Making A Female Statement @ MOTO GP INDIANAPOLIS

If you know me, you’ll recall the teasing I did last season with regard to the MotoGP venue Indy. I had achieved full media accreditation for this American race venue in August and was so excited about attending! Plus, BMW Motorrad Canada given me a F800ST inclusive panniers to ride to Indianapolis on. I went alone, but was meeting up with Dutch friends (Frank pictured announcing live to NL in the broadcasting room Indy --what a great view!). It took one day (in the rain) from Toronto to Indianapolis. It was the same back from Indy, one day where at least the weather was superb!

Well, I had the best time! Hung out with good and very much missed Dutch friends, and enjoyed a dinner with the Dutch 125cc race team—what fun! There were so many others I knew. My access allowed me to be upfront with Rossi, Hayden, Mamola, Lorenzo and more as you might imagine. Note the pic of Rossi, I took while standing right in front of the bike!

After returning home I discovered the local columnist, Tim Rivers whom I had spoken to published a pretty good article in local Kokomotribune. Even though this happened last summer (I must find a way to get these things more promptly posted) I thought I’d share it in my blog. I hope you enjoy the read and the pics too!

::: In its 61st season, MotoGP is growing Interest of women cyclists can’t be ignored The International spectacle of motorcycle racing attracts fans from many walks of life. The globetrotting league known as the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme) was founded in 1949. In 2008, MotoGP celebrated its 60th season. It is the oldest motorsports championship in the world. More than 2.4 million fans watched 18 MotoGP events in 14 countries in 2008. MotoGP earns its international status naturally by starting the season off in Qatar and then jetting to Spain, Portugal, China, France, Italy, back to Spain, England, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, back to Italy, back to the United States, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and finishing up in Spain.

Even the 2008 Indianapolis MotoGP event, which was pounded with bad weather, was fairly successful. The 28-lap race was stopped at lap 20 amidst winds of up to 60 miles per hour and the pounding rain. The riders were disappointed that the race did not run its full course. One has to question their sanity, running at high speeds in those conditions. It certainly illustrates their commitment to the sport. Fans still showed up to eventually see Valentino Rossi of Italy win the 2008 Indianapolis GP at an average speed of 84.201 mph. By comparison, this year’s winner, Jorge Lorenzo of Spain, completed the race with an average speed of 192.75 miles per hour. Alex de Angelis of Italy became the first rider to break the 200 miles per hour barrier with a speed of 201.3 miles per hour. Each race was exciting but for different reasons. The 2008 race was a daring display of skill in the face of disaster brought on by the foul weather.

This year, with good weather, the race was more characteristic of a normal MotoGP event with higher speeds and fierce competition providing the excitement. Much like Formula One, fans are loyal and devoted to their rider or motorcycle manufacturer. Often wearing team colors or waving their favorite rider’s national flag, it takes little imagination to figure out their favorites. In a sport dominated by men, inevitably, the question arises as to how many women have graced the MotoGP circuit.

There have been only four women in the last 20 years to compete in FIM events and of those, only one (Gina Bovaird of the U.S.) has ever taken to the 500cc MotoGP class. According to Vicki Gray, Director of Motoress.com, more women are getting involved in motorcycling of all types. A quick visit to her website explains the mindset: “Our philosophy is inspired by free-spirited, positive thinking individuals who are optimistic, sympathetic, determined, open-minded, inspiring, non-conformist and fun. Simply said — Motoress is an attitude, a lifestyle, a woman, a ride.” Indeed, there is a growing number of women interested in motorcycling and they have a qualified voice in Motoress.com. Gray is quite the accomplished motorcyclist, having ridden her BMW to the race from Toronto. She’s also a motorcycle racer, instructor, coach, and columnist who has been riding since 1983.

According to Motoress.com, a recent press release from the American Motorcycle Industry Council with regard to their current Owner Survey and though not complete preliminary findings verify the increase of women riders. Through the first three quarters of 2008 the survey was finding a 29 percent increase in the percentage of female owners, compared to 2003. That last survey found that 9.6 percent of owners were women. Over the first nine months of 2008, the number had grown to 12.4 percent. This is likely the most substantial rider segment of growth in their findings which is logical if you compare the growth of women in other segments such as single home owners and business operators. One thing is for certain, whether it’s NASCAR, IRL, F1 or MotoGP, eventually a woman is going to appear on the scene and school all of the “good ol’ boys” at their own sport. I’m looking forward to this, it should be entertaining.

A Piece of Valentino Rossi's Yamaha M1 for your Very Own

What would you do to own something that’s been used by the amazing Valentino Rossi? Just about anything? I agree. Similar to collecting art, or motorcycle’s, or say...art deco perfume bottles. But for those of us passionately rooted to the MotoGP and its phenomenon Rossi, this would be a most amazing prize. And one that as you read further, is born from simple good will.

On April 6th two parts of Valentino Rossi’s title-winning 2009 Yamaha M1 MotoGP racer tail piece will be auctioned off to help the victims of the L'Aquila earthquake. If you recall the time of Qatar opener last year, the quake struck the region of L’Abruzzo. At its tragic anniversary, now one year later, the auction will occur. Its aim to continue to provide assistance to the victims and the community.

“There’s a bit of Abruzzo in my ninth world title,” said Rossi “I’ve never forgotten the images of the earthquake and the immense tragedy that followed. This is a way to tell the people that we haven’t forgotten, and we want to support the reconstruction of the city of L’Aquila and the neighbouring towns destroyed by the quake. It’s also an invitation to focus on young people, on students to help this land and its extraordinary people and get them up and running again. We’re going to be auctioning the two parts of the tail section of the Yamaha that I used in Qatar. In that race in April, to show my closeness to the population affected by the earthquake, I put the “Forza Abruzzo” sticker on my Yamaha”, he stated. (*source Rossi press release)

The tail section has been cut into two and both halves are autographed by Rossi!
You’ve got until 5 April 10 am CET (Central European Time) to register on the website and place your bid. Its in Italian yet simple to navigate.

That Rossi, a champion in every way!
Good luck!

VALENTINO ROSSI'S FLIRTING WITH THIRTY.

Nearly one week ago now, on the 16th of February, the most unique talent in MotoGP racing, Valentino Rossi the name every woman motorcyclist knows, loves; the person we all want so badly to spend time with either on or off a motorcycle-- celebrated his 30th birthday! By the way, we're both Aquarian's!

Have a look at all the special brithday messages he received on the British news site--even those from his mother and father! They all help us see a bit deeper into the life of this unique racing human being.

Happy Belated Valentino! May you have many happy more!

Buon Compleanno!

MISSING ASSEN

Me, here in Toronto and my motor sport friends, racers, riders, instructors, manufacturers, press officers, all enjoying the 9th MotoGP this year, TT Circuit ASSEN—just over one week ago.

It’s a different sphere in Assen than World Super Bike, for some reason the MotoGP attracts the real “die hard” fans. Only once did I have to watch the GP from outside the track parameters—quite a wildness. The years that followed, never again. I was either assisting wild card rider friends or interviewing riders like Katja Poensgen—I never had to see the “other side” as I liked to call it.

Now to be on this side of the ocean, when all but 90 minutes once put me in the Assen paddock. Here where I can’t yet manage to catch a live sending of the race--maddening! Living in a country where most have no idea of what top level motor sport is all about-such a contrast to what I've been use to. But I have many fascinating memories and friends who send me personal reports--I manage to ignite the feelings of being there, from afar.

Here’s a pic of Valle in his early HONDA days—my girlfriend got his attention and then snap! I had spoken with him earlier (PS--note the Ducati Corse jacket--I was part of the MCT Ducati team). The big screen in the background showing the many umbrellas—it rained often in Assen. Ah the ambiance, the noise, the cheering, the mud in the parking lot, the amazing sounds of the GP bikes when they passed start/finish...OH–MY-GOD! Totally out of this world.

Usually I had a race of mine own shortly after the GP had been to town and all the lines and curb stones on the track had been repainted-- a vivid reminder of the talents that had been through the very same corners not so many days ago.

Rossi won again. He loves Assen its been quoted often. A track designed just for motorcycle racing. Then to see Chris Vermeulen on pole! I thought, this made sense, he knows Assen from his former years with Ten Kate. He spent much time and many laps on the circuit during non racing events etc. I recall one, I was working at the time with Ten Kate/Honda, where they hosted a family fun weekend. Chris along with Karl Muggeridge took passengers on the new CBR-RR’s pillion for a lap or two round the track. Chris showed off the 1000RR where top speeds went to 300kms.

And yes that’s Capirossi during a tour of Amsterdam’s diamond district (courtesy Press Assen/W.Lute). I'd say "I do" to his GPDucati any day in place of that big ole' diamond.

Rossi looked fantastic in his new colour scheme. (photo courtesy Press Assen/W.Lute) Did you notice the top of his helmet was an old 45 record and the back seems to have some kind of Elvis figure—rock and roll, yes he’s the king.