More From This Past Weekend’s Various Motorcycle Road Races (Updated)

More From This Past Weekend’s Various Motorcycle Road Races (Updated)

© 2013, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WINNING PERFORMANCE FROM MILWAUKEE YAMAHA AT ULSTER GP William Dunlop gave Milwaukee Yamaha their maiden Ulster Grand Prix victory yesterday in Supersport race two after a thrilling battle with Kiwi Bruce Anstey. The 28-year-old also came of age in the premier class with third place in the Ulster Grand Prix Superbike race. His team-mate Conor Cummins also claimed two podiums with third place in same Supersport race alongside William, and took the same step on the podium in the second Superbike encounter – after Dunlop stopped with a technical problem whilst disputing second place. Supersport race two was only settled on the final lap on the run to the flag at the famous Dundrod circuit, with Dunlop taking victory by a miniscule 7/100ths of a second; his team-mate Conor, finished third behind Bruce Anstey. William also took the fastest lap of the race with a lap speed of 127.931mph on the sixth and final lap. William’s best lap in the Ulster Grand Prix Superbike race was 131.983mph with Manxman Conor posting a lap of 131.438mph. Dunlop said: “Missing out on a certain second place in the second Superbike race is disappointing but I’m delighted with the Supersport win after a tough race with Bruce. Normally if you lead into the hairpin on the last lap you win the race, but fair play to Bruce he came back past me. I was riding so hard and it could have gone either way but I squeezed him into the last corner and we got the win. A podium in the Superbike race proves the progress we have made on the big bike. I made a little mistake and lost the two on Michael and Guy, but we proved we have the pace, although seven laps around here on a Superbike is tough going. Thanks to the Milwaukee Yamaha guys for putting in a such a big effort; I can’t thank Shaun, Dale and the rest of the team enough.” Cummins said: “The old days of Conor Cummins are dead and buried now. We’ve had a decent day with two podiums and my Superbike was flying in that second race, I just got a bad start. It’s been a great day for Milwaukee Yamaha, so a big thanks to the team and also to my personal sponsors for their continued support.” Team Principal Shaun Muir concluded: “Overall I’m delighted really. We’ve had a win, a handful of podiums and we’ve come a long way this season on the roads. We started off pretty slowly at the North West and made baby steps at the TT. We haven’t gone backwards and that’s important, but this has been our strongest day on the roads and good progress for us to take into the off-season and the winter. I’m really pleased for William to get that win. He’s growing in confidence all the time and proved it in that battle with Bruce. With Conor it’s maybe just a little too late. He’s found his self-confidence in the latter part of the season, but in saying that, we haven’t signed anyone yet for next season. I think it’s fair to say Milwaukee and Yamaha can be proud of both riders.” Results Ulster Grand Prix Superbike Race [7 laps] 1 – Guy Martin [Suzuki] 23:33.594s 2 – Michael Dunlop [Honda] +0.054s 3 – William Dunlop [Milwaukee Yamaha] +10.675s 4 – Bruce Anstey [Honda] +17.799s 5 – Gary Johnson [Honda] +20.069s 6 – Dean Harrison [Kawasaki] +44.562s Superbike Race 2 [6 laps] 1 – Guy Martin [Suzuki] 20:15.158s 2 – Bruce Anstey [Honda] +4.043s 3 – Conor Cummins [Milwaukee Yamaha] +7.802s 4 – Lee Johnston [Honda] +17.005s 5 – Jamie Hamilton [Kawasaki] +20.763s 6 – Cameron Donald [Honda] +21.091s Supersport Race 1 [6 laps] 1 – Guy Martin [Suzuki] 22:23.270s 2 – Bruce Anstey [Honda] +0.075s 3 – Lee Johnston [Honda] +17.827s 4 – Ian Lougher [Honda] +19.045s 5 – William Dunlop [Milwaukee Yamaha] +20.381s 6 – Conor Cummins [Milwaukee Yamaha] +30.289s Supersport Race 2 [6 laps] 1 – William Dunlop [Milwaukee Yamaha] 21:01.674s 2 – Bruce Anstey [Honda] +0.073s 3 – Conor Cummins [Milwaukee Yamaha] +11.010s 4 – Michael Dunlop [Honda] +24.105s 5 – Dean Harrison [Yamaha] +34.197s 6 – Cameron Donald [Honda] +44.010s For more information visit www.milwaukeeyamaha.com More, from a press release issued by RC Express Racing by MSS Performance : Harrison shines at Dundrod with strong Ulster GP performances Dean Harrison and the RC Express Racing by MSS Kawasaki team’s excellent 2013 road racing season continued on Saturday at the Ulster Grand Prix with the Bradford rider finishing all five of his races inside the top nine, three of those being inside the top six, the highlight being a best of fourth place in the Superstock race. Practice and qualifying saw the 7.4-mile Dundrod road circuit hit by inclement weather and eventually resulted in Thursday’s Dundrod 150 races being cancelled so everyone had to wait until Saturday to race in anger. Having just his second outing around the high speed course, Dean opened his account for the day with a solid ninth place in the opening Supersport race, which started in damp conditions. The weather improved for the remainder of the day and the following Superstock race saw Dean and the Kawasaki ZX-10R battle throughout the six laps for the final podium place alongside multiple Ulster GP winners Bruce Anstey and Ian Lougher. Positions changed hands throughout and it eventually came down to a last lap dash to the flag, which veteran Anstey won although it was mightily close with his advantage over Dean just 0.3s. The feature Superbike race followed and Dean again found himself embroiled in a superb dice, this time for sixth place. Racing with Cameron Donald and fellow youngsters Lee Johnston and Jamie Hamilton for the entire 7 laps, there was little between the quartet but a lap of 130.271mph helped Dean secure sixth place by a tenth of a second from Johnston. It was a similar story in the second Superbike race, where all four riders lapped quicker still, Dean improving his personal best lap to 130.643mph. On this occasion though, it was his turn to get shuffled to the back of the pack on the final lap and he crossed the line in seventh. Sandwiched in between the two Superbike races was the second Supersport encounter and another great ride saw Dean claim an excellent fifth place on the Ian Bell Motorcycles Yamaha. Dean Harrison: “I’m pleased with today’s results and it’s easy to forget it was only my second time here so I’m still very much learning, not just the circuit but also the Superbike. At the same time, I am a little disappointed as I think if it had been dry throughout the meeting, I’d have been challenging for the podiums in more of the races. We’ve made good steps forward with the Superbike at each meeting this year but the lack of dry track time meant I was just a fraction off where I wanted to be and we didn’t quite have the grunt off the corners that we needed.” “I felt confident that I could have gone faster and my corner speed was excellent but as soon as we got to the straights, some of the others came by me. I can’t complain though and we’ve proved once again what we can do. We were there or thereabouts all week and the bikes were extremely consistent and reliable whilst the Metzeler tyres were awesome so it’s been another good International meeting for me and when you’re racing wheel to wheel with the likes of Bruce Anstey, Ian Lougher and Cameron Donald, you not only learn a lot but also know you’re not doing a bad job!” Ben Constable, Team Co-Owner: “We’re really pleased with how the day’s gone and although it would have been nice to have finished on the podium in the Superstock race, we’ve finished all of the races in a strong position and again proved ourselves on the roads. Dean showed his consistency once more and has now established himself as a regular front runner whilst he also lapped quicker than he’s gone before so we’re more than happy with that. It was our first time here with the Superbike and the lack of dry weather in practice meant we didn’t quite get it set it up as we would have liked but we’re all learning and know what we need to do for the future.” “We’ve progressed as a team all year, the Kawasaki is working really well in both the Superstock and Superbike classes whilst the Metzeler tyres were mega once more. Our reliability as a team was once more evident and we’re really looking forward now to the Gold Cup where we’re confident of more success.” The team’s next outing comes at next month’s International Gold Cup meeting at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough with the meeting taking place on September 15-16. More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad HP Support: Successful home round for BMW Motorrad in the EWC. BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent finished in second place on the podium at the “Eight Hours of Oschersleben” while the Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team took victory in the Superstock class. Oschersleben/Munich. The specialists from BMW Motorrad HP RaceSupport had reason to celebrate at their home round of the 2013 FIM Endurance World Championship at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (GER). At the “Eight Hours of Oschersleben” they played part in the successes of their partner teams with the BMW S 1000 RR in several classes. In the overall classification, BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent finished on the podium in second place. In the Superstock class, the Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team rode to victory, finishing sixth in the overall classification. The Open-category was won by the rs speedbikes racing team, who were also fielding an RR. The eight-hour race at Oschersleben marked the third and penultimate round of the season. Erwan Nigon, Sébastien Gimbert (both FRA) and Damian Cudlin (AUS) shared duties on the #99 BMW S 1000 RR of BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent. During the whole race, they put in consistently fast laps while not taking unnecessary risks. The team carried out faultless pit stops at every rider change. Consistency and the great performance of the whole squad paid dividends and after eight hours, the #99 RR crossed the line in a superb second place. BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent now prepares for the final race of the 2013 Endurance World Championship, the “24 Heurs Moto” at Le Mans (FRA) on 21st September. “We came to Oschersleben looking to get some points on the board with a podium finish, and we achieved our goal”, said Team Principal Michael Bartholemy. “All three riders, as well as everyone in the team and at Michelin, have worked hard for this result and I want to say a big thank you to them all for their efforts.” In the Superstock class, the Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team showed a strong catch up with their RR to take the victory. The squad of former racer Rico Penzkofer (GER) took the win with the riders Jason Pridmore (USA), Pedro Vallcaneras (ESP) and Steve Mercer (GBR) after starting from fifth in their class and tenth overall. With this success, the reigning champions took the lead in the overall ranking of the FIM World Endurance Superstock Cup. Before the final round at Le Mans, they have an advantage of 11 points to their closest rival. “I am more than happy! We got the win in front of our home crowd, in front of all those fans”, enthused Team Principal Rico Penzkofer. “I want to thank everyone in our team, our riders, our Crew Chief Gordon, and everyone, who crossed their fingers for us! Party on!” “We had a really great weekend at Oschersleben. Congratulations and a big ‘Thank you’ to the teams and riders who made this home round for BMW a special one”, commented Berthold Hauser, General Manager BMW Motorrad HP RaceSupport. “For the BMW Motorrad France squad, consistency and a faultless performance were key to make best use of the potential of the RR and they were rewarded for their strong performance with their first podium of the season. We now focus on the big finale at Le Mans. Our specialists keep working hard with the team in order to further improve our strong package and to find the perfect solutions for the requirements of the French circuit. In the Superstock class, the Penz13.com team made a big step towards their goal to defend their title. We at BMW Motorrad HP RaceSupport will do everything to allow our partners to have a similar successful weekend at the famous 24-hours race at Le Mans.” More, from a press release issued by Ivan Lintin’s publicist: Lintin claims sensational Ulster Grand Prix victory Ivan Lintin celebrated his 29th birthday in perfect style at the Ulster Grand Prix on Saturday as he swept to victory in the Lightweight race to claim his maiden International road race win. The Bardney rider was in superb form all week and came out on top of a sensational four-rider battle for honours that kept the thousands of race fans lining the hedgerows on edge throughout. Riding the McKinstry Racing Kawasaki, Lintin had opened up a three-second lead after three of the six laps but the red flag came out for an incident and was re-started over the shorter distance of three laps that meant he had to do the hard work all over again. On this occasion though, the pack didn’t allow him to escape and the three laps saw a ferocious battle between Ivan, Derek McGee, Jamie Hamilton and Lee Johnston. Positions – and paint – were exchanged at practically every corner and going into the final lap there was less than half a second covering the quartet. McGee went out soon after leaving the other three riders to fight it out and Ivan hit the front on the run down the Flying Kilo with just six miles of the race left to run. Hamilton was trying everything he knew and overhauled Ivan at Tournagrough but when he ran wide at the hairpin shortly afterwards, Ivan needed no second invitation and dived back up the inside. There was still work to do on the run back towards the line but Ivan held on by the tiny margin of 0.046s for a brilliant win. The Lincolnshire rider was also in sparkling form in the Supersport races where he was riding the newly acquired Taylor Lindsey Honda, the machine having been previously ridden by Cameron Donald, for the first time. Having qualified in 15th place, the first 6-lap encounter started in damp conditions but conditions improved throughout, as did Ivan’s pace and he took a fine eighth place. However, his ride in the second 6-lap race was even better and he battled throughout the race with Donald, Ian Lougher and Dan Cooper. Enjoying a great scrap with Donald, Ivan set his best ever lap of the Dundrod circuit at 123.430mph but the Australian rider wasn’t to be denied and he just got the better of Ivan for sixth. Speaking later, a delighted Ivan said; “It’s been a brilliant day and I’m absolutely over the moon to get my first International race victory. I just missed out on a podium at both the TT and North West 200 so to not only step onto the rostrum but to take the win as well is a dream come true. I got a really good lead in the first start of the Lightweight race so when the red flag came out I was a bit annoyed as, obviously it meant I had to do it all over again. Re-starts sometimes don’t go the same way and whilst I knew if I could get to the front I could make a break, I also knew that the others wouldn’t allow that second time around.” “There was nothing between the four of us but once I’d got the lead at the start of the final lap, I felt confident I could keep them behind me. Jamie came by me though but I was able to fight back straightaway and hold on although it was a very tough race! The bike was flying so a big thanks to McKinstry Racing for giving me a bike that took me to my first International road race win.” “The weather in practice meant I didn’t get many dry laps in on the Supersport bike but it’s an absolute missile and the two 600cc races couldn’t have gone any better either. The bike’s new to all of us so we’ve got a lot to learn and the thing I wanted most was to get two solid results so to end up with two top eight finishes is the icing on the cake. I spoke to Cameron after the second race and he said there was no way he was going to let me beat him on his old bike but to finish seventh and battle with a rider of his calibre shows what we can do so a huge thanks also to Taylor Lindsey and everyone involved in making this year possible.” Ivan now has a few weeks off before returning to Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough for the International Gold Cup meeting on September 14-15. More, from a press release issued by KMR Kawasaki powered by Vauxhall: Hamilton takes superb Ulster GP podium Jamie Hamilton continued KMR Kawasaki’s run of success at the Ulster Grand Prix on Saturday when he took a superb, and hard fought, second place in the Lightweight race, only missing out on victory by 0.048s. The 22-year old was also in excellent form in the Superbike class ending the day with a brilliant fifth place in the second Superbike race of the day, recording a personal best lap of the famous Dundrod course at 130.596mph. Race day for the Ulster GP races dawned damp but the weather got better as the day wore on whilst the racing throughout was simply superb with the Lightweight race being, arguably, the race of the day. However, it seemed that Jamie’s hopes were over when he slid off at Leathemstown on the opening lap but when the race was stopped on the third lap, a complete re-run took place and he was back on the grid albeit on a spare bike he’d never ridden before. Cut to three laps, the race saw a stunning four-way battle take place between Jamie, Ivan Lintin, Derek McGee and Lee Johnston with places changing all the time as the quartet circulated never more than a couple of inches apart – and, more often than not, closer than that! On the final lap, Jamie was lying in second place on the 650cc ER6 Kawasaki but when he took the lead at Tournagrough, a debut victory was on the cards. However, he ran wide at the following hairpin and try as he might, he was unable to find a way past Lintin and had to settle for second place as they flashed across the finish line, barely a wheel’s lenghth behind. The two Superbike races also saw Jamie riding superbly and after taking a good ninth – only two seconds off sixth – in the feature race, he enjoyed an excellent four way dice with Dean Harrison, Cameron Donald and Lee Johnston in the second race later in the day. Again places changed hands with frequent regularity and although Johnston was able to edge away in the closing stages to take fourth, Jamie got the better of the other two to take fifth with his penultimate lap of 130.596mph seeing him join the select band of riders who have lapped the famous Dundrod course at more than 130mph. The only disappointment on the day came in the two Supersport races where mechanical problems saw Jamie forced to retire on both occasions. Speaking later, the Ballyclare rider said; “After the problems with the 600 and then sliding off in the Lightweight race, I was beginning to think it wasn’t my day but someone was on my side today and I’m delighted with the podium on the 650 and my performances on the Superbike. The spare 650 was hastily prepared for the re-run Lightweight race and I’d never even sat on it before so to get second was unreal. I thought I may even be able to sneak the win when I grabbed the lead but a wee mistake at the hairpin cost me although I tried all the way until the line. It was so close the whole way through and a brilliant race to be part of.” “I couldn’t get the 600 right all week but I was over the moon with my results on the Superbike. To finish fifth and lap at over 130mph is something special and I think I’m proving now I’m not just a Supertwin rider. My recent results at the Irish Nationals on the 600 and now here on the Superbike show that I’m improving all the time and edging ever close to the leading International riders. in all of the classes. The ZX-10R was flying and we got the results we wanted so a big thanks to everyone at KMR Kawasaki for believing in me and continuing to give me such fantastic support.” Jamie now heads to the Isle of Man where he’ll contest the inaugural Classic TT whilst KMR Kawasaki will be represented in the Manx Grand Prix races by James Cowton, Connor Behan, Joe Faragher, RJ Woolsey and Ross Richards. More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications: Marquez puts one over Lorenzo and Pedrosa at Brickyard Marc Marquez has completed a dominant weekend by winning the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix, leading home Dani Pedrosa in the third Repsol Honda Team one-two finish of the season. Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo completed the podium as Valentino Rossi beat Cal Crutchlow and Alvaro Bautista to fourth. Marquez’s victory ensures that the Spaniard has topped every session he has taken part in this weekend – something not done since Casey Stoner dominated the Australian Grand Prix event of last year. The victory marks Marquez’s third consecutive premier class race win and confirms a clean sweep of American successes this season, having also triumphed at Texas and Laguna Seca. From pole position, another poor start from the 20-year-old rookie saw Marquez fall behind both Lorenzo and teammate Pedrosa. He would overtake the pair on Laps 9 and 13, respectively, and – as his rivals continued to feel the effects of injured collarbones – would cross the finish line almost three and a half seconds ahead. Pedrosa looked to be finishing the 27-lap race in third position, but sprang a surprise by slipstreaming ahead of Lorenzo at the start of the penultimate lap. For both Pedrosa and Lorenzo, this marked their first podium finishes since the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona some two months ago. In fourth place, Lorenzo’s teammate Rossi rose from ninth on the grid and only on the final tour got the better of Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Crutchlow and GO&FUN Honda Gresini’s Bautista, who had enjoyed a race-long battle. Stefan Bradl finished seventh for LCR Honda MotoGP. Rounding out the top ten were Crutchlow’s teammate Bradley Smith and Ducati Team pairing Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso; the English debutant (who had run as high as fourth on Lap 1, thanks to a superb start) leapfrogged both of the red bikes as Hayden pushed Dovizioso wide at the final corner. This was a near repeat of a final-corner incident at Assen from which Smith also benefitted. Four riders failed to finish the race. Attack Performance Racing wildcard Blake Young crashed on the opening lap, where problems hit Randy de Puniet (Power Electronics Aspar), Lukas Pesek (Came IodaRacing Project) and Yonny Hernandez (PBM). Unable to race were both Ignite Pramac Racing’s Ben Spies, whose comeback was ruined when he separated his left shoulder on Friday, and Cardion AB Motoracing’s Karel Abraham who heavily bruised a foot and shoulder, also on Day 1. Heading to next weekend’s bwin Grand Prix Ceské republiky at Brno, Marquez (188 points) has extended his championship lead to 21 points from Pedrosa (167). Reigning World Champion Lorenzo (153) now sits 35 points behind the leader. Moto2 Tito Rabat has won for the second time in Moto2™, pulling a late pass on Takaaki Nakagami to triumph in Sunday’s Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. Following another spirited battle, Scott Redding increased his title-leading advantage by beating Pol Espargaro to the final podium position. Victory for Rabat is the Spaniard’s second after Jerez earlier this year. The Tuenti HP 40 rider – teammate to Espargaro – came from fourth place on the grid, having run fifth in the opening stages of the race. His other teammate, Axel Pons, did not make the start (due to a fever) which left 32 riders on the grid. A strong getaway for pole-sitter Redding allowed the Englishman (Marc VDS Racing Team) to fend off Espargaro and lead into the first corner. Nakagami (Italtrans Racing Team) was third, but pulled a strong manoeuvre on Espargaro to seize second spot at Turn 10. On the second lap, Nakagami stole the lead from Redding and – pushing for a first win – would not lose the top spot until Lap 23. Rabat’s charge came very much in the second half of the race, first overhauling Redding on Lap 19 before carrying out a confident pass on teammate Espargaro two laps later. The move for the lead came at Turn 1 on the 23rd lap of 25, denying Nakagami his career-first victory. Behind, Espargaro – who had started second to Redding – fought his major rival, but ran wide at the second corner and was forced to fend off Technomag carXpert’s Dominique Aegerter for the rest of the race. Positions six to ten were filled by Simone Corsi (NGM Mobile Racing), Mika Kallio (Marc VDS Racing Team), Johann Zarco (Came Iodaracing Project), Xavier Simeon (Maptaq SAG Zelos Team) and Sachsenring race winner Jordi Torres (Aspar Team Moto2). Blusens Avintia’s Kyle Smith was the only faller, crashing out on Lap 12. Heading to Brno and the Czech round of the World Championship next weekend, Redding’s championship lead over Espargaro has been stretched out to 26 points, with 159 versus 133. Today’s race winner Rabat (113 points) remains third in the standings, now the reduced margin of 46 points in arrears of Redding. Moto3 Estrella Galicia 0,0 celebrated a one-two finish in the Moto3™ Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix, as pole-sitter Alex Rins beat teammate Alex Marquez in a closely-fought battle. Maverick Viñales completed the podium as championship leader Luis Salom finished fifth from tenth place on the grid. Following the mid-season break, Indy marked the first Moto3™ race for five weeks. For Rins and Viñales (Team Calvo) in particular, it brought a golden opportunity after championship leader Salom (Red Bull KTM Ajo) suffered a crash in qualifying and languished on the fourth row of the grid. The 23-lap race would prove to be one of high attrition, as no less than 12 riders – over a third of the field – failed to make the finish. The first would be RW Racing GP’s Jasper Iwema who retired on the first lap, as pole winner Rins ran wide and lost the lead. A strong start from Salom saw the Mallorcan reach as high as third, but the eventual trio of Rins, Viñales and Marquez would soon pull ahead. On Lap 11, Rins relinquished the lead to first Viñales and then Marquez, before re-taking it two laps later. Both Estrella Galicia 0,0 riders were assisted by a mistake from Viñales on Lap 14, losing the Team Calvo rider eight tenths of a second and allowing some breathing space for the pair in front of him. Rins took the chequered flag by just under two tenths of a second as Marquez – younger brother of MotoGP World Championship leader Marc – celebrated a career-first podium finish. Following his superb start, Salom caught and passed teammate Arthur Sissis for fifth place and then overhauled Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger for fourth, only to drop back behind both on Lap 18. He retook fifth from his teammate and would remain there at the chequered flag, ensuring the championship lead remains in his hands albeit with a smaller advantage. Ajo riders occupied places five to seven, with Malaysia’s Zulfahmi Khairuddin being the third of them. Heading to the tenth round of the season in the Czech Republic next weekend, Salom continues to head the title race (183 points) but by the reduced margin of nine points over Viñales (174). Race winner Rins (167) remains third and now 16 points in arrears of the championship leader. More, from a press release issued by Indianapolis Motor Speedway: MARQUEZ COMPLETES PERFECT WEEKEND WITH VICTORY Rookie sensation tops title rivals Pedrosa, Lorenzo in exciting Red Bull Indianapolis GP INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013 – Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda Team won the Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 10th of 18 events in the 2013 MotoGP World Championship. Rookie Marquez, from Spain, earned his third consecutive victory and fourth victory of the season on his Repsol Honda – both tying records for a first-year rider in the premier class set in 1978 by American Kenny Roberts, who went on to win the 500cc World Championship that year. Marquez led all seven MotoGP on-track sessions during the weekend – four practices, qualifying, the warm-up and the race. “I think we did the best we can in MotoGP,” Marquez said. “I feel so good this weekend.” Marquez started from the pole but slipped to third at the start of the 27-lap race. But after running in a tight lead pack with leader Jorge Lorenzo and teammate Dani Pedrosa, Marquez passed Pedrosa for second on Lap 9. He then began to stalk the Yamaha of reigning World Champion Lorenzo. Marquez made his decisive move on Lap 13, diving under Lorenzo for the lead in Turn 2. Lorenzo stayed within one second of Marquez for the next five laps before Marquez pulled away. Two-time Red Bull Indianapolis GP winner Pedrosa rallied to pass Lorenzo for second on Lap 25 and ended up 3.495 seconds behind Marquez at the finish. Lorenzo completed the podium finishers in third. Marquez completed a sweep of all three MotoGP races this season in America and also has won his last five starts in the United States. He won the Moto2 races in 2011 and 2012 at Indianapolis. “Yeah, this will be my second country,” Marquez said. Marquez expanded his lead over Pedrosa in the MotoGP World Championship standings to 21 points with the victory. Marquez is trying to become the first rookie to win the premier-class world title since Roberts in 1978. 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden led the American contingent, finishing ninth on his Ducati Team machine. Hayden and teammate Andrea Dovizioso collided and hopped the curb exiting the final turn on the final lap, opening the door for Bradley Smith’s Yamaha to pass both of them for eighth. American Colin Edwards finished 13th on his NGM Mobile Forward Racing FTR-Kawasaki, while American wild-card Blake Young crashed out on Lap 1 on his Attack Performance Racing APR. Spanish riders also won the Moto2 and Moto3 races. Esteve Rabat passed Takaaki Nakagami on Lap 23 of the 25-lap Moto2 race to win by .766 of a second on his Tuenti HP 40 Kalex. Alex Rins prevailed in a Moto3 race that featured numerous lead changes over 23 laps, holding off teammate Alex Marquez – the younger brother of MotoGP race winner Marc Marquez – by .177 of a second on his Estrella Galicia 0,0 KTM. Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin won the second AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series race by .060 of a second over Steve Rapp. Shane Turpin won the FIM eRoadRacing World Cup race for electric motorcycles by 13.733 seconds over Icon Brammo teammate Eric Bostrom. The Red Bull Indianapolis GP will return in 2014, with a race date in August to be announced in the future. More, from a press release issued by Metzeler: METZELER CONCLUDE ROAD RACING SUMMER IN STYLE AT THE ULSTER GRAND PRIX Metzeler supported Guy Martin enjoyed a victorious triple victory at the World’s fastest road race! Dundrod, Northern Ireland – Metzeler enjoyed a successful first year of Ulster Grand Prix title sponsorship with an exciting event crowned with three fantastic victories from Guy Martin. It was a successful conclusion to the German manufacturer’s road racing summer of activities, as Tyco Suzuki rider Guy Martin took victory in the Supersport and feature Superbike races, while Ivan Lintin secured a surprise win in the Lightweight class. Gary Johnson and Dean Harrison also enjoyed strong performances in the Superstock race. Following a weather affected practice week, which saw the cancellation of the Dundrod 150 races on Thursday, Metzeler enjoyed a victorious day on Saturday as they completed the first of three years as title sponsor to the World’s fastest road racing event, the Ulster Grand Prix. The opening Supersport race was held in damp but drying conditions and it was the Metzeler shod Tyco Suzuki GSX-R600 of Guy Martin, who recently announced he will be remaining with the team for 2014, who took the ‘holeshot’. Leading for the majority of the five lap race, and despite increased pressure from the experienced Bruce Anstey on the final lap, Guy was able to take victory, crossing the line ahead Anstey by just 0.075s. To the relief of the thousands of fans who had packed the banks and hedgerows that line the 7.4 mile road circuit, the sun appeared ahead of the Superstock race and it was Lincs Lifting Kawasaki rider Gary Johnson who led for the opening lap. Unable to hold off Isle of Man TT hero Michael Dunlop, Johnson crossed the finish line to claim second place, giving Metzeler their second podium of the day. RC Express Kawasaki rider Dean Harrison enjoyed a well-earned fourth place while Supersport winner Martin was unable to match his earlier success, being forced to retire on the opening lap. Throughout the ‘roads’ season, the Lightweight category has been a close run affair, and fans at the Ulster Grand Prix were once again treated to an enthralling, fairing rubbing Lightweight race that came down to the final lap, with Metzeler supported Ivan Lintin fending off Jamie Hamilton to take the victory. A dry track greeted riders for the main event of the day, the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Superbike race, and it was once again Supersport winner Guy Martin who wrestled the lead from the two Dunlop brothers from the start. Setting about commanding the race from the front, Martin and Michael Dunlop played a race long game of cat and mouse which came down to final lap, and it was fan favourite Guy Martin who took the victory on his GSX-R1000 by 0.054s ahead of current king of the roads, Michael Dunlop. A problem for Martin in the second Supersport race forced him to retire on the first lap, however he was able to bounce back in the final race of the day, the second Superbike race, claiming a dominant victory as he lead from the off, to complete a trio of wins. Guy ended the day with an incredible 11 career wins at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix. Metzeler UK Marketing Manager Jim Worland commented; ““It’s been a fantastic day of road racing here at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, especially as the weather was kind after so much rain in the build up to the event. The organisers, fans and riders really deserved to see some good action after they worked so hard in adverse conditions earlier in the week. Guy was so impressive today especially in the feature Superbike race to hold off Michael Dunlop who has been in such strong form this year. He also held his nerve and showed the performance of the Metzeler’s by winning in both the wet and dry today. Congratulations also to Ivan Linton in the Lightweight race, surely a star of the future. All in all it’s been a great event for us both in terms of results and as title sponsors, we cant wait to come back next year!” More, from a press release issued by Harley-Davidson: McWilliams and Syahrin Win AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Races at Indianapolis Rapp Takes Lead in XR Showdown Championship Standings Milwaukee – In two thrilling races set on the world stage, a pair of international wildcard riders split the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson series double-header races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP round of the FIM MotoGP World Championship. In Saturday’s Race 1, Northern Ireland’s Jeremy McWilliams (H-D of Bloomington Indiana) won a wild four-way shootout on the draft heavy 2.6-mile road course at the famed Brickyard. The MotoGP veteran, who last raced in the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson series at Indy in 2011, started from second on the front row and fell back as far as fourth as polesitter Steve Rapp (Aerostar Global/Suburban Motors H-D) built a gap at the front, amassing nearly a one-second lead by the fourth of the race’s 10 laps. But by mid-distance, just as it appeared Rapp might be on his way to a fifth-straight class win, the chasing pack of McWilliams, Eco Fuel Saver/Scrubblade’s Tyler O’Hara, and Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS/KWR) had reeled him in, and by lap seven, McWilliams was at the front. Rapp reclaimed the lead on the next lap, but was swallowed up in the draft as the white flag flew, falling back to fourth place at the start of the final lap. McWilliams held on for the win, just 0.039 second ahead of O’Hara, with Syahrin in third. Rapp came home in fourth, only 0.188 second behind the winner. Harv’s Harley-Davidson’s Travis Wyman chased hard to keep the leaders in sight, finishing in fifth about one second back. “I was just in the right place at the right time,” McWilliams said. “I sort of lost my way a little bit at the beginning and these guys started moving ahead. I thought I better dig in or it wasn’t going to work. I just wanted to be in a position at the end to give myself half a chance. Hafizh passed me and at that stage I thought Tyler and Steve were going to get away. Luckily it came back with the draft and if it wasn’t for the draft, I don’t think I would have got back on their tails.” Sunday’s Race 2 quickly turned into a two-rider affair between Rapp and Syahrin after O’Hara crashed on the opening lap, which slowed up McWilliams. The leading pair quickly checked out as McWilliams battled with Wyman and 2012 defending series champion Michael Barnes (Spyke’s H-D). McWilliams would eventually also crash out of the race on lap nine, allowing Wyman to cruise onto the third step of the podium as Barnes went backward and was passed for fourth by Suburban Motors’ Benny Carlson. If the battle for third was somewhat anti-climactic, the fight for victory was anything but, with Rapp and Syahrin rarely separated by more than a tenth of a second on any lap past the start-finish line. Each led five of the race’s 10 laps, but it was Syahrin who led the most important, drafting past Rapp to take the win by a mere 0.060-second margin. “I tried to keep improving every session,” said Syahrin, who was racing in the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson class for the first time at Indy. “We found a very good setting in the first race and then we just tried to improve the rear suspension just a little bit for today’s race because yesterday I had just a little bit too much slide. It improved a lot and that’s why I was able to run up front. Steve Rapp and I were the only two in the front and I kept in the second position until the very end. I passed him in the slipstream.” With wildcards McWilliams and Syahrin not factoring into the XR Showdown that began this weekend, Rapp was the big winner in the four-race playoff competition that reset the points of the top ten riders after the regular season to 1,000 each. He now leads the XR Showdown standings with 1,045 points, 8 points ahead of Wyman and 15 points clear of Barnes, with two races remaining. The next race in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson series is Sept. 14-15 at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. Indianapolis Race 1 August 17 Result: 1. Jeremy McWilliams (H-D of Bloomington Indiana), 10 laps 2. Tyler O’Hara (Eco Fuel Saver/Scrubblade), +0.039 second 3. Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS/KWR), +0.130 second 4. Steve Rapp (Aerostar Global/Suburban Motors H-D), +0.188 second 5. Travis Wyman (Harv’s H-D), +1.089 second 6. Hayden Schultz (Happy Trails M/C Connection), +14.727 seconds 7. Michael Barnes (Spyke’s H-D), +15.979 seconds 8. Shane Narbonne (MOB Racing/Empire H-D), +17.816 seconds 9. Gage McAllister (Folsom H-D), +25.571 seconds 10. Eric Stump (Fernet Insurance), +25.702 seconds 11. David Estok (Thrashed Bike Racing), +38.763 seconds 12. Josh Chisum (Eco Fuel Saver/Scubblade/Bartels H-D), +38.914 seconds 13. Nicholas Hansen (Suburban Motors H-D), +1:00.400 14. Ricky Parker (ChilliPepperRacing), +1:00.483 15. Sam Rozynski (Sound-Waves.com), +1:21.523 16. Paul James (Hoban Cycle/Spectro Oils), +1:23.560 17. Logan Hanks (Reddit), +1:52.969 18. Greg Hutcheson (Grand Rapids H-D), +1:54.158 19. Shelina Moreda (Spyke’s H-D), +1:57.414 20. Aaron Borello (Air Ground Xpress), +1:57.725 21. Brian Mullins (SMP Installations), +1:58.251 22. Nadieh Schoots (SSI/Spyke’s H-D), +1:58.336 23. Barrett Long (Longevity Racing), 8 laps 24. Michael Kim (None listed), +2:22.132 25. Dave Rhinehart (Rhinehart Development), 6 laps 26. Benjamin Carlson (Suburban Motors H-D), 4 laps 27. Todd Keesee (Brevard Superbike), 3 laps 28. Joseph Tiredo (Thor Labs), +2.326 seconds 29. Michael Henao (Awesome Personal Friends), DNF 30. Brice Cooper (Aerostar Global/Suburban Motors H-D), DNS Indianapolis Race 2 August 18 Result: 1. Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS/KWR), 10 laps 2. Steve Rapp (Aerostar Global/Suburban Motors H-D), +0.060 second 3. Travis Wyman (Harv’s H-D), +4.529 seconds 4. Benjamin Carlson (Suburban Motors H-D), +8.645 seconds 5. Michael Barnes (Spyke’s H-D), +11.482 seconds 6. Shane Narbonne (MOB Racing/Empire H-D), +14.512 seconds 7. Hayden Schultz (Happy Trails M/C Connection), +15.238 seconds 8. Gage McAllister (Folsom H-D), +26.969 seconds 9. Eric Stump (Fernet Insurance), +27.051 seconds 10. Barrett Long (Longevity Racing), +37.315 seconds 11. Nicholas Hansen (Suburban Motors H-D), +40.503 12. David Estok (Thrashed Bike Racing), +40.622 seconds 13. Josh Chisum (Eco Fuel Saver/Scubblade/Bartels H-D), +40.767 seconds 14. Ricky Parker (ChilliPepperRacing), +56.134 seconds 15. Paul James (Hoban Cycle/Spectro Oils), +1:16.988 16. Michael Henao (Awesome Personal Friends), +1:17.330 17. Sam Rozynski (Sound-Waves.com), +1:18.615 18. Greg Hutcheson (Grand Rapids H-D), +1:24.895 19. Logan Hanks (Reddit), +1:39.884 20. Shelina Moreda (Spyke’s H-D), +1:53.862 21. Nadieh Schoots (SSI/Spyke’s H-D), +1:54.398 22. Aaron Borello (Air Ground Xpress), 9 laps 23. Michael Kim (None listed), +1.960 seconds 24. Dave Rhinehart (Rhinehart Development), +25.131 seconds 25. Todd Keesee (Brevard Superbike), +1:06.980 26. Brian Mullins (SMP Installations), +1:33.612 27. Jeremy McWilliams (H-D of Bloomington Indiana), 8 laps 28. Joseph Tiredo (Thor Labs), 6 laps 29. Tyler O’Hara (Eco Fuel Saver/Scrubblade), DNF 30. Brice Cooper (Aerostar Global/Suburban Motors H-D), DNS XR1200 Showdown Points Standings (After Two of Four Races) 1. Rapp, 1,045 2. Wyman, 1,037 3. Barnes, 1,030 4. Narbonne, 1,028 5. O’Hara, 1,025 6. Estok, 1,019 7. Carlson, 1,018 8. Hansen, 1,018 9. Chisum, 1,017 10. Long, 1,011 Company Background Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com. More, from a press release issued by Bel-Ray: Bel-Ray Racer Jonas Folger Earns Top 5 Finish at Indianapolis FARMINGDALE, N.J. (August 19, 2013) ? The MotoGP tour made its third stop in the United States this past weekend. The site was the famed oval at Indianapolis, home of the Indy 500, with Bel-Ray’s world championship series racers in attendance. Bel-Ray-backed Mapfre Aspar Moto 3 rider Jonas Folger scored the top results for the team that weekend. After setting the best time in the warm-up session, Folger was a sure threat of a podium finish. Starting well at the beginning of the race, the young German rider made small mistakes and dropped back into 10th place by the end of the second lap. Folger regrouped and worked through the pack, passing his rivals for an eventual fourth-place finish at the checkered flag. “Today we can be proud that we had a very consistent race—probably the most consistent Grand Prix that we have had this year,” said Folger. “Yesterday, during qualifying, we had established the right direction to take things, and this boosted our morale. I started the race feeling very confident because the bike felt very stable. I’m happy because I was able to maintain a steady pace throughout the race. I pushed very hard from beginning to end, and the bike responded to that. It was a tough race in which I started well but was overtaken on the opening corners. It was a crazy start to the GP—I had to recover in places, but I was able to attack at opportune moments and find my spot. Fourth place feels like a win, as I had a lot of fun riding. I hope to continue this trajectory next week at Brno and battle for the podium.” Nico Terol and Jordi Torres, Bel-Ray racers in Moto2 competition, both started inside the top 10, in the fourth and seventh spot, respectively, in the early running. Near the midway point of the event, Torres began to see his tires degrade, forcing him to ride conservatively for a 10th-place finish. Terol, meanwhile, experienced health issues with his stomach and conserved his energy for an eventual 12th-place finish. “Overall I’m happy because we were competitive, and we were able to fight head-to-head with our rivals,” said Torres following the event. “At the beginning of the race we kept up with the group, but we knew that this circuit is not favorable for us, even with us doing a great job. In practice, we managed to get the bike turning in a lot better and more stable, but we lacked that extra step forward that maybe cost us at the end of the race. In addition, halfway through the race the tires went off, and my riding style did not help in terms of saving the rubber for the final laps. I tried to hold out until the last moment, pushing hard, but inevitably my performance dropped in the end because of the tires. I think it was a widespread problem today. However, I am happy because I endured the conditions for the entire race and overcame tiredness and scares to finish in a good position.” Terol also spoke after the event about his race. “We experienced a great weekend in Indianapolis, always amongst the top positions and finding an incredible pace for the race. I was very motivated for the race and I came out strong. During the first few laps I kept my position, fighting all the time with my rivals, but as the race wore on I started to feel a sting in my stomach. At times I even felt dizzy—I could not give any more. It [didn’t have] to do with fitness, as I train a lot and eat well, but something was wrong today. This week I will go to the doctor to find out the source of the discomfort. Today I know that technically, I could have fought for the podium—even for the victory—because we had a great setup and also a great pace. I want to thank the team for having given me that this weekend and for doing a great job once again.” Aleix Espargaro and Randy DePuniet, Bel-Ray’s MotoGP entries, have proven to be the top CRT racers in the field, and Indianapolis was no exception. Overcoming the pain from a crash earlier in the weekend, Espargaro gutted out an injured hand for a 12th-place finish. DePuniet, however, was forced to DNF due to tire traction issues. “This weekend has been tough for us,” said Espargaro. “I suffered a crash yesterday afternoon and could not work as much as we had wanted. Also today, I had a lot of pain in my left hand as a result of the fall, but luckily the Clinic Mobile doctors outdid themselves in treating it and I could ride without problems. It was difficult to be aggressive and give 100 percent with my hands so sore, as it was hard enough to change direction. Still, I think we should be satisfied, as we worked hard, were once again the best in the CRT category and took a good result here at Indianapolis. Now it is time to recover and keep on top next weekend at Brno.” DePuniet spoke about his misfortune following the event. “This weekend, we had an uphill struggle. We had various setbacks arise and tried to overcome them as best we could. Even this morning, in the warm-up, we made various changes to try and improve traction control. Even so, I noticed that the power delivery felt strange. The wheels were sliding out a lot at various points, and I found it hard to corner. I tried to keep focused at the start of the race, but the setbacks continued. That meant that I decided to err on the side of caution and bring the bike back to the pits.” Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube is one of the products chosen by the teams to keep their machines performing their best. Bel-Ray® Super Clean Chain Lube is an aerosol chain lube that utilizes the latest innovation in chain lubricant technology, combining unsurpassed anti-wear protection for long chain and sprocket life with an outer protective coating that will not attract dirt, sand or grit and ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT FLING OFF when used as directed. The series continues this weekend in the Czech Republic at the Automotodrom Circuit in Brno for the Bwin Czech Grand Prix. To learn more about Bel-Ray specialty powersports lubricants, visit www.belray.com/powersports or call (732) 938-2421. Follow Bel-Ray racers all season long at www.belray.com Team Aspar racers, (top to bottom) Aleix Espargaro, Randy DePuniet, Jordi Torres, Nico Terol, and Jonas Folger all rely on Bel-Ray Performance Lubricants to perform at the top level of World Championship Competition. The same product can be found on dealer’s shelves worldwide. ABOUT BEL-RAY COMPANY, INC. Bel-Ray Company, Inc.was founded in 1946 and is a privately held, woman-owned business serving the lubrication needs of powersports, industrial and mining customers worldwide. Bel-Ray is recognized as the leader in the specialty lubricants industry for setting high standards of quality and performance with products formulated for the motorcycle, automotive, aviation, energy, food, marine, military, mining, OEM, industrial steel, and textile industries. “Flex Your Engine” with Bel-Ray’s superior Powersports line that delivers top quality Made-in-the-USA products to motorcycle and recreational vehicle enthusiasts around the world. Bel-Ray products are available at powersports dealers worldwide. Visit Bel-Ray.com for a complete dealer listing. Find the right lubricant for your equipment with Bel-Ray’s Lubricant Advisor. Like us on Facebook.com/BelRay or follow us on Twitter/Bel_Ray. More, from a press release issued by John McGuinness’ publicist: McGuinness takes top ten result in Germany Morecambe’s John McGuinness took ninth place overall in Saturday’s 8 Hour Endurance World Championship round at Oschersleben, Germany, the Honda TT Legends rider contesting the race with team-mates Michael Rutter and Simon Andrews. The results placed the team sixth in the Endurance World Championship class to pick up 16 hard-earned points. With hot and sunny conditions throughout, it was hard work around the 3.6km German circuit during practice and qualifying but the three riders all put in solid performances and with a combined average lap time of 1m29.144s, they lined up in 11th on the grid. The race got off to a good start with Rutter and Andrews taking the first two stints and when John went out for his first, and the team’s third, stint, they were running in a very strong sixth place. However, a fuelling issue meant that John had to push the bike back to the pits and they dropped back to 17th as a result. Some dogged determination by both the riders and the team saw them battle hard for the remaining four hours and the combination of consistent lap times and efficient pit stops meant they were able to claw back eight places to finish the race in ninth overall and sixth in the EWC category. Speaking afterwards, John commented: “I’m a bit disappointed with the end result this weekend, more for the team than anything as everyone puts in so much effort and when you get a setback like we did today, it’s very frustrating. It would have been nice to have had a trouble-free ride and take a top six finish overall, which is what I felt we deserved, but we fought back well and finished the race strongly so we have to happy.” John now heads straight to the Isle of Man where, riding a 500cc Paton, he’ll contest the inaugural 500cc Classic TT race. Practice takes place all week with the 4-lap race scheduled for Saturday 24th August.

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