WORCS-Adelanto, CA Round 2
Going into Round 2 I was excited and feeling good after my Round 1 finish. My goal this season is to be consistent. Saturday Pro practice went well. I went out and did a couple hard laps and had some fast times. The course was really rough after all the racing that had taken place before our practice. It felt like RG3 gave me a pretty good set up and the bike was working well. I couldn't wait for the gate to drop Sunday afternoon.
On the line it started to sprinkle and it was looking like it wanted to rain. When the gate dropped I got a descent jump and rounded the first corner in 3rd. From there it went into the of road, and everyone was pushing hard and going for it. I made a little mistake and a few guys went around me. I then started to work my way back up as the race progressed. At about the half way point I felt really strong, my training is paying off. I continued to push and when the white flag came out I was in 3rd. I didn't have enough time to catch the 2 other bikes in front of me, so I road a smart race and crossed the finish line in podium position.
This was a great way to finish the race. I am currently 4 points back from the points lead. Thanks to my team, trainer, mechanic and great sponsors and family, all of your support is greatly appreciated. I look forward to Round 3 in Lake Havasu, AZ. Hope to see you there.
Keep a look out for my new web site which is coming soon. Also, check out the
ISDE 2008 International Six Days Enduro Greece DVD which can purchased online at www.isde.tv.
More race highlights at...
www.cyclenews.com
www.dirtbikemagazine.com
www.dirtrider.com
www.suzukicycles.com
www.worcsracing.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
New Boss at Honda
The following is from Honda...
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor) announced that Takanobu Ito, currently the company's Senior Managing Director, will become the seventh President & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Motor effective in late June 2009. Takeo Fukui, the current President & CEO, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company's annual shareholders' meeting, scheduled for late June 2009.
Ito joined Honda in 1978, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the mid-engine NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990, a world's first for a production vehicle of any volume. Ito also took on responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing a series of compact sedans for the Japanese market in the early 1990's.
From April 1998 to March 2000, Ito was stationed in the U.S. as Executive Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the development of the Acura brand's first sport-utility vehicle, the MDX (which went on sale in the U.S. in October 2000).
In June 2000, Ito was appointed to the Board of Directors of Honda Motor, simultaneously gaining promotion to Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Honda R&D). He subsequently became President and Director of Honda R&D in June 2003. Ito also took on a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda's Suzuka Factory in April 2005.
In April 2007, Ito became Honda Motor's Chief Operating Officer of Automobile Operations and a Senior Managing Director from June of the same year.
From April 2009, he will again assume the top position of President and Director of Honda R&D, a position he will continue to hold concurrently after the successful appointment as President & CEO of Honda Motor expected in late June 2009.
Takeo Fukui has served as Honda Motor's President & CEO since assuming the position in June 2003. During the six years of Fukui's leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of a U.S. automobile plant in Indiana and the decision to set up two manufacturing facilities - the Yorii and Ogawa plants - in Saitama, Japan.
Furthermore, Fukui enabled the company to make forays into new business areas, including the establishment of both the jet engine and aircraft businesses, and making a full-scale entry into the solar cell business with Honda's original next-generation solar cell. Also under Fukui's leadership, the company continued to demonstrate its leadership in reducing CO2 emissions through both technology and product innovations. Honda's firm commitment to reduce CO2 output on a global scale was underlined in 2006, when it announced company-wide reduction targets for CO2 emitted from its product lineups as well as from its production lines. The realization of the all-new Insight as an affordable product was an outcome of Fukui's strong guidance, based on the belief that hybrid vehicles must become accessible to more people if the technology is to contribute to reductions in CO2 output.
Fukui joined Honda as an engineer in 1969, and became a member of the project team that developed the Honda CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine. Fukui also has extensive experience in the company's motorcycle development and racing operations. In 1988, he became a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc., President and Director of Honda R&D, and most recently, President & CEO of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2003.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor) announced that Takanobu Ito, currently the company's Senior Managing Director, will become the seventh President & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Motor effective in late June 2009. Takeo Fukui, the current President & CEO, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company's annual shareholders' meeting, scheduled for late June 2009.
Ito joined Honda in 1978, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the mid-engine NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990, a world's first for a production vehicle of any volume. Ito also took on responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing a series of compact sedans for the Japanese market in the early 1990's.
From April 1998 to March 2000, Ito was stationed in the U.S. as Executive Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the development of the Acura brand's first sport-utility vehicle, the MDX (which went on sale in the U.S. in October 2000).
In June 2000, Ito was appointed to the Board of Directors of Honda Motor, simultaneously gaining promotion to Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Honda R&D). He subsequently became President and Director of Honda R&D in June 2003. Ito also took on a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda's Suzuka Factory in April 2005.
In April 2007, Ito became Honda Motor's Chief Operating Officer of Automobile Operations and a Senior Managing Director from June of the same year.
From April 2009, he will again assume the top position of President and Director of Honda R&D, a position he will continue to hold concurrently after the successful appointment as President & CEO of Honda Motor expected in late June 2009.
Takeo Fukui has served as Honda Motor's President & CEO since assuming the position in June 2003. During the six years of Fukui's leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of a U.S. automobile plant in Indiana and the decision to set up two manufacturing facilities - the Yorii and Ogawa plants - in Saitama, Japan.
Furthermore, Fukui enabled the company to make forays into new business areas, including the establishment of both the jet engine and aircraft businesses, and making a full-scale entry into the solar cell business with Honda's original next-generation solar cell. Also under Fukui's leadership, the company continued to demonstrate its leadership in reducing CO2 emissions through both technology and product innovations. Honda's firm commitment to reduce CO2 output on a global scale was underlined in 2006, when it announced company-wide reduction targets for CO2 emitted from its product lineups as well as from its production lines. The realization of the all-new Insight as an affordable product was an outcome of Fukui's strong guidance, based on the belief that hybrid vehicles must become accessible to more people if the technology is to contribute to reductions in CO2 output.
Fukui joined Honda as an engineer in 1969, and became a member of the project team that developed the Honda CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine. Fukui also has extensive experience in the company's motorcycle development and racing operations. In 1988, he became a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc., President and Director of Honda R&D, and most recently, President & CEO of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2003.
Don't Quit Now!!!
The following is from the AMA...
AMA National Action Alert
Add Your Voice to the Fight Against the Ban on Youth Motorcycles and ATVs!
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) continues to ask all riders to protest the recent ban on certain youth motorcycles and ATVs by contacting their Members of Congress
On Feb. 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) effectively outlawed the sale of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) intended for youth riders 12-years-old and under. Since that time efforts by the AMA, its sister organization the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the Off-Road Business Association and others have spurred an outpouring of letters and phone calls to the CPSC and federal legislators.
AMA and ATVA members, racers, riders and fans across the country have responded strongly to the collective calls for action so far, but our work is not over. The current ban on the sale of youth motorcycles and ATVs still threatens the very future of off-highway recreation in America.
Members of Congress and the Chairmen of the CPSC must continue to hear from everyone in the motorcycling community if we are to reverse this ban. You can quickly read more about the issue and gain some useful tools by clicking here.
To send a message to your Senators and Representatives, please click here.
AMA National Action Alert
Add Your Voice to the Fight Against the Ban on Youth Motorcycles and ATVs!
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) continues to ask all riders to protest the recent ban on certain youth motorcycles and ATVs by contacting their Members of Congress
On Feb. 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) effectively outlawed the sale of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) intended for youth riders 12-years-old and under. Since that time efforts by the AMA, its sister organization the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the Off-Road Business Association and others have spurred an outpouring of letters and phone calls to the CPSC and federal legislators.
AMA and ATVA members, racers, riders and fans across the country have responded strongly to the collective calls for action so far, but our work is not over. The current ban on the sale of youth motorcycles and ATVs still threatens the very future of off-highway recreation in America.
Members of Congress and the Chairmen of the CPSC must continue to hear from everyone in the motorcycling community if we are to reverse this ban. You can quickly read more about the issue and gain some useful tools by clicking here.
To send a message to your Senators and Representatives, please click here.
Noyes stays in Spain
The following is from Kenny Noyes' publicist...
American Kenny Noyes has signed a contract with the Spanish Kawasaki importers and will ride for the Madrid-based Palmeto Kawasaki team on a Michelin-shod ZX-10R in the 2009 in the premier Spanish CEV Extreme Championship. The team is owned by Pedro Parajua, a top Spanish roadracer with Kawasaki in the seventies.
Over the last two seasons riding, for Motorrad Suzuki, Kenny has climbed from ninth in the series in 2007 to fourth in 2008, winning the final race of the year and snapping a four-race Laglisse Yamaha one-two domination that saw eventual Spanish Champion Carmelo Morales and runner-up Javier del Amor taking first and second in four consecutive races before Noyes win at Jerez de la Fonterra in November.
Kenny, an American citizen born in Spain to American parents, was raised in the Guadarama mountain village of Miraflores de la Sierra, only 30 miles from the Spanish capital, said, "It was difficult to leave the Motorrad Team. Manual Alonso believed in me and I'll always be grateful. This is the first time I have signed directly with an importer's official team. We will have a full test program both pre-season and during the year. Whenever I look at photos or TV footage of the last season I keep seeing that green Kawasaki in the same shot and usually yarding me down the long straights. I can't wait to ride it. "
Noyes is also hoping to ride three or four AMA events when the Spanish series takes its long summer break. "The team and Kawasaki have been understanding about this and I am grateful. I am free to ride Mid-Ohio, Topeka, VIR and New Jersey and still get back for the final four races on the CEV. Last year I did two events AMA for Barry Gilesenan´s Celtic Racing and was top ten in Superbike riding a Superstock so Barry and I are talking about putting something together this year for this new American Superbike or Daytona SportBike. My focus has to be the Spanish 1000cc Extreme series, but my goal is still AMA Superbike or World Superbike."
Palmeto Kawasaki will take part in Michelin two-day tests at Valencia and Albacete on March 3 and 4, and on March 16 and 17, and will then return to both tracks for additional two day team tests before the Spanish CEV season opens at Albacete on April 19th.
American Kenny Noyes has signed a contract with the Spanish Kawasaki importers and will ride for the Madrid-based Palmeto Kawasaki team on a Michelin-shod ZX-10R in the 2009 in the premier Spanish CEV Extreme Championship. The team is owned by Pedro Parajua, a top Spanish roadracer with Kawasaki in the seventies.
Over the last two seasons riding, for Motorrad Suzuki, Kenny has climbed from ninth in the series in 2007 to fourth in 2008, winning the final race of the year and snapping a four-race Laglisse Yamaha one-two domination that saw eventual Spanish Champion Carmelo Morales and runner-up Javier del Amor taking first and second in four consecutive races before Noyes win at Jerez de la Fonterra in November.
Kenny, an American citizen born in Spain to American parents, was raised in the Guadarama mountain village of Miraflores de la Sierra, only 30 miles from the Spanish capital, said, "It was difficult to leave the Motorrad Team. Manual Alonso believed in me and I'll always be grateful. This is the first time I have signed directly with an importer's official team. We will have a full test program both pre-season and during the year. Whenever I look at photos or TV footage of the last season I keep seeing that green Kawasaki in the same shot and usually yarding me down the long straights. I can't wait to ride it. "
Noyes is also hoping to ride three or four AMA events when the Spanish series takes its long summer break. "The team and Kawasaki have been understanding about this and I am grateful. I am free to ride Mid-Ohio, Topeka, VIR and New Jersey and still get back for the final four races on the CEV. Last year I did two events AMA for Barry Gilesenan´s Celtic Racing and was top ten in Superbike riding a Superstock so Barry and I are talking about putting something together this year for this new American Superbike or Daytona SportBike. My focus has to be the Spanish 1000cc Extreme series, but my goal is still AMA Superbike or World Superbike."
Palmeto Kawasaki will take part in Michelin two-day tests at Valencia and Albacete on March 3 and 4, and on March 16 and 17, and will then return to both tracks for additional two day team tests before the Spanish CEV season opens at Albacete on April 19th.
Friday, February 20, 2009
PRODUCT UPDATE FORTHCOMING FOR 2009 CRF450R
Torrance, CA: On February 26, 2009, American Honda will issue a Service Bulletin announcing a Product Update Campaign for 2009 CRF450R motorcycles within a certain affected VIN range. This update affects only the starter decompressor system, and customers can continue to safely operate their CRF450R in its present state in the interim but should get the motorcycle updated as soon as parts are available.
Honda dealerships will soon receive a detailed procedure for replacing the 2009 CRF450R decompressor pin and decompressor actuator weight/shaft as indicated. This change will improve the durability of the decompressor pin and prevent pin breakage that can result in very difficult or impossible kick starting. Delivery of necessary replacement parts should begin in early March 2009, with an adequate supply for all repairs by the end of March.
Not all 2009 CRF450Rs are affected by this product update, only those within the specified range. A complete listing of affected 2009 CRF450Rs will be issued with the upcoming bulletin and affected customers will be mailed a letter in early March.
Honda dealerships will soon receive a detailed procedure for replacing the 2009 CRF450R decompressor pin and decompressor actuator weight/shaft as indicated. This change will improve the durability of the decompressor pin and prevent pin breakage that can result in very difficult or impossible kick starting. Delivery of necessary replacement parts should begin in early March 2009, with an adequate supply for all repairs by the end of March.
Not all 2009 CRF450Rs are affected by this product update, only those within the specified range. A complete listing of affected 2009 CRF450Rs will be issued with the upcoming bulletin and affected customers will be mailed a letter in early March.
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