TEKA SUZUKI MEN DOMINATE TONGEREN - Team
Suzuki Press Office - May 6.
 Team
Teka Suzuki WMX1's Steve Ramon won the overall at the Flanders Trophy
motocross in Tongeren, Belgium ahead of team-mate Ken De Dycker and Jonathan
Barragan.
The reigning MX1 World Champion won both the first and third motos of the
non-championship international event held in the eastern region of Belgium
and finished third in the other to take a relatively easy overall victory.
"The track was very tough today," said Ramon later. "The soil here is soft
and big bumps formed. The short 20-minute races meant the pace was fast all
day - especially in moto three - and it was good practice for the Bulgarian
GP next weekend."
De Dycker suffered from a sore thumb on the day but was able to win moto two
to ensure that the Team Teka Suzukis won each and every race of the day.
"I had a terrible start in moto one and I had to dig very deep to finally
finish third. The second heat was much better for me as I took the lead
fairly quickly and had control from there. I suffered with a sore thumb
today but that's no excuse - Steve was just a lot better than me today."
Final standings: 1 Steve Ramon (BEL-Suzuki), 2 Ken
De Dycker (BEL-Suzuki), 3 Jonathan Barragan (ESP-KTM), 4 Max Nagl
(GER-KTM), 5 Clément Desalle (BEL-Suzuki), 6 Danny Theybers (BEL-Suzuki),
7 Tom Janssens (BEL-Honda), 8 Manuel Priem (BEL-Kawasaki), 9 Jurgen Van
Nooten (BEL-KTM), 10 Roy Gijsel (NED-Kawasaki).
HURLEY PODIUMS AT CONONDALE - Team
Suzuki Press Office - May 6.
 Team
Shift Motul Suzuki's Daryl Hurley collected more valuable points in the
2008 Australian Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals at the weekend,
with a pair of third-place finishes in round three at Conondale in
Queensland.
Hurley's points haul sees the New Zealander remain within striking distance
of the series lead, while team-mate Luke Burkhart pushed through the pain
barrier to contest Moto 2 after a heavy crash in Moto 1.
Again showing blistering speed on the fuel-injected Suzuki RM-Z450, Hurley
headed a Team Shift Motul Suzuki 1-3 result in qualifying, with Burkhart a
strong third.
In each Moto, Hurley put in mature rides to finish third, banking valuable
championship points in the process to consolidate his top-three position in
the series.
While Hurley had a clean run in Moto 1, Burkhart was caught up in a
first-corner accident in which he was ridden over by several other riders.
Despite heavy upper-body bruising and a suspected broken finger, he lined up
for Moto 2 just three hours later and fought on to finish 12th.
With Matt Moss still sidelined by injury, Lawson Bopping flew the flag for
Suzuki in Pro Lites. He qualified an impressive fifth-fastest on his RM-Z250
before finishing 18th in Moto 1 and 21st in Moto 2.
Round four of the 2008 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals will be
held at Raymond Terrace, New South Wales - Team Shift Motul Suzuki's home
track - on 18 May.
Daryl Hurley:
"The Team Shift Motul Suzuki crew have done a lot of work on the RM-Z450
since Horsham and it really paid off in qualifying. Luke and I had a lot of
speed. The bike worked well in the races, but I lost some positions at the
start of each Moto and was playing catch-up after that. A pair of thirds
isn't the result we were hoping for, but we still picked up a good bunch of
championship points as we turn our attention to Raymond Terrace."
Luke Burkhart:
"After qualifying third I was aiming to finish Moto 1 on the podium, but it
didn't go to plan. Going into the first corner I copped a huge hit and as
the field came through. I was run over by at least three other riders; I'm
pretty banged up but I'm lucky to get out of it with just a suspected broken
finger and bruising. It's very important to keep the points ticking over all
year, so I made sure I got back out there for Moto 2. I definitely wasn't
100%, but finishing 12th means we only lost one place in the championship."
Jay Foreman - Team Manager:
"We made more progress with the new RM-Z450 between rounds and our whole
team performed at the highest level all weekend.
"Consistency is very important across a long season, and Daryl rode with
great maturity and determination to finish third in each Moto, and remain
well and truly in championship contention. Like Daryl, Luke put in a
sensational performance in qualifying and he was looking set for a big
weekend. Unfortunately he was knocked around very badly in the Moto 1 crash,
but showed a lot of guts to get back out there in Moto 2 and pick up a solid
finish.
"We've had a bit of bad luck in these first three rounds, but there have
been a lot of positives, so we're all really looking forward to our home
event at Raymond Terrace in two weeks time."
Pro Open Standings (after 3 rounds): 1 Craig Anderson 136,
2 Jay Marmont 132, 3 Daryl Hurley (Suzuki RM-Z450) 125, 4
Daniel McCoy 91, 5 Luke Burkhart (Suzuki RM-Z450) 85.
MEKLAU PODIUMS AT GERMAN SBK OPENER -
Team Suzuki Press Office - May 6.
 With
a place in the front row of the grid at the Euro Speedway Lausitz, Andreas
Meklau gained an excellent starting position to finish on the podium in the
first race of the International German Superbike championship season.
The 40-year-old Austrian rider from Team SUZUKI International Europe took
the chequered flag in third place after a tough, but fair, struggle with
Jörg Teuchert (Yamaha), during which the two bikes even touched on
occasion.
Meklau was third in the second heat again, following Bauer and Teuchert
across the line after Dario Giuseppetti (Ducati) was penalised and moved
five places down the list of finishers after a complaint for allegedly
leaving and returning to the starting grid had been upheld.
Suzuki's promising junior rider Dominic Lammert (20) underwent a meniscus
operation a week previously and was unable to ride at the Lausitz.
Andreas Meklau:
"My expectations for the weekend were fulfilled. I knew that Martin Bauer
and Jörg Teuchert were also favourites to win here. I'm satisfied with my
results in the race heats. I had a rather mediocre start in the second heat
and had to struggle against the Ducati riders for a long time. It wasn't
until the last three laps that I was able to close up on the leaders."
Dominic Lammert:
"Last week I had to go into hospital unexpectedly for an outer meniscus
operation following an injury. Despite the operation I was still hoping to
ride, but when I sat on the bike I couldn't even reach the right footrest."
Evrén Bischof - Team Manager:
"Twice on the podium is a good start to the season. In my opinion the
results reflect current performance levels in the Superbike IDM. We're
definitely on the right road to the title. It was a pity that Dominic
Lammert couldn't ride; otherwise we would surely have seen both riders among
the top five."
Heat 1: 1. Martin Bauer (A, Honda), 2. Jörg Teuchert (D,
Yamaha), 3. Andreas Meklau (A, Suzuki International Europe),
4. Dario Giuseppetti (D, Ducati), 5. Werner Daemen (B, Suzuki
Yoshimura Van Zon Schäfer Motorsport), 6. Gabor Rizmayer (H, Team Suzuki
Hungary), 7. Pawel Szkopek (PL, Yamaha), 8. Kai-Borre Andersen
(NOR, MV Agusta), 9. Roman Stamm (CH, Suzuki Switzerland),
10. Kari Vehniäinen (FIN, Yamaha).
Heat 2: 1. Martin Bauer (A, Honda), 2. Jörg Teuchert (D,
Yamaha), 3. Andreas Meklau (A, Suzuki International Europe), 4.
Werner Daemen (B, Suzuki Yoshimura Van Zon Schäfer Motorsport),
Christian Kellner (D, Ducati), 6. Pawel Szkopek (PL, Yamaha),
7.Roman Stamm (CH, Suzuki Switzerland), 8. Christian Zaiser (A,
Ducati), 9. Dario Giuseppetti (D, Ducati), 10. Kari Vehniäinen (FIN,
Yamaha).
SUPERSPORT PODIUM FOR LOWRY AT OULTON -
Team Suzuki Press Office - May 6.
 Ian
Lowry jumped onto his first Supersport podium of the season at the Oulton
Park British Superbike round with third place while team-mate Michael
Laverty continued to score solidly in the Superbike class with seventh and
fourth places.
Laverty now sits sixth in the British Superbike championship table, also
holding the position of leading Suzuki, while Lowry is fifth place in the
Supersport class after his opening podium of 2008.
Michael Laverty:
"It was frustrating to be so close this weekend and I know if we can sort
the small issue we have been having with tyres, then I'll be right there
with them. The Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 is as good as any bike out there,
and with the updates we've made to the chassis and the electronics in the
past couple of weeks, I'm confident that podiums will come.
"Oulton is not one of my favourite circuits but in the first race the
mistake was all mine. I just ran onto the grass, over the gravel, then
bounced my wheels off the barriers the same way Plater does at Macau!
Seriously though, it was more luck that judgement but I fought my way back
from 26th to seventh place and I was doing the same lap times as Haslam in
second place. In the second race we had that small tyre problem, but our
time will come, sooner or later."
Ian Lowry:
"I'm happy to be back on the podium and I can take positives from that. I
got caught up a little behind Chris Martin, which let Kennaugh and Richards
away at the front. I pushed hard for a few laps and gapped Martin but it was
too late to close in on the boys at the front. I just settled for a no
heroics finish and took my podium. It's points in the bag and I'm now
looking forward to Brands Hatch next weekend."
Philip Neill - Team Principal:
"That was a very tough weekend with the up and down conditions, but to bring
both riders home with not a scratch on the bikes is just what we needed.
Michael has continued to meet all our expectations and could easily have
scored his first podium this weekend. He is gearing up for a solid
championship position and his podium will come. He has been consistent in
all conditions and is ticking all the boxes for us at Relentless Suzuki.
"The Relentless Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike is running almost perfectly
thanks to our team. Big thanks must also go to the outside assistance we
receive from K-Tech and Motec Europe who have improved the suspension and
electronics on our bike. We are now the top Suzuki in the championship and
that is very satisfying.
"Ian will possibly be a little disappointed with his performance after such
a dominant qualifying on the K8 GSX-R600 Suzuki, but it was a solid result.
He possibly showed too much respect for the conditions getting caught behind
Chris Martin. What he did show at the end of the race was maturity, settling
for a safe third when he knew that Richards and Kennaugh were gone at the
front. Its points on the board and that's vital.
"In closing, and on behalf of everyone at Relentless Suzuki, I'd like to
pass on my heartfelt sympathy to Martin Finnegan's family circle and
friends. Martin will be a big loss to international road racing, both in the
paddock and on the track."
Supersport Results: 1 Glen Richards (Triumph), 2 Hudson
Kennaugh (Yamaha), 3 Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki).
BRUISED ALSTARE MEN READY FOR MONZA -
Team Suzuki Press Office - May 6.
 Team
Alstare Suzuki head to the fifth World Superbike Championship round at Monza
this weekend battered and bruised but eager to attack the podium at the
famous Italian circuit.
Fonsi Nieto injured his knee in the last round in Valencia and was unable to
train until yesterday but is keen to put away his Assen disappointment and
get back on the podium again.
Although Max Neukirchner did not fall in Assen, his superb podium in race
one masked his ongoing recovery from the broken collarbone sustained in the
previous round in Valencia.
Yukio Kagayama was the only one of the three not troubled by injury as the
team left the Netherlands and the Japanese rider is really looking forward
to Monza and its high-speed turns.
Fonsi Nieto:
"Last year at Monza, I was on a different bike, so the first thing I will
have to do is learn the circuit on my GSX-R1000 Suzuki. It is a not a
difficult circuit but it is a circuit where you have to have a good bike
set-up and also know when to use slipstreaming. Our bike has got good top
speed and I hope to be able to use this advantage to good effect in the
races. But first I have to qualify well. This has been a bit of a problem
and meant that I've had to work extra hard in the opening laps, so I'm
hoping to do better in qualifying and Superpole this weekend."
Yukio Kagayama:
"Last year my Monza results were so-so and this year I want to do much, much
better. I like high-speed corners and I think we can have a good result at
Monza. My plan is to do a good qualifying and Superpole and be in a good
position on race day. Then, I just want to attack the podium!"
Max Neukirchner:
"My body was destroyed after the second race in Assen, but now I have had
time to recover and I am looking forward to Monza. I think the track should
suit our bike and I am looking for at least one podium. Slipstreaming is
crucial at Monza and it's easy to get caught out at the end of the race.
It's possible to be fifth going into the Ascari chicane and still win the
race, so tactics are very important and you have to have a good plan if you
want the podium."
2007 Results:
Race 1: 1 Haga (J-Yamaha), 2 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati), 3 Biaggi
(I-Suzuki). 6 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare). 10 Max Neukirchner
(D-Suzuki). Fonsi Nieto (E-Kawasaki) DNF.
Race 2: 1 Haga, 2 Toseland (GB-Honda), 3 Bayliss. 7
Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki). 12 Max Neukirchner (D-Suzuki).
Fonsi Nieto (E-Kawasaki) DNF.
Pit Pass Radio - Weekly Motorcycle Talk Show - News
release
Top people from the motorcycle industry give their uncut opinions and race
stories. Get your weekly motorcycle news live from Pit Pass Radio.
7 PM to 9 PM Central - streaming from
www.pitpassradio.com
- First Hour -
Roger Edmondson - President, Daytona Motorsports Group
Roger Edmondson has wasted no time in jumping back into AMA Road Racing. He
recently announced the proposed structure of the road racing classes for
2009. He has also made a few additions to his team at DMG. Roger joins to
discuss the new structure for 2009, and to update us on what has been
happening since the announcement at the Daytona 200.
www.grand-am.com
Jake Hamlin - MX Tire Technician, Pirelli
Jake oversees all track side - motorcycle support at the off road events.
They have a new rig this year that travels to the entire Supercross and
Outdoor Nationals plus a few select events throughout the year. He will be
on to talk about how they have stepped up their program and signed some
great teams and used the feedback to develop a better tire. They look to
sign a major factory support team in the 2009 season to help better
establish the brand in the U.S.
www.pirellityre.com
- Second Hour -
Doug Henry - Team Advisor, Graves Motorsports Yamaha Supermoto team
Doug is one of the most popular motocross/supermoto racers ever to throw a
leg over a bike. More importantly, he is also one of the most respected
riders on the planet. His smooth style and determination led him to 25
Supercross and Motocross wins and four championships during his motocross
career.Doug sustained a severe injury at a Supermoto race in 2007 and now is
the team advisor to the Graves Motorsports Yamaha Supermoto team. Their
rider, Mark Burkhart, won the Supermoto Gold Helmet in Navy Moto X World
Championships, Doug was also announcing at the event.
www.gravesport.com
Alan Wilson - CEO/General Manager, Miller Motorsports Park
Alan is one of the preeminent track designers in the world, and 27 of his
designs have been constructed to date, ranging from small club tracks like
Carolina Motorsports Park and Gingerman to full-bore major facilities like
Miller Motorsports Park and Barber Motorsports Park. MMP track owner Larry
Miller convinced him to put his design business on the back burner and come
take the helm at this track. Alan joins us to talk about MMP, the other
famous tracks he has designed and the upcoming World Superbike Race.
www.millermotorsportspark.com
Curt Leaverton- CEO, C&L Companies
C&L Companies owns the brands Hot Rods, Pivot Works, and Hot Cams. For years
the motto has been: Three Great Companies "Under One Roof." Now they are
branching out into complete cylinder manufacturing offering standard and big
bore. Curt will be in-studio with us to talk about the new company and what
brands and models they will offer cylinders for.
www.pivotworks.com
Crew at Pit Pass Radio
Scott Casber, Tony Wenck, Tony Tice, Jack DeLeon and Ed Kuhlenkamp,
Build-Momentum
Pit Pass Radio is a syndicated motorcycle talk-radio show heard across the
U.S. on radio stations and around the world via the internet at
www.pitpassradio.com
. The show airs every Tuesday from 5-7 pm Pacific, 6-8 pm Mountain, 7-9 pm
Central, and 8-10 pm Eastern at
www.pitpassradio.com
. Companies interested in advertising on the show or marketing partnerships
can contact Ed Kuhlenkamp at (336) 293-9103, or
ed@build-momentum.com .
Interested in the Pit Pass community visit us at
www.myspace.com/pitpassradio
If you have any questions you can call in toll free 866-333-5966, or
515-284-5966.
Carey Hart, Legendary Freestyle Rider, to Compete at
AMA Weekend in Sonoma - News release
Carey Hart, one of the world’s best known freestyle motocross riders, will
be at Infineon Raceway, May 16-18, for the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown,
presented by Supercuts.
If you’d like to catch a glimpse of this star rider, head up to the Infineon
Raceway Karting Center. He’ll be a competitor in the Supermoto USA racing
action on the world-class 16-turn kart track.
Hart, best known for his signature trick called the “Hart Attack,” was the
first rider to complete a back-flip on a 250cc motorcycle. He accomplished
the feat at the 2000 Gravity Games. Since then, he has won just about every
form of competition, and in the process, broken more than 60 bones in his
body.
Hart has also appeared on the hit reality show The Surreal Life and was
formerly married to singer Pink.
Hart will be one of the more than 300 competitors expected to take to the
track in the 3rd annual Supermoto USA event. Riders will navigate a
course-mix of pavement and dirt, backing into corners over 90 mph to
determine champions in several classes. Racing takes place Friday through
Sunday, with $5,000 in cash and prizes on the line.
Pair deny involvement in massive speed syndicate
Brisbane Times, Australia - Two men arrested
during a police investigation into a "complex and entangled" national drug
network have denied producing and selling speed.
James Thomas O'Brien, 61, and Stephen John Philp, 52, pleaded not guilty
today in the Supreme Court in Brisbane to a string of drug charges,
including trafficking and producing methylamphetamine.
During the first day of their trial, the court was told the pair had been
involved in a major drug syndicate worth millions of dollars that sold drugs
in Queensland and interstate.
It's alleged O'Brien - who faces one trafficking charge and seven counts of
producing a dangerous drug - was the head of the operation from 1997 until
his arrest in 2003, and that Philp joined the syndicate as O'Brien's
right-hand man in 2001.
Prosecutor Michael Byrne told the court the syndicate was responsible for a
large number of speed "cooks" at various properties outside Mackay,
Rockhampton and Dalby.
It's alleged the speed was then distributed to contacts throughout the
country, including Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
On one occasion, Mr Byrne said, the speed was transported in packages taped
underneath a car, while on another occasion it was packed into a
hollowed-out wooden plank and attached to the top of a utility truck.
The court was told Philp - who is charged with one count each of trafficking
and possessing items used for the production of a dangerous drug, and three
counts of producing - had often couriered the drugs, and that he was in a
car with O'Brien when it was intercepted on the Gold Coast.
The car allegedly contained a large amount of precursor chemicals and cash.
Mr Byrne did not give an estimated value of the drugs allegedly produced and
sold during the six-year period, but said they were worth an "extremely
large amount".
He told the court financial experts would testify that they uncovered $1.9
million of unexplained expenditure beyond what could be legitimately
accounted during an audit of the financial records of those allegedly
involved in the syndicate.
The jury also was shown a photograph found at the Rebels outlaw motorcycle
club's Rockhampton headquarters that showed O'Brien standing in front of a
large amount of cash.
The prosecution's key witness is expected to be O'Brien's former partner,
Debra Dangerfield, and her son Corey, who are expected to testify to
observing a large number of "cooks" and the handling of large amounts of
cash.
The trial continues before Justice Roslyn Atkinson.
Rock and Blues Custom Show cancellation confirmed
Visordown.com - Organisers confirm cancellation
after fears of retaliation over Hells Angel M40 murder
ORGANISERS OF The Rock and Blues Festival have agreed to scrap the event
over fears it could become a battleground for rival biker gangs over the
death of Hells Angel Gerard Tobin, who was shot dead while riding along the
M40 last August.
The organisers, One Percent, released a statement last night stating the
comapny's decision would prove to police that it wanted to co-operate.
It said: "For reasons completely unconnected with the organisers of the
show, Derbyshire Constabulary have this year decided to object to the event
at Catton Hall, citing possible public disorder. We have not received
threats of any kind about this event, however we have a duty to customers,
employees and the general public to take very seriously any representations
made by the police based on intelligence which they have.
"It is hoped that the police will accept our decision to withdraw from this
year's event as the strongest possible indication of our willingness to
co-operate with them and that it will be possible in the future for other
events to be organised." The festival was previously held at Pentrich but
was switched to Catton Hall, in Walton-on-Trent, over flooding fears.
Injured motorcyclist in critical condition
Daily Camera, CO - A motorcyclist seriously
injured over the weekend after colliding with a Buick Le Sabre in Lyons
remains in critical condition, according to the Boulder County Sheriff's
Office.
John Williamson, 49, of Greeley, was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle
westbound in the 200 block of Main Street at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday when an
82-year-old woman exited the parking lot of a restaurant in her Le Sabre and
turned east toward Longmont, sheriff's officers reported.
The Le Sabre struck Williamson, who wasn't wearing a helmet.
When the Lyons Fire Department arrived at the scene, crews said they found
the motorcyclist on the pavement with a head injury, according to the
sheriff's office. Both vehicles were traveling at slower speeds and
sustained minor damage.
The woman involved in the collision wasn't hurt and was ticketed for
careless driving resulting in injury.
Sheriff's Cmdr. Phil West said Williamson has had in surgery for his head
injuries, and deputies are continuing to investigate the crash.
When weather begins to turn nice, West said, the county sees a fast influx
in motorcyclists — especially in and around Lyons.
"It is a popular ride because of its access to Rocky Mountain National Park
and Estes Park," West said.
The most obvious and beneficial safety precaution to take when on a
motorcycle, West said, is to wear a helmet.
"It's always a good idea," he said.
Deer crash sends biker to hospital
Times Herald-Record, NY - SHAWANGUNK — A deer
ran into a motorcycle traveling west on Route 52 in Walker Valley at 4:10
a.m. today, sending the rider to the hospital.
Robert G. Johnston, 51, was thrown from his bike and hit his head, losing
consciousness, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.
Johnston was treated at the scene by Pine Bush Ambulance and the Walker
Valley Fire Department. He was air lifted to St. Francis Hospital for
treatment.
Stockton motorcyclists injured in crash
South County Mail, MO - A motorcyclist and his
passenger, both of Stockton, were injured Saturday, May 3, when their
motorcycle ran off the road near Collins.
According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Gregory R. Barnes, 58, was
seriously injured when his 1996 Harley David-son motor-cycle ran off Highway
J seven miles southwest of Collins at 8:10 p.m.
After Barnes reportedly lost control of the motorcycle in gravel, the
motorcycle ran into a ditch, ejecting both occupants.
Barnes' passenger, Monica R. Peer, 44, received minor injuries and was taken
to Citizen's Memorial Hospital in Bolivar. Barnes was taken to St. John's
Hospital in Springfield.
Both subjects were wearing helmets.
House panel repeals mandatory helmet law
The Daily Advertiser, LA - BATON ROUGE - Less
than one week into Motorcycle Safety Month, a House committee has voted to
lift the law requiring motorcycle riders to wear safety helmets.
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle on Louisiana highways would be
optional for anyone age 18 or older if House Bill 1295 by Rep. Mert Smiley,
R-Port Vincent, becomes law. The bill was approved Tuesday by the House
Transportation Committee with a 10-5 vote.
"If you pass this bill, people wearing certified helmets will keep wearing
them," Smiley told the committee. "You're not losing a thing by passing
this."
Smiley, who got unanimous approval Monday of a bill requiring motorcycle
safety training courses for new riders, included a mandatory education
component in HB1295, too.
He said it could lead to more people wearing approved helmets instead of
"novelty" ones that offer little protection.
Louisiana has had an on-again, off-again helmet law since 1968, most
recently altered by Gov. Mike Foster, who in 1999 made it optional like
Smiley's bill.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who reinstated the mandatory law in 2004.
Former Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Director Jim Champagne, who says
he lost his job because he disagreed with Gov. Bobby Jindal on the helmet
issue, told the committee that wearing a helmet "may be the one thing that
protects you from a head injury."
Champagne said motorcycle riders make up 1.5 percent of the motoring public
but 8 percent of traffic deaths.
Arguing for the bill, Duane Cowart of Baton Rouge said 30 states allow
riders a choice and 20 states, including Louisiana, require helmets.
Cowart said the biggest problem is that automobile drivers run over
motorcycles, not that the motorcyclists have done anything wrong.
"Without a helmet, you see better, hear better and are more aware," so
riders can better avoid getting into collisions, he said.
Saying that riders would be safer without helmets "flies in the face of
logic and flies in the face of common sense," Champagne said.
"It's tantamount to believing in the tooth fairy."
Dr. Todd Thoma, emergency medicine specialist at the LSU Health Sciences
Center in Shreveport and Caddo Parish coroner, told the panel "I vehemently
oppose repealing this law."
"You're 32 times more likely to die when you get on a motorcycle," Thoma
said, so riders should want as much protection as they can get. "I ride a
motorcycle, but I wouldn't get on one without proper protection."
He said he now rides only off-road because "after 15 years in the trauma
center, I'm afraid to get on a highway."
Thoma said the legislation requiring helmets of drivers under age 18
protects the youngest riders but "the average age dying on a motorcycle is
35 years old."
Smiley said helmets are rated protective in crashes of only 13 to 19 mph, so
they are of little use at higher speeds.
Thoma said that rating is determined by bashing a helmet against a concrete
wall, not how helmets offer the most protection.
He said most collisions send drivers skipping across roadways and helmets
keep heads from banging on pavement.
He said helmets are 37 percent effective in reducing death and 67 percent
effective in reducing injury in major crashes.
Smiley's bill now goes to the House for debate.
New York City man killed in motorcycle-truck crash
Times Herald-Record, NY - ESOPUS - A New York
City man was killed and his female passenger was injured when his motorcyle
slammed into a truck on southbound Route 9W yesterday afternoon.
State police say Eric Fourier, 24, was attempting to pass a Town of Esopus
highway truck pulling a heavy equipment trailer at 1:39 p.m. when the truck
made a left onto Barry Drive. The motorcycle slammed into the trailer and
was pinned underneath.
Fourier was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital in
Poughkeepsie, where he was pronounced dead, state police say. His passenger,
Ekaterina Varlamova, 32, of New York, was flown to Westchester Medical
Center.
The driver of the truck, James Joyce, and his passenger, Trever Stevens,
both town highway employees, were unhurt. The road was closed for about
three hours.
Briefs: Elk Grove motorcyclist dies
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - An Elk Grove Village
motorcyclist injured in a March 24 crash died Monday in Elgin, officials
said. William R. Blizek, 65, was westbound on Route 20 at 2:45 p.m. on March
24 at the Villa Street exit when his motorcycle ran off the road and hit a
tree, police said.
Cause of fatal motorcycle crash under investigation
Terre Haute Tribune Star, IN - ROCKVILLE —
Authorities were investigating the cause of a motorcycle crash that claimed
the life of a Parke County man Monday afternoon.
Indiana Conservation Officer Dave Cruser reported that Jeffery E. Snider,
41, Lena, was traveling north on Lena Road near a residence at 10500 N. Lena
Road, on a motorcycle, when the bike reportedly hit loose gravel, left the
roadway and struck a tree about 4:20 p.m.
According to an agency media release, Snider was not wearing a helmet and
suffered head and chest injuries. He was pronounced dead at Clay St. Vincent
Hospital in Brazil.
Part of Grape Road in Mishawaka closed after fatal accident
WSBT-TV, IN - Mishawaka Police have identified
a man who died in a Grape Road accident Tuesday night.
Authorities said Nicholas Bernardi, 21, of South Bend, was driving a
motorcycle in the 4600 block of Grape Road about 8:15 p.m. when a car driven
by 17-year-old Shawna Fisher, also of South Bend, pulled out of the Outback
Steakhouse parking lot and collided with the southbound Bernardi.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Bernardi's passenger, Dawn Price, 36,
of South Bend, was taken to Memorial Hospital with serious injuries after
she was thrown 115 feet from the bike.
Fisher sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident.
Police say the motorcyclist's excessive speed appears to be a factor in the
crash.
Bernardi was traveling with two other motorcycles who fled the scene at the
time of the accident.
“We want to talk to them,” Spencer told the Tribune.
Hundreds of people filed out of Grape Road businesses and watched as police
worked the scene. All four lanes of Grape between Day Road and Edison Lakes
Parkway were closed for more than two hours.
Andrew Teeter was in the Outback parking lot when he heard engines revving.
He saw the motorcycle go 20 feet in the air, he said.
Authorities are asking any witnesses to call Capt. Tim Spencer at (574)
259-2966 if they have not yet spoken with police.
FRANKLIN: Crash leaves motorcyclist injured
Vineland Daily Journal, NJ - FRANKLIN -- Police
are investigating a motorcycle crash that left a man injured early this
evening.
According to Franklin police, Larry Brickner, of Mantua was airlifted to
Cooper University Medical Center after an SUV pulled into the path of his
motorcycle at the intersection of Delsea Drive and Marshall Mill Road.
The driver of the SUV, Henry McGrorry of Franklinville, was attempting a
left turn off Marshall Mill Road when he allegedly pulled into the path of
Brickner, police said. McGrorry was not injured.
One dead in motorcycle-dump truck crash
Mid-Hudson News, NY - ESOPUS – A New York City
man was killed and his female passenger was injured when the motorcycle on
which they were riding crashed into a dump truck towing a trailer.
The accident Tuesday afternoon occurred on Route 9W in the Town of Esopus,
State Police at Highland said.
The operator of the bike, identified as Eric Fourier, 24, was pronounced
dead at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. His passenger, Ekatrina
Varlamova, 32, was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of
her injuries.
Police said the pair was traveling southbound on Route 9W. Fournier was
passing other southbound traffic when he struck the trailer being towed by
the truck as the truck was making a left turn onto Barry drive.
The motorcycle slid on its side, lodging underneath the trailer.
State Police were assisted at the scene by Ulster County Sheriff’s
Department and the Highland and Esopus fire departments.
The road was closed for three hours.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident In Marion County.
WRCB-TV, TN - The Tennessee Highway Patrol is
investigating a fatal motorcycle accident in Marion County. This is the
second fatal motorcycle accident in 5 days in Marion County.
THP Officers say that accident occured just after 5pm Eastern. It occured on
Highway 27 south of Powells Crossroads. 21 year old Todd Layne of Whitwell
was driving his 1999 Susuki Motorcycle north on Highway 27. A 2002 Ford F250
Pickup Truck was driving south on Highway 27. The pickup truck attempted to
make a left hand turn into a private driveway. The pickup truck turned into
the path of the motorcycle. Layne skidded about 177 feet before stricking
the pickup truck head on. Layne and his motorcycle went airborne and hit a
third vehicle. Layne was then thrown 15 feet into a ditch. Layne is the only
fatality. The pickup truck was driven by Flenn Fulghum, 57, of Sequatchie
County, Tennessee. The third vehicle was unoccupied.
Motorcycle rally draws handful
Olney Daily Mail - Press Mentor, MA - Ten
bikers took to the road Saturday morning during the 21st annual Christian
Motorcyclists Association’s “Run For The Son” motorcycle ride.
CMA chapters across the country participated in the event, raising money for
motorcycles for pastors around the world, “Jesus Film” and motorcyclists in
the United States and internationally.
After meeting at Olney City Park, members of Olney Cross Road Riders then
gathered for a prayer before starting their engines and heading south on
Ill. 130 for the 150-mile round trip.
Olney Cross Road Riders President John Bach, right, shows his motorcycle
Saturday morning to member John Stoll prior to the start of Christian
Motorcyclists Association’s 21st annual “Run For The Son” motorcycle ride at
Olney City Park.
Cross Road Riders is one of 960 CMA chapters.
President John Bach, of Olney, said he has been riding motorcycles since
1996. He got involved in CMA because he liked that the organization is
family oriented. He said he knows there are other groups that drink and
drive, but is glad that CMA is not part of that.
Lloyd Schrader, of Sumner, is one of the founding members of the chapter,
which started about 10 years ago.
“I like to ride because of the fellowship, the feeling of freedom when
you’re riding,” he said.
He said he has been riding motorcycles for about 15 years. When he was
younger, he rode dirt bikes, but said his riding days were numbered once he
started raising a family. “You don’t have time or money,” he said.
Schrader said all CMA chapters participate in the event, except the chapter
in Louisville because of the Kentucky Derby.
John Stoll has been involved in the organization since 1985 when he was part
of the Vincennes Freedom Riders.
He has been riding motorcycles since 1980. “I just like to get on the road
and ride,” he said.
He said that he and his wife have gone to California to ride five times and
are planning to travel there again this summer.
2 injured Monday in Edmond crash
NewsOK.com (subscription), OK - A motorcyclist
critically injured when he was hit by a sport utility vehicle in east Edmond
was identified Tuesday by police.
Adam Aldridge, 32, Luther, remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon
at Presbyterian Hospital.
Aldridge was driving a motorcycle eastbound on E Second Street when he was
hit by an SUV traveling north on Post Road about 5:10 p.m. Monday, said
Glynda Chu, Edmond police spokeswoman.
He was not wearing a helmet and was taken by medical helicopter to the
Oklahoma City hospital.
Alvin Meyer, 60, Ponca City, was driving the SUV. He was treated and
released for non life-threatening injuries after being pinned in his
vehicle. He was extricated by the Edmond Fire Department.
The motorcyclist did not have a stop sign at the intersection. Meyer had
stopped and began going north on Post Road, but did not see the motorcycle
because another car was turning, Chu said.
The accident is still under investigation. No one has been given a ticket,
Chu said.
CHARITY: Tri-City motorcyclists collect donations for nursery
Mid Columbia Tri City Herald, WA - Mid-Columbia
motorcyclists collected nine months worth of diapers and raise nearly $2,000
for Kennewick’s Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery on Saturday.
The 10th annual Horse Heaven Hills Motorcycle Event collected clothing and
nearly 5,000 diapers for the nonprofit nursery.
This was the third year the group of several local motorcycle clubs
participated in the diaper run to help Safe Harbor. |
