Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

John Dugan of Washougal, Washington became the first rider to qualify to represent the U.S. in the World GSX-R Cup scheduled for September 14 in Magny-Cours, France.

Dugan won the qualifying race at Portland, Oregon on Sunday, July 21, beating Allan Schmidt and Nathan Hester.

Dugan was racing with a cracked pelvis sustained in a crash at Laguna Seca during the AMA National/World Superbike weekend.

Schmidt crashed in turn nine while leading the first lap during the morning heat race held to determine the grid, and his racebike was destroyed. Schmidt’s crew installed the engine in a spare chassis and Schmidt started the final from the back of the grid.

Dugan and a mechanic will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to France for the World GSX-R Cup final, which features riders on spec bikes drawn by lot. The World GSX-R Cup bikes will be fitted with Michelin tires.

Another qualifying round will be held during a Fasttrax event tomorrow at Mid-Ohio and the final qualifying round will be held during the WERA National scheduled for Summit Point, West Virginia on August 3-4. A total of three riders will qualify to represent the United States in the World GSX-R Cup event.