Race 1 winner Razgatlioglu and BMW lead the standings for the first time

June 15, 2024

Tissot Superpole Highlights
Second pole position of the season for Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). Yellow flags infringements saw lap times deleted in the closing moments of the session but a lap of 1’32.320 was enough for Razgatlioglu to claim the honours

Rookie Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the second fastest time and is yet to qualify off the front row of the grid in WorldSBK

Second front row start of Remy Gardner’s (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) WorldSBK career

Four manufacturers qualified inside the top four positions

Race 1 highlights:
The race was held in challenging conditions with track temperatures of over 45C

From the outside of the front row Gardner led from the start with Razgatlioglu and Bautista giving chase

Razgatlioglu led from Lap 4 until the end and controlled the race from that point onwards to win by 1.782s from Bulega

In the early laps Bulega dropped to sixth position but fought his way into second by Lap 8 but was unable to challenge Razgatlioglu

Suffering from a lack of feeling in braking Bautista was in the top three throughout and eventually finished in third position

At his home race Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) came out on top of a race long battle with Gardner and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) finished the race as the leading Independent Rider in seventh position but close to the battle in front for fourth position
Championship Standings:
Following his fourth victory of the season Razgatlioglu leads the championship for the first time this season

This is also the first time that BMW has led championship since Moscow 2012 with Marco Melandri

Bulega’s fifth podium now leaves just 13 points separating the top three in the standings after ten races. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is just three points behind Razgatlioglu after finishing third and claiming his eighth podium of the season

This is the fourth change of championship lead this season. Last year Bautista was the sole championship leader

Key Points:

Pole position: Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) – 1’32.320
Race 1 winner: Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
Race fastest lap: Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) – 1’33.920

WorldSBK Race 1 Results
1.Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.782s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +3.176s
4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +10.337s
5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +11.671s
6. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +14.822s

Championship Standings
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 142 points
2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 139 points
3. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 129 points

WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Results
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’32.320s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.236s
3. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.586s

P1 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“It was a very hard race for everyone with the hot conditions. There was less grip from the track. I used the hard front tyre and for the first part of the race it was ok but then I started to lose the front tyre. I want to thank my team for their hard work but it’s not over, we have two more races tomorrow. I’ll give my best tomorrow as my target is to win all three races this weekend!”

P2 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“Honestly, I lost some time at the start because I took a lot of laps to overtake other riders and have a clear track. At the end of the race I was fast but it was very late because Toprak was very fast. For my first Superbike race in Italy, second place isn’t bad!”

P3 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“It’s always a nice feeling to be on the podium when the feeling is not the best. I struggled a lot with braking and I lost a lot of time in corner entry. When I tried to push harder the front was sliding and I ran off the line many times. It was important to finish the race and get some points and build confidence for tomorrow.”

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

Stunning last gasp win for Huertas

Frank Duggan

June 15, 2024

Just 0.021s separated Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) and Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) at the end of 18 laps. The final lap was the only lap that Huertas led.

Huertas has extended his championship lead to six points from Montella following his third WorldSSP victory.

Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) rounded out the podium with a solid P3 performance. Having switched to the Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Jorge Navarro finished inside the top five for the first time in 2024.

By settling the fastest lap of the race Huertas will start Race 2 from pole position ahead of Montella and fourth place finisher Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team)

Key Points:
Pole position: Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’36.876
Race 1 winner: Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
Race fastest lap: Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) – 1’37.404

WorldSSP Race 1 Results
1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.021s
3. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +4.667s
4. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +5.892s
5. Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +14.686s
6. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 17.884s

Championship Standings
1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 111 points
2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 105 points
3. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 101 points

P1 | Adrian Huertas | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“I’m so happy to win here in Italy. This is a home race for my team but it’s a difficult track for me. Even with this difficulty we are managing to be competitive. My strategy for this race was clever. I waited until the end to attack Yari. It was difficult because I wasn’t certain about being able to overtake him and it could go wrong because there is no margin until the end of the race. It worked really well. We are maturing and we’re ready to keep going.”

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

Iglesias takes the victory and series lead

Frank Duggan

June 15, 2024

Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) wins for the second time in WorldSSP300. The Spaniard leads the standings by 19 points following his 0.007s victory from Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse).

First podium of the season for Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki). Superpole winner Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) crashed in the closing stages.

Key Points:
Pole position: Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) 1’49.278
Race 1 winner: Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki)
Race fastest lap: Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) – 1’48.749

WorldSSP300 Race 1 Results
1. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki)
2. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) +0.007s
3. Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) +0.227s
4. Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) +0.308s
5. Pepe Osuna (DEZA-BOX 77 Racing Team) +0.482s
6. Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) +1.092s

Championship Standings
1. Inigo Iglesias Bravo (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) 82 points
2. Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffc Kawasaki) 63 points
3. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 61 points

P1 | Inigo Iglesias Bravo | Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki
“I was fighting with Mahendra the entire race; it was a great fight. I like to race like this. I tried to maintain a good pace from the start to create a group with only a few riders. I was leading, but I wasn’t saving the tyre, so in the last laps, it became more difficult to manage. Anyway, I made a good strategy and pushed hard in the last lap, and then Aldi overtook me. But in the end, I got the victory in the final stretch. I’m really happy. Tomorrow, I think I can repeat it for sure, and I will try to improve a bit.”

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/

History Makers at Inaugural WorldWCR Race

Kerrie McFadden

June 15, 2024

The inaugural FIM WorldWCR Championship, being no different from any of the World Superbikes series, saw plenty of drama in its opening round at Misano.

Qualifying took place on Friday afternoon which saw 26 riders come together on track for the first time at Misano whereby the first pole in the history of the series was claimed by late entry to the championship, Maria Herrera of Klint Forward Racing Team. Sarah Sanchez of the 511 Terra&Vita Racing secured P2 a mere 0.051 seconds behind Herrera with Anna Carrasco of Evans Bro Racing Yamaha completing the top 3. It was later announced that Sanchez was under investigation from race control for slow riding and subsequently penalised with a three place grid drop for Race 1 on Saturday which promoted Carrasco to P3 and moving Italian rider Roberta Ponziani, Yamaha Motoxracing, to a front row start.

Further down the grid, Sekhmet International Racing Team rider, Mallory Dobbs was also under the long lap penalty rule for race 1 after a decision by race control for actions conducted during free practice earlier on Friday morning.

Maria Herrera was fastest off the line taking the holeshot ahead of Carrasco but no sooner had the lights gone out there was already drama ensuing with riders Ornella Ongaro, Yamaha Motoxracing and Taylor Relph, Tayco Motorsport colliding at turn 2 together with Beatrice Barbera of Team GP3, who was wild carding for this round, crashing at turn 4. A fantastic battle was building between Herrera and Carrasco but on lap 6 the race was red flagged for a crash involving Mia Rusthen as she approached the last corner.

The race was eventually restarted after a considerable delay and rescheduled with laps reduced from the original 12 to a 5 lap dash, however it was immediately subjected to another red flag on the first lap after Jessica Howden fell from her machine, which sent all the riders once again back to pit lane.

Third time lucky perhaps with a quick start procedure to get the inaugural race underway with Herrera once again taking the holeshot for the 3^rd time and a 5 lap battle with Carrasco right to the chequered flag, with Herrara making a last minute move on Carrasco taking back the position after a lap 4 move from Carrasco, thus making history as the first winner of the WorldWCR Championship. Carrasco took second place only 0.067 adrift from Herrara and Sanchez completing the podium positions.

There were further fallers within the grid with Ukrainian rider Irina Nadieieva and American Mallory Dobbs both crashing during the race.

With all the tension and anxiety on the lead up to the start of the season out the way and the turbulence of the race 1 incidents we look to race 2 tomorrow to showcase the riders talents on the world stage with Carrasco already stating that in a full lap race she feels she will be best placed to challenge Herrera for the win.

Words: Kerrie McFadden
Website: First Turn Media
Instagram: Instagram

It’s Fast Fong Friday At Brainerd International Raceway

Frank Duggan

June 15, 2024

Bobby Fong Leads The Steel Commander Superbike Pack In Q1 In Minnesota

And just like that, Bobby Fong is on top of the Steel Commander Superbike pack on Friday at Brainerd International Raceway as the Wrench Motorcycles-backed Californian continued to enjoy his best season of Superbike racing since 2020 with his first provisional pole of 2024.

Fong was fast this morning and fast again this afternoon as he ripped off a 1:31.162 to lead the way in Q1.

“Honestly, it’s this team, these guys have been making me look good,” Fong said. “We don’t like to get our hopes up too much. It’s still early in the weekend and overnight these guys are gonna do some work and hopefully we stay consistent, and we improve over night, too.”

Fong ended up .402 of a second quicker than Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen and .466 of a second faster than Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Loris Baz.

Baz’s teammate Josh Herrin was fourth fastest and .675 of a second slower than Fong and just .002 of a second faster than EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly.

Petersen’s factory Yamaha teammate Jake Gagne ended up sixth fastest with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch seventh and the last rider in the 1:31s.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s JD Beach was eighth and still within a second of Fong’s best. Paasch’s teammate Xavi Forés was ninth, despite crashing on his fourth lap which cost him the rest of the session.

Beach’s temporary teammate Troy Herfoss rounded out the top 10 Q1 qualifiers on his first day at Brainerd, his first day on the BMW M1000 RR and his first day in the Steel Commander Superbike series. The three-time Australian Superbike Champion is riding for the team while Cameron Beaubier recovers from the broken heel suffered at the last round at Road America.

Supersport – Jacobsen, Scholtz, Scott
Three men have won Supersport races heading into the fourth round of the championship: PJ Jacobsen, Mathew Scholtz and Tyler Scott. And it was those three at the top of Q1 on Friday at Brainerd International Raceway.

Rahal Ducati Moto’s Jacobsen earned provisional pole position after holding off Strack Racing’s Scholtz and Vison Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Scott with the three just a tick over half-a-second apart.

Jacobsen lapped at 1:33.588 to lead Scholtz by .318 of a second and Scott by .511 of a second. Jacobsen did his best lap late in the session on his 15th go-around. Sean Dylan Kelly’s lap record of 1.32.720 from his 2021 championship season.

Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs led the second row, provisionally, with his 1:34.209. Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis was fifth fastest on his Suzuki GSX-R750.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Landers Fast
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers showed up at one of his favorite racetracks on a mission. He was fast from the get-go, leading both sessions on Friday, including the afternoon’s Q1 session, and ending it with provisional pole and a new lap record of 1:35.804 on his Suzuki GSX-8R.

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering teammates Gus Rodio and Alessandro Di Mario were second and third fastest on their Aprilia RS 660s, .608 and .833 of a second slower than Landers, respectively.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Rossi Moor ended the day fourth fastest and a tick over a second off Landers’ pace. EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing’s Avery Dreher was fifth.

Stock 1000 – Hayden Rolls On
Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim continued to have the hot hand as he rode his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP to provisional pole while also breaking the Stock 1000 lap record at BIR on Friday.

Gillim’s lap of 1:31.779 put him 1.256 seconds clear of FLOLAW Racing’s Benjamin Smith, who in turn was .2 of a second ahead of BPR Racing’s Bryce Prince.

OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe was fourth fastest and just ahead of Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates.

Gillim will be trying to repeat his performance from a season ago at Brainerd International Raceway when he won both of the Stock 1000 races.

Junior Cup – Chapin Stays Hot
Junior Cup Championship points leader Mathew Chapin continued to make it known that he’s the young racer to beat in 2024 as he earned provisional pole at BIR.

BARTCON Racing’s Chapin lapped at 1:43.809, the only rider to crack into the 1:43s, and it put him .308 of a second ahead of Karns Performance’s Levi Badie and Fernandez Racing’s Jayden Fernandez.

Wolfe Racing’s Ryan Wolfe and Bad Boys Racing’s defending series champion Avery Dreher rounded out the top five heading into tomorrow’s Q2 session.

It’s Fast Fong Friday At Brainerd International Raceway — Hayden Gillim set a new Mission King Of The Baggers lap record while earning provisional pole position at BIR. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Mission King Of The Baggers – Gillim!
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim continues his June of Jubilation by earning provisional pole position for the two Mission King Of The Baggers races at Brainerd International Raceway.

With two Stock 1000 wins to open defense of his championship in that class at Road America, and his recent victory in the Loudon Classic, Gillim seems primed to turn things around after a not-so-good Road America round on the Bagger.

“It’s going really good,” Hayden said. “I’m happy to be up front. We’ve been struggling a little bit this year but we’re getting there and slowly chipping away. The guys are working their butts off. They gave me a great bike today and I love this track. I’m having fun and that’s the main thing.”

Gillim’s 1:34.747 was a new lap record for the class, and it put him .328 of a second ahead of S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Tyler O’Hara with Kyle Wyman a little over half a second off Gillim’s pace on his Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide.

Gillim’s rookie teammate Rocco Landers had his best effort to date on the Harley to qualify fourth, provisionally. Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s James Rispoli rounded out the top five.

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/

Wet and Wild: Riders Brave Tricky Conditions in Free Practice Sessions at Knockhill Racing Circuit for Round 4 of the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Matt Anthony

June 14, 2024

Bennetts British Superbike Championship with Pirelli

The weather played a significant role in today’s practice sessions. Free Practice 1 started off in dry conditions but was soon interrupted by heavy downpours, leading to lots of standing water on the track. The session had to be stopped due to the treacherous conditions. It was later resumed once the rain let off and the track conditions improved.

In the Combined Free Practice classification, Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings BMW Motorrad) topped the timesheets with a lap of 48.117 seconds. Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) was a close second, just 0.058 seconds adrift. Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad) rounded out the top three, 0.258 seconds off the pace.

The top six riders were separated by less than half a second, highlighting the competitiveness of the field. Danny Buchan (DAO Racing Kawasaki), Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad), and Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) completed the top six.

In Free Practice 1, Rory Skinner set the benchmark time of 48.117 seconds before the session was interrupted. Tommy Bridewell and Leon Haslam were second and third quickest, respectively.

Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) bounced back in Free Practice 2, topping the session with a lap of 52.323 seconds in wet conditions. Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) and Danny Kent were second and third fastest, respectively.

The stage is set for an exciting qualifying session and races as the riders and teams adapt to the changeable weather conditions at Knockhill Racing Circuit.

Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup

In the Combined Free Practice classification, Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK) set the pace with a lap time of 54.024 seconds. Rhys Irwin (Gearlink Kawasaki) was second quickest, 0.201 seconds behind, and Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Racing) rounded out the top three, 0.272 seconds off the pace.

The top five in the combined classification were covered by just over half a second, with Luke Jones (Highsparks Ducati) and Alastair Seeley (Binch Pro Yamaha) completing the top five.

In Free Practice 1, held in drizzly and wet conditions, Jack Kennedy topped the timesheets with his lap of 54.024 seconds. Rhys Irwin and Luke Stapleford were second and third fastest, respectively.

Alastair Seeley bounced back in Free Practice 2, setting the benchmark time of 54.715 seconds in wet conditions. Shane Richardson (Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki) and Luke Jones were second and third quickest in the session.

In the GP2 class, Keo Walker (RD Racing Triumph) was the fastest rider in the combined classification, placing 12th overall with a lap time of 56.437 seconds. Jack Nixon (Kramer Racing) and Owen Jenner (Kramer Racing) were the next quickest GP2 competitors.

Mikey Hardie (ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki) led the way in the HEL Supersport Cup, finishing as the top Cup rider in 15th overall with a time of 56.198 seconds in the combined classification. Lynden Leatherland (GL Fabrications Racing Yamaha) and Adon Davie (JDF Racing Ducati) were the second and third fastest Cup competitors, respectively.

The tricky wet conditions provided a challenge for the Supersport, GP2, and Supersport Cup riders, but with the top competitors in each class separated by small margins, an exciting qualifying session and races are in store.

Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance

In the Combined Free Practice classification, Joe Talbot (SAF INTRADISC Honda by JR Performance) set the benchmark with a lap time of 53.459 seconds. Scott Swann (Swann Racing Honda) was second fastest, just 0.158 seconds behind, and Ash Beech (Jones Dorling Racing Honda) completed the top three, a mere 0.003 seconds adrift of Swann.

The top four riders in the combined classification were covered by less than three tenths of a second, with Simon Reid (Cumins by Team IWR Honda) taking fourth spot.

In Free Practice 1, held in overcast and wet conditions, Ash Beech led the way with a lap time of 53.620 seconds. Joe Talbot and Simon Reid were second and third quickest, respectively.

Joe Talbot improved his pace in Free Practice 2 to top the session with his time of 53.459 seconds, still in wet conditions. Scott Swann and Josh Owens (IN Competition / SENCAT Aprilia) were second and third fastest in FP2.

Notable performances came from Ben Luxton (CFS Filtration Racing Honda) and David Allingham (SMS / Nicholls Oil Racing BMW), who consistently ran inside the top eight throughout both practice sessions.

Davey Todd (Cheshire Mouldings BMW by TAS Racing), a regular front-runner, appeared to struggle in the tricky conditions, placing 10th in the combined classification.

With the top competitors closely matched and the weather conditions likely to remain changeable, the scene is set for a thrilling qualifying session and race in the Pirelli National Superstock category.

Pirelli National Sportbike with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance

In the Combined Free Practice classification, Richard Cooper (PHR Performance Triumph) set the benchmark with a lap time of 55.869 seconds. Ash Barnes (Raceways Yamaha) was second fastest, 1.115 seconds behind, while Aaron Silvester (MIH Solutions / Macadam Racing Triumph) completed the top three, just 0.091 seconds adrift of Barnes.

The top six riders in the combined classification were separated by less than 1.7 seconds, with Rossi Banham (RB Racing Yamaha), Edoardo Colombi (Gradara Corse Asd Aprilia), and Harrison Dessoy (Rev2Race Yamaha) rounding out the top six.

In Free Practice 1, held in drizzly and wet conditions, Ash Barnes topped the timesheets with a lap time of 57.561 seconds. Aaron Silvester and Rossi Banham were second and third quickest, respectively.

Richard Cooper made a strong impression in Free Practice 2, setting the overall benchmark time of 55.869 seconds in wet conditions. Ash Barnes and Aaron Silvester maintained their strong form, finishing second and third in the session.

Notable performances came from Rhys Stephenson (Rocket Racing Triumph) and Charlie Atkins (Symcirrus Motorsport Kawasaki), who consistently placed inside the top nine across both practice sessions.

Katie Hand (MIH Solutions / Macadam Racing Triumph) was the fastest female competitor, placing 21st in the combined classification.

With a mix of machinery from Triumph, Yamaha, Aprilia, and Kawasaki, the Pirelli National Sportbike category promises close competition in qualifying and the races, especially if the wet weather conditions persist.

Razgatlioglu sets the pace at Misano despite a crash

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) lost the final 25 minutes of Free Practice following a Turn 16 crash. Despite that the Turkish rider set the pace (1’33.448) on the opening day at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and teammate Alvaro Bautista were second and third fastest.

Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) continues momentum from his Dutch Round podium with the fourth fastest time (1’34.462).

Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK riders Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes inside top ten despite focusing on race simulations in Free Practice 2.

Razgatlioglu, Lowes and Bassani were the only riders inside the Top 10 not to improve their times from Free Practice 1 to Free Practice 2.
P1 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“Everything is okay. It was just a small crash and not a fast crash. I’m happy because the crash was before the race and I was able to understand something. For tomorrow I’m feeling strong and, in general, I’m very happy. We have a very good package for the race weekend and everything is going well.”

P2 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“During FP1 I didn’t feel very comfortable on the bike. I had some issues with how the bike was. For FP2 my team did a great job but we have to find something more for tomorrow. In the last part of braking into the corner it is a bit difficult to stop the bike. The rear is still pushing a little bit but we improved the bike a lot from FP1 to FP2. I can expect to improve even more for tomorrow. It’s important that I know this track very well even if I don’t know it with a Superbike.”

P3 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“Today was a bit strange. We started the morning trying the new front tyre from Pirelli but I didn’t have the right feeling in the braking area. The bike was struggling to stop and to get into the corner. In the end we went back to our standard front tyre but in the afternoon we tried the new rear tyre. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the same feedback that I had in the test. The bike was exactly the same, but my feeling was different. It was more difficult for me so I asked the team to make some changes to help me with that. For the last exit I had used tyres and I did my best lap time even with 15 laps old tyres. To do a 1m33 is good.”

WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’33.448s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.063s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.465s
4. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.473
5. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.512s
6. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.560s

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

First career pole position for Yari Montella

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Yari Montello (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed the first Superpole of his WorldSSP career (1’36.876). Montella, race winner at the opening round of the year in Australia, is second in the World Championship.

It was an action-packed session for Championship leader Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team). The Spaniard suffered an early crash in the Superpole session but when he returned to the track, he looked like the rider to beat. Unfortunately, a track limits penalty cost him his fastest time and he had to settle for second on the grid

The top three in the championship standings will line-up together on the front row of the grid.

Dutch Round race winner Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) crashed during Superpole and qualified in 14th position.

Simone Corsi (Renzi Corse) was the leading Supersport Challenge rider with the Italian qualifying in 11th position.

P1 | Yari Montella | Barni Spark Racing Team
“This is my first pole position. To do this at home means it was a perfect day for us. I want to thank my team because we have worked throughout the tests and today for this result. We need to be strong and to stay focused on the race.”

WorldSSP Tissot Superpole Results
1. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’36.876s
2. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +0.029s
3. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +0.613s
4. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +0.682s
5. Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team) +0.757s
6. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.787s

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

Maiden pole position for Mogeda

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Championship leader Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) claims his first pole position.

Bruno Ieraci (Team ProDina Kawasaki) won both races at Misano last year but a Superpole crash left him on the seventh row of the grid.

Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) qualifies on the front row of the grid with his teammate, Julio Garcia Gonzalez fifth fastest.

P1 | Daniel Mogeda | Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki
“We finished the session in first place, which was our objective, so we’re very happy. We always need to improve some things on the bike but overall it was good. I have come to this round feeling positive. Last year, Misano was not a good round for me so to take pole position shows that we are making progress. We’re happy and I want to give my best. We will see what happens tomorrow.”

WorldSSP300 Tissot Superpole Results
1. Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) 1’49.278s
2. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) +0.138s
3. Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) +0.232s
4. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.319s
5. Julio García (KOVE Racing Team) +0.357s
6. Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) +0.388s

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/

MotoAmerica Talent Cup ready for launch in 2025

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Racers Aged 14 To 21 To Race Purpose-Built Moto3 Krämer Racebikes “On The Road To MotoGP”

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier road racing championship, is thrilled to announce a new path for America’s young road racers to reach the highest level of the sport as it is set to start a new chapter in American road racing in 2025 with the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will be a part of the “Road To MotoGP” program.

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup takes the place of the current Junior Cup class at MotoAmerica’s Championship rounds with riders aged 14-21 doing battle on purpose-built Krämer racing motorcycles, which are race-ready and powered by 350cc KTM powerplants. The spec-racing class provides a better package for MotoAmerica’s young stars to hone their skills than the production-class motorcycles used in the Junior Cup class since 2018.

“We know racing high-performance motorcycles provides our young athletes more opportunities and better prepares them to race at higher levels on the ‘Road to MotoGP,’ ” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This is the first time MotoAmerica has created a class for our young riders that’s on the same performance-level bike as other ‘Road to MotoGP’ Talent Cups worldwide. MotoAmerica was founded on the very idea of racing Moto3-type motorcycles, and now we’re finally making that concept a reality. I’m really excited because up to five riders will get an invitation to participate in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection. My MotoAmerica partners are also excited to provide our younger riders this opportunity.”

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup will consist of at least six events and one preseason test with one of those events to be held in conjunction with the 2025 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

The Krämer APX-350 MA makes over 50 horsepower and weighs under 255 pounds (115 kg) ready to race. The bike features a fully adjustable chassis and suspension and is managed by a Mectronik MKE5 racing ECU and the Krämer APX-350 MAs will be fitted with Dunlop tires. Full technical specs, details, and photos will be released in August.

Motoamerica Talent Cup Ready For Launch In 2025 — Here’s a rendition of the Krämer APX-350 MA that will be raced in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup in 2025. The Krämer will make over 50 horsepower and will weigh under 255 pounds.

“Krämer Motorcycles is proud to be the spec-bike supplier of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup and to help the next generation of American road racers on their path to the world stage,” said Jensen Beeler, CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA. “Together with our partners in MotoAmerica, we believe we have created a machine that will elevate motorsport for American riders and be the tool that readies racers for the Red Bull Rookies Cup, FIM Moto3 World Championship, and beyond.”

“Like all of our motorcycles, the Krämer APX-350 MA is built with the single-minded purpose of winning on the racetrack, and without the compromises that come with a production-based machine,” said Markus Krämer, Founder of Krämer Motorcycles. “We believe this motorcycle is the ideal training platform for riders who are looking to advance to the international stage, and we will be proud to say one day that a World Champion started their career on a Krämer.”

The benefits of racing in the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup are deep. For starters, up to five MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders per year will receive invitations to try out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection.

The Krämer APX-350 MA will sell for $22,495 with the bikes expected to arrive in the U.S. in mid-February of 2025. Registration for the waitlist for the APX-350 MAs will take place on the Krämer website at https://www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com/motoamerica-talent-cup

Riders competing in MotoAmerica Mini Cup will also have plenty of motivation to take the next step in their racing endeavors as the top GP160 and GP190 riders from the MotoAmerica Mini Cup National Championships will be provided free season entry in the Talent Cup. Additionally, the top 190cc and 160cc participants from the FIM MiniCUP Series will also be given a free season entry to the Talent Cup. In order to qualify for the free season entry, both FIM MiniCUP and MotoAmerica Mini Cup riders must comply with the age requirements of the Talent Cup.

“We’re very happy to welcome the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup to the Road to MotoGP,” says Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “America has a huge history in our sport, and we want to see more of that made in the future. The best way to do that, we know from experience across the Road to MotoGP, is to create an environment that provides valuable and relevant experience – but pairing it with the opportunity to progress. The new MotoAmerica Talent Cup will do that, providing a next step for those in the lower levels as well as the chance to move up and show their skills at the next level in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Selection Event. The Road to MotoGP is all about widening access to our sport and creating these kinds of opportunities, so we’re excited to see the Cup begin and look forward to welcoming the inaugural season alongside us at COTA next year.”

“The 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup will offer an excellent complement to MotoAmerica’s ongoing efforts to provide young North American road racers with the opportunities necessary to develop their skills to take on the next level of the sport,” said AMA and FIM North American President Rob Dingman. “The support of Krämer Motorcycles and all the series’ partners will elevate the series, remove barriers for young racers who want to pursue a racing career, and provide young talent with a chance to shine on the national stage.”

“I could not be happier then when I saw that finally we will have a real “Road to MotoGP” in the United States next year,” said FIM President Jorge Viegas. “We need more talented American pilots, and this is the way. MotoAmerica will allow young talents to climb all the steps until reaching MotoGP and the FIM can only applaud this initiative.”

Maria Herrera takes the inaugural WorldWCR pole at Misano

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Superpole Highlights:
It is Spaniard Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) who scores the first pole position (1’49.390) of this ground-breaking WorldWCR season aboard the Yamaha YZF-R7.
Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) and Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) finish a close second and third, coming within two tenths of a second of Herrera.

An impressive last lap by local hero Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) sees the Italian take fourth.

Representing South Africa and Chile respectively, Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) and Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3) also put in a strong performance to round out the second row in fifth and sixth.

Earlier in the day, in cooler conditions, Sara Sanchez had topped free practice ahead of Maria Herrera, Ana Carrasco and Roberta Ponziani.

Mia Rusthen (Rusthen Racing), Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) and Krystal Silfa (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) each suffered a crash during the morning’s practice but were fortunately unhurt.

P1 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Factory Team | 1’49.390
“I’m really pleased to be on pole. I couldn’t actually see my pit board, so I didn’t know until we were finished that I was in front! I’m still adapting to the bike and have only had today’s sessions because we had no opportunity to test, so I’m really happy, both for me and the team who supports me on this new adventure. It’s been hard work to arrange everything but we’re here! I was nervous because we hadn’t had time to try the bike before coming here and I knew the field would be competitive. I know my potential, but the limited track time means that we’re still learning. I think tomorrow’s race will be a hard battle, but we will work hard and do our best to win.”

P2 | Sara Sanchez | 511 Terra&Vita Racing Team | 1’49.441
“I made a good start today and set the fastest time in free practice. We then made some refinements before Superpole and were able to place second in that qualifying phase. I think we did a really good job, but we want to do more to improve ahead of tomorrow. I’m proud to be here and on the front row of the grid at this first championship round and think I have a chance to win tomorrow’s race. A big thank you to my team, sponsors and family.”

P3 | Ana Carrasco | Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team | 1’49.514
“I’m happy with this first day, and a front row start is important. I knew this round would be a tough one as many riders know the Misano track and know how to be fast here. Conditions were hotter this afternoon, but the biggest problem for me today was the wind, actually. We have good pace I think, but the slipstream is also important here. I think we’re in for a hard-fought race, and probably a last lap battle between four or five riders, so I’ll do my best to be in a good position. I’m working well with the team and have good confidence. There’s not so much we can modify on the bike, but my team are doing all they can to help. As for this inaugural round of the WorldWCR, it’s great to have so many countries represented and so many riders on the grid.”

For more info checkout our dedicated WorldWCR News page superbike-news.co.uk/WorldWCR/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com/en/news/wcr

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldWCR

Record Breaking Attendance at DGR 2024

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Supported by Triumph Motorcycles for the 11^th year, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), took place simultaneously on Sunday 19 May 2024 across the world, with a record breaking 113,000 riders taking part in 959 rides across 105 countries, raising $7.6M USD.

The top global fundraiser, and highest single fundraiser in DGR history, was DGR Brand Ambassador Jaime Camil from the US, who has been rewarded with a piece of motorcycling history, the iconic Thruxton RS Final Edition. Kat Thomsen, another US DGR Brand Ambassador claimed the 2^nd spot with Matias Seijo from Edinburgh taking third place. The Gentlefolk prize winner is Jason Etters, who led the Jacksonville ride in the US.

As part of the DGR’s “Side by Side, Worldwide” campaign, Triumph dealers around the world hosted and participated in rides to help raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research, ensuring even more motorcyclists were able to take part. These included 541 riders who chose to raise funds and ride on Modern Classics as part of the official riders group “Team Triumph”. The top five fundraisers in this group have each won a prize package from the DGR & Triumph Clothing Collection.

Riding the new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X in London as part of Team Triumph, were 007 stunt riders Paul Edmondson and Martin Craven, as well as Kieran Clarke, stunt rider for the Mission Impossible franchise, while actor James Phelps, best known for playing Fred Weasley in Harry Potter, rode the Bonneville T120 Stealth Edition in Poole, UK.

In Thailand, social media star Witsarud Panich, rode his Bonneville T100 through the streets of Bangkok, while writer-photographer Eric Hendrikx, led Canada’s Toronto ride on his Thruxton RS. In Spain, actor Pepe Barroso, best known for his role in Gran Turismo, rode a T120 in Madrid, and world record holder Ivan Cervantes rode a Scrambler 1200 XE in Reus. Multi-platinum music producer Tai Jason, rode his Bonneville T100 with more than 600 other riders from the Triumph dealership in Munich, Germany’s largest ride. Record Breaking Attendance At Dgr 2024

007 stunt rider Paul Edmondson said: “This year Triumph and the DGR has achieved their goal to bring even more riders together, in more places around the globe, to raise even more money for men’s mental health and prostate cancer. It is a wonderful event to be part of, with everyone making such an incredible effort to dress dapper and showcase our community in the best possible light.”

Mission Impossible stunt rider Keiran Clarke added: “Riding through the streets of London on a Triumph, surrounded by hundreds of motorcyclists united by a common cause, to raise money to support men’s health, was an amazing experience. The reaction of pedestrians and traffic on route, was simply brilliant.”

Hedon Helmets, ELF Lubricants, and Quad Lock also supported the classic inspired charity event, further rewarding the efforts of the year’s fundraisers.

For more information about Triumph’s Modern Classic range, visit the website.

Record Breaking Attendance At Dgr 2024 — We at SBN and MCM News took part in the West Sussex DGR

Below is a 2 pages of our 6 page special from the West Sussex DGR which we took part, you can see the rest by subscribing to latest issue of Modern Classic Motorcycle News

Checkout our dedicated Triumph Motorcycles News page Triumph Motorcycles News/

or head to the official Triumph Motorcycles website triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

Bristol Bike Night raises £4k for charity

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

June’s Bristol Bike Night at Fowlers Motorcycles attracted hundreds of riders and raised a whopping £3,950 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The charity was chosen by Jamie Cox, who works in the company’s Internet Sales Department and is personally affected by the condition.

Harry’s Café at Fowlers donated 100% of the proceeds received in exchange for food and drinks sold at the event, totalling £1,300. A further £650 came from members of the public and Fowlers are matching the money raised, bringing the grand total to just under £4,000.

The next Bike Night will be held on Friday 5th July and will include all the ingredients that have made it a popular fixture in the city.

In addition to the many interesting, exotic and varied motorcycles and scooters ridden to the event, there will be freshly prepared food, music, club stands and representatives from market-leading clothing, accessories and bike brands.

One special machine will be crowned “Bike of the Night” and entered into the competition to win the title “Bike of the Season”.

There’s also a free raffle and Drop4gear photography will be on hand to capture memories.

Event Details:

Every first Friday of the month, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Free Entry – No Booking Required
Location: Fowlers Motorcycles, 2-12 Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3DR (10-minute walk from Temple Meads Station)
Website: www.fowlers.co.uk

Bristol Bike Night: Start the riding weekend in style!

Iconic Auctioneers Offer Four Senna Ducatis

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

A tribute to Ayrton Senna on the 30th anniversary of his death Iconic Auctioneers offer four Senna Ducatis, but are seeking a Senna III to complete a hat trick.

At the Shuttleworth Summer Sale on 14th July, Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire

Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna was a great fan of Ducati motorcycles, so it is fitting that in this year 2024, the 30th anniversary of his death, that Iconic Auctioneers are able to offer four Ducati 916 Sennas in their next sale at Shuttleworth on July 14th. Currently there are four Ducati Senna motorcycles – two Senna Is and two Senna IIs, so Iconic Auctioneers are seeking an entry of a Senna III to make it a hat trick, allowing them to offer the full range of Ducati 916 Sennas as a tribute to the racing legend.

In 1994, the motor racing community lost one of its greatest talents in Ayrton Senna. A native of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Senna won three Driver’s Championships in the highly competitive F1 sport. Senna is considered to be one of the greatest race car drivers and remains a national hero in Brazil. Ducati had a strong relationship with Senna, who last visited their factory just a few weeks before his fatal race in Imola, Italy.

Ducati were making the Senna I when he died. Just 300 were made and when they sold out Ducati made 300 of the Senna II, which also sold out. So, then the Senna III went into production. Ayrton Senna was a big Ducati fan and upon his death the company donated some of the profits from the models to the Insituto Ayrton Senna charity foundation.

The most collectable of the Ducati Sennas produced, the 916 Senna I. Pictured above is #282/300 – showing only 7,638 recorded miles. It is in a mostly original and unrestored condition. UK-registered since 2000 with one previous owner. MOT until August 2024. A recent service includes cam belts in May 2024 and is in good running order. It comes with original dust cover and Ducati paddock stand included. A very usable example of this very collectable model. UK-registered on a current V5C an estimated at £25,000 – £30,000.

Also pictured is Senna I #195/300 showing 25,300 miles on the odometer and presented in mostly unrestored, original condition and in running order. Originally registered in Germany, it is now UK registered on a current V5C. Offered to auction with its original exhaust system, both keys, book pack, original paddock stand and cover, it is estimated at £15,000 – £20,000.

Two second-generation Ducati 916 Senna IIs are also on offer. With just one owner from new #101/300, has just 5,300 recorded km (3,300 miles) and is presented in good overall and running condition. It comes with a complete with original Bill of Sale, old MOTs, both keys and the original book pack. It has had an Ohlins front fork insert upgrade fitted along with SP2 front mudguard and 50mm GP exhaust system. The original stand is also included. This great usable example of this appreciating classic 916 is estimated at £16,000 – £20,000.

Motorcycle #239/300 has 11,500 recorded miles and three previous owners. It is offered to auction complete with its original handbooks, keys, paddock stand, cover, Haynes manual and period sales brochure. It has been on display in the vendors garage two years ago and whilst it has been fitted with new tyres it will need some recommissioning before road use.

Iconic Auctioneers would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to sell at Ducati 916 Senna III to complete a hat trick of Senna Ducatis in this sale. Entries of any motorcycle are welcome up until the 21^st June. More information about the motorcycles detailed above, along with all the other entries in the Shuttleworth Summer Sale on 14^th July at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP, can be viewed online at www.iconicauctioneers.com/the-shuttleworth-spring-motorcycle-sale-2024/2024-04-07/ipp-100 or in person at the venue on Saturday 13^th July.

The auction will commence at 11am on 14^th July, bidding is available in person, online, via the telephone or commission (pre-bid). For more information or to get a free no obligation quote for your motorcycle or collection, contact the Motorcycle team on +44 (0) 1926 691 141 or email enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com.

More auction news can be found on our dedicated page here: Motorcycle Auction News

For more information on Iconic Auctioneers head to the official website: iconicauctioneers.com

V-Strom Experience and all-star instructor lineup set for Suzuki Live

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

Suzuki is bringing the V-Strom Experience to Suzuki Live later this month, which will give visitors the chance to ride both the V-Strom 800DE and V-Strom 1050DE around a designated off-road course, with instruction and guidance from its championship–winning SR75 Suzuki team.

Headed by team owner, former racer, and ex-GP mechanic Geoff Walker, the team will lead riders around the Cadwell Park grounds on the latest V-Strom machinery, with both the 800DE and 1050DE equipped with 21 and 17” spoked wheels, long-travel suspension, off-road traction control modes, and switchable rear ABS.

Walker will be joined by former motocross star Carl Nunn and current pro Ben Millward, with the trio on hand to give hints, tips, and pointers to riders taking part, as well as leading them around the course.

Visitors to Suzuki Live can also enjoy test rides on the V-Strom 800RE and V-Strom 1050, as well as other models in the Suzuki range including the new GSX-S1000GX, GSX-S1000GT, the GSX-8S, GSX-8R, and the third generation Hayabusa, on the excellent Lincolnshire roads local to Cadwell Park.

Those who take a test ride on either the V-Strom 800DE, 1050DE, or the GSX-S1000GT can also benefit from a voucher entitling them to £500 worth of free genuine accessories if they go on to purchase at their local dealership.

Taking place over the weekend of 22-23 June, there are track day sessions for Suzuki machinery old and new, as well as a myriad of paddock displays and attractions to explore. Race bike parades will take place during the lunch breaks, and when the circuit action stops the evening entertainment begins, with live music and talk shows with the likes of Steve Parrish, John Reynolds, and Danny Webb on the Saturday evening. Camping is free.

Track day spots or spectator tickets can be purchased here.

The V-Strom Experience will also be available at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival, which takes place at Ragley Hall on 28-30 June.

Lowes Signs For 2025 Bimota By Kawasaki Racing Team Project

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

After the announcement of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team project for the 2025 season current KRT rider Alex Lowes has signed an agreement to race the new machine in the official team.

Lowes is currently a successful official Kawasaki rider in WorldSBK, having won two races at the opening round of the season in Australia. He is fourth in the championship on the eve of the fourth round, which will be held at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli.’

Lowes’ participation delivers a high level of continuity for the otherwise new project as he will be working alongside many of the staff that he has built-up a strong personal and working relationship with, in what is now his fifth year inside KRT.

The exiting new initiative is another reason for Lowes to feel optimistic about his future, especially as his progress has been developing year-on-year inside the official KRT squad. Lowes is also the most experienced rider in the team this year and in response Alex has grown into his new role as the senior competitor in a highly positive and confident fashion. His two 2024 race wins so far have already proved that his trust in his team and the latest technical package have been well-placed.

With most of the 2024 season still ahead of him Lowes is ready to work hard to continue in the strong fashion he and the Ninja ZX-10RR have already demonstrated after three rounds of the 12-round championship. Nine rounds, including the imminent one at Misano, remain in the 2024 campaign.

Alex Lowes, stated: “I believe this opportunity has come at the correct time. Along with Bimota, Kawasaki are putting huge effort into this new project. Utilising Kawasaki’s nearly 40 years of Superbike racing knowledge and success and also my personal experience with different manufacturers I believe this gives us the best chance to start from the best possible position with the new bike. I have shown that I am still improving and still fast and competitive at the front of WorldSBK. A big thank you to KMC, Bimota and Provec Racing for the faith shown in me. I’m happy to continue to be part of our racing family! I’m enjoying my racing a lot and we still have a lot to focus on during 2024. We had a nice start to the season with a couple of race victories but now our focus is on Misano. It’s a track I really enjoy, we had a test here recently and I felt strong on the bike let’s work hard focus and see what results we can take this weekend. Arigato, Grazie Mille, Muchas Gracias and Thank you!”

Attending the Misano round of WorldSBK in person, Shigemi Tanaka, General Manager, Marketing & Sales Division, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. commented: “On behalf of Kawasaki and Bimota, we are delighted to secure the services of Alex Lowes for the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. His experience and racecraft are considerable assets plus he has a positive and personal history with many of the staff he will work with on this exciting new racing project. Now Alex can concentrate on yet more success across the rest of the 2024 without distraction while preparations continue for the new team.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “With Alex we are on a great journey. We started in Covid times in a difficult season for him to get his racing rhythm, and in ‘21 and ‘22 he suffered various injuries that did not allow him to show his true potential. But he still showed his speed and other qualities in those years. Now is time to take consistency to a new level. Lately rule limitations did not allow us to extract all the potential of our ZX-10RR, but this season we had possibilities to upgrade certain areas on the bike and that has certainly helped Alex. He has a very good mind set, and he has become a good ambassador for Kawasaki. We want to continue with solid our structure next season, and we have next challenges to achieve with BbKRT project so we need all our best tools to make it good. Therefore we are super happy that Alex was positive to continue with us despite other offers he had. For sure now we all can move forward focused to finish 2024 season, and start making more history in 2025”.

The 30th European H.O.G. Rally Sparkles In Sunny Senigallia

Frank Duggan

June 14, 2024

The 30th anniversary European H.O.G.® Rally attended by more than 100,000 visitors.

The beautiful, historic riverside town of Senigallia, Italy hosted the milestone 30th Anniversary European H.O.G.® Rally for the first time, from June 6-9th 2024. This touring rally is annually hosted in a different location, and regularly attracts tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. This Italian edition exceeded all expectations with an estimated 100,000 Harley-Davidson devotees and Harley Owners Group® members attending the Le Marche region across the three-day event. Over 20,000 motorcycles visited from all over Italy, Europe and beyond for a packed agenda, as this iconic event turned the town into a Harley-Davidson fan’s heaven.

The key event zones included the Piazza Garibaldi, Foro Annonario and the gardens of the huge medieval fortress the ‘Rocca Roveresca’ containing attractions that included a customer welcoming H.O.G. hang-out zone and a Harley-Davidson Expo featuring all the latest Model Year 2024 motorcycles. Celebrating the new era of touring performance, technology, and design, the all-new Street Glide® and Road Glide® models, featuring an updated Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine, were on display. More than 270 people participated in free Harley-Davidson demo rides, and dual sport and off-road fans took the chance to join an exclusive off-road experience, hosted by the Italian Di Traverso Adventouring team of guides, headed up by flat track legend Marco Belli. These popular tours took place on some of Le Marche region’s best Strade Bianche – white gravel tracks that took riders off the beaten path – and demonstrated the Pan America 1250™ versatility.

On Friday the Custom Bike Show, sponsored by Metzeler, hosted many incredible creations from across the European continent, with the overall winner being announced as Italian customer Mirko Perugini and taking home the Metzeler People’s Choice Award a popular winner, Diane Halhead from UK – voted for by more than 300 members of the public.

Saturday’s spectacular parade was led by Harley-Davidson VIPs, including Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson, and Karen Davidson, Global H-D Ambassador, great-granddaughter of founder William A. Davidson and the daughter of William G. “Willie G.” Davidson, Chief Styling Officer Emeritus, highlighting the Rally’s importance globally, not just in Europe. H.O.G. chapter representatives and flag carriers also led the parade as it set off from the seafront road in front of the iconic Rotunda, a superbly picturesque location. More than 3,000 riders took part in the 20.5 mile (33 km) parade, and thousands of spectators crowded the route to wave and high-five it past.

No H.O.G. event would be complete without an extensive entertainment line-up, and this year’s rally included an impressive Italian and international line up, hosted by Italy’s Virgin Radio DJ Ringo. The bands included The Picturebooks (DE), Eric Steckel (US), The Rainband (UK) Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg (US), Heavenix (SI) Timothy Cavicchini and the Gang (IT) and Giuseppe Scarpato (IT).

During the event Harley-Davidson was delighted to confirm that the Harley-Davidson® Euro Festival will return to Porte Grimaud, Golfe de Saint-Tropez, France from May 8th-11th 2025. Last held in 2018, Euro Festival returns in response to huge customer demand with a huge celebration of music and moto culture, planned international headline bands will perform live and with incredible Harley-Davidson experiences brought to the shores of the French riviera. Regularly attracting more than 30,000 attendees, Euro Festival promises to be a huge and unmissable season opener in a packed calendar of 2025 Harley-Davidson sponsored events.Kolja Rebstock, Vice President and Managing Director EMEA at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company commented on the Rally: “The response of riders to this fantastic event in Italy has been overwhelming, from our local resident attendants, through to those who have travelled far and wide. With attendees from all around the Globe, extending far beyond Europe, from Brazil to New Zealand, really demonstrating the incredible sense of community that the Harley Owners Group embodies, and indeed the strength of the Harley-Davidson brand in Italy. A special thank you to the Commune of Senigallia and the region of Le Marche, all our event partners who made the occasion possible, our sponsors and most of all to everyone who joined us for this amazing rally. See you at European Bike Week 2024, and of course the long-awaited return of the Harley-Davidson Euro Festival which will be held at the French Riviera in May 2025!”

The next riding event in the European Harley-Davidson calendar is European Bike Week, Lake Faak, Austria from 3^rd-8^th September, which annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors. More information is available at Harley-davidson.com. The location of the 2025 European H.O.G Rally will be announced soon.

Nine Is The Number As It’s Tight At The Top In MotoAmerica Support Classes

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

Three Title Battles Are Separated By Just Nine Points, Two Others Less Than 15 Points Apart As Series Heads To Minnesota.

All five of the MotoAmerica support classes that will be on display at Brainerd International Raceway, June 14-16, feature tight championship battles with the top two in all five separated by less than 15 points.

The biggest margin is 14 points in the Stock 1000 Championship with Hayden Gillim leading Bryce Prince by two touchdowns. The Supersport series is led by PJ Jacobsen by 12 over Mathew Scholtz and the remaining three classes racing at Brainerd all feature just nine-point margins with Rocco Landers leading Alessandro Di Mario by nine in BellissiMoto Twins Cup, Mathew Chapin ahead of Logan Cunnison by nine in Junior Cup and Troy Herfoss arrives in Minnesota with slim nine-point cushion over Kyle Wyman.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Herfoss vs. Wyman

Two riders have won the eight Mission King Of The Baggers races so far in 2024 and those two are well clear of the rest as the championship chase looks to be a mano a mano fight between S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss and Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman.

Herfoss leads by nine points heading into the two races at Brainerd with the series stopping again at a racetrack that the Australian has never seen. So far, however, it hasn’t been a problem as the three-time Australian Superbike Champion has proven to be a quick study with four wins and four second-place finishes to start his rookie season. Herfoss will be doing double duty this weekend at Brainerd as he will ride a Tylers Cycle Racing BMW in the Steel Commander Superbike races as a fill-in rider for the injured Cameron Beaubier.

Wyman, on the other hand, has three top-five finishes in the three previous races held at BIR, including a runner-up finish in 2022.

Herfoss’ teammate Tyler O’Hara is third in the 2024 championship but sits 69 points behind the points leader. Wyman’s teammate James Rispoli is fourth, a further 19 points behind, and RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s defending King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim is fifth and seven points behind Rispoli.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Landers On Top

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers had every reason to leave Road America a happy young man. Landers not only won the second of two BellissiMoto Twins Cup races, but he also showed that he can race in the rain after finishing second in the downpour that was race one.

Oh, yes, and he’s also now leading the championship point standings over the up-and-coming Alessandro Di Mario and his Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 by nine points, 135-126.

Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle, one of five riders to win a race so far in 2024, is third in the title chase, 25 points behind Landers.

Di Mario’s teammate Gus Rodio got off to a flying start in the 2024 championship with two wins, a second and a third to start the season. Since then, it’s gone a bit south for the New Jersian with two non-finishes at Road America pushing him back to fourth in the championship and 26 points behind Landers. Rodio will be looking to rebound at Brainerd.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Rossi Moor had his best weekend of the season at Road America, and it moved him to fifth in the championship. He’s just two points ahead of TopPro Racing’s Avery Dreher, who like Landers, Di Mario, Doyle and Rodio is a 2024 race winner.

Junior Cup – Chapin By Nine

The third championship that features just a nine-point gap from first to second is Junior Cup where Matthew Chapin leads Logan Cunnison by nine points after six races.

Speed Demon Racing’s Chapin has won three of the six races so far and that has him nine points ahead of BARTCON Racing’s Cunnison, who has two race wins to his credit. The difference between the two goes back to Road Atlanta when Chapin splashed his way to seventh in the rain while Cunnison was a non-finisher.

New York Safety Track Racing Yandel Medina was sailing along nicely and led the championship heading into Road America, but he struggled to 10^th and ninth-place finishes in the two races and it’s dropped him to third in the title chase and 15 points behind Chapin.

BARTCON Racing’s Eli Block has two podium finishes and sits fourth in the championship, four points ahead of BPM’s Isaac Woodworth.

Supersport – A Superbike Battle In Supersport

PJ Jacobsen and Mathew Scholtz have both won MotoAmerica Superbike races and both consider themselves Superbike racers. As they should. But the fact that they are now doing battle at the front of the Supersport Championship is a bonus for the class and for the younger, like Blake Davis and Tyler Scott, who have the opportunity to learn from two of the best.

Separated by just 12 points, it seems inevitable that Jacobsen and Scholtz will take the championship battle to the bitter end. The question is if those behind them in the title chase can start to gain ground and make it more than a two-rider battle.

Between them, Jacobsen & Scholtz (sounds like a law firm) have won five of the six races and the closest to them is N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis, the youngster with a runner-up finish to Jacobsen in the series opener at Road Atlanta as his early season highlight. Davis is 65 points behind Jacobsen.

Veteran Jake Lewis is fourth heading to Brainerd with the Kentuckian landing on the podium twice so far in 2024. Lewis is tied for fourth with TopPro Racing’s Maxi Gerardo and is just one point ahead of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott.

Scott is hot off his first victory of the year at Road America when he beat out Scholtz and Jacobsen in a photo finish. Scott is 61 points behind with two big crashes putting him out of two point-scoring opportunities.

Stock 1000 – 39 Is Fine

Thirty-nine riders will attempt to qualify for the two Stock 1000 races at Brainerd International Raceway and Real Steel Motorsports Hayden Gillim is atop the championship with two wins in two starts in 2024.

Gillim was picture-perfect in the late-starting Stock 1000 Championship opener at Barber Motorsports Park with two runaway victories on his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP. Those two wins put him 14 points clear of BPR Racing’s Bryce Prince, with the Californian returning to a full season and beginning his year with two podium finishes on his Yamaha YZF-R1M.

Third in the title chase heading to Brainerd is AMD Motorsport RK Racing’s Richard Kerr with the Irishman eighth and fourth in the two races in Alabama. Kerr is tied with Orange Cat Racing’s Jayson Uribe, another returning to run a full season of Stock 1000 racing.

Just a point behind Kerr and Uribe is GMR/Jones Honda’s Gabriel Da Silva who was second to Gillim in race one at Barber, but suffered a mechanical that took him out of race two. He is 30 points adrift of Gillim, the defending class champion.

Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates, BPR Racing’s Wyatt Farris and FLO4LAW Racing’s Benjamin Smith are covered by just four points with three riders tied for ninth – Visit Indiana/Tom Wood Powersports’ Nolan Lamkin, Orange Cat Racing’s Travis Wyman and BPR Racing’s Deion Campbell.

Pre-Race Brainerd Support Notes…

Hayden Gillim and Bobby Fong won the two Mission King Of The Baggers races last year at Brainerd International Raceway. Gillim beat Fong to win race one with Fong reversing the order in race two. James Rispoli was third in race one with Tyler O’Hara filling the podium in race two.

In Supersport action a year ago, Josh Hayes and Tyler Scott split wins with Hayes topping Rocco Landers and Scott in race one with Scott winning a day later over Hayes and Landers.

Hayden Gillim did the double in 2023 in the Stock 1000 class at BIR with the Kentuckian winning both races over Minnesota native Kaleb De Keyrel. Travis Wyman was third in race one with Benjamin Smith taking that spot in race two.

The two wins in the Junior Cup class a season ago at BIR went to Rossi Moor and Levi Badie with those two flipping the order in race two with Badie first and Moor second. Hayden Bicknese and Jayden Fernandez rounded out the podium in the two races.

The BellissiMoto Twins Cup didn’t compete at Brainerd International Raceway last year, but the twins will run two races this weekend.

With his first career Supersport win coming in race one at Barber Motorsports Park, Mathew Scholtz became the 20^th rider to win a MotoAmerica Supersport race. The all-time MotoAmerica Supersport win leader is JD Beach with 32 career victories in the class. Two riders, Garrett Gerloff and Sean Dylan Kelly, are tied for second with 19 career wins in the class.

With every victory he scores in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class, Rocco Landers pulls farther way on the all-time win list for the class. Landers has won 17 Twins Cup races – seven more than Kaleb De Keyrel.

With his two wins to open the Stock 1000 season at Barber Motorsports Park, Hayden Gillim took over as the all-time win leader in the class with 13 victories. He passed Corey Alexander, who sits on 12 wins but now races in the Supersport class.

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/

Meet Insta360 GO 3S: Capture Every Moment with a Tiny 4K POV Camera

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

Insta360 is proud to announce a major addition to its tiny mighty GO camera series: Insta360 GO 3S. The thumb-sized camera retains GO 3’s form factor while packing in several key upgrades–most notably–stunning 4K video resolution. Other improvements include a new Interval Video mode for fully automatic hands-free shooting, compatibility with the Apple Find My network to locate GO 3S if it gets lost, native waterproofing to 33ft, improved accessories, and much more.

With a rugged, magnetic body that weighs just 1.4oz (39g), wear it to shoot first-person POVs completely hands-free, or mount it anywhere with in-the-box accessories for endless creative angles that are impossible with bigger, bulkier cameras. Whether you’re traveling, hitting the trails or hanging with your kids, GO 3S offers a way to capture your life and stay in the moment.

Insta360 GO 3S is available to order worldwide from June 13, 2024, via Insta360.com, Amazon and select retailers, starting at £349.99.

4K video and major image quality enhancements.

Still tiny, now mightier! GO 3S’s 4K30fps capture transforms its image quality, producing videos that are noticeably sharper, clearer, and crisper. Powered by an enhanced chip with 50% more CPU computing power and a new wide-angle lens, it offers double the amount of pixels compared to 2.7K. All your family memories, unforgettable trips, or creative clips, there to cherish forever in lifelike detail.

The image quality out of GO 3S has gone up a level in other areas, too:

New MegaView FOV – Gives a more realistic look with less distortion and straighter, cleaner edges.
Dolby Vision-Ready – Greater dynamic range and enhanced details thanks to this new HDR technology.
Slow Motion Upgrades – Make those highlights ultra smooth with up to 200fps at 1080p or 100fps at 2.7K.

Meet Insta360 Go 3s: Capture Every Moment With A Tiny 4k Pov Camera

Automatic shooting and AI editing for effortless content creation.

Imagine you could capture moments throughout your day or activity without ever touching the camera—the new Interval Video mode lets you do just that! Simply set how often to shoot and the length of each clip, and GO 3S will automatically power on and shoot a series of clips. You get to live in the moment and have the memories to look back on and share.

Turn on GO 3S’s new Instant App Preview (iOS only) and you’ll get a notification sent to your phone when you finish shooting, ready to open and start editing with just a tap.

And if you don’t like editing or don’t have the time, try the Auto Edit function in the Insta360 app and let AI combine your clips into one epic video, on beat to music!

Hands-free POV, creative angles, and more.

Just like GO 3, capturing life with GO 3S really is effortless. The super lightweight camera makes hands-free POVs incredibly easy—simply wear it on your shirt or hat and forget it’s even there. This discreet filming setup is also great if you don’t feel comfortable using a bigger camera in public or don’t want to carry one around all day.

Mounting in classic spots like a helmet, handlebars, or on your backpack is far easier with a camera this size, and the magnetic body opens up a world of creative mounting options and angles.

The Action Pod is unchanged from GO 3 and acts as an all-in-one housing, remote control, and charger for GO 3S. Whether shooting with the camera inside the Action Pod or mounted separately, you can preview your shots on the 2.2″ flip touchscreen. The magnetic mounting mechanism fits both the camera and Action Pod, so the same accessories can be used no matter how you shoot.

From the calmest walks in the park to your energetic pups’ perspective, Insta360’s FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Lock will always keep your footage super smooth and level.

So what else is new?

With a series of useful upgrades, GO 3S offers an even smoother user experience:

Compatible with Apple Find My – Misplaced your camera? Don’t sweat it. Track it down using the Apple Find My app so you never lose your awesome footage (or camera!).

Easy Switch – Change the aspect ratio on the fly. Simply twist the camera to go from horizontal to vertical shooting in seconds.

Waterproofing to 33ft – Your tiny diving companion now goes deeper, all the way to 33ft (10m), compared to 16ft with GO 3.

AI Gesture Control – If the camera’s mounted out of reach, use hand gestures to start/stop shooting or take a photo for true convenience.

Included accessories and an all-new Quick Reader.

For truly effortless mounting, GO 3S comes with several free accessories to help you get the most from your camera, with some handy upgrades from the GO 3 versions:

Magnet Pendant – Snap on for easy first-person views. Perfect for kids to wear! Now with improved heat dissipation for a more comfortable experience.

Easy Clip – Clip on your cap or your pet’s collar for awesome angles and fresh perspectives. Here, we’ve improved the magnetic strength and even made it compatible to attach to the Magnet Pendant for customized angles.

Pivot Stand – Stick it anywhere and capture unique angles. It now works on slightly curved surfaces, with an attachment to keep the cover and base together so they don’t get lost.

Lens Guard – New curved design for better image quality.

The new multi-purpose Quick Reader allows you to rapidly back up your footage to a microSD card while charging the camera at the same time, leaving you with freed up camera memory and a boosted battery to carry on shooting! It also enables direct editing on your phone without downloading the files.

Easy editing.

Time to check out your GO 3S footage? With App Background Downloading, keep using your other phone apps as normal, and you’ll get a notification when the files are ready.

From there, access the Insta360 app’s powerful AI editing features to automatically edit your best clips into ready-to-share reels, or go manual with a full editing suite.

For runners and riders, try overlaying data like GPS, speed, and power from your Garmin device or Apple Watch in your video, with a choice of interactive stats dashboards.

Available now.

Insta360 GO 3S is available for purchase globally from June 13. The Standard Bundle includes the camera and Action Pod, plus a Magnet Pendant, Easy Clip, Pivot Stand, and Lens Guard. Two storage options are available with a 64GB and 128GB model, priced at £349.99 and £369.99 respectively, in a choice of Arctic White and Midnight Black colors.

For GO 3 users looking to upgrade, GO 3S is compatible with the GO 3 Action Pod, and there’s the option to purchase GO 3S as a standalone camera (no Action Pod or accessories) for just £209.99 or £229.99 (64 or 128GB versions).

You can secure your GO 3S directly from Insta360’s official website or via platforms such as Amazon and select authorized retailers.

Motorcyclists invited to join the first ever Beaulieu Bikers’ Day

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

Owners of all motorbikes are invited to ride through the New Forest to join us for Beaulieu’s first ever Bikers’ Day on Saturday 6^th July.

Attendees will be able to park their pride and joy in the grounds of the National Motor Museum where they can catch up with friends and fellow riders. Open to all makes and models, visitors can expect to see everything from cutting-edge sports bikes and robust cruisers to powerful three-wheelers and familiar classics.

Certain to attract the attention of enthusiasts, the sounds and smells of historic bike start-ups will fill the air as some awesome machines are brought out from National Motor Museum and revved into life. The line-up will include a 1928 Rudge-Whitworth, which was ridden to victory by Graham Walker in the 1928 Ulster Grand Prix and the 1961 Honda RC 162 which was ridden by Mike Hailwood and was victorious in the 1961 TT ride. Other bikes that will be started up include a 1975 Kawasaki h1R, ridden by Mick Grant and 1961 BSA Super Rocket ‘Café Racer’.

Tickets to the event are just £10 per participant both in advance and on the day, and admission includes access to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum and its new Streets Ahead exhibition transporting you back to mid-century Britain. Anyone booking an advance ticket before 2pm on Friday 21^st June will be entered into the Advance Ticket Prize Draw for the chance to win a complimentary Friends of the National Motor Museum Trust annual pass worth £62.50 and other exciting prizes to be announced.

Motorbike clubs are welcome to join the fun of the day. To book a group space, email the Beaulieu Events team at least two weeks in advance of the event to reserve an area at the show. Those not part of a club but still wishing to park alongside friends can still do so but should arrive together with individual tickets.

Mental health support charity Mental Health Motorbike will also be supporting Beaulieu Bikers’ Day with a stand at the event. The charity aims to improve the wellbeing of the motorcycling community and invites visitors to pop along for a chat. Also attending the event will be DocBike, a charity which works to eradicate motorcycle deaths through engagement and education as well as roadside critical care.

Participant and visitor tickets for this event include entry to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction including the award-winning National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Palace House, it’s grounds and gardens, the 13^th Century Beaulieu Abbey plus much more.

The 2024 Adventure Bike Rider Festival roars into action in less than two weeks

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

In under two weeks, the Adventure Bike Rider Festival roars into life in the stunning grounds of Ragley Hall.

This year’s Festival promises to be the most interactive motorcycle event in the UK this summer. Ticket holders can look forward to more opportunities than ever to ride motorcycles on and off-road, be inspired by fascinating stage talks, pick up the latest motorcycle kit and accessories, listen to incredible live music acts, enjoy great food and drink, and much more.

Over 140 leading motorcycle brands and trade stands will be in attendance in the Exhibitor Village at this year’s three-day Adventure Bike Rider Festival, giving guests the chance to receive specialist advice from industry experts, while also getting to bag a bargain on the latest kit and accessories, while keeping refreshed thanks to a range of exceptional coffee, food and drink vendors across the festival site.

The festival uniquely has 40 kilometres of continuous purpose-built trails on site for 2024, welcoming riders of all abilities to give off-road riding a try. Three specially crafted trails – The Bridgestone Trail, TRF Trail and Beginner’s Trail – have been designed to offer something for everyone, from the tranquil, open grassland and technical tight wooded sections, to the challenging ‘Bog of Doom, ‘Swamp Man’ and ‘Wooded Wonderland’.

Ticket holders wanting the thrill of riding a motorcycle but who aren’t bringing their own bikes to the festival can make use of the hundreds of daily demo rides delivered by over 20 leading manufacturers, who will have more than 100 different models to choose from. Test rides will utilise both the on-site trails as well as some of Warwickshire’s best public roads outside of the festival grounds.

In addition to the two-wheel test rides, ATV demos, guided green lane ride-outs, advanced riding assessments, off-road skills schools, motorcycle masterclasses and live rider displays will also feature throughout the three-day event.

As well as the abundance of riding opportunities and activities, one of the key draws for ticket holders is the packed speaker schedule featuring more than 60 talks across four stages, guaranteed to leave visitors feeling inspired. The Main Stage, The Bridgestone Stage, The Himalayan Masterclass Stage, and new for 2024, The ABR Magazine Traveller’s Tent will all play host to fascinating around-the-world riders, off-road racing champions, motivating world record holders and the most popular social media stars.

Entertainment and the festival atmosphere is topped off by its incredible schedule of live music throughout the entire event. The 2024 Adventure Bike Rider Festival promises its greatest ever live music line-up with a selection of the UK’s best tribute and party bands performing on the bikerheadz Stage.

Also new for this year is alternative entertainment on the Bridgestone Stage on the Friday and Saturday nights. Here, ticket holders will experience an electrifying fusion of music that includes world-class choirs, top DJs playing classic Ibiza hits, enchanting string quartets, and a mesmerising Brazilian dance troupe. For those wanting something more relaxing, the warm and welcoming Magic Teapot area returns with its central fire, piano and endless cups of tea, or visitors can enjoy the acoustic evening sessions in the Chillout Tent.

Alun Davies, Founder, Adventure Bike Rider Festival, said: “Ten years ago, the ABR Festival was 50 mates meeting up in an unkept field, now it’s 15,000 likeminded friends and the best part of the motorcycle industry in a magnificent country estate. Some things have changed all right, but the festival remains committed to its original values as a feel good celebration of motorcycles and good times. And right now, I just can’t wait to welcome all our guests to the 2024 Adventure Bike Rider Festival.”

Full weekend tickets to all three days of the 2024 Adventure Bike Rider Festival and two nights of camping are available to buy now for £159. FREE tea and coffee is available for campers each morning in the Mitas Pit Stop tents. Friday and Saturday day tickets are also available for £75 per day. Parking for cars, vans and campervans can also be accommodated for £29 per vehicle.

The final few tickets are now remaining, with the event expected to sell out in the coming days. Tickets will not be available to buy on the gate.

For full information on the 2024 Adventure Bike Rider Festival, visit: www.abrfestival.com

Team HRC with Japan Post to Compete in 2024 Suzuka 8 Hours

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

Team HRC with Japan Post to Compete in 2024 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race 45th Tournament.

Honda announced an overview of its main teams to compete in 2024 FIM*1 Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race 45th Tournament (Suzuka 8 Hours), to be held at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan, on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Team HRC will once again partner with Japan Post Co, Ltd. to compete as Team HRC with Japan Post. The team will be represented by Takumi Takahashi, Teppei Nagoe and Johann Zarco. Nagoe and Zarco, new to the team, will be led by Takahashi who has won the last two editions of the race and is aiming for his sixth win, setting a new record for the event.

*1 FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Takumi Takahashi 30
(AGE: 34, SAITAMA)
I’m very happy to be racing once again with Team HRC with Japan Post in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours. This is an important year, as victory will mark Team HRC’s third consecutive win and Honda’s 30th overall win. I’ll be working hard with my new teammates for a strong performance in the Suzuka 8 Hours, and personally, will be aiming to set the record for most wins in the event (6 wins to hold outright record). I hope you will cheer for Team HRC with Japan Post. Let’s fight this together.

Teppei Nagoe 30
(AGE: 26, TOKYO)
I will be racing for Team HRC with Japan Post in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours. Although I have ridden Honda bikes for many years, I’m excited to be racing for Honda’s factory team for the first time. My teammates are Takumi “Mr. 8 Hours” Takahashi and MotoGP winner Johann Zarco, so we have a great team. By working together, I believe we can win this. I hope everyone supports Team HRC with Japan Post.

Johann Zarco 30
(AGE: 33, FRANCE)
I’m excited to be racing in the Suzuka 8 Hours. It is the biggest motorcycle race, and also it is an important race for Honda. Just like many MotoGP legends have won the Suzuka 8 Hours, I also would like to win as a Team HRC with Japan Post rider. I appreciate Honda and LCR for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in Suzuka.

Bumper R3 bLU cRU World Cup Grid Ready for Round Three in Misano

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

Round three of the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup will take place this weekend at the Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli where many Italian wildcards will join the line-up in the highly competitive class and enjoy the atmosphere of the FIM Superbike World Championship paddock.

After a long break of almost two months since the second round in the Netherlands, the R3 bLU cRU riders are raring to go as they prepare to tackle Round 3 at the glorious San Marinese circuit.

Last time out Spain’s Gonzalo Sanchez came back from a race one crash to take victory in race two after a tense battle with his compatriot Marc Vich. Japan’s Takumi Takahashi secured a maiden podium on Saturday in Assen when he took second place, while long-standing bLU cRU battlers Dawid Nowak and Eduardo Burr also enjoyed solid results over the weekend to climb their way up the championship standings.

Misano World Circuit will also welcome eight wildcards to the R3 entry list, seven Italians and one Dutch rider. Of the home riders, five are being run by the Motoxracing squad, including three female riders; Josephine Bruno, Arianna Barale and Denise Cristina Dal Zotto.

Races 1 and 2 from Misano will be broadcast LIVE on the Yamaha Racing YouTube channel, and on the circuit TV screens at 16:15 CET on Saturday and Sunday respectively. You can also follow all the news via Instagram and the Yamaha Racing website.

Bastianini & Viñales Join Red Bull KTM Tech3

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

A potent line-up and fresh color scheme will mark a new era for KTM’s MotoGP™ factory presence in 2025. The re-branded Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad will complement the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team with two stellar names in Grand Prix winners Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales.

The Italian, 26 from Rimini, and the Spaniard, 29 from Roses, will be equipped with full-factory KTM RC16 machinery in 2025 as part of a multi-year agreement and will form a Red Bull orange quartet with stars Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta in the adjacent set-up.

Bastianini made his world championship debut ten years ago (after also ruling races in the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup) with a KTM RC4. He claimed six victories and more than 30 podiums in both Moto3™ and Moto2™ through a seven-season education phase where he also improved to grasp the 2020 crown in the intermediate class. Enea entered MotoGP™ in 2021 at the age of 23 and has logged 5 wins and 12 podiums through the course of his three and a half years in the division to-date. Noted for his natural ability and excellence for maximizing his technical ‘package’ across the full race distance, ‘La Bestia’ will be a formidable asset for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 outfit.

Already a race winner in 2024, and the first rider in the MotoGP™-era to triumph with three different brands; Maverick Viñales brings outstanding experience and talent to the team. #12 was actually KTM’s second-ever Moto3™ world champion back in 2013 for what was the then-teenager’s third term in Grand Prix and a career spell where four seasons in both Moto3™ and Moto2™ resulted in four consecutive top-three championship finishes. He joined the premier class in 2015 and registered the first of his 10 MotoGP™ successes (35 podium appearances) the following campaign. Viñales has banked two championship bronze medals in his decade tenure and has won at least one Grand Prix in seven of those ten years in MotoGP™. Maverick’s acute feeling, pace and fitness make him one of the leading names on the MotoGP™ grid.

NICOLAS GOYON
TECH3 RACING MOTOGP TEAM MANAGER
“We are delighted to announce that Enea and Maverick will be with us next year as we convert back to KTM. We cannot forget our first MotoGP wins were taken in orange! We are proud that these two talented riders have decided to ride our bikes. It shows we’ve followed the right road, and our technology can fight at the front for the championship. We would like to thank Pierer Mobility AG for the quality of their support. Our collaboration has reached the top level this year and I’m sure it will keep growing in the future. We’d also like to thank Red Bull for their dedication with us. We have a clear commitment towards victory and that’s why Enea and Maverick have decided to join the program.”

PIT BEIRER
KTM MOTORSPORTS DIRECTOR
“We’re very happy we could bring both Enea and Maverick into our MotoGP project and give them full factory backing and support to keep following their goals and to reach their maximum performance. It’s clear we are talking about two of the fastest riders in the world right now and it is a compliment that they trust us and the first-class operation we’ve created together with Red Bull KTM Tech3. The team’s label for 2025 says it all: it is time to strengthen the KTM name again and we couldn’t think of a better way to bring this kind of value to the company than for Enea and Maverick to go full Red Bull orange. Let’s push on for the rest of 2024 now and then look forward to this new start for next year.”

World Ducati Week 2024 is “All In One”

Frank Duggan

June 13, 2024

World Ducati Week 2024 is “All In One”: the pure essence of motorcycling in the biggest gathering for enthusiasts from all over the world.

The 12th edition of World Ducati Week, to be held from 26 to 28 July 2024 at the Misano World Circuit, was presented during a press conference held inside the Ducati Auditorium in Borgo Panigale.

The conference, moderated by the Italian radio host Gianluca Gazzoli, was attended by Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, together with the MotoGP and WorldSBK riders Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, Franco Morbidelli, Álvaro Bautista, Nicolò Bulega and Michele Pirro and the motocross riders Alessandro Lupino and Antonio Cairoli.

“All In One” is the message with which this 2024 edition of World Ducati Week opens. A slogan that summarises the intention of the Bologna-based manufacturer to build a great event in which to concentrate all the essence of passion for motorcycling and motorsport. They will be three unforgettable days, able to combine racing DNA, riding experiences, life stories, premieres of new products, moments of fun, motorcycle parades, evening events, meet-and-greet sessions with the riders and many other initiatives.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “The World Ducati Week is an unparalleled experience for motorcycling fans: an event to be lived at least once in a lifetime, only to find out that you can not live without it. This year’s will be the twelfth edition, and from the very first moment we worked with the idea of offering participants the best WDW ever. The ingredients are all there, starting with the news of La Notte dei Campioni on Saturday. An evening that promises unforgettable emotions with Ducati riders putting on a show during the Lenovo Race of Champions and immediately afterwards the chance for everyone to have fun on the track sharing a common passion. I am looking forward to meeting up again with thousands of fans at the Misano Circuit to celebrate the love for Ducati all together.”

The World Ducati Week is a great party capable of attracting people from every corner of the planet, who arrive in Italy driven by the euphoria of celebrating their passion for the world of two wheels and for the Red Bikes of Borgo Panigale. It is an event truly open to everyone, with a program of tailor-made activities to accommodate a vast audience, which includes individuals of all nationalities, ages, genders and personalities.

“LA NOTTE DEI CAMPIONI” – A SHOW ON TRACK WITH THE LENOVO RACE OF CHAMPIONS AND THE OPEN-AIR DISCO
On Saturday 27 July the event within the event of World Ducati Week will be “La Notte dei Campioni” (The Night of Champions): an unmissable happening, which in the space of just a few hours will see an incredible competition between Ducati riders, a track invasion of all participants, street food in the paddock and an evening show with live entertainment and DJ-sets, which will transform the Misano Circuit into an open-air disco.

The highlight is undoubtedly the race featuring the Ducati heroes competing in the main professional two-wheel championships. For the second consecutive edition this race will be staged under the name Lenovo Race of Champions, confirming the collaboration and closeness of Ducati to an exceptional partner like Lenovo, already Title & Technology Partner of the Ducati Lenovo Team in MotoGP, as well as main sponsor of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in Superbike.

During the press conference, the programme for the 2024 edition of this unique race was presented, which will see the action split over two days, with free practice and qualifying on Friday 26 July and the race scheduled for the late afternoon of Saturday 27 July.

At the same venue the starting grid for the race was also made official, and it will see 15 Ducati riders line up and compete aboard Ducati Panigale V4. The list of names entered for the Lenovo Race of Champions is world-class. They are all there, in alphabetical order: Francesco Bagnaia (reigning MotoGP World Champion), Enea Bastianini, Álvaro Bautista (reigning WorldSBK World Champion), Nicolò Bulega (reigning WorldSSP World Champion), Marco Bezzecchi, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Andrea Iannone, Glenn Irwin, Álex Márquez, Marc Márquez, Jorge Martìn, Franco Morbidelli, Danilo Petrucci, Michele Pirro, Michael Ruben Rinaldi.

To enhance this incredible show, Ducati has created a dedicated ticket, designed for motorsport fans and, more generally, for all the people who will flock to the Romagna Riviera over the weekend of 26-28 July. This ticket provides entry to the Misano World Circuit from 3.00 pm on Saturday until late at night, and includes the spectacle of the Lenovo Race of Champions (scheduled to start at 5.00 pm), the chance to take part in the invasion of the area below the podium together with all the other fans, and access to the party on the track, which will allow participants to dance and sing on the same asphalt on which a few hours earlier the Ducati riders will have put on a great show and set the crowd alight. Tickets for “La Notte dei Campioni” will go on sale on the VivaTicket and TicketOne platforms from Thursday 13 June 2024.

The entertainment programme will have the support of Radio Deejay, which was announced as Radio Partner of World Ducati Week 2024. Gianluca Gazzoli, after being master of ceremony at the conference, will be among the main faces of WDW, taking on the role of official voice for “La Notte dei Campioni” managing live interviews from the podium with Ducati riders, who will alternate in the evening’s line-up with DJ-sets by Fargetta, Marco Melandri and Rudeejay.

THE PARADE ON FRIDAY AND THE “LAND OF JOY ON THE BEACH” PARTY
For the late afternoon of Friday 26 July, another of the most awaited and loved moments for Ducatisti is confirmed in the programme: the World Ducati Week parade! Starting from a lap of the Misano World Circuit, the colourful snake of Ducati motorcycles will cross the streets of the Romagna Riviera and take thousands of enthusiasts to the Samsara Beach in Riccione for the “Land of Joy on the Beach” party. Samsara Beach will host the “Rustida” (typical BBQ) in this edition, followed by an evening of music and fun to celebrate 10 years of Scrambler Ducati.

A DUCATI WORLD PREMIERE
Another confirmation also arrived at the press conference: the 2024 edition of World Ducati Week, as has become a WDW tradition, will also be enriched by an exclusive Ducati World Première. An area dedicated to this new product will be set up inside the paddock, allowing enthusiasts to see and touch the new Ducati model up close, discovering its technical features together with the engineers who conceived and developed it.

DESMO450 MX
In this edition of World Ducati Week 2024, an exhibition area dedicated to Ducati’s new, historic chapter in motocross could certainly not be missing. The Ducati Corse R&D – Factory MX Team will be present at the great Ducati gathering with the hospitality unit that is touring Italy in the Italian Motocross Pro – Prestige MX1 Championship, generating a lot of attention from enthusiasts around the Desmo450 MX prototypes. The official rider Alessandro Lupino and the top-level test rider Antonio Cairoli will also participate in the gathering in July.

916 CELEBRATION
The 2024 edition of WDW will also be a perfect setting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Ducati 916, a model that has indelibly marked the history of the Bologna-based Company. There are many initiatives designed to pay homage to this icon of style and performance: a dedicated exhibition with displays of the family’s models (916, 996, 998), the first official census of 916/996/998 owners and an exciting celebratory activity on the Misano track which will see as protagonists both Carl Fogarty and Troy Bayliss, two riders who together with Ducati have become authentic racing legends.

ALL DUCATI MOTORCYCLES
Among the undisputed protagonists of WDW are obviously all the motorcycles in the Ducati range. The Misano World Circuit paddock will be divided into thematic areas: there will be the “Travel&Adventure” area with the Multistrada and DesertX models, the “Adrenaline&Fun” area with the Panigale, Streetfighter, Hypermotard, SuperSport and Monster families, and finally a dedicated space to the Diavel and the “Land of Joy” Scrambler Ducati.

RIDING EXPERIENCES
Not only bikes to admire and discover, but above all bikes to ride at World Ducati Week. The models from the Ducati and Scrambler Ducati range will be available for test rides around the Misano circuit on all three days of the event. There will also be 35 kW models to allow even less experienced riders to enjoy the tour. Holders of the 3-day Pass will have an opportunity to experience a track session at Misano astride their Ducati. For adventouring enthusiasts, the DRE Adventure “pills” are confirmed on the Multistrada V4 and DesertX models with Antoine Meo and Charly Sinewan as special guests.

THE OBJECTIVE OF A SUSTAINABLE EVENT
Since the 2016 edition, the World Ducati Week has been certified as a sustainable event according to the ISO 20121 standard and, also for this 2024 edition, Ducati intends to involve enthusiasts, partners, suppliers and employees in an unforgettable experience, created by taking into consideration social responsibility, environmental sustainability and brand enhancement. The objective that the Company sets itself is to be able to obtain certification as a sustainable event for the fourth consecutive edition.

D.O.C. – DUCATI OFFICIAL CLUBS
World Ducati Week becomes increasingly international, also thanks to the direct involvement of the 356 Ducati Official Clubs, a perfect example of belonging to the community. With over 44,000 members present in 66 countries all over the world, the D.O.C. are a fundamental component of the WDW, bringing together people who share the same passion and experience the emotions that only a Ducati motorcycle can arouse.

THE BOND WITH THE TERRITORY
Once again the World Ducati Week can count on the active collaboration of the Municipalities and Administrations of all the cities of the Riviera involved. The towns of Misano Adriatico, Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica and the Republic of San Marino will host thousands of Ducatisti during the days of the event. The WDW is also part of the multiple activities of APT Regione Emilia-Romagna for the promotion of the Motor Valley brand. An essential role is obviously played by the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” which, since the beginning, has hosted all the editions of this event.

OFFICIAL PARTNERS
Many are the Partners that will participate in the World Ducati Week. Beside the above-mentioned Lenovo, two other Ducati Corse partners, Monster Energy and WD40, will be present for the first time. The former will contribute to the spectacularity of the event with some entertainment proposals, while the latter will present its own product range, giving all participants a sample. 24 Bottles will have an important role: it will provide all the participants with a metal water bottle included in the “Welcome Kit”, which participants will be able to use as a container for drinking water distributed in the paddock at a sustainable price. Partners with Ducati-branded products such as Safilo, with its complete range of Carrera-Ducati glasses, Pittarosso, with its collection of footwear and accessories, and Locman (Official Time Keeper), with its line of watches, could not miss out at WDW. Also present at World Ducati Week will be historic suppliers that support Ducati in the development of production bikes such as Termignoni, Pirelli, Akrapovic, Shell, Bosch and STM. Each of them will bring content and insights to further engage Ducatisti during the event. Inside the Tech Village there will be Brembo, Givi, Dainese, Arai, Suomy, Kyt, Ilmberger Carbon Parts, Ognibene, NGK and Spidi, who will display products developed in collaboration with Ducati.

There will also be 3DBeta and Andreani, who will support the Ducati Service respectively with benches and equipment and in suspension setting and adjustment operations. Ducati staff and riders will move with agility around the paddock thanks to VMoto electric scooters and scooters made by Platum. Lastly, there will be a Grani&Partners stand that will host both the Italian Post Office and the State Mint, with the presentation of postal and numismatic products dedicated to the Bologna-based manufacturer. Among the partners of this 2024 edition of WDW are also Contadi Castaldi, Aruba.it and EICMA (Official Partners), Summertrade (Food & Beverage Provider), DHL (Logistic Partner) Edelweiss Bike Travel and HP Motorrad (Travel Partner).

WDW APP AND FANTA WDW
World Ducati Week is one of the most brilliant examples of the way in which Ducati manages to combine values such as the pleasure of encountering with the more digital and technological side of the relationship with enthusiasts. This is the case of two tools easily accessible by enthusiasts via their smartphone: the WDW App (available for Android and iOS) is an application that acts as a container for all the useful information on the event. Fanta WDW, on the other hand, is a game focused on the results of the Lenovo Race of Champions, which allows participants to make their own predictions about the race and earn points through the performances of their favourite riders.

THE FIRST STONE OF THE DUCATI FACTORY
At the end of the press conference dedicated to the presentation of WDW2024, Ducati reserved space for a big surprise. The CEO Claudio Domenicali in fact communicated to the public present the discovery, after a long search, of the foundation stone of the Borgo Panigale factory, which was laid by the brothers Adriano, Bruno and Marcello Cavalieri Ducati on 1 June 1935 in the same area where today Ducati still creates and produces its motorcycles appreciated all over the world.

The foundation stone has been carefully restored and it will play a role as a bridge between past, present and future on the occasion of the World Ducati Week 2024. In front of the same historic building where the foundation stone was laid almost 90 years ago, an exhibition area will in fact be created which will constitute an integral part of the journey of the Ducatisti at WDW. The stone will be visible to everyone who visits the Ducati Factory and Museum in the days before and immediately after the event. As in previous editions, WDW ticket holders will be able to have access at a reduced rate during the WDW period.

TICKET PURCHASE
Tickets to take part in the twelfth edition of WDW are on sale on the Ducati.com website . Different entry formulas are available for Bikers (with motorbikes) and for Visitors (without motorbikes or as passengers), for one day or all three days. Both passes give access to all the public areas of the event, with the possibility of taking part in many activities for free: from contests to in-depth talks with Ducati engineers, designers and experts, to autograph sessions with the riders.
Added to these entry formulas is the new ticket dedicated to “La Notte dei Campioni”, which allows access from 3.00 pm on Saturday until the end of the evening. To discover all the options, it is possible to visit the dedicated section on the Ducati website.

Entry to the event is free for accompanied minors up to 18 years of age, for all participants from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania, and for disabled people and their carers.

A discounted rate is reserved for D.O.C. members, available only to active members of the Ducati Official Clubs for the year 2024. For information simply contact the D.O.C. official in your area. Find the one closest to you.

Tickets can be purchased by anyone at a special price, including from dealerships in the Ducati network. Find the one closest to you.

New events in the World Ducati Week programme will be announced in the coming weeks. All the information will be available on the WDW App, on the dedicated website, on the brand’s social media channels and on the official Facebook page of World Ducati Week.

2024 MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike Season Is Anything But Predictable

Frank Duggan

June 12, 2024

Jake Gagne Leads A Championship That’s Tipsy-Turvy With Four Different Winners As Series Heads To Minnesota, June 14-16

The only thing predictable about the 2024 MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike Championship is its unpredictability as the series embarks on its fourth round at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota, June 14-16.

Case in point #1: Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier appeared to be teetering on the verge of dominating this year’s championship after winning three of the first five races. Now Beaubier is out of action for a while after breaking his heel in his race-one crash at Road America in a rainstorm.

Case in point #2: Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne leads the title chase but has only won a single race. He also has unheard-of results for the three-time champion of eighth, seventh and fifth on his scorecard after early-season struggles with arm pump. He is, however, only one of two riders in the top 10 to have scored points in all seven races.

Case in point #3: There have been four different winners in the Superbike class in the first seven races. Last year, there were four different winners in the entire 19-race series.

So, if you add all that up, it’s easy to see the unpredictability of the current season. And there’s plenty more to come. Next up: Brainerd International Raceway.

So, what does it all mean?

Gagne with his lone victory (in race two at Road Atlanta) and four total podiums leads the way into the “Land Of 10,000 Lakes” with 113 points. That puts him 18 points clear of the absent Beaubier, who will be watching from his California home and not sure of when his return will be as he may be out of action until his home round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Gagne’s arm-pump is something we must keep an eye on. One thing we know for certain, if Gagne isn’t winning races and is not a consistent podium finisher, there’s still a problem. Only time will tell, and Brainerd will provide a good test as to the health of those forearms.

Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong is having his best Superbike season since his three-win season in 2020 on the M4 Suzuki that placed him third at season’s end in the championship. Fong’s ride to second place in race two at Road America almost two weeks ago was heroic and more than made up for his struggles in the wet race one where he soldiered on to finish eighth.

Fong, who is the only rider other than Gagne to score points in all seven races, is 25 points behind the three-time series champ and just seven behind Beaubier, who will surely lose that second ranking this coming weekend.

Several riders are giving chase to Gagne, and third to seventh in the championship is tight with 16 points covering the five riders.

Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen has two victories on his scorecard, which already matches his career-high of two wins in 2022. Petersen was robbed of more points when his Yamaha failed him in race two at Road America the day after his second win of the season.

TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly’s run of consistent top-level results ended with his scary crash while leading in the quagmire of race one at Road America. Kelly then ran into a mechanical issue on the final lap while dicing for second in race two. He was able to salvage a sixth-place finish that left him in a tie with Petersen for fourth in the standings. A little better luck and he would have left Wisconsin third in the championship.

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin turned his season around with his first victory of the season in race two at Road America. Herrin’s Sunday victory moved him to sixth in the championship, four points behind Petersen and Kelly and 34 points in arrears of Gagne.

Herrin’s teammate Loris Baz was hoping for a bit more from Road America, but he still came away with his first podium of the season with his third in race one and a fourth in race two. The Frenchman is seven points behind his teammate.

JD Beach came out of the three-race weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in a miserable state as he scored just nine points. What a difference a weekend makes. Beach was actually smiling on Sunday afternoon in Wisconsin after putting his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR on the podium for the first time. A day earlier, Beach raced the bike to fourth, so he went from scoring nine points in three races in Alabama to 29 points in two races in Wisconsin.

Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim is ninth in the Superbike standings after sitting out the Road America round, just one point ahead of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch, who had his best weekend of the season thus far at Road America with fifth and seventh-place finishes.

Beach will be joined this weekend on the second Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR by Mission King Of The Baggers Championship points leader Troy Herfoss with the three-time Australian Superbike Champion set to fill-in for the injured Beaubier on the team. Herfoss will do double duty on his S&S Indian Challenger in the Baggers race and in Steel Commander Superbike on a racetrack he’s never seen before.

Pre-Race Brainerd Notes…

PJ Jacobsen won the first MotoAmerica Superbike race of his career last year in Sunday’s race two at Brainerd International Raceway, and he did it the right way – by holding off Jake Gagne in a straight fight. Gagne, who won Saturday’s race one, finished second with Mathew Scholtz third. Jacobsen had finished second to Gagne in the first race with Josh Herrin taking the final podium spot.

Two of the names from last year’s Superbike podiums are now racing in the Supersport Championship. PJ Jacobsen leads the series point standings on his Rahal Ducati Moto Panigale V2 with Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz giving chase in second on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Those two have won all six of the Supersport races this year and Jacobsen leads Scholtz by 12 points, 131-119.

Pole position for last year’s race went to Cameron Beaubier with his 1:30.688. The five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion was the only rider to break into the 1:30s during qualifying. He was joined on the front row by PJ Jacobsen and Jake Gagne.

Jake Gagne’s lap of 1:29.922 from 2021 is still the Superbike lap record and Gagne also has the race record of 1:29.922 from race two in 2021.

Beaubier, a three-time winner thus far in 2024, has been ruled out of racing this year at Brainerd as he recovers from heel surgery after crashing out of race one at Road America nearly two weeks ago.

This year’s round at Brainerd International Raceway is the fourth straight visit to the Minnesotan racetrack since the series ended a 17-year hiatus in 2021.

Of the six Superbike races held at Brainerd in the MotoAmerica era, Jake Gagne has won four of them. The other two went to Italian Danilo Petrucci in 2022 and PJ Jacobsen in 2023.

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/

Honda arrives in style at Wheels and Waves 2024

Frank Duggan

June 12, 2024

Honda arrives in style at Wheels and Waves 2024 – and at hondacustoms.com – with 16 customized CLs

2024 marks five years of www.hondacustoms.com, with a record-breaking field of sixteen bikes from nine different European countries battling it out for the top prize online at hondacustoms.com and in the metal at the Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz.

In 2020, the ‘Africa Four CRF1000R’ version of the CB1000R from Swiss Honda dealer Brivemo Motos was crowned the inaugural www.hondacustoms.com victor. In 2021 Mototrafa’s CB650R Fenix won for Portugal. In 2022 it was custom CMX500 Rebels, with Maanboard from Sardinia-based customisers Motocicli Audaci taking the honours. For 2023 minibikes took centre stage and the winner, the post-apocalyptic Dax Furisoa – a collaboration between young artist Tamara Alves (@tamara_aalves) and Art of Wheels Garage (@artonwheelsgarage) – gave the win back to Portugal.

Honda Arrives In Style At Wheels And Waves 2024 — Wheels and Waves – Line up

The customisation contest has become an annual event – working in reality and online – that’s growing in popularity as imaginations run riot, and hondacustoms.com received over 21,000 voting visitors throughout summer 2023 for its range of Honda minibikes, an increase of 41% on the previous year.

2024 looks to build on the success and this time it’s the turn of the CL500, a bike loaded with scrambler style and a zesty, A2 compliant twin-cylinder engine. Versatile and huge fun to ride, the CL500 is a great entry point for both motorcycling itself and the world of customisation and all the freedom, self-expression and individuality it allows – for that reason, its guiding design principle is simply ‘Express yourself’.

The bikes can be seen in person at the annual Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz from Wednesday 12^th to Sunday 16^th June 2024, and on-line throughout the summer at hondacustoms.com, where visitors can vote for their favourite customisation and download wallpapers for their phone or desktop.

Hondacustoms.com will again be available in English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese, with the winners being announced at the end of the summer.

Let the voting commence. And may the best bike win…

THE 2024 LINE-UP

Enduro 500 – Spain

A tribute from the Stilmoto dealership to classic Spanish enduro bikes, the Enduro 500 is designed to tug on the heartstrings with memories from a beautiful, golden era of motorcycling history. It features eye-catching tank paintwork, high front mudguard, headlight cover, number board, a variety of handmade parts and Arrow exhaust muffler.

@stilmotohonda @hondamotoses

Cherry Lady – Spain

Drawn from the classic lines and logos of legendary Honda 750s of the 1990s, Cherry Lady is all about maintaining the essence and history of the brand. The creators – Honda Motorsport Las Rozas de Madrid – have a wealth of experience modifying bikes with their customers, but this one is all their own work. Details include a IXIL exhaust, Drag Bar handlebars, minimal turn signals, premium leather seat with red stitching, RedMoto mirrors, Michelin Anakee tyres and Candy Red paint.

@hondamotorsportmadrid @hondamotoses

CL501R – Spain

Inspiration for CL501R – built by Honda Moto Centre Leon – is the flat track style of racing bike so popular in the USA. Featuring adjustable rear gas shock absorbers, adjustable front fork plugs, radial front brake master cylinder and braided brake lines, plus handmade radiator and chain guard, the focus was finding the right balance between performance, aesthetics and functionality to create a CL that looks ready for competition.

@motocenter_leon_hondamotos @hondamotoses

Moonground – Portugal

Keep it lean, keep it clean. Moonground from Portuguese dealers Garonda, is their minimalist take on a two-wheeled vehicle ready for any terrain – or planet, of course – that it’s faced with, and is customised with wrapped exhaust downpipes, high-level muffler and aggressive block tyres

@garonda_guarda @hondamotos.pt

Oceans’ Track – France

Created by Oceane Motos, Ocean’s Track rolls with an American flat track style with a hint of stunt bike about it, to eyeball-popping visual effect. The key changes over the standard CL500 are the red frame and swingarm, gold wheels, super wide handlebars complete with bar end mirrors, twin LED projector headlights off-set in the front number board and solo seat unit.

@Oceane_motos_officiel @hondamotofr

CL500 Digger – France

An homage to the classic Honda XLs and XRs of the 1980s from Chave motos. Lots of off-road style, and bang on trend for the Wheels and Waves vibe, CL500 Digger features a high front mudguard, headlight visor, number boards, knuckle guards, retro tail unit, performance muffler and gold wheels.

@chave_motos @hondamotofr

CL500 Charade Spirit – France

More off-road chic from Charade Moto, with a hint of flat track; the Tricolour paint adorning Charade Spirit is that most classic of Honda colour schemes and is especially appealing when matched to the aggressive block tyres, high level front mudguard, single side number board, knuckle guards and high-level single exhaust muffler.

@charademotohonda @hondamotofr

Bik’ink – France

There’s a 1970s street scrambler vibe about AZ Moto’s custom CL500 and its gorgeous orange and cherry red paint. New rear shocks and the high-level single exhaust muffler complete its Californian look.

@azmotohondarouen @hondamotofr

Irezumi – France

It’s fair to say the stripped-down ‘Irezumi’ from Starbike Honda is a bit of a celestial entity. The intricate artwork on the tank draws people in, and the minimised rear end and high-level exhaust with single satin muffler and tan seat set this bike apart from its peers.

@Starbike_honda @hondamotofr

The Poseidon Project – UK

The Poseidon Project was created by the team at south London’s Doble Motorcycles as an homage to the beauty and power of the ocean. It features a custom painted frame and components with oceanic blues and greens, airbrushed fuel tank and side panels, plus custom seat finished in brown leather. It has been inspired by the team’s strong interest in marine conservation.

@doblemotorcycles @hondaukmotorcycles

Sterrato 500 – Italy

Showing what a little thought, some choice parts and a sprinkling of Genuine Honda Accessories can do, Sterrato 500 (‘dirt road’ in Italian) created by Unit Garage raises the CL500’s off-road potential while referencing famous models from Honda’s past. Features include high front mudguard, headlight cowl, knuckle guards, leather seat, Öhlins rear shocks and block tyres.

@unitgarage @hondamotoitalia

Terra Battuta 500 – Italy

Terra Battuta 500 moves the CL500 in the direction of a long-distance travel all-rounder with stylish, versatile carrying capacity and an array of parts that make life on the open road that little bit easier and more enjoyable. It features a brushed aluminium front mudguard, engine bars, luggage carriers, black anodised luggage rack, tall screen with integrated GPS support, block tyres – and skateboard!

@unitgarage @hondamotoitalia

CL Surfer – Germany

The bike’s name was chosen because Wheels and Waves takes place next to the beautiful beach of Biarritz and exudes a laid-back surfing vibe. Created by the team at the flagship Honda Centre dealership in Frankfurt, the CL Surfer fits the mood, with its metallic silver fuel tank and front and rear mudguards (with signature blue stripe), plus clip-on handlebars, new exhaust and distinctive brown leather bench seat.

@hondamotorrad_de

Flat Track 500 – Belgium

Inspired by American flat track racing, Flat Track 500 is Belgium’s first entry into the hondacustoms.com competition. It celebrates the sort of purposeful aesthetic that competition machines so effortlessly exude. Equipped with Öhlins rear shocks, cantilever swingarm, straight handlebars, new wheels, a new rear brake, lowered exhaust, modified rear subframe and stunning paint for the fuel tank, Flat Track 500 is every bit the celebration of dirt track racing.

@anquetymotorsport @honda.moto.be

Alpina 500 – Switzerland

Built in cooperation with Meister Engineering and celebrating 50 years of Honda Switzerland, Alpina 500 draws on Honda’s heritage while referencing details and elements of one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. The Alpina 500 stands out from the competition with its CB-style fuel tank, stripped subframe, and minimalist bench seat.

@meisterengineering @hondamoto_ch

Bunker imPrint – Turkey

A welcome new entrant to the international competition for 2024 is Turkey, and Bunker Custom Cycles have really tapped into contemporary retro café racer cool, taking a stock CL250 well off course to produce a uniquely stylish motorcycle, with glass-fibre reinforced Nylon FDM 3D home-printed half fairing, new side panels, belly pan and seat hump, plus enclosed exhaust, CB250R USD front forks and radial-mount brake caliper.

@bunkercustomcycles @hondamotosiklet_tr

For more Honda Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page Honda Motorcycles UK News

or head to the official Honda Motorcycles UK website honda.co.uk/motorcycles.html

Magnificent Maggiora Welcomes The MXGP of Italy For The Perfect Round Ten

Frank Duggan

June 12, 2024

The glorious hillsides of Maggiora Park welcome the 2024 MXGP World Championships for the MXGP of Italy, as the series reaches its halfway point at one of the most iconic venues in the entire calendar.

The history behind the mighty Italian circuit in the north-western area of the country is such that it hardly needs to be told, even though there have only ever been 11 MXGP events at the venue, plus five ‘Nations’ events over its near 60-year history. The first visit was in 1966, for a 500cc Grand Prix won by East German legend Paul Friedrichs, before the Motocross des Nations first went there in 1970, won by a five-man Swedish team, then two Trophees des Nations (for 250cc machines only) events, which were both won by Team Belgium. Liam Everts’ grandfather Harry Everts was on both of those teams!

Of course, one of the most famous Motocross events of all-time was held on the Italian slopes in 1986, when the incredible Team USA line-up of David Bailey, Rick Johnson, and Johnny O’Mara left the whole world in their wake in a perfect display of riding, only beaten by each other individually!

The venue was re-opened in 2013, holding five MXGP events since. Tim Gajser, who won in 2015 and 2022, Jeffrey Herlings (2013-14 in MX2), and Jago Geerts (2022-23 in MX2) have each matched Puzar’s total of two wins at the circuit in that time, so will the 2024 edition see the first three-time winner crowned?

Last year’s racing was held later in the year, and saw Jorge Prado and Andrea Adamo clinch the two World Championship crowns, while Jeremy Seewer and Jago Geerts took the Grand Prix winner’s trophies. Herlings has won the most individual races at the circuit, 5 in total, although they were all in MX2, and he hasn’t visited the circuit since the 2016 MX of Nations, where he took the individual Open class win, despite The Netherlands losing the team trophy to France on the final lap of the entire weekend!

The WMX Women’s World Motocross Championship returns to Maggiora for the first time since 2013, when Italian legend Kiara Fontanesi took the overall win on the way to the second of her six World titles. She reaches her home race lying third in this year’s series for her MXFontaRacing GASGAS Syneco team, although she is tied on points with Lynn Valk of Schmicker Racing, 42 points behind De Baets Yamaha’s series leader, Lotte van Drunen. Daniela Guillen lies second in the standings, just 8 points behind off the lead for the RFME Spain National GASGAS team. The WMX class could serve up some seriously close racing at Maggiora!

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing series also returns, with Hungarian Noel Zanocz leading by 26 points for the Fantic Factory Racing EMX125 team after his win in Latvia, while Racestore KTM Factory Rookies star Gyan Doensen holds second place. Zanocz’s Italian teammate Simone Mancini will be cheered on by his local supporters, as will fellow home favourite Francesco Bellei of the Dreams Racing team!

For the fifth straight MXGP weekend, the red plate changes hands as the crews head to north-western Italy. Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, who took only his second ever GP win at Maggiora back in 2015, on his way to the MX2 world title, and another in MXGP in 2022, carries just a four-point lead in the standings over MXGP World Champion, Jorge Prado. The Spaniard won the first race in Maggiora last year, as a problem for Romain Febvre made the points gap insurmountable, leaving the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing team to celebrate with their new World Champion! So far this year, when the conditions have been dry and straightforward, the #1 plate holder has been close to untouchable, but mistakes on rain-affected circuits have cost him his Championship lead despite winning 6 of the 9 Grands Prix this year.

Jeffrey Herlings took his first win of the season for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing last weekend in Latvia, and is now 68 points behind Gajser in the standings. Having never raced a Grand Prix at Maggiora on a 450, it’s difficult to guess where his pace will be on the Italian slopes, but that Nations appearance saw him take a 2-1 scorecard when a fall cost him the win in his first outing. He will probably be quite happy if wet weather follows the series again this weekend.

One rider having a great year so far in MXGP is Schmicker Racing pilot Cornelius Toendel, who lies 12th in the standings and has winning history at Maggiora, having won in EMX250 back in 2022. Mattia Guadagnini sits 14th in the standings and is the highest-placed Italian in MXGP so far, although last year’s EMX250 Champion Andrea Bonacorsi is currently 16th for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP, having switched to the bigger bike at round five. If Guadagnini repeats his recent lightning starts on the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing machine, the noise from the crowd will be deafening!

Ivo Monticelli is the sole survivor for the Italian MRT Racing Team Beta squad, and will again be looking to break the top ten in his home country!

MXGP – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 454 Points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 450 Points; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 386 Pts; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 327 Points; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 299 Pts; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 289 Pts; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 277 Pts; 8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 274 Pts; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 188 Pts; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 175 Pts.

The MX2 class witnessed its first new winner of the season in Latvia last weekend, with Sacha Coenen taking a brilliant maiden victory for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing while the Championship leaders on the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team, Kay de Wolf and Lucas Coenen, both hit the deck more than once in race two! The teammates do still hold first and second in the standings, with the Dutchman ahead by 55 points. Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing man Simon Laengenfelder is only seven points further back in third, and is the only rider in the class to have won a race before at Maggiora, having taken the first race last season.

The big hope for a home GP win is Andrea Adamo, at the circuit where the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star clinched the world title last season. He is currently fifth in the points table, behind his teammate Liam Everts, after taking race wins at Trentino and Lugo. He should be strong on this sort of hard pack terrain but the reigning Champion needs to kick-start his campaign at his home GP so he can start the second half of the season with some momentum.

Apart from Adamo, Ferruccio Zanchi will have the home crowd support as he starts his first Grand Prix on Italian soil (he missed both Sardegna and Trentino in April) for Team HRC. As well as that, the Italian Fantic Factory Racing MX2 squad will run a special livery for their home Grand Prix, so Kay Karssemakers andDavid Braceras will hope to be inspired by the Latin passion which will pour from the hillsides of Maggiora this weekend! Don’t miss it!

MX2 – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 443 Points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 388 Pts; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 381 Points; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 341 Pts; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 327 Pts; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 287 Pts; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 278 Pts; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 228 Pts; 9. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 Pts; 10. Quentin Prugnieres (FRA, KAW). 174 Pts.

Don’t miss your chance to watch the MXGP of Italy this weekend. Get your tickets HERE!

TIMETABLE

SATURDAY: 8:20 WMX Free practice, 8:50 EMX125 Group 1 Free practice, 9:20 EMX125 Group 2 Free practice, 9:50 WMX Qualifying Practice, 10:30 MX2 Time Practice, 11:00 MXGP Free Practice, 12:30 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice,13:05 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 WMX Race 1, 15:45 EMX125 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 WMX Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX125 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

Indian Motorcycle announces Forged: Season Two video series featuring three unique custom Indian Scout projects

Frank Duggan

June 12, 2024

Indian Motorcycle has released the first episode of Forged: Season Two, a six-part video series featuring three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Indian Scout inspired by the stories and personalities that have made the Scout such an icon for more than a century.

Following on from Forged: Season One, which showcased Indian Sport Chief builds from Carey Hart, Powerplant Motorcycles and Barnstorm Cycles, the new season kicks off with series host Roland Sands and his team discussing the inspiration for their project and what makes the all-new Indian Scout such a great base for self-expression.

From Long Beach, California, Sands retired his racing leathers to found Roland Sands Design (RSD) in 2005 becoming a hugely influential figure in the industry whose innovative approach to custom bikes, performance parts, accessories, and apparel saw him inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2023.

With a reputation for high-performance custom motorcycles, RSD turned to the storied racing history of Indian Motorcycle and Ed Kretz to inspire their Forged build. Kretz, most famous for his victory at the inaugural Daytona 200 aboard his Indian Scout, is admired by Sands not only as a fellow racer and builder of many high-performance Indian Motorcycle race bikes but also for his spirit of never giving up, an attitude that earned him the moniker of ‘Iron Man.’

Choosing the new Indian Sport Scout as the basis for their build, the team discusses bringing their Indian FTR racing experience to the project to create a street version of a Super Hooligan racer while keeping it very rideable for everyday use, leading Roland Sands to comment that this is the sort of project that Ed Kretz would be working on today as he was known for riding his race bikes to and from races.

Forged: Season Two highlights how customizers were always in the minds of Indian Motorcycle’s design and engineering teams when developing the all-new Indian Scout. Making the Indian Scout a perfect canvas for self-expression starts by making it easier to work with, the new steel tube frame makes customization a much more approachable prospect than cast or alloy frames and components such as the tank, fenders and subframe can be easily removed and replaced.

“Throughout the development of the Scout, keeping it and clean and creating a package that offers seamless customization was as important to us as the iconic lines of the Scout,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director of Industrial Design at Indian Motorcycle. “It all starts with the steel tube frame designed specifically to open the doors for riders to chop, cut, modify, and make a truly unique machine. The Forged series really excites me as we see what famed builders can do with the canvas we have given them.”

With all three builds to be fully revealed in the second half of the Forged video series, episodes in the coming weeks will introduce projects from Brittney Olsen, a champion American antique motorcycle racer and founder of 20th Century Racing, and in a first for Forged, a project outside of North America being brought to life by renowned Swedish builders, Unique Custom Cycles. Subscribe to the Indian Motorcycle YouTube channel to watch episodes as they are released: YouTube.com/@IndianMotorcycleEMEA

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Perfect Father’s Day gift ideas from Dainese

Frank Duggan

June 10, 2024

With Father’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 16th June, Dainese has some great options for the perfect gift.

Whether you’re thinking a stylish t-shirt for warmer days, a cap to keep the sun off, an insulated vest for those chillier summer evenings, or a new rucksack for future weekend trips away – Dainese has plenty of options to choose from!

Dainese Racing Service T-shirt
Like all Dainese products, the Racing Service T-Shirt offers the utmost quality with a casual crew-neck t-shirt design that is 100% cotton – perfect for every day.

On the back, the Dainese Racing Service graphics will make your father figure feel like they’re one of the team crew. The iconic Speed Demon logo is proudly displayed at the front.

Available in UK dealers now, the Dainese Racing Service T-Shirt is offered in three colours – Brilliant White, Castle-Rock (Grey) and Garden Green, in sizes UK XS to XXXL with an RRP of £35.95.

#C08 Tarmac 9Fifty Snapback Cap
Whether needing protection from the sun, dealing with ‘helmet hair’ after a ride out, or simply for style purposes – the #C08 Tarmac 9Fifty Snapback Cap can do all three at the same time!

After appearing in late 1950s American sport, and once again with the hip-hop culture of the 1990s, the snapback cap design has returned to prominence. Dainese’s snapback cap features a hard, pre-shaped front with a flat brim that gives a bold look. Featuring Dainese’s distinctive racing style, the black and white 9fifty cap features the Speed Demon logo and is available in UK dealers, in one size, with an RRP of £39.95.

Explorer D-Clutch Backpack
Perfect for commuting, weekends away and touring trips, the Explorer D-Clutch Backpack is a large, practical and functional fabric, 21-litre backpack.

The Explorer D-Clutch Backpack features a padded internal pocket for carrying computers and electronic devices, a main compartment that zips at the top and two external side pockets for holding smaller items.

Measuring 50x35x16 cm and with a weight of just 0,55kg, the D-Clutch is available in two colours; Desert-Sage (Green) and Peyote (Cream) – which also has the Dainese and Speed Demon branding. The Explorer D-Clutch Backpack is available in UK dealers with an RRP of £159.95.

Dainese Afterride Insulated Vest 011
Although the the summer season is just around the corner, it’s always good to be prepared for the (more than occasional) chillier summer evenings, and of course the inevitable transition to autumn and winter. With that in mind, why not consider a stylish thermal vest? The Afterride Insulated Vest is the perfect mid-layer choice, for both on and off the bike. Made from 100% windproof material it ensures maximum levels of protection from the cold in all weather situations.

It’s not just designed to keep riders warm though, practicality is offered with two front pockets, a wind-proof zipper, thermal comfort combined with extreme comfort – and freedom of movement due to the garment’s low weight and stretch inserts.

Offered in two-tone Grey, which matches an extensive list of outfit combinations, the Afterride Insulated Vest also proudly displays Dainese’s Speed Demon logo and is available in UK dealers, in sizes S-XXL, with an RRP of £129.95.

To locate your nearest Dainese dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.

Motor Racing Legend Michael Dunlop’s 29 TT Race Wins Make Him All-Time Winner

Frank Duggan

June 10, 2024

Motor racing legend Michael Dunlop’s 29 TT race wins make him all-time winner of the Isle of Man TT – overtaking his late uncle Joey’s 26 titles.

Iconic Auctioneers are proud to have sponsored this title challenge.

Michael Dunlop this weekend cemented his own legend by winning four TT races, giving him a total of 29 TT titles. During the TT fortnight he had four wins, surpassing his Uncle Joey’s record of 26 wins by three. He thus becomes the most successful competitor at the TT ever and the greatest road racer of all time.

The Isle of Man TT this year saw history being made by another Dunlop. This was the target once more for motor racing legend Michael Dunlop with the aim of equalling his late uncle’s all time win record. Helping him in this ambition was new money Sponsorship from Iconic Auctioneers whose chairman, Nick Whale, has had a 30 year relationship with the Dunlop family.

Michael Dunlop won the opening Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT to equal the all time record of 26 wins at the event achieved by his uncle Joey. Dunlop powered his way around four laps of the Mountain Course to draw level with the benchmark, which has stood for 24 years. And then he went on a few days later to win three more races, placing him at the pinnacle of what it takes to be a TT champion. One can only wonder how long this astonishing record will stand for as he is far from done.

Nick Whale, Chairman of Iconic Auctioneers said “We were delighted to sponsor Michael as he set out to beat his late uncle’s record. I knew Michael’s late father, Robert, and sponsored him during his racing career, and have known Michael since he was young. The family connection goes back decades. It was great to see our company logo go round the TT circuit and support Michael in this way. There are no certainties in this game but I’ve always felt Michael was a damn good thing when it came to Sponsoring an all time winner at the TT.”

Michael Dunlop, 35, is the Northern Irish professional motorcycle racer who is part of a family tradition that has come at no small cost to the Dunlops, but he was determined to lift that coveted title of Top Man at the Isle of Man TT. And this weekend he achieved and surpassed that dream.

The Dunlop family speak about the ‘blood of legends’ with some feeling and meaning. Nick Whale says he is funding Michael because of his deep knowledge of the Dunlop family and their capacity to deliver on their ambitions.

Michael is no stranger to triumphs in this field of motorcycle racing: he has on numerous occasions been selected by the whole global motorcycle community as the most popular motorcyclist in the world.

Iconic Auctioneers Motorcycle Department which regularly holds sales for a cross section of modern and classic motorcycles and sponsored Michael in two races at the TT. The RST Superbike TT on 2^nd June and the Milwaukee Senior TT on 8^th June.

Michael raced a Honda Fireblade No. 6 (his regular number) which shows support from Iconic Auctioneers, as it bears their logo.(pictured)

Michael has many firsts to his name but one which stands out and is now part of TT history is that he did the first sub-17-minute lap of the circuit. He clocked the first ever sub-17-minute lap of the Mountain Course – 16m 58s, at an average speed of 133.37 mph. It’s also the first time a rider has lapped at more than 133mph.

Spelling out his race philosophy Michael Dunlop says: “With me basically what you see is what you get. I say it how it is, I run a tight ship and I’m here to win, not to make up the numbers”. And he adds: “It’s in the DNA.”

Nick Whale comments further: “Sponsoring Michael is for me the act of a friend honouring both him, his late brother, and his father who was a good friend, and also his Uncle Joey. To say that they are a remarkable family is not to say the half of it. They are motorcycle racing royalty and so it is an honour for Iconic Auctioneers to be sponsoring Michael.”

Dunlop has been as having “an aggressive style” which was “spectacular to watch”. All eyes were once more on him today as he takes on perhaps the greatest challenge of his life to beat his Uncle Joey’s record at the Isle of Man TT setting a new record that will doubtless stand for years.

More details about Iconic Auctioneers and their Collectors’ Car and Motorcycle auctions can be found on their website www.icionicauctioneers.com. They are currently inviting entries for their next motorcycle auction is on the 13^th July 2024 at Shuttleworth Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. All the motorcycles already entered to this auction can be viewed on their website. For more information contact enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com or call +44 (0) 1926 691 141.

Vintage style, modern spectacle: MotoGP celebrates 75 at Silverstone

Frank Duggan

June 10, 2024

The world’s most exciting sport will give fans a retro weekend to remember – all revealed live in the MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special at 14:00 on Thursday at the British GP.

MotoGP™ celebrates its 75th anniversary throughout 2024 and the festivities are set to kick up a gear at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. For the first time in the sport’s 75-year history, every bike and rider on the grid will race with a special, one-off livery at Silverstone – and all with a touch of retro style.

Taking inspiration from any chapter in their unique histories, the 11 teams on the grid – including the five factories – will each race with their own special edition, vintage paintwork. What’s more, fans can see each and every one of them revealed LIVE in a special event during the Day of Champions pitlane walk at 14:00 LT on Thursday at the British GP.

There, every bike will be unveiled in the pitlane in front of the crowd, all of whom can see the event free of charge if they have a special Day of Champions Thursday paddock ticket. This retro revolution will also be televised, with a one-hour MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special programme set to showcase the styles and colours of each team before history is made as they take to the track.

MotoGP™ has never seen every bike and rider on the grid roll out in special liveries during one single weekend, so history will be made at Silverstone. That’s also just the start, with many of the sport’s partners ready to go retro, from the BMW M Safety Car to podium celebrations, vintage exhibitions and more.

Join us for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix from the 2nd to the 4th of August as the world’s most exciting sport gets back in gear after summer break for the second half of a history-making season – rolling out in vintage style for a very modern spectacle.

Two Wheels for Life is the official charity of MotoGP™, raising funds to ensure vulnerable people in Malawi, Lesotho, The Gambia and Nigeria can access life-saving vital health care, no matter how far from a health centre they live. The local-led programmes they support, working with partner organisation Riders for Health, use reliable transport systems to ensure health workers can reach rural communities.

The Day of Champions, held every year on the Thursday of the British GP, is Two Wheels’ flagship event. It boasts a packed day of entertainment including their stage show and world-renowned auction, featuring every MotoGP™ rider on the grid. Fans can also buy special Day of Champions paddock pass tickets for unrivalled access throughout Thursday afternoon. In 2024, that will include the chance to watch the MotoGP™ 75th Anniversary Special and see the vintage liveries unveiled live in pitlane – they’re limited so make sure you get your ticket now!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

All Joy For Herlings And Sacha Coenen As They Dominate In Latvia

Frank Duggan

June 10, 2024

The battle turned brutal near the Baltic this weekend for the MXGP of Latvia, held once again at the Zelta Zirgs Motocenter near Kegums, and the sandy circuit served up a tough challenge which resulted in some nail-biting racing!

An opening ceremony welcomed the public and teams to the event before MX2 Race 1, with speeches from Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela plus Latvia Motorcycle Federation President Mārtiņš Lazdovskis, Ogre Region Deputy Chairman Gints Sivins and MXGP of Latvia Organizer Kristers Serģis. Following the speeches, the Latvian National Anthem was sung by a young Latvian on the podium to kick-off the Grand Prix from the best of manners.

Another important and emotional moment was the one-minute of silence observed before MXGP Race 1, in memory of Former FIM-Europe President and FIM Motocross Commission President Dr Wolfgang SRB, who sadly passed away in the week leading up to the race.

The day started dry, but once more the rain came for the Championships as a deluge hit the area at the end of MX2 race one, making the circuit very wet for the start of MXGP race one! However, due to some amazing work from the track crews, the venue was in near perfect condition for the second races of both classes.

In MXGP, it was at last the time for five-time World Champion Jeffrey Herlings to break the twelve-month-and-five-day drought since his last Grand Prix victory for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, which was at this very same circuit last year. A stirring win in race one’s soggy conditions and a charging third in race two gave “The Bullet” his 104th Grand Prix win, extending his record total and collecting his 197th individual race win in the process.

For the fifth straight Grand Prix, the red plate in MXGP changes hands after the results from Latvia, as Jorge Prado’s second race win for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing couldn’t prevent Team HRC’s Tim Gajser from moving four points ahead after solid second places in both of the very different MXGP races.

Just before his senior teammate added to his record tally, the one rider on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team that had yet to even reach a podium, 17-year-old Belgian Sacha Coenen, broke his series by not only taking his first top three finish in race one, but also his first race win and the overall Grand Prix honours in a brilliant display of controlled riding. With his twin brother Lucas Coenen taking second overall, it was the first time in 27 years that a pair of brothers had finished 1st and 2nd in a Motocross Grand Prix, dating back to Darryl and Shayne King at the French 500cc Grand Prix in 1997!

RAM Qualifying Race winner Tim Gajser took to the starting line first as the rain poured down, and all of the leading contenders knew the start would be more vital than ever with the amount of water on the circuit, and just one point separating the Championship leaders!

The Fox Holeshot Award was fiercely contested, just taken by Prado for the tenth time this season, but Herlings had started with him and was on the case immediately! Making an aggressive pass around the corner after the finish line, he wrestled the early lead from the defending Champion! Gajser had been beaten into third by Glenn Coldenhoff of Fantic Factory Racing, but the Slovenian didn’t wait around, and knowing that Prado has only had issues this year in wet weather, he fired back into third and instantly attacked the Spaniard to take second place!

Brian Bogers also moved up past his teammate Coldenhoff into third by the end of the first full lap, and actually started to pressure Prado. It paid off, as on lap three the GASGAS man again had problems in the rain and slid to the floor on the face of a jump! He dropped to eighth position behind the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP machine of Calvin Vlaanderen.

Coldenhoff got back past Bogers for good on lap five for third spot, and the two Fantic men stayed there until the chequered flag. Despite a few mistakes by Herlings, Gajser couldn’t get near The Bullet, who took his third race win of the season and hacked a few points off of his deficit to the leaders.

With a lap 11 fall for Schmicker Racing KTM’s Cornelius Toendel, Prado managed to get into seventh ahead of the Norwegian, nearly gaining a further position when Vlaanderen fell with two laps to go! However, as Kevin Horgmo held on to a season-best fifth for Team Ship to Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR, the Champ had to console himself with 14 points, meaning that Gajser led the Championship again heading into race two!

The holeshot once more went the way of the #1 plate holder, but again Herlings was right with him, until Gajser dived up the inside of the Dutchman into the second corner! Desperate to prevent Prado from escaping at the front, the Slovenian gave chase and Herlings was unable to match the pace of the leading two in the first ten minutes.

Again the Factory Fantics packed out the top five, especially as Vlaanderen dropped the bike in a tight left-hand corner and eventually came home in seventh. He will have to console himself with climbing to fifth in the Championship ahead of Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jeremy Seewer and the unfortunately absent Pauls Jonass. Seewer was to take sixth in race two after a crash-affected fourteenth in race one. Coldenhoff held on to fourth, and Bogers fifth, which was also their final positions for the overall GP.

The gaps between the leading three riders got tantalisingly close on occasions, but Herlings got the closest to making a move as he caught Gajser with four laps to go, but again the Slovenian turned the screw. Ultimately, Prado held on to win by 1.6 seconds from Gajser, with Herlings just another 1.7 seconds further back.

It was enough for Herlings to register Grand Prix win number 104, and move to within 68 points of the series leader, which is now Gajser by just four points from Prado! They head to Maggiora, where Prado will have sweet memories of becoming Champion last year, and his competition will most likely be praying for rain again!

Jeffrey Herlings: “I’m definitely super happy. Yesterday I drove to my hotel and I thought.. what am I doing, I need to do more! But today I came back to show that I can still do it you know. So, already a podium was good but to get the win is really really amazing! I did two good starts too, with the first race where I was the fastest, second race I couldn’t get the pace to overtake them (Prado and Gajser) but I kept them within my sight and in the end close them down but couldn’t pass as they were very fast too. I’m very happy with the win and looking forward to the next one”

Tim Gajser: “I’m very happy and it’s nice to have the red plate back! Also with both races, the speed was there but maybe my starts were not the best. I would definitely wish to start like yesterday in Quali race with a FOX Holeshot because it wasn’t easy after that. Second race I was a bit in between, pushing for Jorge and got some pressure from Jeffrey. I was searching for the lines but couldn’t open the door for Jeffrey so it was a good race in the end and very happy. Huge thank you to all the team because they work very hard and everybody around me. I’m already looking forward to the next one!”

Jorge Prado: “It was a pity because today I was feeling super good on the bike but just could’t make the pass on Tim (Gajser) in Ram Quali Race. Today in the first race, I actually got a good start and I was feeling very good behind Tim and then I got in the face of the jump and went off the line and yeah..crashed so not the best to finish 7th. In second race, in dryer conditions I took the FOX Holeshot and lead until the end. I’m happy with riding, and hopefully we can get that red plate back as soon as possible! ”

MXGP – Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 36:13.461; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:14.806; 3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Fantic), +0:23.809; 4. Brian Bogers (NED, Fantic), +0:28.396; 5. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, Honda), +0:33.427; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:50.478; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:56.234; 8. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, KTM), +1:01.587; 9. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +1:15.559; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +1:30.619

MXGP – Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), 35:31.669; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:01.665; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:03.403; 4. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Fantic), +0:51.510; 5. Brian Bogers (NED, Fantic), +0:53.356; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:55.082; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:57.615; 8. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +1:28.335; 9. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:28.814; 10. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, Honda), +1:29.866;

MXGP Overall – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 45 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 44 p.; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 39 p.; 4. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 38 p.; 5. Brian Bogers (NED, FAN), 34 p.; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 27 p.; 8. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 24 p.; 9. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, KTM), 23 p.; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 22 p

MXGP – World Championship – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 454 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 450 p.; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 386 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 327 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 299 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 289 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 277 p.; 8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 274 p.; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 188 p.; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 175 p

MXGP – Manufacturers Classification: 1. Honda, 471 points; 2. GASGAS, 450 p.; 3. KTM, 398 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 389 p.; 5. Yamaha, 337 p.; 6. Fantic, 287 p.; 7. Beta, 130 p.; 8. Husqvarna, 108 p.

The MX2 class continues to deliver incredible racing that is far more unpredictable than the points table would have you believe. Although it seemed inevitable that the winner’s trophy would leave Latvia in the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing transporter, as series leader Kay de Wolf and second-placed Lucas Coenen looked to be the fastest two throughout Saturday, it was Sacha Coenen who again rocketed into the lead of race one!

Nothing new about that, we all thought, and as De Wolf burst into second on the opening lap, and Lucas Coenen got past Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Simon Laengenfelder for third, it looked likely to be a Husky 1-2 very soon. However, it took six laps of De Wolf trying to break Sacha Coenen’s advantage before something gave way, and that something was De Wolf’s patience as he lunged for a line that Sacha was already heading towards, sending the Dutchman briefly off the circuit in a wild ride that he somehow survived to bring back on track!

Temporarily back to third, De Wolf took just a lap to recover enough to pass Lucas for second, then within two more corners he was alongside Sacha and into the lead! Lucas followed through almost instantly, and that was finally the order we expected. De Wolf simply had too much pace for the Belgian, and took the race win, his first on a Sunday since back in round four, by 2.8 seconds at the flag. Sacha kept his solid third position, his best to date in MX2, 15 seconds clear of Laengenfelder in fourth, with Sacha’s teammate Liam Everts in fifth and WZ Racing rising star Oriol Oliver with his own career best in sixth!

Race two started in the same vein, with De Wolf tucking up the inside to claim his second Fox Holeshot Award of the year, with Sacha Coenen right behind him, followed by Lucas. Just coming to the end of the first full lap, De Wolf lost control and hit the ground, gifting the lead to Sacha, and then dropped it again after only a few more corners! Halfway around the second lap, it was Lucas’ turn to hit the deck! Suddenly, Quentin Prugnieres was second for F & H Racing, with Laengenfelder third and Everts in fourth. However, it was soon Everts who also hit the ground, after which he would recover to finish in fourth to claim fifth overall. Liam’s teammate Andrea Adamo suffered a desperate 13-8 scoreline, and can only look forward to his home GP next week to start the recovery of his title defence.

Lucas recovered to get back to third on lap five, then Prugnieres crashed out of fourth on lap eight, ultimately finishing in twelfth. Rick Elzinga brought the lone Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 bike up into a solid fifth from a start outside of the top ten! De Wolf, meanwhile, suffered a further crash and could only claim ninth at the flag, while Mikkel Haarup also bailed out from his Monster Energy Triumph Racing machine to finish sixth ahead of Oliver.

Lucas Coenen also crashed again, but kept hold of third behind Laengenfelder, the German’s best result since before his Portuguese injury. All eyes were on Sacha Coenen, however, who finally held it all together to bring home a dream first Grand Prix victory, despite a real moment over the final jump before the finish line, on the final lap! He revved his KTM in exultation and was swiftly joined by his brother as they made it a historic 1-2 overall, with Laengenfelder in third overall. It was a stunning weekend from Sacha, and well deserved after the heartbreaking races he has suffered this year! It brings him up to eighth in the Championship standings as well.

De Wolf’s Championship lead shrunk a little to 55 points over his teammate, with Laengenfelder holding fast in third just another seven further back. He will welcome the return to hard pack at Maggiora next weekend, and MXGP fans will hold their breath at the prospect of more amazing action to come around the mythical slopes of magical Maggiora! The fight is still on!

Sacha Coenen: “I was feeling good out there and after the first race I wasmt the happiest but I had good speed and felt good on the track. I knew I could do it. The second race Kay (de Wolf) crashed and I took the lead and managed to bring it home. I was so happy on the finish line to get this first win. It’s such a nice feeling!”

Lucas Coenen: “I’m super pumped for my brother! All of this hard moment and now he finally gets the win which is super cool for him. Regarding myself, we need to work more and on everything as I struggled a bit all weekend and then we will see how it is going in the next GP”

Simon Laengenfelder.: “I wasn’t happy with my riding in the first race but we made some changes and I felt much better in the second one. So I take some notes and go for the next one! Also the mistake I made in the end of the second race was because I tried to give it all but congrats to Sacha (Coenen) for his GP win!”

MX2 – Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), 35:07.196; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:02.853; 3. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:20.027; 4. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:35.495; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:47.451; 6. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +1:04.675; 7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +1:11.179; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +1:21.322; 9. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:22.884; 10. Julius Mikula (CZE, KTM), +1:30.275

MX2 – Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 34:26.176; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:15.755; 3. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:25.504; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:26.304; 5. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:27.044; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:35.945; 7. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +0:37.074; 8. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:50.356; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +1:09.782; 10. Jens Walvoort (NED, KTM), +1:11.423

MX2 Overall – Top 10 Classification: 1. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 45 points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 42 p.; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 40 p.; 4. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 37 p.; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 34 p.; 6. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 29 p.; 8. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 29 p.; 9. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 21 p.; 10. Jens Walvoort (NED, KTM), 21 p

MX2 – World Championship Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 443 points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 388 p.; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 381 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 341 p.; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 327 p.; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 287 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 278 p.; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 228 p.; 9. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 p.; 10. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KAW), 174 p

MX2 – Manufacturers Classification: 1. Husqvarna, 487 points; 2. KTM, 439 p.; 3. GASGAS, 388 p.; 4. Yamaha, 336 p.; 5. Triumph, 312 p.; 6. Kawasaki, 198 p.; 7. Honda, 176 p.; 8. Fantic, 128 p.; 9. TM, 30 p.

MXGP OF LATVIA QUICK FACTS:
Crow Attendance: 21,000
Circuit length: 1800m
Type of ground: Sand
Temperature: 18°
Weather conditions: Cloudy

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

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

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