice TT Assen on Saturday.
The Fiat Yamaha rider had a peerless performance from pole position and, unlike two weeks previous in Barcelona, needed no ‘Hail Mary’ last lap at the Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing.
A vintage Rossi performance was celebrated with his unraveling a backdrop and posing for a classic photo with antiquated cameras, the Italian’s latest post-race show with his faithful fan club.
“It’s a fantastic achievement. One hundred victories is a great number. Thanks to all the guys who have helped me to reach this number – my teams over the past 10 years, Jeremy Burgess and especially all my close friends and family for giving me motivation. We hope to win some other races though,” said Rossi after stepping onto the podium with a custom made ‘100’ flag.
“I had a good feeling and knew that I was very fast on two or three points in the track, so I tried to get out to the front as soon as possible and impose my rhythm," the World Champion added. "It was a perfect race because any mistakes would have a high cost. I knew that Lorenzo was very strong, so I tried to take an advantage."
Teammate Jorge Lorenzo was once again forced to settle for second place, his third on the bounce. The Spaniard got off to a bad start from third on the grid and, although he was able to fight back up to the front, could not provide Rossi with the same challenge that he had done last time out.
"First of all I have to say congratulations to Valentino because this is an incredible thing to achieve and this day belongs to him," Lorenzo said. "Unfortunately I didn't get a good start today and I had to take a few risks to pass people and come back to the front.
"Once I did I tried to go after Valentino but in some places I just wasn't as fast as him; he was riding 36.5s every time and I didn't really have quite enough confidence to push that hard today because the bike didn't feel perfect. As the race went on I started to feel the front tire 'close' a bit and I decided that it was safer to come home in second."
Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner completed the podium with a solitary ride chasing Lorenzo. The Australian now trails Rossi and his Spanish rival in the overall standings after the trio had been level on points heading in to the Assen race.
As at the previous MotoGP round at Barcelona Stoner crossed the line third behind championship rivals Rossi and Lorenzo, though on this occasion he was even more run down than at Catalunya, unable to attend post-race media briefings and receiving treatment from Clinica Mobile staff in his motorhome.
Ducati’s MotoGP Project Director Livio Suppo spoke to motogp.com on Saturday afternoon in the Netherlands, saying, “There is something wrong with Casey’s condition and we are trying to understand what is wrong and trying to help. What we have done so far is not enough and we have to investigate more. Dr Claudio Macchiagodena from Clinica Mobile has done a lot to help after the race and he has some ideas for Laguna so let’s just hope.”
Stoner was quoted by Ducati as stating, “I’ve been feeling fine all week but started to feel run down again on Friday and I’ve just got worse as the weekend has gone on. I’ve taken every kind of supplement and vitamin tablet you can think of but nothing seems to have worked, so it is obviously something we need to have looked at closer because I can’t keep going like this and it is costing us points.”
Colin Edwards equaled his best result of the year with fourth place, at the head of an enthralling battle between the ‘best of the rest’. Rizla Suzuki’s Chris Vermeulen and Edwards’ Monster Yamaha Tech 3 teammate James Toseland were also in the top six with their best finishes of the season to date.
Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso had been in with a shout at the rostrum, but both took tumbles before the race took its full shape. There was also a late fall for Pramac Racing’s Mika Kallio when the Finn was challenging for sixth on the final lap.
Toni Elías was penalised 20 seconds for using the run-off area illegally on the final lap.
Hiroshi Aoyama claimed his second win of the 2009 season at the 250cc Alice TT Assen, taking the leadership of the World Championship as a consequence.
The Scot Racing rider’s immediate rival, Álvaro Bautista, had looked to be on course to push Aoyama to the line as the duo broke free and dashed for the checkered flag. However, Mapfre Aspar rider Bautista smashed into the back of Aoyama’s Honda on the fast chicane, ending the Spaniard’s race and leaving the race winner lucky to stay upright. Regaining his composure, Aoyama nursed his machine across the line for an exhilarating win.
A three-way battle at the front of the 125cc race in Assen saw the order of the podium positions decided on the very last lap, with Sergio Gadea earning his first win of 2009. The Spaniard emerged victorious ahead of fellow countrymen Nico Terol and Julián Simón in a dry race that went down to the wire, saw Terol penalised 20 seconds and left Simón at the head of the overall classification.
The trio had battled against one another since just past the halfway mark in Assen. On the final lap Terol made a move that did not pay off and ran along the asphalt run-off strip. He caught up with Gadea on the home straight, but the Bancaja Aspar rider had enough of an advantage to take the win. The move was the subject of an enquiry by Race Direction, and the decision was made to relegate Terol to fifth place.
MotoGP Race Results
1. Valentino ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team / Yamaha 42:14.611 (168.210 km/h)
2. Jorge LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team / Yamaha +5.368
3. Casey STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team / Ducati +23.113
4. Colin EDWARDS (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / Yamaha +29.114
5. Chris VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP / Suzuki +33.605
6. James TOSELAND (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / Yamaha +39.347
7. Randy DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP / Honda +39.543
8. Nicky HAYDEN (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team / Ducati +39.823
9. Loris CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP / Suzuki +40.673
10. Alex DE ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini / Honda +46.010
11. Marco MELANDRI (ITA) Hayate Racing Team / Kawasaki +57.777
12. Toni ELIAS (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini / Honda +59.774
13. Sete GIBERNAU (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando / Ducati +1:05.366
14. Niccolo CANEPA (ITA) Pramac Racing / Ducati +1:09.897
15. Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP / Honda +1:09.930
16. Gabor TALMACSI (HUN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP / Honda +1:25.099
Not classified
Mika KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Racing / Ducati +1 Lap
Andrea DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda Team / Honda +16 Laps
Dani PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team / Honda +22 Laps
MotoGP Point Standings
1. Valentino ROSSI (Fiat Yamaha Team) 131
2. Jorge LORENZO (Fiat Yamaha Team) 126
3. Casey STONER (Ducati Marlboro Team) 122
4. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Repsol Honda Team) 69
5. Dani PEDROSA (Repsol Honda Team) 67
6. Colin EDWARDS (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 67
7. Loris CAPIROSSI (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 56
8. Marco MELANDRI (Hayate Racing Team) 55
9. Chris VERMEULEN (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 53
10. Randy DE PUNIET (LCR Honda MotoGP) 51
11. James TOSELAND (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 39
12. Alex DE ANGELIS (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 31
13. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati Marlboro Team) 27
14. Toni ELIAS (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 27
15. Mika KALLIO (Pramac Racing) 26
16. Niccolo CANEPA (Pramac Racing) 12
17. Sete GIBERNAU (Grupo Francisco Hernando) 12
18. Yuki TAKAHASHI (Scot Racing Team MotoGP) 9
Szoke on Pro Sport Bike pole
By John Hopkins
CALGARY, AB – Brantford, ON's Jordan Szoke qualified on pole position for the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike division of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Race City Motorsport Park on Saturday. The 30-year-old broke the class record with a time of 1:16.780 on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R.
“This bike is so good and every time I get off it I feel like I could have gone quicker,” said the three-time defending class champion. “I think with another session we could go even quicker and the tire wear has been awesome.
"We're running out of gearing. I'm on the limiter coming into the Bus Stop Chicane and then going over the hill."
The previous Pro Sport Bike record was a 1:17.110 set by Francis Martin in 2007.
Current class points leader Brett McCormick of Saskatoon was second fastest on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 with a time of 1:17.291. He now leads Szoke by just one point in the Pro Sport Bike standings, 104-103, heading into Sunday’s race.
“I waited a little too long to go out again at the end of the session,” McCormick said. “I definitely had more in the tank. We have a couple of things to try for tomorrow.”
Kars, ON's Andrew Nelson was third fastest with a 1:17.738 on his Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 and Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC completes the front row aboard his Deeley Racing Powered By Buell / Buell 1125R with a fastest lap of 1:17.763.
"I wished I could have used the draft," Nelson said. "But I never got the opportunity. The bike is handling pretty good. I think we'll make one or two changes for tomorrow."
Nelson was one of a few racers to be caught trying to squeeze in one more hot lap before the qualifying session was ended about a minute and a half early due to a red fag for an accident heading into the Keyhole section near the end of the lap.
Calgary racer Rupert Collins crashed his Ducati 749 after apparent contact with another bike. Collins was transported to hospital with a broken right wrist.
Qualifying results
1. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:16.780
2. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:17.291
3. Andrew Nelson, Kars, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:17.738
4. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., Buell 1125R, 1:17.763
5. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:18.059
6. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:18.224
7. Royce McLean, Coaldale, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:18.908
8. Dave Estok, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Buell 1125R, 1:19.083
9. Tony Kasper, Becker, Minn., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:19.659
10. Jodi Christie, Keene, Ont., Honda CBR600RR, 1:19.905
11. Darren James, North Vancouver, B.C., Buell 1125R, 1:20.246
12. Matt Schmidt, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:20.376
13. Rob Darlington, Calgary, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:20.443
14. Jesse Sherstan, Stony Plain, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:20.675
15. Chad Swain, Airdrie, Alta., Kawasaki ZX-6R, 1:20.779
16. Andrew McKeachie, Salt Spring Island, B.C., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:21.037
17. Francis Martin, Sherbrooke, Que., BMW HP2, 1:21.330
18. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., Honda CBR600RR, 1:21.407
19. Matthew Elder, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:21.998
20. Michael Ferreira, Mississauga, Ont., BMW HP2, 1:22.030
21. James Collins, Kaladar, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:23.036
22. Rupert Collins, Calgary, Alta., Ducati 749, 1:23.685
23. John Crump, Bragg Creek, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:24.047
24. Olivier Spilborghs, White Rock, B.C., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:24.412
25. David Sushynski, Red Deer, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:25.867
Szoke takes pole at Race City
From Professional Motorsports Productions
CALGARY, AB – Jordan Szoke ended Brett McCormick’s run of pole positions in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Race City Motorsport Park on Saturday.
The Brantford, ON racer turned a lap at one minute, 15.126 seconds around the 3.2km (2.0-mile) course on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R during the Pirelli SuperPole session to earn his first $500 Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award of the 2009 season.
Szoke also picked up four points toward the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and closed to within five points of series leader McCormick heading into Sunday’s third round of the season, which is presented by Turple Bros. Ltd. and Suzuki.
Saskatoon’s McCormick was second fastest at 1:15.540 aboard the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 and saw his string of pole positions snapped at four, going back to last season.
“I really shouldn’t complain,” said Szoke, the three-time defending Parts Canada Superbike champion who has won eight Superbike events at Race City. “I had some problems on my downshifts into turn one and that lost me a bit of time, but not much. The rest of my lap was going great but I wheelied in the Bus Stop Chicane and that screwed up my drive out of there. I was surprised I managed that good a lap.”
McCormick had been fastest in the morning pre-qualifying session, which established the 10 racers for the Pirelli SuperPole session. His time of 1:15.079 eclipsed the previous track record of 1:15.751 set last year by Clint McBain. He was unable to match that pace later in the day, however.
“I put together not a great lap,” said the 17-year-old, who enters Sunday’s race with 107 points to the 102 of Szoke. “In the fast sections I rushed getting on the throttle. When you mess those up your lap is pretty much caked.
“But I’m not too worried. Our race pace will be in the low [one minute] 15s. We’ll get them tomorrow. We know our set-up and tires will last the whole race.”
Andrew Nelson qualified third fastest on his Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 with a time of 1:16.294.
“I made two little mistakes but I don’t think I would have been able to take pole anyway,” said the Kars, ON racer, who lies third in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “I’m riding the bike hard and it seems to be paying off. I think we have a quality race set-up.”
Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe completes the front row for Sunday’s race after turning a lap at 1:16.740 on his Team Toyota Yamaha / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R1.
“We keep improving but we’re struggling like crazy,” Lacombe said. “But we’ll shoot for the podium tomorrow and if possible we’ll go for the win. It will be tough for everybody to make their equipment last for 22 laps.”
Last year’s winner of this race, Cochrane, AB’s Clint McBain qualified fifth fastest on the Suzuki Dealers / Acceleration Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 with a time of 1:16.843. He will be joined on the second row by Alex Welsh (Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R) and Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, B.C. (Deeley Racing Powered By Buell / Buell 1125R).
Three more Alberta riders fill out the top 10 for Sunday’s 22-lap Superbike race. Mike Zottmann qualified eighth on his Mountain Toys Racing / Majik X Suzuki GSX-R1000 and fellow Calgary racer Dave Stokowski was next up aboard the Blackfoot / Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R. Banff’s Peter Holzinger will start 10th on the Zinger Racing / Toloco Fibreworks Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Qualifying Results (Top 10 established in Pirelli SuperPole)
1. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:15.126
2. Brett McCormick, Saskatoon, Sask., Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:15.540
3. Andrew Nelson, Kars, Ont., Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:16.294
4. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, Que., Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:16.740
5. Clint McBain, Cochrane, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:16.843
6. Alex Welsh, Uxbridge, Ont., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:17.017
7. Steve Crevier, Maple Ridge, B.C., Buell 1125R, 1:17.424
8. Mike Zottmann, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:17.504
9. Dave Stokowski, Calgary, Alta., Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:17.590
10. Peter Holzinger, Banff, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:18.664
11. Dave Estok, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Buell 1125R, 1:19.146
12. Royce McLean, Coaldale, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:19.642
13. Ross Millson, Hamilton, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:19.677
14. Marie-Josee Boucher, Montreal, Que., Honda CBR1000RR, 1:19.871
15. Jodi Christie, Keene, Ont., Honda CBR600RR, 1:19.934
16. Mitch Rathje, Calgary, Alta., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:19.955
17. Sean Huffman, Kemptville, Ont., Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:20.628
18. Brad Gavey, Calgary, Alta., Honda CBR1000RR, 1:20.674
19. Darren James, North Vancouver, B.C., Buell 1125R, 1:20.736
20. Jesse Sherstan, Stony Plain, Alta., Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:20.901
21. Tony Kasper, Becker, Minn., Yamaha YZF-R6, No Time
Southern Escapade
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Ktm motorcycles
Ktm 85 Xc
Spies back on top in Superpole
From the World Superbike Championship
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) got back to his Superpole winning ways in the World Superbike Championship with his eighth pole in nine races at Donington Park in the UK.
The 24-year-old Texan was the only rider to dip under 1:30 in the final run, which was affected by a light rain shower that prevented his rivals from responding, and he ended up in the top slot with a time of 1 minute 29.846 seconds.
“It was a good session for us, but we almost got caught out," Spies said. "I was one of the last to leave the garage and as soon as I went out of pit-lane I could see the drops starting to come, so I had to really attack the warm-up lap to make sure I got around and get relaxed in case it started raining.
"The first sector was brilliant, but then the rain started to come and I had to be careful not to touch the paint. It was good to get pole, this circuit has a short start for turn one so it’s good positioning. The bike’s working well on race tires so we need a good start tomorrow.”
After a difficult weekend at Misano, the Aprilia Racing team had a superb qualifying day, with both of their riders getting onto the front row, Max Biaggi in second and Shinya Nakano in fourth.
“In the last session I was really lucky because no one expected any drops and then it really started to rain," Biaggi said. "I started soon because I had nothing more to learn after what I had done in free practice and I thought I must put my head down and go as fast as I can.
"Second place is good for us. For tomorrow I’m quite OK, maybe not exactly the way I wanted to be but OK. It’s great to be here, I like this track, my bike could be a little bit better but I think I can go well tomorrow.”
The final front row slot went to British rider Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati), who also had the satisfaction of being the first Ducati 1098 on the grid.
“I think we got a little bit lucky because the bad weather came in quickly," Byrne said. "Fortunately we got through the first Superpole session without using qualifying tires, but I was kind of hopeful of a good result anyway. We’ve been doing a lot of work on both bikes this weekend and we ended up with them going in different directions, but I’m happy with the direction that we’ve been going since America and Misano. I’m delighted with getting the first front row of the season for myself and the team.”
The factory Ducati Xerox team had to settle for the second row, with Michel Fabrizio qualifying ahead of Noriyuki Haga in fifth place. In the second Superpole run the Italian powered to a new Donington Superbike best lap with an amazing time of 1:29.664.
The first Honda on the grid was the Hannspree Ten Kate version of Carlos Checa, who almost didn’t make it into Superpole after taking 20th place in qualifying.
Riders who failed to make the final session cut included Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda), by just 0.003 seconds, Tom Sykes (Yamaha World Superbike), the rapidly improving John Hopkins (Stiggy Racing Honda) and Misano winner Jonathan Rea Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).
Both BMW men, Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus, easily made it into Superpole and will start from row four, while British Superbike points leader Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) had a disappointing session and could only qualify in 17th place.
Not even two crashes and a bone fracture in his left ankle following Friday practice could stop Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport) from notching up his sixth pole position of the year in nine races.
The points leader did not get off to the best start in this afternoon’s qualifying, crashing out for the second time this weekend but he returned to the pits and a few minutes later was out on the track again to make his decisive move. The result was a new Donington Supersport circuit record in 1:31.701.
Such was Crutchlow’s domination that his nearest rival for the title, Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), was half a second behind, with an excellent Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Provec) seven-tenths off the pace and the final front row man Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) over one second behind.
The changeable weather conditions turned the Superstock 1000 qualifying session into an exciting affair. A rapidly drying track caught out several teams and riders and there were a number of illustrious victims, including two of the title favourites Claudio Corti (Alstare Suzuki) and Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Honda), who failed to come into the pits to change from wets to slicks.
The Italian and the Frenchman will line up side-by-side on row 6 of the grid for a race that promises to be an uphill struggle.
Xavier Simeon (Ducati Xerox) did make an early tyre change and was rewarded with pole position, his third in a row.
Danilo Petrucci (Yamaha Trasimeno) powered to his third Superstock 600 pole position in five races with a time of 1:35.997 at Donington.
The points leader, the only rider to get under the 1:36 mark, held off an attack from Britain’s Gino Rea (Ten Kate Honda), his closest rival in the championship.
Superbike Qualifying Times
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:29.846
2. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:30.080
3. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:30.535
4. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:30.671
5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:30.734
6. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:31.023
7. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:31.342
8. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:34.797
9. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:30.159
10. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:30.229
11. Hopkins J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR 1:30.272
12. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:30.387
13. Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:30.612
14. Ellison J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:30.816
15. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:30.916
16. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1:31.120
Royal Enfield Recalls 2009 Bullet Motorcycles for Rear Wheel Lockup
These motorcycles can experience third gear galling on the clutch shaft due to lack of lubrication. This condition can allow the gear to seize to the shaft, causing rear wheel lock up.
196 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Pauline and Zoo-mon
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Pauline on her 2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe. Also see Zoo-mon on his 2009 Phat Tire Hardtail Custom. 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.
Rossi 100 Win in Assen MotoGP
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thank you
I previously mentioned I had been contacted by Alpinestars who noticed my fitting troubles with their boots. Just that contact in itself I found pleasing however I want to update readers on this further.
I was again contacted by Tim from Alpinestars who offered to send a pair of new straps out to me to try and I was very happy about this however when I opened the package I was overwhelmed to
