From a press release issued by F-USA:

Formula USA Update:

Formula USA, CCS, and XSBA riders prepare for the 3rd Annual Virginia Festival of Speed at Virginia Int’l Raceway this weekend June 27-29. Formula USA, Championship Cup Series, and the exciting new X-treme Sport Bike Association return to Virginia Int’l Raceway for another fast-paced weekend of action. Beautiful VIR plays host to one of America’s largest regions of racers as they race at over 160 miles per hour only inches apart.

Jeff Wood (Bettencourt / Honda) leads the Formula USA “Sportbike” class after Round 3 at Loudon, taking advantage of the double point weekend by posting a win and a second place in the two legs of competition. Scott Greenwood (Agro Cycles Suzuki) also posted a second and a win in the “Sportbike” two-leg main event at Loudon increasing his position in the point standings with Matt Wait (Kneedraggers.com Yamaha) out with injuries. Don’t miss the street freestyle action of the XSBA throughout the weekend as well … no-handed wheelies, one-handed endos, too insane to miss!

Mike Hale to ride Kneedraggers.com Yamaha with Matt Wait and Texas youngster Ryan Andrews at Round 4 of the Formula USA Championships at Virginia Int’l Raceway this weekend. Hale, a former dirt track racer turned road racer, is the perfect addition to the team since the Kneedraggers.com team’s main focus is to retain the Formula USA Grand Nat’l Championship title, which consists of road race and dirt track events under the Formula USA umbrella. With Matt Wait injured at Loudon, he will have some recovery time, but plans to ride at VIR this weekend. Hale should help provide a points buffer between Jeff Wood and Scott Greenwood, who are both now ahead of Wait in Championship points, while Wait is recovering. Team Manager / Crew Chief Chuck Giachetto said Monday, “We have a lot of confidence in Matt’s ability, Matt IS the Kneedraggers.com program, he is our #1 guy, and will remain our #1 guy throughout this season and beyond. But the Kneedraggers.com Yamaha team is here to win, and we think that Mike Hale is the perfect rider to have on our bikes right now with his road race and dirt track experience. We are very confident that Mike can provide the results that we are used to… Winning.

“Matt will still race this weekend and attempt to collect valuable Championship points, however the Sportbike event is a very long race, and VIR is a very physical track, so it will be very hard for him to keep a competitive pace for that long,” adds Giachetto.

It should provide for a great show for the fans with three Kneedraggers.com Yamahas alongside the other series regulars of Stanton and Harwell (Arclight Racing Suzuki), Jeff Wood (Bettencourt Honda), Scott Greenwood (ArgoCycles Suzuki), Jason Smith (Smith Brothers Kawasaki), Eric Wood (Kosco Buell), Mike Ciccotto (Hal’s Performance Buell), Des Conboy (Celtic Suzuki) and Michael Himmelsbach (Hooters Suzuki).

The Roadracingworld.com Action Fund is deploying another three pieces of Airfence–making a total of 23 28-foot sections–at Formula USA/CCS events as a part of an educational program to demonstrate the effectiveness of soft barriers. A soft barrier will be on display at each Formula USA Nat’l Championship round for racers and spectators to become more familiar with the product, and to educate facilities on the effectiveness of soft barriers in reducing injuries. To make donations to the fund, visit RoadracingWorld.com.

Traxxion Dynamics Suspension Service has added a $250 Holeshot Award to the Formula USA Sportbike main event purse. Matt Wait was the first recipient at Mid-America Motorplex, and Scott Greenwood claimed the $250 prize at the 80th Loudon Classic. The award is for the first rider to the apex of turn number one in the Formula USA Sportbike main event at each round of competition throughout the 2003 race season. Encounter “Virtual Max”, who can help answer suspension questions, at Traxxion.com.

Dan Jackson leads XSBA Freestyle Championships after Round 1 in Iowa. With some of the sports top riders including 2002 XSBA Champ Thew Blankstrom and Chris “Teach” McNeil on hand Jackson pulled of his first XSBA Main Event win in two seasons. Jackson was top qualifier in three XSBA Championship Events last year, but was never able to claim the top podium position. Jackson will be absent in this weekend’s round at VIR as will Thew Blankstrom, (both are appearing at an XSBA show during the AMA Prostar event this week at Norwalk Ohio), opening the door for other riders to claim valuable 2003 Championship Points. Jackson and Blankstrom will return to action at Round 3 of the XSBA Freestyle Championship in Topeka Kansas, August 8-10.

Marietta Motorsports (1-888-FASTLAP) has agreed to an XSBA Championship Series sponsorship agreement for the remainder of the 2003 season. The Atlanta area motorcycle dealership has been one of the largest contributors to the road race contingency program offering payments for use of Kobe Leathers, FM Helmets, Rokk Exhaust, and Extreme Tech Steering Dampeners. They have also been a trackside fixture at regional and national events for more than 10 years with apparel, parts and accessories. Call 1-888-FASTLAP, or visit 1888FASTLAP.com.

Vanson Leathers has announced that they will award a special one-of-a-kind jacket to the 2003 XSBA National Freestyle Champion at the 20th Annual Daytona Biketoberfest, along with a cash bonus for the top three riders. Vanson is known worldwide for their top quality racing and casual leather apparel. For more information visit Vanson.com.

Sales of the XSBA 110% Video, (a re-cap of the 2002 XSBA Freestyle Championships), has contributed over $2,000 to the XSBA Nat’l Championship Point Fund, since it’s release this spring. To purchase a copy, visit XSBA.com.

Find Formula USA / CCS, and IHRA drag race event schedules listed in Hooter’s Sports News every month found at all 300 Hooter’s Restaurant locations nationwide. The ad photo features Hooter’s Suzuki rider Nate Kern in action at Daytona .

Formula USA and CCS racers will have the opportunity for additional practice at the remaining Nat’l events held at Heartland Park, Summit Point, and Daytona through track promoted practice days. Contact Heartland Park and Summit Point for more details at those facilities. For Daytona, contact Team Hammer School, or visit FormulaUSA.com.

Nate “Gator” Wait – brother of 2002 Formula USA GNC Champ Matt Wait, leads the 2003 GNC Championships after the first two rounds in New Hampshire. Youngster Nick Cummings was the sensation at the Rochester Dirt Track event, dominating the practice and qualifying, but finished second in the main event. Nate Wait did well at the Dirt Track event, but was surprised to see himself finish 4th in one of the two legs of Formula USA Sportbike competition after a long time off from racing. Visit FormulaUSA.com for results and coming events in the Formula USA Grand Nat’l Championship Series.