Yamaha Thailand Racing Team Sets Ambitious Objectives And Announces 2024 Rider Lineup
As the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team (YTRT) gears up for the 2024 season, we are proud to announce our ambitious objectives for the year ahead and build on our 2023 experience.
Bangkok, Thailand – 20 March, 2024: With extensive experience working in international motorsports, YTRT aims to leverage our rich history and experience to excel in the competitive world-championship environment while competing in the 2024 WorldSSP championship series.
Since the inception of motorsports in Thailand, Yamaha Thailand Racing has been at the forefront of the racing scene. With countless victories and championships to our name, we have been trailblazers for Thailand on the world stage. From the dominance of the Siam Yamaha Racing Team in the 1970s and 1980s to our current status as championship winners in both national and international race series, YTRT has established a winning reputation within the motorsports industry.
In 2023, Yamaha Thailand Racing Team made history by becoming the first Thai team to compete in the World Supersport class of the FIM Superbike World Championship. This prestigious series attracts a global audience and is a testament to our commitment to excellence on the international stage. As the only Thai team in the WorldSBK paddock, YTRT is committed to raising our professional standards and profile while competing at the highest level of motorsports and establishing ourselves as a world-class racing team.
Yamaha Thailand Racing Team will focus on a year of growth and progress as we develop our riders and continue to build a leading Thai motorsports team.
2024 Rider Lineup
Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider Anupab Sarmoon will race in WorldSSP for his second year with the team. Photo courtesy Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.
Name: Anupab Sarmoon #51
Team: Yamaha Thailand Racing Team
Motorcycle: Yamaha YZF-R6
Date of Birth: 09 December, 1993
Birthplace: Chiang Mai
Anupab Sarmoon will be entering his second season with Yamaha Thailand Racing Team in the 2024 WorldSSP championship. With notable achievements including finishing fourth overall in the 2022 Asia Road Racing Championship and solid performances in the 2023 WorldSSP season, Sarmoon is poised to take a positive step forward in his international racing career.
Krittapat Keankum (39) at Phillip Island, Round One of 2024 WorldSSP. Photo courtesy Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.
Name: Krittapat Keankum #39
Team: Yamaha Thailand Racing Team
Motorcycle: Yamaha YZF-R6
Date of Birth: 22 February, 2005
Birthplace: Nonthabuuri
Krittapat Keankum, a rising talent, joins Yamaha Thailand Racing Team for the 2024 WorldSSP season. After a successful campaign in the R3 bLU cRU championship, finishing sixth in the standings, Keankum is ready to step up to the challenge of racing the supersport Yamaha R6 and aims to showcase his skills on the international stage and the opportunity to progress among Yamaha alumni.
As we embark on the 2024 season, Yamaha Thailand Racing Team is committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence and representing Thailand with pride on the world stage.
Dunlop is pleased to introduce the successor to the highly popular Sportmax Q3+. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5S sets the new benchmark for the ultimate street and track-day tire. Following in the development footsteps of the Q5, the Q5S, when compare to the Q3+, has achieved even higher performance by utilizing aspects from Dunlop’s cutting-edge road race tires developed in Buffalo, NY and used in the MotoAmerica Road Race Series.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5S provides lighter and nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user-friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
To differentiate the Q5S from the Q3+, Dunlop wanted to make the Q5S have a lighter feel to make it more responsive for street riding. With this goal set, Dunlop went to work on making the necessary changes to achieve the performance characteristics they were looking for.
Key features of the all new Sportmax Q5S:
Optimized tread pattern design to improve wear characteristics and enhance warm-up times
Front tire profile has a shorter and narrower profile to improve responsiveness and give the tire a lighter feel.
Front tire has reduced dynamic stiffness and increased damping to improve compliance all to improve braking and handling performance.
Added 200/55ZR17 rear size to allow for additional bike fitments.
Rear tread contains Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread™ technology, giving riders outstanding mileage without sacrificing handling.
Improved compound to enhance both the wet and dry grip by adjusting the compound formula.
Both front and rear tires utilize Dunlop’s proprietary Racing Type Fine Carbon Technology in the tread compound.
Dunlop’s proprietary Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) for ultra-linear and responsive steering.
Proudly made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY factory.
Availability:
The Sportmax Q5S will be sold through all Dunlop retailers, as well as race tire distributors, to be easily accessible to all street or track riders. Tires will be available in all channels beginning mid-December.
Dunlop is pleased to introduce the fifth generation of the Dunlop Sportmax family. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5 is a purpose-built, track-day tire that has been in the making for over 4 years. Evolving from a blend of the highly popular Sportmax Q4 and Dunlop’s cutting-edge MotoAmerica spec road race tires, the Q5 utilizes the very best technologies Dunlop has to offer for a track tire that is still street legal.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5 is the new benchmark for track-day tires. The Q5 is even more user-friendly, as dry and wet grip, tire compliance, and warm-up times have all been improved.
Dunlop has also expanded the size range of the Q5 to include five additional sizes for increased bike fitments: 110/70ZR17, 140/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17, 160/60ZR17, and 200/60ZR17.
Key features of the all new Sportmax Q5:
Sharply defined new tread pattern with lower groove density puts more rubber on the ground at all lean angles
Optimized tread pattern design and position to aid in quicker warm-up times and improved wet-weather performance.
Street-friendly performance— Tire warmers are not necessary for track use.
Designed in five additional sizes for increased bike fitments: 110/70ZR17, 140/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17, 160/60ZR17, and 200/60ZR17.
The front and rear tire profiles have a taller and narrower profile to improve turn-in and compliance while increasing the footprint and grip at camber.
Front tire has reduced vertical stiffness to improve compliance and damping and increased lateral and longitudinal stiffness to improve braking and handling performance.
The 140/70ZR17, 180/60ZR17, 200/55ZR17, and 200/60ZR17 utilize the exact same profiles as the race spec tires developed for the MotoAmerica series.
The rear tires tread features Dunlop’s Jointless Tread (JLT) technology, the same process used in Dunlop’s racing slicks. JLT applies a continuously wound tread strip over the carcass to achieve the ideal stability, flex, and grip where it’s needed most across the tire’s tread profile.
Improved compound to enhance the dry grip by adjusting the compound formula. The culmination of these changes puts the rear tire compound much closer to a true race tire compound.
Dunlop’s proprietary Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) for ultra-linear and responsive steering.
Proudly made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY factory on the same proprietary equipment as their road race tires.
Availability:
The Sportmax Q5 will be sold through all Dunlop retailers, as well as race tire distributors, to be easily accessible to all street or track riders. Tires will be available in all channels beginning in November and December.
Marc Marquez won the FIM MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 21-lap race by 1.753 second.
Marco Bezzecchi was the runner-up on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Pedro Acosta placed third on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Two-time World Champion and M. Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia crossed the finish line fourth.
Raul Fernandez took fifth on his Trackhouse MotoGP Team machine.
Jorge Martin got seventh on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 381 points, 120 ahead of Alex Marquez who has 261 points. Francesco Bagnaia is third with 213 points.
Marc Marquez fends off Bezzecchi to make Ducati history. Five years on from rock bottom, the #93 becomes the first Ducati rider to win five GPs in a row as Aprilia and KTM celebrate Czech GP podiums.
Sometimes, you just have to sit back and admire greatness. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) emerged victorious on Sunday at the Tissot Grand Prix of Czechia to become the first Ducati rider to win five Grands Prix on the spin, but he was made to work for it in the first half of the battle. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) put up a good fight to collect P2, 1.7s away from the win, as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) held off a late Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) comeback to pick up his first Sunday rostrum of the season.
LIGHTS OUT: Bagnaia earns holeshot
Bagnaia punched off the line well and got the holeshot but like yesterday, Marc Marquez was through at Turn 3. Not for long though. On the cutback through Turn 4, Pecco led again and then Bezzecchi carved his way past the #93 at Turn 5.
That’s how it was over the line but Pecco was wide at the penultimate corner, costing him time, so that allowed Bezzecchi to make a move at Turn 1 on Lap 2. Marc Marquez, like he did on Lap 1, passed Pecco at Turn 3 and this time there was no way back for Pecco.
PASSES AND DRAMA: Bez leads, Alex Marquez crashes and then so does Bastianini
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez’s (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) disastrous weekend continued. The rider second in the championship was down at Turn 12 after an audacious move up the inside of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) didn’t pay off. The luckless Mir was taken out, and the Honda rider, along with Alex Marquez, were out of the Grand Prix from P5 and P6, so that was zero points in Czechia for the #73. A hammer blow for the Gresini star’s title hopes.
Further up the order, it was Acosta’s turn to pass Pecco at Turn 3 on Lap 3, as Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and then Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) carved their way past Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Next up behind Quartararo: Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing).
On Lap 5, Bastianini’s charge continued. The Italian was through on his former teammate Bagnaia, with ‘The Beast’ now 1.4s behind his KTM stablemate Acosta. But then, Bastianini was in the gravel. Turn 3 saw the #23 lose the front end and it was Grand Prix over for Bastianini, a shame after his best weekend in orange.
THE WINNING MOVE: Marquez pounces
Lap 8 saw a change for the lead. Marc Marquez, at Turn 3, pounced on Bezzecchi. And the #93 got his elbows out through Turn 4 to keep Bezzecchi behind him, so what did the championship leader have in his pocket? Acosta was right with the top two now, while Bagnaia sat 1.7s adrift of the podium fight.
A 1:54.184 played a 1:54.4 for Bezzecchi and a 1:54.5 for Acosta, seeing Marquez go 0.5s clear at the front at the start of Lap 10. A lap later, the gap was up to 0.8s, and then with a fastest lap of the Grand Prix, Marquez’s lead grew to 1.2s on Lap 12 of 21.
Bezzecchi was giving this a good go. Bezzecchi dipped into the 1:53s for the first time, a 1:53.999, but on the same lap, Lap 14, Marquez found a 1:53.787. And on the following lap, Marquez went even quicker. A 1:53.691, coupled with a 1:54.085 from Bezzecchi, saw the lead climb to 1.9s.
With Marquez giving no one a chance of fighting for the win, attention turned to the rostrum fight. Pecco was gathering some late race momentum and from just under two seconds away, with three laps left, the Italian was 0.5s behind Acosta. That was then 0.4s with two laps to go, as Bezzecchi continued on his way to P2, 0.9s ahead.
And on the last lap, Pecco was within attacking distance – just. Marquez was 1.6s clear of Bezzecchi and controlling things at the front, with the latter safe from being pounced on from behind. Could Bagnaia muster something up to grab P3? The answer – fortunately for KTM, unfortunately for Ducati – was no.
The answer was also no to could anyone beat Marquez in Brno? The #93 took the chequered flag 1.7s ahead of Bezzecchi to become the first Ducati rider ever to win five Grands Prix in a row. Simply put: chapeau.
Fair play to Bezzecchi as well, that’s another Sunday podium for the #72, as Acosta held off Pecco to clinch his first Sunday podium of the season. Ducati, Aprilia and KTM on the Brno rostrum.
YOUR POINTS SCORERS: Brno edition
Pecco’s P4 won’t be enough for the polesitter, but he’ll take the positives following his second half of the race charge. Fifth place went to Fernandez, who enjoyed his best weekend of the season, and that P5 is his equal best in MotoGP. Quartararo was less than a second behind the Trackhouse rider in P6, with the returning Martin coming home in a fabulous P7. That’s a phenomenal comeback effort from the #1 after a torrid few months of injuries, and a real boost for Aprilia, Martin and MotoGP ahead of the second half of the season. How good was it seeing the #1 back?
Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) came out on top in a good fight between the rookie and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), while Maverick Viñales’ super-sub Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3) caps off a superb weekend in Brno by taking away a P10.
Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) lost out in the latter stages to drop to P11, the Australian finished ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) – those were your final points scorers in Czechia.
12 rounds done, 120 points clear. That’s the title race advantage going into the summer for Marc Marquez, as the six-time MotoGP World Champion marches towards that coveted title. Thank you Brno, it’s been a blast being back – what a venue, and what a crowd.
See you in Austria in a few weeks, where the run to Valencia begins.
American Joe Roberts won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, Roberts won the 18-lap race by 1.079 second.
Poleman, Barry Baltus was the runner-up on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.
Championship point leader, Manuel Gonzalez was third on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
Daniel Holgado, riding his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex, finished fourth.
Celestino Vietti took fifth on his Sync SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro and broke the Kalex stranglehold at the top.
Manuel Gonzalez leads the championship with 188 points, 25 ahead of Aron Canet who has 163 points. Barry Baltus is third with 134 points.
California Dreamin’: Roberts fends off Baltus for victory in Brno. The American wins for the first time in 2025 as the Belgian and Gonzalez complete the Moto2 Czech GP podium.
At the venue he claimed his debut Moto2 podium at back in 2020, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) returned to the top step for the first time this season with a phenomenal Czech GP victory. The American fended off the hard challenge of Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) as the Belgian pockets back-to-back P2s ahead of the summer break, with Manuel Gonzalez’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) P3 seeing the Spaniard stretch his title chase lead.
After things got close at lights out between polesitter Baltus and Roberts, it was the American’s teammate Marcos Ramirez who grabbed the holeshot as drama unfolded for Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) at Turn 1. The Spaniard was down from the middle of the pack and that was his points hopes over.
Baltus pinched the lead of the race at the end of Lap 1 with a great move at the final corner, as Ramirez took the first of his two Long Lap penalties on Lap 3. That dropped the #24 to P7 behind home hero Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), and when he took his second, Ramirez was P12.
Joe Roberts in parc fermé after his victory at Brno. Photo courtesy Dorna.
On Lap 6, both Canet and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) had parked their Triumph-Kalex machines, handing Gonzalez a fantastic chance to stretch his points advantage ahead of the summer break. And it was the Spaniard who was shadowing the P1 battle between Baltus and Roberts, with the Californian making a move stick on Lap 7 to lead in Brno.
By Lap 10, Roberts and Baltus were now pulling clear of Gonzalez, with the #16 setting the fastest lap of the race on that lap – a 1:59.4 played a 1:59.6 for Baltus. With five to go, the gap was still just 0.2s between the American and Belgian, but that rose to just under 0.4s with four laps left.
Gonzalez was 2.6s away from the victory fight, so it was all about Roberts vs Baltus. With two laps to go, Roberts was keeping Baltus at bay by 0.5s, with the latter not able to quite get close enough to attempt a pass.
And then it was last lap time. The gap? 0.6s in Roberts’ favour. Baltus wasn’t close enough to engage in battle and for the first time since the 2024 Italian GP, Roberts returned to winning ways. Baltus clinched his fourth second place of the season to rise to P3 in the overall standings and Gonzalez collected a very handy 16 points in his quest for the Moto2 title.
Rookie Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) earned an impressive P4 ahead of Celestino Vietti (Sync SpeedRS Team), with Izan Guevara (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) a solid P6 in Brno. Ramirez strung together an impressive race following his double Long Lap penalty to beat Salač to P7, with the Czech star ending his home GP in P8.
David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) were the final top 10 finishers, while Sachsenring podium finishers Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) end their Brno weekends with a disappointing P11 and P12.
Roberts wins again, Baltus comes close, and Gonzalez strides to a 25-point championship lead heading into the summer break. Austria next, see you there.
Jose Antonio Rueda won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Using his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo, the Spaniard won the 16-lap race by just 3.471 seconds.
Maximo Quiles was the runner-up on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.
David Muñoz, piloting his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM was third, 3.495 seconds behind Rueda.
Angel Piqueras crossed the finish line fourth on his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.
Dennis Foggia took fifth on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.
Poleman and Muñoz’s teammate, Guido Pini finished the race 10th.
Jose Antonio Rueda leads the championship with 228 points, 85 ahead of Angel Piqueras who has 143 points. Alvaro Carpe is third with 133 points.
Rueda takes lights-to-flag Brno victory ahead of gloves-off P2 battle. Leading every lap and controlling the 16-lap encounter, Rueda sports a healthy lead into summer.
A record gap between P1 and P2 in the standings after 12 rounds is just what Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) ordered ahead summer break and it’s what he came away with from his first visit to Brno. Behind, a battle between Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and teammate Dennis Foggia lit up the group battle, with Quiles ultimately securing second ahead of David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) who came from last on the grid to third for a third straight rostrum finish.
Storming into Turn 1 and grabbing the advantage, Championship leader Rueda edged out polesitter Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and fellow front-row starter David Almansa (Leopard Racing). Quiles was soon up into P2 halfway through the first lap whilst further behind, Muñoz had made a lightning getaway from the back of the grid and was already into the points. By the start of Lap 3, the Aragon and German GP winner was already inside the top ten whilst 2020 Czech GP winner Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) had clambered his way into the top three.
At the halfway stage, Rueda had begun to get the hammer down whilst Quiles and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) battled for podium honours. Foggia was up to second but the fight had left a second gap between the #99 out front and the chasing pack. By the end of Lap 9, Quiles was back into P2 but back-to-back fastest laps by Rueda meant the pressure was on for the #28.
The scrapping continued and with five to go and a two second gap to Rueda, it was very much a battle to decide the final two spots on the podium. Behind the duelling CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar machines came Piqueras, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Muñoz and Almansa. Into the last lap and Quiles led the way with Piqueras, Muñoz and Foggia nipping at his heels. At Turn 6, the #64 muscled his way into P3 and then P2 by Turn 10. It was all coming down to Turn 13 but fantastic defensive work from Muñoz made it hard for Quiles. Rueda took a seventh win of the season, Quiles managed to slipstream his way into second whilst Muñoz’s last-to-third ride keeps up his run of top five finishes and makes it a fourth podium in five GPs. Piqueras’ wait for a rostrum return continues as he took P4, ahead of Foggia and Fernandez, the latter of which took his first points since Le Mans.
Almansa took more solid points in seventh and closes in on top Honda honours in the standings, whilst Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) fought his way into eighth. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and polesitter Pini rounded out the top ten. Elsewhere, it was a notable ride for Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), working his way up the order into P11 before a double Long Lap for causing a crash drops him out the points, meaning star debutant Marco Morelli (DENSSI Racing – BOE) moves up to 13th to impress first time out.
That’s it from Brno, join us for more Moto3 after the summer break as we touch down in Austria.
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its final trip to the west coast as the Pacific Northwest’s scenic Washougal MX Park was the site for the eighth race of the summer campaign and Round 25 of the SMX World Championship regular season. Clear skies and balmy temperatures set the stage for the Military Appreciation Race at the FLY Racing Washougal National Presented by Peterson CAT where the 450 Class dominance by Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence came to an end at the hands of defending champion and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Chase Sexton, who impressed en route to his fourth win at the venue in five years. In the 250 Class, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda earned the edge over championship leader and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Haiden Deegan via tiebreaker for the Japanese rider’s second win in three races.
Chase Sexton Ends Jett Lawrence’s Dominance in Pro Motocross Championship with Fourth Washougal Win in Five Years
Moto 1
The first moto of the afternoon began with the Monster Energy Kawasaki of Jorge Prado edging out Jett Lawrence for the Pro Motocross Holeshot. As Prado pushed wide to close off Lawrence’s advance, it allowed Sexton, the defending class champion, to slip under both riders and grab the lead. As Sexton dropped the hammer and looked to pull away, Lawrence pressured Prado and was patient before he made the pass for second. Prado then lost his hold of third to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac.
The lead trio settled into their respective spots through the opening 10 minutes of the moto, with Sexton managing a lead between one to two seconds. As they approached the halfway point of the moto Lawrence was able to pressure Sexton and got alongside the KTM rider, but Sexton fended off the challenge and reestablished his advantage. The pair moved out nearly 10 seconds ahead of Tomac in third.
As he made another run on Sexton, Lawrence lost traction and went down. As he remounted, Tomac rode past for second as Lawrence was forced to regroup in third. Without the pursuit from Lawrence, Sexton built a lead of nearly 10 seconds while Tomac looked to keep a resurgent Lawrence at bay. The Honda rider moved to within striking distance, but lapped riders allowed Tomac to inch away in the closing stages of the moto.
Sexton backed it down on the final lap and cruised to his first moto win of the season, 3.4 seconds ahead of Tomac, while Lawrence settled for third. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire finished fourth, with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence in fifth.
Chase Sexton’s prowess at Washougal MX Park continued with his fourth win in five seasons, ending Jett Lawrence’s eight-race win streak. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Moto 2
The second and deciding moto started with Hunter Lawrence leading the field to the Pro Motocross Holeshot with his brother Jett in tow. Prado slotted into third initially, but Sexton made the move and gave chase to the Honda duo. Tomac started just outside the top five in seventh but made quick passes to move up into fourth and make it a four-rider lead group.
The intensity up front ramped up five minutes into the moto as Jett Lawrence had to fend off a pass attempt from Sexton, which then pushed the championship leader onto the rear fender of his older brother. Jett amped up the aggression to get alongside Hunter and took the lead. Not long after, Sexton made the pass for second, but Hunter Lawrence fought back to reclaim the position. Sexton then went on the attack again and moved back into second. Moments later, the red flag was waved for a downed rider, which brought a halt to the race with 21:22 left in the moto.
The first-ever staggered restart in Pro Motocross saw the race resume with the field launching out the starting gate individually, in sequential running order from the previously completed lap. Jett Lawrence started first, followed by Hunter Lawrence, Sexton, and Tomac. Sexton was able to make the pass on Hunter Lawrence for second and brought Tomac along into third to drop Lawrence outside the top three.
The lead trio settled in through the halfway point of the moto, with just three seconds between them. As the moto wore on, Jett Lawrence managed a lead of just over two seconds on Sexton, as Tomac slowly lost touch in third. Lawrence’s margin continued to grow and eventually surpassed five seconds as the Honda rider completed his 12th moto win of the season by 8.7 seconds over Sexton, with Tomac in third.
Jett Lawrence failed to win for just the second time in his career, finishing second. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Overall
In just his third race back after a crash took him out of action at the opening round, Sexton’s 1-2 finishes bettered Lawrence’s 3-1 effort to end an eight-race win streak for the Australian. It signified the 14th win of Sexton’s career and his fourth in five years at Washougal. He also remains the only rider to defeat Jett Lawrence in the Pro Motocross Championship, with two wins across the 24 races Lawrence has entered. The Honda rider’s second ever non-win still produced a runner-up effort, while Tomac finished overall podium (2-3) for the fifth time this season and the 77th time in his career.
Lawrence’s lead in the championship standings increased to 61 points over Hunter Lawrence, who finished fourth (3-5), with Tomac third, 94 points out of the lead.
Eli Tomac made his return to the podium for the 77th time in his career. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
1st Place: Chase Sexton, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (1-2)
“It feels good [to get the win]. I was pretty far off last weekend and went to work this week to be better. I knew I was really good at this track and had the ability to win here. I got great starts, rode well, and made it happen. We’ll regroup over the next two off weeks and will come out swinging for the final three races.”
“Washougal ain’t my track. Chase is really good here. In that first moto I just asked way too much of the motorcycle [and went down]. I really had to work hard in the second moto and the restart made it even more difficult to have to stop and get going again. But hey, it was still a good day, so we’ll take it.”
3rd Place: Eli Tomac, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (2-3)
“Huge gains today compared to last week. We were within the same zip code [of the leaders]. I wish we could have won, but I’m happy with what we’ve got to work with. I love it here at this track, so I’m just really pleased with how the day went.”
Podium picture with, from left to right, Jett Lawrence, Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Shimoda Edges Deegan via Tiebreaker for Second 250 Class Win in Three Races.
Moto 1
The opening moto got underway with the Triumph Factory Racing machine of Jalek Swoll leading the way to the Pro Motocross Holeshot, followed by Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFranceso and Deegan, the defending class champion. Swoll then crashed out of the lead, which moved DiFrancesco into the lead Deegan into second, as Shimoda moved into third.
Deegan started to apply pressure on the lead and got alongside DiFrancesco, who nearly jumped into the Yamaha rider. The two made slight contact in the air, with DiFranseco going to the ground and Deegan able to keep it on two wheels to take over the lead. Shimoda moved into second followed by Toyota Redlands BarX Yamaha’s Dilan Schwartz.
As the moto surpassed its halfway point, Shimoda had closed the deficit to about a second on Deegan and started to apply pressure on the lead. Deegan responded and picked up his pace significantly to push the lead to more than three seconds after logging his fastest laps of the moto. The lead then stabilized at around four seconds. Behind them, the battle for third intensified between Schwartz and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Garrett Marchbanks. The veteran Kawasaki rider went on the attack and successfully moved into the top three.
Deegan maintained his lead through to the finish and secured his 10th moto win of the season, six seconds ahead of Shimoda, with Marchbanks in a distant third. Schwartz earned a career-best moto result in fourth, with Triumph Factory Racing’s Austin Forkner in fifth.
A pair of strong starts helped Jo Shimoda earn his second win in the past three races. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Moto 2
The final moto of the afternoon kicked off with the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki of Seth Hammaker out front of Shimoda and Triumph Factory Racing’s Mikkel Haarup. Deegan started deep inside the top 10 in eighth. Back up front, Shimoda went on the attack and made the pass on Hammaker to begin the second lap.
As Shimoda quickly distanced himself from the field Deegan methodically worked his way forward and broke into the top five 10 minutes into the moto. Meanwhile, Hammaker asserted his hold of second while a multi-rider battle for third took shape between Haarup, DiFrancesco, and Deegan, with Marchbanks closing in from sixth. Both Deegan and Marchbanks made their way around DiFrancesco to move into fourth and fifth, respectively, and gave chase to Haarup.
With Deegan closing in, Haarup tucked the front end and went down, which allowed Deegan and Marchbanks to get by as the Danish rider lost multiple positions. The focus then shifted on the battle for third between Deegan and Marchbanks, who were separated by just a couple seconds in the closest battle up front. With their higher pace, both riders closed in on Hammaker in the closing stages of the moto. With less than two minutes remaining, Deegan quickly caught and passed Hammaker for second and then faced a deficit of 20 seconds to Shimoda.
Shimoda was in a class of his own out front and easily captured his third moto win of the season by 18.2 seconds over Deegan. Hammaker kept his teammate Marchbanks at bay for third.
Despite missing out on a third straight Washougal victory Haiden Deegan didn’t lose a single point in the championship battle. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Overall
Another pair of strong starts allowed Shimoda to capture his second win in three races (2-1) via a second-moto tiebreaker over Deegan. It signified the fifth victory of the Japanese racer’s career. Deegan’s trademark resiliency resulted in a runner-up effort (1-2) for his seventh podium in nine races, while Marchbanks broke through for his first ever Pro Motocross podium in third (3-4).
Deegan’s lead in the championship standings remains at 45 points over Shimoda, while Marchbanks has taken sole control of third, 116 points out of the lead.
After knocking on the door all summer long Garrett Marchbanks finally broke through for his maided podium result in Pro Motocross. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
1st Place: Jo Shimoda, Honda HRC Progressive (2-1)
“It was a good day. This one means a lot to me. As a team, we worked really hard for this. I know we’re far out of the championship, but this is awesome, and I hope we can keep doing it.”
2nd Place: Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (1-2)
“I felt like I was riding a bull out there, it was wild. We finished second and didn’t lose any points, so in the big picture it was a good day.”
3rd Place: Garret Marchbanks, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki (3-4)
“Every time I got close to Haiden I couldn’t finish it, so it was tough on the track today. I made some mistakes and lost some energy late, but it was a good day. I’m really excited to get my first podium outdoors.”
Podium picture with, from left to right, Hayden Deegan, Jo Shimoda and Garret Marchbanks. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)
Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM – 295
Maximus Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 288
Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Triumph – 278
Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 278
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship will take an extended break in action before its three-race stretch run to crown champions, with two off weekends through the end of July and beginning of August. The series will make its anticipated return on Saturday, August 9, from Indiana’s Ironman Raceway for the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National. Exclusive and comprehensive live broadcast coverage of the ninth race of the season can be seen on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, followed by uninterrupted coverage of the motos at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
With four wins in the Suzuka 8 Hours to his name, World Superbike star Michael van der Mark has joined BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team to go for a fifth victory when the legendary EWC event takes place from 1-3 August.
The 32-year-old Dutchman took time out from his preparations for round three of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship season to answer five key questions.
What is it about the Suzuka 8 Hours that brings the best out in you?
“Consistency and focus, the stints are long, they’re like over an hour. You have to be consistent. You have to push but you cannot be as fast as you want for the full hour. Then you have to focus because you have to pass a lot of people. To do the focus and the consistency together is quite difficult but it’s the only way during these stints.”
Van der Mark was part of the winning Yamaha Factory Racing Team at Suzuka in 2018. Photo courtesy EWC.
You join a BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team fighting for the 2025 EWC title. What element of pressure does that bring?
“Our main goal is to make history and that’s to be the first European brand to be on the Suzuka podium. It will be even better to win the race and that’s for sure the goal.”
With Sylvain Guintoli not racing at Suzuka this year you join forces with Steven Odendaal and Markus Reiterberger. What are they like as guys and team-mates?
“They’re really nice, we did a test a couple of weeks ago and there was a good atmosphere. For me it was like, ‘I’m like new in the team’, so I just came there to ride the bike, I didn’t want to be the new guy, I did my thing, listened to them and we had a good time. From the first moment we were on same level and the same way we want to work.”
Suzuka testing in June was a reminder of the high temperatures in store for Japan’s EWC round. Photo courtesy EWC.
The Suzuka 8 Hours often means very difficult conditions, crazy humidity and temperatures. Where does the key lie at least for a podium for BMW?
“The main thing is consistency, we know we have a good speed, a good pace but it’s eight hours and so many things can happen. Everyone knows their pace, we know what we can do, we’re all ready to do our stints but no one knows what’s going to happen. This is the nice thing about endurance, it’s eight hours, it’s eight long hours but we have to push for eight hours, we have to be smart, ride on our toes to do everything as perfectly as we can.”
Dutchman van der Mark in recent World Superbike action at Donington Park. Photo courtesy EWC.
Your father Henk van der Mark won the 24 Heures Motos in 1984. Can we expect to see you doing a 24-hour race in the future?
“At the moment eight hours is long enough for me so not yet, but I will never say never. I would like to experience [a 24 hour race] but not now.”
The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August. Click HERE for more information.
Van der Mark is a four-time winner of the Suzuka 8 Hours. Photo courtesy EWC.
MICHAEL VAN DER MARK’S SUZUKA WINS REVISITED
2013: With Leon Haslam and Takumi Takahashi (Honda)
2014: With Leon Haslam and Takumi Takahashi (Honda)
2017: With Alex Lowes and Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha)
2018: With Alex Lowes and Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha)
Despite a challenging qualifying session marred by heavy traffic, Julian Correa of Pons Motorsport Italika Racing showcased exceptional race craft at today’s Race 1, climbing from a P12 starting position to secure a commendable P7 finish.
The qualifying session proved to be a frustrating affair as he struggled to find clear track amidst a congested field. “It was tough out there in qualifying,” Julian commented. “Every time I tried to put in a quick lap, I ran into traffic. It definitely didn’t reflect our true pace.”
However, the race was a different story. Starting from the fourth row, he demonstrated remarkable determination and strategic prowess. Consistently making clean overtakes and maintaining strong race pace, he steadily worked his way through the pack.
“I knew we had a good race setup, and I was determined to make up for qualifying,” he explained. “The bike felt strong, and I focused on hitting my marks and being smart with my moves. To finish P7 after starting P12, especially against such a strong field, feels like a real victory.”
The P7 result is a testament to Julian’s skill and resilience, proving their ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity. The team now looks ahead to Julian with renewed confidence.
The world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers put on quite the show in the inaugural Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, to open the second half of an intense 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
The “Diamond of Dirt Tracks” was properly introduced to two-wheeled action on the night, playing witness to the two best riders in the world performing at the top of their games. In the end, Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) overcame the valiant effort of a relentless Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) to score his fifth victory of the season and break their points tie atop of the Mission AFT SuperTwins standings.
Prior to the race, Bauman’s victory felt nearly preordained considering both his form on the season and throughout the day. That seemed especially true once he got the holeshot and Daniels languished down near tenth after struggling uncharacteristically and qualifying on the third row.
However, Daniels locked onto an extreme low line and made it work, leaping up to fifth in short order and then sitting on the back of a fight for third waged by Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp).
That became a four-rider dispute for second once Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) dropped his pursuit of Bauman and fell into the clutches of Fisher, Lowe, and Daniels as the contest approached half-distance.
A minute later, Daniels used that ultra-low route to dive past all three and jump up from fifth to second in one extended swoop. By that point, however, Bauman held an advantage of 1.354 seconds and seemed safe on his way to victory.
Daniels made it less and less safe, however, ultimately closing to within 0.329 seconds by the time they arrived at the checkered flag.
Bauman’s triumph was his ninth-ever Short Track win, elevating him into a four-way tie with Chris Carr, Henry Wiles, and Jared Mees for the career lead in the discipline. It was also his 31st overall premier-class win, moving him into the all-time top ten in terms of career victories.
Bauman said, “(Daniels) just figured it out halfway through the Main Event and was clicking laps. I thought I was hitting my marks, but he’s so good and this is so tight, that I’m just numb to it at this point…
“I’m fired up. When Jared Mees stepped away, I said I need to be the guy to fill his shoes. I know there are a lot of people who want to see us succeed, and I can feel that. That gets me fired up. Once again, Rick Ware Racing, Parts Plus, Latus Motors… Rick (Ware) and George (Latus) came together to put this thing together. I never thought I’d have five wins. This Harley-Davidson XG750R is working really good.”
Meanwhile, Fisher held off the impressive Lowe to get his season back on track with a third podium result of ‘25.
Unfortunately for Robinson, he was a non-finisher; he pulled off with a mechanical issue just as Lowe overtook him for fourth with under a minute-and-a-half remaining on the clock.
Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) won out in a scrap for sixth with James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07).
Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), and Billy Ross (No. 29 Racing Unlimited/Bel Ray Kawasaki Ninja 650) rounded out the top ten.
Bauman now leads Daniels 185-181 in what’s truly taken shape as a two-rider battle for the Grand National Championship. Despite his misfortune on the evening, Robinson remains ranked third, albeit 66 points back of the lead at 119.
AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) pulled off an epic final-lap, final-corner pass on AFT Singles presented by KICKER title leader Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) to claim his first victory of the season.
After Drane made quick work of the fast-starting Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), it looked as if the Australian might simply march off to his fourth consecutive victory.
And Drane did in fact open up a second-plus advantage before championship rival Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) and Brunner finally made their way into second and third with right around three minutes remaining on the clock.
From that point forward, Saathoff and Brunner couldn’t decide who should lead the charge in their joint attempt to track down Drane. Instead, they battled it out all non-stop but somehow continued to reel in the Estenson Racing ace all the while.
The two finally moved to within striking distance as the clocks hit zero; Brunner and Saathoff flanked Drane from close behind with the Turner Honda pilot perched on his right shoulder and the RWR rider there on his left.
Just when it looked like it was all too little, too late, Brunner threw in a last-gasp Hail Mary maneuver and was rewarded for his audaciousness, stealing the checkered flag from Drane by a scant 0.069 seconds.
“It feels amazing,” Brunner said. “I feel like I’ve got like 300 pounds lifted off my chest. I knew I could get it done, but we were just missing the little things, and I think it’s a lot mentally from myself. But, man, this facility is awesome, the fans are awesome, the whole experience here at Lucas Oil Speedway has been awesome.”
Three seconds behind Brunner, Drane, and Saathoff, Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) completed a charge of his own to fight his way into fourth.
Early leader Pfanders equaled his career-best finish of fifth, while car track expert Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F) came home sixth.
Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), Walker Porter (No. 100 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) finished seventh through tenth, respectively.
Despite the narrow defeat on the night, Drane actually extended his points lead. He now leads Saathoff by 23 points (172-149), while Brunner closed in just a bit, upping his tally to 137.
Next Up:
Progressive American Flat Track will make its way to the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II on Monday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 5.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://flosports.link/aft.
FOX Sports coverage of the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).
Carter Machinery Teams Up with Warhorse Racing for MotoAmerica Superbikes at VIRginia International Raceway
Unique livery, fan poll, and special event to celebrate the collaboration.
MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Josh Herrin has been on a winning streak. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/HSBK.
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati is proud to announce a new partnership with Carter Machinery, the official Caterpillar® dealer for Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., for the upcoming MotoAmerica round at Virginia International Raceway (August 1–3). Carter Machinery will serve as the team title sponsor for the weekend, marking a new alliance between the motorsports and heavy equipment industries.
This collaboration will come to life with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati debuting a Caterpillar-inspired livery for the race weekend. In the spirit of fan engagement, the team is giving its followers the chance to vote between two custom bike designs. The winning livery will be unveiled just ahead of the race.
Warhorse Ducati Graphics Version 1.Warhorse Ducati Graphics Version 2.
“As a team always looking to push boundaries, we’re thrilled to welcome Carter Machinery as a partner for the Virginia Round,” said Bobby Shekarabi, Team Principal of Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati. “It’s exciting to collaborate with a respected brand outside of the motorsports world and explore innovative ways to connect with fans. This partnership represents exactly the kind of energy and forward thinking we strive for in racing.”
The weekend festivities will kick off with a special bike unveiling and rider meet-and-greet at Carter Machinery’s Lynchburg location on Thursday, July 31, from 12–2 pm. Fans will have the chance to meet Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati and MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, Josh Herrin, see the winning livery up close, and get autographs.
The location is Carter Machinery–Lynchburg, 45 Industrial Circle, Lynchburg, VA 24501
In addition to the on-track excitement, Carter Machinery will host an activation within the team’s hospitality space, featuring a CAT® machine simulator that invites fans to experience the precision and skill required to operate heavy equipment.
MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Josh Herrin usually runs this red graphics package. At VIR his bike will be black and yellow, in CAT colors. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/HSBK.
“With our roots in southwestern Virginia, MotoAmerica’s return to VIR is the perfect chance for Carter Machinery to join the excitement,” said Craig Kahoun, Executive Vice President of Carter Machinery. “Our team brings the same passion and drive to work that Warhorse Racing brings to the track, and we’re excited to give our followers a chance to be part of the ride.”
About Carter Machinery
Carter Machinery is the authorized Cat® dealer for Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., offering a full range of equipment, rental and power solutions. With over 30 locations and a 97-year track record of success, Carter Machinery empowers industries to build, connect and power communities through smart, durable equipment and service excellence. Learn more about Carter Machinery by visiting their website.
The MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier run by MotoAmerica racers Tyler O’Hara and Hawk Mazzotta (originally scheduled for March but rescheduled due to torrential rains) in conjunction with Sierra Nevada Mini Moto is happening now on the kart track at Sonoma Raceway Karting Center, 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476.
Practice with the Hawk Mazzotta New Racer School runs today from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free camping tonight. Races run by Sierra Nevada Mini Moto are on Sunday, with gates opening at 6:00 a.m.
Classes include:
Mission Mini Cup
Exhibition
GP World Cup
Amateur/Pro SuperMoto (asphalt only)
DTX (asphalt only)
Adult Mini GP
John Hopkins and Ohvale USA are on site with a limited supply of rental bikes.
Ohvale Mini Cup bikes seen at the track. Photo courtesy Tyler O’Hara.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 10-lap race by 0.798 second.
Pedro Acosta was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Enea Bastianini finished third on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Marco Bezzecchi got fourth on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Fabio Quartararo took fifth on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
Poleman, Francesco Bagnaia crossed the finish line 7th on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
For his comeback, Jorge Martin got 11th on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 356 points, 95 ahead of Alex Marquez who has 261 points. Bagnaia is third with 200 points.
Marc Marquez beats Acosta despite strategy intrigue in Brno Sprint. Another strategic master stroke for the #93 whilst two KTMs are behind as Acosta and Bastianini shine on Saturday.
It was the first ever Tissot Sprint at Brno and a first pole start of 2025 for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) so right from lights out, there was lots on the line. After what seemed like a tyre pressure battle led to both Pecco and teammate Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) slowing up, the #93 soon pushed his way to the front to make it another Sprint success. He took gold ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), making it two KTMs on a podium for the first time this season.
FIRST STAGES: battles all the way through the pack
Snatching the holeshot, Pecco lead the way until Turn 3 when teammate Marc attacked and took over at the front. Elsewhere, a poor start from Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) left him down in 19th on Lap 1 whilst at Turn 3 on Lap 2, Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha Factory Racing Team) slid off and collected Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR), ending both their Sprints. Into P3 on the second lap, Acosta got himself ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) whilst the Frenchman was rubbing fairings with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) at Turn 10. Meanwhile, Bez’s returning teammate, World Champion Jorge Martin, was up into P7 in the early stages.
TYRE PRESSURE CONCERNS: Pecco and Marc slow from leading positions
At the end of Lap 4, Bastianini was capitalising on his strong weekend so far and into fourth and ahead of Quartararo, but the drama was further up the road. On the exit of Turn 4, Bagnaia slowed down and was passed by Acosta, Bastianini and Quartararo. A lap later and it could have been a replay – this time for Marc Marquez; the #93 likewise slowing down and letting Acosta through to let the #37 lead in his first outing at Brno.
Both the Ducatis slowing down but getting straight back into the pace suggested that tyre pressures needed controlling but whatever it was, the last three laps had Acosta, Marc Marquez, Bastianini and Quartararo all in victory contention. Behind, Bezzecchi clambered ahead of Pecco at Turn 11, now into the top five, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) next up.
LATE CHARGES: Bezzecchi and Fernandez move up, Marc retakes P1
On the penultimate lap, Bezzecchi worked his way into fourth ahead of Quartararo as his trademark late pace came to the fore. Up at the front and on the direction change from Turn 8 into Turn 9, Marc Marquez pounced in what would prove to be a Sprint-winning pass on ‘El Tiburon’. Another success in the Sprint for the Championship leader who extended his Championship advantage, with a first Sprint podium for Acosta since Aragon 2024. Two KTMs on a Sprint podium underline their previous happy memories at Brno and it’s a first rostrum of the year for Bastianini. There was a small caveat on top of the podium with Marquez’s tyre pressure under investigation but that was soon over, the win standing for Marc.
ROUNDING OUT THE ORDER: Bezzecchi just off the podium, Martin 11th
Bezzecchi claimed P4 with Quartararo behind him. On the final lap, Fernandez pushed his way into sixth place ahead of polesitter Pecco, whilst Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and super-sub Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) completed the points-paying positions. On his comeback ride, Martin finished in 11th, just behind Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Alex Marquez, meanwhile, was forced to settle for P17 and zero points after the nightmare start. That’s 12 more lost to Marc Marquez in the championship chase… but Sunday is another day.
Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider Krittapat Keankum prepares for round one of WorldSSP at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.
Yamaha Thailand Racing Team Sets Ambitious Objectives And Announces 2024 Rider Lineup
As the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team (YTRT) gears up for the 2024 season, we are proud to announce our ambitious objectives for the year ahead and build on our 2023 experience.
Bangkok, Thailand – 20 March, 2024: With extensive experience working in international motorsports, YTRT aims to leverage our rich history and experience to excel in the competitive world-championship environment while competing in the 2024 WorldSSP championship series.
Since the inception of motorsports in Thailand, Yamaha Thailand Racing has been at the forefront of the racing scene. With countless victories and championships to our name, we have been trailblazers for Thailand on the world stage. From the dominance of the Siam Yamaha Racing Team in the 1970s and 1980s to our current status as championship winners in both national and international race series, YTRT has established a winning reputation within the motorsports industry.
In 2023, Yamaha Thailand Racing Team made history by becoming the first Thai team to compete in the World Supersport class of the FIM Superbike World Championship. This prestigious series attracts a global audience and is a testament to our commitment to excellence on the international stage. As the only Thai team in the WorldSBK paddock, YTRT is committed to raising our professional standards and profile while competing at the highest level of motorsports and establishing ourselves as a world-class racing team.
Yamaha Thailand Racing Team will focus on a year of growth and progress as we develop our riders and continue to build a leading Thai motorsports team.
2024 Rider Lineup
Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider Anupab Sarmoon will race in WorldSSP for his second year with the team. Photo courtesy Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.
Name: Anupab Sarmoon #51
Team: Yamaha Thailand Racing Team
Motorcycle: Yamaha YZF-R6
Date of Birth: 09 December, 1993
Birthplace: Chiang Mai
Anupab Sarmoon will be entering his second season with Yamaha Thailand Racing Team in the 2024 WorldSSP championship. With notable achievements including finishing fourth overall in the 2022 Asia Road Racing Championship and solid performances in the 2023 WorldSSP season, Sarmoon is poised to take a positive step forward in his international racing career.
Krittapat Keankum (39) at Phillip Island, Round One of 2024 WorldSSP. Photo courtesy Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.
Name: Krittapat Keankum #39
Team: Yamaha Thailand Racing Team
Motorcycle: Yamaha YZF-R6
Date of Birth: 22 February, 2005
Birthplace: Nonthabuuri
Krittapat Keankum, a rising talent, joins Yamaha Thailand Racing Team for the 2024 WorldSSP season. After a successful campaign in the R3 bLU cRU championship, finishing sixth in the standings, Keankum is ready to step up to the challenge of racing the supersport Yamaha R6 and aims to showcase his skills on the international stage and the opportunity to progress among Yamaha alumni.
As we embark on the 2024 season, Yamaha Thailand Racing Team is committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence and representing Thailand with pride on the world stage.
Dunlop is pleased to introduce the successor to the highly popular Sportmax Q3+. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5S sets the new benchmark for the ultimate street and track-day tire. Following in the development footsteps of the Q5, the Q5S, when compare to the Q3+, has achieved even higher performance by utilizing aspects from Dunlop’s cutting-edge road race tires developed in Buffalo, NY and used in the MotoAmerica Road Race Series.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5S provides lighter and nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user-friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
To differentiate the Q5S from the Q3+, Dunlop wanted to make the Q5S have a lighter feel to make it more responsive for street riding. With this goal set, Dunlop went to work on making the necessary changes to achieve the performance characteristics they were looking for.
Key features of the all new Sportmax Q5S:
Optimized tread pattern design to improve wear characteristics and enhance warm-up times
Front tire profile has a shorter and narrower profile to improve responsiveness and give the tire a lighter feel.
Front tire has reduced dynamic stiffness and increased damping to improve compliance all to improve braking and handling performance.
Added 200/55ZR17 rear size to allow for additional bike fitments.
Rear tread contains Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread™ technology, giving riders outstanding mileage without sacrificing handling.
Improved compound to enhance both the wet and dry grip by adjusting the compound formula.
Both front and rear tires utilize Dunlop’s proprietary Racing Type Fine Carbon Technology in the tread compound.
Dunlop’s proprietary Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) for ultra-linear and responsive steering.
Proudly made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY factory.
Availability:
The Sportmax Q5S will be sold through all Dunlop retailers, as well as race tire distributors, to be easily accessible to all street or track riders. Tires will be available in all channels beginning mid-December.
Dunlop is pleased to introduce the fifth generation of the Dunlop Sportmax family. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5 is a purpose-built, track-day tire that has been in the making for over 4 years. Evolving from a blend of the highly popular Sportmax Q4 and Dunlop’s cutting-edge MotoAmerica spec road race tires, the Q5 utilizes the very best technologies Dunlop has to offer for a track tire that is still street legal.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5 is the new benchmark for track-day tires. The Q5 is even more user-friendly, as dry and wet grip, tire compliance, and warm-up times have all been improved.
Dunlop has also expanded the size range of the Q5 to include five additional sizes for increased bike fitments: 110/70ZR17, 140/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17, 160/60ZR17, and 200/60ZR17.
Key features of the all new Sportmax Q5:
Sharply defined new tread pattern with lower groove density puts more rubber on the ground at all lean angles
Optimized tread pattern design and position to aid in quicker warm-up times and improved wet-weather performance.
Street-friendly performance— Tire warmers are not necessary for track use.
Designed in five additional sizes for increased bike fitments: 110/70ZR17, 140/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17, 160/60ZR17, and 200/60ZR17.
The front and rear tire profiles have a taller and narrower profile to improve turn-in and compliance while increasing the footprint and grip at camber.
Front tire has reduced vertical stiffness to improve compliance and damping and increased lateral and longitudinal stiffness to improve braking and handling performance.
The 140/70ZR17, 180/60ZR17, 200/55ZR17, and 200/60ZR17 utilize the exact same profiles as the race spec tires developed for the MotoAmerica series.
The rear tires tread features Dunlop’s Jointless Tread (JLT) technology, the same process used in Dunlop’s racing slicks. JLT applies a continuously wound tread strip over the carcass to achieve the ideal stability, flex, and grip where it’s needed most across the tire’s tread profile.
Improved compound to enhance the dry grip by adjusting the compound formula. The culmination of these changes puts the rear tire compound much closer to a true race tire compound.
Dunlop’s proprietary Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) for ultra-linear and responsive steering.
Proudly made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY factory on the same proprietary equipment as their road race tires.
Availability:
The Sportmax Q5 will be sold through all Dunlop retailers, as well as race tire distributors, to be easily accessible to all street or track riders. Tires will be available in all channels beginning in November and December.
Marc Marquez won the FIM MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 21-lap race by 1.753 second.
Marco Bezzecchi was the runner-up on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Pedro Acosta placed third on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Two-time World Champion and M. Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia crossed the finish line fourth.
Raul Fernandez took fifth on his Trackhouse MotoGP Team machine.
Jorge Martin got seventh on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 381 points, 120 ahead of Alex Marquez who has 261 points. Francesco Bagnaia is third with 213 points.
Marc Marquez fends off Bezzecchi to make Ducati history. Five years on from rock bottom, the #93 becomes the first Ducati rider to win five GPs in a row as Aprilia and KTM celebrate Czech GP podiums.
Sometimes, you just have to sit back and admire greatness. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) emerged victorious on Sunday at the Tissot Grand Prix of Czechia to become the first Ducati rider to win five Grands Prix on the spin, but he was made to work for it in the first half of the battle. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) put up a good fight to collect P2, 1.7s away from the win, as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) held off a late Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) comeback to pick up his first Sunday rostrum of the season.
LIGHTS OUT: Bagnaia earns holeshot
Bagnaia punched off the line well and got the holeshot but like yesterday, Marc Marquez was through at Turn 3. Not for long though. On the cutback through Turn 4, Pecco led again and then Bezzecchi carved his way past the #93 at Turn 5.
That’s how it was over the line but Pecco was wide at the penultimate corner, costing him time, so that allowed Bezzecchi to make a move at Turn 1 on Lap 2. Marc Marquez, like he did on Lap 1, passed Pecco at Turn 3 and this time there was no way back for Pecco.
PASSES AND DRAMA: Bez leads, Alex Marquez crashes and then so does Bastianini
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez’s (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) disastrous weekend continued. The rider second in the championship was down at Turn 12 after an audacious move up the inside of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) didn’t pay off. The luckless Mir was taken out, and the Honda rider, along with Alex Marquez, were out of the Grand Prix from P5 and P6, so that was zero points in Czechia for the #73. A hammer blow for the Gresini star’s title hopes.
Further up the order, it was Acosta’s turn to pass Pecco at Turn 3 on Lap 3, as Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and then Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) carved their way past Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Next up behind Quartararo: Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing).
On Lap 5, Bastianini’s charge continued. The Italian was through on his former teammate Bagnaia, with ‘The Beast’ now 1.4s behind his KTM stablemate Acosta. But then, Bastianini was in the gravel. Turn 3 saw the #23 lose the front end and it was Grand Prix over for Bastianini, a shame after his best weekend in orange.
THE WINNING MOVE: Marquez pounces
Lap 8 saw a change for the lead. Marc Marquez, at Turn 3, pounced on Bezzecchi. And the #93 got his elbows out through Turn 4 to keep Bezzecchi behind him, so what did the championship leader have in his pocket? Acosta was right with the top two now, while Bagnaia sat 1.7s adrift of the podium fight.
A 1:54.184 played a 1:54.4 for Bezzecchi and a 1:54.5 for Acosta, seeing Marquez go 0.5s clear at the front at the start of Lap 10. A lap later, the gap was up to 0.8s, and then with a fastest lap of the Grand Prix, Marquez’s lead grew to 1.2s on Lap 12 of 21.
Bezzecchi was giving this a good go. Bezzecchi dipped into the 1:53s for the first time, a 1:53.999, but on the same lap, Lap 14, Marquez found a 1:53.787. And on the following lap, Marquez went even quicker. A 1:53.691, coupled with a 1:54.085 from Bezzecchi, saw the lead climb to 1.9s.
With Marquez giving no one a chance of fighting for the win, attention turned to the rostrum fight. Pecco was gathering some late race momentum and from just under two seconds away, with three laps left, the Italian was 0.5s behind Acosta. That was then 0.4s with two laps to go, as Bezzecchi continued on his way to P2, 0.9s ahead.
And on the last lap, Pecco was within attacking distance – just. Marquez was 1.6s clear of Bezzecchi and controlling things at the front, with the latter safe from being pounced on from behind. Could Bagnaia muster something up to grab P3? The answer – fortunately for KTM, unfortunately for Ducati – was no.
The answer was also no to could anyone beat Marquez in Brno? The #93 took the chequered flag 1.7s ahead of Bezzecchi to become the first Ducati rider ever to win five Grands Prix in a row. Simply put: chapeau.
Fair play to Bezzecchi as well, that’s another Sunday podium for the #72, as Acosta held off Pecco to clinch his first Sunday podium of the season. Ducati, Aprilia and KTM on the Brno rostrum.
YOUR POINTS SCORERS: Brno edition
Pecco’s P4 won’t be enough for the polesitter, but he’ll take the positives following his second half of the race charge. Fifth place went to Fernandez, who enjoyed his best weekend of the season, and that P5 is his equal best in MotoGP. Quartararo was less than a second behind the Trackhouse rider in P6, with the returning Martin coming home in a fabulous P7. That’s a phenomenal comeback effort from the #1 after a torrid few months of injuries, and a real boost for Aprilia, Martin and MotoGP ahead of the second half of the season. How good was it seeing the #1 back?
Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) came out on top in a good fight between the rookie and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), while Maverick Viñales’ super-sub Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3) caps off a superb weekend in Brno by taking away a P10.
Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) lost out in the latter stages to drop to P11, the Australian finished ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) – those were your final points scorers in Czechia.
12 rounds done, 120 points clear. That’s the title race advantage going into the summer for Marc Marquez, as the six-time MotoGP World Champion marches towards that coveted title. Thank you Brno, it’s been a blast being back – what a venue, and what a crowd.
See you in Austria in a few weeks, where the run to Valencia begins.
American Joe Roberts won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, Roberts won the 18-lap race by 1.079 second.
Poleman, Barry Baltus was the runner-up on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.
Championship point leader, Manuel Gonzalez was third on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
Daniel Holgado, riding his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex, finished fourth.
Celestino Vietti took fifth on his Sync SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro and broke the Kalex stranglehold at the top.
Manuel Gonzalez leads the championship with 188 points, 25 ahead of Aron Canet who has 163 points. Barry Baltus is third with 134 points.
California Dreamin’: Roberts fends off Baltus for victory in Brno. The American wins for the first time in 2025 as the Belgian and Gonzalez complete the Moto2 Czech GP podium.
At the venue he claimed his debut Moto2 podium at back in 2020, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) returned to the top step for the first time this season with a phenomenal Czech GP victory. The American fended off the hard challenge of Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) as the Belgian pockets back-to-back P2s ahead of the summer break, with Manuel Gonzalez’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) P3 seeing the Spaniard stretch his title chase lead.
After things got close at lights out between polesitter Baltus and Roberts, it was the American’s teammate Marcos Ramirez who grabbed the holeshot as drama unfolded for Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) at Turn 1. The Spaniard was down from the middle of the pack and that was his points hopes over.
Baltus pinched the lead of the race at the end of Lap 1 with a great move at the final corner, as Ramirez took the first of his two Long Lap penalties on Lap 3. That dropped the #24 to P7 behind home hero Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), and when he took his second, Ramirez was P12.
Joe Roberts in parc fermé after his victory at Brno. Photo courtesy Dorna.
On Lap 6, both Canet and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) had parked their Triumph-Kalex machines, handing Gonzalez a fantastic chance to stretch his points advantage ahead of the summer break. And it was the Spaniard who was shadowing the P1 battle between Baltus and Roberts, with the Californian making a move stick on Lap 7 to lead in Brno.
By Lap 10, Roberts and Baltus were now pulling clear of Gonzalez, with the #16 setting the fastest lap of the race on that lap – a 1:59.4 played a 1:59.6 for Baltus. With five to go, the gap was still just 0.2s between the American and Belgian, but that rose to just under 0.4s with four laps left.
Gonzalez was 2.6s away from the victory fight, so it was all about Roberts vs Baltus. With two laps to go, Roberts was keeping Baltus at bay by 0.5s, with the latter not able to quite get close enough to attempt a pass.
And then it was last lap time. The gap? 0.6s in Roberts’ favour. Baltus wasn’t close enough to engage in battle and for the first time since the 2024 Italian GP, Roberts returned to winning ways. Baltus clinched his fourth second place of the season to rise to P3 in the overall standings and Gonzalez collected a very handy 16 points in his quest for the Moto2 title.
Rookie Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) earned an impressive P4 ahead of Celestino Vietti (Sync SpeedRS Team), with Izan Guevara (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) a solid P6 in Brno. Ramirez strung together an impressive race following his double Long Lap penalty to beat Salač to P7, with the Czech star ending his home GP in P8.
David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) were the final top 10 finishers, while Sachsenring podium finishers Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) end their Brno weekends with a disappointing P11 and P12.
Roberts wins again, Baltus comes close, and Gonzalez strides to a 25-point championship lead heading into the summer break. Austria next, see you there.
Jose Antonio Rueda won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Using his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo, the Spaniard won the 16-lap race by just 3.471 seconds.
Maximo Quiles was the runner-up on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.
David Muñoz, piloting his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM was third, 3.495 seconds behind Rueda.
Angel Piqueras crossed the finish line fourth on his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.
Dennis Foggia took fifth on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.
Poleman and Muñoz’s teammate, Guido Pini finished the race 10th.
Jose Antonio Rueda leads the championship with 228 points, 85 ahead of Angel Piqueras who has 143 points. Alvaro Carpe is third with 133 points.
Rueda takes lights-to-flag Brno victory ahead of gloves-off P2 battle. Leading every lap and controlling the 16-lap encounter, Rueda sports a healthy lead into summer.
A record gap between P1 and P2 in the standings after 12 rounds is just what Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) ordered ahead summer break and it’s what he came away with from his first visit to Brno. Behind, a battle between Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and teammate Dennis Foggia lit up the group battle, with Quiles ultimately securing second ahead of David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) who came from last on the grid to third for a third straight rostrum finish.
Storming into Turn 1 and grabbing the advantage, Championship leader Rueda edged out polesitter Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and fellow front-row starter David Almansa (Leopard Racing). Quiles was soon up into P2 halfway through the first lap whilst further behind, Muñoz had made a lightning getaway from the back of the grid and was already into the points. By the start of Lap 3, the Aragon and German GP winner was already inside the top ten whilst 2020 Czech GP winner Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) had clambered his way into the top three.
At the halfway stage, Rueda had begun to get the hammer down whilst Quiles and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) battled for podium honours. Foggia was up to second but the fight had left a second gap between the #99 out front and the chasing pack. By the end of Lap 9, Quiles was back into P2 but back-to-back fastest laps by Rueda meant the pressure was on for the #28.
The scrapping continued and with five to go and a two second gap to Rueda, it was very much a battle to decide the final two spots on the podium. Behind the duelling CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar machines came Piqueras, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Muñoz and Almansa. Into the last lap and Quiles led the way with Piqueras, Muñoz and Foggia nipping at his heels. At Turn 6, the #64 muscled his way into P3 and then P2 by Turn 10. It was all coming down to Turn 13 but fantastic defensive work from Muñoz made it hard for Quiles. Rueda took a seventh win of the season, Quiles managed to slipstream his way into second whilst Muñoz’s last-to-third ride keeps up his run of top five finishes and makes it a fourth podium in five GPs. Piqueras’ wait for a rostrum return continues as he took P4, ahead of Foggia and Fernandez, the latter of which took his first points since Le Mans.
Almansa took more solid points in seventh and closes in on top Honda honours in the standings, whilst Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) fought his way into eighth. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and polesitter Pini rounded out the top ten. Elsewhere, it was a notable ride for Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), working his way up the order into P11 before a double Long Lap for causing a crash drops him out the points, meaning star debutant Marco Morelli (DENSSI Racing – BOE) moves up to 13th to impress first time out.
That’s it from Brno, join us for more Moto3 after the summer break as we touch down in Austria.
SMX Round 25 - Pro Motocross Championship at Washougal, Washington. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its final trip to the west coast as the Pacific Northwest’s scenic Washougal MX Park was the site for the eighth race of the summer campaign and Round 25 of the SMX World Championship regular season. Clear skies and balmy temperatures set the stage for the Military Appreciation Race at the FLY Racing Washougal National Presented by Peterson CAT where the 450 Class dominance by Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence came to an end at the hands of defending champion and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Chase Sexton, who impressed en route to his fourth win at the venue in five years. In the 250 Class, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda earned the edge over championship leader and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Haiden Deegan via tiebreaker for the Japanese rider’s second win in three races.
Chase Sexton Ends Jett Lawrence’s Dominance in Pro Motocross Championship with Fourth Washougal Win in Five Years
Moto 1
The first moto of the afternoon began with the Monster Energy Kawasaki of Jorge Prado edging out Jett Lawrence for the Pro Motocross Holeshot. As Prado pushed wide to close off Lawrence’s advance, it allowed Sexton, the defending class champion, to slip under both riders and grab the lead. As Sexton dropped the hammer and looked to pull away, Lawrence pressured Prado and was patient before he made the pass for second. Prado then lost his hold of third to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac.
The lead trio settled into their respective spots through the opening 10 minutes of the moto, with Sexton managing a lead between one to two seconds. As they approached the halfway point of the moto Lawrence was able to pressure Sexton and got alongside the KTM rider, but Sexton fended off the challenge and reestablished his advantage. The pair moved out nearly 10 seconds ahead of Tomac in third.
As he made another run on Sexton, Lawrence lost traction and went down. As he remounted, Tomac rode past for second as Lawrence was forced to regroup in third. Without the pursuit from Lawrence, Sexton built a lead of nearly 10 seconds while Tomac looked to keep a resurgent Lawrence at bay. The Honda rider moved to within striking distance, but lapped riders allowed Tomac to inch away in the closing stages of the moto.
Sexton backed it down on the final lap and cruised to his first moto win of the season, 3.4 seconds ahead of Tomac, while Lawrence settled for third. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire finished fourth, with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence in fifth.
Chase Sexton’s prowess at Washougal MX Park continued with his fourth win in five seasons, ending Jett Lawrence’s eight-race win streak. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Moto 2
The second and deciding moto started with Hunter Lawrence leading the field to the Pro Motocross Holeshot with his brother Jett in tow. Prado slotted into third initially, but Sexton made the move and gave chase to the Honda duo. Tomac started just outside the top five in seventh but made quick passes to move up into fourth and make it a four-rider lead group.
The intensity up front ramped up five minutes into the moto as Jett Lawrence had to fend off a pass attempt from Sexton, which then pushed the championship leader onto the rear fender of his older brother. Jett amped up the aggression to get alongside Hunter and took the lead. Not long after, Sexton made the pass for second, but Hunter Lawrence fought back to reclaim the position. Sexton then went on the attack again and moved back into second. Moments later, the red flag was waved for a downed rider, which brought a halt to the race with 21:22 left in the moto.
The first-ever staggered restart in Pro Motocross saw the race resume with the field launching out the starting gate individually, in sequential running order from the previously completed lap. Jett Lawrence started first, followed by Hunter Lawrence, Sexton, and Tomac. Sexton was able to make the pass on Hunter Lawrence for second and brought Tomac along into third to drop Lawrence outside the top three.
The lead trio settled in through the halfway point of the moto, with just three seconds between them. As the moto wore on, Jett Lawrence managed a lead of just over two seconds on Sexton, as Tomac slowly lost touch in third. Lawrence’s margin continued to grow and eventually surpassed five seconds as the Honda rider completed his 12th moto win of the season by 8.7 seconds over Sexton, with Tomac in third.
Jett Lawrence failed to win for just the second time in his career, finishing second. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Overall
In just his third race back after a crash took him out of action at the opening round, Sexton’s 1-2 finishes bettered Lawrence’s 3-1 effort to end an eight-race win streak for the Australian. It signified the 14th win of Sexton’s career and his fourth in five years at Washougal. He also remains the only rider to defeat Jett Lawrence in the Pro Motocross Championship, with two wins across the 24 races Lawrence has entered. The Honda rider’s second ever non-win still produced a runner-up effort, while Tomac finished overall podium (2-3) for the fifth time this season and the 77th time in his career.
Lawrence’s lead in the championship standings increased to 61 points over Hunter Lawrence, who finished fourth (3-5), with Tomac third, 94 points out of the lead.
Eli Tomac made his return to the podium for the 77th time in his career. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
1st Place: Chase Sexton, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (1-2)
“It feels good [to get the win]. I was pretty far off last weekend and went to work this week to be better. I knew I was really good at this track and had the ability to win here. I got great starts, rode well, and made it happen. We’ll regroup over the next two off weeks and will come out swinging for the final three races.”
“Washougal ain’t my track. Chase is really good here. In that first moto I just asked way too much of the motorcycle [and went down]. I really had to work hard in the second moto and the restart made it even more difficult to have to stop and get going again. But hey, it was still a good day, so we’ll take it.”
3rd Place: Eli Tomac, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (2-3)
“Huge gains today compared to last week. We were within the same zip code [of the leaders]. I wish we could have won, but I’m happy with what we’ve got to work with. I love it here at this track, so I’m just really pleased with how the day went.”
Podium picture with, from left to right, Jett Lawrence, Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Shimoda Edges Deegan via Tiebreaker for Second 250 Class Win in Three Races.
Moto 1
The opening moto got underway with the Triumph Factory Racing machine of Jalek Swoll leading the way to the Pro Motocross Holeshot, followed by Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFranceso and Deegan, the defending class champion. Swoll then crashed out of the lead, which moved DiFrancesco into the lead Deegan into second, as Shimoda moved into third.
Deegan started to apply pressure on the lead and got alongside DiFrancesco, who nearly jumped into the Yamaha rider. The two made slight contact in the air, with DiFranseco going to the ground and Deegan able to keep it on two wheels to take over the lead. Shimoda moved into second followed by Toyota Redlands BarX Yamaha’s Dilan Schwartz.
As the moto surpassed its halfway point, Shimoda had closed the deficit to about a second on Deegan and started to apply pressure on the lead. Deegan responded and picked up his pace significantly to push the lead to more than three seconds after logging his fastest laps of the moto. The lead then stabilized at around four seconds. Behind them, the battle for third intensified between Schwartz and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Garrett Marchbanks. The veteran Kawasaki rider went on the attack and successfully moved into the top three.
Deegan maintained his lead through to the finish and secured his 10th moto win of the season, six seconds ahead of Shimoda, with Marchbanks in a distant third. Schwartz earned a career-best moto result in fourth, with Triumph Factory Racing’s Austin Forkner in fifth.
A pair of strong starts helped Jo Shimoda earn his second win in the past three races. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Moto 2
The final moto of the afternoon kicked off with the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki of Seth Hammaker out front of Shimoda and Triumph Factory Racing’s Mikkel Haarup. Deegan started deep inside the top 10 in eighth. Back up front, Shimoda went on the attack and made the pass on Hammaker to begin the second lap.
As Shimoda quickly distanced himself from the field Deegan methodically worked his way forward and broke into the top five 10 minutes into the moto. Meanwhile, Hammaker asserted his hold of second while a multi-rider battle for third took shape between Haarup, DiFrancesco, and Deegan, with Marchbanks closing in from sixth. Both Deegan and Marchbanks made their way around DiFrancesco to move into fourth and fifth, respectively, and gave chase to Haarup.
With Deegan closing in, Haarup tucked the front end and went down, which allowed Deegan and Marchbanks to get by as the Danish rider lost multiple positions. The focus then shifted on the battle for third between Deegan and Marchbanks, who were separated by just a couple seconds in the closest battle up front. With their higher pace, both riders closed in on Hammaker in the closing stages of the moto. With less than two minutes remaining, Deegan quickly caught and passed Hammaker for second and then faced a deficit of 20 seconds to Shimoda.
Shimoda was in a class of his own out front and easily captured his third moto win of the season by 18.2 seconds over Deegan. Hammaker kept his teammate Marchbanks at bay for third.
Despite missing out on a third straight Washougal victory Haiden Deegan didn’t lose a single point in the championship battle. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Overall
Another pair of strong starts allowed Shimoda to capture his second win in three races (2-1) via a second-moto tiebreaker over Deegan. It signified the fifth victory of the Japanese racer’s career. Deegan’s trademark resiliency resulted in a runner-up effort (1-2) for his seventh podium in nine races, while Marchbanks broke through for his first ever Pro Motocross podium in third (3-4).
Deegan’s lead in the championship standings remains at 45 points over Shimoda, while Marchbanks has taken sole control of third, 116 points out of the lead.
After knocking on the door all summer long Garrett Marchbanks finally broke through for his maided podium result in Pro Motocross. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
1st Place: Jo Shimoda, Honda HRC Progressive (2-1)
“It was a good day. This one means a lot to me. As a team, we worked really hard for this. I know we’re far out of the championship, but this is awesome, and I hope we can keep doing it.”
2nd Place: Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (1-2)
“I felt like I was riding a bull out there, it was wild. We finished second and didn’t lose any points, so in the big picture it was a good day.”
3rd Place: Garret Marchbanks, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki (3-4)
“Every time I got close to Haiden I couldn’t finish it, so it was tough on the track today. I made some mistakes and lost some energy late, but it was a good day. I’m really excited to get my first podium outdoors.”
Podium picture with, from left to right, Hayden Deegan, Jo Shimoda and Garret Marchbanks. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)
Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM – 295
Maximus Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 288
Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Triumph – 278
Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 278
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship will take an extended break in action before its three-race stretch run to crown champions, with two off weekends through the end of July and beginning of August. The series will make its anticipated return on Saturday, August 9, from Indiana’s Ironman Raceway for the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National. Exclusive and comprehensive live broadcast coverage of the ninth race of the season can be seen on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, followed by uninterrupted coverage of the motos at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
World Superbike star Michael van der Mark. Photo courtesy EWC.
With four wins in the Suzuka 8 Hours to his name, World Superbike star Michael van der Mark has joined BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team to go for a fifth victory when the legendary EWC event takes place from 1-3 August.
The 32-year-old Dutchman took time out from his preparations for round three of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship season to answer five key questions.
What is it about the Suzuka 8 Hours that brings the best out in you?
“Consistency and focus, the stints are long, they’re like over an hour. You have to be consistent. You have to push but you cannot be as fast as you want for the full hour. Then you have to focus because you have to pass a lot of people. To do the focus and the consistency together is quite difficult but it’s the only way during these stints.”
Van der Mark was part of the winning Yamaha Factory Racing Team at Suzuka in 2018. Photo courtesy EWC.
You join a BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team fighting for the 2025 EWC title. What element of pressure does that bring?
“Our main goal is to make history and that’s to be the first European brand to be on the Suzuka podium. It will be even better to win the race and that’s for sure the goal.”
With Sylvain Guintoli not racing at Suzuka this year you join forces with Steven Odendaal and Markus Reiterberger. What are they like as guys and team-mates?
“They’re really nice, we did a test a couple of weeks ago and there was a good atmosphere. For me it was like, ‘I’m like new in the team’, so I just came there to ride the bike, I didn’t want to be the new guy, I did my thing, listened to them and we had a good time. From the first moment we were on same level and the same way we want to work.”
Suzuka testing in June was a reminder of the high temperatures in store for Japan’s EWC round. Photo courtesy EWC.
The Suzuka 8 Hours often means very difficult conditions, crazy humidity and temperatures. Where does the key lie at least for a podium for BMW?
“The main thing is consistency, we know we have a good speed, a good pace but it’s eight hours and so many things can happen. Everyone knows their pace, we know what we can do, we’re all ready to do our stints but no one knows what’s going to happen. This is the nice thing about endurance, it’s eight hours, it’s eight long hours but we have to push for eight hours, we have to be smart, ride on our toes to do everything as perfectly as we can.”
Dutchman van der Mark in recent World Superbike action at Donington Park. Photo courtesy EWC.
Your father Henk van der Mark won the 24 Heures Motos in 1984. Can we expect to see you doing a 24-hour race in the future?
“At the moment eight hours is long enough for me so not yet, but I will never say never. I would like to experience [a 24 hour race] but not now.”
The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August. Click HERE for more information.
Van der Mark is a four-time winner of the Suzuka 8 Hours. Photo courtesy EWC.
MICHAEL VAN DER MARK’S SUZUKA WINS REVISITED
2013: With Leon Haslam and Takumi Takahashi (Honda)
2014: With Leon Haslam and Takumi Takahashi (Honda)
2017: With Alex Lowes and Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha)
2018: With Alex Lowes and Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha)
Julian Correa (44) during ESBK Race 1 at Navara Race Circuit, Spain. Photo by Dast Media.
Despite a challenging qualifying session marred by heavy traffic, Julian Correa of Pons Motorsport Italika Racing showcased exceptional race craft at today’s Race 1, climbing from a P12 starting position to secure a commendable P7 finish.
The qualifying session proved to be a frustrating affair as he struggled to find clear track amidst a congested field. “It was tough out there in qualifying,” Julian commented. “Every time I tried to put in a quick lap, I ran into traffic. It definitely didn’t reflect our true pace.”
However, the race was a different story. Starting from the fourth row, he demonstrated remarkable determination and strategic prowess. Consistently making clean overtakes and maintaining strong race pace, he steadily worked his way through the pack.
“I knew we had a good race setup, and I was determined to make up for qualifying,” he explained. “The bike felt strong, and I focused on hitting my marks and being smart with my moves. To finish P7 after starting P12, especially against such a strong field, feels like a real victory.”
The P7 result is a testament to Julian’s skill and resilience, proving their ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity. The team now looks ahead to Julian with renewed confidence.
Mission AFT SuperTwins riders Briar Bauman (3), Dan Bromley (62), Davis Fisher (67), Trent Lowe (48), Bronson Bauman (37), Brandon Robinson (44) and Max Whale (18) during the Main Event at Lucas Oil Speedway Friday night. Photo by: Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track
The world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers put on quite the show in the inaugural Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, to open the second half of an intense 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
The “Diamond of Dirt Tracks” was properly introduced to two-wheeled action on the night, playing witness to the two best riders in the world performing at the top of their games. In the end, Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) overcame the valiant effort of a relentless Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) to score his fifth victory of the season and break their points tie atop of the Mission AFT SuperTwins standings.
Prior to the race, Bauman’s victory felt nearly preordained considering both his form on the season and throughout the day. That seemed especially true once he got the holeshot and Daniels languished down near tenth after struggling uncharacteristically and qualifying on the third row.
However, Daniels locked onto an extreme low line and made it work, leaping up to fifth in short order and then sitting on the back of a fight for third waged by Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp).
That became a four-rider dispute for second once Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) dropped his pursuit of Bauman and fell into the clutches of Fisher, Lowe, and Daniels as the contest approached half-distance.
A minute later, Daniels used that ultra-low route to dive past all three and jump up from fifth to second in one extended swoop. By that point, however, Bauman held an advantage of 1.354 seconds and seemed safe on his way to victory.
Daniels made it less and less safe, however, ultimately closing to within 0.329 seconds by the time they arrived at the checkered flag.
Bauman’s triumph was his ninth-ever Short Track win, elevating him into a four-way tie with Chris Carr, Henry Wiles, and Jared Mees for the career lead in the discipline. It was also his 31st overall premier-class win, moving him into the all-time top ten in terms of career victories.
Bauman said, “(Daniels) just figured it out halfway through the Main Event and was clicking laps. I thought I was hitting my marks, but he’s so good and this is so tight, that I’m just numb to it at this point…
“I’m fired up. When Jared Mees stepped away, I said I need to be the guy to fill his shoes. I know there are a lot of people who want to see us succeed, and I can feel that. That gets me fired up. Once again, Rick Ware Racing, Parts Plus, Latus Motors… Rick (Ware) and George (Latus) came together to put this thing together. I never thought I’d have five wins. This Harley-Davidson XG750R is working really good.”
Meanwhile, Fisher held off the impressive Lowe to get his season back on track with a third podium result of ‘25.
Unfortunately for Robinson, he was a non-finisher; he pulled off with a mechanical issue just as Lowe overtook him for fourth with under a minute-and-a-half remaining on the clock.
Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) won out in a scrap for sixth with James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07).
Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), and Billy Ross (No. 29 Racing Unlimited/Bel Ray Kawasaki Ninja 650) rounded out the top ten.
Bauman now leads Daniels 185-181 in what’s truly taken shape as a two-rider battle for the Grand National Championship. Despite his misfortune on the evening, Robinson remains ranked third, albeit 66 points back of the lead at 119.
AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) pulled off an epic final-lap, final-corner pass on AFT Singles presented by KICKER title leader Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) to claim his first victory of the season.
After Drane made quick work of the fast-starting Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), it looked as if the Australian might simply march off to his fourth consecutive victory.
And Drane did in fact open up a second-plus advantage before championship rival Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) and Brunner finally made their way into second and third with right around three minutes remaining on the clock.
From that point forward, Saathoff and Brunner couldn’t decide who should lead the charge in their joint attempt to track down Drane. Instead, they battled it out all non-stop but somehow continued to reel in the Estenson Racing ace all the while.
The two finally moved to within striking distance as the clocks hit zero; Brunner and Saathoff flanked Drane from close behind with the Turner Honda pilot perched on his right shoulder and the RWR rider there on his left.
Just when it looked like it was all too little, too late, Brunner threw in a last-gasp Hail Mary maneuver and was rewarded for his audaciousness, stealing the checkered flag from Drane by a scant 0.069 seconds.
“It feels amazing,” Brunner said. “I feel like I’ve got like 300 pounds lifted off my chest. I knew I could get it done, but we were just missing the little things, and I think it’s a lot mentally from myself. But, man, this facility is awesome, the fans are awesome, the whole experience here at Lucas Oil Speedway has been awesome.”
Three seconds behind Brunner, Drane, and Saathoff, Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) completed a charge of his own to fight his way into fourth.
Early leader Pfanders equaled his career-best finish of fifth, while car track expert Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F) came home sixth.
Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), Walker Porter (No. 100 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) finished seventh through tenth, respectively.
Despite the narrow defeat on the night, Drane actually extended his points lead. He now leads Saathoff by 23 points (172-149), while Brunner closed in just a bit, upping his tally to 137.
Next Up:
Progressive American Flat Track will make its way to the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II on Monday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 5.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://flosports.link/aft.
FOX Sports coverage of the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).
A CAT D9 Dozer as sold by Carter Machinery. The company is sponsoring Josh Herrin's Warhorse Ducati Superbike at VIR and is holding a meet and greet event on the Thursday before the race weekend.
Carter Machinery Teams Up with Warhorse Racing for MotoAmerica Superbikes at VIRginia International Raceway
Unique livery, fan poll, and special event to celebrate the collaboration.
MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Josh Herrin has been on a winning streak. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/HSBK.
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati is proud to announce a new partnership with Carter Machinery, the official Caterpillar® dealer for Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., for the upcoming MotoAmerica round at Virginia International Raceway (August 1–3). Carter Machinery will serve as the team title sponsor for the weekend, marking a new alliance between the motorsports and heavy equipment industries.
This collaboration will come to life with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati debuting a Caterpillar-inspired livery for the race weekend. In the spirit of fan engagement, the team is giving its followers the chance to vote between two custom bike designs. The winning livery will be unveiled just ahead of the race.
Warhorse Ducati Graphics Version 1.Warhorse Ducati Graphics Version 2.
“As a team always looking to push boundaries, we’re thrilled to welcome Carter Machinery as a partner for the Virginia Round,” said Bobby Shekarabi, Team Principal of Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati. “It’s exciting to collaborate with a respected brand outside of the motorsports world and explore innovative ways to connect with fans. This partnership represents exactly the kind of energy and forward thinking we strive for in racing.”
The weekend festivities will kick off with a special bike unveiling and rider meet-and-greet at Carter Machinery’s Lynchburg location on Thursday, July 31, from 12–2 pm. Fans will have the chance to meet Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati and MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, Josh Herrin, see the winning livery up close, and get autographs.
The location is Carter Machinery–Lynchburg, 45 Industrial Circle, Lynchburg, VA 24501
In addition to the on-track excitement, Carter Machinery will host an activation within the team’s hospitality space, featuring a CAT® machine simulator that invites fans to experience the precision and skill required to operate heavy equipment.
MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Josh Herrin usually runs this red graphics package. At VIR his bike will be black and yellow, in CAT colors. Photo by Brian J. Nelson/HSBK.
“With our roots in southwestern Virginia, MotoAmerica’s return to VIR is the perfect chance for Carter Machinery to join the excitement,” said Craig Kahoun, Executive Vice President of Carter Machinery. “Our team brings the same passion and drive to work that Warhorse Racing brings to the track, and we’re excited to give our followers a chance to be part of the ride.”
About Carter Machinery
Carter Machinery is the authorized Cat® dealer for Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., offering a full range of equipment, rental and power solutions. With over 30 locations and a 97-year track record of success, Carter Machinery empowers industries to build, connect and power communities through smart, durable equipment and service excellence. Learn more about Carter Machinery by visiting their website.
Mini Cup racer Warren Mazzotta in action. Photo courtesy Tyler O'Hara.
The MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier run by MotoAmerica racers Tyler O’Hara and Hawk Mazzotta (originally scheduled for March but rescheduled due to torrential rains) in conjunction with Sierra Nevada Mini Moto is happening now on the kart track at Sonoma Raceway Karting Center, 29355 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476.
Practice with the Hawk Mazzotta New Racer School runs today from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free camping tonight. Races run by Sierra Nevada Mini Moto are on Sunday, with gates opening at 6:00 a.m.
Classes include:
Mission Mini Cup
Exhibition
GP World Cup
Amateur/Pro SuperMoto (asphalt only)
DTX (asphalt only)
Adult Mini GP
John Hopkins and Ohvale USA are on site with a limited supply of rental bikes.
Ohvale Mini Cup bikes seen at the track. Photo courtesy Tyler O’Hara.
Marc Marquez (93) and Francesco Bagnaia (63) during the MotoGP Sprint race at Brno. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 10-lap race by 0.798 second.
Pedro Acosta was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Enea Bastianini finished third on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Marco Bezzecchi got fourth on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Fabio Quartararo took fifth on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
Poleman, Francesco Bagnaia crossed the finish line 7th on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
For his comeback, Jorge Martin got 11th on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 356 points, 95 ahead of Alex Marquez who has 261 points. Bagnaia is third with 200 points.
Marc Marquez beats Acosta despite strategy intrigue in Brno Sprint. Another strategic master stroke for the #93 whilst two KTMs are behind as Acosta and Bastianini shine on Saturday.
It was the first ever Tissot Sprint at Brno and a first pole start of 2025 for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) so right from lights out, there was lots on the line. After what seemed like a tyre pressure battle led to both Pecco and teammate Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) slowing up, the #93 soon pushed his way to the front to make it another Sprint success. He took gold ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), making it two KTMs on a podium for the first time this season.
FIRST STAGES: battles all the way through the pack
Snatching the holeshot, Pecco lead the way until Turn 3 when teammate Marc attacked and took over at the front. Elsewhere, a poor start from Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) left him down in 19th on Lap 1 whilst at Turn 3 on Lap 2, Augusto Fernandez (Yamaha Factory Racing Team) slid off and collected Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR), ending both their Sprints. Into P3 on the second lap, Acosta got himself ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) whilst the Frenchman was rubbing fairings with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) at Turn 10. Meanwhile, Bez’s returning teammate, World Champion Jorge Martin, was up into P7 in the early stages.
TYRE PRESSURE CONCERNS: Pecco and Marc slow from leading positions
At the end of Lap 4, Bastianini was capitalising on his strong weekend so far and into fourth and ahead of Quartararo, but the drama was further up the road. On the exit of Turn 4, Bagnaia slowed down and was passed by Acosta, Bastianini and Quartararo. A lap later and it could have been a replay – this time for Marc Marquez; the #93 likewise slowing down and letting Acosta through to let the #37 lead in his first outing at Brno.
Both the Ducatis slowing down but getting straight back into the pace suggested that tyre pressures needed controlling but whatever it was, the last three laps had Acosta, Marc Marquez, Bastianini and Quartararo all in victory contention. Behind, Bezzecchi clambered ahead of Pecco at Turn 11, now into the top five, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) next up.
LATE CHARGES: Bezzecchi and Fernandez move up, Marc retakes P1
On the penultimate lap, Bezzecchi worked his way into fourth ahead of Quartararo as his trademark late pace came to the fore. Up at the front and on the direction change from Turn 8 into Turn 9, Marc Marquez pounced in what would prove to be a Sprint-winning pass on ‘El Tiburon’. Another success in the Sprint for the Championship leader who extended his Championship advantage, with a first Sprint podium for Acosta since Aragon 2024. Two KTMs on a Sprint podium underline their previous happy memories at Brno and it’s a first rostrum of the year for Bastianini. There was a small caveat on top of the podium with Marquez’s tyre pressure under investigation but that was soon over, the win standing for Marc.
ROUNDING OUT THE ORDER: Bezzecchi just off the podium, Martin 11th
Bezzecchi claimed P4 with Quartararo behind him. On the final lap, Fernandez pushed his way into sixth place ahead of polesitter Pecco, whilst Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and super-sub Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) completed the points-paying positions. On his comeback ride, Martin finished in 11th, just behind Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Alex Marquez, meanwhile, was forced to settle for P17 and zero points after the nightmare start. That’s 12 more lost to Marc Marquez in the championship chase… but Sunday is another day.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
July 20, 2025
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
