DPR Sports & Racing News

"Open Road Radio", hosted by Gina Woods, Dan Schmitt and Jim Viverito, is a two hour weekly program focused on various aspects of motorcycling.
New programs air Sunday at 8pm Eastern Time
http://www.openroadradio.com/

Weekly feature since January 1997 showcasing local, national or international rides, rallies, or destinations. Bob started riding in the '50s in motorcross and scrambles, in amateur racing and dabbled in race promotion. Bob currently rides a '97 FLHTCI.

Elaine started riding 10 years ago to keep up with Bob. She rides a Harley '95 FXDL.

Plans, produces and coordinates show material and broadcasts. Gina started as a broadcast professional with WVVX and US99. Her history with motorcycles includes retailing with Harley Davidson, Co., and runway show designing, promoting, and coordinating with J & P Productions. She has been riding for 8 years, and currently owns a '49 Harley Davidson Panhead.

Mike Paolella.... Real Men need only two wheels !!

MOTO GP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway September 2008

2009 RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP NOTEBOOK
Event features unique trophies; Impressive lineup for fans at Cycle World seminar

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009 – The winners of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc World Championship races will hoist trophies unlike anything else in the motorcycle racing world, awards that carry a unique design linked directly to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Each trophy’s base comes straight from the very foundation of the Speedway, both literally and figuratively. The base for each trophy consists of a “Culver Block” brick used to pave the Speedway in fall 1909, inspiring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s century-old, world-renowned nickname, the “Brickyard.”

The upper part of the trophies show a shift from tradition, represented by the base’s bricks, to modern art, as sculptors used aluminum powder mixed with urethane to create horizontal and vertical pieces stacked to represent the IMS Pagoda. The finishing touch is a sculpture of a motorcycle placed in front of the Pagoda’s base.

The top of the Pagoda is made of foundry-cast aluminum; the use of aluminum and the powder and urethane was necessary to keep the weight of the trophies to the 15-pound range, as the bricks alone weigh 9.5 pounds.


Schwantz to participate in Cycle World seminar: 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz is among the guests scheduled to appear at the second Cycle World Red Bull Indianapolis GP seminar Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 50-minute program starts at 12:10 p.m. on the 6th Street Stage in the IMS infield and is free to all Red Bull Indianapolis GP ticket holders.

Other guests scheduled for the panel include NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle star Steve Johnson, Brian Wismann, director of product development for Brammo Powercycles and legendary Cycle World Technical Editor Kevin Cameron.

Cycle World Managing Editor Matthew Miles will serve as the host and take questions for the panel from fans.


Flat Track legend Carr added to Q&A: AMA Pro Flat Track legend Chris Carr has been added to the star lineup of riders who will participate in question-and-answer sessions with fans Friday, Aug. 28 at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

Seven-time AMA Grand National champion Carr will start the Q&A sessions at 8:30 a.m. Friday on the 6th Street Stage in the IMS infield. Joining Carr will be competitors in the XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship taking place Friday night and Saturday night in downtown Indianapolis.

Carr won the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National race in September 2008 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. He will defend his title in this year’s race scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Fairgrounds.

***

‘King Kenny’ to ride legendary bike at Fairgrounds: American motorcycle racing legend “King” Kenny Roberts will take several hot laps on his infamous Yamaha TZ-750 during the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National race Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Three-time 500cc World Champion and two-time AMA Grand National champion Roberts rode the bike to a historic victory in 1975 at the “Indy Mile” with a breathtaking, last-lap pass. The bike, built and tuned by former 250cc World Champion Kel Carruthers, was thought by many to be impossible to ride on the dirt due to its brute power.

“After the race in 1975, I said they didn’t pay me enough to ride that thing, and this year will be no different!” Roberts said. “But it should be fun for the fans to hear that Yamaha TZ once again up against the bales.”

Defending Red Bull Indianapolis GP winner Valentino Rossi, a six-time MotoGP World Champion, plans to attend the event to see Roberts on the TZ-750.

“For sure, Kenny’s win at this event on the Yamaha 34 years ago was monumental,” Rossi said, “and the fact that I was not born yet makes it even more exciting for me to be there this time!”

Opening ceremonies for the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National race start at 7 p.m. Visit http://www.familyevents.com/event/108 for more information and to buy tickets online.

‘Tornado Warning’ continues this week: American MotoGP star Colin Edwards will continue to offer his colorful, outspoken opinions on Grand Prix motorcycle racing and more in his exclusive interview series, “Tornado Warning,” at the official site of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

An interview with Edwards, known as “The Texas Tornado,” appears at www.redbullindianapolisgp.com on the Thursday before every MotoGP race throughout the season. Edwards, from Houston, started the popular interview series early in the 2008 season.

The Red Bull Indianapolis GP edition of “Tornado Warning” will appear Thursday, Aug. 27.


Downtown fun Friday, Saturday night: Motorcycles on Meridian and the XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship will bring the exciting motorcycle culture to downtown Indianapolis for Red Bull Indianapolis GP fans Friday evening, Aug. 28 and Saturday evening, Aug. 29.

Motorcycles on Meridian, a gathering of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, will take place from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. both nights on South Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis. In 2008, a large gathering of motorcycles and riders descended upon downtown Indianapolis during the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend and parked along Meridian, creating a safe, festive environment for motorcycle enthusiasts.

The event is free and open to everyone, riders and non-riders, to experience the motorcycle culture of Indianapolis.

For both nights of the event, South Meridian Street between South Street and Maryland Street will be open to motorcycle traffic only. Additional motorcycle parking will be available on the south half of Monument Circle, along the curbs of South Meridian Street between Monument Circle and Maryland Street. All motorcycles must enter from South Street moving north on Meridian Street.

All parking garages in the area will be open and accessible.

ABATE of Indiana will assist motorcyclists with parking and also provide safe rides home for riders if necessary. Red Bull will provide live music and Red Bull product sampling.

The top motorcycle freestyle riders in the United States will compete in Indianapolis Bikes and Beats 2009, the XDL Sportbike Freestyle event next to the Indiana War Memorial on N. Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis on Friday and Saturday evening.

Freestyle riders perform a variety of tricks in a closed area on city streets while music with high-energy beats plays. For more information on the event, visit http://www.xdlshow.com/events/2009/05/info.html.

***

2009 IMS tickets: Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. Beginning in 2009, the Speedway celebrates its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility in 2009 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011.

Tickets for the final event of 2009 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – the Red Bull Indianapolis GP – can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com at any time and start as low as $75 for a three-day General Admission ticket.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

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Freestyle motocross rider Jeremy Lusk dies

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP)—Jeremy Lusk, an American freestyle motocross rider, died of head injuries Tuesday after crashing while trying to land a backflip in competition. He was 24.

Jorge Ramirez, chief of the intensive care unit at Calderon Hospital where Lusk was taken, said the motocross racer suffered severe brain damage and a possible spinal cord injury.

Lusk won a gold medal at the 2008 X Games. He was injured Saturday night when he failed to complete a full rotation while attempting a Hart Attack backflip and slammed headfirst into the dirt. Lusk crashed in almost identical fashion in the freestyle semifinals at the 2007 X Games but was not hurt.

He had a successful 2008 season, winning Freestyle gold at the X Games and silver in Best Trick when he landed the first double-grab Hart Attack backflip. He won a bronze helmet in Freestyle at the Moto X World Championships in his hometown of San Diego.

Ramirez said Lusk died with his parents and his wife, Lauren, at his side.

“He was in a medicine-induced coma as a protective measure, and the medicine was being reduced to see how his body responded,” he said. “That didn’t mean he was going to wake up. He was in shock and that got worse last night, until he stopped responding and entered into cardiac and respiratory failure.”Lusk lived in Temecula, Calif.

A trust has been set up in his memory, and donations can be made through the Athlete Recovery Fund, www.athleterecoveryfund.com

Cycle World International Motorcycle Show takes Chicago by Storm

New Models..Fuel Efficiency..New Rider Guides...Motorcycle Trails Stunt Show, Custom Choppers, Scooters and more...

Chicago, Illinois.. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show presented by Toyota rolled into the Donald E Stephens Convention Center on Friday February 6, 2009... This time a week prior to the Chicago Auto Show. A great move that will bring stronger crowds this year, and it was evident Friday Night. The Chicago event is just one-stop on the 13 city Nationwide Tour.

This Motorcycle extravaganza is an all-access pass to the world of motorcycling with hundreds of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, race bikes and ATV's for both new and experianced riders.

Several Manufacturers offered show goers an up-close look at the latest in fuel effcient transportation with hundreds of bikes that get 50-plus miles per gallon... there may never be a better time tp ride!!

From a thrilling motorcycle trials stunt show to the Scooter Pavilion presented by Geico Powersports, The 2009 Edition of the Cycle World International Motorcycle show has something for everyone!

Exciting new events at this year’s show:

Scooter Pavilion Presented by GEICO Powersports

From the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeler to the all-electric Vectrix scooter, this is the place to see and learn about all the latest high mileage transportation options available. Compare more than twenty models from Aprilia, CF Moto, Genuine, Honda, KYMCO, Piaggio, Suzuki, Vetrix, Vespa, Yamaha and more!

Orange County Choppers Designed DieHard Motorcycle

The DieHard Chopper designed by Orange County Choppers will dazzle the Chicago audience. This cool, custom chopper has appeared on The Learning Channel (TLC) program “American Chopper.”

Jason Britton and Ricky Gadson Autograph Signing

Two of Kawasaki’s star riders ar on hand all weekend to sign autographs and meet the fans. Eight-time AMA Drag Racing Champion Rickey Gadson and stunt rider Jason Britton—host of SPEED TV’s Superbikes show will be at the Kawasaki display.

Motorcycle Trials Action

Motorcycle trials fans—prepare to be thrilled by exciting performances from two-time World Champion Tommi Ahvala. Performing gymnastics on two wheels, Ahvala will fly through a monstrous obstacle course without ever touching his feet to the ground—putting his balance and riding precision to the test!

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Valentino Rossi Wins Inaugural MOTO GP at the Brickyard

Valentino Rossi became the winningest rider in MotoGP history with his victory at the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sept. 14 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The victory, which came under tough wind and rain conditions due to the passing remnants of Hurricane Ike, gave five-time MotoGP World Champion Rossi his 69^th win in the premier class, one more than fellow Italian legend Giacomo Agostini.

Rossi, rider of the No. 46 Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha/Bridgestone, said he appreciates the significance of victory at Indianapolis.

"So it was, for sure, very difficult. And it was a pity because it was a normal race, you know. They did I think a great job on the track. They throw up all the water and is possible to ride the bike in quite good speed and with quite good angle. So at the beginning was quite scared, but anyway, a good race, a good battle. I go in front, I need some lap for overtaking Nicky because at the same point I lose a bit. When I go in front, I was a bit faster. But from that moment, the condition becoming very bad and start to rain strong. So the amount of water going up on the racetrack, but the bigger problem was the wind and become all dark like in the night, all the beer cans, glass pass in front of the bike in the circuit or the grass, also. Was very, very bad, especially because the wind was so unconstant and very strong. You never know what's happen. In the straight you take all the straight from left to right for try to go straight."

Seriously, I have to, I think I have to raise my hand before, but I was in front and I say -- I see that my advantage remain good and going up. So I try to go and every lap I wait for the red flag, red flag, and after arrive I think is the right decision because like this is too dangerous."

It was just a little doubt. You thought you won the race, everything was fine, then there was a little doubt, the result wasn't confirmed, was it, you might have to go out there again. I could see people were thinking, 'Oh, my God, we'd never be able to do it.' 

"Yes, for sure. In my mind, I think when I see the red flag, no way to restart, especially because the wind remain very strong. So the condition was very bad. And restart for eight laps all together with this condition is like when you put one bullet in the gun and you make, "trrrrr," like this, and you try, you know. It was dangerous; I think it was the right decision. (Laughter) 

One big moment, I think you got the tire onto the white line at one point. 

The "Fans"

"Ever some slide for sure, especially at the beginning. Because the condition of Friday was very bad in the wet. Today I think is better but, you know, if you make one mistake in the race, the race is over, so I try to understand the limit. When the wind start to be very strong, I have a wheelie exit from Turn 9, I go a bit wide, I cross the white line and lose control of the bike. I was quite lucky, also, yes."

Good lead in the championship, we go to Motegi in two weeks time, on the Yamaha, home of Honda. You could clinch the title there, couldn't you? 

"Yes. Now we have 87-point advantage, and we have the first match point in Motegi in two weeks. In 2005, I have the match point in Motegi for the championship, but unfortunately I make a mistake, and they take Melandri and we crash. So I have a bad memory of this. But I am able to arrive behind Stoner and lose also 11 points. So it is important and also because we lose the championship last year in Motegi. So it is good, and we try, for sure. "

Apart from the weather, Indianapolis, they've done us proud, haven't they? It's been a very, very special weekend. 

 "Yes, I love this track because I make the hat trick; pole position, fast effort lap and victory. I was very fast in the dry and the wet. So I like. It is a good track; it is a good place. Unfortunately today the weather is very bad, and I hope for the next year is better weather and more crowd."

Local favorite Nicky Hayden keeps Wet crowd on its feet.

Hayden, from nearby Owensboro, Ky., finished second on his No. 69 Repsol Honda Team Honda/Michelin in the shortened race, his first podium finish since August 2007.

Nicky Hayden, his first podium this season. What a place to do it on the Repsol Honda. You dug deep for that, Nicky. 

"Yes, it felt good to be out front. It's been a long time since I've been near the front, much less led a race. Man, it felt really good to be in the lead. Felt quite good and comfortable there. And I was thinking, you know, this only happens in the movies, you know, your home race with missing the last two to come back and win in the rain. But I was able to stay focused, but Valentino came past and had a little bit more speed than me, especially through Section 3. But then when he touched the line on the back straight away and I think: 'You know what? Maybe I'm OK,' and I was able to make up a little more ground. Then when it started raining heavy, I was in trouble because when it dried, I used a lot of tire and I had no tread left on part of the left side of the tire. When it started to rain heavy again, it was so gnarly. But I held on. Sure, home race, you think, sure, you dream about winning but, honestly I shouldn't be too greedy with how things have went, take this second and enjoy it. A big thanks to my team, all my guys, my friends, my family, everybody who sticked with me and through tough times, and that's important. We came here, and I gave the maximum. I can't say I left much on the table today. That's how it's supposed to be. All in all, I need to try to enjoy this one." 

There's no way you could have gone out there again, was there? 

"Well, no -- well, because the air fence, no. It was pretty treacherous. Part of me thought, hey, let's line back up and try again because in the beginning when it was really wet, I'm not leading the championship, so I don't have nothing to worry. I thought, you know, just give one more try at it. But it was the right thing to do. It was really tough conditions, especially with the wind. Because you would be on a dry line and all of a sudden it would hit you and blow you off onto the wet spot. It was tough, I think that's why you see three world champions or four of them in the top four when things get tough.

Big thanks to the fans, we only had to be out in the wet for an hour, they've been out there a lot of them since Thursday, and for everybody for making this thing happen, Indy, Red Bull. A lot of people worked really hard and for me to be able to race so close to home is a great feeling. I enjoyed it."

Indianapolis has done a tremendous job for MotoGP, haven't they? 

"Yeah, they have. It's not something that just happened. A lot of people worked hard to make it happen. The fans came out and supported it. Sure, maybe we can make some things better but actually, I like the track. In those conditions earlier, it didn't matter where we was at, we wasn't going to be able to start the race. You know, it was just too much water. But yeah, maybe sure, work on the draining and a few things to improve. But, yeah, big thanks to everybody who made this happen."

Four more races for you with Honda. I think you showed today whatever happens at the end of the season, you're going to be riding very hard indeed until the change comes. 

"Oh, yeah. I mean, no doubt about that. I think anybody who knows me knows that. I'm not going to give up. I mean, I would just be hurting myself. It's not like, like I said the other day, I'm planning on finishing the season strong. You know, I owe it to Honda. They have been a big part of my career, and I've been with them for a long time, especially my mechanics. I mean, I think they certainly have not given up on me one bit, know what I've done. It would be real easy for them to slack off early and get on out of here, you know, pretty quick after the session, hurry up, hurry through the bikes and go for a cold beer. But they've just worked as hard now as they did in the middle of 2006. I'm really grateful for that."

Moto GP Photo Gallery 2008

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, July 2008

Niccolo Canepa age 20,  2007 FIM Superstock 1000 Champion riding a Ducati motorcyle 

American rider Ben Spies held the top spot most of the day but settled for second place on the speed charts for the second consecutive day with a lap of 1:43.0912 on the No. 11 Suzuki. Erwan Nigon was third on a Honda at 1:43.6276, Olivier Jacque was fourth at 1:43.8188 on a Kawasaki, William Costes was fifth at 1:44.0680 and Wataru Yoshikawa was sixth for the day at 1:44.2975, both on Yamaha bikes.

Ben Spies, 23 from longview Texas... 2006-07 AMA Superbike Champion made his MotoGP debut at the British Grand Prix for Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team on June 22, finishing 14th

Every rider improved their lap times Wednesday. Canepa led Tuesday at 1:44.1756.

Spies speaks:

Two-time AMA Superbike champion Ben Spies conducted a media availability during the afternoon and answered questions on a number of topics. Spies will compete in the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sept. 12-14 as a wild-card rider for Suzuki.

On his first impressions of IMS, as a facility, first impressions of the road course, and if he has been at the track before: "No, I haven't. As a facility, it's an awesome facility. It's huge. I didn't know it was this big. To be honest, on the first time out, I really wasn't too happy about how the track was (with grip) and some spots, but it is getting better every time out. It's just a lack of grip in a certain section of the track just because there haven't been any bikes on it, but it is getting better. There's a couple of little changes once we come back here, but it's really just going to be reference points. It's just hard when we only have six bikes out there trying to lay down rubber, but it is getting better and better. Now I'm actually comfortable and having fun out there. Once we get more bikes on the track when we're back here, obviously the 250s and the 125 will be out on the track, so the grip will be back to normal in September."

On the significance of motorcycles, let alone MotoGP, coming to IMS: "This has always been a car track. I never thought the motorcycles would be here. I think it's good for the city and this part of the U.S. This region has quite a large number of motorcycle sales. Having a lot of fans and a lot of motorcycle people around helps. I think the track is going to be a work in progress, and it's only going to get better. Everybody here is really positive on doing that. For the U.S., I think it's a great area, and there's no better place to go when it comes down to racing. I think it's going to be good come September and a lot of people show up."

On what it means, for his career, to compete in MotoGP races this year in the United States: "The first race that I was supposed to run was in the States (at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on July 20), and that would have been really cool. We ended up going to Donington and having our first race there, and I think it was better to do that because now I've been on the track with those guys. I've done the whole weekend, I've done the start, I've done everything, and I won't be nervous at Laguna. Even if Laguna would, for sure, be a better result than in Donington, the nerves would be there, and we got that out of the way at Donington. Now I can go to Laguna and then Indy, a track I know now, and go for some good results and try to put the bike up front. I think it was better to do that, and for the race two races that are in the States, I'm happy about it. We've got a lot of fans. Most of them will be Americans, and they'll be rooting for John (Hopkins), Nicky (Hayden), me and Colin (Edwards), and Laguna is a track that I know well, so I'm looking forward to it. My fellow AMA riders will be at Laguna, and they'll have my back, so it'll be fun. I'm looking forward to it."

William Costes of France Won the 24 Hours of LeMans Moto in 2000, 2005, 2007 & 2008

"I think this was a good idea to do the test because we were able to come back with a lot of information. We found a good solution for the race and I think it was a good day today." (About today's accident): "I crashed in the first right (turn) after the straight in the back of the circuit. I just lost the front." (About the difficulty with the wind today): "The wind was very fast today, and yesterday there was no wind. It was right in the face of us in the pit-lane straight. The beginning of the afternoon was more difficult." (About his final thoughts on IMS): "I would like to stay more because we have a lot of things to visit. The circuit is so famous, and it is a great moment for me to be here."

Olivier Jacque from France, Won 250cc World Championship in 2000 and has competed in MotoGP from 2001-03, 2005 & 2007.

"The wind was not a huge factor. The first part of the fourth turn was a bit tricky, and it took a couple of laps and a few days to get used to the grip. Otherwise, things went very well. At the race simulation at the end of the day, I had a good lap time with a full fuel tank, but we still need to work on the balance because the bike was quite heavy and it swung in the tight corners. We need to find a better grip in the rear because our biggest handicap was the slipping."

Erwan Nigon, 24 of France Vetran 250cc World Championship Rider

MotoGP TESTING NOTES: 

FIM officials, riders happy with track: Officials from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme visited IMS during the two-day MotoGP test this week, and they were pleased with the layout and safety features of the new road course.

The 16-turn circuit was set up to testing specifications, but fine-tuning of various features will make the track race-ready for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sept. 12-14.

"The preparation of the track was very, very good," FIM Safety Director Claude Danis said. "Everything was according to what we decided on my last inspection. Of course, there are some small adjustments to be done."

Among those adjustments are the addition of artificial grass adjacent to Turns 1 and 16, installation of curbing, final sod work adjacent to the track, addition of road course striping and removal of some oval striping.

"I think the riders enjoyed the track," Danis said. "This track is very challenging, and I think it will be very good for MotoGP."

Suzuki rider Ben Spies also was happy with the circuit after turning more than 200 laps during his two days of testing.

"The run-off, every area is fine for me," Spies said. "The first turn, there's plenty of run-off. In the corner, if you're by yourself, I would say it's impossible to get into anything because when you start to turn, there's huge run-off. There's grass everywhere.

"On the front straightaway, yeah, you're between two walls, but with how everything is with the bikes, usually there's not too much going on in a straight line. But run-off in Turn 1, once you're actually in the turn, there's plenty. So it's fine."

Four-wheel guests:

IndyCar Series driver Townsend Bell and Aldo Andretti, brother of 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti and father of IndyCar Series driver John Andretti, were among the guests in the MotoGP paddock July 2.

Bell, who finished 10^th in the 92^nd Indianapolis 500 on May 25, owns a Ducati 1098 and is an avid rider.

"I ride a lot, so it's really cool to come and check this out," said Bell, a resident of San Luis Obispo, Calif. "I was really stoked when I heard they were having a race here. Unfortunately I can't come when the race happens, so I at least wanted to see the testing. I don't know any of the guys (test riders) here today, but I'm going to go drool at the machinery."

Bell got a taste of the personalities of MotoGP when 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden turned an exhibition lap at the 2008 Indianapolis 500.

"I met Nicky Hayden when he came to our garage before the '500' as part of a Red Bull thing with Buddy (Rice)," Bell said. "It was really cool to meet him because I have been a big fan of his for a really long time. I only wanted to talk about motorcycles, and all he wanted to talk about was Indy cars, so it was pretty funny."

Aldo Andretti walked the paddock at the end of the day after spending several hours walking around the track.

"I've followed these all along, and in fact if Mario and I hadn't taken up car racing, we would've been doing these things," he said. "I have such a passion for it. I have the utmost respect for these guys, and I think the show they're going to put on this fall is going to be incredible; in my opinion, it will surpass Formula One.

"I think it will gain in popularity as it goes on, because you see the way these guys run out there. Incredible speeds, it looks like they're so daring yet they're so safe. The Speedway's done a wonderful job. There's so much run-off area and so forth, and the view is gorgeous. I'm really amazed and glad I came out. I watched from different areas, and it's an incredible show."

"MotoGP 101" with 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz... was on hand to prep the media for the two-wheel invation at Indy

Professor Schwantz:

1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz participated in a "MotoGP 101" session with local, regional and national media July 2 at the track, discussing numerous aspects of the world of MotoGP, from event atmosphere to motorcycle technology. Schwantz now is rider coach for the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup. Selected comments:

On the atmosphere of Grand Prix weekends: "First and foremost, we are going to have three different classes here. Along with the Red Bull Rookies Cup, we are going to have the 125cc and 250cc and MotoGP. That's quite a variety of ages, riders, experience levels and speeds. Each class gets different lengths of practices Friday and Saturday, and then Saturday afternoon each group qualifies. They have a short 20-minute warm-up session Sunday morning, and then it's time to go racing."

On the stresses riders feels on their body: "It's somewhere close to 200 miles per hour on the front straightaway and then you sit up and come out of your aerodynamic tucked position, hanging on to the bars and having to support yourself. When the wind hits your chest at 200 miles per hour, it's quite a feat to hang on. You also have to stop the motorcycle, make some downshifts, and get the bike into Turn 1 here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The transition from side-to-side on a motorcycle calls for your lower body to be strong. You have to have strong legs to make those transitions as smooth as you possibly can. Besides having to be focused mentally, physically getting on the brakes is probably two or three g-forces, and maybe even more, trying to get the bike stopped in a straight line to a really slow portion of the racetrack off the back. It's very physical, that's for sure."

On his overall impressions of IMS: "I think the layout is great, and for the spectators to come here to the United States and see for the first time 125s, 250s and (MotoGP) all together here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - the mecca of motorsports - is just great. We talk about racing inside an oval or at a speedway and it's typically not a very well laid-out venue, and this track has gone to all expenses and have cut no corners to try to make this the best possible motorcycle event here in the United States."

On where the passing will take place: "That's kind of the neat thing about motorcycles, is that it can happen anywhere. Typically what will happen is that you'll see someone set another rider up while they are driving in the corner, they'll pull right up and take the position. If someone is coming through the field with a lot better setup than the guy in front of him, he may be passing him on the brakes or down in the straightaway by getting a better run off the corner. The entrance into the first turn here is going to be a spot where guys are not necessarily going in and having to out-brake, but getting a drive and a bit of a draft and going up and taking that spot. Now the guy trapped on the outside is going to have to hold that line all the way around back to that first tight little right-hander that there is. Not to say that it can't be done, but it would take a brave man to try it."

 Tuesday's Times: 

1. Niccolo Canepa ITA Bridgestone/Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 44.1756 secs (83 laps)

2. Ben Spies USA Suzuki Test Rider (B) 1min 44.2269 secs (100 laps) 

3. Olivier Jacque FRA Kawasaki Test Rider (B) 1min 45.2738 secs (75 laps)

4. Erwan Nigon FRA Michelin/Honda Test Rider (M) 1min 45.2738 secs (79 laps)

5. Wataru Yoshikawa JPN Yamaha Test Rider (B) 1min 45.5916 secs (76 laps)

6. William Costes FRA Michelin/Yamaha Test Rider (M) 1min 46.1251 secs (75 laps)

7. Nobuatsu Aoki JPN Suzuki Test Rider (B) 1min 57.9687 secs (4 laps)

The highest top speed on Tuesday was 184.465mph (296.8676 km/h) set by Ducati test rider Niccolo Canepa, who was also the fastest rider on the opening day - by just 0.0513 secs from Spies.

2008 FORD HARLEY-DAVIDSON™ F-SERIES SUPER DUTY: HEAVY METAL EDITION POWERS 105-YEAR JOURNEY

• 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson ™ F-Series Super Duty arrives this fall, packaged with the raw attitude of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
• Super Duty model shares same design as the 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 for the first time.
• The truck is available with Ford’s powerful 10-million-mile tested 6.4-liter Power Stroke ™ diesel that helps make the Super Duty the hands-down capability champ.

The successful alliance between American icons Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company rolls on with the launch the 2008 105th Anniversary Edition Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty.

Henry Ford started his production models the same year that William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson began to produce motorcycles – and since 1903, both companies have been rolling out superstars. Now, for the first time, the twosome is producing Harley-Davidson ™ editions of the F-150 and Super Duty pickups in the same model year – and with the same design features.

“This is a great opportunity for Ford and Harley-Davidson – two American icons – to celebrate 105 years of shared passion for the open road,” said Tom Aubrey, marketing manager, Ford F-Series Super Duty. “Truck and motorcycle customers share the same values and dreams: they work hard, believe in genuine products and love experiencing the nation’s highways and byways.”

The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty is the 11th model to emerge from a Ford Harley-Davidson alliance that began in 1999. The co-branding of these two storied companies has proven to be a successful formula, with sales totaling more than 60,000 units.

Metal, Chrome and Leather

The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty draws its design theme from the special-edition 105 th Anniversary Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and its distinctive Vintage Copper paint. A special “105 th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty” badge adorns the exterior and interior of the truck. The unique paint options, graphic treatments and singular wheel design work together with Super Duty’s strong, distinctive looks to give the vehicle a bold attitude that unmistakably connects the truck to the rich history and tradition of Harley-Davidson ® motorcycles.

“The design of the side vent and grille on the Super Duty represents the heat stakes on a cylinder head of a Harley-Davidson® V-Twin engine,” said Brad Richards, design manager, Ford Harley-Davidson ™ trucks. “That was intentional as we wanted to thematically tie theses trucks directly to the bikes in ways that enthusiasts would appreciate.”

The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series Super Duty offers a choice of black monochromatic exterior paint with a custom Vintage Copper stripe running along the beltline – or a black and Vintage Copper two-tone paint scheme.

The Vintage Copper color accents are carried through the interior as well, accenting specially designed leather seats. A unique instrument cluster and one-of-a-kind 105th Anniversary badge round out the interior.

“These trucks are pure customs – right from the factory,” said Pat Schiavone, design director, Ford trucks. “I’ve been involved with Harley-Davidson™ trucks since day one, and this is my favorite.”

Other unique special equipment includes:

• “105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty” fender vents and badges
• Chrome billet-style grille with body-color surround
• Unique headlamps and illuminated molded running boards
• Chrome exhaust tips
• Rubber bed mat with HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar & Shield Logo
• PowerScope trailer tow mirrors
• Unique 20-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels
• Power sliding rear window
• Memory power-adjustable performance pedals
• Black and dusted copper leather-trimmed front and rear Captain’s chairs; a 60/40 split, flip-up rear bench is optional – with the Bar & Shield logo mounted to the top of the seat backs
• Memory heated power driver seat and heated power front -passenger seat

Ford Truck Leadership

Since its debut in 1948, Ford has sold more than 32 million F-Series trucks. Today, there are more F-Series pickups on the road with 250,000 or more miles on them than any other brand. F-Series also is the best-selling truck in America for 30 years running and the best-selling vehicle for 25 years in a row.

The new 2008 Super Duty features the 6.4-liter Power Stroke V-8 Turbo Diesel – the most powerful, cleanest, and quietest Ford pickup diesel engine ever; a new exterior and interior design; and innovations including an industry-first Tailgate Step™ that allows easy access to the pickup box. In addition, the all-new F-450 pickup offers industry-leading towing capacity of 24,500 pounds and maximum payload of 6,120 pounds.

The Ford F-150 half-ton pickup, like the Super Duty, is the capability leader in its segment with best-in-class payload and towing capacities.

New for the 2008 model year, Ford has added to an unmatched lineup of more than 60 unique
F-Series offerings, including new F-150 Lariat Limited and SuperCrew XL models.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. As a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.