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1. Honda Rider's Club of America Ads New Medical Air Benefit August 28, 2006
Honda Rider¹s Club of America announces new partnership with Medical Air Services Association: Life-saving service offers HRCA Members peace of mind
Torrance, Ca. The Honda Rider¹s Club of America® (HRCA®) and MASA, Medical Air Services Association, have announced a new partnership that provides
HRCA Members with an exclusive offer that will not only save them money, but more importantly, may save their lives.

As the world¹s leading motorcycle manufacturer¹s owners club, we are very pleased to introduce HRCA Members to MASA and the prepaid medical air transport services they offer, said Bill Savino, HRCA Manager. MASA has agreed to waive the initiation fee for HRCA Members and we encourage our
riders to take advantage of MASA¹s valuable benefits.

We are glad to offer HRCA Members an exclusive discount for a MASA membership,² said Keith Knapp, MASA motorcycle division director and a motorcyclist of 40 years himself. We are confident that our low-cost protection is a perfect fit for their active lifestyle.

MASA membership can save tens of thousands of dollars if a rider goes down or becomes ill and requires emergency air medical transportation. In addition, MASA will arrange for transportation to the nearest medical facility equipped to handle their condition. MASA benefits include:
1. Emergency air transportation
2. Commercial air transportation
3. Ground ambulance
4. Repatriation/recuperation
5. Return transportation
6. Non-injury transport
7. Escort transportation
8. Minor children/grandchildren return
9. Vehicle return including motorcycle
10. Mortal remains transport
11. Organ retrieval
12. Organ recipient transport

You don¹t have to be traveling by motorcycle to receive the benefits of MASA membership, said Knapp. If one of our members is hospitalized at home and needs specialized medical treatment that is not locally available, MASA will transport them by air ambulance to the hospital that can best attend to their needs. Under the agreement, MASA will waive the one-time initiation fee, a $60 value for HRCA Members. The annual fee for an Individual Membership is $240 and $360 for a Family Membership. MASA members receive all 12 MASA benefits in the company¹s coverage area: the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos. Optional worldwide trip coverage is available at a discounted price for MASA members. Emergency toll-free telephone numbers are imprinted on the back of a wallet-sized membership card for easy reference.

The HRCA is dedicated to offering our Members the best benefits available, and we are pleased to offer the considerable benefit of MASA emergency assistance services,² said Savino. To take advantage of this special offer, HRCA Members must have a current, valid HRCA membership number. A call to MASA at (866) 781-8162, or visit to www.medairservices.com/hrca is all it takes to get the process going. *Does not include closed course competitions

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2. AMA PRO RACING ANNOUNCES ONLINE SUBMISSION OF RULES PROPOSALS
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (August 29, 2006) -- Effective immediately, anyone holding an AMA Pro Racing credential will be able to use the internet to propose new rules. A just-completed section on the AMA Pro Racing website enables AMA credential holders to suggest a new technical rule or a revision to an existing technical rule.
Once an idea for a rule is submitted online by a qualified individual, an e-mail alert will be sent to all credential holders in that particular discipline who have an e-mail address on file. A comment period will begin allowing credential holders to comment on the proposed rule. At the conclusion of the comment period, all relative information will be placed in a report for presentation to the respective AMA Rules Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
As announced earlier this year, and as part of a series of changes made to the rules making process, discipline-specific Rules Committees have been formed for each of AMA Pro Racing’s professional racing series. Meeting biannually, these Rules Committees are responsible for the development of technical rules. All rules proposals are ultimately approved by the AMA Board of Directors.
“This is another important step in the path towards our new rules-making objectives,” said AMA CEO Patti DiPietro about the online rules submission. “During the last several months we have created an all new Racing Committee to set the strategic direction for AMA Championship Racing and five new Rules Committees to help develop rules for each series. Now, with this project complete, we have added the infrastructure that will allow anybody holding an AMA credential to be part of the process.”
Specific details are located in the Rules and Bulletins section of www.amaproracing.com. Participants can log on by typing in their AMA membership number (found on their AMA credential) and ZIP code. To submit a new technical rule or a revision to an existing technical rule, participants must be credentialed for that specific discipline. The status of submitted proposals will be posted online at the conclusion of the next regularly-scheduled Rules Committee meeting. For additional information contact AMA Pro Racing Director of Technical Development, Kevin Crowther at 614-856-1900.
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3. CARMICHAEL GOING FOR HIS 70TH AMA MOTOCROSS WIN AT STEEL CITY
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (August 29, 2006) -- Ricky Carmichael comes into the 19th Annual Monster Energy/Kawasaki Pro Motocross National at Steel City Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 3, the newly crowned champion of the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF. With the championship clinched Carmichael says he will turn to preparation for the Motocross of Nations. If that preparation includes winning at Steel City it will mark his 70th-career AMA Motocross victory
While Carmichael is likely to receive a hero’s welcome at Steel City, another one of the crowd favorites will try to spoil RC’s party. Kawasaki’s James Stewart is the only rider to beat Carmichael in the series this year and a healthy Stewart has the speed on any given weekend to give Carmichael a major challenge.
Carmichael, the seven time AMA Motocross Champion from Tallahassee, Fla., will try to ride his Makita Suzuki to a sixth victory at Steel City Raceway. Stewart, who won three times in the 125 class (now called Motocross Lites) is seeking his first premier class win at the famous track in Delmont, Pa.
“Me and James have been having some sweet battles,” Carmichael said of his rivalry with fellow Floridian Stewart. “It has been fun, and that’s what racing is all about. We’ve been racing clean and fun. He gets the best of me, and then I get the best of him.”
Yamaha’s Chad Reed currently holds down second in the championship, but will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Kevin Windham will be the only other past Steel City National winner in the Motocross class. Windham is battling fellow Honda rider Davi Millsaps for second in the championship. Stewart has an outside chance of earning that spot as well.
With the championship decided in the premier class, attention will turn to AMA Motocross Lites. There new Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki sensation Ryan Villopoto leads Red Bull KTM’s Mike Alessi by 20 points. Honda’s Andrew Short is closing in as well making for an exciting three-rider battle for the title in the final two outdoor events.
The 18-year-old Villopoto, from Poulsbo, Wash., has been one of the biggest stories in AMA racing this summer. In his first full year as a pro, Villopoto has emerged as potentially the next big star in the championship, following in the footsteps of Carmichael and Stewart. Alessi looked to be in a strong position to earn the title, but some bad races late in the season have hurt his chances.
Short has made a strong second half surge in the series. Should he manage a win it would mark the first Steel City Lites class win for Honda since Steve Lamson’s victory in 1995.
The hottest rider in the class coming into Steel City is local hero Broc Hepler. The Makita Suzuki rider from Kittanning, Pa., has won the last two rounds leading up to Steel City. A victory this weekend would give Hepler the most wins he’s ever had in a single season.
The Monster Energy/Kawasaki Pro Motocross National at Steel City will be televised on OLN. The Motocross class will air on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6:00 pm, while the Motocross Lites class will broadcast on Monday, Sept. 11 at 5:30 pm.
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4. Official Results - AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO - Aug. 26, 2006
AMA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY PARTS UNLIMITED
AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race One Results
Pos. No. Rider name Hometown Bike Laps Pts Team name
1. 3 Jeff Ward Newport Beach, CA Honda CRF450R 14 25 Team Troy Lee Designs Honda
2. 19 Doug A. Henry Torrington, CT Yamaha YZ450F 14 22 Graves Motorsports Yamaha
3. 11 Christopher S. Fillmore Oxford, MI Honda CRF450R 14 20 Team Troy Lee Designs Honda
4. 1 Jurgen Kunzel Cato, WI KTM 450SMS 14 18 Team Red Bull KTM HMC
5. 8 Kurt Nicoll Temecula, CA KTM 450SMR 14 16 Team Red Bull KTM HMC
6. 73 Steve Drew Riverside, CA KTM 450SMR 14 15 Hart & Huntington Tattoo East Coast Wheels Pinit Motors Factory Effex
7. 7 Troy Herfoss Goulburn, Australia Husqvarna SMR450 14 14 GP Husqvarna
8. 428 Josh W. Chisum Bakersfield, CA KTM 450MXC 14 13 Josh Chisum Racing
9. 641 Travis C. Marks Lake Elsinore, CA Honda CRF450R 14 12 JST Racing Motostrano.com
10. 39 Matt W. Burton Ottumwa, IA Yamaha YZ450F 14 11 RJ Maxxis Yamaha
11. 294 Jason B. Conlon Mount Airy, MD Yamaha YZ450F 14 10 Fredericktown Yamaha Riley
12. 143 Joe J. Kopp Mica, WA Honda CRF450R 14 9 Renton Beaverton Honda
13. 76 Billy K. Dotson Pueblo, CO Yamaha YZ450F 13 8 Team TFM Rosario`s
14. 41 David Arnold Richmond Hill, ON Honda CRF450R 13 7 Team Machine Racing Troy Lee Designs
15. 177 Travis F. Ellis Bakersfield, CA Honda CRF450R 13 6 JST Racing Motostrano.com
16. 832 Jimmy N. Roberts Santa Clarita, CA Honda CRF450R 13 5 Roberts Racing
17. 97 Michelle Disalvo Modesto, CA Honda CRF450R 13 4 Stockton Honda Disalvo
18. 105 Mike Ulrich Burbank, CA Yamaha YZ450F 13 3 Fast 50s / Slide Motorsports
19. 747 Jesse L. George Independence, MO Suzuki RM-Z450 13 2 Jardine`s Fat Boy Racing Michelin
20. 83 Chris Podergois Clovis, CA Honda CRF450R 13 1 Team Podergois
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5. LORIS CAPIROSSI AND THE DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM LINE UP TOGETHER AGAIN IN 2007.
Agreement between Loris Capirossi and Ducati renewed again for one more year.
Capirossi, who has raced the Desmosedici machine since 2003, the year Ducati made its debut in the MotoGP championship, has played an important role in the development and the growth of the project. The renewal of the contract linking him to Ducati is the natural continuation of a successful and functioning partnership.
The Italian rider and the Italian bike have accumulated 5 GP victories - including 4 in the last twelve months - 11 podiums and 7 pole positions together over three seasons plus the one in course. With this new agreement, Loris Capirossi can now look forward to a fifth successive year together with the Ducati Desmosedici, a year in which both rider and machine will be aiming to achieve greater success and to continue the constant development of new technologies that will be applied to Ducati's production bikes.
"I am very pleased to renew the agreement with Ducati. The collaboration that has tied me to them since the start of the project fills me with honour and pride. The fact that a satisfactory agreement for both parties has been reached well before the end of the championship is a demonstration of the unity and trust that has come about during the last four years.
I feel part of the Ducati family, I am satisfied and pleased with the team and believe that, even at this early stage, I can easily declare that the new 800 cc powered Desmosedici GP7 has got off to a good start and that we're going to enjoy ourselves next year. Now I have a lot of motivation to conclude this season and tackle next year with the same amount of determination and optimism and, as is my style, I will give my everything for this to happen.
Ducati's dream is also mine. We work well together and together we are aiming to complete the project, bring it to its climax and fight for the world title with an Italian bike." Claudio Domenicali (Ducati Corse Managing Director and DMH Director of Product Development)"We are satisfied that we have reached an agreement with Loris for the 2007 season: this allows us to look to the end of the season and to the future serenely and with great optimism.
With his talent, his determination and his professionalism, Loris has had a fundamental role in the success of the Desmosedici project, which represents the cutting edge of the process of innovation and improvement of the competitiveness of Ducati. The understanding that has been created between Loris and his Desmosedici demonstrates, to fans throughout the world, the passion that runs through Ducati. Loris represents the most important ‘sensor' of our bike and his indications, thanks to the close rapport of esteem and trust between him and Filippo Preziosi (Ducati Corse Director General) and the entire team, are turned into an increasingly greater spin-off of technology between racing and production".
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6. JAMIE HACKING: 2006 AMA SUPERSPORT CHAMPION
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (August 22, 2006) -- Jamie Hacking, the 35-year-old British born rider from Denver, N.C., clinched the 2006 Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei with his victory at round nine of the series on Sunday, Aug. 20, at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va.
Hacking took the title in fine style, dicing with M4 EMGO Suzuki riders Geoff May and Michael Barnes, who each took a turn in the lead, en route to his sixth consecutive victory aboard the factory Yamaha.
For Hacking winning back the championship he first earned in 2003 was one of the most satisfying accomplishments of his 10-year AMA professional racing career. “Getting this championship back is something that’s been a goal of mine for the last three years,” Hacking said. “This feels every bit as good as winning the first one. Coming back from injury and all makes it really special. To get this title back for Yamaha and my crew feels especially good. They gave me the best bike out there for sure. To wrap it up with two races to go is just incredible. It’s been a great season and now I’ll turn my attention to winning the Superstock title.”
Hacking also leads the Repsol Lubricants Superstock Series. He is trying to become only the second rider ever to win both the AMA Supersport and Superstock Championships in the same season. To date Doug Polen is the only rider ever able to accomplish the feat. He did it in 1988. Hacking had a stellar AMA Supersport campaign. After finishing second to Kawasaki’s Roger Lee Hayden in the first two rounds, Hacking won six straight races, the longest consecutive win streak in the class since Miguel Duhamel in 1995. Hacking moved sharply up the rankings on the AMA Supersport all-times wins list. Beginning the season tied for fourth on the list, Hacking, now with 18-career wins after VIR, is second to Miguel Duhamel for all-time Supersport victories.
Hacking’s title marks the fifth AMA Supersport championship for Yamaha. Scott Zampach (1989), David Sadowski (1990), Jamie James (1994) and Hacking in 2003 were past champions riding Yamahas. The Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei ranks second in importance to AMA Superbike among road racing classes. In spite of Hacking’s dominance in the series this season, the class is typically one of the most closely contested in all of AMA racing. Past champions of the series are a Who’s Who in American road racing including riders such as Miguel Duhamel, David Sadowski, Nicky Hayden, Kurtis Roberts, Aaron Yates, Eric Bostrom, Tom Kipp and Tommy Hayden. Hacking joins Polen, Duhamel and Tommy Hayden as the only multi-time champs of the series.
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7. RICKY CARMICHAEL: 2006 AMA MOTOCROSS CHAMPION
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (August 22, 2006) -- Ricky Carmichael, 26, from Havana, Fla., clinched the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF on Sunday, Aug. 20, with a victory at Broome-Tioga Sports Center in rural Binghamton, N.Y. It marked one of the earliest points in the season a rider has secured the title. Two events still remain this season.
The championship was the seventh straight for Carmichael in the premier AMA Motocross class and his 15th AMA national title overall. His résumé now features – seven AMA 250 Motocross Championships, three AMA 125 Motocross Championships and five AMA Supercross Series titles. In addition Carmichael won an AMA 125 East Region Supercross title in 1998.
This championship may be the last for Carmichael. He announced earlier in the season that 2006 would be his final full-time season of racing AMA Supercross and Motocross. Many fans hold out hope that Carmichael will change his mind and continue to pursue titles in 2007. Often the biggest cheers at the races this year came when Carmichael announced that he would return next summer to a particular venue.
Carmichael continued to rewrite the record books throughout the 2006 motocross season. With two rounds remaining Carmichael added another eight overall wins to his tally so far. The victory at Binghamton marked his 69th AMA Motocross Championship win. He is first on the all-time AMA Motocross wins list. Carmichael’s numbers are simply staggering. By comparison second-ranked all-time Motocross wins leader Bob Hannah amassed 27 national wins during his Hall of Fame career. Among active riders Kevin Windham is second with eight-career Motocross class wins.
Already the owner of three undefeated seasons in AMA Motocross (2002, 2004 and 2005), Carmichael added yet another jaw-dropping accomplishment to his ledger when he lapped the entire field in the second moto at muddy Spring Creek Motocross Park in Millville, Minn., on Aug. 13.
When I sit back and look at it, to never lose an outdoor title, that’s pretty amazing. I can’t believe it,” Carmichael said. "I feel really fortunate; it's been a great career. I had the opportunity to race against some great riders like Jeremy McGrath – the best supercross racer ever. The way I look at it; if I keep racing I'm going to get beat. You have to know when your time is and I'm happy with what I've accomplished in my career. I have some other opportunities and look forward to seeing what they have in store for me. I'm glad I could go out on top."
In his ten years in AMA Pro Racing Carmichael has become the most dominant rider ever in American motocross. Carmichael was also the most successful amateur racer as a youth. He was named AMA Motocross Rookie of the Year in 1996 after competing in only one race. He began professional racing in earnest in 1997 and has won championships every season since then. He’s never failed to defend a title in a series in which he’s competed. He’s also done it on several brands; first with Kawasaki, then Honda now Suzuki.
Coming up at the Steel City National in Delmont, Pa., on Sept. 3, Carmichael is going after the Monster Energy Drink Triple Crown of Motocross – a $25,000 bonus for sweeping the High Point, Red Bud and Steel City rounds of the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship.
After the Glen Helen AMA Motocross season finale in San Bernardino, Calif., on Sept. 10, Carmichael says he will turn his attention to the Motocross of Nations. Carmichael dominated the Olympic-like motocross competition last year in Ernée, France, leading the American team to victory. This year at the 2006 Motocross of Nations, scheduled for Sept. 23 - 24 at Matterley Basin in Winchester, Great Britain, Carmichael will be joined by James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto on the American team. Carmichael was chosen as team captain.
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8. DUCATI ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO USA RACING STRATEGY FOR 2007
Cupertino, CA (August 22, 2006) - Ducati North America and Ducati Corse today announce that their participation in the AMA Superbike Championship with a factory team will cease at the end of the 2006 season. The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team has successfully raced with the 999 Superbike in each of the last three seasons (winning five races as of today) and the American based Ducati subsidiary will now take a year to consider its future options.
“Our primary objective of raising the profile of our brand and of the 999 Superbike has been achieved", said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. "We have increased our sales over 60% since 2003 and the USA has become a powerful export market for our parent Italian factory. There are a lot of exciting developments coming to our business in the next couple of years and we have decided to take a step back in 2007 in order to plan most effectively for our long term future. Hopefully in the meantime the AMA technical rules, which currently force twin-cylinder bikes to have more standard parts than in World Superbikes, thus making it really difficult for Ducati to compete with the best four-cylinder machines, will be revised for the future. We remain a very strong and committed supporter of the AMA and, when our bikes will be allowed to participate with a fair chance of challenging for the final championship win, we expect to be racing competitively again very soon in the AMA Superbike series. I would personally like to thank the team, the riders and our sponsors, particularly Parts Unlimited, for their role in the resurgence of Ducati's success in the USA."
Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Superbike Director added “We have enjoyed a very good relationship with Terry Gregoricka and his team and are very proud of the results achieved together with them. It is always a difficult decision to end a successful partnership, but we respect the reasons behind Ducati North America’s change of strategy. A special thanks to Terry, Tom, Gabry, Gary, Ben and Neil and all the boys at Parts Unlimited Ducati Team for their hard and professional work. We are sure that they will do their best to finish the racing season on a high note”.
Ducati North America will remain committed to racing in the United States through the continuation of a national and regional Contingency program as well as various other racing support programs.
Ducati USA Racing Q&A
The following questions and answers are regarding Ducati North America’s decision to cease to support a factory backed team in the AMA Superbike series in 2007.
Why did Ducati North America make the decision to not continue with a factory supported team in AMA Superbike racing?
Our factory racing program – which began with a new lap record and the pole position at the Daytona 200 - was structured with a three year plan. All of our racing contracts are up at the conclusion of 2006. Knowing this, we sat down and reevaluated our business plan for 2007 and beyond. This was a very detailed process, and one in which we considered many options. There are commercial considerations that mitigate against running a team in 2007 and we will take the 12 months to plan for an exciting future.
Can you provide more detail?
In 2004, when we dedicated the resources to bring back a top shelf racing team to the USA, our goals were to showcase our top of the line 999R with a first class effort – which we have successfully done. We achieved the goal of winning AMA Superbike races on the 999R, and during the 2005 racing season we were one of two manufacturers to win an AMA Superbike race, despite stiff competition from other factory teams.
Will Ducati North America return to AMA Superbike racing?
The goal is return to AMA Superbike racing in 2008. Ducati North America remains completely committed to the AMA and supports the AMA’s efforts to improve and grow motorcycle road racing in the United States, and believes that racing is an essential platform for showcasing our products. Although nothing is certain, we remain committed to investigating our options and returning with the intent to win races and the championship.
Were there any “external” factors that contributed to this decision?
The need for Ducati Corse to build a different specification machine for AMA racing than World Superbike remains a severe handicap for our relatively small factory. This has contributed to the difficulty in improving our competitiveness. Ducati will be seeking a re-examination of this situation prior to the setting of technical rules for the 2008 racing season.
Will Ducati owner’s hospitality continue at the AMA Superbike races?
Ducati North America will continue to support the AMA Superbike tour by providing resources and assistance for local clubs and dealers at the circuits during 2007.
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9. MV Agusta sets Bonneville Land Speed Record
Press Release - MV Agusta Racing News - August 21, 2006
The 2007 MV Agusta F4-1000R takes title of World’s Fastest 1000cc Production Motorcycle
The 2007 MV Agusta F4-1000R raced across the salt flats during the 58th Annual Bonneville National Speedweek land speed trials (August 12-18, 2006) and into the Southern California Timing Association record books as the fastest production class 1000cc motorcycle in the world with an average combined speed of 185.882 MPH (299.148 KPH) and a highest single speed of 187.726 MPH (302.116 KPH).
A collaboration between Team Manager, Bob Leppan of TT Motorcycles, Rider Roosevelt ‘Rosey’ Lackey, Tuner Eraldo Ferracci of Fast By Ferracci Racing Products, Primary Sponsor, Gary Kohs, of Fine Art Models, and Matthew Stutzman, MV Agusta GM, the group focused their efforts on attaining the Land Speed Record for the 1000cc Production Engine / Production Frame (P-P) class previously set at 182.759 MPH. The 1000cc “P-P” record is particularly desirable as it based upon unmodified “showroom stock” production models available at any authorized dealer.
Throughout the qualifying runs, the F4-1000R showcased its renowned high speed stability while delivering a factory rated 174 HP and 81.8 ft./lb. of torque to the Utah Salt Flats, propelling the motorcycle unerringly to the very limits of traction and aerodynamics. Veteran rider Roosevelt 'Rosey' Lackey, who piloted the F4-1000R on its record run said that “the bike is so beautiful, it does everything you could want for it to do, with nothing ill at all in any way shape or form, no hiccups anywhere. I love that motorcycle just the way it is.”
The Bonneville effort is yet another step in the contemporary MV Agusta brand’s return to organized racing and complements emerging efforts in both Europe and the United States. Cagiva USA, Inc., the official North American importer of MV Agusta, has set its sights on AMA homologation for Superstock in 2007, and CEO Larry Ferracci notes that “with a performance like this at its Bonneville debut, the MV Agusta F4-1000R is proving to be the platform that will bring MV Agusta’s historic championship-winning success to US racetracks in the very near future.”
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10. Temporary Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction, Yuma Field Office
The Bureau of Land Management intends to temporarily restrict all forms of motorized travel within 122.02 acres of public land. The public lands affected by this temporary restriction are located in lots 1, 18, and 19, SE\1/4\SW\1/4\, and Tract 38, section 6, Township 11 South, Range 22 East, San Bernardino Meridian, Imperial County, California. The BLM is implementing this restriction to minimize damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, and cultural resources of the public lands. Violations of this restriction are punishable by a fine not to exceed $100,000 and/or imprisonment.
The restriction will be in effect between June 2nd, 2006 and June 1st, 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Mark Lowans
Acting Associate Field Manager
BLM Yuma Field Office
2555 East Gila Ridge Road
Yuma, AZ 85365
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11. GP7 Test - Brno
Monday Aug 21 2006
CAPIROSSI COMPLETES HIS MAIDEN TEST WITH THE DESMOSEDICI GP7.
The day after his superb win at Brno, Loris Capirossi makes his track debut with the new 800cc Ducati Desmosedici. Sete Gibernau, also present in the pit garage, had to sit out and watch. In the wake of Loris Capirossi's fifth win in MotoGP - and his second of the year - at the Brno track on Sunday, the Ducati pit garage was today the scene for more frenetic activity as the Italian team geared up for another important day of action at the Czech Republic circuit.
The new Desmosedici GP7 was finally given to Sunday's race winner and official Ducati Marlboro team rider Loris Capirossi to test for the first time. The new 800 cc powered machine, created by Technical Director Filippo Preziosi together with his team of Ducati Corse engineers just under one year ago, had its first shakedown tests in the hands of test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi, who put the bike through its early paces at the Mugello circuit, where it made its debut on May 2nd.
At 12.20 this morning the bike that will be entered in the 2007 MotoGP Championship by the Ducati Marlboro Team was given to Loris to test and the Italian was immediately impressed right from the start. After carrying out a series of tyre tests with the GP6 in the morning, the Italian set to work with the GP7 and completed 28 laps with the new machine, his best being 1m59.6s.
Vittoriano Guareschi and Shinichi Ito (both present with their respective test teams at Brno) together with Sete Gibernau were also in the Ducati garage, watching Loris test the GP7. The Spanish rider, who missed out on last weekend's exciting race after doctors advised him not to take part, wanted to see the new machine in action. If all goes according to plan, Sete will be back on the track at the next GP at Sepang, Malaysia on September 10th.
Filippo Preziosi (Ducati Corse Technical Director) "Today was another important day for all of us. Of course it is far too early to give a definitive opinion on the GP7 because it was the first time Loris had stepped onto the bike and because we still have to face up to our rivals. I can only say that I am satisfied: the bike seems to have got off to a good start. We have structured the project in an attempt to iron out some of the weak points of the GP6 that emerged chiefly with the chassis: we think we have identified them and have managed to resolve them. In fact Loris's comments that the bike reacts well and has a good ‘rideability' are positive. For sure it's a good start but we've still got a lot of work to do: the bike that won the race yesterday is the one we've been working on for the last four years and this one has just been born. A big thanks to all the guys in Ducati Corse, the guys in the team and all our sponsors who believe in us and who give us important support all year round".
Loris Capirossi
"This morning I did some tyre testing which went quite well and which might allow us to have some interesting developments for the next few races. Then we started with the GP7. As a first test it was very positive even though the bike still has to be developed. We expect to have to do a lot of work but the first impression was positive. The bike's handling has improved a lot and that's important.. This bike has to be ridden in a different way to the GP6, it's actually very enjoyable, a bit like a 250 machine and testing it now was interesting and useful so we can immediately start to work on it. The engine is different, obviously less powerful but it makes a great noise! It has been a fantastic day, I'm very happy and tomorrow we'll continue to work hard".
Sete Gibernau
"Yesterday I was over the moon for Loris's win! I feel part of the family and I am always happy when the guys do well. The GP7 is a very important project and I also wanted to be here for the test. Loris said that the bike is going well and I would love to be able to test it as well but for the moment it's better not to. I should be back on the track in Malaysia: mentally I'm at 100% and I hope that the tests I'll be doing next week will confirm that I will be physically as well. The plate broke at Laguna Seca and now I've got two inside me, held together with 15 screws. If it breaks again, it'll be much worse because I'll have to have a bone graft from my hip to repair it. In any case, I'm sure that this rest period is doing me good and hopefully things will be OK for September 10th: I've had too much vacation and now I can't wait to be back in action!"
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12. BLUERIBBON COALITION APPLAUDS R.S. 2477 RULING
Date: August 17, 2006
POCATELLO, ID (August 17, 2006) -- The BlueRibbon Coalition, a national trails-based recreational advocacy group, applauded yesterday's Utah District Court dismissal of a decade old lawsuit challenging rights of ways across public lands.
A federal judge in Salt Lake City on Wednesday dismissed the 1996 suit filed against the Bureau of Land Management by a coalition of anti-access groups, including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and the Sierra Club. Judge Bruce Jenkins granted a motion offered by Utah counties to dismiss the case, citing a ruling handed down by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals last fall.
"This is a huge victory for millions of Americans who value access to public lands," said BlueRibbon's Public Lands Director, Brian Hawthorne. "I think this decision throws a bucket of cold water on efforts by green groups to impose their closure agenda on local governments and the public", Hawthorne concluded.
The litigation began in 1996 when road crews employed by Utah's San Juan, Kane, and Garfield Counties graded sixteen roads located in southern Utah. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) and other anti-access groups filed suit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) , San Juan County, Kane and Garfield Counties, alleging that the Counties had engaged in unlawful road construction activities and that the BLM had violated the law by not taking more aggressive action against the road maintenance. The BLM subsequently filed cross-claims against the Counties, alleging that their road construction activities constituted trespass and degradation of federal property. The Counties claim the road maintenance activities were lawful because the activities took place within valid "R.S. 2477" rights of way. The district court ruled that federal law, as interpreted by BLM, dictated critical legal definitions in the case relating to the establishment, scope and maintenance of the "highways."
A three-judge panel of the 10th Circuit reversed, finding that state law properly guides interpretation of the existence and scope of any 2477 roads. At the time of the 10th Circuit decision, Paul Turcke, legal counsel for BlueRibbon observed "it will take time to evaluate the impact of this important decision, but it appears that the Circuit Court has reversed the district court's deviation from the previously-established precedent and reminded the parties to focus on state law concepts in evaluating the counties' actions," After yesterday's ruling, Turcke noted "this outcome was predictable given the Circuit's guidance, and will hopefully signal future certainty and a hope for cooperation between counties, the federal government and affected members of the public where 2477 rights of way are concerned."
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13. Chad Reed to have Surgery
Factory Rider to miss remainder of Nationals
Cypress, CA (August 16, 2006) - - Yamaha Factory racer Chad Reed will be forced to miss the remainder of the AMA Motocross National Series due to an injury sustained this past weekend. Reed suffered a dislocated shoulder and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday, August 17th.
The factory YZ450F racer, currently second overall in the Championship standings, crashed during the second moto of the Millville National. Battling toward the front, Reed went down in the infamous Millville whoop section, landing on the same shoulder which required surgery prior to the 2004 season.
“It’s always difficult to loose a rider of that caliber in the middle of the season. Reed has soldiered on through the pain this year with other nagging injuries consistently finishing on the podium. For this injury, doctors have determined the only course of action is immediate surgery,” explains Yamaha Team Manager, Jim Perry. “We will miss his energy and leadership in the pits and are hopeful he can return with plenty of time to test the 07 YZ’s with his new L&M team prior to next years Supercross season.”
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14. AMA COMPLETES REVIEW OF EPA GUIDANCE ON STREETBIKE RULES
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that it's completed its review of an Environmental Protection Agency "Letter of Guidance" on the subject of motorcycle-emissions regulations.
The July 25 letter, which serves to clarify existing regulations, came less than six months after meetings between EPA technical officials and AMA Government Relations, in which the AMA sought clarification of regulations for "kit" and "custom" motorcycles. "One of the AMA's goals in meeting with EPA officials was to encourage the agency to issue just this sort of clarification," said AMA Government Relations Vice President Ed Moreland. "We're pleased that the EPA heard our concerns, along with the concerns of other groups and individuals, and did its part to help American motorcyclists know exactly what the regulations mean."
Kit bikes are motorcycles typically built by individuals using off-the-shelf components, while custom bikes are generally show bikes built by a business and sold to a customer. Under the regulations, a person is allowed only one kit motorcycle in their lifetime that is exempt from meeting EPA emissions requirements.For custom motorcycles, a builder may create and sell up to 24 bikes a year that don't meet EPA emissions requirements, but those machines must be labeled as exempt and are show bikes that only rarely may be ridden.
The AMA's review of the recent Letter of Guidance confirmed that by using an EPA-certified engine, an individual will, in fact, be permitted to build a kit motorcycle without invoking the "one per lifetime" rule, subject to restrictions on exhaust systems, carburetors, fuel injection, and certain other components. From the EPA Letter of Guidance: "New highway motorcycles certified in this manner may be operated or re-sold without restriction, as long as all requirements of this procedure are met and the anti-tampering requirements of the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S. C. sec. 203(a)) are met."
Before the EPA adopted these rules in 2004, it was illegal for anyone to ride a street motorcycle built in 1980 or later if it didn't meet EPA emissions requirements.
The EPA rules adopted in 2004 require new road motorcycles sold nationwide beginning with the 2006 model year to meet strict emissions standards adopted earlier by California. The first phase of the California standards went into effect with model year 2004, with a second tier scheduled to go into effect with model year 2008. The EPA adopted the same standards but with a two-year delay, meaning the first phase took effect with the 2006 model year, and the second phase will take effect in model year 2010.
New motorcycles sold in California beginning with the 2004 model year, and nationwide beginning with the 2006 model year, may not emit more than 1.4 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and 12 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide. The California standard gets tougher in model year 2008, with a limit of 0.8 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides and 12 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide. The federal standard that goes in effect in model year 2010 is the same.
When the EPA issued its final rules, the provisions related to kit and custom bikes were new, which the AMA notes also has led to the confusion surrounding them. All major motorcycle manufacturers' streetbikes meet federal model year 2006 emissions standards, and several manufacturers' products already meet the model year 2010 standards. The AMA actively voiced motorcyclists' concerns to the EPA beginning in 2001, as the federal agency worked to put together the new emissions requirements. The EPA Letter of Guidance is posted on the agency's website at http://www.epa.gov/oms/cert/dearmfr/cisd0615.pdf.
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15. KTM 2007 MX1/MX2 line-up confirmed (06.08.2006)
The factory KTM MX1 and MX2 motocross teams will involve a total of four riders, two in each class, for the 2007 FIM World Championship. Jonathan Barragan will be joined in the MX1 set-up by David Philippaerts while the recently announced Tommy Searle forms part of the MX2 crew and KTM are pleased to declare that Tyla Rattray will remain an MX2 Grand Prix rider for the second term of his two year deal.
The South African had initially been exploring options to race in America or even switch to the MX1 class but finally decided that he has unfinished business on the extremely competitive 250 SX-F. “I will stay in Europe and ride in MX2 next year,” the twenty year old said. “KTM were keen for me to do it and my loyalty is with them. It will bring our association up to six years. I first came over here because I wanted to win a World Championship and it looks as though I will not be able to do that this year. We will try again next season and I am with one of the best teams and bikes to get the job done.”
Philippaerts has surged through to the front of the MX2 class this season and has merited his works saddle next to Spaniard Barragan, who has impressed with a series of top three results and two overall podiums in his maiden campaign with the factory team. “I am happy to be going to MX1 with the team,” said the Italian who has claimed 6 moto wins and 4 overall victories in 2006 prior to the Grand Prix of Belgium. “I was pushing Pit a lot to give me an MX1 bike!” Philippaerts will ride the 450 SX-F at Mol for the sixth round of the Belgium Championship On August 15th. “I hope to do a bit of testing with the 450 in Belgium and maybe some other national races,” he added. “MX1 will be exciting next year. Coppins will be fast and people like Ramon, Strijbos and Leok have experience in the class whereas for those like myself, Pourcel and Mackenzie it will be our first season in MX1. It will be tough but I am already looking forward to it.”
“It is great that Tyla has chosen to stay in MX2,” commented KTM Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer. “Moving to the AMA would have made our American team stronger but we are delighted he will form a part of the MX2 World Championship effort alongside Tommy because he is one of the top riders in the category.” “Our strategy for 2007 is to focus on two-man factory teams in MX1 and MX2 because we have learned our lesson from having too many riders,” he continued. “We want to give better and more support to our four motocross competitors and a smaller set-up allows this.”
“When Stefan will retire this year the new generation will start in MX1 and we have two of the best young guys. Youth is the theme throughout both teams. Jonathan has done a much better job this year than we expected and David has performed very well in MX2. Under pressure he does not make any mistakes and he is ready to fight until the last minute which you do not see so much.” “We are pleased with the line-ups we have so far for MX1 and MX2 and hope to finalise MX3 and give some details about the rest of the team structure shortly,” he concluded.
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16. AMA NAMES NEW ROAD RACE SERIES DIRECTOR
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 4, 2006) – The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and AMA Pro Racing announced today that Keith Kizer has been appointed to the newly-created position of Road Race Series Director. Kizer who currently oversees the AMA Prostar Drag Racing Series will now direct AMA professional and amateur road race championships and will relocate to AMA’s Pickerington, Ohio headquarters.
The appointment is effective immediately.
“Keith has done an admirable job in building the AMA Prostar Drag Racing Series and we’re looking forward to bringing his experience and management expertise to road racing,” said Patricia DiPietro, AMA CEO. DiPietro added that the creation of this new position is part of the ongoing organizational changes implemented by the AMA beginning in January.
“The AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited is one of our highest profile racing disciplines and one that has the most potential for continued growth,” commented DiPietro. “Similarly, we have some ambitious objectives for amateur road racing including the development of an amateur-to-pro progression plan. The addition of Keith provides us with another valuable resource to work towards the future.”
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping AMA-sanctioned road racing expand,” said Kizer. “I’ve enjoyed my tenure at Prostar and have developed a wealth of experience that will help me in this new position.” Kizer added that he will remain committed to Prostar until a successor is named. “As a founder and co-owner of Prostar I want to ensure a smooth transition. I will attend the remaining three events on the 2006 calendar and do everything I can to help the organization. I want fans and competitors alike to know that my departure doesn’t mean the end of Prostar.” Kizer will attend this weekend’s AMA Superbike Championship event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. AMA Pro Racing Road Race Series Manager, Ron Barrick will continue to manage race operations.
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17. AMA ANNOUNCES 2006 MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS 'AMA TEAM USA'
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has nnounced the members AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's, which will compete at the 2006 Motocross of Nations, scheduled for September 23 - 24 at Matterley Basin/Winchester, Great Britain. Representing the U.S. and defending its 2005 Motocross of Nations victory will be Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto. Carmichael was chosen as team captain.
The members of AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's, were announced yesterday during ceremonies at the 2006 AMA Air Nautiques Amateur Motocross National Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
Motocross fans played a role in choosing this year's team, through online nominations and voting on AMADirectlink.com; the final voting also served as a fundraiser for the team. All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward supporting AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's. The other five nominees for the 2006 U.S. team were Mike Alessi, Thomas Hahn, David Millsaps, Nicholas Wey, and Kevin Windham.
Often called "The Olympics of Motorcycling," the Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams from around the world competing in three races, or motos. In 2005, Team USA defeated a strong international field to take its 16th winner's trophy, its first since 2000. From 1981 to 1993, Team USA was undefeated in the Motocross of Nations, winning 13 straight times.
A 17th win would put the Americans alone at the top of the all-time wins list, just as the U.S. prepares to welcome the 62nd Motocross of Nations, scheduled for September 21 - 23, 2007 at Budds Creek Motocross Raceway in Maryland.
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18. DUCATI WINS TWO MOTORCYCLIST MOTY AWARDS
Monster S4Rs and Desmosedici RR win top awards from Motorcyclist Magazine
Cupertino, CA – August 2, 2006 – Motorcyclist Magazine’s annual Motorcycle Of The Year (MOTY) awards have been announced, and once again Ducati has scooped two of the prestigious trophies. The Monster S4Rs grabbed the award for Best Naked Bike, while the Desmosedici RR was honored as the Best Dream Bike of 2006.
The ceremony, held overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the beautiful Highlands Inn in Carmel, California, is an annual competition for the top-performing and best new production motorcycles, and is judged by the magazine’s experienced editorial staff. “We are honored to once again win awards at the annual MOTY dinner,” said Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. “The Monster S4Rs is the ultimate performance expression of our classic Monster range and is a 21st Century Superbike that delivers fun on the street. The Desmosedici RR is a fitting winner of Best Dream Bike as it brings MotoGP technology into the hands of enthusiasts for the first time.”
“Both of these bikes epitomize the type of motorcycles we tend to gravitate to for our Category Awards,” said Motorcyclist Editor in Chief Mitch Boehm. “They’re not only sexy and beautiful to look at, they offer truly top-shelf performance. OK, we haven’t ridden the Desmosedici yet,” Boehm added with a grin, “but I can’t imagine it not blowing a sportbike rider’s mind!”
The Monster S4Rs was released in the U.S. in May and has become an instant success. It is the new benchmark in the sports standard segment, delivering 130 Horsepower and featuring top shelf components such as Ohlins suspension and Brembo radial calliper brakes. The Desmosedici RR represents the ultimate sportbike dream. With a hand built V4 engine delivering 200 horsepower and bristling with revolutionary technology it is the only motorcycle of its type available anywhere in the world. It carries a MSRP of $65,000, making it the most expensive production motorcycle ever offered to the public.
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19. NEW 2007 999S “TEAM USA” LIMITED EDITION RELEASED
Ducati North America to offer 150 limited edition Superbikes based on Bostrom’s and Hodgson’s AMA Superbike machines
Cupertino, CA – July 26, 2006 – Ducati North America celebrates competition in the AMA Superbike series with the announcement of a limited edition 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA edition. The early release 2007 model Superbike was unveiled to the public on Ducati Island during the Red Bull USGP weekend, which was held at Laguna Seca Raceway. The Superbike will be limited in production to 150 units, and each one will bear the autographs of team racers Neil Hodgson and Ben Bostrom on the tail section.
Combining innovative technology and top-level components such as Ohlins suspension, the 999s Team USA edition continues the winning spirit shared by Ducati riders and racers throughout the world. The 999s Team USA edition is closely based on the race bikes used by the Bostrom brothers and Neil Hodgson during the 2005 and 2006 AMA Superbike seasons.
The 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA edition is powered by the 143 HP 999cc Testastretta motor and has a MSRP of $19,995. The motorcycle will be available for sale at Ducati dealers throughout North America beginning in August, 2006. All Team USA edition 999s are built exclusively for the North American market. For more information, including detailed specifications, please visit: www.ducatiusa.com.
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20. Indian® Motorcycle Company Announces New Home
Kings Mountain, NC (July 20, 2006) – Indian® Motorcycle Company is pleased to announce that it will be revving up its engine in a new home. After carefully reviewing location options throughout the United States, Indian® has selected a factory in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, where it will place its world headquarters. The site, located in Cleveland County, 37 miles west of downtown Charlotte, includes 11 acres of property and a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility which is expandable to 125,000 square feet.
“We believe Cleveland County and the greater Charlotte area are a perfect fit for Indian® Motorcycle Company and we’re proud to call this area home,” said Indian Chairman, Stephen Julius. “We are in the heart of our nation’s powersports industry, with access to design, engineering and mechanical talent, world-class suppliers, motorsport education centers and year-round motorcycle riding weather. In addition, this area provides us with economic advantages, including a low overall cost of doing business, which was aided by a strong incentive package provided by Cleveland County and by the State of North Carolina.”
The announcement of the factory site marks the official re-launch of Indian® Motorcycle Company, America’s oldest and most iconic motorcycle brand, founded in 1901. In preparation for Indian’s re-launch, management has spent considerable time over the last two years researching the American motorcycle market and learning from the successes and failures of other market entrants. In particular, Indian has studied the tremendous growth of Harley-Davidson from near-bankruptcy in the early 1980’s to a multi-billion dollar success story today. However, Indian is intent on slowly carving out its own niche in the large and growing heavyweight cruiser motorcycle market. There is a considerable consumer base for a premium line of motorcycles under the Indian Motorcycle brand, which has an almost cult-like status amongst many consumers. The company will focus on supplying genuine, American made, motorcycles which are beautifully designed, made of the highest quality materials, reliable and supported by a qualified dealer network.
Over the next 12 months, Indian will focus on design, engineering and testing activities, with the objective of introducing the famed Indian® Chief® motorcycle in the second half of 2007. To head up its product development team, Indian has hired Geoffrey Burgess, a world-renowned motorcycle engineer and product development expert. Geoff was most recently the Chief Technology Officer at Global Motorsports Group (“GMG”), owner of Custom Chrome, a provider of parts and accessories to the American V-twin motorcycle market. Prior to GMG, Geoff was head of product development at S&S Cycle, Inc., a leading V-twin engine manufacturing company, where he drove product innovation and process improvement to new levels. Prior to joining S&S, Geoff was the first employee and Chief Engineer at the Victory Motorcycle division of Polaris Industries, Inc., in Roseau, Minnesota. Geoff has also served in various senior engineering capacities at General Motors, Bombardier Recreational Products (Valcourt, Quebec), BSA-Triumph Motorcycles and Norton-Villiers Motorcycle Group. “Having Geoff on our team is a big win for Indian®,” commented Indian President, David Wright. “His breadth and depth of knowledge of the American motorcycle market is impressive and his technical capabilities unsurpassed. He has outstanding powertrain and chassis design and development experience which we will put to good use. He is the perfect person for this role.”
Mr. Burgess commented, “I know that the executive management of Indian® understand the importance of product development, engineering and testing to current industry OEM standards. I have been very impressed with their thoughtful and long-term approach to this exciting opportunity.”
Indian is presently seeking to expand its team of engine and chassis engineers, technicians and CAD designers. “Our team will focus on design, quality, craftsmanship and service,” commented Mr. Wright. “Indian remains among the most powerful brands in the U.S. motorcycle market, and our team is committed to re-building the extraordinary legend of Indian®.” In the first half of 2007, Indian® will begin the process of developing a small but highly qualified network of motorcycle dealers who understand and appreciate the heritage of Indian® and recognize the growth potential of this opportunity.
The controlling shareholder of Indian® Motorcycle Company is London based Stellican Limited which has an impressive track record of resurrecting classic brands, including, most recently, the successful re-launch of Chris-Craft® boats, which was founded in 1874 and is among the oldest boat brands in the United States. “We will apply the same practical and long-term approach to Indian as we have employed successfully at Chris-Craft”, commented Stephen Julius, Chairman of both Indian Motorcycle and Chris-Craft. “We are confident we will repeat our success with Indian® by remaining true to the rich heritage of this incredible brand and doing things slowly and thoroughly. We are certain that there is an important role for Indian® in the future of the American motorcycle market” added Mr. Julius.
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