From a press release issued by HMC Ducati:
Race Report: AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike Round 5
Date: June 2, 2002
Circuit: Pikes Peak Raceway, Colorado
HMC Ducati rider Doug Chandler was running in fifth position in today’s race at Pikes Peak when his fuel pump failed, forcing him to retire from the race a little after the halfway mark. Chandler was riding a strong race, despite the injuries he sustained in last round, getting the better of a three-way battle between Duhamel (Honda) and Picotte (Ducati) for fourth position. The scorching Colorado heat was showing its toll on several of the riders making Chandler’s retirement even more of a disappointment.
The team head back to Wisconsin for their home race at Road America next weekend.
“I knew it was going to be tough for me,” said Chandler. “I knew I couldn’t ride with the top guys, because of my injuries, but I wanted to keep them close. Everything was going to plan, I still had some issues with the bike set-up but I was able to run with Duhamel and Picotte quite comfortably and I figured I could start a march up to the front. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to hold (Aaron)Yates off though. He was coming through pretty strong.
I felt the team did a good job, I felt better than I thought I would through the race. Hopefully we’ll make 100% next weekend.”
From a press release issued by Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati:
Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati’s Picotte Sixth At Pike’s Peak Fifth Place In Superbike Points
Pascal Picotte and the Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati team finished a well-deserved sixth place in the Pikes Peak, Colorado round of the Chevy Trucks US Superbike series on Sunday. Traditionally one of the most difficult races on the AMA Schedule, this year’s 48 lap event at Pikes Peak International Raceway was no different.
In a tough race, Pascal managed to bring his Ducati home to the finish, despite a number of problems that faced the team, including grip uncertainties from the notoriously difficult Pikes Peak track and fuel delivery problems caused by the high heat and altitude.
Picotte now lies fifth place in the series point standings, one point behind defending champion Mat Mladin.
Kawaski’s Eric Bostrom won the race by 15.28 seconds. Suzuki’s Aaron Yates was second, followed by teammate Jamie Hacking. The race was run in intense heat, with an ambient temperature of 102 degrees and a track surface temperature of 125 degrees.
Picotte, with a previous best finish at Pikes Peak of second in 1999, had high hopes for Sunday’s race.
“We had a tire issue in the race and a vapor lock issue with the heat the last ten to fifteen laps. I managed to finish the race and score some points but we missed a good opportunity to get on the box today,” said the Canadian. “We’re still learning, but this was a tough weekend. I’m really looking forward to the race at Road America next week.” Picotte is a former winner at Road America on a Ducati motorcycle. Undoubtedly, this is an amazing season for a team in their first season with Ducati motorcycles.
Crewchief Lance Baker felt Picotte did the team proud by soldiering on through a tough main event.
“We scored some points and stayed in the hunt as far as the championship goes. We had some issues with the set-up and the Michelin tire combination and even a new one we haven’t seen before with the motorcycle, a fuel starvation problem caused by the heat or altitude or a combination,” Baker said. “It was a tough day but Pascal put his head down, stuck it out and brought it home in sixth place.”
The Austin/Bleu Bayou Ducati will return to action next weekend in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, home of the famed Road America track.
Versions Of Pikes Peak Reality From Two Ducati Teams
Versions Of Pikes Peak Reality From Two Ducati Teams
© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
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