Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

Jennings GP: Darren Luck made his own fortune in Jennings, Florida, winning every race he contested. EX MIW S/BK: 1. Frank Trombino (Yam): 2. Pedro Valiente (Vom): 3. And~ Bibeau (Yom): 4. Brad Graham (Han): 5. Thomes Pfuner (SUI). AM H/W S/BK: I. Jorge Rodriguez (SUI): 2. Brian Shaw (Suz): 3. Russ Kogglln (Suz): 4. Patrick Erickson (Suz): 5. Jose Moreau (&a). EX H/W S/BK: I. Jim Pihokken (Suz): 2. Edward Us (Suz): 3. £mesto Menendez. (SUl): 4. Dllvid McEnery (Hon). THNDR/BK: 1. John Costa (Bue); 2. Andrew Hamblin Donnie SchmItt (Bue): 4. Steve Connen; (Hon). (B~); 3. S/seL: 1. Bruce Wagner (MIl: 2. Patrick Weekley (Yam): 3. Joe Lanza (Han): 4. Sefton Barnes (Han): 5. Ed....ard Wilson (MIl. AM M/W GP: 1. Jorge Arana (Kew): 2. Greg Melkll (Hon): 3. Darren Mulvaney (Sw:); 4. Michael Krlllulr (Yam): 5. James McKillip (Vom). EX MJW GP: I. Mark Brown (Yam): 2. Pedro Vtlliente (Vam); 3. Thomas Pfuner (SUI); 4. Alvaro Toledo {SUl); 5. Brad Graham (Hon). all GP: l. Darren Luek (SuI); 2. Jim Plhokken (Sw:): J. Frllnk Trombino (Yam); 4. Edward Us (Sw:): 5. Scott Ritchey (SUl). CCS Southwest Sprint Series Round 2: Firebird Raceway East Ledesma Breaks Track Record at Firebird Sprints Bv MICHAEL Ross CHANDLER, AZ, APR. 12· 13 North Valley Honda technician Mark Ledesma used his ex·Erion Racing CBR954 to break the track record at Firebird East on Sunday in the Unlimited GP race during the second round of racing for the CCS Southwest Sprint Series. Local road-racing fans certainly got their money's worth at Firebird Raceway when CCS ran the remaining 11 sprint races left over from the rained-out March race on Saturday and 18 more sprints on Sunday. Not only were there lots of races, but several sprints featured race action that had fans on their feet for every lap. One of the best sprints of the weekend came during the Middleweight Superbike race, between Dale Kieffer, on his new Yamaha YZF-R6 shod with Pilot S2s, and Mark Ledes· ma, on his CBR600F4i. These two split from the pack by the third lap and were never sepa· rated by more than a few feet for the entire nine· lap sprint. Kieffer led at the start, with Ledesma in third, behind Todd Costley. Ledesma passed Costley on the second lap and then parked on Kieffer's rear fender for the remainder of the race. They ran in lock step, with each rider exploiting his particular strengths. Although both bikes appeared equal in top speed, Kief· fer's Yamaha obviously had more torque in the midrange and would distance Ledesma at the exits of Firebird's 10 turns, but Ledesma would make it up on the brakes, particularly in turn one. Although Kieffer ied every lap, the out· come of the race was in question until the last corner of the last lap. As they exited turn nine, they encountered a pack of lappers. Kieffer went high and Ledesma went low as they braked hard for turn 10. Kieffer got a good 62 MAV 14, 2003' cue I ... drive. but Ledesma got a better one and pulled nearly even with Kieffer as they headed for the finish line. Kieffer won by less than a bikelength and collected a tidy $2000 check from Yamaha for his hard work. "Mark doesn't let up," explained Kieffer from his pit. "I could get a better drive and keep him at bay when there is no traffic. but traffic would close us up again." These two met again in the Middleweight Supersport contest. and the racing was just as intense. This time, Ledesma led the first lap, with Kieffer in tow. But this race would prove to be one of strategy rather than speed. Ledesma purposely controlled the race from the front, as he kept the pace down to the high 1:02s, when he was capable of running in the low 1:0Is. "It was a strategy game." explained Ledes· ma. "I was trying to keep him behind me by blocking all of his lines." And that strategy almost worked. On the last lap, they headed for turn 10, with Kieffer getting the best of the braking bat· tie and beating Ledesma to the exit; but then he slowed down and balked Ledesma's drive out and won the race. "You parked me in 10." Ledesma said to Kieffer as they recounted the race afterward. "I was blocking every lap, and I thought I had a gap, but I looked, and you were right there"· '" knew what you were doing," exclaimed Kieffer. "and I had my own strategy. That was an awesome race. That was just awesome." There were two Unlimited GP races over the course of the weekend. The first one was left over from the March race, and Lenny Beckman won it from a fourth-row start, over Rory Palmer, with both men on GSX·R 1OOs. "I slipped the clutch perfectly, and I had aIready decided to go to the outside in turn one, and it all worked out," said Beckman nevvs Firebird Raceway East: Mark Ledesma (7) chases Scott Jensen (611) into tum five during the Unlimited GP event at round two of the CCS Southwest Sprint Series in Chandler, Arizona. later. "' never even looked back for the whole race. lowe my success to going to track days and Jim Davis. who is a big help. I also owe A.J. IAmannl for selling up my bike." The second Unlimited GP ran on Sunday. Eric Anderson got the best start of the week· end. He jelled out front but was soon shuffled back by Scott Jensen. Ledesma and Palmer. Jensen had a slight lead over Ledesma, and Palmer moved into third with a brave pass on Anderson in turn five. Ledesma was on a mis· sian to catch Jensen, and he broke the track record on lap five with a 59.711·second lap as he pulled up beh.ind Jensen·s GSXR. "I was selling him IJensen] up in turn 10 for a pass, but he had trouble in the lake tum," explained Ledesma. "He must have missed a shift, and I went right by." Firebird Raceway Chandler, Arizona Results: April 12·13, 2003 (Round 2) Saturday l/W S/SPT AM: I. Robm. Gresens (Apr); 2. Mike Haaren (SUl): 3. Chris Geary (Suz); 4. BriM Bemllrd (SUl): 5. Joel Denni. (Vam). l/W S/SPT EX: 1. A.J. Amman (Suz): 2. Michael Riffel! (SUl); 3. Steven Hymer (SUl). M/W S/SPT AM: 1. Rodney Sherman (Yam); 2. Brad Hendry (SUI): 3. Jo,eph Philbrook (Hon): 4. Jon Beyle<:k (Hon); 5. Dayld Yeski (Yem). MIW 5/SPT EX: I. Mark Lede,me (Hon): 2. Matthew HlIrtlieb (SUl); J. Gartll Dillon (Suz); 4. Joson Catching (Vern): 5. GlIvln Hick· son (Hon). H/W S/SPT AM: I. Brian Hall (Sw.); 2.. Rodney Sherman (Yllm); 3. Jon Beyle<:k (Hen): 4. Shawn Poole (Yam); 5. John Wehrli (Vam). H/W S/SPT EX: 1. Chad Rollllnd (SUl); 2. Eric Haugo (Suz); 3. Eric Anderson (Suz); 4. Jason Catching (Yam); 5. Gorth Dillon (Suz). OIL S/SPT AM: I. Brilln Hall (Suz); 2. Robert Sneddon (Yam): 3. Kevin Wehner, 4. James Joyce (Vam); 5. Damon Deschamp (SuI). WL S/SPT EX: t. Rory Polmer (Suz); 2. Scott Jensen (SUl); J. Eric Haugo (Sut); 4. Jason Cetchlng (Vam): 5. Eric Anderson (Suz). L/W S/BK AM: I. Robert Gresens (Apr); 2. Scott Vorreyer (Hon); 3. Mike Hllaren (Sw:): 4. Mike lb:lng (SUl); 5. MlItthew Buck (SUl). L/W S/BK EX: 1. Jason Catching (SUI): 2. Ryan Meskimen (SUI); J. Jllmes DavIS (SUl); 4. Tom Gentry (Sur.): 5. Chorles Coyle (Kaw). H/W S/BK AM: I. Brilln Holl (SUl); 2. Rodney Sherman (VlIm): J. Brad Hendry (SUI); 4. Simon Williams (Due): 5. John Wehrli (Vam). H/W S/BK EX: I. Eric Anderson (Sw:); 2. Eric Haugo (Sw:); 3. Alex McEJyell (Hen); 4. Nick Moore (SUl); 5. Chad Rollend (Suz). all GP EX: I. Lenny ~kmlln (SUl): 2. Rory PlIlmer (Suz): 3. Mark Ledesma (Hon); 4. Daye SlInders (Sw:); 5. Chad Roland (SuI). SPT/BK AM: I. Rodney $hermon (Vam); 2. Jon Bllylock (Hon); 3. Tristan Schoenwald (Hon); 4. James Joyce (Yam); 5. John W~rll (Vam). SPT/BK EX: I. Mark Ledesma (Hen): 2. David SlInders (SuI): 3. Matthew Hartlieb (Suz); 4. Gavin Hickson (Hon): S. Christopher Elch (Hanl. THNDRjBK AM: I. Matthew Buck (SUl); 2. Chris Geory (SUl); 3. Brlan Bernard (SUl). THNDR/BK EX: 1. Ryan Meskimen (SUl): 2. James Dayls (Suzl; 3. Michael RlffeJl (Suz). S(TW AM: I. Patrick Bertinel1l (Due); 2. Simon Willlams (Due). S(TW EX: 1. Rick Stratton (Hon): 2. Jason Catching (SUl); 3. James Davis (SuI); 4. Michael Rlffell (Suz); 5. Tom Gentry (SUl). LIW SPTSMN AM: 1. Brandon Yoder (Yllm); 2. Kim Braunels (Vam): 3. Elaine Seasly (MI); 4. Joel Dennis (Yam); 5. Billy Pedro (Sw). L!W SPTSMN EX: 1. Cherles Coyle (Kaw); 2. William Dale WheIlln (Yam); J. Dave Ram~y (Yam). Sunday l/W S/SPT AM: I. Mike HlIlIren (Suz): 2. Keith Royle (Suz): J. TrisUln Schoenwald (KllW); 4. Robl!rt. GrMeJlS (Apr); 5. Brian Bernard (S",). l/W S/SPT EX: I. Michael Riffell (SuI); 2. Tom Gentry (Suz); 3. Klee Bethel (SUl). M/W S/SPT AM: I. Jo~ph Philbrook (Hon): 2. Brad Heodry (Suz); 3. Dovld Veski (Vam); 4. Anthony Consoleto (Suz); 5. Kenny Dallas (Yam). M/W S/SPT EX: I. OllIe Kieffer (Yom): 2. Mark Ledesma (Hon); 3. JalT\6 Mann (Yam): 4. Gevin Hickson (Hen): 5. Christopher Goelz (Vam). HIW S/SPT AM: 1. Brian Hall (SUI); 2. Phil Neulil (SUl); 3. Allan Jafray (SUl); 4. Gery Doty (SUI); 5. Jon Bllylock (Hon). H/W S/SPT EX: I. Eric Haugo (SUl); 2. Chlld Rollllnd (SUl); 3. Matt Hartlieb (Suz); 4. Eric Anderson (Sw:); 5. Gavin Hickson (Hon). UIL S/SPT AM: I. Brian Hall (Suz); 2. Phil Neuzlt (SuI); 3. Gllry Ooty (Sw:): 4. Doug Rumer (SUl): 5. Kenny Dalills (YlIm). U/l S/SPT EX: 1. Lenny Beckman (Suz): 2. Eric HlIUgo (SUI); J. Todd Costley (Yam): 4. Eric Anderson (SUI); 5. M. Ivan Gllna (&a). l/W 5/BK AM: 1. Mike Hallren (Suz): 2. Keith Royle (Sut): 3. Mike Leong (SuI); 4. Matthew Buck (SUl); 5. Robert Gre~ns (Apr). LIW S/BK EX; I. Rylln Meskimen (Suz): 2. Michael Rlffell (Suz); 3. James Davis (SUl); 4. Tom Gentry (Sul); 5. Wayne Nielson (Suz). M/W S/BK AM: I. Rodney Sherman (Vern); 2. Joseph Philbrook (Hen); 3. David Yeski (Yllm); 4. 8m Hendry (Suz); 5. Anthony ConsoIato (SUl). M/W S/BK EX: 1. OllIe Kieffer (Vam): 2. Mark Ledesma (Hon); J. Daryl Woodwllrd (Vam); 4. Todd Costley (Yam); 5. James Mann (Yam). H/W S/BK AM; I. Brian Hall (Suz): 2. Rodney Sherman (Vam); 3. Daye Hansen (Suz); 4. Brad Hendry (Suz); 5. Kenny Dallas (Yam). H/W S/BK EX: I. ErIc Haugo (SUl): 2. Alex McElyea (Hon): J. Chad Rol1l1nd (SuI); 4. Eric Anderson (Sul): 5. Teny Embury (K"w). LJW GP AM; I. William Busche (YlIm): 2. Mike Hearen (SUl): 3. Robert Gresens (Apr); 4. Keith Royle (Sut); 5. Matthew Buck (Suz). l/W GP EX: I. WiIllllm Whelen (Yllm); 2. RYlIn Meskimen (Suz): 3. Michael Riffell (Suz): 4. J~mes Davis (SUl); 5. Tom Gentry (Sul). M/W GP AM: 1. Dayld Veskl (Yam); 2. Doug Rumer (SUI); 3_ Anthony Consolato (Suz): 4. Tristan Schoenwald (Hen); 5. Brooke Hopkins (Hon). ""IW GP EX: I. James Mann (Yam): 2. John Jewett (SUI); 3. Teny Embury (KllW): 4. Christopher 6ch (Hon): 5. EVlln Steel (Hon). Ull GP AM: 1. Brilln Hall (SUI); 2. Joseph Philbrook (Hon); 3. David Yeskl (Yam): 4. Thomlls Tatoslan (Suz); 5. Brad Hendry (Suz). all GP EX: I. Mark Lede5ma (Hon); 2. Scott Jensen (Sut); 3. Rory Palmer (SUl): 4. Todd Costley (Yam); 5. Dtlyld Sanders (Hen). SPT/BK AM: I. Rodney Sherman (YlIm): 2. Shawn Poole (YlIm); 3. Trlstlln Sc:hoenwllid (Hon); 4. Gary Doty (Suz); 5. Mike Leong (&a). SPT/BK EX: I. MlIrk Ledesma (Hon); 2. Daryl Woodward (Yllm); 3. Dayid Stlnders (SUI); 4. Nick Moore (SUl); 5. Jomes Mann (Yllm). THNDRjBK AM: 1. Mike Haeren (SUl); 2. Matthew Buck (Sul); 3. Mike lb:lng (Suz); 4. Brian Bernard (Sw:); 5. Chris Geary (SUl). THNDR/BK EX: I. Mlchllel RlffeU (Suz): 2. James DavIs (Suz); J. Steven Hymer (SUl). S/TW AM: 1. Keith Royle (SUI): 2. Tristan SchoenwlIld (KllW). srrw EX; I. Alex McElyea (Hon); 2. Rick Stratton (Hon): 3. Michael Rlffell (Sw:); 4. Tom Gently (Sw:). GP SGl: I. John BelT; 2. William Dtlle Whelan (Hon). S/SGL: 1. Brandon Voder (YlIm); 2. Elaine Seasly (MZ): J. David AJexonder (MUl); 4. Brilln TlIntilio (Hon). F-40 AM: 1. Thomas Ttltoslan (SUl); 2. Kenny Dallas (Vern): 3. Gary Doty (Suz); 4. ErIc Ebert (&a); 5. Joe Jackson (Sur.). F-40 EX: I. Roddy Cooper (YlIm); 2. Rick Stratton (Hon); 3. Charles Coyle (Sul); 4. Jim DlIvls (KllW); 5. Wallace Roberts (Yam). l/W SPTSMN AM: I. Brandon Yoder (Yem): 2. Tristan Sc:hoen· wald (KllW); 3. Kim Braunels (YlIm); 4. Devld Alexander (Muz); 5. Elaine 5l!asly (MI). lJW SPTSMN EX: I. Charles Coyle (Kalil); 2. William ~Ie Whelan (Yam): 3. Dave Ramsey (Yam). M/W SPTSMN AM: I. Robert Gresens (Apr): 2. Scott Vorreyer (Hon). M/W SPTSMN EX: 1. Charles Coyle (Kaw); 2. Michael Ross (Hon): J. Deve Ramsey (Yam). OTa AM: I. Devid Ye,ki (Yam): 2. Joseph Phllbrook (Hon); J. Shllwn Poole (Yam); 4. Billy Barr (Suz); 5. Doug Rumer (SUll. GTO EX.: I, Dale Kieffer (Yam); 2. David Senders (Suz); 3. Mark Ledesmtl (Hon); 4. Dtlryl Woodward (Yam); 5. Matthew Hllrtlleb (Sul). GT l TS AJfc I. Robert GrMeJlS (Apr): 2. Mike Hatl~ (Suz); 3. Scott Vorreyer (Hon): 4. Matthew Buck (Suz); 5. Mike Leona (SuI). GT LTS EX: I. James Dayls (Suz); 2. Mlchoel Rlffell (Suz): J_ Ryan Meskimen (Sut): 4. Tom Gentry (Sw: ); 5. Wayne NIe'I~n (Sut). GTO AM: 1. Brien Hall (Suz); 2. Phil NeUllt (SUI); 3. Robert Sneddon (Yam); 4. Keith Pond (Suz); 5. Allan Jafl'llY (SUl). GTO EX: I. David Sanders (Hon): 2. Todd Costley (Yam); 3. Christopher Goelz (Vam); 4. ErIc Anderson (Sut): 5. Alex McElyea (Hon).

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