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Vuillemin hoping to perform rare feat at Anaheim II
Harley-Davidson Introduces Firefighter Special Edition
Aprilia USA issues 2002 racing contingency program for the RS 250 and RSV Mille
AMA Designates Sunday, Sept. 30 Motorcyclists United In Remembrance Day
Team USA withdraws from Motocross Des Nations, Trail Des Nations
AMA Pro racing modifies Mladin/Loudon conduct penalty (9-12-01)
Brown and Windham to replace Pastrana and Hughes on Motocross Des Nations Team (8-20-01)
2001 USA Motocross Des Nations Team Announced
World Superbike visits Laguna Seca July 5-8
Honda Racing unleashes mighty T-Rex to menace the competition at Laguna Seca and Red Bud
Honda adds environmental learning center to Colton training center
Ryan Hughes to campaign Honda CRF450R four-stroke in 2001 (4-20-01)
John Dowd Signs With KTM
Honda motorcycles and ATVs receive Ehlert media awards
Honda off-road 4-stroke to be 449cc
ESPN2 to air 60th Daytona 200
Honda Racing Corporation announces 5-cyclinder World GP engine
New AMA Supercross series safety lighting for 2001 series
Honda XR650R claims first and second in SCORE Baja 2000 (11-14-00)
How to carry your off-road bike in the new shortbed sport utilities
Edwards, new World Superbike champ!
Honda announces racing versions of the RC51
Honda's Riders Club offers uncrated motorcycle transportation
Progressive Insurance continues AMA Pro Racing Relationship

Vuillemin hoping to perform rare feat at Anaheim II
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- David Vuillemin has opened up the 2002 AMA EA Sports Supercross Series with two wins, and while impressive, it's not that uncommon. Riders have opened the AMA Supercross season with two victories a dozen times, but only three riders, Jim Ellis, Rick Johnson and Jeremy McGrath, have managed to win the opening three rounds in the 27-year history of the series -- McGrath did it three times. Vuillemin will attempt to become only the fourth rider ever to open the championship with a perfect three-for-three Saturday night, Jan. 19, as the series moves back to Anaheim, Calif.
Vuillemin has been nearly flawless in the first two races of the 16-race series and the 24-year-old Frenchman who rides for Yamaha has opened up an eight-point lead on Indiana native Mike LaRocco. Australian newcomer Chad Reed is a surprising third in the series after posting a six and fifth respectively at Anaheim I and San Diego. Reed is not expected to contest the entire 250 championship, since he's slated to run in the AMA 125 East Supercross Series later this season.
While Vuillemin's two wins weren't totally unexpected, the big surprise so far this season is the fact that the sport's biggest icons, Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael, are tied for 11th in the championships coming into Anaheim II. McGrath has been fighting arm pump, a condition where the muscles in a rider's arm get so pumped up that feeling is lost in the hands, and has limped home to 13th and 10th-place finishes. Defending champ Carmichael came back to finish a respectable fourth last weekend in San Diego after sustaining a concussion when he crashed out of the first race in Anaheim.
While happy with his start, Vuillemin has spoken like a realist and feels that it won't be long before McGrath and Carmichael shake their early-season woes. "This series is 16-races long," said Vuillemin. "My goal is to go out and be consistent. I've been fortunate so far, but I know that Jeremy and Ricky will be getting it together very soon. It's good to have the early advantage, but I've got to keep focused on the championship and that means I've got to keep it on two wheels."
Travis Pastrana and Mike LaRocco should be riders to watch at Anaheim. Pastrana had a breakthrough of sorts last weekend at Anaheim. The 18-year-old from Maryland, led the 250 Supercross main and finished on the podium for the first time in his young career. While he may have felt a bit awkward leading for the first time, the factory Suzuki rider said after the race that he now knows what it takes to win one these races. LaRocco has been the picture of consistency, but still hasn't figured out a way to put his Factory Connection Honda in the number one position. It's been nearly seven years since the 30-year-old has tasted victory in Supercross; he's got to be one of the hungriest riders out there.
It was bound to be hard for James "Bubba" Stewart to live up to the hype surrounding his entry into the professional ranks. The most watched amateur rider over the last few years, Stewart proved in San Diego that he could live up to his billing. The Kawasaki rider won the 125 West Region main event on Saturday, becoming one of the youngest riders ever to win an AMA 125 Supercross final. The victory also gave the 16-year-old Floridian the early lead in the 125 West championship over Anaheim I winner Travis Preston.
Rodrig Thain and Christopher Gosselaar are hoping to make up for their faux pas at the first Anaheim race. The two were battling for the lead on the final lap when they collided and handed the victory to Preston. Thain is ranked third in the series coming into round three – Gosselaar is fourth.
Harley-Davidson Introduces Firefighter Special Edition
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 11, 2002) - Cast from the strong and reliable reputation of Harley-Davidson’s Touring line, the new for 2002 Harley-Davidson Firefighter Special Edition salutes the heroes who risk their lives everyday.

Sporting a solid Scarlet Red paint scheme with double gold pinstripes and the renowned characteristic Harley chrome treatment, the Firefighter Special Edition FLHTC Classic Electra Glide, FLHRI Road King and FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide are signature red firetrucks on two wheels. Powered by Harley-Davidson’s Twin Cam 88 engine, the Firefighter Special rolls with smooth, supple power. Rubber isolation mounts keep vibrations to the rider at a minimum, while the plush suspension makes the ride into the station comfortable.

Kin to the Peace Officer Special Edition models, the Firefighter Special Editions come with a decal to fit on the bike’s console describing the model as the “H-D Firefighter Special Edition”, while cast wheels finish up an aesthetic treatment that complements the touring model’s classic lines.

The honor of being a firefighter has its rewards, and the only way to order a Firefighter Special Edition is by submitting a copy of an official firefighter identification card when ordering the model through your local dealer.

Aprilia USA issues its 2002 racing contingency program for the RS 250 and RSV Mille
Aprilia USA is posting a $200,000 total contingency program for the RS 250 Aprilia Cup and RSV 1000 Mille / Mille R sportbikes in multiple racing organizations including WERA, CCS, FUSA, AFM, MRA and WSMC. “This is our first year posting a contingency for the Mille,” Says Aprilia USA General manager Tom McDonald, ”We’re excited that the Mille and Mille R is doing well in so many racing clubs across the US and want to recognize the enthusiasm for our product. We encourage racers to consider an Aprilia motorcycle for their 2002 racing season.”

The Aprilia 250 Cup Series changes from a 6-race event to a club-based program that will end in a single year-end event with Formula USA. “The total Aprilia Cup purse will be over $24,000 Including almost $7000 available in show money,” says Aprilia USA Marketing Coordinator, Robert Pandya. “With the change to a single year-end Aprilia Cup event, we wanted to help the club racer make the trip to that event. The show money will help pay the costs of going to the race, and we’ll continue our heavyweight bonus program.” Additional bonus purses include an over 40 class, and a 1^st lap leader bonus of $500. “We’re interested in adding additional bonus purses and will be approaching potential sponsors,” says Pandya.

Mille Contingency will be paid at the same club events as the 250 schedules, with additional contingency available at a National level in both WERA and FUSA. For additional information on contingency amounts, specific paying races and rules log on to www.apriliausa.com.

AMA Pro racing modifies Mladin/Loudon conduct penalty (9-12-01)
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- AMA Pro Racing announced today that it has agreed to modify the penalty imposed on Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike racer Mat Mladin following an incident at New Hampshire International Speedway on June 16.

An AMA Pro Racing press release dated June 19 explained that Mladin had been fined $5,000 and penalized a Superbike championship pole point for detrimental conduct during a post-qualifying press conference at the track. More specifically, the press release stated Mladin had been "using profanity at times" during the press conference, and had raised "personal issues" within this forum.

Since June, ensuing discussions with AMA Pro Racing officials, including a review of an audio recording from the June 16th press conference, clarified that Mladin used profanity only one time during that session, and that any criticisms he voiced were not intended to be personal in nature. Given this clarification, AMA Pro Racing has agreed to suspend the 1-point penalty for the duration of the 2001 racing season; barring any further incidents, the point will be restored to Mladin's point tally at season's end. The $5,000 fine, however, will remain intact.

Merrill Vanderslice, AMA Pro Racing's Director of Competition, explained, "The key issue here is appropriateness. In a setting such as a press conference, racers serve as spokespersons for our sport. Their attitudes, actions and words have great impact on the general public, many of whom are youngsters coming up in our sport. It is important for all concerned with motorcycle racing to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on our sport."

BROWN AND WINDHAM TO REPLACE PASTRANA AND HUGHES
ON CHEVY TRUCKS TEAM USA 2001 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS SQUAD
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- AMA Pro Racing announced today that Mike Brown and Kevin Windham have answered the call of Team USA to ride in the 2001 Motocross des Nations competition to be held in Namur, Belgium on September 29-30. Brown and Windham will step in as late replacements for Travis Pastrana and Ryan Hughes, who have both suffered injury-plagued seasons in this year's AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships. This year's U.S. lineup now consists of Brown, Windham and Ricky Carmichael. The team will represent the United States in the annual "Olympics of Motocross."

"It was an incredibly unselfish decision by both Ryan and Travis to put the team ahead of themselves in this situation," said Duke Finch, AMA Pro Racing's motocross manager, who with Roger DeCoster, co-captain Chevy Trucks Team USA. "It's also a tribute to Mike and Kevin to answer the call when Roger and I asked them to join the team. Either lineup would have been capable of winning, but we agreed with Ryan and Travis that in the long run it was best for them to both take the time to properly recuperate from the injuries they've suffered this summer. We're fortunate to have the depth of talent in this country to be able to bring in such high-quality substitutes."Pastrana and Hughes, both members of last year's winning U.S. Motocross des Nations team, have each endured concussions late in the 2001 AMA Motocross campaign.

Team USA should not skip a beat with the addition of Brown and Windham. Brown, 28, of Piney Flats, Tenn., is a veteran of European motocross having competed as a top rider in the World Motocross Championships during the late-1990s. This year Brown, riding for Pro Circuit Kawasaki, has been battling to win the AMA 125 Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships. He's led the series several times this year and is currently second to Grant Langston, just three points back with two rounds remaining. This will mark the first time that Brown has represented the U.S. in the Motocross des Nations. Windham, 23, and a native of Baton Rouge, La., will be riding on the team for the second time. He was a member of the 1999 squad that represented the U.S. in Brazil. Windham, a member of Team Suzuki, is currently the second-ranked rider in the AMA 250 Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships to Carmichael.

Carmichael, 21, of Havana, Fla., will head the squad as the defending AMA 250 Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross and AMA EA Sports Supercross champion. Carmichael is on track in this year's 250 class to win his sixth AMA national championship.
Team USA will be striving to win the Motocross des Nations for the 16th time since entering the prestigious international competition in 1972. That would match the record held by Great Britain for the most number of Motocross des Nations victories.
In 1947, the FIM created the Motocross des Nations, an annual event to determine the World Team Motocross Champions.

CARMICHAEL, HUGHES AND PASTRANA NAMED TO 2001 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS TEAM
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- AMA Pro Racing announced today the selection of the 2001 Chevy Trucks Motocross des Nations team. Riders will include Ryan Hughes, Ricky Carmichael and Travis Pastrana, last year's winning trio. The team will once again be managed by Team Suzuki's Roger DeCoster along with AMA Pro Racing's Motocross Manager Duke Finch.

This year's Motocross des Nations will be held September 29-30 in Namur, Belgium. Riders from all over the world will represent their countries at this historic event, which has been called the Olympics of motocross.
The three-member team is the same three that won the coveted Chamberlain Trophy last year in St. Jean d' Angel, France. Keeping the team together was a logical choice says Finch. "These three guys are the ones that brought the trophy back home last year. They are all excited to go back again, and they deserve the opportunity to defend their title."

Team USA has a long history of dominating the Motocross des Nations, including an amazing streak of wins that began in 1981 with riders Chuck Sun, Johnny O'Mara, Danny LaPorte and Donnie Hansen. American dominance continued for 13 consecutive years until 1994 when the team finished second. Team USA won again in Jerez, Spain in 1996, but did not dominate the event again until last year when the powerhouse team of Hughes, Carmichael and Pastrana put the USA on top of the world.

Chevy Trucks will again be a supporter of Team USA and has been joined by other corporate sponsors including Scott USA, Speedstick and Racer X Illustrated magazine. Fans can support Team USA by purchasing the 2001 Motocross des Nations T-shirt or a Scott USA special-edition hologram goggle at the AMA Pro Racing website, www.amaproracing.com. Racer X Illustrated will again be offering a commemorative Team USA des Nations decal on its www.mxdesnations.com website and donating all proceeds to Team USA.

Ryan Hughes to campaign new Honda CRF450R four-stroke motocrosser in the 2001
AMA National Outdoor Motocross Championships Hughes will debut Honda Racing's latest creation at Glen Helen Raceway this weekend

Torrance, CA -- Honda Racing's Ryan Hughes, 2000 Motocross Des Nations winner, will contest the 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships aboard Honda's all-new CRF450R four-stroke motocross race bike. Hughes, who joined Honda to assist in developing its new aluminum-framed liquid-cooled four-stroke motocross bike, will be the primary rider racing the machine in the 12-race series.

"My first goal for 2001 was to help Honda develop the four-stroke. My second goal is to put the bike on top of the winner's circle," said Hughes.
Motocross enthusiasts have eagerly awaited Honda's first four-stroke motocross bike. The race bike shares many attributes of Honda's two-stroke designs, including Honda's latest, lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame. The all-new four-stroke engine blends Honda's considerable experience with its Baja-winning XR powerplants and the sophisticated technology developed in numerous road racing championships on both two and four wheels.

As the final step in preparation for the AMA outdoor national series, Hughes will campaign the CRF450R at Round 1 of the White Brothers Four-Stroke National Championships at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California on Sunday, April 22.

"There's no testing like racing, so we are going to have Ryan race the bike this weekend to work out any last minute details before round one of the outdoor national series," said Cliff White, Honda's Motocross Race Team Manager.

The Hughes-mounted CRF450R will make its official debut on Sunday May 13 in the first round of the 2001 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships, also at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.

John Dowd Signs With KTM To Race The AMA/Chevy Trucks National Motocross
Series in the 250 Class
250 class Supercross standout and 1998 125 West Region Supercross Champion John Dowd officially signed with KTM Sportmotorcycle USA, Inc. in late March to run the 250 class in the AMA National Motocross Series beginning in May. Dowd will ride atop the KTM 520 SX during the series, and will also be sponsored by Extreme Racing Promotions and Cernic’s Suzuki of Altoona. KTM will provide race bikes, parts, and contingency, while Cernic’s Suzuki will provide transportation to and from the races. Extreme Racing Promotions will act as financial sponsor, and Factory Connection will cover bike suspension.

The Chicopee, Massachusetts native will ride out of KTM’s California race shop and is slated to begin testing very soon in preparation for the first round of the 2001 AMA/Chevy Trucks National Motocross Series in May at Glen Helen Raceway.

March 22, 2001 - Honda Gold Wing, VTX and Rubicon Receive Ehlert awards.
Honda swept the top motorcycle and ATV awards today at the annual Ehlert Powersports Media Awards banquet in Orange, CA.
Honda's all-new GL1800 Gold Wing received Rider magazine's prestigious 2001Motorcycle of the Year Award. Mark Tuttle, Senior Editor at Rider, noted that the new Gold Wing redefined motorcycle touring by providing the performance of a sport touring motorcycle with the comfort expected of a luxury tourer.
Next, Honda's early-release 2002 VTX received Cruising Rider magazine's award for the 2001 Cruiser of the Year. Cruising Rider's Josh Placa explained that the VTX received the award because the world's largest production cruiser is not only the most powerful, it is also stylish and comfortable. The VTX arrives at Honda dealers at the end of March.
The awards triple crown was completed with the announcement by ATV Magazine that the 2001 Foreman Fourtrax Rubicon had been selected as the 2001 ATV of the Year. "This machine is clearly the most innovative, the most appealing, and we believe it will prove to be the most influential ATV of this season's new crop," said editor ATV Magazine's Glenn Hansen.

Honda off-road 4-stroke to be 449cc
February 1, 2001 Torrance, CA -- The Honda Racing Corporation has disclosed additional details about the prototype four-stroke competition motocross motorcycle that will soon be racing in the U.S.

Called the CRF450R, the racing bike features a single cylinder four-stroke 449cc engine with a bore and stroke of 96.0mm x 62.1mm. The four-valve cylinder head utilizes a single overhead camshaft that acts directly on the two intake and two exhaust valves via a forked rocker arm. The benefit of this design is a reduction of mass (elimination of one camshaft and rocker arm assembly) while maintaining accurate valve timing.

Like Honda's high tech CR125R and CR250R, the CRF450R uses a specially designed twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm. Dry weight is 102kg or approximately 225lbs.

The CRF450R is scheduled to begin competition in the American Motorcyclist Association's Outdoor National Motocross series beginning May 13 at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. American Honda will announce the rider at a future date.

Information concerning the highly anticipated production version of the CRF450R has not been disclosed. No images are or additional specifications are available at this time.
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ESPN2 TO AIR 60TH DAYTONA 200
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The Daytona 200 by Arai--round one of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship--will be aired on race day, Sun., March 11, on ESPN2. The broadcast will start at 5:30, two hours after the race. But set your VCR for the Daytona 200 preview and qualifying coverage that is set for 2-3 a.m. Sat., March 10 and rebroadcast on Sunday at 5-6 a.m. Other race coverage in March includes Pro Honda Oils 600 SuperSport, Suzuki Genuine Accessories 750 SuperSport and Buell Pro Thunder action as well as Saturday's Supercross race, which airs Sat., March 17 at 1 p.m.
The dates and times are subject to change by ESPN if necessary due to other live programming commitments, breaking news, etc. All times below are Eastern. This schedule is current as of Jan. 10.
Broadcast
Event Date Time Network
Daytona 200 Preview/Qualifying > 03/10 2-3 AM ESPN2
Daytona 200 Preview/Qualifying > 03/11 5-6 AM ESPN2
Daytona 200 > 03/11 5:30-8 PM ESPN2
Daytona 200 > 03/15 1-3:30 PM ESPN2
Daytona 200 > 03/20 1-3 PM ESPN
600 SuperSport > 03/17 3:30-4:30 PM ESPN2
600 SuperSport > 03/20 5-6 AM ESPN2
750 SuperSport/Pro Thunder > 03/23 1-3 AM ESPN2
750 SuperSport/Pro Thunder > 03/23 1-3 PM ESPN2
Supercross > 03/17 1-3:30 PM ESPN2
Supercross > 03/22 1-3:30 PM ESPN2
Supercross > 03/20 3-5 AM ESPN

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Monday, 29 January 2001 -- Honda announces 5-cyclinder World GP engine.
Torrance, CA -- Today, Honda introduced a new chapter in motorcycle engine design, following the recent changes in World Grand Prix regulations.

Honda Racing Corporation unveiled a new engine called RC211V that will be used to compete in the World Grand Prix Championship in 2002. RC211V is the first four-stroke racing engine designed by Honda for the first year of 21st century, hence its coding. The engine design is a 5-cylinder in a V configuration, made up of three front cylinders and two rear cylinders.
Honda arrived at the unique V-5 engine configuration after examining the revised Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) regulations for 2002. This engine was selected because Honda believes that it will best satisfy two design requirements that Honda has historically pursued: "concentration of mass" and "reduction of projected areas".
The five cylinders have round pistons and four valves each. For the intake system, PGM-FI (programmed fuel injection) has been adopted. The minimum weight as stipulated by the regulations for four- or five-cylinder engine motorcycles is 145kg (approximately 320 lbs.).
This new chapter follows the storied history of four-stroke innovation for which Honda is famous. The last four-stroke milestones in Honda motorcycle racing were Mike Hailwood's ultimate victory with the four cylinder RC181 in 1967 in Canada, and Freddie Spencer's final outing on the oval-pistoned NR500 in 1981 during the British Grand Prix. Honda also has a special Grand Prix history with 5-cylinder engines -- Luigi Taveri won the manufacturer's and rider's championships for Honda in 1966 with the 125cc RC149.
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AEROSTICH INTRODUCES FACESHIELD WASHER SYSTEM
A windshield washer system for your faceshield. This unbreakable, oval shaped 1 oz. plastic bottle is easier to carry because it can lie flatter and be carried more comfortably in your pocket. The pump sprayer has a nice pattern and the grained sponge removes bugs without damage to faceshields. Comes unfilled: add water plus a couple of drops of dish soap for an excellent, effective cleaning solution. The integrated squeegee blade is great for faceshields. Includes adhesive Velcro and instructions for on-bike mounting.

NEW SAFETY LIGHTING SYSTEM IN PLACE FOR 2001 AMA U.S. SUPERCROSS SERIES
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- To further improve on-track awareness for racers in the 2001 AMA EA Sports Supercross Series, AMA Pro Racing will unveil a new accident indicator lighting system at the series opener Jan. 6 that will warn competitors of downed riders in technical areas of the racetrack.

The accident indicator lighting system will consist of lights placed in strategic areas of the track that will flash signals to riders. The system includes two different sets of lights. The primary set includes a yellow and red flashing strobe light combination that will be placed near each Supercross track's two technical triple jumps where AMA Pro Racing flaggers are already stationed. The yellow light will flash if a rider is down in the triple jump area to caution oncoming riders as they approach. The red strobe light will be displayed simultaneously as a second warning for riders to proceed with caution.
These lights will complement the official flaggers that are already working those areas of the track, and will augment their yellow and red-cross flags with a more visible warning. The systems will be remotely operated by officials closest to the racing action.
Another set of yellow strobe lights will be used in areas of the track where riders' sight lines could be blocked, such as where two-way sections meet, or where over-under bridge track styles are utilized. These new accident indicator lights will now warn competitors earlier of downed riders as they approach. "Rider safety remains a key consideration for us here at AMA Pro Racing," said AMA Pro Racing Supercross/Motocross Manager Duke Finch. "The nature of AMA Supercross is such that it provides some very close racing on the stadium floor." Finch added, "These new strobe lighting systems will enable us to comprehensively and visibly warn riders of potentially hazardous situations on the track as they develop, so they have plenty of time to manage these situations appropriately."

The new accident indicator lighting system was devised by Finch and developed by Race Safe of Brewerton, N.Y., a company that develops interior caution lights for stock car racing. The new system has been well-received by key industry groups, including AMA Pro Racing's Motocross Advisory Group. The system will be used in each round of the 2001 AMA EA Sports Supercross Series.

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Honda XR650 takes 1st & 2nd in grueling 1,726 mile SCORE Baja 2000 race!
(11-14-2000 / From American Honda)
2000 SCORE Desert Series, Round 3: Baja 2000 Ensenada to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, November 10-13, 2000
American Honda's Johnny Campbell rode his Honda Off Road Racing Team's XR650R across the finish line first -- ahead of all motorcycles and trucks alike -- in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on Monday afternoon at the Tecate SCORE Baja 2000.

Campbell, with the considerable help of teammates Tim Staab, Steve Hengeveld and Craig Smith, finished the 1726-mile race in an unbelievable 30 hours and 58 minutes, averaging 55.74 mph. The victory was Campbell's fourth consecutive in the Baja 1000 and Staab's second. Close behind the winning team came the XR650R-mounted Honda Legends "B" Team consisting of Baja champions and American Honda employees Bruce Ogilvie and Chuck Miller, as well as former champions Gary Jones, Bob Rutton, Paul Osbo and Bob Johnson. The Honda "B" team took the checkered flag approximately 20 minutes behind the Campbell team's XR650R and also finished ahead of all truck entries.

The 33rd running of the oldest, most grueling and most prestigious off-road race in the world, the Baja 2000 doubled the traditional distance of the famous Baja 1000 desert dash. It was clearly the ultimate test of man and machine. The nearly flawless performance of the Honda XR650R stands out amid many significant factory entries that encountered difficulty, including the pre-race favorites of former Baja winner (on a motorcycle) Larry Roeseler and co-driver Ivan Stewart in the PPI Toyota Trophy truck, which reportedly blew its motor around the halfway point of the race.

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Seen at the SEMA automotive show
If one of those SUVs, the ones with the short beds, is for you - take a look. Looks like someone has come up with a way to carry your dirt bike - if you must.

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Racing RC51 Coming (10-22-00)
American Honda is pleased to announce that the World Superbike Championship VTR1000SP-1 racing platform can now be ordered in the U.S. Racing enthusiasts of Honda's street-going RC51 can select from two versions of the racing SP-1 from Honda Racing Corporation's (HRC) authorized dealer in the US, Thousand Oaks Honda.

The HRC VTR1000SP-1 Basic Racer is an entry-level professional racing machine that eliminates all unnecessary parts from the mass production RC51. With a suggested retail price of $14,999 US, features include:
- HRC-designed racing exhaust
- High-flow induction system with racing-specification Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for optimum fuel injection and injection settings.
- Simplified wiring harness
- Optimized frame with an HRC-designed steering damper.
- Race-spec tires
The VTR1000SP-1 Complete Racer is a fully-fitted racing machine that features all of the HRC Kit race-developed parts from engine to suspension, and is fully capable of winning World and AMA Superbike races. The Complete Racer has the same specifications as the HRC works machine and is loaded with the latest HRC racing technology. The suggested retail price of the VTR1000SP-1 Complete Racer is $107,999 US.

Features include:
- HRC-designed engine components, including crankshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, camshafts and drive gears, pistons, connecting rods, clutch, generator, radiators, exhaust system, ECU and more.
- Body panels, fuel tank, wheels, swingarm, subframe, brake discs and calipers, levers and brackets, chain and sprockets and more.

Delivery of the VTR1000SP-1 Basic Racer and Complete Racer will be March 2001. Inquiries should be directed to Thousand Oaks Honda, 2594 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, California 91362 USA, telephone 805.371.3000, FAX 805.379.1882 or visit the Thousand Oaks Honda HRC web site: www.hrcusa.com.
Edwards, new World Superbike champ! (10-13-00)
Castrol Honda's Colin Edwards is the new World Superbike champion after one of the most demanding campaigns ends at Brands Hatch this weekend with victory for the affable Texan and Honda's new VTR twin-cylinder machine. Edwards oozed confidence as he entered the 2000 series and immediately made an impression with a spectacular victory in the opening race of the year at Kyalami, South Africa.
We had a great pre-season, setting fastest times and breaking lap records just about everywhere we tested,' recalls Edwards. 'But all that counts for nothing if it doesn't contribute towards bagging those championship points. I wanted to win the first race of the year so much. After building up so much expectation with the new VTR I knew it was important to let everyone know I wanted the championship badly.'

Edwards followed up his opening round success with two fifth places at Phillip Island in Australia before scooping his first pole position of the year at Sugo in Japan a week later. 'There were times at some circuits this year when I knew I had the fast lap in me and Sugo was one of those. But the races there were tough. Carl Fogarty was injured the previous week and both Noriyuki Haga and me were looking at each other to challenge for the title - that showed in our Sugo race results.'

Edwards took fifth and third place finishes away from Sugo. The 26-year-old from Conroe in Texas was back to champion-elect form at Donington Park in round four, winning the opening race from pole position before - unusually for the consistent American - crashing out of second place in race two.

His domination reached a new level at Monza in Italy with a third successive pole position followed by a win and a second place at the historical Italian venue. A stunning fourth consecutive pole position came at the ultra-fast Hockenheim circuit in Germany, leading to consistent fourth and second place finishes. Edwards' mid-season dip in form, almost typical of any championship campaign, began at Misano following a crash on his Superpole lap which left him 15th on the grid. A first race crash and second race 10th place were far from Edwards' hopes from the San Marino round.

'It was about that time that I started travelling to Japan to test for the Suzuka 8 hours and I think the schedule was starting to take its toll,' admits Edwards who travelled to and from Europe to Suzuka four times in seven weeks. The following round at Valencia showed signs of improvement. Fifth on the grid, he finished fifth and fourth in the two races which made up the Spanish round. His home event at Laguna Seca was one in which Edwards was intent on success. Having qualified in second place the former 250cc American champion notched up second and fourth places, he recalls: 'That was probably one of our worst tracks as far as tyre wear was concerned. I think it was the same for a lot of other riders but, compared to my results in Spain, I was just happy to get back on the podium. Confident of repeating his 1999 double victory, Edwards arrived at Brands Hatch eager to take his first win since the Italian round in May. After qualifying in second place Edwards was in confident mood but the championship he had led all season was about to produce a further twist. A first race, first lap crash ended Edwards' hopes of Brands Hatch victories. Forced to race his spare machine in the re-started opening race, he took a lowly 10th, followed by an equally disappointing sixth place. 'It was points in the bag at the end of the day,' says Edwards. 'Haga was my nearest challenger and I still managed to get more points that him on the day - somehow!'

The August break was never more appreciated and Edwards - in his third year with the Castrol Honda team - bounced back in emphatic style. Rounds 11 and 12 in Holland and Germany brought two pole positions, three wins and a fifth place from the four races - the championship was all but won. After the Oschersleben event Edwards held a commanding lead but was prevented from celebrating due to the pending court hearing for rival Haga after the Japanese rider's failed anti-doping test in South Africa in April. Edwards comments: 'I was really disappointed that the Haga saga dragged on for so long. If he tested positive for a banned substance, he tested positive - what more can be said ? In Germany we should have been celebrating winning the world title but it was hard with this Haga hearing still to take place.

Prior to this weekend's final round Edwards had proven his champion status. From 12 rounds on five continents he had bagged six pole positions and seven race wins. Edwards had moved from fifth in the series in 1998 to second in '99 to scoop the ultimate prize this year. I'm still not convinced that the effort of the team and of Honda has been fully appreciated,' says Edwards. 'We've raced a brand new machine this year and its all credit to Honda that they've produced their first twin-cylinder superbike and it's a winner first time out. He adds: After a demanding year both physically and mentally I'm ready for some relaxation before I can get my head around starting the defence of this title.

Courtesy of Castrol Honda Racing.
END
Honda's Riders Club offers uncrated motorcycle transportation
(October 20, 00)
The Honda Riders Club of America (HRCA) and the Federal Companies, agent for Allied Van Lines, have signed an agreement to provide uncrated motorcycle transportation services to HRCA members throughout the continental United States.
For HRCA members who are in need of transportation when attending rallies or are planning time-limited motorcycle vacations, this is an ideal service. Under the agreement, residential pickup and delivery is also an option.
American Honda selected Federal because they are the leader in uncrated transportation services. Federal is well known for their innovative "skid program", which has become the industry standard for motorcycle transportation. With over ten years of unparalleled customer service and satisfaction, Federal is a company that knows the meaning of Performance First.
American Honda and Federal launched their partnership at the 2000 Honda Hoot motorcycle rally, held in Asheville, NC in June. At the closing ceremony, Federal presented a "Biker Buck" certificate to be used toward a lucky HRCA members next motorcycle adventure.
For further information about this valuable service, HRCA members can call 1-800-747-4100, x217 or visit Federal's website at www.funtransport.com.
END
PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CONTINUES AMA PRO RACING RELATIONSHIP
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (10-20-00)
Flat-track fans, the best just keeps getting better. The multi-year partnership between American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Pro Racing and Progressive Insurance (NYSE:PGR) will continue to pay more dividends in 2001, both parties have announced.

For the second straight year, Progressive remains the title sponsor of the AMA U.S. Flat Track Championships and will continue its high-profile promotions for the flat-track community. The company plans to continue its innovative 1-800-FLAT-TRACK marketing campaign and its complimentary Internet strategy, again generating additional purse money for the series. Everyone wins in this campaign. The racers win because Progressive kicks in an additional dollar to the Rider Bonus Fund each time a flat-track fan gets an insurance quote from Progressive. You, the fan, win because through Progressive's sponsorship, professional dirt-track racing remains as healthy and, like Progressive Insurance rates, competitive as ever. Progressive and its over 30,000 independent agents win because they receive more business traffic from potential insurance customers. And AMA Pro Racing wins through the additional exposure of Grand National Flat Track racing.

Every time a fan gets an insurance quote by calling 1-800-FLAT-TRACK 24 hours a day, seven days a week, visits www.amaproracing.com and clicks on the Progressive banner, or stops by the Progressive tent at a Flat Track race for a quote, Progressive will contribute $1 to the 1-800-FLAT-TRACK bonus fund.
The 1-800-FLAT-TRACK bonuses will be divided among all Progressive Insurance Grand National Championship riders who earn points at AMA Progressive Insurance Grand National Championship races, and will be distributed at season's end. This bonus is on top of the $100,000 point fund Progressive posts as part of the program. This year, the campaign generated an additional $10,000 for the season's point fund, Progressive's Motorcycle Marketing Manager Miriam Deitcher says.
"The flat-track racers and fans have been incredibly supportive of Progressive Insurance and the 1-800-FLAT-TRACK program," says Deitcher. "The support has been overwhelming to me, and I'm looking forward to next year. Everyone seems to be real happy that Progressive has come in and provided some extra exposure for the sport. And we're happy to do it because we know our customers love dirt-track racing."
As the No. 1 motorcycle insurer in the U.S., Progressive has been able to use its large existing customer base to promote professional flat-track racing, creating new fans along the way. Deitcher says Progressive considers flat-track fans to be an important part of its customer base, a group that sees the company's involvement in motorcycle racing as a true value benefit to Progressive's customers.
Part of Progressive's involvement has been a high-profile marketing program showcasing its sponsorship of the AMA U.S. Flat Track Championships, including direct mail, event promotions, autographed T-shirts, stickers, magnets, discounts to AMA members and track-side race-day amenities. Progressive also supports the national series broadcasts on ESPN2.
Progressive Insurance has been in business since 1937, and it wrote $6.1 billion in premiums in 1999. It's the fourth largest auto insurer in the U.S. and is the nation's largest insurer of motorcycles, with over 800,000 policyholders. Progressive is truly progressive in its accessibility to customers - through 30,000 independent agents, by phone or over the Internet.
Since 1994, the company has sponsored the Progressive Insurance AMA Harley-Davidson SuperTwins and the Progressive Insurance AMA Pro Thunder road race series. Progressive has also sponsored the 1999 and 2000 Progressive Insurance AMA Superbike races at Sears Point Raceway, and Progressive remains the AMA's official insurance provider, offering discounted rates to AMA members.