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Ram raider attacks city motorcycle store by Police Reporter MATT WILLIAMS October 4th, 2004

A stolen Ford utility was used by its driver to reverse through the front doors of Peter Stevens Motorcycles on Franklin St about 3pm.  The ute was found later, burnt out a few hundred metres away in Philip St. Nothing was stolen from the store but it was the second time in two months it has been hit. 

 

The store's manager, Peter Forster, was working inside when he heard the car crash through the doors. "I got up and started yelling at a man. I don't really know what I said, but I saw he was holding some kind of steering-wheel lock," Mr Forster said.  "As soon as he saw me, he ran back to the car and sped off. It appeared to be just one guy.

 

We were hit a couple of months ago in a similar attack when a mini bike was stolen. "I'm just pleased that I was here, otherwise he could have got away with some expensive stuff." The raid came just 11 days after police re-launched Operation Mandrake for the third time after a spate of ram raids across Adelaide.

 

Police do not believe yesterday's incident was connected to a gang believed responsible for up to 20 ram raids in the past month. Mr Forster said he would increase security patrols at the store following the raid, which caused about $5000 damage.  "We will also have to think about putting up bollards at the front of the shop," he said. "There is no easy way to stop this but we will try and do whatever we can." 

 

The man driving the utility is described as having a beard and aged in his 30s.  Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Qatar disaster for Rossi  October 2nd  2004

Valentino Rossi has seen his championship lead reduced to just 14 points after crashing out of the Qatar GP. The reigning world champion arrived at the circuit with a 39 point lead, but was demoted to 21st  position on the grid after his Yamaha team were spotted trying to improve the Tarmac under his starting position by laying rubber from their paddock scooters onto the grid. He then surged through the field, reaching fourth position before sensationally crashing out.

Meanwhile championship rival Sete Gibernau chased down early leader and eventual retiree Carlos Checa to take a comfortable victory, ahead of his Telefonica Movistar team-mate, Colin Edwards. Ruben Xaus took the first podium for a Ducati in third, riding the satellite D'Antin bike to a great result ahead of Nicky Hayden.

  

The Camel Honda team of Max Biaggi was also punished for tampering with the track, with the Italian eventually finishing in fifth after starting in 22nd, one place behind Rossi. Biaggi was in fourth on the last lap until he took a trip across the gravel, rejoining behind Hayden.

 

Toseland is World Superbike Champ October 3rd,  2004 

James Toseland has taken the 2004 World Superbike title with a second place in the final race at Magny Cours. Toseland had to settle for second behind a hard-charging Noryuki Haga on the Renegade Ducati, but it was enough to secure the title. Team-mate Regis Laconi needed to win to stop Toseland securing the title but he failed to mount any serious attack on the leading pair.

 

Final championship standings: 1) Toseland 336, 2) Laconi 327, 3) Haga 299, 4) Vermeulen 282, 5) Chili 243, 6) McCoy 199, 7) Martin 181, 8) Haslam 169, 9) Corser 146, 10) Borciani 130, 11) Walker 128

 

Toseland had made his job easier by winning race one, ahead of Haga and Laconi.  The British rider was able to pass pole-sitter Troy Corser to take the lead on the first lap and rode a perfect race to hold the lead to the chequered flag. Toseland was now leading the championship by five points, and team-mate and title rival Regis Laconi needed to win the next race to take the title. Third title challenger Chris Vermuelen was forced to retire by mechanical failure, but it was Noriyuki Haga who played the biggest role in race one, coming through time and again to pass Laconi and challenge Toseland.

 

Parkes to Yamaha, October 4 2004 

Broc Parkes will ride for the Yamaha Motor Germany team in the Supersport World Championship in 2005 alongside fellow Australian Kevin Curtain. Parkes finished the 2004 season as runner-up to Ten Kate Honda team-mate and champion Karl Muggeridge, and will remain under contract until November, when he can begin testing the new R6 for 2005.

 

Meanwhile 28-year-old Curtain has signed a one year extension to his current contract after finishing the year in sixth place. "I know that the guys at Yamaha Germany are a good team and my best option for winning the title," said Parkes. "After spending the last two years at Honda my aim is to follow in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi and take the 2005 Supersport title with Yamaha."