Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128212
version of their new V-Rod. After nearly two years of development, the Vance & Hines bike made its official debut in 2002, but it did not qualify for 8 single event, though rider G.T. Tonglet made steady progress throughout the season. At the 2003 season opener, the Screamin' Eagle team rolled out a pair of new V-Rods, one for Tonglet, and another for Matt Hines' younger brother, Andrew. The results of another winter's worth of research and development were immediately evident as Andrew not only qualified, but also won the first two rounds of eliminations. Andrew likely would BJ1IfiA~",. fwal round had his --lIMlAnot brotM1iilii1iill eve runner-up Geno HArley-Davidson fans nave ething to cheer for at NHRA events, and the Screamin' Eagle Team has quickly become one of the most popular stops for fans canvassing. the pit area. Peihope more 1mpoItantIt, the class now enjoys the same Ind of diversity that has long been lacking; mudllike the Ford vs. OM ys. Dodge battles that have helped make the Pro Stock car class so popular. The arrival of the V-twin bikes isn't the only significant development in Pro Stock Bike this year. Former road racer Rob M.uzzy recently debuted his factory-backed Kawasaki ZX·12 in Houston. Unlike the Suzukls and the other Kawasakis that are currently active, M.uzzy's bike, ridden by Prostar ace Ryan Schnitz, uses a modern ZX-12 four-valve engine as its platform. Though it is a long way from being perfected, the Muzzy Kawasaki, and the Screamin' Eagle HarJeys, might offer a glimpse into the future of Pro Stock Bike, where factory-backed teams, using the latest technology, compete head-tohead on equal footing. Schultz and Myers are gone, Matt Hines mayor may not return to competition sometime this year, and Savoie has often noted that she'd like to start a family sometime in the near future, yet the Pro Stock Bike class remains healthier than ever despite an uncertain economic climate. More than 35 entries were on the grounds each of the first two events of 2003, and many of the class' most marketable young stars, including Andrew Hines, G.T. Tonglet, Blaine Hale, Schnitz, Brown and Shawn Gann, are just entering the prime of their careers. With POWERade as a major sponsor and a sold five-year television contract with ESPN, NHRA drag racing is poised to become the "next big thing" in the sporting world, and the rising stars of the Pro Stock Bike class will no doubt playa major role in that transformation. CN MAy 1 &-1 S, ZOOS THE EVENT HAS A NEW NAME THAT's SURE TO BRING OUT THE TOP DOGS. THE SUZUKI SHOWDOWN PRESENTED BY DARK KICK-ASS TRUCKS EVENT U.S. THAT INCLUDES SUPERBIKE suzu SUPERBIKE DoG WILL BE A AMA CHEVY SERIES RACES I. BD'Tl-I SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. FOUR D'Tl-IER AMA PRO RAciNG SANCTIONED RACES ARE ALSO SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEKEND, MAKING THE "ORIGINAL DOUBLEHEADER" ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR. FACTORY AND INDEPENDENT RIDERS FROM SUZUKI, HONDA, KAWASAKI, YAMAHA AND DUCAll WILL COMPETE IN THIS INCREDIBLE DISPLAY OF TWOWHEEL RACING THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS. c ---- IT's THE "CANT MISS" EVENT OF THE YEAR! WWW.-.u_ _KLeON lJatlllla/llll WWW.ROADATLANTA.COM BCD-B49-RACE Now Available Through cgcle news Video Theater SUPEHDIKE DUCATI (#1696) 'Superbike Ducati' explores many of the elements of Ducati 'life' that make it stand out above the rest. In the factory, on the road. in testing - even as the star attraction of a major world gathering - this great video takes you as close to the heart of the Ducati V-twin superbike phenomenon as you're like to get without wearing your helmet! Check out the Ducati: * Racing Sensation Especially in the hands of 4x World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty. * Styling Sensation From the 750 of the 1980s to today's 996 Superbike, the stylish Italian V-twins are viewed as the most influential sport bike deSigns of their era. * Engineering Sensation...Go inside the factory to see how the bikes are built and hear from designers and styliSts. Then join leading motorcycle journalist Alan Cathcart as he puts the latest Ducati 200 I models through their paces on road and track. * Biking Sensation...Savor the atmosphere of the World Ducati Weekend 2000 as thousands of'Ducatisti' gather to celebrate the marque. 70 minutes from White Star I Duke Video. To Order Videos. Call 714/751-7433 - Charge to ~ ~ This release $34.95. Order Videos On-Line at: _.cycleneW's.corro includes shipping. cue I e n e _ os • MAY 7. 2003 53