Motorcycle News

13. (Revised Sept. 22) Revised AMA Superbike Finale Schedule
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 22, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing announced today the schedule for the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship season finale to be held at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Va., and confirmed that the event will now be a two-day event instead of three as was originally planned. The primary reason for making it a two-day event is to help offset the added costs that were incurred due to the original event’s postponement. The event was originally planned for Sept.17-19 but was rescheduled due to complications arising from Hurricane Ivan. The event will now be held on Oct. 9 &10.

Ron Barrick, AMA Pro Racing Superbike Series Manager said eliminating one day on the weekend will help save money for everyone involved. “We’re still planning on running two Superbike races as well as the Supersport, Superstock and Formula Xtreme classes,” said Barrick. “The difference is now we’ll do it in two days instead of three, which will help the teams with expenses. Compressing the schedule like this is not something we’d normally like to do but the importance of this race and the need to lower everyone’s out-of-pocket costs justifies this approach.”

Of the four classes run under the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship, only the Formula Xtreme Championship has been determined. Championship titles for Superbike, Supersport and Superstock will be determined at the VIR finale.

AMA Pro Racing Events Rescheduled
(Sept. 17, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing announced today that the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship season finale scheduled to be held this weekend at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Va., and the AMA Supermoto Championship race also scheduled for this weekend at nearby South Boston Speedway in South Boston, have been rescheduled for the weekend of Oct. 9-10.

Both events had been postponed due to complications surrounding the effects of Hurricane Ivan, a major storm tracking toward the region. According to the National Weather Service as of Friday, the area surrounding VIR is under both tornado and flood watch.

“Given the magnitude of this storm and the expectation that it would severely impact the area, we made the decision on Tuesday to postpone these events,” said Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications. “Since then, AMA Pro Racing officials have been working with each event organizer to reschedule both races. Because of the championship implications, particularly in road racing, it’s important to hold these events if at all possible. If we had been unable to reschedule the event at VIR we were prepared to look at other tracks to hold the Superbike season finale. For the sake of fans who would like to attend both events, officials at South Boston Speedway felt strongly about tying the two events together and were able to make the necessary changes to enable the supermoto race to run on the same weekend.”

Graeber pointed out that while the AMA Formula Xtreme Championship has already been determined; the championships for Superbike, Supersport and Superstock are still undecided.

The AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship event at VIR will be held on Oct. 9-10. An updated event schedule is forthcoming.

The AMA Supermoto Championship event at South Boston Speedway will be held on Oct. 9.

VIR management indicated that all previously purchased tickets will be honored. Tickets will be available from ticket outlets and at the gate. A list of ticket outlets is available online at www.virclub.com, and purchases from ticket outlets will be at the advance-ticket discount. For more information on the Suzuki Lightning Nationals, call the track toll free at (888) 722-3099, ext. 112.

South Boston Speedway also confirmed that previously purchased tickets will be honored. Tickets for the rescheduled event are available at www.tickets.com. For additional information call (877) 440-1540.

11. Hepler earns 2004 AMA Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year honors
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 16, 2004) -- Broc Hepler is the 2004 AMA Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year. A strong second-place ranking in the AMA Chevrolet 125 Motocross Championship earned the 18-year-old from Kittanning, Pa., the honors.

After an illustrious amateur racing career, Hepler made his pro debut late in 2003. This season was his first full year in the pro ranks. Hepler experienced a breakthrough motocross season, finishing runner-up in the 125 championship to James Stewart. He also finished second to Stewart in the AMA 125 East Supercross Series, (note: 125 Supercross points do not count towards the Rookie of the Year award).

Hepler earned his first podium result at the High Point National, appropriately enough in his home state of Pennsylvania. In all Hepler scored six podiums in the AMA 125 Motocross Championship this year. His late-season drive included four consecutive second-place finishes and pushed Hepler past veteran Mike Brown for second place in the standings.

Hepler’s season came to a tough-luck end when he injured his shoulder in the final moto at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif., last Sunday. In spite of the injury Hepler said he plans on healing and coming back strong in 2005. He is considered to be one of the top contenders for both AMA 125 Supercross and Motocross titles next season.

Hepler was quick to credit his team for his success. “This year has gone great,” he said. “Without Suzuki I don’t know if it would have been possible. I just come prepared to the races, Suzuki builds the bikes; and I just ride my hardest.” On the subject of the high expectations placed on him for next season Hepler seems to have the right attitude. “I’m going to work super hard,” he says. “I want to take what I learned from this year and take it a step farther. Hopefully things will go my way.”

Hepler’s Rookie of the Year Award is the latest in a string of impressive accomplishments. His racing resume includes wins at top-notch events such as the Suzuki RM Cup, Loretta Lynn's AMA Amateur National Championships, the 125 class of the U.S. Open of Supercross and the Mini O's Olympiad to name a few. As AMA Rookie of the Year, Hepler adds his name to a prestigious list of past winners of the award that includes James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Travis Pastrana, Kevin Windham and many more of the top names in motocross and supercross.

Hepler comes from a dedicated racing family. His father was such an enthusiast of the sport that he named his only son after legendary Motorcycle Hall of Famer Broc Glover. The AMA Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year award is given to the rider tallying the most points in his or her first full season with a pro license. Points from the AMA Supercross Series and AMA 125 and 250 Motocross Championships are counted toward the award.

10. AMA Superbike and Supermoto events postponed due to approaching storm
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 14, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing today announced the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship event at Virginia International Raceway and AMA Supermoto Championship event at South Boston Speedway scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to complications related to Hurricane Ivan.

AMA Pro Racing is continuing discussions with both Virginia International Raceway and South Boston Speedway regarding possible make-up dates. The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship race at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, currently remains scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19.

9. Husqvarna Announces AMA Supermoto Contingency Program
Husqvarna motorcycles have been dominating the Supermoto circuits of Europe for well over a decade and are the reigning Supermoto World Champions. In the wake of the recent explosion of the sport of Supermoto here in the US, Husqvarna is now making a huge effort to expand brand awareness across North America by offering the largest manufacturers contingency payout available in the AMA Supermoto Championship Series with an available CASH payout of $218,600.

Any Husqvarna rider that enters on a 2003 or newer model Husqvarna and competes in the 2004 AMA Supermoto Championship Series is eligible for contingency. Available payout is $14,900 per event in both unlimited and 450cc classes, with a series championship bonus of $5000 per class. When combined with Husqvarna's existing contingency program for other supermoto series, there is over $335,000 up for grabs this Supermoto season, along with over $11 Million contingency available for Motocross and Off-road. With this bold program, Husqvarna proudly shows its firm commitment to racers across North America.

Visit your local Husqvarna dealer for more information and to check out the race ready 2004 SM450R and the World Champion SMR 630 "Eddy Seel" replica

8. Bostrom to miss season finale at Virginia Int. Raceway
September 8, 2004 Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom will be forced to miss the final round of the AMA Superbike series at Virginia International Raceway due to injuries sustained from a high-speed crash at Road Atlanta this weekend.

During a visit yesterday to Dr. Art Ting’s Northern California office, the orthopedic surgeon and sports injury specialist diagnosed Bostrom as having a dislocated shoulder with a posterior labral tear, contusions and bruising to the socket and humeral head, and a broken rib.

Dr. Ting has mandated two weeks of complete immobility to be followed by another re-evaluation and a possible probe to determine if surgery will be required. Last July Dr. Ting performed surgery on the same shoulder to repair damage sustained when Eric was caught up in a multi-bike crash during the World Superbike race at Laguna Seca.

“It’s a huge disappointment to end the season this way, especially because I never got to show our speed at Road Atlanta and to show the progress that the team has worked hard to make,” said the 27-year-old rider from Las Vegas, Nevada. “Our times on race tires were strong and I felt we would have been contenders and would have made the race interesting. At the very least we would’ve gotten much better results than we’ve earned lately.

“Missing VIR two years in a row is a big disappointment, especially because the last time that we raced Superbike there we beat Mat after having an epic battle with him. I want to apologize to Ducati, my team, my sponsors, and also to my fans for not being able to compete next weekend. I’m looking forward to quickly getting back to top physical condition.” Bostrom will be in attendance at VIR to sign autographs.

The Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin team will be fielding two riders for the final event at VIR on September 17-19. Ducati Corse’s factory World Supersport rider Lorenzo Lanzi, who tested at VIR in August, is scheduled to race while a replacement rider for Bostrom will soon be announced.

7. Miguel Duhamel: 2004 AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Champion
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 7, 2004) -- Miguel Duhamel took home the 2004 AMA Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Championship after winning his seventh Formula Xtreme race at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., last Saturday. While the Formula Xtreme title is Duhamel’s seventh AMA road racing championship, surprisingly it marks the first title for the Montreal native in seven years.

Duhamel proved he was the leading contender in Formula Xtreme back in March when he won the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. He went on to take a three-race winning streak in the series before losing to Honda teammate and series rival Jake Zemke at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., in May. Duhamel came back to earn a pair of two race winning streaks to push his total number of wins to seven. That placed him in a tie for fourth on the all-time Formula Xtreme win list with Nicky Hayden and Andrew Stroud.

Duhamel is one of three riders to have earned a victory in Formula Xtreme this year along with Zemke and Ben Bostrom.

“I believe that we pushed it hard and we just went for it on the last lap again today,” Duhamel said of his Road Atlanta victory. “It was just a really tough championship. There were two factory guys, obviously Jake and I were riding up front, but still there’s only one place on the podium and it was really hard to get and I feel that this was a tough championship to win this year.”

A victory in the series finale at Virginia International Raceway on Sept. 18 could put Duhamel up to a tie for third on the all-time series wins list after only one season of competing in the series.

A VIR win could also tie Duhamel with Eric Bostrom for the single-season record number of wins in Formula Xtreme. Bostrom won eight Formula Xtreme races en route to the 1998 championship.

Duhamel is the seventh AMA Formula Xtreme champion since the series began in 1997.

6. Ricky Carmichael: 2004 AMA Chevrolet 250 Motocross Champion
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 7, 2004) -- Ricky Carmichael wrapped up an unprecedented fifth consecutive AMA Chevrolet 250 Motocross Championship with his victory Sunday at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa. The 24-year-old rider from Havana, Fla., took the championship going undefeated in 11 events so far this year. He will try for an unparalleled second undefeated season in the final round at Glen Helen Raceway Park in Southern California this coming Sunday.

For Carmichael this year’s championship was especially sweet since he accomplished it coming back from major injury and riding a new motorcycle.

“Everything about this year’s championship was really special,” he said. “My goal was to come back even stronger after my knee surgery and I think I achieved that. I also went through the early part of the season winning while I was still learning to ride the four-stroke. I think the competition I faced this year was the best of any season I’ve won the title so it’s very satisfying to get this championship.”

For Carmichael this year’s 250 championship is the latest addition to the most impressive racing resume in AMA Motocross racing history. After a banner amateur career Carmichael came into the pro ranks and promptly earned the AMA Motocross/Supercross Rookie of the Year honors in 1996 having earned enough points for the award in just a single event. He then came into the 125 class and won three straight AMA National Motocross titles in addition to a 125 East Region Supercross title.

In 2000 Carmichael moved up to the 250 class and began his current championship winning streak in AMA Motocross. Along the way he picked up three AMA Supercross titles. Perhaps the most amazing stat of Carmichael’s nine-year professional racing career is the fact that he’s never failed to defend a title in a series in which he competed.

Additionally, Carmichael is the all-time wins leader in combined AMA Motocross and Supercross victories with 107 wins. He also leads the 250 motocross category with 48-career wins so far - over 20 wins more than Bob Hannah. Carmichael has twice been named AMA Pro Athlete of the Year (2001/2002).

Carmichael, who has always opted to run his trademark AMA #4, will honor his successful association with Honda by running the #1 plate at the final race of the year this weekend at Glen Helen. Carmichael has signed with Suzuki for next season. Carmichael rode for Kawasaki from 1996 through 2001.

5. AMA Pro Racing suspends MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS Effort
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 1, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing announced today that it has suspended its efforts to send a team to the 2004 Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

According to AMA Pro Racing Supercross/Motocross Series Manager Steve Whitelock a number of team options were considered but in all cases it was impossible to ensure that there would be adequate support.

“In spite of an advance planning process and an open dialogue with key members of the motocross industry, in the end it proved unrealistic to send a team this year,” said Whitelock. “While we had some riders express a willingness to represent the United States, in most instances it was not possible to secure the necessary approval and support from those riders’ contract holders.”

Complicating the matter are the growing costs associated with fielding a team. However, even adequate funding would not eliminate the obstacles facing U.S. participation. “There must be a value return on such an expenditure and that clearly isn’t there in the U.S. now. There are also logistical issues. Event scheduling and broadcast coverage are just two areas we’d like to see addressed,” explained AMA Pro Racing Vice President of Commercial Development, John Farris. “In spite of diminishing interest from the teams and riders, (Steve) Whitelock has put forth a tremendous effort in trying to assemble a team worthy of representing United States Motocross. However, with each potential team there were a number of issues that couldn’t be overcome.”

Farris went on to say that as the financial burden to field a team continues to escalate, the American distributors will see less of a return on their investment. Costs, coupled with the timing of the MXoN, make it difficult to justify supporting the event. “It’s apparent that the American motorcycle distributors and most of the riders consider competing in AMA Championships to be their main priority,” said Farris. “Under the current circumstances, committing the resources necessary to travel to Europe for the MXoN after having spent the past nine months contesting the AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross seasons is a difficult business decision for everyone.”

4. 2004 BUELL FIREBOLT XB12R TURNS HEADS AT CHICAGO ATHENAEUM MUSEUM OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
MILWAUKEE (August 27, 2004) – The Buell Firebolt XB12R has been selected to receive the Good Design Award for 2004, presented annually by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. Other products recognized within the transportation category include the Audi A8 and BMW Z4 and 5 series.

The award acknowledges the finest and most unique new design innovations for products and graphics spanning a range of product categories. Two distinguished juries comprised of authorities in the design business base their decisions on aesthetic criteria such as: innovation, form, materials, concept, and function in order to select award winners.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Museum of Architecture and Design once again for our ability to merge Buell’s notable technical innovation with leading edge design,” said Mike Samarzja, Manager of Industrial Design for Buell Motorcycle Company.

The complete list of 2004 Good Design Award winners is currently posted on The Chicago Athenaeum web site: www.chi-athenaeum.org.

3. KTM North American Race Team Manager Larry Brooks announced the final roster of riders scheduled to sport the Red Bull KTM logo in the upcoming Supercross and Motocross seasons.
“We’re starting fresh,” stated Larry. “We have a brand new Supercross and Motocross crew that will be contesting the upcoming series. They are young, enthusiast and determined and we are so proud to have them as part of the Red Bull KTM Race team. Our scheduled riders are Nathan Ramsey, Josh Hansen, Ryan Mills, Jay Marmont and Mike Alessi. All the riders will be on the KTM 250F in the 125 class in the Supercross and Outdoor series, except for Alessi who will contest the Outdoor season only in 2005. He will then challenge the Supercross and Outdoor series in 2006.”

Nathan Ramsey will be joining KTM with eleven 125 Supercross wins, two East/West Shootout wins, one 250 Supercross win and one 125 West Championship title under his belt. Fresh-face, Ryan Mills has been moving his way up the ranks, and has been improving tremendously. Jay Marmont is a two time Australian Supercross champion, while Josh Hansen has one Supercross victory in 2004. The youngest member of the team is Mike Alessi who has collected a massive 33 AMA Amateur Title Championships. That number has tied the national best boasted by James “Bubba” Stewart.

Larry Brooks also added, “We are anxious to begin the season. We are all on track to becoming one of the strongest racing teams that KTM has seen. With the brand new energy, and the 250F coming out, we are anticipating hugely successful seasons.”

2. Dunlop salutes AMA Hare & Hound winners - Kawasaki riders finish 1,2,3 on Dunlops
Buffalo, NY― Kawasaki Team Green riders Destry Abbott, Brian Brown and David Pearson swept the podium this past Sunday, April 25 at round four of the AMA Hare & Hound series in Lucerne, California. All three bikes were shod with Dunlop off road tires.

The race features two 40-mile loops, with the first being relatively fast and the second being rockier and more technical. Abbott led the race early on and was soon passed by Brown. Pearson held down third place at the end of the first loop. “The guys in the (Vikings) club told me the second loop was going to be a lot tighter with some virgin terrain,” said Abbott. “I like this kind of stuff and I started to get closer and closer and I was able to make the pass on an off-camber turn. I rode smart and was able to bring it in for the win, not to far ahead of Brian. David rode a great race to finish third with a banged-up bike.”

Going into Round 5 at Jericho, UT on May 8, Brown leads the series with 96 points, followed closely by Pearson with 88. Abbott holds fourth position with 78 points.

1. MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM TO CHRONICLE THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN MOTOCROSS IN MAJOR NEW EXHIBIT
PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the premier museum of motorcycling history in America, has announced its next major exhibit. “Motocross America,” the first-ever comprehensive perspective of this popular and action-packed sport, debuts March 2005.

Tracing the evolution of motocross from its 1920s roots in Europe to today’s “extreme” expressions of the sport, including wildly popular AMA Supercross and freestyle events, this unique exhibit will be designed for the Museum’s 8,000-square-foot main gallery. From the famous names and faces that shaped motocross in America to the machines, technology and gear that helped transform raw riding talent into world champions, “Motocross America” will present some of the most adrenaline-charged chapters in American motorcycling history.

“Enthusiasts of the sport—past and present—are invited to help tell this amazing story,” said Mark Mederski, executive director, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “From trophies, photographs and autographs to early riding gear—such as goggles, gloves, helmets and protectors—we encourage private collectors to contact us about lending any items that could help us show the evolution of the sport.

“ ‘Motocross America’ will be the ultimate retrospective and celebration of a sport that today is part technology, part athletic ability and part spectacular entertainment,” said Mederski. “No other segment of motorcycling is growing as quickly, has gained such national visibility and is attracting as many young riders to its ranks.” To encourage and support youth racing, an important section of “Motocross America” will be a Motocross Resource Center where parents and children can learn how to get involved in motocross racing.

As with all Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits, the stories behind the hardware will create an unforgettable and unique visitor experience. “This museum brings the legends to life,” said Ed Youngblood, curator of “Motocross America.” “Interactive kiosks and displays will be important components of the installation. Visitors won’t just see the machines, gear and memorabilia, but they will be able to feel and sense the action while watching some of the sport’s greatest names race into the history books.” In addition, enthusiasts of all ages will have hands-on opportunities to test their virtual racing skills.

Like the current exhibit, “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance”—which was recently selected as one of the top exhibit designs in the world—“Motocross America” will feature innovative design and use of artifacts to reflect the sport’s high energy. “Motocross has achieved pop culture status in this country, inspiring fashion and lifestyle trends,” said Mederski. “We are designing ‘Motocross America’ to not only capture the sport’s rich history, but the vitality and spirit of the people and the industry.”

12. Harden Off-Road & Best in the desert to host Nevada Rally Experience October 22-24
Scot Harden and Casey Folks recently announced they will be hosting, The Nevada Rally Experience (NRE) a two day non-competitive GPS and Roadbook style Rally on October 22, 23 and 24, 2004. “We’ve designed the Nevada Rally Experience to be as close to competing in an actual “marathon” Raid Rally event as you’ll find anywhere this side of Dakar”, stated Harden. The NRE re-traces the route of the only marathon raid rally event ever held in the United States, the Nevada Rally (The Nevada Rally was promoted by Acerbis and Best in the Desert from 1993-95). The NRE selects a different stage each year from the old Nevada Rally as its theme. Entrants will be provided a Roadbook and GPS route to navigate the stage. It is not a timed event. It is not a race. It is highly organized and well laid out navigation and riding experience limited to a small group of 50 rally enthusiasts.

For its first year, the NRE revisits Stage One of the 1993 Nevada Rally from Mesquite to Pioche, Nevada. It’s a looped event with return to Mesquite at the end of Day 2. The length of the course each day will be 150 miles (approx.)

The Rally will bivouac in Pioche. Entrants have the option of “moteling” it in town or camping under the stars in the desert in an authentic bivouac setting. Like a true Rally the course has been designed to accommodate 700cc and up Dual Sports like the KTM 950 Adventure and the BMW GS.

The event is designed and produced by off road legends Casey Folks and Scot Harden. Folks has over 40 years of experience promoting off road events through his world famous organization, Best in the Desert. His working knowledge and intimate involvement in Rally events like the Incas Rally (1987) and the Nevada Rally (1993-95) put him in a class of his own in terms of putting on events of this type More recently Casey promoted the new millennium ultra marathon off road event the Nevada 2000., the longest off road race ever held in the United States.

Scot Harden is an off road and Rally legend in his own right. Winner of almost every major off road event held in North America including three Baja 1000 overalls, and is one of only a small handful of Americans to ever achieve success on the world rally scene. With podium finishes in events like the Incas and Atlas Rally and an overall win in the 1987 Djerba Rally, no American has more Rally experience than Scot. More recently Scot grabbed the attention countless U.S. off road fans with his outstanding performance in the 2004 Dakar Rally. Through his company Harden-Offroad, Scot conducts adventure camps off road riding schools where he trains everyone from beginners to the most experienced riders around in the art and science of on and off road adventure riding.

The Nevada Rally Experience is unlike any other dual sport event. It combines the unique aspects of on and off road riding while adding the element of the Rally format. It is a fun event, designed to challenge but not intimidate the rider. Most important of all, the Nevada Rally Experience is about the shared camaraderie that can only be experienced during an actual Rally.

“With the increased awareness and interest in Rally style events, we wanted to let Americans see what it is all about.” This event is very authentic and will be used as a training run for the 2005 Red Bull KTM US Dakar squad. The course is awesome. The challenge will be to navigate the route using roadbook and waypoints from the start to finish”, said Harden.

For more information on the NRE visit the official Harden Offroad website www.harden-offroad.com or call 951-704-6370.