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MOTOGIRL

FAST THOUGHTS FROM JESSICA LEE

Sunday November 30th, 2008
News That Has Sparked My Interest
With the motorcycle racing season over and the riding season winding down, most of us are left to wonder what we will do until the snow stops falling or until, get ready for it - March when Bike Week kicks off a new year. During these tough months I keep sane by reading up on all of the juicy motorcycle gossip. I figured this time around I would start sharing what I’ve heard with all of you.

One thing that has been on my mind and I’m sure has driven you crazy as well is the situation between the Daytona Motorsports Group (formerly AMA superbike) and the factory backed race teams. For those of you who didn’t know, a lot of the factory teams were not too happy to say the least about DMG’s new spec rules for road racing and have threatened to pull out of the 2009 season. I’ve heard things about Factory Honda not racing in the USA next year at all; that means no motocross or road racing. I don’t think the legendary Dayonta Supercross by Honda would be the same with out well you know... Honda. Suzuki and Kawasaki are pulling out of next season as well. All 3 believe the specs for the new series are not what they expected from DMG/AMA. As for Yamaha, from what I have heard they will be going racing in 2009 with Ben Bostrom and Josh Hayes riding for them.It seems like the main goal of DMG was to keep everyone on the same level so could the US Superbike series be privateer dominated or will Ben Bostrom and Josh Hayes stomp all the other competition? What would happen if the only top factory team was Yamaha?

As this so called “revolt” takes place in US road racing, it makes me curious as to what all of the younger privateers trying to catch a spot on a factory team will do. If there are no bigger teams, they will have to try for a World Superbike spot if they havent already. Joshua Day is one of those young privateers who has already given racing everything he’s got and at only 19 he was offered a chance to race the world superstock 600 class at Donington in early September. After placing a respectable 14th place in his first ever european race he showed that he had what it takes. At his 3rd world superstock race he impressed everyone with a 5th place finish. There is no word yet as to who he’ll be racing for or what he will be racing in 2009 but be sure to keep a look out for him next season. Josh could be a huge threat across the pond!

Atleast we know that if all else fails here in the US, we have another series to follow along with World Superbike; MotoGP. One changed that surprised me was hearing about Nicky Hayden switching to Ducati. My family has a deep passion for the italian company so hearing that my favorite GP rider would be riding for Ducati put a huge smile on my face. To top it off, Nicky wasn’t looking to shabby during testing.The Ducati might just be the bike he needs to get closer to winning another championship!

As for myself, I will be doing select Florida Trail Riders (FTR) harescrambles and doing a couple of different races around the country. Right now I have been very focused in getting my fitness to the perfect level to be able to perform at my best on the track. I have a shoulder injury that is slowly healing and after dislocating it a few times before my season started I realized I needed a little bit more rehab time. At my first harescramble, I crashed out during practice, chipping my elbow and injuring my knee. Injuries are always the worst part of racing but we just have to work to overcome them! Look for some great results from me next season!



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Saturday August 30th, 2008
A look inside the Red Bull Rookie's Cup Lounge
It’s every young racer’s fantasy to become a factory rider one day but for kids who are in their teens (13-16) that fantasy could become a as close to a reality as it gets by signing up for the Red Bull Rookies Cup. This year would be the first year that the series has come to the USA and believe me, they have one great set up for these young riders.

I heard about the Rookies Cup last season but never got the chance to actually see it until now. If you haven’t heard of it yet here’s the deal- Red Bull and KTM put together a road racing series that now travels all over the world the all the major tracks. The rookies are from all over the world and are all on 125cc two stroke machines; each one set up exactly the same. Red Bull is giving some very lucky (and fast) teenagers to get the chance to travel the world and race motorcycles in a race for the cup.

One thing that is so special about it is that Red Bull realizes that racing is a family sport. Each rider’s family is invited to come out to the races and the only thing they have to pay for is travel and helmet fees for their child. Red Bull even set up a million dollar lounge overlooking the paddock for the riders and their families to relax in between sessions. No one else is allowed to enter it but I was lucky enough to get a tour (and a free Red Bull...oh ya!) I got a chance to see what it felt like being a big shot for a change!



With video games, foose ball, unlimited Red Bull, great food and a wonderful view of Road Atlanta it’s practically heaven on earth! This place really makes you feel like a MotoGP star. It is a two story building with comfortable couch areas and great tables to sit down for a good meal. For the racers it is a place to chill with their families and friends. They can play video games and get hyped up on energy drinks!

Here are a few pictures of the lounge... I bet you were there!












Posted by Jessica @ 1:19PM  -  Permalink  -  0 Comments  -  0 Trackbacks
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THE AUTHOR


Jessica "Motogirl" Lee is a 35 year old motocross racer and journalist. Born into a family of motorcycle enthusiasts and industry insiders, she has been riding and nurturing a passion for motorcycles from the age of four.

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