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2005 NEWS: UK MOTORSPORTS

PRESS RELEASE

Gus Scott Tribute Auction (NOV 19, 2005)

• Date: Sunday November 27th, Time: 5pm ‘til late.
• Venue: Club Amadeus, Northallerton, North Yorks
• Attention avid race fans, collectors and motorcyclists. The biggest sale of motorcycling memorabilia outside the Day of Champions is up for grabs in just over a week’s time. And like the Day of Champions, this star-studded auction also has a charitable cause. The purpose of the event is to raise bundles of cash for Yasmin, the eleven year-old daughter of popular racer and journalist Gus Scott who was tragically killed in this year’s Senior TT race.
• The support from within the racing fraternity, media and industry in general has been phenomenal. Not only is the event going to be attended by the stars of National and International racing but the 83 lots of auction items are, largely, the kind of items that money alone can not normally buy.
• How about a lap in the BMW course-open car at the start of a Moto GP race? The driver? None other than 1982 World 500cc Champion Franco Uncini. Oh, and that particular lot also includes a pair of VIP paddock passes – for the GP of your choice, obviously.
• If that seems a little tame you could bid for the pair of tickets for the 2006 Macau Grand Prix – courtesy of the Macau Tourist Board. This lot includes all air travel, transfers and accommodation to what is possibly the most exotic location for a race, anywhere, ever.
• Don’t fancy long haul and noodles? No worries, there are VIP passes to every blue-chip race meeting be it Moto GP, World Superbike or British Superbike. Just take you pick and get bidding.
• But if you want something longer lasting, something to treasure, there’s heaps of autographed gear from even the mighty Valentino himself – remember that retro Yamaha colour scheme that Yamaha sported at Valencia? We’ve got it and Rossi’s signed it. Neil Hodgson is flying in for the night for the sole purpose of making sure his Austin Ducati AMA leathers go for the highest price possible. The rest of the signed race clothing, team ware and bodywork reads like a racers’ who’s who. This could, for instance, be the only chance in history you’ll ever get the opportunity to buy Jeremy McWilliam’s Aprilia RS3 Cube bodywork!
• And believe us, it doesn’t stop there… Perhaps you’d just like to bid for the brand new Buell City X XB9SX? It’d look great under your Christmas tree. Whatever tickles you fancy – and this is only a tiny snapshot of everything that’s on offer - we suggest you make it to Northallerton on the 27th. Bring your cheque book, bring cash and prepare to be generous, after all, this could be the easiest Christmas shopping you’ve ever done - even if it is just for yourself.
• IMPORTANT NOTE! The only accepted payment is by cheques with a bank card, Paypal or hard cash!
• Gus auction – itinerary
• Top prizes
• · Buell City X XB9SX £5,995 otr £4500 res
• · Macau Trip for 2 £1500 res
• · 2 x moto GP passes inc trip in course car with Franco Uncini £800 res
• · Yamaha WSB VIP passes for Brands WSB £300 res
• · Noriyuki Haga’s 2002 leathers £500 res
• · Hodgson’s 2005 leathers £500 res
• · Colin Edwards kit £500 res
• · Marco Melandri boots and gloves £300 res
• Helmets
• · V2 Caberg – winner chooses size and colour £50 res
• · Suomy – one-off Neil Hodgson/Richart paintjob (signed on night) £200 res
• · Arai – signed by Arai Moto GP riders – Hopkins, Hayden, Schwantz, Roberts, Nakano, Edwards £800 res
• · Arai – signed by Shinya Nakano £500 res
• · Suomy signed by stars of WSB £700 res
• · Suomy – signed by Troy Corser – donated by Steve Mort £250 res
• · Free helmet paintjob by Ultimate Airbrush £200 res
• · Signed Chris Walker Arai £300 res
• · AGV Stealth signed by Niall Mackenzie £150 res
• · Tommy Hill KBC helmet – signed £100 res
• Experiences
• · BMW off road skills weekend inc accom £250 res
• · CAS Honda off-road day £100 res
• · Ron Haslam track day £100 res
• · California superbike school place £100 res
• · Virgin Yamaha VIP passes for any BSB round £250 res
• · Rizla Suzuki VIP passes for two at any BSB round £250 res
• · Ady Smith KTM off road school £100 res
• · Two VIP Honda HRC passes for any round of BSB £250 res
• · Two VIP passes with Vivaldi any round of BSB £150 res
• Memorabilia
• · Two complete Aprilia RS3 Cube fairings – £100 res each
• · Highland Spring Ducati 998 Corse fairing from the crash at Snetterton in 2002 where Shakey and Rutter took each other out at the end of the back straight. It's Shakey's fairing panel. Signed by Shakey and Rutter. £100 res
• · Signed Hislop biography £40 res
• · Limited edition prints – American legends signed by Schwantz, Lawson, Rainey etc £50 res
• · Limited edition prints – Best of British – signed by Cooper, Grant, Haslam, Parish, Huewen £50 res
• · Six posters (Shoei) signed by Rutter, Kyo, Emmett, Haydon and McGuinness £10 res
• · Box set TT video 1985 –2004 with covers signed by DJ, Lougher, Archibald, McGuinness £100 res
• · Limited edition print of Dave Morris at the TT £30
• · Jim Blanchard print of Steve Hislop £30 res
• · Jim Blanchard print of Dave Jefferies £30 res
• · 32 copies of John Ekerold ‘The Privateer’ all signed £40 res each
• · Signed picture of Kiyonari (donated by Clive Challinor) £30 res
• · Signed print of Colin Edwards (Clive Challinor) £30 res
• · Singed Rossi baseball cap (Toby Moody) £60 res
• · Signed Rossi sweatshirt – Yamaha red/white/black colour scheme (Moody) £200 res
• · Stars of racing pictures donated by Glynn Lewis £30 res
• · Full set of Moto GP programmes (Moody) £50 res
• · Camel Honda clothing as given to Chris Vermullen £50 res
• · Model Petronas truck signed by Fogarty £50 res
• · John McGuinness goodies - rumoured to be something special! Turn up on the night for more! No res
• · Glen Richards signed leathers from 150mph Silvertsone crash £400 res
• · Niall Mackenzie signed leathers £400 res
• · Dean Ellison Phase One World Championship winning leathers, boots and gloves £400 res
• · James Toseland – signed AXO race boots £100 res
• · Signed pictures of Kiyonari and Lavilla by Paul Sturman £30 each res
• · Signed selection of Rizla clothing no res
• · A selection of pictures from Paul Barton @ Moto-Racer.com including Rossi picture £no res
• · Signed Ducati book £10 res
• · Signed Jamie Whitham T-shirt £30 res
• · Leon Haslam’s toe-sliders £no res
• · Signed gloves from Cal Crutchlow £no res
• · A signed model of Noriyuki Haga’s bike £30 res
• · Signed life-size Neil Hodgson cardboard cut-out £100 res
• · Two pairs of gloves from Tom Sykes £no res
• · BSB/WSB rider-signed Kiddimoto. This is a wooden child’s bike that teaches kids how to balance. It’s signed by Rutter, Haslam, Lavilla, McGuinness, Plater. Parrish, Toseland, Whitham,
  Mackenzie £100 res
• · Michael Rutter signed kit including – Dainese sliders, Spyke Gloves, HM Plant cap and Polo shirt £100 res
• · Frankie Chili signed t-shirt £30 res
• · Framed Spidi T-shirt from all Spidi riders from 2003/2004 £70 res
• · Framed Fat Boy Slim silver disc – 1998 Album Better Living Through Chemistry (priceless! Price to come on the night)
• · Triumph Valmoto team shirt and a pair of fully Triumph branded TT Mechanics (flameproof) overalls
• Bike parts
• · Motografix decal set for 749/999 Ducati £no res
• · Oxford Products paddock stand set worth £100 £no res
• · Set of Bridgestone tyres for highest bidder’s bike £no res
• · Blueflame exhausts! More info to come on the night! £no res
• Clothing – unsigned
• · Bering jacket – casual stylee £50 res
• · Limited-edition Yamaha America leather jacket
• · Various caps and t-shirts form Virgin Yamaha £no res
• · Hein Gericke Master IV waterproof suit to bidder’s size (£575) £150 res
• · Spidi kit - more info to come on the night!
• · Arai Fleece no res
• · Michelin goodies: shirts, fleeces etc £no res
• · Selection of t-shirts from RedLine clothing £no res
• Subs/Mags
• · One year’s sub to Classic Bike £no res
• · One year’s sub to Racer magazine x 5 £no res
• · 5 x e-subs to MCN.com £no res
• · 5 x subscriptions to TWO magazine £no res
• · 10 x subs to PB magazine £no res
• · 6 x Motocourse calenders from Crash.net
• · The FIRST Motorcourse 2006 annual to the highest bidder.
• · The full series of Twist of the Wrist better riding books
• Paintings
• · Painting oil on canvas by artist Rosa Lee, a friend of Gus. Gus loved it. £300 res. Dedication on the rear to Gus.
• · HUGE computer generated oil painting-effect print of
  Rossi at Laguna on canvas. £200 res

WSBK: JONES SIGNED FOR WORLD SUPERBIKE WITH FOGGY RACING (OCT 21, 2005)

• 20 year old Craig Jones will move up to World Superbikes next season. He has been signed to ride for Foggy Racing. Jones finished runne-up in British Supersport this year.
  CARL FOGARTY: "he is one of the most talented riders around ... I wanted to put someone on the bike that is hungry and willing to learn, and maybe I can see someone who wants to win as badly as I did ...It will give me so much pleasure to see someone fulfil their potential with my team."
  JONES: ""I'm delighted and can't wait for this new challenge. Carl was one of my heroes when I started racing, and someone I aspired to emulate ... I know quite a few of the circuits, so I don't think I will be at too much of a disadvantage to the other riders. I am fit and ready to go."

BSBK: REYNOLDS ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT (OCT 13, 2005)

• 2004 British Superbike champion John Reynolds has announced retirement from racing. He sustained more injuries during practice at the season finale - Brands Hatch: "... I knew it was time to stop. I had a warning with my broken leg. I see this as a final warning ... I'm in a lot of pain right now, but my spirits are very positive and I'm comfortable that there's an exciting new life for me ahead"

World Superbike Favourite Chili Signs up for Moto1 2005 (SEP 23, 2005)

• Italian World Superbike Favourite Frankie Chili has announced he will line up at Mallory Park in October to compete in the 2005 Dunlop Moto 1 Challenge.
• Pier Francesco "Frankie" Chili, a firm favourite with World Superbike fans, started his racing career over 23 years ago and is currently 9th in the championship standings on his Klaffi Honda Fireblade. Having raced GP and Superbikes around the globe Frankie now faces a stern challenge in the unique form of the Dunlop's Moto 1 event. Dunlop Moto 1 pitches 24 riders from all forms of motorcycle sport against each other, and comprises Road Racing, Trials, Supermoto and Motocross events, along with a new addition for 2005, the MotoPentathlon.
• Frankie must earn as many points as possible in each leg of the event with the hope of topping the leader board on the second day and being crowned Moto 1 2005 Champion. Frankie will be competing against road racing stars such as People's Champion Chris Walker, British Superbike stars Karl Harris, Steve Plater, plus Supersport aces Stuart Easton and Craig Jones. They will face off against reigning British Trials Champion Steve Colley, along with former and current Supermoto Champions Ady Smith, Leighton Haigh, Christian Iddon and Matt Winstanley. Motocross will be well represented by World GP winner Billy Mackenzie and David Campbell, whilst Speedway star Kelvin Tatum will be aiming to showcase his riding talent. To ensure the boys do not have it all their own way trials star Maria Conway and Motocrosser Anita Jane Doran will be aiming to become the first female Moto 1 Champion.
• A full list of competitors is available on the Dunlop Moto1 website (www.moto1.org)
• The action commences with the trials event on Saturday 15th October, along with the Supermoto and MotoPentathlon events. Sunday the 16th October sees the competition resume with the Road Racing and Motocross events, along with the Mallory Park Race of the Year.
• Tickets cost £15 for Saturday and £18 for Sunday. Weekend tickets are available by advance booking only and cost £20 for both days, a saving of £13. The Moto 1 ticket hotline number is 01624 640000.

INDYCAR: Manning loses Ganassi drive (JULY 27, 2005)

• 29 year old British driver Darren Manning has lost his drive with Chip Gannassi Racing. He joined IndyCar in 2004 after spending a year in Champcars. Prior to that he had been a Formula 1 test driver with BAR Honda team. Manning's best result in IndyCar has been 4th.
• GANASSI (Chip Ganassi): "Darren did a great job for us and we were very happy to have had him as part of our team. The team does regret that we weren't able to bring him to Victory Circle in our time together, but we certainly wish him the best of luck in his racing career."
• MANNING: "It was a real shock when I discovered that I was surplus to requirements at TCGR. It was a dream come true to be chosen as a driver for one of the top teams in American motor racing, and I have enjoyed my time here, and scored some good results in the past eighteen months. It's really disappointing, but I've been in a lot worse situations than this. Chip hasn't cut my legs off; he hasn't shot me. I'm still breathing, so everything will be all right. This isn't but a dent in my ambition at all. It might even make things better. I learned of the decision Tuesday morning during what I expected to be a routine meeting with team director Mike Hull. Ganassi had told Mike moments before by phone that I would not be with the team this weekend at Michigan and that the team would not pick up the option on my contract for 2006. The weekend at Milwaukee started well, and I was a comfortable 4th quickest on Friday. However, after Ryan crashed heavily on Saturday, both Scott Dixon and myself were under pressure to preserve the team equipment! It was difficult in these conditions to push to the limit in qualifying and similarly in the race, with the tricky hot conditions meaning my car was very loose, I just didn't want to risk another shunt for the team. I've got to move on in my career now and get back to something good. I'll only take a top-level drive. I don't need to take a low-level drive that I'm unable to win in. Maybe this is good for me. It might be the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't wish anybody any harm or malice over it. I have received fantastic support from the fans and I can guarantee that I'll be back soon, racing to win as always!"

CAMIER TO CONTEST SUZUKA 8 HR (JULY 15, 2005)

• Current British Supersport leader, 18-year-old Leon Camier from Ashford, Kent has been offered a factory ride in the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour race on the 31st July 2005, on board a Honda Fireblade with the Moriwaki Team. Camier who is a five times British Grasstrack Champion and the youngest ever British 125 Champion is eagerly awaiting his trip to Japan.
• The 5.8 km circuit owned by Honda, will run from 11:30am to 7pm on the 31st July and Camier and his team-mate, Naoki Matsudo will change over every 50 minutes in hope of running up there with the front runners. The historic race has been won by some huge names in the motorcycle fraternity including Wayne Gardner, Aaron Slight, Colin Edwards, the awesome Valentino Rossi and Camier's racing hero Mick Doohan to name but a few.
• Camier who has now notched up four race wins in the British Supersport class this season. More than any other riders this year is excited about this opportunity saying 'This is one race that I've always wanted to do and to get this chance so early in my career is fantastic. When I was offered the ride about a month ago I jumped at the chance knowing it would be too much of a fantastic opportunity to turn down. I am flying out to Japan a week before so that I can get myself acclimatised and also get a bit of testing under my belt on the Fireblade. It's such an historic race that I will be proud to be a part of, I hope myself and Naoki can achieve some good results out there.'
• Camier's team-mate for the tough Endurance race is experienced GP 125, GP 250 and 250 Japanese Champion Naoki Matsudo. The Japanese star is an extremely talented rider and between the pairing they should expect a confident result. Matsudo who celebrates his 32nd birthday on the 25th of July will bring plenty of knowledge and wisdom into the team. For more information on Leon Camier and to keep up to speed with his progress at the Suzuka 8 Hour check out his website - www.leoncamier.com

'The Sheene Run' 3rd July 2005 (www.thesheenerun.com)

Neil Hellings, Chief Executive Auto Cycle Union is pleased to confirm the latest, but still growing, line-up of racing motor cycles being displayed or ridden at The Sheene Run in Rugby on 3rd July 2005. The Sheene Run has managed to secure 13 motor cycles ridden by Barry Sheene, 7 of these bikes are due to be ridden around the 1 mile closed public road ‘circuit’ through Rugby’s Town Centre.

Barry’s 1976 and 1977 World Championship winning Suzuki XR14 (RG500) Grand Prix bikes have been brought over from his Australian home, the first time in over 20 years they have been in this country and will be ridden at the event by Steve Parrish and Mick Grant. The latest addition to the collection is a 1975 RG500 with the engine used by Barry at Assen, Netherlands to give Suzuki and himself their first 500cc Grand Prix victory. Other Sheene bikes include; Bultaco TSS, 2 x Seeley Suzuki TR500, 3 x Fred Walmsley Manx Norton’s and a further 4 of Barry’s Suzuki RG500’s, a XR05 from 1974, a 1975 XR14, a 1983 XR40 and a1984 XR45.

In addition to the superb Sheene Paddock there will be a collection of 20 racers from the 1920/30’s on display in the ‘Brooklands Paddock’. A further race bike paddock will be home to over 50 race machines, taking part in cavalcades throughout the day including;

• Bakker Suzuki GSXR Manx Norton 350
• BSA 500 Sidecar Matchless G50
• Dresda Honda 750 Rickman Metisse Kawasaki
• Dresda Kawasaki 900 Rudge 350
• Ducati 900 SS Rob North BSA Rocket 3.
• Franco Morini Special 50cc Royal Enfield GP5
• Honda 250/4 Seeley 500 Sidecar
• Honda 400/4 Seeley Suzuki TR500
• Honda CR 93 Replica Suzuki GSXR 600
• Honda CR110 Suzuki GSXR 750
• Honda CYB 72 Suzuki RG 500
• Honda Fireblade Suzuki TR500
• Honda RC 145 Replica TriBSA T650
• Honda RC 171 Replica Triumph Thunderbird
• Honda RC 181 Replica Triumph Thunderbird Outfit
• Honda RS125 Triumph Thunderbird Outfit
• Honda RS 250 Yamaha RD 350
• Kawasaki 250 Yamaha TZ 250
• Kawasaki AR50 Moped Racer Yamaha TZ 350
• Kawasaki H1R Racer
• Kawasaki Z1000

Plus Mike Hailwood’s TT winning Honda 250/4 and Mick Grant’s Kawasaki 750. With this huge variety of machinery taking part and the many different sounds produced by the bikes will create an awesome atmosphere in the close confines of the Town Centre.

Away from the paddocks there will be bands and solo artists performing a variety of music throughout the day on the stage alongside the Clock Towers Shopping Centre. On the same stage there will be an auction, with all proceeds going to MENCAP, items to be auctioned include many racing memorabilia, from both 70/80’s and modern day era. The day will start at approximately 1030hrs when riders participating in the National Rally are shown the chequered flag for completing their set distances and will then embark on a ‘lap’ of the Town Centre. Kevin Carmichael will be entertaining the crowds with his stunt display around part of the closed public roads circuit. In Caldecott Park, adjacent to the Sheene Paddock, Martin Crosswaite and his Team will be demonstrating their skills in the X-Treme Trials Display.

On Saturday Evening many members of the public will be dining with friends and associates of Barry Sheene’s racing career at a Black Tie Dinner. VIP guests include friend and team mate Steve Parrish, Barry’s mechanic Martyn Ogbourne, Fred Walmsley owner/builder of Barry’s last racing machines, frame builder Colin Seeley and formers racers John Cooper and Mick Grant. Some of Barry’s will be on display at the dinner. A few places are still available, call Tania on 01788 566415. Neil Hellings said, "This years event has come together extremely well and both Rugby Borough Council and the ACU are committed to making it a success and ensuring The Sheene Run becomes an annual event. Unfortunately, circumstances have prevented Stephanie from joining us this year, but her willingness to attend next years event will give everybody a terrific boost for raising the standard yet again".

For further enquiries on the Sheene Run please contact Tania or Becky on 01788 566415 or via e-mail tania.baker@acu.org.uk.

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