MOTOGP PRE-SEASON KICKS OFF IN JEREZ:The first official MotoGP test of 2008 got underway in Jerez last weekend and the fastest man around the Spanish track was American Nicky Hayden aboard his number 69 Repsol Honda.
The Honda rider was the only one to lap under 1'39", which was half a second quicker than team-mate Danni Pedrosa's pole time at Jerez in 2007.
Second fastest was Spanish Fiat Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo four-tenths behind Hayden, with impressive rookie Andrea Dovizioso third and Randy DePunier fourth. British rider James Toseland was sixth fastest, but crashed heavily on cold tyres early on the Monday session and missed two hours of the test undergoing X-rays on an injured ankle.
SIKH CLAIMS RIGHT TO GO HELMET-FREE
Devout Sikh Baljinder Badesha is challenging a $110 ticket he received for not wearing a helmet on religious grounds. The Canadian rider's solicitor, Owen Rees of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, argued that Ontario's helmet law violates his religious freedom as his beliefs prevent him from wearing anything over his turban. State solicitors refute the claim, explaining there is no suggestion that riding a motorcycle is a protected religious belief; however, devout Sikhs have already won the right to be exempt from helmet laws in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba.
REGISTRATION FOR DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE OPENS SOON
The 2008 Ducati Riding Experience is about to get into gear and will be offering courses for enthusiasts who wish to improve their driving technique, as well as those looking to get on a bike for the first time. Advanced riders will get to experience the new 848, Hypermotard, 1098 and 1098 S on the track, while the highly anticipated Monster 696, which has yet to be launched, will become the motorcycle for the basic course. Details from: ducati.com.
CHEAP RACING WITH ACU SUZUKI CHAMPIONSHIP
Following a hugely successful debut year in 2007, the exciting 10-round 2008 ACU Suzuki GSX-R Championship is getting ready for an even bigger second. The objective of the championship is to provide club riders and those new to motorcycle road racing, a simple equitable and affordable racing class that could open the door to bigger and better things. For just £12,890 (roughly €17,060) riders get to compete in the 10-round championship on a new GSX-R 600 K8 motorcycle (which becomes your property when you collect it) complete with a race body kit in regulation Championship colours (with space for personal sponsors, of course). Go to gsxrtrophy.co.uk for more details.
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