TracTive Suspension and Wunderlich announce partnership

May 21, 2024

TracTive Suspension and Wunderlich announce their new Suspension partnership.

We’re proud to announce our latest collaboration with Wunderlich: Wunderlich Suspension – powered by TracTive. This new suspension line is the outcome of a close partnership between TracTive Suspension from the Netherlands and Wunderlich.

TracTive Suspension has been at the forefront of suspension technology since 2010, setting new standards in the Motorcycle, Sports car, and Snowmobile markets with their development and production of aftermarket and specialized OEM suspension solutions.

Wunderlich, renowned for its premium BMW motorcycle accessories, has expanded its expertise in recent years to include a diverse range of accessories for other leading brands such as Harley-Davidson and Ducati.

This collaboration has enabled the creation of the Wunderlich Suspension – powered by TracTive, providing high-quality suspension components tailored to various motorcycle brands and models, including but not limited to BMW, Harley-Davidson, Ducati and Yamaha.

TracTive Electronic Suspension
Drawing upon decades of experience in electronic suspension for racing and off-road use, TracTive R&D has developed a line of Plug & Play electronic shocks and fork cartridges featuring top-tier components and technologies.

At the heart of these electronic dampers lies TracTive’s patented Dynamic Damping Adjustment (DDA) valve. Compared to the factory valve found in OEM electronic suspension systems, TracTive’s DDA valve features a broader and faster adjustment range, adjusting damping in just 6-10 milliseconds.

The quality of the DDA valve is superior to the OEM valves in terms of both control range and speed, resulting in enhanced damping dynamics. Produced in small series with meticulous attention to detail, consistent quality at the highest level is ensured.

TracTive tailors the DDA valve to specific purposes such as sport, touring, or adventure, ensuring a perfect match for desired damping characteristics. Additionally, these components can be effortlessly replaced with the original suspension components, providing a seamless plug & play experience.

Individual suspension customization
Customizing individual suspensions at Wunderlich Suspension requires careful consideration of factors such as the driver’s weight, potential passenger weight, and luggage, as well as their driving style, whether it’s sporty or touring.

To facilitate this customization process, Wunderlich kindly requests your personal driving profile specifications. This information is crucial not only for selecting the appropriate front and rear suspension elements but also for ensuring a well-behaved and, most importantly, safe driving experience in everyday situations.

Upgrade your riding experience
Should the factory suspension not align with your preferences or if the entire suspension on older bikes is outdated or worn out, Wunderlich Suspension – powered by TracTive offers a high-quality solution for a fully customized upgrade.

With the Wunderlich powered by TracTive line, Wunderlich provides individually tailored solutions aimed at taking your riding experience to the next level.

For more information about the Wunderlich powered by TracTive line please visit https://www.wunderlich-suspension.de

Two points in it: MotoE ready for battle in Barcelona

Frank Duggan

May 21, 2024

It’s close at the top heading into Round 3 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship – but there’s another 50-point haul on the table in Catalonia

The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship put on another stunning show in Le Mans, and we’re about to reset, recharge and do it all again. The classic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts next and it’s just two points in it at the top between reigning Champion Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) and compatriot Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing), with everything to play for in Barcelona.

Casadei arrives from another two podiums in France and a new record in his back pocket for most consecutive rostrum finishes in the electric category: 11. The Italian has kept his elbows out but balanced that with impressive consistency, including that last lap decision at Le Mans that there was no gap – and sometimes it’s better to not risk making one. Whether he’ll feel the same as the rounds roll on is another question, because his closest rival as it stands – Spinelli – is on a serious roll.

The Tech3 Racing rider has now won three of four races in 2024, and he finished 2023 off with his maiden victory too. The only rider to have defeated Spinelli in 2024 is arguably Spinelli as he jumped the start and then crashed out of Race 2 in Portugal, so can he overhaul Casadei this time out and keep the roll going?

It’s not a two-horse race, however, with plenty more contenders looking to hit back. Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) will be high on the list after his supreme speed in France brought him no rewards. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) was in one incident with Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) in Race 1 – we’ll let the fans argue that one out – before another with Andrea Mantovani (KLINT Forward Factory Team) in Race 2, they’ll all want some more luck in Barcelona. All are race winners too, as are Lukas Tulovic (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Miquel Pons (Axxis-MSI) – the latter a winner in Barcelona.

Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) is now third overall after taking his best MotoE™ result yet in France too, and home hero Jordi Torres, also with Openbank Aspar Team, will want to start attacking for podiums. Where better than home turf? Another rider looking to re-find some form he’s already proven time and again is Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™), who has the second most victories in MotoE™ overall but has had a tougher start to 2024 so far.

Meanwhile, rookie Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) marches on. After a podium in Round 1 in Portugal, he did it again at Le Mans and at a venue he’s never raced. Watch this space? He has most definitely raced in Barcelona. Tune in this weekend for another electric showdown in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship, with Race 1 at 12:15 (UTC +2) before Race 2 at 16:10!

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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

Pilen Promotions For Pioneering Pilots

Frank Duggan

May 21, 2024

£500 savings on all MY24 Vitpilen and Svartpilen 125 and 401 models – plus low rate finance available.

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ new range of 2024 Svartpilen and Vitpilen 125 and 401 machines invite riders to escape mundane life with a serious injection of sophistication and excitement. And now this invite comes with a £500 saving on all models to make the transfer to Pilen life even more enticing.

This range of Pilens also benefits from the new Husqvarna Motorcycles Finance promotion that features 1% Purchase Plan or Personal Contract Purchase offers over 36 months or 2% Purchase Plan or Personal Contract Purchase offers over 48 months. With no minimum deposit, these Husqvarna Motorcycles Finance deals offer great flexibility and very competitive rates to ensure that you get to straddle your new Pilen on your terms. The next question is which Pilen do you choose?

The Vitpilen 125 is new to the range and is our compact urban roadster. Crafted beautifully and assembled with premium components – like WP Suspension, cast aluminium wheels, ABS and traction control – this Vitpilen may be small in capacity but it’s big in ambition. The £500 saving takes the Vitpilen 125 to £4,399 and allied to the Husqvarna Motorcycles Finance deals gets you onto the Vitpilen 125 in grand style.

The 125’s big brother, the Vitpilen 401 is our urban roadster. All new for 2024, the bike boasts a new motor, frame and multiple rider aids to deliver brilliant urban performance in a package that can’t fail to create stares. You could pocket the £500 saving or put this towards a wide array of Technical Accessories to create a unique ride. Either way, at £5,099 the Vitpilen 401 delivers a class leading ride at an unexpected price point.

With now iconic rugged design and easily accessible performance, the 2024 Svartpilen 125 has to be top of the tree in the A1 class as it delivers on every front. From the impressive technology and smart rider aids to the upright riding position, lightweight chassis and involving motor, the Svartpilen 125 embodies the essence of urban riding in a package that is now priced at just £4,399 with the £500 saving – remembering that low rate Husqvarna Motorcycles Finance is also available.

Our true urban explorer, the Svartpilen 401, offers a distinctive design at a newly distinctive price, now just £5,099 with the £500 saving applied. The punchy and characterful motor has been upgraded along with the electronics to ensure that the Svartpilen 401 is the leader of the pack. Adjustable suspension and progressive ByBre brakes deliver in the dynamic department and those looks speak for themselves. With the demos in stock and test rides available to be booked online, there’s never been a better time to scratch the itch.

Looking for the ultimate in value without compromising on style and design? There are impressive offers on an array of MY23 products, including the Svartpilen 125, Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401, with savings of up to £1,500 to be made. See the Husqvarna Motorcycles Your Deal page for full information.

Full details of each bike are available on the Husqvarna Motorcycles website. These savings are available at all participating Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers until 30th June 2024, so strike while the sun is out and visit a dealership today – full list of UK Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers can be found here.

For more Husqvarna Motorcycles news check out our dedicated page Husqvarna Motorcycles News

or head to the official Husqvarna Motorcycles website husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-gb.html

Verge Motorcycles Kicks off UK Sales and Opens pop-up store in London

Frank Duggan

May 21, 2024

Revolutionary electric superbike manufacturer Verge Motorcycles kicks off UK sales and opens pop-up store in London.

Verge Motorcycles launches UK sales and opens a pop-up store at the Westfield London shopping centre on Tuesday 28 May.

Verge Motorcycles, a European technology company renowned for its futuristic and cutting-edge electric motorcycles, is thrilled to announce its UK market opening.

To bring the Verge experience closer to local consumers, Verge is opening a pop-up store at the prestigious Westfield London shopping centre. The pop-up store opens on May 28th and will offer Londoners and enthusiasts across the country a first-hand look at Verge’s motorcycles featuring advanced technology, as well as provide an opportunity to experience the thrill of speed firsthand. Test ride appointments can be set up at the store and will begin within a few weeks after store opening. The Verge pop-up will be located on the upper level next to Nike, Apple, and the food court.

“This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone for Verge. Our British fans have been waiting for this moment and we are happy to finally start our operations and sales in the UK and make our thrilling innovation available to everyone in the region,” says the CEO of Verge Motorcycles, Tuomo Lehtimäki.

Verge Motorcycles’ international retail strategy is being driven by technology visionary George Blankenship, who was instrumental in developing Apple and Tesla’s highly successful, ground-breaking showrooms.

“I see the same potential in Verge as I did at Apple two decades ago and Tesla one decade ago when those companies set out to completely redefine their industries. I want Verge to be positioned wherever lots of people are spending time on a regular basis finding new things they might be surprised to see, and Westfield London is the perfect place to do so,” says Blankenship, Verge’s Chief Revenue Officer.

Verge’s bikes are available for pre-order at www.vergemotorcycles.com

Resilience and Determination: Clayton Grover’s Unbreakable Spirit in the Face of Adversity

Matt Anthony

May 20, 2024

Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance – Round 1

Clayton Grover, riding the Yamaha for Grover Stunts & Exclusive Fishing, made his debut in the Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Finance at Oulton Park for Round 1 of the series. Despite facing numerous challenges, Grover showcased his talent and determination throughout the weekend.

Arriving at Oulton Park with no prior experience of the track, Grover had to quickly adapt and learn the circuit while also competing in the highly competitive Superstock class. In the combined Free Practice sessions, Grover finished 35th overall with a best lap time of 1:43.963, demonstrating his ability to rapidly improve his pace.

Reflecting on his experience, Grover stated, “So I think the weekend went well considering. I had no idea on the track going there, so to learn it and be able to qualify for superstock in the same weekend I’m super happy with. Of course, there’s a lot more to learn but I think when we start going to tracks we know it’ll help.”

Qualifying saw Grover secure 34th place on the grid with a lap time of 1:43.088, a commendable effort considering his lack of track knowledge. However, Grover and his team had to make significant changes to the bike setup to address issues with support and power delivery.

“We have made massive changes to the bike as I was struggling a lot with support and power delivery, which we have fixed in some ways but caused problems in others, so need some more testing to find the right set up,” Grover explained.

In the 14-lap race, Grover battled hard, gaining three positions from his starting spot to finish 30th. Despite receiving a long lap equivalent time penalty of 3 seconds for cutting the course earlier in the race, despite this it was a very commendable effort and start to his season.

“The talent is just an insane level, but I had a great battle with a few other riders throughout the whole race, I know I need to be more aggressive off the start to try and hook on to the guys I need to chase,” Grover commented on his race experience.

Looking ahead to the next round at Donington Park, Grover anticipates a challenging weekend due to his inability to participate in the Friday free practice sessions. However, he remains optimistic about his chances and has already identified areas for improvement.

“Donington will be tricky as am unable to make the free practice on the Friday, so we will be straight into qualifying. I already have an idea of what I need to change to feel more comfortable and then see how we go. I believe we can improve on position and times,” Grover stated confidently.

As Clayton Grover continues his journey in the Pirelli National Superstock championship, his performance at Oulton Park serves as a testament to his skill, adaptability, and unwavering determination. With each race, Grover gains valuable experience and insights that will undoubtedly shape his future success in the highly competitive race series.

Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance – Round 2

Heading into round 2 at Donington Park, Clayton Grover faced a multitude of challenges for this round of the Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance. Despite difficult circumstances, Grover demonstrated his determination and skill throughout the weekend.

Arriving at the circuit in the early hours of Saturday morning after a tough week battling health issues and extensive travel, Grover knew he was in for a challenging weekend. “Going into the weekend I didn’t feel good. I had real rough week with my health and a lot of travelling. Getting in Saturday morning at 0100 was always going to be hard,” he admitted.

Jumping straight into qualifying without any prior testing, Grover managed to beat his personal best lap time within just two laps. “Jumping straight into qualifying is something that I won’t do again but I am impressed that within 2 laps I had beaten my PB. It shows where I could be with a bit of testing,” he reflected.

Qualifying saw him secure 35th place on the grid with a lap time of 1:35.178, a testament to his ability to adapt quickly and push his limits.

Grover and his team made significant changes to the bike setup, which seemed to yield positive results. “The new setup we have seems to of been a big leap really, but still unable to try it properly. We made another change for the race and I felt really confident to be able to run top 25 at least,” he commented.

Unfortunately, Grover’s race ended prematurely due to a crash on the opening lap, where he was collected by another rider. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about his potential and is determined to bounce back stronger.

“I got off to a great start but unfortunately got collected on the first lap. I will maintain the feeling I had prior and push to get the bike fixed,” Grover stated, showcasing his unwavering resolve.

Looking ahead, Grover acknowledges that he won’t be fully fit for the next round at Knockhill but is already setting his sights on Snetterton to make a strong comeback. “I will not be fit enough for Knockhill but I’ll be back at Snetterton to really start pushing on now,” he affirmed.

As Clayton Grover continues his journey in the Pirelli National Superstock championship, his resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to his team, supporters, and fellow competitors. With a positive mindset and a hunger to succeed, Grover is poised to make his mark on the championship in the rounds to come.

The racing community eagerly awaits Grover’s return to the track, knowing that his skill, dedication, and unwavering spirit will propel him to new heights as he pursues his racing dreams.

World Supersport Wildcard Stars Dominate Donington Park in the Quattro Group British Supersport Series

Matt Anthony

May 20, 2024

The Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup at Donington Park was a showcase of incredible talent, with World Superbike stars making their wildcard presence felt throughout the weekend.

In the combined Free Practice sessions, Luke Stapleford (Macadam Triumph Racing) set the benchmark with a best lap time of 1:30.422, closely followed by Benjamin Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) and Jack Kennedy (Honda Racing UK). The top three were separated by a mere 0.795 seconds, setting the stage for intense competition.

Qualifying saw World Supersport rider Can Öncü (Gearlink Kawasaki) assert his dominance, claiming pole position with a blistering lap time of 1:29.896. Luke Stapleford and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) completed the front row, both posting identical lap times of 1:30.228.

In the Sprint Race, Can Öncü showcased his world-class skills, taking a commanding victory and setting the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:30.048. Tom Booth-Amos secured second place, 2.004 seconds behind Öncü, while Benjamin Currie rounded out the podium in third.

The Feature Race provided another thrilling display of talent, with Tom Booth-Amos turning the tables on Can Öncü to claim a hard-fought victory. Öncü finished second, just 1.339 seconds behind Booth-Amos, while Luke Stapleford completed the podium in third.

Throughout the weekend, the World Supersport stars demonstrated their exceptional speed and race craft, leaving a lasting impact on the Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup Championship.

In the GP2 class, Owen Jenner (Kramer Racing) secured victories in both the Sprint and Feature Races, while Mikey Hardie (ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki) dominated the HEL Supersport Cup, claiming wins in both races.

The Donington Park round also featured impressive performances and close battles across the field, with riders like Ondrej Vostatek (PTR Triumph) and Eunan McGlinchey (EMR by MSS Performance Kawasaki) showcasing their skill and determination.

As the championship moves to the next round of Knockhill, the impact of the World Supersport stars’ presence at Donington Park is sure to reverberate throughout the paddock. Their dominant performances have raised the bar for the regular competitors, setting the stage for an even more intense and exciting season ahead.

The Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup Championship continues to attract top talent from around the world, and the Donington Park round served as a testament to the incredible skill and competitive spirit that defines this series. Fans can look forward to more thrilling races and unforgettable moments as the championship progresses, with the World Supersport stars leaving an indelible mark on the 2024 season.

Davey Todd Triumphs in Thrilling Superstock Battle at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

May 20, 2024

Donington Park played host to a captivating round of the Pirelli National Superstock with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance, as Davey Todd (Cheshire Mouldings BMW by TAS Racing) emerged victorious after a closely contested race.

Throughout the weekend, Todd showcased his speed and consistency, topping the timesheets in both the combined Free Practice sessions and Qualifying. In Free Practice, Todd set a blistering lap time of 1:29.906, outpacing his nearest rival, Joe Talbot (JR Performance Racing Honda), by 0.401 seconds.

Qualifying saw Todd maintain his dominant form, securing pole position with a lap time of 1:28.684. Scott Swann (Swann Racing Honda) and Joe Talbot completed the front row, setting the stage for an exciting race.

In the 14-lap race, Todd and Talbot engaged in a thrilling battle for the lead, with Todd ultimately crossing the finish line just 0.207 seconds ahead of Talbot. Scott Swann rounded out the podium in third, a further 2.812 seconds adrift.

Tom Ward (Armada Marine Cables Racing Honda) and David Allingham (SMS / Nicholls Oil Racing BMW) completed the top five, showcasing the depth of talent in the Superstock field.

Further down the order, there were impressive performances from Jamie Perrin (Jamie Perrin / Team APS Honda) and Josh Owens (IN Competition / SENCAT Aprilia), who finished sixth and seventh, respectively.

Kam Dixon (Kam Dixon Racing Yamaha) received a 3-second long lap equivalent time penalty for exceeding track limits five times, ultimately finishing 12th.

The race was not without incident, as several riders were unable to finish, including Richard White (Track Dudes Racing BMW), George Edwards (Dan Cooper Motorsport Honda), and Connor Thomson (Sound Advice Hearing / CRT Racing Kawasaki).

Unfortunately, two riders, Jake Campbell (MAD Academy Kawasaki) and Clayton Grover (Grover Stunts & Exclusive Fishing Yamaha) had a huge coming together in the warm up lap.

As the Pirelli National Superstock championship moves to the next round, Davey Todd will be looking to build upon his success at Donington Park. With his impressive pace and consistency, Todd has established himself as a strong contender for the title.

The battle for supremacy in the Superstock class remains fierce, with riders like Joe Talbot, Scott Swann, and Tom Ward all showcasing their skills to challenge for victories.

Fans can expect more thrilling action and close racing as the championship progresses, with each round bringing new challenges and opportunities for riders to prove their mettle on the track.

Battle lines drawn: a standoff for the ages arrives in Barcelona

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

Le Mans promised a show and we got one. Ready for another?

Perspective can play a funny game. If you’re looking down from the leader, 38 points feels like a fairly significant gap for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) at the top of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship. Likely not for him as he plays the long game, but it’s more than a weekend’s worth of points looking from a purely objective standpoint. He could spend the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya in the grandstands and still lead come Monday.

If you’re Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) looking up from second, knowing you made up 91 points in 2022 when there were only 25 on offer each weekend, it also feels far from panic stations. It feels close enough, after a fair dash of bad luck too, to explain why you wouldn’t roll the dice on the last lap of the French GP. Bank and move on, come back stronger. Barcelona would also be a statement as you’ve never taken a GP podium there, one of only three venues of which that’s true.

If you’re an eight-time World Champion looking up from third, in the top three of the riders’ standings for the first time since 2019 – before it all unravelled as the line between magic and physics was suddenly blurred – and you’re only getting faster? 40 points suddenly feels like nothing at all. Such is the delicious standoff between Martin, Bagnaia and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as we roll into Barcelona.

SHOW ME WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Bagnaia’s statement in Jerez remains as stunning as the day he made it. To stand face to face with one of the names already in the debate for greatest of all time, before he’s even retired, and not only not back down but come out on top? Statement made as you build your own legacy. Martin’s throwdown at Le Mans is likewise more than the sum of its parts, taking on not only the reigning Champion but that same duel from Jerez and beating both. In serious style, too, to make his own big statement. A different style to Bagnaia in Jerez, and a different style to Marquez. Three approaches to attacking the same goal is part of what has made the story so electric so far. Martin is explosive pace, Bagnaia unruffled poise, and Marquez? Marquez redefined an era and is now making his mark on another. The new era is also responding.

Marquez’ season so far can be almost summed up by the vision of him screaming back onto the scene into the chicane at Le Mans, when it looked like the fight for the win was a last lap duel and he made sure it wasn’t. From P13 on the grid and last year’s bike. Now, he just needs to do it again, and again, and again – but no one else on the grid has his experience of doing just that. Three riders, three approaches, one incredible show.

Still, however much the last couple of races have been a stunning showdown between the reigning Champion, the pretender to the throne and the benchmark of an era, all determined to show each other exactly what they’ve got, it’s not a grid of three. It wasn’t in Qatar, or Portugal, or the Americas, or Jerez, or Le Mans in front or that record-breaking crowd. And it won’t be in Barcelona as one of the most packed fields in MotoGP™ history rolls into town ready to paint another masterpiece.

NO TAKEBACKS, ONLY COMEBACKS
The results for the French GP are also deceptive in some ways. If Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) hadn’t cut that apex and been given the Long Lap penalty, the ‘Beast’ would surely have been in the podium hunt. That would also likely have kept him in the top three in the standings. But he wasn’t and isn’t, and there are no takebacks in MotoGP™… only comebacks. As the rumours around the future swirl, can Bastianini make his own statement in Barcelona? He’s been far from slow in 2024, he knows what it takes to win, and he has a very good track record at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. He also probably wants to remind everyone exactly why he’s on the machine he is – he won four races in the seat Marc Marquez occupies now and two were in the first four.

Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, was pretty fast in France but crashed out, so he’ll want to bounce back after that uptick in Jerez, whereas teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio will be keen to show he has the upper hand regardless. Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) got that coveted finish after some solid speed, taking P7, but that still won’t be enough for him. And for Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – on home turf and a track where he has a good record – it’s definitely a mission to get back in that postcode he occupied in Jerez.

YOUR RIVALS ARE EXPECTING YOU
For Aprilia Racing, it’s a case of “no pressure, but-” looking back on the factory’s 2023 Catalan GP. Aleix Espargaro did the double, and Maverick Viñales took P3 in the Sprint before making it a 1-2 on Sunday. It’s unlikely the marque won’t be at the front in 2024 too, but it will be interesting to see if the pecking order changes. Espargaro has a great record at Catalunya but Viñales has had his measure more often than not in 2024 – already having won a Grand Prix race and two Sprints. Which is an understatement for the #12, as his COTA win is most definitely one of the most otherworldly masterpieces hanging in the 2024 gallery so far. To make it feel fairer for the rest, he could have dropped to the back and started painting from there.

At Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™, Miguel Oliveira will want to turn it around after Le Mans, with a solid Jerez not proving a building block as yet. He did knock Marc Marquez out of Q2 though, which is no small scalp. His teammate, Raul Fernandez, will be an interesting watch too – he’s on the machine that won the 2023 GP, and he had a solid French GP getting the measure of Oliveira. What can he do in Barcelona?

It was a tougher weekend at Le Mans for KTM and GASGAS. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) found himself in a shocking last place on the grid after a nightmare run up to the lights going out, but on Sunday he pulled off a classic Binder and came home a solid eighth. For rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) it was almost the reverse as he qualified P7 and then made his first and only Sunday mistake so far, crashing out – alone by a hair’s breadth – to bring his run as the only rider to score in all Sprints and GP races so far to an end. Le Mans and Acosta don’t mix, so far. But both will be reset to come out swinging in Barcelona, a venue where KTM have already won. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), meanwhile, is missing the later race pace and will want a solid finish, and Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) scored points in France but is still looking for that step forward.

POUR ENCOURAGER LES AUTRES
Said unironically, there were some standouts in France. At Yamaha, there was plenty to celebrate from Fabio Quartararo’s (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) home GP, even if the points didn’t end up on the board. The Frenchman went straight through to Q2 and on Sunday, was up in sixth before a crash out. But that livery – savage – said it all about the performance. With his stunning track record at the venue, can he do similar in Barcelona? Teammate Alex Rins, meanwhile, is looking for more after a tougher one in France and will want to turn the tables on his own home turf.

Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) pulled some gap on his fellow Honda riders at Le Mans too, and he’ll want to keep that roll going. After a more positive Jerez, Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) will want a solid finish to hit back, and the mission continues for Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) to move forward as the project looks to make a big step. After a test for Yamaha and Honda at Mugello, and with a wildcard this weekend for Stefan Bradl, it’s all hands on deck to make those gains.

The field they’re fighting in has also never been closer. The average gap between first and second in the first five Grand Prix races of 2024 is just 0.951 – the first time in the MotoGP™ era it’s ever been less than a second. Even better than that, it’s not simply a mad dash or a game of chance, it’s a gallery of masterpieces painted by the best in the world. So join us when MotoGP™ returns to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from the 24th to the 26th of May – from the grandstands, from the sofa, from wherever you are in the world, and watch the world’s most exciting sport make racing a fine art.

SHOWTIME
Saturday
Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +2)
Sunday
Grand Prix: 14:00 (UTC +2)

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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

Moto2: can Garcia keep the roll going?

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

Following a flawless ride to a second victory of the season at Le Mans, Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) lands in Barcelona back in the hot seat as the Moto2™ World Championship leader.

No rider laid a glove on the Spaniard in France’s Sunday outing and after two wins in his last three starts, Garcia will be oozing confidence arriving at a circuit he collected his equal-best result at in his rookie campaign – a P4.

Garcia has a winning pedigree in Barcelona too thanks to his 2021 Moto3™ Catalan GP effort, so beating the #3 is set to be a tricky prospect for the likes of second in the title race, Joe Roberts. P4 in Le Mans ended the OnlyFans American Racing Team star’s string of three consecutive P2 finishes, but it was more solid points collected for the American and he was only a whisker off the rostrum.

The podium places last time out went the way of comeback King Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI), who will be craving a Saturday improvement to enable his Sundays to become less hassle, and Alonso Lopez (MB Conveyors SpeedUp) as we witnessed the first Moto2™ podium since Valencia 2013 to not feature a Kalex rider. That’s some stat. And with Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors SpeedUp) having a quiet weekend in Le Mans, the Spaniard is another Boscoscuro star who will expect to be on form again on home soil. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), meanwhile, has good form in Barcelona and will be back to fuller strength.

Last year’s Catalan GP winner, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar), will be another rider on a Kalex seeking to find an extra burst of speed though, not yet off the mark fully in 2023 as a tantalising title fight in the Riders’ and Constructors’ Championships continues to unravel. Tune in for more Moto2™ on Sunday at 12:15 (UTC +2)!

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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

Moto3: just one point in it on the road to Barcelona

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

Jerez’s error was a tough pill to swallow, but David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar) responded in the best way possible: winning.

The Colombian pipped title rivals Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) to the 25 points in Le Mans. Ahead of a date with Barcelona – the scene of Alonso’s second Moto3™ win in 2023 – the #80 is now a solitary point behind Holgado in the Championship chase.

The latter kept up his impressive start to the season in France. It’s now just Jerez’s P7 that stands as Holgado’s non-top two finish in 2024, but his one win is in comparison to Alonso’s three so far, so the #96 will want to add a second victory soon enough. So will Veijer, with the Dutchman 32 points away in P3 overall after claiming two podiums in a row.

Will others come to the fore again in Barcelona? Ivan Ortola’s (MT Helmets – MSI) P5 was a good points haul, but the Spaniard needs to start clawing back points on the trio above him in the Championship. And we can’t not mention Joel Esteban’s (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar) P4. Can the rookie go – at least – one better in Barcelona? Find out on Sunday at 11:00 (UTC +2)!

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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

Brinton & Frost share the celebrations at Donington

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

Round 2 delivers two more classics and two different winners

The 2024 R&G British Talent Cup’s second round took place at a bright and sunny Donington Park with tight racing going down to the wire in Race 1.

There was excitement from the outset, Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing) had clinched pole position, but it was Filip Surowiak (Team City Lifting/RS Racing) who got off the line first to take the early lead.

As the race progressed, it became clear that Lucas Brown (SENCAT Talent Team / Mortimer Racing) and Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects/RS Racing) were going to be major contenders. Both riders engaged in a fierce battle for the lead. Brinton impressed with his late braking, making key overtakes in the Fogarty Esses and Melbourne Loop.

In the dramatic final lap, Brinton held his nerve and crossed the finish line just 0.081 ahead of Correa, with Brown finishing third 0.3 adrift. After a tougher start in Navarra, pre-season favourite Brinton secured his first victory of the season, with patience paying off for another 25-point haul.
After a thrilling Race 1, expectations were high the second race of Round 2 and the riders did not disappoint, delivering entertaining racing and unexpected drama.

Ryan Frost (Fibre Tec Honda) made an exceptional start from the middle of the front row, quickly taking the lead into Redgate Corner. Meanwhile, Correa and Brinton positioned themselves as early contenders, fighting fiercely for the top spots.

As the race went on, the battle for the lead became increasingly intense. Brown and Correa traded places multiple times at the front, whilst Brinton and Frost remained close contenders, ensuring a thrilling four-way battle. Then, a pivotal moment occurred when Correa and Surowiak collided at the final corner on Lap 7, sending Surowiak crashing out of the race. This incident temporarily separated the leading quartet, with Brinton doing a great job of avoiding.

The race took another dramatic turn when Correa was penalisaed with a long lap penalty for his role in the incident with Surowiak. Attempting to serve the penalty, Correa lost control and crashed, ending his race prematurely and significantly impacting his championship standing. With Correa out, the battle for victory intensified among Frost, Brown, and Brinton.

As the laps wound down, Brinton made a decisive move at Goddards to take the lead, but Brown was relentless, quickly reclaiming the top spot. Just as the race neared its climax, a red flag was brought out due to a crash involving Jack Burrows (Burrows Engineering / RK Racing), leading to the race being declared with Frost as the winner.

With that, Frost secured his first victory of the season and first ever, with Brown finishing second, extending his lead in the championship standings with another solid podium finish. Brinton once again took to the podium, finishing third as he looks to move up after a tougher Round 1.

A shake up in the standings after Race 2 at Donington; Brown goes 17 points clear of Brinton but Correa falls from second to fourth in the standings after his DNF. Next time out, British Talent Cup is at Snetterton for Round 3 in July, and it could all change again!

For more info checkout our dedicated British Talent Cup News page

Or visit the official British Talent Cup website britishtalentcup.com

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

Colombi Dominates Donington Park with Double Victory in Pirelli National Sportbike Championship

Matt Anthony

May 20, 2024

Edoardo Colombi (Gradara Corse Asd) showcased his exceptional skill and speed at Donington Park, securing two impressive victories in the Pirelli National Sportbike with Moneybarn Vehicle Finance championship. The Italian rider dominated both Race 1 and Race 2, leaving his competitors in awe of his performance.

In the Combined Practice sessions, Colombi set the pace with a blistering lap time of 1:35.142, outpacing his nearest rival, Richard Cooper (Triumph Daytona 660 – PHR Performance Triumph), by 0.807 seconds. Aaron Silvester (Triumph Daytona 660 – MIH Solutions / Macadam Racing Tri) and Ash Barnes (Yamaha YZF-R7 – Raceways Yamaha) also showed strong pace, finishing third and fourth, respectively.

Qualifying saw Colombi maintain his top spot, securing pole position with a lap time of 1:35.142. Cooper and Silvester completed the front row, setting the stage for an exciting battle in the races ahead.

In Race 1, Colombi asserted his dominance from the start, taking the lead and never looking back. He crossed the finish line with a commanding 9.017-second advantage over Cooper, who claimed second place. Ash Barnes rounded out the podium in third, showcasing the competitiveness of the Yamaha YZF-R7 package.

Race 2 was a similar story, with Colombi once again proving unbeatable. He set a new lap record with a time of 1:34.791, further cementing his status as the rider to beat in the championship. Cooper and Thomas Strudwick (Triumph Daytona 660 – TS Racing) engaged in a thrilling battle for second place, with Cooper ultimately prevailing by just 1.669 seconds.

Behind the top three, the midfield battles were intense, with Harrison Dessoy (Yamaha YZF-R7 – Rev2Race Yamaha) and Aaron Silvester (Triumph Daytona 660 – MIH Solutions / Macadam Racing Tri) showcasing their skills and determination.

Notably, Rossi Banham (Yamaha YZF-R7 – RB Racing) and Jack Smith (Aprilia RS660 – Woodland Racing) received time penalties in Race 2 for track limits infringements and failing to complete a ride-through penalty, respectively. Sean O’Reilly (Aprilia RS660 – Moto Muzzi Racing Aprilia) also received a ride-through penalty, impacting their final positions.

As the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship moves to the next round, Edoardo Colombi has established himself as the clear favourite, showcasing his exceptional talent and the strength of his Aprilia RS660 package. However, with riders like Richard Cooper, Thomas Strudwick, and Ash Barnes in close pursuit, the battle for the championship is far from over, and fans can expect more thrilling action in the upcoming rounds.

Gold for NEXX Race Helmet

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

NEXX X.R3R race helmets now with ACU Gold Sticker

Designed by racers for racers – and now ACU Approved with a Gold Sticker – the NEXX X.R3R is made for the most demanding riding conditions on road or on track.

Its first class features start with the shell, which comes in a choice of X-PRO 3K Carbon Fibre or Multi-Composite. Both are lightweight, ACU certified and fully compliant with the latest ECE22.06 standards for road use. There is even an FIM Homologated option – the Pro FIM Evo – for international race events.

The shell is aerodynamically shaped – first with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis, then wind-tunnel tested – to keep the head stable and reduce pressure on the neck; the carbon fibre models boast a dynamic weight of zero at 160 km h.

All models come with a two-piece rear spoiler: a short, fixed section for road use, plus an extended transparent section that can be added for track sessions.

Gold For Nexx Race Helmet — NEXX X.R3R ZERO PRO CARBON GOLD MT

Comprehensive soundproofing is achieved with an Anti-Vibration EPS system that absorbs intrusive vibrations and buzzing caused by air turbulence at higher speeds, plus Vortex Generators in the chin area, to reduce aerodynamic drag and lift.

Up front, the unique Recoil Visor System uses spring-loaded side plates to pull the visor against a Double Rubber Seal, stopping unwanted wind and rain from getting in. Anti-Vibration Rubber Visor Plates reduce buzzing caused by air turbulence.

The X.R3R also comes with a Pinlock 120 XLT Max Vision Anti-Fog insert as standard, and all models are ready to accept tear-offs, (the Pro FIM Evo is supplied with a set).

Six air intakes and four exhaust ports at the rear offer complete control over airflow. An elongated chin vent shape helps to draw in more air, with a channelling system to disperse it across the visor and face area. An extra intake is also incorporated in the lower chin, and which can be opened and closed with an interior-mounted button.

Inside, soft-touch X.MART Dry fabric keeps the wearer cool and dry. A patent-pending Fast Release System enables first responders to remove the cheek pads without disturbing the head and neck. This also makes for super-easy cleaning of the lining; just lift the rubber trim arms, slide back the red buttons, and release the cheek pads.

Designed and made in Europe, retail prices for the NEXX X.R3R start at just £349.99for the Multi-Composite in Plain black or white. The Zero Pro Carbon costs £469.99 and the range-topping carbon PRO FIM EVO sells for £579.99.
All models come with a Pinlock insert, a second visor and the race spoiler extension.

For full specifications and colour options, visit nexx-helmet.co.uk

For more Nexx Helmet news check out our dedicated page Nexx Helmet News

For more information on Nexx Helmets products visit nexx-helmets.com

Max Hardy’s Challenging Weekend at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

May 20, 2024

Max Hardy faced a difficult weekend at Donington Park in round 3 of the Quattro Group British Supersport GP2 Class, as he struggled to find his rhythm and secure a spot in the main races. The young rider, competing on a 675cc machine against a field boosted by World Superbike (WSBK) wildcard entries, knew he had a tough task ahead of him.

Hardy’s weekend got off to a challenging start when he arrived late on Friday, missing the first free practice session due to School commitments. This put him on the back foot compared to his rivals, who had an extra session to familiarize themselves with the track and dial in their setups.

In the combined practice times, Hardy finished 49th overall and 5th in the GP2 class with a best lap time of 1:37.593. Reflecting on his performance, Hardy stated, “Qualifying was a hard session but we tried our best and by the end we didn’t manage to go straight through to the main race so we were placed into the last chance qualifying race where we had to get p1 or 2 to get into the main race.”

The Last Chance Qualifying (LCQ) race presented Hardy with an opportunity to secure a spot in the main races. He got off to a decent start, managing to stay with the front pack in the early stages. However, as the race progressed, Hardy encountered tire issues, losing grip and gradually falling back through the field. He ultimately finished the LCQ race in 7th position, 5th in the GP2 class, missing out on the top two spots needed to qualify for the main races.

Despite the setback, Hardy remained positive and grateful for the support he received. In a personal statement, he said, “I knew this weekend was going to be tough with the WSBK coming across to do wildcards meant the pace was quicker and the grid fuller which meant it was tougher to qualify when I’m on my 675 compared to the top riders however I went out with a positive mindset after having to miss my practice sessions due to taking my exams I kept improving but unfortunately just missed out in the qualifying.”

Hardy also expressed his appreciation for his sponsors, particularly Pioneer Caravans and TC Harrison Ford, as well as the unwavering support from his family. “I would like to thank all my sponsors especially Pioneer and TC Harrison’s as well as the support from my family,” he added.

Looking ahead, Hardy is determined to bounce back stronger in the next round of the Quattro Group British Supersport GP2 Class.

As a young rider competing against more experienced rivals and those on more powerful machines, Max Hardy’s journey in the Quattro Group British Supersport GP2 Class is one of learning and growth. While the Donington Park round did not yield the results he had hoped for, Hardy’s resilience and positive attitude will undoubtedly serve him well as he continues to develop his skills and make his mark in the highly competitive world of British motorcycle racing.

Harry Cook’s Donington Park Rollercoaster: Battling Adversity and Making Strides

Matt Anthony

May 20, 2024

Harry Cook, riding for the ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki team in the Quattro Group British Supersport Cup, experienced a weekend of challenges and progress at Donington Park. Despite facing technical issues and setbacks, Cook remained determined to improve his performance throughout the weekend.

Combined Free Practice sessions saw Cook finish 35th overall and 6th in the HEL Supersport Cup with a best lap time of 1:34.434. Reflecting on the early sessions, Cook stated, “Friday free practice in the morning for FP1 it was wet so we decided to not go out until the end of the session and the FP2 this was our shake down for the weekend and we were down on power due to a technical issue and the bike was slow in change of direction so we worked on this through the evening.”

Qualifying saw Cook secure 32nd place overall and 5th in the HEL Supersport Cup with a lap time of 1:33.713. Despite the improvement, Cook acknowledged, “We had a very good setting for qualifying but we struggled a little for change of direction still so we changed this for race 1 hoping we will get rid of some slight vibration and help with the change of direction.”

In Race 1, Cook battled through the pack, finishing 29th overall and 6th in the HEL Supersport Cup. However, he faced challenges with the bike setup still, losing valuable time in each corner. “We managed to get through to our race which is where I should be in my opinion. I battled through the pack but the direction we went with geometry and suspension wasn’t right and made it worse getting split seconds of vibration through every corner and we still had slow changes of direction and couldn’t get confident on the brakes,” Cook explained.

Determined to make improvements, the team made significant changes for Sunday’s warm-up session, which yielded positive results. Cook felt more comfortable with the bike’s handling and found some additional power.

Race 2 started with promise, but unfortunately ended in disappointment for Cook. While he felt the bike was performing well, a racing incident on lap 5 resulted in a crash, forcing him to retire from the race. Cook recounted, “Unfortunately on lap 5 I crashed due to a racing incident I tried to make a move and pulled alongside for an inside line overtake but it wasn’t to be and unfortunately we came off.”

Despite the setbacks, Cook remains optimistic about his progress and the team’s efforts. “Overall, we made some improvements over the weekend on my lap times. I got my PB at Donington this weekend with a 1.33 and managed to remove the issues we have been suffering with since Oulton Park. We also qualified and we had some good battles,” he reflected.

Looking ahead to the next round, Cook expressed his gratitude towards his team and personal support crew. “Thanks to all the ROKiT Rookies mechanics team and my personal team Dave Benoy and Stan Gordon mega job this weekend I loved working together to get these issues resolved,” he said.

As Harry Cook and the ROKiT Rookies Kawasaki team head to the next round, they will undoubtedly build upon the lessons learned and progress made at Donington Park.

Redemption Day For Beaubier At Barber Motorsports Park

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

A Day After Crashing Out Of The Lead, Beaubier Wins Both Superbike Races.

After crashing out of the lead on the third lap of Saturday’s Steel Commander Superbike race one at Barber Motorsports Park, things didn’t look so good for Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier. But what a difference a day makes.

On Sunday, Beaubier doubled down, winning both Steel Commander Superbike races in the tripleheader weekend to somehow take over the lead in the championship a day after he ended it trailing Jake Gagne by 20 points.

Beaubier dominated both races with consistently fast laps that led to him winning the two races by 3.099 and 4.648 seconds, respectively.

The five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion also capitalized on his championship rival’s misfortune with Attack Racing/Progressive/Yamaha’s Jake Gagne suffering with arm-pump issues in both of Sunday’s races that left him frustrated and out of the points lead. The three-time defending champion persevered through both races on Sunday, finishing eighth and seventh in the two races after finishing second on Saturday.

With two rounds and five races completed, Beaubier now leads Gagne by 13 points, 95-82, with the series heading to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, in two weeks.

Beaubier’s first win on Sunday morning was the 61^st of his AMA Superbike career and it put him in a tie with Josh Hayes for second on the all-time list. His win on Sunday afternoon was the 62^nd of his career and it moved him out of that tie and into second place all alone. Australian Mat Mladin is the all-time leader in AMA Superbike wins with 82.

TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly had himself a day, earning the first two Superbike podiums of his rookie season in the class. The Floridian was fast all weekend with Sunday’s second- and third-place finishes on Sunday bettering his fourth-place finish from Saturday.

Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha’s Cameron Petersen was barely beaten to the finish line in race two by Kelly for second and ended up third, a day after his win in race one. In race three on Sunday, Petersen crashed out of second while keeping pace with Beaubier. The South African remounted but his YZF-R1 had a broken foot peg that forced him out of the race.

Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong had a good Sunday with fifth- and second-place finishes in the two races.

The two Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati riders had up-and-down Sundays, literally. Josh Herrin crashed out of race two in the morning but bounced back to finish fourth in race three. Loris Baz, meanwhile, was fourth in race two, but crashed out of race three when he was struck from behind by Manny Segura.

Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim was seventh and fifth in Sunday’s two races on what is basically a Stock 1000-spec Honda CBR1000RR-R SP.

Beaubier’s teammate JD Beach had a rotten Sunday. The Kentuckian crashed in race two and pulled out of race three, suffering from the effects of his Q2 near crash and his Sunday morning race-two crash.

Xavi Forés’s debut on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki was also up and down. After finishing sixth in Saturday’s race one, the Spaniard crashed in race two and then finished sixth again in race three. His teammate Brandon Paasch was sixth and eighth, respectively, in the two races on Sunday.

With Beaubier leading the title chase by 13 over Gagne, Kelly sits third and 22 points behind Beaubier and nine behind Gagne. Fong is fourth, a further 13 behind Kelly with Petersen fifth, just two points behind Fong.

Redemption Day For Beaubier At Barber Motorsports Park — Cameron Beaubier (6) dives into turn one with the lead over Jake Gagne (1) and the rest of the Steel Commander Superbike pack at Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Superbike Race 2

Cameron Beaubier (BMW)
Sean Dylan Kelly (BMW)
Cameron Petersen (Yamaha)
Loris Baz (Ducati)
Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
Brandon Paasch (Suzuki)
Hayden Gillim (Honda)
Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
Benjamin Smith (Yamaha)
Max Flinders (Yamaha)

Superbike Race 3

Cameron Beaubier (BMW)
Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
Sean Dylan Kelly (BMW)
Josh Herrin (Ducati)
Hayden Gillim (Honda)
Xavi Forés (Suzuki)
Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
Brandon Paasch (Suzuki)
Bryce Prince (Yamaha)
Max Flinders (Yamaha)

Quotes – Superbike Race Two

Cameron Beaubier – Winner

“After yesterday, just in the back of my head, I just didn’t want to do something stupid. Everything went great. I got a great start like I did yesterday. My bike was just hooking up there the first four, five laps, it seemed like. I think everyone is kind of dealing with the tire drop here. It seems like it drops quite a bit, and it just stays the same. Felt really good to win by a little margin after yesterday. That was pretty frustrating after yesterday, after the weekend was going so well and then end it in a gravel trap in three laps. This next race is going to be the toughest out of all of them. These guys are going really fast. I’m sure they’re going to go back and figure some stuff out to come back swinging in the third race. Congrats to both these guys. I’m super pumped for Sean (Dylan Kelly). I know all about struggling in Europe and coming back here and just feeling success and feeling that podium again. It’s pretty cool. Same for Cam (Petersen), getting that win yesterday. It’s a pretty stacked field this year. I know we keep saying it, but it really is. It’s going to make for a good season.”

Sean Dylan Kelly – Second Place

“I wouldn’t even start by talking about being surprised or not. I just want to talk about how stoked I am to be up here right now. It’s been an amazing start to my Superbike career. We’ve been putting in a lot of work since lap one, and I’ve just felt pretty at home with this thing. The team is doing an amazing job to help me learn and just make moves forward. I obviously still have a lot to learn and adapt to. I got pretty emotional after passing that checkered flag. Last year was tough, not only for where we were and everything the last couple years, but last year with the injury and everything, I went through some pretty crappy times and some crappy weeks and months. So, to just look back at that, that was only a handful of months ago, and see where we’re at right now… it feels so good. I’m just super grateful for everyone that believed in me in the worst of times and just got me to this point. I know it’s not a win just yet, but we got to celebrate this first podium. Thank you to (Cameron) Petersen for the nice words. Obviously, it’s pretty badass for me to be sharing the podium right now with (Cameron) Beaubier, considering that we were teammates a couple years ago. I honestly look up to these guys a lot. To be here right now is absolutely badass.”

Cameron Petersen – Third Place

“I don’t want to sound like the guy making excuses, because I know we were all struggling with some rear grip towards the end there. We made a few changes from the bike yesterday. I was really struggling with the rear of the bike. Yesterday, I didn’t really have any issues with the rear coming around going into the corners, and today for whatever reason I was just struggling. But three podiums in a row, I can’t complain. Like you said, I’ve had way worse weekends than this. Just happy to be on the box again. Congrats to these two guys next to me. Congrats to SDK (Sean Dylan Kelly) on his first Superbike podium. I remember what that feeling is like. I think we know what we need to work on for race three today, and we’ll go give it our best shot.”

Quotes – Superbike Race Three

Cameron Beaubier – Winner

“With Jake (Gagne), I think he’s obviously dealing with something because that’s not like Jake. He’s obviously really fast here and has had a lot of success here winning a lot of races. His struggles… we capitalized on that today. It was really good to have two strong wins today after yesterday. I’m still learning with the guys. What I like with the TC and the torque maps, stuff like that. We’re still learning about each other. I’m just really happy with my bike, really happy with my team. It’s a great group of guys. I’m just super honored to be partnered up with them. Like I said earlier, it just feels so good to start the weekend on the front foot at all these tracks we went to last year, not throwing new swing arms on in qualifying and practice and stuff, just searching for grip and chasing the Yamaha boys. This race was really tough. Cam P. got a really, really good start. I was able to get by him going into turn one. Put my head down and I would pull away a little bit, but once I got to maybe 1.5, 1.2, it stuck there, and I was looking at my dash. I kept doing 23s and I was like, this is a really fast pace and I’m not pulling. He even pulled me back a couple tenths. Once we got to halfway, I was riding as hard as I could. Then I looked at the monitor and I saw him sitting up on the back straightaway. I came by and I had whatever plus three or plus five on the board. I’m bummed for him because he was riding so good. He was making me push hard. He rode incredible this weekend, along with these guys. We keep saying it, but this Superbike field is just really stacked this year. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Bobby Fong – Second Place

“From the first race to today, we made a big change out of Charlotte’s Web, (turns) four and five. I was just losing so much ground out of there. We basically turned down the bike a little bit out of that corner. It was less lively for the second race, and I could keep up a little bit closer going into the Museum corner. It was pretty good. We always feel good at the end of the race on this bike. We always set it up pretty good with used tires. We did a lot of laps this weekend on pretty worn-out tires, so I kind of knew what to expect going into this race. These guys are fast. I’m just doing everything I could to stay with these guys. The field is stacked this year, and it’s just good to get this Wrench ADR R1 on the box and just keep on improving. Hopefully battle with this guy for the win here soon.

Sean Dylan Kelly – Third Place

“The goal is always to be up here. It’s been a hell of a start to my superbike career. Still learning so much every time out. That pace in this second race was so, so fast the first half of the race. I really tried to keep up. (Cameron) Beaubier was opening up a little bit, and (Cameron) Petersen was trying to keep that pace and run him down. I was right behind Petersen. I even tried to pass him a couple times, but the pace was a lot. I’m happy that I was able to push through and put those 23s in, but it was definitely too much for what I had today in that race. It got a little bit complicated halfway through. Bobby (Fong) caught up. Once I saw that there was some room to behind, I was like, ‘We’ve got to make it home.’ First time for me doing two races in a day ever, since minibikes when I was eight years old. So, it’s been a while. Going to try and hit the gym a couple more times in the next couple weeks. But I’m really happy with everything I learned. Two podiums is amazing. Just super stoked with everything that I’m learning, with how we’re doing with the team, considering that it’s our first real, real time showing up. It’s been amazing, so just super pumped and looking forward to keeping it going.”

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/

Gillim Perfect, Scholtz Perfect, Cunnison Perfect, Moore Perfect At Barber

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

A Whole Lot Of Perfection At Barber Motorsports Park On Sunday.

The second of two Stock 1000 races at Barber Motorsports Park featured a slugfest that went the full 14 laps. But that battle was for second place. Out front by a country mile for the second straight day was defending Stock 1000 Champion Hayden Gillim and his Real Steel Motorsports Honda CBR1000RR-R SP, with Hayden showing that if someone wants to take his title, they are going to have to step up their game.

Second place went to BPR Racing’s Bryce Prince, a day after his third-place finish in day one. Prince came out on top of his battle with FLO4LAW’s Benjamin Smith, a day after the two came together with Smith crashing out of race one.

To stay in championship contention both Yamaha YZF-R1-mounted podium finishers know there is work to be done to keep pace with Gillim and his Honda. But, as Prince rightfully pointed out, he was 14.5 seconds behind Gillim in race one and 10.5 seconds in race two so there was a gain.

Fourth place on Sunday went to AMD Motorsport RK Racing’s Richard Kerr, a big improvement over his eighth-place finish in race one. Kerr was some five seconds behind Smith and just .162 of a second ahead of OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe, who was a spot higher in the results than in race one. Uribe’s teammate Travis Wyman was sixth with BPR Racing’s Wyatt Farris seventh.

Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates, BPR Racing’s Deion Campbell, and Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis rounded out the top 10.

With his win, Gillim became the winningest Stock 1000 racer in MotoAmerica history with his 13^th victory moving him out of a tie with Andrew Lee and Corey Alexander. It also further padded his wallet with Honda contingency money.

“Yeah, that was the plan,” Gillim said. “It still wasn’t a great start. The wheelie control was kind of kicking in a little too much. So, it was kind of killing my drives. So, we’ll figure that out. Luckily this isn’t a very long run to turn one. It was really good. I knew if I could get to the front, the longer that these guys were able to fight with me and everything the harder it was going to be. I knew if I could try and get out front the very first lap, I knew with a good start if I was in second or so, I could try and make a run into Charlotte’s Web and get something done. I knew Gabriel (Da Silva) was going to be blocking a little bit, so I just tried to do the outside move. Tried to get him to go in a little hot, which he did, and then undercut him. It worked out. But it’s really good. The bike is working really good. Having the two bikes to run in Stock and Superbike, they’re identical bikes so I get to go out and try stuff on each bike to make the other bike better. So, it helps a lot. I’m getting a ton of track time, and that’s one key thing. I know what the track is going to be like most of the time throughout the weekend. The Steel Commander Southern Powersports Honda guys are killing it.”

Gillim Perfect, Scholtz Perfect, Cunnison Perfect, Moore Perfect At Barber — PJ Jacobsen (15) leads Davids Anthony (25), Blake Davis (22) and eventual Supersport race winner Mathew Scholtz (11) on Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Supersport – Scholtz Again

For the second straight day, Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz emerged victorious from the battle at the front of the Supersport pack and the two wins have propelled the South African into serious championship contention after two rounds and four races.

Scholtz got a better start on Sunday and was in the pack giving chase to the fast-starting Tyler Scott. Scott, however, suffered a high-speed crash on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki that left the young phenom bruised and battered. It also brought out the red flag.

On the restart, Scholtz was second behind Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen, but he was soon in the lead. Jacobsen stayed close but it was Scholtz taking his second win in a row, this one by .924 of a second. Third place went to N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis after finishing fifth on Saturday. It was Davis’s second podium finish of the year.

Jacobsen’s runner-up finish was his fourth straight podium to start the season and it puts him 16 points ahead of Scholtz, 70-54.

“I think the second-to-last lap I did a 26.7, which actually surprised me because it didn’t feel like we were going that fast,” Scholtz said. “We were tipping into corners. The bike was kind of backing in a hell of a lot. The front was really pushing. So, I think for us to be running high 26s, yesterday we would have been even faster. It was definitely greasy out there now. Obviously, well done to PJ (Jacobsen) and Blake (Davis). Hope that Tyler (Scott) is good. That was a crazy highside. I’m just really, really thankful to be back up here on the top of the box. Looking forward to the next couple races of the season. I’d just like to give a personal shout-out to the Redvanly family crew. They’ve been awesome helping us out.”

Junior Cup – Cunnison x Two

Speed Demon Racing’s Logan Gunnison liked winning Saturday’s Junior Cup race so much he opted to do it again on Sunday.

While he had a little cushion in winning on Saturday, he had no cushion on Sunday as he beat Karns Performance’s Levi Badie by just .045 of a second.

Sunday’s race featured the same podium as Saturday with second and third flipping spots. While it was New York Safety Track Racing’s Yandel Medina second on Saturday it was Badie taking the runner up on Sunday.

Seven riders battled for the lead in Sunday’s race with the top six finishers covered by less than a second.

Fourth place went to BARTCON Racing’s Eli Block with Elia Dreher, the younger sister of defending Junior Cup Champion Avery Dreher, finishing a career best fifth.

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. – BTR Women Begin

The 13 women who were selected to participate in the 2024 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program started their season at Barber Motorsports Park with two races on the schedule. Due to the heavy rain that on Saturday, race one was postponed until Sunday, which meant that the riders competed in race one on Sunday morning and race two on Sunday afternoon.

Defending BTR Champion Mikayla Moore extended her winning streak, with victories in both races bringing her unbeaten total to nine races in a row. The Maryland-based Moore won race one by nearly nine seconds over runner-up Camille Conrad and more than nine seconds over third-place finisher Emma Betters. In race two, the same three racers finished on the podium again, with Moore claiming her second victory of the day. Conrad and Betters swapped finishing positions in race two with Betters taking her turn as runner-up and Conrad getting third.

The most notable thing about race two was that, while Betters finished a second ahead of Conrad, Moore managed to stretch out an absolutely eye-popping lead of nearly 22 seconds during the short, six-lap race.

About her continued success, Moore said after race one, “Training during the off-season, I got to spend some time, as well, on the Royal Enfield. Then, before I came here, I actually spent some time with Evolve GT at Summit Motorsports Park in West Virginia on the ZX-6R. So, I feel like the training that led up to this point is what got me the win today.”

After race two, Moore commented, “You could tell that the track was hotter, and I experienced a little more chatter, but the bike actually felt better in the second race than it did in the first race. I challenged myself last year to do a two-hour endurance race, and I did the 67 laps. So, in terms of being able to do back-to-back races, I feel pretty confident in my endurance. It’s just really about finding a pace that you can be comfortable with, but also not pushing yourself too much.”

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Di Mario’s First

It was a weekend of firsts for many riders competing at Barber Motorsports Park, and 15-year-old Alessandro Di Mario was one of them. The Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia rider notched the first MotoAmerica race victory of his career in Sunday’s BellissiMoto Twins Cup Championship race two. Di Mario bounced back after crashing out of the lead during Saturday’s rain-soaked race one and took the checkers by .768 of a second over hard-charging Rocco Landers, who finished second aboard his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Current points leader and Di Mario’s teammate Gus Rodio finished third.

Di Mario started from the pole, but Rodio overtook him for the lead until lap five of the 14-lap race when Di Mario solidified his position at the front and crossed the finish line for his breakthrough win. Meanwhile, Landers battled with Rodio and Dominic Doyle for third, and ultimately overtook Rodio on the final lap to finish as runner-up with Rodio completing the podium.

“I came into the weekend really excited,” Di Mario said. “I love this track. I was able to get a 28.2, which is a track record, in qualifying. My pace is really good. In yesterday’s race, I didn’t really think I was going to be that fast in the wet, but after Avery passed me, I tried to stay behind him. I was able to pass him again, and the sun came out. I couldn’t see anything in the back section of the track. So, when we got to turn three, I thought there was a little dry line but there wasn’t. So, I just lost the rear, and I was able to pick the bike up and get seventh, which I’m happy about. Today, I was kind of managing the gap a little bit. I probably could have gone a little faster, but there was really no need to. The front was sliding a lot. So, I didn’t want to take the risk. I’d say it was a pretty good weekend.”

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/

Unpredictable Weather Hits MXGP as Gajser and Coenen Emerge Victorious

Frank Duggan

May 20, 2024

Unpredictable weather hits MXGP again as Tim Gajser and Lucas Coenen emerge victorious in France.

The classic hillside venue of the Circuit du Puy de Poursay saw a tumultuous Monster Energy MXGP of France play out in front of a packed bank of fans who, like the riders and crews, had to contend with changeable weather conditions at St Jean d’Angely!

Many of the French fans that created an incredible atmosphere at the south-western circuit near Bordeaux, believed that they had seen one of their own claim victory in MXGP, as it looked like 3-2 finishes were enough for the Kawasaki Racing Team rider, Romain Febvre.

However, penalties from the Race Direction to two riders who jumped a double on waved yellow flags meant that it was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser who was classified as the winner, his 1-6 finishes becoming 1-4 to put him a single point ahead of Febvre on the day. A final lap pass by Jeffrey Herlings to snatch the second race win for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ultimately proved decisive in the overall reckoning as the Dutchman ended the day in third overall.

In MX2, Lucas Coenen completed a perfect weekend for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, his second straight Grand Prix victory which moves him up to third in the Championship standings.

After Febvre won the RAM Qualifying Race in Saturday’s muddy conditions, the first race on Sunday was on a much drier track, which probably didn’t help the Frenchman, who was struggling with a thumb injury picked up in Free Practice on Saturday. He made the best possible start, however, taking a clear Fox Holeshot Award, his first of the year, with incoming red plate holder Jorge Prado giving chase for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing!

Gajser surged forward past a fast-starting Mattia Guadagnini on his Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing machine, while Herlings was deep in the pack and had to fight through, eventually only getting back to sixth at the finish after being passed by the Standing Construct Honda of Pauls Jonass, who claimed fifth.

Just after the finish line jump, Prado hit some braking bumps raggedly and Gajser pounced to take second. On a mission, the Slovenian dug into Febvre’s lead, and took it by squeezing the Frenchman towards the edge of the circuit on the biggest uphill section of the track!

Febvre’s teammate Jeremy Seewer, fastest in Time Practice yesterday, held a solid fourth for the entire race, initially tailed by Fantic Factory Racing’s Brian Bogers and Glenn Coldenhoff, although a great charge by Pauls Jonass put the Standing Construct Honda man into fifth by the close, just holding off Herlings in a dash to the flag!

In the closing minutes of the race, Prado started to catch Febvre, and passed the Kawasaki with a clean move as the Frenchman was clearly struggling with his injury. Gajser was also suffering, in this case from arm pump, and Prado narrowed the gap to just 6.5 seconds by the flag, but the Slovenian held on for the win and a three-point Championship advantage heading into race two!

The heavens opened as the MXGP riders went to the line for their second race, and pools of water were collecting around the circuit as Febvre grabbed his second Fox Holeshot Award of the day and splashed his way to what looked like an insurmountable lead. Seewer and Jonass were initially second and third, but Herlings moved past them both as they started the first full lap, and was swiftly joined by Gajser.

The two five-time World Champions again battled in the rain, almost like they did in Portugal, except that it was impossible for the Slovenian to get close enough to make a move. After ten laps of being locked together at an incredible pace for the conditions, it was the Honda man that suffered a high-speed fall that sent him sliding down the hill on his backside! He picked it back up to salvage sixth at the line, behind another brilliant performance from Jonass in third, Seewer in fourth, and Team Ship To Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR rookie Kevin Horgmo, having the best race of his MXGP career in fifth.

Gajser’s fall let the pressure off for Herlings, and suddenly he was closing on Febvre, who had been covered by a huge mud splash from a lapped rider that messed up his goggles! Despite the roar of the local crowd, Febvre could not keep back ‘The Bullet’ who fired down the big hill to break their hearts on the very final lap of the day!

Febvre thought that the move had cost him the overall win, but at the time the crowd were telling him that it hadn’t. After such an incredible effort through the pain, his results were amazing. Unfortunately, Seewer and Horgmo had both been spotted jumping an uphill double while yellow flags were waving. After a similar penalty was enforced on Liam Everts yesterday, there was only one decision, and unfortunately for Febvre and his supporters, that decision left Gajser as the overall winner.

Prado had crossed the line in seventh position, but was promoted to fifth with the penalties. This means that the red plate passes back to the other red bike of Gajser, who takes a five-point lead into the one-week break with the Liqui Moly MXGP of Germany up next!

Tim Gajser: “First race was pretty nice under the sun with conditions almost perfect then for the second race, the rain came before we started and I unfortunately made a mistake to get around 6th. Then with the mud and the roosts I run out of rollers and had to take the goggles off and I got a crash after but in the end I’m super happy to get the Red Plate back on my bike and big thank you to all my team”

Romain Febvre: “For sure it’s bad news for me*, but I did everything I could on the track with my sore thumb as I rode with a lot of pain already on Saturday but very happy how it went. Then today in the first race I did a very good job to finish 3rd as I showed somehow good speed and was really happy with that. The rain started to drop for the second race which I was really happy about and I took a good start to race my own race and managed the gap with Jeffrey (Herlings) until he passed me in the last lap which I was disappointed about as I really wanted to win this race at home!”

* Not winning the GP due to penalties sustained by other riders in race 2 which influenced the final overall.

Jeffrey Herlings: “It was a tough one but I luckily made it happened in the end with the race win. I feel like I’m in the corner of a boxing ring with few counting against me but I keep pulling along and keep coming back. It’s not over until it’s over and I need to work a bit on some things but I got the speed and the fitness and I need to make everything to click together. I’m looking forward to race in Germany in two weeks’ time”

MXGP – Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 35:12.805; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:06.468; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:19.064; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:22.952; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Honda), +0:24.196; 6. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:24.659; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:36.055; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Fantic), +0:53.738; 9. Brian Bogers (NED, Fantic), +0:54.945; 10. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:55.416

MXGP – Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 36:25.903; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:06.998; 3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Honda), +0:26.722; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +1:02.795; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +1:15.842; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:45.220; 7. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, Honda), +0:48.024; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +1:25.419; 9. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +1:32.962; 10. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +1:39.492

MXGP Overall – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 43 points; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 42 p.; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 38 p.; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 36 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 33 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 27 p.; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 24 p.; 9. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, YAM), 23 p.; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, FAN),21 p

MXGP – World Championship – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 348 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 343 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 319 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 287 p.; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 253 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 234 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 223 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 200 p.; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 145 p.; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 130

MXGP – Manufacturers Classification: 1. Honda, 365 points; 2. GASGAS, 343 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 332 p.; 4. KTM, 299 p.; 5. Yamaha, 261 p.; 6. Fantic, 210 p.; 7. Beta, 120 p.; 8. Husqvarna, 58 p

Unpredictable Weather Hits Mxgp As Gajser And Coenen Emerge Victorious

Once more, MX2 was a hectic treat, although the home crowd were missing Thibault Benistant after his crash in Time Practice which saw him ruled out of the GP with a concussion and a small fracture in his vertebra. Everyone involved with MXGP send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Although he confesses to struggling to get the holeshot against lighter riders, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Championship leader Kay de Wolf had a cunning plan and went for the far outside line off the gate, caught some traction from the side verge and catapulted into the lead to claim his first Fox Holeshot Award of the year! It looked ominous for the pack, but the Dutchman ran wide in the third corner, and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Sacha Coenen and Liam Everts took the chance to get past, with De Wolf’s teammate Lucas Coenen tucking into fourth spot.

Halfway around the second full lap, De Wolf closed back in on Everts, but the Belgian lost the front wheel in the still damp mud and tipped over into the red plate holder! Lucas Coenen gratefully accepted the gift of second place and went chasing after his brother.

S.Coenen held on until lap 7, when his brother managed to rail around the outside of an uphill corner and move ahead, ultimately building himself a 10-second gap by the finish to take his third race win of the season!

Sadly for his brother, S.Coenen suffered a fast downhill crash that he was fortunate to recover from, just after his teammate Andrea Adamo had moved through into second place. The Monster Energy Triumph Racing machine of Mikkel Haarup moved up to third, but he was quickly caught by Simon Laengenfelder, who made a move on lap 14 to put his Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing machine ahead. Haarup caught his back wheel and briefly went down, costing him fourth to De Wolf.

The Dutchman got past Laengenfelder with three laps to go, a nice result for him against his main Championship challenger, with Adamo’s second place finish moving him ahead of the absent Benistant in the standings. Lucas Coenen collected the maximum points, putting him ahead of Everts into third place in the title chase.

With the first gate pick, Lucas took the same outside gate as De Wolf had in race one, but it wasn’t quite enough to beat his brother Sacha to the Fox Holeshot Award line, the KTM rider claiming his sixth of the year.

Lucas ran slightly wide in that first corner, and Laengenfelder and Haarup shot past into second and third. That was only a temporary situation! No sooner had Lucas got back into second than he was chasing down his brother, and halfway around the second full lap he blasted through to lead, and nobody saw which way he went from there!

Meanwhile, Haarup tangled with Laengenfelder again, falling from fourth place to what would eventually be sixth. Sacha Coenen was moved steadily backwards by his rivals through the race, then fell to eventually come home in ninth, nowhere near reflecting the speed he has shown this weekend.

De Wolf got past Sacha to claim second on lap five, and held it to the flag, finishing 24 seconds behind his teammate. Laengenfelder’s third limited the points damage, but he leaves France with a 52-point gap to make up as he heads to his home GP after two weeks of rest and treatment on his recently-plated collarbone.

Adamo’s fourth in race two was good enough to claim third on the podium, with Everts fifth, and the two teammates are 11 points apart in the standings with the Belgian in fourth ahead of the Italian.

Lucas Coenen was ecstatic with his perfect weekend, and sits just 7 points behind Laengenfelder as they head to a track he was frighteningly fast at last season.

After a week off, the pack head into another three straight weeks of frantic action for the Liqui Moly MXGPs of Germany, Latvia, and Italy to complete the first half of the campaign by the end of June!

Lucas Coenen: “I’m really happy about my weekend.. two race wins, the RAM Qualifying Race win and then the overall of course! I couldn’t ask more this weekend to be honest so from now we’ll start to build on that for the future and try to get more and more wins. In race 1, I wasn’t so sure about the gate pick but anyway it went good in the race then I thought to pick the gate of Kay (de Wolf) even if it was a bit outside and dryer and it worked really well. I also want to say STAY STRONG to Thibault as he got a really big crash in Time Practice on Saturday, I really hope to see him soon back racing with us.”

Kay de Wolf: “The weekend was not as we expected but finally I’m happy with my riding, I’ve been consistent even in Race 2 when it started to rain so I rode safe and thought about the championship. Finally I’m happy to be on the podium again and I hope to keep this momentum and of course also to be back to winning ways”

Andrea Adamo: “Race 1 was good I managed to have a good start and I finished second but Race 2 was more complicated as I had Sacha (Coenen) in front of me and of course being so fast didn’t make my life easy. Once I passed him I’ve tried to keep a good rhythm but it was not so easy and I couldn’t find it especially in the last 15 minutes so I couldn’t catch Simon (Laengenfelder) in front of me and I thought about the points. I’m also happy because is my second podium back-to-back and looking forward to be there also in Germany.”

MX2 – Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), 35:26.564; 2. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:10.145; 3. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:16.488; 4. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:23.556; 5. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:30.241; 6. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:47.461; 7. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +1:12.661; 8. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:14.544; 9. Kay Karssemakers (NED, Fantic), +1:22.605; 10. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +1:24.602

MX2 – Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), 34:49.450; 2. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:24.167; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:29.849; 4. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:35.695; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:38.711; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +1:03.981; 7. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +1:09.865; 8. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +1:13.200; 9. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +1:15.240; 10. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:27.20

MX2 Overall – Top 10 Classification 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 50 points; 2. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 42 p.; 3. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 38 p.; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 31 p.; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 31 p.; 7. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, HON), 27 p.; 8. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KAW), 24 p.; 9. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 21 p.; 10. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 21 p

MX2 – World Championship Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 342 points; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 290 p.; 3. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 283 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 268 p.; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 257 p.; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 p.; 7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 216 p.; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 211 p.; 9. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 159 p.; 10. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 126 p.

MX2 – Manufacturers Classification: 1. Husqvarna, 372 points; 2. KTM, 345 p.; 3. GASGAS, 297 p.; 4. Yamaha, 269 p.; 5. Triumph, 241 p.; 6. Kawasaki, 148 p.; 7. Honda, 132 p.; 8. Fantic, 90 p.; 9. TM, 29 p.

Below: Nice moment of fair-play and respect from Lucas Coenen on the podium of the Monster Energy MXGP of France as he holds the #198 plate high, showing support to Thibault Benistant after his injury sustained on Saturday.

MONSTER ENERGY MXGP OF FRANCE QUICK FACTS:
Crowd Attendance: 39,300
Circuit length: 1620m
Type of ground: Hard Pack
Temperature: 18°
Weather conditions: Cloudy/Rainy

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

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

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

Rios and Carpe take FIM JuniorGP honours in blockbuster Barcelona event

Frank Duggan

May 19, 2024

Round 3 saw the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship head to beautiful Barcelona and the action did not disappoint. With six races on show, three were decided in the final corners with podium battles raging on to the very end.

In the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship category, Jesus Rios (MRE Talent) and Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing) took honours, while Dani Muñoz (Gas Up Racing Team) did the double in the Moto2™ European Championship. In the European Talent Cup, Marco Morelli continued to show what a future talent he is with victory, while Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Yamaha GV Racing) cemented his position atop the title standings in the Stock™ European Championship.

FIM JuniorGP
Jesus Rios made it three wins in four in the opening race of the day in the FIM JuniorGP™ class. The Spaniard was the Championship leader coming into Barcelona, and he extended his advantage after timing his attack to perfection in Catalunya. The #54 was joined on the podium by Marcos Uriarte (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team) and polesitter Adrian Cruces (Finetwork Team), but only after late heartbreak denied Eddie O’Shea (British Talent Team – Mlav Racing).

The Brit had led the action for much of the race, but a last lap Turn 10 scuffle saw him bunted wide and opened the door for Rios to go from P4 to P1 in the blink of an eye – a position he didn’t relinquish while Uriarte and Cruces took top three finishes.

In Race 2, Alvaro Carpe stunned CFMoto Aspar pair Uriarte and Morosi on the line as the Spaniard took victory in a highly compelling affair. The #83 started P12 on the grid, and bided his time as the lead changed hands on numerous occasions. A large group vied for honours, with a last lap crash for Eddie O’Shea denying the Brit once again, and then a separate incident that saw Race 1 winner Rios go down with Marcos Ruda (SeventyTwo Artbox Racing Team) and Rico Salmela (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact JuniorGP Team) caused havoc for the chasing pack.

That allowed the front three to escape in the final sector, with Uriarte, and now the new Championship leader, leading around the final corner, but on the run to the line Morosi poked his nose ahead of his teammate for second, while Carpe pulled out wide to secure a maiden win by just 0.025s.

Moto2 European Championship
Later in the afternoon, Moto2™ ECh were back on track as another Muñoz masterclass saw him do the double. The second race of the day followed a similar script, with Casadei struggling at the start and Muñoz, Navarro and Garcia breaking away, however, this time they were joined by Eric Fernandez (FAU55 TEY Racing) and Surra.

All five led the race at some point before Muñoz assumed control ahead of Navarro, and the two left the rest of the field in their wake and, in a repeat of Race 1, that’s how they finished.

The battle for the final podium position wasn’t over yet as Garcia held third ahead of a hard-charging Unai Orradre (STV Laglisse Racing) but on the penultimate lap it all changed as the #31 went from P3 to P5 and then out of the race as Orradre and Casadei, who had mounted another comeback, came steaming through. Garcia encountered technical difficulties and it was Orradre who claimed P3, with Casadei taking back the Championship lead ahead of Portimao.

European Talent Cup
In the European Talent Cup, Marco Morelli showed off his class to romp home to his second win of the campaign by 2.9s, with David Gonzalez (AC Racing Team) and Giulio Pugliese (CFMoto Aspar Team) joining him on the podium.

Morelli started from pole, and the Argentinian pulled the pin early to clear off into the distance to avoid a dramatic podium battle behind him. Carlos Cano (SeventyTwo Artbox Racing Team) came from the back of the grid and dragged a freight train of riders with him to catch Gonzalez and Pugliese in the podium places, and just as the Spaniard looked to make his move on the last lap, he was clipped by Valentin Perrone (Frando Racing VHC Team) and sent flying into the gravel to record a Barcelona blank. As a result, Morelli once again takes control of the Championship chase with two races coming up in Portimao.

Stock European Championship
As per usual, the Stock ECh rounded out the day’s proceedings as Lorenzo Dalla Porta sealed his second win of the campaign in scintillating style. Joining the Championship leader on the podium were Mario Mayor (Yamaha GV Racing) and Demis Mihaila (MDR Competition), with victory yet again decided on the final lap.

Mayor took the lead at Turn 1, and it looked like the Spaniard was set for a maiden win in the class, but a stunning Turn 12 move from polesitter Dalla Porta saw him fire it up the inside of the #82 for victory.

All roads now lead the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship back to Portugal to the sunny Algarve on June 23rd. After a thrilling Round 3 in Barcelona, Portimao has a tough act to follow, but it’s set to be unmissable, so make sure you tune in then!

For more info checkout our dedicated FIM JuniorGP™ news page superbike-news.co.uk/cev-repsol/

You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com/en

Donington Park Delivers an Intense and Thrilling Day in Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Matt Anthony

May 19, 2024

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship witnessed an exhilarating Race 2 at Donington Park, with Glenn Irwin emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle. The Hager PBM Ducati rider showcased his skill and determination, fending off challenges from his rivals to secure the top spot on the podium.

Leon Haslam, riding for ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad, finished a close second, just 0.335 seconds behind Irwin. Tommy Bridewell, onboard the Honda, completed the podium in third place, a further 1.973 seconds adrift.

Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) and Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) rounded out the top five, engaging in their own thrilling duel for fourth place. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati), Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda), Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad), Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK), and Fraser Rogers (TAG Honda) completed the top ten, showcasing the depth of talent in the field.

Race 2 Top 10:

Glenn Irwin (Ducati)
Leon Haslam (BMW)
Tommy Bridewell (Honda)
Danny Kent (Yamaha)
Kyle Ryde (Yamaha)
Christian Iddon (Ducati)
Charlie Nesbitt (Honda)
Josh Brookes (BMW)
Andrew Irwin (Honda)
Fraser Rogers (Honda)

The championship standings after Race 2 saw Glenn Irwin extend his lead, with Danny Kent and Kyle Ryde in close pursuit. The battle for the top spot remains intense, setting the stage for an exciting Race 3.

Race 3

The final race of the day at Donington Park will go down in Bennetts British Superbike Championship history as one of the most thrilling and dramatic races of the season. Jason O’Halloran, riding for Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki, emerged victorious after an intense battle with Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) and Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati).

The trio exchanged positions throughout the race, pushing each other to the limit. In a stunning final corner, Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) managed to steal third place on the podium, adding to the excitement of the race. O’Halloran crossed the finish line just 1.068 seconds ahead of Bridewell, with Kent a mere 0.141 seconds further back.

Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing), Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad), Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK), Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda), Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati), Max Cook (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki), and Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) completed the top ten, showcasing the incredible competition within the field.

Race 3 Top 10:

Jason O’Halloran (Kawasaki)
Tommy Bridewell (Honda)
Danny Kent (Yamaha)
Glenn Irwin (Ducati)
Kyle Ryde (Yamaha)
Leon Haslam (BMW)
Andrew Irwin (Honda)
Lee Jackson (Honda)
Christian Iddon (Ducati)
Max Cook (Kawasaki)

The championship standings remain tight, with Glenn Irwin leading the way on 103 points, followed by Danny Kent on 88 points and Kyle Ryde on 84 points. Christian Iddon and Tommy Bridewell are tied for fourth place with 77 points each, ensuring a fierce battle for the championship as the season progresses.

As the Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads to Knockhill for the next round, fans can expect more drama, close battles, and thrilling finishes. The Donington Park round has set the tone for an unforgettable season, and the upcoming races promise to deliver even more excitement and adrenaline-fueled action.

Petersen Withstands The Pressure To Take Superbike Victory At Barber

Frank Duggan

May 19, 2024

Cameron Petersen Tops His Teammate Jake Gagne In Steel Commander Superbike Action From Barber Motorsports Park.

Leading 17 laps of a MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike race is tough enough. Leading 17 laps with three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne breathing down your neck is flat out daunting. But Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha’s Cameron Petersen was able to focus on what was ahead and not what was behind to win Saturday’s first of three Superbike races at Barber Motorsports Park.

And in doing so, the South African never put a wheel wrong to top his teammate Gagne by .438 of a second after 20 laps. Since 20 minus 17 is three, who led those opening three laps? That would be Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier on his BMW M 1000 RR, but it didn’t last. Just when it was starting to look like the five-time series champion was going to romp away to victory, it all went horribly wrong on the fourth lap when Beaubier crashed out of the lead.

That left Petersen vs. Gagne with Petersen leading and Gagne giving chase, piling on the pressure to see if Petersen would falter. He didn’t. Instead, he was mostly perfect in earning his fourth MotoAmerica Superbike victory with three of those coming at Barber Motorsports Park.

Gagne ended up second, happy for his teammate while also knowing that he’d extended his championship points lead to 20 points over his title rival Beaubier, 65-45, after the first three races of the season.

Both Petersen and Gagne acknowledged that things would have been different if Beaubier hadn’t crashed.

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin came out on top of a three-rider scrap for the final podium spot. After moving past his teammate Loris Baz, Herrin disposed of impressive rookie Sean Dylan Kelly on the final lap to finish third.

TopPro Racing’s Kelly ended up .476-of-a-second behind Herrin and .502-of-a-second ahead of Baz. It was Kelly’s third top-five finish to start his rookie season of Superbike racing.

Spaniard Xavi Forés was sixth in his debut on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, riding in place of the injured Richie Escalante. Forés was well back from Baz and .8 seconds ahead of seventh-placed JD Beach and his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR.

Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim was eighth with Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong and Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch rounding out the top 10 finishers.

With three races in the books, Gagne leads Beaubier in the title chase, 65-45, with Petersen jumping up to third in the standings with 42 points. Kelly is fourth with 37 points, three clear of fifth-placed Herrin.

Sunday will be a busy day for the Steel Commander Superbike men with two races on the schedule.

Petersen Withstands The Pressure To Take Superbike Victory At Barber — The top three – Petersen, Gagne and Josh Herrin – celebrate in a make-shift podium celebration due to potential lightning in the area. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Quotes

Cameron Petersen – Winner

“It feels good. I think this is three wins at this track. Got one in the dry, but honestly it feels so good. I know a lot of people know what I’ve gone through in the off-season and after the surgery. It’s been a tough off-season. The wrist is starting to feel really good on the bike. It just feels so good to get this monkey off my back. It’s been a questioning game, wondering if I did the right thing with the surgery. But it’s starting to pay off. Like Jake said, we had a really tough Friday. We were all kind of scratching our heads, and the boys did an incredible job. We definitely took a step forward today. We had a good race bike. We kind of got gifted that one a little bit. Cam had some incredible pace in the beginning there. He was starting to check out. For the rest of the race, I just tried to hit my marks. I knew if I do that and I was good on the brakes and didn’t make any mistakes, I kind of knew that I would have a good opportunity at it. So, just put my head down and did everything I could. With about five laps to go, I was just like, nobody is taking this thing from me. We’re too close to the end. I’ve led this whole thing. I just wanted it super bad. Congrats to the guys up here next to me. It’s always fun racing against them. Look forward to two races tomorrow.”

Jake Gagne – Second Place

“It was awesome. Cam (Petersen) rode a great race. He didn’t put a wheel wrong. I was sitting there kind of waiting for a mistake. He was good on the brakes everywhere, so there was not a whole lot I could do unless I really tried to stuff it in there. I was going to see if I could try to make a move somewhere on those last couple laps. Then it started sprinkling, so in the back it was getting dark. I just figured there was nothing I could do unless he made a mistake, and he didn’t. He wanted that one. Congrats to Cam. He earned it. Congrats to the team, to go one-two after our pretty rough day yesterday, actually. So, it was good to see the consistency there. Fun race, riding around with Cam. Obviously, my teammate and one of my great friends. So, congrats to him. But we got some work to do. See if we can improve some things tomorrow. (Cameron) Beaubier was unreal those first couple laps. I didn’t see what happened, but I hope he’s okay. Everybody is going to be going faster tomorrow, so we got to do our job.”

Josh Herrin – Third Place

“We kind of just went back to what we had on Friday and tried something small from that. We’ve been here three times now on this bike. We came here for the race last year, a track day earlier in the year, and then now. I’m just stuck at the time that I’m at. I just can’t do anything better. Having Baz here, it helped because for me, mentally knowing that it wasn’t just me, this is just a difficult track for us. The bike feels great, but I just can’t go any faster on it. It’s weird because I feel like I’m going really good, but then those guys are going quicker. So, I’ve just got to keep plugging away here and keep trying to get better, but just know that there’s better days ahead. We got Road America coming up next. It’s a hard pill to swallow, knowing that this is a three-race round. But the most important thing to me, as much as I love the guy, is to beat Baz. So, it was good motivation. I had a good battle with Sean at the end. It was just a really fun race. Huge thanks to my team for just the nonstop effort, trying to get it better. I don’t know if it’s something that we need to improve on the bike or if it’s just me not being comfortable. Historically, this is a good track for me, so it’s hard to understand. But, if you would have asked me yesterday or this morning, if I’d be happy with third, I’d be stoked. Especially after Atlanta. We had arguably the best race of my career, but it just didn’t look like it on paper. But catching those guys as much as I did and feeling as good as I did on the bike, I got a really good on my head shoulders mentally going into the next couple rounds. I’m happy, and just hoping that tomorrow is better or maybe it rains and then maybe it helps us out. I don’t know.”

Superbike Race One

Cameron Petersen (Yamaha)
Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
Josh Herrin (Ducati)
Sean Dylan Kelly (BMW)
Loris Baz (Ducati)
Xavi Forés (Suzuki)
JD Beach (BMW)
Hayden Gillim (Honda)
Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
Brandon Paasch (Suzuki)

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

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

Action Aplenty In MotoAmerica Support Class Racing At Barber

Frank Duggan

May 19, 2024

A Day Of First-Time Winners And Veteran Domination At Barber Motorsports Park.

This is 15-year-old Logan Cunnison’s second year of racing in MotoAmerica, and May 18, 2024, is a date the Arizona-based Junior Cup rider won’t soon forgot. Not only did Cunnison earn his very first MotoAmerica pole position, but he also notched his first career podium and finished on the top step as the winner of Saturday’s Junior Cup race one in a dominant performance.

The rain stayed away on Saturday at Barber Motorsports Park. Right up until the point when it didn’t. The rainstorm that was expected in the afternoon finally reared its ugly head prior to the start of the BellissiMoto Twins Cup race, but with a small delay the race started and was completed under cloudy but sunny skies. The Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race., however, was delayed until tomorrow morning with the BTR women set to race twice on Sunday.

Motoamerica Support Series - Barber - Sunday Morning — Gabriel Da Silva (74) leads Hayden Gillim (1), Benjamin Smith (78) and Bryce Prince (17) battle for Stock 1000 glory. Gillim ended up taking the win. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Stock 1000 – Gillim Gets It Done

The Stock 1000 Championship finally got started with its opening round at Barber Motorsports Park and while many were thinking the race would be a thriller, it wasn’t part of Hayden Gillim’s plan.

Real Steel Motorsports Honda’s Gillim ran away and hid from the 36-rider field to win the opening round in the defense of his 2023 Stock 1000 Championship by some 11 seconds. The win was the 12^th of Gillim’s Stock 1000 career, and it moved him into a tie with Andrew Lee and Corey Alexander as the winningest rider in the history of the class.

Gillim’s start wasn’t a good one and he had to fight his way to second place early before moving into the lead for good on the third lap after getting ahead of GMR/Jones Honda’s Gabriel Da Silva. Once in front, Gillim put his head down and left the others in his wake as he rode his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP to victory to give Honda its first win in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 class.

Da Silva was a rather lonely runner-up, some four seconds ahead of BPR’s Bryce Prince with the Californian taking a weekend off work to try his hand at the Stock 1000 class. Bryce was in a battle with Benjamin Smith early on, but there was contact between the two with Smith coming out the worst of it as he crashed his FLO4LAW Racing Yamaha YZF-R1.

Visit Indiana/Tom Wood Powersports’ Nolan Lamkin finished fourth on his BMW M 1000 RR with Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates fifth, giving Honda three CBRs in the top five.

Gillim leads the championship point standings by five over Da Silva and nine over Prince.

“I knew I could do the laps consistent just from all the practice sessions,” Gillim said. “We actually kind of had some miscues and didn’t get to put any new tires on the bike during the sessions. So really most of the sessions I was just doing race stints. So, I knew I could do the lap times. We had some stuff going on with the front end and made a couple clicker changes and it was pretty well fixed. I was super happy with that. I felt from the first lap of the race that I had a little bit extra from what I had in qualifying. It’s been a good weekend. The start wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. After Road Atlanta, I was getting some really good starts, and all my practice starts, testing and everything have been good. Then that light was a little long. If you go and watch the race, you see me about fall over to the right because I was sitting with my rear foot on the rear brake. As the lights hold, I started falling over and I had to end up taking that foot off right as the light went. It threw me a little bit, but it was a good race. These guys were putting up a good fight at the beginning. I had a couple runs on Gabriel (Da Silva) those first two laps. He was doing a good job of kind of blocking the real passing zones and made me work for it. It was a fun race. I was happy to get out front and get into a good pace and get the win. This is a new team. I’ve got the same crew guys from last year, but new bikes, new trailer, new title sponsors. So, it’s great to get the first win on the Honda. See how tomorrow goes. See how the rest of the season goes.”

Supersport – Scholtz Gets His First

Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen was content to sit on the rear of TopPro Racing’s Maxi Gerardo. Lap after lap after lap. But with four to go, the New Yorker took the lead, and it seemed like it would be smooth sailing to victory for the championship points leader.

Enter Mathew Scholtz and his Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

After a horrible start from the inside of row one. Scholtz was able to make some moves to end the lap in a battle for fifth. On the ninth of 18 laps, Scholtz was free and started to move forward. On the 10^th lap, he went past Blake Davis to take over fourth, but he didn’t stop there.

Meanwhile, up front, Jacobsen decided to go to the lead with four laps to go. Little did he know there was more racing in store for him as Scholtz was past Gerardo and into second. And the South African wasn’t content to finish there. On the last lap, Scholtz made his move and held it to the flag, winning his first MotoAmerica Supersport race by .269 of a second over Jacobsen with Gerardo just a tick over a second behind.

Scott rode the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki to fourth, some eight seconds behind Scholtz and just .5 of a second ahead of Davis and his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R6.

Equitea MV Agusta by MP13 Racing’s Roberto Tamburini was sixth, less than a second ahead of Wrench Motorcycles’ David Anthony. Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa, Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis and Rahal Ducati Moto’s Corey Alexander rounded out the top 10 finishers.

After three races, Jacobson leads the championship by 16 points over Scholtz and 31 ahead of his teammate Alexander.

“When I was with (Stefano) Mesa, (Blake) Davis, a bunch of the guys, I was running like 27.3, 27.4,” Scholtz said. “I felt like I was pushing to my absolute max because I think that I was definitely flowing through a couple corners a little bit quicker, so I wasn’t able to kind of use those spots to pick up the lap time. So, once I kind of got some clear track, I started dropping time. I could see that I was catching them, but I thought that I was going to fall short. I think one lap they got screwed by the lappers into the second corner, which definitely helped me. Then I got up to third right onto Max’s (Gerardo) tail, and I just went for a crazy pass. I nearly crashed. Unfortunately, I think we touched. Then I managed to pass PJ (Jacobsen) on the second-to-last corner again, and then last lap I just put my absolute hardest lap down. I think I did a 26.8, which was one of the fastest laps for me. Overall, I’m just super happy to be sitting up top here.”

Junior Cup – Cunnison’s First

Speed Demon Racing’s Logan Cunnison became the third first-time winner in the first three Junior Cup races of the season on Saturday at Barber Motorsports Park as he topped championship points leader Yandel Medina by two seconds in the 11-lap race.

Medina came out on top of a five-rider pack contesting third, the New York Safety Track Racing-backed New Yorker beating Karns Performance’s Levi Badie by .251 of a second. Wolfe Racing’s Ryan Wolfe and BARTCON Racing’s Matthew Chapin rounded out the top five.

“Just excited,” 15-year-old Cunnison said after his first win. “It’s unbelievable. It’s just too exciting.”

The 2024 season marks Cunnison’s second go in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Dreher Reigns In The Rain

Floridian Avery Dreher is racing in two classes this season. He’s defending his 2023 Junior Cup Championship while also competing in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup Championship aboard a TopPro Racing Aprilia. Despite a thoroughly wet track from a cloudburst over Barber Motorsports, Dreher rode a masterful race in the tricky conditions and got his first victory in MotoAmerica’s two-cylinder, middleweight race class.

Second-place went to Cassidy Heiser, the Chiefs Racing Team Yamaha rider recording his first-ever podium finish in MotoAmerica competition. Completing the podium was Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle, whose third-place result was his third podium in the past three races.

Despite a ninth-place finish, Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Gus Rodio continues to lead the championship by 19 points over the tied duo of RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers, sixth today, and Doyle.

“I think this is for sure going to boost my confidence to try to get up there in the Twins Cup,” Dreher said. “With the unfortunate mechanical in the Junior Cup race earlier, that kind of bummed me out. But as soon as I saw the clouds start to roll in and the rain start to fall, I got a little bit excited because I’m a pretty good rain rider. I knew I just had to be smooth and finish the race on two wheels. It got a little sketchy out there towards the end. I was starting to hydroplane here and there, but I saw Alessandro go down. I knew he was pushing because I couldn’t hang with him. The rear was sliding all over the place, so I just took it easy and just tried to finish the race.”

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

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

Sunshine And Showers Bring RAM Qualifying Race Wins For Febvre And Coenen

Frank Duggan

May 18, 2024

Sunshine and showers bring RAM qualifying race wins for Romain Febvre and Lucas Coenen in France.

After a sunny morning on the Saturday of the Monster Energy MXGP of France, thunderstorms and heavy rain hit the hillsides of St. Jean d’Angely, making the previously perfect racing surface decidedly wetter for the afternoon’s RAM Qualifying Races!

There were concerns for the local favourites during the Practice sessions, as Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre came up short on a big uphill triple jump and hurt his thumb. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 star Thibault Benistant suffered a crash on a downhill and was treated for concussion, meaning he will sadly miss tomorrow’s races. We wish him well in his recovery.

Romain’s Kawasaki Racing Team stable-mate Jeremy Seewer showed some great speed in the practice sessions, setting the fastest time in both Free and Time Practice, with Jeffrey Herlings in second for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ahead of World Championship leader Jorge Prado, who put an early fast one in for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing.

Despite the pain from his thumb, Febvre lined up hoping that the conditions would help him tough to get some points. However, as the sun came out to shine over the French hillsides, it also shone on their star rider as he avoided three separate crashes to dive past his teammate Seewer in the second corner! The crowd roared for their former World Champion, as Tim Gajser was forced briefly off-track with his Team HRC Honda just after the first turn!

It was briefly a Kawasaki 1-2, but Prado nipped past the Swiss rider into second place on the opening lap. Mattia Guadagnini had got up to a fine fourth for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, but crashed on an uphill jump and would finish 15th.

Gajser put on a majestic charge to get up to fifth by the end of the first full lap, and by the end of lap three he was flying past Seewer for third! Two laps later he caught Prado, who ran wide in the corner after the finish line, allowing the Slovenian through! The reigning Champion would drop to fourth behind Seewer two laps later, and that was how they finished!

Kevin Horgmo put in a season-best finish of fifth for Team Ship-to-Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR, lifting himself past his teammate Valentin Guillod into ninth in the Championship! Jeffrey Herlings had worked his way up to seventh, but dropped to tenth on the final lap, putting him now 58 points off the top!

The loudly hailed victory for Febvre was his second RAM Qualifying Race win of the year and puts him just 28 points behind the leaders of the Championship. And that’s not a typing error, we have joint Championship leaders as Gajser’s second position puts him level with Prado on 305 points going into tomorrow’s Monster Energy MXGP of France!

Romain Febvre: “This morning, I injured my thumb and I was way off because I had too much pain. But when it started raining, I thought that it was my chance to be in the points at least. I actually took a very good start and passed first in the second turn so then it was the case of ‘let’s ride and see where I am’. I managed to pull away and I don’t know how I managed to do that as I nearly pulled off today to ride tomorrow. I’m speechless! I think I’m quite strong in the end and it made the difference.”

MXGP – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), 24:56.195; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:06.656; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:14.755; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:44.402; 5. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, Honda), +0:45.597; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:49.634; 7. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +1:02.116; 8. Brian Bogers (NED, Fantic), +1:05.095; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, Beta), +1:08.094; 10. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +1:16.739

MXGP – World Championship Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 305 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 305 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 277 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 247 p.; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 217 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 201 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 196 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 179 p.; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 121 p.; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 120 p.

In Free Practice it was the brothers at the top, with Sacha Coenen fastest for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, ahead of Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Lucas Coenen. In Time Practice, Sacha was looking good for the pole again, but a late run from his teammate Liam Everts stole it from him, with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing star Simon Laengenfelder taking third.

The MX2 class had the worst of the weather, and it poured down as the gate dropped! Lucas Coenen emerged with the holeshot as his brother lost control into the first corner and went down, holding up Lucas’ teammate Kay de Wolf in the process! Sacha’s teammates Andrea Adamo and Everts were well up the order, but Marc-Antoine Rossi moved into second early on for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, putting in a brilliant effort on home ground.

De Wolf spent the first half of the race on a comeback through the pack, working his way past Adamo for fourth by lap 6 of the eventual 12. Further back, Quentin Prugnieres was having his best RAM Qualifying Race of the year, finishing sixth just ahead of Simon Laengenfelder, who lost further ground in the Championship, albeit still second for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing to De Wolf.

Kay would not get any further than fourth, as Everts passed Rossi for second and took the flag in that position. However, he was docked two places after the race for jumping over the finish line past a waving yellow flag, putting Rossi up into second, the best finish yet of his young career! De Wolf was also promoted, up to third, increasing his series lead to 48 points.

Ultimately though, there was no catching Lucas Coenen, who brought it home 38 seconds ahead of Rossi, a result that brings him past the absent Benistant into fourth in the Championship, only 4 points behind Everts!

All of the riders will wonder what the elements will bring us for tomorrow’s races after a hasty clean up this evening, but the 2024 MXGP World Championship continues to bring the shocks and surprises as it advances through its seventh round!

Lucas Coenen: “The track is brutal out there and with the water quite slick but I managed my race quite well. Bob made the goggles perfectly so thanks to him! Only at the end I struggled a bit because one guy pit me in the goggle and couldn’t see but I still managed to win it. It’s good even if it’s just the RAM Quali Race and tomorrow we’ll try to do the same so let’s go!”

MX2 – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: . Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), 25:45.416; 2. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA, GASGAS), +0:32.848; 3. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:45.228; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:21.632; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:56.564; 6. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:59.726; 7. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +1:13.266; 8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +1:18.668; 9. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +1:19.013; 10. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +1:40.215

MX2 – World Championship Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 300 points; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 252 p.; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 237 p.; 4. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 233 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 p.; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 217 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 190 p.; 8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 185 p.; 9. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 141 p.; 10. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 126 p

MONSTER ENERGY MXGP OF FRANCE QUICK FACTS:
Circuit length: 1620m
Type of ground: Hard Pack
Temperature: 18°
Weather conditions: Rainy/Cloudy

TIMETABLE

SUNDAY: 09:15 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:20 MXE 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

Battle in Barcelona commences as dramatic qualifying tees up bumper Saturday

Frank Duggan

May 18, 2024

After brilliant visits to Italy and Portugal for the opening two rounds, the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship rumbles into Barcelona for Round 3 of the campaign.

The rain once again played its part in the weekend’s early sessions, but eventually the sun came out and so did some rapid lap times.

Adrian Cruces (Finetwork Team) starts on pole in the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship, while Jorge Navarro (Klint Forward Junior Team) will also start from the head of the grid for the first time in the Moto2™ European Championship. In the European Talent Cup, Marco Morelli (MLav Racing) is on pole for the second time this season, as is Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Yamaha GV Racing) in the Stock European Championship.

FIM JuniorGP
Pole position in JuniorGP™ went the way of Adrian Cruces, though the young Spaniard only recorded the second quickest time in qualifying. Initially, it seemed that Alessandro Morosi (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team) had done enough to earn a maiden P1 start, but the Italian was adjudged to have broken technical regulations and was disqualified after the session.

That means Cruces is promoted to pole, with Casey O’Gorman (Team Estrella Galicia) and Eddie O’Shea (MLav Racing) starting on the front row.

The current Championship leader, Jesus Rios, must settle for a P8 start, while he is joined by his closest title rival Marco Uriarte (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team) on the third row, leaving them with plenty of work to do in both races on Sunday.

Moto2 European Championship
In the Moto2™ ECh, Jorge Navarro secured his first-ever pole position in the class courtesy of a superb 1:43.355. The Spaniard had over three-tenths in his pocket over Estoril victors Mattia Casadei (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro) and Roberto Garcia (Fantic Cardoso Racing), while the third race winner from 2024, Alberto Surra (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro) will head up the second row to complete a blockbuster Sunday front four in the Moto2™ class. For Navarro, having taken a first podium on debut in Estoril, the #11 will be keen to keep up his strong form as he bids to join the Championship chase in Catalunya.

European Talent Cup
In the European Talent Cup, Marco Morelli snagged his second pole position of the season, with the Argentinian starlet posting a 1:51.875 in Q2. The #97 currently sits P2 in the standings, having lost the initiative in the title race to Carlos Cano (SeventyTwo Artbox Racing Team) after the Spaniard’s double victory in Estoril.

However, the current title leader will launch from the back of the grid after being handed a penalty for riding slowly, as will Valentin Perrone (Frando Racing VHC Team) for the same offence. The Argentinian had recorded a lap good enough for P2, meaning David Gonzalez (AC Racing Team) and Gabriel Tesini (AC Racing Team) join Morelli at the front ahead of Sunday’s sole ETC race.

Stock European Championship
In the final qualifying session of the day, 2019 Moto3™ World Champion Lorenzo Dalla Porta showed his quality to take his second pole position of the campaign in the Stock ECh. The Italian’s 147.375 was enough to oust Jose Luis Armario (SuperHugo44 Team) from top spot late on, while Alex Millan (Team ZVMotor) will round out the front row.

Dalla Porta currently leads the class sin the standings, and he will be hopeful of extending his advantage, particularly as his nearest rival Francisco Ruiz (Dr Andifer Team) will start from P15. However, he will have to contend with the considerable threat of Estroil winner Adrian Rodriguez (SF Racing), who will line up behind the polesitter in P4.

It’s all set to be another thrilling round of racing, and it all kicks off at 11:00 local time (UTC +2). Make sure you tune in then!

For more info checkout our dedicated FIM JuniorGP™ news page superbike-news.co.uk/cev-repsol/

You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com/en

Ryde Storms to Victory in Thrilling Race 1 at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

May 18, 2024

Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) claimed a sensational victory in Race 1 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park.

Ryde, who qualified second on the grid behind teammate Ryan Vickers, made a stellar start and quickly established himself as a front-runner and took the lead after Vickers tucked the front of his OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing. He engaged in a thrilling duel with Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) and Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad) throughout the 14-lap race.

A red flag due to Christian Iddon going down and for safety reason the race was stopped, Ryde crossed the finish line just 0.559 seconds ahead of Bridewell, with Haslam completing the podium in third. Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) and Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) rounded out the top five.

Earlier in the day, the Combined Practice sessions saw intense competition with Ryan Vickers topping the timesheets with a blistering lap of 1:27.822, just 0.024 seconds ahead of Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki). Leon Haslam, Glenn Irwin, and Danny Kent completed the top five, all within a second of Vickers’ benchmark.

In the Omologato Superpole session, Vickers once again proved his raw speed, securing pole position with a lap time of 1:27.608. Kyle Ryde and Leon Haslam joined him on the front row, setting the stage for a thrilling Race 1.

In the Pathway class, Lewis Rollo (IN Competition / SENCAT Aprilia) claimed the top spot, finishing 19th overall and just ahead of Alex Olsen (Cumins by Team IWR Honda).

As the championship moves into Race 2, the battle for supremacy is set to intensify. With Ryde carrying the momentum from his Race 1 victory and Vickers eager to bounce back from his crash, fans can expect another thrilling showdown at Donington Park.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Race 1 result:

Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing)
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.559s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad) +1.060s
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) +1.312s
Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) +2.748s
Max Cook (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) +3.078s
Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) +5.778s
Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) +7.522s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +10.124s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) + 10.514s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) 85
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 76
Kyle Ryde (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) 73
Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) 68
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 67
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) 63
Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad) 56
Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) 52
Max Cook (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) 40
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) 35

Beaubier Vs. Baz On Fast Friday At Barber Motorsports Park

Frank Duggan

May 18, 2024

Cameron Beaubier Quickest On Opening Day Of Steel Commander Superbike Action At Barber.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier ended the opening day of Steel Commander Superbike action at Barber Motorsports Park with the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion on top of the timesheets at the conclusion of Q1.

Beaubier’s best lap in the 40-minute session was a 1:22.468 on his 18^th go-around and it put him .855 of a second ahead of Warhorse HSBK Ducati Racing’s Loris Baz with the Frenchman lapping at 1:23.323 on his 15^th lap.

TopPro Racing Team’s Sean Dylan Kelly continued his fast start to his rookie season of Superbike racing by clocking the third fastest time on his BMW M 1000 RR.

Fourth fastest and the last rider on the same second as Beaubier was Baz’s teammate Josh Herrin.

Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s defending three-time series champion Jake Gagne rounded out the top five on opening day and was just a tick over a second slower than his championship rival Beaubier.

Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong ended up sixth with Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen seventh. Eighth fastest was the first of the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s in the hands of Spaniard Xavi Forés, who was making his debut on the team as a replacement for the injured Richie Escalante.

Gagne’s teammate JD Beach and Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim rounded out the top 10.

Beaubier Vs. Baz On Fast Friday At Barber Motorsports Park — Tyler Scott earned provisional pole in the Supersport class at Barber Motorsports Park on Friday afternoon. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Supersport – Scott On Top

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott earned provisional pole position in Supersport on Friday afternoon by just .096 of a second over Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz in what was an ultra-close Q1 session. How close? The top 10 are all within a second of Scott’s best time of 1:26.607.

TopPro Racing Team’s Maximiliano Gerardo put in his best effort to date on the new team’s Suzuki GSX-R750 to earn a spot on the provisional front row leading into tomorrow’s Q2 session. Kayla Yaakov was the fastest of the three Rahal Ducati Moto teamsters with her best lap putting her fourth and just half a second off Scott’s pace. Her teammates, Corey Alexander and PJ Jacobsen, were 11^th and 12^th, respectively, with Road Atlanta doubleheader winner Jacobsen crashing out of the session early.

Wrench Motorcycles’ David Anthony ended the session fifth fastest.

Junior Cup – Cunnison Over Medina

Speed Demon Racing’s Logan Cunnison emerged from the pack of Junior Cup racers to take provisional pole for the two races at Barber Motorsports Park. Cunnison lapped at 1:37.417 to best championship points leader Yandel Medina by .571 of a second. Wolfe Racing’s Ryan Wolfe, who finished on the podium in both races at the opener at Road Atlanta, was third fastest.

Eli Block was fourth and the last rider on the same second as Cunnison on his BARTCON Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Di Mario Leads The Way

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Alessandro Di Mario and his Aprilia RS 660 were in a class of their own in BellissiMoto Twins Cup Q1 on Friday with the Italian 1.9 seconds clear of second-placed Rocco Landers on the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-8R.

Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle was third fastest, but 2.7 seconds behind Di Mario and some .370 of a second clear of Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Rossi Moor. NNG Capital Fund/Eleven Motorsports’ Ryan Max Johnson rounded out the top five heading into tomorrow’s Q2 session.

Stock 1000 – Gillim, Barely

Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim got his title defense off to a good start at Barber on Friday with the 2023 Stock 1000 Champion leading the way in Q1 on Friday. Gillim lapped at 1:24.760 on his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP to lead Gabriel Da Silva and his GMR/Jones Honda by just .189 of a second.

The first of the non-Hondas was Benjamin Smith’s FLO4LAW Racing Yamaha YZF-R1. Smith was .638 behind Gillim, but almost a second ahead of OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe. Motorsport Exotica BMW rider Andrew Lee completed the top five. Meanwhile, Irishman Richard Kerr was ninth fastest on his AMD Motorsport RK Racing BMW M 1000 RR in his Barber Motorsports Park debut.

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race – Who Else But Moore

Defending Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Champion Mikayla Moore was up to her old tricks in the first race of the season for the all-women series as she ended up 4.5 seconds faster than her nearest rival in the opening qualifying session.

Moore lapped at 1:46.507 to best Camille Conrad’s 1:51.102. Emma Betters was just .678 of a second behind Conrad.

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

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

Vickers Leads the Pack as Bennetts British Superbike Championship Kicks Off at Donington Park

Matt Anthony

May 17, 2024

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship roared into life at Donington Park, with riders eager to set the pace on the opening day of the third round. Ryan Vickers (Yamaha – OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) emerged as the quickest rider in the combined Free Practice sessions, setting a blistering lap time of 1:27.834.

Close behind Vickers was Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki), who clocked a time of 1:27.846, just 0.012 seconds adrift. Leon Haslam (ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad) completed the top three with a lap time of 1:27.922, showcasing the continued competitive nature of the field.

Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) and Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) rounded out the top five, with both riders pushing their machines to the limit in pursuit of the fastest lap time.

In Free Practice 1, Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) emerged as the rider to chase as he set the early pace with a lap time of 1:28.740, closely followed by Vickers and Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati). The session saw intense battles throughout the field, with riders jostling for position and looking to gain an early advantage.

Free Practice 2 witnessed a resurgence from Vickers, who topped the timesheets with his impressive 1:27.834 lap. O’Halloran and Haslam also made significant improvements, cementing their positions in the top three. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) and Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) showcased their potential, finishing eighth and ninth, respectively.

Further down the order, the Pathway class saw Jaimie van Sikkelerus (TAG Honda) lead the way, closely followed by Alex Olsen (Cumins by Team IWR Honda) and Lewis Rollo (IN Competition / SENCAT Aprilia). These riders will be looking to build on their strong performances as the weekend progresses.

As the day drew to a close, it was evident that the competition at Donington Park would be fierce. With the top 18 riders separated by just 1.493 seconds in the combined classification, every tenth of a second will count in the battle for pole position and race glory.

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship promises to deliver an action-packed weekend, with riders pushing their limits and showcasing their skills on the iconic Donington Park circuit.

WorldWCR field makes history with Cremona test

Frank Duggan

May 17, 2024

23 WorldWCR riders have completed their first ever outing together ahead of next month’s inaugural round in Misano.

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship test at the Cremona Circuit concluded on Friday afternoon with Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) leading the time sheets with a big margin over her rivals. The 2018 WorldSSP300 Champion posted the only 1’41s lap time of the test to finish seventh tenths clear of her rivals ahead of the Championship’s inaugural season starting next month at Misano.

Carrasco led the times at the end of Day 2, which featured a fully dry day after yesterday’s afternoon rain, but had to fight with Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) for top spot, with the pair pushing each other closer to the 1’41s. The #22 of Carrasco smashed that barrier with a 1’41.446s, which she set in the seventh and final session of the day, while Ponziani’s 1’42.121s came in the fifth session. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) was third and around half-a-second back from Carrasco. Times on Friday started in the 1’44s and 1’45s brackets but dropped rapidly during track action, with Carrasco finding more than four seconds as the day progressed.

With this test the first time riders were on track together for the WorldWCR, but at a circuit none of them had been on with the Yamaha R7, a pecking order might have started to form. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) improved consistently throughout the test to finish in fourth place, ahead of Adela Ourednickova (DafitMotoracing) in fifth. Just a tenth separated the Spaniard, who had Jonathan Rea’s (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) Crew Chief, Andrew Pitt working with her on Friday, and Ourednickova. Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) was one of several riders who used the final 10-minute session to full effect, moving up the order to claim sixth with a 1’43.571s

Relph’s late surge meant Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) was demoted out of the top six and finished in seventh, ahead of Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) who also climbed up the order. Running in 15th until the final session, the American was classified in eighth after setting a 1’43.881s in the final moments of the test. Lucy Michel (TSL-Racing) was ninth with Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3), one of the few riders whose best times didn’t come in either of the final two sessions, finishing the day in 10th.

Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) finished just outside the top ten with a 1’44.147s, finishing the second day in 11th place. She was just a tenth ahead of South Africa’s Nicole Van Aswegen (Andalaft Racing) in 12th, whose best time of 1’44.213s came in the penultimate session. Ran Yochay (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) was 13th, setting her best time in the final session, with Ornella Ongaro (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) and Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) completing the top 15.

Just a tenth stopped Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) claiming a top-15 spot, with the Mexican rider’s 1’44.986s unable to move her into the top 15 places. She did, however, have a big margin to Lena Kemmer (Bertl K. Racing Team) in 17th, with the Austrian rider around half a second back from Madrigal. Luna Hirano (Team Luna) came home in 18th, two tenths back from Kemmer, with Iryna Nadieieva (MPS.RT) and Andrea Sibaja (Deza – Box 77 Racing Team) completing the top 20. Alyssia Whitmore (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team), Mia Rusthen (Rusthen Racing) and Sara Varon (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) were the final classified riders; Varon’s day ended early with the Colombian rider’s time – a 1’48.067s – coming in the third session of the day and she did not set any times in any later sessions.

The 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship will get underway with the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round at the Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli on June 14th-16th.

2024 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, MWC “Marco Simoncelli” – 14-16 June
2. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park – 12-14 July
3. Pirelli Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – 9-11 August
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 23-25 August
5. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit* – 20-22 September
6. Prometeon Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto – 18-20 October
* Subject to homologation

About WorldWCR
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, with six rounds in 2024, is a pioneering single-make series exclusively for aspiring female riders, featuring the Yamaha R7. A bold step towards inclusivity, the WorldWCR debuts in 2024, offering emerging talent an equal footing with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Addressing disparities, it opens doors to benefits on and off the track. As a dedicated space for women in professional racing, the WorldWCR breaks stereotypes, increases representation, and inspires the next generation. Celebrating skill and passion, it establishes a new platform where talent takes centre stage and breaks barriers.