UB Racing has announced that Drag Specialties has again signed on to be the Presenting Sponsor for the 3rd Annual International Motorcycle Speed Trials by Bub at the Bonneville Salt Flats September 3-7, 2006. Joining Drag Specialties this year will be Parts Unlimited, which comes on board as a major sponsor.
     Bub Enterprises’ president and event founder Denis Manning said, “Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited have both supported the International Motorcycle Speed Trials by Bub since its inception in 2004 and their continuing support has enabled the event to grow each year.”
     Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited are also major sponsors of the Land Speed Streamliner “Seven” built by Manning. This motorcycle, ridden by Chris Carr, will be making an attempt for the absolute world record (currently 322 mph held by Easyriders’ Dave Campos) during the International Motorcycle Speed Trials by Bub.
     For more info on the event, contact Delvene Manning at Bub Racing: 530-477-7490 x209 or email at: delvenem@bubracing.com.

ro Circuit and Parts Unlimited have announced the winner of their contest to determine what lucky dealership would win a trip to Haines City, Florida to spend a day with James “Bubba” Stewart and ride on his track with a Pro Circuit-prepared bike.
     Parts Unlimited dealers got an entry for each qualifying order of Pro Circuit products placed during the contest period and a drawing was held at the recent AMA Supercross finale at Las Vegas. The winning dealership was Cycle Design, a dealer for Parts rep John Coleman.
     Boo Suber, Brand Manager for Pro Circuit and Renthal at Parts Unlimited said, “The promotion went great and we look forward to another one like this in the future. Speaking for myself, James Stewart and Pro Circuit, we want to thank everybody who was involved in the promotion.”

With Parts Unlimited’s Boo Suber holding the hat full of entries, James Stewart drew the winner at the recent AMA Supercross finale at Las Vegas. Don Emde photo.

he 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF has announced the list of series and event sponsors for the upcoming season. Racing kicked off May 21, at Sacramento’s Hangtown Raceway and concludes at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif., Sept. 12, where the champion of the AMA Motocross and AMA Motocross Lites classes will be crowned.
     “The support that we receive from our series and event sponsors at all 12 races on the schedule is amazing,” said Amy Ritchie of the National Promoter’s Group (NPG). “It’s this type of support that gives fans and racers a solid platform to compete on the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF.”
     The rich heritage of these tracks has been a part of AMA National Motocross from the beginning and this year’s racing is slated to be the best in history. In addition to the on-site exposure, sponsors will enjoy another solid television package on OLN.
     “We are proud to announce this year’s AMA Toyota Motocross Championship sponsors,” said John C. Farris, Jr., AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development. “It’s gratifying to have our returning industry sponsors and we are especially pleased to welcome in Toyota, who has big plans to take motocross to a whole new level for fans. We’re on the brink of one of the best seasons ever. Each race’s attendance and the OLN television broadcasts will bring the sport of AMA Motocross to the hard-core fan and open the door to new fans across the country.”
     Fans and media alike can expect to see a fan-friendly atmosphere at the races this summer, with each of the series sponsors creating on-site programs that are designed to engage with the fan and add value to the overall event experience. Leading the charge will be series title sponsor Toyota, who will be rolling in a series of unique, fan-based programs custom tailored for each venue.

Series Sponsors: Thor, Parts Unlimited, Alpinestars, Thor Helmets, Dunlop, Scott USA, Monster Energy, MotoTees, Amsoil, Asterisk, Renthal Handlebars, Bel-Ray, N-Style, SBS, Acerbis, Renthal Sprockets, Racer X, Cycle News

May 21, 2006 - Prairie City SVRA, Sacramento, CA.
The Honda Hangtown Motocross Classic
Presented by Gamel RV & Offroad Outlets

May 27, 2006 - High Point Raceway, Mt. Morris, PA.
The Kawasaki/Monster Energy High Point National
Presented by Anderson & Strudwick

June 11, 2006 - Motocross 338, Southwick, MA.
The Suzuki Motocross 338 National
Presented by Scott USA

June 18, 2006 - Budds Creek, Budds Creek, MD.
The FMF Budds Creek National
Presented by Yamaha

July 2, 2006 - Red Bud Track N Trail Buchanan, MA.
The Monster Energy/Kawasaki Red Bud National
Presented by Concept Haulers

July 16, 2006 - Unadilla Valley Sports Center, New Berlin, N.Y.
The FMF Pro Motocross National
Presented by Scott Goggles

July 23, 2006 - Thunder Valley, Lakewood, CO.
The Toyota Trucks Thunder Valley National

July 30, 2006 - Washougal MX Park, Washougal, WA.
The Unbound Energy Washougal National
Presented by Snap-On, Scott USA & Yamaha

Aug. 13, 2006 - Spring Creek MX Park, Millville, MN.
The Spring Creek National
Presented by Scott USA

Aug. 27, 2006 - Broome-Tioga Sports Center, Binghamton, N.Y.
The Broome-Tioga National
Presented by Suzuki

Sept. 3, 2006 - Steel City Raceway, Delmont, PA.
The Monster Energy/Kawasaki Steel City National
Presented by Anderson & Strudwick

Sept. 10, 2006 - Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, CA.
The Giant RV Glen Helen National
Presented by Yamaha

     Fans can follow this epic AMA Toyota Motocross Championship all year from the telecasts of the premier AMA Motocross class on Saturdays following each race with coverage on OLN of the Motocross Lites class set to air on the Monday after that. Two events, Red Bud and Unadilla, will be seen the following Sunday, one week after the race, due to OLN’s coverage of the Tour de France.

     For more information on the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, log on to www.amamotocross.com, where a weekly webcast of each race will available to fans throughout the season. In addition, www.amamotocross.com offers fans live@thewire live timing and scoring. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

     AMA and AMA Pro Racing have announced that Joel Grover has been hired to the new position of Supermoto Director, and will be relocating to AMA’s Pickerington, Ohio headquarters from his home in upstate New York. Grover will oversee both the AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as the AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships in association with NASMOTO.
     Grover will report to Doug Neubauer, Vice President of AMA Sports, and will be directly focused on moving AMA Supermoto forward as a premier form of motorcycle competition.
     “Joel brings a solid level of experience to his position and we’re delighted to have him aboard to help guide AMA Supermoto to the next level,” said Patricia DiPietro, AMA CEO. DiPietro added that aligning professional and amateur Supermoto under one organizational structure will help solidify the relatively new racing discipline and set the stage for continued growth and a better progression of riders from amateur to professional racing.
     “I am proud to be part of such a committed organization to the sport and tradition of motorcycling,” says enthusiast Grover, referring to the AMA’s 85 year heritage. “Furthermore, I am extremely excited about the opportunity to help Supermoto realize its amazing potential.”
     Grover has been employed in the motorsports business since 1998 holding a variety of positions in operations and event management. Additionally, Grover was the Assistant Director of Supercross for Clear Channel Motor Sports from 2000-2002.
     For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

     John Dowd, who finished second overall at the 2005 Maxxis EnduroCross has announced that he will be returning in 2006 to take on the top off-road racers in the world at the toughest indoor off-road race in America.
     “I had so much fun last year that I definitely want to come back for this year’s race,” explained Dowd, a former national motocross champion. “I had no idea what I was getting into last year... I barely had time to ride the bike before the race, but it turned out to be a great event. It was a very technical and tough track but it made for great racing.”
     David Knight was the overall winner in 2005 with Dowd finishing a few seconds behind in second place after battling it out with the young and up-and-coming Ricky Dietrich. “It was really no surprise to see John do so well,” claims Eric Peronnard, co-promoter of the event. “A lot of the top motocrossers have a strong background in woods or trails riding. Combine that with their motocross skills and it makes for a perfect combination to ride EnduroCross.”
     The Maxxis EnduroCross takes place inside the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night, November 18. There is a Qualifier Round on Friday, November 17 where the top ten riders on that day will compete on Saturday night against the best off-road racers in the world. For more information about the event and to register for the Qualifier Round, go online to www.endurocross.com. Tickets for the event are available by calling 888-234-2334 or they may be purchased on line at www.orleansarena.com.

     The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that “AMA Team USA” will compete at the 2006 Motocross of Nations, scheduled for September 23 -24 at Matterley Basin/Winchester, Great Britain.
     The presenting sponsor of AMA Team USA will be Loretta Lynn’s, which is marking its 25th year of hosting the AMA Air Nautiques Amateur Motocross National Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
     Motocross fans will be involved in choosing the members of AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn’s, by casting their votes at AMADirectlink.com, and will be able to contribute to an online fundraiser supporting the team.
     The online nomination process, during which fans can suggest who should be considered for AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn’s, is underway. When the list of top vote-getters is posted in mid-June, fans will be able to vote on these final nominees, in return for a $5.00-per-vote contribution to the team.
     The members of AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn’s, will be announced in August during the 2006 AMA Air Nautiques Amateur Motocross National Championships.
     “The AMA is proud that this year’s team will compete as the reigning champions of the Motocross of Nations,” said AMA President Robert Rasor. “We know that American motocross fans will join us in supporting AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn’s, both with their votes and with their contributions, to help us bring home the winner's trophy again.”
     “We’re also thrilled to have the support of Loretta Lynn’s as presenting sponsor of AMA Team USA,” Rasor continued. “Today’s top professional motocross racers all ‘grew up’ at Loretta Lynn’s, and we believe that this is a great way to celebrate our 25 year relationship.”
     Often called “The Olympics of Motorcycling,” the Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams from around the world competing in three races, or motos. In 2005, the team of Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham, and Ivan Tedesco -- all “graduates” of the AMA amateur nationals at Loretta Lynn’s, and led by team manager Roger DeCoster -- defeated a strong international field to take the winner’s trophy for the 16th time, and for the first time since 2000. From 1981 to 1993, Team USA was undefeated in the Motocross of Nations, winning 13 straight times.
     All proceeds from the online fundraiser will go toward supporting AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn’s. Final team selection will be made by the AMA.

     The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced nine new members for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include racing champions, land-speed record holders, industry leaders and innovators. Bill Werner, one of motorcycling’s most successful race bike tuning talents and a Motorcycle Hall of Fame member since 2000, will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2006 event.
     Every Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee played a major role in building America’s rich motorcycling heritage. Induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame ensures that each inductee’s achievements, as well as the colorful stories surrounding them, are preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations.
     At the October 7 ceremony, each inductee will be honored with the distinguished gold Motorcycle Hall of Fame medal. In addition, the inductee’s name will be featured on a permanent plaque in the Museum’s Hall of Fame gallery.
     The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2006 includes:
• Doug Chandler –Roadrace and Dirt Track racer.
• Alfred Rich Child – Early day importer/exporter.
• Wally Dallenbach – Creator of the Colorado 500 Charity Dirt Bike Ride.
• Denis Manning – Builder of numerous record-setting Bonneville streamliners.
• Heikki Mikkola – One of the most popular and feared motocross racers of the 1970s.
• Burt Munro – Subject of the movie: “The World’s Fastest Indian.”
• Cook Neilson – Journalist and pioneer of Superbike racing.
• Roger “Sodie” Soderstrom – Nationally-known TT racing star / Motorcycle dealer.
• Mike Wilson – Former racer, dealer, sponsor and ambassador of the sport.

Info: 614-856-2222 or online: www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Each race weekend this season at New Jersey’s Raceway Park has been plagued with unfortunate weather conditions, so event organizers Mickey Kessler and Rich Zupko have gotten used to spending the morning of the races in bulldozers clearing the top layer of muck from the track. At the event there in May, Thor support rider Frank Lettieri (#461) was the class of the mini field taking home the overall wins in both the 85cc 12-13 and Supermini classes. He also took home second place honors in the Schoolboy class. Thor/Part Unlimited prizes were given away to a random group of riders and Kayla Boorom even took home a new motorcycle courtesy of local dealer Monmouth Cycles. Story and photo by Scott Lukaitis / lukaitisphoto.com

ordan Szoke scored his first Parts Canada Superbike Championship win in almost two years at the opening round of the season at Shannonville Motorsport Park IN May.
The Brantford, ON rider stuck his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R past the Picotte      Performance / Yamaha / Toyota Yamaha YZF-R1 of Kevin Lacombe at the end of the backstraight on lap 4 of the restarted seven-lap race and went on to claim his first victory since he won in Mont-Tremblant, QC in August of 2004.
     The triumph was Kawasaki’s first in the national feature class since Tom Kipp won at Mont-Tremblant in 2003.
     “It’s been too long since I’ve been on top of the box,” said Szoke, a two-time Superbike champ. “It’s been a long time coming for both me and Kawasaki. But I never lost confidence in myself.” Lacombe, from Granby, QC settled for second and defending series champion Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC was a close third on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000.
     In other action at Shannonville, Szoke took the lead on lap 2 and went on to win the opening round of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Clint McBain of Calgary placed second aboard the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R600 and Lacombe completed the podium on his Yamaha YZF-R6.
     The Parts Canada Superbike Championship continues at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Mont-Tremblant, QC in June. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com.