Tuesday Morning Moto News - Phillip Island, Leon Camier & Rossi's B-Day

Coming up during 26 - 28 February 2010 at Phillip Island will be the big show - Australian and World Superbike Championship races. That is 13 races over three days with plenty of local talent out to prove themselves against the best in both Australia and the world. Get your preview after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yh5uxb5

Road Racer X managed to sit down with WSBK Aprilia man Leon Camier and ask him some questions on the upcoming season. Camier is favored to do very well in the series in 2010 - he is a BSB Champion and he is on one of the fastest bikes in the paddock - plus he has Max Biaggi as a teammate. So, what does he think so far? Well, take the link and you will learn!

http://tinyurl.com/yhp2qq4

That's right, today is Valentino Rossi's birthday! He turns the ripe old age of 31. It is hard to believe that he accomplished so much in his first 30 years on this planet - and we were there with him for nearly half that time. Get an idea of just how great Rossi is - as a racer, anyway - by taking the link. Happy Birthday Rossi!

http://tinyurl.com/ycfvdzb

MORE Evening Moto News - Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast

Motorcycling Australia is opening a huge event this coming weekend - and it should have been here earlier. It is called the Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast and there will be nearly every marque sold Down Under with the 2010 models of both the two-wheeled transport and the PWC variety. There will be some rather good show-only deals and you may find a solid deal on show tickets as well - check with your local Oz dealer. For more information, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yc8c3s5

Just a Quick Note - ASBK Entry Deadline Extended

The Australian Superbike Championship deadline for entries into the first race weekend at Phillip Island has been extended. You now have until 15 February 2010 to get your entry information into IEG and Motorcycling Australia. For all of the detailed information, please click the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/ydyykfm

More Afternoon Moto News - Rossi in India & Yamaha Motor Japan and Australia

Valentino Rossi was in India a few weeks ago to attend a local show and tour around the Indian Yamaha dealers to spur more interest in their machines. While he was there, he took time to speak with John Abraham - a HUGE Indian celebrity - and even signed a book for him. The two spoke with each other about motorcycle safety and how to improve it in India. With the momentum provided by the high-profile meeting, they may actually get a message through to the Indian riding public!

http://tinyurl.com/ykvujv5

Some more from Rossi about the test and a bit about his future plans: http://tinyurl.com/y9d9zym

Yamaha Motor Company is asking some 800 employees to voluntarily retire - thus removing some 7% of their workforce in Japan. This comes on the heels of several reports of financial issues at the company. Hopefully, they will do right by the workers they are asking to retire and give them an excellent severance package!

http://tinyurl.com/ycfyy56

Even with the financial issues, Yamaha in Australia knows that you have to spend some money to make alot of money. The manufacturer will continue to support the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and has signed again, but with some help from Motorcycling Australia. The AORC series is growing year over year and this will only help its stability.

http://tinyurl.com/y8tvlsj

More Afternoon Moto News - Warren Willing, VaVaVroom & Ben Spies

This Easter at the 2010 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza (HBBB), Warren Willing, 1976 Australian Unlimited Road Racing Champion, will be returning to the track again. However, he will only be riding a special 3-cylinder Suzuki 350, built for him to contest the 1973 New Zealand International Season, on some demonstration laps. Willing has not been on a race machine since his 1979 North West 200 accident...this is a great chance to get up close and personal with a motorcycle racing hero for many.

http://tinyurl.com/yf4chss

VaVaVroom, motorcycle clothing & gear for her, will be making the show at the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, 12 - 14 February 2010. The hype around their lines is only increasing and they even have new designs which will be making the show. So, if you are a female motorcyclist, this is worth the trip to the Expo.

http://tinyurl.com/ykgj4ol

Finally, a Republican Congressman does something nice! Representative Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) actually recognized Ben Spies for his accomplishments in World Championship motorcycle racing on the floor of the US House of Representatives yesterday. Granted, there are more important things for our elected representatives to be doing now, but this only took a few minutes and it means a great deal to us fans and to our World Champion, Ben Spies.

http://tinyurl.com/yz59n7a

More Monday Morning News - More WSBK & ASBK

Althea Ducati is working very hard to help Shane Byrne get up to speed on his World Superbike machine. The team has a new bike, but Byrne says they are working incredibly well together. It should be noted that he did get the third fastest time at the Portimao test - even though this is his team's first time to work with Ducati.

http://tinyurl.com/ye3sa9w

Dunlop has secured itself as the control tire supplier to the Australian Superbike Championship again, this time for three more years. Also, they have announced the contingency plans. So, if you are curious or are in the series and want to know what to expect, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yb8bmxc

Even More Morning News - Andrew Stroud & Aussie Superstock

Andrew Stroud, riding on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, wants to win the New Zealand Superbike Championship and take the trophy which 2009 champion Robbie Bugden now has at his home. Given his results so far - his performance last weekend, specifically - he could be a real threat. This coming weekend is the second round, to be held at Teretonga, so we will see how far he can take his lead.

http://tinyurl.com/ylpdr34

International Entertainment Group (IEG), who are the Australian Superbike promoter, along with Motorcycling Australia, has changed the format for the Superstock series. Superstock A and B riders will compete within the Australian Superbike class, but their points will be decided separately. Superstock groups C and D will ride together in their own class and be scored together. This all came from listening to the competitors involved. How unlikely to hear a motorcycle race series listening to the participants...

http://tinyurl.com/yhrn9kt

Late Morning Moto News - Gary McCoy, ASBK & Broc Parkes

Gary McCoy was shafted by his World Supersport team, Triumph ParkinGO BE1 Racing. So, he is hoping to gain a ride in the Moto2 series. He has some interest from a builder, but nothing has been decided yet. Given his ability to put a bike on track and fight for a win, McCoy deserves to get a seat with some team and soon!

http://tinyurl.com/yd9vunj

He was stunned at being dumped: http://tinyurl.com/yezsjex

The Australian Superbike Championship - Motorcycling Australia - has announced practice days at Phillip Island. They will be 28 - 29 January 2010. For the details, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ybjzewv

Broc Parkes has made his debut on the Honda CBR1000RR with the Italian Echo-CRS Honda team. He will be competing in the 2010 World Superbike Championship, so his practice time on the new machine is critical. It turns out that he had a good test and all went well. This will be the first season in WSBK for the team, but not the rider...

http://tinyurl.com/yd4684q

Monday Morning Moto News - Phillip Island, John Hopkins and Gresini

Down Under in Australia, Motorcycling Australia is looking for corner workers for the 2010 World Superbike Championship round at Phillip Island. It is the opener for the season and will take place from 26 through 28 February 2010. You will need your own transport to the track, but everything else is provided - though, you must camp at the event or pay for your own lodging. See the link for more.

http://tinyurl.com/ycnvdr3

FB Corse, who expect to compete in select MotoGP events in 2010 on their way to a full season, says that John Hopkins is still their rider no matter what the news reports have suggested. Apparently, FB Corse has said that they allowed the M4 Suzuki test in order to keep Hopper sharp. They have stated that he will be riding their three-cylinder MotoGP machine in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yeenonb

Gresini has announced their rider line-up for the 2010 Moto2 World Championship. They will field Toni Elias and a Russian rookie named Vladimir Ivanov. Elias was not expecting to end up here, but he will give it his best and hope to get back to MotoGP. Elias should be a good mentor for the newbie rider Ivanov due to his huge amount of experience. It should be a good team.

http://tinyurl.com/y8ugwpu

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - ASBK, Yamaha and a Bar

Well, it seems that Motorcycling Australia has axed the Superstock B race from the 27 - 29 February 2010 Phillip Island round of the Australian Superbike Championship. Originally, apparently, organizer International Entertainment Group had said that B riders could compete in the Superbike class (for their own separate podium) as the A riders will, but no more. It seems that B, C and D riders will compete together for the remainder of the 2010 season.

http://tinyurl.com/yefj7yt

Now we head off to my (wish it weren't true) hometown metro area, Portland, Oregon. Kelly's Olympian Bar & Diner has been in business wince 1902 (as the Olympian Saloon way back, which was named for Washington's Olympia Brewing Company) and is full of some of the coolest motorcycle-related decor you can imagine. If you are in the area and a motorcycling fan, this is a place for you!

http://tinyurl.com/ybsrrqu

On to a classic machine which may bring back memories from your own riding past. The Yamaha TT500 was made from 1976 until 1981 (at least that was the last year it was imported to the US) and was an impressive machine. It is still considered a lightweight and fun ride and has legions of fans worldwide. It is indeed a very cool looking bike, so go and learn more about it.

http://tinyurl.com/ydmbzc9

A beautiful 1953 Laverda 75 Sport is up next. It was photographed by renowned Australian photographer Phil Aynsley. This bike was made just five years after Francesco Laverda decided to build this machine. It is an impressive piece of work and would look best in my garage!

http://tinyurl.com/yd7dysn

Cru Halliday Receives M.A. Kirk McCarthy Memorial Award for 2009

Halliday had his first season in the Australian Superbike Championship Superstock 600 class; he came in third for the 2009 season. That is especially notable because up until the beginning of the ASBK season, he was a motocross and supercross rider - not road racing. Motorcycling Australia's Kirk McCarthy Memorial Award is given to a new racer to support them in their racing endeavors throughout their career.

http://tinyurl.com/yf6ct3w

Motorcycling Australia Accepting Entries for Australian WSBK Round

If you are an Australian motorcycle racer, here is your chance to get noticed on the world stage! Motorcycling Australia will be accepting entries for the 26 - 28 February 2010 World Superbike and World Supersport at Phillip Island until 8 January 2010. Get your application in quickly if you are interested!

http://tinyurl.com/yzau9zc

Motorcycling Australia Schedules Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza for 2010

The Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza will take place 3 - 4 April 2010. This version will be hosting a tribute to the late Kenny Blake. Blake won 11 national championships, 3 Castrol Six-Hour races, and was killed at the Isle of Man in 1981. Up to 12 of his racing machines will be on hand for the event. Invitations have also gone out to several racers who run Blake's #6 on their bikes; some of them will take to the track for demo runs. It's still about 5 months away, but make your plans now!

http://tinyurl.com/yeqdxq4

Ride the Track at the 2009 Australian Superbike Finale

For only AU$10, Motorcycling Australia (MA) will get you premium parking, general admission to the event, a race program, and a ride around the track at the final event for the 2009 Australian Superbike Championship. You do not even have to be a member of MA to take advantage of this deal. Looks like it will be on 29 November 2009, so get bus planning to join the fun!

http://tinyurl.com/yzn7g4f