Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

A V-Six On the Way The MotoG P class could soon shrill to the sound of the world's first Y-six Grand Prix racer, if plans already well under way in the Czech Republic come to fruition. The Y-six will be built by Czech pocketbike manufacturers Blata, working with the WCM MotoGP team, and should be ready for the first race next year, according to team manager Peter Clifford. One reason for choosing a V-six was sim- ply beca use nobody had eve r done it before, he said. "Blata plan to expand as motorcycle manufacturers, and the MotoGP project is a way to showcase their engineering abilities, with maximum visibility he said. "The idea of the ," V-six is to do something different , to show that you can. It will provoke interest and enthusiasm." He had no illusions that they would be challenging the class leaders with this unfashionably large number of cylinders - Honda is "The idea of the V-six is to do something different, to show that you can. It will provoke interest and enthusiasm." - Peter Clifford Amateur Open To Take Place In Arizona After several months of searc hing out motocross racetracks and some 12,000 miles later, Braun Entert ainme nt has unveiled the title, time and location of its "Mystery" motocross event. According to Erv Braun, most of the racetracks the company visited had a lot to offer, and the selecting of one was difficult. "W e chose a new location, one that's never been a motocross racetrack, in order to bring new excitement to the racers," said Braun. The event, titled as The Amateur O pen of Motocross, will be held December 1-5, 2004, at the Grand O pening 01 the Arizona Cycle Park 8 near Phoen ix. Braun said, "We're structu ring ourselves to be a major player in amateur motocross. We have factory support, sponsorship, the med ia. an unbelievably gigantic full-view racetrack with lights, 100 acres of level parking for every need , and the beautiful Arizona Mountains as our backdrop. Most importantly, we have the families and friends we 've made over the years, knowing we will give them a class act. "W e're huge and we 're excited!" Braun added. "We can't wait to see the expressions on the faces of our people when they see this place! Seeing is believing!" AUGUST 4,2004 • CYCLE NEWS known to be contemplating dropping from five to three in line with next year 's reduced fuel capacity limits, and Proton is almost certain to abandon its flVe-eyli nder engine next year. The V-stx motor originated in a concept from WCM , who had been talking with the Czech factory for some months . The engine would be MotoGP-conventional, said Clifford: "Uke a Y-five with an extra cylinder," but he would not reveal further technical details, such as whe ther the valves would be pneumatically closed. "The engine is 90-percent drawn, and the Blata factory have all the facilities for engine building, includinga foundry, rapid prototyping facilities, computer-controlled milling equ ipments, a flow bench and so on," Clifford said. Based at Bansko, north of Bmo, Blata cur rently makes minibikes, but will introduce a four-stroke 50cc scooter later this year, with plans to move to full motorcycle production of 100,000 units per year in 2009. WCM gained its MotoG P franchise when it was running Yamaha 500. in the well-funded Red Bull team. Since losing that sponsor at the end of 2002 , the team has been clinging on by its fingernails, fielding a hot-rod R1based racer that was repeatedly disqualified last year until it had built its own Yamahacopy crankcases. The team 's fortunes have been boosted this year by the acquisition of Italian tee n Michel Fabrizzio, with a best of 10th in the wet at Jerez . Michael Scatt AMA Proposes 2005 RR Rules Changes AMA Pro Racing has announced the proposed technical rule changes for the 2005 AHA Chevro let Superbike Cham pionship. AHA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on pro posed rule changes , during a 30-day period, beginning Monday, July 26 through Wednesday August 25. AHA Pro Racinghas put six proposals up for discussion. They are as follows: Proposal I: During the Daytona 200, a maximum of five worki ng crew members wou ld be allowed over the pit wall for pit stop service instead of the curre nt four. Proposal 2: During the Daytona 200, fire suits and goggles wou ld be required for refueling personnel. In addition, engines would be stopped du ring refueling. Proposal 3: For 5uperbike , Superstock and Formula Xt rem e, any tires approved by the tire manufacture rs for rac ing wou ld be allowe d . Supersport wou ld ret ain current regulations. Proposal 4: Entry restrictions on factory ride rs in Superbike and 5uperstock would be removed. 40th Anniversary ProposalS : Due to the quality of front fork structures on modem sport bikes, aftermarket fork braces would no longer be permitted in 5uperstock and Supers port. Proposal 6: All helmets used by riders in on -track activities wou ld be required to be equ ipped with a commercially-man ufact ure d e mer ge ncy helme t removal device such as the Hats Off device or the Arai helmet removal device. Comments can be made on AHA Pro Racing's RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing .com/ ridersonly. At the conclusion of the 30-day period, AHA Pro Racing will review submissions prior to forwarding the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for ratification. The 2005 AMA Chevrole t 5uperb ike Champ ionship will include curre nt support classes (Supersport, For mula Xtreme and 5uperstock) and discuss ions are ongOing to include a spec class at certain rounds. Scott Holling swort h, AHA Pro RacingCEO co nfirmed that looo cc Superbikes will re main the pre-

• Cover