Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

rider. For 11, Daijiro consistently raced Honda machines, He made a significant contribution both to the development of works machines and the winning of the Honda 500 wins in WGP. Daijiro's expertise as a rider placed him above the others, and his personality endeared him to everyone. Daijiro, we are honored that you were a Honda rider. We will never forget the depth of feeling you engendered in us as we observed the mastery with which you rode and the glory that you bestowed on Honda by your association with us. We mourn your passing and offer our most heartfelt condolences to your loved ones." Kanazawa, a guiding influence on Kato's career, said of his former charge: "Daijiro, despite the prayers of your family, your relatives, and your many, many fans, you never recovered from the injuries suffered from that sudden aCCident in the opening round of the WGP on April 6, and at the tender age of 26, you have left us. The term, 'genius.' was one that was used often in relation to you, and with you, we dreamed of MotoGP supremacy. In 2001, you became the 250cc World Champion, and we were convinced you were on the brink of making all our dreams come true. Taking on the WGP challenge again without you is a daunting prospect indeed. Honda will continue to compete in many races, fueled by the spirit you inspired by your actions. I join my prayers with those of everyone else here today, that you have gone to a happier place." Kato is survived by his wife, Makiko, son Ikko and daughter Rinka. According to a press release from Team Muzzy, Ryan Schnitz was "slightly injured" on May 14 during a test session on the Team Muzzy NHRA ProStock Kawasaki ZX-12R motorcycle. Schnitz was treated for "superficial injuries and released from the hospital after the incident." The release goes on to say that "Schnitz had just cleared the timing lights at slightly over 165 mph at the Darlington, South Carolina, drag strip when, possibly due to a combination of crosswind and some track irregularities, the bike became unstable. The motorcycle was heavily damaged in the ensuing slide and collision with the track barrier. Muzzy's team missed the Englishtown, New Jersey, event on May 18 and had already deCided not to attend the Chicago round. The next race for the team will be the Pontiac Excitement Nationals in Columbus, Ohio on June 12, the team says. The BMW Motorrad 80th anniversary Rally will take place June 27-29 in Lake Tahoe, California. The three-day celebration will be held at Squaw Valley in Tahoe. More information is available on the BMW Motorrad USA's website at www,bmwmotorradusa.com or www.bmwmotorcycles.com . Kevin Schwantz will be back on the World Championship trail this summer when he arrives in Germany prior to the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring. But the race is only the centerpiece of his trip, which will introduce the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School to Europe for the first time. "I am excited about going back to Europe to do some schools with Suzuki and all my instructors and the world-class program we've put together," Schwantz said in a press release. "It should be a great time for everyone involved." In conjunction with Suzuki Germany and Suzuki Japan, Schwantz will hold schools in Germany, all surrounding the July 25-27 MotoGP weekend. The first of the two-day schools are at Gross Dolin on July 19-20 and July 23-24, followed by a pause for the race weekend, then on to a July 28-29 school, again at Gross Dolin, before the schools wind up on the short circuit at the Nurburgring, August 2-3. A maximum of 30 students per school will be split into two groups Cstreet and advanced) and given Michelin Pilot Sport-shod Suzuki SV650/S's prOVided by Suzuki Germany. Schwantz uses the Suzuki SV-650/S at the schools at his home base of Road Atlanta. For more information on Schwantz's U.S.-based program, visit www.schwantzschool.com or call 800/849-7223. name was selected from thousands of tickets purchased from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and at the 14 Advanstar Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows held in 2002-2003. This year's Cycle World Ride for Kids motorcycle raffle raised over $35,000 to support the research and family support programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. "Since the Ride for Kids is about families, we thought a family of Honda dirt bikes, ready-to-go on a Kendon trailer, would be a lot of fun," said Larry Little, Cycle World's publisher. "We thank everyone who purchased a ticket to support this very important mission, helping kids with brain tumors." The motorcycles are donated by the Honda Rider's Club of America CHRCA), and the trailer is donated by Kendon Industries, Incorporated. Groenig, an avid 29-year-old motorcyclist commented, "My cousin and I attended the Seattle Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in December and learned about the Ride for Kids events and the foundation. We decided to buy some raffle tickets. I am really looking forward to this year's Ride for Kids event in Puget Sound, Washington." "This kind of industry support is critical to our success," said Pete terHorst, executive director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. "Thanks to companies like Honda, Cycle World, Kendon, and Advanstar, together with the support of thousands of motorcyclists across America, we are making progress in our battle to defeat childhood brain tumors." The biggest Superbike show in Canada will take place in Montreal and at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant this August. according to event promoters. Sponsored by Coors Light and presented by Suzuki. the Coors Light Superbike event at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant will features parties, extensive exposure on Quebec's Musique Plus all-music television station, and a contest. Capping the five-day festival will be the seventh round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant on Sunday, August 17, This is the first visit of Canada's national motorcycle road racing series to the venue. "This will be the biggest Superbike show ever in Canada," said event organizer Pierre Major. Festivities get under way on Wednesday, August 13, with the Coors Light Superbike party on Crescent Street in downtown Montreal. This year's Parts Canada Superbike Championship gets under way at Shannonville Motorsport Park on May 18. Bay Area Riders Forum

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