Hundredths in it: Martin snatches lap record pole from Espargaro and Bastianini

March 9, 2024

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) will head the first grids of the year after! The 2023 runner up set a magical 1:50.789 in qualifying for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to take pole, becoming the fastest rider ever to lap Lusail International Circuit.

That said, it’s close at the top. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was just 0.083 behind, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) rounding out the front row only another 0.003 back.

After a Practice session that left Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) just outside the cut, the Spaniard was taking aim at the top in Q1. He got it too, moving through just ahead of Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as the two left Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) missing out on a place by just 0.010. Nevertheless, the Frenchman continues to impress on his switch to Honda.

Q2 DELIVERS A TANTALISING GRID
There was a lot to learn in the very first Q2 of the year. Everyone fully unleashed, full throttle, and not a single sandbag worth holding on to. After the first runs, a familiar name had taken hold though: Martin. That stunning 1:50.789 came in on his second lap as Ducatis locked out the top five positions early on, and no one would prove able to topple it.

Once the second runs began, Miller and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) were especially hoping to find some time, but then it was all eyes on Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the eight-time World Champion came up with red sectors – but it wasn’t quite enough in the last part of the lap.

Espargaro was another who looked to be challenging Martin’s dominion at the top but he ultimately jumped into second, losing out by less than a tenth, as Bastianini held onto a first front row of the year in third, and at a venue he’s reigned before.

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) heads the second row, just 0.124 off the top, and lost the chance to make a final improvement as he slid off on his last attempt. Alongside Binder will be reigning World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who starts from fifth. And then it’s Marc Marquez rounding out the second row, making it 12 World Championships lining up on Row 2.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) will head the third row in P7, with teammate Marco Bezzecchi having a tougher weekend of it and left down in Q1. Acosta will start eighth for his first Tissot Sprint and premier class Grand Prix race, having been P3 on Friday and gone straight through to Q2 to boot.

Alex Marquez rounds out Row 3 after he couldn’t replicate his time from Practice that saw him top that session, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), Miller and Raul Fernandez, who crashed in Q2, rider ok, locking out the positions down to P12. Then it’s Zarco and that very solid debut with Honda, the first of those who didn’t make it through to Q2.

The grids are set, the stage is set, and soon the sun will set. Come back for more MotoGP™ at 19:00 local time (UTC +3) for the first Tissot Sprint of what promises to be a stunning 2024!

Wyman Wins Mission King Of The Baggers Opener At Daytona

Frank Duggan

March 9, 2024

Kyle Wyman Tops Troy Herfoss In Baggers Thriller, Herfoss Takes Super Hooligan And Gus Rodio Dominates Twins Cup.

Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman won a game of cat and mouse with S&S Cycle/Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss in Friday’s Mission King Of The Baggers battle at Daytona International Speedway with Wyman crossing the finish line just .018 of a second ahead of the Daytona first timer.

The win was the 13^th of Wyman’s Mission King Of The Baggers career, which extended his mark as the winningest rider in the class.

Herfoss, meanwhile, finished second not long after earning his first MotoAmerica victory in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race earlier in the day. In that one, Herfoss successfully broke away from the pursuing pack in the infield and held on to the finish line. In the Baggers race, Herfoss couldn’t get away and he led going into the chicane. At that point, Herfoss slowed his pace dramatically, forcing Wyman and his teammate James Rispoli to check up. The move almost worked with Wyman just managing to draft past the Aussie and his Indian.

Rispoli looked to have lost the draft to the first two in the closing stages, but a quick last lap brought him back to the draft. He was slowed a little on that final lap when Herfoss’s S&S Cycle/Indian Motorcycle teammate Tyler O’Hara crashed in front of him. Still, Rispoli was able to work himself into the draft on the backstraight and into the chicane where the Herfoss/Wyman battle baulked in front of him.

Rispoli was just .137 behind his teammate Wyman as the three crossed the finish line in formation. Fourth place, and less than a second behind, was RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim, the defending series champion blowing turn one late in the race to lose the draft of the top three.

Wyman Wins Mission King Of The Baggers Opener At Daytona — Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli celebrate their first and third place finish in the Mission King Of The Baggers race. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Fifth place went to Gillim’s new teammate Rocco Landers with the 19-year-old making his King Of The Baggers debut.

“I’ve never really been in that kind of game exactly like that here, and I always wondered how it would go and how stressed I would be,” Wyman said. “The last two laps were pretty slow. I was just trying to sit there and wait and preserve the tire. I was worried that he was going to slow it down enough that we were going to have a four-rider group again, and anything can happen at that point. I was like, ‘just go just enough so we can at least make it a one-on-one fight here.’ It kind of turned into that. I was just playing off of Troy (Herfoss) at that point. Wherever he’s going to go, I’m going to try to get a run somewhere, somehow. When he went into the chicane on the last lap, we were going 15 mile an hour slower down the back straightaway than we were the rest of the race. I just refused to go by. He parked it so hard in the chicane that I thought I was going to have to take another downshift to be able to get out of there. I just kind of timed where I thought he was going to end up and try to get a run where he kind of got out of my way as soon as I went by. I might have touched the dirt on the inside there, but I think at that point that was just the only chance I had, and fortunately it was the right one. We all know you can do all the right things here and lose, and sometimes do a lot of things wrong and win. I’m just happy to be on the right side of this one. Try to keep it going. I’ve never won the first race of the year, so it’s a big deal for me to start off the season like this. I’ve always left the first round on the back foot, whether we came here and had mechanicals or had a problem at the first Atlanta race. It just feels amazing to get the win to start the year.”

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – Rookie Herfoss Gets It Done

Three-time Australian Superbike Champion Troy Herfoss wasted no time getting down to business in his very first visit to Daytona International Speedway. The S&S/Indian rider beat his teammate Tyler O’Hara in Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race one to record the first MotoAmerica road racing victory of his career.

O’Hara, who started from the pole, crossed the finish line just under half a second after Herfoss, with Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson’s Cory West rounding out the podium in third.

“First of all, thanks for having me,” Herfoss said, “It’s an honor to be here in this championship. I’ve been trying for a long time to come to the States again and road race. It’s a real treat to be out here racing with you guys. It’s easy to learn a track when you’re comfortable on a motorbike, but you can’t buy that experience of riding around the banks of Daytona. In the race, I worked on seeing how much of a gap I would need to get to the finish line. By the sound of it, a lot of stuff went my way with the fight in the background. I watched all the videos last year, and it was Tyler (O’Hara) and Jeremy (McWilliams) a lot of the time. This year, I’m like, ‘Where are all these other guys coming from?’ A lot of guys have stepped up this year, and it looks like everyone’s teams have put in a big effort. Maybe that helped me in the end. It was exciting for us. I can’t explain how happy I am to be here, to be able to compete at the front of the race in America.”

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Rodio Dominates

In the season-opening BellissiMoto Twins Cup race, Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering, Aprilia rider Gus Rodio put in a dominating performance. Rodio, who also won the first Twins Cup race at Daytona last year and was runner-up in last year’s Twins Cup final standings, took the checkered flag on Friday at Daytona with a gap of nearly 12 seconds over second-place finisher Dominic Doyle.

Doyle put in an heroic performance just to make the start of the race let alone finish on the podium. The Giaccmoto Racing Yamaha rider crashed in Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race one just prior to Twins Cup race one and dislocated his shoulder. But he recovered and was declared fit to race just in time to make the Twins Cup start.

Third place went to TopPro Racing Aprilia rider Avery Dreher, who made his 2024 debut in BellissiMoto Twins Cup at Daytona after winning last year’s Junior Cup Championship.

“We were contemplating moving up to Supersport this year, and so far, this weekend, I have been doing double sessions, so I’ve had double the track time as these guys,” said Rodio. “This morning, I went out on the Twins Cup bike at 9:30 and then get in at 10:00 and right back out on the V2. Don’t even have time to take your helmet off. The V2 is really like taking me for a ride. I’m just struggling on that thing. It’s all new and we’re jumping right into the biggest race of the year. So, I’m just kind of trying to figure that thing out. I think that’s helped me with the Twin a little bit, because I get on the Aprilia and everything feels like it’s in slow motion, and when stuff is in slow motion, you can kind of focus a little bit more and put the clean laps together. So, I knew I was going to have a lot of work this weekend with both classes, but I kind of thought coming into the weekend it might mess me up on the Twin a little bit, but it seems to have helped me a little bit. I’m honestly really happy. It was the perfect race for me.”

Daytona 200 Time Attack – Great Scott

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott will start Saturday’s Daytona 200 from pole position with the 18-year-old lapping at 1:48.047 during Friday afternoon’s Supersport Time Attack.

Scott showed little effects of his high-speed crash from Thursday in the chicane to not only lap faster than anyone else, but do so alone and without the aid of another rider’s draft.

Boulder Motor Sports’ Stefano Mesa will start the 200 from the middle of the front row after lapping at 1:48.147 with Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong set to start the race from the outside of row one.

Row two will consist of Vesrah Racing’s Hayden Gillim; Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin, the defending race champion; and Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Xavi Forés will make up row two

2024 Triumph Triple Trophy competition launches in Moto2

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2024

For the first time ever, fans can now vote each weekend to decide who takes home the custom-liveried Triumph Street Triple RS in 2024.

On the eve of the opening Grand Prix of the new season, Triumph Motorcycles and MotoGP™ have revealed the new 2024 Triumph Triple Trophy motorcycle to be won by the rider who delivers the most stand-out performances in Moto2™ this season. And this year, for the first time, the winner will be chosen by the fans!

Launched at Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, this year’s Triumph Triple Trophy will recognise and celebrate the riders who put in standout performances or comebacks within the incredibly competitive field, as well as those who achieve the biggest sporting success during each Moto2™ round. The winner at the end of the season will receive a custom-liveried Triumph Street Triple RS, powered by the 765cc triple from which the record-setting Moto2™ powerplant is derived.

Immediately after each Moto2™ Grand Prix, an expert panel representing Triumph and the world of MotoGP™ will select a shortlist of three standout riders from that GP. This will take into account the entire weekend, not just the race, and recognise stories of sporting perseverance and endurance as well as outright performance.

Fans will then be able to vote via the MotoGP™ Instagram channel, and the final order of those three riders will be directly decided by the number of fan votes each receives.

In reference to Triumph’s 765cc engine, points at each GP are awarded as such:
– 7 points for the rider with most fan votes
– 6 points for the rider with second most fan votes
– 5 points for the rider with third most fan votes

Past recipients of the custom-liveried Street Triple RS are Marco Bezzecchi in 2020, Raul Fernandez in 2021, Jeremy Alcoba in 2022 and Pedro Acosta in 2023.

Steve Sargent, Triumph Chief Product Officer: “The Triumph Triple Trophy has run alongside the Moto2 World Championship for four years already, recognising and helping to highlight the incredible depth of competition throughout the field. We’ve seen some remarkable performances and some very worthy winners, and now we’re excited to announce a change for 2024.

“Moto2 fans can now decide the outcome of the Triumph Triple Trophy by voting for standout performers each weekend. By selecting from a shortlist of three riders each time, we hope the Moto2 community will relish the chance to decide who will take home this year’s Street Triple RS prize.

“We have seen lap records falling every year since our 765cc triple started powering Moto2 in 2019 and history-making seasons such as Pedro Acosta’s – the latest graduate from Moto2 to already shine in MotoGP. But there are so many factors and so much grit and determination that goes into every Moto2 Grand Prix and this is what the Triple Trophy, now powered by the fans, aims to reward.”

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer, Dorna Sports: “Triumph have proven a great asset to Moto2 since they joined the Championship, in terms of performance – breaking lap records and playing a key role in placing the class between Moto3 and MotoGP – and in terms of the impressive reliability we’ve seen week in, week out. As a sport with such strong connections to the vital global motorcycling industry, we’re also very proud to have them represented in the paddock as a manufacturer.

“Within that commitment, the Triumph Triple Trophy has become a much-coveted prize as well, and we’re really happy to introduce this new element for 2024: inviting fans to become part of the process and cast their votes.”

Top picture: Greg Willis, Global Marketing Director at Triumph (R), and Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna CSO, in Qatar

Martin, Espargaro, Acosta & Marc Marquez steal the headlines on Day 1

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2024

Rain? In Qatar? You read that right, sometimes it even rains in the desert.

The heavens opened on Friday evening, meaning Day 1’s usual Q2-deciding Practice session was switched with Free Practice 2. That sets us up for a bumper opening Saturday of the year, but there are no less headlines to enjoy from Friday. Where should we start?

FP1, fittingly, delivered the first thrills of the day. In the full dry, a late flurry of quick laps saw a familiar name come out on top: 2023 silver medallist Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). Compatriot Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was less than a tenth shy of Martin in P2 to further signal he’s getting on very well with the 2024-spec RS-GP. And then came Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3)…

The rookie sensation only continues to deserve the moniker and he made sure of that on more than just the timesheets in FP1. A save, a cheeky move on Espargaro and a dazzling laptime within 0.071 of the top ain’t bad for 45 minutes work. He was also quick in the wet. Team boss Herve Poncharal remained eternally quotable from pitlane: “He is special, he is different, he is better.”

Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, took fourth in the dry FP1 and then topped the wet session. Another reason to raise some eyebrows in anticipation for qualifying. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) rounded out a top five that was split by just 0.265s, with Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) also impressing on his debut with a different factory in P6, heading the Honda charge.

Then came 2022 Qatar winner Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) ahead of 2023 winner Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) taking P9. So where’s Pecco?Reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed a tricky first session of the season in P10. The #1 encountered some issues at the start of the session and with a blockbuster Saturday appearing on the horizon, will be hoping to move forward with a big step in Practice. Something we have more than seen him pull off before.

So on to the wet. It was Marc Marquez who topped the 45-minute session with a 2:06.544, with the eight-time World Champion finishing ahead of Red Bull KTM GASGAS Tech3 sophomore Augusto Fernandez, who impressed. But then came Pedro. Despite the completely different conditions, Acosta made it a double set of P3s on Friday.

Check out the full results below and make sure to come back for more on Saturday. With the addition of the Tissot Sprint across the calendar in 2023, it became Super Saturday already. But the 9th of Marc 2024 will see it hit another level as Q2 entrants are decided, the grid positions are set, and then the lights go out for the first Sprint of the year – all in one magnificent day of MotoGP™ action.

Practice: 13:40
Q1: 14:40
Q2: 15.05
Tissot Sprint: 19:00

Join us on a super Saturday like never before as the world’s most exciting sport – MotoGP™ – lights up the desert in Doha!

Masia top in the rain, Aldeguer reigns in the morning

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2024

In the dry Free Practice session on Friday morning, Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) showed exactly why he’s a favourite for the crown as he started the season on top. Still, he only narrowly beat Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) by 0.034s to top the opening session of the year, as Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took P3. But that was Free Practice, before rain came down and changed the game once the times began to count for Q2.

That Practice 1, the first deciding the combinde times, saw a slow start as the rain hit just before bikes went on track. Xavier Artigas (KLINT Forward Factory Team), Aron Canet (Fantic Racing), and Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team) headed out for a spin, but by the end of play the fourth rider to set a time took over on top: rookie and reigning Moto3™ Champion Jaume Masia(Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team). Bendsneyder finished in second to make it a Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team one-two in the wet, as Artigas claimed P3. Rounding out the riders who actually set times in Practice 1 was Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team).

Moto2™ will be back on track for a very decisive P2 at 13:15 local time (UTC +3) to define the 14 riders who will progress to Q2. Then tune in for qualifying beginning at 17:45!

Holgado takes the spoils on Friday with a new lap record

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2024

After Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) topped the very first session of the season, that new Free Practice for Moto3™, the first Q2-timed session for the class saw Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) come out on top with a new lap record: a mighty 2’03.606.

As the Pirelli era begins, it remains close as ever. In second comes Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) who was 0.063s adrift, with Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) only a further 0.106s behind to round out the top three. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) takes fourth ahead of Ortola, with Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) sixth ahead of David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA).

It remains open for the field as we head into Saturday. The provisional Q2 entrants get confirmed in P2, so tune in for that from 12:10 (UTC+3) before qualifying from 16:50!

Runners and Riders: Bennetts British Superbike Championship entry list announced

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2024

The provisional entry list has today (Friday) been revealed for the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, which gets underway with the fresh challenge of Circuito de Navarra in Northern Spain next month.

Reigning champion Tommy Bridewell will defend his #1 plate with Honda Racing UK after his headline move to the team, which is targeting a first title since 2013. Should he retain the crown, Bridewell would be the first rider in Bennetts BSB history to win consecutive crowns with different manufacturers. He is joined by Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison as the Louth-based team returns to a three-rider line-up.

Bridewell claimed the title by just half a point in Bennetts BSB’s closest ever title fight and his closest rival Glenn Irwin returns once again with the PBM Racing Team. The Team is now led by Jordan and Frank Bird following the loss of their father Paul last year, and they aim to replicate his success.

Previous title-winners OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing continues with its line-up from last season with Kyle Ryde, who finished third last season, again joined by Ryan Vickers, who became a race winner in 2023.

Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki signed established title contender Jason O’Halloran over the winter, and the Australian goes green for the first time in his career. Max Cook who impressed last year in his rookie campaign with the team joins him on the opposite side of the garage.

Leon Haslam was the top BMW contender in last year’s standings and the 2018 champion is back for more this season after announcing his ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad Team this week.

The FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team has consistency in its line-up as double champion Josh Brookes returns alongside Peter Hickman.

The BMW bid is strengthened further by the return of Rory Skinner from the Moto2 World Championship as he joins the new-look Cheshire Mouldings BMW Motorrad team as TAS Racing aims for success in its 25th season of competition.

Christian Iddon and Oxford Products Racing Ducati maintain their relationship into a second consecutive season, whilst 2015 Moto3 World champion Danny Kent moves to Yamaha, joining the McAMS Racing Yamaha team.

Lee Jackson had his strongest season to date in 2023 and he is reunited with his former Hawk Racing Team to line up at the MasterMac Honda alongside last season’s podium-finishing rookie Charlie Nesbitt.

Franco Bourne is another rider who debuted last season and he heads into his first full campaign in 2024 with the Rapid Honda team, with which he previously celebrated Superstock success.

TAG Honda also brings a new rider into the class as Dutch contender Jaimie van Sikkelerus steps up from the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship to make his debut alongside Fraser Rogers.

GR Motosport enters its 29th season in the British Championship paddock by fielding a two-rider line-up; with the ever-popular Storm Stacey on the LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki joined by previous Superstock champion Tom Neave on the STAFF Fluid Power Kawasaki.

Team Green also has a two-strong line-up this year at DAO Racing Kawasaki, expanding for the forthcoming season with Danny Buchan returning to Kawasaki alongside Brayden Elliott.

Two riders also lining up for their first full season in Bennetts BSB are Luke Hedger, as he joins CDH Racing Kawasaki and Louis Valleley, who joins the NP Racing Kawasaki Team.

New teams to feature full-time on the Bennetts BSB grid include C&L Fairburn Properties/Look Forward Racing Honda with Billy McConnell as he returns to the Superbike class. Meanwhile competing in the BSB Pathway specification are Cumins by Team IWR Honda with Alex Olsen and IN Competition SENCAT Aprilia with Lewis Rollo who makes his debut.

2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship provisional entry list

1	Tommy Bridewell	GBR	Honda Racing UK
2	Glenn Irwin	GBR	PBM Racing Team Ducati
3	Billy McConnell	AUS	C&L Fairburn Properties/Look Forward Racing Honda
5	Dean Harrison	GBR	Honda Racing UK
7	Ryan Vickers	GBR	OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing
8	Lewis Rollo (P)	GBR	IN Competition SENCAT Aprilia
11	Rory Skinner	GBR	Cheshire Mouldings BMW Motorrad
14	Lee Jackson	GBR	MasterMac Honda
18	Andrew Irwin	GBR	Honda Racing UK
21	Christian Iddon	GBR	Oxford Products Racing Ducati
22	Jason O’Halloran	AUS	Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki
23	Luke Hedger	GBR	CDH Racing Kawasaki
25	Josh Brookes	AUS	FHO Racing BMW Motorrad
30	Max Cook	GBR	Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki
51	Brayden Elliott	AUS	DAO Racing Kawasaki
52	Danny Kent	GBR	McAMS Racing Yamaha
54	Franco Bourne	GBR	Rapid Honda
55	Louis Valleley	GBR	NP Racing Kawasaki
60	Peter Hickman	GBR	FHO Racing BMW Motorrad
68	Tom Neave	GBR	STAUFF Fluid Power Kawasaki
74	Jaimie van Sikkelerus (P)	NED	TAG Honda
75	Alex Olsen (P)	GBR	Cumins by Team IWR Honda
77	Kyle Ryde	GBR	OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing
79	Storm Stacey	GBR	LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki
83	Danny Buchan	GBR	DAO Racing Kawasaki
86	Charlie Nesbitt	GBR	MasterMac Honda
89	Fraser Rogers	GBR	TAG Honda
91	Leon Haslam	GBR	ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad

* P denotes BSB Pathway specification

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Escalante Takes Provisional Pole For 82nd Running Of The Daytona 200

Frank Duggan

March 8, 2024

Aussie Rookie Troy Herfoss Fastest King Of The Bagger, Rodio Quick In BellissiMoto Twins Cup And Tyler O’Hara Leads Super Hooligan National Championship Qualifying

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante took a big step towards making up for last year’s crash from the lead in the Daytona 200 by earning provisional pole position on a sunny Thursday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway.

Escalante’s lap of 1:47.833 is a new record and he was the only rider in the 68-rider strong field to lap in the 1:47s. The Tizayuca, Hidalgo, Mexico resident did his best time at the very end and modestly gave credit for the lap to a two-rider draft. Escalante, however, had earlier done a 1:48 lap by himself so his quick pace is obvious.

Escalante hasn’t forgotten last year when he was in a battle with Josh Herrin when the two came together in turn one and Escalante crashed. He’s hopeful of this being a redemption race and he’s determined to make that happen.

“For sure I’m really happy to be back,” Escalante said. “I feel great and the first day was amazing – P1. I made an amazing lap and I’m happy again to be racing in the 200. After last year I really want to come back and battle for the win again. Now I will keep working for the race. So, thanks to my team, Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki, and to all the fans.”

Escalante’s teammate Tyler Scott, meanwhile, ended up second, just .212 behind Escalante, but his session came to a painful conclusion with a crash in the chicane on his final lap. Scott was in the low 1:48s, with a 1:48.045.

Vesrah Racing’s Hayden Gillim gave the Suzuki GSX-R750 a sweep of the provisional front row with Gillim and his 1:49.301 the third fastest time of the session.

Defending Daytona 200 Champion Josh Herrin was fourth fastest on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2 and just .001 of a second from the front row.

Next up was Wrench Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong in fifth, followed by Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Xavi Forés, Brit Richard Cooper, two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (on another Vision M4 ECSTAR Suzuki), Boulder Motor Sports’ Stefano Mesa and four-time Daytona winner Danny Eslick rounding out the top 10 on the TOBC Triumph.

Escalante Takes Provisional Pole For 82nd Running Of The Daytona 200 — Australian Troy Herfoss had never turned a lap of Daytona International Speedway until Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon he earned pole position with a new lap record in Mission King Of The Baggers qualifying. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Mission King Of The Baggers – A Quick Study

Just a session after his first go at Daytona International Speedway, Australian Troy Herfoss went from “I’ve never been more scared in my entire life” to an impressive effort in the first qualifying session to earn provisional pole position.

Herfoss and his S&S/Indian Motorcycle-backed Challenger not only earned provisional pole, but he also set a new Mission King Of The Baggers lap record at Daytona International Speedway with his 1:50.017 besting Kyle Wyman’s lap of 1:50.563 from a year ago.

Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman ended up second after leading most of the session, just .180 of a second off Herfoss’s lap. Herfoss’s teammate Tyler O’Hara completed the provisional front row and was the last rider to lap in the 1:50s with his 1:50.599 also under the lap record.

Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s James Rispoli, RydFast Racing’s Kyle Ohnsorg and Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson’s Travis Wyman rounded out the top 10 on Wednesday.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Rodio All Day

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Gus Rodio picked up where he left off from his three-win 2023 Twins Cup season that netted him second place in the championship behind Blake Davis on day one at Daytona, with the New Jerseyan earning provisional pole.

Rodio did a fastest lap of 1:56.257 to best Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle with the South African .342 of a second behind Rodio and .256 ahead of 2023 Junior Cup Champion Avery Dreher and his TopPro Racing Team.

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers ended up fourth on the day in his debut on the new GSX-8R. S.E. Composites Racing’s Ed Sullivan rounded out the top five, the crew chief for former Westby Racing Superbike rider Mathew Scholtz.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – The Champ’s Day

Last year, Tyler O’Hara won five of eight races en route to the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship and he looks like he’s ready to double down on that. O’Hara and his S&S/Indian Motorcycle FTR1200 was over a second quicker than his closest competition while earning provisional pole position on Friday afternoon at the Speedway.

O’Hara’s 1:52.781 put him over a second ahead of the Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson Pan America ridden by Cory West with O’Hara’s new teammate Troy Herfoss ending up third on his first day at Daytona International Speedway. West’s two teammates, Travis Wyman and Jake Lewis, were fourth and fifth, respectively.

Talking points & photocalls: the Thursday dispatch from Doha

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

Here we go! The world’s most exciting sport is back, and with quite a bang. Announcements, headlines, quotes, photocalls… Thursday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar had it all.

We started with news that the Grand Prix won Best GP of 2023, before the first two press conferences of the season gave us plenty more to talk about.

The first was the top three finishers last season; reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), before the second saw Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) joined by Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). The first words from each are below!

Then, some key news was confirmed: every Tissot Sprint and MotoGP™ Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024 thanks to a new partnership announced on Thursday evening Doha time. That was as the classes of 2024 were getting suited and booted for their annual photocall – the stunning results of which, including the behind the scenes, can be seen below.

Take a look through some of the highlights from a packed Thursday and then gear up for the first track action of the season on Friday! Who’s heading into the first Q2 of the year? Tune in for FP1 at 15:45 (UTC+3), before Practice decides those first ten riders heading into the qualifying shootout at 20:00.

PECCO BAGNAIA

How do you feel?

“We arrive here in great shape. We worked perfectly in the test, we managed to do all the job that we were planning and the feeling on the new bike is quite good. For sure we just finished five days of testing, so we need more laps on it, but the feeling is very positive.

“It looks like the bike is competitive right now. I am happy with renewing my contract, it is something which is important to me and is important to Ducati. Having a clear mindset is better and I can focus on my results.”

JORGE MARTIN

After an amazing season in 2023 fighting for the title, do you feel better equipped to fight for it [this season] after that experience?

“I’m happy to be back here again, for sure last season was great but it’s in the past and we’re in the present, so we have to work hard. Testing was good. I feel better on the new bike, we are faster. I still think – as Pecco said – that we need more laps, but we’re really competitive straight away, so this is good because in other years we’ve struggled at the beginning. I’m focused, and I think I did a great job in winter. I feel prepared for everything, so let’s go for it.”

MARCO BEZZECCHI

Do you feel there are more eyes on you this year?

“Yes, for sure but as Jorge said last year is the past and I have to focus on this year. As you said, in Sepang I struggled a bit but in the test here at Doha I felt better and I was starting to understand how to ride the new bike. I still have to change my riding style a bit but I am working on it and will try to be competitive and fast.”

FABIO QUARTARARO

Do you start the season with more optimism than 2023?

“I think we’ve made steps in the way we’re working, the mentality inside the team is completely different. I think we’ve taken a step, but everyone has taken a step, so this is a little bit of why we’re struggling right now. But I think that we need more time, the new engineers are doing a really great job. I think that right now we’re still far away, we’re not in a position to fight, not in the position we want to be in. But we will give our best from the start until the end.”

MARC MARQUEZ

How much has this new challenge motivated you through the winter, and can you fight for the win or the podium?

“Yeah of course it was a completely different preseason, because I was used to trying things with the bike but this season was completely opposite. I was focused on myself and tried to adapt my riding style to the new bike.

“From the beginning I felt not bad but there is still many things to learn and improve, especially learn from the top guys inside the Ducati. I feel comfortable, I am not ready to fight for the podium or the victory but step by step we need to create a base and understand where we are.”

PEDRO ACOSTA

How much are you looking forward to this weekend and what would a good result be for you?

“We made a lot of laps during winter with a MotoGP bike but talking about targets, we cannot talk about targets before I finish a MotoGP race.

“I want to answer a lot of question marks for myself before the lights go out. And we will try to enjoy it.

“Strike a pose! 2024 class photos taken in Qatar

It’s gotta be done! Before the lights go out for the first Grand Prix of a record 21 this 2024, the class photos gathered all the riders on the main straight at Lusail for a first taste of the floodlights, albeit a static one. Talking Points & Photocalls: The Thursday Dispatch From Doha

The 2025 KTM 250 SX-F Adamo Edition – Celebrating a Champion

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

In celebration of Andrea Adamo winning the 2023 MX2 World Championship, KTM unveils the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION.

After a superb run to the title that saw four moto wins and 19 additional podiums, KTM celebrates this success by applying some very special touches to a machine inspired by the bike that Andrea Adamo will ride to defend his cherished MX2 title in 2024.

It was an emotional day when Adamo clinched the 2023 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship at the Grand Prix of Italy, the penultimate round of last season. Securing the title on home soil at Maggiora Park meant the Italian concluded a consistent first season as a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider by delivering the team its 15th title in 20 years. In doing so he became the tenth different racer to clinch the gold plate with the KTM 250 SX-F.

Building on this success the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION holds at its heart the very same READY TO RACE ethos that comes with all KTM models. With this being the ADAMO EDITION, KTM wanted to make sure it truly had that factory feel. The KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION is a special version only offered to customers in the EU and UK. It’s produced in limited quantities to commemorate Andrea Adamo winning the 2023 MX2 World Championship. In honor of this milestone, only 80 units of the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION will be produced – just like Adamo’s #80 race number.

Starting with the brand-new Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) – which is also available for the entire KTM SX-F range and included with the 2024 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION – this two-part system offers both engine behaviour and suspension settings adjustment via the KTMconnect App, allowing riders to tune their bikes to exactly how they want them to ride and feel, making sure every rider can find their preference. Official affiliation with LitPro means riders can dive into the deepest of detail to take a closer look at their racing lines, lap times, gearing, throttle position, G-Force, jump distance and so much more. Whether riders use it to chase a lap time, perfect their setup or just compete with friends, adjustment and the information offered are all easily accessible in the KTMconnect App. To access the digital press kit for the new Connectivity Unit Offroad click HERE.

When it comes to looks, the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION closely resembles the aesthetics of Adamo’s race bike for the upcoming 2024 MX2 World Championship. To add to the presence, the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION features the incredibly special and iconic championship leader red plate featuring Adamo’s race number #80, signed by the Champion himself.

As this item is not available to order separately, it’s a real collector’s piece that Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Adamo fans will take great pride in owning and displaying on their bike. The #80 red plate will also include Andrea’s signature and the limited-edition motorcycle will come with a separate #80 sticker for putting on the number boards of the race bike if so desired.

The KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION comes with the Pirelli SCORPION MX 32 MID SOFT rubber front and rear. Being the championship-winning tyre, it’s an obvious choice. Offering excellent traction that guarantees maximum power transmission to the ground, the MX 32s then also provide the precision and feel needed to find and hold lines due to the layout of the front lateral knobs. Being a tyre developed by some of the most prestigious motocross racers in the world – including MX2 World Champion Adamo – it will have riders feeling at one with their KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION on track.

The hardware featured on the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION shares the core details of its sibling, the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. The frame – weighing 300 g less than that of the standard bike – features the same updated engine mounts that allow for optimised flexibility, resulting in improved cornering characteristics. The strategic repositioning of rotating mass within the frame has allowed for a better centre of gravity too, offering greater traction and anti-squat behaviour out of the corners. The KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION also comes with a newly designed carbon-reinforced skid plate as standard, ensuring even the biggest hits barely leave a scratch.

The 250cc engine is not only light at 26.1 kg but also remarkably powerful, and reaches an incredible 14,000 rpm rev limit. Supplementing that power is the Akrapovič slip-on line exhaust that boasts titanium construction, successfully meeting the weight-saving and mass centralisation criteria of the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION.

Fully adjustable WP suspension keeps riders in plush contact with the ground thanks to the 48 mm WP XACT front fork that offers 310 mm of progressive and consistent damping. The FACTORY START DEVICE and Brembo hydraulic clutch system featured on the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION mean riders will have no problem getting the holeshot. At the back, the WP XACT rear shock’s advanced damping provides unbeatable traction and energy absorption, and is easily adjustable by hand with no tools required – as is the WP XACT front fork.

Superior stopping power is provided by Brembo’s 260 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc, and is delivered through a now stiffer rear brake lever, capable of withstanding those big hits. Durable strong black rims with orange CNC machined hubs also stand up to the rigors of motocross and with their lightweight construction, further enhance stopping performance due to less rotating mass.

The KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION is a rare gem that takes the READY TO RACE motto to the next level – the spec list speaks for itself.

2025 KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION specs:

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Colour Trim and Graphics (Race Season 2024)
Red plate of World Championship Winner #80 and signature in buy pack
Updated tank spoilers
Orange glossy ‘Factory’ frame
Connectivity Unit Offroad system & compatible front fender
Updated stiffer suspension settings – WP XACT AER 44 mm front fork & WP XACT rear shock
Factory Racing Start device
Factory Racing Seat
Factory Racing Triple Clamps
Factory Racing Frame Protection Set
Factory Racing front brake disc guard (carbon version)
Factory Racing skid plate (carbon version)
Factory Racing wheel set (black rim, black spokes, orange hubs, orange nipples)
Semi-floating front brake disc
Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid Soft tyres
Engine mounts (black incl. cut outs)
Orange Rear Sprocket
Golden Regina Chain
Akrapovič “Slip-On Line” exhaust
Hinson Outer Clutch Cover
Number #80 in buy pack
Vented airbox cover in buy pack

The latest iteration of the KTM SX-F range is a highly advanced technical platform that will form the basis of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s championship ambitions. The potential of the KTM SX-F foundation is beyond doubt and boasts the DNA of countless wins, podiums and titles in the upper echelons of motocross and supercross competition through the last decade.

Keep an eye out for the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION landing in Authorised KTM Dealers soon – UK price and availability to be confirmed.
For more information visit KTM.com.

Stay Dry With Richa’s New Aquaguard Rainwear

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

Whether riding and getting caught in a downpour or heading out in all conditions and being prepared, the Aquaguard jacket and trousers will keep you dry.

Made from a breathable taffeta and waterproof 15,000mm Aquashell LTZ membrane, the Aquaguard jacket and trousers feature Scotchlite™ Reflective Material’s 3M™ printing to enhance active rider visibility at night and in low visibility conditions by reflecting a bright image back to the light source.

Featuring elasticated cuffs, a storm flap in front of the central front zipper for extra protection and elasticated sections on the bottom hem, every inch of the Aquaguard jacket has been developed to keep those venturing out in the rain dry. Available in black and – new for 2024 – fluo yellow, the jacket has an RRP of £49.99 and is available in unisex sizes S-4XL.

Brand new for 2024, the Aquaguard trousers complete the ‘waterproof get up’. Made from a breathable T190 nylon taffeta with PU coating, the trousers feature a nylon lining and zippers at the side of each leg and an elasticated ankle. With the same 15,000mm Aquashell membrane and a drawstring waist, wearers can be sure they’re arming themselves with the kit they need to be dry.

The Aquaguard trousers are available in both black in sizes S-6XL and fluo yellow in sizes S-4XL – both with an RRP of £44.99.

For more information or to locate your local dealer, visit: www.nevis.uk.com

Alpinestars Launches Tech-Air 3 Leather & Canvas Vests

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

Today Alpinestars is launching the new Tech-Air® 3 Leather & Canvas vests at the legendary Daytona Bike Week. Alpinestars’ packable autonomous Airbag System is designed to ideally be worn over a motorcycle jacket, but can be worn under the jacket as well, providing effective and practical protection for V-Twin riders, touring riders, urban city commuters, and weekend warriors who want to ride protected.

The latest addition to the Alpinestars’ Tech-Air® family, Tech-Air® 3 Leather & Canvas Systems enable riders of all disciplines to benefit from a standalone, wearable garment featuring all the protection that Tech-Air® delivers, regardless of the bike they ride, or the style of riding they do.

Engineered to be worn in all weather conditions, the Tech-Air® 3 System’s lightweight construction and packable design allow it to be quickly folded up and stowed in a backpack, saddle bag, top case, or pannier when not in use.

Both the Leather and Canvas Systems’ outer chassis design also provides openings to allow customization through the sewing of patches or embroidery, if desired.

AI TECHNOLOGY AND CRASH MONITORING PERFORMANCE
The state-of-the-art Tech-Air® System uses an advanced crash detection algorithm that leverages AI to deploy the airbag precisely when needed. The Leather and Canvas Tech-Air® 3 incorporates 6 integrated sensors (1 triaxial accelerometer and 1 triaxial gyroscope) to provide the best crash monitoring performance and active airbag protection in a variety of dynamic street riding scenarios, even when stopped.

An LED display on the front chest indicates the airbag’s operational status. The LED display also incorporates a haptic alert, which vibrates to confirm the System is armed and alerts the rider when the battery is running low.

PROTECTION
Alpinestars’ crash detection triggering algorithm has been developed and refined over millions of kilometers of riding data and thousands of crashes, allowing the system to accurately assess when to deploy the airbag ahead of an impact or other dangerous situations like a lowside or highside crash. In the event the Tech-Air® 3 detects the start of a crash, the System will activate the protective airbag in milliseconds, providing upper body protection, and reducing up to 95% of the impact energy transferred to the rider anywhere the airbag protects, which includes the full chest and back.

SYSTEM OPERATIONAL STATUS
A discretely hidden but easily visible LED display on the front chest indicates the Airbag System’s operational status and incorporates a haptic alert, which vibrates to confirm the System is armed, as well as alerts the rider when the battery is running low. Bluetooth connectivity to a Tech-Air® App allows monitoring of both the System’s operational status and battery status and mapping of your journey via MyRide.

TECH-AIR® APP AND SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATES
When it comes to other features and benefits, the Tech-Air® 3 Leather & Canvas Systems are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing riders to easily update their System with new releases of the software via the free Tech-Air® App. Additionally, there is a wide variety of functionalities within the App, giving riders the ability to check System status, consult the User Manual, and record their rides on an enhanced Google map, just to name a few. Regarding battery life, a fully charged battery will provide the system with 40 hours of active ride time. A low battery will fully charge in about 4 hours; charging the battery for approximately 1 hour will provide approximately 8-10 hours of riding time.

Stylish, practical and secure, the Leather and Canvas Tech-Air® 3 vests suit any rider seeking the highest levels of active protection. Wear it over or under your jacket (provided that the jacket offers room to accommodate the inflation of the airbag) for peace of mind on every ride.

For more information on Tech-Air® 3 Leather & Canvas Versions visit the alpinestars.com websites:

https://www.alpinestars.com/products/tech-air-3-leather-system

https://www.alpinestars.com/products/tech-air-3-canvas-system

MotoGP partners with TNT Sports in the U.S.

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

Every Sprint and every Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024.

MotoGP™ has a new broadcast home in the U.S. through an expanded media rights agreement with TNT Sports. Beginning with this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, fans across the U.S. will be able to watch every Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live in 2024 across TNT Sports’ networks and platforms.

truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will show every race of this record-breaking MotoGP™ season live, including top quality pre-race coverage. Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will also stream every session for every Grand Prix class across all three days of track activity, including the MotoGP™ qualifying shootout and the Grand Prix races for Moto2™ and Moto3™.

This partnership between MotoGP™ and TNT Sports represents a new era for live MotoGP™ coverage in the U.S., bringing TNT Sports’ world-class production and coverage to a U.S. audience that is passionate for high-octane motorsports.

MotoGP™ joins Max’s B/R Sports Add-On, which offers exceptional value with a full slate of premium live sports content included, such as the MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, 24 Hours of Le Mans and a variety of non-live sports programming to appeal to every fan.

Fans can start tuning in to the record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season on truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On this weekend as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar marks the return of the world’s most exciting sport from the 8th to the 10th of March.

Spring clean with Vulcanet

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

The days are getting lighter and the weather is getting warmer – Spring is on the way! It’s the perfect time to give your bike some TLC and prepare for the riding season ahead…

Instead of lugging out all the buckets and sponges to wash off the storage dust, simply unscrew the lid of the Vulcanet tub and work section-by-section until all the dust and debris has gone; then buff to a high shine using the specially engineered microfibre cloth.

Save time cleaning, and make more time for riding!

How does it work?

Vulcanet’s waterless wipes work to liquefy the dirt and dust easily thanks to the textile weave which has a spiral shape with bevelled edges that collect the dirt and help to remove the stubborn dirt particles. Once collected by the wipe, the dust is lubricated and trapped in the cilia so it cannot scratch the surface. As well as keeping things clean, the solution provides a protective seal to the material underneath like a traditional polish would.

Vulcanet Cleaning Wipes have an RRP of £36.99 and to locate your nearest dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.

AIROH at the Salon du 2 Roues 2024

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

AIROH at the Salon du 2 Roues 2024 presents its new proposals for the road and off-road segments, as well as an entire renewed collection.

At the long-awaited event in Lyon, AIROH officially opens the 2024 motorcycle season with its renewed collection. For the road segment, best sellers such as Matryx and Connor accompany new models like Commander 2 and J 110. For dirt road enthusiasts, Twist 3 and Aviator Ace 2 helmets introduce the provision for Bluetooth communication systems, in the off-road segment. A collection entirely ECE 22 06 approved, also renewed for graphics and color variants.

AIROH could not miss the Lyon event which officially opens the motorcycle season. Precisely at the 2024 Salon du 2 Roues the Italian brand presents its new helmets’ collection, entirely ECE 2206 approved, proposed for both road and off-road riders.

Best sellers such as Matryx and Connor are flanked by new proposals such as Commander 2 and J 110, as well as Twist 3 and Aviator Ace 2 for the off-road segment, not to mention the renewed graphic and color variants. A wide proposal that will certainly meet the needs of every type of riders.

All the new proposals are exhibited at 2024 SALON DU 2 ROUES at the AIROH booth, hall 4 booth 5D.

ADVENTURES AND STYLE ON THE ROAD AND ON THE TRACK

We start from the renewed Commander 2 adventure helmet, and then move on to the new versatile J 110, an urban jet which with a simple gesture can easily become a full-face helmet in all respects, flanked by the now iconic Connor and Matryx, recent winner of an important and international prize, the 2024 iF Design Award.

Soon to be released, Spark 2 will also be displayed, present in all its captivating graphic and color variants. The Lyon event will also be a showcase for the preview of two other new helmets: the racing proposal GP 800, and the flip up Mathisse II.

ALWAYS ON AIR EVEN ON DIRT ROAD

The company pays great attention to the road segment, but naturally an evolution regarding the off-road sector cannot be missing. There are two new proposals, Twist 3 and Aviator Ace 2, both predisposed for Bluetooth communication systems, a real revolution in the off-road segment.

Naturally, there will also be the best sellers Aviator 3 and Strycker, to complete the proposal, the Wraaap model.

For more AIROH Helmet news check out our dedicated page AIROH Helmet

For more information about AIROH:https://www.airoh.com/

Indian Motorcycle UK Retail Offers – ‘New Year, New Ride’

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

Indian FTR from £125 per month on PCP
Indian Scout from £129 per month on PCP
Or £1,000 trade-in or merchandise offer on more models for riders not looking for finance

Indian Motorcycle UK is getting the season off to an early start with a host of offers under the banner ‘New Year, New Ride’ creating a fantastic opportunity for customers to ride away on their dream bikes with either low monthly payments or contributions towards their deposit or parts, garments and accessories when purchasing a new Indian Motorcycle by March 31st 2024.

Andy Simpson, National Sales Manager for Indian Motorcycle UK, said, “Keeping monthly payments low is often key to a decision to buy, so we’re delighted to be able to offer low rate financing on our most popular models, the FTR and the Scout. And for those who don’t need financing, or are fans of our PowerPlus or Thunderstroke models, there’s the choice of a better trade-in offer or a contribution towards official merchandise to personalise their ride or get kitted out from our extensive range of apparel.”

In addition, included with every purchase of a new Indian Motorcycle is 12 months RAC Roadside cover, a welcome pack including a pin and patch, plus lifetime membership to the Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR) community whose dealer-supported rider group organise planned rides, events, meetings, and other activities for owners to get together, socialise and share their passion for their motorcycles.

5.9% APR representative over 3 years for FTR and Scout lineups:

For the gutsy Indian FTR and iconic Indian Scout lineups, the limited-time low-rate 5.9% APR representative PCP finance see’s monthly payments from £125.00 per month for selected new MY23 Indian FTR models and from £129.00 per month for selected new MY23 Indian Scout models when purchased by March 31st 2024 at an authorised Indian Motorcycle dealership. Alternatively, if you don’t need finance, selected Scout and FTR models are included in the ‘£1,000’ contribution offer

● 5.9% APR finance under Personal Contract Plan or Hire Purchase.
– See the representative finance examples below.

£1,000 contribution towards selected, new MY23 FTR, Scout, Challenger, Chief, Chieftain, Pursuit and Springfield lineups:

As an alternative for buyers of the Scout or FTR and lovers of Indian Motorcycle’s extensive lineup of Thunderstroke and PowerPlus engined models, the £1,000 contribution New Year New Ride campaign offers the choice between a £1,000 contribution towards the purchase of selected models or £1,000 contribution towards Indian Motorcycle parts, accessories & clothing when purchased with selected, new Indian Motorcycle models before March 31st 2024.

● £1,000 Trade-In allowance.
– Cannot be combined with Scout/FTR 5.9% APR finance.
– Not available on Jack Daniels or Elite models

● £1,000 contribution towards official Indian Motorcycle parts, accessories or apparel.
– Items must be ordered simultaneously with the bike purchase.
– Cannot be combined with Scout/FTR 5.9% APR finance.
– Not available on Jack Daniels or Elite models

For full details of these and other offers, including terms and conditions, please visit the Offers page of the Indian Motorcycle UK website.

To arrange a test ride, riders can visit their nearest Indian Motorcycle dealership [FIND A DEALER] or use this LINK.

Indian Scout Representative PCP Finance Example:

Model: Indian Scout Bobber in Maroon Metallic (23MY)
Monthly payments: £129
Term of agreement: 37 months
Annual mileage: 4,000
Customer deposit: £2,646.37
Customer deposit %: 20%
Cash price: £13,295.00
Total amount of credit: £10,648.63
Option to purchase fee: £10
Optional final payment: £7,628.00
Total amount payable: 14,918.37
Rate of interest (fixed): 5.71%
APR: Representative 5.9% APR

Indian FTR Representative PCP Finance Example:

Model: Indian FTR in Stealth Gray with Orange Graphics (23MY)
Monthly payments: £125
Term of agreement: 37 months
Annual mileage: 4,000
Customer deposit: £2,533.35
Customer deposit %: 19%
Cash price: £12,995
Total amount of credit: £10,461.47
Option to purchase fee: £10
Optional final payment: £7,562.00
Total amount payable: 14595.53
Rate of interest (fixed): 5.71%
APR: Representative 5.9% APR

Additional dealership & on-road charges apply and may vary between official Indian motorcycle dealerships.

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

The Fight Begins as MxGP Fires Into Life in Patagonia-Argentina

Frank Duggan

March 7, 2024

The 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship blasts into action at the opening round of the 20-GP season, taking place at Villa La Angostura for the YPF INFINIA MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina.

This will be the 8th time that the circuit has hosted an MXGP event and the 4th time that it has kick-started the season! The first time MXGP went to Villa La Angostura was in 2015, which consecutively hosted the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina since then and only missed the 2020 and 2021 years due to Covid. The track and venue are amongst the favourites with the whole paddock, with everyone enjoying the incredible welcomes from the Argentinian people and the scenic Andean backdrop.

In 2023, Villa La Angostura hosted the first round of the campaign and saw the first ever RAM Qualifying Races that counted for points towards the World Championships on the Saturday afternoon. It was suspected that the rule change to make the Saturday RAM Qualifying Race count for points would benefit Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado, whose amazing starting technique put pressure on his title challengers all season long, and the Spaniard met those expectations with the Saturday race win to instantly fit the Championship leader’s red plate onto his machine.

Team HRC’s Rubén Fernández won the overall Grand Prix on the Sunday with 5-1 finishes compared to Prado’s 1-6 scores, but Jorge kept the red plate due to his advantage from Saturday. That would go on to be a regular occurrence all season!

The 2024 season starts with an amazing line-up. For only the second time in history, two five-time World Champions will start the season together to race for a sixth title, and for the first time ever, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, they are both under 30 years old! Also, unlike 2004 with Stefan Everts and Joel Smets, neither one of them is reigning Champion as Prado will carry the #1 plate on the only MXGP Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing machine.

Gajser and Herlings have both stayed on the same machinery, HRC Honda for the Slovenian, and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the Dutchman. Frenchman Romain Febvre, second in last year’s Championship despite winning 6 Grands Prix to Prado’s 2, remains with KRT and continues his nine-year quest for a second world crown after winning in 2015.

Romain is joined in Kawasaki Racing Team team by 2023’s 3rd-placed rider, Jeremy Seewer. With 5 Silver medals to his name as well as the Bronze from last year, he will be hoping that the green machine will make the difference to finally get some Gold on his shelf.

While Herlings is the sole MXGP rider for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Team HRC continues with Ruben Fernandez, who never got to the top step again in 2023 but still managed 5th in the series. Glenn Coldenhoff, changes machinery but is effectively with the same team as Louis Vosters’ Dutch outfit takes over the reins of the Fantic Factory Racing effort, alongside fellow Dutchman and MXGP rookie Roan van de Moosdjik. If Coldenhoff were to win a Grand Prix on the Fantic, he would become only the third rider in Motocross history, after Yves Demaria and Alessandro Puzar, to win Grands Prix on five different brands of motorcycle throughout his career.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP promote third-year MXGP man and 2021 MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux to team leader after the Frenchman won his second GP on a 450, before a foot injury put him out of title contention. He did come back in time to represent Team France at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, winning his class and helping his nation to a famous home victory.

He is joined on the team by the most successful non-Champion on the grid, four-time MX2 Championship runner-up Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jago Geerts. With 24 GP wins to his name (the same total as both Antonio Cairoli and Tom Vialle managed in their MX2 careers), Geerts made a superb showing at the 2022 Monster energy FIM MXoN, his 450 debut and he is likely to be a threat!

The third rider on the squad is two-time GP winner Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Calvin Vlaanderen, who moves onto factory machinery for the first time in his career. Can it bring him into regular podium contention? The Dutchman will be hoping so!

Sadly, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing have lost their MXGP rider Mattia Guadagnini to a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season testing. The MRT Racing Team BETA squad once more field British hope Ben Watson, this time with the returning Ivo Monticelli under the same awning. The Italian who didn’t race the MXGP series last year missed being in the big leagues! The Swiss rider Valentin Guillod remain with Team Ship To Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR, who also welcome Norwegian Kevin Horgmo up from MX2, where he took his first heat win last season.

Standing Construct Honda MXGP hold onto our sixth World Champion in the line-up, 2017 MX2 title winner Pauls Jonass, but welcome the popular Italian Alberto Forato to the squad after he finished 7th in the 2023 Championship. JM Honda Racing continue with Brent van Doninck, whilst Swedish star Isak Gifting moves up to the 450 with JK Racing Yamaha. Shaun Simpson’s Gabriel SS24 KTM squad will join the series full-time with Josh Gilbert also making his first attempt at a full Grand Prix season. Slovenian Jan Pancar moves up from MX2 on his own Tem JP253 KTM Racing Team effort.

2023 MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina MXGP Top 3:

Ruben Fernandez
Jeffrey Herlings
Jorge Prado

6 World Champions – 16 Titles between them!

Jeffrey Herlings – 5 titles – 2012-13 & 2016 MX2; 2018 & 2021 MXGP
Tim Gajser – 5 titles – 2015 MX2; 2016, 2019-20 & 2022 MXGP
Jorge Prado – 3 titles – 2018-19 MX2, 2023 MXGP
Romain Febvre – 1 title – 2015 MXGP
Maxime Renaux – 1 title – 2021 MX2
Pauls Jonass – 1 title – 2017 MX2

In MX2 last year, Jago Geerts dominated the GP by winning all three races. Andrea Adamo surprised on his debut for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with two third places for 2nd overall with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team’s Thibault Benistant rounding out the podium.

MX2 saw four first-time GP winners in 2023, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Liam Everts claiming 3, eventual champion Adamo claiming two, and Husqvarna pairing Kay de Wolf and Lucas Coenen taking one apiece.

In 2023, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing once more brought in riders to the team and turned into GP winners and gained yet another Championship, their 20th in MX2, with Andrea Adamo. Liam Everts put up a spirited chase towards the end of the season with three GP wins. Both riders return for the team in 2024, as does Sacha Coenen, but Liam has picked up a thumb injury in February which will keep him out of Argentina, possibly returning for round two in Spain.

Thibault Benistant stays with Yamaha Factory Racing MX2, as does 2022 EMX250 Champion Rick Elzingaand his successor to that title, Andrea Bonacorsi. Bonacorsi was amazing on a 450 at the Monster Energy FIM MXoN, claiming 3rd in the Open class and helping Italy onto the podium.

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing have a fast line-up with GP winners Kay De Wolf and Lucas Coenen, both returning for the team and looking to carry their speed into 2024, after injury hampered both of their title campaigns last season. De Wolf was one of several riders who got hurt just as they started to hit their stride. Coenen could also be the real threat, often looking faster than anybody in the class last year, especially in the sand.

The third Austrian factory squad, Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, has its own title contender in Simon Laengenfelder. He eventually claimed the Bronze medal right at the final round from Everts, and sits on three GP wins like the Belgian. He’ll be hoping to do his talent some justice in 2024. He’s joined by a French rookie with some star power, the mercurial Marc-Antoine Rossi. A multiple winner in EMX who took a fine 8th as a wildcard at his home round MX2 GP debut, his swagger and personality could prove to be a big hit in GP racing.

Another rookie, Italian Ferruccio Zanchi, joins the mighty Team HRC on their new MX2 project, and he has already shown great speed in the pre-season with a surprise win. Yet another rookie, French kid Quentin Prugnieres, races for F&H Racing Team in 2024 after also impressing at the French GP last year.

The exciting news on the team front is the first new project from a British side in decades, with Monster Energy Triumph Racing bringing their new TF250-X machine to Grand Prix racing. With promising Dane Mikkel Haarup and South African Camden McLellan, a former EMX85 Champion, they have a solid rider line-up, and Haarup has been right amongst the established contenders in pre-season internationals. The slick new black machines could very well be a successful package!

The Fantic Factory Racing Team graduates to GP racing after several years in EMX, and they field second-year Spaniard David Braceras alongside fast but unfortunately recently injured Dutch teenager Kay Karssemakers.

Among a very hot young pack of MX2 stars, the all-English-speaking Bike It Kawasaki squad of Floridian Jack Chambers and Englishman Bobby Bruce could also be ones to watch on what should be the leading green machines in the paddock.

2023 MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina MX2 Top 3:

Jago Geerts
Andrea Adamo
Thibault Benistant

6 Grand Prix Winners – 13 Wins between them!

Liam Everts – 3
Simon Laengenfelder – 3
Thibault Benistant – 3
Andrea Adamo – 2
Lucas Coenen – 1
Kay De Wolf – 1

The races will be broadcasted LIVE on MXGP’s streaming service www.MXGP-TV.com

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC-3)
SATURDAY: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

Todd Set For Milwaukee BMW International Roads Debut at North West 200

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2024

TAS Racing is delighted to confirm its participation at the 2024 International North West 200 in May with Davey Todd signed up to ride Milwaukee sponsored BMW Motorrad machinery.

Todd will campaign TAS Racing prepared Milwaukee BMW M1000RR bikes in the Superbike and Superstock classes, in a welcome return to the North Coast for all parties on the vivid red Milwaukee liveried German machinery.

Todd joined the TAS Racing team towards the end of last season in preparation for his 2024 campaign, and is delighted at the prospect of racing Milwaukee branded machinery at the famous Triangle circuit, on Northern Ireland’s picturesque North Coast.

Davey Todd #74
MILWAUKEE BMW MOTORRAD
“This has been something that I’ve discussed about doing with Philip Neill from TAS Racing for a few years and having previously had some personal support from Milwaukee – we now arrive at the NW200 as a strong team on BMW’s M1000RRs. I’ve seen first-hand the success of both the team and the M1000RR on the roads, so it’s my plan to be part of that success story, and no better place than in front of the Irish fans at the NW200. It’s a great event with big atmosphere, and speed, on those straights into Coleraine and Portrush. The Milwaukee BMWs will be just the job.”

DALE McELVEEN MANAGING DIRECTOR, UK & IRELAND, TECHTRONIC INDUSTRIES
“Davey is a rider who we have admired for a number of seasons, both in British championship and also on the International Roads. The North West has a big impact on the local economy as Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event – so in terms of brand presence, we cannot wait to see him aboard Milwaukee branded machinery in front of all those local and international fans.”

PHILIP NEILL TEAM PRINCIPAL, TAS RACING
“It’s no secret the NW200 has always been one of our favourite events and with 2024 being our 25th anniversary season, we look forward to this year’s event more than ever. To achieve 30 victories around the North West Triangle with a selection of fantastic riders is a dream come true for both my Father and I. We now look forward to trying to add to that number this year on a range of Milwaukee BMW machinery. On reaching this landmark, we are more aware than ever of the importance of a great team, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our team members and sponsors who have quite simply made this success possible.

Davey is an exciting prospect for us with already proven capabilities and we look forward to working with him this year together with continued support from Milwaukee and BMW Motorrad.”

Daytona Preview: The 200? It’s Anybody’s Guess

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2024

The 82nd Daytona 200, Mission King Of The Baggers, BellissiMoto Twins Cup and Mission Super Hooligan National Championships Highlight MotoAmerica’s Daytona Bike Week, March 7-9

Welcome to the phenomenon that is the Daytona 200. Sixty-eight riders will attempt to qualify for the 82nd running of the “Great American Motorcycle Race,” two of those MotoAmerica racers are women, and one of them is half of a married couple who will compete against her husband. Additionally, five different brands of motorcycles will be on the starting grid at Daytona International Speedway and 13 countries will be represented.

Did we mention that the race is 200 miles long and features pit stops? And that three different tire manufacturers will battle for bragging rights in one of the few races left in road racing that doesn’t require the use of one tire brand?

Oh, it’s also worth noting that the margin of victory in the past three 200s was a combined .108 of a second.

All those things combined make the 200 an aberration. It really is like no other motorcycle race in the world.

82^nd Daytona 200 – All In

The list of potential winners in the Daytona 200 is lengthy, but it must begin with the defending race champion Josh Herrin and his Only Fans Warhorse Ducati Panigale V2. Herrin won a drafting war to the finish line of last year’s 200 on his Ducati to beat five-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes by just .070 of a second as five riders crossed the line separated by less than half a second.

Four of those five riders from a season ago will be back for another shot in the 200, led by Hayes who will go to battle on his CSU One Cure/J4orce Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in what may end up being his only race of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship. Hayes has yet to win a Daytona 200.

Cameron Petersen won’t be defending his third-place finish in last year’s 200 as he continues to rehab his wrist injury and is focusing on being 100 percent when the MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike series begins at Road Atlanta in April. Although the South African won’t be on the grid at the Speedway, his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R6 will be in the capable hands of Xavi Forés, the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion.

Like Hayes, Daytona might be Forés’s only MotoAmerica race with the Spaniard failing to land a ride for 2024 despite carrying the number-one plate as the series champion.

Hayden Gillim and PJ Jacobsen are the other top-five finishers returning for another crack at Daytona 200 glory. Gillim will be Suzuki GSX-R750-mounted but for a different team – Vesrah Racing – in this year’s race. Ditto for PJ Jacobsen as the New Yorker will be in the race on a different bike and a different team as he and teammates Kayla Yaakov and Corey Alexander will make their Rahal Ducati Moto Panigale V2 debuts at the Speedway.

With foreign riders aplenty, the list must start with the three-rider YART-ProKASRO team that is the defending World Endurance Champion. They are led by Italian Niccoló Canepa, who now calls Switzerland home, German Marvin Fritz, and Czech Karel Hanika.

Britain will be represented in this year’s Daytona 200 by 13-time Isle of Man TT winner Peter Hickman and his PHR Performance Triumph teammate Richard Cooper.

There’s also a horde of 11 Canadian racers making the trip south, led by three-time defending Canadian Superbike Champion Ben Young. Young and his countrymen will be trying to become the first Canadian to win the 200 since Miguel Duhamel in 2005.

There’s also an Australian entered with Tom Toparis making the trip to ride a ASTRO MAR Suzuki GSX-R750. Toparis, who finished 10^th and 18^th in the two World Supersport races at Phillip Island recently, is hoping to be the first Australian to win the 200 since Mat Mladin won in 2000 and 2001.

The MotoAmerica regulars mentioned earlier will be joined by the likes of Bobby Fong (Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki); Stefano Mesa (Boulder Motor Sports Ducati); Richie Escalante (Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki) and his teammates Brandon Paasch, Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs; Gus Rodio (Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering Ducati); David Anthony (Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki); and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick (TOBC Racing Triumph) with any of them capable of scoring victory.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Let The Battle Begin

Sixteen of the best Mission King Of The Baggers motorcycles will be ridden by the 16 best King Of The Baggers racers at Daytona International Speedway this weekend with the championship set to begin with two races at the Speedway.

Led by defending champion Hayden Gillim and his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, there is no questioning the depth of the field in the season opener.

And there are plenty of new faces amongst the 16, beginning with Gillim’s new teammate Rocco Landers, the 19-year-old set to make his Baggers debut on the high banks of Daytona.

Joining Landers in making his debut at the Speedway is three-time Australian Superbike Champion and Supermoto phenom Troy Herfoss, who will join one of the founding fathers of the class Tyler O’Hara (the 2022 King Of The Baggers Champion) on the pair of factory S&S/Indian Motorcycle Indian Challengers.

The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing team will again feature 2021 champion Kyle Wyman, the winningest Baggers racer with 12 victories (the next closest are O’Hara, Gillim and Bobby Fong with three wins apiece), and former Vance & Hines teamster James Rispoli.

Rispoli and Kyle Wyman won the two races at Daytona last year with Rispoli winning race one and finishing second in race two while Wyman had a DNF in race one before winning race two.

Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson will field three riders with former Harley factory rider Travis Wyman joined on the team by incumbents Cory West and Jake Lewis.

Andorran Rubén Xaus comes to the Baggers series with a thick racing resume that includes stints in World Superbike (including 11 wins), World Supersport (two wins) and MotoGP (a podium finish in the Grand Prix of Qatar) and he and his Feuling Parts team have definitely put in the time and effort with its Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

Fong, and his three career Mission King Of The Baggers victories, returns for more with the SDI/Roland Sands Racing/Indian Motorcycle Indian Challenger. Fong is a proven winner in the class and the only MotoAmerica Superbike race winner in the Baggers series.

Others who have stepped up their programs for 2024 are Suburban Motors H-D/Slyfox/Trask Performance’s Jesse Janisch, Nowaskey Extreme Performance’s Danny Eslick, RydFast Racing’s Kyle Ohnsorg, Mad Monkey Motorsports’ Max Flinders, and Trask Performance’s Shane Narbonne.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – Welcome To The Jungle

With a 25-riders strong grid, the opening round of the BellissiMoto Twins Cup series should be another barnburner and it will be so without defending series champion Blake Davis, who will focus his efforts on the Supersport (and Daytona 200) series with his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R6.

As for the rest, most of the gang is back for more, including last year’s series runner-up Gus Rodio and his Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Rodio won three races en route to second in the championship, including a victory in race one at Daytona last year.

Rodio will be joined on the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering two-rider team by Italian Alessandro Di Mario.

Rocco Landers returns to the BellissiMoto Twins Cup after his six-win 2023 season netted him third in the title chase. Landers has switched teams and will race the new Suzuki GSX-8R for the new RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team.

South African Dominic Doyle stood on four podiums last year, including a victory at Ridge Motorsports Park. Doyle will race a Yamaha YZF-R7 for the Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing team that will also include former Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. competitor Sonya Lloyd.

Last year’s Junior Cup Champion Avery Dreher moves up to the Twins Cup class on a TopPro Racing Team Aprilia RS 660 and Rossi Moor is another MotoAmerica youngster making a new home in Twins Cup, and he will do so on a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-8R.

Another to watch is 1-833-CJKNOWS Accident and Injury Law’s Kaleb De Keyrel, who returns to BellissiMoto Twins Cup racing on a Yamaha YZF-R7. De Keyrel won the Twins Cup title in 2021 and has 10 career wins in the class.

Ditto for Ben Gloddy who will get at least a one-off ride for Daytona on a third Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

Wrench Motorcycles is also fielding a Yamaha YZF-R7 for former Junior Cupper Jack Roach.

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – A Baker’s Dozen?

The big news for the opening round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship is actually the motorcycles themselves as 11 different manufacturers (and a total of 13 different individual motorcycle models) will be represented in the field of 35. Who knew?

Let’s see. There’s at least one of each of the following: Indian FTR1200s, BMW R nine T, Harley-Davidson XR1200 Pan America, KTM 890 DUKE R, Yamaha MT-09 SP, Suzuki SV1000, Ducati Monster SP and Hypermotard, Energica Eva Ribelle RS, Aprilia Tuono, Buell XB12XT and Victory Vegas.

Making its debut at Daytona will be the Yamaha MT-09 SP, a three-cylinder motorcycle that will be ridden by three different riders, including World Endurance Champion Niccoló Canepa.

Canepa and the rest will have to deal with defending class champion Tyler O’Hara and his new S&S/Indian FTR1200-mounted teammate Troy Herfoss, the three-time Australian Superbike Champion, Stefano Mesa on the electric Tytlers Cycle Energica Eva Ribelle RS and Andy DiBrino on the Competition Werkes/Gray Area KTM 890 Duke R.

DiBrino finished third in last year’s championship behind O’Hara and his then-teammate Jeremy McWilliams with Mesa ending up fourth in the title chase.

Pre-Daytona Notes…

Josh Herrin earned pole position for last year’s Daytona 200 with his 1:48.741 set during the Time Attack qualifying session. Herrin’s best was .254 of a second faster than PJ Jacobsen’s best of 1:49.005 with Herrin the only rider to crack into the 1:48s. Tyler Scott completed the front row with his 1:49.027.

The fastest lap in the race went to two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch with his 1:49.981. Paasch ended up 11^th in the race after being docked 15 seconds for a pit-lane violation.

Yamaha and Suzuki lead the way in entries for the Daytona 200 with both companies represented by 17 riders each. Kawasaki is next up with 16 entries, followed by Ducati with 10 and Triumph with eight.

Yamaha is the winningest brand by far in Daytona victories with 27 wins since the first Daytona 200 was held on the old beach circuit in 1937. The winner of that first Daytona 200 was Ed Kretz, who was riding an Indian. Harley-Davidson sits second on the all-time manufacturer win list in the 200 with 16 victories, the last of which was Cal Rayborn’s victory in 1969. The third highest win total goes to Honda with 11 victories with Jake Zemke the last rider to win on a Honda in 2006.

The first Daytona 200 to be run at Daytona International Speedway was in 1961 with Roger Reiman taking victory on his Harley-Davidson.

The Daytona 200 switched to Superbikes in 1985 with Freddie Spencer winning his one and only Daytona 200 on a Honda. Superbikes were featured in the 200 until 2005 when 600cc Formula Xtreme bikes took over. The FX class ran in the 200 until 600cc Daytona SportBikes were used beginning in 2009 with Ben Bostrom’s victory on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

This year’s 200 will mark the start of MotoAmerica’s third season of using the FIM’s “Supersport Next Generation” rules, with the class featuring Yamaha’s YZF-R6, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s GSX-R750 and GSX-R600, Kawasaki’s ZX-6R, and Triumph’s Speed Triple RS. Last year, MV Agusta’s F3RR also made some appearances but there are no MVs entered in this year’s 200.

Thirteen countries will be represented in this year’s Daytona 200 so it’s worth noting that Welshman Chaz Davies is the last non-American to win the Daytona 200 in 2008 with Americans winning 65 of the 81 Daytona 200s.

With America leading the way in victories (65) in the Daytona 200, Canada is second with five wins – all thanks to five-time winner Miguel Duhamel. Australia is third on the list with three wins and, again, it was one rider who won the races – Mat Mladin.

Finland (Jarno Saarinen), Italy (Giacomo Agostini), Venezuela (Johnny Cecotto), France (Patrick Pons), New Zealand (Graeme Crosby) and Great Britain (Chaz Davies) all have one win apiece in the 200 and are the other foreigners to win the race.

Sixteen Mission King Of The Baggers riders will take part in the opening round of the championship with two races slated for Daytona International Speedway. Eleven of those will be racing Harley-Davidsons with five aboard Indian Challengers.

AIROH’s Matryx helmet wins the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2024

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2024

The AIROH Matryx helmet is the winning product of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024, one of the most world-renowned design prizes.

AIROH, an Italian company benchmark in the motorcycling helmet filed, has won the prestigious international design award iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 with the Matryx helmet, a top-of-the-range helmet aimed at the on-road segment. The selection was made by a 132-member jury, made up of independent experts from all over the world.

«We are so proud to have won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024, and even more to have obtained it thanks to the Matryx helmet. – comments Antonio Locatelli, CEO of AIROH – A model that represents a combination of design and technology in our collection».

For over 70 years iF Design has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for excellent design, renowned worldwide for outstanding design service and its prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD, every year, rewards the most deserving projects, divided by countries and product categories. A real seal of aesthetic quality, which recognizes the uniqueness of a project and its importance in terms of style, so much so as to be inspiration for trends and design.

The Matryx helmet is AIROH’s full face proposal for the on-road segment, that features a striking design. It was developed and tested inside the futuristic AIROH wind tunnel, not only to guarantee optimal acoustics and thermoregulation, but also to optimize its aerodynamics. Thanks above all to these testes, its decisive and aggressive lines were created to be an aesthetic and functional plus.

For more information about AIROH: https://www.airoh.com/

New Find It Fix It Flog It on UKTV

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2024

Nation’s favourite repurposing show finds new home on Yesterday channel.

A new series of Find It Fix It Flog It comes to the Yesterday channel and streaming service UKTV Play from 25th March 2024, unlocking padlocks on the sheds, garages and barns of Britain, in the hope of making a tidy profit for their owners.

Serial shed explorers Henry Cole and Simon O’Brien will once again be rummaging around the nation’s outbuildings, unearthing unwanted items that can be upcycled into treasures.

Motorbike-mad Henry will be hunting down some rusty relics from the motoring past. With a bit of help from his good mates, engineering genius Allen Millyard and ace restorer Guy Willison, whatever he finds will get a second life.

Simon has a real eye for objects that can be turned from old junk into furniture, fixtures and fittings cool enough to grace even the trendiest home or garden. Sidekicks Gemma Longworth and Phil Carroll possess the knowhow, skills and tools to make it happen.

Along the way, the pair will be drafting in some of the UK’s most talented tradespeople too, who’ll be using their skills to help save the items the duo find from ending up in landfill.

When all the hard work is done, antiques and collectables expert Ronnie Archer Morgan will be judging the quality of the craftsmanship and placing a value on each piece. As ever, the boys will be crossing fingers and toes that their handiwork can deliver a healthy profit.

The brand new series of Find It Fix It Flog It will be broadcast on its new home of Yesterday (Freeview Channel 27), from Monday 25th March 2024, at 8pm. Stream the new series on UKTV Play at uktvplay.co.uk

To find out more and apply to be included in future programmes, visit www.henrycole.tv

Two Rare Historic Racing Ducati’s Up For Auction

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2024

Two rare historic racing Ducati’s with links to Australian & Italian riders, Casey Stoner AND Loris Capirossi with Iconic Auctioneers at the Shuttleworth Spring Motorcycle Sale Sunday 7th April 2024.

Two Rare Historic Racing Ducati’s Up For Auction — An ex-Casey Stoner Ducati 2007 MotoGP GP7 Desmosedici £350,000 – £400,000 (left) and an ex-Loris Capirossi Ducati 2003 MotoGP GP3 Desmosedici £250,000 – £300,000 (right).

How often does one see two racing motorcycles of this calibre come to auction at the same time? “Rarely, very rarely”, says Mark Bryan, Head of Motorcycles at Iconic Auctioneers.

Both bikes are genuine factory frames and all the components are Ducati Corsa parts. These are known bikes and both would have been used during the 2003 and 2007 seasons respectively. Frames were changed on a regular basis and engines every race. Both bikes are running and have been maintained by an experienced Ducati technician. Both are fitted with more modern electronics for ease of use. The carbon fibre brake discs fitted on both are for display purposes only and not for use. It’s a rare opportunity as very few manufacturers sell their race bikes post season.

The first machine is a bike used by Australian, Casey Stoner – a Ducati 2007 MotoGP GP7 Desmosedici race bike, estimate to sell for £350,000 – £400,000. This bike represents an incredible opportunity to own a piece of Ducati and MotoGP history! One of only a handful of examples built by Ducati for the 2007 season.

This bike was raced by the Australian rider Casey Joel Stoner, now retired he was a two-time MotoGP World Champion, in 2007 and 2011. During his MotoGP career, Stoner raced for the factory teams of Ducati and Honda, winning a title for each team. One of Stoner’s greatest talents was his astonishing ability to ride any bike beyond its limits, even winning races on Ducatis after both Honda and Yamaha had forged ahead in development during his later racing years.

2007 saw Stoner win the MotoGP Championship for the Marlboro Ducati factory team. He won the Riders Championship ahead of Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi, with Ducati taking the constructor’s title ahead of Honda and Yamaha. During the 2007 season, Ducati took five pole positions and 11 victories, with Stoner taking ten and Capirossi just one.

The GP7 bike featured a 799cc, 90-degree V4, desmodromic DOHC engine, with 4 valves per cylinder producing 220bhp-plus with Magneti Marelli electronic injection and ignition with EVO TCF throttle control. Weighing 148kg and capable of speeds in excess of 190mph.

It features a tubular steel, trellis-style frame with a pressed aluminium swing arm with Ohlins front and rear fully adjustable suspension. Fitted with powerful Brembo four-piston calipers with 305mm carbon discs on the front (for display use only) and a Brembo single two-piston caliper on the rear with 220mm steel disc.Currently fitted with 17″ rims but complete with its original 16.5″ wheels.

The machine designation is D16GP7 CS1 and was built for the 2007 season. It still has the Spanish MotoGP scrutineering sticker on the frame. These early MotoGP bikes can be maintained and run without the need for factory support. This example has been maintained over the last few years by an experienced technician and has been recommissioned and used up until recently.

This Ex-Loris Capirossi Ducati 2003 MotoGP GP3 Desmosedici race bike is finished in the iconic Marlboro colours and is estimated to sell for between £250,000 – £300,000.

2003 saw Ducati enter MotoGP for the first time with the brand new Desmosedici GP3. This bike is also one of only a handful of examples built by Ducati Corsa for the 2003 season and like the GP7 it represents an astonishing opportunity to own a piece of Ducati and MotoGP history.

This machine has the designation of LC1 and was ridden by Loris Capirossi for races during the 2003 season. Loris finished fourth in the MotoGP championship in 2003 with Ducati taking a second place in the manufacturer’s standings behind Honda.During the 2003 season, Ducati took three pole positions, but their only win came at the Spanish Grand Prix at Catalunya, Loris Capirossi beating the Hondas of Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau.

Loris Capirossi (born 4 April 1973) was an Italian former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. He retired from MotoGP racing, at the end of the 2011 season after which his race number, the #65, was unofficially retired from the MotoGP class. He had an illustrious 21 year career, one of the longest ever starting to race at the age of 17.

This bike features a 989cc 90-degree V4 desmodromic DOHC engine, with four valves per cylinder producing 220bhp-plus @ 16,000rpm with Magneti Marelli injection and ignition. Weighing a mere 145kg it is capable of speeds in excess of 200mph. Currently fitted with more modern electrics and traction control.

It features a tubular steel, trellis-style frame with an aluminium swing arm with Ohlins front and rear fully adjustable suspension it comes fitted with powerful Brembo four-piston calipers with 305mm carbon discs on the front (for display use only) and a Brembo single two-piston caliper on the rear with 220mm steel disc.

These two iconic bikes are part of the Spring Shuttleworth Sale on the 7^th April at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP. They can be viewed online along with all the other lots at www.iconicauctioneers.com. In person viewing at the venue is available on Saturday 6^th April. Iconic Auctioneers are also inviting further entries for this sale along with its other two motorcycle auctions in 2024. For more information about their sales or to get a free no obligation quote for your motorcycles or collection, contact Mark Bryan, Head of Motorcycles on +44 (0) 7958 107974 or visit their website.

Links to the bikes online

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2007-ducati-desmosedici-gp7-rec13329-2-shuttle-0424?pn=1&el=22519&pp=100

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2003-ducati-desmosedici-gp3-rec13329-1-shuttle-0424?pn=1&el=22518&pp=100

For more information please contact:

Mark Bryan
Motorcycle Manager
mark@iconicauctioneers.com
Tel +44 (0) 7958 107974

Irwin To Front PBM Title Defence In Bennetts BSB

Frank Duggan

March 6, 2024

Nine times and defending Bennetts British Superbike champions PBM will return to the grid in 2024 with Glenn Irwin looking to go one better after finishing runner-up for the Glenn Irwin & Jordan Bird past two seasons.

The 33-year-old from Carrickfergus finished an agonising half point behind teammate Tommy Bridewell last season and returns with the PBM team which is now fronted by Jordan and Frank Bird as they continue their father Paul’s legacy following his untimely passing last year.

Jordan and her twin brother have spent the winter finalising plans for the 32-race Bennetts BSB season ahead with Irwin as the sole rider aboard the Ducati V4R, on which he will contest the International North West 200 too.

Last season, the PBM team won 18 races and finished on the podium a further 18 times also, of which Irwin won ten races and podiumed eight times additionally, so the Ulsterman goes in search of his maiden crown which would be an unprecedented tenth title for Britian’s most successful team.

Over a 23-year involvement in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, as well as their nine titles with riders including Steve Hislop, Shane Byrne, Scott Redding, Josh Brookes, and Tommy Bridewell, PBM have won 138 races, secured an additional 175 podium finishes and claimed 98 pole positions.

PBM has a new title sponsor for the 2024 Bennetts BSB season which will be revealed shortly prior to the opening test weekend at Donington Park on April 6/7. The season gets underway at Navarra in Spain with two races over the weekend of April 20/21.

Glenn Irwin: “For the people reading this it must be a relief as I have been inundated with messages from fans asking me about what I am doing this season, which has been really nice, and I am so grateful for their support. It might sound like a cliché, but there was never really anywhere else I wanted to be, despite interest from elsewhere when there was some uncertainty, my heart and attention was always to remain with PBM. To touch on last year, we had an amazing season working together, and after four years apart we came back together, and I think in that time I have grown up and matured. The team went through a lot last year, but it was also an amazing year, and the championship was one of the most exciting in history and I am extremely grateful to have been a part of that. It didn’t work out in my favour as such, but it doesn’t take any of the sweetness away from it because we had great success. I believe and fully expect myself to be fighting for the championship from the off, but we also have to understand some changes and we will have to adapt. It certainly isn’t just a case of roll the dice like last year, we have a lot of work to do, and I think it is important that we are not complacent. We do our work, and then I think we can certainly be in for a lot of race wins and success ahead. I started my Superbike career with PBM and as much as it is a new era with Jordan and Frank as my bosses now, I will never separate the first part of the PBM chapter to this one. I had my first pole position, first podium and first win with the team, but there are a few things I want to achieve. First off, it is to win the British Superbike Championship and secondly to retain it, they are the two things I want to achieve with PBM.”

Team Owners Jordan and Frank Bird Junior: “We are delighted to confirm that the PBM team will be back on the grid this season. It has obviously been a real emotional rollercoaster for us, and we are so proud of what the whole team achieved last year, ending the season on a high with a one-two in the standings. The PBM team remain fully committed to the championship and after a lot of uncertainty over the last few months we are delighted that Glenn returns as we begin the next chapter for PBM. He has a long-standing history with the team – from making his Superbike debut, to a first podium and his first race win in the championship. We hope that together we can add a Championship title to that this season! We want to take this opportunity to thank our partners and fans for their continued support and we are now looking forward to the future of PBM and keeping Dad’s memory alive.”

Picture: Glenn Irwin pictured with Jordan Bird

For further information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com

NEW! HJC RPHA 91 Carbon Noela – in stock now

Frank Duggan

March 5, 2024

The RPHA 91 Carbon is HJC’s new modular touring helmet that was engineered for all-day comfort.

The new Premium Integrated Matrix EVO Carbon shell (P.I.M. EVO) provides enhanced shock-resistant performance and is lightweight by using reinforcement materials that include carbon-aramid, carbon fibre, glass fibre, organic non-woven fabric, and linen fibre (natural fibre).

The new distortion-free, HJ-37 face shield and HJ-V17 sun shield provide a clear and increased peripheral view for the rider. Designed to perfection, the chin bar locking system now has a hidden closure point that allows for smooth contact and less pressure on the cheek area. Keeping noise levels to a minimum is the RPHA 91 3D-engineered low-noise interior that is focused to reduce road noise significantly. Also included with this is the neck roll system to ensure you drown out the noise. For convenience, the EPS design accommodates riders with eyewear. The RPHA 91 will also accept the second-generation Smart HJC Bluetooth systems.

Key Features
• Premium Integrated Matrix / P.I.M EVO Carbon: Carbon fibre outer shell provides a more lightweight and comfortable shell with enhanced shock-resistant performance.
• Aerodynamic design shell reduces air resistance & provides stability at high speed.
• Full front-to-back airflow: 5 intakes and 7 exhausts.
• Pinlock Ready HJ-37 Visor: provides 99% UV protection, anti-scratch coated.
• Quick, simple and secure visor (shield) ratchet system.
• Adjustable 3-step sunshield for optimised position.
• Light Smoke sun shield installed.
• Interior with advanced anti-bacteria fabric provides enhanced moisture wicking and quick drying function.
• Crown and cheek pads: removable and washable.
• Glasses grooves can accommodate riders who wear glasses.
• Carbon design points: carbon exclusive label and gunmetal coloured vent frame
• Ready for 21B & 50B Bluetooth (sold separately).
• 4 shell sizes XS-S/M/L/XL-XXL
• Visor: HJ-37
• Pinlock: DKS465
• Sunvisor: HJ-V12

RRP: £599.99

Technical Features

PIM EVO Shell
New shell material including carbon-aramid fibre, carbon fibre, glass fibre, organic non-woven fabric, and natural linen fibre to provide enhanced Shock-Resistant performance for a more comfortable and lighter helmet.

New sun shield mechanism
Integrated Sunshield: Anti-fog coated smoke tinted sun visor deploys quickly and easily by bottom positioned new operation system. Its new mechanism allows adjusting the depth in 3 different positions according to your morphology and preference for an optimal fit.

Visor Lock
The new visor lock is easier to open and safer thanks to its push and release system.

P&J Chin Bar Features
Possibility to lock the chin bar when you want to ride with it in the open position for a safer ride. The chin curtain retracts when the helmet is in the open position to make it easier to put on and reduce wind resistance. In addition, the bottom locking system automatically hides in the open position to reduce wind noise and air resistance. The new two-way pivot chin bar allows the helmet to be more compact (lower than before) while open to reduce wind noise and air drag.

5 Year Warranty
The warranty is applicable to manufacturer’s defects for up to 5 years from the date of purchase, or 7 years from the date of manufacturing (whichever comes first).

Smart HJC 2nd Generation
The SMART HJC 2ndgeneration premium Bluetooth communication system models implement an all-in-one design, that is fully integrated into the helmet, allowing you to feel the optimal weight balance and aerodynamic performance while riding. The SMART HJC 50B and 21B can be installed on RPHA 71, RPHA 91, RPHA 31, or i71. Co-developed with SENA and tailored specially for HJC helmets. *All SMART HJC devices are sold separately.

Red: zz-r91nrxs
Black: zz-r91nbxs

For more HJC Helmet news from Oxford Products check out our dedicated page HJC Helmet News

For more information on HJC Helmets in the UK products visit www.oxfordproducts.com

Husqvarna Motorcycles Confirms Svartpilen 801 Production For 2024

Frank Duggan

March 5, 2024

All new naked motorcycle to be unveiled to the world on 19th March.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is looking forward to the highly anticipated unveiling of its latest and largest displacement street machine – the 2024 Svartpilen 801 – on 19th March. The all-new middleweight model has been engineered to deliver a powerful combination of performance, agility and contemporary style to take riding to even greater heights.

Weighing just 181 kg and powered by a compact, parallel-twin engine producing 105 hp, the Svartpilen 801 offers a dynamic power-to-weight ratio. The versatility of the Svartpilen 801 is enhanced further by state-of-the-art electronic rider aids, including Easy Shift – for seamless gear changes – as standard. A class-leading technology package meanwhile maximises the riding experience and safety throughout every ride. As part of an extensive testing process, the Svartpilen 801 prototype was ridden on both a flat-track oval and an ice track. This diverse programme of sideways action and stunning ice rides on spiked tyres played a vital role in developing a truly versatile motorcycle that encourages riders to escape the ordinary.

The distinct and minimalist style of the new Svartpilen 801 is achieved by a selection of striking components that combine to create a unique, scrambler-inspired motorcycle. Slimline ergonomic bodywork wraps neatly around the frame and torque-rich engine allowing unrestricted movement for the rider, while the steering damper and adjustable WP suspension provide exceptional comfort on every ride.

The full specification, imagery and technical data for the new Svartpilen 801 will be released on Tuesday 19th March 2024.

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

Marina Motorcycles – New Motorcycle Dealer For Brighton

Frank Duggan

March 5, 2024

🌟Marina Motorcycles🌟

🌟 Grand Opening of Their New Showroom Sunday 12th May 2024🌟

Coming soon to Brighton is Marina Motorcycles 300 SQUARE METRE modern upmarket motorcycle showroom stocking multiple brands of on and off-road bikes, clothing, helmets and a vast range of accessories for all types and styles of riding.

Come on down to support them at

12-13, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina Village, BN2 5WA

The team would be very happy to welcome you in to their impressive new style showroom to share the brands we stock here at Marina Motorcycles Ltd!!

Free Parking For All!!
Motorcycle Parking!!

Plenty of restaurants and bars all within walking distance for you to grab some food.

Drivers suffer biggest monthly fuel price rises in five months

Frank Duggan

March 5, 2024

**The average price of petrol rose by 4p a litre in February while diesel shot up by nearly 5p in the biggest monthly increases in five months, data from RAC Fuel Watch* shows.**

Unleaded went up from 140.75p at the start of the month to 144.76p by the close, adding more than £2 to the price of a full tank (£77.41 to £79.62). Diesel jumped from 148.53p to 153.22p (4.7p) increasing the cost of filling up an average 55-litre family car by £2.60 to £84.27.

The hikes have been driven by the price of oil breaking through the $80 a barrel mark on 8 February and staying there for the rest of the month. This, combined with the pound only being worth $1.26 meant retailers had to pay more for fuel on the wholesale market as – similar to oil – fuel is traded in dollars.

RAC Fuel Watch data also shows that drivers in Northern Ireland are still getting a far better deal at the pumps, with unleaded being sold 5.6p cheaper and diesel 4.6p cheaper (139.19p for petrol and 148.62p for diesel).

RAC analysis of prices from the Government’s voluntary open data scheme on 29 February shows petrol is just under 2p (1.8p) cheaper when bought at one of the country’s big four supermarkets (143p v 144.76p) and diesel is only a penny cheaper (152.1p v 153.22p). It also highlights that there is an 18p-per-litre difference between the supermarket forecourts selling the lowest and highest priced unleaded, both of which are Asda sites. The lowest price was 136.7p at its sites in Middleton, Leeds, and Ballyclare, north of Belfast in Northern Ireland, and the most expensive was 154.9p at Parkgate Road in Chester.

29/02/2024	Average	Min	Max	Difference
Asda	143.6p	136.7p	154.9p	18.2p
Morrisons	143.5p	140.7p	153.9p	13.2p
Sainsbury’s	142.6p	137.9p	147.9p	10.0p
Tesco	142.1p	136.9p	143.9p	7.0p
Whole UK	143.0p	136.7p	154.9p	18.2p

For diesel, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive supermarket forecourts is greater at 21p. Tesco offered drivers the lowest priced at 142.9p at Banbridge in Northern Ireland and Asda had the dearest at 163.9p, again at Parkgate Road in Chester.

29/02/2024	Average	Min	Max	Difference
Asda	152.9p	145.7p	163.9p	18.2p
Morrisons	152.6p	149.4p	160.9p	11.5p
Sainsbury’s	151.6p	145.9p	158.9p	13.0p
Tesco	151.1p	142.9p	153.9p	11.0p
Whole UK	152.1p	142.9p	163.9p	21.0p

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Our data shows that in February, drivers endured the highest monthly average fuel price increases since September 2023. Diesel’s 4.7p rise was the 14^thlargest and the 4p that went on to petrol was the 17^th biggest increase since the start of the century.

“What’s especially galling is the continuing difference in price between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. On average fuel is 5p cheaper there, with big retailers appearing happy to operate on thinner margins per litre.

“Looking at average margins across the whole of the UK, retailers are currently taking around 10p a litre on average across both petrol and diesel. The supermarkets in particular have now noticeably upped their margins to 8p a litre compared to 6p in 2019. Luckily for drivers, this is lower than the last two years when it was around 9.5p.

“When analysing the supermarkets’ prices via the Competition and Markets Authority open data scheme, it is also very clear there are some big differences between the cheapest and most expensive prices charged for both petrol and diesel. Frighteningly, at the end of February there was an 18p difference between the country’s cheapest supermarket unleaded and the dearest, and for diesel it was 21p. To put this into a context, it means the cost of filling a family-sized car can be up to £10 more expensive in one part of the country than another. It’s important to remember this is the very same product being charged at vastly different prices based just on location.

“We hope that the eventual introduction of the monitoring body recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority will help to bring an end to this postcode lottery that treats drivers so unfairly.”

Motorists looking to save money on their fill-ups should start using the fuel finder feature in the free myRAC app. The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.

Up to nine searches a day can be made over a two, five or 10-mile radius, with each giving the five cheapest prices.

The web page has more information about the average price of petrol and diesel at the big four supermarkets and at motorway services. It also features graphs showing average prices since 2000 as well as a daily financial breakdown of the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel.

Regional pump prices

Unleaded	01/02/2024	29/02/2024	Change	End of month variance to UK average
UK average	140.75	144.76	4.01
East	141.61	145.48	3.87	0.7
East Midlands	141.15	145.19	4.04	0.4
London	142.69	145.86	3.17	1.1
North East	139.81	143.79	3.98	-1.0
North West	140.22	144.64	4.42	-0.1
Northern Ireland	136.06	139.19	3.13	-5.6
Scotland	140.22	144.56	4.34	-0.2
South East	141.90	145.62	3.72	0.9
South West	140.89	144.58	3.69	-0.2
Wales	139.66	143.85	4.19	-0.9
West Midlands	140.63	144.92	4.29	0.2
Yorkshire and the Humber	139.78	144.21	4.43	-0.5

Diesel	01/02/2024	29/02/2024	Change	End of month variance to UK average
UK average	148.53	153.22	4.69
East	148.84	153.70	4.86	0.5
East Midlands	148.67	153.45	4.78	0.2
London	150.28	154.13	3.85	0.9
North East	147.76	152.54	4.78	-0.7
North West	147.89	152.91	5.02	-0.3
Northern Ireland	145.05	148.62	3.57	-4.6
Scotland	149.14	153.71	4.57	0.5
South East	149.78	154.39	4.61	1.2
South West	148.60	153.40	4.80	0.2
Wales	147.87	152.96	5.09	-0.3
West Midlands	148.38	153.33	4.95	0.1
Yorkshire and the Humber	148.25	153.02	4.77	-0.2

Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia Sign Renewal for Another Two Seasons

Frank Duggan

March 4, 2024

Just days before the start of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia solidified their future together by putting pen to paper, announcing the signing of an agreement that binds the two-time MotoGP World Champion to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for the 2025 and 2026 seasons as well.

The contract renewal ensures continuity for an all-Italian winning pair: a perfect combination of the technology and performance of the Desmosedici GP and the talent, passion, and determination of Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia.

Born in Turin in 1997 and residing in Pesaro, Bagnaia joined Ducati with Pramac Racing in 2019. With the extension of his current contract, he will further solidify his place in the history of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, becoming the second rider to be linked with Ducati for a total of eight years.

Bagnaia made a name for himself in 2020 by securing his first MotoGP podium in his home race at Misano Adriatico, and in 2021, he was promoted to the factory team. During his first year riding the red Ducati Lenovo Team machine, he narrowly missed out on winning the World Title, finishing as the runner-up after an exhilarating season finale. The year 2022 marked Bagnaia’s breakthrough, as he clinched his first MotoGP Riders’ World Title, also becoming the first Italian to do so on an Italian bike: the Desmosedici GP. This victory marked Ducati’s second Riders’ World Title, following Casey Stoner’s success in 2007, 15 years earlier. With the number 1 on his bike’s front fairing, Bagnaia was again crowned World Champion in 2023, thanks to another remarkable season that saw him claim 15 podiums, 7 victories, and 7 pole positions.

Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“I am so happy to continue racing with the team of my dreams! Wearing these colours is an honour for me. It’s fantastic and a source of pride. Together with Ducati, my team, and all the guys at Ducati Corse, we’ve achieved incredible things. In these three more years (including 2024) ahead of us, we’ll continue to give our best to achieve as much success as possible. I am overjoyed and ready to hit the track in Qatar for the first race of the year.”

Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding)
“Pecco is truly the perfect rider for Ducati. He represents our values at their best: style, elegance, and performance. Not only is he fast, determined, and tenacious on track, but he also stands out for his elegance and education off the track. I am very happy for this renewal, which I am sure Ducatisti all over the world will welcome with enthusiasm.”

Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“We are extremely happy to have Bagnaia with us again for 2025 and 2026. Together, we have written an important page of motorcycling history: Pecco was the first Italian rider to win a World Title in MotoGP with an Italian bike, our Desmosedici GP. Together, we brought back a Riders’ World Title that had been missing for 15 years, and we did it again last year. He is a two-time World Champion and has proven on more than one occasion that he truly deserves the number 1 on the fairing of his bike. In addition to these results, Bagnaia continues to demonstrate that he is in perfect harmony with his bike and team. For all these reasons, it was natural for us to want to continue with him. Therefore, we look forward to this new chapter together, confident that we can achieve other important results.”

Statistics from 2019 to date

GP Starts with Ducati in MotoGP: 86
First GP: Qatar 2019
Wins: 18
First GP Win: Aragón 2021
Podiums: 35
First Podium: San Marino 2020
Pole Positions: 18
First Pole: Qatar 2021
Fastest Laps: 13
Points: 1085
World Titles: 2 (MotoGP 2023, MotoGP 2022)

Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team will hit the track for the opening Grand Prix of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship from March 8th to 10th at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.

GASGAS Unveils Fresh 2024 Casual And Functional Apparel Collection

Frank Duggan

March 4, 2024

Available now from authorised GASGAS dealers

Bringing in fresh looks and unique designs, the brand-new 2024 Casual and Functional Collections from GASGAS really do have something for everyone! Whether hanging out with friends, relaxing after work or getting ready to tear up the track, these exciting new clothing ranges are about rocking the distinct GASGAS style anywhere and everywhere. The new collections are available now from Authorised GASGAS Dealers nationwide, so it’s time for riders to GET ON THE GAS and grab the freshest red threads around!

Gasgas Unveils Fresh 2024 Casual And Functional Apparel Collection

GASGAS has doubled down for the second year of its Casual Collection to provide a larger offering of tees, as well as a new long-sleeve shirt and hoodie for 2024. Each item is – of course – finished with its own unique styling to create that unmistakably GASGAS look. From the fit, the mix of subtle yet bold designs to the premium quality, GASGAS designers have gone the extra mile to make everything in the new collection as cool and comfortable as possible.

In addition to the casual wear. there’s a pretty awesome range of Accessories containing bags, caps and drinks bottles, making sure riders are properly kitted out and repping GASGAS whether trackside, relaxing at home or out on the town! After all, who says you need a dirt bike to look this good!

Since being introduced in 2020, the GASGAS Functional Collection has grown bigger, bolder and more striking with each passing year. The result for 2024 being a completely new line-up consisting of durable pants, jerseys and gloves that allows riders of motocross, enduro and trial to ride hard and in style! Add protective items such as helmets, boots and goggles into the mix, a spicy head-to-toe GASGAS look can easily be created for the next time on track.

The 2024 GASGAS Casual and Functional Apparel ranges are available from March 2024 at Authorised GASGAS Dealers. Check out the full Apparel range online here.

Lights on, lights out… RACE! Are you ready?

Frank Duggan

March 4, 2024

The world’s most exciting sport returns as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar lights the fuse on 2024.

The time has come. From those first glimpses in Valencia through a winter eager for more, pre-season was then packed with headlines. The wait feels like minutes and months at the same time. But now, it’s time for the lights to go on in Qatar before they go off for the first Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race of a record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season: the full grid, at full power, for the full thrill of the world’s most exciting sport. We don’t call it that for nothing… welcome to the ride of your life!

BACK IN THE RING
There’s no doubt after pre-season that reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and that #1 plate, are the package to beat. There’s also no doubt that teammate Enea Bastianini looked extremely convincing on the other side of the garage now he’s back to full power after a 2023 season marred by injury. Could we now get the real continuation of that rivalry that started to really heat up in the latter stages of 2022?

The rivalry that did the same last season, meanwhile, also looks set to continue. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had a pre-season shared between statement laps and signs he needed a little more time to settle in on the new bike, but we know when the lights go out he’ll be elbows out. 2024 is likely to bring us plenty more #PECCOvsMARTIN, and we can’t wait. On the other side of his garage there’s a whole different conundrum after Franco Morbidelli was sidelined from pre-season though, so his progress will be interesting amongst the Ducati ranks.

Completing the top three in 2023 was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and on paper it looked like he had a tougher pre-season. On paper, however, it also didn’t look like he was going to make it seem like he’d unlocked easy mode at a number of GPs last year. So has he got more in the locker to overturn the charge of new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who very much picked up where he’d left off in terms of pace?

His former teammate, Alex Marquez, now has a new one at Gresini Racing MotoGP™ too. For AM73, the goal for the year has got to be a Grand Prix win, as he’s now got Sprint victories and some podiums. For his new teammate, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, it’s hard to tell what that goal really is. Pace? Proving a legacy? A ninth World Championship? Pure enjoyment? There are probably 93 answers to that question that people on all sides could argue, and we may never know the answer. However, we do get to come long for the ride. Qatar has never been his greatest track, so first time out as he’s still finding the limits may not prove a crystal ball, but it’s one of the most exciting moves in the history of the sport and we get to watch it.

TAKING THE FIGHT TO DUCATI?
That set of challengers is just Ducati. There are plenty more! At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, there’s plenty to get excited about after a good pre-season and a really solid 2023 too, especially from Brad Binder as he finished just behind the top three. He also did it becoming a Sprint winner and taking some big podiums, satisfyingly sideways in the heat of the battle at the front. Can he do it again? And can teammate Jack Miller even out a tougher 2023 at times to bring that Jerez form to the fore?

At Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez is looking for some steps forward as the spotlight continues shining down on rookie Pedro Acosta. The hype was only fuelled throughout pre-season and, as ever, suffering less talk about his prospects would require him to go a whole lot slower. That seems unlikely. But what can we really expect? A whole range of results from stunning to steady is likely the truth, none of which by itself will have much to say about what we’ll be seeing from him by Jerez or Silverstone or Motegi. (He does have until the Sachsenring to beat Marc Marquez’ record as the youngest premier class winner though…)

At Aprilia, it was an interesting pre-season. Aleix Espargaro’s experience of the new machine was a near-immediate storming of the top echelons of the timesheets, whereas teammate Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) took more time fitting the puzzle together. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) had even less of that as he sat out much of the Sepang Test after a crash.

By the start of the season proper, however, there are plenty of reasons to be looking forward to what the Noale Factory can do. Can Aprilia, with more factory collaboration with the brand new Trackhouse team and what looks like another serious challenger, add a little more consistency in 2024 to sustain that charge?

FIGHTING BACK TO THE FRONT
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, the search continues to bridge the gap and unlock one-lap pace. But the new concession system has already seen the Iwata marque able to use more track time with race riders in pre-season, and we saw some updates appear too. Those race riders, 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo and new arrival Alex Rins, will be very eager to get back to work and see where they fit in the pecking order over full race distance, not least of all with that new top speed.

Honda likewise used the new concessions to field race riders in the Shakedown and, like Yamaha, won’t have their engine spec frozen. They also have some new faces to welcome, with Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) bringing his methodical approach to a factory team for the first time as he partners up with 2020 Champion Joan Mir. Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and his experience stays put, but he welcomes Johann Zarco to the CASTROL Honda LCR side of the box – and in testing, the Frenchman was both very fast and very positive. We know it’s a whole new bike and we know they’ve moved forward, but can they bridge the gap even more as the season starts in earnest?

It was a six-race calendar across Europe when the world’s first motorsport World Championship was born in 1949. Now we’re ready for more than 20 events across the globe, with 777 points up for grabs across 21 Tissot Sprints and 21 Grand Prix races. There is history on the line even as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, so join us at the starting line as the lights go on at Lusail International Circuit and then go out to welcome the world’s most exciting sport back into action.

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Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) takes the opening pole position of the year, heading Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) on the front row as the top Boscoscuro machine.

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) is on pole position for the opening Grand Prix after setting a remarkable 2:02.276 to underline his pace this season.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) will head the first grids of the year after! The 2023 runner up set a magical 1:50.789 in qualifying for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to take pole, becoming the fastest rider ever to lap Lusail International Circuit.

Kyle Wyman Tops Troy Herfoss In Baggers Thriller, Herfoss Takes Super Hooligan And Gus Rodio Dominates Twins Cup.

For the first time ever, fans can now vote each weekend to decide who takes home the custom-liveried Triumph Street Triple RS in 2024.

Rain? In Qatar? You read that right, sometimes it even rains in the desert.

The provisional entry list has today (Friday) been revealed for the 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, which gets underway with the fresh challenge of Circuito de Navarra in Northern Spain next month.

Aussie Rookie Troy Herfoss Fastest King Of The Bagger, Rodio Quick In BellissiMoto Twins Cup And Tyler O’Hara Leads Super Hooligan National Championship Qualifying

In celebration of Andrea Adamo winning the 2023 MX2 World Championship, KTM unveils the KTM 250 SX-F ADAMO EDITION.

Whether riding and getting caught in a downpour or heading out in all conditions and being prepared, the Aquaguard jacket and trousers will keep you dry.

Every Sprint and every Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024.

The days are getting lighter and the weather is getting warmer – Spring is on the way! It’s the perfect time to give your bike some TLC and prepare for the riding season ahead…

AIROH at the Salon du 2 Roues 2024 presents its new proposals for the road and off-road segments, as well as an entire renewed collection.

Indian FTR from £125 per month on PCP Indian Scout from £129 per month on PCP Or £1,000 trade-in or merchandise offer on more models for riders not looking for finance

TAS Racing is delighted to confirm its participation at the 2024 International North West 200 in May with Davey Todd signed up to ride Milwaukee sponsored BMW Motorrad machinery.

Indian FTR from £125 per month on PCP
Indian Scout from £129 per month on PCP
Or £1,000 trade-in or merchandise offer on more models for riders not looking for finance