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New Play Station! ROSTER OF LEGENDS ASSEMBLED; FUNDRAISER DINNER ANNOUNCED Honorary Judges include eight-time Grand Prix World Champion Phil Read, eight-time ISDT winner and star of the film "On Any Sunday" Malcolm Smith, “Savior of the Ace Cafe” Mark Wilsmore, and – still pending per his rally car dates – motocross prodigy Travis Pastrana. The official panel of Industry Award Judges consists of Erik Buell, Founder and Chairman of Buell Motorcycles; Claudio Castiglioni, President of MV Agusta and Cagiva; Tom Purves, CEO of BMW; Matt Chambers, Founder and CEO of Confederate; and Michael Lock, CEO of Ducati North America. Among the 41 international experts comprising the roster of Class Judges, included are Hall of Fame inductees Don Emde and Craig Vetter, renowned builder George Beale, author Mick Duckworth, Art of the Motorcycle curators Ultan Guilfoyle and Charles Falco, and, specific to Norton – one of this year’s featured marques, American Kenny Dreer, Kiwi Ken McIntosh, and Englishman George “Flat Tank” Cohen, Of course there’s also 15-time Grand Prix World Champion Giacomo Agostini set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, noted racecar driver Chad McQueen to confer the Steve McQueen Award, special guest champion racer Mert Lawwill – star of "On Any Sunday", special guest Wayne Rainey – three-time Grand Prix World Champ, as well as renowned custom bike builders Jesse James, Paul Cox, Roger Goldammer and Shinya Kimura, all slated to participate. Tickets for the Concours d’Elegance are $50 in advance and may be purchased through the official event website, LegendoftheMotorcycle.com. Order
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Lorenzo Takes Maiden MotoGP Victory in Estoril The first lap was a close battle between Lorenzo, Rossi and Dani Pedrosa with Lorenzo just prevailing over the line. Rossi however then passed him into turn one and pushed on ahead, leaving his team-mate to defend second position from Pedrosa, who was right on his tail. It began to spot with rain but Lorenzo kept his head and kept in touch with Rossi, despite pressure from Pedrosa behind him. On lap 11 Pedrosa made it past Lorenzo and stayed in front of him for two laps, but the Mallorcan was clearly cruising and, after setting the fastest lap of the race so far on lap 12, the Michelin-shod rider passed Pedrosa into turn one and set off after Rossi. He made his move later that lap in typically flamboyant fashion with a bold pass at the chicane and from then on it was a one-man-show as he extended his lead and eventually crossed the line 1.817 seconds in front of Pedrosa, who had passed Rossi on lap 15. At just 20 years of age, Lorenzo's victory today makes him the youngest rider in premier-class history to take three successive podiums and he now shares the championship lead with Dani Pedrosa on 61 points. Rossi consolidates third with 47 points whilst Fiat Yamaha top the Team's table and Yamaha. "We more or less expected this," said the confident Spaniard, adding, "We didn't get a perfect lap, but in the end it was enough for pole. It's like we're in heaven, dreaming; for us everything that happens right now, whether it be pole positions or podiums, is a gift. Tomorrow we will fight as we always do, but still we have no pressure to win races and championships. If victory comes one day, then we'll be the happiest people on earth." Current World Championship leader Dani Pedrosa once again goes head to head with his countryman and arch-rival, as the only other rider to go round in under 1´36. The Repsol Honda rider has the chance to win consecutive races in MotoGP for the first time, but will have no shortage of competition in Sunday´s race. The only Bridgestone rider on hand to prevent a Michelin clean sweep at the top of the timesheet, Valentino Rossi defended the Japanese tyre manufacturer´s honour with his first front row since switching to the Bridgestone-shod Yamaha M1 package at the start of the season. He pushed his bike to the limit in his attempts to take pole, forced to make a spectacular save in the final minutes. Behind the five-time MotoGP World Champion with an enviable record in Portugal, Repsol Honda´s Nicky Hayden has also been going strong during the practice and qualifying sessions. The American heads the second row, ahead of the Tech 3 Yamaha duo of Colin Edwards and James Toseland. It was announced today that the relationship between the team and factory would be extended until the end of 2010, with Toseland onboard the M1 until at least the end of 2009, and the Briton will be looking to justify the decision with another top race result. Andrea Dovizioso was the fastest satellite Honda in seventh place, onboard the JiR Team Scot RC212V, whilst final Michelin-shod rider Randy de Puniet placed eighth. The Frenchman seemingly lacked confidence with grip after a morning crash, evidenced by his choosing to run the bike off track rather than lean into an early corner. Reigning MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner starts from the tail end of the third row in Estoril, after a problematic qualifying run. To add insult to injury, the Australian was also involved in a battle of gestures from new-boy Lorenzo early on in the session. Kawasaki´s John Hopkins completed the top ten, whilst there was a high-speed lowside crash for Suzuki´s Loris Capirossi once the qualifying rubber went on the GSV-R. 1. 48 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team YAMAHA 1'35.715 24 26 313.3
Lorenzo Takes Maiden MotoGP Victory in Estoril Thriller The rider level on points with Lorenzo in the standings – conceding leadership of the classification by virtue of the most recent result - Dani Pedrosa was again the main thorn in his arch rival´s side. The Repsol Honda rider took the holeshot at a packed first corner, but was swamped by fellow front row starters Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi. The trio had a fearsome battle in the opening stages, until Lorenzo passed both he and Rossi definitively and in rapid succession on lap thirteen. Two laps later, Pedrosa made his push for second place, overtaking Rossi for the final time. He will now have his sights set on China, the scene of his own rookie victory back in 2006. Five-time MotoGP World Champion Rossi took the second Fiat Yamaha machine to a podium finish, tyre manufacturer Bridgestone´s first ever rostrum at Estoril. His second consecutive podium also helps Fiat Yamaha to the lead in the team standings. Behind the rostrum battle, fourth spot saw two crashes in quick succession from JiR Team Scot´s Andrea Dovizioso and Repsol Honda´s Nicky Hayden, leaving Colin Edwards to take the position onboard his pneumatic valve engine powered Tech 3 Yamaha.
Rizla Suzuki´s Chris Vermeulen and Capirossi, alongside San Carlo Honda Gresini newcomer Shinya Nakano, completed the top ten.
The start of the race was quite crazy because there were some drops of rain and it looked like it might get worse. Anyway I just carried on and really I can't remember the details of exactly what happened…I remember making my pass on Valentino; I know it was quite a risk so I'm sorry to him but at that point I felt that I could make it and get away from him, so I took the chance and it worked. I'm so proud of everyone, to be here after just three races and at the top of the championship as well is something that I could never have even dreamed of. We can't afford to relax now however because Pedrosa and Rossi are here as well and they are two very fast and clever riders. I had some pain again in my arms today so tonight we will make a decision about whether or not I will have the operation before China, but for now I'm just going to enjoy this moment! Dani Pedrosa 2nd +1.817: “After our difficult pre-season it’s good to be in this position now, so we are very happy. Today was a good race, the beginning was quite fun, but also a little dangerous because it was raining a bit. When the rain stopped, the pace got faster and faster, so we had to concentrate very hard to maintain tyre grip all the time. Eventually we finished second and we’re happy. When Lorenzo started pulling away I still had to pass Rossi, then when I did pass Rossi, Lorenzo already had a gap. I tried to close the gap, or at least maintain it. Finally we got second and it’s a good result.” Valentino Rossi 3rd +12.723 - "At the end of the day this isn't a bad result for us because we expected this to be quite a difficult track for us. My M1 worked well today; I got a good start and was able to stay at the front to begin with and have some fun. My Bridgestone tyres were working well but I was thinking about trying to conserve them as much as possible because I knew 28 laps was going to be hard. Unfortunately I couldn't stay with Lorenzo and Pedrosa in the later stages and I started to slide a little bit, but anyway to have two podiums in a row with Bridgestone is very important because we're still in the learning stages of our relationship. I think we've made another step forward this weekend and we have an important test tomorrow - I hope in China we will be able to fight for the win!"
Jorge glams for the camera with Spanish actress Vanessa Romero. And of course, only FastDates.com goes behind the scenes to show you the real action in MotoGP and World Superbike - See Below!
Race Results MotoGP Pole Position: Jorge LORENZO 1'35.715 157.291 Km/h World Championship Positions:
Bautista Tops 250cc GP Class The rider who collided with Bautista on the final lap in previous round -Metis Gilera´s Marco Simoncelli- was once again the closest man to the Spaniard, albeit this time some seven seconds behind. Taking both his and Gilera´s first podium in the 250cc class, Simoncelli was once again involved in a controversial incident in the final stages of the race. He was chased down by Red Bull KTM rider and new World Championship leader Mika Kallio, who came close to impacting with the Italian in the dash for the line. Once calmed down after flashing a few heated gestures in Simoncelli´s direction, Kallio will have the comfort of a twelve point lead in the class spurring him on. He continued his impressive run of podium finishes which, combined with a retirement from previous leader Mattia Pasini, puts him in an enviable position in the classification. After a late push through the field, Thomas Luthi took fourth place for the Emmi-Caffe Latte Aprilia team, ahead of Red Bull KTM´s Hiroshi Aoyama and JiR Team Scot´s Yuki Takahashi. Julian Simon, Hector Barbera and Hector Faubel added to the Spanish top ten contingent, joined by Czech rider Lukas Pesek. Polaris World rider Pasini crashed not once but twice in the quarter litre race; the Italian fell for the first time when battling with Hiroshi Aoyama for third and, after picking himself and his Aprilia back up, took another tumble when he discovered that his brakes had been damaged in the previous incident. 250cc Race Classification: (26 laps = 108.732 km) Pole Position: Marco SIMONCELLI 1'40.257 150.166 Km/h World Championship Positions:
2008 SBK World World Championship / Valencia Spain Exciting Race Wins for Lanzi and Haga at Valencia
Above: Carlso Checa is down in front Max after going into the last corner too fast in his only chance effort to pass and looses his front whee, slides out and takes out Max's front wheel as well. Lanzi Handed Race One Win as Checa Takes Out Neukirchner in Last Corner Complete Valencia World Superbike Coverage Here
2-Day Calendar Girl Music Festival to Rock the The all female Calendar Girl Muisc Festival headlines with contemporary pop rock singer sonwriter and recording artists Kari Kimmel on Sunday and actress Elizabeth Nicole on Saturday, two of the most talented and skilled singer songwriters we've ever come across. Comparisons to legends like Carol King, Joni Mitchel, and Carly Simon, to more current artists like Avril Lavigne and Natasha Bedingfield almost fall short when describing the vocal and songwringing skills of both Kari and Elizabeth, who also happen to be drop dead georgeous to fit perfectly the theme of the Calendar Girl Music Festival and the world premier of the new 2009 FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars
Kari Kimmel has written and recorded songs for numerous Hollwood movies including Disney's Ella Enchanted and the Wayan Brother's White Chicks, and TV shows Gimore Girls, Laguna Beach, the Bold and the Beautiful. She was originally signed with Virgin records a few years ago and they helped produce her first album A Day in the Life, but just before its release the music market took a down turn and Kari has since made the album available on her own on her website Kari Kimmel.com and her MySpace page. Kari also plays keyboards and guitar, has a style reminisant of her mentor Carol King, and another singer songwriter we like Vonda Shepard. Listen in at MySpace.com/KariKimmel
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and meet Kari and Elizabeth in person as they headline and perform exclusively for the Music Festival their longest extended full band sets ever. These two highly talented and attractive singer songwriters on the verge of breaking out, big time! Included with the weekend's bill on the main stage are pop rockers Taxi Driver with lead singer Dhana. While Classic rock fans will have more than their fix of heavy metal as the all-girl tribute bands Whole Lotta Rosies - AC/DC, and Moby Chick - Lead Zeplin, will leave blue collar baby boomers weak in the knees. And if that's not enough sexy girls to rock your world, The Purrfect Angelz musical dance troupe, a favorite of our U.S. Military Troops in the Middel East and at Bike Events across America, will be shaking, kicking and dancing their scantly clad bodies both days. Tickets for the Show Weekend are available on Tickemaster, with Walk-Up Salesalso available at the Main Gate on the Show Weekend. For additional LA Calendar Motorcycle Show & Calendar Girl Music Festival weekend details including the show schedules, hotels and parking information visit Bike Show
Buy the 2008 Fast Dates Calendar • Download Big Screensaver Photos in Members Corner
Ducati 1098R 08 Adjustabe Steering Head Update Available only with the 1098R model's frame (and not the 1098, 1098S, 848), this provides the adjustable 24.5 to 23.5 degrees steering head angle offered on all previous generation 916-999 Ducati Superbike models. However it now requires much more more disassembly and work than the previous externally adjusted toothed cam adjuster. The top triple clamp, the steering damper needs to be removed, the front end of the bike elevated off the ground, and possibly the front forks removed. But the advantage of this new design for a racebike is it allows for use of many other steering angles and offset from center for a plethora of handling adjustments. But at a price of around $750 for each different steering head spacer, no one but Team Ducati is going to be playing with these for different track and rider setups. (See optional part numbers, below) This is in contradiction to the factory Ducati, World and USA, press launches of the 1098R where the sportbike print publications were eroniously told the steering was fixed and non adjustable at 24.5 degrees and reported as such in Cycle News, Roadracing World, Robb Report Motorcycling, Sport Rider, Motorcyclist and Cycle World, et all. But since most motojurnalists don't own, nor are not really familiar with Ducati Superbikes, they just don't know what works for a Ducati Superbike, and take the published press materials as the word of god. The Ducati Corse factory Superbike team has always run their bikes at the 23.5 degrees steering head angle, as this is the best setting for quick handling, maneuverability, safety and lap times.And that all the Japanese production superbikes GSXR, CBR, R1, ZX all come fixed at 23.5 degrees to confirm this as the ideal best setting for a superbike. As well as do most MotoGP bikes including the World Championship winning Ducati GP07. So despite all the glowing press launch reports that the 1098R was an incredibly handling bike, in a controlled press launch environment with no other bikes to compare it to, it might have seemed that way. Plus, there is the kiss-ass factor as you might suspect, and no journalist wants to give a poor review at a new bike lauch that will piss off the manufacturer, have their advertsing pulled pulled from the magazine, and get them blacklisted from future new bike launches as this does happen. But as a long time Ducati Superbike owner, racer, suspension engineer and moto journalist, I can tell you that all the Ducati Superbike models do not handle very responsively at the stock setting of 24.5 degrees. But if the test launch 1098R bikes could have had their steering head angles reset to the ideal 23.5 degree angle, it would have handled even better. Below, direct from our inside sources at the Ducati Corse Rcing Department are the avaialbe stock and optional steerhing head parts for changing the production 1098R's steering angle. - Jim Gianatsis, Editor and Owner Owner: Ducati 916, 996R, 999R, 1098R Ducati Corse Stock and Optional 1098R Steering Head Components
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Lornzo (48) moves up on the inside of teammate Rossi (46) to take the race lead. Roossi would drop back to 3rd after being passed by Dani Pedrosa. 
Reigning World Superbike Champion James Toseland's Top Ten finishes in the first 3 MotoGP's this season have seen his contract with Tech 3 Yamaha extended for another year. 
![[Image] Calendar Kitten](http://image1.bikerornot.com/usrimg/46471r.jpg "Calendar Kitten")