From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - In response to the results of a poll issued last week to all members of the AMA Pro Road Racing paddock, AMA Pro Racing has added an official two-day test to the existing 2011 schedule. The test will be held at Tooele, UT's famed Miller Motorsports Park on May 2-3 and will be open to any rider pre-entered for the May 28-30 AMA Pro Road Race event at MMP.
"We're always mindful of the need to keep costs down for our participants," said AMA Pro Racing C.O.O. David Atlas, "but as it was clear many had a strong interest in seeing this test conducted, we released the poll to collect more precise information about where the paddock stood on the matter. The results were decidedly in favour of adding Miller Motorsports Park to the official testing schedule, and doing so represents our commitment to remain responsive to the desires of our AMA Pro competitors."
The official AMA Pro test at Miller Motorsports Park will run from 8am to 6pm both days, with each day comprising five 50-minute AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike/Daytona SportBike sessions and four 50-minute AMA Pro SuperSport/Vance & Hines XR1200 sessions.
AMA Pro Road Racing's May 28-30 race weekend at Miller Motorsports Park marks a return to the stunning venue after a two-year hiatus. For event and ticket information, visit www.millermotorsportspark.com.
AMA Pro adds Miller road race test
Checa doubles World Superbike opener
Spain's Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea Racing) scored a splendid double win in the opening round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on Sunday, a repeat of his double win at Imola last September.
Checa's winning margin over Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) in Race One was clear evidence of the Althea Racing Ducati man's domination in the opening round of the Superbike World Championship. Checa took the lead from Eugene Laverty on lap three and steadily pulled out to an unchallenged four-second lead at the flag. Biaggi soon realized it was not possible to keep the pace of Checa and settled for second.
The podium was completed by Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad), who held off both Yamaha World Superbike Team riders Laverty and Marco Melandri, who exchanged places right at the flag in a sprint finish.
Sixth was Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare), who made a great recovery that saw him finish ahead of Jakub Smrz (Ducati Effenbert - Liberty Racing) and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing).
Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) was running in the top six but slipped down to 12th after an off-track excursion, while front row man Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati Effenbert - Liberty Racing) crashed out and did not take part in Race Two after picking up a series of injuries to his right hand, knee and shoulder-blade.
Just like in the first race, no one was able to run with Checa in the second and the Spanish rider finished a couple of seconds ahead of Biaggi.
The reigning World Champion battled it out for the runner-up slot in the final stages with an impressive Melandri, just getting the edge at the line.
Rea emerged from a battering and bruising weekend with a fourth place that partially repaid him for his testing misfortune when he crashed heavily.
Rea finished ahead of the two Leons, Haslam and Camier (Aprilia Alitalia).
On its return to World Supersport Yamaha scored a fantastic slipstreaming win as Luca Scassa took the flag on the ParkinGO machine by just 0.009 seconds from Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com).
Third at the flag as the top three flashed across the line was Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda), who scored a great podium in the first race of his first full championship season. Fourth was poleman David Salom on the second Motocard.com Kawasaki.
Superbike Race Results (courtesy Yamaha)
Race One
1. Carlos Checa (ESP) Althea Ducati 1098R 34:16.503
2. Max Biaggi (ITA) Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +4.365
3. Leon Haslam (GBR) BMW Motorrad S1000RR +10.719
4. Eugene Laverty (IRL) Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +11.266
5. Marco Melandri (ITA) Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +11.293
6. Michel Fabrizio (ITA) Suzuki Alstare GSX-R1000 +12.039
7. Jakub Smrz (CZE) Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R +20.294
8. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki RTS ZX-10R +20.742
9. Noriyuki Haga (JPN) PATA Aprilia RSV-4 +22.421
10. Troy Corser (AUS) BMW Motorrad S1000RR +25.822
11. Roberto Rolfo (ITA) Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +29.270
12. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +31.059
13. Leon Camier (GBR) Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +31.721
14. Ayrton Badovini (ITA) BMW Italia S1000RR +36.389
15. Bryan Staring (AUS) Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +36.470
16. Ruben Xaus (ESP) Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +41.928
17. James Toseland (GBR) BMW Italia S1000RR +55.239
18. Josh Waters (AUS) Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 +1:00.312
19. Mark Aitchison (AUS) Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +1:00.316
20. Maxime Berger (FRA) Supersonic Ducati 1098R +1:30.125
Race Two
1. Carlos Checa (ESP) Althea Ducati 1098R 34:15.041
2. Max Biaggi (ITA) Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +1.188
3. Marco Melandri (ITA) Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +1.406
4. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +10.563
5. Leon Haslam (GBR) BMW Motorrad S1000RR +10.885
6. Leon Camier (GBR) Aprilia Alitalia Racing RSV-4 +16.914
7. Noriyuki Haga (JPN) PATA Aprilia RSV-4 +17.558
8. Michel Fabrizio (ITA) Suzuki Alstare GSX-R1000 +17.679
9. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki RTS ZX-10R +18.070
10. Ruben Xaus (ESP) Castrol Honda CBR1000RR +19.053
11. Jakub Smrz (CZE) Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R +19.060
12. Roberto Rolfo (ITA) Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +23.771
13. Josh Waters (AUS) Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 +23.956
14. James Toseland (GBR) BMW Italia S1000RR +28.713
15. Eugene Laverty (IRL) Yamaha WSBK YZF R1 +32.673
16. Mark Aitchison (AUS) Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +33.226
17. Bryan Staring (AUS) Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +42.598
18. Maxime Berger (FRA) Supersonic Ducati 1098R +51.819
19. Troy Corser (AUS) BMW Motorrad S1000RR +55.738
Superbike Point Standings
1. CARLOS CHECA (DUCATI) 50
2. MAX BIAGGI (APRILIA) 40
3. MARCO MELANDRI (YAMAHA) 27
4. LEON HASLAM (BMW) 27
5. MICHEL FABRIZIO (SUZUKI) 18
6. JONATHAN REA (HONDA) 17
7. NORIYUKI HAGA (APRILIA) 16
8. TOM SYKES (KAWASAKI) 15
9. EUGENE LAVERTY (YAMAHA) 14
10. JAKUB SMRZ (DUCATI) 14
11. LEON CAMIER (APRILIA) 13
12. ROBERTO ROLFO (KAWASAKI) 9
13. RUBEN XAUS (HONDA) 6
14. TROY CORSER (BMW) 6
15. JOSHUA WATERS (SUZUKI) 3
16. JAMES TOSELAND (BMW) 2
17. AYRTON BADOVINI (BMW) 2
18. BRYAN STARING (KAWASAKI) 1
Stufko joins Leon Ducati team
From Michael Leon
MONTREAL, QC -- Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance and road racer Michael Leon will continue their partnership for the 2011 racing season.
The team will add Tony Stufko to the lineup, as a development rider, in an effort to further expand its exposure in the Amateur classes. Current plans are to compete in the RACE SuperSeries at Shannonville Motorsport Park.
Leon will ride the same 2009 Ducati 1198S that he used to win 10 races last season and the Heavyweight Sportsman and Liquid Cooled Thunder Championships. Stufko will compete on his 2008 Ducati 848, which has an increased engine capacity of 1040cc.
Leon began his relationship with Royal Distributing four years ago while racing for the KTM factory Canadian Thunder squad. This will be the third season that he competes under the Royal Distributing / MBP banner.
“I’m so happy to be able to represent both Royal Distributing and MPB for another season," he said. "We all share a true passion for motorcycles and racing. With many teams and riders struggling to find the support to get to the track, it’s exciting to be planning another season together. I can’t wait to get back out there.”
Stufko proved himself last season with multiple trips to the podium. This year his main will focus will be on the Amateur Superbike class.
"I'd like to thank Royal Distributing and MBP for this opportunity," he said. "It's not very often that an Amateur gets to be part of such an accomplished team. I hope to continue my success from 2010 and bring home some podiums for the team.”
Guy Martin and Janet Brickwood of MBP are busy planning the rebuild of their 1198S. On the agenda is a fresh superbike spec motor, a brand new frame, a new swingarm and a new rear Elka shock.
Close friend, Carlos Carrascosa will also continue to spin wrenches for the team at the track this summer.
Last year, Royal Distributing enjoyed yet another great season, opening a brand new retail location in Whitby, ON. With three other retail locations in Guelph, Innisfil and Barrie along with its well known catalogue, it continues to thrive and deliver great products at great prices.
The Royal Distributing / MBP Superbike Team is supported by Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance, Dunlop, Pro 6 Cycle, Elka Suspension, Accelerated Technologies, Double Dog Moto, Nexo Sports, Rev-Amp Electrical Equipment, KS on the Keys, EBC Brakes, Woodcraft CFM, Camo Customs, Armour Bodies, Eurocorsa, Speedymoto, MRA Windscreeens, CVR Motors, A Acceptable Storage, J Precision, George Seeger, Dave Cody and Quebec Coating.
Ducati completes Jerez MotoGP test
From Ducati Press
While the Ducati Marlboro Team was at the offical MotoGP pre-season tests in Sepang with Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden last week, Filippo Preziosi and the development team were in Jerez de La Frontera in Spain, working with official team test rider, Franco Battaini, in a three-day test session that concluded on Friday.
While over-seeing the progress on the Andalusian circuit, Preziosi remained in constant contact with the team in Malaysia, coordinating the work of the engineers to enhance the development program of the Desmosedici.
“Today was the final session of this three-day test in Jerez with the development team,” said Filippo Preziosi as the day came to a close. “We worked through an intense schedule with Franco, completing a series of software tests in close conjunction with the official team in Sepang: based on the feed-back from Valentino and Nicky, we carried the work forward on a parallel course which will allow us to provide concrete solutions for the next test in Qatar. We have also continued to work on the chassis set-up, gathering data which we will return to the factory with on Monday for comparison with that of Sepang.
"In Malaysia we have not finished in a position in line with our original target but this was also due to some back luck. After a promising start to the test, Valentino became ill and lost a full day on the track, forcing him to cram all of the remaining work into the last day. Valentino, Nicky and all the guys at the track were working flat out, and we are doing the same back in the factory. We are confident that by going forward with this same level of commitment, and staying focused on our objectives we will realize the potential that we know we have.”
Rizla Suzuki and Draggin continue partnership
From Rizla Suzuki
Rizla Suzuki MotoGP has confirmed its continuing relationship with Draggin as its official jeans supplier.
Draggin will supply Álvaro Bautista and the Rizla Suzuki crew with its range of protective jeans for the third season in succession. Draggin will also supply the team's cargos and shorts. The tough working conditions of a MotoGP pit-box are perfectly matched to Draggin products and the whole team will benefit from using the Australian company's designs.
For road riding, Draggin are lined with a revolutionary hybrid of knitted Dyneema, the World's Strongest Fibre, and Kevlar, which makes them so strong that they can withstand at least 4.4 seconds of abrasion resistance while also being lightweight and comfortable.
Draggin is the maker of the only CE Approved motorcycle jean in the world. Grant Mackintosh founded Draggin in 1997 and shortly began marketing his new invention by literally putting his backside on the line to prove the quality of his product. Mackintosh was dragged behind a motorbike, with the drag test starting out at a slow pace and gradually building up to over 110km/h. Video footage of the now famous drag test can be viewed on Draggin's own website at www.dragginjeans.net.
Subaru WRX Concept By Kickboxer Motorcycle
Daytona 200 live on SPEED
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing has announced that SPEED will deliver live coverage of the 2011 Daytona 200 AMA Pro Road Racing event, March 12 at 1:00pm ET. The live broadcast on SPEED from Daytona International Speedway will be hosted by Leigh Diffey, who will be joined by 'Mr. Daytona,' Scott Russell, and pit reporters Greg White and Jason Pridmore.
This year's Daytona 200 will revert back to a Saturday-afternoon start time and will feature riders and teams from the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class. Heading the field will be 2010 Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin, again riding for Team Graves Yamaha. Herrin rode a masterful race under the lights last year and took a resounding victory, joining the many legendary riders who have won this significant event in the years since 1937, when it originated as a now-famous beach race.
In addition to live coverage of the Daytona 200, SPEED will be televising AMA Supercross (March 5, 8pm ET, LIVE), the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike races (March 12, 11pm ET, TD and 12am midnight ET, SDD), and AMA Pro Flat Track action from the Daytona Flat Track (March 13, 3pm ET).
Daytona Bike Week action kicks off the 2011 AMA Pro Road Racing and Flat Track Championships. AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike and AMA Pro Daytona SportBike races will be broadcast on SPEED throughout the season on a same-day delayed basis.
Reigning AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes returns, sporting the #1 plate on his Team Graves Yamaha, while AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion Martin Cardenas steps up with Team M4 Suzuki to join Hayes in the class. AMA Pro SuperSport East Division Champion J.D. Beach will make his Daytona SportBike debut at the Daytona 200, riding a Team Cycle World Attack Performance Kawasaki alongside teammate Eric Bostrom as the famous green machines make their return to AMA Pro Road Racing.
Additionally, the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series will make its debut on the high banks of Daytona, the class boasting its largest field to date.
Checa opens new season on top
Results of first qualifying for the opening round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on Friday saw Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea Racing) stake his claim as favourite for the Superbike wins on Sunday.
The Spaniard stopped the clocks with a time of 1 minute 31.577 seconds around the Australian track, a tenth quicker than his free practice time of the morning.
Another man on the move was Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati Effenbert - Liberty Racing), the Frenchman doing exceptionally well to come within three-tenths of Checa.
An impressive sub-1:32 time was set by Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team), who had the satisfaction of finishing ahead of 2010 World Champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) in fourth.
Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare) had a harmless crash towards the end and finished seventh, while Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike Team) also finished in the gravel, ending up 12th.
Quickest time in the first Supersport qualifying session was recorded by former champion Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda). The Fast Frenchman had to work for it however as right until the last minute the timesheets were headed by the young Spanish rider David Salom (Kawasaki Motocard.com).
Another up-and-coming youngster, 20-year-old Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda) went third quickest ahead of fellow Brit Chaz Davies, who is now getting to grips with his Yamaha ParkinGO machine.
Superbike Qualifying Results (Top 15)
(courtesy Yamaha Racing)
1. Carlos Checa (Ducati) ESP 1:31.577
2. Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) FRA 1:31.850
3. Eugene Laverty (Yamaha) GBR 1:31.969
4. Max Biaggi (Aprilia) ITA 1:32.009
5. Jakub Smrz (Ducati) CZE 1:32.066
6. Leon Haslam (BMW) GBR 1:32.082
7. Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki) ITA 1:32.108
8. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki) ESP 1:32.163
9. Jonathan Rea (Honda) GBR 1:32.424
10. Josh Waters (Suzuki) AUS 1:32.690
11. Troy Corser (BMW) AUS 1:32.699
12. Marco Melandri (Yamaha) ITA 1:32.700
13. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) GBR 1:32.705
14. Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia) JPN 1:33.058
15. James Toseland (BMW) GBR 1:33.074
Rossi frustrated after Malaysia test
Valentino Rossi concluded the second pre-season Test of 2011 in Malaysia on Thursday less than satisfied, after failing to reach the aims he and his team had set out prior to the three-day meeting at Sepang.
Ending the third and final day 11th on the timesheet with a best time of 2:01.469, Rossi was 1.804 off Casey Stoner’s top time.
“We can’t be satisfied with this test because we didn’t reach our goals, which were to finish close to the top six and especially to reduce the gap to the front," he explained. "Instead, we’re 1.8 seconds back, and our rhythm is also lacking.
“After the first day, we thought we could do it. We had started well and were able to make the bike work with the hard tires, which is good. After that though, we didn’t take steps forward. Although we have some good ideas for the electronics that I’m optimistic will solve those problems relatively easily, I’m not as confident about the chassis set-up. We tried hard, but we haven’t yet managed it. I’m able to brake hard, but I’m still having trouble in mid-corner.”
The Italian’s cause was not aided by the fact that he missed Wednesday due to illness, and that placed an added pressure on the final day’s workload.
“It was definitely a disadvantage to only ride two days instead of three because we had to rush at the end and try many things in order to understand as much as we could,” he said. “We were prepared for that possibility, but it started to drizzle, making it impossible to push. There could be some good solutions for the future, but we weren’t able to confirm them.
"This circuit hasn’t traditionally been favourable to the Ducati. The next test is in Qatar, where the track is different, so we’ll see if we can go faster there.”
Stoner ends Sepang test on top
The third and final day of the second pre-season MotoGP Test at Sepang, Malaysia concluded on Thursday, and rounding off the three days as the fastest rider on each was Casey Stoner.
Getting well under the 2:00 mark with a best effort of 1:59.665 – Valentino Rossi’s 2009 circuit best lap had already been surpassed by both Stoner and Dani Pedrosa the previous day – the Australian continued what has been an impressive switch to the RC212V in the lead-up to the 2011 campaign.
"We had a good day comparing the chassis again and I'm happy we have made our decision on which one we'll use for the season," Stoner said. "We also tried a lot of electronics with engine braking and found improvements in a few areas, and some losses in others so we need to rectify these. The chassis we've chosen always behaves in the way we want it to, no matter what set-up we use, we are also able to adapt it fairly easily. So when we get to Qatar in a few weeks we'll be able to test different set-ups at the same time and get more track time on it.
"The test here has been very productive for us, we did a long run here today - almost race distance - and gathered some key information. I'm feeling more and more comfortable on the RC212V and I can't wait to get to Qatar.”
It was a notable test for Honda in general and the RC212V filled the top four positions on the final day. Joining Stoner under two minutes was his team-mate Pedrosa, who with a best effort of 1:59.803 was just over a tenth of a second behind his colleague.
"We improved the braking and worked a lot with different chassis configurations and electronics," Pedrosa said. "It's been a much better winter test than last year, even we know that everybody will improve for the first race. I'm leaving Sepang satisfied and I think testing in Qatar will give further opportunity to check our work at another circuit, with a different layout and track conditions to what we have had here.
"I've spent more or less the same time with last year's chassis and the modified 2011 chassis and my best lap time was with the 2011 version, but it will be nice to check it again in Qatar and take the final decision there.”
Marco Simoncelli, fastest here three weeks ago, was third with a best time of 2:00.163 and the San Carlo Honda Gresini man was satisfied with his performance on both hard and soft tires across the entire three days. The outstanding issue for the Italian remains edge grip.
“I am really happy about the lap time I managed this morning, although we were a bit confused during the race simulation I did," Simoncelli explained. "Yesterday with the hard tire I was able to go very fast, but this afternoon from the off I felt worse and couldn’t lap at the same pace. Anyway, I’m pretty calm because today’s performance was more down to a poor choice of tire, perhaps I would have been better to go with the softer one like the others and I would have been quick in the race simulation.”
Third Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso was the final rider to get within a second of his team-mate Stoner, posting a fastest time of 2:00.541.
Following the quartet of Hondas were a trio of Yamahas, with factory team rider Ben Spies the highest placing M1 on Thursday in fifth position. Concluding his day early due to some remaining effects of his late crash the previous day, the American focused on electronics and chassis work in the morning, timing in with a 2:00.678 to close the day at 1.013 off Stoner.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Colin Edwards also finished up early on day three but not before registering a best time of 2:00.966, placing him just ahead of World Champion Jorge Lorenzo. The Factory Yamaha Racing rider is still adamant that the M1 requires more power to be able to match its rivals, and his 48 laps on Thursday produced a best time of 2:01.003 that was just over 1.3 off Stoner’s benchmark.
Álvaro Bautista occupied eighth spot as he topped a trio of riders preparing for their second season in the premier class. The Rizla Suzuki rider finished ahead of Hiroshi Aoyama, who escaped a crash at Turn 9 without problems and Héctor Barberá, who was the highest placing Ducati on the final day on his Mapfre Aspar machine, which had a new fairing.
Returning to action after his enforced absence through illness the day before, Valentino Rossi put in 59 laps on his factory Ducati as he sought the maximum out of the final day. The Italian ended 11th on the timesheet with a time of 2:01.469, an effort matched by his team-mate Nicky Hayden and which left the pair 1.804 from the top.
The American appeared to have resolved the bulk of the problem he had with chatter on his GP11, but still has a remaining issue in turning.
Loris Capirossi’s Pramac Racing Desmosedici was close behind in 13th, with British rookie Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Randy de Puniet (Pramac Racing), Toni Elías (LCR Honda) and Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) completing the final-day timesheet.
Thursday MotoGP Test Results
1. Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) 1:59.665
2. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) 1:59.803
3. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Gresini Honda) 2:00.163
4. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) 2:00.541
5. Ben Spies (Yamaha) 2:00.678
6. Colin Edwards (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) 2:00.966
7. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2:01.003
8. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) 2:01.194
9. Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Gresini Honda) 2:01.328
10. Hector Barbera (Mapfre Aspar Ducati) 2:01.346
11. Valentino Rossi (Marlboro Ducati) 2:01.469
12. Nicky Hayden (Marlboro Ducati) 2:01.469
13. Loris Capirossi (Pramac Ducati) 2:01.493
14. Cal Crutchlow (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) 2:02.034
15. Randy De Puniet (Pramac Ducati) 2:02.155
16. Toni Elias (LCR Honda) 2:02.410
17. Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Ducati) 2:02.506
Wharton joins Zero as COO
From Zero Motorcycles
SANTA CRUZ, CA – Zero Motorcycles has announced a new addition to its senior leadership team by naming Karl Wharton as Chief Operating Officer.
Wharton comes to Zero after more than 20 years of business experience, including over a decade in the motorcycle industry, most of it at Triumph Motorcycles. With Triumph Wharton developed extensive experience in financial management, market development, operations, worldwide distribution and export sales growth. Wharton was part of the team at Triumph moving the business from a primarily domestic UK manufacturer to an internationally established brand with 80 percent of its sales bound for overseas markets. Following his tenure at Triumph, Wharton had a spell at CCM Motorcycles and has held successful executive operational roles with other privately funded companies prior to making the switch to Zero.
“Karl is a proven leader with a strong track record of success and we are proud to have him join the team,” said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “He understands virtually every aspect of our business, and with his leadership, we are even better equipped to achieve our long-term goals of building a ‘better motorcycle’ and a strong company. I have every confidence in Karl and look forward to his help in achieving our vision and developing the electric motorcycle market.”
Wharton’s new role of COO will focus on Zero’s overall operations and day-to-day execution.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to join a dynamic team and help lead a new and innovative company to higher levels of performance and success,” said Wharton. “My goal is to ensure that Zero Motorcycles continues to grow and to lead the electric motorcycle industry through product innovation and sound management, while never losing sight of our goal to build a ‘better motorcycle’ for our customers to enjoy.”
Expanded sponsorship for Kuhn
From Toolee Motorsports
Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup racer Lee Kuhn Jr. will benefit from a expanded sponsorship program with niche powersport products distributor Lean Angle in 2011.
“Lean Angle has been one of my biggest supporters and I am extremely happy that we are continuing that relationship through 2011,” said Kuhn.
Kuhn will be switching between cutting edge designed leathers from newly formed manufacturer, Raceline Custom Racing Leathers, as well as retro styled team leathers from sister company, Lost Era Vintage Leathers.
XR specific Tech Spec 'Gripster' tank grip pads have been designed and Kuhn will be running them on his 2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X.
The MICS 'Medical Data Information Carrier System' will be the other product supplied by Lean Angle. The self adhesive black plastic pouch and waterproof information card attached to a rider's helmet ensures medical information is readily accessible to first responders when the unthinkable happens. It also warns good Samaritans to leave helmet removal to trained EMS personnel.
“As a medical student, I can’t stress the importance of the MICS pouch," Kuhn added. "It is something we are trained to automatically look for as first responders. I think they should be mandated by all racing organizations.”
Lean Angle is a distributor of best-of-breed, niche powersport products including TechSpec Gripster Tank Grip Pads, the Medical Data Information Carrier System, Lost Era vintage leathers and RaceLine Custom Racing Leathers. More information can be found at www.leanangle.ca.
Kuhn’s other sponsors include Inside Motorcycles magazine, Race Tech, P1 Fitness, Arai, Great Northern Battery, Carson Signs, Binbrook Auto Service, Rennie Heating & Air, Hercules Tires, P & A Plastics and Wentworth Metal Recyclers.
Hondas dominate again at Sepang
Day two at the official MotoGP Test at Sepang, Ma;laysia ended with the Honda RC212V having once more displayed its pre-season strength, as Repsol Honda trio Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso took the three top positions on the timesheet on Wednesday.
With the heat having intensified and the track temperature reaching over 60ºC at one stage, the riders and teams worked hard to make the most of the second of the three days.
"We tested a lot of different things including the 2011 fork and new shocks and we found quite a lot of chattering with them," Stoner said. "We spent 90 percent of the day on one bike trying different configurations, changing the geometry to get the new fork working with the bike but didn't find anything that felt really good, but these things are necessary to do before the start of the season.
“We're slowly starting to lean more towards the standard frame but tomorrow will give us more confirmation on this. We found the new forks to be quite amazing in the braking points, in hard braking I didn't need to use half as much pressure and I was able to stop for the corner much quicker, but found a lot more chattering in the last part of the corner. We managed to reduce this but we just seemed to lack the extra feeling that the alternative forks were giving.”
After Pedrosa had already bettered Valentino Rossi’s 2009 Sepang circuit best lap by almost three-tenths with a 2:00.229 in the morning, Stoner stole the best time with his 42nd and final lap of the day, registering a 2:00.171 and heightening expectations that the 2:00 barrier could well be broken Thursday if conditions permit.
"Today we were testing mainly suspension parts," Pedrosa said, "a new front fork in the morning that gives us a more positive feeling on braking, and a rear shock in the afternoon that improves the feeling with the rear tire, so I'm satisfied with the work we've done together with Öhlins. We also tried different settings for the chassis and I'd like to be in the position tomorrow to decide which one we will use for this season.”
With Stoner and Pedrosa having taken the top two spots Dovizioso slotted into third with an effort of 2:00.531, while Yamaha Factory Racing pair Ben Spies (2:00.824) and World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (2:00.931) were the final two under 2:01 for the day as they placed their M1 machines inside the top five. Spies’ day ended with a non-consequential crash at Turn 7.
A notable absence on day two was Rossi, who was eventually unable to ride at all on Wednesday due to illness. The Ducati Team rider, who on Tuesday came in ninth fastest, attended the circuit in the morning but returned to his hotel to rest in a bid to be fit for the third and final day.
The San Carlo Honda Gresini bikes of Marco Simoncelli and Hiroshi Aoyama continue the RC212V theme, making it five inside the top seven. Working on suspension settings to improve braking stability, an issue which has been highlighted by a number of Honda riders, Simoncelli was the final rider within a second of Stoner as he posted a 2:01.033. Aoyama, riding to find out if major changes made the day before brought any significant benefit, was fractionally over four-tenths off his team-mate.
Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar) and Álvaro Bautista completed the top 10, the Rizla Suzuki rider’s day having been interrupted by illness. He managed 35 laps nevertheless, with a best time of 2:02.035.
The sole factory Ducati rider on track, Nicky Hayden worked on the setting of his GP11 and set a best time of 2:02.208, with Pramac Racing’s Desmosedicis belonging to Randy de Puniet and Loris Capirossi closely matched.
Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing), who had a fall right at the end of the day, Toni Elías (LCR Honda) and Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) completed the timesheet.
Wednesday Test Times
1. Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) 2:00.171
2. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) 2:00.229
3. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) 2:00.531
4. Ben Spies (Yamaha) 2:00.824
5. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2:00.931
6. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Gresini Honda) 2:01.033
7. Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Gresini Honda) 2:01.439
8. Colin Edwards (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) 2:01.738
9. T2 (Yamaha Test Team) 2:01.792
10. Hector Barbera (Mapfre Aspar Ducati) 2:01.909
11. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) 2:02.035
12. Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) 2:02.208
13. T1 (Yamaha Test Team) 2:02.596
14. Randy De Puniet (Pramac Ducati) 2:02.604
15. Loris Capirossi (Pramac Ducati) 2:02.624
16. Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati) 2:02.676
17. Toni Elias (LCR Honda) 2:02.941
18. Cal Crutchlow (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) 2:02.984
19. Noburu Aoki (Rizla Suzuki) 2:04.582
Ruthless to run XR1200 and Sport Bike
From Ruthless Racing
Ruthless Racing Inc. has officially announced its continued involvement in the Parts Canada Superbike Series for 2011. Ruthless Racing Inc. will run two classes this year, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 class and Pro Sport Bike.
Dave Estok will race on a Ruthless Racing Inc.-prepared Buell and Harley-Davidson XR1200. Estok won the 1996 Harley-Davidson 883 World Championship and in the same year the Buell Lightening Championship. He also has three ASRA Thunder Bike titles under his belt. He has been participating in the Canadian Superbike Series for the last five years and put forth a strong fourth place finish in the Pro Sport Bike Series in 2010.
Darren James comes to the grid this year on his Harley-Davidson XR1200 and his Buell, both motorcycles prepared by Ruthless Racing Inc. James has two Canadian National Thunder Bike Championships in 2005 and 2006. He also won the CCS National Thunder Bike Championship in Daytona in 2003. Teamed up with Jeremy McWilliams, James spent the 2010 season racing for Warr’s Harley-Davidson in the UK and participated in the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy Cup in the British Superbike Series. He finished fourth overall for the year while McWillams took the championship.
“I am really excited to see this XR1200 series come to fruition this year in Canada," said James, who also serves as team manager. "It’s the first year this class runs in the Parts Canada Superbike series and I have wanted nothing more than to make sure we start with a full grid. There has been a ton of interest from racers wanting to get on a Harley-Davidson and, come Round 1 at ICAR, I really hope that they all end up on that grid. A full grid makes for exciting racing and that’s what we want to show the fans. These bikes are all so evenly matched that it really comes down to the rider. It’s going to be a ton of fun out there.”
New Gold Wing to debut in Montreal
Revolutionary. Extraordinary. Standard-setting. It's what riders come to expect of the Gold Wing. The improvements and features being offered for 2012 are a perfect example of these.
Most noticeable on the 2012 GoldWing is the revised body style featuring larger luggage, providing an additional seven litres of carrying capacity. Non-airbag models also get a new center-mounted glovebox for added convenience, boosting the cockpit area storage capacity to 2.8 litres.
The GoldWing’s travel-oriented credentials include the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities, starting with an updated and innovative GPS navigation system featuring step-by-step verbal directions via Gold Wing's sound system with user-friendly programmability. Riders can plan trip routes on their home computer and upload them into the Gold Wing’s available navi system.
Also now incorporated is a built-in MP3/iPod interface for a new SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience.
In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and sporty handling, the 2012 Wing has revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance providing unparalleled comfort to both rider and passenger.
Honda Canada will offer to two models offering desirable features such as Navi, ABS and airbag, which will further the Gold Wing’s reputation as being the most celebrated touring machine in motorcycle history.
The 2012 Honda GoldWing will be making its debut at the Montreal Motorcycle Show this weekend, Feb. 25-27.
Stoner leads Honda 1-2 at Sepang
The second official 2011 pre-season MotoGP Test rounded off its opening day at Sepang, Malaysia with Casey Stoner top of the timesheet, as the Australian set the only lap under 2:01 on Tuesday. With an effort of 2:00.987 inside the final hour, Stoner was followed by team-mate Dani Pedrosa (+0.373) for a Repsol Honda one-two at the top.
“We had a really good day today, from the beginning I felt more comfortable with the bike again, like I understood the bike a little better,” said Stoner, who rode 53 laps. “We managed to work on set-up but we are still doing a chassis comparison, finding strong points and weak points on both. It's difficult to choose one or the other, whatever set-up we throw at them we seem to be able to run pretty similar lap times. We're very happy with the progress we made today and everything and everybody seems to be working well.”
In typically sweltering conditions and with a general lack of grip being reported by the riders the duo of RC212Vs were followed on the timesheet by a brace of Yamaha M1s. First up was the factory machine of World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, who at 0.481 off Stoner had spent the day trying a modified chassis in a bid to deal with a chatter problem encountered last time out at this track. Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards was just over two-tenths further back in fourth.
Third Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso rounded out the day fifth fastest with a time of 2:01.747, with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Spies close behind (+0.061 on the Italian) as the American concentrated on his M1 setting.
Two more RC212Vs made it five inside the top eight as San Carlo Honda Gresini pair Hiroshi Aoyama and Marco Simoncelli finished within six-hundredths of one another. The Japanese rider was looking to define his suspension and rear grip and was the final rider within a second of Stoner, while Simoncelli worked towards better grip and braking performance, having set the best time at the previous test.
The highest placing Ducati on day one was the factory GP11 of Valentino Rossi, notably without the ‘wings’ that had featured on the fairing of the Desmosedici at its official presentation in January. Appearing to enjoy an improved comfort in his shoulder in comparison to three weeks ago the Italian worked on his set-up and on fixing his anti-wheelie setting, posting a best lap of 2:01.999 which was 1.012 off Stoner.
Álvaro Bautista, the Rizla Suzuki rider, completed the top 10 (+1.237 on Stoner) as he set about adjusting the electronics on his GSV-R (he was accompanied on track by Suzuki test rider Nobu Aoki).
Mapfre Aspar rider Héctor Barberá and Ducati Team’s Nicky Hayden both experienced crashes during the earlier half of the day and escaped uninjured, finally placing their respective Desmosedicis 11th and 12th, while Toni Elías enjoyed a step forward with his LCR Honda in 13th.
Randy de Puniet avoided injury when he crashed, while British rookie Cal Crutchlow also fell at the end of the day. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider was still suffering from the lingering effects of a bout of food poisoning he picked up en route to Malaysia.
The Ducatis of Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing) and Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) completed the timesheet, the rookie experiencing a non-consequential fall around midday.
Day 1 Test Times
1. Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) 2:00.987
2. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) 2:01.360
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2:01.468
4. Colin Edwards (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) 2:01.654
5. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) 2:01.747
6. Ben Spies (Yamaha) 2:01.808
7. Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Gresini Honda) 2:01.939
8. Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Gresini Honda) 2:01.996
9. Valentino Rossi (Marlboro Ducati) 2:01.999
10. Alvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) 2:02.224
11. Hector Barbera (Mapfre Aspar Ducati) 2:02.645
12. Nicky Hayden (Marlboro Ducati) 2:02.680
13. Toni Elias (LCR Honda) 2:02.779
14. Randy De Puniet (Pramac Ducati) 2:02.920
15. Cal Crutchlow (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) 2:02.936
16. Loris Capirossi (Pramac Ducati) 2:03.082
17. Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati) 2:03.167
18. Noburu Aoki (Rizla Suzuki) 2:04.639
Vermeulen to miss Superbike opener
From Paul Bird Motorsport
Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team rider Chris Vermeulen will miss his home round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island in Australia this weekend having been withdrawn on medical grounds.
The 28-year-old former World Supersport Champion had an operation to rebuild his knee last July and is now in the final phase of rehabilitation after such complex surgery. His doctors are very pleased with the progress that he has made to date but an evaluation prior to the current official IMS test sessions at Phillip Island confirmed that Chris still has to achieve the final few degrees of bend in his knee joint to regain 100 percent of his race fitness.
Riding his Paul Bird Motorsport-prepared Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at race pace now would aggravate the knee and almost certainly delay his full recovery so Vermeulen and the team have agreed that his long term recovery is the most important thing for all concerned, meaning he will miss the first round of the championship on Sunday.
Akira Yanagawa will replace Vermeulen for Phillip Island and the Penrith-based team will concentrate their full efforts for race weekend on regular KRT riders Tom Sykes (pictured) and Joan Lascorz.
"We decided as a team that the best thing was not to race or test at Phillip Island," Vermeulen said. "It is unfortunate because it is my home round and I have gone through such a long recovery already. It would have been nice to start off the season fit and strong but we did not want to risk any further damage to my knee. Just as importantly, I am not fit enough to compete at the top level yet so it is better to not ride at the moment."
Checa fastest, Rea hurt in Australia
Carlos Checa (Ducati Althea Racing) was quickest overall at the end of the four SBK official test sessions held at the Phillip Island circuit, which concluded on Tuesday.
On his Ducati 1098R the Spaniard, who won one of the races here in Australia last year, put a gap of over half-a-second between himself and second-placed man Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati Effenbert - Liberty Racing).
Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) crashed in the early stages of the last session, potentially jeopardizing his participation in this weekend’s opening round of the 2011 championship. He was taken by helicopter to hospital for an X-ray on his left wrist and on the ring finger of his left hand.
Rea had set the third quickest time in Tuesday morning’s session on day two of the official WSBK test and was on his first lap of the afternoon when he crashed at Phillip Island’s fast turn three, getting off his Castrol Honda CBR1000RR at around 210km/h (130mph).
Rea dislocated the ring finger on his left hand but was later transferred to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne to undergo x-rays and scans on his left wrist.
"I’m so frustrated because we were just about there on race pace and everything was feeling really good," the 24-year-old Rea said. "Early in this afternoon’s session, I was in turn three and winding it on when I suddenly felt the rear squirming and then I realised the bike was on fire. Basically I had to get off it quickly and unfortunately it was at 130mph, which is quick enough."
Fourth quickest overall was Jakub Smrz (Ducati Effenbert - Liberty Racing), followed by Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki) and by Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia), whose best time of the two days came in the final session.
Several crashes marked the final stages of the two-and-a-half hour session. Michel Fabrizio, Marco Melandri and Lascorz all went down and were taken to the Medical Centre for checks.
Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) stayed on the top slot by just a fraction as the World Supersport runners completed their four testing sessions at Phillip Island on Tuesday.
The Frenchman was put under pressure throughout by an impressive Broc Parkes on the Kawasaki Motocard.com machine. David Salom on the second Kawasaki was a further two-tenths behind but held on to the place from youngster Florian Marino (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).
Britain's Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda) was next up, followed by Roberto Tamburini (Yamaha Bike Service) in sixth. Luca Scassa was the first Yamaha ParkinGO man in the timesheets, in seventh with Chaz Davies a further five places down. Gino Rea (Step Racing Honda) was eighth, while Danilo Dell'Omo was the first Triumph in the timesheets in 10th.
Combined Superbike Test Times
1. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:30.578
2. Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:31.196
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:31.206
4. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:31.654
5. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:31.866
6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:31.870
7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.113
8. Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:32.122
9. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:32.137
10. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:32.272
11. Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:32.299
12. Waters J. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:32.394
13. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:32.405
14. Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.413
15. Toseland J. (GBR) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.880
16. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:32.994
17. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1:33.233
18. Staring B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.398
19. Yanagawa A. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.432
20. Berger M. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:33.485
21. Rolfo R. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.514
22. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:33.560
23. Aitchison M. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:33.721
