Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

wEJITlcD Shane Byrne CDuc) took top honors in the first round of the British Superbike Championship at Silverstone in England when he won the first race and finished second in the second race. Byrne topped Yukio Kagayama CSuz) and Glen Richards CKaw) to win the first race. In the second race, Byrne finished second to Michael Rutter CDuc), with Richards finishing third. After one round, Byrne leads Rutter in the point standings, 4538. In a conference call put together by the publicity department at California Speedway in Fontana, California, Yoshimura Suzuki's Aaron Yates stated that he indeed will no longer race in the 600cc Supersport Series in 2003 - despite the fact that he is the series' defending champion. "It was hard for me to make the decision," Yates said. "My crew chief wanted me to just focus on the Superbikes. To ride in the 600 affected my riding in the Superbikes. After Daytona, our bikes were pretty good. Suzuki didn't come out with a new 600 this year, and everyone else's bikes were pretty hot." The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced that Mark R. Mendell of Boston, Massachusetts, has been named chairman of the museum's board of directors. Mendell was named to the board in 2000, and most recently was its vice chairman. He replaces Don Emde, who stepped down from the chairman's position to devote more time to his publishing business. Emde will continue to serve as a member of the board. A lifelong motorcyclist and a life member of the AMA, Mendell and his son have owned more than 25 motorcycles over the ·years. He became involved with the museum in the early 1980s, when it was still only a concept. and in the late 1990s, he led the team of architects and engineers responsible for designing the museum's current home on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. "It's a privilege to serve the American motorcycling community as a member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum's board of directors," said Mendell, "and I look forward to new challenges and opportunities in my role as chairman. Don Emde has my admiration and gratitude, and that of the entire board, for his leadership during an important time in the life of the Museum. I'll continue to rely on his experience and contribution as a member of this Board." In his professional life, Mendell is president of Cannon Design, one of the nation's largest architectural firms. He was recently elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, recognizing his personal achievements and contributions to architecture. Long committed to volunteerism in public service, Mendell serves in various capacities on a number of boards and committees, including as a director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. In addition, he serves on the International Board of Advisors of the University of the Middle East. Longtime Washougal/Boise motocross announcer Pat Dougherty was seriously injured recently in a first-lap crash in !JJ@@®[i{10 @DD@W0 @1Jf} !XJ00 [J!J®W !i3offI® >=< I '-...J The all-new Proton Team KR V-five MotoGP machine, designed and built in Britain for entry in the 2003 World Championship Series, made its public debut in London last week at a special press conferecce to launch the MotoGP season, Proton Team KR owner Kenny Roberts and rider Jeremy McWilliams unveiled the 990cc four-stroke challenger, designed and built in the heart of England's "Formula One Belt" outside Banbury, at the function at Home House in Cavendish Square. The new MotoGP prototype, compact and streamlined like the KR3 two-stroke 500 that preceded it, will make its debut during the forthcoming season. The striking styling and the thorough engineering of the package won many plaudits from the assembled British press. Roberts spoke of progress with the project. "We are currently testing the engine, and getting it ready to race: said Roberts. "We've had it up to 14,000 rpm, and we are fixing problems on a day-to-day basis, but it's not ready to race yet. It's difficult to set a schedule. We hope to have it ready for the second GP, in South Africa. but it may be we'll continue to race the two-stroke for a little longer.. "We won't put the new bike on the track until it is ready, and safe enough: the three-time World Champion concluded. Boise. Idaho. which has left him paralyzed from the chest down. He is currently in rehabilitation and wants everyone to know that he's working hard on his recovery and is thankful for the many cards. letters and prayers on his behalf. " Keep 'em coming, especially the prayers l " Dougherty said. A fund has been set up to help him. his wife and two young children at: Addison Avenue Credit Union. c/o Pat Dougherty Fund. 11311 Chinden Ave .. Boise. ID 83714.208/323-6520. Yamaha Motor Corporation has announced that it has increased its sponsorship of "the premier professional women's motocross team." AGP Rae· ing.com. The team also adds Thor as its race-gear sponsor. Both companies enhance their involvement thiS year in women's motocross. with Thor making a leap to sponsor a top female team. Yamaha. Thor. Advanced Graphics & Publishing CAGP) and the team's other sponsors will support the number-three and -four riders of the AMA/WML Outdoor Motocross Championship Series. n U n u n u r1 Tania Satchwell and Sarah Whit· more. respectively. Satchwell is the 2001 AMA/WML Outdoor Motocross Champion and hopes to regain the title thiS year. Whitmore is expected to make a strong run for the title as well. Satchwell had five top-five finishes. while Whitmore had a win and three top-fives during the 2002 series. Lee Bowers. president of AGP Racing.com said. "AGP Racing.com appreciates Yamaha's increased support and its recognition that women's motocross is a growing and viable professional sport. We think Yamaha YZ 125s and factory support are topnotch and will take our team to the championship." In addition to its increased support for the AGP Racing.com team. Yamaha will continue to proVide YZ125 bikes and genuine Yamaha parts. Financial figures of the sponsorship were not released. Motocrosser Michael Stanton is currently at the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. California. where he cue I e was life-flighted on Sunday, March 23. after crashing during the Four-Stroke National in Adelanto. California. According to those close to Stanton. he is currently in a coma. but his vital signs are stable. Cards and letters can be sent to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, c/o Michael Stanton Croom 2212). 400 North Pepper. Colton. CA 92324. Donations can be made to The Michael Stanton Foundation. c/o Bank of America. 201 Commercial St.. Nevada City. CA 95959. Chaparral Motorsports in San Bernardino. California, has added 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz to its long list of stars who are slated to attend the Superbike Fan Appreciation Night at the dealership on Tuesday. April 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. Following the decision of the teams and riders not to take part in the round to be held in Tetouan. Morocco. March 29-30. due to the war in Iraq. the Royal Moroccan Motorcycling Federation had no other n e _ S • APRIL 9, 2003 1

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