Born To Ride News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Some of the most thrilling racing on two wheels gets under way Friday night when the opening round of the 2010 AMA/USA Speedway National Championship kicks off at Fast Friday’s Motorcycle Speedway in Auburn, Calif.

“Speedway racing is tight, close, unpredictable and, above all, fast,” said American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “With so much talent on the track, this should be one heck of a championship battle.”

With 2009 series winner and eight-time champion Greg Hancock racing in Europe this season, the favorite for the 2010 title is 2008 champion Billy Janniro. Janniro has been the top rider in early season non-championship competition, winning eight of 10 scratch main events this season at the Fast Friday’s complex.

Other riders to watch include Charlie Venegas and Scott Brant, who have both won over Janniro, as well as Tyson Burmeister, Jimmy Fishback and Gary Hicks. Meanwhile, no one is counting out veteran rider Bobby Schwartz, who has more than 36 years of speedway racing experience, with titles in 1986 and 1989.

This year’s national championship will be a two-series event with both rounds staged at Fast Friday’s. The riders will be assigned to one of four main events, seeded according to their finishes in the 20 heat races earlier in the night. Points accumulated in these main events will go toward the championship series total points. The final round will be Oct. 1 at Fast Friday’s.

The total rider purse for each round is $10,000, with the high-points rider of each round receiving $2,000.

Racing kicks off at 8 p.m. each night, and gates open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, see FastFridays.com or call (530) 878-7223.
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Two-hour Course Emphasizes Safety-Minded Approach to Off-Highway Recreation

IRVINE, Calif., July 20, 2010 — The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha, announces the release of the beta version of its new ROV E-Course – a free, interactive online safety course available on its website, rohva.org. The new E-Course is the first formalized educational resource for the growing community of ROV enthusiasts to reinforce driver responsibilities, identifying:

·       Key risk factors associated with ROV operation

·       Safe riding practices designed to reduce risk of injury

·       The best resources for learning to operate particular vehicle models

Recreational Off-highway Vehicles (ROVs) are designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, occupant-protective structure, and an engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), current ROV models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers and are used for a variety of outdoor recreational purposes as well as many work applications.

“ROHVA’s E-Course is an excellent resource for both new and experienced ROV drivers to learn how to safely operate their vehicles while enjoying the freedom of adventure they provide,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “The E-Course is intended to improve awareness about ROVs and inspire a safety-minded approach to off-highway recreation.”

The two-hour on-line safety course helps develop safe driving habits but is not a “learn to drive” course. Users can save their progress and stop at any time to pick up later where they left off. At the end of the course users have the option to take an ROV safety quiz to test their knowledge. To register for free, drivers can visit http://cbt.rohva.org/.

ROVs operate similarly to on-highway cars and trucks but there are special considerations when operating in an off-highway environment. The ROV E-Course provides drivers a new resource to reinforce proper techniques and safety rules. Following such rules are essential, as a recent study of ROV crashes revealed at least one behavior warned against in manufacturer operator manuals was present in 98 percent of crashes. These warned-against behaviors include doing stunts, riding at excessive speeds, riding on paved roads, using alcohol or drugs while driving, improper seating of passengers, failing to wear a helmet and failing to wear a seat belt.

The study also found that 23 percent of crashes involved drivers under the recommended age. ROHVA recommends that no one under the age of 16 should operate an ROV without a valid driver’s license. The ROV E-Course is not intended for children. 

As highlighted in the E-Course, ROHVA urges enthusiasts to follow the ROV Safety Rules to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and everyone else.

1.      Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, use the seat belts, and keep all parts of your body inside the ROV.

2.      Never drive on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. ROVs are designed to be operated off-highway.

3.      Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.

4.      Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

5.      Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or older or have a driver’s license. ROVs are not toys.

6.      Never carry more passengers than the ROV is designed for, and never allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the ROV.

7.      Read and follow the operator’s manual and warning labels.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is a national industry organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of ROVs. ROHVA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop equipment, configuration and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit http://www.rohva.org/.

Higbee Splits RMR/Rossmeyer Teammates for Second

 Milwaukee (July 20, 2010)   –   RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing rider Danny Eslick took his second consecutive victory in the AMA Pro Racing Vance &Hines XR1200 Series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 19, emerging victorious from a three-way battle between himself, RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing teammate Jake Holden, and HOG Racing’s Shawn Higbee.

Higbee, starting from the third spot on the grid, passed second place Holden in turn one on the start, dropped back to third later in the opening lap, and chased Holden for several laps until taking over the second spot for good on lap 7. Higbee then briefly battled Eslick for the lead until settling comfortably into a second as Holden dropped back. Eslick held off Higbee at the end of the 17-lap race by a 1.726-second margin, with Holden a further 12.5 seconds back. For Eslick, who also competes in the AMA Daytona SportBike class, it was his second class win of the day.

Travis Wyman held fourth place until lap 14, when he made a dramatic save in the gravel trap exiting the final corner onto the front straight, keeping his Harv’s Harley-Davidson XR1200 upright before skidding to a stop and along the outside wall. His subsequent retirement ceded fourth position to his brother, Kyle Wyman, riding for RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing.

Eric Stump (Doc’s Harley-Davidson), John Ashmead (Brady-Schwemmer Racing), and Paul James (James Gang/Hoban Brothers/H-D of Appleton) rounded out the running order.

 “I had a lot of confidence from the win at Road America,” Eslick said. “We had a super close race with me and Jake at Road America, and I kind of expected the same thing in Ohio with Shawn in there too, because he was showing some good speed. But Jake had some set up issues [in the race] and Shawn had some set backs with a couple of crashes, so I was able to pull away a little bit and get a comfortable win.”

“Racing the X1200 brought back some good memories,” said Higbee, a veteran of the 1990s-era AMA Harley-Davidson 883 Twin Sports series. “I was pleased that we were competitive right away. I think 2nd place was a decent showing for the limited time [we had] on the bike.”

The Vance & Hines XR1200 series returns for the third of five rounds at VIRginia International Raceway August 14-15.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles
and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com.

Dear Friends,

I thought you might find this information both informative and enlightening.

Vote NO on 14% sales tax increase to fund Light Rail

NO Scientific evidence of benefit to regional economy
Tax redistributes wealth from the County to Downtown Tampa benefiting downtown Commercial Realtors, Developers and Banks. Ø
Transit Cooperative Research Report in 2002 – Economic gains from transit projects are a redistribution of Losses from other locations within an urban area and gains are roughly NET ZERO for regional economy Ø

Overruns on cost estimates of 50-100% or Higher (like Boston’s “Big Dig”?)
2005 – Federal Transportation Administration study stated that construction cost overruns for light rail are a “common phenomenon” with final costs exceeding preliminary forecasts by 50% or more. Ø
National Academy of Sciences report – Cost overruns of 50-100% are common for large transportation projects; overruns of over 100% are not unusual. Ø

Taxpayers subsidize 70-90% as ridership fees only cover 20-30% of costs
Like TARP, Bank Bailouts, Auto Bailouts, Insurance Bailouts and YES RAIL Bailouts, Taxpayers are left with the burden of heavily subsidizing inefficient and ineffective Light Rail. Ø
Federal subsidy trap – When Rail fails, the Feds demand their money back. Florida’s Bankrupt Tri-Rail in South Florida was BAILED OUT for $15million a year instead of shut down or the State would’ve had to pay back the federal government $256 million in federal funds it borrowed. Ø
Stop Robbery of the Highway Trust Fund – Beginning in 1982, money began to be diverted from Highway Trust Fund to mass transit and earmarks. Under Obama, 2009 – only 20% of federal gas taxes went to highways, rest went to rail, transit, earmarks and even diverted to the General fund. Ø
NO Rail transit in the country comes close to covering its operating costs, much less its total cost. Ø

Alternatives to rail can do far more to reduce energy use & CO2 outputs
Cato Institute 2008 – Light Rail consumes more energy per passenger mile than an average SUV as most electricity to power light rail comes from fossil fuels. Ø
Fuel economy standards by 2025 – cars will generate far less greenhouse gases than today, yet rail technology is locked in for decades. Ø
Traffic signal coordination and lighter autos will reduce emissions far cheaper at $50 per ton of reduced greenhouse emissions compared to rail costing $5000 to reduce one ton of greenhouse. Ø
Federal Reserve Bank study concluded it would be more cost effective to buy low pollution cars for every projected new transit user Ø

Xpands Government Spending, Size and Control
Land Planning should be LOCAL but under Obama’s “Livability” Initiative – New Federal Sustainable Development CZAR will force local governments to coordinate their transportation and land use planning via the federal spigots for transit, housing (HUD) and environmental (EPA) programs. Ø
Transportation Secretary LaHood threw out previous Bush cost effectiveness rules to fund rail thru the “New Starts” program; he will now judge projects based on whether they promote “livability” – a concept that is impossible to quantify. LaHood to fund rail no matter how much money it wastes. Ø
Current Ø federal rail funding process gives transit agencies PERVERSE incentives to select high-cost solutions to transit problems which is financially UNSUSTAINABLE at all levels of government.
Since 1970 – federal, state and local governments have spent well over $750 Billion subsidizing transit, yet per capita transit ridership has declined. Ø
Light Rail reduces mobility because its cost subsidies cannibalize funds that should be used for highways or road widening causing roads to be more congested. Ø

LIGHT RAIL IS INEFFICIENT, INEQUITABLE AND INEFFECTIVE
IN NO CITY IS LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RUN ON SOUND BUSINESS PRINCIPLES — Laissez Faire Institute

VOTE NO on 14% sales tax increase to fund light rail

Kindest Regards,

-Brian Blair
http://brianblair.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Brian Blair, Republican, for State House, District 47.

District 47 covers the majority of Northwest Hillsborough County.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) expresses its sincere regret regarding Hammer Motorsports’ announcement that it will cease operations. Hammer Motorsports was the AMA’s promoting partner for the AMA Dragbike series.
“The principals of Hammer Motorsports are two of the most-dedicated promoters in the racing business, and it’s unfortunate that today’s economic climate has forced them to make this difficult decision,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “Despite this regrettable development, AMA Racing remains committed to the sport of motorcycle drag racing, and it is our goal to work with a new partner to assist with operations and promotion of AMA Dragbike going forward.”

Bromley added that due to the lack of a promotional partner, AMA Racing has suspended the AMA Dragbike National Championship Series until a suitable partner can be secured.

“Even though we must regretfully suspend the series, we will continue to support riders and promoters with rules, sanctioning and insurance services for individual amateur drag-racing events,” Bromley said.

Promoters interested in sanctioning individual drag-racing events or in discussing the future of the AMA Dragbike National Championship Series can contact AMA Racing Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant at ksaillant@ama-cycle.org.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Krawiec Rides V-Rod to Semi-Finals; Hines Holds Third Place in Season Points

SONOMA, Calif. (July 18, 2010) – Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines rode a Harley-Davidson V-Rod® to the final round of Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations at the Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway. Hines lost in the final to Racers Edge Suzuki rider Michael Phillips. Eddie Krawiec won two rounds on a Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod making it to the semi-finals in Sunday eliminations.

Hines qualified fifth for the event with an elapsed time (ET) of 6.919 seconds. Krawiec put his Harley-Davidson V-Rod in the seventh qualifying position with a 6.928-second run. Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana was a top qualifier with a 6.876-second run, which set a new track ET record for the class.

 Hines also locked in his berth for the six-race 2010 Full Throttle NHRA Countdown to1 playoffs. Only the top 10 points earners in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class will take part in the playoffs, which begin Sept. 1-6 at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil in Indianapolis.

Krawiec moved through the first two rounds of Sunday eliminations with wins over Conyer’s Auto Body Buell rider Larry Cook and Steve Johnson on the Lincoln Tech Suzuki. Krawiec lost to Phillips in round three, as Phillips set a new Pro Stock Motorcycle national top-speed record at 197.65 mph, breaking the 197.45 mark set by Hines in 2005 at Gainesville.

“This was a good weekend for the Screamin’ Eagle team,” said Krawiec. “I feel like we got back on track. We didn’t have the quickest bikes today, but we did our jobs as riders, and our crew chief, Matt Hines, gave us good, consistent bikes. I think you’ll win more rounds with a consistent bike than with the fastest bike.”

Hines defeated Rum Bum Buell rider Shawn Gann in round one, got a hole-shot win over VRoom Racing Buell rider David Hope in round two, and topped Arana, who faltered at the starting line, in round three.

The final-round race was a back-and-forth contest, with Hines getting a 0.005-second advantage off the line. Phillips took the lead at the 60-foot mark, only to be over-taken by Hines, who stayed out front until beyond the half-way point before Phillips passed again. Hines finished with an ET of 6.909 seconds to 6.886 seconds for Phillips, who had a margin of victory of 0.0188 seconds.

“I won that second round on a hole shot over Hope, and we learned something and went back to the tune-up Eddie was using,” said Hines. “We picked up two miles per hour in round three and I was able to bump off Hector. We still have two races left to fine-tune before the Countdown starts, and then I hope we can do some damage in the last five races of the season.”

Following nine rounds of the 17-race 2010 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season, Arana leads in points with 804, followed by Al-Anabi Racing Buell rider Smith with 663 and Hines with 661 points. Phillips is fourth with 658 points, followed by Johnson with 564 points and Krawiec is in sixth place with 526 points.

The next Pro Stock Motorcycle event on the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule is the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 23-25, at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo.

Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.

Lexington, Ohio…The Honda Super Cycle Weekend Presented by Dunlop Tire at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course proved to be a tough weekend for AMA SuperSport rider Ryan Kerr and his Ryan Kerr Racing Team.

“Things definitely didn’t go according to plan,” said the young Ohio native, who is an instructor for the Mid-Ohio Motorcycle School. “The old medium compound Dunlop front tire was not lasting a whole session, so we decided to switch to the new hard compound front tire. Unfortunately, it had tremendous chatter in the corners to the point that the bike was almost impossible to ride part of the time.”

Pulling off the grid, Kerr got a really bad start and was in last place going into the first corner. Putting his head down and doing the best he could, he made it from last up to 14th before the end of the race.

“It was really frustrating,” he said. “The crew worked on my Kawasaki when the race ended and they got it a little better for Sunday’s event.  We started off pretty good and were running pretty strong until about mid-way. Then the front end began chattering and once again I was all over the place. I even went off the track at one point which lost me about four positions. We ended up coming in 15th place which is not where I wanted to be.”

 Never one to dwell on the bad, Kerr and his crew are already at work looking for ways to make his race bike better.

“Luckily we have a three week break before the next race at VIR,” he says with a smile. “We are going to be testing some different suspension set-ups and we should be in good shape for next event. We dropped a couple of spots back in the points, but with a little luck, we shouldn’t have too much trouble moving up.”

Ryan Kerr Racing is sponsored by MJ USA, 614Paintworx, Leo Vince, Arai, Di-Digital Impressions, Woodcraft, KobieC.com, Kawasaki and MJ Motorgear, and Mid-Ohio School.

 The ride was a great success. It was a honor to ride with the LAMAs and aal the bikers to raise $7500. This shows that bikers care and want to show their support and love to those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, Dave Curtis and Jeff Kocab. The money was collected by the PBA and they where very happy to say all the money would go directly to the families. My thanks go out to everyone who took part in such a great cause. – Ron Galletti