Davis Nabs First Supersport Win, Scholtz Takes Championship

September 29, 2024

King Of The Baggers Title Chase Headed To Final Race Of The Year At New Jersey Motorsports Park With Herfoss Vs. Wyman.

It was a bit of a numbers game in the second-to-last race of the 2024 Supersport Championship as Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz came into the weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park with a 39-point lead over Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen.

For Jacobsen, his mission was to win the race, which would yield him maximum points and possibly keep his title hopes alive till Sunday’s final race. N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis had other plans, and he was out to win the first MotoAmerica Supersport race of his young career.

With Davis starting 18th on the grid, he began a spirited march towards the front until a red flag stopped his progress. No matter, because, on the restart, the 18-year-old from Tennessee picked up right where he left off and put his Yamaha YZF-R6 in the lead.

With Jacobsen in second and not quite able to match Davis’ pace, Jacobsen’s teammate Corey Alexander took over second, relegating Jacobsen to third. Meanwhile, championship leader Scholtz was riding a controlled race and keeping himself in position to clinch the title.

At the checkered flag, it was Davis winning his first-career Supersport race with Alexander finishing as runner-up and Jacobsen completing the podium. Scholtz maintained fifth position all the way to the finish line, and that was enough for the 2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion to clinch his second MotoAmerica title, this time in Supersport.

“At first, when the red flag came out, I was a little disappointed,” said race winner Davis. “I just put in a lot of work. I came from 18th up to third. Once I realized I’d be starting from third and had a better shot at it, I was happy that these guys were going to be a lot closer to me and not the big gap that they had. I got one of my best starts of the season. I’ve struggled launching the R6 all year, so got up in front of Corey (Alexander). I thought I had a little bit better pace than I did after the red flag. I struggled with some rear grip, but I was able to do what I needed to do, put in some fast laps, and kind of just rode a little bit of defense on that last lap and was able to take the win.

“Tomorrow, I’m starting from 18th again. Hopefully, I’ll have even better pace than I did today and can maybe get a little bit closer to these guys, not expecting a red flag. I would like to thank N2, Yamaha, BobbleHeadMoto, KYT, Dainese, Sunstar, SBS, and everybody that helps me out. Shiloh and Chris. It’s been four years on their team, and it’s been amazing. Thank you a lot.”

For newly crowned Supersport Champion Scholtz, it was a feeling of relief.

“This race was weird for me,” Scholtz said. “I just didn’t have a good feeling from the first corner. I nearly highsided. Tipped into corner two and nearly highsided again, so I just did not have a good feeling. The first part of the race, PJ (Jacobsen) and Corey (Alexander) left me. I had nothing for them. Fifth place was probably the best I could have done today. I wasn’t riding around in fifth place because I was just chilling. I was riding as quick as I could. So, I definitely have to figure out something for tomorrow. But, overall, it’s just a big deal getting this championship. There’s been pressure the past couple of rounds and there’s been crashes and rain and red flags, and this and that. Now I’m just happy that I can go into Sunday’s race and just focus on going as quick as I can.”

Davis Nabs First Supersport Win, Scholtz Takes Championship — Kyle Wyman (33) leads Troy Herfoss (17) and Rocco Landers (hidden) while Hayden Gillim (1) crashes in the background. Landers took the win over Herfoss and Wyman. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Mission King Of The Baggers – Herfoss’ Turn At The Top

S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss came into Saturday’s Mission King Of The Baggers Championship trailing Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman by two points. After Saturday’s race, that points lead was flipped with Herfoss leading Wyman by two points. It was almost like Saturday didn’t happen.

Well, it certainly happened for RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Rocco Landers with the 19-year-old controlling the race from the front and holding off a determined Herfoss by a scant .182 of a second to win his second race of the year and his seventh podium in a row.

For Herfoss the race was a success because he came out on top of Wyman, but the gap is just two points, and it will still come down to a winner-take-all (or a second-place-takes-all if Landers has anything to say about it) for the championship on Sunday.

Wyman finished third after missing the set-up on his Road Glide due to the fact that Saturday’s race was actually the first time the Baggers took to a dry racetrack.

Fourth place went to Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara with O’Hara hounding Wyman to the bitter end and coming up just .060 of a second.

Wyman’s teammate James Rispoli was fifth after coming out on top of a scrap with SDI/Roland Sands Racing/Indian Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong.

“My crew chief worked so hard, and we’ve got such a good base setup that we really don’t have to tweak the bike a whole lot,” Landers said. “So, once I went out, I felt like the track was definitely a bit green. I will say that. I felt worse than I did yesterday in qualifying, even though it was half wet, half dry. I don’t think I really went much faster in that race. But a lot of people will say I tend to over-ride and slide maybe a little bit too much, and normally I disagree but that race was sketchy as hell. I was sliding everywhere. I felt like I was kind of on the edge. So, we might need to make a few small tweaks, just to make the thing hook up a little better and give us that confidence on corner entry. With that being said, I’ve said it a million times, these guys are such an honor to race against. It was an honor at the beginning of the year. They gave me so much advice. They’ve helped me a lot and helped me grow as a rider. To be able to battle with them is so sick for me. I really enjoy it. It’s like a dream.”

Stock 1000 – Gillim In A Thriller ‘Em

You won’t see a much better two-rider fight with a championship on the line than the Stock 1000 race on Saturday at NJMP between Hayden Gillim and Jayson Uribe. It was one where it’s really not fair to have just one winner.

Gillim, the leader of the championship by seven points going into race one of the finale, grew that lead in the title chase to 12 points going into tomorrow’s finale. The Real Steel Motorsports-backed Kentuckian looked to have things in control early in the race, but Uribe and his OrangeCat Racing BMW M1000 RR had different ideas. Uribe turned it up mid-race and started to reel Gillim in.

With just a few laps to go, Gillim and his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP had a huge moment coming out of the last corner where he went up on the curb, hit a wet spot and somehow saved what looked to be a certain highside. Uribe made him pay for the mistake and moved into the lead.

But Gillim wasn’t done. He fought back and was on Uribe’s tail section on the final lap, ultimately making a pass in a spot where not many have tried – the inside of the final corner.

He crossed the line just .026 of a second ahead of Uribe. Tomorrow the title will be decided with Gillim leading Uribe by 12 points.

FLO4LAW Racing’s Benjamin Smith ended up a lonely third after knocking Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates off track. Yates ended up eighth and those two are now tied for third in the championship going into tomorrow’s finale.

Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis and Visit Indiana/Tom Wood Powersports’ Nolan Lamkin rounded out the top five.

When asked how he made that last corner pass on Uribe, Gillim admitted, “I have no idea. The bridge had a little wet spot under it, and I was a little nervous going that low. Somehow made it stick. Unfortunately made myself have to work a little harder with the little almost get-off. That hurt the hand a little bit, but it’s good. I’m happy. The team’s happy. It’s incredible to be back up on the top with Steel Commander Honda, Comstock Energy. That was a tough race. Jason (Uribe) was riding really good.”

Junior Cup – Dreher!

BARTCON Racing’s Matthew Chapin, who clinched the 2024 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship at the previous round at Circuit of The Americas, had plans to win Saturday’s Junior Cup race one. The only issue was his start. He left just a little before the light went out and was ultimately penalized five seconds.

Defending Junior Cup Champion Avery Dreher took the checkered flag first aboard his Bad Boys Racing Kawasaki, and Chapin was right behind Dreher. With the time penalty tacked on, Chapin still was credited with second place, and New York Safety Track Racing’s Yandel Medina finished third.

“This is as good as it gets,” Dreher said. “Going into the race, I didn’t know how good the grip was going to be because, to be honest, this was our first dry session. So, I just wanted to get out front and lead as much as I could. I tried to manage the pace. I was in the low 30s most of the time. I kept losing my brakes. I wasn’t sure what was going on, so I was just trying to be careful and stay in the low 30s to try to manage the pace up front. I’ve got to give a huge shout-out to John, Dale, my brother Brady, Darwin, and everyone out here who has supported me. I want to dedicate this one to my dad. I know he’s watching me from up above. This one was for him.”

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoAmerica Support Series News page motoamerica-support-series-latest-news/

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of motoamerica.com/

WINNING WAYS CONTINUE FOR PRADO & COENEN IN THE RAM QUALIFYING RACES

Frank Duggan

September 29, 2024

The 2024 FIM Motocross World Motocross Championships started its 20^th and final round today in glorious sunshine at the Cozar Motor Ranch in southern Spain, as a technical racetrack with a drying red clay surface presented a tough challenge for the riders in the RAM Qualifying Races at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha.

Looking to tie up his second straight MXGP world title this weekend, his first to be decided at the final round and in his home country, Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing star Jorge Prado kept all of his fans happy with a trademark holeshot to chequered flag win, giving him just a tiny bit more breathing room for tomorrow’s races over his Championship challenger Tim Gajser, who was third for Team HRC.

The MX2 race started with a multi-rider crash in the turn one, but in-form Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing pilot Lucas Coenen was already in the lead and looking uncatchable, although his teammate and series leader Kay de Wolf kept calm and delivered a fine third place finish to maintain a healthy advantage in the points table.

Although his chances of a world title are virtually zero coming into Cozar, Jeffrey Herlings set the fastest lap time in both Free Practice and Time Practice for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, ahead of Gajser and Prado, with Jan Pancar showing impressive speed again for TEM JP253 KTM Racing with the fourth best time.

On the freshly groomed downhill start straight into a sharp left-handed corner, Prado made no mistakes and took his customary holeshot as Maxime Renaux ran wide on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP machine. Jeremy Seewer was initially second for Kawasaki Racing Team, ahead of Alberto Forato on the Standing Construct Honda. The Italian flinched slightly on the line, causing Romain Febvre of the Kawasaki Racing Team and Alessandro Lupino of the Ducati Factory MX Team to hit the gate and start from the back!

Herlings looked on a mission, however, and after a lunge up the inside of turn three to pass Team HRC’s Ruben Fernandez for fourth, tore around the outside of both Forato and Seewer to claim second halfway through the opening lap! Gajser, meanwhile, had not started well, and pushed hard to get past Forato at the end of the first full circuit. It took the Slovenian until the halfway point of the race to force past Seewer for third, but he was unable to get near the leading pair.

Seewer and Forato kept fourth and fifth to the flag ahead of Renaux, Fernandez and Fantic Factory Racing rider Glenn Coldenhoff. Andrea Bonacorsi made a nice switchback move to take ninth place for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP, passing Team Ship to Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR rider Valentin Guillod, who took the final point in tenth ahead of the recovering Febvre.

At the front of the pack, Herlings looked to be reeling in Gajser before a massive moment on lap nine nearly saw the Dutchman crash off the track, but he saved it and closed in again on the Spaniard, to within a second and a half on the final lap!

“The Bullet” could not find his way through, however, and Prado took his sixth RAM Qualifying Race win of the season. Gajser, having already won the RAM Driving Experience with the most Saturday wins for the year, finished in third and saw the gap to the reigning Champ rise to nine points.

This means that if Gajser wins both races tomorrow, then Prado will need to take a second and a third place to retain his crown! The Spaniard’s form looks ominous for his competition, but the 2024 MXGP Motocross World Championship has shown that anything can happen in this sport, and usually does!

Jorge Prado: ”It was a very good day. Actually, these conditions are not my favourite track. It’s unbelievable hard but yeah, we got the job done. It was the main thing, so I had to go, you know, I had to push for it not in my favourite conditions, but we are still making it happen. P1 today, let’s go for two P1s tomorrow!”

MXGP – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), 25:21.529; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:01.069; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:06.981; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:12.881; 5. Alberto Forato (ITA, Honda), +0:15.165; 6. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.152; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:23.797; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Fantic), +0:45.490; 9. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:47.179; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +0:49.050

MXGP – World Championship Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 953 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 944 p.; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 904 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 650 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 611 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 577 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 550 p.; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 428 p.; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 360 p.; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, FAN), 319 p

Lucas Coenen declared his intent with the fastest laps in both the Free and Time Practice sessions earlier in the day, with Mikkel Haarup again showing good pace with second fastest for Monster Energy Triumph Racing, as Simon Laengenfelder took third for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing.

Coenen got his exit to the first corner absolutely perfect to jump into the lead ahead of Laengenfelder, before Quentin Prugnieres also edged ahead of the German to hold second place on his F & H Racing Kawasaki. Meanwhile, Thibault Benistant collided with David Braceras and the pair hit the floor, giving David’s Fantic Factory Racing teammate Kay Karssemakers nowhere to go but to add to the pile-up. KTM SB Racing’s Jens Walvoort was also involved, while Max Palsson of Becker Racing fell in a separate crash! Benistant would recover the best to finish 11^th for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2.

Coenen marched away, but his teammate De Wolf was marching forward, passing WZ Racing Team’s local boy Oriol Oliver, Laengenfelder, and on lap three completed a stunning move on Prugnieres to take second!

After his initial struggles, Laengenfelder, who is already confirmed as the bronze medallist for the year, rose back to prominence by also passing Prugnieres, then tucking to the inside of De Wolf for second on lap five. The top three would stay in that order as the Dutchman accepted a humble two-point loss to Coenen in the race.

Prugnieres held on for an MX2 career-best fourth place finish, ahead of the Triumph riders, as Camden McLellan took fifth ahead of Haarup after the Dane fell with three laps to go, but picked it back up in time to hold sixth ahead of Karlis Reisulis for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2.

Eighth position went to Team HRC’s Ferruccio Zanchi after a late move on Oliver. The Spaniard slipped to tenth as outgoing World Champion Andrea Adamo recovered from a poor start to claim ninth on the last lap!

Coenen’s win drops the gap to De Wolf down to 34 points, so the Dutchman can take the Championship in race one tomorrow if he finishes fourth or better, even if the Belgian takes another race win! On this treacherous track, however, things might not ever be that simple!

Don’t miss the final day of the series tomorrow, with the chance to see the World Champion of each class clinch their titles in tomorrow’s MXGP of Castilla La Mancha!

Lucas Coenen:” I need to do everything possible to get at least a chance at the title. Like now, I just rode my own race, I was smooth and didn’t push. So, yeah, I mean, it was a good race. Tomorrow we try to do the same, get a good start and just do our own laps. And that’s how it’s done and maybe we get a chance for the title but at least I want to ride well.”

MX2 – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), 25:27.674; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:16.605; 3. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:23.090; 4. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:23.739; 5. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:24.370; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:32.221; 7. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:38.457; 8. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +0:41.007; 9. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:44.228; 10. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +0:45.860;

MX2 – World Championship Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 923 points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 889 p.; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 820 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 749 p.; 5. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 663 p.; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 634 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 555 p.; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 456 p.; 9. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 401 p.; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, HON), 362 p.

MXGP OF CASTILLA LA MANCHA QUICK FACTS:

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 27°

Weather conditions: Sunny

TIMETABLE

SUNDAY: 09:45 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

For more news check out our dedicated MXGP/MX2 News page

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.mxgp.com

R3 World Cup Will Go Down to the Wire on Sunday in Aragon

Frank Duggan

September 29, 2024

Match Point Marc in Thrilling First Leg of R3 bLU cRU World Cup Title Showdown

Mallorca’s Marc Vich has taken a vital victory in his hunt for the 2024 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup crown after a thrilling Race 1 which saw the top seven riders cross the lineseparated by only +0.629. Title rival Gonzalo Sanchez finished third.

After a season of incredibly close racing and the emergence of several rising stars the title chase will come down to the last R3 bLU cRU World Cup race of the year at Motorland Aragón on Sunday September 28th.

Race 1 was pivotal with Vich leading Sanchez by just nine points as the lights went out, and although the two Spaniards both attempted to make a break at the front, this proved impossible. A lead group of eight riders created one of the best track battles of the year, making both the race win and the championship swing impossible to call. Despite dropping back in the pack several times throughout the nine-lap dash, Sanchez was determined to fight through to the front, and the 16-year-old from nearby Teruel was rewarded with third place. Brazil’s Eduardo Burr charged through to attempt the win, pushing Vich until the end, eventually losing out by the tiny margin of +0.036 to finish second. But it was Vich’s relentlessly calm and focused riding which saw him through to the 25-points, giving him an 18-point lead going into Sunday’s Race 2. Burr closes to within three points of Alessandro Di Persio for third in the championship.

Marc Vich: “I’m really happy, the team and I have done a great job and I was able to manage the title gap. It’s been a very important race today, we’re happy with the result and I can’t ask for anything more. At the beginning of the race there were some contacts with other riders and I dropped back a bit but I knew I had good speed and I just tried to keep my rhythm. Tomorrow is a new day and let’s see what happens.”

Watch the conclusion of the 2024 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup live at 11:50 CET on Sunday September 28th by clicking the image below.

For more info checkout our dedicated FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup News page superbike-news.co.uk/category/world-superbikes/r3-world-cup/

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup

MotoAmerica And Daytona International Speedway Ink Three-Year Deal For Daytona 200

Frank Duggan

September 29, 2024

Multi-Year Deal Is Good News For Fans With The 83rd Daytona 200 Set For March 6-8, 2025.

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, and Daytona International Speedway are pleased to announce that the two entities have reached a three-year agreement that will see MotoAmerica continue to promote the historic Daytona 200 through to the 2028 edition.

The 83rd running of the “Great America Motorcycle Race” will be held March 6-8, 2025, with Josh Herrin attempting to win his fourth Daytona 200 after winning his third in 2024, which tied him with legends Dick Klamfoth, Brad Andres, Roger Reiman, Kenny Roberts and Mat Mladin.

MotoAmerica has successfully promoted the Daytona 200 since 2022.

“MotoAmerica is excited to extend our agreement with Daytona International Speedway, continuing our role in overseeing and operating the Daytona 200 for an additional three years,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Our partnership with the Speedway has grown stronger with each event, and we’ve seen tremendous success and momentum year after year. From day one, our focus has been to continue to grow the Daytona 200’s prestige, and it’s truly an honor to be part of its iconic history. Interest in the race continues to rise globally, with more riders, teams, and manufacturers eager to take on this one-of-a-kind challenge. We look forward to seeing everyone at Daytona in March.”

“The collaboration between MotoAmerica and Daytona International Speedway has elevated the Daytona 200 over the past three years, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce a three-year extension to the partnership,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “The Daytona 200 is one of the marquee events on our calendar and riders, fans, and partners from around the world travel to the World Center of Racing for the opportunity to be a part of an historic racing event. We’re proud to be such an instrumental part of the MotoAmerica schedule.”

The history of the Daytona 200 is unmatched in American road racing. It all began in 1937 with the 200 being held on a 3.2-mile beach course on the sand of Daytona Beach. In 1961, the raced moved to the high banks of the newly constructed Daytona International Speedway. The track, with its 31-degree banking, is unlike any other racecourse that MotoAmerica competes on, and the Daytona 200 is the only race in the series that features pit stops for fuel and tires.

The event has been won by many of the greats, including 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini, three-time World Champion Kenny Roberts, MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey, 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, and “Mr. Daytona” Scott Russell, the only rider to win five Daytona 200s.
For more news check out our dedicated MotoAmerica News page MotoAmerica News

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of motoamerica.com/

Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup – Round 10 at Donington Park, Day 2

Matt Anthony

September 29, 2024

Qualifying

The day started with a two-part qualifying session to determine the grid for the Sprint Race.

Q1 Results

Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) – 1:32.006
James McManus (Ducati) – 1:32.597
Keo Walker (Triumph) – 1:33.082 (GP2 class)

Q2 Results

Luke Stapleford (Triumph) – 1:30.186
Benjamin Currie (Ducati) – 1:30.398 (+0.212s)
Jack Kennedy (Honda) – 1:30.426 (+0.240s)
TJ Toms (Yamaha) – 1:30.660 (+0.474s)
Eugene McManus (Ducati) – 1:31.011 (+0.825s)

Notable performances:

Owen Jenner qualified 15th overall but was the fastest GP2 rider
Lewis Jones was the top Cup class qualifier in 25th position overall

Sprint Race

The Sprint Race provided intense action and a significant shake-up in the championship standings.

Race Results

Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK)
Benjamin Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.057s
TJ Toms (R&R Racing) +0.301s
Harry Truelove (Astro-JJR Suzuki) +5.335s
Eugene McManus (ROKiT Haslam Racing) +7.643s

Key Points:

Jack Kennedy took the win with a last-lap overtake on Ben Currie
Championship rival Luke Stapleford crashed out on the opening lap
Owen Jenner finished 7th overall, winning the GP2 class
Lewis Jones won the Cup class, finishing 22nd overall

Class Winners

Supersport: Jack Kennedy

GP2: Owen Jenner (7th overall)
Cup: Lewis Jones (22nd overall)

Analysis

Jack Kennedy’s victory, coupled with Luke Stapleford’s DNF, has given Kennedy the championship lead
The race was closely contested at the front, with less than a second covering the podium finishers
Harry Truelove and Eugene McManus showed strong pace but couldn’t challenge for the podium
Owen Jenner’s dominant GP2 class win (finishing 9.351s behind the overall winner) demonstrates his strength in the category
The Cup class saw close racing, with Lewis Jones taking the win ahead of Cameron Hall and Tom Tunstall

Championship Implications

Jack Kennedy now leads the Supersport championship following Stapleford’s non-finish
Owen Jenner further solidifies his position at the top of the GP2 standings
The Cup class battle remains tight with another close finish among the top contenders

The results from today have set up an intriguing scenario for tomorrow’s Feature Race, with Kennedy looking to capitalize on his newfound championship lead and Stapleford aiming to bounce back from his disappointing crash.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship – Round 10 at Donington Park, Day 2

Matt Anthony

September 28, 2024

Qualifying

The day started with a two-part qualifying session to determine the grid for Race 1.

Q1 Results

Jason O’Halloran (Kawasaki) – 1:28.773
Max Cook (Kawasaki) – 1:28.847
Lewis Rollo (Aprilia) – 1:29.171

The top two from Q1 progressed to Q2, joining the pre-qualified riders.

Q2 Results (Speedy Fast 15)

Kyle Ryde (Yamaha) – 1:27.428
Danny Kent (Yamaha) – 1:27.548 (+0.120s)
Josh Brookes (BMW) – 1:27.760 (+0.332s)
Charlie Nesbitt (Honda) – 1:27.829 (+0.401s)
Tommy Bridewell (Honda) – 1:27.882 (+0.454s)

Notable performances:

Kyle Ryde secured pole position with a dominant lap
Championship leader Tommy Bridewell qualified 5th
Glenn Irwin, third in the championship, qualified 6th

Race 1

The first race of the weekend provided intense action and significant implications for the championship.

Race 1 Results

Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing)

Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +2.071s
Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) +8.689s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +8.972s
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) +9.710s

Key Points:

Kyle Ryde led from start to finish, withstanding pressure from Bridewell
Danny Kent made a costly mistake early on, dropping to 12th before recovering to 5th
Glenn Irwin made a strong comeback to secure the final podium position
Tommy Bridewell set the fastest lap of the race (1:27.741)
Billy McConnell was disqualified post-race due to a technical infringement

Championship Standings After Race 1

Tommy Bridewell – 356 points
Kyle Ryde – 353 points (-3)
Glenn Irwin – 309 points (-47)
Christian Iddon – 251 points (-105)
Danny Kent – 250 points (-106)

Analysis

Kyle Ryde’s victory has significantly closed the gap in the championship, now just 3 points behind Bridewell
The pole position and race win demonstrate Ryde’s strong form at Donington Park
Despite starting 5th, Bridewell’s second-place finish and fastest lap show his continued competitiveness
Glenn Irwin’s podium keeps him in contention, but the gap to the top two is substantial
Danny Kent’s recovery drive highlights the importance of consistency in the championship battle
The close racing throughout the field promises exciting battles for Sunday’s races

The results from today have set up a thrilling conclusion to the weekend, with the championship battle intensifying between Ryde and Bridewell. Sunday’s races will be crucial in determining who leaves Donington Park with the championship lead.

Iannone seals first WorldSBK victory in Aragon

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Tissot Superpole Highlights
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) dominated the 15 minute Tissot Superpole session to claim a second consecutive pole position.

The rookie broke the lap record at Motorland Aragon with a time of 1’47.840 to take the pole by over three tenths of a second.

Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) qualified on the front row for the fifth time in 2024 aboard his Ducati Panigale V4R as the Italian manufacturer completed their first 1-2-3-4 on the grid since 2004.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) qualified on the front row for the first time this year while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) returned to action for the first time since the French Round by qualifying fifth fastest.

Race 1 Highlights
Race 1 was red flagged due to a crash for Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) at Turn 5. With a Quick Restart Procedure enacted pole sitter Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) retired from the race with a technical issue on the warm-up lap.

When the 17 lap race started Andrea Iannone took the holeshot. The Italian led a group of nine riders for the first third of thr race. The Italian was overtaken by his compatriot Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) on lap eight but Iannone immediately reasserted his supremacy. Having led all but one lap it was a dominant performance by the rookie as he became the eighth different winner in 2024. Iannone proved his speed by setting the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate tour. Iannone’s success sees him become the fourth first time winner in 2024.

Having missed the previous six races Toprak Razgatlioglu’s return the Turkish star run in the podium positions throughout the duration of the race. Ultimately the Turkish rider never led a lap but by finishing in second position he claimed an all important 20 points for his championship challenge.

Despite starting from the fourth row of the grid Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was able to make steady progress. The American was promoted to eighth on the grid with Lowes and Bulega on the sidelines but as the race progressed he was able to move into podium contention. At half distance he picked off Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and was able to set consistent times to move into the podium positions. With five laps remaining Razgatlioglu was back in front but Gerloff held strong to claim his second podium of the campaign.

Starting from the front row of the grid gave Bautista an ideal opportunity to challenge for the race win. A bad start dropped the Spaniard to sixth position on the opening lap but as the race progressed his pace improved and he fought with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) before he moved into fourth position on Lap 10. Despite setting faster laps than the riders in front of him, Bautista was not able to attack and finished in fourth position. Less than half a second separated Razgatlioglu from Bautista at the end of the race.

Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge continued Honda’s strong form. For the seventh consecutive race both Honda riders were able to finish inside the top ten. Having qualified on the third row Lecuona finished in sixth position.

Championship Standings.
Razgatlioglu now holds a lead of 33 points from Bulega in the championship standings with Bautista a further 56 points adrift.
In the Independent Rider standings Petrucci continues to lead the way with Iannone by 87 points.
In the Manufacturer standings Ducati extend their lead over BMW to 34 points.

P1 | Andrea Iannone | Team GoEleven
“From the beginning of the race, I struggled a lot with the front tyre. Lap by lap though I started to get a good feeling. In the last five or six laps I was really confident with the bike. I want to thank my team for doing a great job. Winning today wasn’t just winning a race, I won the race of my life. I never gave up and I showed that I’m strong and that’s the most important thing. The race was good and I’m living the dream once again. To come back and feel like this is special. I fought so hard over the last four years to return, and I never imagined I’d win in my first year back. I want to thank Ducati and Team GoEleven for their support.”

P2 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“This feels so good because after that big crash I’ve come back and finished on the podium. It’s incredible but I’m not entirely happy because I couldn’t fight for the win during the final laps. My front tyre was dropping and I could only battle for second place. I tried to just ride the bike but Andrea was riding really well and his pace was unbelievable. We have two more races tomorrow and I’ll try my best again. I felt on the limit throughout this race, especially with the engine braking, which wasn’t working well. We just need a few improvements for tomorrow.”

P3 | Garrett Gerloff | Bonovo Action BMW
“I felt really good at the end of the race. I still had a bit left in the tank and was trying to catch up with Andrea. Both Andrea and Toprak were riding really well so I just tried to stay calm. I thought I’d close the gap more in the last few laps but it didn’t happen. When Alvaro passed me on the last lap, I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m giving up another podium.’ So I went for it and I’m happy to be back on the podium. The bike feels great, and hopefully, we can find some consistency in the upcoming races.”

WorldSBK Race 1 Results
1. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.845s
3. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +1.124s
4. Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.190s
5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +2.528s
6. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +4.758s

Championship Standings
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 385 points
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 352 points
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 296 points

WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’47.840s
2. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.368s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.418s
4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.474s
5. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.491s
6. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.508s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

Tenth win of the season for Huertas

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Having started from pole position the opening race of the weekend for the Supersport class was a lights to flag victory for Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team).

The Spaniard was under pressure throughout but with four laps to go he opened a margin of one second to his pursuers.

The scrap for second was a three rider fight for much of the race as they battled with each other in the closing stages Huertas opened his lead. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), second in the championship standings, started from the second row of the grid and ran in second position until two thirds distance when the battle for second intensified.

That battle saw Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) move ahead of Montella. The fight between Manzi and Debise for second was only settled on the run to the line with Manzi edging his rival by one tenth of a second.

Manzi will start from pole position for Race 2 ahead of Debise and Montella. Huertas will start from fourth position on the grid.

Key Points:
Pole position: Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
Race 1 winner: Adrian Huertas
Race fastest lap: Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 1’52.797

P1 | Adrian Huertas | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“Race 1 was really good. I couldn’t ask for much more because we had incredible pace today. We worked hard as a team and I think we managed the race perfectly. I believe we have even more margin for tomorrow, so let’s keep pushing and keep winning! It’s incredible to have 10 wins this season, on the Ducati, with this team. I hope to get a good start tomorrow and be in the fight with the leading group”

WorldSSP Race 1 Results
1. Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
2. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +1.929s
3. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +2.062s
4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +2.706s
5. Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) +7.332s
6. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +9.384s

Championship Standings
1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 359 points
2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 304 points
3. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 304 points

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

Third win of the season for Iglesias as title battle heats up

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Having started from ninth position Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) enjoyed his home round to win for the third time this season.

Motorland Aragon once again produced a thrilling WorldSSP300 race with just 0.041s covering the podium as Iglesias claimed a photo finish victory.

Despite leading four laps Julio Garcia Gonzalez was beaten on the run to the line by just 0.01s. The KOVE Racing Team rider claimed his third podium of the season from fifth on the grid. The 18 year old Spaniard will start Race 2 from 13th position.

Pole sitter Loris Veneman dropped to sixth position on lap one with the MTM Kawasaki rider having an action packed race. The recently turned 18 year old kept a cool head on the run to the line to beat his title rival Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) by less than a tenth of a second with Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) splitting the title contenders.

A career best result of seventh for Gustavo Manso (Yamaha AD78 FIM LA by MS Racing) also saw the Brazilian rider set the fastest lap of the race. He’ll be rewarded with pole position for Race 2 tomorrow
Championship highlights.

Mahendra maintains his championship lead but just 12 points now separate the top three with three races remaining.

Key Points:
Pole position: Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki)
Race 1 winner: Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki)
Race fastest lap: Gustavo Manso (Yamaha AD78 FIM LA by MS Racing) 2’06.396

P1 | Inigo Iglesias | Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki
“I came here after a few rounds of bad luck, but I’m back now. The race was crazy, like all 300 races, but I tried to stay in the top positions. I felt the support from my teammate Carter, who was there fighting with me. Winning here at my home round was important, especially with all my people here. I pushed like crazy on the last lap to take the victory—that was my main goal, to keep the championship alive. I told my team that we have to give everything to win this championship because I believe I deserve it. Tomorrow, we’ll fight again for the top spot, and then we’ll see what happens in Jerez.”

WorldSSP300 Race 1 Results
1. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki)
2. Julio García (KOVE Racing Team) +0.010s
3. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) +0.041s
4. Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) +0.052s
5. Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) +0.140s
6. Carter Thompson (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.169s

Championship Standings
1. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 175 points
2. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) 168 points
3. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) 163 points

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport 300 News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport-300/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com/

Bagnaia masters Mandalika as Martin’s mistake cuts title lead in half

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Another huge twist in the Tissot Sprint sees Bagnaia, Bastianini AND Marquez close in after closest Saturday finish of the year.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) returned to glory in the Tissot Sprint at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, remaining unflappable in the 13-lap shootout as Championship Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had a shock crash out the lead to create yet another title fight twist. The 12 points for Bagnaia’s win cuts the gap between the top two in half ahead of a tantalising Grand Prix race.

On top of that drama, it was the closest Sprint finish of the season as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) put in a serious late charge, coming home a mere 0.107s off his teammate after attacking and passing Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who completed the podium. That makes it all three riders in those top echelons of the title fight making gains on Saturday as Martin looks to hit back on Sunday.

As the lights went out, Martin made a dream launch, charging to the front ahead of title rival Bagnaia, who braved the outside line on the run to Turn 1. The #89 pulled the pin on the opening lap, while Marc Marquez made ground at the start after qualifying from 12th on the grid – slicing up the inside with razorlike precision.

The drama hit early, however, with Martin suddenly crashing out of the lead at the tricky Turn 16 in a near carbon copy of Bastianini’s crash in qualifying. The Championship leader remounted, setting sights on recovering some points, but Bagnaia was left in the lead to make his play for that maximum score of 12.

The battle for the podium then began in earnest, with Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) getting the gloves off. The #93 soon made a move stick on Acosta on Lap 3, entering the top three as Acosta was next under threat from Bastianini. That made the rookie drop back to fifth.

There was then a huge heart in mouth moment for Bezzecchi as he chased down Bagnaia, with the #72 getting all crossed up and heading wide, avoiding contact with the reigning World Champion ahead by millimetres.

Meanwhile, Martin continued his recovering ride, launching into the top 15 and then the top 12, soon entering the top 10 after a move on Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). But after getting mired behind plenty of other riders looking to make progress, and getting some elbows form Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the points were out of reach.

At the front, Bagnaia pounded on with just enough breathing space as Bastianini started to home in on Marc Marquez in the closing laps. Setting his sights on a move with three laps remaining, ‘the Beast’ looked for an opportunity on Lap 12 and made the move stick at Turn 10, job done. The Italian was up into second, with Bagnaia a further eight-tenths up the road.

It seemed like that would be more than enough but it got close. On the final lap, Bagnaia kept his cool but Bastianini was on a roll, closing on his teammate to cross the line just a tenth further back. A Ducati Lenovo Team 1-2, a 12-point gain for Bagnaia as well as a boost with that winning feeling… and a warning shot from Bastianini for his rivals on Sunday. Marc Marquez completed the podium, not quite able to hang with the #23’s pace.

Behind the leading trio was Bezzecchi, who had good pace but was just unable to recover that ground lost after his mistake. The #72 had a comfortable advantage over Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), however, with the #21 able to leapfrog Acosta, who finished down in sixth. The rookie crossed the line with less than half a second advantage over Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), too.

Meanwhile, CASTROL Honda LCR’s Johann Zarco secured a remarkable eighth place. It was a standout ride from the Frenchman, crossing the line in front of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who took the final point. Martin was unable to finish higher than 10th, walking away with no points and 9.104s away from victory.

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), meanwhile, dropped from a second row start to outside the points after an elbows-out battle, but the Frenchman will be looking for more reward on Sunday for his solid pace.

Bagnaia back on top. Martin’s Championship advantage down to 12 points. Marquez in the mix… and Bastianini ready to unleash the Beast. You do not want to miss the Indonesian GP, so tune in on Sunday at 15:00 local time (UTC +8) to find out who will head into Japan on top!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Canet denies Dixon and Ogura as front row split by 0.070

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) stormed to pole after a breathtaking lap in Indonesia, but the Spaniard has some serious competition right on his tail as Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) was denied by just 0.060.

Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) ended Saturday just 0.001s in further arrears to complete a close front row.

– It would be a dramatic start to Q2 for Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with the Italian crashing in the opening five minutes and now needing to pass a medical review before the race to head back out on Sunday.

– Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) heads the second row of the grid ahead of Beta Tools SpeedUp’s Fermin Aldeguer and Alonso Lopez, who end Saturday just two-tenths away from Canet’s benchmark.

– Back on row three on Sunday will be Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), with the Italian setting sights on redemption after missing out on victory last time out. Arbolino will have Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia)

– MT Helmets – MSI’s Sergio Garcia starts as Moto2™ continues to look as unpredictable as ever.

Tune in for another twist at 13:15 (UTC +8)!

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Ortola on top as rivals look to halt Alonso’s charge towards match point

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) set a new lap record to take pole In Indonesia, although the #48 also has a double Long Lap to content with on race day.

He’s set to head Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) after the Dutchman pulled off an incredible front-end save on his final flying lap, with Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) alongside as the Japanese rider claimed third despite a crash in the closing minutes.

– Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) improved throughout Q2 and starts P4 just ahead of Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team). He has Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) alongside as the Italian continued to look impressive in Indonesia

– Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Tatsuki Suzuki will head the third row of the grid, ahead of Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), who, after an eventful Q2 of saves, starts from ninth.

– Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) heads off from 10th, but the #99 needs to serve a Long Lap. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), meanwhile, starts P14 as key rivals look to halt Alonso’s Championship charge

Tune in to see if the Colombian can equal some records on race day, with lights out at 12:00 (UTC+8).

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance – Round 10 at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

September 28, 2024

Free Practice 1 (FP1)

The opening session saw varying track conditions, described as “Cloudy / Drying” in the official results.

Luke Mossey (Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles) set the pace with a time of 1:31.575
Davey Todd (Cheshire Mouldings BMW by TAS Racing) was second, 0.950s behind
David Allingham (SMS / Nicholls Oil Racing) completed the top three, 1.524s off the lead

Notable performances:

Joe Talbot and Josh Owens rounded out the top five
Points leader Davey Todd showed strong pace despite the challenging conditions

Free Practice 2 (FP2)

The second session saw significantly faster times as the track conditions improved to “Sunny / Dry”.

Davey Todd (Cheshire Mouldings BMW by TAS Racing) topped the timesheets with 1:29.374
Luke Mossey (Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles) was second, 0.103s behind
David Allingham (SMS / Nicholls Oil Racing) took third, 0.262s off the pace

Key points:

Davey Todd improved his time by over 3 seconds from FP1
Scott Swann and Joe Talbot completed the top five

The top 10 were separated by just 1.421 seconds

Combined Results

The combined results from both sessions determine the final standings for the day.

Davey Todd (Cheshire Mouldings BMW by TAS Racing) – 1:29.374
Luke Mossey (Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles) – +0.103s
David Allingham (SMS / Nicholls Oil Racing) – +0.262s
Scott Swann (Swann Racing) – +0.324s
Joe Talbot (SAF INTRADISC Honda by JR Performance) – +1.047s
Tim Neave (MasterMac Honda) – +1.126s
Matt Truelove (TAG Racing Honda) – +1.182s
Josh Owens (IN Competition / SENCAT Aprilia) – +1.259s
Harrison Crosby (SAF INTRADISC Honda by JR Performance) – +1.388s
Tom Ward (Armada Marine Cables Racing) – +1.421s

Analysis

Points leader Davey Todd showcased his championship-leading form, especially in FP2, setting the fastest time of the day.
The improving track conditions led to a significant drop in lap times between FP1 and FP2, with the fastest time improving by over 2 seconds.
Luke Mossey showed consistent pace, leading FP1 and finishing a close second in the combined standings.
David Allingham maintained his position in the top three across both sessions, indicating strong and consistent performance.
Joe Talbot, Todd’s main rival in the championship, finished fifth overall, suggesting he has some work to do to challenge for pole position.
Scott Swann made a significant improvement in FP2 to jump up to fourth in the combined standings.
The top 5 riders were separated by just over a second (1.047s), promising a competitive qualifying session.
The difference in track conditions between FP1 and FP2 means that FP3 could be crucial for final setup adjustments before qualifying.
With 36 riders within the 110% qualifying time, we can expect a full and competitive grid for the races.

The close times at the front and the improving track conditions set the stage for an exciting qualifying session and races to come in this round of the Pirelli National Superstock at Donington Park.

Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup – Round 10 at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

September 28, 2024

Free Practice 1 (FP1)

The opening session saw varying track conditions, described as “Cloudy / Wet” in the official results.

Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) set the pace with a time of 1:40.226
Benjamin Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) was second, 1.036s behind
TJ Toms (R&R Racing) completed the top three, 1.055s off the lead

Notable performances:

Shane Richardson and Rhys Irwin rounded out the top five
GP2 class saw Keo Walker finished 12th overall, fastest in his class
Cameron Hall was the fastest Cup rider in 16th place overall

Free Practice 2 (FP2)

The second session saw significantly faster times as the track conditions improved to “Sunny / Dry”.

Benjamin Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) topped the timesheets with 1:31.202
Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Racing) was second, 0.079s behind
TJ Toms (R&R Racing) took third, 0.114s off the pace

Key points:

Eugene McManus and Jack Kennedy completed the top five

GP2 Champion Owen Jenner was the fastest GP2 rider, finishing 10th overall
Tom Tunstall led the Cup entries in 25th place overall

Combined Results

The combined results from both sessions determine the final standings for the day.

Benjamin Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) – 1:31.202
Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Racing) – +0.079s
TJ Toms (R&R Racing) – +0.114s
Eugene McManus (ROKiT Haslam Racing Ducati) – +0.880s
Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) – +0.896s
Harry Truelove (Astro-JJR Suzuki) – +1.054s
Dean Harrison (Honda Racing UK) – +1.187s
Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing) – +1.254s
Shane Richardson (Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki) – +1.308s
Owen Jenner (Kramer Racing) – +1.430s (1st in GP2 class)

GP2 Class Top 3:

Owen Jenner (Kramer Racing) – 10th overall
Jack Nixon (Kramer Racing) – 26th overall
Keo Walker (RD Racing) – 29th overall

Cup Class Top 3:

Tom Tunstall (SRG Specialist Risk Group) – 25th overall
Joe Farragher (ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki) – 30th overall
Lewis Jones (Lewis Jones Racing) – 31st overall

Analysis

Defending champion Ben Currie showed strong form, especially in FP2, setting the fastest time of the day.
The improving track conditions led to a significant drop in lap times between FP1 and FP2, with over 9 seconds difference between the fastest laps.
Luke Stapleford and TJ Toms were very close to Currie’s pace, promising a tight battle at the front.
In the GP2 class, Owen Jenner demonstrated his championship-winning form by finishing 10th overall and well ahead of his class rivals.
The Cup class saw close competition, with Tom Tunstall leading the way.
The top 10 riders in the combined results were separated by just 1.430 seconds, indicating a competitive field.
Several riders had lap times cancelled due to track limit violations, particularly in FP2, suggesting the dry conditions allowed riders to push the limits more.

The close times at the front and the competitive showing across all classes set the stage for an exciting qualifying session and races to come in this round at Donington Park.

Martin reigns, Marquez crashes twice in dramatic qualifying at Mandalika

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

<strong>The Championship leader heads Bezzecchi and Acosta as qualifying in Lombok sets the stage for two stunning showdowns.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) starts from a stunning new lap record pole at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, with the Championship leader able to navigate a dramatic session to his advantage and end the session with more than half a second of it at the top. Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) quite literally picked himself up from his own drama for a last-gasp second on the grid, with the front row completed by rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini were relegated to the second row in P4 and P5, the latter after a crash, but for Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) it’s an bigger comeback required if he’s to take some glory once the lights go out: two crashes in Q2 leave the eight-time World Champion with no time set and P12 on the grid…

Q1
There was plenty of drama in Q1 alone. A crash for Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) early on interrupted his mission to move through, and then one for Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) late on saw him lose a chance to improve. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had an issue that saw him forced back into the box without time to head back out as well, and by the end of play it was Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) reigning the timesheets from Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) as both moved through.

Q2
The drama hit almost immediately for Marc Marquez, who was headed out on his first run behind Martin but didn’t finish the first lap. As they were pushing on, the #93 crashed out at Turn 15, rider ok but running back to the box to get on his second bike. Martin’s lap put him top, meanwhile, before he bettered it again to slam in that stunning lap record.

Then came more drama. Bastianini slid out, low speed and leg in the air trying to save it at Turn 16, although at least able to dive straight back into pitlane, no harm done. With six minutes to go as the second runs began in earnest, it left Martin leading Zarco and Bezzecchi at the top, with the Championship leader enjoying a gap of eight tenths and no lap set from many key rivals.

Then, more drama hit with a few minutes left on the clock, and again for Marc Marquez. This time, the #93 slid out from behind Bagnaia at Turn 10, rider ok once again but once again forced to abandon the bike there. That was it, with no lap set putting him P12 on the grid – and bringing the yellow flags out again.

Meanwhile, Acosta had slotted into second just ahead of Bagnaia and Bastianini, but the gap to Martin remained half a second. Then, Bezzecchi crashed right at the end of the lap, putting more yellow flags out. Still, he was able to get back on and that would prove crucial.

Martin rolled out of another lap, Bastianini too, and in the end it all went down to Bezzecchi’s final push to decide the front row. He wasn’t quite on to challenge for pole but with the gap between first and second a sizable target, there was plenty still on offer. He crossed the line to make good on that and take P2 on the grid, with Acosta demoted to third but nevertheless pipping both Bagnaia and Bastianini.

THE GRID
Behind Martin, Bezzecchi and Acosta, Bagnaia and Bastianini launch from P4 and P5, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) completing the front row as his mighty run of form continues.

Zarco’s performance is also mighty as he heads Row 3, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) alongside. Franco Morbidelli (Prima Prama Racing) had a tougher session at the office to qualify P9, despite topping FP2. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Raul Fernandez slot in next, with the #93 bringing up the Q2 runners in P12, where he’ll have to start on Saturday and Sunday.

After that dramatic qualifying, what lies in store once the lights go out? Indonesia served up an emotional rollercoaster in 2023, and the stage is set for another this season. We’ll have the first chapter revealed later today, with the Tissot Sprint underway at 15:00 local time!

SATURDAY
TISSOT SPRINT: 15:00 (UTC +8)
SUNDAY
GRAND PRIX: 15:00 (UTC +8)

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Baz Is Best On Friday At New Jersey Motorsports Park

Frank Duggan

September 28, 2024

Frenchman Loris Baz And His Ducati Panigale V4 R Lead The Way In Iffy Conditions On Opening Day At NJMP

By the time the Steel Commander Superbike class took to New Jersey Motorsports Park for Q1, the racetrack was mostly dry which translated to everyone doing their quick laps on slicks. The quickest of those ended up being Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Loris Baz with the Frenchman posting a 1:22.737 on his 23rd and final lap of the 40-minute session.

Baz was the only rider to crack into the 1:22s with his 1:22.737 leading Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier by .413 of a second. Beaubier didn’t do as many laps as Baz and his best came on his 13^th and final go-around, a 1:23.150.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch was a career-best third in Q1 with a 1:23.769.

Fourth fastest on Friday was Superbike Champion-elect Josh Herrin with the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati rider the last one in the 1:23s with his 1:23.931, fractions quicker than Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen with the South African ending up fifth.

Petersen’s fill-in teammate Xavi Forés ended the day sixth fastest, some .4 of a second ahead of EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly, who was still riding the high of his first Superbike win two weeks ago at Circuit of The Americas.

Wrench Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong, Beaubier’s Tytlers Cycle Racing teammate JD Beach, and FLO4LAW Racing’s Benjamin Smith rounded out the top 10 heading into tomorrow morning’s Q2 session.

Baz Is Best On Friday At New Jersey Motorsports Park — The Supersport class was led by PJ Jacobsen with his 1:34.649 lap on Friday at NJMP.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Supersport – Jacobsen On Top

Tricky conditions in the first Supersport qualifying session meant there were crashes and two red flags. When it was all said and done it was PJ Jacobsen right where he needs to be – at the front.

Light rain fell for most of the session and Rahal Ducati Moto’s Jacobsen saved his best for the end as he does all he can to get closer to Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz, who leads the Supersport title chase by 39 points with this weekend’s two races left in the championship. Scholtz, meanwhile, wasn’t taking any chances, ending the session in sixth and some two seconds off Jacobsen’s pace.

Jacobsen’s best was a 1:34.649 and that kicked his teammate Corey Alexander back to second with the taller of the two leading most of the session before ending up second – .203 of a second from the top.

Third fastest on the day was EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing’s Maxi Gerardo with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott and Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa rounding out the top five.

Stock 1000 – Slick Hayden

Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim saved his best for last in Stock 1000 Q1 with the defending series champion fitting slicks to his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP to earn provisional pole on his final lap of the session.

Gillim timed it perfectly in recognizing there was a dry enough line to give it a go on slicks and the result was a 1:31.243 – 1.5 seconds faster than Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis.

Edge Racing’s Jason Waters was third fastest, a few tenths quicker than Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates, and fifth-placed Richard Kerr on the AMD Motorsports RK Racing Honda CBR1000RR-R SP.

OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe, who is just seven points behind Gillim in the chase for the 2024 Stock 1000 Championship, ended the session in seventh.

Junior Cup – It’s A Block Party

BARTCON Racing’s Eli Block is in his comfort zone at NJMP. Throw in some iffy weather and he gets even cozier. On Friday, Block was unstoppable in earning provisional pole for the two Junior Cup races this weekend.

Block was the only rider to break into the 1:32s with his 1:32.611 besting Bad Boys Racing’s Avery Dreher by .616 of a second.

Mckellar Racing’s Jaden Mckellar was enjoying his first-ever MotoAmerica Junior Cup race and his weekend started well with the third fastest time in Q1.

Bad Boys Racing’s Ella Dreher was fourth fastest with Speed Demon Racing’s Logan Cunnison rounding out the top five.

Mission King Of The Baggers – ROCCO!

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Rocco Landers was lucky to get up after a scary crash coming out of the final corner in the closing moments of the Q1 for the Mission King Of The Baggers. Landers was a bit banged up, but smiling nonetheless after earning provisional pole position just a lap before the crash.

Landers ripped off a 1:24.829 on his 11^th lap of the 30-minute session for his second provisional pole in a row. His quick lap put him .423 of a second ahead of his teammate Hayden Gillim, who in turn was barely faster than Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s James Rispoli.

The two protagonists in the battle for the 2024 Mission King Of The Baggers Championship were fourth and fifth with S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss .2 of a second faster than championship points leader Kyle Wyman. Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Wyman leads Herfoss by just two points heading into the weekend’s two races.

For more news check out our dedicated MotoAmerica News page MotoAmerica News

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of motoamerica.com/

Bennetts British Superbike Championship – Round 10 at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

September 27, 2024

Free Practice 1 (FP1)

The opening session of the day saw varying track conditions, with the surface described as “drying.” This led to rapidly changing lap times, especially in the closing stages of the session.

Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) set the pace with a time of 1:33.018s
Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) was just 0.061s behind
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) completed the top three, 0.652s off the lead

Notable performances:

Leon Haslam and Storm Stacey rounded out the top five
Championship leader Tommy Bridewell finished 7th
Luke Hedger showed strong pace, finishing 8th

Free Practice 2 (FP2)

The second session saw significantly faster times as the track conditions improved.

Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) topped the timesheets with 1:27.651s
Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) made it a 1-2 for the team, 0.473s behind
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) took third, 0.514s off the pace

Key points:

Ryde set his best time on the final lap of the session

Championship leader Tommy Bridewell improved to 4th
Charlie Nesbitt impressed with 5th place for MasterMac Honda
Glenn Irwin, who led FP1, dropped to 9th in this session

Combined Results

The combined results from both sessions determine the automatic qualifiers for tomorrow’s Speedy Hire Qualifying 2 session. The top 12 riders progress directly to Q2.

Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) – 1:27.651s
Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) – +0.473s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) – +0.514s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) – +0.583s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) – +0.677s
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) – +0.801s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) – +0.832s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad) – +0.901s
Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) – +1.119s
Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) – +1.290s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) – +1.372s
Billy McConnell (C&L Fairburn Properties/Look Forward Racing Honda) – +1.568s

Analysis

OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing had an excellent day, with both riders finishing 1-2 in the combined standings.
The improving track conditions led to a significant drop in lap times between FP1 and FP2, with over 5 seconds difference between the fastest laps.
Championship contenders Kyle Ryde and Tommy Bridewell both showed strong pace, finishing 1st and 4th respectively.
Glenn Irwin, despite leading FP1, will need to find more pace in FP3 and qualifying to challenge for pole position.
The top 12 riders, who automatically progress to Q2, are separated by just 1.568 seconds, promising a tight and competitive qualifying session tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s schedule will see the riders compete in FP3, followed by the all-important Speedy Hire Qualifying sessions and the first race of the weekend.

Razgatlioglu returns as Gerloff leads a BMW 1-2 at Motorland Aragon

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

WorldSBK Free Practice
After three weeks on the sidelines Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) wasted little time to reassert his position as the man to beat in WorldSBK. The Turkish rider has been out of action due to injury but topped the times in Free Practice 1 at Motorland Aragon. In the afternoon he dropped to second fastest but was just 0.004s slower than the fastest time of the day.

Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) set the fastest time, 1’49.017, on his 34th and final lap of the day. The American has been in good form of late, registering at least one top four finish at each of the previous three rounds, but by topping the times he’ll be hoping to translate today’s speed into his first front row start of the season.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) ended the day third fastest. The championship contender sat out the first 15 minutes of action for FP1 with an electrical problem. He completed 38 laps today and ended the day 0.136s slower than Gerloff.

Motorland Aragon is the longest circuit visited by WorldSBK. Resurfaced asphalt and windy conditions made it difficult for the riders in Free Practice 2. The session began with crashes for Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) but Bautista remounted to set the fourth fastest time of the day as he completed 36 laps.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) was the busiest rider on the opening day of the Aragon Round. The Italian completed 40 laps at the track where he claimed his maiden WorldSBK victory in 2020 and his most recent victory last season.

P1 | Garrett Gerloff | Bonovo Action BMW
“It’s so nice to start the weekend like this! Aragon is a super fun track and the new asphalt has a lot more grip compared to last year. The wind was very strong but I felt really good. It’s just nice when things start to click and you go to a different track but everything feels good. At the beginning of this season we didn’t have that feeling but now it seems to be flowing a lot easier, and I’m loving it. I need a good lap in Superpole tomorrow and if we can do that we’ll be in a much better position to fight.”

P2 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“The feeling is amazing! I’ve never won at this track and this weekend I’m just trying to win. It won’t be easy because the track is tough. The grip is good on the resurfaced areas and the tyres don’t have a huge drop-off. I did a 14 lap race simulation today and physically, I feel good. Physically it’s been tough because I have not trained since the accident, but I feel good enough. I’m a little bit tired, but I think tomorrow I’ll feel much better. We need to improve the bike because it’s not turning as well as I’d like. The grip is okay, but the stopping and turning need to improve. I really want to win and that’s my target. The qualifying session is just one lap, but for me, the race is what matters. I’m fully focused on it, and I hope we’ll be fighting for the win.”

P3 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“In the morning, on the first lap of FP1, I had a small problem, but after they changed a part, everything was fine. I lost some time in FP1, but in FP2, my feeling with the bike improved a lot. My team did a great job and we made significant progress from the morning to the afternoon. The track conditions weren’t the fastest, but they were still good. I think we have the pace to be in the top three so that’s positive. We have to keep improving for tomorrow.”

P4 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“It’s been a challenging day with the strong winds. This morning was positive though as we tried the new asphalt for the first time. The grip is good but Turn 9 has some damage to the surface. In the afternoon, we compared Pirelli tyres, and I preferred the SC1 front and the new SC0 rear. This combination felt better overall. I had a small crash in Turn 9, likely due to the damaged surface, but there were no big consequences from it. I’m feeling better physically than I did in Cremona but I’m not yet at 100%. I’m confident I’ll improve as the weekend progresses.”

WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2
1. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’49.017s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.004s
3. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.136s
4. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.245s
5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.251s
6. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +0.476s

Download Full Results

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

Huertas turns the screw on his rivals

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

Superpole Highlights
By claiming his seventh Superpole of the season Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) wrapped up the Tissot Superpole Award with two rounds to spare. The championship leader was pushed throughout the 45 minute session by his rivals and it was only on his final lap of the day that he guaranteed pole position.

As the session drew to a close Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) jumped to the front row ahead of Jorge Navarro. The Orelac Racing Verdnatura rider had led the way for most of the session but had to settle for third fastest at the end. It was the second time this season that Navarro has qualified on the front row of the grid.

Title contenders Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) will have to come through from fourth and eighth on the grid.

P1 | Adrian Huertas | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“Today was a really good day because we ended up with pole position and we also had a strong pace for the race. I’m happy because we have clear goals to work on to find improvements but find something every day. We are fast and consistent and, most importantly, we aren’t making many mistakes. We’re ready to keep pushing and fighting tomorrow. In the race I think it’s going to be really close for all of the leading riders and I’m looking forward to enjoying the race. I think we can have fun racing with my competitors, and I’ll try to find the areas where I can gain an advantage.”

WorldSSP Tissot Superpole Results
1. Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’52.932s
2. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.062s
3. Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) +0.113s
4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.213s
5. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +0.407s
6. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +0.455s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

An early crash can’t halt the Veneman momentum

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

Superpole Highlights
Having crashed on his first lap of the 25 minute Superpole session Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) bounced back to claim his third pole position of the season. The Dutchman’s bike suffered extensive damage to his bike but resumed the fray after over ten minutes in the pits. Veneman set the fastest time, 2’06.300 on his penultimate lap.

Championship leader Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) qualified in second position. The Indonesian rider was less than two tenths of a second slower than Veneman.

Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacting) claimed his second front row start of the season but was over six tenths of a second slower than Veneman. The second row of the grid will be led by Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) who had his best Superpole performance since returning from injury to qualify in front of the KOVE Racing Team duo Julio Garcia Gonzalez and Marc Garcia.

P1 | Loris Veneman | MTM Kawasaki
“This was the weirdest session I’ve ever had! I crashed on the out lap and the bike was pretty much destroyed. I picked it up and rode back to the pit lane but the team did an amazing job to repair the bike so quickly. I was able to get back out and still had time for two flying laps. The first lap was fast so I thought, ‘Okay, it’s going pretty well.’ Then the second lap was good enough for pole position. I’m really happy with this result. I want to be World Champion so I have to try to gain some points back on Aldi and I’ll do my best this weekend.”

WorldSSP300 Tissot Superpole Results
1. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) 2’06.300s
2. Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) +0.184s
3. Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) +0.606s
4. Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) +0.618s
5. Julio García (KOVE Racing Team) +0.997s
6. Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) +1.052s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport 300 News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport-300/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com/

MotoGP – Indonesian GP – Friday

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

The Beast turns up the wick in Practice to bag a new Mandalika lap record as Bagnaia leaves it late to pocket P4.

A new Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit all-time lap record belongs to Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) after the #23 topped the Practice timesheets on a scorching afternoon in Indonesia. The Emilia-Romagna GP winner surfed his way to a stunning 1:29.630 to lead Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by just 0.040s, as the World Championship leader’s teammate Franco Morbidelli and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) round out a top four split by less than a tenth.

It was a fairly eventful start to proceedings on Friday afternoon as we saw Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) crash at Turn 1 in the opening 10 minutes, before we witnessed a classic Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) save – the #93 dug his right elbow and knee into the asphalt and somehow kept his Ducati GP23 sunny side up at Turn 10. Incredible.

A quieter part of the session – in terms of the outright pace – then took place as riders ran through their respective Practice checklists, and despite the crash, Acosta led to timesheets from Marc Marquez heading into the final 25 minutes of Friday afternoon with a 1:30.411.

Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was the first rider to slot in a fresh soft rear Michelin tyre for a time attack, and the Italian climbed to P2 on his first effort – 0.004s away from Acosta.

With 13 minutes to go, Martin propelled himself to the summit with a 1:30.317 as we strapped in for the Friday afternoon all-in laps. On his next flyer, Martin destroyed the lap record after landing a 1:29.670, with Bagnaia’s first effort 0.888s adrift on his main title rival. The second attack from Pecco was an improved one, but a lap only good enough for P9.

The other Ducati Lenovo Team rider wasn’t suffering the same troubles though. Bastianini was the new session pacesetter with eight minutes left after ‘The Beast’ set a 1:29.630 – 0.040s faster than Martin. Meanwhile, a crucial final four minutes were coming up for Bagnaia as he found himself in P12. That was soon P9 as Bagnaia improved, as Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) crashed at Turn 16 while shadowing the reigning World Champion.

And when it mattered most, Bagnaia delivered. The #1 went P9 to P3 before Morbidelli popped up to P3 to demote his compatriot down to P4, as the session ended without any dramas for the top four in the World Championship chase.

Bezzecchi found a late time to earn P5 on Day 1 in Indonesia, with Fabio Quartararo again impressing on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ machine to stick his YZR-M1 in P6 – a phenomenal effort from the Frenchman. Marc Marquez will head straight into Q2 in P7, as the eight-time World Champion completed his good deed of the day to help Pecco get back to the box after the Italian ran out of fuel.

Acosta, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) are the other riders heading into Q2 automatically, as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) miss out by less than a tenth in P11 and P12 as Honda continue to show signs of progression.

So that’s another Friday in the history books. Now, attentions turn to qualifying and the Tissot Sprint as another super Saturday awaits in Indonesia, and as always, you can catch it all on motogp.com!

FP2: 10:10 (UTC +8)
Q1: 10:50
Q2: 11.15
Tissot Sprint: 15:00

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Ogura tops timesheets full of key contenders on Friday

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

World Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) hit the ground running in Indonesia to lead the pack heading into Saturday’s action thanks to a new lap record around the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.

The Japanese rider’s 1:33.690 saw him beat Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by 0.057s, as Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completed the top three, 0.163s away from the summit.

– Fermin Aldeuger (Beta Tools SpeedUp) showed some strong pace to claim P4 on Day 1 and sit under two tenths shy of his fellow Boscoscuro rider Ogura.

– 2022 Indonesian GP race winner, Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), enjoyed a solid start to his Friday with a P5 finish in Practice 1.

– Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and the impressive Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) set the exact same lap time to finish P6 and P7 respectively, while title-chasing Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) and Emilia-Romagna GP winner Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) have work to do on Saturday morning from P21 and P23.

Who will sail into the top 14 by the end of Practice 2? Find out at 09:25, before qualifying gets going at 13:45 in Mandalika.

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Veijer fastest, Alonso P13 on Day 1

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

Moto3™ has landed at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) topping the standings after an impressive Friday.

The Dutchman destroyed the lap record, giving him a 0.154s advantage over the field as the only rider in the 1:37s. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) continued his impressive recent form in second, ahead of David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team), who claimed a strong P3 after nearly 20 laps in Practice 1.

– It was an eventful start to the weekend, with a number of riders crashing in the fist session of the day including Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) at Turn 4 – rider ok but after Practice 1 in the afternoon, he sits P13 but two places ahead of key rival Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3)

– Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) would dip under the lap record first in the afternoon before Veijer grabbed top spot – taking the fight to Honda after a notable day for the Japanese factory. By the end of play, four Hondas complete the top five: Fernandez, Almansa, his teammate Matteo Bertelle and Lunetta

– Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA), who had a strong day to finish ahead of Round 12 winner Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in seventh. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) took eighth on his first visit to the track, after topping the first session too. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP’s Tatsuki Suzuki complete the top ten

Can Alonso move forward on Saturday? Tune in for P2 at 8:40 (UTC+8) before qualifying from 12:50 to find out!

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship provisional calendar announced

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

The provisional 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship calendar has been announced today (Friday 27 September).

The 11-round season features a shake-up next year, with the championship kicking off at Oulton Park in Cheshire over the traditional May Bank Holiday weekend, ahead of the first of two outings to Donington Park later in the month.

Snetterton will host round three in June, before the annual visit to Scotland on the opening weekend of July at Knockhill. The much-loved Brands Hatch summer event remains at the end of that month.

August continues to feature another Thruxton thriller before the fans’ favourite Bank Holiday highlight at Cadwell Park at the end of the month.

Donington Park will host the final event of the Main Season when the championship returns at the start of September, before the crucial Showdown title chase takes places across the final three rounds.

The legendary TT Circuit Assen makes a welcome return to the calendar and will host the opening round of the Showdown in mainland Europe for the first time since 2019, as the points’ value increases in the final battle for the title.

The championship then returns to Oulton Park for the penultimate round of the season on the opening weekend of October before the traditional final visit to Brands Hatch for the 2025 title decider two weeks later.

There will be three official tests prior to the start of the 2025 season, with the first taking place in April at Circuito de Navarra, which has just reopened following a multi-million Euro redevelopment.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs commented: “I am delighted to announce our 2025 provisional calendar which will consist of familiar favourites, a returning highlight and tweaks to the order of the events.

“The opening round will start with the early May Bank Holiday weekend at Oulton Park, before a sequence of events at our traditional UK venues. It’s then a return to the Cathedral of Racing, Assen in the Netherlands, to start the Showdown for the first time since 2019, with the circuit in a celebratory mood in the centenary year of the Dutch TT. Return visits to Oulton Park and Brands Hatch will round up the 29th season of Bennetts BSB in the modern era.

“The full season will kick off with the now traditional Spanish testing period, with the first official track action on 6/7 April at the revitalised Navarra circuit. Fans, teams and riders were already highly impressed with the facility at this year’s opening round and with a multi-million Euro circuit reconfiguration and upgrade just completed everyone is looking forward to seeing the changes first-hand.”

2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship Official Tests

	DATE	VENUE
Test 1	6/7 April	Circuito de Navarra
Test 2	18/19 April	Donington Park GP
Test 3	23/24 April	Oulton Park

2025 Provisional Bennetts British Superbike Calendar

	DATE	VENUE
Round 1	3/4/5 May	Oulton Park*
Round 2	16/17/18 May	Donington Park GP
Round 3	20/21/22 June	Snetterton
Round 4	4/5/6 July	Knockhill
Round 5	25/26/27 July	Brands Hatch GP
Round 6	8/9/10 August	Thruxton
Round 7	23/24/25 August	Cadwell Park*
Round 8	5/6/7 September	Donington Park GP
Round 9	19/20/21 September	TT Circuit Assen
Round 10	3/4/5 October	Oulton Park
Round 11	17/18/19 October	Brands Hatch GP

* Denotes Bank Holiday weekend.

All dates are provisional and subject to change

For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com

All to play for: the season finale lands at Donington Park

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

The final round of the 2024 R&G British Talent Cup is about to get underway – with 75 points up for grabs.

The time has come! The final round of the 2024 R&G British Talent Cup is about to begin at Donington Park, with a whopping 75 points still in play as the three-race weekend gets ready to decide the crown. After a weekend of two halves last time out, it’s still very much all to play for – although Lucas Brown (SENCAT Talent Team / Mortimer Racing) heads in with that 28-point lead.

That’s more than one race, but there are three so it’s far from done. Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing) is the closest on the chase with that 28-point deficit, but he has close company from Ryan Frost (Fibre Tec Honda) and Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing), making it a likely four-rider fight for the title. Still, given the triple-header weekend, Filip Surowiak (Honda – Team City Lifting/RS Racing) is also in mathematical contention and it ain’t over till it’s over.

Brown’s season has been the most consistent, with only one DNF and three races off the podium. Brinton has more DNFs but also more wins than the points leader, three, whereas Frost has four victories but less podiums. Correa was the first winner of the season and heads in as the most recent but has been lacking the consistent podium charges of his key competitors. Together, that all creates an intriguing picture of the weekend ahead, where it’s now all or nothing in the final push for glory. Consistency remains key, but no margin can be left on the table now.

Our first visit to Donington this season teases a final showdown to remember too: Brinton won the first race and Frost the second. Brown, however, was on the podium – and if he repeats that he’ll be assured the crown. Will he wrap it up or is there another twist in store?

Three races, 75 points and the R&G British Talent Cup is on the line this weekend – and all against the stunning backdrop of Donington Park. Don’t miss it and head to the BTC YouTube channel to watch all the action!

For more info checkout our dedicated British Talent Cup News page

Or visit the official British Talent Cup website britishtalentcup.com

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN FOR THE TITLE IS ON AT THE MXGP OF CASTILLA LA MANCHA

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

It’s time for the Champions to be crowned in both classes of the 2024 MXGP Motocross World Championships, as the Spanish venue of Cozar hosts the 20th and final round of the series, the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha!

Named after the landlocked autonomous community that it is set in, the circuit is part of the Circuito Motor Ranch, to be found around 240km south of the capital Madrid and 130km west of the city of Albacete. The venue will be the 19th circuit in Spain to ever host a Motocross Grand Prix, and the second in the Castilla La Mancha region after Talavera de la Reina. This is our third visit to Spain this season, and home hero Jorge Prado has taken victory in both previous rounds for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in MXGP. Kay de Wolf took the victory in MX2 at intu-Xanadu Arroyomolinos, but his Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racingteammate Lucas Coenen won overall at Lugo for the MXGP of Galicia in May.

The MXGP world title will be decided between reigning World Champion Prado and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, who lost the points lead in China and now sits just seven points behind his rival! Jeffrey Herlings has a slim mathematical chance for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, but a 48-point gap to Prado makes his chance a very remote one.

The year-long tussle for the MX2 World Championship between Dutchman De Wolf and Belgian Lucas Coenen is closer than it’s been since the opening round, with the chasing Coenen closing in with the last two GP wins to trim the gap to 36 points. As in MXGP, it will go down to the very last day of the Championship, which also just happens to be De Wolf’s 20th birthday!

There will be more Champions crowned at Cozar, as the EMX250 European Championship has its final round to decide the three-way battle between series leader Mathis Valin, the Frenchman on the Bud Racing Kawasaki, Italian Valerio Lata for Beddini GASGAS Factory Juniors, and Dutch flyer Cas Valk, who is fresh from winning the British MX2 Championship for Gabriel SS24 KTM last weekend! Valin holds a 21-point lead over Lata, so could clinch the title in race one, and Valk is ten points further back in third. All three are MX2-bound for 2025, so this is their last chance for claiming EMX Championship glory!

The EMX125 Championship Presented by FMF also comes to its conclusion this weekend, and this one is even closer than MXGP, with just six points between new leader Gyan Doensen, the Dutchman on the Racestore KTM Factory Rookies team, and Hungarian Noel Zanocz for Fantic Factory Racing EMX125, who also field the Italian Simone Mancini, who has a small mathematical chance in third place, 32 points behind Doensen.

So with four Championships being decided over the weekend, the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha looks set to be an event full of celebration!

While the top three in the Championship have a total of 13 World Championships between them, with this year being the 14th, only two of those titles have truly been decided in the final round of a series!

Jorge Prado technically did clinch the 2018 MX2 world title, his first, in the final round, but his chief rival that year, Pauls Jonass, had already ruled himself out of that race with injury. Tim Gajser’s only final-round title win was also his first, in 2015, against Jonass as well, when he came in with an 18-point advantage over his main chaser.

Of course, the big final round showdown in recent years was the 2021 MXGP World Championships, where Jeffrey Herlings clinched the title in the final race of the year, ahead of Romain Febvre and Gajser! This year’s situation is certainly a new one for both contenders, and with the extra factor of Prado being in front of a home crowd, it will be intriguing to see who will come out on top!

Overall the top contenders have had varied success in Spain, as Herlings has the most among them with 4 victories, two in each class, whereas Prado has three wins, two at Xanadu and one at Lugo. Tim Gajser has to look back to his first MXGP title year in 2016 for his only win on Spanish soil, at Talavera de la Reina. Maxime Renaux, enjoying a strong return from injury for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP, has won twice on Spanish soil before, once in each class at intu-Xanadu Arroyomolinos. Valentin Guillod of Team Ship-to-Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR has won in this area before, taking the MX2 class at Talavera in 2015!

Cozar will also see the second appearance in MXGP for the Ducati Factory MX Team, with Italian pilot Alessandro Lupino at the controls of the Desmo450 MX this time. They will be with us full-time in 2025 with Jeremy Seewer, who races for the last time with the Kawasaki Racing Team in Cozar and is looking to seal fourth in the series ahead of teammate Febvre!

Home fans will also be keen to see a strong showing for Ruben Fernandez, who was unable to compete on home soil earlier in the year for Team HRC, although for sure most of their support will be given to Prado, who aims to make it a clean sweep of Spanish victories in 2024 and win his second straight world title in the process!

MXGP – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 943 Points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 936 Points; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 895 Pts; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 643 Pts; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 611 Points; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 574 Pts; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 550 Pts; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 428 Pts; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 359 Pts; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, FAN), 319 Pts.

In contrast to MXGP, the MX2 class will see a new World Champion in 2024, and for the first time since Alessio Chiodi won in the 125cc class in 1999, it will go to a Husqvarna rider, the 17th title for the brand and the first under its current Austrian ownership!

Kay de Wolf is looking to defend his 36-point advantage over Lucas Coenen, and the pair have each won a GP on Spanish soil this season. If Lucas makes less than 11 points on Kay through the RAM Qualifying Race and the first GP race on Sunday, then the Dutchman will be crowned Champion before the final gate drop of the campaign. However, Lucas Coenen has been on scintillating form, taking victory in both Türkiye and China to help his chances of wrestling the glory from his teammate!

Simon Laengenfelder is the only other rider in the field who has also won before on Spanish ground, having won the 2023 MX2 GP at intu-Xanadu Arroyomolinos. He is confirmed as the bronze medallist for the season but has still yet to win a Grand Prix for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing this season. With the pressure off, the German will be going all out to claim a first-place trophy on his favoured hard pack surface!

Another one keen to break his record of no GP wins for the year will be outgoing MX2 World Champion Andrea Adamo, who is sixth in the standings for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, while his teammate Liam Everts is confirmed in fourth despite being knocked out of the series with his crash in Shanghai. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

Mikkel Haarup will be looking to crown a successful debut season for the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team by holding onto fifth in the series and hoping for at least a podium in what will be his last MX2 Grand Prix.

Thibault Benistant won the RAM Qualifying Race at Lugo for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 and has had an impressive return from injury since the MXGP of Switzerland. His teammate Rick Elzinga is confirmed in seventh place for the year and will be looking to end 2024 in style!

Spanish riders Oriol Oliver for WZ Racing KTM, David Braceras for Fantic Factory Racing MX2, and Yago Martinez for TM Moto Racing will all be looking forward to the home crowd atmosphere.

The racing is sure to be intense with the title on the line in MX2, and as it has been all year the results are almost impossible to predict! Do not miss it!

MX2 – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 915 Points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 879 Pts; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 811 Points; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 749 Pts; 5. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 658 Pts; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 632 Pts; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 555 Pts; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 456 Pts; 9. Camden McLellan (RSA, TRI), 395 Pts; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, HON), 359 Pts.

Don’t miss your chance to watch the final round of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championships, The MXGP of Castilla La Mancha this weekend, get your tickets HERE!

TIMETABLE

SATURDAY: 08:20 EMX125 Group 1 Free practice, 08:50 EMX125 Group 1 Free practice, 09:20 EMX250, 09:50 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 10:30 MX2 Free Practice, 11:00 MXGP Free Practice, 12:20 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying practice, 13:00 EMX250 Qualifying practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 EMX125 Race 1, 15:45 EMX250 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

For more news check out our dedicated MXGP/MX2 News page

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

New engine protection for 2024 Honda CBR600RR

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

Re-released to many of the global markets for 2024, the updated CBR600RR is already topping sales charts and winning British Supersport Championship races.

While not massively changed from the hugely-popular earlier models, Honda’s development work to make the CBR600RR competitive for racing once more has necessitated redesigning the secondary protection for the perfect fit and to offer the most robust protection in the event of a crash.

This new collection of secondary engine protection is backwards compatible with CBR600RR models from 2009 on.

Prototyped, tested and developed in World Supersport and British Supersport, the alternator, clutch and pulse covers are available individually or as a set.

All GBRacing products are designed and made in the UK and are available to purchase direct from GBRacing or from its official dealers both in the UK and in 40 countries around the world.

*Beware of fake parts — if in any doubt of the authenticity of a GBRacing product please contact GBRacing with details of the vendor.*

PRICES
Honda CBR600RR 2009-2024

Secondary engine protection

(UK prices are inclusive of VAT):

Alternator cover
£79.90 / $102.53 / €83.23

Clutch cover
£95.83 / $122.98 / €99.83

Pulse cover
£74.90 / $96.13 / €78.03

Full cover set
£238.10 / $305.56 / €248.02

Exclusive? Rare WW2 Paratroop mini bike for sale with Iconic

Frank Duggan

September 27, 2024

Exclusive? Rare WW2 Paratroop mini bike for sale with Iconic – Excelsior Welbike -£5,000 – £10,000 At The Nec Classic Motor Show Sale On 10^th November

1942 Excelsior Welbike Mk2 98cc. Estimate: £5,000 – £10,000

This tough little two-stroke Welbike made by Excelsior motorcycles, for the SOE (Special Operations Executive), as a one-time use ,disposable machine, helped to carry British Paratroopers into battle at Arnhem among other WWII engagements.

Now you can buy this remarkable survivor brought back from WWII by a Lieutenant Colonel of the British Tank Regiment. This particular bike is believed to have not actually see active service hence its excellent state of repair.

Video: https://youtu.be/Z5294ttGwz4

The Welbike was a British single-seat folding motorcycle produced during World War II at the direction of Station 9 — the “Inter Services Research Bureau” — based at Welwyn, UK, for use by forces of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Between 1942 and 1943, 3,641 units (plus a prototype and some pilot models) were built.

Designed as a lightweight mode of transport it has the distinction of being the smallest motorcycle ever used by the British Armed Forces and was designed for single use. It was capable of folding up into a capsule and being dropped by parachute along with troops. In reality few of the c3,600 bikes produced actually saw service. Some were issued to the British 1st and 6^th Airborne Divisions; some were used at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden and some were used on D-Day.

Mark Bryan, Head of Motorcycles at Iconic Auctioneers, says “This bike is particularly rare as it is completely unrestored and just as it was 70 years ago, when prepared for action in the European theatre of war. The bikes proved to be of limited use, if they landed safely by a road or track alongside the troops who jumped with them, then they could be quite useful, but more often than not they were dropped off road in farmland where they were not very effective.”

Built by Excelsior at their Tyburn factory and fitted with the 2-stroke Villiers Junior 98cc engine. This Mk2 example is presented in very much unrestored condition and appears to be still finished in its original paint. Part of an MOD consignment with contract number 294/23/S and built during November 1942. It was owned at the end of WW2 by a Lieutenant Colonel of the British Tank Regiment and has been family owned since his passing. It is mostly complete and comes with some spares, including its rear mudguard, and some original and reproduction manuals. Please note this bike is not UK-registered.

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of WWII history in original condition and will come to auction at The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on Sunday 10^th November. Entries for this sale are still open and close on 9^th October. More details of this motorcycle and the others in the sale can be viewed at www.iconicauctioneers.com or by contacting the Iconic Auctioneers team on +44 (0) 1926 691 141 or enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com.

For more information please contact
Mark Bryan
Motorcycle Manager
mark@iconicauctioneers.com
Tel +44 (0) 7958 107974

Kawasaki powers into 2025 with a new Versys 1100

Frank Duggan

September 26, 2024

From its introduction in 2012, the litre class Versys has evolved year on year gaining widespread praise for its any-roads versatility, day long riding comfort and rider friendly attitude – a true motorcyclist’s machine befitting its Destination Everywhere tagline.

For 2025 that carefully considered evolution takes its next step and chief among the “under the surface” changes are an increase in cylinder capacity and also an increase in peak power. Developed by Kawasaki specifically for any road’s excitement from perfectly surfaced highways to poorly maintained country roads, the Versys’ In-Line Four engine receives an increase in displacement from 1,043 cm3 to 1,099 cm3 for the 2025 season thanks to a 3mm longer stroke. This capacity increase, along with other subtle adjustments, increases maximum power from 120 PS to 135 PS.

Additionally, increased mid-high rpm torque makes an already great riding experience even more enjoyable. The new models (Standard, S and SE plus Edition machines and luggage options) also receive several upgrades aimed at improving touring potential.

The updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) feature now functions from a lower minimum shift point of 1500rpm, while new upper gear ratios enhance touring comfort partnered with electronic cruise control. In terms of engine changes, selected headlines include centre intake funnels now 45 mm longer than the outer intake funnels adding to better torque between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm.

The intake ports were optimised to suit a throttle body change and are now narrower in relation to the bike’s increased displacement. The resulting higher intake flow velocity in the low- to mid-rpm range benefits low-mid range torque. Additionally, new ECU settings optimised for the higher engine displacement have the throttle valve opening characteristics revised across the rev range while cam profiles with a lower valve lift also contribute to increased low-mid rpm range torque.

Increased rideability is also thanks to a heavier flywheel mass and a secondary balancer reduces excess vibration while large connector pipes join exhaust headers 1-4 and 2-3, contributing to better performance at all rpms. And to keep things under control, an oil cooler has been added in 2025 for improved cooling performance. Braking is revised too with the rear disc increasing from ø250 mm > ø260 mm.

A USB-C port is standard and in terms of electronic rider aids, the Versys 1100 owner will be well served with a raft of items including KTRC traction control, cornering management, power mode and riding mode selections and – for SE owners – Showa electronically damped suspension. Boasting the convenience of Kawasaki’s unique Rideology smartphone App (which is now voice command function ready), you have the ideal planet exploring platform. Versys 1100 – Destination: Everywhere.

The 2025 Versys will be available from December 2024 in the following colours:

Versys 1100 – £11,899

Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray / Metallic Diablo Black

Versys 1100 S – £13,649

Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black

Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Diablo Black

Versys 1100 SE – £15,649

Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black

Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Diablo Black

2025 MotoGP calendar revealed

Frank Duggan

September 26, 2024

22 races, 18 countries, five continents: here is where and when MotoGP™ goes racing next season

The provisional 2025 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar has been published by the FIM, revealing the dates and races for the upcoming season of the most exciting sport on Earth.

22 Grands Prix in 18 countries are set to take place in 2025, including the return of Brno in Czechia and the debut of Balaton Park in Hungary.

Designed for fans to enjoy the best of MotoGP™ wherever they are in the world, the calendar is as efficient as possible at the same time as balancing social and economic factors to maximise our positive impact.

With four long-haul events to begin the year and four to round it off, 2025 will be a balanced and well-paced season of competition for riders, teams and paddock personnel.

Check out the full calendar below!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Tommy Bridewell to compete in Jerez WSBK round

Frank Duggan

September 26, 2024

Tommy Bridewell to compete in Jerez WSBK round

Tommy Bridewell will once more compete on the world stage as he and the Honda Racing UK team will participate in the twelfth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at Jerez, on 18-20 October.

This participation follows a successful wildcard entry at Cremona, during which the team gathered valuable data and information to share with the Honda racing network and solidified important relationships.

Prior to attending the Jerez round, the team will venture to the Spanish circuit to participate in a two-day test at the same venue, 2-3 October.

Team Manager Havier Beltran
Jerez presents another opportunity for us to compete on the world stage and follows a successful outing at Cremona, during which we were able to work closely with our HRC colleagues to further progress the Fireblade project. Ultimately all of our objectives were achieved and the data collected is extremely valuable. We are delighted to take the opportunity to go to Jerez and do the same once more.

#1 Tommy Bridewell
I love racing motorbikes so to get to go and have another go is another great opportunity to go out and race my bike. Jerez is a really good circuit too as it’s got a bit of everything, heavy braking with a slow first sector that then starts opening up and getting quicker and quicker. Going to Jerez for me is about continuing the work that we are doing, gathering information and doing the best that I can. I rode well at Cremona with the package that we were on and ultimately we will be a little bit better equipped with a slightly upgraded spec at Jerez. I want to go there and do as well as I can.

Akrapovič Expands Its CFMOTO Range with New Exhaust

Frank Duggan

September 26, 2024

Akrapovič has introduced an all-new exhaust to its range with the launch of the Slip-On Line (Carbon) for the CFMOTO 800NK.

This new exhaust with its compact styling and racing look perfectly integrates with the bike’s lines and colour scheme. The use of race-proven materials, with a carbon-fibre muffler outer sleeve and muffler clamp, a titanium end cap, and a stainless-steel link pipe, produces a stylish-looking exhaust and provides a weight reduction of 30.6% (0.9 kg) over the stock system.

During the development stage, the Akrapovič engineers focused on design and sound, resulting in a deep and sporty tone from the exhaust that highlights the 799 cc twin-cylinder engine. Enhanced functionality was also an important factor during the design process, with the engineers working on throttle response and rideability. The exhaust also produces performance gains ‒ especially in the mid and top rpm range ‒ with increases of 1.3 kW (1.7 hp) in power and 2.5 Nm in torque at 4,900 rpm, respectively, when compared to a CFMOTO 800NK equipped with a standard stock exhaust system and tested on the Akrapovič in-house dyno.

The Akrapovič Slip-On Line (Carbon) for the CFMOTO 800NK comes with an EC/ECE type-approval certificate (Euro5) and can be easily installed without the need for remapping.

Herrin And Ducati Closing In On MotoAmerica Superbike Title As The Finale Beckons In New Jersey

Frank Duggan

September 26, 2024

Josh Herrin Has A Big Points Lead As He Tries To Win AMA Superbike Title #2 At NJMP, September 27-29

If all goes according to plan for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati team in the MotoAmerica series finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 27-29, Josh Herrin will win his second AMA Superbike Championship – 11 years after winning his first – and Ducati will win its third AMA Superbike title as a manufacturer – 30 years after its last.

And all that will add up to an historic and memorable season for those wearing red.

But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, there are still two races remaining in the Steel Commander Superbike Championship chase and it’s not over until it is.

Herrin heads to the Garden State with a whopping 46-point lead in the Steel Commander Superbike Championship. If he finishes race one at NJMP with a lead of 25 points or more, the title will be his. If that doesn’t happen in race one, he has it to do all over again in race two. Unless he somehow trips over himself, the title will be Herrin’s and he will join MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey, four-time World Champion Eddie Lawson and the late Wes Cooley as two-time winners of the title. Twenty-two different riders have won AMA Superbike Championships in the 48 years of the series.

One thing that’s certain, Herrin won’t be tiptoeing around in eighth or ninth place to win this championship. He’ll fight at the front, much like he did two weeks earlier at Circuit of The Americas, and that’s going to make it entertaining for those of us who get to sit back and watch.

Herrin got to the comfortable position he’s in by winning five races and finishing on the podium in seven races that he didn’t win. He was off the podium a total of six times in 18 races. He also took full advantage of the races his title rival Cameron Beaubier was forced to miss due to injury, winning race two at Road Atlanta and finishing second twice at Brainerd International Raceway in Beaubier’s absence. He also didn’t allow himself to give up early in the season when he had just one podium finish in the first three rounds (six races) with Beaubier winning three of those. Herrin plugged away and it all came together with four wins in the final eight races with the other four resulting in podium finishes.

The bottom line: Herrin had a really good season and even his rivals will tell you that he deserves the championship.

Beaubier, meanwhile, can only think back with a big “what-if.” Lots of the top men crashed out of Superbike race one at Road America in the pouring rain, but only Beaubier suffered injury. His broken heel required surgery with a screw going up through the bottom of his foot to hold things in place. He missed three races, came back a bit too early at Ridge Motorsports Park, but then finished with a flurry of three wins, three seconds and a third on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR. But it likely won’t be enough.

If it’s any consolation (and it’s not), Beaubier is on tap to finish second in the championship as he leads Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong by 41 points heading to NJMP.

Fong’s early and mid-season were strong, highlighted by his two victories at Brainerd International Raceway, but things have gone sour of late, and Fong hasn’t been on the podium since race two at Ridge Motorsports Park at the end of June. Case in point: Fong scored 21 points in the three races at COTA while Beaubier earned 70 points to take over the runner-up spot in the points chase.

Fong will need two strong races at NJMP to hold off EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly for third in the championship with Kelly coming off his career-best weekend of racing with his first-ever MotoAmerica Superbike win coming in race two at COTA. The Floridian is only five points behind Fong.

Surprisingly, you have to go back to fifth and sixth before you find any Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing YZF-R1s with Cameron Petersen and Jake Gagne in those spots heading into the finale. Even though there has been a myriad of struggles of late, this is still Petersen’s best season of Superbike racing as he does have a career high of three wins on the year.

Three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne has had a season of disappointments with arm-pump issues basically ruining his year. He somehow soldiered on through most of the season before finally calling it quits the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course round. At COTA, Xavi Forés filled in for Gagne, and the Spaniard will do the same at NJMP.

Gagne is in a tie for sixth with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Loris Baz so the Frenchman will surely move up with a chance to also catch Petersen. Baz has two podiums on the season and is still chasing a first-career MotoAmerica Superbike victory.

Beaubier’s teammate JD Beach will likely finish where he is now – eighth in the championship – in his first season back in MotoAmerica and his first season on the team and its BMW M1000 RR. Beach is coming off a strong weekend at COTA with two fourth-place finishes and a fifth.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch will also likely wrap up his season in ninth in the championship, 29 points ahead of what promises to be a real battle in the season finale for 10^th and the MotoAmerica Superbike Cup title which pays the winner $25,000.

Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates and Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis are just four points apart in the fight for 10^th in the Superbike standings, but Lewis holds a 10-point lead over Yates in the battle for the money and the Superbike Cup title. Yates has put on a charge with five Superbike Cup wins in a row heading into NJMP.

Pre-NJMP Notes…

Unless he somehow trips over himself, Josh Herrin will join MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey, four-time World Champion Eddie Lawson and the late Wes Cooley as two-time winners of the title. Twenty-two different riders have won AMA Superbike Championships in the 48 years of the series.

The man who owns the most AMA Superbike titles is Mat Mladin with seven and the Australian will be on hand at New Jersey Motorsports Park as MotoAmerica’s Grand Marshal. Coincidentally, Mladin had his last race 15 years ago… at NJMP.

The active MotoAmerica rider with the most AMA Superbike titles is Cameron Beaubier with five championships. With his two wins at COTA two weeks ago, Beaubier now has 65 career AMA Superbike wins, which puts him second and 17 victories behind Mladin’s leading 82 wins.

Jake Gagne was already crowned as the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion when the series rolled into NJMP for the finale a season ago. Gagne went out and won the first race on Saturday in the rain for his 40^thcareer AMA Superbike victory. and rode to a cautious fourth in the wet race two. Gagne beat JD Beach and Corey Alexander in race one with Beach winning race two over PJ Jacobsen and Alexander.

PJ Jacobsen earned pole position for the two Steel Commander Superbike races last year with his lap of 1:20.647. Jake Gagne and Mathew Scholtz rounded out the front row. The lap record is a 1:19.806, which is held by Cameron Beaubier and dates back to 2020.

With NJMP getting a complete repave in the off-season, lap records will likely be scorched this coming weekend.

With his win at COTA, Sean Dylan Kelly became the third rider in the MotoAmerica era to win a Superbike race in his rookie season, joining Toni Elias (2016) and Danilo Petrucci (2022). Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier also won in his rookie season of AMA Superbike racing in 2014, but that was pre-MotoAmerica.

For more news check out our dedicated MotoAmerica News page MotoAmerica News

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

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King Of The Baggers Title Chase Headed To Final Race Of The Year At New Jersey Motorsports Park With Herfoss Vs. Wyman.

Multi-Year Deal Is Good News For Fans With The 83rd Daytona 200 Set For March 6-8, 2025.

Having started from pole position the opening race of the weekend for the Supersport class was a lights to flag victory for Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team).

Having started from ninth position Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) enjoyed his home round to win for the third time this season.

Another huge twist in the Tissot Sprint sees Bagnaia, Bastianini AND Marquez close in after closest Saturday finish of the year.

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) stormed to pole after a breathtaking lap in Indonesia, but the Spaniard has some serious competition right on his tail as Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) was denied by just 0.060.

Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) set a new lap record to take pole In Indonesia, although the #48 also has a double Long Lap to content with on race day.

Frenchman Loris Baz And His Ducati Panigale V4 R Lead The Way In Iffy Conditions On Opening Day At NJMP

The Beast turns up the wick in Practice to bag a new Mandalika lap record as Bagnaia leaves it late to pocket P4.

World Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) hit the ground running in Indonesia to lead the pack heading into Saturday’s action thanks to a new lap record around the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.

Moto3™ has landed at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) topping the standings after an impressive Friday.

The provisional 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship calendar has been announced today (Friday 27 September).