MC News		MC News
	www.motorsports-network.com

Motorcycle News

   Page 9 | Page 8 |  Page 7 | Page 6 | Page 5 | Page 4 | Page 3 | Page 2 | Page 1 | Motorcycle Index

All news items below
1. Kawasaki Team Green announces lineup for 03/04 Arenacross series
2. Company releases Eric Bostrom to pursue personal career objectives
3. Indian Motorcycles Suddenly Ceases Production
4. Casey McCoy from CA named as third rider for Red Bull / KTM US Dakar team
5. Mike Vaughan Leaves Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.
6. McGrath to be inducted to Motorcycle Hall of Fame
7. Yamaha to sponsor the X Arena at the XGames Xperience at Disney
8. Cannondale Announces Plans To File Voluntary Chapter 11 Petition
9. AMA 2003 Superbike Rules Released
10. First-Ever Polaris National Open House Set for Oct. 12-19
11. McGrath, who will ride for KTM, injured practicing for US Open

1. Kawasaki Team Green announces lineup for 03/04 Arenacross series
(11-17-03) IRVINE, Calif. – Team Green™, the amateur racing support program created by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announced its lineup for the 2004 Clear Channel Entertainment National Arenacross Series.

Darcy Lange of Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, Shawn Clark of Montgomery, Ind., and Jeff Northrop of Concord, Calif., will all compete in the 250 class aboard Kawasaki KX250 motocross bikes. All three riders will also compete in the 125 class aboard Kawasaki’s all-new KX250F four-stroke motocross bike.

Overseeing the Team Green Arenacross effort is Bill Whitley of Huntington, Texas. Whitley formerly managed Suzuki’s factory Arenacross team, which clinched four championships under his direction. Whitley said he looks forward to working with Team Green, adding that the ’03-‘04 season gives Kawasaki a special opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the new KX250F. “The new KX250F is one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden or tested,” said Whitley. “It’s an outstanding machine.”

Team Green Manager Reid Nordin said the 2004 team brings “fresh new faces to Kawasaki’s effort. We’re confident Darcy, Shawn and Jeff will do well in the new season,” said Nordin. The new team members have already begun to make their mark on the national racing scene. Lange won the National Arenacross Series Dash for Cash on a KX125 and KX250 in 2003. For his part, Clark placed second at the AMA Amateur Nationals in the 125A class in 2003. Clark was also given the 2003 Fast Brain award by Cycle News for his high academic achievements and straight A grades. ###

2. Company releases Eric Bostrom to pursue personal career objectives
- Kawasaki to focus only on Superstock and Supersport series -
IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2003)—Bruce Stjernstrom, director of professional racing for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., today announced the company’s decision not to contest the 2004 AMA Superbike Series, and instead to concentrate on the Superstock and Supersport series races. At the same time, he indicated that Kawasaki would release the company’s Superbike racer, Eric Bostrom, to pursue his personal career objectives.

“Our decision is to put our team effort behind the Superstock and Supersport series at a time when the AMA’s Superbike series is being restructured,” said Stjernstrom. “Eric’s contributions to the team and Kawasaki have been enormous over the past several years, and there’s just no way we could stand in his way once the decision was made to not race the Superbike series,” he continued.

According to Stjernstrom, team management discussed the company’s 2004 plans with Bostrom and a mutual agreement was reached, which the director of racing says “is a prime example of the respect that exists between the two parties.” “Kawasaki certainly wishes only the best for Eric in the future,” concluded Stjernstrom. ###

3. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CEASES PRODUCTION
Gilroy, CA – September 22, 2003 – Indian Motorcycle announced today that it has ceased production effective immediately in order to conserve cash and preserve its assets.  The Company also announced that it has laid off its workforce. Frank J. O’Connell, Chairman of the Board, said, “These steps were taken in order to allow the board time to explore other options that would permit the Company to continue as a going concern.  At present the company is operating with a small group of management in place and will continue to do so until a decision is made concerning Indian’s future.” “We have made tremendous progress in the last few years in rebuilding the Indian brand,” he continued, “and we are hopeful that a way can be found to maintain the viability of the Company ”. 
###
Motorsports Network has heard this was a sudden development for the companies laid off workers, who were locked out of the building when they returned from lunch. mn

4 . Casey McCoy, from Bishop CA, named as third rider for Red Bull / KTM US Dakar team
After opening up the opportunity to all qualified US riders, McCoy is chosen by KTM to join the well known and highly respected riders Larry Roeseler and Paul Krause in the company's factory backed, 950 Adventure based, USA Dakar team. Friend of Motorsports Network, McCoy learned of his being selected while in Australia participating in the Australian Safari Rally. Roeseler has never participated in the Dakar Rally, but has had much success driving cars in regional rally events. Krause has participated in the Dakar event one time. Casey has a lot of rally experience, but only in the Australian event. McCoy, a highly skilled and smart rider, has just had a dream come true by being selected to represent the US, and to ride with such a well respected team and riders. It will be a blast to see how they do - go USA. MN

KTM North America, Inc. today announced the selection of 37-year old Casey McCoy as the third member of the Red Bull KTM U.S. Dakar Team. Following a nationwide talent search that began on July 12th with the official introduction of the team at Laguna Seca, over 36 applications were received from across the United States. Casey was selected due to his extensive Rally experience having competed in Six Australian Safari Rallies, finishing all of them, once as high as second overall. Red Bull KTM U.S. Dakar Team Manager Scot Harden commented, “This was an extremely tough decision. We never imagined that so many qualified riders would apply. It sure shows how popular the Dakar Rally has become in America. In the end, we selected what we felt was the strongest applicant from the field. The fact that Casey has as much, or more Rally experience than any other American, on top of his finish record gave us the confidence that he was the best choice for the team”. For McCoy being selected is the opportunity of a lifetime. “I’ve dreamed of doing Dakar for many years. To get this opportunity means everything. To team with Larry and Paul, and to have such great support from Red Bull and KTM means that we have the tools to get the job done. I’m really looking forward to representing the U.S. come this January”. Testing and training for the team has already started and will continue through the fall of 2003. Casey will race with Larry, Paul and team manager, Scot Harden in the Baja 1000 in November as a practice run on the new 950 Rally. Immediately following the Baja 1000 the team will head to Tunisia for 10 days of testing under actual Rally conditions.

Final preparations will take place in December 2003 before heading to Paris for the start of the Rally on January 1st. ###

5. Mike Vaughan Leaves Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.
Newnan, GA - September 4, 2003 -  Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. announced today that senior executive, Mike Vaughan resigned from Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. to pursue other career opportunities. 

"Triumph gratefully recognizes Vaughan's five years of dedication to Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., and applauds his many accomplishments," stated Mark Brady, General Manager of Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. 

"Over the past six months, Triumph has conducted a major corporate strategic review and we have strengthened our marketing efforts by building a strong central marketing team to manage all aspects of Triumph's business," Brady said.  "We look forward to taking these achievements to the next level."

With its rich legacy, current state-of-the-art technology and modern styling, Triumph is one of the most famous names in motorcycling on the streets today.  In August, the company unveiled Triumph's new power cruiser - the Rocket III - the first cruiser to break the 2-liter barrier and the biggest standard production motorcycle being built.  Today, Triumph has a line of thirteen motorcycles that are distributed throughout the world.  These motorcycles come with nine different frames and five engine configurations ranging from twins, to triples, to four cylinders - all designed and built at the Hinckley facility.  The company plans to launch other exciting new bikes in the near future. ###

 6. "Supercross King" Jeremy McGrath  

When Jeremy McGrath is inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on October 5, 2003, he will become the youngest member ever of an elite group.  To date, 285 of the motorcycle industry's most intriguing and memorable men and women have been immortalized in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located just minutes east of Columbus, Ohio on the 23-acre campus of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in Pickerington.  McGrath will be one of 13 new inductees honored, include racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen, industry ambassador Tom Heininger and trials champ and award-winning Hollywood stuntwoman Debbie Evans. During his career, McGrath--who turns 31 this year--won seven AMA Supercross championships, more than any other racer in the sport.  In addition, he set two other records: he won more individual AMA Supercross races (74) and more races in a single season (14) than any other person.  McGrath holds 11 major championship titles. He was also twice selected to represent the United States on the Motocross des Nations team.  McGrath caught the racing bug at the age of 11 when he started competing in Bicycle Motocross (BMX) competitions.  At the age of 17, he traded pedal power for two-stroke engines and began racing motocross as a privateer.  He turned pro in 1989.  In 2003, McGrath retired from Supercross competition and began a new career on the growing Supermotard circuit.  This season, McGrath is competing for Team Troy Lee Designs, aboard a Honda, in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship.     In addition to his amazing string of victories, McGrath has inspired thousands of young men and women to pursue their championships dreams.  Motivated by a pure passion for the sport and a rigorous work ethic instilled in him by his parents, McGrath carved his way to the very pinnacle of racing success. The annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction ceremony takes place at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 5 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  The ceremony is the highlight of a two-day celebration that starts with a Saturday, October 4 evening reception at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, open to the public ($15 per person, RSVP required).   On Sunday, visitors can enjoy the country's most exclusive showcase of classic motorcycles at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d'Elegance, featuring over 100 rare vintage bikes.  Additional activities include an autograph session with the inductees and a motorcycle art showcase featuring internationally acclaimed bronze artist and sculptor Jeff Decker and licensed Harley-Davidson artists David Uhl and Scott Jacobs.  All Sunday, October 5 events are open to the public.  Visitors can also tour the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum's extensive new exhibit, "Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance." ###

7. Yamaha to sponsor the X Arena at the XGames Xperience at Disney
CYPRESS, Calif., (June 23, 2003) - - Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to announce its sponsorship of the X Arena at the X Games Xperience at Disney’s California Adventure.This summer, the best skaters, bike stunt riders, in -liners and freestyle motocross riders will thrill fans from July 1^st through August 10. The athletes performing will have fans holding their collective breaths as if they were rocking through the California Screamin’ rollercoster at Disney’s California Adventure as they see up close and personal these ESPN X Games stars. Yamaha motorcycles and ATVs will be on display in the specially- constructed freestyle X Arena and in the Esplanade area between Disney’s California Adventure park and Disneyland park. Fans will also have the opportunity to win one of five Yamaha TTR125LE and one of five Yamaha Blaster ATVs.  Yamaha will also give-away hats, shirts and other Yamaha accessories during the Moto X pre-show adding to this incredible event.  Plus, fans can sit atop a Yamaha YZ250, emulate Yamaha’s Trevor Vines, and have a picture taken as if they themselves are jumping freestyle. Yamaha’s own, Trevor “From Wherever” Vines will be performing from July 28 through August 3^rd.  

The show will run four times daily with six freestyle moto-x riders at a time to entertain the crowd, many of whom have never seen what these riders and modern motocross bikes are capable of jumping. After each session, the fans will be able to meet with some of the riders, get up close and personal and even pick up a few autographs along the way. ###

8. Cannondale Announces Plans To File Voluntary Chapter 11 Petition
(Bethel, CT – 1/27/03)  Cannondale Corporation (Nasdaq: BIKE), has announced that it intends to file a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on January 28th.

Cannondale and its lenders, The CIT/Business Credit, Inc. and Pegasus Partners II, L.P. have reached an agreement in principle that, subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, will provide the Company with interim financing to fund post-petition operating expenses and to meet supplier and employee commitments.  “The interim financing will be used to continue the operation of our bicycle business,” said Cannondale Founder and President Joe Montgomery.

Cannondale has also reached an agreement in principle with Pegasus Partners II, L.P. to sell substantially all of its assets to Pegasus Partners II, L.P. pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, subject to better and higher offers and court approval.  Pegasus would operate the bicycle business as a going concern with the involvement of current management and would purchase separately the Company’s motorsports assets, including the intellectual property related to the design of Cannondale’s motorsports products.  In the meantime, management continues to work with other potential interested buyers for either or both of these businesses.   Because the Company has obtained interim post-petition financing, Cannondale will be able to pay vendors for goods and services received after the filing in the ordinary course of business.

Montgomery explained that difficulties with Cannondale’s motorsports business made the filing necessary, and that the Company has determined to suspend operations of the motorsports division pending a potential sale.  “The motorsports division was threatening the bicycle division,” explained Montgomery.  “Although we believe in the value of our motorsports products, we did not have sufficient financial resources to make the additional investments necessary.  We look forward to bringing a renewed focus to our core bicycle business and to working through this present challenge with the greatest possible speed.”

The suspension of operations of the motorsports division will mean that production workers who had been furloughed from Cannondale’s motorsports factory in Bedford, Pennsylvania in December will not be recalled.  Production workers at Cannondale’s Bedford bicycle factory, who have been idled during a recent shutdown, are scheduled to return to work in the near future.

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries are not included in the filing.  Business done through Cannondale subsidiaries in Europe, Japan and Australia accounted for approximately 42% of the Company’s total sales in fiscal 2002. 

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the Company to maintain sufficient debtor-in-possession financing to fund its operations and the expenses of the Chapter 11 process; the outcome and timing of the Company’s efforts to restructure and/or sell certain of its assets, including the ability of the Company to execute and close a definitive agreement with Pegasus Partners II, L.P. or any other purchaser; the Company’s ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the Company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 proceeding; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm a plan of reorganization, to appoint a Chapter 11 trustee or to convert the case to a Chapter 7 proceeding; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with its vendors and dealers; the Company’s ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the Chapter 11 proceeding on the Company’s liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the Company to fund and execute its business plan; the ability of the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and employees; the ability of the Company to attract and retain customers; risks and uncertainties relating to market acceptance of the Company’s products; competition; the effectiveness of the Company’s dealer networks and sales teams; changes in the level of discretionary consumer spending; the timing of future parts receipts, which may impact the Company’s ability to fill orders; as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. ###

9. 2003 AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP RULES
Only approved motorcycles are permitted in AMA Superbike competition.
AMA Pro Racing will accept homologation applications only from motorcycle manufacturers or their distributors.

- Allowable engine displacements and basic homologation requirements:
A. 551cc - 750cc four-stroke, four cylinders: Engines with displacements originally within this range may have cylinder bore increased by a maximum of 2mm, with the resulting displacement not to exceed 800cc. Stroke must remain stock. Homologation requirements will remain the same as current (2002) Superbike requirements, including street certification in an FIM member country and a minimum number of units imported into the US for sale.
B. 551cc - 900cc four-stroke, three cylinders: 551cc ? 1000cc four-stroke, twin cylinders: Homologation requirements will remain the same as current (2002) Superbike requirements.
C. 901cc - 1000cc four-stroke, three or more cylinders: This is a new displacement category offered as an option beginning with the 2003 season. Homologation requirements include street certification in the U.S. and a higher minimum number of imported units relative to current Superbike requirements.

- Weight: Minimum weight for all superbikes will be increased to 370 pounds from the current 355 pounds.

- Other major technical regulations: Except for the items previously noted, 750cc four cylinders, 900cc three cylinders and 1000cc twin cylinders will be subject to all current (2002) Superbike technical regulations for the 2003 season. 1000cc equipment with three or more cylinders will be subject to the following major technical regulations:
A. Frames must be stock except for the addition of strengthening gussets and the removal or relocation of accessory brackets (same as current rules).
B. Aftermarket forks, shocks and swingarms will be permitted. Forks/shocks will be subject to claiming rules (same as current rules).
C. Aftermarket wheels (except carbon composite) will be permitted. Rear wheel maximum width is 6.25" (same as current rules).
D. Aftermarket brakes (except carbon composite) will be permitted (same as current rules).
E. Aftermarket fairings and body work will be permitted (same as current rules).
F. Cylinder heads may be ported and machined, but altering of valve angles will not be permitted.
G. Aftermarket valves, springs, retainers and other valve-train components will be permitted. Valves must be stock size and same basic material as original equipment.
H. Aftermarket camshafts will be permitted, but cam lift and resulting valve lift must be no greater than stock.
I. Stock cylinders and cases must be retained. Machining will be permitted (same as current rules).
J. Aftermarket pistons, rings, pins and connecting rods will be permitted (same as current rules).
K. Stock crankshaft must be retained. The only allowable modifications are balancing, polishing of bearing surfaces and attachment of accessory drives.
L. Homologated transmission gear sets (one optional set of ratios per approved model) will be permitted. Optional sets will be price-controlled and must be available to any legitimate AMA Superbike competitor.
M. Aftermarket, stock-type (wet type cannot be changed to dry type) clutches with back-torque limiting characteristics will be permitted.
N. Homologated fuel-injection throttle-body assemblies (one optional type per approved model) and aftermarket air boxes will be permitted. Modifications to throttle bodies will not be permitted. Optional throttle bodies will be price-controlled and must be available to any legitimate AMA Superbike competitor.
O. Aftermarket ignition systems will be permitted (same as current rules).
P. Charging systems and starters will not be required (same as current rules).
Q. Aftermarket exhaust systems will be permitted (same as current rules).###

10. First-Ever Polaris National Open House Set for Oct. 12-19, 2002
This October, somebody is going to win the ultimate treat, and there’s no trick involved. The first-ever Polaris National Open House will take place Oct. 12-19, giving outdoor lovers across America and Canada an opportunity to visit their local Polaris dealer to demo product, learn about Polaris’ 2003 new product lineup, take advantage of a very special finance offer, and register for a powersports lover’s dream prize package.

To celebrate the Polaris National Open House, consumers who visit participating Polaris dealers between Oct. 12 and 19 can enter the “Ride of Your Life” sweepstakes to become eligible to win a grand-prize package that includes one vehicle from each of Polaris’ four recreational product lines, plus other goodies. All together, the grand-prize package is worth a retail value of more than $35,000. Additionally, one first-prize winner will receive a certificate to participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The Polaris “Ride of Your Life” sweepstakes grand-prize package includes a Polaris product for any weather and every terrain, and can help anyone find a way out of the stress of everyday life. The package includes:

A 2002 Polaris 700 XC SP snowmobile
A 2003 Classic Cruiser Victory motorcycle
A 2002 Polaris Virage i watercraft
A 2003 Polaris Magnum 330 4x4 all-terrain vehicle
A Floe two-place trailer
$1000 in Polaris apparel and accessories (excluding service and parts)

“With all the exciting new things happening at Polaris, we figured it was about time we got together with our dealers and celebrated with a good old-fashioned open house,” said Tom Tiller, president and CEO of Polaris. “This gives folks who have been kicking around the idea of buying a new recreation or utility vehicle the chance to come in, see what’s new at Polaris, and while they’re there, register to win an amazing prize package.”

Driving home with a new Polaris or Victory will be easier than ever during the Polaris National Open House. A special no money down, no payments and no interest for 12 months financing offer is available with the purchase of $1,000 in Pure Polaris™ apparel and accessories. Details on financing programs are available at all participating dealerships. ^{http://www.polarisindustries.com.}
###

11. McGrath, who will ride for KTM, injured practicing for US Open (9-20-02)
On Thursday, September 19, 2002, seven time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath crashed and was injured while preparing for the U.S. Open of SX. The accident took place at the KTM Supercross Test facility in Corona, California.  Jeremy’s KTM 250SX momentarily hesitated in a rhythm section, throwing off his timing and causing him to fall. After being stabilized at the scene, Jeremy was transported to the hospital where doctors determined he had a dislocation of the right hip. Subsequent CT scans and X-Rays revealed no broken bones. Doctors were able to then relocate the hip. Jeremy was released from the hospital that  same day and is resting comfortably with his wife, Kim. The preliminary results are encouraging for a full recovery. Jeremy will receive an MRI by his personal doctor next week for further evaluation. Jeremy is in good spirits and is anxious to get back to testing and training as soon as possible.  
###