Franks Biker News

11/07/2009 02:26:02 AM

Community mourns, says thanks to fallen soldier - Some were friends from Brother Rice High School. Some were military veterans and reservists. Others simply came to say a private thanks to a stranger who gave his life fighting for the country.
Hundreds of mourners lined up single-file Friday afternoon at the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn to pay respects for fallen Army Spc. Jared Stanker of Evergreen Park.
Patriot Guard Riders
Members of Illinois Patriot Guard Riders have provided motorcycle escorts for Stanker since his Thursday return to Illinois.
At least 20 guard riders held flags outside the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home on Friday during Stanker's visitation at the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, and dozens more plan to attend his funeral Mass and interment on Saturday.
"Some vets, like myself, are still reeling from how we were treated when we returned some 30 years ago," said Fred Vukadinovic, a Vietnam War vet and the Patriot Guard's assistant senior ride captain for northern Illinois. "Others have their own reasons. The bottom line is, it's just the right thing to do."
"He was such a goofball. I know he would be (mad) if I was sad," said his best friend, Shannon Murphy, 20, as she wiped a tear from her cheek. "He was always laughing with this lopsided, goofy grin. He was the person you went to when you were down."
The 22-year-old Brother Rice graduate died Oct. 27 in Arghandab Valley, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with a homemade bomb. It was Stanker's first overseas deployment since joining the Army in October 2006.
"It's an honor to celebrate Jared and his life and his service to his country," said his uncle, Bob Stanker, 59. "Words can not expressed it beyond that."
Stanker was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, Wash.
Mourners filed past dozens of massive flower arrangements sent from friends, family and soldiers stationed around the world. TV screens silently displayed photo slideshows of Stanker in uniform, joking around with friends and posing with family members.
An older photo showed Stanker as a little boy, his face painted and watergun poised to strike a small bush. Another showed a young Stanker ready for karate practice with his sister, Jordan Brandl.
Stanker's many photos show a man reluctant to show his teeth when he smiled, but his mischievous grin masked a jokester who loved to make people laugh, Murphy said.
"He was always dancing around. He loved life and he wanted you to, too," said Murphy, who lives in Tinley Park. "He told me to save a beer for him when he got home."
Friday's visitation marked the first public event held for Stanker, who growing up was obsessed with military movies and always planned to join the Army, according to his mother, Susan Stanker. His parents, Susan and Kevin, as well as other family members, received his body on Thursday at Midway Airport.
"I'm here to pay my respects to a fallen hero," said Elayne Spongberg of Chicago Heights, whose husband, Sgt. Michael Spongberg, is serving in Afghanistan and counted Stanker among his friends.
"They're friends because they're both from the South Side. They loved to talk about the Sox and Bears," Spongberg said.
Iraq vet 2nd Lt. Frank Morsovillo of Evergreen Park did not know Stanker personally, but the reservist donned his dress uniform Friday to pay respects to a fellow Brother Rice graduate.
"This young man went to my high school, and I feel a personal sense of loss," Morsovillo said. "I'm here to provide whatever small comfort I can to his family."
Meantime, Stanker's family and friends attempt to work through their grief and try to come to terms with the loss of such a young man.
"I know if he was here, he'd say, 'Just smile Shannon,'" Murphy said. "So, I'm trying."

Ben Spies prepares to step into James Toseland's shoes - testing at Valencia - Examiner.com - ‎After dominating AMA Superbike in 2006 through 2008 and World Superbike in 2009, Ben Spies (MotoGP #11) has been selected by Yamaha to move up to their MotoGP team. He swaps places with James Toseland (MotoGP #52), who will move to World Superbike next year.
MotoGP rider Ben Spies from USA of the Yamaha factory racing speaks during a news conference with riders at the Cheste race track near Valencia, Spain, on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009. The Valencia Moto Grand Prix will take place Sunday, Nov. 8.
Together on MotoGP bikes for the today’s free practice in Valencia, with a lap time of 1’35.052 (+2.239), Spies is just 0.187 seconds behind Toseland’s top lap time of the day 1’34.865 (+2.052).
MotoGP Yamaha rider Ben Spies of the U.S., foreground, takes a curve ahead of MotoGP Suzuki rider Cris Vermeulen of Australia during free practice for Sunday's Motorcycle Grand Prix, at the Cheste race track just outside of Valencia, Spain, Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Practice and qualifying tomorrow will set the tone for Sunday’s race. If Spies lags behind JT, he shows only that he’s still acclimating to his new MotoGP bike. But, if he’s able to push into the top 10 and finish ahead of JT, he’ll have proven the wisdom of Yamaha’s selection before he enters the 2010 season. Ben is downplaying this time on the track. In an interview today, he said:
This weekend for me is the first step for next year … the whole reason is to get more time on the bike – it’s basically three more days of testing. With the limited testing time for next year it’s important. The first test for me is the Tuesday and Wednesday after this race, and it will actually be a test instead of just the first time on the bike.
But, on Sunday, there will be at least three major races to watch:
1) With the 2009 World Championship secure, will Valentino Rossi continue to push for top performance? Sure. It’s an easy bet that he will continue to battle with Lorenzo, Stoner and Pedrosa for the top spot on the podium.
2) If Casey Stoner can lock in another first place finish for 25 points, and by some miracle Lorenzo not finish, they’ll conclude the World Championship tied for 2nd! It’s a safe bet that Lorenzo will hold his 2nd place World Championship finish, and Stoner will pick up 3rd, but only Sunday's race will tell for sure.
3) And, toward the middle of the pack will be the race between Ben Spies and James Toseland. It’s a fair bet that Ben will put on a good show. But, after a run of bad luck over the past several races, now could be James Toseland’s time to shine.

American Motorcyclist Association announces 2010 national numbers for pro-licensed riders in Supercross and Motocross

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- In partnership with Feld Motor Sports and MX Sports Pro Racing, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the 2010 national numbers for pro-licensed riders in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

National numbers in the disciplines of Supercross and Motocross are assigned by the following process:

No. 1: The current series champion must run the No. 1 plate in that series.

Nos. 2-9: A champion from the previous competition year may choose a permanent single-digit number if available, with the exception of No. 4. The AMA has reserved No. 4 for exclusive use by Ricky Carmichael through 2011.

Nos. 10-999: Riders who finish in the top 10 in combined championship points in Supercross, Motocross 250 and Motocross 450 competition in the previous competition year have the option to choose a career national two-digit number, if available. These riders, by their option, may instead select a three-digit national number.

Riders who finish outside the top 10 but in the top 100 in combined championship points in Supercross, Motocross 250 and Motocross 450 competition in the previous year will be assigned consecutive two-digit numbers from the available supply until that supply is exhausted.

A comparison of riders' best moto finishes breaks a tie, unless one of those riders competed in only one discipline. In the case of a tie between a rider who rode one discipline (e.g., Supercross) and a rider who rode both disciplines, the tie is broken in favor of the rider who rode both series.

A rider who fails to earn at least one championship point during the season preceding the current season will lose his or her career number and be issued a new number based on current points. Special consideration is given to a rider if an injury impeded participation the previous year.

Note: Lower three-digit competition numbers (e.g., 100-125) are traditionally held for past or current champions from non-U.S. series who participate in a Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, or a Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross event.

AMA National Motocross/Supercross Competition Numbers
* Career numbers
** New career numbers for 2010

*2: Ryan Villopoto
*3: Mike Brown
**5: Ryan Dungey (No. 1, Motocross 250 and Supercross Lites West)
*7: James Stewart (No. 1, Supercross)
*8: Grant Langston
*9: Ivan Tedesco
10: Thomas Hahn
*11: Travis Preston
12: Jake Weimer
*13: Heath Voss
*14: Kevin Windham
*15: Timmy Ferry
*16: John Dowd
17: Justin Barcia
*18: David Millsaps
19: Tommy Searle
20: Broc Tickle
21: Blake Wharton
*22: Chad Reed (No. 1, Motocross 450)
23: Justin Brayton
*24: Brett Metcalfe
*25: Nathan Ramsey
*26: Michael Byrne
*27: Nicholas Wey
28: Tyla Rattray
*29: Andrew Short
30: Cody Cooper
31: Matthew Lemoine
32: Kyle Cunningham
**33: Josh Grant
34: James Albertson
35: Matthew Goerke
36: Darryn Durham
37: Tyler Bowers
38: Trey Canard
39: Ricky Dietrich
40: Jake Moss
41: Kyle Regal
42: Ben Evans
43: Steven Clarke
44: PJ Larsen
45: Austin Stroupe
46: Ryan Sipes
47: Matt Boni
48: Max Anstie
49: William Hahn
50: Alex Martin
51: Paul Carpenter
52: Antonio Balbi
53: Jeff Alessi
54: Jason Lawrence
55: Kyle Chisholm
56: Ben Coisy
57: Jarred Browne
58: Weston Peick
59: Daniel Reardon
*60: Broc Hepler
61: Vince Freise
62: Jason Thomas
63: Sean Borkenhagen
64: Taylor Futrell
65: Troy Adams
66: Blake Baggett
67: Chris Blose
68: Robert Kiniry
69: Adam Chatfield
70: Robby Marshall
71: Kyle Summers
72: Christian Craig
73: Ben Lamay
74: Tucker Hibbert
*75: Josh Hill
76: Martin Davalos
77: Charles J Summey
78: Gavin Gracyk
79: Justin Sipes
80: Billy Laninovich
81: Cole Siebler
82: Jesse Casillas
83: Steve Boniface
84: Michael Hall
85: Scott Champion
86: Bobby Bonds
87: Les Smith
88: Ricky Renner
89: Jacob Marsack
90: Willy Browning
91: Jase Lewis
92: Michael Willard
93: Justin McDonald
94: Ryan Morais
95: Lucas Crespi
96: Josh Hansen
97: Robert Fitch
98: Roberto Castro
99: Topher Ingalls
**377: Christophe Pourcel (No. 1, Supercross Lites East)
*800: Mike Alessi

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world's largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world's most prestigious motocross series -- the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. An industry leader in off road powersport production and management, its mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the production of professional championship racing events nationwide. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing fields more than 60,000 action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of active fans, spectators and enthusiasts. For more information, please visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.

Veterans Day parade at noon today - Hannibal.net - Hannibal, MO — Military veterans from several organizations will participate in Hannibal’s annual Veterans Day parade, which will begin at noon today, Nov. 7, at 10th and Broadway. The parade route will turn on North Main Street and end at the Tom and Huck statue at the end of North Main.
It will include a Color Guard and members of the Legion Riders, the American Legion motorcycle club.
This year veterans of the Vietnam War will be honored, and they are encouraged to ride the trolley, said Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post No. 55 Commander Ralph Brinkley Jr.
Post 55 and its Auxiliary will both march in the parade, along with members of VFW and additional American Legion posts.
When the parade reaches Central Park, it will pause while State Rep. Rachel Bringer will sing the National Anthem and Brinkley will speak briefly from the balcony of the Elks Lodge building.
This year the Legion Riders will be ringing their memorial bell between Fourth and Fifth streets “in honor of POWs, MIAs and fallen comrades,” Brinkley said.
He encouraged people to attend the parade. “We would like to see everybody in town come out and support our veterans of the past and our future veterans, who are serving right now.”

Burley motorcyclist collides with fuel truck; condition still not known - Twin Falls Times-News - BURLEY - A Burley man riding a motorcycle was injured Friday when he crashed into a petroleum transport truck he was trying to pass east of Burley.
Cassia County Undersheriff George Warrell said Michael Hoopes, 32, was riding his black 1998 Honda motorcycle westbound on Idaho Highway 81 at 421 East between Declo and Burley when he crashed at 8:54 a.m. into the rear-main wheels of a fuel transport truck that was turning into Tesoro Petroleum.
Hoopes was transported to Cassia Regional Medical Center, but his condition is unknown.
The truck, a 2002 Peterbilt owned by Bowen Petroleum and driven by Steven Randall of Burley, was pulling a trailer.
Carol Cole, who lives across the street from where the collision occurred, said she was on her computer when the crash occurred.
"I heard it," said Cole. "I thought the pup had fallen off the truck then I heard the motorcycle rider yelling."
The Cole family provided blankets for Hoopes until medical crews arrived.
Cole, who has lived across from Tesoro for eight years, said the truck drivers who pull in and out of the facility always drive carefully but the motorists who drive on the 55 mph highway are not always careful when passing the trucks.
"We also have kids out here all the time on motorcycles and it's just not safe," Cole said.
Warrell said the truck had pulled out of the east end of the fueling station and was re-entering the western entrance when Hoopes tried to pass it and crashed.
Warrell said Hoopes told officers he saw the blinker flashing on the truck but thought the driver had not turned it off after pulling out of the facility. When Hoopes went to pass the vehicle he crashed into the truck's rear-main tires, wedging the motorcycle underneath.

Rider, passenger killed in motorcycle crash - MiamiHerald.com - CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A motorcyclist and his passenger were both killed in a Clearwater crash.
Police say 34-year-old Daniel B. Rivers was riding his 2004 Suzuki motorcycle at a high speed Thursday night when he lost control on a curve. Rivers and his passenger, 32-year-old Starr Knotek, were both thrown from the bike. Knotek died at the scene and Rivers died later at a nearby hospital.
Police are still trying to determine whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Man ran home motorcycle 'chop shop' - Stockton Record - A Tracy man awaits sentencing in federal court for selling stolen motorcycles and parts on eBay to places as far away as England, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento said.
Daryl Charles, 43, pleaded guilty last week in Sacramento to the interstate transportation of stolen vehicles. Prosecutors said Charles operated a motorcycle "chop shop" from his home.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon said Charles sold stolen motorcycles and engines with the identification numbers stripped away.
In 2005, Charles sold a Yamaha stolen from San Diego for $5,900 to an Iowa man and another stolen bike to a Culver City man for $5,000, prosecutors said.
In an undercover operation, Tracy police investigators bought two stolen parts from Charles, who used the eBay screen name Booroe, prosecutors said.
In a search of his Tracy home, officers said they found metal stamping equipment, shipping documents to England and the cashier's checks that the Tracy police investigators had mailed to Charles.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton could sentence Charles to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The judge will decide Charles' punishment at his sentencing, set for Jan. 20.

Investigation ongoing in motorcycle death - Farmington Daily Times - FRUITLAND — Garnett Bohannon, of Bluewater, was killed Wednesday when a sedan hit his motorcycle on NM 371, authorities said.
Paramedics responded at about 6:30 p.m. and Bohannon was pronounced dead on the scene.
Two females, one a passenger on Bohannon's motorcycle and the other the driver of the sedan, were taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment, said Investigator Jefferson Joe of the Shiprock Police Department.
Authorities believe Bohannon was traveling north on NM 371 when his motorcycle was struck by the car, driven by an elderly woman.
San Juan County Sheriff's deputies, state police and the Navajo Nation Police responded.
The investigation is ongoing.

Fundraiser will benefit rescue mission - Burlington Times News - Like many charitable organizations, the Piedmont Rescue Mission has felt an economic pinch lately.
Rescue Mission leaders and the ministry’s supporters hope to offset that next weekend.
The mission is hoping to attract at least 100 participants in a fund-raising motorcycle ride. The ride is planned for Saturday, Nov. 14, with an entry fee of $25 per bike.
People who don’t want to ride but would like to register for prizes can do that by paying $5.
Registration will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Piedmont Rescue Mission at 1519 N. Mebane St., Burlington.
The ride, which will be in and near Alamance County, will begin at 11:15 am. It will last about 90 minutes and end at the rescue mission, where a free hot dog lunch will be served.
For information about the ride, call 222-9195 or 266-3869. If it is raining the morning of the ride, call 222-9195 for recorded information about plans to reschedule.

In a separate effort, a group of motorcycle riders called The Riders for Life is holding a raffle for 2004 GSXR 600 street bike. The group says the bike is garage-kept and in excellent condition. Raffle tickets are $25. Anyone interested in buying one is asked to call 266-5741. If 400 or more tickets are sold, the person who bought the winning ticket will get the bike. If fewer tickets are sold, proceeds will be split between the rescue mission and the person who bought the winning ticket.

Motorcycle victim dies - Trading Markets (press release) - The woman who was thrown from a motorcycle Tuesday afternoon has died from the injuries she suffered in the accident.
Kimberly E. Deming, 23, of Pittsfield, died at Berkshire Medical Center Wednesday after the 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle she was riding on went off the road. It was operated by Martin Layton.
The accident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police, as Layton and Deming traveled southbound on Jason Street in the 80 block.
Layton lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to strike the west side of the curb and guardrail, police said.
Both riders were thrown from the motorcycle, but Layton was not injured. No details have emerged about the accident, which remains under investigation.
Deming, who has two sons, was a Mount Everett Regional High School graduate. She had completed the Certified Nursing Program at Berkshire Medical Center and worked for a short stint at Berkshire Meadows in Housatonic.