Salt Lake Motorsports

Saturday’s MotoGP US Grand Prix was a cat and mouse game with leaders Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner of Team Ducati. Although Stoner took the lead out of the gate, Rossi had the lead most of the race. Stoner made a few passes, only to be surpassed again by a fierce Rossi. Then, with eight laps to go, Stoner took a turn too wide and went off the track. He fell off of his bike but managed to keep it running, get back on the track, and not lose his position. Rossi crossed the finish line 13 seconds ahead of Stoner, with Australian Chris Vermeulen taking third. It was the Italian’s first win at Laguna Seca. He now stands in first with Stoner 25 points behind him in second.

We at Salt Lake Motorsports enjoyed meeting some of our online customers at the HANNspree Super Bike World Championship. The race marked the return of World Superbike to the United States for the first time since 2004. The two day event drew the largest crowd of spectators in Miller Motorsports Park history.

Rookie Checa took his first SBK win after starting from pole, moving into the lead on lap 4 and having an untroubled run to the flag. Second place went to an on-form Troy Corser, who had not finished on the podium since the Spanish round at Valencia in early April, while Fabrizio powered his way up to third. Championship leader Bayliss had a nasty crash on lap 5 at the final turn while battling for second. To make up for this, Michel Fabrizio got his first podium in SBK for both races. Congratulations team Ducati.

Stop in the shop and check out the 2007 Sport Classic models we have in stock, Ducati is taking $750 off the current sticker price. Our next track day will be happening on July 13th, so hurry in and sign up. While you are here you can check out our spectacular savings on apparel.

The shop is buzzing as the season is in full swing. One of the season highlights is Saturday the 17th, when we’ll premier the new Monster 696! Free brats on the grill from 11-4pm. Then the HANNspree Superbike World Championship will return to the U.S. for the first time in 4 years May 29th to June 1st at Miller, sharing the weekend with the AMA Superbike Championships. We’ll be celebrating at the shop all weekend starting on the 28th, with new Bayliss racing t-shirts, championship paraphernalia and a number of killer apparel sales you don’t want to miss. Don’t want to carry your purchase with you? We’ll ship it for free that following Monday for orders over $150.00, and for a flat $8 shipping fee for purchases below that amount. Stop in Friday the 30th from noon to 4pm for a free barbeque. See you at the shop on 916 South Main!

Four days at the Estoril circuit were completed with a test session on April 14th with warm and sunny conditions. During the test Stoner settled a consistent pace in the 1’37s. “I’m happy with the work we’ve done today. We modified a few things that made the bike a little less nervous over the bumps and allowed me to lap in 1’37s with more consistency than I managed yesterday. We also tried a few new tyres and found some interesting things.” Fellow Ducati Marlboro Team rider Marco Melandri found his fastest lap at 1′39.725, saying “Things have improved a little and I’m quite pleased. We need to continue and be positive, work together and I’m sure we’ll find the way forward.” Current world standings have Stoner in 4th and Melandri in 13th. Rumors were also abound this week that Team Ducati Marlboro is doing outside tests on the Desmosedici GP8 with former GP riders Troy Bayliss and Max Biaggi, confirming that the team may make such a move with Marco Melandri.

The first night ride in the history of the MotoGP was held last weekend in Qatar. But Ducati MotoGP Team rider Casey Stoner wasn’t afraid of the dark. He started the defense of his title from fourth on the grid and had dropped to fifth by the end of the first lap, before charging through to set up a stirring battle with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. The Spanish rookie proved to be the most difficult obstacle between Stoner and his eleventh career MotoGP win but by the eighth lap Stoner was in control and little by little he opened out an insurmountable gap.

Ducati Xerox Team rider Troy Bayliss pulls off historic double win at Phillip Island.

This was Bayliss’ last race in front of his home crowd at Phillip Island, and he rode both races with perfection (despite an elbow injury). He led the pack from the start of Race 1, and again for most of Race 2 – after rival Corser crashed out. Teammate Michel Fabrizio placed 3rd in Race 1. But an unfortunate penalty left him unable to catch up in Race 2, for a 19th place finish. Bayliss now leads the championship with 88 points, 27 points ahead of the next closest rider. Michel Fabrizio is in 8th place overall.

Keep your eye on SLMS for information about tickets to the World SBK event at Miller Motorsports Park June 1st! It’s been 4 years since the FIM Superbike World Championship has raced in America, and we’re proud to have it right here in Utah! It will share the track that weekend with the AMA Superbike Champs. “This will be the biggest international sporting event in this state since the Olympic Winter Games in 2002“, said track owner Larry H. Miller.
In other news, the big racing circuits – AMA, SBK and MotoGP – have begun with a bang, with Ducati Xerox team rider Troy Bayliss achieving a historic double win at Phillip Island on March 2nd.
Ducati Spring apparel is arriving soon and it is looking hot! Finally, be sure to stop by SLMS to secure your spot at the SLMS Ducati Track Day at MMP on April 26th. Details forthcoming.

MotoGP, World Superbike and AMA Superbike…. motorcycle racing at its best can’t come soon enough for most of us. But it’s now one step closer! The major circuits have announced their 2008 schedules, and you can get them right here at SLMS!
2008 MotoGP Race Schedule
2008 World SBK Race Schedule
2008 AMA Superbike Race Schedule (coming soon)

Casey Stoner and the entire Ducati MotoGP Team have had a taste of the season at the first ‘qualifying’ session of 2008. Track conditions weren’t always optimal as the rain downpoured at the Official MotoGP Test at Jerez de la Frontera. Marco Melandri was one of the victims of the tricky conditions and he lost control of his GP8, escaping injury in the ensuing crash – his first with the Ducati – and returning to the track in time to join the battle for lap times. Casey Stoner set the benchmark on the second day at 1’49.263. A small crash midway through the afternoon on the final day did nothing to dent the Australian’s satisfaction at a job well done over the three days. Melandri continued to work hard with his crew to improve the feeling with the rear end of his bike although he was unable to find the ideal setting for this track. The next appointment for the Ducati MotoGP Team is a two-day test under floodlights in Doha, Qatar, on the 28th and 29th February.

The snow might be falling but Salt Lake Motorsports is already in full swing and gearing up for the season. All new Ducati Hottie Apparel is coming in March; check back for details. We are looking forward to a brand new spring line of Ducati and Puma apparel, slated to premier in April ‘08. We just received a huge shipment of the Ducati Puma Boots, so you’re sure to find your style in the size you need. SLMS Electronic Gift Cards are coming soon, in addition to the Rev’It Apparel Collection. And be sure to check out the Clearance Section for jaw dropping low prices… sizes are limited, but the discounts are not. And as always, stop by the shop on Main St. or the Ducati Cafe in Park City to see what’s new in store!